Issuu

NOVEMBER 2016 Vol. 30

No. 11

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

COMING SO ON

LETTERS FROM THE PAST Daughter takes heart from father’s wartime words

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

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NOVEMBER 2016

EDITORIAL

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What happens when the boomers go bust? By Kevin K. VanGundy

oth candidates for president are at the leading edge of the baby boomer generation. That’s sad, as neither of them have addressed one of the greatest issues we are facing as a nation—the aging of America. As wealthy and privileged people they can both afford any retirement lifestyle they want. You and I, not so much. The AARP has a much-ignored effort underway called “Take a Stand,” aimed at getting politicians to address the looming Social Security crisis. (It’s worth noting that when this system was started, most people lived to about 62 years of age. Now it’s a ripe old 80.) Not many seem to give a damn and that’s a shame, as it is estimated that 51 percent of Americans have no retirement savings. Zippo. Nada. Nothing. In 2010 there were seven caregivers for every care recipient. By 2030 the number of caregivers will drop in half. The 80-and-older population will grow by 44 percent between 2030 and 2040, and I’ll be one of them. (Don’t build that wall yet, Mr. Trump. We may need our friends from the south to care for us as we age.)

The

Perhaps we’ll have better candidates in 2020. Or perhaps they’ll just start rounding up everyone with gray stars on their chests into ghettos for old people. In the meantime, I’m going to celebrate Thanksgiving in the greatest country on God’s green planet, eat some turkey, drink some beer and watch a little football. God bless America! Thank you to our veterans for your service! ■

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COVER STORY

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NOVEMBER 2016

Letters from the past:

Daughter takes heart from father’s wartime words By Melanie Wiseman

t 5 feet 7 inches tall and 110 pounds, Fred Plummer was 17 when he headed off to military training camp in 1938. Just over a year later, he enlisted in the Navy, where his ship, the USS Peary, was bombed and sunk in Darwin Bay, Australia, in February 1942. Fred Plummer headed off to military “Despite the fact that we training camp at age 17. were extremely close, the war was seldom mentioned,” said his daughter, Stephanie Tartaglia, 71. Fred died from colon cancer in 1978 at age 57, leaving an enormous hole in Stephanie’s heart.

Windows to his soul Stephanie’s grandmother died in 1989, but it wasn’t until almost a decade later that Janis, Fred’s half-sister and Stephanie’s aunt, came across a treasure trove of letters while cleaning out her mother’s house. They were letters he had written home during the war. Stephanie’s mother was facing early stages of dementia, so Janis passed these letters on to Stephanie, along with a heartfelt letter she wrote about the day her brother left for war. Though I was in the first grade when the war started, I remember well the events that took place—loved ones leaving home, lives changed forever. I’ll never forget the day Fred left, walking down the street away from the house to the depot to leave. Mother and I stood in the living room and watched him walk out of sight and then had a good cry. He was just so young and such a small fellow. He undoubtedly had real fears even then of what he was getting into… The day he came back to Earle [Arkansas] on the train, I think everyone was at the depot to greet him—never saw such a crowd. Fred came back a changed person, changed by mental and physical suffering—I’m sure it happens to all. For Stephanie, reading her father’s letters opened a window to his soul. “Getting these letters was pretty overwhelming and made me miss him terribly,” she said. “Without these letters, I would never have the insight and connection with my dad that I do now.”

Lifelines over sea Letters were a sailor’s lifeline between home and sea. Shortly after he joined the military, the American Red Cross Field Director wrote Fred's mother about their impact.

It is of the greatest importance that he receive frequent and cheerful letters from home, as he is now in the process of readjustment to an efficient man-of-wars man. Letters also tend to make homesickness less acute. Through her father’s letters, Stephanie learned about his sense of responsibility he had to his family. The letters ended the same selfless way: Don’t worry about me because I am just fine and hope everyone else at home is. Tell everyone to write! Fred scrimped on his modest monthly income of $36 per month so he could send $5 home as often as possible. A year’s worth of clothes cost him $4.70, laundry was 50 cents per month and a stamp was three cents. He beefed up on Navy food and quickly put on 20 pounds. He said he was seeing the world. He talked about the friends he was making and the crew’s spirits. I am listening to Bing Crosby. He is talking about patriotism and singing, ‘[You’re] a Grand Old Flag.’ You should see the sailors listening in rapt attention. Stephanie’s dad gave her a glimpse of life on a Navy ship. Quarters were small, as he shared the 16-by-16-feet space with 21 other men. Yea, living on a ship is swell. I sleep with my head about six inches below the same table I eat on. Take a bath in a two-gallon bucket in a bathroom with about 800 other sailors. Boy, it’s fun! I really do like the Navy though. But the tone of the letters began to change around 1940 as the men prepared for war. For two days now we have stood condition II watches, four hours on and four off. Condition II is set when we are expecting a battle. We have changed battle stations and I am now in the magazine. In time of war, I and three others would be locked in, and if a shell hit, well that’s something else. Everyone on board is expecting war any minute so don’t be surprised if you should hear it, too. We have shell and powder hoists loaded with service ammunition and that has never been done before in peacetime. “He kept the family informed about the type of work he was doing, which I find highly commendable,” Stephanie said.

NOVEMBER 2016

COVER STORY

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Thanksgiving Day, 1940; I went to a prayer service this morning. More of a pep talk than anything else. Something is bound to happen. I, and everyone else here can sense it in the air. When it comes, may the Lord help us, for we’ll need it. I am thankful today for many things— a mother like you, brothers like Carrol and Norman, and the way Janis loves me.

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As time went on, he began complaining about the food. Letters from home were received less frequently and homesickness was greater. Post-Pearl Harbor letters came home censored. After his ship was attacked on February 19, 1942, wires home listed him as missing. It wasn’t until more than two months later that his mother received a letter from a nurse caring for him, letting her know he was alive. He incurred second- and third-degree burns on over 70 percent of his body and lost most of his right ear. Six months after being honorably discharged, Fred married Reba, the love of his life, in March 1943. Stephanie was born two years later.

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Stephanie arranged her father’s letters chronologically in a notebook. Many were missing dates or envelopes, so organizing them was an ongoing project. After Reba’s death in 2007, Stephanie came across some post-war letters from her father, which she also added to her notebook. Her father’s words in one particular love letter to her mother made a lasting impression. “To express his love the way he did—to think that he’s this man so in love with my mom,” she said. “How at 21 years of age could he write [this] letter when most men that age are still boys?" The letter was written to his bride three weeks after their wedding. ■

This newspaper clipping, published July 31, 1948, features Fred in a story about the survivors of the USS Peary, and his vivid recollections of war and the day the ship was attacked.

My Darling Reba,

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2016 • All Rights Reserved

This is my first attempt at writing such a letter because I have never been in love before. I love you is a well-worn phrase I know, but it is the only way I know to convey my feelings for you. You are the fine and beautiful things of the earth gathered together into me. The simple things I mean, the true things. Seeing dew on a rose reminds me of your kiss, the good black earth full of grain and cotton that smells so fresh reminds me of holding you and drawing you close to me. To see you talk and laugh and hear you is like hearing good music played by the peerage of musicians. You are a combination of the nicest and finest things in the world. The best part is that you grow better everyday. ‘I love you’ is still the best way of saying I want to be near you and with you always. As Ever, With all my love, Fred.

Six months after he was honorably disc harged, Fred married Reba Vernon, the love of his life. Photos courtesy of Stephanie Tartaglia.

Cover Photo: Stephanie Tartaglia, 71, holds up a notebook containing her father's letters, photos, newsclippings and other memorabilia from his military days.

FEATURE STORY

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NOVEMBER 2016

The story of Doc: B-29 returns to flight

Doc's first flight after it was restored in 2015. Photos courtesy of Wayne Gomes. By Cecily Whiteside

hen Wayne Gomes joined the project to bring a run-down B-29 back to flight capability, everyone knew it was a tall order. There was only one B-29 left in the world that was able to fly, and just a handful still in existence. And after sitting in the Mojave Desert for 44 years, “Doc” was in rough shape. “Windows were broken, part of the tail was missing, and the only thing it seemed good for was target practice, which is what it was slated for,” Gomes said. Instead, this iconic World War II bomber, dubbed the Superfortress, set out on a journey back to the skies.

Doc’s story The B-29 was designed during the early part of World War II, before

the U.S. even entered the conflict. A series of setbacks during the design and testing phase, including engine fires and magneto problems, delayed its use in combat until late 1942. By this time, the need for bombers was greatest in the Pacific Theater, which is where it made its combat debut. “The long range of the B-29 made it ideally suited for missions to reach the Japanese mainland,” Gomes said. “In fact, the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, was a B-29.” After World War II ended, the B-29 continued to see combat in the Korean War, which lasted until 1953. By the time the U.S. got involved in Vietnam, the B-52 had taken its place. Remaining B-29s were used for radar testing and iceberg reconnaissance, but they had largely outlived their

usefulness and no longer warranted the cost of upkeep and operation. “The Air Force gave them to the Navy to be used for target practice,” Gomes said. One of eight B-29s parked at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York during the 1955 Ice Capades performance, Doc got its name when the troupe toured the base after the show. “One cast member quipped that they should be ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’ The names stuck and each plane had a dwarf painted on its nose,” Gomes said. Doc flew for the last time in 1956 before it was sent to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in the California desert to wait for its turn to be shot at by Navy missiles.

Doc sat in the desert for 44 years before being rescued by the U.S. Aviation Museum.

Wayne Gomes was the pubic relations officer for the U.S. Aviation Museum whe n they hatched a plan to rescue "Doc."

Rescuing Doc The plan to rescue Doc from that fate was hatched by the U.S. Aviation Museum, an organization devoted to the restoration of vintage aircraft. CEO Tony Mazzolini and his team

Doc sits in a hangar at the Boeing Company. Many retired Boeing employees volunteered to help fix up Doc.

NOVEMBER 2016

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located Doc in the desert, where it had sat for 44 years. Gomes came on board as public relations officer. They immediately set to work to reach a deal with the Navy to purchase Doc. After three years of negotiation, they got the title to Doc and could begin fixing it. The first order of business was to get the plane out of the desert and into a protected environment. A four-day trek across 38 miles of open country got Doc a step closer. Pulled by cables hitched to a tractor, the 100,000-pound plane had a team walk beside it throughout the trip, making sure no damage was done to electric lines and roads they crossed. Nine cables were snapped in the process, but they made it to the highway, where Doc was dismantled and trucked to Boeing. There, a nonprofit group called Friends of Doc stepped in to restore it to its former glory. “Boeing said, ‘If you get Doc here, we’ll take care of fixing him up,’” Gomes said. “We started work on May 18, 2000. So many people volunteered to help that we had to set up shifts. A lot of them were retired Boeing employees, or crew and mechanics from when [B-29s] were flown in Korea.” The engines had to be rebuilt, the entire plane rewired, and the missing part of the tail refabricated before the Federal Aviation Administration would give Doc flight clearance. Luckily, Boeing was able to locate some old tooling equipment in a warehouse, dust it off and put it back to use. “People were also finding old parts in their garage and bringing them in,” Gomes said. As Doc was getting updated and refurbished, a new quandary surfaced. The original nose art had been painted hurriedly, and was not sanctioned by the Walt Disney Company. Two managers had tried getting approval from Disney to keep the name but their efforts got them nowhere. As they began considering a new name, Gomes stepped in and started negotiating directly with Roy Disney, Walt’s nephew. In a series of letters with Disney and his then-vice presi-

FEATURE STORY

CHANCE. C H O I C E. Gomes persuaded the Walt Disney Company to allow artist Owen Hughes to paint an approved image of the dwarf on the nose of the plane. dent Paul Noland, Gomes was able to reach an agreement, which included use of the name and a choice of two approved images of the namesake dwarf to be painted on the aircraft’s nose. “In 2006, Owen Hughes came in to paint Doc,” Gomes said. “He had been in the service in Europe and painted nose art on the B-17s in Germany. He only had about 30 minutes to paint the nose art back then, but this time he took six days.” Hughes was 87 years old at the time.

