Issuu

DECEMBER 2017

The

Your FREE guide to

aging well in Mesa

Vol. 31 No. 12

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

County • FREE

Guide

FREE INS IDE

MESA COUNTY

2018

CHRISTMAS THE WORLD OVER Many countries, many customs

Do you have varicose veins? If yes, you may suffer from venous reflux disease. Venous reflux disease is a progressive condition caused by incompetent vein valves in the leg. Outpatient procedure done in office! >> See what the VENEFIT procedure can do for you “One highlight of my year was varicose vein surgery. Being able to be more active again has not only improved my disposition and attitude, it has improved my health as well.” – Judy A.

Brad Baldwin, D.O. 30 years of experience

>> FREE initial consult. Call for appointment

Surgical Associates of Western Colorado • 2373 G Road #280, Grand Junction •

970-243-9340

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, CALL SOMEONE FAST, FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE

WE’LL HELP YOU SAVE

time, money & stress! Caring Transitions is your total solution for senior relocation, downsizing and estate liquidation services.

OUR SERVICES ARE AFFORDABLE, COMPREHENSIVE AND TAILORED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS. Let us help you: - Organize and sort personal belongings - Oversee the moving process - Professionally pack and unpack your items - Stage belongings in your new home to help ease anxiety - Appraise items to be sold - Manage an estate sale/auction - Prepare house for sale

Water, Fire & Smoke Restoration Mold Remediation & Removal 24/7 Emergency Service

We have the fastest response time and the most knowledgeable staff in the industry. We pride ourselves on our high level of integrity, honesty and work ethic. Call for your free estimate

970-306-0890 877-501-0181

www.restoration1.com/westerncolorado

DECEMBER 2017

Call us for your FREE in-home consultation.

(970)

822-7087

www.CaringTransitionsGV.com

NOW is the time to get ready for cold weather!

From winterizing your swamp cooler to cleaning and tuning your furnace or boiler, we provide all the heating, cooling and plumbing services you need.

Did you know… The average heating system was designed to last about 15 years?

avalanchegj.com We do everything to keep you comfortable.

Don’t get left out in the cold this winter, trust the experts at Avalanche!

DECEMBER 2017

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Keep holiday traditions alive

eeping holiday traditions alive can be difficult when your growing family is spread out across the country and everyone has their own busy agenda. My family doesn’t practice many of the rituals we did when I was a kid, nor have they been passed down to younger generations. It’s been years since we even spent time together under one roof. Life feels like it’s changing more quickly than ever these days, and maybe that’s why traditions are so important. They’re constant and unique to our families, providing a sense of security and identity. I’m not saying that traditions can’t be modified to adapt to new interests, but if you don’t preserve your traditions, who will? As this December issue of the BEACON reveals, there are no parameters for what your holiday traditions should look like as long as you encourage your nearest and dearest to participate. Enjoy stories of Christmas customs around the world, celebrating the winter solstice and hunting for the perfect tree in this month’s issue.

Seniors want your presence The holiday season can be lonely for seniors with no friends or family nearby. Brighten someone’s day this month by volunteering at a local senior living facility or delivering hot

Learn about Estate Planning and more at our Free Educational Workshops!

Protecting an Heir’s Inheritance for Future Generations v

Grand Junction: December 13th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Held in our office at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive)

At this free workshop, learn about different options and steps you can take now to protect your family and heirs against their creditors, and possible divorce conflict. Protect what is important to you for future generations. Sign up today! To read more about this workshop, and other upcoming presentations, please visit the Workshop Calendar on our website at www.brownandbrownpc.com/workshopcalendar Festively dressed volunteers Rich and Joy Green posed for photos at HopeWest’s recent Light Up a Life event. meals with a side of companionship on Christmas Eve. Comfort Keepers does just that every year. From 2-4 p.m. on Christmas Eve, volunteers deliver hot Christmas meals and spend time with seniors residing from Collbran to Mack. It’s a great way to create new memories and keep someone from feeling forgotten. If you’d like to help this year, call Comfort Keepers at 241-8818.

2018 BEACON Guide Also inside this issue, you’ll find a copy of the 2018 BEACON Guide, our annual publication designed to help you age well in Mesa County. In addition to hundreds of local, state and national resources and hardto-find phone numbers, it features informative articles to help with the transitions you or a loved one may be going through. If you need more free copies of this handy directory, call us at 243-8829. Merry Christmas from the BEACON! ■

Cloie Sandlin Editor, BEACON Senior News

Registration is Required for Workshops: Sign us by calling (970) 243-8250,

or by going to our website: www.brownandbrownpc.com, where you can also view the full schedule with location information for upcoming workshops & presentations. Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Long Term Care Planning Attorneys

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1825 E. Main Street, Ste. C, Montrose, CO 81401

Baird B. Brown

Clara Brown Shaffer

Scan with your smartphone to visit our website! u

Shauna C. Clemmer

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Faith, food and family: Christmas around the world By Jan Weeks

olklore and traditions may vary, but ask any immigrant to the U.S.—faith, family and food are cornerstones of Christmas around the world.

Knecht Ruprecht and Grampus Hedda and Klaus Marg celebrate Christmas in German fashion, though Hedda was born in Austria and Klaus in what is now Poland. “Father Christmas came with Knecht Ruprecht on Christmas Eve,” Klaus remembered. “We had to recite a poem in front of the Christmas tree in order to get a present. Knecht Ruprecht brought coal in his sack, or a switch.”

In Austria, Santa’s assistant Knecht Ruprecht is replaced by the demonlike Krampus. “Nikolaus had a book in which children’s good and bad deeds were written. My brothers got switches. I always got presents,” Hedda said with a laugh. In German traditions, Christmas lasts a month. An advent wreath with candles counts the Sundays until Christmas Day. Traditional sweets include the gingerbread-like lebkuchen, fruitcake and huge plates of cookies. Christmas dinner usually consists of roast goose and dumplings. Santa arrives on December 6—Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day). The holiday wraps up on January 6 with the appearance of the Heilige Drei Königen, or magi, at church, where children sing carols and parishioners donate money to good causes.

Grandfather Frost and Ded Moroz “We celebrate [the] new year on December 31,” said Ekaterina Boiko, who grew up in Siberia.

Top, middle: Mary Tofel displays some traditional Italian confections. Photos by Jan Weeks Right: Inna Butler dressed in traditional Ukrainian attire.

“Then on January 7, Grandfather Frost and his granddaughter pound on the door to come in. He carries a big, red bag of gifts. Children must perform a poem or song to get a present, and the granddaughter hands them out.” Usually a friend acts as Grandfather Frost to avoid the experience Boiko had at age 7. “Grandfather Frost set me on his knee and gave me a big doll. I recognized my father’s hands. I was so disappointed to find there was no real Grandfather Frost,” she said. Inna Butler grew up in Nikolaev, Ukraine, where Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. “Christmas is called RizdvoHrustove,” she said. “It’s celebrated on January 6. People clean their homes, their bodies, their thoughts and their souls.” Churchgoers attend confession and forgive their enemies. The holiday meal features 12 dishes to honor the 12 apostles. Adults fast all day. After sunset, the table is decorated with fresh hay and sprays of grain, and cloves of garlic are placed under each corner of the tablecloth to protect from evil and disease, Butler said. When the evening star appears, candles are lit, prayers are said and the feast begins. Afterwards, celebrants dress in traditional clothes and go house to house performing songs and plays.

DECEMBER 2017

In Ukraine, Ded Moroz (Father Frost) appears with his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden. Children perform a song or poem to receive his gifts.

La Befana Italian children await La Befana, a crone who brings toys on January 6, said Mary Messina Tofel. Tofel came to the U.S. from Sicily at age 9 but remembers Natale, as Christmas is called in Italy. She also spent time in northern Italy while her husband was in the U.S. Air Force. “Every state celebrates differently with regional food,” she said. Jesus is the heart of Christmas and family comes next. “We didn’t have [money] to spend on presents. Instead, the family got together for a fantastic meal,” Tofel said. She never saw a Christmas tree before she came to America. Though Italian Christmases have become more commercialized, the nativity used to be the focus. “People tried to outdo each other with nativity scenes, everything from small to elaborate, some with real people,” she said. “Ornaments were homemade.”

Pour the glögi Paivi Savolainen Mosier grew up on a farm in Finland and still decorates for the holidays in the Finnish way.

DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“Advent is a big part of Christmas,” she said, pointing out four Advent candles. “Since it’s very dark in the winter, candles are important.” December 6 is Finnish Independence Day. It’s also the day to bake piparkakut (gingersnaps), which signifies that Christmas is coming. As Christmas approaches, piparkakut gets more elaborate, appearing in star and half-moon shapes to honor light. Food is prepared throughout the month and kept frozen in outdoor sheds. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, the feast only needs to be heated. No good Finn would dream of skipping glögi, a warm drink made with spiced red wine or fruit juice. Santa doesn’t drop by until everyone has cleaned themselves in the sauna, which is part of every household. On Christmas morning, people attend church or listen to the service on the radio. Afterward,

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

Caption:

Account Representative............. Valeree Seiferd Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy

Paivi Mosier proudly adorns her home with holiday decorations from her home country, Finland. Photos by Cloie Sandlin they enjoy leftovers. “Because there is so much food, it’s still a very good feast,” Mosier said.

Christmas in Uganda Ugandan Christmases bear no resemblance to northern hemisphere celebrations, said Mathias Mulumba, who spent years living on the streets of Kampala, the capital. “There is no Santa Claus and no presents, except for the very rich,” he said. “For the poor [it] is a time for friends and families to gather, dance, sing and drink a local beer called omwenge omuganda, made from

plantains.” Christmas is the only day people buy new clothing. Christians spend the day in church. “They take raw food with them and it’s…cooked at the church,” Mulumba said. “They dance and sing songs that glorify God.” There are no Christmas cookies or desserts of any kind, as sugar is too expensive. “People save up to buy meat to accompany vegetables for the meal,” he said. “This is the only day, besides Easter, when poor people eat meat.” However and wherever you celebrate this Christmas, you’re guaranteed a wonderful time with good company and great food. Cherish these moments! ■

Mulumba works with Father to the Fatherless, an international organization that ministers to orphans in Uganda, providing them with education, nutrition and housing. Donations may be sent to Father to the Fatherless, P.O. Box 40166, Grand Junction, CO 81504. Tax-deductible receipts will be provided. For more information: visit www.father2thefatherless.org or call 366-8191.

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: Inna Butler, right, and her mother, Marina, left, dressed in traditional Ukrainian attire. In Ukraine, Christmas, known as Rizdvo-Hrustove, is the most important holiday of the year and is celebrated on January 6.

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Gourd-geous: Local artists use a different canvas By Colleen Welch & Arlyn Macdonald

n her book, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear,” author Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to hunt for the jewels of creativity within us. Uncovering these jewels unleashes “big magic.” Two local artists found their magic in gourds.

Artist Marilyn Hammar creates beautiful works of art on an unusual canvas— gourds.

Instant inspiration Grand Junction artist Marilyn Hammar stepped back from her 30year career as a real estate broker in 2014. She joined an informal group of gourd artists, which met monthly. Having worked with watercolors for years, Hammar took to painting decorative gourds instantly. “Working with gourds was a natural for me,” she said. Within three months of joining the group, she was teaching other members her techniques. While she still teaches when she can fit it in her schedule, these days her gourds are in high demand. Hammar is a fixture at farmers markets, festivals and art shows throughout western Colorado. She’s the sole craft vendor invited to Fruita’s Moon Farm during its annual fall festival, and often makes custom orders for clients. Hammar works from her second-floor home

studio, surrounded by mature trees and growing gourds. A trailer on her property holds gourds waiting to be cleaned and ready to go. Their shapes inspire Hammar’s expert hand when she starts work on each one.

The lifelong artist Montrose artist Fran LeBlanc finds inspiration in the shapes and colors of the natural world. Her innate passion for the great outdoors shines through her art, whatever medium she uses—including gourds. She’s been a ski bum, a beach bum, a dude ranch hand, a travel agent, a housekeeper, a bank teller and more, but one thing has remained consistent. “I’ve been an artist all my life,” LeBlanc said. “Not until I retired did I seriously start painting and taking classes. I’m pretty much self-taught.” A stained glass artist, LeBlanc’s outdoor scenes adorn medical offices and private homes. She’s also a painter. When a friend in Phoenix gave LeBlanc two gourds painted like coyotes, she was inspired to explore Southwest art, particularly Mimbres designs. She was in New Mexico with an archaeology group when she discovered yellow gourd vines growing on a fence along-

Fran LeBlanc painstakingly decorates one of her popular ornaments.

side the road. She asked the rancher if she could take a few and he insisted she take all of them. LeBlanc makes holiday ornaments from small gourds and uses larger gourds to create other Southwest art pieces by carving, wood-burning or painting the outside, then decorating them with stones, beads or feathers.

The right materials Hammar grows about 100 gourds per season, which helps keep her prices low. She also orders gourds from farms in California and Arizo-

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

na, where the climate and growing season produces them in large quantities and a range of shapes and sizes. Both women have refined the task of transforming gourds from their raw field state to in-demand works of art for household display and gallery exhibits. Gourds must be dried before painting, a process that usually takes six to eight months. (Dried gourds may also be purchased from a dealer.) LeBlanc soaks dry gourds in water overnight, then carefully scrapes any mold off of their delicate skin with a dull knife. Hammar dries her gourds indoors to avoid mold buildup. They dry in the sun four to six hours before the next step can begin. Using special tools, Hammar cleans out the seeds, usually making a hole in the base of each gourd. At this point in the process, LeBlanc drills a hole in the gourd where an ornament hanger will go. Finally, the decorating can begin. Hammar is adept at using a variety of inks, woodworking saws and carving tools. When she needs a special color, she mixes

a variety of pigments to create her own. LeBlanc uses acrylics to paint original designs on each gourd. When they dry, she sprays them with a clear, UV-resistant acrylic spray. The popular ornaments usually sell out, especially at holiday arts and crafts fairs such as the Ute Indian Museum’s annual show on December 2. But that’s not important to her. “In selling my art, it’s not about the money,” she said. “It’s the actual creating and producing that I love.” Her kiva gourd won several ribbons at the recent Montrose Visual Art Show. Hammar enjoys sharing the creative process with others. She’s considering teaching a gourd art class to expose more people to the medium. “Everyone is an artist in one way or another,” she said. “The best way to discover what we love is to try everything.” See Hammar’s artwork at www.artisticcreations. biz or call 260-7988. LeBlanc’s work is currently displayed at Art by the Park Gallery in Ridgway. Email her at livlots4@gmail.com. ■

Make your own holiday gourd ornaments

A stroke couldn’t stop her from helping others heal.

