NOVEMBER 2017 Vol. 31
No. 11
Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.
SALUTE TO VETERANS 23 NOVEMBER 2017
www.Beacon SeniorNews.c
om
FREE INS IDE
she saw war, Regardless of whether or not he or time wrote a veteran is someone who at one 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. of By writing and publishing the stories the human local veterans, we are able to tell veterans experience of war. In honor of these have we Day, Veterans of observance and in just put our best efforts forward to do that in this special issue of the BEACON Senior Newspaper.
LOCAL LEADERS
Seniors in city hall
Photo by Cloie Sandlin
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NOVEMBER 2017
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NOVEMBER 2017
EDITORIAL
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Salute to veterans
I
t’s appropriate that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are both in November. Between our everyday blessings, our veterans and our active military, we have a lot to be thankful for. Because of their bravery and sacrifices, I’ve been blessed never to have seen war. I realize not everyone is as fortunate. I’d like to thank the veterans who shared their stories with us in this month’s special Veterans Day issue. The story on page 24, “Preserving the past before it’s gone,” focuses on the work of locals Jim Witt and Greg Brumfield, who are preserving stories from World War II so they won’t be forgotten. If you’re a World War II veteran with a story to share with your family and future generations, contact Jim at 209-9241 or Greg at 640-4004.
Reliving history The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Rocky Mountain Wing is another group committed to conserving World War II history. I recently took to the skies in the CAF’s 1946 Piper J-3 Cub—the smallest aircraft that flew during the war. Talk about reliving history! These historic planes continue to fly, and it’s all thanks to the CAF stewards who restore and maintain them for our education and enjoyment.
Colorado Gives Day Any day is a great day for giving, but Colorado Gives Day provides a simple way to donate to local organizations close to your heart. More than 100 local nonprofits participate in Colorado Gives Day on December 5. Donating to them in this online campaign multiplies your good—a $1 million incentive fund increases the value of every dollar donated. For more information and to start giving, visit www.ColoradoGives.org. ■
Cloie Sandlin Editor, BEACON Senior News Cloie Sandlin with Commemorative Air Force Rocky Mountain Wing Commander Kent Taylor just after landing the 1946 Piper-J3 Cub.
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COVER STORY
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NOVEMBER 2017
Senior politicians are in it for the community “I had always been involved with economic development, and I wanted to continue to serve the community from government.” -Doug Atchley
“I want the Montrose community to be the best it can be for the people who live here.” -Judy Ann Files
“I wanted to give back to the community I dearly love, and that is when I decided to run for council.” -Rick Taggart
By Ryan Cook
W
estern Slope politicians Doug Atchley, Judy Ann Files and Rick Taggart all found a second calling after their professional careers ended— public service. Although each took a distinct path to public office, the three are tied by a common thread: a commitment to serve the public.
The community banker As a senior at Colorado State University in 1970, Atchley had a plan. He’d spent his college summers and weekends working at a Fort Collins bank and was about to graduate with a degree in agriculture industries management. Then he planned to return home to Delta to begin the next chapter of his life. He lined up a job in finance at the local community bank, National Bank of Delta. Throughout the week, he loaned capital to people with dreams and shared in their blessings. “Part of being a community banker is that you serve your community,” said Atchley, who is now in his late 60s. “If your community does well, your bank does well.” By 1981, he was the president of National Bank of Delta. By the end of his tenure, five regional Wells Fargo banks reported to him. But after 36 years there, it was time to look to the future.
The schoolteacher Files was born in Montrose in the mid ’40s. It had been her family home for 137 years, but her family relocated several times when she was a child, and Files eventually landed in Grande Junction in 1956. She gradu-
ated from Grand Junction High School in 1963 and met her future husband at Mesa College. The young couple went on to Gunnison’s Western State College, then embarked on Judy Ann Files found she cou careers as ld affect more change from within. public school Photo by Cloie Sandlin. teachers. When Files was 24, she began working for the Montrose public Grand Valley in the early ’80s. He led school district. In her free time, she Marmot for many years as its CEO volunteered in the community. She and chairman, and the brand grew to first considered running for city an internationally respected juggercouncil in the 1970s, while volunnaut—on par with companies like teering for the City of Montrose. The North Face and Patagonia—be“At that time, the general feeling fore it was acquired. After the acquiwas that the city was run by downsition, Taggart stayed on with the town businessmen. I was a woman new parent company in a lesser role, who didn’t run a downtown business until the opportunity to lead another and was told that the community international brand emerged. would not support [me]. A lot of He was recruited as CEO of Victhings have changed in 50 years,” torinox, the company behind Swiss said Files, 72. Army knives. After 15 years of international travel for work, it was time The CEO to head back home to Colorado’s Taggart hails from upstate New Western Slope, where his future was York. After earning his undergraduwaiting. ate degree from Syracuse University, he took his first job at the Salomon Giving back to the community Ski Company and quickly rose Taggart, 67, took on a senior leaderthrough the ranks, soon becoming ship role in Colorado Mesa Universithe general manager of Canadian ty’s Marketing Office. He still teaches operations. business classes there part time, but After a savvy family investment, found that he had the desire to serve Taggart became involved with Grand Junction in other capacities. the Grand Junction-based outdoor “I wanted to give back to the comoutfitter, Marmot, and moved to the munity I dearly love, and that is when
NOVEMBER 2017
COVER STORY
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I decided to run for council,” he said. He won a seat on the Grand Junction City Council in 2015, and was re-elected to four more years last April. The council elected him as mayor in May. Taggart said he’s pleased with infrastructure improvements being made in Grand Junction and is excited about the future. He’s enthusiastic about an emerging partnership that will refurbish Two Rivers Convention Center, adding a hotel and mini ballroom to the complex. Taggart said the private-public partnership behind the project is one of the first of its kind, and will open doors for the city in the future. He’s particularly looking forward to strengthening the local trail system for residents and visitors alike. “Outdoor opportunities are one of our greatest assets, and they’re going to play a major role in this city’s future,” he said.
Effecting change In 2011, Files grew concerned with the direction that Montrose was heading in and began attending city council meetings, only to realize she couldn’t effect much change from the outside. So the shy woman, then in her mid 60s, ran for a council seat and was elected in 2012. “I want the Montrose community to be the best it can be for the people who live here,” she said. “I’ve focused on the things that we can do to accomplish that life for our people.” Her fellow council members elected her mayor shortly thereafter. Re-elected in April, Files is now serving her second term in that office. Files credits the teamwork of the city’s employees and community partners for the accomplishments the town has seen during her tenure, which include the creation of the community recreation center and water sports park, and receiving the All-America City award, which recognizes communities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges. “In these 5 1/2 years, council has
developed into a team,” Files said. “Not only are we a team within council, but we are a team with staff. We’re all in this together.” She has been instrumental in bringing Elevate, the super-fast broadband service, to the city, and in improving many facets of life in Montrose. “One thing that’s changed a lot since I’ve been on council is how much more developer- and business-friendly we are,” she said. “If someone comes forward with an idea for a business, the first question asked is, ‘What can we do for you?’” Her remaining goals in office include major road improvement projects, among other things. “Right now, the Colorado Outdoors project is consuming a lot of everybody’s time and effort,” Files said. “It’s always fun to see things actually start happening.”
More right than wrong After leaving the bank in 2007, Atchley helped take care of his aging parents, farmed and drove cattle. But the next chapter of his life was in leadership. He was elected to the Delta County Board of Commissioners in 2010. “I enjoy helping people, being part of decisions that help people,” Atchley said. “I had always been involved with economic development, and I wanted to continue to serve the community from government.” He’s most proud of his city’s resiliency.
Taggart teaches a business class at Colorado Mesa University. Photo courtesy of CMU.
“Delta County is essentially still in a recession that started in 2008,” he said. “Fiscally, we have remained virtually debt free. We have still managed to continue providing all the services that we have since before the recession. It’s a great accomplishment.” He sees similarities between his time in finance and his time as a commissioner. “I’ve learned that you can’t please everyone,” he said. “That is hard, and not unlike lending. You make a decision. You just try to be more right than you are wrong.”
Get involved Files said the best way to make change in your community is to get involved. There are always openings on different committees and commissions for the city and county, as well as peripherals like the recreation district or the downtown development authority. “You can’t make change from afar. You have to be involved,” Files said. “You’ll either help that organization grow or you’ll find it’s time to move on to another.” ■
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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Editorial Assistant................ Stephanie Summar Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier Graphic Design............................ Chrissy Martin Office Manager............................ Stacey Splude Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative............. Valeree Seiferd Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner
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 2017 • All Rights Reserved
Cover Photo: Grand Junction Mayor Rick Taggart entered public office after his professional career ended to give back to the community.
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FEATURE STORY
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Fighting for our fighters: Local organizations support veterans until the end By Jan Weeks
A
mericans owe a major debt to the military veterans who acted as the backbone of the U.S. defense system, and western Colorado knows it. Several area organizations are dedicated to supporting veterans by advocating for them and honoring their service.
Friends to fighters Chuck Watkins, a retired Navy Senior Chief, said the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) fights for fair military pay, housing and medical benefits for active, retired and honorably discharged members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard by contacting Congress on their behalf. Watkins said members volunteer at the Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center and organize the Memorial Day Wreath Floating Ceremony at Blue Heron boat launch to honor the memory of departed military. “Anyone can bring a wreath to have it floated, regardless of which branch of the service the person they’re honoring served in,” he said. The group also has floats in the Fourth of July and Veterans’ Day parades. Dues are $40 a year, and the local group pays half of that if someone joins for two years. They meet at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW Post 3981, 503 1/2 Florence Road in Grand Junction.
honor guard,” said Garry Parrot, who became commander this year. “We began with the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery and now offer the same service for all cemeteries in the Grand Valley, weather permitting.” Any honorably discharged vet can join the guard. Parrot said that many find the position is too emotional, yet it’s important to honor the deceased. “The ceremony provides closure for families, and honors the idea that we never leave a comrade behind or let a vet be buried alone,” he said. The organization was recognized in June for their superior efforts and service by the Adjutant General of the National Guard. It’s the first time that an honor guard has been recognized this way. Dues are $10 per year, and the organization provides the full uniform, from shoes to hat, including
branch patches and accoutrements. Participants may provide their own military ribbons and unit patches if they choose. Aspiring members must provide a copy of their DD214. The Combined Honor Guard meets at 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month (except during the summer) at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery meeting room, located on D Road, just east of the Grand Junction Regional Center. For more information, call Parrot at 234-0980.
Unwavering respect The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is a non-political, nationwide group of motorcyclists who have another common interest: an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America’s freedom and security, including fallen military heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans. Art Edwards and his wife, Meg, took over the local group in 2007, when he was named assistant state captain for the Western Slope. He still holds that position.
NOVEMBER 2017
The local group may travel several hundred miles to attend the funeral of a soldier on active duty. “We also provide escorts for many veterans groups that travel through Grand Junction and surrounding communities,” Edwards said. “We recently traveled to Moab to escort a group of wounded veterans traveling on motorcycles from Los Angeles to Sturgis.” The group also attends homecomings if asked to do so by families. In fact, families must request that the group participate in any event. Membership is open to veterans and civilians, and having a motorcycle is not a requirement. “There are no restrictions or membership fees, but we do ask new members to purchase a portable flag and a PGR armband for our missions,” said Edwards. The group attends funerals to ensure respect for the fallen and to shield families from protesters through non-violent, legal means. It also sponsors the Wreaths Across America program each December.
No one left behind The Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard (GVCHG) began when Dick Gigliotti, the first commander of the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, realized active duty military units and veterans’ service organizations could not be relied upon to provide full military honors for veterans buried there. “We needed a reliable, dedicated
There is no better advocate for retired Navy, Marines and Coast Guard members than the Fleet Reserve Association.
NOVEMBER 2017
FEATURE STORY
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To contact the local chapter, contact Edwards at harleyroadk@yahoo. com or call 250-1174.
Honor a vet,
Speaking up for our military
National Wreaths Across America Day is December 16. The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) coordinate a local effort each year to place wreaths on graves at Grand Junction’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The public is invited to a special ceremony at the cemetery at 10 a.m.
