October 2021 - BEACON Senior News by BEACON Senior News

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado

OCTOBER 2021

Xxxxxx

The Old Bag says farewell

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I N T HI S I S S U E

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado October 2021 | Volume 34 | Issue 10

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael L. Madsen

8 COVER STORY Dress boldly

Uncover fabulous, budget-friendly fashion finds perfect for any age

30 Intimate strangers

One of the best parts of travel is the strangers you befriend along the way

Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executives Debra Romaniec Joey Christensen Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade JR Milner

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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON brings hope and help to western Colorado seniors and those who serve them. The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month and is distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month. Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2021 • All Rights Reserved

Comic fans, unite!

Fans young and old embrace creativity and imagination at Comic Con

13 The “Old Bag” says farewell

Our beloved advice columnist shares her final column

14 Lyme disease prevention

A big BEACON thank you!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the 2021 Grand Junction BeaconFest. We had a blast!

35 Ditch the cash

Here’s how to prevent tick bites when hiking in the woods

Not only are third-party payment systems safe, but super easy

16 Breast cancer

36 Medicare changes

Risks, symptoms and new revelations on early detection

20 Fospicing

Give shelter pets a loving, final home

Learn what’s possible for Medicare beneficiaries in 2022

38 Timberline Bank

21 Game night

This community bank worked overtime to help local businesses during COVID

22 No green thumb required

Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film still terrifies 60 years later

During hunting season, you may need to specify what type of “game”

Easy indoor plants offer physical and mental health benefits

42 The making of “Psycho”

44 MESA COUNTY 44 Calendar 46 Clubs 47 Question of the Month 52 MONTROSE & DELTA 52 Calendar 54 Clubs 57 Question of the Month 58 Fun & Games

On the Cover

Xxxxxx Sandra Wise, 75, poses with a 1940 Buick. Her dress, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx shoes and came from thrift The hat she 00stores. 00earrings bought from Japan 35 years ago. Photo courtesy of Sandra Wise.

“Turn Verein”

Grand Junction’s German fitness center offered dances, gymnastics

60 Classifieds 62 Vet’s reflection on Afghanistan For those who served in Afghanistan, what we’re witnessing is not our failure

ASK BARBARA

OCTOBER IS FINANCIAL PLANNING MONTH Six Areas Of Personal Finance To Review

Cash Management

Protection Strategies

This is a broad topic that can address many issues. One area is creating an emergency fund, which is money that’s set aside for unplanned expenses. Cash management also can include looking at your “sources and uses” of money. Financial Planning Month focuses mainly on cash management and spending habits.

This area looks at how you prepared for life’s potential financial risks. Protection strategies also can include healthcare considerations. By the way, did you know that 44 percent of Americans cite “declining health” as their second biggest retirement concern?

Investment Approaches Concerns about investment approaches are among the key reasons people start a relationship with a financial professional. When reviewing investment approaches, it’s critical to consider a person’s goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance.

Retirement Preparation This is another crucial reason why a person approaches a financial professional. The chief concern for 49 percent of Americans is running out of money in retirement. The retirement preparation process reviews your current situation and helps you better understand your choices.

Tax Management Do you feel comfortable with current tax laws? Are you confident about your approach to tax management? Tax rules are constantly changing, and there is no guarantee that the tax landscape will remain the same in years ahead. Financial professionals often work with tax, legal, or accounting professionals when creating an overall tax management strategy.

Estate Strategies How well you prepare today may help determine how you distribute your assets after you’re gone. Much like tax rules, estate rules are continually changing, and today’s landscape may change in a few years. Financial professionals often work with legal professionals when creating an estate approach.

It can be a challenge to feel confident in all six key areas of creating a financial strategy. If you think you may need help, please give us a call. We’d welcome the chance to review your approach.

744 Horizon Ct., Suite #350 • Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 970.256.1748 • info@gjretire.com • www.gjretire.com Fridays 12:00 noon Sundays 8:00 a.m. Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

“Medicare is exciting,” said no one EVER!

“W

elcome to age 65 and the Medicare system! Now you can sit back, relax and know that you’ll be taken care of no matter what happens” I got a chuckle from this opener to a story I read recently about Medicare. Even experts who work with government-sponsored health insurance programs can verify this is NEVER the case. The ins and outs of Medicare might seem scary, but don’t let the idea of making changes to your plan spook you. Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s important to review it yearly, as things like cost, plans and in-network providers and pharmacies change. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to review. Open enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7. Come to Montrose-Delta BeaconFest for free seminars to help you navigate Medicare changes. RSVP’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) and Colorado Gerontological Society (CGS) also have free seminars and resources available. Call 970-243-9839 to talk to a SHIP counselor or attend CGS’ upcoming virtual seminars. More about that on page 36.

DOUBLE DOSE OF BEACONFEST We loved seeing all your smiles at Grand Junction BeaconFest, and we’re ready for a double dose of fun in Montrose on Thursday, October 14! If you’re in the mood for a grand ol’ time, join us for this incredible boomer and senior fair at the Montrose Pavilion from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. We’ve planned an exciting lineup of live entertainment, informative seminars and booths from over 60 senior-related businesses. Walgreens will also be giving flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. Admission is always free. Each year, the BEACON recognizes dedicated volunteers who make our world a better place. We’ll honor all the Montrose and Delta county volunteers who were nominated for the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award, and announce the

individual who was chosen by readers. You can read about this year’s winner—including Rick Parrish, our Grand Junction Volunteer of the Year—in next month’s issue.

THE OLD BAG RETIRES I was devastated after learning one of my favorite columnists is retiring. It’s hard to imagine the BEACON without the attentive advice that Gayle Lagman-Creswick has faithfully provided readers for nearly two decades. From dating advice to moving back home with your kids (or moving your parents in with you), I’ve always appreciated her perspective on hard-hitting issues that local seniors and their families face. Even when she answers letters from disgruntled readers, she does so with class and grace. If you’ve found her advice to be valuable or entertaining—even if you aren’t a fan of the name of her column—please express your thanks and pass along your well wishes. You’ll find her final column and contact information on page 13.

GET IN THE BEACON GUIDE Planning is underway for our 2022 BEACON Guide editions in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta Counties. Do you know of an organization we should include? Pass along their info by calling 970-243-8828 or emailing Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com ■

Wine is cheaper than therapy! Bunny Velarde, Sharron Newman, Maryann Wilson and Deb Helgeson attended the first day of 2021 Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade.

Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

EDITOR'S COLUMN

LETTERS

from our readers “Thank you for putting together BeaconFest! It was my first and it was fantastic. I stopped to say ‘hi’ to Cloie. We had a nice conversation, during which I explained what a great resource the BEACON has been for both my (late) parents and now myself since I retired. As we parted, I mentioned how much I enjoy the Laughing Matters column. She suggested I submit a joke. Well, I sure hope she doesn’t regret making that suggestion because here goes…(Read Rob’s joke on page 18)” - Rob H. “We went to the BeaconFest and had a lot of fun! we really enjoyed it. I met Cloie and she was such a sweetheart! She was taking pictures of the harps and I asked her to send them to me and she did. I didn’t know she worked for the BEACON—I thought she was just there taking pictures. She is an amazing person. If you talk to her, tell her I said, ‘Thank you.’” - Mary S. “We had a great reception at BeaconFest. We get many new members after they read about us in the BEACON.” - Judie C., River City Singles “To Healthy Geezer: In July, my right ankle was swollen and I was in so much pain I couldn’t walk on it. I saw a doctor, who said it was tendinitis. I’m 79 and I like to walk every day—usually around eight blocks. What I’d like to know is: Is the walking what caused my ankle to flare up? How long does tendinitis last? My ankle still feels weak, but I have started walking again. I would appreciate any information you could give me on it. - Karen L. Cloie: “Thanks for writing in! I’m glad you’ve started walking again—even if it’s just a couple of blocks. We’ve passed your letter on to Fred, who hopes to address tendinitis in a future column.” RE: The woman I’ll never be (August) “Makeup is magic. I’m 91 and I even wear it to the dumpster. Yours, in lipstick.” - Bonnie Sarchet

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Mail: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

By Sandra Wise

t this point in our lives, we women of a certain age could be enjoying styling our outfits and presenting our authentic selves to the world with the grace, wisdom, wit and honesty that only comes with age. By now we know exactly who we are, what we like and how we want to be perceived by others. We could be searching for fashionable, flattering garments and enjoying the art of styling—that is, making the aesthetic choices

tations of us as older women. I’ve found it helpful to read publications like the BEACON and to join communities of like-minded women, so we can support and encourage each other in our individuality and free-mindedness. If we can get to that point, then there’s only one minor hurdle to overcome in order to really enjoy fashion. Because many older women feel they already have too many clothes (most of us do), they cannot justify buying more—especially

LATER CHAPTERS OF OUR LIVES CAN BE FILLED WITH UNIQUE CHALLENGES, BUT FINDING CLOTHES THAT WE FEEL AND LOOK GOOD IN SHOULD NOT BE ONE OF THEM. required to put an outfit together. Fashion is meant to be a form of self-expression and individuality, but instead, many of us find ourselves overly concerned about finding age-appropriate garments (whatever they are) and our culture’s obsession with youthful appearances. These concerns should not override the expressive and creative adventure that styling and fashion are meant to be. These later chapters of our lives can be filled with unique challenges, but finding clothes that we feel and look good in should not be one of them. Perhaps by banding together, we can move past society’s expec-

8 | OCTOBER 2021 |

at today’s retail prices—simply to have fun and be creative. But what if there is a way to bring home wonderful garments and accessories, play around with new styling ideas, and feel good about doing it at budget prices while also supporting worthy causes? Would you jump at the opportunity? I have. That opportunity is found at thrift shops. Since I’ve been at this for decades, I’m happy to share some tips I’ve learned along the way that might streamline your adventure and make your thrift shop forays successful, satisfying and, yes, fun.

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THRIFTING TIPS AND TRICKS Go in with an open mind rather than looking for a specific item, as that strategy often leads to disappointment. Visit shops weekly, armed with the knowledge of what styles work well with your body type and what colors are flattering and fit with your existing wardrobe. Although I search for my size first, I look through all size categories, as I often find wonderful larger pieces for layering. I also purchase garments simply for the fabric, which I repurpose into scarves or statement neckpieces. Scan the aisles quickly. As I prefer longer skirts, I look for the few hemlines hanging lower than the others and ignore the rest. I use a similar strategy for sleeveless tops. Since I prefer covered arms, I scan for those with longer tails that I can use as sleeveless tunics or vests

over my long-sleeved garments. In the blouse aisle, I scan the top of the hangers to check for collars, since I prefer coverage at my neckline. These quick-scan approaches save time, which can then be spent on creatively applying various styling tricks, as illustrated in these photos of garments and accessories I’ve found in thrift shops.

Scan the aisles quickly. As I prefer longer skirts, I look for the few hemlines hanging lower than the others and ignore the rest.

Layering addresses my personal preference of covering my arms and neckline. The first two photos illustrate this idea. Layering can be extremely effective, as it allows me to continue wearing sleeveless garments. Layers also create interest and make an outfit look unique and complete. When experimenting, it’s important to consider proportions, as the different lengths of the layers will usually be visible. A full, voluminous skirt or a significantly shorter hemline would not work well under a slim duster or long cardigan. In the first photo, the maxi dress is sleeveless and a bit boring, so I added a long cardigan, two scarves and three necklaces for a bit more interest. In the second photo, I layered a zebra-print dress with spaghetti straps over a simple black pullover and topped it off with a lightweight duster.

Color blocking helps make specific body parts appear slimmer or more prominent and can conceal areas you’d rather not show off. Light colors draw the eye and stand out, making areas appear larger. Darker colors recede, making areas seem smaller or slimmer. I used color blocking here (white placed prominently at my hips and thighs) to give an illusion of more shape in this area. The same black top from the previous example appears here with a convertible jersey maxi skirt/dress (waistband can be folded down or pulled up to serve as a strapless dress, which is what I did here).

Patterns and prints create optical illusions. Large prints add weight. Intricate or “busy” patterns play tricks on the eye, so it’s usually best to go with smaller designs. Also, small all-over patterns, as opposed to solid colors, can disguise lumps and bumps underneath. Another consideration with prints is the silhouette, or line, of the garment. Were this fuchsia print fabric fashioned into a voluminous dress with intricate details (e.g., ruffles) rather than this simple sheath, it would not be nearly as effective.

PATTERNS AND PRINTS CREATE OPTICAL ILLUSIONS. LARGE PRINTS ADD WEIGHT. INTRICATE OR “BUSY” PATTERNS PLAY TRICKS ON THE EYE, SO IT’S USUALLY BEST TO GO WITH SMALLER DESIGNS.

Mixing styles allows us to stretch our imagination if we are willing to experiment. It’s somewhat unorthodox to accessorize this classic-style Calvin Klein dress with a bohemian-inspired statement neckpiece made from repurposed thrifted garments. Feel free, as I did here, to try new things. Mix casual with formal or feminine with tailored. Thrift shops have regular sale days, making these inexpensive clothes even more affordable. You can even find top-of-the-line brands and never-worn clothing. Embrace not necessarily following the fashion world’s rules every time. You can stick to your budget yet maintain your individual style. Welcome to the wonderful world of thrifting! ■ Sandra Wise, 75, shows women how they can embrace aging with grace and style. Follow her on Instagram: wise.woman.aging

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 |

Comic fans,

unite! By Jan Weeks

hen you were a kid, did you raid your parent’s closet for dress-up? Use sheer curtains for bridal veils or ghostly groanings? Clomp around in Dad’s dress shoes or cowboy boots? For many of us as kids, Halloween was our favorite holiday because, in addition to candy, we were able to dress up and become someone else for a day. But as grown-ups, we don’t often get the chance to embrace our imagination so creatively. At least, not until Comic Con comes to town. Shana Wade is the organizer for Mesa County Public Libraries’ Comic Con, which just finished its eighth convention in Grand Junction on September 18. It first began at the Mesa County Central Library but soon outgrew the space and moved to the Grand Junction Convention Center. According to Wade, most of this year’s exhibitors were illustrators. “Some have been doing comics and illustration for years and been to

10 | OCTOBER 2021 |

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Fans young and old embrace creativity and imagination at Comic Con Denver Comic Con and other big city cons,” Wade said. Though not as large as the Denver convention, which takes place this year over Halloween weekend, the Grand Junction gathering featured many well-known authors and illustrators. One such is R. Alan Brooks, who has created graphic novels like “The Burning Metronome” and “Anguish Garden.” Wade’s husband, Bryan, is also renowned for his illustrations in comics and other art channels. He attended the convention to both display his art and to encourage budding artists.

NERDS WELCOME For those unfamiliar with Comic Con, the gathering has inspired fans from toddlers to octogenarians to dress up as their favorite comic book hero or other fictional character for more than 50 years. The organization sprang up in 1970 and was originally based on comic books and science fiction films and TV shows. Then Star Trek’s convention leapt into being on January 23, 1972. As the popularity of sci-fi and fantasy grew, Comic Con has expanded to include multiple genres, including horror, anime and even the occasional hobbit or elf, as well as fantasy.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

The Justice League of Hope spread smiles to children and families locally. Jim Van Pelt, local science fiction and fantasy author, didn’t attend conventions until he was in his 40s. That’s when the editor of a sci-fi review magazine told him conventions were a great way to meet fans and editors. “I was walking from one convention building to another. I stopped at a park bench and sat down next to a really convincing looking Klingon. He said, ‘Nice day, isn’t it?’ And I thought, ‘I’m home!’” said Van Pelt, 67. Gary Schlagheck, who admitted to being in his 50s, has expanded beyond G.I. Joe and X-Men from his childhood. He’s gone to several Comic Cons, assuming the personas of Gambit, Batman, a Ghost Buster, Deadpool, and a TIE Reserve pilot from “Star Wars”. “The best thing is seeing so many people getting along and simply enjoying a wholesome day out,” Schlagheck said. Neil James attended Comic Con for the second time this year, portraying a Rear Admiral from “Star Wars: First Order.” As a youngster, James delved into Batman, Green Lantern, X-Men, Teen Titans, Daredevil, Fantastic Four, and the Avengers comics. For him, the best thing about Comic Con is “being able to witness the immense creativity of our nerd community!”

A NEW JUSTICE LEAGUE Dave Brock, 47, has taken his passion for cosplay beyond Comic Con. In 2010 he founded the nonprofit Justice League of Hope, where members dress up as superheroes and deliver toys, food and more to families who applied for help.