Sharon cared for stroke patients earlier in life, as a Registered

• Order dried gourds from an online dealer (or dry your own and come back to this article in six months)

Nurse. So, when she had a stroke, she knew she needed to

• Soak the dried gourds overnight to soften the moldy outer skin

Thanks to the personal encouragement and comprehensive

• Carefully scrape the mold with a dull knife until surface is clean and smooth

and speak. Today, she’s connecting with other stroke survivors,

• Let air-dry for four to six hours

rewarding ways.

• Drill a hole in the top to insert an ornament hanger or ribbon

Find out how our 24/7 stroke program helps you recover to

• Paint, carve or burn designs onto the ornaments (acrylic paint works well) • Apply a clear, UV-resistant acrylic spray when paint is dry • Add beads, stones or other decorations as desired • Insert hanger into hole

get help fast. Her stroke team immediately began treatment. therapy she received, Sharon regained the ability to drive, walk teaching Sunday school, and caring for her community in other

your full potential. Visit stmarygj.org/stroke.

RECIPES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Mary’s

Homestyle Cooking American & Mexican Cuisine

Come try the best, hand pressed, chicken fried steak in town! Open 7 days a week

6am-3pm

970.628.4361

Located in Orchard Mesa 230 E. Lynwood Street, Grand Junction

Senior Menu

Starting at $6.50

Gingersnaps Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients: 3/4 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour

1/3 cup dairy-free butter shortening sticks

1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 Tbs., divided

1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 Tbsp. unsulphured molasses

1 large egg white

1/4 tsp. salt

Instructions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. • In mixing bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and salt. • In separate bowl, use electric mixer on medium-high to beat shortening sticks with 1/2 cup sugar for two minutes. Add molasses and egg white; beat three minutes. Set mixer on low speed and mix in dry ingredients to combine. Don’t overmix. Batter will form soft ball. • Place remaining sugar in wide, shallow bowl. Pinch about one tablespoon of batter and roll it between your palms, forming 1-inch ball. Place ball in bowl with sugar and roll to coat, then place on light-colored, ungreased baking sheet. Repeat, spacing balls 2 inches apart. Discard leftover sugar. Using bottom of a glass, press to flatten each ball into 1-by-3-inch disks. • Bake 10 minutes. Note: Can be stored in cookie tin up to one week

DECEMBER 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

You may have to kiss some more frogs Dear Old Bag: Help me understand. Last month, you replied to Senior and Proud of It by saying that you look potential dates up on Facebook, “and if they have no friends or photos, they are scamming.” What if someone does not have a Facebook account? I’m a retired executive who does not engage in social media…does that mean I’m a scammer? I date ladies with no intention of scamming them. It’s strange that you find it necessary to utilize social media to determine who is legitimate. I generally agree with your answers; however, perhaps you could have given a little more thought to this one. Respectfully, Confused Dear Confused: Perhaps I should have said, “If they have no friends or photos on Facebook, they might be scammers.” I am using the term “scam” to mean that some people are not who they say they are. Not being on Facebook does not make you a scammer. The most reliable way to check up on a date is to meet for coffee. When I’ve extended this invitation, I’ve sometimes heard excuses such as, “I don’t drive,” “I’ll be busy for the next month,” “I’ll be out of the country for a while,” etc. Sometimes I never hear from them again. I didn’t mean to put down dating sites. I have lots of fun meeting people, and some have become good friends. Thanks for writing and happy hunting! OB Dear Old Bag: My husband died four years ago—these have been the

Wh mo it o

Facilitate life planning in 3 simple steps

ASK THE OLD BAG By Gayle Lagman-Creswick longest, unhappiest years of my life. We were so close and had so much fun together. He went suddenly, and I relive it several times a day. I can’t find any good reason to live. We didn’t have children, so now here I am with nothing but a comfortable financial arrangement. Is this all there is? Signed, AG

Dear AG: You need serious counseling, and you need it right away! Please, make an appointment immediately. I suspect you didn’t have grief counseling after your husband died, or the chance to work through the grief. Your grief would be normal immediately after losing a loved one—but not four years later! It’s good for couples to be close, but it’s also important for each to have their own friends and hobbies. Please get help. Let me know how you are doing. Thank you and bless you. OB Dear Old Bag: I have a good tale to tell about dating sites! I had been on a senior site for about a year and was about to get off when I received a note from a guy who lived near me and who wanted to meet for coffee. We met and had such a good time. We built a good friendship, then had a romantic courtship and now we are getting married. I, too, had been romantically scammed and it made me suspicious. Then I met John and that all changed. Tell your readers not to give up! You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince. Sincerely, Happy

Life planning, like so many other things, is harder to begin than to finish. Society shies away from discussing death. As a result, many things are often left undone until it’s too late, making it harder on the person tasked with pulling together your affairs. Step 1: Begin the conversation You can’t finish what you never start. Review these online resources: The Talk of a Lifetime (www.talkofa lifetime.org)—free booklet, Deathwise (www.deathwise.org), The Conversation Project (www.the conversationproject.org)—free kit Step 2: Lead by example By leading the way, you protect your family from the frustrations of handling your affairs without guidance and access.

ownsizing?

We’ve been in our home for 16 years in the garage that have never been unpack

Step 3: Use and share these resources I have no idea what’s in them. I should jus But what if…? www.everplans.com:

That “what if ” iscustomizes my problem. This life-planning service We’re trying to forms downsize. We really are! An to-do lists, resources and based history of the world, two generations (boo on your state. taneously.

www.getyourshittogether.org: What do we do?

An unfortunate name, but an ex1. Start now. Get the stories behind some o cellent, free resource. thethe items, and parents. This They’llsite helpissell brainchild of Chanel Reynolds, who 2. Give yourself plenty of time to find take found herself dealing withyou’re too many more money going to make. Try C details while grieving the unexpected 3. Do a Google search to see if there’s a ma loss of her husband. crystal.

www.organizemyaffairs.com: 4. If you or your parents haven’t used some

Use both print and for digital of shop, auct 5. Look a localversions consignment two planning6.products priced from Consider donating kitchen items and fu $15-$95.

7. Download awith freepermission. booklet *Reprinted from seniorsrealestate.com

called “Rightsi al Association of Senior Move Managers

You can count on an SRES to guide Here is possibly the best advice of all: Pr you through8.the process of buying don’t want your treasures. They’re not p or selling your have home, twomaking sons whothe don’t want anything transaction less stressful and more Until next month... successful. Call anytime.

Martha Newman

Senior Real Estate Specialist 970Senior Real Estate Specialist | 970-260-8747 or martha.l.newman@gmail.com martha.l.newman@gmail.com.

Expires 3/1/

Dear Happy: So glad to hear your story! Good luck to both of you! OB ■

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

Located Located in in North North Grand Grand Junction www.animalnannygj.com animalnannygj@gmail.com Colorado Colorado State State Licensed Licensed PACEA PACEA Licensed Licensed Facility Facility

Located Located in in North North Grand Grand Junction www.animalnannygj.com animalnannygj@gmail.com Located Located in in North North Grand Grand Junction Located inanimalnannygj@gmail.com North Grand Junction www.animalnannygj.com Colorado Licensed Colorado State State Licensed Licensed PACEA PACEA Licensed Facility Facility

Expires 3/1/18

Expires 3/1/18 Expires 3/1

plan.

al n.

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

COME CHECK OUT OUR SEAT LIFT CHAIRS

DECEMBER 2017

HEALTHY

GEEZER

By Fred Cicetti

Decoding your blood test

$250 OFF THE MONTH OF DEC. MANY STYLES AND FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES BILLED • JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITED

241-0833 1708 NORTH AVE. GRAND JUNCTION • WWW.GRANDMESAMEDICAL.COM

WORKING HARD TO HELP YOUR MONEY GO FARTHER Find out how Bank of Colorado Investment Services can help with your financial plan. • Retirement Planning • Investment Strategies • Estate Planning Meet Kent Shettler. He’s here to help you reach your financial independence and will be happy to speak with you in person. KENT SHETTLER Financial Advisor

GRAND JUNCTION 200 Grand Ave. • 2903 Patterson Rd. 970.245.1600 • bankofcolorado.com

Investment Services Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are: NOT Deposits. NOT Insured by FDIC or any other government agency. NOT GUARANTEED by the bank Subject to risk and may lose value. Raymond James is not affiliated with the financial institution or the investment center. Bank of Colorado and Bank of Colorado Investment Services are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

17_BC115_BOCIS_BEASON_SENIOR_MAG_AD.indd 1

9/21/17 9:34 AM

f you’ve had a blood test, you may have noticed a line on your results reading “C-Reactive Protein” (CRP). What the heck is that about?

What a CRP test tells us CRP is made by the liver. A healthy person’s CRP is usually less than 10 milligrams per liter. Elevated CRP in your blood indicates that you have inflammation or a bacterial infection. A CRP test is ordered when inflammation is risky, such as after surgery. Because levels drop when inflammation abates, it can determine whether treatment of an inflammatory disease is working. In addition, CRP tests are used to monitor healing wounds, organ transplants and burns. CRP tests don’t diagnose specific diseases, they simply warn that more testing may be required. They may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, pneumonia, cancer, tuberculosis, appendicitis, bacterial meningitis, inflammatory bowel disease and urinary tract infection.

CRP and heart disease One high-sensitivity version of the test (hs-CRP) is used to assess the risk for heart problems. That’s the result you’ll see on blood evaluations. This test measures CRP between 0.5 and 10 mg/L. If the level is lower than 1.0 mg/L, risk is low. Anything higher than 3.0 mg/L indicates a high risk. Most studies show that heart attack risk rises with hs-CRP levels. High levels of hs-CRP:

• consistently predict new coronary events in patients who have had a heart attack • are linked to lower survival rates of heart attack victims • may increase the risk that an artery will re-close after it’s been opened by balloon angioplasty • seem to predict recurrent events in patients with peripheral arterial disease The connection between high CRP levels and heart attack risk is not completely understood. There’s a theory that inflammation contributes to heart disease by working with cholesterol that is deposited in the plaques on blood-vessel walls. Inflammation may damage the plaques, allowing tiny portions to break off into the bloodstream. These small fragments can lodge in small blood vessels in the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Do you need a test? The American Heart Association (AHA) doesn’t recommended an hs-CRP test for general heart disease screening, and it might not be helpful in determining your heart attack risk, depending on your health and lifestyle choices. According to the AHA, an hs-CRP test is most useful for those with an intermediate risk of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. This risk level—called the global risk assessment— is based on lifestyle choices, family history and current health status. ■

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

DECEMBER 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DEAR PHARMACIST By Suzy Cohen, RPH

Reality check: Do B vitamins cause cancer?

study published in August in “Journal of Clinical Oncology” regarding B vitamins has produced some uneasiness. B complex is thought to boost energy reserves, support metabolism and adrenal function and protect your nerves from fraying. The study suggests that two B vitamins from the whole B complex family are potentially harmful, and infers that taking them can increase the risk of lung cancer.

But let’s take a closer look before we hang B6 and B12. 1. The study was conducted in men who smoke. These scary findings don’t apply to women or non-smoking men. 2. The researchers tried to level the playing field by asking each participant about their smoking history, body size, alcohol use, history of cancer and use of anti-inflammatory medications. On how many questionnaires have you underestimated your weight or smoking and drinking habits? 3. Nicotine and related compounds are known to be carcinogenic. It doesn’t really matter what other healthy habits you’re embracing if you continue to smoke.

ment, take the biologically active, body-ready forms of nutrients. Two forms of B12—methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin—are more biologically active than synthesized supplements. You can get methylfolate, the biologically active form of B6, from salads and sautéed greens.

This is all confusing, isn’t it? In summary: Don’t trust headlines. They are sensational to draw you in. Don’t trust the interpretation of scientists who use synthetic, potentially harmful compounds in their studies. Unfortunately, most dietary supplements contain synthetic B6 and B12 and could essentially be useless or harmful. Buy high-quality vitamins or don’t buy them at all. Don’t smoke. It will hasten your demise even if you’re taking a multivitamin or a high-quality B complex. And if you can’t quit but still want to improve eyour health, eat citrus or take high quality vitamin C, which is more of a friend to your body than a B vitamin anyway. ■

4. It’s best to eat green, leafy vegetables and lean meats to get B6 and B12. If you take a dietary supple-

Send your questions to Suzy in care of the BEACON, or via her website, www.suzycohen.com

New device stops a cold

ecent research shows you can

Pat McAllister, age 70, received one stop a cold in its tracks if you take for Christmas and called it “one of the one simple step with a new device best presents ever. This little jewel rewhen you first feel a cold coming on. ally works.” 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 purify water and heal New research: Copper stops colds if used early. 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)

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

May your days be merry, bright and safe

number because if we have an emergency we want to find you,” Thompson-Ellis said.

By Melinda Mawdsley

After the holidays

cented candles and strings upon strings of twinkly lights are just two highlights of the holiday season. They can also be responsible for ending festivities in a hurry. Local first responders are quick to remind folks not to neglect safety in the holiday hustle. Whether you’re adding warmth with space heaters or giving in to the urge to fill every corner with illuminated snowmen, Ellis Thompson-Ellis, community outreach specialist with the Grand Junction Fire Department, urges revelers to go through a checklist of safety measures this winter.

Clear the air Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and work properly. (She suggested batteries be changed twice a year, when daylight saving time begins and ends.) A symptom of carbon monoxide

poisoning is drowsiness, which may not be alarming for older adults. “The ability for those symptoms to mask themselves is scary, and the ability to get out of the house quickly is another concern,” Thompson-Ellis said.

Stay fire free Once detectors work, she encouraged people to clean chimneys and dryer vents, common causes of home fires. Dryers can get extremely hot, and lint makes great kindling, Thompson-Ellis said. Other common fire starters include space heaters, candles and overloaded electrical outlets. Turn off space heaters and blow out candles every time you leave the house. If that’s difficult to remember, she advised placing your car or house keys next to one. When it comes to electrical outlets, the rule is that anything with a threeprong plug needs to go into the wall.