The Military Officers’ Association of America (MOAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that was established in Grand Junction 42 years ago. Though membership is limited to officers and warrant officers from any branch of the military, including those from the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, chapter outreach initiatives support the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic; the Junior ROTC units in Grand Junction, Montrose and Glenwood Springs; and Congressional Service Academy Review Boards. “MOAA speaks for a strong national defense and represents the interests of military officers at every stage of their careers,” said Don Schneider, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and current secretary of the western Colorado chapter. Membership is $20 per year. For information, call Schneider at 241-8714 or visit www.wccmoaa.com. ■
sponsor a wreath
PGR seeks sponsors for the 2,300 wreaths they plan to disburse this year. Wreaths cost $15 each and are available in any quantity desired. All sponsorships are tax deductible. To become a sponsor, send a check to PGR no later than November 24. Checks should be made payable to Wreaths Across America. Include your name, address, phone number and email address, along with the number of wreaths you’d like to purchase, and send to:
Patriot Guard Riders 616 Lodgepole St. Grand Junction, CO 81504 Learn more by calling 250-1174.
St. Mary’s Medical Center for Heart and Vascular Health brings heart and vascular experts together to meet all of your needs right here in Grand Junction, so you don’t have to leave the region you know and love. Advanced care that includes the region’s only emergency cardiac services and open heart The Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard works to provide closure for military families.
program is now closer than ever. See how you can receive a free heart health kit at stmarygj.org/heart.
Your heart team in the heart of Grand Junction. The Patriot Guard Riders have an unwavering respect for America’s veterans.
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RECIPES
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NOVEMBER 2017
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NOVEMBER 2017
ASK THE OLD BAG
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ASK THE OLD BAG By Gayle Lagman-Creswick
Cleaning your house for show and sell:
Spring cleaning on steroids
ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD
Scammer seeks sugar daddy Dear Old Bag: My complaint about destination weddings is not only the expense of the wedding, but the events leading up to it. Couples come up with so many pre-wedding parties and trips, they’ve spent thousands even before the wedding. I guess it’s okay if they’re wealthy; however, I’m so practical that I believe these kids are spending dollars that would be better spent on a down payment for a home. Don’t you agree? Signed, Practical Pat Dear Practical Pat: I’ve thought that many times, but alas, not one person has asked my advice when planning a wedding. It’s a different world out there. We’re caught up in providing our kids with what we didn’t have as youngsters, and it grows from generation to generation. I have to think it will end someday. OB Dear Old Bag: You once said that you don’t have to go to church to be spiritual. I disagree with you. Maybe it’s because my husband is a minister, but going to church helps people stay on the straight and narrow. I believe it helps us make better choices, supports us in times of need and gets us closer to God. Signed, Wife of Preacher Dear Wife: I hope you didn’t think I was trying to discourage people from going to church. I will reiterate that I know spiritual people who don’t attend church, and I know people who don’t miss a church service and don’t seem very spiritual to me. I think it’s important to differentiate the meanings of spiritual and religious. One can be spiritual without being
religious and religious without being spiritual. I believe spirituality comes from the heart and is portrayed by how we treat our fellow man. But this is just my opinion. It’s not up to me to judge. OB Dear Old Bag: I joined a dating site and I have to say I’m enjoying it. I’ve met some nice women, even though I haven’t met anyone with whom I want to spend the rest of my life. It’s a site for seniors, but there seem to be a lot of younger women there as well. I’m not looking for a young woman and I question the site for letting them join. Are they looking for a sugar daddy? Why do these sites do that? Signed, Senior and Proud of It Dear Senior: I can say from experience that there are a lot of younger men on these sites as well. I’ve raised the question with the dating site and have yet to receive an answer. As a reminder, some folks are scammers and will ask you for money after they think they have you in their pocket. Report anyone you’ve detected to be a scammer. My advice is to ask them to coffee in a public place before you have too many chats. Then you can see for yourself. Scammers will tell you that they will be busy for the next month and then they can have coffee. Delete them! I also look them up on Facebook. If they have no friends or photos, they’re scamming. I also shy away from anyone who says he isn’t looking for a relationship or who’s married but estranged from his partner! OB ■
Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at lagmancreswick@cox.net
Bedrooms: Clear out your bedside stands and store glasses and reading materials in a covered basket under the bed corner. Sweep and mop, and vacuum the floors. Scrub the baseboards and woodwork. Closets: Closets should be no more than half full. Remove unnecessary or out-of-season clothes and group remaining clothes by color to make the closet look larger. Shelves should be organized and sparsely populated. Kitchen cabinets: Remove and discard, gift or pack away unnecessary appliances, pots, pans and dishes. Clean cabinets inside and out, eliminate junk drawers and keep surfaces clear. Appliances: Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out. This contributes to the overall impression of maintenance in a home.
Bathroom cabinets: Remove and discard any expired medications and relocate prescription drugs to a safe place during showings. Storage areas: Keep only what you will use. Donate, sell or pack away the rest. Organize what you keep, and keep it off the floor. Windows: Cleaning your windows inside and out lets in more light, which makes your home show better. Walls and ceilings: Remove cobwebs, clean light fixtures, wash walls and wipe down doors, grates, baseboards, woodwork and trim. Touch up paint if necessary. Pantry: Discard old items. Keep cans with cans and boxes with boxes, etc. You can count on a Senior Real Estate Specialist to guide you through the process of buying or selling your home, making the transaction less stressful and more successful.
Martha Newman, Senior Real Estate Specialist 970-260-8747 martha.l.newman@gmail.com
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THE HEALTHY GEEZER
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
NOVEMBER 2017
HEALTHY A stroke couldn’t stop her from helping others heal.
GEEZER
By Fred Cicetti
Great shakes! Tremor is an involuntary movement of one or more parts of the body. Most tremors occur in the hands, but they can also show up in the arms, head, face, vocal cords, trunk and legs. There are more than 20 kinds of tremors. Excessive caffeine, alcohol withdrawal, problems with thyroid or copper metabolism or the use of certain medications may cause tremors. Victims of tremors usually get them when they make a delicate movement, such as writing with a pen or tying shoelaces. They usually disappear when one is resting. Some people have relatively mild tremors throughout their lives, but others develop more severe tremors and increased disability.
Trembling hands Sharon cared for stroke patients earlier in life, as a Registered Nurse. So, when she had a stroke, she knew she needed to get help fast. Her stroke team immediately began treatment. Thanks to the personal encouragement and comprehensive therapy she received, Sharon regained the ability to drive, walk and speak. Today, she’s connecting with other stroke survivors, teaching Sunday school, and caring for her community in other rewarding ways. Find out how our 24/7 stroke program helps you recover to your full potential. Visit stmarygj.org/stroke.
Shaky hands are a symptom of “essential tremor” (ET), which is the most common movement disorder. The medical community calls it “essential” because it isn’t linked to other diseases. It’s caused by abnormal communication within the brain. There is no cure for this disorder yet. A genetic mutation is responsible for about half of all cases. The only other known risk factor is age. Although ET can affect people of all ages, it usually appears in middle age or later. ET is often confused with Parkinson’s disease. Unlike Parkinson’s, however, it doesn’t lead to serious complications. Parkinson’s is associated with a stooped
posture, slow movement, a shuffling gait and other difficulties.
Avoid the shakes If you’re tired of your shaky hands, there’s a temporary solution—but it comes with a catch. Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections, popular for ironing wrinkles, are used to treat muscle spasms and tremors caused by diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and neurological conditions such as muscle spasms of the neck, shoulders and face. It’s also used to treat hand tremors. Injections can bring relief for up to three months, but it can cause weakness in your fingers. Other medications can bring relief. These include beta blockers normally used to treat high blood pressure, antiseizure medications and tranquilizers. If tremors are severe and drugs don’t help, there are surgical procedures available. Most people don’t need treatment for ET, however. Drinking alcohol can calm tremors for up to an hour after consumption. However, tremors tend to worsen when the alcohol wears off. Physical therapy and exercise can develop more stability in hands that shake. The effects of the condition can be eased by avoiding what aggravates the problem—lack of sufficient sleep, anxiety, stimulants such as caffeine and temperature extremes. ■
Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at fred@healthygeezer.com.
NOVEMBER 2017
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DEAR PHARMACIST By Suzy Cohen, RPH
Your skin reveals your true state of health
P
erhaps you think beauty is only skin deep, but it’s a reflection of your body’s general physical health. I’m not referring to a tan—I’m referring to skin tone, texture and color. If you are pale, you may be anemic and deficient in iron. Pale, dry skin may be a clue to hypothyroidism, which also causes fatigue and hair loss. People with cancer sometimes have gray or blue-tinged skin due to the lack of oxygenated blood. Treating asthma with steroids can cause bruising. This problem is also caused by aspirin, ginkgo, fish oil and prescription anticoagulants used to prevent a stroke or heart attack. Drinking and smoking age you inside and out. People who are dependent on these substances may look older than they should because these factors attack your elastin, a protein that allows body tissues to resume their shape, and collagen, a natural component of skin that declines as you age, resulting in thinner skin. Sun worshippers often have age spots and an uneven skin tone. This oxidation is happening to every organ of your body, including your brain, heart, blood vessels and reproductive organs. People who suddenly take on a yellow tone may have a compromised liver from a drug they’re taking or from alcohol use. If severe, it requires medical attention.
Skin-loving supplements I only recommend a handful of supple-
ments for skin health. • Milk thistle is a liver-supporting supplement. Your liver processes everything that goes in your mouth and detoxifies everything your body doesn’t need. When it falls behind, poisons come out through your skin, causing rashes. Avoid milk thistle if you’re allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. • Collagen hydrolysate is derived from cows. Two 2014 studies found that oral collagen supplements may help improve skin elasticity and diminish wrinkles. It’s completely tasteless, so you can stir a dose of it into your morning coffee or tea. • Silica makes hot springs blue. This trace mineral helps soothe rashes. Taken internally, silica helps you make collagen naturally. • Vitamin E oil can be rubbed directly on skin to prevent scars, but taken orally, vitamin E is a powerful cellular antioxidant, gobbling up free radicals that could otherwise damage your cells and lead to premature aging. All vitamin E isn’t created equal—most companies make fake E, or they give you only one of its eight parts. • Zinc is not just for your prostate health or colds. When taken orally, this mineral helps your skin repair itself. It plays a role in managing the production and turnover of skin cells. But be careful—too much zinc could cause a magnesium or calcium deficiency. Minerals have to be in balance for you to have good health. ■
Send your questions to Suzy in care of the BEACON, or via her website, www.suzycohen.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS 11
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Cranberry, a super food By Wendell Fowler
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hances are, you have cranberries planned for your Thanksgiving table or another holiday meal. But chances are also good that you’re not doing cranberries the right way. Nothing says “I’m grateful” more than a BPA-lined, tin can of a tart, cranberry-like substance with an expiration date of June 2016. If your idea of eating cranberries is the giggly, sugary, rippled maroon cylinder that slithers from a can, please read on. It’s not your fault. You’ve simply been following outdated, uneducated nutritional advice that has become a deeply rooted tradition. Suggesting folks change their hallowed traditions is like asking them to change religions—even if it means glowing health, joy, happiness (and lower health care costs). We’re an odd species. Shiny, scarlet cranberries belong to the blueberry family. Native Americans, reverent to Earth’s divine gifts, were privy to the heavenly magic of cranberries long before contemporary scientists took credit for discovering their health benefits. Low-calorie cranberries have vitamin C, manganese, fiber and an
amazing variety of disease-fighting antioxidant phytonutrients. Cranberries outrank nearly every fruit and vegetable, including strawberries, spinach, broccoli, red grapes, apples, raspberries and cherries. According to wellness website Livestrong.com, the brighter the color of a food, the more concentrated its nutrition. “Red fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals, which help turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into usable energy for the body. These foods also contain antioxidants, which protect DNA from oxidative damage and, therefore, prevent disease,” said the site. Everyone knows cranberries prevent and treat urinary infections. What you may not know is that the shiny, tart orb also fights heart disease and cancers, speed-bumps aging, nourishes the brain, strengthens immune function, protects the liver and decreases risk of periodontal disease and stomach ulcers. The sooner you accept that the food you eat has everything to do with personal health and happiness, the sooner you can recapture the birthright of perfect health. Peace on earth begins at the dinner table. Give your guests a loving hug and then a side dish that uses fresh, nourishing cranberries from Mother Nature, not a silly tin can. ■
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Ghost sounds: new support for tinnitus sufferers By Melanie Wiseman
F
or me, it started out of the blue 24 years ago when I was just 35. For Elaine, it was after a car accident. Because of it, Tom gave up his career and all social functions. Barbara has lived with it for 22 years. For Paul, it came with no warning just a few months ago. It forced Solomon to sell his restaurant. “It” is tinnitus, most commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears.” Happily, there’s help for these frustrated people, thanks to the formation of the first local tinnitus support group, which now meets the second Saturday of every month. There’s little research on this physical condition—which is experienced emotionally—and there are more unknowns than knowns. For now, a tinnitus support group is the closest thing to a cure.
