October 2022 - BEACON Senior News

MEDICARE INFO TO KNOW

A Medicare 101 series brought to you by the local, experienced insurance agents at the Medicare Resource Center of Grand Junction.

What Should I Consider When Choosing a New Medicare Plan?

It’s important to make sure your Medicare plan meets your health and budget needs. Consider these factors when choosing a new plan.

Costs: How much are your premiums, deductibles, and other costs? Is there an annual out-of-pocket maximum amount?

Coverage: Do you have coverage from another health insurance plan, such as from an employer or from a Medicare supplemental plan?

Provider Choice: Does your doctor accept your plan’s coverage, or are they in network? Does your plan require you to have a referral?

TRANSPARENCY

SIMPLICITY

Benefits: Does your plan meet your health needs? Are additional benefits like vision, dental, or hearing coverage important to you?

Prescriptions: Do you have medications you take? Are they included in your plan’s list of covered prescription drugs (formulary)?

Travel: Does your plan cover care outside of the United States, including worldwide ambulance or emergency coverage?

COURTESY

TRUST

We’re here to help you find answers to your questions and navigate your plan options. Stop in today and let the local agents who live and work on the Western Slope help you find your plan!

Monday

Friday

a.m.

p.m.

Join us at the Medicare Resource Center as we partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to host an educational series dedicated to Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

When: Second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. October topic: Healthy Living For Your Brain & Body - Tips from the Latest Research

MedicareResourceCenter.com is a non-government resource privately owned and operated by Benefits Life, Inc. MedicareResourceCenter.com is not associated with or endorsed by Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency.

Joe Barrows Sales Director

Christine Bogott MHB Group

David Shoemaker DVS Insurance Agency

Martin DeBoer, Sr. Caprock Insurance Agency

Nancy Bartlett First Choice Insurance Broker

Nat Bertrami N I Bertrami Insurance Agency

Verna Shoemaker DVS Insurance Agency

IN THIS ISSUE

Publisher

Kevin K. VanGundy

Founding Publisher Susan Capps

Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin

Graphic Designers

B. Bigler

Michael L. Madsen

Customer Service Manager

Stacey Splude

Advertising Director

Kevin K. VanGundy

Advertising Executive Debra Romaniec

Toni Moersfelder

Advertising & Marketing Assistant

Kayla Pool

Proofreader

Jan Weeks Delivery Lauren VanGundy

Brittney Bade Justin Bowen

P.O. Box 3895

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Phone: 970-243-8829

Website www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

The BEACON celebrates age and 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 preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

© Copyright 2022 • All Rights Reserved

8 COVER STORY

Ultimate Snowbirds

A couple of Montrose snowbirds share secrets and advice for “cruising” on their sailboat off the Florida coast

20 Aging Got You Down?

Get personalized help with your mental health from Family Health West’s new Senior Life Solutions program

24

When Halloween Night Was a Fright!

From masks and costumes to high jinks and frights, readers recall stories from their best Halloween

13 4 Tricks and Treats for Keeping Your Pet Safe this Halloween

As you gear up for a wicked-fun Halloween, follow these tips to keep your pet safe among the festivities

14 5 Signs You’re Entering Menopause

Doctors say there is no predictable timeline for menopause symptoms, but keep an eye out for these indicators

15 The Potent Power of Pickle Juice

While the thought might be facepuckering, pickle juice has some pretty amazing health benefits

16

On the Cover

Martin and Sally Sprang of Montrose pose for a photo at one of their favorite island destinations and their part-time home away from home.

Fall Fitness Tips

Take in these ways to avoid the fall and winter fitness slump and keep focused on staying fit

Enter to Win Tickets!

Mail in your entry form or sign up for the BEACON’s e-blast to win 2 tickets to The Everly Set, a tribute to the Everly Brothers at the Avalon Theatre

27 Get Your Home Ready for Fall

Learn how to help and get help from other seniors when it comes to home maintenance projects

28 Basques on the Western Slope A history of local Basques and how their culture influenced the Grand Valley and beyond

32 Flatties on the Flat Top Breast cancer survivors band together on Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat top mountain

35 What to Do With Your Old Tech Technology has become faster and cheaper, but has also led to one major problem

42 Why We Like to Be Scared

Why do we pay to see a movie that evokes terror? The appeal of horror movies arises from three factors

44 MESA COUNTY

44 Calendar

52 MONTROSE & DELTA

52 Calendar

Fun & Games

Classifieds

More than 1,200 seniors walked through the doors of the Montrose Pavilion on September 15 to immerse themselves in Colora do’s largest and funnest celebration of age! The 11th annual Mon trose-Delta BeaconFest was full of live entertainment and prize giveaways, informa tion and resources from more than 60 businesses, socializing with friends and lots of fun!

ble and Peggy Malone’s swingin’ honky-tonk-style show! Se niors eagerly grabbed a seat to watch an engaging square dance demon stration by the Delta Hub wheelers and Black Canyon Twirlers.

Local experts shared their ad vice about Medicare, retirement planning, longterm care options and advance funeral planning to curious seniors who attended our spread of free seminars.

baskets, restaurant gift cards, several rounds of golf, free oil changes, bowling, movie passes, cash and more! Thanks to all of the businesses who donated all of the wonderful prizes!

Montrose-Delta BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of more than 60 vendors who set up booths, and our show sponsors: Volunteers of America, Humana and Elk Ridge Health & Rehabilita tion Center. Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of the senior community.

Blondie Campbell

Jedi George kicked off the show’s entertainment with soft covers of some of rock ’n’ roll’s greatest hits, followed by the soothing melodies of Robin Freed and the Harps in Motion Ensem

As if the seminars, live entertain ment and vendor booths weren’t enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30 minutes. We gave away gift

To our volunteers, entertainers and most importantly, you, our guests, thank you for coming to MontroseDelta BeaconFest and for reading the BEACON Senior News! ■

BEACON readers selected Blondie Campbell for this year’s Volunteer of the Year award. The long-time Golden Circle Seniors volunteer was honored at the stage alongside fellow volunteers Darla Volgamore (HopeWest) and Beth McCorkle (All Points Transit) for their altruistic volun teer work in the community.

Booth with the

Booth

with the Friendliest People Compass Medical

A spooky time of year

I’ve always wanted to go all out decorating my house for Halloween. Nothing kitschy like an inflatable Snoopy wearing a witch’s hat or goofy-smiling jack-o-lanterns on my front porch—I’m talking full-blown scary!

The closest I ever came to this was in college. My now-husband Sam and me, my best friend Brittany and one other roommate shared a house a few blocks away from CMU. Each year, we threw a Halloween party.

Like most college students, we didn’t have the funds to spend on sophisticated Halloween decorations. Mostly, we strung out a lot of fake spiderweb around the house with orange lights and a few cheap decorations. Some years, the boys buried a “dead body” in a pile of leaves near the sidewalk.

We set up strobe lights in my front yard and blasted ambient drone music from the speakers in my living room, which were so big they made the house vibrate. We brought up scary sound effects (cawing crows, moaning ghosts, cackling witches, etc.) on YouTube and set it to loop.

One Halloween, Sam bought a green man suit—a full-body skin suit that covered his face. He added a pair of black pants and a can dy-striped jacket he found at Goodwill and sat in a chair on my front porch holding a bowl of candy for trick-or-treaters.

Kids approached my house slowly. The older ones taunted my husband who sat still as a statue while the younger ones made sure their parents were close behind. Both were unsure whether the green man was real or not. So they hesitantly reached into the bowl for candy…

Sometimes he’d move to scare the older kids or curious young ones. For the more timid trick-or-treaters, I’d reach into the bowl and pull out candy for them.

As we were cleaning up the spiderweb and putting away the Halloween decorations, a few neighborhood kids came to my door asking about the man in the green suit.

Some of my friends deck out their homes with timely décor for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the changing seasons. But none of them decorate for Halloween. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve decorated my home for any holiday since (except for a Christmas tree).

I’d like to think of myself as a minimalist, but really I’m just a lazy decorator.

MEDICARE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY

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. For free, unbiased help with Medicare, call your local SHIP office. In Mesa County call 970-243-9839, ext. 1. In Montrose and Delta, call 970-765-3129.

GET IN THE BEACON GUIDE

Planning is underway for our 2023 BEACON Guide in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta Counties. Do you know of an organization or resource that should be listed? Pass along their info by emailing Beacon@PendantPublishing. com or call 970-243-8828. ■

LETTERS

From Readers

Thank you for including one of my poems in your August edition!

-Nona Kelley Carver

Read more about Nona on page 40.

I Can Save Your Life! (Sept.)

The article is excellent! Thank you for listen ing, caring and especially for your enthusi asm!

- Rudy Malesich

Dumbbells (Sept.)

So excited to share the value of strength training and using dumbbells! To a healthy, strong and vibrant second half!

- Alicia Jones

Grow Wild (Sept.)

“Frost”—what’s that? We’re still looking at triple temps (112 degrees today!) I can’t grow weeds right now!

- Joan B.

Laughing Matters

Laughing Matters consistently includes sexist, offensive “jokes.” These jokes are the sort that might have been popular, unfortu nately, over half a century ago, before wom en had the legal power and financial options to stand up for ourselves, but that “humor” is unacceptable now. Find a new source of jokes that are respectful of women!

- Joyce C.

Cloie: I hear ya, Joyce. Humor is tricky—we definitely don’t all find the same things to be funny. Our jokes are submitted by readers, but perhaps your email will inspire more sensitivity

Coastal Grandmother (September)

Just got finished read ing the whole issue. It’s such a great mag! Also, I have a new-to-me outfit from Goodwill that fits with Coastal Grandma fashion!

- Cindy W.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

■ Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

■ Facebook: @BeaconSeniorNews

Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

■ Mail: PO Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502

■ Call: 970-243-8829

Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief

Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

Christmas is my favorite holiday, but Halloween’s a close second.

Set sail to warmer winters just like this Montrose couple

By Leanne Goebel

Many of us long to be seasonal migrants and fly south for the winter like the sparrows and grosbeaks. Some of us are lucky enough to take vacation time and hit the beach while the winter winds blow across Western Colorado. Others come north from their southern sun shine to experience snow skiing and snowboard ing. Still, others build architectural masterpieces they visit twice a year in exclusive enclaves like Ouray and Telluride.

Montrose residents Martin and Sally Sprang might be the ultimate snowbirds, dividing time between their home in Montrose, their cabin near Horsefly Peak and their 40-foot sailboat The Down Island, a single-mast, full-keel, blue water ocean vessel, between Florida and the Bahamas.

WITHOUT A SCHEDULE

Living for months on a sailboat was not some thing that happened spontaneously.

The Sprangs were on vacation in the Caribbe an many years ago when they became interested in sailboats. They learned to sail and were cer tified. Then, they chartered sailboats for twoweek trips to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and the Grenadines for 10 or 12 years. After dozens of charter trips, the company’s workers said they were surprised the couple hadn’t pur chased their own boat. That got them thinking, researching and planning. Eight years ago, they bought a 1998 Island Packet.

They knew that living on a boat was an offgrid experience, which they understood from their charter trips but also because Sally and her

family have an off-grid cabin up Dave Wood Road.

Martin, Sally and her two brothers spend much of their summers up at the cabin. It’s the perfect time to be in Colorado because June through November is hurricane season in the southern waters.

“We have this game we play,” said Sally. “In October and November we close the mountain cabin—the water gets drained, everything gets turned off and emptied and is put away for the winter. Then in November, we go to the boat and turn everything on and put the sails back on.”

She provisions the sailboat with 30 days’ worth of food, and they have a decent water tank to hold fresh water for drinking. Another tank holds diesel fuel for the engine. Last year, they left Montrose in December and returned in May, but they have no set schedule.

“Weather always wins,” said Sally. “We don’t have a schedule because everything is weather dependent. The only thing we know for sure is when we leave here. We buy one-way tickets

because we don’t know when we will be back.”

Sally retired five years ago from the invest ment consulting firm she founded, and Martin retires this month from the real estate invest ment trust firm he works for. Martin’s remote work has kept them closer to Florida ports and those with Internet access, but they prefer small towns and non-resort areas in the Abaco islands. A favorite location is Green Turtle Cay. They’ll do more exploring this winter when Martin is no longer tied to his remote work schedule, which is something they look forward to.

“For the most part, we anchor, moor or go to a marina at night,” Sally said. “Once in a while, when we are underway, we just go through the night and boat on.”

Montrose residents Martin and Sally Sprang divide their time between their home, their cabin near Horsefly Peak and their 40-foot sailboat.

TRUST BOATERS AND THE BOAT

Sailing has taught the Sprangs many lessons.

On their maiden journey to the Bahamas, they left Fort Pierce, Florida, believing they were pre pared for the eastern-flowing jet stream. They went out of the inlet and hit large waves that pushed the boat up and down, making them anx ious, excited and unsettled. But eventually, they got the sails up and 20 hours later they made it to their destination.

“We said ‘Okay; what did we learn?’” Sally asked calmly like the mathematician she is. The answer was “tides matter.”

“We’re much better at determining that,” she added.

After they got their boat, they left Fort Pierce and went into St. Augustine with Sally at the helm. They were going to catch a mooring ball—a place where they could safely secure their boat—and she thought she understood the directions but she ran aground.

“If you haven’t run aground, you haven’t sailed much, or you’re lying,” Sally said.

The Down Island is the name of the Sprangs’ single-mast, full-keel, blue water ocean vessel.

They’ve also been more intrepid than they should have been, letting their desire to get to Green Turtle Cay supersede their caution. To reach that cay, Sally said you must sail around an island grouping called “the whale,” which pushes farther into the Atlantic where the sea condi tions are more intense.

“I learned that if I just sat on the floor of the cockpit with my life vest on and hooked in, as long as I didn’t fall out of the boat, I knew I was going to be fine,” she said. “I trusted the boat.”

They trust other boaters as well. Boaters who live on their boats are known as “cruisers.” They are a very close-knit and helpful community, Sally said—similar to the sheepherding commu

nity where she grew up. When the sheep sheds burned, everyone came together to help each other. Just as farmers and sheepherders are neighborly, so are their fellow cruisers.

“You pull in next to them in the marina, you meet them and exchange boat cards, and the next thing you know, you stay in touch and run into them again,” Sally explained.

Last spring, the Sprangs planned to visit Fort Pierce, where they’d kept their boat for several years. They planned to stay one night, maybe two, at the marina. A week later, they were still there because they were having a good time with old boat friends they hadn’t seen in years.

Martin and Sally both have venturous spirits. Sailing allows them freedom and mobility that is different from having a cabin in the mountains. The mountains and the ocean let you know how small you are and require you to be careful.

“The adventure is what it’s about,” Sally said. “We could sit on the couch watching a reality show of someone having an adventure, or we can go out and have our own.” T

We made our boat a second home. It’s movein ready and is our happy home on the water!

We utilize a mail service so we can have things delivered as we sail from place to place or come home to Montrose.

Cruisers are very friendly, social and helpful people. We have met many interesting and wonderful friends!

Plan, but plan for changes. The weather rules. The seas rule. Be flexible.

Let go of stress! Enjoy the moment wherever you are. Soak in the culture of new and different places and people.

“WE COULD SIT ON THE COUCH WATCHING A REALITY SHOW OF SOMEONE HAVING AN ADVENTURE, OR WE CAN GO OUT AND HAVE OUR OWN.”

The Sprangs shared these convenient tips for cruising comfortably.

By Michael Murphy

The anticipation leading up to Halloween was sometimes more than I could bear as a child. The annual candy cascade started days before the spooky night.

It’s very subtle at first. Innocently enough, my mother would pick up a few bags of bite-size candy bars and slyly hide them in the cupboard behind the gallon jar of wheat germ my older brother planned to add to his morning oatmeal to build mus cles but quickly lost his taste for.

Of course, it wasn’t long be fore we kids uncovered the secret hideaway and began to pilfer tiny bar after bar, leaving a telltale tinfoil trail. Dad stepped in and cut off the gravy train, only to make a mental note of the location so he could

When night was a fright

undertake his own stealthy sugar heist.

Initially, Dad would justify a few bars to supplement his lunch at work. Next, he topped off his regu lar dessert after dinner with a bite of chocolate to satisfy his craving. Eventually, he grabbed a bar every time he passed the cupboard, so that by Halloween night all the “good stuff” was gone. Costumed beggars at the door had to be satisfied with one of those rock hard peanut butter-tasting lumps permanently sealed with something like Gorilla Glue inside orange or black paper.

By the time Halloween night ended and parents had eaten more candy than they handed out, they had such a sugar buzz that they

would run up and down the walls like Spiderman, Batman and Super man all morphed into Glucoseman.