“If it has three prongs, it uses a lot of electricity and needs to be properly secured in a grounded outlet,” Thompson-Ellis said. “Most extension cords are not properly grounded.” Anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, candles, etc. She suggested people use decorations that are sold with a red “UL Listed” logo on the packaging. When seniors call 911 during the holiday season, Thompson-Ellis said it’s usually because of a fall. Remove common tripping hazards this time of year by running extension cords against baseboards or securing them to the floor with visible tape. If you have a real Christmas tree, water it every day—they dry deceptively fast. Ensure the outside of your home is safe by doing a street check where a fire truck would need to park. “Make sure we can see the house

Discard real Christmas trees safely after the holiday season ends. Take trees and wreaths to the composting facility at 3071 U.S. Highway 50 in Grand Junction or Horse Country Arena, 201 Kellogg St. in Delta. There is no charge to compost a tree, but be sure to remove all wires, ornaments and lights. The Grand Junction facility is open from 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The Delta facility is open from dawn to dusk through the end of January. You are responsible for removing trees and wreaths from your vehicle. The City of Montrose offers those who pay city utilities a free curbside pickup service of real trees and wreaths. Again, remove all lights, ornaments and wire. People can call 240-1480 to be put on a list, but garbage collectors will also notify the city when there’s a pickup. ■

Your Choice For Oncology We are with you every step of the way.

An Affiliate Of

970-254-3180

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A little seasonal sadness is understandable By Lois Green Stone

emories. Thanksgiving, New Year’s. Magazines print gentle stories of family, homecoming and gatherings. Turkey dinners delight poultry breeders. Greeting card makers feature snow scenes and rhymes about sharing. Are holidays really like they’re portrayed by pop culture? Not so much. Seasonal depression studies offer a quick guide on shunning holiday blues. But since aging, emotions, health problems and financial insecurities exist, is there a quick fix? My first New Year’s Eve at a party with a date found me excusing myself at midnight to call my parents and wish them happiness as a new calendar began. I never missed a midnight call. Even after my father died and my mother moved to California, I’d set my alarm for 1 a.m. Her terminal illness ended this lifelong pattern. How can I avoid being sad when the New Year comes around? Even experts on illness and grief can’t counsel “good health habits” when pillows get soiled with salty tears and meals become biologic rather than social occasions. Memories are both painful and pleasant. We remember, but are also reminded that a loved one is absent. Family gatherings were always at my parents’ house. My mother rose shortly after the sun to begin preparing the turkey dressing. Pungent onion odors filled the kitchen. Fowl feathers had to be singed, yams needed to be put in oven-resistant glass and covered in marshmallow dots, and salads had to be artistically arranged. No one assisted. Tiffany’s third-floor table displays were no lovelier than Mom’s amethyst-colored crystal goblets, porcelain plates and linen napkins. She always had fresh flowers out—something living and fragrant was important to her.

Guests arrived around 4 p.m. My mother had been in the kitchen up until an hour before, then put on clean clothes, combed her hair and greeted them. The huge bird rested on a silver platter she’d polished the preceding day, and my father carved it. Noisy relatives ate, complained and retired to the living room. I reluctantly helped clear plates and dry dishes. Soaked linen dishtowels had to be changed frequently or plates stayed moist. My mother would have to wash, then iron the pile that accumulated from this meal alone. One aunt bragged about her remodeled kitchen with imaginative appliances, but never had us for dinner. I grew up. Winter recess of my college freshman year was filled with inner conflict. I felt displeasure at our parasitic relatives, and their questions about my future profession and men, and comments about my figure disturbed me. Out of respect for my parents, I kept my opinions inside and made conversation. During my junior year, my father, 45, had a massive heart attack and died on the living room couch. For my mother, widowhood and ostracism went together. People visited to instruct her or to eat her meals. No one she’d entertained for so many years ever issued holiday invitations to her. Few people came to spend time listening or to extend empathy. The emotional upheavals holidays bring can’t be eliminated by emphasizing the positive aspects—even now I’ve a bittersweet sensation when this season comes around. Don’t others feel exhilaration and sadness during religious and cultural celebrations? Perhaps, instead of guides to avoid this seasonal sadness, we need positive reinforcement and reassurance that, at times, it’s okay to experience temporary depression. ■

Your trusted resource FOR ALL YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS

Proudly serving the Western Slope for over 24 Years Locally owned and operated! Oxygen Scooters Lift Chairs Power Wheelchairs Hospital Beds Commodes Walkers And Much More Providers for: Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and many others

2490 Patterson #5 Grand Junction, CO

244-8983

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Culture vulture: Wound Healing Center

Arn McConnell is in your TV and on your radio By Ryan Cook

We wish our staff, patients, clients and community partners happy holidays.

Awarded Home Care Elite 12 years in a row Medicaid/Medicare Certified

Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002

www.HomeCareOfTheGrandValley.org 970-263-0202 Grand Junction • 970-945-6455 Glenwood Springs Branch

raven Lovelace is a name familiar to many people in the Grand Valley. For 13 years, the man behind the name invested in radio station KAFM as the webmaster and a programming and broadcast contributor. In addition to his popular “Notes” broadcast (a short history of popular music), Lovelace was behind a portion of KAFM music programming. “Anything from wax cylinder [the recording medium that is played in phonographs] era to modern-day alternative,” he remembered. Lovelace may not be around as much as he used to be, but he’s still deeply devoted to music. “I’m interested in the whole megillah,” he said. “I don’t draw differences between Lady Gaga and The Beatles. They’re just different facets of the same experience.” Arn McConnell is a name less familiar to Grand Valley residents.

McConnell is a modern-day renaissance man, with numerous writing and directing credits, awards and accomplishments. “Craven Lovelace was a pseudonym I used to differentiate roles of the writer/director and actor of a play I created and was in,” McConnell explained. McConnell moved to Grand Junction in the late ’70s and graduated from Grand Junction High School. He spent two years at Colorado Mesa University before starting at KREXTV as a news producer. In 1984, he followed his dream of filmmaking to New York City, where he stayed for 16 years. His first job there was at a video production and film equipment rental business called Film Video Arts. “I started from scratch, met nonprofit filmmakers and that opened doors for me,” he said. He eventually worked his way up to being a fairly successful animation and motion designer. While living in Manhattan, McConnell envisioned, wrote and co-directed the feature film “Shock! Shock! Shock!,” starring a young James Gandolfini in his debut film. McConnell was also an early adopter of 3D animation and motion design. In his many years as a freelance animator and designer, he helped edit the earliest episodes of “Beavis and Butt-Head” and worked on the “Kids Hit List” at Nickelodeon. “Animation is a real love,” he said. “I’m just an animation junky.” Arn McConnell’s years in media have made him a true Renaissance man. Photo by Ryan Cook.

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

KKCO viewers may recognize McConnell’s work.

While visiting family and friends in Grand Junction, McConnell met and later married a woman who would eventually lead him back to the Grand Valley in 2000. Still in New York, he secured a job offer from a Grand Valley television broadcast station, enabling him to return to western Colorado. “My brothers owned the Cabaret Dinner Theatre,” he said. “I did an animated commercial for them, promoting an upcoming show at the theater.

It played on KKCO-TV and was well received. KKCO called with a job offer before I ever left New York.” McConnell took them up on it and moved back to the Grand Valley. Seventeen years later, he still works for KKCO and is involved in many of the commercials, promotional videos and animations local viewers see on television. He hasn’t slowed down much since his return to the Western Slope. He has co-chaired the Mesa County

Democrats and met President Barack Obama on three different occasions. He’s an adjunct instructor of animation and motion design and freelance writer for CMU. And he’s still deeply immersed in popular culture. “I’m really no different from my youth,” he said. “I love watching movies and TV, and listening to pop music. I consider myself a culture jammer.” In addition to his professional and freelance work, McConnell is currently working on a novel. He still regularly produces episodes of “Notes,” now released as a podcast. All along, he’s been following his passion of mixing and matching decades of popular culture in fresh, new ways, McConnell said. “I probably will still be doing that when my heart skids to a halt,” he said. Listen to “Notes” at notes.cravenlovelace.com. ■

Taking care of the

GREATEST

generation: YOURS! Live life your way in your home Tailored in-home care plans to fit your lifestyle Senior, recuperative and long-term care available Experienced caregivers with ongoing training Direct Link personal emergency response system

970-208-3115

www.homehelpershomecare.com/GrandJunction

NOW OPEN - ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! The Center at Foresight is a short-term rehabilitation and nursing facility that helps patients reach their highest level of independence and wellness through physical, occupational and speech therapy. Our highly qualified and caring staff provide therapy and/or complex nursing care in a beautiful, resort-like atmosphere. With the most advanced equipment and amenities, our physician-driven care plan is designed to maximize the quality of care for each patient.

State of the Art Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Services

Physical Rehabilitation / Therapeutic Technologies, Services, and Amenities / Medical Services / Private Suites including private bathroom / Salon / Fine Dining

606 East Foresight Circle, Grand Junction, CO, 81505 / P: 970-985-7900

www.centeratforesight.com

LAUGHING MATTERS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

LAUGHING MATTERS The talking dog

Submitted by Willa Mercado

A man decides his son would love a dog for Christmas, and on his way home from work, he sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the back yard. The guy walks around the house and sees a mutt sitting there. “You talk?” he asks. “Yep,” the mutt replies. “So, what’s your story?” the man asks. The dog says, “Well, I discovered this gift at a pretty young age, and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about myself, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms

with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years. The jetting around really tired me out, though, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger. I wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport doing undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there, and was awarded a batch of medals. I had a wife, lots of puppies and now I’m retired.” The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. The owner says “Ten dollars.”

The guy says he’ll buy him, then says, “This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him?”

The owner replies, “He’s such a liar.”

Home for the holidays Submitted by George Curran

An older woman calls Memorial Hospital.

DECEMBER 2017

couple of hours and if she continues to improve, Dr. Smith is going to send her home Tuesday at noon.” “That’s wonderful!” exclaims the older woman. “Oh, that’s fantastic, darling! That’s wonderful news!”

“Hello, darling,” she says. “I’d like to talk with the person who gives the information regarding your patients. I want to know if a patient is getting better, or doing like she’s expected, or is getting worse. And will she be home for the holidays?”

“From your enthusiasm, I take it you must be a close family member or friend,” says the patient rep.

The staff member at Patient Information asks her what the patient’s name and room number are.

Forgive your enemies

The woman says, “She’s Sarah Jones in Room 302.” The patient representative says, “Oh, yes. Mrs. Jones is doing very well. In fact, she’s had two full meals, her blood pressure is fine, her blood work just came back normal, she’s going to be taken off her heart monitor in a

The lady says, “I’m Sarah Jones in 302. Dr. Smith never tells me anything!”

Submitted by Carlos Collins

One Sunday, a preacher discussed the importance of forgiving one’s enemies during a long sermon. At the end, he asked how many members of the congregation were willing to forgive their enemies. About half held up their hands. Not satisfied, he droned on for another 20 minutes and repeated his question. This time

DECEMBER 2017

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

he received a response of about 80 percent. Still unsatisfied, he lectured for another 15 minutes and repeated his question. Everyone’s mind was on Sunday dinner, so they all responded, except one elderly lady in the rear. “Mrs. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?” the preacher asked. “I don’t have any,” she replied. “Mrs. Jones, that is very unusual. How old are you?” “Ninety-three,” she said. “Mrs. Jones, please tell the congregation how a person can live to be 93 and not have an enemy in the world.” “It’s easy,” she said. “I outlived them all.”

The new mechanic Submitted by Cynthia Valdez

A gynecologist decided to change careers and become a mechanic. He found a local tech college, signed up for evening classes, attended diligently and learned all he could. When the time for the practical exam approached, the gynecologist prepared carefully for weeks, and completed the exam with tremendous skill. When the results came back, he was surprised to find that he had obtained a mark of 150 percent. Fearing an error, he called the instructor. “I don’t want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result,” he said, “but I wondered if there’s an error

that needs adjusting.” The instructor said, “During the exam, you took the engine apart perfectly, which was worth 50 percent of the total grade. You put the engine back together again perfectly, which is also worth 50 percent. I gave you an extra 50 percent because you did all of it through the muffler.”

Drastic measures Submitted by Gary Lis

A man calls his son before the holidays. “I hate to tell you,” he says, “but we’ve got some troubles here in the house. Your mother and I can’t stand each other anymore and we’re getting a divorce. I’ve had it! I want to live out the rest of my years in peace. I’m telling you now, so you and your sister don’t go into shock later when I move out.” He hangs up, and the son immediately calls his sister and tells her the news. The sister says, “I’ll handle this,” and calls her father. “Don’t do anything until we get there!” she says. “We’ll be there on Sunday night.” The father agrees to these terms. Then he hangs up the phone and hollers to his wife. “Okay, they’re coming for Christmas. Now what are we going to tell them next Thanksgiving?” ■

Hahaha

s U e k a M

! h g u a L

Send your JOKES to

Beacon@pendantpublishing.com or

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

HEAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS! 2 week free trial

Don’t miss a thing this holiday season. Receive a FREE hearing screening and explore digital hearing solutions that suit your needs and budget.

(970) 243-6440 Space is limited—call to schedule your appointment.

Brandy Lujan Bernadette Mills BC-HIS Au.D.,CCC/A 2532 Patterson Rd., Ste. 12 | Grand Junction | www.aaahearing.net

GREAT GIFT IDEA FILL THOSE STOCKINGS WITH GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM NO COAST SUSHI

Take out platters Catering Events

11 am-2 pm Lunch, TUE - FRI 5 pm- 10 pm Dinner, MON - SAT ••• Japanese-inspired menu includes:

Hormone and antibiotic-free chicken, beef and pork • salads • ramen noodles tempura and teriyaki dishes 970-255-1097 • 1119 North 1st Street, Unit A • www.nocoastsushi.com

HOME & GARDEN

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

5 books that might compete with your plant catalogs Alive & Digging By Paige Slaughter

s gardeners, we play alongside Nature, taking turns sculpting the landscape and cultivating life. When winter comes around, we get cozy, curl up with warm drinks and greet her in thicker jackets—and through books. Flipping through plant catalogs is a hoot, and how-to gardening books are informative, but we can use this downtime to expand our understanding through books that dive into topics like permaculture, homesteading, herbal medicine and more. These are some of my favorites: “Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education” by Michael Pollan In “Second Nature,” Pollan explores his relationship with his garden and Nature, blurring the line between the two. He weaves personal experiences together with research in a collection of essays that reads like a journey. This book is transformational and inspiring. “Paradise Lot: Two Plant Geeks, One-tenth of an Acre and the Making of an Edible Garden Oasis in the City” by Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates Toensmeier and Bates set out to transform a suburban backyard into a fertile food forest. The two communicate their interest in botany in a modest, familiar way, and the passion for their bountiful dream garden spills off the page. Full of practical information, “Paradise Lot” is sure to spark the imagination. “The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design” by Ben Falk

970-640-3908

grandvalleyinsulation.com

For Falk, regeneration and resilience are key to creating ecosystems that yield intergenerational value. Through his work at a research farm, Falk seeks real-life answers to that question by mimicking Nature and shares his findings with the world. Part manual, part manifesto, “The Resilient Farm” will empower you with hands-on skills, bigger ways of thinking and personal connection to the land. “Worms Eat My Garbage” by Mary Appelhof Waste doesn’t exist in nature. We created it. “Worm woman” Mary Appelhof’s brief and insightful book is a guide to maintaining a home vermicomposting system—that is, turning food scraps into rich organic matter using worms. ”Worms” is a quick read, interesting even for those not sold on vermicompost (though she’s very convincing). She appreciates the fantastic abilities of the smallest creatures, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of life itself. The following recommendation comes from Margie Wilson with Grand Valley Books: “Xeriscape Plant Guide: 100 Water-Wise Plants for Gardens and Landscapes” by Rob Proctor and Denver Water This guide offers many practical suggestions for beautiful alternatives to grass lawns. Use of native plants that require less maintenance and minimal water are presented in full color, along with references to a multitude of trees, perennials, annuals, vines, ground cover, native grasses and shade plants suitable for our climate. ■

Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com

plus no interest 899 2020! until January Celebrating Yule until January 2020! AND/OR airform

SAVE

SAVESAVE $ 260

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

$ 250 Available in over 40 fabrics at no additional charge! UPGRADE TO

By Jan Weeks

POWER Kennedy now

STATIONARY SOFA

only

AND/OR

airform

*969 19

EASTON RECLINING SOFA

SAVE

300

DECEMBER 2017

290

now only

originally $1259

ONoriginally BOTH RECLINERS!