“Last year we helped 19 families. We’re spreading unbreakable smiles,” Brock said. Brock and his fiancée, Amanda Cooley, love portraying largerthan-life characters. In fact, Brock proposed to Cooley’s Superwoman as Alf dressed as a Ghost Buster, his favorite character. “It’s great to see people who are into the same thing you are. There are panel discussions of pop culture and more,” Brock said. He explained that some cosplayers study their characters, whether it be Gandalf or Galacta, and they become that individual. The few times they put their characters on pause, or break character, they leave the convention floor so other people never see them as anything but the personality they portray. In cosplay there are no limitations—any age, any size, any costume. (The only things prohibited are items that could be used as weapons, such as swords and throwing stars.) Brock explained that Comic Con is a chance to live in your imagination and become a child again. For him, it’s a way to bring back the happiness and joy of childhood. Van Pelt agreed. “It feeds my inner, imaginative self. Frankly, much of the world can be deadening, depressing or frightening—watching too much of the news can do that to a person—while Comic Cons are celebrations of imaginative play. They can be an antidote for that which ails us.” To see photos from this year’s Comic Con, visit www.mesacounty libraries.org/comiccon or the library’s Facebook page. ■

WATCH LOCAL HISTORY Learn about the past on Mesa County Libraries' YouTube page. Watch videos about a historic ranch, ghost towns, early post offices, mining, the legacy of a Ute chief, and more – all produced by your local public library! Visit the Local History playlist at youtube.com/user/yourmcl/playlists

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pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts tablespoons taco seasoning tablespoons olive oil head leaf lettuce, chopped avocado, chopped into bite-sized pieces cup black beans, drained and rinsed cup corn pint grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Mexican) tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips, for topping

Directions: To make dressing: In small bowl, stir yogurt, buttermilk, lime juice, cilantro and taco seasoning until combined. Taste and adjust lime juice and cilantro as needed. If dressing is too thick, add buttermilk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To make salad: Season chicken on both sides with taco seasoning. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add chicken to pan and cook on both sides until outside is golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Remove to cutting board and slice into strips. On large platter, heap chopped lettuce. Sprinkle chicken over top. Add avocado, beans, corn, tomatoes and shredded cheese. Drizzle dressing on top and sprinkle with tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. ■

See more recipes at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG

The Old Bag says farewell

Mesa County

Dear Readers: It’s with a heavy heart that I say farewell. After two strokes, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to write this column as well as I’d like. I’ve so enjoyed writing every column over the last 17 years—it was the highlight of every month for me. At the suggestion of BEACON Publisher Kevin VanGundy, I’ve begun to write a book about my columns. Thank you for all your letters and comments. Even though we’ve never met, I feel as if I know you. A special note to the Old Bags in Montrose, Colorado: Thank you so much for spurring me on all these years. Please keep having fun! Dear Old Bag: I’m so mad at my son that I find it hard to speak to him. He’s married to the most wonderful woman and has asked her for a divorce. She’s devastated, as am I. When I asked him why, he said I wouldn’t understand. He’s right. I don’t understand. What can I do? Signed, Worried Mom Dear Mom: I hate to tell you this, but outside of being there for them, there’s very little you can do. This decision is between the two of them. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. You may never understand. You don’t need to. When kids become adults, they’re not automatically wise. They make mistakes like we used to do! We can only hope they learn from them. She may be a wonderful woman, but obviously their marriage was not. Be a positive mother and remain as neutral as possible. Divorce is painful at its best. Don’t become part of the problem. OB Dear Old Bag: In a recent column you took up the subject of spirituality versus religion. My son said he does not believe in God, but I believe he’s about as good a person as you can find. He helps the poor, gives money to his family when they’re in need, and he’s kind. I have trouble believing that he would not go to Heaven, even though he says he doesn’t believe in God. What do you think? Signed SW

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Dear SW: It seems there are a lot of people out there who say they don’t believe in God. I would venture to say that God still believes in them. If he’s living the life you describe, God is still showing up in his daily life. If you recall from the reader’s original letter, going to church does not make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car. I subscribe to that philosophy. We can pray for them and lead them to the water, but we can’t make them drink. We can be proud of them and let God decide what happens to their souls. I have to believe that God has experienced resistance many times and he has a way of bringing people to their knees. Blessings to you. OB Dear Old Bag: In a recent column, you wrote about a person in assisted living who wanted nail polish and couldn’t get it. As a nurse who works with dementia patients, I’d like to remind your readers that oftentimes dementia patients can’t have things like nail polish because they may drink it or use it incorrectly. It’s always good to check with the charge nurse to see what a patient may receive. ■ Serving

ASK THE OLD BAG

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HEALTHY GEEZER

Lyme disease treatment, prevention L yme disease is the most common tick-borne illness reported on the mainland United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the Northeast, the upper Midwest and the West Coast as the places you’re most likely to get Lyme disease. However, it’s also found in many other parts of the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia. Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which is spread by bites primarily from deer ticks, which are brown and often no bigger than a pinhead. The disease was named for a Connecticut town where it was first recognized in 1975. Lyme disease can cause fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, sore muscles, stiff neck and a skin rash that usually begins where the tick dug in. The rash may start out as a

small red spot that can get bigger. A ring within the spot can fade and create the disease’s recognizable bull’s eye. Without treatment, Lyme disease can spread to the heart, joints and nervous system. The disease can cause permanent damage but is rarely fatal. When detected early, Lyme disease is treated with two to four weeks of oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If the disease has progressed, your doctor may recommend an intravenous antibiotic for two to four weeks. This IV treatment is usually effective, although it may take some time to recover. Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed because symptoms are shared with viral infections, joint disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. The CDC reports more than

30,000 cases of Lyme disease each year. Most cases are reported in the summer when people are outdoors and ticks are most active. Only a minority of deer tick bites lead to Lyme disease. The longer the tick remains attached to your skin, the greater your risk of contracting the disease. To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers. Grab the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull in a steady upward motion until the tick comes out. Next, apply an antiseptic to the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water. Save the tick for possible identification by a doctor. ■

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• Wear light-colored pants and long-sleeve shirts, closed-toe shoes and a hat. Tuck pant legs into socks or shoes, and tuck shirts into pants. Light-colored garments are better for locating ticks. • Stay on trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass. • Use an insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin. • After you spend time outdoors, check for ticks. Wash and dry clothing at high temperatures.

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DEAR PHARMACIST

Breathe easier with these natural remedies MANY ALLERGENS CAN I CAUSE BREATHING f you’ve ever had your bronchial tube go into a spasm, you know how scary it is! Bronchospasm occurs when the breathing airways suddenly contract, making it hard to breathe and causing that highpitched, whistling sound called wheezing. If this goes on chronically it’s termed “bronchial asthma” or just asthma. About 25 million Americans have asthma. Attacks may be mild and short-lived, or serious. Symptoms vary from day to day, sometimes hour to hour, but always include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance and chest pain. Acid reflux is also quite common. Many allergens can cause breathing problems, including perfume or cologne, pet fur and cat saliva. Tropomyosin, a cross-reacting allergen that comes from cockroaches, mites, shrimp and crab, can trigger problems as well. When I lived down south, tropomyosin was the headache of every Florida resident. If you wish to breathe easier and are seeking natural options to use with your medication, this article is for you. Here are some natural remedies and devices to help you breathe with more comfort: • Vitamin D-rich food: Eating more foods with vitamin D, such as milk and eggs, can help. Getting the sunshine vitamin is useful, too, because your body activates the D into a hormone that is used for immune function. • Black seed oil: This dietary supplement fights inflammation and is especially useful for the lungs.

PROBLEMS, INCLUDING PERFUME OR COLOGNE, PET FUR AND CAT SALIVA. It contains many active compounds such as “thymoquinone” which has been studied specifically for breathing. • The Breather: This is a natural breathing lung recovery exercise trainer. It’s a small handheld plastic device designed to improve the flow of oxygen. It’s just an exerciser—it’s not intended or useful during an asthma attack. It improves lung capacity and is sold online.

miss us at BEACONFEST? ADRC is always available! A FREE RESOURCE for older adults and adults with disabilities navigating health and long-term care options in Mesa County. Services: • Financial Assistance • Respite Assistance • Application Assistance • Home Health Services • And so much more!

The Breather • AirPhysio: This is a small, plastic device that helps to clear the airways and minimize mucus, which can be useful with many respiratory conditions such as asthma, atelectasis, COPD, emphysema and even cystic fibrosis.

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Please seek medical attention and proper treatment if you have breathing difficulties. The options above are for your consideration, but aren’t intended to treat an asthma attack. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Breast cancer By Kimberly Blaker

welve percent of women today will develop invasive breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from it this year alone. That’s why a refresher course on early detection and staying up-to-date on the latest studies is essential and the reason for Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October.

RISK FACTORS There are several risk factors for breast cancer, as identified by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Some factors that are unchangeable include female gender, aging, genetics, and race and ethnicity (white women are at slightly higher risk). A greater number of menstrual cycles, previous chest radiation, and exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) also puts women

at a slightly higher risk. In contrast, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), women who had more than one child have increased protection with each successive birth. Women who breastfed also reduced the risk of breast cancer. The longer the total length of time spent breastfeeding during the child-rearing years, the greater the protection. Having one daily alcoholic drink increases the risk only slightly, while the greater the consumption, the higher the risk. More than five drinks daily increase the risk for other cancers as well. After menopause, being overweight or obese increases risk. But it’s a bit more complicated than just weight. Waist area fat, in particular, might be more significant in increasing risk than fat in other parts

Risks, symptoms and new revelations on early detection of the body such as hips and thighs. Exercise, however, has been shown to decrease risk, according to a study by the Women’s Health Initiative. It found just 1.25 to 2.5 hours of brisk walking each week can reduce risk by 18 percent. Several factors that previously have been claimed to increase risk factors are now disproven or deemed highly improbable, according to ACS. These include antiperspirants, bras, abortion or miscarriage, dense breasts, fibrocystic disease, and breast implants.

SYMPTOMS If you notice any of these symptoms, see your health care provider to rule out breast cancer. Symptoms to watch for include: • A new lump or breast change that feels different from the rest of

your breast • A new lump or breast change that feels different from your other breast • You feel something different that you haven’t felt previously • Thickening, a lump or hard knot inside the breast or in the underarm area • Breast swelling, warmth or redness • Change in breast shape or size • Breast skin dimpling or puckering • A sore or rash on the nipple, particularly scaly or itchy • Your nipple or other parts of your breast pulling inward • Sudden nipple discharge • Pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

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EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENINGS Screenings are an essential means for detecting breast cancer, hopefully in its early stages. Until recently, women were encouraged to do a monthly self-examination. But a major study reported in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2002 concluded self-examination has played no role in improving cancer detection. It also found the extensive teaching of self-examination leads to an increased rate of benign breast biopsies. Clinical breast exams, however, are still recommended. Beginning at age 40, clinical exams should be done annually. Women with higher risk factors should have exams more often and consult with their doctor for the recommended frequency. Mammography, believed to be one of the most crucial tools in early detection for decades, first started in the 1960s. Early trials found mammography reduced breast cancer death rates by 25 percent. But medical experts now believe much-improved treatments likely played a more significant role in reducing deaths. For this reason, mammograms have come under fire in recent years as more studies have revealed the debatable usefulness of this screening technique, at least for younger women. That’s because breast cancer and detection are more complex than once understood. It’s now known there are at least four types and subtypes of breast cancer. Mammography often doesn’t detect the more lethal types until they’re in the later stages. Mammograms also result in significant overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatment, which comes with its own risks. Dr. Deanna Attai, president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, explained, “Ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS) is also referred to as noninvasive or Stage 0 breast cancer. It is primarily diagnosed by screening mammograms, as it often

does not form a palpable lump. DCIS accounts for approximately 20 percent of mammographically detected breast cancers. As screening mammography has become more prevalent, the rate of DCIS detection has increased.” Some medical experts say DCIS is really not a form of cancer at all, and referring to it as such results in overly aggressive treatment. The likelihood of low-grade DCIS developing into invasive breast cancer is only 16 percent, said Dr. Attai. In contrast, highgrade DCIS has a 60 percent chance over 10 years. The problem is there’s currently no way to determine which cases of DCIS will ultimately develop into breast cancer. Still, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the U.S. Various studies revealed mammography screening is most useful for those in the 50-69 age group. The latest cancer screening guideline by the ACS recommends women with average risk should begin regular mammography screenings at age 45. Then they should be annually screened until they reach 54. After that, they should transition to every two years, as long as they’re in good health. Finally, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that works best. So, mammography screening for breast cancer should be based on informed decisions and individualized plans. It should take into account a woman’s age, risk factors and both the advantages and disadvantages of mammography for each woman’s unique circumstances. ■

To see if you’re eligible for free breast cancer screenings, call: Grand Junction Marillac Health: 970-200-1600, www.marillachealth.org Delta County Health: 970-874-2183 Montrose Memorial Hospital: 970-252-2893, www.montrosehospital.com

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LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS GEORGE AND THE DRAGON Submitted by Miki Strobridge An 18th century vagabond in England, exhausted and famished, came to a roadside Inn with a sign reading: “George and the Dragon.” He knocked and the innkeeper’s wife stuck her head out a window. “Can ye spare some victuals?” The woman glanced at his shabby, dirty clothes. “No!” she shouted. The vagabond knocked again. “What now?” the woman screeched. “Do ye suppose,” he asked, “that I might have a word with George?”

REDNECKS Submitted by Bob Breazeale Teacher: “Someone use the word ‘fascinate’ in a sentence.” Redneck’s kid: “My daddy’s beer belly is so big, when he puts on a 10-button shirt, he can only fasten eight!”

Why are there no rednecks in any of the Star Trek movies? Because they are not expected to be any smarter in the future than they are now. A redneck applies for a job. The boss isn’t certain how smart this guy is. So he decided to ask him some questions. Boss: “A long time ago Captain Cook went on three ocean voyages. He died on one of them. Which one?” Redneck: “I was never good at history. Could you ask me a different question?”

WHAT WAS THE NAME? Submitted by Rob Hykys A couple of neighbors were having dinner and enjoying friendly conversation. Tom asked, “John, have you been to that new Italian restaurant yet? It’s fantastic! John replied, “No, what’s the

name of it?” Tom pondered for a second and said, “Darn, I can’t recall. Help me out here, John. What’s the name of that flower that smells so sweet and has thorns?” John said, “You mean a rose?” “Yeah, that’s it!” Tom said. “Hey Rose, what’s the name of that new Italian restaurant?”

A LITTLE WORDPLAY Submitted by Jan Weeks 1. Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson. 2. What do you call a pig with laryngitis? Disgruntled. 3. A commander walks into a bar and orders everyone a round. 4. Never buy flowers from a monk. Only you can prevent florist friars. 5. How much did the pirate pay to get his ears pierced? A buccaneer. 6. I once worked at a cheap pizza shop to get by. I kneaded the dough.

7. When I told my contractor I didn’t want carpeted steps, they gave me a blank stair. 8. Bono and The Edge walk into a Dublin bar and the bartender says, “Oh no, not U2 again.” 9. Prison is just one word to you, but for some people, it’s a whole sentence. 10. I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find. 11. I got over my addiction to chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. I won’t lie, it was a rocky road. 12. What do you say to comfort a friend who’s struggling with grammar? There, their, they’re. 13. I went to the toy store and asked the assistant where the Schwarzenegger dolls are and he replied, “Aisle B, back.” 14. What did the surgeon say to the patient who insisted on closing up his own incision? Suture self. 15. I’ve started telling everyone about the benefits of eating dried

True story

Cabin in the woods?

“Ross” and “Shirley” were in their mid-sixties when they talked about refinancing their home into a reverse mortgage. Both were still Owner & Loan Originator working full time and paying their mortgage wasn’t a difficulty. They NMLS # 273372 had sufficient income to pay other bills, they had savings, residual income shelly@tcfinance.net and enjoyed life by anyone’s standards. At this “stage of the game” they did not need to do a reverse mortgage. However, the more they talked about it the more they said ”Why wait?” They felt like they were living in the home they would stay in the rest of their years – it was one level, near their children and close to services. Their adult children were grown and had homes of their own. They had sufficient equity in their home to eliminate their monthly house payment and that thought provided a level of security that meant perhaps retirement could come sooner rather than later or the payment that was normally spent on principal and interest could now go into the savings account. As they mulled it over even more, a new dream began to take shape. They had long talked about owning a cabin in the woods, but life’s demands and expenses and the raising of children ended up putting it out of their reach. They finally decided there was no reason not to take advantage of this amazing loan product and who knows, maybe the “cabin thing” could still happen? They closed on their reverse loan a year or so ago. I ran into Ross this year in late spring and I asked him how things were going for him and Shirley. He said they were doing really well and couldn’t wait for the snow to melt in the high country. I asked him why that was so important and he said, “Oh, because he and Shirley love spending time with the grandkids at their new…cabin in the woods. Friends, never let go of your dreams. If a reverse mortgage can help you 970-858-4752 to achieve them financially, let’s talk about it.

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LAUGHING MATTERS grapes. It’s all about raisin awareness.