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Ready to fly In 2015, restoration was complete and the bomber was ready for its first flight test. Doc took to the air for the first time with the crew from the only other flight-worthy B-29, Fifi. It was an emotional moment for Gomes, but there was more work to be done. “There were 25 squawks,” Gomes said, referring to problems that needed to be fixed before the next test flight. After another year of work on engines and landing gear, among other things, Doc was ready to take to the air once again. The second flight was on October 1, resulting in only one squawk, Gomes said. Gomes and his team of restorers have accomplished what they envisioned more than 15 years ago. Doc, a beautiful reminder of days gone by, has returned to the skies. ■

Learn more at stmarygj.org/stroke

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NOVEMBER 2016

There’s no place like home for the holidays By Arnold Bornstein

ome things seem to stay in your mind forever. When I was 12 years old, my mom, sister and I went to visit my oldest brother George at Fort Knox, Kentucky during World War II. The holiday season was underway and he was undergoing basic training. We were sitting at a table in the Post Exchange, the military equivalent of a store, cafeteria and beer hall. My mother was very upset because George had injured his hand on a tank hatch. He abruptly tried to change the subject. “Do you know they had to take some songs out of the jukebox?” he asked rhetorically. “They took out ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’ Some guys would have a few too many beers, hear the song and end up going AWOL.”

I was driving home the other day when they started talking about Thanksgiving on the car radio. Remembering what my brother said came to me like the momentary flashbacks used in the movies. Thanksgiving is coming up, and other than religious holidays, it’s perhaps the most family-oriented holiday on the calendar. Whether away at school or living and/or working out of town, many people make an extra effort to try to be home for Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving weekend is considered one of the airline industry’s most traveled periods. It’s also a peak period for the phone companies, as callers know that families are generally gathered at one place. Thanksgiving played a major role in meeting my wife’s family. We had been seeing each other for about

three months when I was invited to Linda’s parents’ home for Thanksgiving dinner. Her mother had a sister and two brothers, and each year the dinner rotated to a different household. That year it was Linda’s parents’ turn. As you can imagine, it’s not easy for anybody to be introduced to a new family, particularly when the occasion includes future aunts and uncles and their children. I felt stress and tension, of course, like I was being studied or auditioned, but after a while things calmed down and I felt reasonably at ease. Some four months later, we got married. I think my wife and I rotated a few Thanksgivings between our respective families after that. Naturally, my wife’s family continued to grow and eventually the an-

nual tradition of the Thanksgiving gathering became too large for one household. The decision was made to try holding it in a private room in a restaurant. It wasn’t the same, of course, and a year or two later the respective and still-growing families of the two sisters and two brothers split up into having Thanksgiving dinner with their own immediate families. We all have early memories of Thanksgivings past—of voices and laughter that can no longer be heard, except in the mind’s ear, and of faces and bodies that can no longer be seen, except in the mind’s eye. It is truly a family holiday in which we give thanks for the past as well as the present. Wherever your port may be, your home is your anchor. ■

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NOVEMBER 2016

ASK THE OLD BAG

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ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I want to tell you and your readers about romantic scams. I got caught in one from a dating site. This man turned up as one of my matches and we chatted for over a month. I have been a widow for five years and I’m extremely lonely. He eventually said he loved me and when he retired he wanted to come see me. It was so wonderful to have him say how beautiful I was, and how he was so happy he found me. I was walking on air. Then one day he told me he was going to Egypt to do his last archeology dig and would be there 17 days. He even sent me a copy of his airline itinerary. He sent me texts each day about the dig and some of the artifacts he found. One day he told me he was upset by something that happened. He said the Egyptian inspectors came that day and told him he had the wrong kind of permit and they closed down his site until he produced the proper papers. He said the permit was going to cost $45,000 and he only had $20,000 with him. He asked if he could borrow the remaining $25,000 so he could get the permit and he would pay me back when he got back to the states. Then I knew it was a scam. I emailed him back and said, “You should be ashamed of yourself and I am going to pray for your soul.” That was the last of him. I did report him. I am certain there are some unsuspecting widows out there who would fork out the money, and I want to warn them to be suspicious of everyone they chat with on a dating site. Thank You, Scammed

Dear Scammed: Thank you for writing about another type of scam that is growing. I am amazed at the creativity these predators use to capture the interest of a woman. My advice is this:

focus on people

our residents

their lives

their families

1. Don’t answer a dating site request from someone out of town. 2. Don’t friend someone on Facebook that you don’t know. 3. Never give them any personal information about you. Don’t share your email address, phone number or anything. 4. When you do wish to connect with a local person that you like, suggest meeting for coffee in a public place. Make sure you are the first one to arrive. 5. I joined a dating site because I have received many questions from my readers about them. I have met and had coffee with five nice guys, but none of them were for me. I have met two that I am still friends with. Be careful and cautious! I do not know if these same things happen to men, but I would like to hear from you if they have. OB

WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER

Dear Old Bag: I want to thank you for the advice you gave me about attending my granddaughter's wedding to her gay partner. I went, I loved it and I love my granddaughter's choice of a partner. We are all at peace. You kept me from making a serious mistake. Signed, Grateful Reader Dear Grateful: Woohoo! ■

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

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

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NOVEMBER 2016

When headaches mean something more Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

ore than 45 million Americans suffer from recurring headaches. Most of these headaches are harmless, but they can also be a symptom of a serious condition. There are two types of headaches— primary headaches, which are not related to another condition, and secondary headaches, which are.

Primary headaches

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About 90 percent of primary headaches are caused by tension. These muscle-contraction headaches cause mild to moderate pain and come and go. Tension headaches are deemed chronic if you have them more than 15 days per month. Most tension headaches can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen. Migraines are another type of primary headache. The cause is unknown; however, research has demonstrated that migraines involve the actions of nerves and blood vessels. The pain from migraines is moderate to severe, and can last from hours to days. They can also be combined with stomach distress. Prescription medications are often needed to treat them. Mixed headache syndrome is a combination of tension headaches and migraines. Cluster headaches occur one to three times per day with severe pain hitting behind one eye. Preventive medications or inhaling pure oxygen during a cluster headache may help. About 85 percent of cluster headache sufferers are male.

Secondary headaches Secondary headaches include chronic progressive, sinus and hormone headaches.

Chronic progressive headaches worsen and become more frequent. These headaches may be caused by a brain or skull illness such as encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. If diseases are ruled out, doctors will try to focus on preventing the pain from striking. Preventive medication may include antidepressants or muscle relaxants. Sinus headaches cause pain in the head and face and sometimes can fool you into thinking you have a dental problem. These headaches coincide with other sinusitis symptoms such as nasal discharge. Over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can help treat these headaches. Hormone headaches come with changing hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, and are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Rebound headaches are caused by taking too much pain medication.

When to see a doctor Consider seeing a doctor if you experience the following symptoms with headaches. Headaches that began after age 50; three or more headaches per week; stiff neck; fever; shortness of breath; unexpected symptoms that affect your eyes, ears, nose or throat; dizziness; slurred speech; weakness; numbness; a tingling sensation; confusion; drowsiness; headaches that begin and persist after a head injury; a headache triggered by exertion, coughing, bending or sexual activity; a headache that intensifies and persists; headaches that change character; persistent or severe vomiting; a headache that is your “first or worst.” ■

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

NOVEMBER 2016

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

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6 tips that could save your life when taking a new medication Dear Pharmacist, By Suzy Cohen, RPH

ometimes medications can have unpleasant side effects, tempting patients to stop taking everything. While I do believe in “drug holidays” I don’t think you should ever take one without your physician’s approval and supervision. If you stop certain medications suddenly that are supposed to be weaned off slowly, it could cause seizures or major withdrawal problems. If you’re fed up and insist on stopping everything, you must do it properly and with supervision by your doctors. When beginning a medication or a new dietary supplement, it’s ideal to keep a little notepad, an app or a computer document handy to track progress. Doing this enables you to pinpoint which medication triggers a side effect. I believe all side effects are caused by the drug nutrient depletion, something I call the drug mugger effect. Unfortunately, the side effects are often misdiagnosed and labeled a symptom, thus giving you some new disease. By restoring nutrients stolen by your medicine, you can avoid these new symptoms. That’s important, because nutrient deficiencies look just like diseases. For example, a diagnosis of restless legs syndrome could be tied to your cholesterol medicine stealing vitamin D and CoQ10. Your depression diagnosis may be related to your acid blocker, which suppresses your ability to make neurotransmitters by mugging your body of probiotics and methylcobalamin (a form of B12). Here are some of my secrets to help you minimize side effects and interactions:

1) Go to the same pharmacy. There is a computer record of your medication profile that automatically screens for interactions. If you chase coupons and stray, the new pharmacy will not have the rest of your medication profile and you’re more apt to experience an interaction. 2) Take your medication at the same time each day. If you take your blood pressure pill at different times of the day, you will experience more highs and lows in your blood stream, and the swinging blood levels causes dizziness, nausea and faintness. 3) Consider the drug mugging effect. If you take one or two medications and suddenly need more medications for new symptoms, it’s probably related to drug number one or two ripping you off! You have to fix the nutrient depletions, not layer on more medications. 4) Don’t drink coffee with stimulants. There’s an additive effect of caffeine with certain drugs like Provigil, Adderall, Concerta and Ritalin. Avoid the stimulants. 5) Don’t drink alcohol with sedatives. There’s an enhanced effect on your nervous system, and the alcohol can make your medicine work much stronger, causing your breathing to stop completely. It’s bad news to combine drugs that all depress your nervous system. 6) If you’re concerned that your new medication will interact with something you’re already taking, ask your doctor and pharmacist point blank. This is particularly important if you go to more than one physician. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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NOVEMBER 2016

What you need to know about organic foods By Scott Rollins, MD

hat does “organic” really mean? It usually means free of fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, hormones, food additives, genetically modified organisms and irradiation. To be considered organic, the producer must keep detailed production and sales records, maintain strict physical separation of organic products from noncertified products and undergo periodic on-site inspections. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods may be labeled 100 percent organic, while those with at least 95 percent organic ingredients may use the word organic. Both of these categories may display the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seal. A third category, containing a minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients, can be labeled "made with organic ingredients." Products made with less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot advertise this information to consumers and may only mention this fact in the product's ingredient statement.

Prioritize what you buy organic Organic foods are usually higher priced, so you might find it helpful to prioritize what items you should purchase organic. The following foods are known as the “dirty dozen" because they typically have between 30 and 60 pesticides detected on them.

The "Dirty Dozen" • Apples • Bell peppers • Celery • Cherry tomatoes • Cucumbers • Grapes • Hot peppers

• Kale • Nectarines • Peaches • Potatoes • Spinach • Strawberries • Summer squash

Consider the dirty dozen among the foods you eat frequently. For example, I eat berries and apples daily so these are foods I buy organic.

Is organic healthier? There is an old argument against organic, mostly from large profit driven companies such as Monsanto or Dow chemicals, that organic production is not as efficient as the synthetic chemical supported agriculture. This complaint has been well-refuted in large studies at the University of California, Davis, and by the Rodale Institute, which show that organic farming is just as productive and more resistant to stressors such as drought, all the while using less fossil fuel-based energy. But is organic really healthier? According to more than 100 studies, its nutritional superiority is confirmed. Organic foods contained higher concentrations of important polyphenols and antioxidants. Meanwhile, plenty of studies link various pesticides to cancer and recent research is showing genetically modified foods are linked to organ damage and higher rates of food allergies. Keep organic in perspective. The average American gets 7 percent of total daily calories from the sugar in soft drinks, which is more calories than they are getting from fruits and vegetables. Clearly eating organic is relative if our diet is overloaded with sugar, high-glycemic carbohydrates and saturated fats that drive inflammation, insulin and other unhealthy hormones. Eating more plant-based foods and whole grains, combined with eating less processed and prepared foods, is a big step toward a healthier diet. ■

Scott Rollins, MD, is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics.