1199

YOUR CHOICE Spills happen. Stains don’t have to. Perfect for homes On purchases of $2999.99 or more (after discount) made on your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries only Credit Card between 11/1/17 – 11/13/17. Equal monthly payments required until January 2020. *See reverse for details. STAIN-RESISTANT SOFT-TO-THE-TOUCH with children, pets TO CLEAN YEAR*See LIMITED On purchases of $2999.99 or more (after discount) made on your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Credit Card between 11/1/17 – 11/13/17. Equal monthlyEASY payments required until January3 2020. reverseWARRANT for details. Y and everyday life. INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE FABRICS Available on most La-Z-Boy styles. See store for details.

owever you look at it, Yule—celebrated between December 20 and 23—is a turning point, a time to celebrate lengthening days and the hope of spring. Contrary to popular belief, Yule is not synonymous with Christmas, though they occur around the same time. Christians wanted to wean pagans from their beliefs and declared that Jesus’ birthday would be celebrated at about the same time as the winter solstice (Yule) since Jesus was considered the light of the world and the solstice celebrates the return of the sun’s light. Winter is a season of limited activity and a time to slow down and tune in to the quiet cycle of the year. Spend time reviewing the past year, remembering what worked and what didn’t. Gently think about the year to come. Daydream about plans that may seem impossible, and imagine living the life you want. Don’t make any judgments about yourself, your finances, your relationships or other things that might kill your dreams. Relax and let your imagination conjure up the most satisfying situations you can. As we know, circumstances can change in a heartbeat—ask anyone who’s had a terrifying diagnosis or accident. But good things can come just as quickly and change you for the better. You don’t have to pick winning lotto numbers for it to happen. You can observe the solstice with friends and family, or commemorate it by yourself. The night before Yule, build a fire outdoors, bundle

up and grab a Thermos. You can also use your fireplace. Follow the Scandinavian custom of Juul and save a bit of the log to use in next year’s fire. Candles in hurricane lanterns lend the night a touch of mystery. The longest night of the year is the perfect time to release anything you don’t want to drag into the new solar year with you: bad habits, old grudges and miserable relationships. SAVE Write your mental gremlins on scraps $ of paper and toss them into the fire, letting the flames consume them. If you’d like, speak words of release. As the sun rises on December 21, light candles to welcome the sun back. Write your dreams and intentions on slips of paper and burn them, too, letting the morning breeze carry them into the ether to be manifested in spirit. “Mother Earth Living” magazine suggests gathering your friends in a circle. Give a candle to each participant and set a larger candle in the center of the group. Light the smaller candles one at a time, passing the flame from one participant to the next, allowing each person to speak words of blessing as his or her candle is lit. When they’re all ablaze, blow them out simultaneously and spent a few moments reflecting in silence. Then light the center candle as a symbol of unity and friendship. If this sounds like mumbo-jumbo, Yule is still a good excuse to have a party with eggnog, spiked cider and more. No matter how you choose to celebrate, take comfort in the fact that tomorrow the sun will rise and the days will lengthen. The circle of seasons continues to turn. ■

200

All 3 recliners available in over 30 fabrics at no additional charge!

plus no interest until January 2020! BIG SAVINGS $399ea.

JASPER RECLINER

GABE RECLINER $ originally 619 GABE RECLINER SAVE $ 270 originally $619

SAVE SAVE

RECLINER originally $619JASPER SAVE $ 250 $619 originally

200 $

SAVE 220 $ 220

On purchases of $2999.99 or more (after discount) made on your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Credit Card between 11/1/17 – 11/13/17. Equal monthly payments required until January 2020. *See reverse for details.

ON LEATHER!

Leather Match Construction

ROWAN LEATHER now RECLINER only

719

Leather Match Construction

JASPER RECLINER FORTUNE originally LEATHER now $ originally $619 969 RECLINER only

849

UPGRADE TO POWER AND/OR

SAVE

200

460

SAVE

$ 220 SAVE

CASEY originally $599 TRIPOLI LEATHER now $ SAVE RECLINER originally only 1749 2219 RECLINING SOFA CASEY $ 200 originally $599 TMRECLINER

1749

220

$ SAVE 1899 $ 220

Leather Match Construction

originally $ 2219

989

ON ALL 3 RECLINERS!

SAVE

CASEY RECLINER

JAMES LEATHER now RECLINING SOFA only

220

470

SAVE

originally $ 1049

airform

SAVE

470

Leather Match Construction

GABE RECLINER MAXX LEATHER now originally $619originally $ 1259 RECLINER only

BAYLOR LEATHER now $ RECLINING SOFA only

airform originally 599

originally $ 2359

UPGRADE TO POWER AND/OR ON ALLON 3 BOTH RECLINERS! See fordetails. details. UPGRADE TO POWER AND/OR airform RECLINING SOFAS! Seestore store for TM

airform

UPGRADE TO POWER AND/OR ALL 3 RECLINERS! See store for details. UPGRADE TO POWERON AND/OR airform ON ALL 3 RECLINERS!

plus interest until January 2020! noDESIGN FREE DESIGN SERVIcES FREE SERVIcES TM

See store for details.

Our EXPERT DESIGNERS will On purchase of $2999.99 or more made on your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Credit Card between 11/1/17 - 11/31/17. Equal monthly payments and 30% deposit required. every step! guide you through

FREE DESIGN SERVIcES SOFAS, SECTIONALS, CHAIRS & A WHOLE LOT MORE

865 North Avenue, Grand Junction (970) 243-0634 STORE HOURS Mon - Sat 9am-6pm • Sun 12-4pm • lazboy.com/grandjunction LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED - OUR FAMILY SERVING YOURS SINCE 1951 *OAC. On purchase of $2999.99 or more made on your La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries Credit Card between 11/1/17 - 11/31/17. Equal monthly payments and 30% deposit required. **Discount off of list price. Any items featured in this advertisement may be subject to stock on hand, no rain-checks can be issued on certain items. Sale ends 11/31/17. See store for details.

20 TRAVEL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

DECEMBER 2017

Heard of Hereford?

We’ve taken W the art of aging gracefully to a whole new level

Story and photos by Susan Elenz

hen my husband and I embarked on our journey to England in the middle of winter, we had no idea we would find so many interesting things in a small, rural town named after cattle: Hereford. We were visiting family and meant to use Hereford as our home base while we traveled to Bath, Stonehenge, London, Oxford, Ireland and other popular tourist destinations nearby. We drove and rode trains and ferries to see those attractions, but we also found a surprising amount of things to do right in Hereford. Here are some of the highlights:

The Stagg Inn

Hilltop’s premier senior communities offer a world of gracious living, personalized care and unsurpassed amenities. n Luxurious apartments featuring great views, spacious floorplans, and paid utilities n Quality restaurant-style dining n Lushly landscaped outdoor spaces and walking trails n Social activities and trips

The Commons (970) 243-3333 625 27 1/2 Road

www.TheCommonsGJ.org

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

The Fountains (970) 243-8800 3203 N. 15th Street

www.TheFountainsGJ.org

NOW RENTING STUDIO, ONE AND TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY HILLTOP - PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR OVER 65 YEARS

The road to this fine tavern is one I’ll never forget. A one-lane country road winds between tall hedges on both sides. At night, in heavy fog, it feels like the Headless Horseman will come around the bend at any moment. But the spooky jaunt is worth it. This upscale pub has handcrafted beers and an eclectic wild game menu. We dined on gin-cured salmon, venison loin and duck leg, and ate crisps with balsamic foam, fresh garden salad, homemade focaccia bread and crème brûlée for dessert. We washed this delicious feast down with dark Butty Bach beer and HPA (a pale ale).

The Munstone House We wound up staying at this bed and breakfast after our reservation at another B&B was canceled last minute due to the proprietor leaving on holiday. The Munstone House is a mansion on top of a hill with lush gardens and stately rooms. A full English breakfast is served every morning. We felt like royalty staying there, partly because it was so exquisitely appointed. During the sunny season it’s a busy wedding venue. In the winter, we were the only ones there.

Hereford Cathedral is home to several cultural artifacts, including the Magna Carta and Mappa Mundi.

Hereford City Centre The oldest part of Hereford dates back to the 13th century. The city centre is an outdoor mall with cobblestone streets, old buildings and architecture, wonderful restaurants, alleyway shops, pubs and museums. The open area is the site of a weekly, year-round farmers market featuring local produce. The whole area looks like a scene from a Shakespeare play. Beside The Old House, a butcher shop established in the 1400s, stands a life-sized sculpture of a Hereford bull. The old church in town still holds services and has a bakery and café inside. Visitors can sit upstairs in the loft to see the worship area and stained glass while enjoying tea and crumpets or an Americano.

The River Wye This river runs through town with footpaths on each side. Occasional benches invite you to stop and watch swans or kayakers. The paths branch off into parks and playgrounds and other areas of town, and are used year-round by bikers and walkers, as Hereford winters are mild. But be warned—during winter’s rainy season, everyone wears Wellies (tall boots) because there’s mud everywhere.

Holmer Park Health Club & Spa It’s common for English neighborhoods to have their own spa and health club, and Holmer Park is no ordinary club. With underground pools that look like Roman baths, sur-

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

rounded by big columns and subdued lighting, it was the perfect place to get spa services, exercise and afternoon tea. We joined for the month we were in town so we could enjoy the amenities and watch our grandsons take swimming lessons.

The Hereford Cathedral Hereford is nicknamed “The Cathedral City” because of this historical location. Dedicated to a martyred king in Saxon times, the cathedral was built in the 1200s and is a massive architectural masterpiece, even by today’s standards. The beautiful arches, carvings, gold details, stained glass, tombs and shrines, pillars, altars, mosaics and gardens are all so grand. In addition to being an active church, the cathedral also houses many ancient artifacts. The Chained Library at Hereford Cathedral contains an assortment of books and manuscripts dating back to the eighth century. The first

books ever made were religious in nature, valuable, rare and difficult to make. To keep them safe, they were chained to the shelves and walls. The cathedral is also home to the original Magna Carta, the first charter to limit the power of the king, and The Mappa Mundi, the oldest surviving medieval map of the world (as they knew it). It shows only three continents but also depicts the animals and geography of each area.

The Cider Museum Hereford is known for its apples, and when the town was deprived of gin, its people developed a way to make hard cider from their abundant produce. The Cider Museum walks you through the whole process and history of cider making, and rewards you with tasty cider at the end. Hereford surprised us with all its hidden gems. Sometimes the best experiences on your travels happen when you’re on your way to something else. ■

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!

TRAVEL 21

ESCORTED TOURS BY TERRY EAKLE

Catering to the mature traveler looking for a worry-free, fully escorted experience. Terry’s tours focus on sightseeing, entertainment and traveling with friends. Upcoming tour: Alaska Tour & Cruise May 25-June 6, 2018

INTRODUCING TOURS WITH MIKE PERRY

ABLE!”

“BOOK NOW -- WHILE SPACE IS STILL AVAIL

Small group tours catering to the independentNovemb traveler looking for- OZARK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS ! er 3, 2017 er 29 – Decemb & Osmonds, Seven Branson Holiday Shows: Shoji Tabuchi, Lennons more! light adventure. Mike’s tours focus on international Branson destinations Belle Showboat, Presleys’ Country Christmas…and A Jolly Good Way to begin the Holiday Season! featuring local and cultural experiences. May 25 – June 6, 2018 - ALASKA CRUISE / TOUR l Park, Upcoming tour: Inca Explorer Tour with National Geographic Journeys s, Denali Nationa Wonder at Alaska’s beauty on a 4 night visit to Fairbank Passage on the McKinley then Sail-away for 7 days down the Inside Mt and June 18-28, 2018 , Juneau & Ketchikan. stunning “Coral Princess” visiting Glacier Bay, Skagway

CALL FOR DETAILS & PRICING!

Call for details and pricing!

751 Horizon Court, Suite 249 Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 434-6494

(Skyline Building behind WW Peppers) Terry Eakle

Escorting Custom Tours from Grand Junction Since 1985.

751 Horizon Court, Suite 249 Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 434-6494

New Electronics for the Holidays? Don't Trash Your Old Electronics Let us help you properly recycle your old, broken and unwanted electronics for $.42 per lb 970 256-9543 Hazardous Waste Collection Facility 3071 HWY 50, Grand Junction Residents: Thurs.-Fri. 8-4:30, Sat. 8-4:15

A life-size sculpture of a Hereford bull stands outside the Old House, a butcher shop in Hereford City Centre.

(Skyline Building behind WW Peppers)

22 LOCAL LORE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Local Christmas stories from long ago By Eileen O’Toole

O Christmas tree

e all have our Christmas traditions, whether we believe the Christmas story or simply like the lights and cheer surrounding the day. One of my personal traditions was listening to Christmas carols. The old KEXO FM radio station that played classical music would start playing Christmas carols among the classical pieces on Black Friday. By Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, it played only Christmas carols. I don’t know if my tradition changed because the old KEXO went away or because the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas became shorter as I aged. Now I barely get a cookie baked with a tune in the background. Still, most traditions last and multiply as generations add to them.