What is tinnitus? Tinnitus is frequently described as a ringing, yet these “ghost sounds” can also sound like whooshing, buzzing, clicking, humming, hissing, crickets or roaring. The sound may be soft or loud, low or high pitched, intermittent or continuous, or feel like it’s coming from one ear or both. Its volume is stimulated by other loud noises. Tinnitus is common, affecting about 45 million people or 10-15 percent of the population. For 25 percent of these people, its volume increases over time. It can induce anxiety, irritability, fatigue and depression, and cause changes in work, social and family relationships.
The most common cause of tinnitus is noise-induced hearing loss. Other causes include ear infections, Meniere’s disease, brain tumors, emotional stress, cardiovascular disease, head injury and earwax. Hearing loss may have many different causes, but among tinnitus sufferers, the major cause is damage to the tens of thousands of minute hair cells in the inner ear.
A life-changing condition Earlier this year, Elaine’s car was hit near Whitman Park by a driver who ran a red light. Her airbags deployed, resulting in damage to her inner ear. “My world changed overnight,” said Elaine. “I now have a constant, highpitched screech in my ears. I don’t have silence anymore. For a long time I only got two to three hours of sleep.” Tom had to quit his job as a piano tuner and no longer goes to restaurants or attends social functions. “It has completely changed [my] retirement,” said Tom. “It’s socially isolating.” Barbara was a dental hygienist for years and believes her two-decade battle with tinnitus is the result of dental drill noises. Paul’s tinnitus came on suddenly, without explanation. “I have read a ton about tinnitus and have tried everything. I go to sleep each night hoping to wake up without it in the morning,” he said. “There is a big mental component, and you can let it ruin your life.” Solomon’s tinnitus is the result of Meniere’s. It came and went over 15 years, but when it showed up again three years ago,
it never left. At the meeting, I learned that we were all grieving the loss of a way of life we once knew.
Support for those who need it There is no one-size-fits-all fix, but the group discussed ways to avoid worsening the problem. Stay clear of loud noises. Mask sounds with silicone earplugs, noise canceling headphones, industrial-strength earmuffs, sound therapy or special hearing aids. Change your thinking. “We see patients with tinnitus every day, all day,” said audiologist Joe McDermott. “The lack of cure and support can be debilitating. This group is important. We’ll have medical
support at each meeting.” The tinnitus support group meets at 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 2643 Patterson Road, Suite 503. For more information, call Elaine at 589-0305. ■
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By Cecily Whiteside
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s we look back over a lifetime of events and decisions, we often feel a plethora of emotions, from joy and thankfulness to regret and sorrow. Life takes strange and convoluted turns, and where we end up may not be what we envisioned for ourselves in our younger days. To make sense of this, writing down key events may be the best way to tease out not only what we did, but who we became as a result. This is the heart of memoir.
What is a memoir?
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writing for yourself and your loved ones
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There’s a difference between an autobiography, which is a chronological telling of events in a life, and memoir. Also called creative nonfiction, memoir opens up that life in a new and different way. “Memoir is not just narrating my life,” said memoirist and teacher Rebecca Mullen, a member of the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum. “It’s making meaning of that life. It’s using the things of my life to tell about my belief.” The term “memoir” comes from the French word for memory. The scope is narrowed to a single moment or a short period in which something happened that
changed you. As you contrast this against the rest of your life, you find that this moment is important. By reflecting on it, you can come to terms with paths taken or not taken. You can forgive yourself, and perhaps ask forgiveness of others. In this sense, your memoir may be for someone else’s benefit. Mullen lives her life constantly noticing and marking changes. “I’m writing about my marriage right now. I’m noticing snow. At one time, snow signified being buried. Now I watch the snow fall and it’s quiet, peaceful,” she said. “I try to live my life, and then reflect. The power of memoir is in the fact that it’s the life we are telling ourselves.”
Writing your own When writing a memoir, either for yourself, your family, or a wider scope, it’s vital to remember that you’re writing for an audience. This is not a journal, and while it may be cathartic, neither is it therapy. You’re telling a story, albeit with purpose. Essayist John Nizalowski recently wrote “Land of the Cinnamon Sun,” a series of personal stories that have a larger universal theme to which any reader can relate. “I reach other people by finding in my experience what will be interesting to them, what will speak to them,” Nizalowski said. “When you write for yourself or your family in a private memoir, you are intrinsically interesting, simply by being who you are. The next step is deciding what should be written down—what might be significant to my children or grandchildren.” It’s also critical to determine how honest you intend to be. A memoir is designed to allow people to know you. You must speak to your weaknesses as well as your strengths. While your intentions may have
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been honorable in every instance, as humans, everyone is bound to make mistakes. To own those mistakes is integral to portraying yourself as you truly are. Richard Liversidge is writing stories from his youth for the sake of his children. “I want them to know who I was then,” he said. “I’m coming to terms with my life choices. I feel peaceful and accepting of who I am, but I also want my children to know me as I know myself.” A whitewashed memoir is worthless on all counts. The truth may hurt some feelings, but ultimately, your experiences belong to you. You may choose to change names or use other disguising techniques, but you must own your story and tell it honestly. Perhaps the most critical factor of memoir is to keep a narrow focus. Remember that autobiography, while a worthy form of storytelling, is not your purpose here. Only include those experiences that speak to this moment on this topic. Writing a series of essays is perhaps the most
effective way to do this. The glorious thing about memoir is that you don’t have to start at the beginning, and neither does your audience. You can start in the middle and jump around in time with careless disregard. Once the memoirist sloughs off the constraints of chronology, the story can delve into the deep and the meaningful.
Starting a memoir It may be daunting to get started on such a project, but in the immortal words of Mary Poppins, “Once begun is half done.” You may find that the words roll off the pen with ease once the door to memory is open. The Mesa County Library offers classes on memoir, and several writers’ groups meet in the Grand Valley to offer encouragement and constructive criticism. For more information, contact the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum at www.westerncolorado writers.org. ■
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LAUGHING MATTERS
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LAUGHING MATTERS Anger management Submitted by Derek Lecompte
“When I get mad at you, you never fight back,” a husband said to his wife. “How do you control your anger?” “I clean the toilet bowl,” she said. Her husband was baffled. “How does that help?” he asked.
parlor getting their hair done, when a young gal walked in with a low-cut blouse that revealed a beautiful rose tattoo on one breast. One woman leaned over to the other and said, “Poor thing. She doesn’t know it, but in 50 years she’ll have a long-stemmed rose in a hanging basket.”
“I use your toothbrush.”
What’s that? Submitted by Chris Honea
A man told his neighbor, “I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me $4,000, but it’s state of the art. It’s perfect. ”Really?” asked the neighbor. “What kind is it?” “Twelve-thirty.”
The tattoo Submitted by Teresa Paul
Two elderly women were in a beauty
The origin of white hair Submitted by Shannon Hutchins
One day, a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast to her brunette hair. The little girl looked at her mother and asked, “Why are some of your hairs white, Mama?”
Her mother replied, “Well, every time you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.” The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then asked, “Mama, how come all of Grandma’s
The mood ring Submitted by Golda Ferrara
My husband bought me a mood ring the other day; you know, the ones that change color to reflect mood changes. When I’m in a good mood it turns green. When I’m in a bad mood, it leaves a
hairs are white?”
red mark on his forehead.
Only the truth
Emergency preparedness
Submitted by Beatriz Castro
A husband was looking through the paper and came upon a study that said women use more words than men. Excited to prove to his wife his idea that women in general, and his wife in particular, talk too much, he showed her the study results. “See?” he said. “Men use about 15,000 words per day, but women use 30,000.” His wife didn’t bat an eye. “It’s because we have to repeat everything we say,” she said. S E R V I N G
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G R A N D
Submitted by Jill Reams
A married couple enjoyed their new boat together, but the husband was always the one behind the wheel. He was concerned about what might happen in an emergency, so one day out on the lake he said to his wife, “Please take the wheel, dear. Pretend that I’m having a heart attack. You must get the boat safely to shore and dock it.” She drove the boat to shore and safely docked it.
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LAUGHING MATTERS 17
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Later that evening, she walked into the living room where her husband was watching television. She sat down next to him, switched the TV channel and said to him, “Please go into the kitchen, dear. Pretend I’m having a heart attack and set the table, cook dinner and wash the dishes.”
Colorado farmers Submitted by Jose Turner
A man owned a small farm in Colorado. The state’s Wage and Hour Department claimed he was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent to interview him. “I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them,” demanded the agent. “Well,” said the farmer, “There’s my hired hand who’s been with me for three years. I pay him $600 a week, plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $500 a month, plus free room and board. Then there’s the half-wit that works about 18 hours a day. He makes $10 a week and I buy him chewing tobacco,” replied the farmer. “That’s the guy I want to talk to—the half-wit,” said the agent. The farmer said, “That would be me.”
Camping Submitted by Jeremy Pinion
The Lone Ranger and Tonto, camping in the desert, set up their tent and fell asleep. Some hours later, the Lone Ranger woke his faithful friend.
“Tonto,” he said. “Look up at the sky and tell me what you see.” “I see millions of stars,” Tonto replied.
A Great Place to Call Home!
“What does that tell you?” asked the Lone Ranger. Tonto pondered for a minute. “Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Timewise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you, Kemosabe?” The Lone Ranger was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Tonto, it means someone has stolen our tent.”
Estate planning 101 Submitted by Lauren Gonzalez
Dan found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, and he decided he needed a woman to enjoy it with. One evening he went to a singles bar, where he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away. “I may look like just an ordinary man,” he said as he walked up to her, “but in just a week or two, my father will die and I’ll inherit $20 million.” Impressed, the woman went home with him that evening and, three days later, she became his stepmother.
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Bringing the garden indoors Alive & Digging By Paige Slaughter
O
nce you’ve tasted freshly picked produce, it’s hard to settle for anything less. Our bodies know the difference between a tomato just off the vine and one that ripened in a truck on its way from Mexico. Those of us spoiled (in the best way) by fresh produce know that it offers us unmatched nutrition and flavor. So how can we access the foods we love throughout the winter?
A quick rewind
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In the garden, much of our learning comes after the fact. We learn from our mistakes, discover tricks, make discoveries and find truth in our reflections. Food preservation is a tool that comes after the fact, too. Preserving produce at its peak enables us to enjoy the benefits of fresh produce throughout the year. Preservation used to be a common practice. Though it’s no longer a necessity, we can still reap the benefits.
Indoor gardens Optimize your windowsills by growing plants that will nourish your body! Select culinary herbs, lettuce and other leafy greens that grow well in pots and can thrive in partial sun.
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• Choose what you’ll use. Grow herbs that you love to cook with. If you’re growing your favorite plants, chances are you’ll be willing to put in extra effort for them. • Start with soil. Pot healthy plant starts in clean, high-quality, natural potting soil with slow-releasing fertilizers. Keep the soil moist and pay attention to lighting changes throughout the season.
• Set up a rotational system for leafy greens. A trough-like pot works well and fits on windowsills. You can also use four separate pots. Divide your planting area into four sections and plant new seeds every two weeks, moving to the next section each time. Scatter seeds throughout and keep the soil moist. Harvest and eat baby greens daily to slowly thin out the young plants, giving them more space as they grow. After a few weeks, you’ll have a system established for fresh greens every day!