It’s obvious the potential hazards for those left at home on Hallow een night to hand out candy. But it was even more perilous for us kids going up and down the streets avoiding tricks and seeking treats.

Halloween masks have come a long way since we were kids. Today, the mask possibilities are seemingly limitless. If a kid has the money to spare, he can be the spitting image of Boris Karloff in the 1931 movie “Frankenstein.”

Back in the 1950s, kids were pretty much limited to those stiff half-masks that covered around the eyes and the top of the nose—the ones held on by a thin elastic strap

What was your favorite candy when you were a kid?

Robert Hall

“It didn’t matter! I guess PayDays were probably my favorite, but I never had money to buy them. We’d go buy penny candy though, so that was cool.”

Hillary Hall

“I’ve always loved Snickers but there was a time when Butterfingers were my favorite—before they changed the recipe! They used to melt and get stuck in your teeth.”

that snapped if you so much as sneezed.

While trick-or-treating, it was impossible to keep the eyeholes lined up with your eyeballs. One slight head movement and you got jabbed in the eye. Start running to get to the next house and you were momentarily blinded by the mask sliding over your eyes.

Parents back then didn’t seem to worry obsessively about stuff like their children being able to see

Natalie Hubbs

“In the early ’60s, we lived in Bakersfield right across the street from the golf course. My parents would give us a nickel to go buy candy. My favorite candy I can’t eat anymore is Jolly Ranchers. That flavor would last forever in your mouth! Back then, they were about a penny apiece.”

Deena Proschold

“Butterfingers. They used to be 25 cents. I remember being mad when the price went up to 35 cents because no longer could I buy four for $1.”

and breathe. We were just tougher, I guess.

I also marvel at how many kids trick-or-treating today are ac companied by their parents on Halloween night. As far as I can recall, my parents never did that. It was basically a matter of “wait until you’re old enough to go with friends,” which in some cases was more dangerous than going solo.

Like me, most kids I knew back then had their favorite treat to pur sue on Halloween night. I preferred Baby Ruth, Snickers or Hershey’s chocolate. Getting one of those absolutely made my night.

There might’ve been only one family in the entire neighbor hood wealthy enough to hand out full-sized candy bars. Since word traveled fast amongst kids about which house was giving them out,

it was every kid for himself in a mad dash—crooked mask hindering every step—to get there before the supply ran out.

I don’t know if it’s still a problem today, but when I was a kid, we had to deal with bag snatchers—bullies who saw no need to waste time and energy walking around to collect candy. Instead, they waited on the street until treat bags were sure ly full, and would run up behind victims, snatch the bags out of their hands and run like the dickens while cackling like the Wicked Witch of the West.

Sometimes around this time of year I wonder whatever became of those kids that were bag snatchers. What did they grow up to be? I have my theories, but I will keep them to myself. ■

Punkin’ Donuts

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At Mobility Driven we are dedicated to finding a solution that works for you!

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Serving Western Colorado and Eastern Utah, as well as clients outside that area with specific project needs.

If your readers are interested in a crafty Halloween decoration, this idea came to me a few years ago and isn't hard to do! They’re a hit at Halloween parties, but you do have to keep attendees from grabbing one, thinking it’s a real donut.

I used small pumpkins that you can buy at Sprouts, some paper products, paint, frosting, sprinkles, fondant, candy corn, googly eyes, etc. Needless to say, I won the pumpkin decorating contest at my office that year!

- Mary Galusha

Crest

CO

BACK IN THE 1950 S , WE HAD STIFF HALF-MASKS HELD ON BY A THIN ELASTIC STRAP THAT SNAPPED IF YOU SO MUCH AS SNEEZED.

6th & Main 970-241-2740

Mon-Fri 6:30 am.-2:30 p.m.

Sat 7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. gjmainstreetbagels.com

Roasted Salmon & Grapes with Pistachios Over Fresh Greens

Recipe courtesy of www.GrapesFromCalifornia.com

Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 wild sockeye or coho salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1/3 cup dry white wine

1 cup green California grapes

1/4 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley

5 ounces baby spinach

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil shallow, 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

Pat fish dry and place skin side down in pan. Brush fillets lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour wine in pan, scatter grapes around and sprinkle pista chios and parsley on fish.

Roast salmon 7 minutes for medium-rare; 8 minutes for medium.

In large bowl, toss spinach, onion, remaining oil and vinegar. Sea son with salt and pepper, to taste; toss again and divide among four plates.

Place fish on top of greens. Spoon roasted grapes around fish. ■

As you gear up for a wicked-fun Halloween with your grandkids, don’t forget about your pets! Fol low these tips to keep your pet safe among the festivities.

1. Keep candy out of paw’s reach. The Pet Poison Helpline receives more calls the week of Halloween than any other time of year. Stash the candy bowl safely on a shelf or inside a secure cabinet, and make sure the kiddos know not to share their loot with the animals. Most Halloween candy contains ingre dients that can be harmful to your pets, like chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), raisins and even candy wrappers. But that doesn’t mean your dog or cat can’t be included in the fun! There are many pet-friend ly DIY treat recipes online that are delicious and fun to make.

2. Have a plan for your pets. Before the big day, make sure your pets have proper identification and up-to-date microchip information. Ringing doorbells, costume-clad strangers and constant commotion on Halloween night might spook your pet right out the door. Setting them up in a quiet, secure space for the evening might be a good idea. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, keep them inside so they don’t get cat-napped by well-meaning people or scared away or injured by the increased activity and traffic in your neighborhood.

3. Comfort is key when it comes to pet costumes! Seeing your pet all dolled up may be the highlight of your holiday, but keep these things

Roice-Hurst dog Turbo loves to dress up for Halloween.

in mind: Choose a costume that fits properly and doesn’t restrict move ment, breathing, sight or hearing. Keep an eye on them while they’re in their costume to discourage your pet from destroying and swallow ing the fabric. If your pet becomes stressed, snap a picture and then trade the costume for a simple ban dana or festive collar instead.

4. Beware of decorations. popular Halloween decorations have parts like electrical wires, strings, cracking glow sticks, or small pieces that can pose a hazard to your pet when chewed on or bumped into. Keep these items at a safe distance. All it takes is one cu rious kitty or wagging tail to knock over your jack-o-lantern’s lit candle and ruin the holiday.

If you’re celebrating Halloween with your pet, send a photo of your pet’s costume to the BEACON and Roice-Hurst Humane Society! You can also tag us on Facebook ■

BOOK SALE

Oct 20-22

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct 20

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Oct 21

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Oct 22 (Bag sale)

Books!

Cash Only

First Congregational Church

PET PERSPECTIVE

PET PERSPECTIVE

BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN

BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN

Jenna Kretschman is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator.

Contact her at jenna@rhhumanesociety.org

Jenna Kretschman is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator. Contact her at jenna@rhhumanesociety.org

5 signs you’re entering menopause

October is World Menopause Month

Menopause is a natural part of aging for women, but doctors say there is no predictable pattern or timeline for the symptoms. While hot flashes, irritability and weight gain are generally well known, symptoms like anxiety, hair loss, and incontinence can catch a woman by surprise and cause con cern, even though they’re normal, says Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas, author of “The Menopause Myth: What Your Mother, Doctor, And Friends Haven’t Told You About Life After 35.”

“Many myths exist about what to expect when going through menopause,” said Sholes-Douglas, founder of Tula Wellness Center in Tucson, Arizona. “It’s important to know your body well enough to know what’s happening and get reassurance that what’s going on is normal.”

Dr. Sholes-Douglas explains five normal menopausal symptoms women can watch for:

1. Anxiety and depression. De pression and anxiety shouldn’t be ignored; they can appear as your body changes, and need to be treated. Decreasing progester one and overactive adrenals may be partially responsible for the anxiety you’re feeling, and pro gesterone has been implicated in depression, too. So don’t think depression and anxiety are just all in your head.”

2. Hair loss and hair growth. Hormone changes can cause hair growth where you least want it, said Sholes-Douglas. At the same time, these hormone changes—specifically, decreasing estrogen and the changing ratio of estrogen to testosterone—are

responsible for thinning hair on the scalp, especially on the crown and near the forehead.

3. Behavioral changes can tip off a woman to menopausal symptoms. If you’re not feeling like yourself and your partner has complained about you treating them differently, Sholes-Douglas said it could be an indication of lower estrogen levels. “Estro gen is actually a key driver of women’s nurturing behavior and desire to take care of others,” she said. “When levels decline in perimenopause (the transition), women can find themselves thinking, feeling and behaving in a way that’s unfamiliar. This biologi cal change can have huge conse quences for family dynamics.”

4. Appearance of vagina. Age and hormones affect the appearance of the vagina, said Sholes-Doug las. The pubic hair can go gray, thin or disappear altogether; the skin can change color; and the labia minora can lengthen or sag. All of these changes are com pletely normal.

5. Incontinence. Decreasing estro gen is responsible for the thinning of the vaginal walls, and that means the urethra doesn’t have the support it used to in order to hold urine in. Urine leakage is very common; around 50 percent of women will experience some form of incontinence in their lifetime.

“Every woman is different, but there’s no need to worry and suffer in silence,” said Sholes-Douglas. “Talk with your gynecologist to learn more about the symptoms, discuss what you’re experiencing and ways to treat them.”

■

Sponsored by

The potent power of pickle juice

We all probably have a dusty, sealed jar of pickles in the back of the pantry that we’ve forgotten about. I know it sounds weird, but pickle juice has some pretty amazing health benefits you probably didn’t know about.

Pickles are fermented cucum bers that have been pickled in salt water. The pickles are pickled! Get it? (A little pickle pun never hurt anyone!)

Pickle juice is loaded with miner als, only two carbs and one gram of fiber. In most cases, the water even contains healthy probiotic strains.

There are all kinds of specialty pickle juice-based drinks depending on where you live. In North Caro lina, many restaurants have pickle juice mixed with soda on the menu. There’s also a pickleback shot which combines pickle brine with whiskey!

So while it may sound like a face-puckering thought, pickle juice is utilized for many quick fixes! As for its medicinal benefits, here are a few pretty cool ways pickle juice can improve your wellness:

PICKLES HELP DIGESTION

On some level, the lactobacillus content in pickle juice aids your in testinal health. If you have an upset stomach, abdominal cramps or low stomach acid production (hypo chlorhydria), the acidity of a small amount of pickle juice may restore proper pH and cause digestive troubles to subside.

PICKLES HELP LEG CRAMPS

Pickle juice is a popular folk remedy that supposedly relieves muscle

cramps or at least reduces the in tensity within a minute of consump tion! It works much faster than water alone. It might also help with recovery after a workout.

Perhaps a few spoonfuls in a cup of water could help someone with mild leg cramps, however, I wouldn’t drink it straight up if you are prone to heartburn or have an ulcer. Pickle juice contains a lot of sodium, and some believe it triggers reflexes that essentially shut off misfiring neurons, thereby alleviating cramps.

HANGOVER CURE?

Some suggest drinking pickle juice after a night of drinking. I don’t know about that one, but accord ing to www.healthline.com, pickle juice contains sodium and potassi um, both of which are important electrolytes that may be lost due to excessive alcohol intake.

Make sure your pickles are fresh and in date. If you eat these little guys, eat them in moderation be cause of the high sodium content.

If you don’t like the taste of pickle juice straight up, you could pour a few teaspoonfuls into your salad dressing. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com

The Cottages let you live independently while giving you the freedom to make the most of your retirement. Our single-level patio homes offer privacy and luxury with open living plans, two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio, and a one-car garage. Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with paid utilities, biweekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance, and flexible meal options at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms. Plus you and your loved ones get peace of mind with a 24-hour emergency response system.

When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.

Fall fitness tips

How to keep fit in the cooler weather and shorter days ahead

By Kimberly Blaker

When the weather turns colder, days get shorter and sweaters are pulled back out of the closet, it can be a struggle to keep up healthy habits. During the fall and winter months, health and fit ness routines often take a back seat to staying warm and cozy.

After a few months of hiberna tion and holiday indulgences, the pounds, lack of energy and health consequences set in, reminding us of those long-forgotten fitness goals. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re starting back at square one. Instead of falling into this year ly cycle, read on for ways to avoid the fall and winter fitness slump and to keep focused on staying fit.

FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER OR GROUP

This is one of the best ways to stay consistent with your fitness goals. It’s much easier to blow off a workout if you’re only accountable to yourself. Finding a partner or a community with similar goals is a great way to keep yourself on track.

While in-person support is helpful, it isn’t always easy to find. Social media makes it much easier to join like-minded people in a virtual community. Do a quick search on Facebook or MeetUp. com, and you’ll find fitness groups for all levels and interests. They’re a safe place to share struggles and successes, provide moral support to one another and share ideas or tips.

JOIN A GYM OR CLASS

Another way to increase the odds of staying fit through the cold er months is by joining a gym or fitness class. This requires a finan cial commitment, which may be an excellent external motivator.

FIND SMALL WAYS TO INCORPORATE HEALTHY HABITS: TAKE STAIRS INSTEAD OF THE ELEVATOR, PARK YOUR CAR FARTHER AWAY, AND GO FOR A WALK DURING LUNCH.

Gyms offer many amenities to support fitness goals. These include personal training, a variety of equipment, and often classes you can explore for new ways to stay fit. Some fitness centers even have extras like childcare, rock climbing walls, saunas and heated pools. Such perks may help get you out the door on colder days.

If you like to socialize, fitness classes are a great way to find a community of people who share the same goals. There are all kinds of fitness classes and studios that do dance, Zumba, yoga and Cross Fit. Many offer trial periods. So if there’s a type of activity you’ve always wanted to try, you can do it with little risk and the potential for a big reward. Many libraries even offer free fitness classes.

WORK OUT AT HOME

Maybe braving the cold and dark sounds like too much, or working out with other people isn’t your bliss. If so, there are many ways to get in an effective workout at home.

Investing in a home gym is one way to stay active through the cold er months. If you have space and money, particularly if other family members want an at-home work out too, purchase the appropriate equipment to fit your needs.

Your home workout equipment setup doesn’t need to be elaborate.

Fitness classes are a great way to find a community of people who share the same goals.

Just a set of hand weights or a kettlebell can be enough to get you started. However, used treadmills and bikes can often be found for practically nothing on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

You can also find thousands of exercise videos on YouTube and written plans on the internet, DVDs, through your cable pro vider or at the library. There are also video game systems with fun workouts like the Wii Fit or dancing games.

Whatever type of exercise or fitness plan you can think of, there are likely at least a few resources out there so you can do it at home. Many are designed for or take into consideration working out in small spaces or with limited time.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

If you’re starting from scratch or lack motivation, find small ways to incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. For example, take stairs instead of the elevator, park your car farther away in the lot, and go for a walk during lunch.

Start by taking an extra 15 minutes before your shower to do some quick exercises, such as body weight moves like squats, pushups and planks. These can have a signifi cant impact on your fitness when done consistently.

Regardless of your fitness goals, you can stay on track throughout the colder months if you find what works best to keep you motivated and consistent. T

Become an SOS Volunteer and help provide rides to homebound seniors.

Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) is a transportation program that provides homebound seniors with rides to to the grocery store, pharmacy and medical appointments, helping them maintain their independence.

We are currently seeking volunteers who have their own vehicle, valid driver’s license, registration and insurance. We offer flexible schedules and mileage reimubursement.

mass and strength, bone health and other physiological functions.

a healthy diet and lifestyle with protein powders can help slow or reduce deteriorating muscles, loss of mobility, weight gain, and improve recovery from illnesses.

Temple Tip

Try adding a handful of spinach and blueberries to a strawberry protein powder for a delicious smoothie!

At Temple Nutrition, we carry a wide variety of supplements including vegan, whey and egg white proteins available in an extensive selection of flavors including blueberry, peanut butter & jelly and even peppermint.

Protein powders are also a great way to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet.

THE COMPROMISE

Submitted by Judy Cohen

My friend wanted a boat more than anything. His wife refused, but he bought one anyway.

“I’ll tell you what,” he told her. “In the spirit of compromise, why don’t you name the boat?”

Being a good sport, she accept ed. When her husband went to the dock for his maiden voyage, this is the name he saw painted on the side: “For Sale.”

SIBLING RIVALRY

Submitted by Martin Lee

A Sunday school teacher was dis cussing the Ten Commandments with her 5- and 6-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to “honor thy father and thy mother,” she asked, “Is there a command

ment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?”

Without hesitation one little boy answered, “Thou shall not kill.”

POKER

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A man walks into a casino and sees three men and a dog playing poker. He watches for a while and then says, “That dog must be really smart to be able to play poker.”

One of the players says, “Not really. He wags his tail when he has a good hand.”