NOVEMBER 2016

How to make healthier Thanksgiving traditions By Wendell Fowler

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

hen the festively adorned Thanksgiving buffet table creaks and moans from the abundance of family dishes, Americans put on the feedbag and commence a-gobbling. Aunt Tiffany's canned sweet potato casserole oozes with bubbly marshmallow and butter, Cousin Hazel’s cherry delight is topped with Cool Whip, Anna Faye's artery-detonating potato casserole is drenched in sour cream, and Grandma's green beans were cooked for 12 hours in lipsmackin' bacon grease. I'm not suggesting abandoning tradition. Hell, no! What I'm proposing, under the specter of proliferating epidemics of chronic disease, is substituting certain risky ingredients for sane, healthier versions. It’s easier than ever to do it. In place of a salty hunk of ham or bacon for the green beans, substitute turkey or Canadian bacon, or none at all, using liquid smoke to impart that familiar flavor. Mashed potatoes? Substitute whole milk with evaporated skim milk, almond milk, plain yogurt or defatted turkey stock. When a recipe calls for breadcrumbs, try rolled oats or crushed bran cereal for a fiber bonanza. Use fibrous whole wheat in place of processed all-purpose flour. Instead of wimpy iceberg lettuce, weak in nutrients, be a good pilgrim and use a blend of arugula, spinach, watercress or baby kale and toss with low-fat dressing and cranberries. Switch out white rice for brown rice or fibrous quinoa. Using canned pumpkin or cherries? Opt for what's fresh and seasonal. Instead of table salt containing dextrose, offer mineral-rich pink Himalayan salt. Need to thicken a soup or sauce? Try blending in mashed sweet potato, bean or pumpkin puree. And for goodness’ sake, drop the can of

Finally, if you use whipped topping—a delicious blend of sugar, wax and condom lube, rather than real whipped cream—on the pumpkin or pecan pie, stop! sugar-filled jellied cranberry. Pull out the food processor and make your own fresh. Cranberries are incredibly healthy. Creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole was one of my favorites, but the canned, salty cream of mushroom soup was a deal breaker and the cheese added too many fat calories. Then I discovered boxed, low-salt versions of the soup and vegan Daiya cheese on the grocery shelves. Just go lightly on the fried onion topping. Finally, if you use whipped topping—a delicious blend of sugar, wax and condom lube, rather than real whipped cream—on the pumpkin or pecan pie, stop! "Cruel Whip" topping is an insanely gross, disgusting chemical crap storm of ill health. It's much better whipping up your own and bragging about it. Put ground flax seed on everything you eat to reduce the time dinner loiters in your colon. Add three to four tablespoons to stuffing, for example. And by all means, before you strap on the fat pants, prepare a decent selection of lightly cooked vegetables with a little crunch left in them—no need to asphyxiate them in cheese sauce. Heat kills, so undercooking will help preserve their heavenly vitamins. There is, however, no substitute for the delicious love shared over a family dinner. The recipe for love should never, ever be altered. Happy holidays! ■

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NOVEMBER 2016

Caregivers Conference offers hands-on learning By Kristen Woods-Madril

ith $5, you can treat yourself to the season’s coffee du jour, cycle the Colorado National Monument or purchase about half a movie ticket (welcome to 2016). But on November 10e, $5 will provide something much more substantial and lasting for 150 western Colorado residents attending the 16th annual Caregiver’s Conference at the Mesa County Workforce Center. This year’s conference features keynote speaker Lori Ramos Lemasters, who will give a presentation titled “The Write Tool at the Write Time.” The program focuses on the use of journaling to help caregivers cultivate self-care and avoid burnout. Ramos Lemasters is the founder of Care Partners Resources, a company whose mission is about providing practical tools and support for caregivers—and journaling is a huge part of that. According to her website, Ramos Lemasters’ goal is “to share the lessons I learned along my caregiving journey so that you can smoothly navigate your own.” The conference is co-hosted by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Colorado (AAAWC) and Aging and

Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC). Events take place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. “This is a tremendous value for a $5 registration fee,” AAAWC Director Dave Norman said. “Attendees will have access to vendors, lunch and a very interesting keynote speaker.” The organizers are expecting about 20 vendors this year, including service and government organizations and home health agencies. Demonstrations include how to use particular pieces of medical equipment, as well as sensory demonstrations that will give participants a sense of the challenges faced by people with impaired sight and Alzheimer’s disease. “We want to highlight that not only is this informative but it’s also very interactive,” ADRC Director Christie Higgins said. Additional educational offerings include talks about power of attorney and advanced directives, Alzheimer’s and hospice care. To register for the Caregiver’s Conference or to learn more, call 244-8400. More information about Ramos Lemasters can be found at www.carepartnersresource.com. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS 15

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Inpatient or outpatient? If you’re a Medicare patient, you need to ask By Lew Barr

ome seniors are shocked when they find out that staying overnight in a hospital doesn't always mean they were actually admitted as an inpatient. Instead, they received observation care, considered by Medicare to be an outpatient service. The observation designation means they can have higher out-of-pocket expenses and fewer Medicare benefits. It also affects what your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan will pay for. Health care experts say the situation is far from ideal for both hospitals and patients. Hospitals are feeling increased pressure from Medicare to classify patients the “right way” or risk losing reimbursements. In turn, patients face higher bills for services they receive in the hospital and the possibility of not qualifying for a Medicare-covered stay at a skilled nursing facility afterwards. Medicare inpatients typically only pay a one-time deductible. Under observation status, however, Medicare beneficiaries pay a deductible, plus part of the cost of each individual hospital service provided, with no limit on what they may owe, plus the cost of non-covered drugs. Medicare will cover 100 percent of the first 20 days for approved skilled

nursing facility care, but only for those with a minimum of three full inpatient days in the hospital. The only way to know for sure if you are considered inpatient or observation status is to ask. As of August 2016, Medicare beneficiaries in the hospital for more than 24 hours must be informed in writing of their status within 36 hours of when they begin receiving medical services as an outpatient. The written notice must clearly explain: • That the individual is not an inpatient. • The reasons for the person's observation status. • The implications in terms of increased financial responsibility and lack of eligibility for coverage in a skilled nursing facility after discharge. The patient or their representative must sign the notice to acknowledge their understanding. To read or download the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services booklet concerning observation status, visit www.medicare.gov/Pubs/ pdf/11435.pdf. Lew Barr is an independent insurance broker specializing in Medicare products for seniors and can be contacted at 773-0220 or info@yourmedicareguy.com. ■

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Thank God Submitted by Jerome Bowles

I've sure gotten old! I've had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, and fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I'm half blind and can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine. I take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded and subject to blackouts. I have bouts with dementia. I have poor circulation—I can hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. I can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. I’ve lost all my friends. But thank God I still have my driver's license.

The loan Submitted by Kim Latham

A lady walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she’s going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. As collateral, the lady hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce

parked on the street. An employee drives the Rolls into the bank’s underground garage and parks it there. Two weeks later, the lady returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer says, “We are very happy to have had your business but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we learned you are a multimillionaire. Why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”

The workhorse Submitted by Anthony Flory

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolate area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big, strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn't move. Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!” Buddy didn't respond. Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing.

The lady replied, “Where else in New York can I park my car for two weeks for 15 bucks?”

Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

Flash

The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.

Submitted by Kevin Ray

A flight attendant was stationed at the departure gate to check tickets. As a man approached, she extended her hand for the ticket and he opened his trench coat and flashed her. Without missing a beat, she said, "Sir, I need to see your ticket, not your stub."

The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try.”

NOVEMBER 2016

With age comes wisdom Submitted by Kelli McCullough

A guy is 75 years old and loves to fish. He was sitting in his boat the other day when he heard a voice say, "Pick me up." He looked around and couldn't see anyone. He thought he was dreaming when he heard the voice say again, "Pick me up." He looked in the water and there, floating on the top, was a frog. The man said, "Are you talking to me?" The frog said, "Yes, I'm talking to you. Pick me up. Then, kiss me and I'll turn into the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I'll make sure that all your friends are envious and jealous because you will have me as your bride." The man looked at the frog for a short time, reached over, picked it up carefully, and placed it in his front breast pocket. Then the frog said, "What? Are you nuts? Didn't you hear what I said? I said kiss me and I will be your beautiful bride."

NOVEMBER 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

He opened his pocket, looked at the frog and said, "Nah, at my age I'd rather have a talking frog."

Football game Submitted by Ada Mazrin

"Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was: ‘Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!’ It's only 25 cents!"

A guy took his girlfriend to her first football game. They had great seats right behind their team's bench. After the game, he asked her how she liked the experience.

Her first wedding

"Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents."

The mother replied, "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life."

Dumbfounded, her date asked, "What do you mean?"

Submitted by Cherie Isley

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?""

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NOVEMBER 2016

Prague: a treasure trove that shouldn’t be missed By Victor Block

ost visitors to the Czech Republic confine their stay to Prague, and with good reason. Known as "the city of a hundred spires"—although it's actually decorated by nearly 1,000 towers and steeples—it challenges the most magnificent capitals of Europe in its beauty and boasts a history that stretches back over a millennium. In addition, since the Middle Ages, Prague has been recognized as one of the most vibrant cultural settings on the continent. Little wonder why the city was ranked fifth in the Trip Advisor 2014 list of best destinations throughout the world. That claim to fame was based in part on its collection of major museums, numerous theaters and hundreds of concert halls, galleries and other arts and entertainment venues. During my recent visit to the Czech Republic, I spent three days exploring and enjoying a number of Prague's major attractions, and could have stayed much longer. That splendid city overwhelms visitors with its architecture and envelops them in an aura of living history. Just when you think you've seen the most majestic

building possible, you turn a corner and come upon another gem that surpasses it in grandeur. It's rare to find an architectural treasure-trove as rich and varied in such a compact area. The profusion of ancient palaces, castles and cathedrals creates a rich mosaic of outstanding masterpieces in styles that stretch back more than 1,000 years. Romanesque chapels stand in the shadow of soaring Gothic cathedrals. Baroque palaces are neighbors to late 19th-century art nouveau buildings and examples of the early 20thcentury cubist style. As a result, it's easy to understand why the entire city center has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and physical importance. The fact that its buildings survived World War II remarkably intact, unlike many throughout Europe, adds to its appeal. Few cities have major sites and sights in the number and diversity of those that await exploration by visitors to Prague. At the same time, strolling through its hidden back streets and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods provides introductions to very different, yet no less enticing, attractions.

The graceful Charles Bridge spans the Vltava River. Photos by Victor Block.