Supporting local greenhouses Looking for a more hands-off approach? Find a local farm with a greenhouse. You may be able to buy directly from them, or they’ll tell you which stores sell their produce. Connecting with the people who grow our food (because even gardeners buy food eventually) might be the single most important step we can take towards eating more nutritious and flavorful food, building more sustainable food systems and creating more rewarding garden ecosystems. As you bring your garden indoors this fall, consider this: Perhaps bringing in our gardens means more than potting up. Perhaps we can expand our garden real estate by connecting with others and manifesting our values. Let’s bring the garden indoors by bringing it into our hearts and our minds—and our windowsills. ■
Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com
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Church ladies do more than make casseroles Grand Junction is home to several By Melanie Wiseman
A
few years back I saw the musical comedy “Church Basement Ladies.” Staged in the ’50s, the musical was inspired by the book “Growing Up Lutheran,” which was about the ladies who work in the church basement cooking meals for its functions. As someone who grew up Lutheran, I found it hilarious. The audience concurred. “Church ladies” can be found among all denominations. Supporting people in their own communities and worldwide, through good times and bad, these women do more than host potlucks. Imagine the feeling of a hug in your time of deepest need. Blanket- and quilt-sewing church ladies reach out to those with the greatest needs by lovingly wrapping them in their handiwork. As humanitarian needs increase worldwide, requests for blankets and quilts do, too. My mother, Wilma, has been a blanket-sewing church lady since 1950. I learned just how far these women reach when I joined her group for a Tuesday sewing session back home in Wisconsin. These 12 women, ages 60-91, lovingly make 200 blankets each year. The majority are sent throughout the world to support refugees and natural disaster victims. They also support local and national causes. “Even Jesus was a refugee as a baby, when he and his parents fled to Egypt,” my mother said. “We visited a refugee camp in Jordan in 1970. These people had no furniture, only a pile of relief blankets in a corner, which were used as room dividers, bedding, tables, backpacks or saddles for their animals.” Marylis Hansen was inspired to join the group after she heard about a man in Africa whose dying wish was to be buried in a blanket provided by Lutheran World Relief. “If a child receives a blanket, it’s theirs for life,” Hansen said.
passionate sewing ministries. One group of 16 women meets each Tuesday at American Lutheran Church. The 400 quilts they make annually are donated to Homeward Bound, Catholic Outreach, the St. Mary’s and Community Hospital oncology units,
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Melanie and her mother, Wilma. the local Veterans Administration hospital, Grand Junction Rescue Mission and many other organizations. More than once, these women have seen homeless people wrapped in one of their blankets. It warms their hearts as much as the recipient’s. “We call them ‘comfort quilts,’” said Peggy Holthus, who’s been part of this mission for 22 years. “It’s a ministry for both people who attend our church or not, and a pleasure in knowing you’re helping someone.” All materials except the batting are donated. Tops are pieced together, then sandwiched to make colorful, quality quilts. Yarn ties hold the layers together. Chatter and laughter abound during sewing times, as the women joke about their “quotas” and how they hope blankets made of less desirable fabric are used for mule saddles. Popular culture often portrays church ladies as sanctimonious and judgmental, but the real church ladies are hard at work, representing the backbone of each congregation and the heart of mission and service. ■
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Wonderstruck:
Yosemite exceeds its own stellar reputation By Terry Pickens
I
wasn’t expecting to be quite so wonderstruck by Yosemite. After all, my husband, Jim, and I had seen hundreds of mountains, from Colorado to Alaska. We’d been to all the other great Western national parks, and decided to round off our list with a Yosemite tour by Road Scholar. This five-day, mid-October trip featured David Lukas, a naturalist and author with the soul of a poet.
Iconic images Our adventure began in San Francisco, where we joined a group of 30 other people and took a bus through the drought-stricken agricultural heart of California to the park entrance. All chattering stopped when we arrived at Tunnel View overlook and got our first sight of the iconic Yosemite Valley. For several minutes after we exited the bus, the only sound was the clicking of cameras. Lukas joined us the next day, and we bused to a meadow just across the road from El Capitan, a vertical
rock formation made of granite, a daunting challenge for rock climbers from all over the world. Lukas pointed to El Capitan, where I caught the glint of sun on metal and saw a tiny human figure dangling in a harness. Incredibly, the climber briefly landed on a ledge that was too small to see, then ran as fast and as far as her ropes would allow before swinging back across the face of the rock. She was striving to reach a crevice she could dig her fingers into and pull herself to a slightly lower shelf. After several tries, she finally succeeded. There was no telling how many days she’d already been on El Capitan, or how much longer it would take for her to get all the way down. Until I saw how small she looked from the ground, I hadn’t grasped El Capitan’s massive size.
The miracle at our feet Later we stood on an outcropping of granite so smoothed by ancient glaciers that it looked like sandstone. “Pay attention to the miracle happening at your feet,” said Lukas.
NOVEMBER 2017
Terry and Jim Pickens explore Yosemite.
“As the rock erodes, it creates grains of sand, making the dirt that allows trees and plants to grow.” The sandy soil glistened, but it didn’t look like promising ground for the soaring trees just a few yards away. “By itself, the sand and its minerals wouldn’t support growth, but it mixes with rock and tree lichen, binding them together and adding nutrition,” Lukas continued. I’d thought the chartreuse stuff growing on the trees was moss, but not so. The Sierra Nevada Range’s plutonic granite lies just a few feet beneath the park’s surface, impenetrable to roots. That meant the trees had a shallow, interlacing root system but no taproot. The patient and unassuming lichen gave trees the backbone to grow.
Dead and dying trees were everywhere in the park, evidence of bark beetles that were taking advantage of the drought-weakened ecosystem. Lukas told us that deep in the forest he’d heard the insects chewing as they ate their way through the bark. We examined the trails they left on the denuded, fallen tree trunks. It was easy to see death in the beetle-killed trees, but there was also a kind of beauty in the bleached trunks with their fine lines. Bark beetles are opportunists. They can’t kill healthy trees but play a significant role in a weakened forest by preparing it for the next generation. Dead trunks and limbs make fuel for fires that cleanse the forest floor and added nitrogen-rich ash. Seedlings
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TRAVEL 21
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that would never have had a chance in the old growth forest begin their journey skyward. Moreover, the infestation of beetles draws birds to the park in record numbers.
Falling stars The next day, the tour took us far up the Tioga Road. At the higher elevation, we got a sense of just how big the park is and how much of its rugged backcountry is inaccessible, except to the hardiest of backpackers. We ate our lunch on the mica-flecked sandy shore of Tenaya Lake. Lukas set up his scope and pointed out a couple of rare great gray owls. While he was talking, a Parnassian butterfly, a species that lives only in the Sierras, drifted past. His practiced eye missed nothing. That same evening, we bought tickets for a presentation under the night sky. The park service limits light pollution in Yosemite, and the darkness quickly swallowed our flashlight beam, causing us to lose our way. Eventually, we got to the proper meadow, but clouds had gathered after a sunny day, and with a three-quarter moon on the rise, the stars were mostly invisible. The astronomer offered to refund our money, but everyone elected to stay and urged him to tell us what we might have seen if nature cooperated. We came away from the talk with fresh appreciation for the vastness of space and our little place in it. Across the road, we saw the flickering head-
lamps of climbers making a nighttime descent from El Capitan. Their lights looked like falling stars as they rappelled down the cliff.
Something special On the last day of our Yosemite experience, Lukas promised us something special. We followed him and his scope a half-mile uphill to a viewing area near the base of Bridalveil Fall. Bridalveil, though not the roaring behemoth it is in spring, still had water that fell in a dancing, coruscating cascade to the stream below. The wind made a fine mist of the water as it plunged, and it was easy to see how the waterfall got its name. According to Lukas, Native Americans called it Pohono, after an evil god who blew an ill wind. When it was my turn to look through the telescope, I gasped. The water’s dance began the moment it began its plummet. As it met the resistance of the strong canyon wind, it was lifted up, catching the sun. I immediately thought of the dancing fountains at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Casino and wondered if Bridalveil inspired their design. If so, they were a pale imitation. On the last night, people lingered to say goodbye to each other and our hosts. Everyone was reluctant to return to our everyday lives. The bus trip back to San Francisco was quiet. Jim and I spent one more night in the city, but didn’t linger. The city lights and noise jangled our nerves. ■ El Capitan
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Finding beauty in chaos By Cappy Hall Rearick
T
he creamy silk kimono slipped over my head and slithered down my straight-as-a-stick body. Goosebumps popped out on my arms, making me shiver. The soft fabric lapped me up in cool luxury—so different from the utilitarian cotton fabric of the 1940s. I inched toward the mirror hung high on the wall and stood on a chair to look at myself. The reflection put a grin on my face. The kimono was cherry-bomb red. Embroidered oriental designs flitted like butterflies over the top and down the sleeves. Black satin frogs attached themselves to the front of the bodice as if marking a territorial lily pond in the silky-smooth fabric. Uncle Buddy, only a few hours back home from active duty in Guam, had burst into our house the day before. His gift to me? The tiny silk kimono that perfectly fit my 4-year-old bones. Ignorant of the war that was raging in Europe and in the Pacific, I had no way of knowing that more body bags were sent back from overseas than miniature silk kimonos or other souvenirs brought home to kids by those in the military. Red silk pajamas, as light as the breast down on a wren, were glamorous to my child’s way of thinking. Much more so than the heavy blackout curtains that Mama lowered each time an air raid siren broke through the peace and quiet of home. Softer, too, than the wartime fabrics she bought to sew my dresses, and a lot more fun than trying unsuccessfully to ride my brother’s skinny black Victory bike. World War II would be over before the end of that year. Peace treaties
The
would be signed and reconstruction begun on a war-ravaged continent. Even so, my brother and his friends would continue to play Army. They would strut through backyards, ramrod straight, swinging souvenir bayonets taken from dead Japanese soldiers or donning helmets left behind by a dwindling German army. But my silk pajamas were kept safe and pristine in a mahogany chest of drawers. In years to come, they would remind me that beauty is always attainable, even in the midst of chaos. My earliest years were spent listening for air raid sirens and watching Mama count out food rations. My brother and I ate silently (because in those days children were seen and not heard), while Mama and Daddy spoke quietly of a distant relative who had lost a leg in the war or a neighbor’s son who had lost his life. I watched from my window as my brother and his friends morphed into pint-sized soldiers yelling, “Geronimo!” before mowing down the pretend enemy with their pretend Tommy guns. After the war, we watched movies of men being tortured by the other side, fingernails torn out with rusty pliers, bamboo stakes driven into ears, and other horrors incomprehensible to sane people. We cringed in our theater seats during those movies and later experienced one nightmare after another, if we slept at all. Even so, the next time a war movie came to town, we went to see it. We stood in line for however long it took, holding quarters tightly in our sweaty palms, eager to plunk down the cost of learning how to hate. Twenty-five cents was all it took. ■
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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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NOVEMB
Preserving the past before it’s gone By Jan Weeks
W
hen Jim Witt, 76, went to the wellness center to soak away his aches in the hot tub, he had no idea that a chance encounter would lead him on a years-long quest to document the stories of World War II. “France Marsh, a ball turret gunner on a B-17, was one of the friendliest people I ever met,” Witt said. The two talked about Marsh’s adventures, and Witt knew those stories shouldn’t be lost. Greg Brumfield, 49, came to the same conclusion when he accompanied veterans on Honor Flights to the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Brumfield had listened to an older friend’s stories about his 3 1/2 years as a prisoner of war, and was fascinated by that time in history. His grandfather, also a veteran, would tell him stories, too, but became too emotional to
RIGHT: George Golombowski, left, is one of the veterans whose stories Jim Witt, middle, and Greg Brumfield, right, set out to preserve. Photos by Cloie Sandlin.
finish and eventually passed away. Due to several high school knee injuries, Brumfield couldn’t serve in the armed forces himself, but has always respected the men and women who served their country. “I want to preserve [their] stories before they’re gone,” Brumfield said. This is a real threat, as most World War II veterans are in their 90s. Witt and Brumfield teamed up to create the World War II Veterans’ History Project, recording interviews with vets, putting them onto CDs and giving a copy to each interviewee. “I’d eventually like to write a book that includes these stories,” Brumfield said. “They don’t teach this in history classes anymore.”
Two wings and a prayer Interviews are conducted at veterans’ convenience and can last 15 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how forthcoming they are. Witt and Brumfield ask where they were born and raised, how and when they joined the service, what branch they served in, what they trained for, what they actually did and what a typical
day consisted of. They also ask about rank, where the vet served, the friends they made and why so many don’t want to talk about the war. They’re interested in when they returned and what they did back in civilian life. Both Witt and Brumfield agree that World War II was the biggest thing to happen in world history. It’s also the only war America fought on two fronts. Soldiers sacrificed their lives—or years of them—for their country, and those sacrifices should be recorded before they’re forgotten. “It’s nice to know people are interested,” said Ben Carnes, 91.