Christmas trees, of course, are a major tradition. Mom told of how my grandfather would go out and cut a tree on Christmas Eve. She didn’t say where or what kind of tree. Junipers were the only kind available on the Redlands, but some of them grow in pretty shapes for Christmas. Grandpa would set up the tree and they’d decorate with candles, garlands and balls. It was Prohibition, and my grandparents were teetotalers, but Grandpa made small amounts of cherry wine for gifts or visitors. After trimming the tree he’d pour what Mom called “a thimbleful” for each of them to drink. Marguerite Johnson remembers her father’s tree had to be perfect. Every year, he’d cut two trees, drilling holes

DECEMBER 2017

The first Christmas in the then-new Sacred Heart Church in 1923. in the trunk of one and cutting limbs off the other to fill in the bare spots. Then he would set up a model train underneath his perfectly shaped tree. Judy Hopper thinks her father cut their trees in Glade Park. They decorated the indoor tree, then lined the roof of the house with lights. They put lights on the spruce in their front yard until it finally grew too big. As a young couple, Hopper and her husband, Wayne, picked up a tree from a school after they were discarded for Christmas vacation.

When I was a child, Arcieri Nursery was a prime spot to buy trees. Mr. Arcieri was very particular about what he cut. I remember going down the driveway just off First Street and scanning all the beautiful trees lined up. I always went to the largest, but

CAPPELLA OF GRAND JUNCTION IS

NOW OPEN!

The Grand Valley’s newest and innovative Assisted Living and Memory Support community just opened

40 ASSISTED LIVING

& 26 MEMORY SUPPORT apartment homes

Make your reservation today at:

Curious about what we have to offer? Check out our website and make a reservation to join in our song!

CappellaGrandJunction.com

Together Life Sings CappellaGrandJunction.com or by calling 970.847.5444

WE’RE EXCITED TO BE OFFERING

ASSISTED LIVING

MEMORY SUPPORT

AT A N E L E VAT E D L E V E L !

Cappella of Grand Junction, 628 26 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506

DECEMBER 2017

LOCAL LORE 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

my father liked small trees on tables, not on the floor. When I was 11, my dad was working in Rangely and wasn’t going to be home for Christmas. It was a year with little money and it looked like we wouldn’t have a tree either. But my sister and I decided that if we couldn’t have a spruce tree we’d have a juniper. Some neighbors with a pickup trundled us off to Goat Ranch, a piece of property owned by a cousin and situated just below Liberty Cap and Ute Canyon on the Colorado National Monument. We wanted it to be tall—no more table trees. At home we discovered it wasn’t all that tall, coming nowhere close to the ceiling, but it was very wide. Lots of furniture had to be moved to the dining room. Building a stand like the precise little crosses my dad always built didn’t work. I ended up nailing a large piece of plywood to the bottom and shoved the tree so tight into the corner that the walls held it up. No one was laughing, although I think Grandma

hid her grins. We had one string of seven lights and about 10 glass balls and lots of icicles. It’s a good thing the tree had berries to help fill the bare spots.

Nativity sets of the past The use of nativity sets has waxed and waned over the years. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene because he didn’t like the jewel-encrusted displays in Rome. The early Christian church used paintings and statues because most of the people were illiterate and Bibles were expensive. Sometimes the general public wasn’t allowed to read the Bible because churches didn’t think the public could understand. The popularity of nativity sets arose in the U.S. after World War I, perhaps because soldiers had seen ornate and priceless sets in Italy, France and Germany. Many churches displayed them indoors at Christmas. As a child, the nativity set in the old St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Third Street and White Avenue

looked almost human to me, with the baby Jesus in a manger with real straw, and Mary and Joseph statues on each side. The stable, a solid structure made of wood, was displayed with large Christmas trees ranging in size up to 12 feet. The only decorations on the trees were large blue lights with a star atop the tallest. At home, our little cardboard set with glued-on statues just wasn’t real enough. Marie Neuberger said they had a small nativity at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah while she was growing up. She still has the thick cardboard set she grew up with at home. Johnson remembers the nativity her dad put beneath the tree. It was encircled by miniature palm trees and evergreens, a combination that always puzzled her. Whatever your tradition—whether it’s Christmas or otherwise—the end of the year is a wonderful time to celebrate, light up the night and wish everyone joy and happiness. ■

The Retreat Communities of the Grand Valley Thank you for the privilege of taking care of your parents and grandparents. • Your privacy, dignity and independence are cherished • All-inclusive rate for private pay residents; no add-on costs • Knowledgeable, well-trained and caring staff • Medicaid approved • Secure memory care facility Please call Patty Weaver for a tour:

970-243-7224

www.theretreatcommunitiesofco.com Vineyard Memory Care 1530 Walnut Avenue, Grand Junction The Retreat at Harbor Cove 2835 1/2 Patterson Road, Grand Junction The Retreat at Palisade 3780 Heritage Lane, Palisade

y Stress Goodbye W a d i l o H it h s s i K Rib City Catering

Catering 970-255-7330 Free Delivery with eligible orders

Grand Junction, Fruita & Rifle

NOW OFFERING Homemade Holiday Pies And Cakes

Your Favorite BBQ

Traditional Holiday Feast

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

best burgers and prices Small Cheeseburger, Fries & Beverage $5.79 Large Hamburger, Fries & Beverage $6.89

Open 6am-8pm 3247 F Rd, Clifton • 434-0777 555 Raptor Dr., Fruita • 858-8444

We hand patty each burger using fresh ground beef to bring you the best in quality and price.

Also try one of these: • Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger • Blue Bacon Burger • Ranch Burger • Mushroom Swiss Burger • Chili Cheese Burger • Bacon Onion Cheddar Burger Come visit our sister restaurant

Pufferbelly Restaurant Open 6am-2pm 337 South First Street Grand Junction

242-1600 Fun Family Dining

Open 6am-3pm

DECEMB

A very Hoppy Christmas By Thomas Truelson

V and movie cowboys were the heroes for young boys growing up in the 1940s. I was one of them, as my imagination and daydreams were filled with tales of the Wild West. Back then, my hero was Hopalong Cassidy, a tall, older man with white hair who dressed all in black. He was from the Bar 20 ranch and rode high in the saddle upon a silver-smooth stallion named Topper. Hopalong was a cowboy hero above all others. There was no wrong he couldn’t right, no injustice he couldn’t correct and no outlaw he couldn’t corral. He drank sarsaparilla and never kissed the heroine goodbye. He always rode into the sunset alone, his back to the town and his silver spurs shining—a farewell of fascination from which dreams are made. To me, Hopalong Cassidy was larger than life. I wanted to be like him when I grew up.

Hopalong for Christmas A few weeks before Christmas, my parents took me to see Santa Claus at the magical toy department of Jordan Marsh in Boston. I was in heaven. There were more toys than my eyes could see. My favorite was a huge display of Lionel trains that puffed white smoke and went over and under bridges on a set of tracks that went on forever. But when it was my turn to talk to Santa, the trains were a distant memory. With an all-knowing twinkle in his eyes, Santa asked me if I had been good. “Yes I have, Santa,” I said with a voice that wasn’t sure but a face that hoped for the best. “Well, then,” he said in a kind, gentle voice, “what would you like for Christmas?” “What I want for Christmas is

everything that’s Hopalong Cassidy,” I replied.

Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, my parents and I spent the night at my grandparents’ house. Before I went to bed, I left a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa on top on the fireplace mantel. Once in bed, I was too nervous to fall asleep. I laid in bed with my eyes wide open, waiting to hear the sound of reindeer and jingle bells on the roof and Santa coming down the chimney. Without warning, I fell asleep. The night passed in silence. When I woke, it was early morning, the moon and stars still bright in the sky. I lay in bed wondering what happened since I fell asleep. Did Santa already come down the chimney? Was he now downstairs placing gifts under the tree? Or was he still on his way? With my heart pounding and stomach turning in excitement, I got out of bed and made my way

BER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

downstairs. When I reached the bottom, I had to make a decision—head right toward the Christmas tree in the living room, or left toward the fireplace to see if the milk and cookies remained. I went left towards the fireplace. The cookies and milk were gone. There was a note on the empty plate but I didn’t stop to read it. Instead, I turned around and ran into the living room. There, beneath the tree, were gifts galore. All were wrapped, except one. Standing among all the gifts and in front of the tree was a Hopalong Cassidy bicycle. The bike was small with training wheels and saddle bags, but to me, the bike was

bigger than Topper. I stood before the tree mesmerized, my eyes wide in disbelief. I walked slowly toward the bike, reached out my hand and touched it to make sure that it was really there. Without touching another gift, I raced up the stairs and woke my parents and grandparents. Once we were all downstairs by the Christmas tree, I opened gift after gift. Santa gave me more than I asked for—more than I dreamed possible. When everything was opened, Hopalong Cassidy was everywhere—a watch, radio, lamp, bedspread and rug, a cowboy suit with boots and hat, a pair of black holsters with pearl handle six-shooters and of course, my bike. Oh, yes! The note Santa left on the empty plate of cookies that morning read, “Dear Tommy, a very Hoppy Christmas. Love, Santa.” ■

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

The Cottages of Hilltop gives you the freedom to make the most of your retirement INDEPENDENT LIVING Our single-level patio homes offer

privacy and luxury. The open living plans feature two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio and one-car garage.

CAREFREE LIFESTYLE Enjoy the freedom of maintenance-free

living with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance and a customized meal plan at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms.

PEACE OF MIND Each residence includes a 24-hour emergency response system. Plus, we offer a choice of flexible care options and services to meet your changing needs.

(970) 434-2111

TheCottagesGJ.org

Visit today for a tour and free lunch

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY HILLTOP - PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR OVER 65 YEARS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“

Everyone who I talk to about HopeWest has had a positive experience. When I first walked into Heirlooms 12 years ago and read the brochures, I was amazed by all HopeWest does and wanted to be a part of it.”

Irene Miller

HopeWest Heirlooms Volunteer

Make a difference,

become a HopeWest volunteer.

HopeWestCO.org

Call (970)257-2378 today. S E R V I N G

G R A N D

J U N C T I O N

M O N T R O S E

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

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

(970) 241-7798

www.seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y

O W N E D

A N D

O P E R A T E D

B Y

H I L L T O P

DECEMBER 2017

Guiding lights: HopeWest celebrates the season and life By Stephanie Summar

t’s the time of year that we gather our nearest and dearest. It’s also a time of reflection, so it’s not surprising that in the final days of the year, many of us find ourselves thinking frequently about the loved ones we’ve lost. Balancing the joy of the holidays, hope for the new year and bittersweet memories of the people with whom we can no longer celebrate can feel isolating during such a festive season. This year, however, many Western Slope residents have discovered they’re not alone. HopeWest, dedicated to supporting community members through loss, illuminated that at its first Light Up a Life event on November 28. “[Light Up a Life] is an opportunity to be with other people in the community so you’re not alone,” said HopeWest Vice President and Chief Development Officer Debbie Horwitz. “We’re honoring everyone’s grieving process.” A celebration of the season and a moving tribute, Light up a Life is an expansion of the organization’s Remembrance Day that puts a greater emphasis on community connection. “Historically, the people who came to Remembrance Day lost someone in the last year. We wanted to change the paradigm and open it up to the community,” Horwitz said. The event was held at HopeWest’s Hospice Care Center Campus, 3090 N. 12th St. Participants had the option to support the organization and honor loved ones with a luminary

Light Up a Life will be held in Montrose on December 7 at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. at 5:30 p.m. The Delta event takes place on December 13 at the HopeWest office, 195 Stafford Lane, at 5:30 p.m.

dedicated to their memory. After a brief ceremony, HopeWest’s campus illuminated with sparkling lights. The lights and Christmas-themed illustrations will remain on Hope West’s campus throughout the holiday season, and Horwitz encourages community members to add the grounds to their holiday light tours. “We want people to walk through and enjoy it,” she said. “It’s a very soothing environment.” After the stroll, visitors are invited to enjoy a hot drink at the Artful Cup, the campus’ coffee shop, where sales benefit the organization’s mission to change the way the community experiences grief. (HopeWest also offers personalized, heart-shaped pewter ornaments. These are engraved with the name of a loved one and can be sent anywhere with an accompanying card.) The season-long display is just one of HopeWest’s many gifts to the communities it serves. The organization offers hospice and palliative care, as well as counseling and social programs that support anyone, regardless of age or illness. Everyone grieves differently, Horwitz said, and HopeWest honors each individual’s process. Events such as Light Up a Life enable community members to connect with each other so they’re not alone, but also enable the organization to connect with those who may need its support. ■

DECEMBER 2017

TALKING DIGITAL 27

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

TALKING

DIGITAL

By Adam Cochran

But… what does it do?

he next time you read the BEACON Senior News, it will be 2018. I have two predictions about the coming year.

Prediction 1: Your January issue of the BEACON will be a hologram, read to you by a robot in your flying car. Prediction 2: You will give or receive a technology gift this holiday season. Unfortunately, this column has a word limit so I’ll only be expounding upon the second prediction. Believe it or not, most people are a little embarrassed when they receive a new gadget. These gifts often represent investments of both time and money, and it can be difficult for the recipient to muster enough courage to ask, “What is this?” My first recommendation is to ask as many questions as you need to about the gadget. Ask the giver to spend some time with you demonstrating what it does. If the gift giver isn’t around, you can learn almost everything you need to know by searching for videos about the device at www.YouTube.com. You’ll find videos on everything from taking it out of the box to explanations of each feature. Be careful taking the device out of the box. I keep all of packaging for about two weeks, just in case I need to return a new gadget (or re-gift it).

A stroke couldn’t stop her from helping others heal.

a manual. If there isn’t one in the box, you will likely find it on the manufacturer’s website or on a CD/DVD in the box. Once you find it, you may want to save it to a flash drive, then have any copy place print and bind it for you. Before you begin setting up your new device (especially if it’s a TV or computer), set out all of its parts and pieces and take inventory. All computers use the same power and Internet cable, and you may love your current mouse and keyboard. There’s no point in stringing the same cables twice, so setup will go faster. Adapting to a new device can be frustrating. Expect to spend a little time programming the gadget, and remember that it also needs some time to program you. Whether technology is involved or not, efficiency and improvement always require some change in routine and habit. Give the device three months of sincere effort before giving it to your kids or stowing it in your sock drawer. A Fitbit can improve your health, an iPad can improve your digital aptitude and a smart TV or streaming media player may improve your media consumption experience. You should not fear new technology. New gadgets represent new opportunities to learn, access entertainment, meet new people and acquire new experiences. The results are worth it. ■

Don’t expect the device to come with

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

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.

28 FINANCE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Planning that affordable holiday trip

NOT ready for the rocker? Still want to have fun, but feel secure?