TWINS

Submitted by Rhonda Wray

A woman was three months pregnant when she fell into a deep coma. When she woke up six months later, she asked the doctor

about her baby.

“You had twins—a boy and a girl. They’re both healthy and your brother named them for you,” the doctor said.

“No!” the woman wailed. “Not my brother. He’s an idiot! What did he name the girl?”

“Denise,” the doctor replied.

Surprised, the woman said, “That’s actually a nice name. What about the boy?” The doctor sighed deeply and re plied, “Denephew.”

DANGEROUS DRIVING

Submitted by Lynn Brown

Two older women were driving in a large car. Both could barely see over the dashboard.

As they were cruising along, they came to an intersection. The stop light was red, but they just went on through. The woman in the passen ger seat thought to herself, “I must be losing it. I could have sworn we just went through a red light.”

After a few more minutes, they came to another intersection and

the light was red again.

Again, they went right through. The woman in the passenger seat was almost sure that the light had been red but was really concerned that she was losing it.

At the next intersection, sure enough, the light was red and they went on through. So, she turned to the other woman and said, “Mil dred, did you know that we just ran through three red lights in a row? You could have killed us both!”

Mildred turned to her and said, “Oh no! Am I driving?”

DIGITAL GRANDMA: A POEM

Submitted by Lionel Watkins

The computer swallowed grandma. Yes, honestly it’s true.

She pressed ‘control’ and ‘enter’ and disappeared from view.

It devoured her completely, the thought just makes me squirm.

She must have caught a virus or been eaten by a worm.

I’ve searched through the recycle bin and files of every kind;

I’ve even used the Internet, but nothing did I find.

In desperation, I asked Google my searches to refine.

The reply received was negative, not a thing was found online.

So, if inside your Inbox, my Grandma you should see, Please copy, scan and paste her, and send her back to me!

BROKEN FRIDGE

Submitted by Ben Kuckel

A man goes golfing a lot. He goes golfing one day and comes home to find a note on the refrigerator from his wife: “I’ve had it! It’s not work ing! I’ve gone to my mother’s.”

He opens the refrigerator door. The light comes on and it’s cold.

He says to himself, “What is she talking about? The fridge is fine!”

He takes out a beer and drinks it.

BROKEN MIRROR

Submitted by Helen Curtis

I would like to return this mirror.

The reflection doesn’t look like me anymore!

HOT DOG!

Submitted by Jem & Mickey Neal

The noblest of dogs is the hot dog—it feeds the hand that bites it.

MATH PROBLEM

Submitted by Amy Newman

The sixth grade teacher posed the following problem to one of her math classes:

A wealthy man died and left $10 million. One-fifth is to go to his wife, one-fifth to his son, one-fifth to his butler and the rest to charity.

Now, what does each one get?

After a very long silence in the classroom, Morris raised his hand.

“Yes, Morris?” the teacher asked. Morris answered, “A lawyer!”

NEWSPAPER AD

Submitted by Bob Brezeale

Dr. Frankenstein was very clever. When he ran out of corpses, he ran an ad in the local newspaper. The ad read, “Are you overweight from lack of exercise? Then come to Franken Spa. We build new bodies.”

HIDDEN GEM

Submitted by Francisco Garner

A little boy opened the big family Bible. He was fascinated by the big book and fingered through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.

“Mama, look what I found,” the boy called out.

“What have you got there?” his mother said.

With astonishment he answered, “I think it’s Adam’s underwear!”

SUCCESS SECRETS

Submitted by Yvonne Ruth

The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. That’s because by the second day, you’re off it.

SCIENCE FICTION

Submitted by Jem & Mickey Neal

I read recipes the way I read science fiction. I get to the end and I think, “Well, that’s not going to happen.” ■

Family Health West

while

Family

in mind.

horizons

dreaming

Aging got you down?

Family Health West’s new program tailors therapy just for seniors

By Melinda Mawdsley

Carla Peter has a small sign hanging in her office that en capsulates the passion she has for the work she does and the senior population she walks alongside: “The older the violin, the sweeter the music.”

er rooms for group sessions.

“It’s an extensive outpatient therapy program,” said Peter.

is

Peter is the program director and registered nurse for the new Senior Life Solutions program of fered through Family Health West. The program aims to fill a needed void in acute mental health care for seniors in Western Colorado, par ticularly those aged 65 and older.

Depression, anxiety, guilt and worthlessness are feelings people can experience at any age, but aging can magnify those feelings as a lifetime of events and transi tions into retirement, loss of loved ones and changes in physical health accumulate. Especially when these events happen in a relatively short period of time.

Grand Valley seniors is a growing demographic with unique mental health needs but it isn’t necessarily the population that seeks out help.

In fact, Peter said, a recent study by Mental Health America esti mated that 58 percent of those 65 and older believe it’s “normal” for people to get depressed as they age. According to Mental Health America, Colorado ranks last in the nation for prevalence of adult mental health issues compounded by lack of access to care.

That’s where Senior Life Solu tions comes in.

Located at 228 N. Cherry St. in Fruita, the Senior Life Solutions program is housed in a private, renovated trailer with dedicated parking spots to remove any con cerns about accessing parking or patient privacy. It’s a comfortable space with private offices and larg

Patients will see Hollie Smith, the program’s licensed personal therapist, for individual sessions at least twice a month. Sessions may include a partner or family, if needed.

Clients will do group therapy upwards of three times a week with other members of the program. Finally, patients will consult with a psychiatrist via telehealth once a month.

“Along with group therapy, we monitor blood pressure, talk about health changes, and assess memory on a regular basis,” Peter said.

Smith said that group sessions are vital.

“There’s always a therapeu tic topic for group members to discuss,” said Smith. “They all have the ability to talk about what they experience, and we always have something about how to overcome that topic.”

The idea is for patients to take the interactions they’ve built in the group outside into the community, said Peter.

“The dynamics of the groups are incredible. It helps them build con fidence, self-esteem and relation ships,” Peter added.

The program has only been up and running for about two months, but Smith has already noticed

“THE DYNAMICS OF THE GROUPS ARE INCREDIBLE, IT HELPS THEM BUILD CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND RELATIONSHIPS.”

positive changes in the few patients Senior Life Solutions serves.

The intensive outpatient pro gram is covered by Medicare at 80 percent with most secondary insurance picking up the remaining 20 percent, Peter said.

Patients don’t need a medical referral to inquire about joining the

program. Self-referral or referral by a friend or family is all that’s required.

An initial assessment will help tailor the treatment needs for each patient. That initial consultation can be made by calling 970-200-1496 or visiting www.fhw.org/services/ senior-life-solutions. ■

Have you experienced any of the following?

Are you the primary caregiver for a friend or loved one?

Do you feel hopeless, like you’ve lost control of your life?

Do you have a chronic health condition?

Do you feel isolated or lonely?

Have you experienced a loss of energy or feel tired all the time?

Have you experienced changes in appetite?

Have you experienced feelings of sadness or grief lasting longer than two weeks?

Have you had a recent health diagnosis?

Have you had trouble concentrating or thinking clearly?

Have you lost interest in activities you previously enjoyed?

Have you recently lost a loved one?

If you checked any of these boxes and would like to talk to someone, FHW Senior Life Solutions can help answer questions confidentially. Call 970-200-1496 or visit www.fhw.org/services/senior-lifesolutions to request more information.

Need

REAL SERVICE, REAL RESULTS

Putting the garden to bed Your winter garden checklist

As we wrap up a successful gar dening season, there’s plenty of chores to be done in October. Fall is a great time to complete tasks that set ourselves up for even greater victories next spring. Here are a few things you can do to get your garden ready for next year’s growing season.

Don’t pull up old plants by the roots. Cut the plants at soil level instead. Old roots help with soil stability, texture and moisture retention, and can create pathways for water and air. Additionally, they protect the soil from extreme cold

and act as a snowstop for drifting flakes that can melt in your garden. Leave the spent vegetable plants, including the stem and leaves, in the garden so they decompose and release minerals back into the garden for next year.

Add compost or manure. Some gardeners test their soil while others simply estimate how many nutrients their plants absorb and

TURN UP WEED SEEDS BURIED DEEP IN THE SOIL AND THE WINTER FROST WILL KILL THEM.

replenish them. Either way, now is a great time to assess and amend your soil by adding compost or manure because it will have time to break down and release nutrients. Winter temperatures will also mit igate pathogens in manure. Rabbit and llama manure don’t harbor any pathogens and break down quickly. Make sure to use manure that is at least six months old, and avoid using manure from animals grazing on weedy fields so the seeds don’t pass through the animal and into your garden.

Expand your garden. The weath er is cool and the soil is workable, which means it’s time to expand your existing garden. Turn up weed seeds buried deep in the soil to be killed by winter frost. As soon as the soil warms in spring, you’re ready to plant and can stay ahead of next year’s weeds.

Start a compost pile. Start build ing a pile of food scraps and yard waste now so it’ll be ready by April or May for next year’s garden. It takes about four to six months for a compost pile to be finished and usable. I’ll outline this process in a future column (or in my class on October 4), but get started now by visiting www.epa.gov/recycle/ composting-home.

Bring potted plants indoors. Tap around the outside of the pots to make sure that any insect residents flee before bringing plants inside. Place plants in a sunny location near a solid wall so the thermal gain from the day’s sunlight can radiate back to the plants, keeping them warm as the nights start to cool. It’s also a good time to transplant house plants into bigger pots or just freshen up the soil. With less daylight, your plants will enjoy the extra attention.

Mulch perennials. Any new plants with shallow roots will appreciate the extra layer of protection from the cold. Dry leaves and straw both leave air pockets for added insu lation. Carpet and cardboard are not insulating and are better for suppressing weeds and retaining moisture in the summer.

Clear plants from doorways and windows. Brushing up against wet, snowy vegetation on a porch or doorway is no fun. Plus, we need all the warmth we can get during the winter, so take a close look at your

GROW WILD

BY BRYAN REED

windows and doorways to ensure that trees and shrubs are not ob structing the sun’s rays.

Clean up and store garden tools. We should be done with the prun ers, shovels and other garden tools until next spring. Clean off any soil buildup or sap accumulation to pre vent corrosion. If you’re concerned about plant diseases, wash all tools with one part bleach and three parts water. Lube cutting tools with lithium grease or camellia oil. Add a thin layer of oil on the metal portion to prevent rusting and apply it to wood handles to prevent drying or cracking. Boiled linseed oil, olive oil and vegetable oil are all commonly used to lengthen the lifespan of tools.

■

Backyard Composting

Don’t miss Bryan’s free presentation at Mesa County Libraries’ Discovery Garden, 517 Chipeta Ave., from 6-7 p.m. on October 4.

Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu

Behzad Molavi MD, FACC,

Qaisar Khan MD, FACC, FSCAI

Rajesh Sharma MD, FACC, FSCAI

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley

A dream come true: Relive the music of The Everly Brothers

By Jan Weeks

Everly Set hits the Avalon stage on Tuesday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

November

Ever since “Bye Bye Love” hit the airwaves in 1957, The Everly Broth ers’ smooth harmonies and appeal to teenaged love have captivated audiences worldwide.

They followed up their first hit with “Wake Up, Little Susie,” which appealed to both the fear and thrill of being in love for the first time.

Now Grand Junction audiences have the chance to relive those tunes and memories when The

Sean Altman and Jack Skuller sing a skillful tribute to that earlier band, performing “Cathy’s Clown,” “All I Have to Do is Dream,” “Crying in the Rain,” and many more Everly hits.

The original Everly brothers came from a musical family, per forming live as the Everly Family Show. Father Ike Everly happened to know Chet Atkins, who would become one of the premier country guitarists in the world. When Atkins heard the boys sing, he got them a

recording contract with Columbia Records. And thus a phenomenon was born.

Altman and Skuller bring that marvel to the stage once more.

Those of us who slow danced to “Cryin’ in the Rain” and “Lonesome

Town” or swung poodle skirts to “When Will I Be Loved” can relive those days of love, angst and glory.

Like the Everlys, Altman and Skuller come from musical back grounds. Altman founded Rockapel la, an a cappella rock group in New

York, and composed the Carmen Sandiego theme song. Skuller, a 20-something ex-teen idol and gui tar slinger, recorded for Disney and is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Though Altman carries his AARP card proudly and Skuller is barely out of his teen years, the two mesh perfectly in both harmonies and personalities, despite the three decades that separate them.

The two met on stage in 2010 at the Loser’s Lounge in New York City. This musical bromance blos somed in 2014 when they decided to learn a bunch of Everly Brothers songs, just for kicks, and played a one-time gig in Manhattan.

Their channeling of Phil and Don Everly sent the audience into a nos talgic frenzy. Eleven sets of match ing shirts later, they hit the road.

For Altman, one of the best parts of touring is seeing the coun try and eating local specialties.

“To top it off, I get to sing songs I love for thousands of people. This is a rare and wonderful way to make a living,” said Altman.

Skuller echoed Altman’s love for playing for audiences and connect ing them with The Everly Brothers’ timeless music.

“The songs elicit joyous and emotional responses, and that’s a real thrill to be a part of,” said Skuller.

Both play guitar, with Altman playing rhythm and Skuller playing bluesy rockabilly solos throughout their shows. At the Avalon, the Everly Set will sell 27-song CDs and greet audience members during intermission.

Why residents’ rights are important

By Sandy Walker

Friday, March 13, 2020. The date is firmly marked in my mind be cause of the horrors that would de fine the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for our most vulnerable citizens—those living in long-term care facilities.

Whirling and spiraling out of control like Alice down the rab bit hole, staff in long-term care facilities quickly found themselves in uncharted territory. Noting the toll the virus was taking on those living in congregate housing like nursing homes and assisted living, government agencies chose to limit visitors before locking down facili ties completely. Seniors who were suddenly deprived of visitors could only weep at the loss. Many with diminished capacity languished, fail ing to understand why their loved ones had abandoned them.

“I was so lonely. The staff really tried hard and did they best they could, but it wasn’t the same as my family,” said local resident Mary.

As the long-term care ombuds man/advocate in Montrose and Delta counties, I was perplexed. How could the rights of elders which I had promoted so fiercely be suddenly vanquished?

Residents’ Rights are guaranteed by the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act, which requires nursing homes to promote and protect the rights of each resident while placing emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. These rights are further emphasized under Colo rado law for individuals living in assisted living and other board-andcare facilities.

Namely, the right of access to visitors of the residents’ choosing at any time, and to participate in social, religious and community ac

tivities had been completely blocked by pandemic regulations.

“My church is my family,” said local resident Harold. “My soul suf fered not being able to attend each week.”

So many residents and families called demanding to know when their freedoms would resume. As their ombudsman, I empowered them to voice their grievances to federal, state and local governments. Eventually, their voices were heard when outdoor visits were allowed as early as that summer. The rollout of vaccines further eased restrictions. And now, thankfully, the rights of visitation and access to communities have been restored.

“I was missing hugs from my daughter. I was afraid that I would die before I could be with her again,” said local resident Bess.

Many residents have returned to church and have resumed getting to gether with family and friends. Local resident Bob can go fishing again. James is able to dine at his favorite fried chicken restaurant.

In October we celebrate Resi dents’ Rights Month. This year is especially heartfelt, as the theme “Inspiring Unity Within Our Commu nity” highlights the fact that being a part of a community is vital to our health and well-being.

It is my privilege to have served residents in my region through the trials and tribulations of the pandem ic. I am in awe of their strength and resiliency! Thank you to all the staff who stuck by residents during this period and became more than just caregivers.

Finally, If you know someone living in long-term care, go visit them. They’ve missed out on a lot over the last two years.

Happy Residents’ Rights Month! ■

Sandy Walker is the Regional Ombudsman for Region 10 Area Agency on Aging. Contact her at sandy@region10.net or 970-765-3131.

Seniors helping seniors: Get your home ready for fall

By Jan Weeks

Fall is officially here, and with falling leaves come all the chores that must be done to get your house and yard ready for winter. Fortunately, there are volunteers eager to help in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose.

If you’re over 60 and need a wheelchair ramp built or grab bar installed, Region 10’s Handy Help ers in Montrose and Delta are at your service.

According to Kylynn Wilson, Region 10 RSVP’s Community Coor dinator, volunteers take on a wide array of projects such as winterizing swamp coolers (as long as they’re on the ground floor); performing minor plumbing, electrical work and minor flooring repairs; chang ing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries; and installing or building wheelchair ramps.

Generally, the person having the work done is responsible for the cost of supplies while labor and skills comes from volunteers. Wilson stressed that if a person can’t afford to buy supplies needed, Region 10’s Area Agency on Aging could potentially fund or help fund items.