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SALUTE TO VETERANS 25
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“Before we left, our commander said, ‘Gentlemen, we don’t expect any of you to come back.’” Carnes joined the Air Force weeks after turning 18 and flew 19 missions before his next birthday. As a cadet, he received gunnery training and was assigned to the 15th Army Air Force, 2nd Bomb Group, 20th Squadron in Italy to take out Axis refineries. He served as a gunner until the bombardier was killed on the eighth mission and he moved into that position. “We lost 178 bombers during the war,” he recalled. He also took part in the bombing of a refinery south of Berlin that manufactured fuel for the Messerschmitt 262, the first German jet to enter the
conflict. The flight was 750 miles one way and seemed doomed from the start. “Before we left, our commander said, ‘Gentlemen, we don’t expect any of you to come back,’” Carnes said. But “the good God gave us a strong tailwind as we flew up the Adriatic Sea.” They dropped the bombs and returned on two wings and a prayer.
“War is hell” George Golombowski, 96, served for 2 1/2 years as a second class gunner’s mate on a destroyer in the Pacific. He kept a secret journal, which was strictly against regulations. He recalled a mission where the destroyer succeeded in sinking a Japanese freighter. In a few minutes, hundreds of people started floating to the surface. Terrified of what the Americans might do to them, some of the Japanese committed hara-kiri (suicide by sword) before the de-
stroyer reached them. But the U.S. sailors were saving those they could reach. “There was this big guy, about six-foot four,” Golombowski said. “He was on the fantail and started just grabbing survivors and throwing them on board.” More than 100 Japanese were rescued, but the seas became rough and the crew had to give up on the other hundred or so still in the water. That bothered Golombowski for a long time. “I kept wondering if they had wives. What became of their children?” he said. “War is hell.”
Another perspective Erwin Knirlberger, 97, gave a different slant to the veteran experience. He was 19 when he was conscripted into the German work service. “I carried a shovel, not a gun,” he said. He was assigned to a ship as a cook, since he worked in a bakery before the war. When the war ended, the captain surrendered the ship, and the crew was taken to a POW camp, where Knirlberger remained for a year and half. “We were treated rather nicely,” he said, but the food left a lot to be desired. “We were undernourished. The Americans didn’t treat us any better than the Germans treated their American prisoners.” Knirlberger attempted to escape three times before succeeding by tunneling out under a latrine, using a spoon. The prisoners faked using the latrine, then crawled into the hole
Erwin Knirlberger holds a forged identity card he used upon returning to Germany after escaping an American POW camp. to dig. Eventually he and two others broke through and walked into town, where a priest took him home, fed him and gave him civilian clothes, then bought him a train ticket to Genoa. Knirlberger saw U.S. Military Police checking passengers, so he went out the back door and hid in a boxcar, then headed back to Germany on foot, keeping to the trees instead of the road to avoid capture until he was spotted by border guards who told him he was in Austria. He ended up in Tann, Germany, his birthplace. He had no identity card, but a relative who worked for the city created a fake one for him. He worked in Germany until moving to Illinois in 1951.
Sharing the good and the bad Witt and Brumfield are also interested in memories that vets have already recorded or written. To share stories, interested vets may call Witt at 209-9241 or Brumfield at 640-4004. ■
26 SALUTE TO VETERANS
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NOVEMBER 2017
VETERANS
Veterans Day Events November 3 All Services Ball The All Services Ball honors military, law enforcement and first responders. Doors to the Two Rivers Convention Center open at 5 p.m. for VIPs and 6 p.m. for general admission. The keynote speaker is retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills. Admission is $50. VIP tickets are $75 and include a meet and greet with Mills. Call Colorado Mesa University’s Student Veterans Association at 248-1739 or visit www.supporting cmu.org/2017-all-services-ball. November 11 Veterans Day ceremony Observe Veterans Day at 11 a.m. at Fruita’s Vietnam War Memorial Park. To learn more, contact joanne.iglesias@state. co.us. Veterans Art & Music Extravaganza Enjoy a salute to veterans, a national veterans art exhibit, storytelling, concerts, a variety show, a silent auction and more! This free event starts at 1 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre. Following the extravaganza, the art exhibition will be displayed for a month at the Veterans Art Center, 307 S. 12th St. 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.
RESOURCES Veterans Organizations American Legion, Post 200......................................................................... 462-3623 American Legion, Post 2006, Fruita............................................................ 640-7971 American Legion, Post 50, Palisade............................................................ 623-0146 Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing...................................... 256-0693 Disabled American Veterans................................................................303-914-5570 Fleet Reserve Association, Colorado West Branch 244............................... 434-0868 Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard.......................................................... 234-0980 Help Hospitalized Veterans......................................................................... 424-0499 Medical Foster Care (VA Hospital).............................................................. 263-2854 Mesa County Veterans’ Services................................................................ 248-2733 Military Officers Association of America..................................................... 773-4573 Operation Interdependence........................................................................ 523-4217 TrailSong (support dogs for veterans)........................................................ 462-6661 VA Benefits..........................................................................................800-827-1000 VA Caregiver Support...........................................................................855-260-3274 VA Medical Center...................................................................................... 242-0731 Vet Center................................................................................................... 245-4156 Veterans Art Center, Operation Revamp, Inc............................................... 462-3126 Veterans Committee of the Western Slope................................................. 589-6238 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1247.......................................................... 242-9940 Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3981.......................................................... 778-8242 Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders........................................................... 250-1174
Veterans Day parade The Veterans Committee of the Western Slope’s annual, free Veterans Day parade starts at 2 p.m. on Main Street. To join the parade, assemble at the Lowell School Building parking lot at 12:30 p.m. For a parade float application, email greg merschel7@gmail.com or call 208-5620. 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. The ID should be presented at the parking gate. All other passengers in the vehicle will be admitted for free. Veterans Day freebies and discounts Many local retailers and restaurants offer discounts and free items on Veterans Day. View a regularly updated list of these businesses at www.military.com/veterans-day/ veterans-day-military-discounts.html. Don’t forget to bring a form of military ID with you!
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TALKING DIGITAL 27
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TALKING
INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
DIGITAL
We’ve taken the art of aging gracefully to a whole new level
By Adam Cochran
Take better smartphone photos
I
f you want to see your grandkids turn pale and lightheaded, just tell them about the days of 24-exposure film rolls that cost money to purchase and process. Tell them how you had no idea whether your photos came out until a week after you took them. Relate tales of a world without autofocus. Today’s smartphone cameras may not have high zoom lenses, but they are superior to the point-and-shoot cameras of the past in almost every other way. That is, if you know the tricks for getting great photos. As your family gathers for the holidays, these tips for better smartphone images may come in handy.
Touch the screen Cameras determine all of the fancy exposure settings by evaluating how the light comes through the lens. As smart as phone cameras are, they have no idea what you are trying to photograph. If you try to take a picture of a sunset, your camera will set the light sensitivity settings to the mountains below, and vice versa. On your screen, touch the area you want your camera to pay attention to. It will adjust its settings to that area. Take multiple pictures until you get the perfect shot.
Use your buttons Most people tap their phone’s onscreen button to take a photo, but it’s hard to do one-handed. Every smartphone I’m aware of lets you to use one
of the phone’s physical buttons to take a picture. On iPhones, press either volume button to take a picture. If you are an Android user, check your online manual.
Shoot video the right way We usually use our phones vertically, but our televisions are horizontal rectangles. When you shoot videos holding your phone vertically, you wind up with black bars on both sides of your screen. If the video appeared on a TV screen, only one-third of it would have video on it—the other two-thirds would be black. Shoot better video by rotating your phone 90 degrees so it’s horizontal—it will capture the experience with more fidelity.
Try some cool apps There are thousands of smartphone apps for photos and video. Some let you manually adjust your camera, some add a new look to your images and some allow you to post-process your images. As an iPhone user, my favorite photo and video apps are Manual, Action Movie, 8mm, FiLMiC Pro and Lapse It. A few of these are also available on Android, which has its own exclusive photo and video apps. Are there photo and video apps you prefer? Feel free to email me with more suggestions! ■
Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at adamc@talkingdigital.org
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9 financial open enrollment mistakes to avoid
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H
ow much time do you spend reviewing your benefits before open enrollment each year? If your answer is “not much,” you’re not alone. A recent survey by Aflac said that 90 percent of Americans choose the same benefits year after year and that 42 percent forego up to $750 annually by making poor choices. Open enrollment is just one part of an overall financial plan. Unfortunately, too many employees see it as the only financial planning they have to do all year. In reality, a safe financial future depends mostly on the savings, investing and spending decisions you make outside the workplace. It’s time to take a fresh look at open enrollment.
Avoid these mistakes: 1. Not having an overall financial plan. Your company may offer excellent benefits now. However, the Labor Department reports that average worker tenure at U.S. companies is only 4.6 years, so the biggest open enrollment mistake might be assuming your current benefits assure your financial future. Determine the right work-based benefits as part of overall spending, savings and investment activities throughout your lifetime. 2. Making last-minute choices. Your benefits are important and deserve time for consideration. Put open enrollment dates on your personal calendar with a reminder a few weeks ahead of time to coordinate with qualified advisors. 3. Forgetting to coordinate with your spouse. Many employers are planning big changes to spouse/partner benefits. While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) lets parents keep children on their health plans until age 26, more employers are instituting “spousal surcharges” or excluding spousal coverage altogether.
4. Ignoring your state’s health insurance marketplace. Even if you have employer health insurance, things change. It’s worthwhile to familiarize yourself with Colorado’s ACA-mandated health insurance marketplace ahead of time. 5. Underestimating how big life events might affect your benefits. Salary changes, marriage, divorce and serious illness are signals to check your benefits way before open enrollment. Think through every situation you might face and ask how they might affect your benefit selections. 6. Passing on flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). FSAs are workplace-based accounts that allow you to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to help you pay for health care and dependent care expenses. HSAs also allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars in a qualified investment or savings account for long- and short-term medical expenses not covered by insurance. They don’t require you to spend those funds every year. 7. Leaving retirement selections unchanged. Many individuals don’t change their investment focus for years. Reviewing options in advance is essential. 8. Overlooking wellness options. Many employers pay for behaviors that can make you healthier, save money and possibly lower health premiums. 9. Bypassing transportation breaks. If you drive or take public or company-sponsored transportation to and from work, you may qualify for specific discounts or tax deductions. IRS Publication 15-B covers these programs and how to use them most effectively. Open enrollment is just one piece of a well-organized financial puzzle. Make sure your employer-provided benefits choices compliment savings, investing and spending decisions you’re making on your own. ■
NOVEMBER 2017
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Stranger danger and scams at the pump: the latest cons to watch for By Megan Terlecky, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
R
ecently, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) had reports of two different types of scams targeting Grand Valley residents. Both are easy to spot—if you know what to look for.
Look before you swipe We’re all used to sticker shock when we see the price of gas, but the MCSO wants you to embrace the sticker, not fear it. Security seals are found at most gas pumps. They indicate if the pump has been tampered with. If the seal is broken, don’t use it! The MCSO recently investigated a scheme where credit card information was stolen by a device inserted into a gas pump. That information can be used to make fraudulent pur-
chases before cardholders are even aware they’ve been compromised. The next time you fill up your car, look for the sticker! If it’s broken, immediately report it to the gas station cashier. Keep an eye on your credit and debit card statements for any unusual activity. If you see purchases you didn’t make, report it to your bank or credit card company right away.
Stranger danger at your door As the weather gets cooler, you might hear a knock at your door. It could be someone offering to inspect your heater or winterize your home, or someone selling a product or wanting you to take a survey. Beware! Some of these people have good intentions. Others don’t. If this person arrived unannounced, don’t let them in! It’s okay
to take their card to learn more information, but don’t let a stranger into your home. Criminals want to see what you have to steal and when you’re home. They may also try to take medicine from your bathroom cabinet. The sheriff’s office has also been alerted to a scam where someone convinces you to let them work on your property because they are offering a one-time deal and happen to be in the neighborhood. They want to overcharge for poor work. It’s easy to say yes to a good deal, but you should never feel pressured to buy something on the spot.