Let a REVERSE MORTGAGE make that happen! “My reverse mortgage has given me the freedom to use my home equity now at a time of uncertainty. Thank you, Shelly!” – Robbie, Fruita

By Nathaniel Sillin Shelly Smith Owner & Loan Originator

“We’ll go out of our way for you” 970.858.4752 www.tcfinance.net

How are we doing? Send us your questions and suggestions. We want to hear from you!

DECEMBER 2017

122 E. Aspen Avenue Fruita, CO 81521

BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

re you an advance planner or an improviser? Your travel planning style might save you money during the busy winter holiday travel season. Those with children or a need for specific seating and direct flights need to plan early to secure such reservations. More flexible travelers can roll the dice on last-minute deals.

Ideas to explore: Be open-minded about scheduling. Holiday travel offers opportunities for pricing and availability if you don’t follow the crowd. For example, Christmas falls on a Monday this year. Most travelers will choose Friday, Saturday or Sunday for arrival. Choosing a different day, including travel on the actual holiday, may not only save money but considerable stress getting to and from clogged airports and train and bus stations. Drive smart or leave the keys at home. Using your own vehicle? Make sure your collision and liability coverage are adequate in case you’re in an accident. If you’re planning to rent a vehicle, speak with your auto insurance agent before you go. Many personal policies extend domestic collision and liability coverage to rentals, but it’s important to confirm coverage if you’re traveling internationally. If you’re visiting a place with excellent public transportation or bike routes, check pricing. An affordable bike rental (pack a helmet) or multi-day bus and rail pass eliminates the need for a car. Sleep cheap. Save money on accommodations

by either planning ahead or trolling for last-minute bargains. Top family destinations generally require reservations months in advance, but see how full they are closest to the actual holiday dates. Many family members visit around the holidays, but don’t stay during the actual holiday, opening more rooms and activities. The same goes for stays in popular tourist locations around the world. Check destination hotels closer to the date to see if they’re offering special rates or packages. Put your membership dollars to work. If you belong to an auto club or have credit cards with travel benefits, see whether they can be used to save money. Check your home, health and business insurance. See if your personal health insurance extends to your destination. The same goes for home/rental and business insurance. Many people don’t realize that their personal insurance may cover risks at their destination. Read your policy and confirm with your agent. Consider travel insurance to fill any gaps. Once you’ve confirmed the limits of your personal coverage, research travel insurance to ensure common risks like trip cancellation and lost luggage are covered, as well as specialized risks like advanced medical care and medical transportation at your destination. Watch those bags. Many airlines charge ascending fees for every checked bag. However, major air and ground shipping companies now offer luggage-shipping services with pickup options at their ground facilities. This option might work for you, particularly if you take gifts with you. ■

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Letting go of the ghosts of Christmas Past By Elizabeth J. Wheeler

ever again will I actually see my dad come through the door Christmas Eve with a large box of Christmas cookies from his good customer, Volmer’s Bakery, Denver’s premier bakery in days gone by. Never again will I enjoy those cookies and a little eggnog with my parents, Aunt Kay, Uncle Paul—all of whom passed many years ago—my cousins Bob and Murph, whom I haven’t seen in years, and my sister Jan, who I rarely see. Never again will I go caroling with Jan, cousin Mary Lynn and her tuba-playing brother, Philip. (Both cousins have passed away.) We were quite the quartet those Christmas nights! As dear as these memories from about 60 years ago are, I realized this year how they hold me in bondage and affect my behavior during the holidays. I measure present holidays against these idolized standards. Good grief! For decades I have not been in the now, and have fictionalized, I am sure, many of the old memories. I don’t want to miss the now anymore. I want to value and appreciate the smoked turkey my daughter cooked. (No, it was not the golden-baked turkey with raisin stuffing that my grandmother made.) I want to be open to my other daughter when she suggested a hike and then a simple holiday meal. (Gee, it sounded like such fun! Why would I miss

The

Your FREE guide

Your FREE guide to aging well in Montrose & Delta Counties • FREE

to aging well in

Mesa County

•

FREE

Guide

The

the turkey? I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 20 years.) And so what if some of my family members don’t appreciate my Aunt Jean’s delicious, low-calorie yams or green beans? If they want goopy, sweet, high-calorie vegetables, so be it! Thank goodness my daughters and their families are with me, and my darling grandchildren, too. I could “wring their necks,” as my mom used to say, when my grandchildren put up their noses and won’t eat special holiday dishes. My parents would have sent me away from the table. My children indulge their kids. And they can—they’re not my kids. Growing up, my children did not hear tales about the Depression and World War II food rationing, or see horrible newspaper pictures of emaciated concentration camp prisoners like I did. They have always had a bountiful variety of fresh food available to them all year long. Just because I choose to replicate my mother’s beautiful holiday meals doesn’t mean my daughters have to, or that I have failed passing down beloved traditions. I have given up my idea of having my family gathered around my long dining room table. It’s much easier to go to one of my daughters’ homes and chill out while kids run around the house. God knows what my grandchildren’s holiday memories of me will be—it’s really none of my business. I’m just going to enjoy myself and put my old memories back in their place of days gone by. ■

Guide

2018

Buy One Entree - Get One Entree with purchase of 2 drinks

of equal or lesser value

FREE!

2430 Patterson Rd., Unit A

639-9562

Flower Extraordinaire Flowers year-round from the best in town

• Valley-wide delivery • Out-of-town orders welcome –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Crystal Garner - Your floral expert

970-216-6764

FlowerExtraordinaire@gmail.com

Palisade Dental 125 West 3rd Street, Palisade, CO 81526

Brian E. Day, D.M.D., P.C. • 464-5123 Hours 8am -5 pm Mon-Thurs

GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

*Crown & Bridge*Implants placed & restored*Dentures* Partials & Repairs *State of the Art oral cancer screening*tooth colored fillings*root canals *Gentle and thorough cleanings Most insurance, credit cards and Care credit accepted New patients and emergencies welcome

We Cater To Cowards

Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties

Get your FREE copy! Call 243-8829 MONTROSE & DELTA COUNTY

COUPON

(970) 242-2843

2454 Hwy 6 & 50, #116 Grand Junction, CO 81505

Monday-Friday 10-6 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 11-4

30 BUSINESS PROFILE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Capitalize on Medicare with help from Rocky Mountain Health Plans By Jan Weeks

he Medicare open enrollment period ends in just a few days, but there’s still time to find a plan that helps with additional costs not covered by Original Medicare parts A and B. Rocky Mountain Health Plans (RMHP) has a variety of options for every budget and need. RMHP Director of Marketing and Communications Leanne Hart said that although the organization doesn’t offer Medicare Advantage or supplement plans, it has Medicare Cost plans.

“Unlike with Medicare Advantage plans, RMHP Cost plan members keep their Original Medicare benefits. Our 2018 Medicare plans range from $10 to $175 per month, depending on the level of coverage desired. Members continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium,” she said. Medicare Cost plans offer continuous open enrollment, which means that people can move from Original Medicare or change from one RMHP plan to another any time during the year without waiting for Medicare open enrollment. Medicare recipients can also choose plans for 2018 during the annual open enrollment

period, which runs through December 7. RMHP has been a model for other agencies in how to run a successful operation while keeping costs low. It was founded in Grand Junction in 1974 by physicians and community leaders to provide area residents access to quality health care regardless of their stage of life. “We’ve provided Medicare plans to Coloradans for 40 years,” Hart said. RMHP has one of Colorado’s largest provider networks. Members can access 20,000 health care professionals and more than 100 hospitals without needing a referral. If members receive care outside the network, they are covered by their Original Medicare benefits and are responsible for the 20 percent coinsurance and deductibles, if applicable. In 2017, RMHP became part of the UnitedHealthcare family. The merger enables the company to provide more options for members. For example, the UnitedHealthcare Part D prescription drug plans can be paired with individual RMHP cost plans to save members up to $50 a month in premiums by selecting a UnitedHealthcare Part D plan in 2018 when compared to the RMHP

2017 Part D premium. There are many options to meet people’s health and budget needs, including a wide range of deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and copayments. Some plans offer additional benefits, such as discounted hearing aids or gym memberships, and members can also add dental and vision coverage. A care management team helps people manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, too. ■

FREE Medicare Help To find out about RMHP’s Medicare cost plans, call a licensed RMHP Medicare salesperson at 888-251-1330 or visit www.rmhpmedicare.org for details and enrollment forms. Retirees receiving Medicare benefits through their former employer may call RMHP at 888-251-1330 or contact the employer’s human resources department for details. RMHP’s enrollment office is located at 2779 Crossroads Blvd. in Grand Junction, and is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also call to make an appointment. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also has counselors available at no cost. Call 888-696-7213 or 243-9839 to speak to one.

Rocky Mountain Health Plans’ Medicare Sales team: Joe Barrows, Jim Kearns and LeAnn Barker. Photo by Cloie Sandlin.

DECEMBER 2017

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The Guide Your guide to aging well in Mesa County By Cloie Sandlin

Search resources online

appy Holidays from the BEACON! As a gift from us to you, we’ve included a copy of the 2018 BEACON Guide, our annual publication designed to help you age well in Mesa County. The BEACON Guide—a trusted resource directory for area seniors, their families and those who assist them—has only gotten bigger and better. In addition to hundreds of local, state and national resources and hard-to-find phone numbers, it also features informative articles to help you with the transitions that you or a loved one may be going through. From finding leisure activities to planning your retirement, from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility, The BEACON Guide will help you navigate the continuum of care. The guide also includes listings for clubs, genealogy resources, veterinarians and pet shelters, support groups, volunteer opportunities and more. As our community grows, so does the guide. Many listings are added each year. We’ve taken great care to make sure that every listing is accurate and up to date. Every listed phone number is called and personally verified year after year. Though geared towards seniors, many households keep The BEACON Guide on hand throughout the year.

We’ve launched a digital version of The BEACON Guide that’s more robust than ever. Visit www.Beacon SeniorNews.com to explore a virtual format of The BEACON Guide that can be turned page by page with a click of the mouse. You can also search for listings using keywords.

Would you like additional copies of the 2018 BEACON Guide to give away?

The The

Your FREE guide

to aging well in

Your FREE guide to

Mesa County

•

aging well in Montrose

& Delta Counties •

FREE

Guide

FREE

Guide

Monthly highlights Every month, the BEACON Senior Newspaper highlights a local club or organization listed in The BEACON Guide. It’s a great way for readers to become more familiar with organizations in the community. (This month, The BEACON Guide is what we are highlighting.)

MONTROSE & DELTA MESA COUNTY

COUNTY

2018

Get your free copies If your copy isn’t in this issue of the BEACON, or if you’d like to request additional copies, call us at 243-8829 and we will mail them to you. Our Montrose-Delta edition comes out in the January Montrose-Delta edition of the paper and will also be available by calling the number above. We distribute editions of The BEACON Guide throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. It can be found in numerous doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and more. Businesses are able to call and request them in bulk and we will deliver them personally. ■

Please deliver ❒ 25 ❒ 50 ❒ 75 Other_____ copies of the 2018 BEACON Guide to: COMPANY:_____________________________________________________________ CONTACT NAME:_________________________________________________________ DELIVERY ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________ PHONE:________________________________________________________________ EMAIL:________________________________________________________________

❒ Mesa County edition ❒ Montrose & Delta edition Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or • Call: 970-243-8829

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Ring in the new year with the song nobody knows

focus on people

our residents

their lives

By Bill Vossler

their families

CBD

EST

ERN S

LOPE’S CBD HEAD

R QUA

ven as people attempt to sing it, few know the words of the world’s most-sung song outside of “Happy Birthday.” The song is sung all over the world—in English and at least 40 other languages. You hear it at funerals, graduations, farewell parties, Boy Scout jamborees and on New Year’s Eve. Even Dick Clark, the long-time host of the New Year’s Eve broadcast from Times Square, didn’t know the words. “All I remember is ‘drink a cup of kindness’ and ‘old acquaintances,’” he said. The popular song is the Scottish tune “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns. “It’s a malleable song,” said Burns biographer Robert Crawford. “It’s quite unspecific about the nature of friendship so it lends itself to many different occasions. It has traveled and embedded itself in cultures across the globe.” Even in Scotland, many can’t sing the song in its entirety—and if they can, it’s usually not accurate. But that hasn’t diminished its worldwide appeal. Revelers still tear

up and feel melancholy while humming along.

A murky history Perhaps not knowing the words is fitting, as the early origins of the melody are murky. Originally, “Auld Lang Syne” was probably an old Scots folk tune with a much quicker tempo, suitable for a sprightly dance. Burns has been credited with the words, however, it’s believed that he restored the piece based on fragments of an old ballad from before his time. The melody today is undoubtedly different than what Burns intended back in 1788. According to the history website, Electric Scotland, “The song begins by posing a rhetorical question as to whether it is right that old times be forgotten, and is generally interpreted as a call to remember long-standing friendships.” The meaning of the Scottish title is variously translated as “Old Long Since,” “Days Gone By,” “Old Times,” or “Long, Long Ago.” No matter how it’s interpreted, the tune reminds us of past days and old acquaintances as the new year rings in.

“The song is sung all over the world—in English and at least 40 other languages.”

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds produced by cannabis and other plants that provide an array of effects and benefits. Cannabinoids imitate compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, which maintain internal stability and health as part of the Endocannabinoid System. Cannabis and its compounds have been studied for more than 50 diseases and conditions. While THC and CBD are the most common cannabinoids, the plant contains dozens of active compounds with limitless Boost Your Endocannabinoid System. potential benefits. Healers have been using cannabis for thousands of years. But most people still associate it with C E S BY N EV THC, the compound that gets you high. IE C Kush Gardens has several products based on cannabis’ other compounds, cannabinoids like CBD, CBN and CBG. They’re non-psychotropic. They won’t get you high. But they do influence a wide range of receptor systems in your body and brain. And that gives them incredible medical TM potential. Cannabinoids are already being used to treat multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, inflammation,pain management, Parkinson’s A R BI tremors, Dravet Syndrome, epileptic seizures, O NOIDS F Crohn’s and Alzheimer’s.