Currently, there’s a significant need for handy persons to assist

seniors with small home mainte nance projects. People with project management experience or retired contractors, electricians, plumbers and carpenters are needed, often just a couple hours a week. Volun teers must be 55 or older and can qualify for mileage and meal reim bursement as well as three kinds of supplemental liability insurance.

“What we can help with is often limited by the number of volunteers or the experience and skills of RSVP volunteers,” said RSVP Programs Coordinator Joe Walker. “We aren’t able to help some older adults at times because we lack a skilled vol unteer to address their issues.”

To schedule home maintenance

projects, call the options counsel ors at AdvantAge Resource Center, 1-844-862-4968. If work requires volunteers to get on the roof or tall ladders, that’s something they don’t do. And if a project requires li censed professionals, you’ll have to hire one. Interested volunteers can contact Wilson at 970-765-3135.

In Grand Junction, Mesa County RSVP doesn’t send out volunteers, but RSVP’s Handyman Program Manager John Jordy partners with them through A Little Help.

“A Little Help is an organization that connects our older neighbors with volunteers to do things they can no longer do for themselves,” he said.

Jordy and volunteers work with limited-income seniors who are 55 and older to get their homes ready for winter. Though they don’t perform routine lawn maintenance like mowing grass or shutting down irrigation systems, volunteers can help by raking and bagging leaves, trimming, pruning and weeding. They can also clean gutters, wash windows and perform a variety of other chores upon request. The work is free, but the recipient is responsible for material costs.

A Little Help volunteers can also install bathroom aids like grab bars and handrails, build and install wheelchair ramps or walker steps, and weatherize steps to reduce the danger of slipping. Minor electri cal work, such as replacing light fixtures, switches and plugs, as well as minor plumbing work such as installing faucets and toilets can be done as well.

They’ll also replace your furnace filters for that first cool night.

“We know that our older neigh bors thrive when they can remain safely in their homes because that is where their memories, lives and dreams exist,” said Jordy.

A Little Help is always looking for more volunteers. Call 970-404-1923 for more information. ■

Volunteers will meet at Sherwood Park at 9:30 a.m. to collect their tools to do outdoor yard work for our older neighbors in Grand Junction. Work will wrap up at noon and we will gather for a Celebration of Service at the Ale House at 12:30 p.m.

If you would like to become A LITTLE HELP Volunteer call, or visit our website at www.alittlehelp.org/service-saturdays-registration

A LITTLE HELP is now in Grand Junction to help older adults in our community.

Rake

To register for our October 29th Service Saturday Fall Clean-Up

for more information on all services call

Basques of Western Colorado

How the culture influenced the Grand Valley and beyond

By Joaquin Garcia

The epic clash of two dynamic rivers on the western slope of the majestic Rocky Mountains is the epicenter of historic Colorado Basque culture. Names like Etchart, Arrayet, Azcarraga, Celayeta and Gorrino are original immigrants or descendants of the Basques who settled in Grand Junction. Basques also established themselves near by in Montrose, Rifle, Meeker and Craig.

These proud and hard-working Vasco settlers were mostly sheep herders, but a few non-claustro phobic souls were miners as well. Basque settlers were drawn to the fertile land where the Colorado and Gunnison rivers meet. Local Basques would winter their flocks in Utah’s southern stretches, then drive the bleating wooly creatures to the high mountains of western Colorado each summer.

NOTABLE BASQUES

Locally, two of the most wellknown sheepmen were Jean Urruty and Emmett Elizondo, who were originally from Iparralde (northern Basque country in France) and He goalde (southern Basque country in Spain).

Urruty was the most culturally influential of the two and became affluent when oil was discovered on his ranch property.

In the 1960s and 1970s, he was the driving force in promoting Basque ethos in Colorado. He even starred as himself in an indepen dent movie titled, “The Basque Sheepherder.”

An expert blacksmith, Urruty decorated his home with artwork fashioned from wrought iron. He and his wife, Benny, represented

Joaquin Garcia stands outside the Plaza Urrutia, the pelota handball court in Canyon View Park

Colorado in NABO’s (North Amer ican Basque Organizations) early stages. Further, he donated several acres of land on his farm near 24 and G Roads for a Basque Club.

Another notable Colorado Basque is Emmett Elizondo, who at one time was probably the wealthi est rancher in the state. At the peak of his empire, he ran 30,000 head and later added cattle to the mix.

He helped develop the Fruita State Bank and served as its presi dent for many years. Unfortunately, when Elizondo died in 1992, the livestock and holdings were sold to non-Basque, out-of-state ranchers.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Boarding houses played an import ant role in early Basque-Ameri can history. Known to Basques as “ostatuak” or “hotelak,” these establishments provided a home away from home for Basques just arriving and a room for the trav eling sheepherder when he wasn’t tending the flock.

Grand Junction had two board ing houses that catered to Basques. One was the Cantebarria, which was located downtown and opened in 1919. It had a player piano which was

Bare-handed handball known as “pelota” is an integral part of the Basque culture. Pelota frontons (courts) were erected in many Basque commu nities, including Grand Junction. Last month, Basques from all over the state gathered at the Plaza Urrutia in Canyon View Park for a barbecue picnic and pelota demonstration.

Liveastress-freelifestyle inyour

purchased in 1920 for $2,000—a small fortune. The other board inghouse opened in 1936 and was located at 234 Ute Ave.

Both establishments closed in 1946, creating a state of affairs where the sense of the Basque community was gone.

PRESERVING HERITAGE

Bare-handed handball known as “pelota” is an integral part of the Basque culture. The sport origi nated from the medieval game jeu de paume ,and was developed by the Basques into the modern game which has a dozen or so variations.

Pelota frontons (handball courts) were erected in many Basque communities, including Grand Junction.

Urruty constructed a fronton on the land he donated to the Basque club, which is now part of Canyon View Park. The club was instrumen tal in organizing parties and pelota matches at the site for years. After Urruty died in 1983, the handball court was sold to the City.

In the 1990s, the City placed a “no trespassing” sign and the court was neglected. In 1999, City offi cials announced they were going to demolish the court and construct a parking lot in its place.

Basque residents rose up to protect a symbol of their history and tradition. They raised a consid erable amount of money to finance their cause and the City finally relented.

The court was subsequently

restored with reinforced walls and a new floor. Trees and shrubs were planted, a picnic area was added and the renovated Plaza Urrutia was presented to the community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in October 2003.

Today, the Colorado Basque community is made up of children and grandchildren of local sheep herders, along with those who were born and raised in Euskal Herria, the Basque country that straddles the border between France and Spain.

Many local Basques, along with those who can trace their ancestry back hundreds of years to Euskal Herria, are active members of Col orado Euskal Etxea, a Denver-based nonprofit Basque club. This small but active club hosts several annual celebrations and various cultural events across the state.

In September, hundreds of club members and Basque supporters gathered at the Plaza Urrutia at Canyon View Park for a pelota demonstration by professional players from San Francisco.

“The city hasn’t experienced a formal pelota event of this histor ical significance since 1979 when a contingent from the Basque country visited Grand Junction,” ac cording to a Colorado Euskal Etxea press release.

For more information about Col orado Euskal Etxea and local Basque culture, visit www.coloetxea.wixsite. com/coloradoeuskaletxea or call 303-868-0906.

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Fairmount

Cemetery tour offers splendor and history

By Steve Strickland

Cemeteries get a bad rap, espe cially this time of year. Though they’re often depicted in a creepy way in decorations or horror movies, the reality is far from scary. They’re fascinating!

As a monument industry worker, I have visited dozens of cemeteries in Colorado, from forlorn prairie cemeteries and well-kept cremation gardens to picturesque mountain graveyards overrun with glorious wildflowers. All hold their own unique beauty, charms and stories.

But Denver’s Fairmount Ceme tery is head and shoulders above

volume of granite, the masterful workmanship and the epic history it contains. The affluence and opu lence of Denver’s movers, shakers and ordinary well-to-do of all de cades is on enduring display in this magnificent garden of history.

CEMETERY TOURS

Fairmount was established in 1890, a mere 32 years after Denver was founded, and is still used as a burial ground today.

Fairmount Cemetery’s profes sionally guided tours are offered

by the Fairmount Heritage Founda tion. Seasoned actors guide around two dozen paying customers at a time through the tombstones and monuments of a dozen prominent names and families from Denver’s earliest days. Tours last an hour and a half and are 1.5-2 miles in dis tance at an easy pace. Fully charged scooters and power wheelchairs can easily traverse the grounds.

THE “GOOD OL’ DAYS”

From the first family monument de scribed on the tour to the last, the magnificence and artistic detail is astounding. Professional narrators tell of the dramatic lives of families during the Edwardian and sur rounding eras, including romances, divorces, affairs, murders and bitter family fortune feuds.

Horrific crimes, mysteries and injustices have been laid to rest as well in Fairmount. Twelve-year-old Louise Frost was raped, stomped on and stabbed on the outskirts of Limon in 1900. She died shortly

after this brutal attack and was bur ied in Fairmount, reportedly in the same grave as her 2-year-old sister. Compounding the shock and cruelty of this incident, what passed for an investigation in those days resulted in the arrest of a young Black man who was, quite possibly, not guilty. Even when the railroad laborer had his defenders, which included a detective. With out a trial, however, Preston Porter Jr., age 16, was burned alive by an outraged mob on the prairie near the scene of the crime. This act of lawless vengeance caused a national uproar.

Fifty-five years later, a massive, well-funded justice system featur ing groups of forensic scientists was in charge of the region when a luxurious DC-6B left Denver’s Stapleton Airport and crashed near Longmont. All 44 passengers and crew were killed, including the wife of an assistant to President Eisen hower.

Within a few weeks, FBI inves tigators and aviation authorities reassembled the wreckage and determined that a time bomb in the luggage storage section caused the disaster. Investigators used evi dence from the wreckage to swiftly focus on a suspect: Jack Gilbert Graham, the son of Daisie E. (Walk er) King, a woman whose suitcase had evidently carried the bomb.

Graham had a history of arson, violence and attempted insurance fraud stunts. He was executed in a state-of-the-art gas chamber less than two years after the explosion. Walker-King is also buried in Fair mount. The headline of her modest marker simply reads “Walker.”

BURIED BENEFACTORS

Though it may seem that Fair mount’s elaborate monuments are some indication of roaring econom ic excess, many of the prominent individuals buried there “gave as good as they got.”

They were generous donors, visionaries and benefactors in their community. Iliff, Speer, Bonfils,

Clayton, Moffat, Cheeseman and Brown are just a few of the note worthy names and examples of noble, intrepid, hard-working and conscientious wealthy and oth erwise fortunate philanthropists. These surnames have earned their places on avenues, colleges, parks, tunnels, streets and foundations.

WAR HEROES

Fairmount Cemetery contains four distinct areas and monuments ded icated to war heroes. A magnificent bronze statue of a soldier, perched high on a granite and bronze marker, is dedicated to volunteers. Soldiers’ graves appear to radiate outward from this stately tower, bearing the names of veterans from the Spanish-American War, the Civil War and peacetime soldiers who served up to the beginning of World War I.

Lieutenant Francis Brown Lowry, depicted in bronze, looks toward the graves of many World War I veterans in the area, including actual members of his battalion, as though he were still addressing or commanding them.

Lowry was the first Colorado pilot killed in World War I. Military airfields in Colorado were named after the war hero starting in 1924, including the Lowry Air Force Base which operated from 1938 to 1994.

In the Garden of Honor, the mar ble GI gravestones are arranged in another concentric formation, fac ing a flagpole flying the American flag. The Nisei War Memorial hon ors more than 30,000 courageous Japanese Americans who served in World War II and the Korean War.

A map of Fairmount Cemetery reveals an overlapping and almost spontaneous pattern of sections and driveways. Any journey through this vast and imposing cemetery is bound to yield intriguing dis coveries, as well as “six degrees of separation” links that morph fluidly into more branches on the evolving family tree, or however you choose to interpret the meaningful lives memorialized there. ■

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

By Lisa Lowdermilk

Being diagnosed with breast can cer is overwhelming. In addition to the initial shock that accom panies any cancer diagnosis, breast cancer patients face an additional burden: decid ing whether to pursue reconstruction.

For many patients, the choice to under go reconstruction seems easy enough at first glance. Doctors offer reconstruction in part to cover up the scarring associated with mastectomies, and that is still the route most patients take.

But the reality of reconstruction is far more complicated than many doctors would have us believe. In addition to a vari ety of health risks associated with recon struction, including lymphatic cancers and autoimmune disorders, chronic pain is an all too common side effect. To avoid these complications, 25 percent of breast cancer survivors opt to forgo reconstruction.

FLAT OUT LOVE

There is support for these women, who affectionately call themselves “flatties,” to feel comfortable in their own skin.

Flat Out Love is a community of flatties on Facebook with the mission to ensure all flatties feel beautiful and whole again.

Members hail from all over the world, including Australia, Africa, Canada and Mexico. The common thread tying them together is a sense of camaraderie, with gratitude for everything life has to offer.

“I wouldn’t give my cancer back for anything,” said Lissa Sears, 48, of Indianap

olis. “My life has changed so much for the better.”

Sears, who has multiple sclerosis, opted to go flat because of the health risks associated with reconstruction. Before her breast cancer diagnosis, she worked in window sales. Now she’s a stand-up comic and works as an actress.

“Everyone knows the saying, ‘You only live once,’ but the truth is, you only die once. You live every day. Take all the chances and live to the fullest!” said Sears.

Nancy Brisk of Colorado Springs shares Sears’ sense of gratitude following her

Flatties gather in a spirit of joy and camaraderie, thriving and surviving after breast cancer. This month, they will rally in Cedaredge, Colorado on the world's largest flat top mountain—Grand Mesa.

the flat top

No reconstruction? No problem.

Breast cancer survivors band together

decision to go flat. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2009, she underwent a double mastectomy with im plants in January 2010. Eight surgeries later, she opted to have them removed in August 2020, citing excruciating pain and decreased quality of life.

“I was in pain 24/7 for three years,” Brisk, 65, said. “I couldn’t even bend down to clean, it was so painful.”

Despite all she’s been through, Brisk in sisted it could have been much worse. Some patients suffer post-mastectomy injuries that can only be described as mutilation. The open-minded members of Flat Out Love understand the merits of reconstruc tion and why a woman would make that choice, even if they didn’t.

“I’m not against implants or prosthetics. My problem is that doctors don’t always give patients the option to go flat,” said Sears. “Doctors—both male and female— push reconstruction so much because it’s their idea of what a woman should be.”

Brisk agreed with Sears, advising patients to do their own research.

“There are a lot of really tough decisions you may have a knee-jerk reaction to,” Brisk said. “Take a step back. I didn’t really do that and think, ‘Why do I want these fake things on my chest?’”

RETREAT & RALLY

For International Flat Day on October 7, Sears and Brisk are helping organize the big gest get-together for flatties on the biggest flat top mountain in the world.

The Grace Project, an empowering

photographic project that captures the courage, beauty and grace of those who have had mastectomy surgery as a result of breast cancer, will be present during the retreat on the Grand Mesa in Cedaredge on October 6-9.

Attendees will be treated to a variety of

fun activities, but most importantly, at tendees can connect in person with other flatties from around the world in joyful gratitude for the new lease on life they’ve been given and all the possibilities that await them.

■

Flat Out Love on Facebook

Only flatties are permitted to join the group to ensure all members feel safe expressing themselves.

“I DIDN’T REALLY TAKE A STEP BACK AND THINK, ‘WHY DO I WANT THESE FAKE THINGS ON MY CHEST?’”

Gratitude for friendships, health and a new lease on life characterizes gatherings of flatties, an affectionate term for women who opt to forgo reconstruction after a mastectomy.

When we think life isn’t fair

By Jean Alfieri

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

—Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

“Is he housetrained?”

“I don’t know if he’s trained, how he became a stray or why he stinks so bad.“

Josh’s frown deepened as he chewed on his bagel. “What name did you decide on?”

“Mister Magoo.” This got a chuckle.

“He looks like a Magoo.” Josh gave me a kiss and left, unconvinced this adoption was a good idea.

two minutes had strewn a cou ple dozen plushies, tug toys and squeakies about. His pug panting echoed off the walls.

“He’s a whirling dervish,” I mut tered.

“Is he going to have a stroke?” Josh asked.

I shared his concern. The senior dogs we usually adopt stroll into the house, select one of the as sorted comfy dog beds, circle once and lie down with a satisfied groan. They look at us with big, thankful eyes that say, “Wake me when it’s mealtime,” and life moves on.

I sat on the floor, hoping Magoo would rest. Nope. By midnight, Josh and I were exhausted. The

WHEN WE PRAY FOR GOD TO DO HIS WILL AND OPEN OUR HEARTS TO WHATEVER HE’S DESIGNED FOR US, WE SHOULDN’T BE DISAPPOINTED IN THE OUTCOME.