UNIVERSAL LAWS Submitted by Michelle Maddison Law of Mechanical Repair: After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you’ll have to pee. Law of Gravity: Any tool, nut, bolt, screw—when dropped—will roll to the least accessible corner or to where it will do the most damage. Law of Probability: The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act. Law of Random Numbers: If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers. Law of the Alibi: If you tell your boss you’re late for work because you had a flat tire, the next morning you will have a flat tire. Variation Law: If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time). Law of the Bath: When the body is fully immersed in water, the doorbell or telephone will ring. Law of Close Encounters: The probability of meeting someone you know increases dramatically when you are with someone you don’t want to be seen with. Law of the Result: When you try to prove to someone that a machine won’t work, it will. Law of Biomechanics: The severity of the itch is inversely proportional

to the reach. Law of the Theater: At any event, the people whose seats are farthest from the aisle arrive last. Law of Aircraft: The people with windows seats arrive last. The Starbucks Law: As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold. Murphy’s Law of Lockers: If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers. Law of Physical Surfaces: The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug. Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Brown’s Law of Physical Appearance: If the clothes fit, they’re ugly. Oliver’s Law of Public Speaking: A closed mouth gathers no feet. Wilson’s Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy: As soon as you find a product that you really like, they’ll stop making it. Doctors’ Law: If you don’t feel well, make an appointment to go to the doctor. By the time you get there you’ll feel better. Don’t make an appointment and you’ll stay sick. Law of Appointment: Your appointment with the doctor may be at 11 a.m., but the doctor’s appointment with you is probably at 1p.m. ■

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few weeks ago, while taking a walk near Chipeta Elementary School with two of my team members, we noticed the body of a cat curled up on the sidewalk, covered in iridescent green flies. Immediately, we feared the worst and approached with trepidation. But when we crouched down close to her, we distinguished very faint breathing. The staff at the elementary school gave us a small water dish, but she was too weak to lift her head. I squeezed drops of water onto her nose to stimulate her and she began licking it, mustering the energy to drink from the dish. Ultimately, we rushed her to Amigo Animal Clinic and left her in the capable hands of Dr. Garrett Carrica and his team, who gave us a very guarded initial prognosis. After a few days of care, Dr. Carrica called and said the kitty—whom we had christened “Chipeta”—was doing well enough that she could be placed in a palliative care foster home. But her time of neglect on the streets had taken a toll. She was in end-stage renal failure with severe mouth disease, a combination that would eventually prove terminal. But she still had enough life left in her to experience love, compassion and quality of life for days, weeks, or even months more. Chipeta has lived in my guest bathtub since that day and I’ve watched her slowly gain back some strength. She chirps when she sees me and purrs loudly every time I pet her. She has an appetite and curls up on her heating pad to sleep. Fostering a pet is an incredibly

special experience, even when that experience involves preparing the pet—and yourself—for the end. Hospice fostering (or “fospicing”) a terminal shelter pet means the pet gets to live out its final weeks or months surrounded by love in a comforting home, not within the walls of a shelter. And while many fear growing attached to the pet and the pain its passing will cause, I’ve learned having the privilege of enriching the pet’s final days actually eases that transition for me. I look at our time together as a gift given both directions. While I do grieve their death profoundly, I find comfort in the circumstances of it. Local shelters frequently need special “fospice” homes for terminally ill or elderly pets like Chipeta, who aren’t great candidates for adoption. The care a pet can receive in a home where a human is constantly present is often better than a shelter can give. Shelters like Roice-Hurst Humane Society provide all the supplies needed to care for the pet and cover any medical costs associated with its palliative treatment. Additionally, we offer respite time if you need a break or have to travel. We also make a plan for deciding when and what to do when the end has come, supporting you every step of the way. Chipeta’s story is one of tragedy, serendipity and hope. The abandoned old kitty that once lay down to die has now spent weeks in a warm bed. Her final memories will be marked by love, comfort and compassion. ■

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THE PET PERSPECTIVE BY ANNA STOUT

Anna Stout is CEO of Roice-Hurst Humane Society in Grand Junction and Delta. Learn more at www.rhhumanesociety.org

Game night By Jaci Lawson

ur girls were in high school when my husband, Dave, joined a rod and gun club. He was excited to be up there shooting at targets and helping at the range every weekend. He came home one day and announced the club was having a game night and wanted to know if we’d like to go. The girls were like, “Yes!” I was surprised but so proud. Their father had tramped around Girl Scout jamborees for them, taken them to pony club events, danced with them at father/daughter dances (when he hates to dance), watched karate exhibitions, and sat through ballet recitals—really bad ballet recitals. For them to be so supportive and excited to be part of something he loved warmed my heart. We arrived at the gun club and the girls scrambled out of the car and rushed to the door. Dave and I brought the crockpot of moosechili and a case of soda-pop. As soon as the door opened, the girls were inside lining up to buy the raffle tickets in the entryway. When we walked into the clubhouse, they gazed around at the empty tables and the buffet that lined the back wall and looked disappointed. They stared up at their father and said, “Daddy! Where are the games?” “Games?” he said. “Yes, the GAMES.” Suddenly, I realized their excitement was not for their dad. It was for games like bingo and SkeeBall and party games and arcade games. We are a game family— Monopoly, cribbage, cards, trivia. We love games and they were here to play.

“The game is on the table,” their father said. “It’s game you eat,” I said, “like moose or venison. Not games you play.” It was then that I realized we hadn’t dressed for the occasion. The girls and I were dressed like we were going out for dinner at a nice restaurant. Everyone else was dressed like lumberjacks, wearing flannel shirts, orange vests, big rubber boots and camo pants. We seemed to be attracting quite a bit of attention, so I suggested that Dave go visit his friends and the girls and I found a table in the corner. We no sooner sat down than this really big man with a long beard walked past all the empty tables, pulled out a chair at our table, and said in a deep, gravelly voice, “Is this seat taken?” I looked at him, then at my lovely, well-endowed teenage girls, and squeaked, “Yesss. Yes, it is. Sorry.” The man went away and I started making frantic come-hither gestures to my husband. “Don’t leave us alone,” I whispered. We could not get the girls to taste bear or elk. Dave tasted the mincemeat pie—his favorite pie— but when he found out it really was minced meat, he spat it out. Since these hunters apparently didn’t eat side dishes (every single dish on the buffet was meat), we didn’t eat much. Although we didn’t win any prizes, it was an educational evening that made for a great story. ■ Above: Pat and Wayne Smith of Grand Junction got themselves a buck on their 2020 hunting trip.

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No green thumb required Easy indoor plants offer physical and mental health benefits By Colleen Mock

hen the pandemic caused people to spend more time at home, turning an indoor space into an area dedicated to plant life brought many a sense of relief. Besides the benefit of making an indoor space more aesthetically pleasing, there are other perks to taking up plants as a hobby.

PLANTS OF STEEL Indoor plants improve air quality, reduce allergens and minimize stress by providing a warmer and more inviting environment. Many also consider plant care (repotting, watering, fertilizing and pruning) soothing. Taking care of living plants can reduce stress more than having ar-

tificial plants. Although the thought of keeping a plant alive and well may be overwhelming to some, there are ways to ensure that all are able to benefit from living houseplants. If you’re prone to overwatering, consider trying water-based plants such as a Marimo moss ball or propagating a pothos plant in water. With water propagations, you can view two areas of plant growth

THE CULTIVATION OF PLANTS IS A RELATIVELY EASY HOBBY FOR ALL, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO MAY HAVE LIMITED MOBILITY OR INDOOR LIVING SPACE.

ALIVE & DIGGING simultaneously. While in the water, the plant will begin to develop visible roots and eventually new leaf growth. Once the roots are longer and more established, you can move the plant into soil, or keep the plant in the water where it will continue to grow and, depending on the type of plant, even bloom! If you’re prone to underwatering your plant, consider trying a “plant of steel.” The nickname applies to plants that are drought resilient, do not require direct sun, and are very difficult to kill. Such plants include snake plants and ZZ plants because they can sustain more neglect than the average plant.

TALKING TO PLANTS The skills developed and used for caring for plants may also help improve one’s interpersonal comGardens munication. For instance, new plant owners may feel as though they’re having to guess what’s wrong with a

REGULARLY CARING FOR A PLANT MAY ALSO HELP DEVELOP A MORE MEANINGFUL DAILY ROUTINE, ESPECIALLY IN TIMES OF ISOLATION. plant. Like infants, plants can’t verbalize their needs to their caretakers. However, over time, people can begin to understand a plant and its needs based off of its limited communication style. For example, a common indication that a plant is in distress is yellowing and floppy leaves. This can be a sign of either too much or too little water. Your next step would be to check the soil and identify if a change in the watering routine is needed based on how dry or wet it is. Although the plant didn’t suddenly begin to verbalize its needs, you were able to identify and listen to the needs of the plant based off of the communication it provided. Learning how to identify and remedy a plant in distress requires

observation, interpretation and a response to the needs being expressed, even if the communication is not always easily understood. Plant keeping may also increase your attention to your surroundings. You may find you notice plants more when you’re out and about. The plant at the doctor’s office that you ignored for years may now suddenly be of great interest to you. This spark of curiosity and attention to detail is beneficial to all, but especially older adults.

A BENEFICIAL HOBBY The cultivation of plants is a relatively easy hobby for all, but especially for those who may have limited mobility or indoor living space. Caring for plants may also foster friendships with other plant

enthusiasts. Community plant swaps are common, or could easily be coordinated within an assisted living facility or neighborhood. Regularly caring for a plant may also help develop a more meaningful daily routine, especially in times of isolation. If it isn’t possible for residents at a long-term care facility to keep plants in their rooms, facilities may consider adding plants to common areas and assigning residents to care for the plants. Having residents take part in the upkeep of their community may help them develop a sense of purpose. ■

Colleen Mock is a clinical psychology doctoral student at University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and a psychology trainee at the UCCS Aging Center. Colleen is an avid plant enthusiast and comes from many generations of gardeners. Email her at cmock@uccs.edu or call 719-255-8002.

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LOCAL LORE

Turn Verein Grand Junction’s German fitness center offered dances and gymnastics By Joe Zeni

GERMAN GYMNASTS

resent day Grand Junction offers a plethora of exercise options for those seeking to improve strength, increase endurance, lose weight and maintain general health. While workout stations and gyms are now common, it wasn’t always so. In 1908, a new YMCA building opened up at Fifth Street and Rood Avenue, replete with a swimming pool, basketball court, a gymnasium for weightlifters and an indoor running track. Aspiring athletes and fitness addicts relished the thought of the all-in-one, self-improvement opportunity at the local institution. Yet, there was an even earlier institution available for those wanting to flex their muscles “at the gym.” It was called the Turn Verein.

Following the political and social upheaval of mid-19th century Europe, the United States saw an influx of refugees fleeing persecution, primarily Germans. These immigrants brought with them their cultural and intellectual history, uniquely expressed in the form of a club devoted to promoting political activism and physical fitness. Turn Verein (which translates to “gymnastics union”) groups sprang up in big cities and attracted tens of thousands of participants. By the end of the century, the movement had filtered into smaller communities and began to concentrate on gymnastic demonstrations, fitness classes, establishing physical education in public schools, and German

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Turn Verein gymnastics room in Turner Hall, Milwaukee, ca. 1900 cultural awareness. The Grand Junction founders, about 20 strong, were all prominent local entrepreneurs of German ancestry. They began offering exercise classes, gymnastics demonstrations and a bewildering array of social events to the public as early as October 1893. The Grand Junction “Turners” were originally housed in a small brick building at Third Street and Colorado Avenue that was remodeled into a first-class gymnasium with a stage for music and performances. They quickly outgrew the facility and moved east to an auditorium known as “the armory.” Many public events were held on that stage. But when the building became dilapidated, the Turners constructed a new, modern facility. “Turner Halle” opened on June 22, 1899, on Main Street between First and Second Streets, where a statue of John Otto now stands. The building served the club for more than a decade.

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Turn Verein sponsored its first dance accompanied by a small orchestra in early November 1893. The dance’s success spawned increased club membership and activities both at the hall and an outdoor venue called Wurtz’s Grove (later Lotz’s Grove), a popular picnicking area on the banks of the Colorado River. Members built

wooden platforms for dancing and even installed some rudimentary lighting among the cottonwoods to accommodate late night dancing. Amusements for the whole family was another hallmark of their programming. Periodic “Turnfests” offered bicycle races, foot races, sack races, pole walking, pie eating and even a greasy pig contest. Evening dances featured live music, with popular local orchestras playing sometimes into the early morning. Christmastime brought annual celebrations, complete with decorations, German refreshments and the traditional tannenbaum (Christmas tree). Children were promised a gift from St. Nicholas as German and American traditions merged. Turn Verein celebrated other holidays through the years. Halloween parties were a staple with candy and costumes. May Day and spring festivities were also annual events. Valentine’s Day, Labor Day and Peach Days were marked for city-wide celebration as well with dances, masquerade balls, socials, picnics, fireworks and ice cream parties. One unique event—a calico dance—called for the ladies to wear a calico dress to dance the night away, then donate the garment to the needy. The Fourth of July was marked for special celebration as the descendants of German heritage were eager to demonstrate their patriotism and love of their ad-

LOCAL LORE

THE GRAND JUNCTION “TURNERS” BEGAN OFFERING EXERCISE CLASSES, GYMNASTICS DEMONSTRATIONS AND A BEWILDERING ARRAY OF SOCIAL EVENTS AS EARLY AS OCTOBER 1893. opted country. Competitions of all sorts were held. Along with the traditional running and jumping events, there were potato races, wheelbarrow races, rope climbing, tug of war and a new test of skill and athleticism called the “pole high jump.” Songs, stories, dress and traditional German beer, wiener and sauerkraut were common in any get-together. Many American-born citizens joined the group and social events were always open to all residents. Events proved to be a valuable source of revenue for the Turners, which they invested into the organization.

convention was held a decade later, also in Grand Junction.

WAR APPROACHES

The German-American gymnastics movement, the Turn Verein, holds a large festival in New York. Credit: The Civil War Research Engine at Dickinson College

FEATS OF FITNESS The bedrock of Turn Verein was always a vested interest in promoting physical fitness. At many events, time was carved out for a special gymnastics presentation by members. Tumbling, acrobatics, feats of strength and balance, swinging, vaulting and precision work on uneven bars, parallel bars, the rings and the vault horse were always a thrilling exhibition for Grand Junc-

tion residents. City youth as young as 6 could be enrolled in weekly classes teaching gymnastics and physical fitness. In June 1901, the local club even hosted a three-day regional convention of the Rocky Mountain Turn clubs. Special trains brought in hundreds of outside visitors, and picnics, awards ceremonies and exhibitions of strength and skill were offered around the city. Another

With the coming of World War I and rising anti-German sentiment, competition from the YMCA, the absence of their own building, and declining public interest, the Grand Junction Turn Verein faded from public prominence by the 1920s. Sometime this month, as you celebrate the completion of a workout or class at the gym, head down to your favorite watering hole and raise a glass to the original Grand Junction gym—the German one, Turn Verein. ■

Turn Verein building in Denver. Credit: www.historycolorado.org

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What trick-or-treaters really want By Sally Breslin

ver the years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about Halloween and what I could give to trickor-treaters that would make them squeal with delight. Unfortunately, many of my efforts have resulted in less than rousing successes.

Take, for example, the year I decided to hand out packs of colorful smiley-face stickers instead of candy. I imagined the trick-or-treaters also having smiles on their faces when they saw them. I figured wrong. For one thing, the really young kids didn’t know

what the stickers were and tried to eat them. And the older kids’ expressions clearly told me where I could stick my stickers. Still, the next morning, when I spotted dozens of smiley faces stuck all over my car out in the driveway, I convinced myself that my treats had helped

the kids unleash their hidden creativity. The next year, I bought small paper Halloween bags that were decorated with witches and pumpkins. I then painstakingly filled each one with an assortment of wrapped penny candy (fireballs, root-beer barrels, caramels, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) and stapled them shut. The kids actually looked scared when I handed the sealed bags to them. “What’s in here?” one little boy hesitantly asked as he held the bag with only two fingers, in a way that someone might hold a bag of manure. “It’s a surprise!” I said. “Will it bite me?” he asked. Through years of trial and error, I finally found something that no red-blooded trick-or-treater could complain about—full-sized chocolate bars. The first time I handed them out, I finally got the reaction I’d been seeking for so long. “Wow! Awesome!” one group all

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“DIMES?” SHE REPEATED, LAUGHING. “THIS ISN’T THE 1950s! YOU CAN’T BUY ANYTHING, NOT EVEN PENNY CANDY, FOR A DIME ANYMORE.” gasped in unison. “Big candy bars! Thank you, lady!” Not so awesome was my husband’s reaction when he had to eat scrambled eggs for dinner three nights in a row because I’d spent all of our grocery budget on the chocolate bars. I mean, they certainly weren’t only a nickel apiece anymore, like back when I was a kid. No, they were 10 times that much. “How many candy bars did you give out anyway?” my husband asked me at the dinner table the night after Halloween. He stabbed a piece of egg with his fork and then held it up and stared at it as if he were trying to use mind power to transform it into a T-bone steak. “About 75, I guess,” I said. “Are you sure? There didn’t seem to be nearly that many kids, judging by the doorbell.” “Well, that’s because quite a few of them had sick sisters or brothers who couldn’t come out trick-or-treating,” I said. “So they asked me for candy bars to take home to them. One poor little girl, her brother told me, broke both her arms. And another one fell off her bike and knocked out all of her front teeth. So I made sure to send her a chocolate bar without any nuts in it. I mean, without her teeth, she wouldn’t be able to chew anything crunchy.” My husband rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Those kids were pulling the oldest scam in the book on you! There are no sick sisters or brothers. If they like your candy, they’ll make up stories like that just to get some extra candy for themselves. Either that or they’ll run home, change their costumes and then come back again later on.”