Ask questions • Ask to see their business card or brochure. Someone working for a real company will have one. • Do they have a work truck with the same company information on it? • Do you recognize the name of the
business? Sometimes scammers will change the name of a wellknown business by just one word to get people to trust them. • Ask to see identification. Make them prove they are who they say, especially if they are conducting a survey. • Ask for information about the surveying organization. Later, call the company and ask if they really are doing a survey. If they are, great! You can take it over the phone. If not, you’re secure in the knowledge that you made a good decision and didn’t let a scammer into your home. ■
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NOVEMBER 2017
OFFICIAL BALLOT Photocopies will not be accepted
BEST
Best Antique Store___________________________________________ Best Bike Shop______________________________________________ Best Clothing Store__________________________________________ Best Shoe Store_____________________________________________ Best Place to Buy Gifts________________________________________
L OCAL
LOVED
2018 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.
Mail your ballot to: The BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 or drop off your ballot at: The BEACON, 524 30 Road, Suite 4, Grand Junction, CO 81504
Best Liquor Store____________________________________________ Best Secondhand Store_______________________________________ Best Optical Store___________________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store_________________________________________ Best Financial Planner________________________________________ Best Auto Dealership_________________________________________ Best Auto Repair____________________________________________ Best Tire Store______________________________________________ Best Carpet Cleaner_________________________________________ Best Garden Nursery_________________________________________ Best Heating and Cooling Service______________________________ Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service____________________________ Best Plumber_______________________________________________ Best Place for Breakfast_______________________________________
CONTEST RULES:
• • • •
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:______________________________________________________
Best Place for Lunch_________________________________________ Best Place for Dinner_________________________________________ Best Date Night Location_____________________________________ Best Coffee Shop____________________________________________ Best Winery________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________
Best Hiking Trail_____________________________________________
City:____________________________State:_______ Zip:____________
Best Place to Take the Grandkids_______________________________
Phone:______________________________________________________
Best Place to Golf____________________________________________
Email:_______________________________________________________
NOVEMBER 2017
BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31
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KAFM brings classics to the big screen By Ryan Cook
B
etty Ries loves movies. Namely, classic movies. She’s been a self-described “mega movie fan” since she was a teen. Ries has found herself dissecting classic films with her coworkers at community radio station KAFM. She decided it was time to share that love with her community. “Some people might know these classic movies from TV, but they don’t get to see them on a big screen, with an audience, in a large room,” said Ries, KAFM’s operations manager. Ries and KAFM kicked off Reeltime @ the Radio Room, a monthly classic film series, in September. “We were looking for a good cross section of pre-1960 classic movies to show and tried to get movies that made sense to play in the month we run them,” said Ries. For the inaugural event, she chose to show “The Thin Man,” a 1934 classic comedy and mystery film starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. “This is a good introduction to classic films from various genres,” she said. In December, the series will show “From Here to Eternity” in honor of Pearl Harbor Day. “There is not a bad seat in the house,” Ries said. The Radio Room, located at 1310
Keep Community Radio
STRONG
membership matters BECOME a new member
TODAY Betty Ries holds up a movie poster from “The Ox-Bow Incident,” which shows at the KAFM Radio Room on November 7. Ute Ave. in Grand Junction, seats 85 people in comfortable, theater-style seating with superb sound. “At KAFM, we try to find as many things as possible to support arts and culture in the community,” Ries said. “We thought this classic film series would be a good fit.” The KAFM film series runs on the first Tuesday of each month through next August. Showtime is 7 p.m., and admission is $5, which includes free popcorn. Additional concessions are available, including soda, candy, beer and wine. All proceeds support operations of KAFM, a nonprofit organization supported by listeners throughout the community. ■
Reeltime @ The Radio Room movie schedule KAFM shares some of the cinema’s greatest treasures at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in the Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave. in Grand Junction. Buy tickets at www.kafmradio.org.
FALL
Membership Drive
November 1-8
or renew your membership right from home. Visit us online at
KAFMradio.org
The Grand Valley’s only solar-powered community radio.
www.KAFMradio.org
241.8801
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UPCOMING SHOWINGS ARE: November 7 – The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) December 5 – From Here to Eternity (1953) January 2 – Swing Time (1936) February 6 – No Way Out (1950)
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World War II memories:
FREE! a glimpse of war from Sweden By Karin M. Hayes
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orld War II in Europe lasted from September 1, 1939, to May 7, 1945. I lived in a suburb of Stockholm, Sweden, and remember those years as being very cold. Since we couldn’t get enough anthracite coal from Germany, we had to burn newspapers to heat our apartments. Winter temperatures in our homes hovered around 60.8, so we wore two or three sweaters at a time. Occasionally, schools closed for two to three weeks at a time due to lack of heat. Those closings were called “coal vacations.” We were kept busy with visits to castles, museums and other interesting places. There were blackouts in Stockholm and in the suburbs. One summer, perhaps in 1941 or 1942, we had to return a week early from our summer vacation to learn to set up camp in case we needed to be evacuated from the city. We also had to go through a tent filled with tear gas and had to practice fixing litters.
Rationing supplies Most everything was rationed, including leather shoes. Nylon stockings were not available—only silk ones, which were fairly easy to mend. When nylon stockings arrived in Stockholm after the war ended, they were available in only two stores, and people would line up around the block. We were allowed two days of hot running water per month. The rest of the time, we had to heat the water we needed in pots on the stove. Few automobiles were seen on our streets. Our family doctor was one of the few people allowed to use a car. There was a shortage of gasoline, so many cars were converted to run on “generator gas,” made with wood from our forests. The cars had a contraption on top of the hood or in
a little wagon behind the car to hold the byproduct, which was smoky and smelly.
A limited diet My mother had friends who owned a farm in the country outside Stockholm, so we had access to a ham once in awhile. If we had roast beef, it had to last for several meals. One tasty Swedish summer dish was lamb stew with lots of fresh dill. We ate a lot of potatoes, which were grown in parks everywhere and were a mainstay in the Swedish diet. We also had fish, such as pike, smelt and trout. Milk was delivered to stores by horse and buggy. Swedes are known for their love of coffee, and that was one of the things we missed the most. We had to use the same grounds over and over again in our coffee pots.
Memories, good and bad Several memories stayed with me from that terrible time. During tragedies such as the invasion of Denmark and Norway, or when a Swedish U-boat disappeared in the Baltic with 33 men aboard, the radio would broadcast the news, followed by the second movement of Edvard Grieg’s piano concerto. Interesting words came out of the war. For example, Vidkun Quisling was a Norwegian military officer and politician who headed the government. He collaborated with the Nazis and was executed after the war. Today the word “quisling” means traitor. Some good memories came of those years, too. Part of the Baltic Sea froze, which made it easier for refugees from some of the Baltic states to flee to Sweden. Some of them spoke the languages we studied in school, such as English, French and German. They would visit our schools and give lectures, helping us learn these languages.
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Occasionally, schools closed for two to three weeks at a time due to lack of heat. Sweden’s role Sweden stayed neutral during the war, but we were concerned when Hitler’s armies invaded Holland, Denmark and Norway in the spring of 1940. Sections of our basements were made into bomb shelters. Ours looked like a dungeon. My father, an organist who also built organs, offered to blow into extra pipes he had to warn people in our apartment complex to go down into the shelter in case of emergency. Sweden has been criticized for helping the Germans cross the northern part of the country into Finland. Some say that Sweden was not really neutral. We managed, however, to get nearly all the Jews out of Denmark in one fell swoop by boating them over to our country. The Germans never discovered these operations. We knitted knee warmers, hel-
met liners and sweaters for Finnish soldiers who fought against Russia. I unraveled old sweaters, washed the yarn and knit new sweaters for soldiers and Finnish children who came to Sweden to escape the war. The Russians never conquered the Finns. It would have been interesting to learn more about what really went on during the war. The so-called “White Books,” four books on Sweden’s policy during World War II, were not published until many years after the war. But many people wanted to forget about the horrible things that happened during the war and never read this publication. To this day, I am thrifty and hate to be wasteful. The events of the war have stuck with me and have impacted the way I live today. ■
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Cheers to 100 years! M
illie Phipps-Gobbo celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends on September 17 at the Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction. She attributes her longevity to great genes, a positive attitude and staying active. Phipps-Gobbo was born on September 17, 1917, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. She married Ulindo “Ray” Gobbo on February 26, 1936 and they dedicated their life to raising four children and expanding the family business, later known as Gobbo Farms and Gobbo Land & Livestock. Millie was an accomplished golfer and is the oldest living member of the Bookcliff Country Club. She has eight grandchildren, 12 great-grand-
Millie Phipps-Gobbo celebrated her 100th birthday on Septembe r 17. Photo by Kevin VanGundy.
children, two great-great-grandchildren and is excited for the birth of two more in the coming months. Happy birthday, Millie, from the BEACON! Thanks for inviting us to join you on your special day. We had a great time! ■
Local seniors get pampered Story and photos by Olivia VanGundy
I
n October, approximately 40 women from Colorado Mesa University’s Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority volunteered at Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley, a local nursing home. Sorority members had the pleasure of visiting with Eagle Ridge’s residents and pampering them with hand massages and manicures. This was a unique opportunity for the
women to interact and learn from local seniors. Alpha Sigma Alpha is dedicated to developing women of poise and purpose. The sorority promotes development through academic success, social involvement and philanthropic work. Alpha Sigma Alpha is looking for volunteer opportunities in Mesa County. To submit your opportunity for consideration, email oliviarae.vangundy @gmail.com. ■ Eagle Ridge resident Jean Bratcher receives a manicure from Alexis Fontana and Angel Seltmann with the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority at Colorado Mesa University.
NOVEMBER 2017
FUN AFTER 50 35
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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. NOVEMBER 18 Holiday Craft Fair Don’t miss the Holiday Craft Fair at the Senior Recreation Center from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Reserve a table for $10 by calling 243-7408. Lunch is available for purchase from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. DECEMBER 2 Candy Cane Hunt Kids 12 and under can hunt for candy canes, watch a puppet show, pose with Frosty for a photo, and enjoy crafts, cookies, cocoa and more. This free event is at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. DECEMBER 7 Holiday Light Tour Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy the city’s best light displays from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and goodies before you go. Meet at Lincoln Park Barn. Register early, as this event always fills up. Cost is $7. DECEMBER 8 Chocolate Walk Experience Grand Junction’s holiday charm during a Main Street walking tour at 5:30 p.m. Choose from two tours: Art on the Corner or a history tour. Register by November 2 to guarantee a commemorative mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate. Cost is $12.
HEALTH TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Class is at 8-9 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 aerobics classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.
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DANCE THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3. MONDAYS Line Dance Line dance to a variety of music from 12:15-2 p.m. Mondays, November 27 through December 18 at Lincoln Park Barn. No partner needed. Cost is $12 for the session, or drop in for $5.
SPORTS DROP-IN PICKLEBALL Play pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $6 to drop in or purchase a 10-punch card for $40. Don’t have equipment? No problem. Equipment is available for loan at the Parks and Recreation office, located south of the pool. MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 8:30-11:30 a.m. TUESDAY & FRIDAY 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 5-8 p.m. THURSDAY 8:30-11:30 a.m., 5-8 p.m. SATURDAY - 9 a.m. to noon SUNDAY - 1-4 p.m.
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
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November is home care month and we’re thankful for you!
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Calendar
NOVEMBER 1 Caregivers conference Caregivers are invited to the Caregivers’ Toolbox Conference from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for a fun-filled day of learning at the Mesa County Department of Human Services. Cost of $5 includes lunch, sessions and materials. Respite care is available for charges and loved ones. Space is limited. For more information and to register, dial 211 or call 244-8400.
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ects at the Audubon Nature Preserve. On Friday at 6 p.m., there will be wine, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to see the artwork up close. The auction will take place from then until 4 p.m. on Sunday, bidding occurring via phone during store hours. Call 242-2843.
NOVEMBER 4 Craft sale Peruse a variety of crafts at Crossroads United Methodist Church from 9 a.m.2 p.m. Admission is free, breakfast and lunch are available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the local PEO chapter.
NOVEMBER 3 All Services Ball The All Services Ball honors military, law enforcement and first responders. Doors at Two Rivers Convention Center open at 5 p.m. for VIPs and 6 p.m. for general admission. The keynote speaker is retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills. Admission is $50. VIP tickets are $75 and include a meet and greet with Mills. For tickets, call Colorado Mesa University’s Student Veterans Association at 248-1739.