But I was thrilled to add to our pack. I work at an animal shelter and was smitten by a pug puppy that came in the week before. Today he’d be ours. I barely got his leash on before he bolted from the kennel and sprinted down the hall.

“Wow, you’re sure rambunctious for just having surgery.”

“Pant-pant-snort,” was his reply.

“Okay,” I planned aloud, “let’s get home, meet everyone and then you’ll relax.” The stench of stray dog filled my car.

Introductions went well. When our three older dogs realized they couldn’t keep up with Magoo’s fran tic exploration of the backyard, they retreated inside. It was dinnertime and, as interesting as the new stinky guy was, they had their priorities.

Magoo raced into the house, jumped on and off the couch, dashed out to the yard and back inside to repeat the course. During one intermission, he recklessly flipped the toy basket and in under

other dogs had long since retired, giving us a “good luck” expression as they departed.

I returned Magoo the next day, then cried all the way home. With only a couple hours’ sleep, I won dered, am I overtired? Relieved? Or truly disappointed it didn’t work?

Then I considered that maybe— just maybe—Magoo needed a safe place for only one more night so his forever family would find him. What if our house was that place?

When we pray for God to do His will and open our hearts to whatever He’s designed for us, we shouldn’t be disappointed in the outcome. We can be sad it didn’t work out like we wanted, but we can also delight in being part of God’s plan.

Though my heart was broken, I believe it worked out as it was sup posed to—and for that, I’m joyful.

P.S. Magoo was adopted with in a half hour of his return to the shelter!

What to do with your old tech devices

My wife helped me buy our first computer in 1996. We were newlyweds and I was starting school and working two jobs. Al though we couldn’t afford a com puter, we knew we’d only be able to see each other if I was able to write papers and do research at home.

The Internet had only been open to the public for about five years, but the commercial Internet we know today was barely a year old.

In 1997, I’d been exposed to the internet enough to figure out how to access the university’s connec tion from home at nearly 28 kilobits per second. By comparison, today’s cable internet connection clocks around 100,000 kilobits per second.

The internet wasn’t the only dig ital technology I was adding to my life. My first digital camera was 1.3 megapixels and an image card could only hold fewer than 100 pictures at high resolution. The new iPhone 14 has a 48 megapixel camera and also shoots video and can hold thousands of pictures and dozens of hours of video.

Technology has become faster and cheaper, but it has also led to a major problem: Now we have draw ers and closets full of old equip ment and obsolete cables.

I believe in keeping technology useful for as long as possible, but

I don’t recommend always buying the best and fastest equipment. Typically, mid-tier equipment will do 95 percent of what 100 percent of people do. But eventually, you will need to upgrade to something nicer or faster.

Whenever I help set up a new computer for someone, the person I’m helping always seems to ask: What do I do with the old stuff?

This can be difficult to answer because nobody wants to clutter the landfill. Plus, the Great Depres sion created generations of people who fear throwing something away they might need within the next 25 years. This column will help guide you on what to throw away, how long to keep certain technologies, and how to safely dispose of items that aren’t supposed to go to the landfill.

BROKEN TECH

If your technology is broken and you don’t want to pay for the repair, nobody else will either. Call your local landfills and waste man agement services for where to take technology waste.

Technology recycling is usually a separate service from other recy cling services. Recycling almost al ways costs money based on weight. So, if you’re extremely frugal, that

may determine how much obsolete technology you keep piled in your garage or stored under your bed.

OLD BUT WORKS

Most working technology still has value to someone. If you enjoy having a little extra cash and you have some free time, you can prob ably sell that old digital camera, laptop,or box of cables for a small fraction of the original retail value.

Old technology has value to peo ple for several reasons. There are prospecting hobbyists who dissolve circuit boards in acid to harvest the $6-$12 in gold found in the average old computer. People who still have old videos, floppy drives and cassette tapes with records and memories on them like to have technology that will allow them to access those files and transfer them to a more modern format.

The least expensive way to sell

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

your old equipment is to list it on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, but you will make more money by selling it on eBay.

One of my favorite uses for old technology is to turn it into art.

Just as steampunk art represents the beauty of the steam era, there is a growing demand for the aes thetic of vintage technology.

Unlike a steam engine, obsolete technology will never be useful again. So turning it into arts and crafts is a great way to give it new life. Turn that old TV into a goldfish aquarium or dismantle that old digital camera for the great lenses inside. What better way to rid the world of eyesores of obsolete tech nology than to turn it into some thing beautiful that represents the impact that computers, cellphones, digital cameras, and even gaming systems have had on society and culture? T

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

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Paul Brisco

Master Journeyman Electrician

3 mistakes that can cost Medicare beneficiaries a fortune

By Christian Worstell

Medicare is designed to help beneficiaries save money on health care. But there are three simple mistakes people can make that could end up costing them a fortune, or at least a sizeable chunk of their retirement savings.

Whether you’re brand new to Medicare, approaching Medicare age or a seasoned vet, beware of these common pitfalls.

ment penalty would equal $204.

Over the course of 10 years, you would pay more than $2,000 in late enrollment fees, and that’s without factoring in any Part B premium increases.

You can delay Part B enrollment with no penalty if you have what Medicare considers “creditable” health insurance coverage. Insur ance provided by your employer or union could count as creditable coverage, but it depends on the size of the organization.

Confirm with your health in surance provider as well as with the federal Medicare program to confirm whether your coverage qualifies.

And don’t forget: Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part D Medicare prescription drug plans also have late-enrollment penalties of their own.

Medicare Mistake #2: Forgetting the Lack of an Out-of-Pocket Spending Limit

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not have an annual out-ofpocket spending limit. That means you are responsible for an un capped amount of copayments and coinsurance for Part A and Part B coverage over the course of a year.

With surprise high medical costs being the number one reason for personal bankruptcy in the U.S., this could be a vulnerable spot to be for the average American.

In 2022, the standard Part B pre mium is $170.10 per month. So even if you are just one year late to sign up and didn’t qualify for a Medicare Special Enrollment period, you’d be on the hook for an extra $17 per month (10 percent of $170.10) added to your Part B premium. Over the course of a year, your late enroll

Take a discectomy for example, which is a common procedure in older adults to alleviate lower back pain. When performed at an ambu latory surgical center, a Medicare patient can expect to pay around $2,700 out-of-pocket for a discec tomy in 2022.

Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans sold by private insurance companies often come with no monthly premium (though you still pay your monthly Part B pre mium) and are required by law to include an annual in-network outof-pocket maximum of no more than $7,550 in 2022 (with many plans offering far lower limits).

• Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans cover the costs of certain Medicare copays, coinsurance and other expens es. Having protection for those out-of-pocket costs can help save you money when you get Medicare-covered care. Certain Medicare Supplement plans also include annual out-of-pocket spending limits.

It’s important to note that Medi care Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans aren’t the same thing, and you can’t have each type of plan at once.

Medicare Mistake #3: Not Reviewing Your Plan Options Every Year

Medicare beneficiaries have an opportunity to switch to a more affordable plan every year, but too many fail to take advantage.

Medicare’s annual open enroll ment period takes place from Octo ber 15 to December 7 each fall. You can perform a number of actions during this period, such as switch ing from one Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan to another.

Prior to the beginning of fall Medicare open enrollment, ben eficiaries receive a notice from

DO THESE THREE THINGS AND YOUR MEDICARE WILL DO THE VERY THING IT’S DESIGNED TO DO: SAVE YOU MONEY ON YOUR HEALTH CARE.

their current plan carrier that lists the details of any cost or cover age changes to their plan for the upcoming year. With the average beneficiary enjoying access to 39 different Medicare Advantage plans in 2022, it’s wise to at least spend a few minutes comparing your plan premium with the others available in your area to see if you can save by switching.

Enroll on time. Put some out-ofpocket protection in place. Review your costs every year to see if you can save. Do these three things and your Medicare will do the very thing it’s designed to do: save you money on your health care. ■

Christian Worstell is a senior Medicare and health insurance writer with HelpAdvisor.com. He is also a licensed health insurance agent. Christian is well-known for the thousands of educational arti cles he’s written, helping Americans better understand their health insurance and Medicare coverage.

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Writers forum inspires plenty to write about

By Jan Weeks

Writing, either for publication or pleasure, is a solitary en deavor. Writers sit at a keyboard or in front of a blank sheet of paper, and have to come up with a story or article. Deadlines really put the pressure on to finish, and some time writers don’t have the luxury of staring at the screen or page for hours or waiting for inspiration to strike.

Writers who aren’t on a dead line can take more time hoping to be inspired. Interacting with other writers can give your muse a kick in the rear to get in gear. If you want to stretch your mind and creativity, consider attending a Western Colorado Writers’ Forum (WCWF) meeting. The group meets on the first Tuesday of ev ery month and hosts programs on all aspects of writing.

“You don’t have to be a serious

writer or desire to be published to enjoy the group energy and writing possibilities,” said Linda Skinner, a WCWF member since 2013.

In the seven years she’s been a member, Virginia Jensen has been to almost every WCWF event. Meeting other authors, attending programs and working with critique groups have all added to her abili ties and pleasure in writing.

“The critique groups have given me both confidence and breadth of technique. You learn about yourself and your style of writing, and when you share, you can see very specific areas where you excel and where you need to work,” said Jensen.

Before returning to the Western Slope, Melody Jones worked with many writers in the Denver area as Vice President and Communica tions Chair for the Woman’s Press Club. Her energy brought new life to the almost-defunct writers

forum when she became president in early 2022.

“I introduced myself to Linda (the interim president) and asked how I could help, and offered my social media expertise,” said Jones. “I really didn’t want to see [the group] shut down, so I threw my hat in the ring for president.”

The group meets monthly for happy hour at the Ale House, and Writer Chicks, a weekly social group for women writers, meets at Main Street Bagels from 9-10:30 a.m. every Wednesday.

Jones started the Western Col orado Writers Podcast, where its hosts chat with local, national and international writers about their work and creative process. New episodes drop the second Tuesday of every month on the forum’s website.

“Like everyone, we are rebuilding after the world shut down,” Jones

said. “While our Writer’s Nights are going strong and we’ve finally re-es tablished a critique group, we’ve experienced financial challenges and the need for more volunteers and board members.”

Jones hopes to offer additional writing classes and bring back wellloved offerings like Write Out Loud, a performance writing showcase.

The 501(c)(3) organization re cently transitioned from a member ship fee to a donation-only opera tion, which means it’s supported by volunteers, grants and donations from the writing community. At tendees may drop cash or checks into a basket at presentations or can donate online.

Sign up for WCWF’s newsletter at www.westerncoloradowriters. org. For more information, email wcwritersforum@gmail.com or call 970-822-7373. ■

Getting local writers together for happy hour at the Ale House is just one of many events hosted by the Western Colorado Writers Forum.

It’s no secret! Horsefly Brewing and Phelanies

Speakeasy are the best locations for local libations

By Leanne Goebel

Chances are if you live in Mon trose or have visited recently, you’ve been to Horsefly Brewing Company.

Horsefly’s beer is brewed locally using the finest and freshest in gredients. The brewery also has a full food menu featuring fare from appetizers and wings to salads, burgers and sandwiches.

Phil and Melanie Freismuth opened Horsefly in September 2009. Phil had been brewing beer since 1999 and started a home brewers club where he met his for mer business partner, Nigel Askew. They visited a small brewery in Pa onia, liked the mellow and friendly vibe, and thought they might try to open something like it in Montrose.

What began as a small tasting room in the front office of a stor age unit rental quickly took off.

“It just blew up,” Phil said. “I was a police officer, and Melanie worked in the schools at the time. We both had full-time jobs.”

A year later, they moved the brewery to its current location at 846 E. Main St. (there’s a sec ond location inside the Montrose Regional Airport). Eventually, they

added the kitchen, even though Melanie swore she’d never be in food service again.

They initially rented their kitchen space to a couple who made food for the brewery. However, when they soon left for South Dakota, the Freismuths continued serving food.

“We kept some of their recipes, came up with some of our own, and our staff added items to the menu,” Phil said.

In 2018, the couple opened Phel anies, a Prohibition-style speakeasy, at 129 S. Junction.

They leased the space and gut ted it to open the secret bar that requires a password for entry. (Not to worry, it’s printed on the bottom of every Horsefly receipt and avail

able on Phelanies’ Facebook page.)

Phelanies’ cocktails are crafted by Dave Warner and his broth er Braden. Dave, who worked at Horsefly, was dabbling in mixology.

“He’s really into cocktails and knows their history and how to make them,” said Phil.

The Freismuths also took Dave and some other employees to Den ver for mixology classes.

Phelanies’ signature drink is the Old Smokey, an old fashioned served in a stave-smoked glass with whiskey fire. The speakeasy also has a light food menu featuring petite beef Wellington and duck wontons.

After 10 years in business, the Freismuths faced an unexpected challenge—COVID.

“We did carry-out and delivery, and were busier than I anticipated,” said Phil. “We were able to reopen and grow back our business. The community supported us. We’ve been really blessed.”

Phil and Melanie are also big supporters of the community. The couple has staff members that have worked for them for over a decade.

“If you take care of your staff, they will take care of you,” Phil added.

Eat or drink at Horsefly and get exclusive access to Phelanies (the speakeasy password is on Facebook and printed at the bottom of Horse fly’s receipts).

Depending on the style of beer, Horsefly brews 250 to 350 gallons per batch. They have seven regular brews as well as seasonal and guest taps. ■

Why a horsefly?

Visitors and newcomers may wonder from where the names come from. The brewery is named after Horsefly Peak on the Uncompahgre Plateau, a well-known feature of the local landscape. Phelanies is a play on the combination of Phil and Melanie’s names.

password:

website, Facebook page or ask a server at Horsefly. It is also printed on your receipt at Horsefly.

Owners Phil & Melanie Freismuth

A cowboy poet who didn’t even know it

By Cathy Lussiana

Whether it was divine interven tion or a muse of inspiration, locally acclaimed cowboy poet Nona Kelley Carver learned to write poetry completely by accident.

“[Writing and poetry] wasn’t anything I studied or learned,” said Carver, 86. “I feel it was a gift to me from God to help me through a difficult time in my life.”

You may recognize her name from some of her poetry in the BEACON or as a regular perform er at the annual Western Slope Cowboy Gathering. Undoubtedly, her life experiences, including those as a rancher, contribute to the vivid imagery in her poetry.

Carver’s a cowboy poet, meaning that many of her poems are rooted in stories of the rural west, mod eled after those that cowboys used to entertain around the campfire.

“Ranchers and people that work with the land understand what I’m saying, whereas someone born in New York City may not have a clue what I’m talking about,” she said.

Carver married into a family of Mesa dairy farmers 70 years ago when she and her husband Alfred tied the knot. One of their wedding presents was five cows!

She and Alfred purchased the

family farm in 1966 and ran it for many years. When they decided to retire in 1977, they sold the farm but kept two acres.

Although retired, becoming a poet didn’t even cross Carver’s mind until she was bedridden fol lowing a severe ankle injury. As she healed, words and stories started coming together and she wrote them down.

In 1994, she published her first book of poetry, “The Tarnish on the Golden Years.”

“It’s about wrinkles, retirement and rotten memory,” said Carver.

She’s published three other books: “Cowboys, Cookstoves and Catastrophes,” “Carver Country Cowboys,” and “Spoken Songs from My Soul,” but she’s saving the few remaining

for her six

Peggy Malone

great-grandchildren.

Carver isn’t writing much cur rently. This time of year, she’s busy organizing the annual Western Slope Cowboy Gathering alongside musicians Terry Nash and Peggy Malone.

The seventh annual festival coming up on November 4 and 5 celebrates modern and classic cow boy culture and brings some of the country’s best local and national poets and musicians to Grand Junc tion, including this year’s headliner Doug Figgs. The festival takes place at the Grand Valley Event Center (the Masonic Lodge), 2400 Consis tory Ct.

Daytime performances are free, while evening events are $15 (or $25 for two days). Carver, Nash and Malone are all scheduled to perform.

“Cowboy poetry is the stories of the West,” said Carver. “We tell stories that may have been about your grandma or your grandpa or friends. I think it’s a cleaner form of entertainment than we usually get today.”

For more information about this year’s Western Slope Cowboy Gath ering and for a complete schedule of events, visit www.westernslope cowboygathering.com. Find the festival on Facebook @WSCG.gj ■

Mark Your Calendars

Western Slope Cowboy Gathering

November 4 & 5

Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct., Grand Junction

The Belle of Biloxi

A hurrying horde of frontier folk

Poured into old Harrigan’s hall. They’d come for a fun time of frolic That’s known as the Stock Grower’s Ball.