NOVEMBER 2016

TRAVEL 19

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The streets of Prague are lined with 1,000 towers and steeples, challenging the most magnificent capitals of Europe. The 13th century "Old Town" consists of a labyrinth of winding alleys and picturesque squares, as does the not-quite-so-old "New Town," which dates back to 1348. A famous landmark in the Old Town's central square is an imposing tower, which has looked out over the setting for nearly seven centuries. A crowd gathers each hour from dawn to dark to watch the 15th century astronomical clock put on its brief but impressive show. A small door opens and a miniature statue of Christ marches out followed by his disciples, as the skeleton of death tolls the hour on the clock's bell. The Lesser Town (Mala Strana), also known as the Little Quarter, is clustered around the foothills on which the Prague Castle is perched. The neighborhood was born in the eighth century as a market settlement. Its cobbled streets are lined by small shops, traditional restaurants, pubs and restored ancient buildings. The sprawling Prague Castle, which claims the title of largest medieval castle complex in the world, dates back to 880 AD. It served as the seat of power for a parade of kings and emperors, and today is the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. The castle buildings and courtyards sprawl over an area of 18 acres. In addition to four palaces, there are other residences, cathedrals and churches, defensive towers and several museums with collections of art, toys and

historic artifacts. A ditch that encircles the castle, which was dug to provide added protection, is called the Deer Moat, named for the animals that early rulers kept confined there. Adding color to the setting are six terraced gardens, including the Renaissance Garden, which was laid out in 1534. Those plantings provide only a hint of more than 200 gardens and parks that are dotted throughout the city. The oldest were founded in the Middle Ages and were attached to monasteries, palaces or houses of the wealthy. Another must-see for visitors to Prague is the graceful Charles Bridge, which well deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful stone bridges anywhere. It has spanned the Vltava River since the 14th century, and today is one of more than 30 within Prague. A line of statues that were placed along its balustrades in the 17th and early 18th centuries depicts saints who were venerated at that time. Throughout the day, the bridge is packed with throngs of tourists who traipse across it, pausing to check out souvenirs, jewelry and other goods displayed in stalls, to listen to the sounds of musicians playing to earn tips and simply to enjoy the beautiful view of Prague Castle in the distance. For more information about visiting the Czech Republic, visit www.czechtourism.com. ■

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recently celebrated my 58th birthday. I’ll say this right off the bat: Bless you, to anyone reading this now thinking, “Oh, she’s just a youngster!” It’s one of the many reasons I love spending time with my parents, no matter how old I get. I'm still one of the kids. That's comforting since according to society I'm a senior citizen. So I've been trying to figure out exactly when I went from being an adult to being a senior, and here is what I've come up with. Shortly after turning 50, I started reading and writing for the BEACON on a regular basis. That could have been one indication! (Just kidding.) I’m part of a generation who don't take offense to being called baby boomers, but would most likely look behind us to see who you are talking to if you referred to us as a "senior." We're an active, sensitive bunch. We are fully aware we’re getting older when we look in the mirror every day; we just don't like to be reminded of it. Elderhostel recognized this and

Melanie Wiseman changed its name to Road Scholar to keep boomers engaged. In my 40s, people always said I looked much younger than I was. I miss those days. No one says that anymore. It’s a funny feeling to run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and think to yourself, “Wow, has that person aged,” then realize they are probably thinking the same about you. It seems like only yesterday that I moved to the Western Slope from my single, Mary-Tyler-Moore lifestyle in Minneapolis to the mountain oasis of Telluride. When I actually stop and think about it, "yesterday" was 31 years ago and I have lived here longer than the age I was when I arrived. Where does the time go? Maybe I became a senior the day a 20-something-year-old called me “ma’am.” Or when the grocery bagger started asking if I needed help taking my groceries to the car.

NOVEMBER 2016

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Did I become a senior when I became semi-retired and began asking people what the date was or confirming with my husband, “This is Tuesday, right?” And what about the senior discount? A 56-year-old friend recently placed an order at the drive through speaker. At the payment window the employee quickly adjusted the new total to reflect the “discount.” “What discount?” he asked. “The senior discount,” the employee said sheepishly. Now you can look at that two ways: Be offended about the lack of respect for not even having been asked if you qualify for the senior discount, or smile, take the money and run. I always choose the latter. I've earned every penny. Maybe I became a senior when I started wishing public restrooms had dimmer switches to tone down the lights over their mirrors, which I truly believe were meant to illuminate a football field. I recently went to my chiropractor for the second time in a week. It turns out I’ve given too many piggy-back rides to my 4-year-old grandson, and I’ve been playing pickleball with excessive gusto. I said to him, “Please don’t tell me I’m getting old.” His reply? “A man can buy a new truck and put 150,000 miles on it in the first year. It’s still a new truck. It just has a lot of miles on it.” I’m still

processing this. It's tough having more gray hair than your 86-year-old mother. I don't know if I'll ever get over the fact that I didn't inherit those genes. For now I’m playing the “color in a box” card. I love the story a friend told me about having her mom over for Mother's Day dinner. In a spirit of honest fun, her mom announced she thought she was having a mid-life crisis. She's 83! Now that's what I call an optimistic senior—and the kind of person you want to spend time with. Which brings up another point. Who we spend time with can affect how old we feel. I love hanging out with a good friend who just turned 25. We laugh like school girls and our age difference vanishes. It’s a wonderful feeling. I believe that as we get older, an amazing transformation takes place. We become less self-absorbed and realize everything is not about us. As seniors we slow down and listen better, volunteer, take joy in watching children play and laugh, and have greater appreciation for every day of our life and the small details within them. If being a senior means I’m less self-absorbed, more mature and wiser, a life-long learner, and can laugh at myself, I’ll take it. Life is a journey, not a destination. So I’m not going to focus on my age or what someone might call me. I’m just going to enjoy the ride. ■

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ave you ever had one of those days when a smell, a picture or a word takes you back to yesteryear? My sister and I were reminiscing about how Mom made this wonderful carrot cake in a loaf pan. She'd slice it and toast it for us in the morning when we were growing up. My sister said she'd tried to make it, but it never turned out the same. Mom had told her it came from a Mike Roy Cook Book. But in my memory, it came from a bag of carrots Mom bought in the 1950s. I decided to go on a hunt for the recipe that I had copied so many years ago and that was the beginning of a journey into the past. Nowadays people have nice copies of recipes on their computer. Not me. I had search in the back of the closet for my old metal box that held all my recipes from years ago. They were written on cards and scraps of paper, or on the back of envelopes. Some were written in pencil and others in pen, and they were fading. I found one for chokecherry wine in a gallon jug from when I first moved to Colorado. I found another recipe from the neighbor lady, a real pioneer, on how to make peach cobbler. It only took a few ingredients and tasted like heaven! Dotti always

made the best sugar cookies that were frosted for each holiday--I found that recipe as well. I remember when Debbie gave me a recipe for Indian fry bread and warned me not to forget to put a hole in the middle to let out the evil spirits. I eventually found Great-grandma's buckwheat cakes and her family's recipe for sausage, along with Freda's recipe for divinity and Chris' Christmas candy. Seeing the handwriting of someone who was so dear to me and who has been gone for many years on a recipe card brought a smile to my face, a tear to my eye and memories of our time together. As the day drew to a close, I was starving and my heart had a special glow from remembering the young girl I was so many years ago, and all the women who had come into my life and shared their favorite recipe. I didn't find the carrot cake recipe that day, but there will be more days to look. ■

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SALUTE TO VETERANS 23

Regardless of whether or not he or she saw war, a veteran is someone who at one time wrote a check to the United States of America in the amount of “up to, and including my life.” It’s hard to give more than that. Indeed, some veterans gave all, but all veterans have given some of themselves to protect our freedom. By writing and publishing the stories of local veterans, we are able to tell the human experience of war. In honor of these veterans and in observance of Veterans Day, we have put our best efforts forward to do just that in this special issue of the BEACON Senior Newspaper.

24 SALUTE TO VETERANS

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He made the ultimate sacrifice By David Foster

elvin Avery Heitsman was born on September 20, 1922 to Abe and Edith Heitsman, both natives of western Colorado. He was the second oldest of six children. After his father died in March 1935, Heitsman had to quit school and go to work to help support his mom, sister and younger brothers. He joined the U.S. Army on December 23, 1942, where he applied for and was accepted to be a paratrooper. In July 1943, while in jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia, Heitsman married Wanda Lee Lambert of Grand Junction. After his training, he was assigned

ABOVE: Melvin Avery Heitsman with his wife, Wanda Lee. RIGHT: Heitsman was killed in fierce fighting during the Siege of Bastogne on December 20, 1944. Though the author never met him, he is grateful for his service and sacrifice, and owes him for his very existence.

to the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. During D-Day operations on June 12, 1944, Private Heitsman was wounded and evacuated to England, where he recuperated and returned to active duty. As a result of his actions, he was awarded the Purple Heart. In December 1944, the 501st was ordered to Bastogne, Belgium, which played a major role in the Battle of the Bulge. Their mission was to help keep Nazi forces from entering the town. The fight to take and hold Bastogne Island lasted two days and is known as the Siege of Bastogne. Heitsman was killed in fierce fighting during the Siege of Bastogne on December 20, 1944. Private Heitsman is my personal World War II hero. Ironically, had he not been killed, I would have never been born. His widow, Wanda Lee, married Dalton Kenneth Foster, a U.S. Marine World War II veteran, in March 1948. My twin and I were born in May 1951. A sister followed in 1955. This country owes Heitsman a world of gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I, my children and my grandchildren owe him for our very existence. ■

Veterans Day Events November 4 All Services Ball The All Services Ball, sponsored by the Student Veterans Association at Colorado Mesa University, takes place at 6 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. This is a formal affair, but veterans aren’t required to wear uniforms. The keynote speaker is Benghazi veteran Kris Paronto. Enjoy dinner, drinks, a silent auction, dancing and more. Limited tickets available. Tickets are $40 in advance and can be purchased at the Veterans Art Center, 307 S. 12th St. For details, call 248-1739. November 10 Marine Corps Birthday Party Celebrate the founding of the Marine Corps at 6 p.m. at the Grand Junction Elk’s Lodge. Call 208-5620 for details. November 11 Veterans Day ceremony Ceremonies will take place at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado and the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Park in Fruita at 11 a.m. Call 263-8986 for details. Help Hospitalized Veterans’ Open House The Help Hospitalized Community-Based Arts and Crafts Center is celebrating Veterans Day with an Open House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Veterans are invited to pick up a free craft kit and the public is welcome to tour the facility. Refreshments will be served throughout the day, including root beer floats at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m. prizes will be awarded to three lucky vets! For details, call 424-0499. Art and Music Extravaganza The Art and Music Extravaganza is free and takes place from 1 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre. The Veterans Art Center has prepared a day of live music, featuring seven bands, a handful of storytellers and poets, live and silent auctions, and raffles. The Mesa County Public Library will be showing videos of local veterans telling their stories from the Veterans Remember

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Veterans Or

American Legion, Post 200 and Auxiliary....... American Legion, Post 86............................... American Legion and Auxiliary, Post 50, Palis Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain W Disabled American Veterans........................... Fleet Reserve Association, Colorado West Bra Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard.............. Help Hospitalized Veterans............................. Medical Foster Care (VA Hospital).................. Military Officers Association of America......... Operation Interdependence............................ TrailSong (support dogs for veterans)............ VA Benefits..................................................... VA Caregiver Support...................................... VA Medical Center.......................................... Vet Center....................................................... Veterans Art Center, Operation Revamp, Inc... Veterans Committee of the Western Slope..... Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1247.............. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3981.............. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4663.............. Veterans Service Office.................................. Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders............... Project. There will also be an art show. For more information, call 462-3126. Free entrance to National Parks In honor of Veterans Day, the National Park Service waives fees for the public to enter National Parks, including the Colorado National Monument. Free entrance to Colorado State Parks Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers all military men and women free admission to Colorado’s State Parks on Veterans Day. To obtain free admission, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families must show a valid active ID, discharge papers, DD214, reserve or retired military ID card, or an ID card from a Veterans Administration, Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion.