I thought about what he was saying. “Now that you mention it, there was this tough-looking fairy princess wearing an eye patch—and she looked just like a pirate who’d been here earlier.” So the next year I bought fewer candy bars and vowed not to give out any for the supposedly sick brothers or sisters. If a kid wasn’t well enough to go out trick-ortreating, then he or she was out of luck. Unfortunately, it rained so hard that Halloween night, the only kid who ventured out was dressed like a fisherman. I ended up with loads of candy bars left over. My husband and I ate so many of them during the next few weeks, we actually could see the cavities popping out in our teeth and hear our arteries hardening. So this year, with Halloween just around the corner, I once again am faced with the dilemma of what to give the trick-or-treaters, especially with my drastically reduced budget. “I was thinking that maybe I’ll get a bunch of dimes and hand one out to each kid,” I said to one of my friends the other night. “After all, what kid doesn’t like money? And it’ll be much cheaper than buying some overpriced candy I might end up getting stuck with.” “Dimes?” she repeated, laughing. “This isn’t the 1950s! You can’t buy anything, not even penny candy, for a dime anymore.” “Well, what would you suggest then?” I asked. “I suggest that on Halloween you lock the doors, shut off all the lights and don’t answer the doorbell. You’ll save a bundle that way.” I think she really could use a smiley-face sticker. ■

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Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one

Uptown Art Colony A collaborative space for artists By Mike Youngren

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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hey call themselves the Uptown Art Colony, a dozen Grand Valley women who have made a big mark—in pastel, oil and mixed media—on the local art scene. For more than a decade the women have presented their talent and remarkable skills to the awestruck delight of an ever-widening base of art aficionados. It all started a couple decades ago, when a talented and energetic woman came to western Colorado armed with acrylics, pastels, oils and a can of brushes. Sara Alyn Oakley soon found a cluster of desert flowers, set up her easel and began to paint. It wasn’t long before other artists and consumers recognized her talent, later naming her the Art Center’s Artist in Residence. Oakley began to teach local women artists, finding space in a warehouse. The artists soon learned that they could achieve more together than separately, and a cooperative formed. “There we were in our warehouse, eventually 28 women— spilling paint, cleaning brushes, sharing ideas and learning new

Kathy Herzog paints outdoors—the artistic practice of plein air. techniques,” said Kathy Herzog, a Colony member. The assembly grew to become a group of (mostly) female artists who embraced the collective energy and welcomed the collaboration. Friends and family members often accompanied artists, helping them choose from hundreds of glorious pastels, or squeeze acrylics from tubes onto paper plate pallets. “Charlotte, my preschool

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FREE COPY! Uptown Colonists standing from left: Karen Moore, Ruth Leever, Claudia Heckel, Judi Devore, Sharon Weidner, Judy Axthelm. Sitting: Janice Copeland, Penny Youngren, Peg Oswald, Palea Goemmel, Kathy Herzog, Sue Samuelson

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BEACON GUIDE FEATURE

Uptown Art Colony returns to the Unitarian Universalist Church on October 23, 2021 for its annual art show, where artwork is displayed and for sale. granddaughter, was helping me manipulate a tube of ultramarine blue acrylic when the container popped open. Suddenly there was the bluest blue you’ve ever seen on everything: the floor, the table, the workspace, us, in our hair,” said Ruth Leever. Her husband was happy that she, their granddaughter and her artist pals had a place to make a mess other than in their spare bedroom. Leever has since mastered the application of all the bright, beautiful colors in her magnificent series of collages. As the women grew more confident in their skills, they set up easels in nearby aspen valleys and red sandstone canyons. They captured on canvas the silent desert in the moonlight and abundant wildlife. Peg Oswald, now a premier local artist, was one of the women who got her start at The Colony. “I was just a beginner,” said Oswald. “I knew I could learn something from Sara, so I signed on as one of her students.” Now, Oswald’s pastels are admired at galleries like The Blue Pig in Palisade.

MOVING UPTOWN When the original Art Colony proved too large to manage, a dozen women artists broke away and moved to a second-floor location near Main Street Bagels.

“To differentiate from those we left in the basement colony, we began to call ourselves the Uptown Art Colony,” said Herzog. The Uptown Art Colony has maintained about a dozen artists, with few changes since finding a more permanent studio space near Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch a few years ago. The cost for space, promotion, internet expenses and the annual art show is shared equally in the group. “We’re a collaborative group,” said Hughes. “The Colony gives us the opportunity to promote our work in the larger community.” The Colony founder, Oakley, has since moved to be with family in Georgia, where she duplicated what she started in Grand Junction. “The art communities in Georgia and western Colorado owe Sara a great deal,” said Oswald. On October 23, 2021, the Colony returns to the sanctuary of the Grand Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for its annual art show, where artwork is displayed and sold to the community. The pandemic canceled the 2020 event, but that didn’t stop the artists from drawing and painting over the past year. “We’ve been quite active, trying new things, learning new techniques,” said Herzog To learn more, call 970-216-3500 or email uptownartcolonygj@gmail. com ■

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The gift of intimate

strangers By Elayne Clift

was 22 years old when I first flew across the Atlantic for a solo adventure in Europe. I was meant to take the trip with my best friend, but she became engaged and I wasn’t going to wait for anyone else to accompany me on this dream trip. I’d been seduced by travel as a child on summer holidays to Canada, home of my paternal grandparents. Bitten by the travel bug, nothing compared to the idea of seeing some of Europe’s most amazing countries and capitals. Armed with a Eurail pass and modest hotel reservations, I flew from New York to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam’s canals to London’s museums, pubs and palace, I traveled on to the Champs-Élysées and cafes of Paris, the Colosseum of Rome, and the magnificent statue of David in Florence. They were magical places that spurred me on to more worldwide travel in the years to come. But the really special part of that initial

journey resided in the people I met and the conversations we shared in trains, restaurants, hotels and elsewhere. No sooner did I bid farewell to one new friend than I made another. Some were young travelers like me, others were wise elders—and in two cases, attractive men whom I would see again.

Author Elayne Clift and Yusra, a Syrian refugee whom she met on a volunteer trip.

TRAVEL Everyone I interacted with told stories that moved me, made me laugh, tear up, and most importantly, share the truths of my own life. I felt for the first time like I’d climbed into my own skin. No need for game playing, diminishing or apologizing for my thoughts, so often called for from American females in the ’60s. I could be who I was, and be appreciated for it. It was an entirely new, sensual experience, devoid of sexual overtones. And it changed my life forever. Years later on a visit to England, I stayed in a bed and breakfast run by a woman whose husband had suffered a workplace injury and was unable to work. Every day, she repeated her routine—cooking breakfast for guests, changing beds, cleaning rooms and caring for her husband and children. Every day, we shared an intimate, unspoken moment when, smiling at each other, she knew that she would never have my life of freedom and mobility, and I understood that I would

EVERYONE I INTERACTED WITH TOLD STORIES THAT MOVED ME, MADE ME LAUGH, TEAR UP AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, SHARE THE TRUTHS OF MY OWN LIFE. never be subjected to her burdens. It made me sad, but helped me understand my privileged place in the world. Then there was the woman I literally bumped into in a New York shop. She was accompanied by two children and a dreadful husband who barked at her as she enjoyed a brief shopping moment. I don’t know why, but as I left the shop, I whispered to her, “You have the courage to do what you need to.” Later, crossing the street, I bumped into her again. I quickly hugged her and she hugged me back. I often wonder if, in that moment, a decision was made that led to her liberation. And how can I forget Roy Cesarini, whom I met in a café by the sea in Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy? Roy was a dapper older gentleman

whose sparkling blue eyes, pink cheeks, and broad smile beneath a carefully trimmed mustache drew me to him immediately. Roy had noticed that I was struggling with the menu and asked quietly, “May I be of some assistance?” And he began to tell his story. He had been a British prisoner of war due to Mussolini’s collaboration with Germany in World War II. Sent to a work farm in the UK, he quickly endeared himself to everyone, including the farmer’s daughter, Elizabeth. The two fell in love. But one day, Elizabeth was warned that she could be arrested for collaborating with the enemy. Shortly thereafter, Roy was sent to another farm in Scotland. They wrote to each other, but their letters were never received and each thought the other had forgotten

about the other. After the war, Roy returned to Italy, married and became a restaurant owner. But he never forgot Elizabeth. When his wife died, he learned that Elizabeth had also passed away. From then on, he visited England annually to lay flowers on her grave. “She was my first love and I don’t forget her,” he said. His moving story taught me a lot about love. Some years later, I heard that Roy, too, had passed away. Like Elizabeth, I fell in love with him, and I don’t forget him. These treasured memories, many born of travel, have been true gifts in my life. They offered me opportunities for deeper insight and heightened compassion, a genuine appreciation of people’s life stories, and a kind of intimacy that I would’ve hated to have missed. I’m a better human being for those moments shared with intimate strangers. ■

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A BIG B

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his year’s Grand Junction BeaconFest was a day of good fun and practical information for boomers and seniors in our community. After a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, more than 1,700 people walked through the doors of Grand Junction Convention Center, excited to immerse themselves in a day full of entertainment, seminars and resources. The Brass Consort welcomed attendees to the show with their trumpets and trombones. King ‘n’ Trio, Javier de los Santos and Ron Koss also hit the stage with lively performances. We even had belly dancers for charity—The Shimmy Mob!

Canyon Grand and the ladies of Steppin’ Up Quartet lit up the foyer with their sweet barbershop harmonies, followed by the sweet sounds of Robin Freed’s harps. Peggy Malone took audience members on a ride on her stick “hosses.” Newcomer Mike Gazdak brought polka and waltzes back to BeaconFest! Each seminar room hosted a spread of educational presentations on Medicare, financial planning, fraud prevention, medical treatment and technologies, estate planning and hassle-free home ownership in an environment crafted especially for seniors. As if the seminars, live entertainment and vendor booths weren’t

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FOOD • INFO enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30 minutes. We gave away gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, several rounds of golf, free oil changes, bowling and movie passes, cash and more! One lucky reader won travel packages to South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and another won two floor seats to The Doobie Brothers concert in Denver. We want to thank all of the businesses who donated these wonderful gifts that made these drawings so exciting. Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of our community (Some are pictured below).

As is true every year, this year’s BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of the 100+ vendors who set up booths, and notably, our main sponsors: Medicare Resource Center, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Sports Medicine & Spine, Humana, Hilltop Senior Living, Stellar Senior Living and KREX News Channel 5. To our volunteers, entertainers and most importantly, you, our guests, thank you for coming! Because of you, the event was a tremendous success. BeaconFest is our way of saying thank you for reading the BEACON Senior News. See you in Montrose on October 14! ■

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FAITH

Do you like people? Well, we need volunteers to work with children or senior adults. No experience necessary. St. Mary’s Foster Grandparent & Senior Companion Programs are looking for active adult volunteers, ages 55+, to volunteer in the Grand Valley. If you are on a fixed income, you may even qualify to receive a non-taxable hourly stipend! Where else can you get “paid” to volunteer? All volunteers must pass a thorough background check and meet qualification requirements. All volunteers may receive mileage reimbursement as well!

Senior Companions

Volunteers are needed from Fruita to Clifton (Mesa County) to help home-bound seniors remain independent by providing local transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, misc. errands, and recreation, and building friendships.

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God calls us to “flip the script” By Vic Stinemetze, Jeremy House & Living Stone Church

y pastor has been talking a lot lately about “flipping the script.” In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus was known for his persecution of Christians. Acts 9:1 says, “Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers.” Saul’s intent was to round up Christians and eliminate them. In fact, he was on his way to Damascus for that very purpose when God intervened in his life. When we come to Christ, we have the opportunity to change our story, or get a do over. Not only did God change Saul’s story, he even changed his name. Saul became known as “Paul,” who wrote much of the New Testament and helped build the church. The man who was vehemently against God became a man who endured persecution and eventually was beheaded for his work in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He became the complete opposite of the man he once was. I, too, was able to flip the script of what people knew about me. I entered college in 1968 answering the call to become a youth pastor. But the distractions of the world

lured me away and I turned from God. Over the next 26 years, I ran from him and did many things that were ungodly. My story became one of divorce and sin. But God tracked me down, and in 1993, I turned back to Christ. With his help, I was able to change my story. In the same way, our country needs to turn back to its original calling. America’s founding fathers made a covenant with God to be a Christian nation and to be a voice for freedom and godliness all over the world. But somewhere along the line we’ve gotten off track. But God is calling us back. He’s calling us to change our story, to “flip our script.” He’s calling us to become radical for him once again. He’s calling us to turn back to him and to renew the old covenants our forefathers made with him. This will require the church of America to stand. No more can we afford to be passive, sitting on the sidelines watching. 2 Chronicles 7:14 reads, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” In order for God to restore America, he must first change the story of the church of America. It’s time for us to humble ourselves, pray, and seek God’s face. It’s time to renew the old covenant and allow God to flip our script. I believe America can, and will, be saved. ■

WHEN WE COME TO CHRIST, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE OUR STORY, OR GET A DO OVER.

34 | FAITH | OCTOBER 2021 |

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TALKING DIGITAL

Ditch the cash Apps like Venmo, PayPal and Zelle are handy and secure

sing a third-party payment system to send or transfer money may sound scary. However, many people have embraced alternative payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo and Zelle because they make life a lot easier. So, let’s discuss the obvious questions and concerns people often have about these apps.

SECURE TRANSACTIONS No human ever sees your bank or credit card information. When you put this information into a secure website or app like Amazon, eBay, Venmo or PayPal, it’s encrypted using a system that even the government can’t decode. Tech-savvy hackers go after large pots of money stored in insecure locations. It’s a waste of time for them to hack into major secure platforms because they’d have to break a new code for each individual and punch through countless security blocks along the way. Bad guys that commit credit card fraud are usually common

thieves. It’s more likely for a gas station attendant or restaurant worker to skim credit cards they’re handed and give that information to an accomplice who keeps a pool of stolen information and distributes it. That’s why a stolen credit card may be used 10 minutes later at a Target 300 miles away. All non-cash financial transactions take place online—all of them. When you use your credit or debit card at Target, the process of transferring the money is functionally identical to the process of placing the information into your web browser to order from Target.com. If you’ve ever used your debit card to pay for something, you’ve used the same technology. All businesses that take cards use a third party to transfer the money from the customer’s bank or credit card to the business. Likewise, Zelle, PayPal and Venmo are third parties that facilitate a secure transaction

See you on October 14th at

between both business and private parties for a small percentage of the transaction. Mailing an envelope full of cash to Amazon.com, for example, is far less secure and offers no protection against fraud. All card payments and most digital transfers are guaranteed and protected by the card company or payment platform.

GOING CASHLESS Now that we’ve addressed the security of digital payment methods, let’s talk about its benefits. When my sister got married a few weeks ago, I connected her laptop to the PA system and played music for people to dance at the reception. As I searched for songs on Spotify, her computer kept pinging Venmo notifications in the upper right corner every few minutes. The newlyweds had a gift table with a box for honeymoon cash, as well as a sign with the couple’s Venmo ID, which they’d also posted on social media. The money box probably didn’t even have 20 one-dollar bills in it.

Over the summer, I’ve been to numerous yard sales that accepted cash, PayPal, Venmo, etc. Personally, I’ve used it to buy and sell items from classified ads or accepted payments for helping people with their computer issues. Finally, you can use alternative payment platforms for businesses that don’t take cash like Amazon, iTunes, Netflix and Spotify. Facebook and Walmart also have their own cash alternative apps. Think of these platforms as bank accounts that anyone can open and use, but are typically instantaneous and can’t be overdrawn. Each company also provides debit cards to make the money in your account available anywhere that takes cards. If you want to test an alternative payment platform, transfer money with a close friend or relative as practice. Send or receive a small amount like $1 to see how it works. If you don’t feel safe, you can always close the account and go back to writing checks and paying with cash. ■

TALKING DIGITAL BY ADAM COCHRAN

Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org

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MONEY & SCAMS

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changes in 2022

Free Medicare Monday seminars offered virtually

By Eileen Doherty

edicare beneficiaries can get the latest information on premiums, deductibles and co-pays for Medicare Parts A and B, and D, as well as information on Medicare Advantage plans at one of the many free virtual Medicare Monday sessions, hosted by Colorado Gerontological Society (CGS). Reviewing your Medicare plan and drug coverage is every Medicare beneficiary’s responsibility. Medicare plans can change costs, coverage and providers in their network every year, so make sure to review your plans during Medicare’s open enrollment period from October 15 through December 7.

REVIEWING YOUR MEDICARE PLAN AND DRUG COVERAGE IS EVERY MEDICARE BENEFICIARY’S RESPONSIBILITY.