The gals were all gussied in get-ups That turned every gentleman’s head, When in stepped The Belle of Biloxi All done up in deep shades of red!

She’d come in a big covered wagon

To the edge of the Western Frontier. Where she flounced in her fine feath ered fancies, That faded some more every year!

She’d dreamed that each cowboy and rancher

Would woo her and ask for her hand, But each one was just a mite wary To put on a little gold band!

They looked, and they lolly-gagged ’round her, But none of them quite ever stayed. Tonight, she would catch one for certain, Who’d save her from playing Old Maid!

The women folk, they kept their distance.

They didn’t know quite what to think. She might take their sons or their husbands!

And brave hearts were starting to sink.

By Nona Kelley Carver

When in stepped a stranger from Sturgis, And quickly, he nodded his head, As he eyed the bright bevy of beauties, And picked out the lady in red!

The orchestra paused for a moment, And then set the scene for romance. Each eye in the crowd was upon them, As the stranger had asked her to dance.

She smiled in her most charming manner, But tripped, as she reached the dance floor, And fell in the arms of the stranger, Who helped to upright her once more.

The crowd cheered and began relaxin’, And suddenly everyone knew She really was not that much different! For they’d seen some cow poop on her shoe!

©1995 Nona Kelley Carver

Why we like to be scared

By Nancy J. Schaaf, RN

Enjoy Life. Make It Last.

Isn’t life beautiful? We want you to enjoy it for as long as you can.

Did you know it is recommended that for most women, highquality mammography screening should begin at 40? As risk factors vary in everyone, each woman and her doctor should discuss the plan that’s right for her. Most organizations recommend screening every one to two years, some recommend it take place every year.

Why not make an appointment for a mammogram today?

This public service message compliments of Chalmer and Marge Swain.

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In 1956, I was 7 years old and my parents hired a babysitter for my 5-year-old brother and me while they attended the neighborhood block party. The sitter let us watch “The Werewolf,” which terrified both of us enough to have night mares for days! (Mom was not happy with the sitter!)

Years later, I went to see the movie “Black Sunday.” I still re call the scene where the accused vampire had a mask with spikes on the inside pounded into her face by a man wielding a sledgehammer. Again with the nightmares!

Horror movies are often scary, gross and cause us to fear for our life (or at least the life of the characters). But as disturbing as they may be, watching them is one of the best ways to spend a Friday night, especially in October when gore, ghosts and other dreadful beings dominate.

This staple of the Halloween experience is one of the most en duringly popular film genres since “Dracula” and “Frankenstein” and other talkies of the 1930s. Movie characters also became part of the culture, like Norman Bates in “Psy cho” and Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.”

Generally, we try to avoid things that frighten us. So why do we pay to see a movie that evokes fear and terror?

State University biology lecturer and fear scientist.

Fear triggers our fight-or-flight response, and we experience an increased release of adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine—which also happens when we watch scary movies. It’s the same feeling our an cestors had when they encountered a lion or a snake.

With horror movies, we feel in control. Watching movies from our living room stimulates and resolves fear without engaging a real threat, generating a sense of safety. Seeing another person confront and over come a frightening series of events is also satisfying.

Additionally, most of us will never meet a Hannibal Lecter or Michael Myers; therefore, horror films satisfy our curiosity about the dark side of humanity. There’s a sense of catharsis once the credits roll—like we survived a brief brush with something dark and unexpect ed. Horror movies and rollercoast ers are similar; both take us on a ride that feels dangerous but is intrinsically safe. ■

Horror Movies

According to Rotten Tomatoes (May 2022)

1.

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Intimidated by car salesmen? I will accompany you to

The paradoxical appeal of horror movies arises from three factors: human curiosity towards the morbid and threatening, a mixture of fear and excitement, and learn ing about our own emotional and dangerous situations safely in the context of movies.

“Fear is there to keep us alive,” said Mary Poffenroth, a San Jose

thing

MeSa County

October 4

Grand Valley Equine

Bring the grandkids to Moon Farm for this Pumpkin Patch Fundrais er. Meet Willy Tuz, local finalist on Food Network’s 2021 “Outrageous Pumpkins.” Carved pumpkins will be auctioned off. Proceeds benefit Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learn ing Center.

4:30-7 p.m. | 1360 18 ½ Road, Fruita | Free | www.gvequineassistedlearn ingcenter.org

October 4

Backyard Composting

Join BEACON garden columnist Bryan Reed for an outdoor pre sentation on backyard compost ing at Mesa County Libraries’ Discovery Garden. Bring your own camp chair, as seating may be limited.

6-7 p.m. | 517 Chipeta Ave., Grand Junction | Free | www. mesacountylibraries.org | 970-243-4442

CALENDAR

October 8

Youth Craft Fair

The DeMolay and Rainbow Girls youth groups are raising funds for their lead ership programs by hosting a craft fair at Grand Valley Events Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2400 Consistory Ct., Grand Junction | Free | dryouth498 @gmail.com

October 12

Comic and Graphic Novel Writing (Virtual)

In this Zoom workshop, learn from David Edersole about the types of stories you can tell in graphic novels, the early steps in creating your book and tips for collaborating with art ists. Register by 3 p.m.

6-7:30 p.m. | Free | www.western coloradowriters.org | 970-822-7373

October 13

Divas3

Three powerhouse voices bring you the biggest hits of the greatest divas in pop music history. Spanning four decades, Divas3 covers hits by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Cher, Dolly Parton, Donna Summer and many more!

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $35 | www.community concertsgrandvalley.org | 970-2635700

October 13

Online Candidate Forum

October 6

An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe

A celebration of the life and works of Poe with readings and performances in the KAFM Radio Room. Proceeds from tickets benefit KAFM.

6:30-9 p.m. | 1310 Ute Ave., Grand Junction | $15 | www.sites.google. com/view/thepoeproject/home/ in-person/kafm | 970-257-7354

October 7-9

Downtown Art Festival

Visit Downtown Grand Junction’s art galleries, vendors and shops for live demonstrations and perfor mances. The temporary Art on the Corner exhibits will be changed

The League of Women Voters of Mesa County presents a virtual forum to educate voters about the positions and candidates for Mesa County Clerk and Recorder, Com missioner and Coroner. Visit the website for links.

6-8 p.m. | Watch on Zoom or Facebook | Free | www.lwvmesa.org | 970-812-3241

to the 2023 collection. The Grand Junction Film Festival closes out the weekend, highlighting student and professional filmmakers.

11 a.m-5 p.m. | Downtown Grand Junction | Free | www.downtowngj. org/downtown-art-festival | 970-245-9697

October 13

Community Over Coffee

Members and local government officials get together at Sauvage Spectrum Winery for a friend ly cup of coffee to informally discuss issues that are important to the community. Breakfast and coffee provided.

8-10 a.m. | 676 38 ¼ Road, Pali sade | Free | www.palisadecoc. com/events | 970-464-7458

October 14

Cups for a Cure

Join the Fruita Area Chamber for the second annual Cups For a Cure at Copper Club Brewing Company. Come enjoy chili and soups from local restaurants and bid in the silent auction! Proceeds benefit the Family Health West Foundation and Com munity Hospital Foundation. 5-8 p.m. | 153 N. Mulberry St., Fruita | $10 | www.fruitachamber.org | 970-858-3894

October 14 Junk Journaling

This workshop at Confluence Studios introduces the basics of creating a junk journal, which is a cross between journaling, collage work and scrapbooking. It’s a means to play with art, set goals, create inspiration or capture moments in a handmade keepsake.

4:30-7:30 p.m. | 634 Main St., Suite 6, Grand Junction | $60 | www. imconfluencestudios.com | 970-3142584

October 15

Fall Day on the Farm Cross Orchards Historic Site cel ebrates the fall harvest with farm stands and local vendors, food

trucks, museum tours, train rides and hayrides, games and more. Fresh cider will be available for sale.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 3073 Patterson Road, Grand Junction | $6 seniors, $5 kids | www.museumofwesternco.com | 970-242-0971

October 15

Chili Lunch Fundraiser

Warm up with a buffet lunch, games, silent auction and more at the VFW Post 1247. Proceeds support our military through Operation Interde pendence. RSVP by October 7.

12-3 p.m. | 1404 Ute Ave., Grand Junction | $10-$12 | www.oidelivers. org | 970-523-4217

October 15 & 16

Behind the Music: Symphonie Fantastique

Grand Junction Symphony Orches tra performs Edward MacDowell’s “Hamlet and Ophelia” and Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique” at the Avalon Theatre.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $15$45 | www.gjso.org | 970-243-6787

October 16

Run to Whitewater

Join Mesa Monument Striders for a point-to-point scenic trail run that follows the Tabeguache Trail from Bangs Canyon Trailhead to Unaweep Canyon. This trail is rough with a net descent but significant climb.

7 a.m. | Bangs Canyon Trailhead, Grand Junction | Free | www.mesa monumentstriders.com | 970-2454243

October 17

Banned Book Discussion

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green is a coming-of-age novel that won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Associ ation, and ultimately became the fourth-most challenged book in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019 because of profanity and sexually explicit scenes. Read the book and come prepared to discuss at the Center for Spiritual Living.

2:30-3:30 p.m. | 730 25 Road, Grand Junction | Free | www.cslgj.org | 970-433-7799

October 18, 26 & 29

Medicare 201

Medicare open enrollment begins October 15. Learn more about Medicare, important changes and how to receive unbiased help from Mesa County’s RSVP State Health In surance Assistance Program (SHIP) volunteers. This free presentation takes place at the Clifton Library.

5-6 p.m. | 590 32 Road, Clifton | Free | www.mesacountylibraries.org

October 20-22

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Get your hands on books, DVDs, CDs and items from Mesa County Libraries’ spe cial collections at First Congregational Church. All proceeds benefit the library. Cash only.

9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday (bag sale) | 1425 N. 5th St., Grand Junction | www.mesacountylibraries.org | 970-243-4442

October 20-21 & 23

Cinderella

A final stroke of midnight changes it all when a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and a glass slipper come together on stage for Colora do West Performing Arts’ sparkling rendition of Cinderella at the Avalon.

7 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. Sunday | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $20-$40 | www.colorado westpac.org | 970-255-8322

October 22

The Gatlin Brothers

These Grammy winners have daz zled audiences for more than 65 years, singing their Country-Gospel music from coast to coast.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $29-$49 | www.avalon theatregj.com | 970-263-5700

October 22

PEO Pop-Up Shoppe

Experience unique holiday shopping at this once-a-year fall event with crafts, art and baked goods (includ ing homemade pie)! Proceeds fund scholarships for women.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 691 Sperber Lane, Grand Junction | 970-245-5132

October 22 & 29

Spooky Pub Crawl

This walking pub tour led by Muse um of the West curator Vida Jaber explores the spooky history where three local pubs have taken up res idence. Between stops, learn about the mysteries and murders of early downtown Grand Junction.

3 p.m.-6 p.m. | 462 Ute Ave., Grand Junction | $35-$45 | www.museum ofwesternco.com | 970-242-0971

October 28

Medicare Walk-in Event

RSVP SHIP hosts this walk-in event for anyone with Medicare enroll ment questions. Bring your Medi care card and prescription drug information along with questions. Event is first come, first served.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Suite 090, Grand Junction | Free | www. mesacountyrsvp.org/ship | 970-243-9839

October 28

Cherish the Ladies

Fans of Irish music, celebrate the songs and step dancing when Cherish the Ladies takes the Avalon stage. 7:30-9:30 | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $35 | www.community concertsgrandvalley.org | 970-263-5700

October 30

Postmodern Jukebox

Today’s pop hits are transformed into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus becomes The Platters, Bruno Mars becomes Frank Sinatra and more.

8-9 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junc tion | $30-$85+ fees | www.avalon theatregj.com | 970-263-5700 ■

SEE MORE EVENTS AT: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

American University Women meets monthly.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-261-2112

Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to First Baptist Church.

Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead to play.

Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989

Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981.

1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868

Citizens’ Climate Lobby meets via Zoom. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org

Clifton Book Club meets to discuss book selections at Clifton Library.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | www.mesacountylibraries.org

Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly.

4th Wednesday | 4:30 p.m. | 720278-8537

Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets monthly at First Christian Church in Grand Junction.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522

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. Make friends through cards, games, talk and tea.

Wednesdays | 2 p.m. | 970-257-2390

Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly.

970-250-7401

Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women.

1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941

Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, meets at Redlands Commu nity Church.

Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970260-0880

Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981. Former, retired and active sea service, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-4340868

Friendship Force, a club that pro motes travel and cultural under standing through home stays, meets at New Covenant Baptist Church.

3rd Saturday | 12 p.m. | 214-5362250 | www.ffwcolo.com

Grand Junction Brush & Palette Club meets at The Art Center.

3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | www.gjbrushandpalette.org

Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road, Grand Junction. 2nd Thursday & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. | www.grandjunctionrockclub.org

Grand Junction Modeleers meet monthly at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-216-8073 | www.gjmodeleers.comrcclub

Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junc tion Convention Center.

3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | www.grandjunctionpmc.com

Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-9861502

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

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets at Church of the Nativity.

3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970462-7554

Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets at the Grand Junction Eagles Lodge. 3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-270-

0804 | valorquilters@gmail.com

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands Methodist Church.

1st & 3rd Wednesday at 6 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 1 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-257-1549

Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands Methodist Church.

2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817

Great Old Broads for Wilderness meets monthly.

970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com

Guitar Club meets weekly at First Christian Church in Grand Junction. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473

Guys’ Giving Club meets at Spring hill Suites in Grand Junction. 1st Tuesday in February, May, Au gust, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-243-8829 or 970-270-6184

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at Warehouse 25sixty-five. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664

Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church. 2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2611952

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

Pruitt

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. www.mesacountygenealogy.org

Newcomers Club meets at Grand Valley Event Center.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970549-0440 | www.gjnewcomers.org

Not Going Quietly, a space of em powerment, community and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia.

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. | 970-2087228

Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques. 970-256-9580

River City Singles meets at the Grand Junction Moose Lodge with fun activi ties for singles over 50. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537

Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club. Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970234-5030

SOS: Singles over 65 is an active, hip social club for single seniors! www.meetup.com/singles-over-65

Sunset Slope Quilters meets at Can yon View Vineyards Church’s South Chapel.

2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | www.sunsetslopequilters.com

Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, 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.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-361-1806

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Commu nity College, Building B.

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thunder mountaincameraclub.org

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Junction Masonic Center.

Thursdays | 970-261-1670

Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source. Tuesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 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.

2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www.w0rrz.org

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library.

1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-2012865 | www.wcacastronomy.org

Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets at First Congrega tional Church.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-6402751

Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247.

4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2507036

Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park’s north pond.

Saturdays | 10 a.m. | 970-2432957

Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. 970-241-8561 | www.western slopepickleballclub.com

Wheels West Car Club meets at Grand Junction Moose Lodge.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www. wheelswestcarclub.org

Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a la dies-only meeting for local writers, meets at Main Street Bagels. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com ■

970-243-8829

Oct.

Friday,

p.m. Saturday,

BITS

• Check “full year” box

Free Walk-in Medicare Help

Every Thursday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Medicare beneficiaries can visit Mesa County SHIP, 422 White Ave., Suite 090 (inside US Bank), for free, unbiased help about their Medicare plans. No appointment is necessary. Help is available on a first-come basis. To schedule an appointment at your conve nience, call 970-243-9839.

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7

Humana would like to remind BEA CON readers that Medicare’s annual enrollment period starts October 15 and ends at midnight December 7. Enrollment forms for 2023 can only be submitted to your insur ance company during that window and not before October 15. .

Nothing Bundt Cakes Celebrates 1st Birthday in October

Nothing Bundt Cakes’ Grand Junc tion location turns 1 in October!

Help them celebrate on Friday, October 21, when 20 percent of sales will be donated to HopeWest, and on Saturday, October 22, score a free confetti Bundtlet with any in-store purchase (while supplies last). Visit them on Saturday at 2536 Rimrock Ave. for a chance to win great prizes!

AARP Driver Safety Classes in Grand Junction and Fruita

Complete the course and you could be eligible for a multi-year discount

on your auto insurance. Plus, learn proven techniques to help keep you safe on the road. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. Choose from the fol lowing classes:

• Fruita: October 19, 1-5 p.m. Call 970-433-0384 to register.

• Grand Junction: October 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 970-314-9843 to register.