BER 2016

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rganizations

.......................................................462-3623 .......................................................487-3539 sade................................................623-0146 Wing................................................256-0693 .......................................................263-2848 anch 244.........................................434-0868 .......................................................234-0980 .......................................................424-0499 .......................................................263-2854 .......................................................773-4573 .......................................................523-4217 .......................................................462-6661 ............................................... 800-827-1000 ............................................... 855-260-3274 .......................................................242-0731 .......................................................245-4156 .......................................................462-3126 .......................................................589-6238 .......................................................242-9940 .......................................................778-8242 .......................................................434-9470 .......................................................248-2733 .......................................................250-1174 The ID should be presented at the parking gate. All other passengers in the vehicle will be admitted for free. November 12 Veterans Day Parade Honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, service and sacrifice at the annual Veterans Day Parade at 2 p.m. in downtown Grand Junction, sponsored by the Veteran’s Committee of the Western Slope. To enter into the parade, call 589-6238.

Veterans Day freebies and discounts

SALUTE TO VETERANS 25

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Check with your local store or restaurant for exclusions and details. Offers valid only for

Veterans Day, unless otherwise specified. Please bring a form of military ID with you. RETAILERS Barnes and Noble - Veterans, active duty and their family receive 10 percent off select Nook devices through November 14. Cabela’s - Cabela’s offers a 5 percent discount for active and retired military, active reservists and VA recipients, plus law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel with proof of service. Great Clips - Veterans and active military can receive a free haircut or get a free haircut card. Home Depot - Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans. JC Penney - Current and former military personnel and their families receive a 20 percent discount. La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery - Veterans and active duty personnel receive an extra 5 percent off. Lowe's - All veterans receive a discount in store only with a valid Form DD214 or other proof of service. RESTAURANTS Golden Corral - Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Night will be from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on November 14. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves receive free dinner. Starbucks - Active duty and retired military and their spouses receive a free tall coffee on Veterans Day. Wienerschnitzel - Veterans and active duty military receive a free chili dog and a 20 oz. drink. Wreaths Across America The Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders and Wreaths Across America are looking for sponsors for their annual sponsorship drive to place 2,000 wreaths on graves at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction. The Wreath Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. December 10. If you have a loved one buried at the cemetery or would like to sponsor a wreath(s) for $15 each this coming Christmas, call Art Edwards at 250-1174.

My dad was a World War II hero By Susan Elenz

y dad, Johnnie H. Chambers, has always been my hero, but he was a World War II hero, too. He joined the U.S. Army partly to join the war effort and partly to escape the cotton fields and poverty of Mississippi. During the Great Depression, the Chambers family struggled to survive. They were forced to work as sharecroppers picking cotton in the Mississippi Delta. Some days his family of seven had little to eat and my grandma resorted to begging for food so they wouldn’t go hungry. Dad wanted to play sports in school but couldn’t because he was needed to work. He left high school before graduating to join the U.S. Army at age 17. The Army was a good fit for him and provided the first new suit of clothing and shoes he had ever worn in his life. Chambers had a great personality and was a hard worker, so he quickly rose up in the ranks. He was the leader of his platoon and was a sergeant at only 18 years old. He eventually became a flight officer in the U.S. Air Force, part of the 9th Bombardment Group. He flew in a B-29 Superfortress and boasted about flying many missions over Japan while based on the island of Tinian. He and his crew were awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross and several other medals. I was born six years after the end of World War II but I heard plenty about it from my dad as I was growing up. He had scrapbooks, photos and memorabilia from the war, most of which I still have today. His flight crew had yearly reunions in different parts of the country to celebrate each other and winning the war. America’s victory was a turning point in prosperity for the country and for my dad. In 1945, he married my mom while on leave in McCook, Nebraska. My older brother, Larry, was born that year, too. After the war’s end, he brought his new family home to Louisiana, where his parents had

Johnnie H. Chambers served in the U.S. Army during World War II, which allowed him to escape poverty and led him to prosperity. moved during the war. There, Dad was celebrated as a war hero and was offered a job as a safety inspector at Exxon’s new refinery in Baton Rouge. He worked there for 33 years and retired in 1979 with a nice pension. He died of heart disease and a stroke 10 years later. My parents were married for 44 years. For my dad, the war and the military were the stepping-stones that lifted him to prosperity. He laughed when people talked about “the good old’ days” because, to him, the past was a nightmare and life after the war was considerably better. At the same time that he was clawing his way out of poverty, the U.S. was also beginning to recover economically. In the same way that the military lifted him up, America’s World War II victory jumpstarted the country after the Depression. After the war, people had jobs again. The victory was a catalyst for new beginnings at home and abroad. “The greatest generation” led America to greatness at home and to big changes around the world. I like to say that while my dad was saving the world, the war was saving him. ■

NOVEMBER 2016

TALKING DIGITAL 27

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How to be a savvy shopper for Black Friday

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

Talking Digital, By Adam Cochran

ovember is here, which means the holiday shopping season has begun. There is no better time of year to get a great deal on gadgets and gizmos for your friends and loved ones— and yourself. The savvy shopper should start planning long before the circulars and email blasts start arriving. Here are some tech shopping tips, whether you’re buying locally or online.

Do your homework It takes time to research the perfect gift and the best price. Too many people walk into a local retailer, walk up to a sales associate and say something along the lines of, “My granddaughter says she wants a tablet.” Most stores with a computer or electronics department carry more than 20 tablets, and some are so poorly made that they are insufficient for even the most basic tasks. The lowest price is never the best deal when it comes to tech purchases. Similarly, the highest price is not indicative of superior quality. Retail computer service people are trained salesmen, not necessarily experts. Before asking which laptop you should buy, consider that he or she will most likely sell you what he or she would buy. Technology that fits your exact needs cannot be purchased the way you’d order at a new restaurant.

Don’t buy tech from a clothing or grocery store Black Friday deals can be great, but there are many deals that you should avoid. Some tech manufacturers use Black Friday as a way of liquidating overstock of a product that flopped via non-traditional sales channels. Many large clothing/housewares re-

tailers often offer door-buster deals on tablets, GPS systems, headphones and small drones that weren’t selling well in their native retail locations. Some of these products have known issues with reliability or construction and the traditional retailers have stopped carrying them due to high return rates. Buying a generic or obscure brand of tech at a clothing or grocery store is an even bigger risk.

Know your prices Before you spend $400 for a 55-inch, 4K TV on Black Friday, research the price of the specific brand you’re looking at. Shopping by specifications and price alone can cost you a lot of money. Many companies produce special products exclusively for Black Friday using lower quality parts and fewer quality controls. If you’ve never heard of the brand, avoid it.

Research the item online Black Friday ads can be found online long before Thanksgiving. If you see a great deal advertised, visit the store and ask which TV, tablet, camera or laptop is being sold. Most of the door-buster deals won’t list the model number in the ads because the item is actually not marked down as much as it may seem. Sometimes the $400 4K TV is only $450 with free shipping on Amazon. Just as often, the item is cheaper online. The old adage “buyer beware” applies today more than ever. Follow these tips and you will not only find better deals, but you will approach the season with the confidence of an educated consumer. ■

Adam Cochran is a technology instructor at Colorado Mesa University. You can email your technology questions to Adam at adamc@talkingdigital.org.

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

28 FINANCE

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NOVEMBER 2016

Making holidays bright— and affordable By Nathaniel Sillin

lready dreading what you’ll spend this holiday season? It doesn’t have to be that way. Gifts aren’t the only budgetbusting culprit during the holidays. The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are also a peak time for spending on groceries, travel, events, entertainment, energy, clothes and dining. Financial advisors recommend using no more than 1.5 percent of your annual income on holiday spending. Consider the following tips to keep it under control. Start with a list and make a budget. Begin your planning by listing every possible holiday expense. Be open about money trouble. If you are facing financial difficulties this holiday season, don’t spend to hide the problem. Don’t be ashamed to make adjustments and tell friends and family members that you’re temporarily downsizing your spending until conditions improve. They might appreciate a spending reprieve, too. Build a bargain-hunting strike force. Let friends and family know you’re looking for particular toys, gifts, foods or decorating items and volunteer to do the same for them. Save and share coupons. Evaluate all transportation costs. Designate certain days of the week for purchasing particular items, keep an eye out for free delivery and see if friends might want to share errands. Those with large vehicles or trucks can help move, deliver and even install appliances if they have the skills to do so. Smart transportation choices extend to car pools or public transportation for events and entertainment. Leverage your creativity. If there’s something you make or do

really well that people love, consider making such accomplishments into gifts. Don’t rule out lessons or skilled labor as potential holiday gifts, particularly for relatives who can’t afford such services. Smart shopping for ingredients or supplies can make such creative gifts a real money saver. Build a year-round gift stash. If there are gifts or foodstuffs you can buy on sale and keep for a while, you’ll have a ready source of thank-you gifts for hosts, teachers or co-workers year-round. Set aside a similar area for cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. Keep in mind that many retailers put holiday-themed items on sale before the holidays are finished. If you’ll need these items next year, grab your coupons and take advantage. Late saving for gifts? Do it anyway. If you don’t have a holiday fund set up, don’t let that keep you from starting one. Every little bit helps. Take 5-10 percent of your next paycheck and set it aside, doing it each week throughout the holidays. If you keep it up, your holiday fund can eventually become an emergency fund to be used for other savings goals, including retirement. Take notes for next holiday season. Create a paper or digital file where you can collect ideas for next year. Check print and online resources like Consumer Reports for items that can be bought at specific times of the year at a discount so you are able to hide them for the holidays—but remember where you hide them. Keeping holidays affordable isn’t a challenge when you’re willing to do a little planning, idea sharing and record keeping. Make it an activity you can do year-round. ■

NOVEMBER 2016

SENIOR SCAMS 29

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Don’t fall victim to scams: Learn how to spot the red flags By Megan Terlecky, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office

t’s sad to think that there are people who spend their days thinking up ways to steal our money. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office has received recent reports of scammers posing as job recruiters, contractors or law enforcement to entice locals with opportunities that are too good to be true, or pressure them to pay money out of urgency or fear. How can you prevent yourself from falling prey to these scams? Educate yourself about common scams and learn to spot the red flags. Here’s how these scams might be presented and what to look for:

Job scams: the undercover bank customer Posing as a job recruiter, a scammer promises victims a generous payout if they’re willing to be an “undercover” bank customer and write a detailed review of his or her experience. The scammer sends the victim $3,000 worth of checks to cash at their bank. The victim then deposits the cash into another account at a different bank and gets to keep $400 as payment. It sounds like easy money—until the checks bounce. Sure, the victim gets to keep the $400, but it doesn’t make up for the $3,000 deducted from their bank account. Red flags: Cashing checks for other people is risky. You’re responsible for the funds regardless of the check not being yours. How to protect yourself: Don’t cash a check for anyone unless you know and trust them. Phone scams The caller pretends to be from a government or local law en-

forcement agency. The caller says you’re in big trouble because you’ve missed jury duty, not paid a ticket or have a warrant out for your arrest, and you must pay a fine but only with a prepaid credit card. It sounds convincing because they answer your questions smoothly and in detail but this is a scam. Red flags: The court, IRS and police will never call you and will never ask you for money. Most places will only accept checks as payment, so using a prepaid credit card is also a red flag. How to protect yourself: Hang up. If you still have concerns, verify the information yourself. If they say you’ve missed jury duty, call the court using a phone number you find yourself. Don’t let the caller rush you or threaten you if you don’t act now—that’s another red flag.

Contractor scams Scammers pose as contractors that offer to fix your roof or seal your driveway at a discounted rate because they have leftover material from another job. Once you agree, the work is bad and you are stuck paying the scammer, who demands cash right away. Red flags: You should never feel pressured to get work done. How to protect yourself: Always get an estimate up front and check the contractor’s business license before agreeing to anything. Scammers win by putting pressure on the victim, forcing you to make a decision quickly. Take control. You never have to do anything you don’t want to do. Scammers only succeed in swindling us if we let them. When in doubt, hang up, walk away or call the police. ■

To report a scam, call local law enforcement at the non-emergency number: 242-6707. Then spread the word! Tell as many people as possible so they don’t fall victim.