PROJECTED COSTS Individuals who have a Medicare Supplement have an initial enrollment or special enrollment period when they claim Medicare benefits, rather than annual open enrollment. Beneficiaries with a Medicare Supplement do not need to make any changes to their Part A and B coverage. Projections are that the Medicare Part B premium will increase significantly—possibly as much as 15 percent or more—unless Congress takes action. This year, Medicare Part B is $148.50 per month for individuals earning less than $87,500 annually. Although some beneficiaries will feel like they’re unable to manage this substantial increase, dropping Part B isn’t a good option for people who face physician visits, labs, x-rays and other minimal health and wellness care. Similarly, Medicare Part D is also increasing. The average premium is expected to be about $33, or ap-

proximately, a 4.9 percent increase. The annual deductible is increasing to $480. The total out-of-pocket expense will increase by $500—to $7,050 during the initial coverage period and the donut hole. Copays for generic and brand name drugs in the donut hole will vary. The maximum costs for drugs for those who have catastrophic coverage will be $9.85 for brand name and $3.95 for generics.

OTHER POTENTIAL CHANGES There’s a lot of discussion in Congress about major changes in Medicare, such as adding vision, hearing and dental benefits, and lowering the eligibility age to 60. Other proposals include more government involvement in purchasing prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies, adding coverage for blood tests to screen for cancer, and changing payment

MONEY & SCAMS for all vaccines to Medicare Part B to reduce out-of-pocket costs. However, until Congress takes action, none of these initiatives are in place.

Virtual Medicare seminars

FREE VIRTUAL SEMINARS

MEDICARE MONDAY

Learn more about changes to Medicare in 2022 by attending a virtual Medicare seminar or scheduling a counseling session to discuss one’s personal Medicare situation. Call 1-866294-3971 or visit www.senioranswers.org to make reservations or talk to a counselor. You may also contact your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) office for free, in-depth, one-on-one Medicare counseling. In Mesa County, call 970-243-9839. In Montrose and Delta, call 970-765-3132. ■

Medicare Changes

To register, visit www.senioran swers.org or call 303-333-3482.

• October 18, 9:30 a.m.

• November 1, 6 p.m. • November 15, 1 p.m.

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New to Medicare • October 25, 1 p.m. • November 8, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY LUNCH & LEARNS (12 P.M.) • October 20 - Prescription Drug Plans • October 27 - Medicare Advantage & Supplement • November 3 - Coordinating Medicare & Medicaid • November 10 - Using Medicare.gov • November 17 - Telehealth to Meet Your Health Care Needs

Eileen Doherty, MS, is executive director of the Colorado Gerontological Society.

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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Timberline: a true community bank By Jan Weeks

imberline Bank’s Grand Junction branch started in a strip mall in 2004. While it has since grown from a handful of employees to almost 100 today, the bank remains committed to the community and excellent customer service. In 2006, the bank moved to 24 Road, just west of City Market. When the bank outgrew that location, construction started on a new building across from Regal Cinemas, which the bank moved into in

spring 2020. “I was really impressed by the new building. I like the friendly people, and they treat you well,” said John Orr, who’s been banking there for about a year.

PAYCHECK PROTECTION When the pandemic struck and small business were forced to close, the bank’s staff were proactive. According to Marketing and Communication Specialist Sadye Saad, Timberline contacted their business

Timberline Bank employees Sadye Saad and Jessica Klements talk in the lobby at the branch at 649 Market St., Grand Junction. account holders and explained the federal government’s new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). When the plan went into effect on April 3, 2020, staff from every level began processing the applications, working into the wee hours each night until each of the 2,098 requests was submitted. Family-owned businesses from cafés to shops to housesitting entities received low-interest loans so they could pay employees, landlords, utilities, and anything else needed to keep their businesses solvent.

FRAUD DETECTION Jessica Klements wears a lot of hats at Timberline. She makes sure the bank is in compliance with all banking rules and regulations and is the bank secrecy officer. However, she’s most passionate about protecting customers, especially older adults, from scams. If she notes suspicious activity on customer accounts—such as wire transfers to foreign countries—she calls account holders to see if they approved the transaction. While she can’t notify children or other relatives of potential fraud if they’re not signatories on the account, if she suspects that an elderly person is being scammed, she can ask Adult Protective Services to look into the matter.

38 | BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT | OCTOBER 2021 |

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COMPLETELY LOCAL Customers often praise Timberline for its great customer service. Debra Horwitz, who works for Hope West, was tremendously impressed at how quickly and easily Timberline helped the nonprofit get its PPP loan. “Timberline gives back to the community so generously. The wonderful customer service comes from the top level down and it shows,” said Horwitz. All leadership is in-house, not in some far-off corporate office. Anyone, even co-CEOs Jim Pedersen and Jeff Taets, and president Louise Goodman, will gladly meet with current or potential customers. “‘We’re here for you’ is not just a slogan. When you call the bank, you’ll speak to a person, a member of the Grand Junction community, not someone thousands of miles away,” Saad said. She added that most people don’t know that many U.S. banks are owned by foreign entities. In contrast, Timberline’s three branches are owned locally, making it a true community bank. Visit Timberline’s headquarters at 649 Market St., Grand Junction, or at their Montrose Branch, 1561 Oxbow Dr. Call 970-683-5560 (Grand Junction) or 970-240-5489 (Montrose) to learn more. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Nine years without a cold?

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs. Now thousands of people are using it against unwanted viruses and bacteria in the nose and on the skin. Germs, such as viruses and bacteria, can multiply fast. When unwanted germs get in your nose they can spread Copper can stop germs before they spread. and cause misery unless you stop within 3 hours after the first sign them early. of unwanted germs, like a tickle in In the last 20 years, hundreds the nose or a scratchy throat. of studies by government and Early user Mary Pickrell said, university scientists show the “I can’t believe how good my natural element copper kills germs nose feels.” “What a wonderful thing!” just by touch. The EPA officially declared exclaimed Physician’s Assistant copper to be antimicrobial, which Julie. Another customer asked, “Is means it kills microbes, including it supposed to work that fast?” Pat McAllister, 70, received viruses, bacteria, and fungus. The National Institutes of one for Christmas. “One of the Health says, “The antimicrobial best presents ever. This little jewel activity of copper is now well really works.” Frequent flier Karen Gauci established.” Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used to suffer after crowded used copper to purify water and flights. Though skeptical, she tried copper on travel days for 2 heal wounds. Scientists say the high months. “Sixteen flights and not a conductance of copper disrupts sniffle!” she exclaimed. User Rosaleen says when the electrical balance in a microbe cell by touch and destroys it in people show signs of germs around her, she uses copper morning and seconds. Some hospitals tried copper night. It saved me last holidays. for touch surfaces like faucets and The kids had crud going round doorknobs. This cut the spread of and round, but not me.” Attorney Donna Blight tried MRSA, and other illnesses, by copper for her sinus. “I am over half and saved lives. The strong evidence gave shocked!” she said. “My head inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He cleared, no more headache, no made a smooth copper probe with more congestion.” A man with trouble breathing a tip to fit in his nose. The next time he felt a tickle in through his nose at night tried his nose like a cold about to start, copper just before bed. “Best he rubbed the copper gently in his sleep I’ve had in years!” he said. In a lab test, technicians placed nose for 60 seconds. “The cold never got going,” he 25 million live flu viruses on exclaimed. “That was September a CopperZap. No viruses were 2012. I use copper in the nose found alive soon after. Made in America of pure every time and I have not had a copper. 90-day full money back single cold since then.” “We don’t make product health guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 claims,” he said, “so I can’t say off each CopperZap with code cause and effect. But we know COBS7. See www.CopperZap.com or copper is antimicrobial.” He asked relatives and friends call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. to try it. They reported the same Statements are not intended as thing, so he patented CopperZap® product health claims, and have and put it on the market. Soon hundreds of people had not been evaluated by the FDA. tried it. The feedback was 99% Not claimed to diagnose, treat, positive if they used the copper cure, or prevent any disease. (paid advertisement)

JOINT PAIN IS NOT NORMAL!

15 million people report experiencing severe joint pain.

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Joint pain can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include overuse such as heavy physical activity, lack of use, sprains, or strains.

How can you treat this? With joint pain there are various methods of treatment that can be deployed, however, the context of the joint pain will dictate what care is necessary. Some incidents require lowimpact activities, ice packs, heat packs, and over-thecounter medications for inflammation. For those who have severe chronic joint pain, it is recommended to seek further medical care and discuss with a professional what care would be necessary.

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Long live Ellen Roberts By Kevin K. VanGundy

hen Ellen Roberts was born in 1921, she had a one-in-ahundred chance of living to 100. Had she been born in 2011, those odds would have dramatically improved to one-in-three. Turning 100 will be the norm at some point in the relatively near future. But aging well is about more than surviving—it’s about thriving. Fortunately, Roberts has done both. I’ve known Roberts since I started at the BEACON in 2008. She’s certainly not shy, as she has been written about and pictured in our magazine many times. But that wasn’t always the case. “When I was younger, I was too

AGING WELL IS ABOUT MORE THAN SURVIVING— IT’S ABOUT THRIVING. bashful to go anywhere. But then I learned about all these places you could go to dance and things to do and now I’m not bashful anymore,” Roberts said. “I’m a good entertainer and keep everybody laughing.” She and her constant companion, Mary Lee Bowen, have entertained at many BeaconFests and other occasions as the hilarious Patsy Cline Wannabes. Upon attending a “professional” Patsy Cline impersonator show, Roberts told Bowen that their act was far better. Bowen attributes much to her friendship with Roberts.

40 | OCTOBER 2021 |

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS “She’s an inspiration to so many people. I was quiet and didn’t do anything until I met Ellen,” Bowen said. More than an entertainer, Roberts keeps busy by involving herself in the local community. For her birthday this year, the esteemed Fruita City Council declared her birthdate—August 21—as “Ellen V. Roberts Day” I had dinner with her one evening when she was raising money to help fund the Fruita Senior Center years ago. Surprisingly, selling spaghetti dinners at $12 a pop wasn’t how they raised most of their funds. Instead, they did it the old-fashioned way by collecting and recycling one aluminum can at a time over a period of 10 years. My grandfather, Earl VanGundy, would have been happy to hear that.

One summer, my wife, Lauren, and I competed against Roberts and Bowen in the local senior games sponsored by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation. We gave it our best in the cornhole competi-

tion, but we didn’t stand a chance. My favorite connection to Roberts is that the she and my grandma, Wanda (Nixon) Bird, were best friends growing up in Fruita. “Your grandmother and I used

is a great place to be

to go to her dad’s blacksmith shop every day after school to get money to buy penny candy,” Roberts fondly reminisced. Unfortunately, my grandmother was one of the 99 percent who didn’t make it to 100. But, I sure have enjoyed getting to know Roberts in her absence. Thank you, Ellen, for being such a help to our community, an inspiration to others and a friend to me. Long live Ellen Roberts! ■

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Hitchcock’s “Psycho” still terrifies 60 years later By Randal C. Hill

hat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1960 horrorfest “Psycho?” It’s the shower scene, of course, probably the best-known short segment in movie history and regarded now as one of the most terrifying moments ever seen on film. The ghastly on-screen “slashing” required 78 exacting camera set-ups and 52 painstaking edits—each “take” lasting two to three seconds—to get the effect Hitchcock wanted. Filming of the scene took place in 1959 between December 17-23. The “victim,” star Janet Leigh, later recalled, “During the day I was being stabbed to death, and at night I was wrapping presents from Santa Claus for the children.” The movie itself wrapped in February 1960. Over the years, some rumors have persisted about those infa-

42 | OCTOBER 2021 |

mous shower moments. One is that Hitchcock unexpectedly turned the running water cold to achieve a more shocked reaction from Leigh. However, the water was always warm—Leigh was just naturally a good screamer. Another myth claimed that some of the edits included nudity. This also turned out to be false, as nudity wasn’t allowed in any 1960 movie. (However, a 21-year-old artist’s model named Marli Renfro, clad in a tight, flesh-colored wrap, was shown in some parts of the segment.)

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Blood seen swirling down the drain was actually Bosco chocolate syrup, and the “thunk” of a knife entering Leigh’s body emanated from the repeated stabbing of a casaba melon. This all took place amid a shrieking soundtrack of a violin, a viola and a cello all playing at once. So much for Hitch’s hijinks! The “Psycho” screenplay was adapted from a 1959 Robert Bloch novel of the same name—a grim tale based on Wisconsin psychotic serial killer Ed Gein. The Bates Motel and next-door mansion were hastily erected on Universal’s back lot. The movie’s budget of $800,000—about $6,000,000 in today’s dollars—was cheap for the times. Hitchcock wanted his offering to have the appearance of a low-budget exploitation film. To achieve this, he replaced his first-rate movie production people with the crew from

his TV show. He ordered the film to be shot quickly and in bleak black and white, and included long, tense passages without dialogue that made for nail-chomping suspense. The British-born director made each cast member swear with a raised right hand to divulge no information about the movie to anyone outside the group. He also cleverly withheld the ending of the story from everyone until filming the final scene. To many moviegoers, “Psycho” was the most shocking work they’d ever witnessed on the silver screen. It also set a new level of acceptability for violence, deviant behavior and sexuality in American films. It is considered to be the earliest example of the “slasher” movie genre. Today, thanks in no small part to Hitchcock’s chilling creation, some people still don’t feel 100 percent safe taking a motel shower. ■

MeSa County

CALENDAR

October 1

October 2

October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

October 5

In its 74th year, this show kicks off at the Art Center with an opening reception and awards ceremony featuring professional, advanced and amateur work. 6:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | 970-242-1229

Head over to the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park to enjoy drinks from local and regional breweries and cideries, as well as classic German food. 1-5 p.m. | 925 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $19-$50 | www.theampgj.com

Browse fresh local produce, handmade crafts, ready-to-eat food and local artists at Reed Park. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 250 S. Elm St., Fruita | Free | 970-858-3894

Learn if, when and how to enroll in Medicare from a trained and unbiased SHIP counselor. Registration required. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Grand Junction | Donations appreciated | 970-243-9839 ext. 1

Fine Art Show

October 1

Steps & Stories

Get in your steps while walking around Sherwood Park and share what you’ve been reading, listening to or binge-watching. Hosted by Mesa County Libraries. 10-11 a.m. | 1301 E. Sherwood Dr., Grand Junction | 970-243-4442

October 1-3 Downtown Art Festival

Visit downtown Grand Junction’s art galleries, vendors, shops and live demonstrations and performances in a celebration of all things art. See website for details. Downtown Grand Junction | Free | www.downtowngj.org | 970-245-9697

Oktoberfest

October 2 Car Show

Join the Moose Lodge for its third annual fundraiser show featuring unique cars, trucks and motorcycles, as well as food and vendors. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 567 25 ½ Road, Grand Junction | Free | 970-433-9493

October 2

Eagles Craft Fair

Peruse a variety of arts and crafts vendors at the Eagles’ craft fair benefiting All Cancer Matters. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1674 US Hwy 50, Grand Junction | Free | 970-250-9710

Fruita Farmer’s Market

Medicare 101

October 2, 9 & 16

Glenwood Octoberfest

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Parks hosts three Saturdays of autumn fun including games, axe throwing, beer garden, bands, pumpkins, and food and drink specials. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, Glenwood Springs | $21-$61 | 970-945-4228

October 5

Writer’s Night

Western Colorado Writers explores restorative writing and crafting an apology with Annette Ferriole at The Art Center. Register online. 6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | Free | www.western coloradowriters.org

October 2, 16 & 30

Taylor Red

These talented triplets bring three times the fun to the Avalon Theatre with their fun covers of ’90s country tunes. Tickets available at the Avalon Theatre Box Office. 7:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | www.communitycon certsgrandvalley.org | 970-263-5757

October 8-10

History of Wild West Raft Trip Sit back and learn the rich pioneer-

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October 8

Grab your clubs and head to Adobe Creek Golf Course to benefit the Grand Junction Kiwanis Foundation and the children of our community. Dinner and drinks included. 12 p.m. | 876 28 ½ Road, Fruita | $75 | www.kiwanis-gj.org | 970-985-2219

DOES NOT APPLY 44 | CALENDAR | OCTOBER 2021 |

Mike Clark shares financial tips and strategies to save money for unexpected expenditures, retirement, or your next vacation. Register in advance. 6-7:30 p.m. | 443 N. 6th St., Grand Junction | Free | 970-243-4442

Kiwanis Golf Challenge

Get in the spooky season spirit with a walking pub tour with local historian Dave Bailey and learn about the mysteries and murders of early downtown Grand Junction. 3-6 p.m. | 462 Ute Ave., Grand Junction | $35-$40 | www.museumofwesternco.com | 970-242-0971

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October 8

Spooky Downtown Pub Crawl

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October 7

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ing and cowboy history of our local canyons and rivers on this 3-day, 2-night rafting trip through Ruby-Horsethief Canyon. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | $525-$575 | www. coloradocanyonsassociation.org | 970-263-7902