Deadline to Apply for $750 Cash Back is October 17, Even if You Don’t Have to File Taxes

All Coloradoans 18 and over can receive the Colorado Cashback $750 Tabor Refund. Individuals on a limited income need to complete income tax forms DR 0104. Indi viduals who file federal and state in come tax will automatically receive the refund, as well as those who filed the PTC 104 for 2021 prior to June 30, 2022. Download the form at www.irs.gov, and complete and mail it before October 17, 2022. Once you download the form:

• Complete name, address and other information on page 1

• Put zero on Line 1, 5 and 7

• Sign the form on page 4

• Mail to Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver CO 802610005 before October 17.

Need A Little Help?

A Little Help’s Service Saturday is an opportunity to help Grand Junc tion seniors with outdoor chores and yard work that they are unable to do themselves. The next Service Saturday is October 29. Sign up by calling 970-404-1923. To volunteer, visit www.alittlehelp.org/servicesaturdays-registration

Learn to Curl

See why local seniors are having a sweeping good time playing the sport of curling at River City Sport plex, 2515 Riverside Pkwy in Grand Junction. Learn to play this social sport that doesn’t require skates on Tuesday afternoons, Friday evenings and Sunday evenings in

October for just $15. Sign up at www.rivercitysportplex.com or call 970-242-7465 to learn more.

• Tuesdays through October 11, 12-2 p.m.

• Friday, October 7-14, 5:45-7:45 p.m.

• Sunday, October 2-16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Oil Painting Classes at Confluence Studios

Learn how to create beautiful still life oil paintings in this series of classes taught by Glenn Fortner at Confluence Studios, 634 Main St., Grand Junction. This course is offered on Saturdays, October 8 to November 12. Cost is $175. Sign up at www.imconfluencestudios.com or call 970-260-2240

RV Raffle to Benefit Harmony Acres

Harmony Acres Equestrian Center (HAEC) provides animal-assisted therapy programs in Western Colo rado for children, veterans, individ uals with disabilities, and those who

Grand Junction Chamber Hires New President and CEO

After an extensive nationwide search, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Com merce has selected Candace Carnahan as their next president and CEO. The GJACC Board of Directors are confident in their selection of a strong leader to take the organization into the future, reinforcing the chamber as one of the most relevant and influential chambers in the country. For information, visit www.gjchamber.org or call 970-242-3214.

Angela Ingle opens Eclectic Beauty Salon

Mother-daughter team An gela Ingle and Kasandra Salvati recently opened Eclectic Beauty Salon, 1119 N. First St. in Grand Junction. To welcome their se nior clientele, Ingle is offering 10 percent off on haircuts (exclu sions apply). Call for details: 970640-4882.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

A Little Help volunteers help older adults with home projects. www.alittlehelp.org | 970-404-1923

Ariel Clinical Services is looking for host homes for adults with intellec tual disabilities.

www.arielcpa.org | 970-245-1616

Community Hospital volunteers support the hospital in various ways. codell@gjhosp.org | 970-644-3541

Food Bank of the Rockies volun teers serve in various positions. www.foodbankrockies.org/west ern-slope-volunteer | 970-464-1138

Grand Junction Visitor Center tourism ambassadors welcome visitors to the Grand Valley. www.visitgrandjunction.com | 970256-4054

Lower Valley Heritage Room vol unteers help preserve Fruita history. 970-858-3868

have experienced trauma, abuse or hardship. HAEC is partnering with Centennial RV and Moose Country Radio to raise funds by raffling off a 2022 Keystone RV. Only 999 tickets will be sold in this fundraising raffle: Buy one ticket for $100, six tickets for $500 and 13 tickets for $1,000. The winner need not be present to win, but entrants are invited to attend the drawing at Gold Mine Bingo, 511 28 ¼ Road in Grand Junction at 7 p.m. on November 10. To help support or learn more about HAEC, visit www.harmony acresec.org or call 970-261-5899. ■

Master Gardeners teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension. https://tra.extension.colostate.edu | 970-244-1834

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver lunch to homebound seniors or serve lunch at local dining sites. 970-298-9844

Mesa County RSVP connects indi viduals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies. www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 970243-9839

Operation Interdependence volun teers hand-write notes sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 970-523-4217

Palisade Historical Society volun teers share Palisade’s history and work on committees. 970-464-2177

Grand Junction 2536 Rimrock Ave, Suite 300 Grand Junction, CO 81505 (970) 773-9400

www.NothingBundtCakes.com

Montrose & MeDelta Sa County

Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia support group meets virtually. Register for Zoom link.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella Grand Junction.

1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-822-7070

Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge Care Center.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church.

1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822

Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association.

4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge Care Center.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Gamblers Anonymous’ 12-step meeting is held at The Meeting Hall. Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719

Guitars 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source. Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Oto laryngologists (St. Mary’s Hospital).

1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2452400

Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298- 2351

Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence

2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congrega tional Church.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-7789274

Job Searching After 50 meets at Mesa County Workforce Center.

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-10 a.m. | 970-248-7560

Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-2982351

MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center In-Patient Dining Room.

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. | 970-2572390

Mens Health Group (veterans) meets at Western Region One Source.

1st Mondays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 970- 257-3760

Moms Group (veterans) meets at Western Region One Source.

1st and 4th Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www. NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989

Parents (Family) of Addicted Loved Ones meets at Four Winds. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232

Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step recovery support group for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church in Grand Junction.

Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435

St. Mary’s Stroke support group meets virtually and in person.

3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-2981980

Tai Chi for Veterans at Western Re gion One Source in Grand Junction. Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-2573760

TOPS Club weight-loss support group meets at Grace Point Church. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-5230241

TOPS Colorado 458 weight loss support group meets at Community of Christ Church.

Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981

Veteran Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source. Wednesdays | 8-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3764

Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only support group meets at Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986

Vets 4 Vets meets at Western Re gion One Source.

Fridays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Women Veterans Tai Chi at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-2573760

Yoga For Life meets at St. Mary’s Life Center Aerobics Room. Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | 970-2982351

Yoga for Veterans at Western Region One Source. Thursdays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

FUN AFTER 50

FUN AFTER 50

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Fruita Community Center and Senior Center will be closed for mainte nance October 10-16.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Fruita Farmers Market

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Satur days | Reed Park Sunflower Pastel Painting

Create a vibrant, classic still life painting that plays with warm and cool color contrasts and soft pastels. Space is limited.

2-4 p.m. | Oct. 3 | $20

Free Alzheimer’s Presentation

Woo Bandel with the Alzheimer’s Association presents the latest findings on Alzheimer’s and demen tia research. Registration required.

1-2 p.m. | Oct. 19 | Free

FOOD

Senior Potluck Chicken is the main dish on October 6 and we’ll have a potato bar on October 20. Preregister the day before.

12 p.m. | Oct. 6 & 20 | $3; free if you bring a dish

Food for Thought: National Chocolate Chip Day

Its National Chocolate Chip Day! Bring your favorite recipe that includes choc olate to share and enjoy.

10 a.m. | Oct. 28 | Free

GAMES

Pinochle

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays

Game Night Play dominoes, Mexican train and many other games at the Senior Center.

5 p.m. | Oct. 25

Bunco after Senior Potluck Oct. 20 | Free

HIKES & TRIPS

Apple Pickin’ in Hotchkiss

Transportation and lunch included. Meet at the Senior Center. Fill out the emer gency contact form prior to departure.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Oct. 5 | $35

Trail Tuesday: McDon ald Creek Canyon Hike

Enjoy a day in Rabbit Valley on this 5-mile moderate hike where we’ll see petro glyphs. Pack a lunch with plenty of water.

9 a.m. | Oct. 25 | $5

Senior Center Activities

Senior Center Activities

Senior Recreation Center activities

550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct. 970-243-7408

To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

Senior Center Halloween Party

Best three costumes win a prize.

Oct. 27 | 550 Ouray Ave.

Crafters needed by October 31

This year’s Senior Center Craft Fair is November 12 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. To reserve a table, call Donna Wallace at 970-730-6881 before October 31.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Water Lights at Night

Decorate a water lantern and watch them glow and float on Las Colonias Butterfly Pond. Lantern kits for sale; watch for free. Music and food trucks will be present.

5:30-8 p.m. | Oct. 15 | 2735 Riverside Pkwy | $6 single lantern, $30 for 6-pack

Trick, Track and Treat

This spooky-fun track meet is for all ages. Halloween costumes encouraged!

5 p.m. | Oct. 26 | Lincoln Park Track | $5 for three events, $1 each additional

Giant Pumpkin-Growing Contest

Come to this weigh-off of the largest pumpkins grown in the Grand Valley at the Botanical Gardens!

3 p.m. | Oct. 29 | 641 Struthers Ave. | Free

FITNESS

Gentle Active Yoga

8-9 am | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $50 punch pass; $7 drop-in

Line Dance

12:15-2 p.m. | Mondays | Lincoln Park Barn | $5 drop-in

Silver Sneakers Splash Aqua Aerobics

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Monday, Wednesday, Friday

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Tuesday, Thursday Orchard Mesa Pool | $5 drop-in

SPORTS

Indoor Cornhole

Adult doubles compete for six weeks. Begins November 1. Register by October 28.

Tuesdays | Lincoln Park Barn | Canyon View Park Softball Complex | $40

Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

MONDAY

9:00 am Cribbage & Games

12:00 p.m. Canasta

1:00 pm Card Bingo

6:00 pm Game Night

TUESDAY

8:00 am Pinochle (DD)

9:00 am Pool Tournament & Games

11:00 am Darts

1:00 pm Bingo

WEDNESDAY

9:00 am Games

9:30 am Pool

1:00 pm Pinochle

Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle

THURSDAY

9:00 am Games

10:00 am Craft Share 10:00 am Dance (1st Thursday)

12:00 pm Lunch & Potluck (1st Thursday

12:00 pm Pokeno

1:00 pm Rummikub 6:00 pm Bunco

FRIDAY

9:00 a.m. Pool Tournament & Games

10:00 a.m. Painting Class 12:45 p.m. Bridge

1:00 p.m. Canasta

SATURDAY

9:00 am Games 10:00 am Tai Chi

1:00 pm Bingo

Montrose & Delta

October 7

Little Bighorn Presentation

Kate Burke presents a colorful and intriguing portrayal of the primary characters and events that culminat ed in the Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as “Custer’s Last Stand.”

There will also be a showing of the award-winning documentary by his torian Steve Adelson. Both book and DVD will be available for sale.

6-8 p.m. | 226 Grand Ave., Paonia | Free | www.bluesage.org | 970-527-7243

October 7 & 14

Sage Alley Happy Hour

TGIF! Enjoy free live music and a full bar at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts on Fridays. Hear Robin Nichol off on the 7th and Jbeanie & Ashley Buck on the 14th.

5-7 p.m. | 228 Grand Ave., Paonia | Free | www.bluesage.org | 970-527-7243

October 7-9

Cedaredge Applefest

See why life tastes sweeter in Cedaredge at its flagship festival, featuring live music and all-ages ac tivities, including a chili cookoff, golf tournament, 5K run, car and classic motorcycle show, yoga, skydiving demonstration and more. Check out the website for a full schedule.

Varied times | Cedaredge | www. cedaredgeapplefest.com | 970-856-3132

October 7-9

Book Sale

Friends of the Montrose Library

CALENDAR

hosts its fall book sale in the Mon trose Library Meeting Room. Mem bers get first dibs from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday. Sunday is the $5 bag sale.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose | www.mont roselibrary.org | 970-249-9656

Proceeds benefit local veterans and their families.

5-11 p.m. | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | $75 | www.whafv.org | 970-765-2210

October 12

Book Launch: “Hermit” by Joseph Colwell

In the 1920s, a young woman moves to California with a new husband and hopes for a new beginning, but finds herself four years a hermit who cannot shed her past. Inspired by a real life woman he never met, the author of this fictionalized drama searches for answers. The woman’s journey becomes his too, as little by little, he uncovers the mysteries of her life.

book and tips for collaborating with artists. Register by 3 p.m. for Zoom link.

6-7:30 p.m. | Free | www.western coloradowriters.org | 970-822-7373

October 14

Sherb Talk: A River Overdrawn Andy Mueller with Colorado Riv er District gives this presentation about water on the Western Slope, including the dire conditions facing the Colorado River Basin and how greater issues affect water users.

7:30 | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $10 | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

October 15

8 a.m.-1 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | $35-$40 | www.bosombuddiesswc.org | 970-252-2777

6 p.m. | 226 Grand Ave., Paonia | Free | www.bluesage.org | 970-527-7243

October 12

Death Cafe

At Death Café, people gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death with a view to help people make the most of their finite lives. This gather ing takes place at Montrose Library’s Meeting Room.

7 p.m. | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | www.deathcafe.com | 970-249-9656

October 12

October 8

Blue Jean Ball

Dress up or don’t, but wear shoes for dancing at this casual fundraiser for Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. Live music by The Brown Family, a silent auction and cash bar.

Comic and Graphic Novel Writing (Virtual)

In this Zoom workshop, learn from David Edersole about the types of stories you can tell in graphic novels, the early steps in creating your

Murder at the Grand Gatsby Speakeasy

Montrose Center for Arts with Magic Circle Players presents this 1920s-themed night of intrigue, scandal, sleuthing, blackmail and murder! Cocktails at 5 p.m. (cash bar), dinner at 7 p.m. Best to be on time to the art center and wear your glad rags!

5-9 p.m. | 11 S. Park Ave, Mont rose | $75+ | www.mcforarts. org | 970-787-9428

October 15

Cowpoke Palooza

Celebrate the Uncompahgre Valley’s bountiful harvest with live music, local food and good friends at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater in Cerise Park. This event raises funds to maintain farmland and nurture sustainable local agriculture.

12-7 p.m. | 400 Shanes Way, Mon trose | Free | www.uncofarms.com/ cowpokepalooza | 305-216-4682

October 15-16

Scarecrow Festival

Fairies, gnomes and scarecrows, oh my! Team up with the grandkids and create a murder of scarecrows (get it?) to benefit the botanic gardens. Bid on your favorite scarecrow at the silent auction, and participate in fun fall crafts and activities, including a parade of garden critters.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | Free | www.montrose gardens.org

October 18

Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic Tour

Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic brings non-stop laughter with a bit of stand-up and silly contests, some classic punchlines and a chance to meet your favorite “Trailer Park Boys” cast member at the Montrose Pavilion. Meet & Greet passes will be available at the merch table for an additional $25.

8:15-10 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | $25 | www.montrose pavilion.org | 970-252-2777

October 27-28

Cinderella

A final stroke of midnight changes it all when a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and a glass slipper come together on stage for Colora do West Performing Arts’ sparkling rendition of Cinderella at the Mon trose Pavilion.

7-9 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Mon trose | $25+ | www.coloradowest pac.org | 970-255-8322

October 28

Local Candidates Forum

The League of Women Voters and City of Montrose present a fo rum in the Montrose City Council Chambers to educate voters about the race for Colorado State House District 58 between Marc Catlin and Kevin Kuns. The league is a non-par tisan organization.

6-8 p.m. | 107 S. Cascade Ave., Montrose | Free | 832-754-6302

October 29

Halloween at the Sherbino Joint Point entertains audiences with free-spirited and thoughtfully choreographed jamming, interest ing covers and rock solid originals. Their debut album is currently in the works and the band will spend the summer touring and playing Colora do festivals. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

8 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $20 | www.sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

October 31

Main Street Trick or Treat Trick or treat with the City of Delta and score free games and candy. Kids 5 and under can get a head start from 2-3 p.m. and older kids can join from 3-6 p.m. 2-6 p.m. | Main Street, Delta | Free | 970-874-8616 ■

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

Montrose & Delta

Alpine Photography Club meets in classroom 100 at Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose campus.

2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part a cappella at Olathe United Methodist Church.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m.

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

Book Club meets virtually through Montrose Regional Library.

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

Chess Club meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta.

5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | 970-874-0923

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meets at Montrose Regional Library.

October 10 | 5:30 p.m. | 970-765-9095

Crafternoon members meet in Montrose Library’s meeting room. to knit and crochet projects to do nate to charities. Supplies provided.

1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays | 2:30- 4:30 p.m. | 970-249-9656

Crafty Chatty members socialize and work on craft projects. Bring your own materials.

9:45 a.m. | Tuesdays | 970-249-7198

Columbine Quilters gather monthly for fellowship and refreshments at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com

Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers!

CLUBS

970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com

Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library.

Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | www.deltalibraries. org

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 County Historical Society meets at Friendship Hall at Montrose County Fairgrounds. 1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | www.montrosehistory.org

Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852

Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy.