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Copyright© 2016 Cherry Creek Mortgage Co., Inc., NMLS #3001. This material is not from HUD or FHA and the document is not approved by the Department of HUD or any Government Agency. HUD does not approve the material presented. Cherry Creek Mortgage Company, is not endorsed by nor acting on behalf of or at the direction of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration, the US Department of Agriculture or the Federal Government. To check the license status of your mortgage broker, visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

30 BUSINESS PROFILE

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NOVEMBER 2016

Community-centered living in Midlands Village By Amanda Arnold

Come tour our 5-star manufactured home community. Peaceful walk paths, beautiful views, community garden and lots of amenities. This land-leased community is very affordable and has all you need. Your choice of home sites and various floor plans available or relocate your existing home to our community. Relocation incentives offered. All homes are owner occupied. Families welcome. Homes starting in the $40ks. Pet friendly.

The right community.

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

ucked in a corner off 32 Road in Clifton, between D and D ½ Roads, are the 313 lots that make up Midlands Village, a community of manufactured homes for people of all ages. It’s currently home to 289 couples, families and many seniors. Midlands is the kind of place where most people know each other. Staff members such as Regional Supervisor Robyn Cox greet almost everyone by name. Cox admitted that she usually knows the dogs’ names first because the park is welcoming to both people and their pets. “[Midlands Village] is beautiful. I have great neighbors and it’s like a family,” said Stella Forney, who has lived in the community for 10 years. “I love the staff. They work hard to keep our community beautiful.” Residents may order their manufactured home through the village or bring their own as long as it meets community requirements. According to Cox, homes must be approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and constructed after 1980. Exterior construction and major landscaping must be approved by the community. All units are owner-occupied and renting is not allowed. Residents often decorate their yards and homes for the holidays. Midlands Village organizes a “Yard

Photos courtesy of Midlands Village

of the Month” contest, where winners receive a $50 gift card to a local home improvement store. “At Midlands Village you will find people who take pride in their home and property,” eight-year resident Chuck Grace said. Several activities throughout the year give Midlands a friendly community feel. There’s a lady’s quilting group, craft night, Christmas party, neighborhood watch parties and a Midlands-led yard sale. One favorite activity is fundraising for Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Staff member Lynda Van Gavree enjoys her job and the residents. “I’ve managed several places and this is the best,” Van Gavree said. “There is a good owner, and he makes sure it’s kept up. People here have a vested interest because it’s their home.” Midlands Village will add 46 new lots to the property in 2017. The company’s Montrose communities, River Meadows and Cimarron Creek, are also expected to expand soon. The price of homes ordered through Midlands Village range from $28,000 to $85,000. Lot rental ranges from $425 to $450, a cost that includes sewer, city water, trash and the underground sprinkler system. For more information, visit www.midlandsvillage.com or call 434-8193. ■

NOVEMBER 2016

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31

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Newcomers Club welcomes you to the neighborhood By Amanda Arnold

he Newcomers Club is the perfect place for new Grand Junction residents and those who want to rediscover the area. For almost 75 years, the Newcomers Club has been “where newcomers become old friends.” Bob Noble and Carolyn White arrived from Chicago five years ago. Noble now serves as the club’s president. The group hosts a variety of events throughout the year, but Noble’s favorite part is bringing in guest speakers from the community. Business owners and city government leaders often speak at meetings, which are regularly attended by about a quarter of the club’s 300 members. “The theory is we all live here, so we ought to know about the community,” Noble, 73, said. The group tours different facilities in the Grand Valley. Club members visited the Flyin’ Miata parts factory, the Reynolds Polymer Technology aquarium architects, the National Weather Service’s Grand Junction location and the City of Grand Junction Water Treatment Plant. “We do a lot of things that people here don’t always have the chance to see or learn about,” Noble said. Les Slowik recently moved from Kansas City. He likes participating in a variety of programs through the club. He said his favorite events are the happy hours, which occur

two or three times each month. Club members are very active, offering something for those who enjoy hiking, golf, Mahjong, tennis, needlecraft, bowling and bridge. The monthly Armchair Travelers presentations at the Mesa County Central Library allows community members to share stories and a slideshow about their world travels. Members find out about activities from the club’s monthly newsletter. “Putting together the newsletter each month is gratifying because it connects so many of us to each other and to our community,” White said. “Even those of us who’ve been here for many years can still find something fresh to participate in.” Members are encouraged to volunteer in the community. Many volunteer with the Gray Gourmet senior food delivery program or work closely with the Salvation Army’s Giving Tree, a program that encourages community members to give Christmas presents to children and families in need. They also raise funds for Roice-Hurst Humane Society and the Grand Junction Centennial Band. In October, club members cleaned up Highline Lake. Everyone is welcome to come out for a meeting or happy hour event to socialize and see what the club is about. “I feel like I’ve never had so many friends,” Slowik said. ■

he Newcomers Club is open to all ages and families, but leaves political and religious talk at home. Annual dues are $15 for an individual and $25 for a couple. For more information about the events below and other activities, visit www.gjnewcomers.org.

THERE’S ONLY ONE COLORADO. THERE’S ONLY ONE GRAND JUNCTION. And there’s one bank that helps you make the most of living here. As a Colorado community bank, you’re more than just our customer – you’re our neighbor. Bank of Colorado is committed to educating, advising and partnering with our customers to create stronger communities all across Colorado. Because we’re not just a bank in Colorado, we’re Bank of Colorado. GRAND JUNCTION 200 Grand Avenue • 2903 Patterson Road 970.245.1600 • bankofcolorado.com

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Monthly Meeting & Coffee - 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at First Christian Church, 1326 N. First St. in Grand Junction.

Lunch and tour on Wednesdays Happy Hours from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Locations vary.

Physicians' Building at St. Mary's Hospital • 2643 Patterson Road, Suite 405, Grand Junction, CO 81506

970.256.0400 • 800.439.3799 • www.HoffmanEyeCare.net

32 FAITH MOVES

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Honoring Lives. Changing Lives.

Celebrate the season at the Holiday House Bazaar By Elaine Moore

Children making new friends at Camp Good Grief.

HopeWest Kids grief support program brings back smiles to more than 700 kids this year who have lost a loved one.

Learn how you can change lives by visiting HopeWestCO.org. S E R V I N G

G R A N D

J U N C T I O N

M O N T R O S E

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

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

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here is excitement and much bustling about as the United Methodist Women (UMW) prepare for their annual Holiday House Bazaar on November 4 and 5 at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. in Grand Junction. Spend the morning shopping for wreaths, floral arrangements and gifts at the Christmas Boutique, then head to the Country Store for fall decorations and other unique gift ideas. Don’t forget to check out The Pantry’s freshly baked peach pies, jams and jellies. For lunch, grab a bowl of hearty homemade beef vegetable soup, a bazaar tradition, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to go along with a homemade sandwich, salad, pie or cake. On the lower level, take time to peruse the library of gently used books in the Book Nook. Then take a break from shopping by stopping for tea, coffee or hot cider in the Victorian Tea Room. The Methodist Men and many congregation members pitch in to help make this an event the whole community can enjoy. One gentleman donates his time cutting out all

the wood projects for the UMW to paint, and a local group works on crafts for the bazaar all year long. Church members get involved by donating books, fruit, sugar and jars, or by baking pies, sewing and knitting. Some members even take tea towels to embroider and yarn to knit gift items. Friendships are formed and seniors who might otherwise be sitting home alone are active and social. UMW considers it an honor to answer God’s call to care for one another. Therefore, all of the bazaar’s net proceeds go to missions supporting the church, community and the world. The bazaar is held from 9 a.m.3 p.m. Friday, November 4 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, November 5. For more information, call 242-4850. ■

Members of the United Methodist Women serve homemade pie at lunch.

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NOVEMBER 18 Downtown Tree Lighting Kick off the holidays with the Downtown Tree Lighting from 5:30-7 p.m. in front of Wells Fargo Bank at Fourth and Main Streets. Special entertainment kicks off the evening as crowds gather to see the streets light up. The night wouldn’t be complete without a vist from Santa. NOVEMBER 24 Turkey Trot and Little Gobbler Run Start Thanksgiving with a five-kilometer run through downtown Grand Junction. This year’s event also features the

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NOVEMBER 25-26 Holiday Craft Show The Two Rivers Convention Center Holiday Craft Show brings more than 60 local vendors together. The show will be open from 2-6 p.m. on November 25 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on November 26. Admission is $5; kids under 12 are free. DECEMBER 2-3 Palisade Olde Fashioned Christmas Palisade’s Olde Fashioned Christmas features more than 40 vendor booths and shops. Spend the weekend shopping, sampling soups, singing carols, listening to live music and spreading cheer. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday with carolers from Taylor Elementary marching to Town Plaza to light the town tree. The Parade of Lights follows at 6 p.m. Festivities take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

DECEMBER 3 Breakfast with Santa Enjoy breakfast, entertainment and stories by Mrs. Claus at Fruita’s Dinosaur Journey Museum. Breakfast begins at

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Little Gobbler Run, a short dash for kids. The races begin at 9 a.m.

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9 a.m. and includes a special visit from Santa Claus.

Candy Cane Hunt Join the 16th annual Candy Cane Hunt at the Lincoln Park Barn. Free holiday activities for kids begin at 10 a.m. The hunt kicks off at 11 a.m. Artisan Christmas Craft Fair The Lavender Association of Western Colorado features artisans, a silent auction, demonstrations, a bake sale and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Redlands Community Center. Grand Junction Parade of Lights Main Street’s Parade of Lights is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. This year’s theme is “Christmas on the Silver Screen.” The parade is from 5-7 p.m. DECEMBER 4 Sweet Adelines presents “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” Don’t miss the Grand Mesa Sweet Adelines Chorus, along with Delta’s DelRose Sweet Adelines Chorus, in concert at 3 p.m. in Colorado Mesa University’s Love Recital Hall. Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for children 12 and

DECEMBER 8 Holiday Light Tour for Ages 50+ Enjoy the city’s best light displays from 6-8 p.m., along with hot chocolate and goodies. Space is limited, so register early. Meet at Lincoln Park Barn at 6 p.m. You must be age 50 or older and be able to board a school bus. Cost is $5. Call 254-3866 to reserve your spot. Moscow Ballet’s “Nutcracker” The world’s best dancers perform this Christmas classic in the Avalon Theatre. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $28 and are available at www.tworiversconvention.com/events/ avalon_events.php.

DECEMBER 13 A Broadway Holiday The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra plays traditional holiday songs in a swinging style, joined by Broadway vocalists Sarah Pfisterer and Destan Owens. This performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre. DECEMBER 17 Santa Cause Run Everyone in this five-kilometer run/ walk receive a Santa hat and a beard to wear during the race, which benefits area kids. Register by December 9. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Las Colonias Park Confluence Shelter.

DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade Skiers and snowboarders parade down Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s slopes with lights starting at 5 p.m. There will be fireworks and live entertainment. VARYING WEEKENDS “A Christmas Carol” Colorado Mesa University Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” on November 25 and 26, and December 1, 2 and 3. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are at 2 p.m. on November 26, 27 and December 3. Purchase tickets from CMU’s box office. Christmas Train Show The Grand Valley Model Railroad Club hosts its 28th annual Christmas Train Show at Cross Orchards Historic Site from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on December 10-11, 17-18, 23-24 and December 31-January 1. Admission is $1 per child, $4 per adult and $7 per family. ■

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DECEMBER 21-24 Absolute Dance’s “The Nutcracker” A cast of 80 dancers brings “The Nutcracker” to Colorado Mesa University’s Robinson Theatre. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on December 21-23. There are matinee performances at 1 p.m. on December 22-24. Purchase tickets at www.absolutedanceonline.com. DECEMBER 30-31 “Guys and Dolls” This New Year’s Eve weekend, High Desert Opera presents “Guys and Dolls” at Robinson Theatre at Colorado Mesa University. There will be three performances of this show: at 7:30 p.m. on December 30, and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 31. Ticket sales begin on November 14. Visit www.highdesertopera.org for tickets.