InnoCaption update InnoCaption is a free service for those with hearing loss, making it possible to communicate using smartphones. Learn more at the Center for Independence from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
NOVEMBER 3-4 Holiday House Bazaar Join the First United Methodist Church for its annual Holiday House Bazaar, held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Central High Craft Fair Sponsored by the Central High School Science Department, this free fair runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Central High School. More than 35 vendors offer hand-made goods including wood crafters, glassware, yard art, jewelry, holiday gifts and more.
NOVEMBER 3-5 Art auction for Audubon Society The Grand Valley Audubon Society is auctioning art to support educational programs and habitat restoration proj-
KayDee
NOVEMBER 2017
Chili supper and pie auction Orchard Mesa Baptist Church hosts its fifth annual Chili Supper and Pie Auction from 5-7 p.m. Admission to this all-you-can-eat event is $7. Proceeds benefit materials for church mission projects and its community food pantry.
FOE Charity Craft Fair Visit Eagles Aerie #595, 1674 Highway 50, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for a free craft fair supporting diabetes and kidney-re-
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NOVEMBER 2017
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lated illnesses. More than 20 vendors will have crafts for sale. Food will also be available for sale.
NOVEMBER 7 AARP Western Slope Community Alliance meeting Join the AARP Western Slope Community Alliance for its quarterly meeting from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Spring Hill Inn and Suites. Bring lunch; AARP will provide dessert and beverages. “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life” This three-week quick start class at the Center for Spiritual Living runs from 6:30-9 p.m. For details and to register, visit www.cslgrandjunction.org. NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day ceremony Observe Veterans Day at 11 a.m. at Fruita’s Vietnam War Memorial Park. To learn more, contact joanne.iglesias@ state.co.us. Veterans Day parade The Veterans Committee of the Western Slope’s annual, free Veterans Day Parade starts at 2 p.m. on Main Street. To join the parade, assemble at the Lowell School Building parking lot at 12:30 p.m. For a parade float application, email gregmerschel7@gmail.com or call 208-5620. Women’s retreat This retreat is led by Center for Spiritual Living Reverend Patty Rumpza and local musician Ellen Stapenhorst from 9 a.m.5 p.m. at the Whitewater Benedictine Community. For details and to register, visit www.cslgrandjunction.org. Soup Extravaganza Join the Orchard Mesa Lions club at the Mesa County Fairgrounds (Building C) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. for an all-you-caneat fundraiser featuring five homemade soups. Tickets are $6 in advance and $7 at the door. Kids and active military receive free admission. NOVEMBER 16 Energy industry permitting discussion The Grand Junction Petroleum and
Mining Club hosts Kate MacGregor, acting assistant secretary for land and minerals management at the US Bureau of Land Management from 6:30-9 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. She will discuss the Trump administration’s plans for the energy industry’s permitting process. Tickets are $35, including a meal, and must be purchased in advance. For details, visit www.grandjunctionpmc.com or call 241-0964.
NOVEMBER 17 Holiday tree lighting Downtown Grand Junction officially kicks off the holiday season with its fun tree-lighting ceremony. Santa will make an appearance while Christmas favorites are performed live. This free event runs from 5-7 p.m. on Main Street. “Spirituals and Songs of Love” Join the Schumann Singers at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church for their fall concert under the direction of new conductor Dara Fubler. Tickets are available from Schumann Singer members or at Roper Music and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra office. Prices are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. NOVEMBER 19 Paul McDermand in concert Paul McDermand’s steel drums and marimba lead listeners through an array of works. Enjoy this performance from Community Concerts of the Grand Valley in the Grand Junction High School Auditorium at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults. Learn more at www. communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or 243-1979. “KSAI is on the Air” The Grand Mesa and Del Rose Sweet Adelines Choruses present the best of old-time radio. The performance begins at 3 p.m. at the Colorado Mesa University Love Recital Hall. Advance tickets for seniors are $10 and $12 at the door. Learn more at www.grandmesa chorus.org. ■
focus on people
our residents
their lives
their families
38 MESA COUNTY
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Beacon Bits
T
Don’t let sickness ruin your holiday season!
he holiday season is just around the corner, and soon many Mesa County residents will be traveling to visit friends and family. Mesa County Public Health offers travel immunization services and can help you decide which immunizations you need to stay healthy this season. “Whether you’re going halfway around the world or staying within the United States, you could need extra immunizations,” said Mesa County Public Health Clinic Manager Ali Sanchez. “Some countries are strict and if you don’t have the required immunizations, you won’t be allowed to enter, which would end a vacation pretty quickly.”
Mesa County Public Health
Some immunizations are given in a series and must be spaced apart, so it’s important to plan ahead to mark them off of your holiday vacation checklist. “Different diseases are found in different areas. Just because an illness isn’t a problem where you live doesn’t mean you won’t be at risk while traveling and sometimes people forget that,” Sanchez said. “Preparing for your trip with proper health care is critical.” Mesa County Public Health offers immunizations by appointment. For more information, call 248-6900 or visit health.mesacounty.us.
510 29 1/2 Road Grand Junction, CO health.mesacounty.us (970) 248-6900
How are we doing? Send us your questions and suggestions. We want to hear from you!
It’s worth the drive!
BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
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Hickenlooper creates Senior Advisor on Aging position Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne announced a new position of Senior Advisor on Aging in the Governor’s Office, thanks to recommendation from the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging. The creation of the position indicates that Colorado recognizes the need for vision and oversight over an issue that will cross sectors and policy areas. Support for the position was provided by The NextFifty Initiative, which will fund it for three years. Marillac earns national recognition for patient-centered care The National Committee for Quality Assurance announced that Marillac Health has received its Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition. The PCMH primary care model combines teamwork and information technology to improve care and patient experience, and reduce costs. Each patient’s care is overseen by clinician-led care teams that coordinate treatment across the health care system. To earn recognition, which is valid for three years, Marillac Health demonstrated the ability to meet the program’s key elements, embodying characteristics of the medical home. Support local muralist Lee Bowerman Lee Bowerman, a local muralist who has given back to the community for years and who was recently profiled in the BEACON, has suffered a serious stroke. To help him and his wife, Carol, with medical expenses, friends and supporters have set up a Go Fund Me account online to collect donations: www.gofundme.com/ support-lee-and-carol-bowerman. Checks may also be mailed care of Dana Martindale, 278 32 ½ Road, Grand Junction, 81503. Martindale is also available to pick up donations, and may be reached at 434-2559. For more information about Bowerman’s work, visit www.bowermanart.com.
NOVEMBER 2017
St. Mary’s offers world’s smallest pacemaker St. Mary’s Medical Center now offers the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, a new pacemaker that provides patients with advanced pacing technology at one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker. The first implantation at St. Mary’s took place in June and was performed by Dr. Richard Garmany, the only cardiologist implanting this type of pacemaker in western Colorado and eastern Utah. Unlike traditional pacemakers, Micra does not require wires, and can be placed through a vein in the leg without surgery. It’s small enough to be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart with small tines, providing a safe alternative to conventional pacemakers—all while being cosmetically invisible. The battery lasts 10-12 years, and is fully programmable from outside the body. Free Medicare Open Enrollment help The RSVP Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) hosts a Medicare Open Enrollment walk-in event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on November 3, 15 and 20. Please bring your Medicare card, prescription drug information and any other information that may be relevant. The event is first come, first served and will be held at Mesa County RSVP, Inc., in the lower level of US Bank, 422 White Ave. Capella of Grand Junction celebrates grand opening Cappella of Grand Junction, a new assisted living and memory support community, celebrated its grand opening with an open house on October 21. Staff conducted tours of the community during a fun event that included live music and even a bouncy castle. The senior living community, located at the corner of 26 ½ Road and Horizon Drive, features 40 assisted living and 26 memory support apartment homes. It’s the result of a needs assessment survey that looked at aging trends in Mesa County and identified an immediate need for additional assisted living and memory support services in the region. Cappella will employ approximately 45 people, including nurses, physical therapists, senior caregivers, building maintenance, housekeeping, dining ser-
NOVEMBER 2017
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vices and other support staff. For more information, visit www.cappellagrand junction.com or call 840-8024.
are required. For more information, contact David Bailey at 242-0971, ext. 2215, or Cindy Wilkinson at ext. 2219.
Slam poetry troupe comes to Grand Junction Five students from Western State Colorado University will be in town on November 11 for a day of eventful wordsmithing full of vigor and social commentary. Join a workshop at the Center for Independence from 3-5 p.m. that dives deep into the craft of slam poetry and its roots. Troupe members will guide attending poets through their creative development. At 6 p.m., enjoy a performance and slam poetry contest in room 213 of Colorado Mesa University’s University Center. Entrants are welcome, and pre-registration is appreciated. There is a three-minute limit, no props, appropriate language; contestants should have two to three poems ready in case they move to a higher tier. The contest will be emceed by Wordhorde with audience judges. There’s no contest entry fee, admission to the performance is $5 at the door. For more information or to preregister for the contest, email wcwritersforum@ gmail.com.
Ignite comes to Grand Junction Grand Junction Toastmasters will host an Ignite event on November 18 in the Central Library’s community room. Ignite events give individuals the opportunity to present a topic they’re passionate about to a broad and receptive audience in a unique way. Twelve presenters will be chosen to tell their story, share an idea or teach a how-to in only five minutes and 20 slides. Presenters will need to submit a snappy title for their presentation and a brief description by November 3 to be considered. This is not an opportunity to promote a business or push product sales. Ignite Grand Junction is free and open to the public, although donations of canned goods for a local food bank is appreciated. Learn more and see examples at www.ignite.com. To be considered, email your slides and your title to ignitegrandjunction@gmail.com.
Authors’ book signing event at Museum of the West Find the perfect gift and have it personalized for the holidays on November 4 when Museum of the West hosts its annual Authors’ Party and Book Signing. Regional writers will discuss their work in a relaxed environment. The free event enables participants to purchase some of the best books available on local history and get them signed and personalized for holiday giving. The Authors’ Party and Book Signing will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Museum of the West lobby. No reservations
Fruita Fall Festival Lions Club raffle winners Susie Webb, $1,000 gift certificate to City Market; Devon Fink, $500 cash; Dale Yeckley, Trager Barbecue; Troy Thompson, hunting knife; Kirk Huddleston, 50 caliber muzzle-loader; Kim Raff, quilt; Lori Bailey, framed photograph; Tom Castrigno, $200 cash; Chris Rocket, $100 gift certificate to Suds Bros.; Branbie Williams, $100 gift certificate to Suds Bros.; Roger Mahoney, $200 gift certificate; Ruth Burkhart, bicycle; Carry Pichlmier, $150 gift certificate to Kims Auto; Leigha Noveta, bicycle; Angela Nelson, wood art; Sherry Bochmen, $100 gift certificate to the Fruita Co-op; Kaitlynn Downer, framed photo; Gail Legate, framed photo. To collect, call 858-7766 or 260-9897. ■ Golden K Kiwanis gives a check for $4,000 to Grand Junction Imagination Library’s executive director, Lindsay Keller.
Quality assisted living in a residential setting HOME AWAY FROM HOME We Provide For You • Medication monitoring • Home cooked dietitian approved meals • ADL assistance • Help with daily living activities • Daily housekeeping services • Individual and group activities Stop in for a tour and refreshments Mention the BEACON and recieve $500 off the administration fee.
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970-549-6554
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40 MESA COUNTY
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NOVEMBER 2017
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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 Tuesday at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Call 434-3822. COPD Support Group meets monthly at 1 p.m. on the fourth Friday at 581 Grand Valley Dr. in Grand Junction. Call 317-7556 or email Ruthkk97@gmail. com or Jimcampbell3@aol.com.
rs
Outside 24-Hour Teller
Breast Friends, a breast cancer support group, meets monthly from 5-6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday in St. Mary’s Reflection Room.
4550 Hwy US 6 De Beque, Colorado From I-70 (Exit 62)
Divorce Support Group meets weekly at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at 103 West Fifth St., Palisade. Call 200-1191. GriefShare Surviving the Holidays is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning death of a loved one beginning November 16. The free group meets at Clifton Christian Church from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Contact Vicci at 628-1453. Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 426 Patterson Road. Call 245-2400. Healing Hands Hour involves the belief that the body has energy fields that can be used for healing and wellness. It complements traditional medical care, and does not require touch. Attendees meet from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in St. Mary’s Reflection Room. Help Heal Veterans’ Craft Center, 1670 North Ave., supplies hundreds of free therapeutic craft kits each week to military service members and veterans receiving medical care. Call 424-0499. Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets monthly from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Monday in St. Mary’s Reflection Room.