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 in door range, 1211 6450 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-209-5326 ■

Friendship Quilters meet at Mon trose County Fairgrounds’ Friend ship Hall.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-417-4842

Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Gene alogy Center, 700 E. Main. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755

Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-596-9184 | www.wcgpaa.org

Golden Circle of Friends meets for lunch at Montrose Senior Center. Bring lunch and socialize. Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888

Kiwanis Club of Delta meets at Daveto’s for lunch.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 12 p.m. |

Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. www.mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970765-0599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at Montrose Pavilion. All ages welcome. 2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-11 p.m. | $5 | 970-252-7172

Montrose Single Seniors is a new group for active seniors who enjoy fun activities and meeting new friends. 520-282-9060 | smilngangel10@ gmail.com

Party Bridge Club meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. 1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | 970-874-0923

SOS: Singles Over 65 is an active, gender-balanced social club for sin gle seniors in the Montrose area. www.meetup.com/montrose-sin gles-over-65

Tuesday Needlers Delta meets at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays | 970874-0923

Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at the Lions Park Clubhouse in Montrose, 602 N. Nevada. 7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-258-1955 | www.uncompahgretreasureclub. com

SUPPORT GROUPS

Bereavement Book Club by HopeWest heals through dis cussions about death, grief and mourning from various forms of literature at Delta Library.

3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | www.deltalibraries.org

COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care in Montrose. Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988

Dementia Caregivers Support Group in Delta meets in loca tions throughout Delta County. 1st & 3rd Wednesday at Grand Mesa Arts Center in Cedaredge | 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Hotch kiss Town Hall | Thursdays at 480 Silver St. in Delta | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room.

2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Mon trose Library’s meeting room. October 28 | 4 p.m. | 405-2059397 | www.deltalibraries.org

FUN AFTER 50

until 1986. The Colona School & Grange is listed on the State Reg ister of Historic Properties. Bring money for lunch.

8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. | Oct. 11 | $25

Senior Center Activities

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

EDUCATION

Presentations are free, but dona tions help support Senior Center activities and the lunch program.

Body Mechanics

Learn how to prevent injuries through proper body mechanics, staying fit and healthy, and being aware of your surroundings. Pre senters from PTLink Physical Thera py will walk you through things you can do to prevent injuries.

1 p.m. | Oct. 17

TRIPS & TOURS

Most trips meet at the Senior Center. Trips fill quickly. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case we schedule a second date.

Hanging Flume, Uravan & Gateway Auto Museum

Meet in Naturita to hear the history of one of the oldest towns on the West End. The Rimrockers will also share the mining history of Uravan and gold mining in Hanging Flume. We’ll eat lunch in Gateway and tour the Gateway Auto Museum. Bring money for lunch.

7:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Oct. 4 | $39

Fall Colors Hike

This steep hike features great views of Telluride and the ski slopes and peaks rising along the south side of the valley. Difficulty: moderate to strenuous.

8:15 a.m.-4 p.m. | Oct. 6 | $20

Old School Lodge B&B & Colo na School

Tour the Old School Lodge B&B, which operated as a public school

Cross Orchards’ Fall Day on the Farm Drive to Cross Orchards in Grand Junction for the museum’s major fundraiser. There will be dancers, historical presentations, a model train display, rides on a 1931 fire truck and more! Bring money for lunch at Spoon’s Bistro & Bakery.

7:15 a.m.-4 p.m. | Oct. 15 | $25

Montrose Forest Products & Bluecorn Candle Factory Tour requires walking on a catwalk and taking multiple stairs. Bring money for lunch.

7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Oct. 20 | $25

ACTIVITIES

Crafters

Bring a project to work on. Call 818-262-3272 for details.12-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $10 per session

MUSIC & DANCE

Saturday Night Dances Dance to live music in the Senior Center Ballroom. All ages welcome

7:30-10:30 p.m. | Oct. 8 & 22 | $10

Jam Session/Sing Along

Takes turns picking and leading a song. Spectators welcome.

3:45-5:45 p.m. | Mondays | Free

Open Line Dancing

Learn line dancing steps with for mal instruction.

3:30-4:30 p.m. (beginners), 4:30-5:45 p.m. (improvers) | Mondays | $2

FITNESS

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

CLASSES

Tuesday Needlers

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

Pinochle

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

Dominoes

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

Party Bridge Club

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

Chess Club

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

FITNESS

Indoor Pickleball

Play this fun sport with an even funnier name.

7:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednes days, Fridays | 12:30-3 p.m. Tues days & Thursdays

Pilates

Low-impact movements that im prove flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.

12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Senior Circuit

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

Body Bar

Tai Chi

Use slow controlled movements, mental resistance and quietness of mind to ease the body.

10-10:30 a.m. | Mondays | Donation

GAMES

Contact the senior center for a schedule! ■

Silver Sneakers Classic

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Body Blitz

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays

Yoga Fusion

This vinyasa flow style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre elements.

12 p.m. | Tuesdays

POOL FITNESS

Monday Movers

Jumpstart your week with a mid to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class.

5:30 p.m. | Mondays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas.

9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Body & Health

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool.

10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Build endurance and strength, de signed for beginners.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

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

Silver Sneakers Splash

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

9 a.m. Mondays | 6 a.m. Wednes days

Healthy Body Strong Bones

Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers.

8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays

Water Zumba

Enjoy a dance party in the pool, fun for all fitness levels.

5:30 p.m. | Wednesdays ■

Montrose & Delta

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7

Humana would like to remind BEACON readers that Medicare’s annual enrollment period starts October 15 and ends at midnight December 7. Enrollment forms for 2023 can only be submitted to your insurance company during that window and not before October

15. If submitted before October 15, your enrollment will be returned to you and you will have to reapply for medical/prescription drug coverage.

Deadline to Apply for $750 Cash Back is October 17, Even

if You Don’t Have to File Taxes

All Coloradoans 18 and over can receive the Colorado Cashback $750 Tabor Refund. Individuals on a limited income need to complete income tax forms DR 0104. Indi viduals who file federal and state in come tax will automatically receive

BEACON BITS

Western Slope Concert Series presents “Viola Spectacular”

Join Western Slope Concert Series Executive Director An drew Krimm for an evening of viola works, culminating in the beautiful Brahms’ “Trio, Op. 114” for viola, cello and piano. Krimm will be joined by Erin Patterson on cello for this con cert at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr., on Sunday, October 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $5 for teens (age 13-18) and free or children (12 and under), and can be purchased online at www.westernslopecon certseries.org. A $1-$3 convenience fee may apply to tickets bought online. For details, call 970-234-5661.

the refund, as well as those who filed the PTC 104 for 2021 prior to June 30, 2022. Download the form at www.irs.gov, and complete and mail it before October 17, 2022. Once you download the form:

Concerned about crime? Start a Neighborhood Watch program

Neighborhood Watch, also known as Citizen Crime Watch, Block Watch, or Home Alert, is a voluntary program organized by concerned citizens to reduce crime in their communities. Interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighbor hood? Contact the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office at 970-252-4036

• Check “full year” box

• Complete name, address and other information on page 1

• Put zero on Line 1, 5 and 7

• Sign the form on page 4

• Mail to Colorado Department of Revenue, Denver CO 802610005 before October 17.

Delta Chamber seeks donations for Heartfelt Festival of Trees

The Delta Area Chamber of Com merce is looking for donations of fake trees—with or without lights— to be decorated then auctioned off as part of this fundraiser. Proceeds

will help three local families ensure this year’s Christmas will be one to remember. Sponsorships are also needed to help the chamber pur chase tree decorations. For details, contact chamber@deltacolorado. org or call 970-874-8616.

Montrose Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., support local producers and artisans by purchasing locally grown produce and homemade goodies, hand-crafted jewelry and more at the Montrose Farmers Market, 11 S. Uncompahgre Ave. For more infor mation, visit www.valleyfoodpart nership.org or call 970-249-0705.

Cedaredge Edge of the Cedars Art Show is October 7-9

Stop by Pioneer Town during Applefest weekend to view works in this annual art exhibit open October 7-8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and October 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adult entries will be displayed at Pioneer Town’s Stolte Shed, 388 S. Grand Mesa Dr., and student entries will be displayed at Grand Mesa Arts & Event Center, 195 W. Main St. A judge’s reception at Pioneer Town is on October 5 from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Call Mary Callahan at 970-399-7388 for details.

Hearing aids coming to a drugstore near you Seniors aged 50-80 are twice as likely to schedule a vet visit for their pet than to get their hearing assessed. About 30 million Ameri cans experience hearing loss, and only about 20 percent of them get help. But help may be as close as your nearest Walgreens or CVS. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the over-thecounter sale of hearing aids with no prescription requirement. Many seniors feel the financial pinch of expensive devices and hearing tests. Basic Medicare does not cover the cost, which can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Some with a hearing loss simply do without, which can inter fere with communication and lead to cognitive decline and depres sion. Those with mild to moderate hearing loss should be able to buy hearing aids online and in retail stores—no doctor visit required. Some audiologists feel pharmacy hearing aids will not have the pre cise fit and best settings, perhaps similar to the difference between drugstore reading glasses and those prescribed by an optometrist. But if it’s between the OTC aids or none at all, it’s still beneficial ■

VOLUNTEERS

WANTED

Friends of Montrose Library volunteers sort donated books and run book sales.

www.montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656

Golden Circle Seniors greet and serve lunch during the week. 970-252-4888

Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400

RSVP connects individuals age 55 and older to volunteer positions. jwalker@region10.net | 970-7653147

Senior CommUnity Meals seeks volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors.

www.seniorcommunitymeals. org | 970-874-7661

Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks volunteers. www.sharingministries.com | 970-240-8385

Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of ex changed services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886

Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans seeks volunteers. 970-765-2210 | www.whafv.org

to

Tower

Include:

who

website for an

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

Peace of Mind Living

Crossroads at Delta’s 8 acre campus sits atop a bluff with a stunning view of the Grand Mesa. Move here at any stage of life 55+, and enjoy our campus as you enter a new chapter of your life.

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Memory Care

place to call home.

Retirement

CLASSES

FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.

CLUBS

STAMP COLLECTORS: The Grand Junction Stamp Club is actively seeking new members to join one of the oldest continuously running clubs in Western Colorado. We meet once a month in Grand Junction on the second Wednesday of each month. If you have a stamp collection that you want to continue, or if you are new to the hobby, call for more information, please leave a message for Phil at 970-986-1502 or Doreen at 970-2569419.

FOR RENT

Rental in quiet, safe, clean senior community. 3bd, 2bth, large shady yard, carport and shed. 55+ senior community. W/S/T, irrigation water paid. Small pets allowed. 970-2105753.

FOR SALE

HANDMADE PORCELAIN DOLLS for sale, all sizes/prices. Or make your own doll from start to finish! Classes, Supplies & Sales. *CERAMIC CLASSES also. Bring a friend! Call 970-7788075.

HELP WANTED

Laundromat attendant positions available. Part time or full time, days or evenings. 3 to 5 shifts per week are available. Call 970-241-2594 to arrange for an interview.

HELP WANTED

RETIRED/NEED EXTRA INCOME Part-time medical delivery position available. Shift starts at 3:00 am. Weekend call every 4th week. Good driving record required. Flexibility and dependability essential. Call for details 970-254-2897.

HOME SERVICES

CLUTTER BE GONE gj Home Organizer. Feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? I can help you declutter and reorganize to live a less stressful, safer life. Room decluttering, Estate sorting/clearing, Elderly moves, Home sale preparation, Yard sale setup. 320-237-0602.

KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices. 970-241-4825.

REAL ESTATE

Do you own a home that you could sell with SELLER FINANCING?

I have a high income earning buyer who can put 20% down, up to 100K, and will BALLOON TO PAYOFF in 3 years! They even have great credit, but because they’re changing states as 1099’ers, no traditional lender can help them.

PLEASE TEXT ME! Joy Detrick, Good Vibes Real Estate, 801-3698995.

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, flooring, etc. Xeriscaped. Shade tree, dog run, shed, large carport. $215k. 970-210-5753

CLASSIFIED ORDER FORM

Classified ads are 30 words or less per ad. Additional words +$1.00/word.

ADS

ALL

Drop Off or Mail To:

Senior News

30 Road, Ste.

Junction, CO

Call: 970-243-8829, ext.

Classifieds@BeaconSeniorNews.com

REAL ESTATE

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, tiled shower, etc. Wheelchair accessible. Grass Yard. Shade tree, dog run, 2 sheds. $215k. 970-210-5753

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 3bd 2bth 1600sf doublewide home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, etc. Large grassy yard. $225k. 970-2105753

We buy houses, any condition, any situation. 970-316-2488.

SERVICES

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

SERVICES

Cleaning, shopping and transportation services! 20 year’s experience. References. Serving Grand Junction area. Call 406-899-2586.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

WANTED TO BUY

USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE.

Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 970-2423911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. located in front of Walmart next to Subway. 10-6 Tues-Sat. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

Top Dollar Paid for Quality Used Vehicles. Call today for a free vehicle appraisal! OutWest Motors LLC, 535 Pitkin Ave Grand Junction. 970-9854181

Ten years without a cold?

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

As thousands more tried it, some found other things they could use it against, including: Colds, flu, new viruses and variants, sinus trouble, cold sores, canker sores, strep throat, nighttime stuffiness, morning congestion, nasal drip, skin infections, thrush, warts, styes, and ringworm.

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact.

Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

Scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill Keevil.

Tarnish does not reduce how well copper works, EPA tests showed.

Users say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen airline flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

Made in America, pure copper. 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95. Get $10 off each CopperZap with code COBS9

See www.CopperZap.com or call toll-free 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Trust is earned

The sneaky way inflation is hurting seniors

By Thomas Ryan

Inflation has soared to the highest level in four decades. Gas is rough ly 40 percent more expensive than it was a year ago. Groceries are up about 10 percent.

Yet there’s one sector of the economy where prices are growing much more slowly: health care. And ironically, that’s creating problems for patients who rely on home medical equipment like power wheelchairs, ventilators and home oxygen equipment.

The providers they depend on for their home care are getting wal loped by rising labor, transportation and material costs. But unlike other businesses, they can’t simply raise prices to compensate. Their prices are effectively set by Medicare. Those reimbursement rates are based on a seven-year-old formula that barely covered providers’ costs before inflation took off.

Unless Congress intervenes to raise reimbursement rates soon, millions of Americans would no longer be able to get the care they need at home. At best, they’d have to move into nursing homes or oth er clinical facilities. At worst, some could go without care altogether.

The double whammy of infla tion and supply chain snags has hit home care companies hard. Key supplies like replacement parts for power wheelchairs and tubing for home oxygen machines have been hard to come by. When the equip ment patients and home care pro viders need is available, the price of shipping and transportation is almost prohibitive.

Imagine a senior with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, who is dependent on home oxygen. If her home care provider scales back service in her com

munity or exits Medicare entirely because of stagnant payment rates and rising costs, then she may have to seek care more frequently in ex pensive clinical settings, or may end up in the emergency room.

Or consider someone who relies on a wheelchair to live inde pendently. If the home care pro vider they rely on to service their wheelchair disappears, possible consequences include impaired mobility at home, the need to bring on a part- or full-time caregiver, or even transitioning to an assisted living facility.

Scenarios like these are already happening. And the problems will multiply if home medical equipment reimbursement rates remain un changed even as inflation spikes.

Thankfully, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House have introduced legislation that would address this looming crisis. The DMEPOS Relief Act would raise payments for many providers of home medical equipment by an av erage of 9 percent. This would pro vide a lifeline to local home medical equipment providers burdened by inflation and more importantly, the patients who rely on them for care.

It’s also inexpensive, relative to Medicare’s budget. Home medical equipment accounts for less than 2 percent of Medicare spending. More importantly, home-based care can keep people out of high er-cost environments like hospitals and nursing homes.

The current inflationary spiral is a national crisis. Home care provid ers and the patients they serve are finding that out the hard way. It’s time for Congress to ensure these patients can get the care they need by updating Medicare’s reimburse ment rates. T

For your transition to Medicare, talk to Humana

may have a lot of questions. Some of the

There’s a lot to know about Medicare, which means you may have a lot of questions. Some of the basic ones might be these:

• What are my options here in Grand Junction?

• Which plan is right for me?

• How do I choose?

Medicare basics and beyond

learn about Original Medicare, available Advantage, which you can get from private health plans in Grand Junction and will help budget-friendly price.

Speak with your local, licensed sales agent. You can learn about Original Medicare, available through the federal government, and about Medicare Advantage, which you can get from private companies, such as Humana.

The whole story, for the whole you

Humana offers low-premium Medicare Advantage health plans in Grand Junction and will help you find the right one for your needs at a budget-friendly price.

agent

program

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Patti Zapf

970-301-8752 (TTY: 711)

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. pzapf@humana.com Humana.com/pzapf

Ask about Humana’s Care Highlight™ program

A more human way to healthcare™

subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender not speak English, language assistance services, free (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用

At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用 繁體中文

。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY：711) 。