C BX

DECEMBER 2017

for more information check us out on: Open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm Open Sunday 9am-6pm www.kgcolorado.com Call us at 970-283-8927

4550 Hwy US 6 De Beque, Colorado From I-70 (Exit 62)

970-858-8500

Call today to Reserve your Luxury Limousine Wine & Light Tours, Corporate Holiday Transportation Holiday Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

www.aplimo.com

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Gaining U.S. popularity Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the song in the U.S. with his annual New Year’s radio and television broadcasts that started in 1929, but earlier accounts note its popularity a bit earlier. In 1896, “The New York Times” said, “The company joined hands in the great music room at midnight and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as the last stroke of 12 sounded and the new year came in.” In 1910, “The Washington Post” wrote, “the passing of the old year was celebrated in London much as usual. The Scottish residents gathered outside of St. Paul’s Church and sang ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as the last stroke of 12 sounded from the great bell.” Revelers often join hands and cross arms in a show of friendship and unity. “‘Auld Lang Syne’ is one of Scotland’s gifts to the world,” said the World Burns Club Newsletter. “It is an international expression of friendship, fellowship and hope, recalling the love and kindness of days gone by, but in the communion of taking our neighbor’s hands, it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take into the future.” That’s quite a legacy for a song that nobody knows. So as you gather with friends and family to say goodbye to yesteryear, welcome 2018 with these warm words. ■

“Auld Lang Syne” Should old acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, And long, long ago. And for long, long ago, my dear For long, long ago, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For long, long ago. And surely you’ll buy your pint-jug! And surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For long, long ago. We two have run about the hills And pulled the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many the weary foot Since long, long ago. We two have paddled in the stream, From morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared Since long, long ago. And there’s a hand, my trusty friend! And give us a hand of yours! And we’ll take a deep draught of goodwill For long, long ago.

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!

BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

North Avenue Coins A day that will live We Buy: • American & Foreign Coins & Currency • Jewelry • Stamps & Postcards • Scrap Gold & Silver • Sterling Silver • Antiques • WW2 Collectibles • Military Items • Colorado Historical Items

Get an offer from US before you sell! Over 40 Years Experience Buying and Selling Professionally. Paying $14 per gram and up for Scrap Gold! Open: Monday-Friday, 10-5 (Weekends by appontment.)

1005 North 12th Street, Suite 211 Grand Junction, CO 81501

970-261-8368

Keep Community Radio

STRONG

membership matters BECOME a new member TODAY

or renew a membership right from home. Visit us online at

KAFMradio.org

THANK YOU YOUR YEAR

END FINANCIAL support makes all the difference. Did we mention that it’s also tax deductible!

in infamy By Jan Weeks

ecember 7, 1941—a day that will live in infamy, and in the memory of Grand Junction resident Kathleen Takaki Davis. Davis was 10 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. She and her family kept abreast of the news on the radio from their home on Kauai, an island about 90 miles from Oahu. “My sister was ironing and listening to the radio when she heard the news,” Davis, 86, said. “She called to us, and we listened to news flashes all day with disbelief.”

Everything changes The naval station at Pearl Harbor wasn’t the only U.S. military installation attacked that fateful day. Schofield Barracks and what is now Wheeler Air Force Base were also struck. While the bombing didn’t directly impact Davis and her family, a curfew immediately went into effect. Windows were blacked out and everyone was issued a gas mask to guard against mustard gas. Residents had to carry identity cards that listed their blood types and other information.

School resumed as usual on Monday morning, but it had changed. “We carried our gas masks everywhere,” Davis said. “In school, we had drills overseen by U.S. military personnel who had set up temporary tents in the schoolyard.” She recalled authorities searching her house, confiscating her father’s pistol and the Japanese swords he displayed—items that were never returned.

Life with the GIs Davis’ father worked as a supervisor on a sugar plantation and her mother ran a general store, so when sugar and other goods were rationed, Davis’ family wasn’t affected as much as others. U.S. infantry troops camped in a large grove of trees about a mile from her family’s store and spent a lot of money there. The family never felt any animosity from the GIs, and her family was never subject to prejudice from other cultures thanks to Kauai’s multicultural nature and her mother’s generosity. “My mother was good to them,” Davis said. “She cut their hair, sewed for them and did their laundry.” ■

NEED GLASSREPAIR? REPAIR? No JobJob Too Too SmallSmal NEED GLASS No

The Grand Valley’s only Solar Powered Community Radio.

www.KAFMradio.org

241.8801

New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Mirrors New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass TableMirrors Tops • Insulated Glass Shower & Tub Enclosures • Table Tops • Insulated Glass Rescreens & •New Screens & New Screens Shower & Tub Enclosures Rescreens Same dayservice service on on most Same day mostautoglass autoglass

The

Glass Brokerage 970-243-4507 970-243-4507

2200 E. Main • Grand Junction • Open 8am - 5pm• M-F & Junction 8am - Noon Sat. • All Credit Cards Accep 2200 E. Main Grand

Open 8 am - 5 pm, M-F & 8 am - Noon, Sat. • All Credit Cards Accepted

DECEMBER 2017

FUN AFTER 50 35

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

It’s worth the drive!

“Baby Boomer” Special

Oil chAnge SeRvice

Service hours

$24. 19.9595 gas engine

Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30

95 diesel 54.95 $64. engine

Saturday 8:00-5:00

any make or model

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.

synthetic oils slightly higher

No appointment necessary

2728 Railroad Ave • 970-625-1680 • www.columbineford.com 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. Be one of the first 100 participants to register and receive a commemorative mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate. Cost is $12. DECEMBER 16 Santa Cause Run This 5K run or walk is in the spirit of the season. Team up with Kiwanis to benefit Grand Valley kids. The first 300 entrants will receive a Santa suit to wear during the race. Preregistration is $30. The race kicks off at 10:15 a.m. at Las Colonias Park. DECEMBER 21 Senior Recreation Center Christmas Party Dance to live music and enjoy the festivities from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring a wrapped gift for the same gender valued under $10. Cost is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. To register, call 243-7408.

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. 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 & Thursday 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Tuesday & Friday - 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. to noon Sunday - 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

DANCE THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

Specializing in Helping Seniors Downsize and Relocate Carol Gerber

Senior Real Estate Specialist Cell: 970.234.2037 Office: 970.242.3647 carolgerber@brayandco.com www.carol.brayandcosearch.com

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

36 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Are you Ready ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

TO GET BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL AND BACK TO LIFE?

Start your Shift to Independence! Work with a registered, licensed occupational therapist • Help for those of all ages and driving abilities • Treatment plans and adaptive equipment tailored just for you • An emphasis on safety and independence •

Shift to Independence A driving evaluation and rehabilitation program

Jill Wohlgemuth, OTR/L;CDRS (970) 201-2264 shifttoindependence15@gmail.com

Dear Santa,

elter this year! sh e th t a ts e p get us Please don’t for hristmas is: All we ask for C toys and treats - Food, litter, t the shelter a e r ca r u o r fo pay - Donations to me with us ti d n e sp e m co - Volunteers to forever home! a , ch u m o to t o - And if it’s n ice-Hurst

Cats at Ro your d n a s g o D e h T , Love u can roll over don’t forget yo P.S. Santa, ibutions to minimum distr ed ir u q re A IR e year! e the end of th or ef b t rs u H Roice

Help Santa fulfill this list for local shelter pets.

Donate, volunteer or adopt a pet today!

Call 434-7337

362 28 Road, Grand Junction www.rhhumanesociety.org

Calendar DECEMBER 4 Rocky Mountain Christmas John Denver’s special Christmas music comes to life through Jim Curry at Grand Junction High School, thanks to Community Concerts of the Grand Valley. Admission is $25 per adult. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. DECEMBER 5 Holiday choral concert Join Colorado Mesa University for its annual Holiday Choral Concert at Love Recital Hall. Tickets are $10 for seniors and available at www.coloradomesa. edu/mosstickets. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Writing workshop Local writer James Van Pelt leads a workshop on creating dynamic characters at the Central Library from 5:307:30 p.m. Admission is free; register at www.mesacountylibraries.libcal.com/ event/3019854. DECEMBER 6 “Travel Light, Safe and Happy” Travel anywhere in the world with one carry-on bag, keep your belongings and yourself safe, and go with the flow. Jan Weeks has travel tips to make your overseas adventures great instead of ghastly. This course runs from 6-8 p.m. at Western Colorado Community College. To register, call 255-2600. DECEMBER 7 Holiday Light Tour for 50+ Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy Grand Junction’s best light displays, hot chocolate and goodies. Meet at Lincoln Park Barn at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $7. Register at www.gjparksandrec.org or call 254-3866. (This event always fills early.) DECEMBER 8-9 Palisade High School holiday concert Palisade High School’s Choral Music Program presents its seventh annual holiday concert, “Home for the Hol-

DECEMBER 2017

idays,” at First Presbyterian Church. Enjoy holiday music by all five choral ensembles, dessert and coffee or cider. Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door and available at www.sounds oftheseason.com or 1-800-626-TIXS. Reservations are highly recommended.

DECEMBER 9 Contra dance with Moab fiddler Enjoy a contra dance with fiddler Sue Sternberg at the Margery Ballroom, 523 ½ Main Street in Grand Junction. A new dancer’s workshop begins at 7 p.m. The dance will be from 7:3010:15 p.m. The price is $10 for adults. Holiday concert The vocal band Face rings in the holidays at the Avalon Theatre. Join a festive evening of favorite holiday and rock ‘n’ roll tunes starting at 7 p.m.. Tickets start at $13. Visit www.face vocalband.com to learn more. Fruita Hometown Christmas and Parade of Lights Enjoy shopping and activities at the Fruita Community Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., then stick around for the Parade of Lights at dusk. Call 858-0360 for more information. DECEMBER 9-10 “The Nutcracker” This Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra production at Grand Junction High School features dancers from Colorado Mesa University, local companies and two world-class dancers in the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier. Performances are at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. DECEMBER 11 Moscow Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” Celebrate Christmas at the Avalon Theatre at 7 p.m. with the 25th anniversary performance of Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” an over-the-top production with world-class artists. Tickets start at $28 and are available at www.monumentalevents.com.

DECEMBER 2017

MESA COUNTY 37

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Archaeological Society holiday party Colorado Archaeological Society-Grand Junction hosts its holiday party from 5:30-9 p.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church. The evening includes live music, a silent auction, a potluck, and slides from around the region. Attendees need not be members. Contact Doug Van Etten at 433-4312 or CASgjInfo@gmail.com. DECEMBER 16 Santa Cause 5K Grand Junction Parks and Recreation teams up with Kiwanis to benefit Grand Valley kids. The first 300 participants to register will receive a Santa suit to wear during the race. The Santas take off down the trail at Las Colonias Park. Early registration is $30 at www.gjparksandrec.org; register at the Confluence shelter at 9 a.m. for $40. Christmas Jubilee Enjoy a wholesome evening of Old West Cowboy Christmas songs, jokes, stories and fun at the Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee. Tickets are $19 for adults. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. DECEMBER 29-30 “Much Ado About Murder” Something is rotten in Grand Junction—a murder occurs as the troubled Traveling Troubadours perform a Shakespearean scene. Will you bring the villain to justice, or become a suspect yourself? Presented by Mesa Murder Mystery. Tickets for the show at Garfield’s Restaurant are $27.50 and available at www.garfieldsrestaurantgj. com/events. DECEMBER 31 Torchlight parade and fireworks Skiers and riders head down the slope at Powderhorn Mountain Resort with lights and torches at 6 p.m., illuminating the mountain like never before. Enjoy live music, fireworks and more. Call 268-5700. ■

150 OFF The Bar D Wranglers

Christmas Jubilee Fun for the whole family! Saturday, December 16 Two Rivers Convention Center

Doors open at 6 pm Showtime 7 pm Tickets available at the Avalon Box Office Adults $19 Kids 12 and under $12

38 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Our Name & Address have Changed!

Our St Mary’s Clinic has moved offices:

ICON Eyecare 1000 Wellington Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501 (1/2 mi east of St Mary’s Hospital off Wellington Ave)

Surgical & Medical Eye Care Advanced Technology, Experienced Providers

970-399-5177 | iconeyecare.com

Beacon Bits Grand Valley Oncology implements innovative resource Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Oncology (GVO) has a new education platform for cancer patients. Short, educational videos provide information on clinical trials, measuring tumors, eating well and other health management strategies. Wallboards in each exam room enable oncologists to display an image of any organ and animate various stages of cancer. GVO also offers tablets at each infusion station, intended to help ease patients’ treatment time. Joint replacement specialist joins RMOA Louis Stryker, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in joint reconstruction and replacement, recently joined Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates (RMOA). He performs primary hip and knee replacement, partial knee replacement and revision hip and knee replacement. Stryker most recently served as an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. His fellowship training is in adult joint reconstruction, and he completed his residency at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. To schedule an appointment, call 242-3535. Grand Junction club turns 63 Grand Junction Toastmasters, the oldest local Toastmasters club, recently celebrated its 63rd anniversary. The club emphasizes education, encouraging members to develop and practice communication and leadership skills in a safe, supportive environment. Members work through projects that build real-world skills and learn via a proven curriculum built on four principles: experiential learning, peer feedback, mentoring, and self-paced programming. The club meets Tuesdays at 7:10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Life Center. Visitors are welcome. Winefest honored at tourism conference Colorado Mountain Winefest received the Outstanding Community Tourism

DECEMBER 2017

Initiative Award at the 2017 Governor’s Tourism Conference before an audience of more than 500 state tourism leaders. In 2017, Winefest welcomed more than 6,500 people and 50-plus Colorado wineries to Riverbend Park. Attendees represented more than 45 states and five countries. The event has booked every hotel in the Grand Valley for the past three years. This year’s festival had an estimated economic impact of $1.1 million. Winefest returns September 13-16, 2018.

Mesa Land Trust announces name change and consolidation Mesa Land Trust has consolidated with Black Canyon Regional Land Trust and revealed its new name: Colorado West Land Trust. The mission of both trusts are similar, as are their efforts to conserve agricultural land, rural heritage, wildlife habitats, recreational areas and scenic lands in western Colorado. Combining the two organizations results in a more sustainable entity able to make a larger impact. Learn more at www. cowestlandtrust.org. Personalized letters from Santa Saint Nick and his elves at Gray Gourmet will send personalized holiday cheer to your loved ones! Elves mail Santa’s letters the week before Christmas, so your information must be received by December 8. Letters are $5 each; proceeds benefit Gray Gourmet. Visit www.graygourmet.org to fill out a request form, then send it to Gray Gourmet, attn: Letters from Santa, 551 Chipeta Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501. You may also request a letter and make a direct payment in the Gray Gourmet office. For details, call 2989844. Diabetes classes at St. Mary’s St. Mary’s Diabetes Education Center offers “Living with Diabetes,” classes aimed at promoting a healthy life to those with diabetes. Courses are offered regularly and available to all people diagnosed with diabetes. For insurance purposes, a referral is required from a physician. Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies cover diabetes education. Call St. Mary’s Central Scheduling at 298-6900 for an appointment. Your referral may be faxed to 298-6159.