October 9 Fall Day on the Farm

Celebrate the fall season at Cross Orchards Historic Site with fresh-pressed cider, food trucks, exhibits, vendors and a variety of activities like hay rides. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 3073 Patterson Road, Grand Junction | $5-$7 | www.museumofwesternco.com | 970-242-0971

ment only as space is limited. Call to register your pet. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 362 28 Road, Grand Junction | $15 | 970-434-7337

through Colorado Mesa University. 9 a.m. | 910 N. 12th St., Grand Junction | 970-260-0699

October 13

Run to Whitewater

Water Walk

Enjoy a walking tour of Cross Orchards Historic Site, where guides explore the role water plays in western Colorado, including an irrigation demonstration. 10-11 a.m. | 3073 Patterson Road, Grand Junction | Free | www.museumofwesternco.com

October 13

National Fossil Day Virtual Lecture

Donny Morales Live

Restoration Vineyards hosts favorite Donny Morales as a part of its Band in the Barrel Music Series. Food and wine are available for purchase. 1:30-5 p.m. | 3594 E ½ Road, Palisade | Free | www.restoration vineyards.com | 970-985-0832

October 10

Roice-Hurst Microchip Clinic

Recover a lost pet with the help of a microchip. Pets seen by appoint-

Follow the scenic Tabeguache Trail from Bangs Canyon trail head to Unaweep Canyon, finishing at the intersection of the trail and Highway 141 in Whitewater. 7:30 a.m. | Little Park Ct., Grand Junction | www.mesamonument striders.com | 970-245-4243

October 22-23

Colorado West Chautauqua

Dr. Matt Wedel virtually discusses the battle with heat, storms and gravity to find and recover new fossil bones of the gigantic Brachiosaurus. 7-8 p.m. | Free | www.museumof westernco.com | 970-242-0971

The 2021 Colorado West Chautauqua features performers representing Billy Sunday, Josephine Baker and more fun characters from the ’20s. 6-9 p.m. | 2400 Consistory Ct., Grand Junction | www.museumof westernco.com | 970-242-0971

October 14

October 22-24

Discover some of the abandoned towns and communities in Mesa County through photos and maps from Mesa County Libraries’ inhouse historian. Registration required. 6:30-8 p.m. | 443 N. 6th St., Grand Junction | Free | www.mesacounty libraries.org | 970-243-4442

Take an incredible, magical journey with Alice when you tumble down the rabbit hole with Absolute Dance’s one-of-a-kind ballet performance. Evening performances are on Friday and Saturday, matinees on Saturday and Sunday. 2 p.m./7 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $25 | 970-263-5757

October 16

October 23

The Alzheimer’s Association gathers together and walks to find the first survivor of Alzheimer’s Disease. Start at Lincoln Park and walk

Shimmy Mob hosts its annual fund-

Mesa County Ghost Towns

October 9

October 17

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Alice’s Wonderland Ballet

Harem Scarem Show

raiser featuring live entertainment, food and a silent auction. All proceeds go to Latimer House. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. | 2400 Consistory Ct., Grand Junction | $25 | 970-260-0819

October 24

Boston Public Quartet

Colorado Mesa University hosts the Boston Public Quartet at the Moss Performing Arts Center for an afternoon of musical talent. 3 p.m. | 1100 North Ave., Grand Junction | $12-$15 | www.colorado mesa.edu/tickets

October 28

Medicaid Long-Term Services

Colorado Cross Disability Coalition presents upcoming changes to the New Case Management Redesign that will impact the way assessments are completed under Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports, held at the Mesa County Workforce Center. 10 a.m. | 512 29 ½ Road, Grand Junction | 970-319-2750

October 28-30

Fall at the Gardens

Head over to Western Botanical Gardens for spectacular lit pumpkin sculptures created by renowned artists from Food Network’s “Outrageous Pumpkins.” 5-9 p.m. | 655 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $10-$25 | www.strive colorado.org | 970-245-9030 n

SEE MORE EVENTS AT: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Experience God's loveloveinina atraditional setting. Experience God's traditional setting. Sunday study: 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship: 10:15 a.m.

First Baptist Church of Grand Junction 720 Grand Avenue 970-242-5645 Visit our website: fbcgj.org

Experience God's love in a traditional setting.

Write about local seniors and the issues that matter to them. (and earn a little extra cash while you’re at it!) No phone calls please. Please email your writing samples to: Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | CALENDAR |

MeSa County American Association of University Women meets monthly. Call for location. 2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-261-2112

CLUBS

Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly. Call for location. 719-580-0948

Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at The Commons of Hilltop Garden Room in Grand Junction. Tuesdays | 6:45 a.m. | 970-361-1806

Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, studies the book of Genesis at Redlands Community Church. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets at Church of the Nativity in Grand Junction. 3rd Wednesday | 4:30-6 p.m. | 970-462-7554

Citizens’ Climate Lobby meets monthly online via Zoom. Check Facebook page for details. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org | facebook. com/ CCLGJ

Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981 in Grand Junction. Former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-434-0868

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands Methodist Church. 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-257-1549

Clifton Book Club meets virtually or in person to discuss “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris. Register online. 2nd Tuesday | 8-9 a.m. | www.mesacountylibraries.org

Friendship Force meets at New Covenant Baptist Church in Grand Junction on odd-numbered months. 3rd Thursday | 6 p.m. | 214-536-2250 | www.ffwcolo.com

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Grand Junction. Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:45 p.m. | 970-244-9989

Colorado Archaeological Society Grand Junction meets monthly. Call for location. 2nd Monday | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-433-4312 | www.meetup.com/ CAS-GJ/ events

Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road in Grand Junction. 2nd Thursday, 7 p.m. | 4th Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionrock club@gmail.com Golden K Kiwanis meets weekly at Redlands Community Center. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | facebook.com/gjgoldenk

Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library. 3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-434-6936 Cribbage Lite meets at IHOP. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823 Cups Club meets at The Artful Cup, Grand Junction. Make friends through cards, games, talk and tea. Wednesdays | 2 p.m. | 970-257-2390

Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands Methodist Church. 2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817 Great Old Broads for Wilderness meets monthly. Call for details. 970-596-8510 Guys’ Giving Club meets quarterly at Springhill Suites, Grand Junction. 1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-243-8829 or 970-270-6184 Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at Warehouse 25sixty-five in Grand Junction Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664

Grand Junction Brush & Palette Club meets at The Art Center. 3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | www.gjbrushandpalette.org

Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall in Grand Junction. 2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-261-1952

Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center. 3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | www.grandjunctionpmc.com

Knitting Club meets at Community of Christ Church in Grand Junction. 4th Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-623-1455

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. www.mesacountygenealogy.org Newcomers Club meets at Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Court, Grand Junction 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970549-0440 | www.gjnewcomers.org Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment, community and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road, Grand Junction. 2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | www.cslgj.org Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge in Grand Junction. 1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-208-9228 Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques. Call for details. 970-256-9580 River City Singles meet weekly at the Moose Lodge in Grand Junction. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 970-210-2390 Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets weekly at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction. Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970-234-5030 Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction. 2nd Saturday | 1:30 p.m. | 970-2455649 | www.vestafjelllodge.org SOS: Singles over 65 is an active, hip social club for single seniors! . www.meetup.com/singles-over-65

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Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, sings four-part barbershop harmony and rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church. Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-245-1837 | www.grandmesaacappella.com Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets weekly. Call for location. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-361-1806 Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thunder mountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Junction Masonic Center. Thursdays | 970-261-1670 Veterans Coffee Club meets weekly at Western Region One Source in Grand Junction. Tuesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets at the Post Hall, 503 Florence Road, in Grand Junction. 1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242 Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church in Grand Junction. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www.w0rrz.org Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch. 1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-201-2865 | www.wcacastronomy.org

Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets at First Congregational Church in Grand Junction. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-6402751 Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247 in Grand Junction. 4th Tuesday | Free currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. | Meeting at 6:30 p.m. | 970-250-7036 Western Slope Liberty Toastmasters meets at Chronos Builders in Grand Junction. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-361-1806 Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park’s north pond. Saturdays | 10 a.m. | 970-243-2957 Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Visit website for details. 970-241-8561 | www.westernslope pickleballclub.com Wheels West Car Club meets at the Grand Junction Moose Lodge. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www.wheelswestcarclub.org Yoga for Military Members, at Western Region One Source, offers a free yoga class for military members and their families. Wednesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

Email your club’s information to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Question

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Jan Weeks

What’s an experience that gave you goosebumps? Pat Martin – Grand Junction “It’s hard to choose just one. My group and I visited the Great Pyramid clandestinely at night and when we came down, men with AK-47s demanded money. I also attended an ayahuasca ceremony in Peru conducted by a shape-shifting shaman. (I didn’t take the drugs!)”

Christopher Fiser – Fruitvale “When I was in grade school in Palisade, Mom and I moved into a brand-new apartment. After we got settled, Mom would find boxes she’d stored in the top of her closet out in the living room when she came home from work. In the morning, my clothes would be out of the dresser and flung around the room. We found out a framer fell and died while it was being built.”

Jill Swanson – Fruita “I went to Mesa Verde many years ago. Pictures don’t do it justice. As I stood on the cliff and looked into the Anasazi dwellings, I felt the people and the civilization still inhabiting the ruins as if they were really there. It took my breath away.”

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MeSa County

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Palisade History Museum now open Using a pair of historic peach tree pruning shears, the Palisade Historical Society dedicated Palisade’s first history museum with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August honoring its major donors and volunteers. Visitors to the new Palisade History Museum can learn about the community’s unique history via exhibits, photos, and artifacts illustrating its peach growing and coal mining past. The History Museum is open to the Western Slope Concert Series season tickets on sale Western Slope Concert Series’ 23rd season will be held in Grand Junction at Colorado Mesa University’s Moss Performing Arts Center and in Montrose at the Montrose Pavilion. General admission tickets cost $17 and season tickets are $68. Purchase tickets online at www.westernslopeconcertseries. org or call 970-216-9245. White Cane Safety Day is October 15 White Cane Safety Day, created in

public 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. For more information, visit www.historicpalisade.org or call 970-464-2177. 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, is a celebration of the independence, achievements and positive contributions of people with vision impairments. It’s also meant to increase awareness of the white cane and what it symbolizes. Vision-impaired persons sometimes carry a white cane, which identifies them as having a vision impairment. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation assists all disabled people—including those with vision impairments— with training, equipment, travel skills instruction, career and job planning/placement and education-

al opportunities. For more information, call 970-773-0089 or email lorraine.hutcheson@state.co.us. Community Concerts of Grand Valley updates ticket prices Season tickets for Community Concerts of the Grand Valley have changed. For five shows, tickets cost $100; for four shows, $80; and for three shows, $60. If you want to purchase one single show, the rate is $35 plus service fee. Single show tickets are only available 14 days prior to the performance. For more information, visit www.community concertsgrandvalley.org or contact the Avalon Box Office at 970-263-5757. Five stars for Veteran Community Living Center VA Western Colorado Health Care System’s Community Living Center (CLC) has received the highest star rating for its 12th quarter in a row. After a year of lockdown, the passionate staff and residents are thrilled with this win. The CLC is a 31-bed facility that houses short-term, long-term, rehab, and hospice veterans. This star rating is measured against private nursing homes through the Center for Medicare/Medicaid services com-

parative data and methods. For information, call 970-314-6582. Medicaid changes in workshop Attend a presentation by the Colorado Cross Disability (CCDC) on October 28 to learn more about Case Management Redesign passed this year and the new assessment process for individuals who are eligible for long-term services and supports under Medicaid. This is the first of three meetings. The second one will be held next year as we have a soft rollout to understand what is and is not working. The last one will be as a person-centered budget algorithm is developed. For location and time, see the calendar event on page 45. CCDC will also provide food and a prize drawing. Renew license, ID card online permanently All Coloradans 66 years old and older can now permanently renew their license or ID online, thanks to the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors Act. The new law requires Coloradans age 21-80 to attest that they’ve had an eye examination within one year before renewing their driver’s license online. Coloradans who are older than 80 and renewing their driver license

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electronically will need to obtain a signed statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist attesting that the individual has had an eye examination within six months and the results of the exam. This statement will need to be uploaded as part of the online renewal application. To learn more, call your nearest DMV or visit https://dmv. colorado.gov. SCL Health merges with Intermountain Healthcare SCL Health and Intermountain Healthcare, two leading nonprofit healthcare organizations, have signed a letter of intent to merge and create a model health system that provides high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to more patients and communities in Colorado, including St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. The combined system will employ more than 58,000 caregivers and operate 33 hospitals, providing health insurance to about one million people. For questions, call 970-208-5685. AARP Drive Safety classes canceled All AARP Diver Safety Classes have been canceled until January 1, 2022. You may take the course online at aarp.org/drive/online with the promocode “DRIVINGSKILLS.” Culture Fest Art Show unveils October 22 A popular part of the Mesa County Libraries’ traditional Culture Fest celebration is the juried art show, which displays the amazing work of artists from throughout the community. The Art Show will be on display in the east hallway gallery at the Mesa County Central Library, 443 N. Sixth St., Grand Junction, and will hang from October 22 through December 16, 2021. ■

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of its member agencies. www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 970-243-9839, ext. 5 Food Bank of the Rockies volunteers assist in a variety of areas. www.foodbankrockies.org/west ern-slope-volunteer | 970-464-1138

Dr. William James Board Certified in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS No Doctor Referral Needed

Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to hand-write notes for care packages sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 970-523-4217

Interventional Procedures

Mental Health

Physical Therapy

Grand Junction Visitor Center seeks tourism ambassadors to welcome visitors to the Grand Valley. Flexible schedule. www.visitgrandjunction.com | 970-256-4054

Telemedicine Services

Tai Chi & Chi Kung

Regenerative Medicine

MOPS Kids (volunteers watch children while parents attend MOPS meetings at Canyon View Vineyard Church Call 970-549-6637 Palisade Historical Society welcomes volunteers who like to share the history of Palisade. Email pbwalker630@acsol.net Foster Grandparents are needed in school classrooms. Applicants must be age 55+ and may be eligible for a tax-free stipend. Call 970-298-9092 Senior Companions 55+ provide friendship and drive homebound seniors to errands/appointments. Call 970-298-9092 Mesa County Spellbinders tell stories to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. www.spellbinders.org | 970-2437303

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SUPPORT GROUPS

MeSa Montrose County & Delta Caregiver Connections meets at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Tuesdays | 10-11:30 a.m. | 970-241-2212

one, meets at Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F 1⁄4 Road. Mondays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 970-628-1453

Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella Grand Junction. Call to RSVP. 1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-822-7070

Grief Group for Pets meets at Roice-Hurst Humane Society, 362 28 Road. 2nd Wednesday, bi-monthly | 6-7 p.m. | 970-434-7337, ext. 103

Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge Care Center. 2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists (St. Mary’s Hospital). 1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-245-2400

Come Back Yoga is open to veterans and their caregivers at Western Region One Source. Wednesdays | 2:15-3:15 p.m. | 970-257-3764

Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents at Unity Church. 1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822

Hearing Loss of America, Western Colorado Chapter, meets at the Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29

COPD Support Group meets at 581 Grand Valley Drive. 4th Friday | 2 p.m. | 970-317-7556 | jimcampbell3@aol.com

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. Fifth St. 3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-778-9274

Gamblers Anonymous’ 12-step meeting is held at The Meeting Hall, 1938 N. First St. in Grand Junction. Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719 GriefShare, a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved

Job Searching After 50 meets at Mesa County Workforce Center. You must register as a job seeker at www.connectingcolorado.com. 1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-10 a.m. | 970-248-7560

Empowering You to Engage in Your Healing Process COMMON THREAD Healing Arts Services

Healing Touch • Craniosacral Therapy Reiki Therapy • Herbology • Pain Management Pre & Post Surgery Care • Depression / Trauma Relief

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Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-298-2351 MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center In-Patient Dining, 2121 North Ave. 1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location. Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-2390 Mindful Pain Management meets at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road. Fridays | 1 p.m. | 970-257-3764 MS Breakfast Group meets at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Drive. 1st Tuesday | 9 a.m. | 970-985-4935 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita. 4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www.NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989 Parents (Family) of Addicted Loved Ones meets at Four Winds, 1235 Bookcliff Ave. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-216-2232 PTSD Support Group meets at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road. Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3764 TOPS Club weight-loss support

720-717-9460

Holistic Health Specialist commonthreadgoddess@msn.com 50 | SUPPORT GROUPS | OCTOBER 2021 |

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group meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 3⁄4 Road. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241 TOPS Colorado 458 weight-loss support group meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B 1/2 Road. Tuesdays | 5 p.m. | 970-628-4981 Veteran Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source. Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3764 Veteran Peer Support meets weekly at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road. Wednesdays | 2-3 p.m. | 970-257-3764 Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only support group meets at the Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986 Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Yoga For Life meets at the St. Mary’s Life Center Aerobics Room. Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Yoga for Military Members, hosted at Western Region One Source, offers a free beginner yoga class for military members and their family Wednesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

List your support group for FREE Email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or call 243-8829

FUN AFTER 50

Senior Center Activities Senior Recreation Center activities

To register for programs, call the Fruita Community Center at 970-858-0360 or visit www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

The Senior Center is now open seven days a week 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Potlucks are coming back in October! Please check the website or contact the community center for details.