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DECEMBER 10 Fruita Hometown Christmas and Parade of Lights Enjoy the Fruita Community Center’s arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and the Parade of Lights at dusk. Call 858-0360 for details.

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DECEMBER 6 Holiday Choral Concert Colorado Mesa University’s choral groups present a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Moss Performing Arts Center’s Love Recital Hall.

DECEMBER 19-20 “Christmas Music of a Thousand Years” The Western Colorado Chorale performs at 7:30 p.m. in Colorado Mesa University’s Love Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to dress in their favorite period style.

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under. Purchase tickets from any Sweet Adeline member or at Roper Music, Back Porch Music, The Shade Tree and Hart’s Music.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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NOVEMBER 2016

FUN AFTER 50

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org. REGISTRATION ALERT! Holiday Light Tour for 50+ on December 8 It’s not too early to sign up for the Holiday Light Tour. It always fills up so register today! Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy the city’s best light displays from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

HEALTH

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408 The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–4 pm. Annual membership is $15.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY THURSDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

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

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo

9:00 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

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

Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch Bible Study Bridge Canasta

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. Cost $3.50

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Class is at 8 a.m.9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or purchase a 10-punch pass for $50. MONDAY-FRIDAY Aqua Aerobics These aqua aerobic classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.

DANCE NOVEMBER 7-DECEMBER 12 Beginning Line Dance Class from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. at Lincoln Park. Cost is $15. THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

SPORTS DROP-IN PICKLEBALL Play pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $5 to drop-in or purchase a punch card for $30. Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tuesday & Friday - 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. to noon Sunday - 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

ART NOVEMBER 12 Senior Center Craft Fair See local talent exhibit their art and crafts from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Senior Center. Tables are available to exhibitors for $10. Call 254-7408 for details. DECEMBER 1 Design a Holiday Wreath Make a beautiful holiday wreath from nature’s greenery! Frames and pine boughs will be provided, you are welcome to bring your own greenery and decorations to personalize your wreath. Bring wire cutters if you have them. Class is from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $25. Register by November 18. City Hall Art Exhibit City Hall Art Exhibit features Deborah Robinson, mixed media; Tracy DiGesualdo, photographer; and the City of Grand Junction Employees on the Community Wall will be on exhibit through the end of the year.

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Mesa County Club Activities Altrusa of Palisade meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. For more information, call 464-5021 or visit www.districtten.altrusa.org. Art Quilt Association (AQuA) meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month. Location varies. Updates at www.theartquiltassociation.com. Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312. Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Call 4340868 for details. Friendship Force meets at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursdays of the month at the Red Cross Training Center. For more information, call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org. Grand Junction Chess Club meets from 6:30-11:30 p.m. every Monday in the Safeway Starbucks, 2901 F Road. Visit www.jctchess.com. Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2328 Monument Road. For details, email grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com. Grand Junction Petroleum and Mining Club meets monthly on the third Thursday. For details, visit www.grandjunctionpmc.com. Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at 7:10 a.m. Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 242-4863 for details. Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses 6:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Redlands United

Methodist Church. Call 255-9419 or visit www.grandmesachorus.org. Grand Valley Pets Alive meets 4:306 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month at Church of the Nativity. New volunteers are welcome. Call 462-7557. Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. Grand Valley Woodturners meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632. Help Hospitalized Veterans’ Craft Center, 1670 North Ave., supplies therapeutic craft kits to military service members and veterans. Call 424-0499. Knitting Club meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Call 623-1455. Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388. Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B. Visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org. Mt. Garfield Daughters of the American Revolution will meet at 1 p.m. on November 5 at Fruita’s Dinosaur Journey Museum. Call 242-7074. Not Going Quietly meets from 1:303:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Two Rivers Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction. This group is intended to create a space of empowerment, grace, community and wisdom for individuals age 60 and older. Call 433-7799.

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at A Taste of Heaven Catering. Call 424-4980. Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays at the Central Library Study Room B. Call 250-3969. Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Western Colorado Community College. Visit www.thundermountaincameraclub.org. Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670. Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon on November 12. For location, call 523-5625. Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway, meets at 1:30 p.m. on November 14 in Golden Corral’s west meeting room. Visit www.vestafjelllodge.org or call 245-5649. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays for a family style dinner and meeting at the Post Hall, 503 ½ Florence Road in Grand Junction. Call 778-8242.

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Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly on the second Saturday at 9 a.m. at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751. Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247. Get a free evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Call 2083389 or visit www.gjcoinshow.com. Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles meets on November 5 at 1 p.m. at Starvin’ Arvin’s in Clifton, and on November 9 at First United Methodist Church. Call 434-0803. Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly for breakfast on the first Thursday. Call 858-3907 for time and details. ■

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NOVEMBER 1 Radio translator ribbon-cutting KAFM 88.1 will celebrate its new Palisade translator at 4 p.m. at the Palisade Town Council Chambers. The official dedication and ribbon cutting is open to the public and includes champagne and refreshments.

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NOVEMBER 2016 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!” Fridays at 5 p.m. – Calling all singles over 50! Meet new friends and play games during the Friday Afternoon Club in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Dr. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests. Membership in RCS is only $20 per year. Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details. Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462. Wednesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. - See the Commodore Jazz Ensemble at Grand Junction High School, 1400 N. Fifth St. This is a free concert, but you must have a ticket. Call the Colorado Mesa University Box Office at 248-1604. Friday, November 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 5 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cowboy Poetry at the Whitman Education Center, 460 S. Fourth St. Saturday, November 5 at 6:45 p.m. - See Stray Grass play at a fundraiser for the Grand Junction High School Band, 1400 N. Fifth St. Tickets are $10. To purchase, call Penny at 712-2588. Thursday, November 10 at 11:30 a.m. - The Fun Lunch Bunch meets for lunch at The Cashmere Slipper, 1230 N. 12th St. RSVP to Penny at 712-2588. Wednesday, November 16 at 2 p.m. - Game day at Mary’s, 727 Birdie Dr. Play pinochle, Rummikub, dominoes, hand and foot and more. RSVP to Mary at 242-0630.

NOVEMBER 4 First Friday art reception The Main Street Gallery, 412 Main St. in Grand Junction, will host a reception for “An Artful Marriage” and hosts an artists’ reception from 5-9 p.m. The exhibit, which runs through November 31, features work by Fay Timmerman and Steve Traudt, an award-winning artist couple. A founding member of the Art Quilt Association, Timmerman creates in a variety of mediums. Traudt is a photographer who now incorporates elements from his love of astronomy and geology in his work. For more information, call 270-8365. Opera murder mystery Colorado Mesa University’s Opera Workshop class presents a free opera murder mystery at 7:30 p.m. in the Moss Performing Arts Center’s Love Recital Hall. NOVEMBER 4-5 Culture Fest Nations and cultures from almost every continent will share their customs and answer questions at Culture Fest, an annual celebration of art and cultural diversity in the community at the Central Library. A reception honoring participants will be held from 6-8 p.m. on November 4 and the festival takes place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. November 5. NOVEMBER 5 Rim Rock Marathon and Fruita’s 0.038 Marathon The Rim Rock Marathon is one of the most scenic marathons in Colorado. The race kicks off at 8 a.m., taking runners over the Colorado National

Monument and into Circle Park in Fruita. The second annual Fruita 0.038 Marathon, a one-mile run for the community, kicks off at Circle Park at 10 a.m. After the Fruita race, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, vendors and a beer garden while cheering on the winners of the Rim Rock Marathon as they cross the finish line. Registration for the Rim Rock Marathon is $95. Fruita 0.038 Marathon is $10. Runners may register for both events at www. rimrockmarathon.com.

Rim Rock Marathon

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Pre-Holiday Craft Fair More than 35 vendors sell their handcrafted wares at Central High School from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Attendees are entered into prize drawings throughout the day. Admission is free. NOVEMBER 6 The Bolshoi Ballet Regal Cinemas 14 will show “The Bright Stream” ballet from the Bolshoi Ballet, at 12:55 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $15 for seniors and children. Learn more at www.fathom events.com. NOVEMBER 11-12 Artist and writer events Artist and author Neltje will be at Fruita’s Lithic Bookstore and Art Gallery for an exhibition, reception and reading

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on November 11. The reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by a reading at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. On November 12, the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum will sponsor a conversation with Neltje about writing and a hands-on Sumi painting workshop. The workshop is from 3-5 p.m. in the Center for Independence gym, 700 Gunnison Ave. The event is open to the public for a fee with registration. To register, call 243-0378.

NOVEMBER 12 Mountainfilm on Tour Mountainfilm on Tour screens at the Avalon Theatre for one night only. The annual event, hosted by Western Colorado Congress and its Mesa County chapter, features eight short films covering a variety of subjects. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and are available at www.wccongress.org, at Summit Canyon Mountaineering and at Fruita’s Copper Club Brewing Company.

NOVEMBER 12-13 Michael Gott weekend Performer, songwriter and speaker Michael Gott will perform a concert at the Two Rivers Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction on November 12 at 4 p.m., then speak at a service and conduct a workshop at the center on November 13. The service begins at 10 a.m. and the workshop is at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 433-7799. NOVEMBER 16 Estate planning seminars Learn about wills, trusts, estate plans and common issues from the attorneys at The Law Offices of Brown & Brown, 1250 E. Sherwood Dr. This free seminar takes place at 4:30 p.m. Call 765-3123 to register. NOVEMBER 18 The Schumann Singers in concert The Schumann Singers present “Gloria,” a prelude to the holiday season, at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist

Church in Grand Junction. The concert will feature the singers and members of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra singing Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and other festive carols. Tickets are available from Schumann Singer members, Roper Music and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra office, 414 Main St. Prices are $12 in advance, $15 at the door and $6 for students.

children under 10.

NOVEMBER 19 Survivor Day The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host Survivor Day from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Saccomano Education Center, offering comfort and support to those affected by suicide. Call 241-4349.

DECEMBER 4 Sweet Adelines presents “The Night Before Christmas” The Grand Mesa Sweet Adelines Chorus, along with the Del-Rose Sweet Adelines Chorus from Delta, presents this concert at 3 p.m. in Colorado Mesa University’s Love Recital Hall. Advance tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are $2 more at the door. Purchase tickets from any Sweet Adeline member or at Roper Music, Back Porch Music, The Shade Tree and Hart’s Music. ■

Dinner and bazaar Fruita United Methodist Church, 405 E. Aspen Ave, hosts a Navajo Taco Dinner and Bazaar. The bazaar is open from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tacos will be served 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. The meal is $9 with dessert and drink, or $4 for

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NOVEMBER 21 Senior Theatre auditions Grand Junction Senior Theatre’s 2017 performance will be Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore,” directed by Rachel Nelson-Fortner. Auditions will be held at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.