Live by Living Walk encourages cancer survivors to explore the beauty of nature with fellow survivors and caregivers. For details on their monthly meetings, call 210-2238. Look Good, Feel Better meets monthly from 2-4 p.m. on the last Wednesday at the American Cancer Society Office, 2754 Compass Dr. Beauty professionals provide tips to help women defy the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Call 800-227-2345 to register. MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly from 5-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 2982351. Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. This group meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 248-8844.
Mind-Body Group meets monthly from noon to 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays in St. Mary’s Reflection Room. Learn mind-body techniques that help with sleep, pain, stress, mental clarity, fatigue and detoxifying. MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Drive. Call 241-8975. 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. For details, visit www.NAMIWS.org or call 462-3989. Neuropathy (Peripheral-Idiopathic) meets monthly from 1-2 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Church of the Nativity, across from Redlands Middle School. Western Colorado Post Polio Group educates polio survivors and caregivers about post-polio, connects post-polio people and promotes independent living for people struck with the virus many years ago. Call 261-0162 for details. ■
NOVEMBER 2017
MESA COUNTY 41
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Club Activities Art Quilt Association (AQuA) meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Grand Junction. Visit www.theartquiltassociation.com. Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. on 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. Cribbage Lite meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at IHOP. Call 201-7823. Colorado Archaeological Society Grand Junction meets monthly from 6:30-9 p.m. on the second Monday. Call 433-4312 or visit www.meetup. com/CAS-GJ/events. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) #244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the VFW #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Call 4340868. Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at First Baptist Church. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org. Golden K Kiwanis Club meets from 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays at the Redlands Community Center. Visit www. gjgoldenk.com. Grand Junction Chess Club meets from 6:30-11:30 p.m. Mondays in the Safeway Starbucks, 2901 F Road. We loan chess sets out at no charge. Visit www.jctchess.com. Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com Grand Junction Newcomers Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday at First Christian Church. Call 549-0439.
Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday at Two Rivers Convention Center. Visit www. grandjunctionpmc.com. Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses from 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 2559419 or 523-3464 or visit www. grandmesachorus.org. Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity. Call 462-7554. Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 8563632. Knitting Club meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B 1/2 Road. Call 623-1455.
Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388. Not Going Quietly meets monthly from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 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 monthly at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at A Taste of Heaven Catering. Call 424-4980. Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon on Thursdays downstairs at the Mesa County Public Library Study Room B. Call 250-3969. Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670. Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club meets at 11:30 a.m. on November 11. For location, call 523-5625. Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway meets at 11:30 a.m. on November 6 at The Egg & I. Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org. ■
RIVER CITY SINGLES
“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship.” Singles group for those age 50+. Annual membership is $20. Fridays at 5 p.m. - Calling all singles over 50! Meet new friends at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. Call Beverly at 210-2722 for details. 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 15 - Game Day at Mary’s at 2 p.m. Bring a snack. RSVP to 242-0630. Thursday, November 16 - Take a tour of the Ouray National Fish Hatchery at 10 a.m. RSVP to Walt at 985-9629.
$
150 OFF
42 FUN & GAMES
FUN & GAMES
4 1 6 9 7 2 4 6 2 1 7 3 4 9 2 2 1 2 4 9 3 3 2 8 6 6 1 4 5 2 6 e by websudoku.com 8 Puzzl
4 1 6 7 6 2 3 4 9 2 1 2 4 9 3 3 2 8 6 6 1 4 5 2 6 8 doku.com
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NOVEMBER 2017
COUPON
GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER
For the puzzle answers see page 46
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
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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 Meistersinger 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
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CRAFT SALE! PEO Chapter HU 6th Annual Craft Sale. November 4, 9 am-2 pm. Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road. Variety of crafts. Breakfast and lunch for purchase. Free admission.
SPRUCE UP YOUR PROPERTY BEFORE THE SNOW FLIES! Full service landscaping, xeriscaping and hardscaping. Leaf removal and garden cleanup. Quality comes first at Good Earth Landscaping. Dave: 261-8335.
FOR SALE
PESTICIDE-FREE REMEDIES Rodents, lawn dandelions, pet odors and more. Just ask… Consulting, training, applications. BE/E SAFE 984-2467 / Since 1996
BRUNO ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER LIFT; bumper-mounted model. $500 OBO 424-1733.
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NOVEMBER 2017
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ANTIQUE four-drawer tiger oak desk. $200. Jan Weeks, 255-6679.
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PART-TIME TAX PREPARATION Help wanted February–April. Familiarity with tax documents and preparation beneficial. Must be meticulous, methodical and able to work in a busy environment. Job consists of sorting and scanning tax documents. $12.00/hour. Send resume or work history to Accounting Offices, 2135 North 7th Street, 81501.
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CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BLINDS, AND SOLAR SHADES Floor coverings and design services. Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040. SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264. COMPUTER LADY, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. 255-1216. ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048. REMODELING AND FOUNDATION REPAIR. Three generations of quality construction, additions and remodels. Residential/insured. References and free consultations provided. Tom Peters: 261-4303, tompetersconstruction.com.
NOVEMBER 2017
CLASSIFIEDS 45
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WHEN YOUR LEAVES FALL, GIVE US A CALL! Leaf removal * gutters * bushes trimmed * aerations Never Mcphail Aeration & Lawn Service www.nevermcphail.com 201-6654
Taking care of the
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WANTED TO BUY
USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**
970-208-3115
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Tell us what you love and you’ll love what you might win. Go to the back cover of this month’s BEACON and tell us about your favorite local places. Send in your nominations and you’ll be entered to win some prizes!
®
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Entries must be received by December 31, 2017.
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2018
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Pat McAllister, age 70, received one a cold in its tracks if you take one for Christmas and called it “one of the simple step with a new device when best presents ever. This little jewel really works.” you first feel a cold coming on. People often use CopperZap for preColds start when cold viruses get in your nose. Viruses multiply fast. If vention. Karen Gauci, who flies often, you don’t stop them early, they spread used to get colds after crowded flights. Though skeptical, she tried it several in your airways and cause misery. But scientists have found a quick way to kill a virus. Touch it with copper. Researchers at labs and universities agree, copper is “antimicrobial.” It kills microbes, such as viruses and bacteria, just by touch. That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to New device stops colds if used early. purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about vi- times a day on travel days for 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” ruses and bacteria, but now we do. Business owner Rosaleen says Researchers say a tiny electric charge in microbe cells gets short-cir- when people are sick around her she cuited by the high conductance of cop- uses CopperZap morning and night. per. This destroys the cell in seconds. “It saved me last holidays,” she said. Tests by the Environmental Pro- “The kids had colds going round and tection Agency (EPA) show germs round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinusdie fast on copper. So some hospitals switched to copper touch surfaces, es. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day like faucets and doorknobs. This cut sinus headache. When her CopperZap the spread of MRSA and other illness- arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more heades by over half, and saved lives. The strong scientific evidence gave ache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops nightinventor Doug Cornell an idea. When he felt a cold coming on he fashioned time stuffiness. One man said, “Best a smooth copper probe and rubbed it sleep I’ve had in years.” Users also report success in stopping gently in his nose for 60 seconds. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold sores and warts. It can also prevent cold went away completely.” It infection in wounds, cuts and abrasions. The handle is sculptured to fit the worked again every time he felt a cold coming on. He reports he has never hand and finely textured to improve contact. Tests show it kills germs on had a cold since. He asked relatives and friends to try fingers to help you avoid spreading illit. They said it worked every time. So ness to your family. Copper may even stop flu if used he patented CopperZap™ and put it early and for several days. In a lab on the market. Soon hundreds of people had tried test, scientists placed 25 million live it and given feedback. Nearly 100 per- flu viruses on a CopperZap. No viruscent said the copper stops their colds es were found still alive soon after. The EPA says the natural color if used within 3 hours of the first sign. Even up to 2 days, if they still get the change of copper does not reduce its ability to kill germs. cold it is milder and they feel better. CopperZap is made in the U.S. of Users wrote things like, “It stopped my cold right away,” and “Is it sup- pure copper. It carries a 90-day full money back guarantee and is available posed to work that fast?” “What a wonderful thing,” wrote Physi- for $49.95 at CopperZap.com or tollcian’s Assistant Julie. “No more colds for me!” free 1-888-411-6114. (Paid Advertisement)
46 KUDOS & KVETCH
kudos \ ku·dos
“Thank you so much for deciding to have an article included in the October BEACON about the benefits available to former cold war workers. [We] really appreciate you thinking of us and using us as a local resource. It really helps us connect former workers with their benefits when we’re included in such a wonderful article! We really loved working with you!” - Alyssa N. and Katelyn H., Nuclear Care Partners “Amanda, what a wonderful article you wrote (“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you: CrossFit master pushes herself to success,” September Health & Wellness insert). My parents and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much!”- Mary Beth P. Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at:
Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43
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10 things that may happen when you get old By Mary Stobie
I
f you turn on your television today you’ll see ads for gazillions of age-defying products. You’ll be pitched to buy lotions that erase wrinkles and procedures to lift your neck, your tummy and your fanny. A billion-dollar hair color business keeps your hair from looking gray. You’ll watch ads for pills to enable older men to be sexually active, whenever the mood strikes, “anytime, anywhere.” Even if you buy every age-defying product on television, there are just some things about aging that can’t be avoided. If you get old, these 10 things may happen to you: 1. Half-awake, you brush your teeth with shaving cream. 2. You try to raise the head of your select comfort bed with the DirecTV remote. 3. You back up your car without first looking into the rearview mirror. Watch out flowers, bushes and mailbox. Cats, dogs and people scatter in your path. 4. At your favorite grocery store, you try to slide a competitor’s loyalty card through the scanner. Instead of saying, “Welcome Loyal Customer,” it reads, “Hello, Traitor!” 5. While still at the checkout counter you insert your credit card into the chip scanner at the bottom. You are not wearing your glasses and don’t see “DO NOT REMOVE
The
CARD.” You yank out your card and feel like an idiot when the checker says, “Do it again.” 6. In a poorly lit closet, you dress in a black outfit. Once you get outside you notice you are covered with white cat hair. You don’t have time to change so you just smile and say, “Meow.” 7. At the library you scan your books with your Regal entertainment card. When you leave, you set off the buzzer because your books haven’t been checked out. Instead of going back, you clutch your books and race to your car. 8. On a one-way street you drive the wrong way and see cars coming toward you and honking. You wave and keep driving. 9. Just for the heck of it, you adopt three dogs in one day.
NOVEMBER 2017
kvetch \ kfech “When my husband and I were down in the San Juan Mountains for a vacation, the National Park Service had a brochure for hunters. In it was rules and information regarding hunting. One of the caveats for the hunters was to cover any animal kills that are put on the back of a truck for transport because it does upset some people. And so, your picture of the dead bear is horrible. There are many non-hunters in Grand Junction and to show that picture is just poor taste.” - Eileen W. Cloie: “I’m sorry you were displeased by the photo of the bear in October’s BEACON. We recognized that some of our readers might find such photos to be shocking and distasteful, so we limited the number of those photos and aimed to publish those that represented the focus of the story—how hunting is a tradition that brings families/ generations together. I appreciate your feedback. Please accept my apologies.”
10. You start working on your taxes while watching the Turner Classic Movie station. You look up and see James Cagney is playing a convict who has become a dentist. He says, “You’re lying through your teeth. Or at least some of your teeth.” You think he means you. As youthful as you may look thanks to all your creams and other products, these 10 things will happen to you. Just have a laugh at yourself and go back to having fun. Life is for the living. ■
Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties
Guide
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970-245-1211 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive Grand Junction
I LOVE THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE M Y O W N PA T H Since 1993, Linda Spinner has been hiking Colorado’s peaks and valleys, always choosing the road less traveled. While she cherishes the freedom, she also values the security of a strong Medicare plan. Linda is leading the way, and Rocky Mountain Health Plans Medicare is with her every step she takes. Find a Medicare plan that fits your Colorado lifestyle at www.rmhpMedicare.org or call 866-305-1132 (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_MC241A_09252017 Accepted