SPECIAL EVENTS Food for Thought Monday

Come have a taco and meet our new Senior Services Coordinator! Bring your thoughts and suggestions. Event is limited to 30 people, please sign up through the front desk. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | October 4 | $5

Bingo

Come play bingo, just for fun. 1-2:30 p.m. | October 12 | Free

Medicare 201: Current Changes

Come learn what is changing, how it may affect you, and bring questions to ask. 9:30-11:30 a.m. | October 18 | Free

To register for programs and for COVID-19 updates, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Grand Valley Open Studios Tour

Twenty-five fine artists open their private home studios to the public for viewing, in-progress demonstrations, and unique gift buying. Pick up a free map at local galleries, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation, the Art Center or online at www. gjpr.org/gvost. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | October 8-10 | Free

Drought Tolerant Plant Propagation

Learn how to expand your garden and make more plants from the plants you already have! Discover the four different methods of plant propagation and take a plant home at the end of the class. Learn about proper soil preparation, germination and seeding technics to grow a low maintenance, drought tolerant flower garden. 9-11 a.m. | October 14 | Lincoln Park Barn | $20

DANCE

Color River Trail Walk

Bring your camera and enjoy a stroll along the riverfront with vibrant fall colors! Sign up at the front desk. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | October 20 | $5 | Meet at Senior Center

Hike Snooks Bottom

Bring your cameras and enjoy a hike around the lake as well as the vibrant fall colors! Please sign up at the front desk. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | October 26 | $5 | Meet at Senior Center

Line Dance

Start with beginner steps and slower speeds, then end with more intermediate songs at normal speed. No partner required. 12:15-2 p.m. | Mondays (September 13-October 18; November 1-December 13) | Lincoln Park Barn | $18 for whole session, $5 drop-in

Food for Thought Friday

Bring your favorite fall recipe and enjoy a sweet treat, coffee, and chat! Event is limited to 30 people, please sign up at the front desk. 9:30-11:30 a.m. | October 29 | $3

FITNESS Monday

Silver Sneaker Yoga

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Tuesday

Silver Sneaker Classic

1:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Wednesday Silver Sneaker Circuit

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Thursday

Silver Sneaker Circuit

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Friday

Step up Dance

10:15-11:15 a.m.

FITNESS Gentle Active Yoga

This class is designed for active beginners and above. Variations, props and more challenging options are offered. Bring your own mat. 8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $50 for 10-punch pass, $7 drop-in

Silver Sneakers

Many insurance plans provide a free membership to many Grand Junction Parks and Recreation facilities. Visit silversneakers.com to see if you qualify and take advantage of this amazing benefit! n

550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junction 970-243-7408 Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Membership is $20 per year.

MONDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Games 1:00 pm Card Bingo & Dominoes

TUESDAY 9:00 am Pool Tour & Games 1:30 pm Bingo

WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 1:00 pm

Games Pool Pinochle & Canasta (Register for Pinochle by calling 8-11 am)

THURSDAY 12:00 pm Pokeno 1:00 pm Poker

FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Pool Tour and Games 12:45 p.m. Bridge 1:00 p.m. Canasta

SATURDAY 8:00 am Bridge 9:00 am Games 1:00 pm Bingo

Games cost 50 cents to play. We are trying to extend games we play, so bring your favorites. Please wear a mask if you aren’t vaccinated.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | FUN AFTER 50 |

Montrose & Delta October 1-3

CALENDAR

October 2

Waiting for Godot

Sherbino Theatre Company presents this classic play where, as the characters wait for the late Godot, anything could happen. Doors open at 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $15 | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

October 1-3

Colorado Pro Rodeo

The best cowboys in the state return to the Montrose County Fairgrounds for the Colorado Pro Rodeo Finals in a must-see competition. 6 p.m. | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | $12 | ww.montrosecountyevent center.com | 970-964-2187

October 2 Old Spanish Trail Field Trip

Join informative guides who share points of interest along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail in Delta County. Call to RSVP as space is limited. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 440 Palmer St., Delta | Free | 970-874-8349

October 14

March for Women’s Rights

Bring signs to Demoret Park or make them there for women’s rights, choice, voice, votes and justice. Includes speeches, music, art and fun. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | 246 W. Main St., Montrose | Free

Montrose BeaconFest

BeaconFest is back! Come out to Montrose Pavilion for a day full of entertainment, seminars, food and plenty of vendors and prize giveaways. The best part: it’s all free!

October 2

9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | Free | www.BeaconFest.Beacon SeniorNews.com | 970-243-8829

Book Club

Read Jonathan Mack’s “A Stranger Among Saints” and discuss with others in the Montrose Library’s meeting room. 9-10 a.m. | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | www.montroselibrary.org/ events | 970-249-9656, ext. 3

along with live entertainment. 3-6 p.m. | Hartwell Park, Ridgway | $30-$35 | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

and Kristen Yeon-Ji Yun. 2-4 p.m. | 226 Grand Ave., Paonia | $25 | www.bluesage.org | 970-527-7243

October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

October 9

October 10

Peruse a wide array of produce, meats, baked goods, artisans and food trucks. Plus, enjoy live music every week. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 422 S. First St., Montrose | Free | 970-249-0705

Montrose Senior Center hosts Ghost River Band for a night of live music. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks to share; coffee and tea provided. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7:30-11 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $5 | 970-249-7015

Make your very own beaded loom bracelets, taught by Amerson Woodie (Oglala Lakota/Navajo) at the Ute Indian Museum. Call to register. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | $15-$20 | 970-249-3098

Montrose Farmer’s Market

October 9

Ridgway 1K

Ghost River Band

October 9

October 16

Enjoy local brews, fantastic music, and try your hand at games like stein hoisting at Montrose’s Cerise Park and Rotary Amphitheater. 1-6 p.m. | Shanes Way, Montrose | $35-$45 | www.allpointstransit. com/montrose-oktoberfest

Learn to make herbal oils and topical salves from native plants like those made and used by the Utes and other southwest tribes. Registration required. Class takes place at the Ute Indian Museum. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | $30-$35 | 970-249-3098

Ridgway’s second annual Rally Thru the Alley is a fun, six-block costumed race ending at the San Juan Barrel Fest, with plenty of fun stops along the way. 1-3 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $30-$55 | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

Montrose Oktoberfest

October 9

October 10

Barrel brewers and vintners from western Colorado gather to share a cask or barrel of a special beverage,

Join the Blue Sage Center for the Arts for a special classical recital by esteemed musicians Jun Watabe

San Juan Barrel Fest

Come See Us October 14th at

Beaded Loom Bracelet Class

Blue Sage Concert

Herbal Oils & Salves Class

October 19

Ireland’s Greatest Showman: David Shannon

Delta-Montrose Community Concert

Booth #41 in Montrose!

Need a ride? All Points Transit can help! Now Providing Medicaid Rides! Local & Regional Service to Montrose & Grand Junction

Serving communities throughout Montrose, Delta, San Miguel & Ouray Counties Montrose, San Miguel, & Ouray Counties

Delta County

DAV Scheduling

970-249-0128 970-874-7334 970-240-4698 52 | CALENDAR | OCTOBER 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

www.AllPointsTransit.org

CALENDAR

October 15

Golden Oak Band concert at Blue Sage in Paonia

Golden Oak’s music soothes listeners with rich folk-influenced sibling harmony. Hosted by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. 7-9 p.m. | 226 Grand Ave., Paonia | $25 | www.bluesage.org | 970-527-7243 Association begins its new season with renowned Broadway singer David Shannon. 7-9 p.m. | 822 Grand Ave., Delta | $20-$45 | www.concertassociation. net/DeltaCO

October 21

2022 RMHP Medicare Plans

Joseph Barrows from Medicare Resource Center presents the new 2022 Rocky Mountain Health Plans Medicare options at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites’ Jordan meeting room. Call to RSVP. 10 a.m. | 1391 S. Townsend, Montrose | 970-250-3264

October 22-24

Fall Home & Outdoor Expo

Finish up your home projects with the latest in home improvement, remodeling, design and outdoor living at Montrose County Fairgrounds. See website for times. 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | Free | www.montrosehomeexpo.com | 303-867-0808

Schedule Your Screening

(970) 252-2893 �

October 23 Lugnuts live

Montrose Senior Center hosts Lugnuts live. Attendees can bring snacks to share. Coffee and tea provided. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 7:30-11 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $5 | 970-249-7015

October 29

Delta Trick or Treat

Bring the grandkids to Delta’s Main Street Trick or Treat, featuring local businesses, first responders and law enforcement handing out treats. 3-6 p.m. | Main Street, Delta | Free | 970-874-8616

MONTROSE.�' H O S Pl T A L

M E M O R I A L

www.MontroseHospital.com

October 29-31

I Only Have Fangs for You

Magic Circle Players presents “I Only Have Fangs for You,” a comedic melodrama that entertains with vampire mishaps and witty fun. Evening performances on Friday and Saturday, and matinee on Sunday. 2 p.m./ 7:30 p.m. | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $15-$19 | www.magic circleplayers.com | 970-249-7838 ■

SEE MORE EVENTS AT: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Breathtaking Views with 18 Holes of Incredible Golf

awaits you!

SENIOR RATES Monday thru Thursday 9 Holes w/Cart - $20 18 Holes w/Cart - $39 20% OFF SELECT MEMBERSHIPS*

M O N T R O S E - D E LTA

E N T E RTA I N M E N T

FOOD • INFO

Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Montrose Pavilion

ENTERTAINMENT, SEMINARS, FOOD & FUN! FREE ADMISSION! For information call 243-8829 THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 SPONSORS!

*For All Non-Delta County Residents and First-Time Members (Does not include cart)

Montrose & Delta Alpine Photography Club meets at Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose Campus, classroom 100. 2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com

CLUBS

1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | lmclean@montroselibrary.org

your own materials. Call for details. 970-249-7198

Citizens Climate Lobby meets at Montrose Library’s meeting room on October 11. 6:30 p.m. | 970-765-9095 | montrose@citizensclimatelobby.org

Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers! Call to learn more. 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com

Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets weekly at Montrose Senior Center. Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860

Crafternoon meets in Montrose Library’s meeting room. Members knit and crochet projects to donate to charities. Supplies provided. 1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays | 2:304:30 p.m. | 970-249-9656

Friendship Quilters meet at Montrose County Fairgrounds’ Friendship Hall 4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842

Book Club meets virtually through Montrose Regional Library.

Crafty Chatty members socialize and work on craft projects. Bring

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part a cappella at Olathe United Methodist Church. Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-765-7020

Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society offers free help and resources with family history research at the Montrose Genealogy Center. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755 Kiwanis Club of Delta meets at Daveto’s for lunch. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 12 p.m. | 970-985-8413 Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way, Montrose. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970986-2550 | lvcribbs@charter.net Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142 Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Drive. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852 Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at Montrose Pavilion. Dancers of all ages are welcome. 2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-11 p.m. | $5 | 970-252-7172 San Juan Dance Club offers eight styles of dance lessons at Precedence Dance Academy in Montrose. Singles welcome. Thursdays | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | 970-252-9600 | patdouglas213@ yahoo.com

Senior Lunch Bunch Club shares lunch at Our Town Matters in Montrose. Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-901-9914 Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction. 2nd Saturday | 1:30 p.m. | 970-2455649 | www.vestafjelllodge.org Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center. Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org Veterans Coffee Westend meets at the Nucla Airport. 2nd Wednesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets at Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road. 1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-209-5326 ■

Email your club’s information to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

SUPPORT GROUPS Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room. 2nd Monday | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 970-874-6410

54 | CLUBS | OCTOBER 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

NAMI NAMI Family Family Support Support Group Group meets meets at at the the PIC PIC Place, Place, 87 87 MerMerchant Drive, Montrose. chant Drive, Montrose. 3rd 3rd Wednesday Wednesday || 5:30-7 5:30-7 p.m. p.m. || 970-520-282-9060 520-282-9060

FUN AFTER 50

Senior Center Activities

Telluride Tours

To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit www.montroserec.com

LECTURES A Look at Fur Traders

Author Bob Silbernagel compares the fur trade in the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes region, examining two men who played prominent roles. 1 p.m. | October 5 | Senior Center

Medicare Open Enrollment

Learn about Medicare v. Advantage Plans from Region 10 SHIP Counselor Judy Dietrich. 1 p.m. | October 18 | Senior Center

Medicare Part D

This hands-on demonstration shows you step-by-step how to find the best prescription drug coverage for you in 2022. 1 p.m. | October 27 | Senior Center

TRIPS & TOURS Redstone Castle Tour

The Castle provides a unique glimpse into the styles and social culture of America’s elite at the turn of the 20th century. Plus, the ride over McClure Pass has the potential for spectacular fall colors. Bring lunch money. 7:15 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | October 1 | $60 | Meet at Senior Center

Shopping and Lunch in Grand Junction

Head to the Mesa Mall to explore new stores: Dillard’s, Home Goods, the Dugout Arcade and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Stops customized to participant’s requests. Bring lunch money. 8:15 a.m.-5 p.m. | October 14 | $21 | Meet at Senior Center

Body Blitz

Tour community center Ah Haa School for the Arts, the American Academy of Bookbinding, and the Transfer Warehouse, a 1906 roofless building used for a plethora of events. 7:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | October 19 | $21 | Meet at Senior Center

ACTIVITIES Senior Lunch Bunch Club

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class. 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays

Yoga Fusion To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf

Bring your lunch and make new friends. Coffee and tea provided. 12 p.m. | Fridays | Senior Center

Ceramics and Crafters Day

Bring your own craft project and supplies. For ceramics, bring your own piece or purchase from us. We provide acrylic paints, finishing sprays, glazes, and will fire your pieces. 12-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | Senior Center Craft Room

Jam Session / Sing Along

CLASSES Tuesday Needlers

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Pinochle

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Dominoes

1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $15

Party Bridge Club

1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | $15

This vinyasa flow style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre elements. 5:30 p.m. | Wednesdays

POOL FITNESS Monday Movers

Jumpstart your week with a mid to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class. 5:30 p.m. | Mondays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas. 9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Body & Health

Do you play an instrument and/or sing? This casual group takes turns picking and leading a song. Spectators welcome. 4-6 p.m. | Mondays | Senior Center

Chess Club

Garment Sewing Group

Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. 12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Senior Circuit

Tone those muscles, pump up that heart, and get an overall good workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges. 5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Refresh your skills, exchange ideas and connect with others who love to sew. 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | 3rd Thursday | Senior Center

FITNESS Line Dancing

Learn line dancing steps with formal instruction. 4-6 p.m. | Mondays | $2 | Senior Center

Stretch Exercise

5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | Free

FITNESS Pilates

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises. 9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar. 9 a.m. Tuesdays | 6 a.m. Wednesdays

Increase flexibility and energy in this taped program. 9-9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | Free | Senior Center

Healthy Body Strong Bones

Moving with Mike

Silver Sneakers Classic

This DVD-led workout includes a warmup, 20-minute workout, and a 5-minute stretch/cool down. 9-9:30 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays | Free | Senior Center n

Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength. 9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool. 10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Full Body Cardio

Silver Sneakers Splash

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for all skill levels including non-swimmers. 8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays. n

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | FUN AFTER 50 |

Montrose & Delta

BEACON BITS

Montrose Memorial Hospital performs first Navigational Bronchoscopy The Montrose Lung & Sleep Center of Montrose Memorial Hospital performed the first Navigational Bronchoscopy in the area, a procedure that screens for lung cancer. Previously, patients with a suspicious nodule in their lungs often required travel to the front range due to the extensive skill and technology required for the procedure. Nodules in the

lungs are sometimes benign but can sometimes be dangerous and may be lung cancer. For this reason, many patients choose to have their suspicious lung nodules evaluated to better understand their risk. Navigational Bronchoscopy allows patients to receive a biopsy of the nodule, even if the nodule is located deep in the lungs. Lung cancer is a major concern, as it is the second most common cancer in both men and women. To learn more about this new service offered at Montrose Memorial Hospital, please call 970-252-2753.

Live a meaningful and purposefilled life at…

Western Slope Concert Series season tickets on sale Western Slope Concert Series’ 23rd season will be held in Grand Junction at Colorado Mesa University’s Moss Performing Arts Center and in Montrose at the Montrose Pavilion. General admission tickets cost $17 and season tickets are $68. Purchase tickets online at www.westernslopeconcertseries. org or call 970-216-9245.

than 80 and renewing their driver license electronically will need to obtain a signed statement from an optometrist or ophthalmologist attesting that the individual has had an eye examination within six months and the results of the exam. This statement will need to be uploaded as part of the online renewal application. To learn more, call your nearest DMV or visit https://dmv. colorado.gov.