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Friendship Force hosts travel exchange Six Friendship Force Clubs in the Rocky Mountain Region hosted 21 guests from the U.S., Canada and New Zealand recently. The Peaks to Plains Travel Exchange showcased highlights of Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Visitors enjoyed home hosting by club members throughout their journey. The Friendship Force is an international organization that fosters cultural understanding and friendships between people. To learn more, call 260-4653. Medicare Open Enrollment help Personal walk-in counseling sessions with a Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) navigator are available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on November 4, 9 and 21 at RSVP, 422 White Ave., in the lower level of US Bank. SHIP navigators will help you consider your options and select an appropriate plan during Medicare Open Enrollment, which is now through December 7. Call 243-9839 for more information or to speak to a SHIP navigator. Western Slope seniors’ advocate joins AARP Executive Council RSVP Volunteer Manager Diane Barger will represent the Western Slope on the AARP Colorado Executive Council, which helps set the direction for advocacy and community relations. Barger has been a passionate advocate for older adults for more than 25 years. In addition, she has volunteered for a number of organizations, including Roice-Hurst Humane Society, HopeWest and Family Health West. Changes to LEAP applications The Mesa County Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is now administered by Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado. Applicants should not submit LEAP application to the Department of Human Services, as this will delay processing. LEAP is a mail-in program only. Re-

turn your completed 2016 application on or after November 1 by fax: 719633-9098; mail: LEAP, PO Box 39200, Colorado Springs, CO 80949; or email: LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org. For details, call 1-866-432-8435 or visit www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap.

Award-winning author seeks sweetheart stories Best-selling author Jan Fowler is seeking stories for a forthcoming book about how boomer and senior couples met. You need not be married as long as you met after age 50 and are in a committed relationship. If yours is one of the 52 true-life accounts selected, you will be contacted for permission to publish your story. Describe your first encounter in several short paragraphs. Include your full name, email address, phone number and full address. Email this information to jan@janfowler.com or send it to Jan Fowler Senior Productions, 1554 Barton Rd., Suite 251, Redlands, CA 92373. Call 909-7936419 with questions. The deadline is November 30. Fruita’s 2016 Fall Speaker Series The Fruita Community Center and Family Health West offer a free speaker series intended to help enhance one’s health and wellbeing. Local experts speak about health-related topics from 6-7 p.m. The next speaker is Jonathan Blaha, DC, who will be discussing low back pain prevention on November 8. All presentations are held at the Fruita Community Center. RSVP at 858-0360. Publisher seeks former Trans-Alaska Pipeline workers A nationwide search is underway for seniors who worked on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline project in the 1970s. The multiyear project built an 800-mile pipeline through the Arctic Wilderness. Pipeline veterans will receive a complimentary copy of “Four Years Below Zero,” by fellow worker Wilma Knox. If you are among this group, or if you

NOVEMBER 2016

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

know someone who is, please send a brief summary of where and when you worked there and your mailing address to fouryearsbelowzero@yahoo.com or The Tennyson Press, P.O. Box 1638, Deming, New Mexico 88031. A postpaid copy of the book will be mailed to you as thanks.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Family Health West is looking for volunteers to act as greeters at Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center or to assist with our activities in our assisted living facilities. To learn more, call 858-2211 or email nwatchman@ fhw.org. • Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839. • The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to work with people, serve food, pack food boxes, clean house, sort food, stock food, take applications for assistance, answer phones, ring bells and more at their corps office, 1235 N. Fourth St., Monday through Friday. Volunteers can donate up to six hours of their time per day. Appearance must be neat and closed-toed shoes are required. Call Claudia at 242-7513. • Riverside Educational Center is looking for volunteers from 4:10 p.m.-5:30 p.m. one night a week to tutor disadvantaged elementary school students. No experience necessary and training is provided. Call or text Leslie Eslava at 462-2901. • AARP Foundation TaxAide is seeking volunteers to help Colorado taxpayers who need assistance preparing and filing their 2016 tax returns. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/mon ey/taxes/aarp_taxaide/ or call 1-888687-2277. The application deadline is December 15. • Mesa County Spellbinders is looking for volunteers to learn a few story-telling skills and make a difference in children’s lives. Spellbinders tell stories to students in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. To join, call 462-7346.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction groups meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 248-8844. • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and connection groups for adults living with a mental illness. Groups meet at various times and locations in Mesa County. Please visit www.NAMIWS.org or call 4623989. • Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315. • Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The group meets monthly at 7-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Call 434-3822. • MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 298-2351 for details. • MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly on the third Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Artful Cup. Call 241-8975. • MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesdays at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Dr. Call 2418975. • GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. This no-cost group meets from 1-3 p.m. Mondays. For location and details, call Vicci at 628-1453. • Grand Valley MS Self-Help Group meets monthly from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the second Tuesdays (except in December) at the Central Library. ■

MESA COUNTY 41

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Across 1 Clock radio switch 5 Fingerprint features 11 Something to shoot for 14 “Doctor Zhivago” role 15 Feudal tribute 16 Season 17 Detonator 19 Ball of fire 20 Group of royals ending with Queen Anne 21 Israeli parliament 23 Conk out 24 Coup d’___ 25 Portable grill 29 Nativity tableaux 32 Honest politician 33 Seoul food place 35 Butler of fiction 36 Stupid ___ stupid does 38 Namely 40 1995 Cage co-star 41 Mortise mate 43 Babes of Baja 45 Fleet VIP 46 Fettered 48 Homes of the rich and famous 50 “Do I dare to ___ peach?” (Eliot) 51 Capote, on Broadway 52 Divides up 55 Typically

FUN & GAMES 43

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers 59 Eureka! 60 Pipe down 62 Place for ale 63 Place to park an ark 64 Falling-out 65 Wallflowery 66 Cheapen 67 “___ girl!” Down 1 They’re in a clergyman’s closet 2 Fountain favorite 3 “Haus” wife 4 Zealots’ last stand site 5 More than sizzling 6 Coop group 7 E-mail address ending 8 One of Ozzie’s boys 9 Temporary vehicle 10 Heavenly gatekeeper 11 Raise funds 12 Flu symptom 13 Give quarters to 18 Halloween option 22 German Meister-singer 25 Columbus landed here in 1492 26 “Ghosts” playwright 27 Stuffed favorite 28 Oscar winner for “Reversal of Fortune” 29 “Educating Rita” star 30 Pianist’s exercise

31 Arrests 34 Woolly mama 37 Bashful birds of the marsh 39 Lab 42 Memo writer’s need 44 Precious instrument, for short 47 Earth mother 49 Night light show 52 Duped group 53 Nope 54 Guesstimate 55 Sad to say 56 College credit 57 Jack-up 58 James or Kett 61 First name in college football coaching

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

To Place a Classified Ad... 4 EASY STEPS!

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CLASSIFIEDS 45

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Being thankful two days later By Gwen Gendusa

ot being thankful enough is one of many flaws in my personality. I am thankful for a lot of things—I just sometimes forget that I am! Whenever Thanksgiving rolls around, I always ponder the things I should be grateful for. There are so many items that I get frustrated trying to think of them all. Once I get my head around them, I really am thankful on that Thursday in November. But my challenge is to remember to be thankful for them all again two days later—and two days after that. So I have decided to write a list and put it on my fridge door. Actually, if the list were to include all the items I am really thankful for, my whole refrigerator would be covered in paper! Here’s my abbreviated list: • When I can’t find my keys, my phone or my glasses, I need to be thankful that there is a husband who usually can. • When I am in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I need to calm down and be thankful I have a car. • When I can’t find the right dress to wear to a party, I need to be thankful that I have a choice and an invitation. • When my heater doesn’t work and the gutters need cleaning, I need to be thankful that I have shelter. • When I am exhausted and want to prop my feet up, I need to be thankful that my soles are not in combat boots fighting for everyone else to be able to prop up their feet. • When I am tired of cooking and everyone else is watching football, I need to be thankful that I have food to cook and someone to share a meal with. • When I get angry with those politicians, I need to stop and realize that I have the right to vote them out.

• When I get aches and pains, I need to be thankful that my body is still with me. • When I get sad and life goes downhill for a bit, I need to be thankful for the friend that helps me go back uphill. • When I worry about my children, I need to be thankful that I still have children to worry about. • When grief seeps into my soul for a lost loved one, I need to be thankful that God blessed me with love. I remember one Thanksgiving, when my brother John was about 13 and was asked to say the blessing. My mother had prepared the usual feast, and that year we had our grandparents and other relatives joining us. My brother was not happy about saying the prayer. He gave my mother a look and then scanned the table: turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberries, green beans, salad, biscuits, corn and mashed potatoes. We collectively bowed our heads as John said his blessing: “Dear Lord, we thank you so much for these mashed potatoes. Amen.” Before everyone looked up, my mother added, “And Lord, thank you for my child at least being honest!” Everyone died laughing as my brother piled his plate with mashed potatoes. All those family members are now gone, including my brother. To this day, when I tell that story it still brings laughter. So I will add to my list: “Thank you, God, for family, those present and those now with you, and for all the laughter they brought and bring to my life.” I hope your Thanksgiving is complete with a big spoonful of mashed potatoes and plates of laughter. Perhaps make your own list of things to be thankful for again two days later, and two days after that. ■

NOVEMBER 2016

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OFFICIAL BALLOT Photocopies will not be accepted

BEST L OCAL

LOVED

2017

Best Antique Store___________________________________________ Best Bike Shop______________________________________________ Best Clothing Store__________________________________________ Best Shoe Store_____________________________________________ Best Place to Buy Gifts________________________________________ Best Liquor Store____________________________________________ Best Second Hand Store______________________________________ Best Optical Store___________________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store_________________________________________ Best Financial Planner________________________________________

Share the LOVE!

Help the BEACON determine the best and most loved hotspots for boomers and seniors in Mesa County. Nominate your favorite locales in the following categories and return this page to the BEACON by December 31 to be entered to win a prize (details to come next month). The winners will be announced in a special insert in the February BEACON.

Best Auto Dealership_________________________________________ Best Auto Repair____________________________________________ Best Tire Store______________________________________________ Best Carpet Cleaner_________________________________________ Best Garden Nursery_________________________________________ Best Heating and Cooling Service______________________________

Mail your ballot to: The BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service____________________________

or drop off your ballot at: The BEACON, 524 30 Road, Suite 4, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Best Plumber_______________________________________________

CONTEST RULES:

Best Place for Lunch_________________________________________

• • • •

One entry per person. One vote per category. Entries must be clearly printed. Entries must include voter’s name, address and phone number. Entries become property of the BEACON, which reserves the right to publish nominations in an upcoming issue. • Entries must be received by December 31. Winners will be published in the February BEACON.

Name:______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________ City:____________________________State:_______ Zip:____________

Best Place for Breakfast_______________________________________

Best Place for Dinner_________________________________________ Best Date Night Location_____________________________________ Best Coffee Shop____________________________________________ Best Place to Get a Stiff Drink_________________________________ Best Winery________________________________________________ Best Hiking Trail_____________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________

Best Place to Take the Grandkids_______________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________

Best Place to Golf____________________________________________

I H AV E M A N Y MILES BEHIND ME AND STILL A LOT MORE TO GO For forty years, Dave Knutson has been enjoying trail running and all its ups and downs. He might not be doing as many miles as he did in his twenties, but he is still going strong. For Dave, there is no over the hill, just the race to the top, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans Medicare will be with him for the long haul.

Find a Medicare plan that fits your Colorado lifestyle at www.rmhpMedicare.org or call 888-251-1330 (TTY: 711)

RMHP is a Medicare-approved Cost plan. Enrollment in RMHP depends on contract renewal. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call Customer Service at 888-282-1420 (TTY dial 711). Hours are 8am - 8pm, 7 days/week, Oct.1–Feb.14, and 8am - 8pm, M-F, Feb.15–Sept.30. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Por favor llame a la línea de Atención a Clientes, al 888-282-1420 (TTY marque 711). Horario de 8am - 8pm, 7 días a la semana, del 1 de octubre al 14 de febrero; y de 8am - 8pm, de lunes a viernes, del 15 de febrero al 30 de septiembre. RMHP complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-282-1420(TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-888-282-1420 (TTY: 711). H0602_MS_MC242A_10032016 Accepted