Renew license, ID card online permanently All Coloradans 66 years old and older can now permanently renew their license or ID online, thanks to the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors Act. The new law requires Coloradans age 21-80 to attest that they’ve had an eye examination within one year before renewing their driver’s license online. Coloradans who are older

Registration open for Delta blood draw days and flu clinic Registration for Delta Health’s annual blood draw days and flu clinic is now open. The clinic will be held October 13-16 at Delta Middle School, 401 E. 10th St. Register for the blood draws online at www. deltahospital.org or call 1-800217-5866 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are appointment slots available from

Authentically Colorado Nestled at the base of the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado, you will discover a place where a true Colorado lifestyle thrives and a sense of community flourishes…these are the Homes at Cobble Creek.. Discover the Possibilities.

Colorow Care Center Dedicated to creating quality of life for elders and their care partners

Services at Colorow Care Center include: Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Care Short and Long Term Skilled Nursing Care Secured Memory Care | Respite Care | Hospice Care

970-323-5504 855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425

P: 970.765.4335 • 699 Cobble Drive, Montrose, CO 81403 www.homesatcobblecreek.com •

We Accept:

56 | BEACON BITS | OCTOBER 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

6-11:30 a.m. each day. No walk-ins are allowed. Blood draw prices vary depending on tests. Delta Health is also offering high dose and regular flu shots each day for people after their blood draws. No appointment is needed for the flu vaccine. The flu shot is free with most insurance but cash and check are accepted. The regular flu shot is $20 for ages 18 and older; the high dose flu shot is $60 for those 65 and older. Kick off to Christmas in Delta Join in the fun for Delta Chamber of Commerce’s Heartfelt Festival of Trees by sponsoring a Christmas tree. All trees will be auctioned off, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to a local family in need. Call 970-874-8616 to sponsor a tree. Ft. Uncompahgre designated first non-federal interpretive center on Old Spanish Trail Bureau of Land Management’s National Park Service (NPS) recently designated Fort Uncompahgre an official Certified Site. This means the Fort can now accept NPS Passes and have the official NPS stamp for the passport books. Also, you and your family can enjoy free admission if you have a National Park Pass. Interpretive signs and outdoor brochure racks were added to help inform the public about the history of the Old Spanish Trail 24/7. The Fort will be hosting a field trip on the Old Spanish Trail on October 2, which you can learn more about on page 52. ■

Question VOLUNTEERS WANTED Sharing Ministries Food Bank in Montrose seeks dedicated volunteers for three hours, one day a week. www.sharingministries.com | 970-240-8385 Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661 Friends of Montrose Library seeks volunteers to sort donated books, run book sales and serve on its board of directors. Meetings are held once a month. www.montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656 Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans seeks volunteers to help at its ReStore or at its construction sites. www.buildinglives.org | 970-252-9303 Time Bank of the Rockies is a Montrose-based nonprofit that helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886 Museum of the Mountain West seeks volunteer tour guides to bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Siggie Carpenter

What’s an experience that gives you goosebumps? Paula George - Montrose “I’m a singer for the local band ‘Jedi George Hurricane.’ I always get goosebumps just before I have to harmonize with the guys in hopes that I will blend perfectly with them. These are ‘good’ goosebumps that help to keep me on key.”

Margi Beecher - Ridgway “Winter is my favorite season, which is one of the reasons I love living in the Ridgway-Ouray area. I always get goosebumps when we go snowmobiling after a new snowfall because the ground is pristine and crystalized. I love that feeling—it makes me feel so alive.”

Bo Payne - Montrose “When I worked in Alaska, I assisted the bush pilots who flew into remote areas to deliver supplies; there were no real runways where we landed. When I think about some of the places where we landed I still get goosebumps, especially the time we landed on a glacier.”

Tanya Goodrich - Montrose

Send news and announcements to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

“I’m an avid jeep tripper and love the open road. I get goosebumps whenever I come around a corner and see the breathtaking panoramic views of the land and hidden treasures around here. It never gets old; every season is new. These goosebumps make me appreciate nature’s beauty even in devastated areas.”

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | BEACON BITS |

FUN & GAMES

ADD SOME

TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE by advertising here in Fun & Games

Call 243-8829 58 | FUN & GAMES | OCTOBER 2021 |

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FUN & GAMES

CROSSWORD 3X WINNER

ONE BANK. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE BRAND NEW LOCATION. Bank of Colorado is pleased to announce the opening of our newest branch.

2452 PATTERSON RD. Stop in and experience the difference community banking can make.

ACROSS 1. Good fortune 5. Tropical eel 10. Tooth 14. Casa cookware 15. Like Santa 16. Golden calf 17. The Tower of Pisa

does this

18. Lab work 19. Verdi opera 20. Very long 22. Unit of magnetic intensity

24. At all 25. Jiffy 26. Recreation 29. Memorable time 32. Bank offerings 36. 100 centavos 37. Title of reverence

for God

39. Notice 40. Naive 43. ___ tai 44. Intolerance 45. And here it is! 46. Parisian pupil 48. Mystery writer Josephine

49. Sacred text of Islam 50. Tree-ring indication

52. That guy 53. Without exception 57. Appendix 61. “The Time

Machine” race

62. Favored crime of pyromaniacs

64. Madcap 65. Pieces partner 66. Irish county 67. Steven Chu’s

cabinet dept.

68. Engrave with acid 69. Camp sights 70. Tabula ___

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Hang loose Peter Fonda role Scottish social unit Leaping marsupial Like wool sweaters in storage 6. Follow instructions 7. Hi-___ monitor 8. Respecting 9. Affirmatives 10. Ignominious failure 11. Passage into a mine 12. Lymph ___ 13. Delighted 21. Blasting stuff

23. Revered remnant 26. Froth 27. Pertaining to

punishment 28. Actor Davis 29. Proclamation 30. Comic O’Donnell 31. Restless 33. ___ Is Born 34. ___ lift? 35. Four-door 37. Eureka! 38. Align the cross hairs 41. Ragu competitor 42. Medicinal application spray 47. Disappear 49. Rib 51. Make into law 52. Sharpens 53. Nixon pal Rebozo 54. Landed 55. Campus mil. group 56. First name in courtroom fiction 57. Bud of “Harold and Maude” 58. Scene of first miracle 59. Supermodel Sastre 60. Vega’s constellation 63. ___ Remo

21_BC104_GJ_BRANCH_OPENING_AD_511x611.indd 1

9/20/21 9:51 AM

SUDOKU

Turn to next spread for puzzle answers WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | FUN & GAMES |

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS RATES

Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 |

To place your classified, call:

To place your classified, call -243-8829 970

970-243-8829

or submit online at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

or submit at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

+$1 per word

CLASSES

HELP WANTED

HOME SERVICES

Always Free Women’s Self Defense classes for Ladies 18 and older for groups of 2 to 24. No athleticism required with safety for all. Simple yet effective methods to escape assault. Offered by nationally certified Black Belt with over 35 years of experience. Please call (not text) Bob at 970261-2445 and leave your name and number.

Uplift your life while making a difference in the lives of others! Comfort Keepers is hiring in-home Caregivers in the Grand Junction/ Delta/Montrose area. Call: 970-2418818 Website: CKColorado.com

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC. Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 970-2421264.

HOME SERVICES

FOR SALE Rehoming older two older Chihuahuas and one Yorkie, rescue dogs. GOOD PATIENT FOREVER HOMES ONLY. Text 970-901-9364 or email lazybj11@ yahoo.com. No phone calls please. Use Happy Jack® Kennel Dip as an area spray to control deer ticks & stable flies. At Tractor Supply. (www. kennelvax.com) Use Happy Jack® Skin Balm® on cats & dogs to treat hot spots, flea allergies without steroids! At Tractor Supply. (www.fleabeacon.com)

10% Senior Discount on Repairs

970-258-0930

FELICIANO’S L.L.C. AFFORDABLE LAWN CARE, Trimming, Pruning, Brush Removal and Weed Services. Send pictures of your yard for a fast, free estimate, or give me a call 970852-2941.

Deadline is the

30 words or less per ad

15th of Each Month HOME SERVICES

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES. With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the Valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 970-216-0048.

20% SENIOR DISCOUNT. Call Dragon Heating & A/C, Inc. Serving the Western Slope since 2006. Your Comfort is Our Business. Call to schedule services and for a free estimate: 970-858-4775. www. dragonhvac.com.

THE CLEANING LADY. School is back in session, let’s clean out the clutter! Competitive rates on downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning—weekly, biweekly, monthly or just once. Linda K. 720-841-7505 or 970-263-7364.

SERVICES

B&D’s

Resale & Services

No job too big or small Moving, trash haul away, construction cleanup, estate & yard sales

I buy silver, gold, antiques, knives, watches, military, coins, old signs. Same day service and free quotes. Call Brandon

970-930-1942

FREELANCE REPORTERS WANTED!

Please send your letter and resume to: Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com. No phone calls please.

A prepaid funeral plan protects your family. Planning your life celebration now will give you and your family valuable peace of mind. Our guaranteed, prepaid funeral plans protect everyone from hard financial and emotional decisions at a time of loss. We’ll help you take care of every detail, including affordable payment plans.

FREE planning guide:

DignityMemorial.com

CALLAHAN-EDFAST MORTUARY & CREMATORY | GRAND JUNCTION

970-243-2450

MARTIN MORTUARY & CREMATORY | GRAND JUNCTION

970-243-1538

60 | CLASSIFIEDS | OCTOBER 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES

Pat's Hair Salon & Ceramics

SENIOR BEAUTY SPECIAL. First-time clients receive $10 off single service, $15 off cut and color packages. Regan’s Regal Beauty, 2500 North Ave., #2, Grand Junction. Call Regan to schedule: 719-425-0543

All Hair Salon Services Available

Great Prices on Perms Senior Discounts

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN DOLL MAKING CLASSES & SUPPLIES

970-778-8075 YOUR AMERICAN MOMENT YOUR LIFE, ALL ABOUT YOU. Talk to Don, a simple relaxed conversation FAMILY, FRIENDS, CAREER, EDUCATION, TRAVEL, MARRIAGE, CHILDREN, VERY SPECIAL TIMES. For information CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL Don Teets 970-778-9336 • brtddt@gmail.com

Hair on Wheels at your door. Barbering, haircuts, color, all your hair needs. Senior Discounts. Call Melody 970-201-0267. JQ FOOT CARE providing in-home toenail care, including cleansing of feet, inspection, nails trimmed, filed and lotion applied with massage. $40 for session. Education to promote foot health. 970-250-7454. COMPUTER LADY, LLC. In-home repair. 18 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. Remote services available. www. CompLady.com or 970-255-1216.

HEALTH & WELLNESS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR DAYS IN MONTROSE AND GRAND JUNCTION. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www. healthychoicesunltd.com.

Help Hope Bloom Be one of the 1,000 people to give or pledge $1,000 to help Bring it home!

As a member of the HopeWest Team and lead for The CLUB program at the Bacon Center for Living Your Best, I am honored to be a part of the vision and mission of a different future for aging well—one that supports a continuum of care for those aging in our community. Every day I am both inspired and humbled by the genuine, compassionate care and support given to HopeWest patients and their families— it is life-changing.

WANTED TO BUY USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE. Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. located in front of Walmart next to Subway. 10-6 MonSat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

WANTED Senior couple: he-retired Auditor and military pilot; she-retired financial prof looking for quiet, rural place for 5th Wheel for at least a year. He’s from SW Wyoming; she’s from West slope. Moving in Spring. 307-799-8348.

EVENTS We’re back! Arts crafts sale. PEO chapter HU. November 6, 9-2. Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road, Grand Junction. Purchase breakfast lunch. Cookies, variety of crafts. Free admission.

Puzzle Answers

peWest Employee Julie Elliott, Ho onor & HopeBlooms D

I am no exception to the truth that aging, illness and grief touch us all. I have had loved ones and family friends pass through the care of HopeWest. I was incredibly moved by the compassionate care and support that our families received. HopeWest IS profoundly changing the experiences of aging, illness and grief within our community. The expansion of programs at the Bacon Center for Living Your Best will expand our continuum of care for seniors, enabling them to live in their own homes independently and safely while also providing a safe place to gather, socialize, strengthen mind-body-sprit, and stay well.

Please consider joining me in support of the HopeBlooms Campaign. All donations are important and meaningful and will make a difference. Together we can ensure “Hope Blooms” today and for generations to come. – Julie Elliott, HopeWest

Employee & HopeBlooms Donor

donate online today at hopeBloomsco.org OR mail your check to HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Call (970) 263-2186 for more information. WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2021 | CLASSIFIEDS |

OPINION INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Reflections from an Afghanistan vet By Joe Reagan

Trust is earned Western Colorado has turned to Hilltop for compassionate care for over 70 years. Our award-winning senior living communities offer: n Luxurious apartments with views, spacious floorplans, and paid utilities n Restaurant-style dining n Beautiful outdoor spaces and walking trails n Social activities and trips

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

The Commons • 243-3333 The Fountains • 243-8800 625 27 1/2 Road • TheCommonsGJ.org

3203 N. 15th Street • TheFountainsGJ.org

62 | OPINION | OCTOBER 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

he past weeks have been extraordinarily difficult for those with a personal connection to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. I watched a CNN reporter broadcast from a base in Andar, Afghanistan—a base that my soldiers and I built, and the base where I was wounded in 2006. Seeing it on the screen brought back a lot of memories, good and bad. When we first secured Andar we were using an open space adjacent to the district center compound to land helicopters. Unbeknown to us, that open space was a cemetery. One day the elder approached me and said, “You’re landing helicopters in our cemetery, and this is deeply disrespectful.” We talked for hours. Right as the villagers and elders were satisfied that we intended no harm and we agreed on a new place to land helicopters, I heard the distinct sound of a far-off Chinook Helicopter. Despite my best efforts to wave them off, two giant Chinooks landed right in front of us in the cemetery, sandblasting the entire group of gathered elders in the process and effectively undoing all the goodwill I had just spent hours building. Of the 847 days I spent serving in Afghanistan, every single one was like that day. A few steps forward, a few steps back. In my conversations with fellow veterans, their memories are about the same. The question that keeps coming up is, was it worth it? Unfortunately, most are having a hard time answering that question. There’s a term for that: Moral Injury. Moral Injury is the mind’s response to actions or memories that are in violation of a person’s values and beliefs. Some might call it an injury to the soul. For 20 years, the full weight of the War on Terror fell on the shoulders of less than

WHAT WE’RE WITNESSING TODAY IS NOT OUR FAILURE. THIS IS NOT OUR BURDEN TO BEAR. 1 percent of us. When 2.7 million Americans voluntarily answered the call to serve, 7,057 never came home and another 30,177 came home only to take their own lives. To the brave men and women who volunteered and to the families of the fallen: The sacrifices you and your families made were not in vain. What we’re witnessing today is not our failure. This is not our burden to bear. The fact is, you carried more than your fair share and you are stronger because of it. It’s okay to not be okay right now. Let’s take some time to reconnect with old friends, remind ourselves about that time we were handed a mission, given no resources to execute the mission, and somehow figured out how to make it work. Take that problem-solving mindset into our next mission. Your country and your communities need strong leaders like you to tackle tough problems, and solving tough problems is what we do best. For those who lost their lives either to our enemies abroad or the demons within, their names inspire us. They sacrificed their tomorrow so that we could have our today. We have an obligation to live up to their legacy and to make those sacrifices matter. What we’re seeing today should only strengthen our resolve to do so. ■ Joseph Reagan, Director of Military and Veterans Outreach for Wreaths Across America, served eight years on active duty in the U.S. Army including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division.

New To The Grand Valley! Introducing Our STELLAR Communities

970-245-1211 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive | Grand Junction, CO 81501

970-242-7356 2825 Patterson Road | Grand Junction, CO 81506

The STELLAR Difference Is Our Values! SERVICE

INTEGRITY

We pledge to diligently serve our residents, their families and each other with care, compassion and love.

We pledge to act responsibly, be trustworthy and to take responsibility for our actions.

INSPIRATION

JOY

We pledge to empower our residents and each other: to seek fulfillment from life by inspiring hopes and dreams.

We pledge to help others, every day, to smile, be happy and enjoy.

S T E L L A R S E N I O R L I V I N G I S F A M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D

Money Money in in your pocket, your pocket, times three times three Big Zero Big Three— Big Zero Three— big benefits, bigBig savings

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pzapf@humana.com *For 90-day mail delivery. The $0 copay applies to Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications www.facebook.com/pattizapfhumana *For 90-day mail delivery. The $0 copay applies to Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications using a mail-delivery pharmacy with preferred cost sharing after any applicable using a mail-delivery pharmacy with preferred cost sharing after any applicable

deductible is met. **Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order pharmacy, Humana Pharmacy® always consult with your doctor or medical provider before deductible is met. taking over-the-counter medications. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan **Available only through participating retailers and Humana’s mail-order depends on contract renewal. Applicable to HumanaChoice H5216-078 (PPO). At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civilPharmacy rights laws and ® doalways not discriminate on the basis of race, color,doctor national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender consult with your or medical pharmacy, Humana identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). provider before taking over-the-counter medications. Humana is a Medicare Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization。with Medicare(TTY contract. Enrollment (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務請致電a 1-877-320-1235 :711)。

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*For The $0 copay applies to Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications in any90-day Humanamail plan delivery. depends on contract renewal. Applicable to HumanaChoice