DECEMBER 2017

MESA COUNTY 39

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Museum volunteer honored by state In October, Kay Fredette, 78, was honored at the annual Colorado Governor’s Tourism Conference with the 2017 Jack Snow Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. She has volunteered for more than 30 years with Museums of Western Colorado. As the Volunteer Laboratory Supervisor, Fredette directs the cleaning and preparation of fossil specimens for study and exhibit—a process that can require months. She also trains new lab volunteers and helps with fossil identification, a skill that takes years to develop. Call for Heritage Award nominations Museums of Western Colorado is accepting nominations for its 2018 Heritage Awards, which include the Archeological Award, the George Callison Paleontological Award, the Historian Award, the Preservation Award, the Heritage Enterprise Award, the Partners

in Heritage Award and the Museums Service Award. Nominations must be submitted by January 19 to Museums of Western Colorado, attn: Heritage Awards, P.O. Box 20,000, Grand Junction, CO 81502. For more information, visit www.museumofwesternco.com or call 241-0971, ext. 2204.

Giving Trees help people in need Mesa County Libraries and Grand Valley Catholic Outreach have partnered to help local families in need. Giving Trees decorated with requests from Mesa County residents are at the library’s Central, Clifton, Collbran, Fruita, Orchard Mesa and Palisade branches. To participate, select a tag from the tree and provide your contact information. Bring gifts, unwrapped and with the Giving Tree tag attached, to the library before December 9. All beneficiaries are Catholic Outreach clients and Mesa County residents. Gifts should be about $25 or less. ■

A Great Place to Call Home!

 Quiet 55+ Adult Community  New & Pre-Owned Homes  Free RV Storage  On-Site Manager  Resident Club House

Give the gift of time this Christmas with a Mountain Time watch.

Mountain Time means quality watches. A quality timepiece that will last for generations is the perfect gift for anyone on your list. What do you receive with a Mountain Time watch?

Christmas train show returns to Cross Orchards The Grand Valley Model Railroad Club presents its 29th annual Christmas Train Show weekends in December at the Cross Orchards Historic Site in Grand Junction. The Rio Grande Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society will display its Uintah collection. The show is open December 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 30-31 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $7 per family.

• Jeweled quartz Swiss movement means your watch will withstand the test of time • Sapphire crystal provides superior scratch resistance

• Made from surgical grade stainless steel—including the solid link bands • Water resistant ratings give you peace of mind I stand behind the quality and strength of Mountain Time watches. Each comes with a three-year limited warranty and an initial band sizing upon purchase. I have more than 40 years of experience that I can put to work for you. Stop by and let me help you choose a high-quality watch that will make the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Mountain Time Watch Co.,

1460 North Ave., Ste. R, Grand Junction, CO 81501 970-628-1225 • watchrepairgj.com Store hours: Tuesday-Saturday,10 a.m.-4 p.m.

40 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Support Groups

$250 OFF

THE MONTH OF DEC. • DISASSEMBLES FOR EASY TRANSPORT • WEIGHT CAPACITY 300 LBS • TURNING RADIUS OF 26”

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. Caregiver Connections meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 2608931. GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. This no-cost group meets from 1-3 p.m. Mondays. For location and details, call 628-1453. 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.

POWER WHEELCHAIRS

ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES BILLED • JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITED

241-0833 1708 NORTH AVE. GRAND JUNCTION • WWW.GRANDMESAMEDICAL.COM

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 298-2351. 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 tech-

niques that help with sleep, pain, stress, mental clarity, fatigue and detoxifying.

MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the third Thursday at The Artful Cup. Call 2418975. 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. Surviving the Holidays provides free, non-denominational, Christ-based grief support on Thursdays from 6:308:30 p.m. Contact Vicci at 628-1453. Tinnitus Support Group meets monthly from 1-2 p.m. on the second Saturday at St. Mary’s Physician Office, suite 503. Call 589-0305. 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. Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets monthly from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Center for Independence. Transportation is available. Call 241-0315. Yoga for Life meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Tuesdays at Life Center Aerobics Room, 2686 Patterson Road. Classes practice basic yoga stretches and gentle movements with attention to breathing and are designed for cancer patients of all abilities. ■

DECEMBER 2017

MESA COUNTY 41

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Club Activities Art Quilt Association (AQuA) 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 Christian Women’s Network hosts luncheons monthly on the second Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $15; free childcare is provided. RSVP to Nancy Skaggs at 712-1070. 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 Monu-

ment Road. Email grandjunctionrock club@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 Junction Toastmasters meets at St. Mary’s Life Center in the second-floor conference room every Tuesday at 7:10 a.m. 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 at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. Grand Valley Woodturners meets 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 the VFW. Call 2162919. 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 December 9. For location, call 523-5625. Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway holds a Christmas celebration on December 9 at 12:15 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Bring potluck dishes and unwrapped gifts (or $5 gift cards) to be donated to the Salvation Army. For more information, call 245-5649 or 858-6702. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday for a family

style dinner and meeting at the Post Hall, 503 1/2 Florence Road in Grand Junction. Call 778-8242. Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday at the Civil Patrol Hangar, 2868 Aviators Way. Visit www.w0rrz.org. Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Colorado Mesa University’s Wubben Hall, room 161. Call 812-3661 or visit www.wcacastronomy.org. Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday at Grand Junction’s First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751. Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at VFW #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.gjcoinshow.com. Western Slope Adventurers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Monday for a potluck and speaker presentation in the Garden Room at the Commons at Hilltop. Call 433-4312. ■

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 270-2722 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. Saturday, December 2 - Meet Judie and RCS group at the Wells Fargo Buffalo on Main Street at 4:30 p.m. for the Grand Junction Parade of Lights. Dress warm! Saturday, December 16 - The theme of this year’s RCS Christmas party is “Christmas Memories.” Celebrate with us at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. For time and details, call Jim at 424-2545 or Linda at 640-0980.

42 FUN & GAMES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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

DECEMBER 2017

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

9 2 4 7 1 2

Puzzle by websu

Wheelchair-bound? We’ll get you to your appointments

MILLENIUM SERVICES Call 24-hours a day: (970) 270-9092

NO PARKING? NO PROBLEM. The holidays are right around the corner. Instead of circling the parking lot to find an empty space, take GVT to your favorite shopping center: • Mesa Mall • Downtown shops in Grand Junction, Palisade, and Fruita • Grand Mesa Center • Rimrock Plaza and many other businesses!

COUPON

GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER

For the puzzle answers see page 46

Across 1 Typical reply to “Que pasa?” 5 Tall spars 10 Totalizes 14 Guinness of stage 15 Brass or bronze, e.g. 16 Passion 17 What a contested will might do? 19 Recital of events 20 Shakespearean stage device 21 Drenched in sauce 23 Three, in Milan 25 Per capita 26 James Cameron film 29 Engine parts 31 Mil. branch 34 Affirmative moves 35 Fencing ploy 37 Sergeant or corporal 38 “Jefferson in Paris” star 40 Deep matter? 41 Sacrificial stone 43 ___ as directed 44 Does 65, rather than 55 47 Grown grigs 48 “Mal de ___” 49 Wee ones 50 Legally binding command

FUN & GAMES 43

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

FUN & GAMES

DECEMBER 2017

OIL CHANGE $38.99*

(up to 5 qt. conventional oil)

COOLING FLUSH $99.95*

10% OFF semi-synthetic & full synthetic oil change

*Price does not include shop supplies and taxes Expires 1/31/2018

(Includes up to 2 gal. anti-freeze)

504 32 Road Clifton, CO 644-5969

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers 52 German border river 54 Lobby or novel ending 55 A cast of ___ 60 Cum laude start 64 Hindquarters 65 Will Rogers? 67 Wheelhouse direction 68 One starting a roast? 69 One of the Muppets 70 It’s in back of your house 71 Blows one’s horn 72 Line of stitches Down 1 Out-of-this-world org.? 2 Yodeler’s range? 3 Hero’s hangout 4 Crucial trial 5 ___-jongg 6 Hearty -libations 7 Like a long shot’s chances 8 Matador’s foe 9 Buddy, binary and block 10 Empire conquered by Cortés 11 One seeking Mr. Right? 12 Earnhart of NASCAR 13 Transport for Susan Butcher 18 Graceful seabird

22 “___ la vista, baby!” 24 It takes things to extremes 26 Per ___ 27 Like some lips or change 28 A nonproductive tenant? 29 Blubbers 30 “___ Lang Syne” 32 Dieter’s place? 33 From Oslo 36 Prepared some beds? 39 Colorado park 42 Teaches 45 Balcony barrier 46 ‘80’s “Star Wars” plan 51 She, in Rome 53 Took for a ride 55 Lazy Susan, e.g. 56 Polynesian dance 57 Hurler Hideo 58 Art trailer 59 Editor’s scribble 61 1,609 meters 62 “I Remember ___” 63 Niels Bohr’s concern 66 “___ Miserables”

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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



FOR SALE

RED MOTORIZED CHAIR Pride Mobility three-wheeled sports scooter. $200. 216-8923 HELP WANTED

WRITE YOUR AD

WRITERS NEEDED

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The BEACON Senior Newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Please send your cover letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHOOSE A CATEGORY

❒ Classes ❒ For Sale ❒ Help Wanted



❒ Real Estate for Rent ❒ Real Estate for Sale ❒ Services

❒ Other

PAY FOR IT

❒ Mesa County ......................................................... $29 ❒ Montrose/Delta Counties ...........................................$29 ❒ Both publications...........................................................$49

SALES PERSON WANTED The BEACON Senior Newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

See your ad online.

$49 value for FREE!

Priced for 30 words or less. Additional Words $1 each.

HOME SERVICES

Start running my ad in the month of __________________ for _____ months. Deadline: 20th of the preceding month

❒ cash



❒ check ❒

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.

# ____________________________________ name on card ___________________________________ exp. date ____________ cvc ______ zip ____________ credit card

SEND IT IN

Mail: BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 Fax: 1 800-536-7516 Email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

__________________________________________________

address city

________________________________________________

________________________

telephone number

state _____ zip________________

__________________________________________

QUESTIONS? Call us, 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com



name

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. CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BLINDS AND SOLAR SHADES Floor coverings and design services Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040 SERVICES

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________



DECEMBER 2017

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.

CLEANING LADY Competitive rates, reliable transportation, will travel. Weekly/ biweekly/monthly cleaning, downsizing, reorganizing. Just call to see how I may help you. The holidays are coming—let’s get those decorations up! Linda, 263-7364 or 720-841-7505. IN HOME CARE Private in-home health care, bucket-list enabler, personal and professional home care. CNA, QMAP, experience and references. Accepting clients for December and 2018 calendar year. Call 216-9872 for free consultation. 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**

DECEMBER 2017

CLASSIFIEDS 45

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Wishing you a season of gladness, a season of cheer, and to top it all off a wonderful year!

Give a Gift Subscription

and get a FREE subscription for yourself! NOVEMBER 2016

Vol. 2

No. 11

Montrose & Delta Counties’

Newspaper for Adults 50+.

Over 13,650 Readers.

COMING SOON

NOVEMBER 2016

Vol. 30 No. 11

Mesa County’s

Monthly Newspa

per for Adults 50+

. Over 28,350 Rea

COMING SOON

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

LETTERS FR THE PAST OM

Daughter tak heart from father’s warties me words

Your support makes the BEACON possible. THANK YOU!

Do you have varicos

Photo by Melan

e veins?

not only impro

Brad Baldwin, D.O.

30 years of experie nce

>> FREE initial

of my year was varicose vein surger y. Being ved my dispos able to be more ition and attitud active again e, it has impro has ved my health as well.” – Judy

consult. Call for appoi

A. ntment Surg ical Asso ciate s of West ern Colo rado • 2373 G Road #280 , Gran d Junc tion •

YES! I want to subscribe.

970 -243 -934

name address city

state

zip

phone number credit card exp. date

 Mesa County subscription  Montrose/Delta subscription

cvc

 1 year $20.00  2 years $30.00

...and give a gift subsciption to: name address city

state

 Mesa County subscription  Montrose/Delta subscription

ie Wiseman

If yes, you may suffer from venou condition cause d by incompeten s reflux disease. Venous reflux t vein valves >> See what in the leg. Outpa disease is a progressive the VENEFIT tient procedure procedure can done in office! do for you “One highlight

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

zip

 1 year $20.00  2 years $30.00

FREE FREE

Mail form with check to: The BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

ders.

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

kudos \ ku·dos  “We subscribe to the BEACON and thoroughly enjoy it. Sitting in the waiting room of my dad’s eye doctor, I picked up a BEACON Guide. Can I get one for Delta County mailed to me? That’s where my dad lives now.”- Kelley L. Cloie: “We’d love to. In fact, we’re getting ready to publish our 2018 Delta-Montrose edition, which will be distributed in the next few weeks. If you don’t find a copy of our Mesa County guide in this issue of the BEACON, call us at 970-243-8829.”

Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 39

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A raise in Social Security for 2018: Rejoice or regret? By Teresa Ambord

f you’re collecting Social Security (SS), you’ll see a whopping 2 percent raise in 2018. It’s underwhelming, yes, but it’s nearly seven times what SS recipients got last year when the cost of living allowance (COLA) increase was 0.3 percent. So if your SS check in 2017 was $1,500, your 2018 benefit should rise to $1,530. Other SS-related figures will also adjust in 2018. For people who are still working, the maximum earnings subject to SS taxes will rise from the current level of $127,200 to a new high of $128,700. That means that among the estimated 175 million people working in this country, an additional 12 million will pay more.

How work affects your SS benefits If you’re still working and collecting SS benefits before the year of full retirement age, you will lose $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above $17,040. In 2017, the number was $16,920. Getting close to retirement age? For the months before you reach your full retirement age, you can earn $45,360 per year before losing benefits. After that, you lose $1 of benefits for every $3 earned in 2018. In 2017, the amount you could earn was $44,880. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no benefit loss for any amount of income.

Buying power According to a report by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the news about buying power for SS beneficiaries is not good. Since 2000, beneficiaries have lost roughly 30 percent of buying power. Rising prices affect

seniors differently than the general population, since housing, medical costs, and prescription drugs represent such a large part of their spending. The miniscule COLA increase in 2017 only exacerbated the problem. “When costs climb more rapidly than benefits, retirees must spend down retirement savings more quickly than expected, and those without savings or other retirement income are either going into debt, or going without,” said Mary Johnson, TSCL’s SS policy analyst and author of the study. The study noted that the projected loss of buying power is the biggest since 2011, when there was no COLA at all and seniors lost a whopping 8 percent of buying power. The study analyzed the cost of 39 key items between 2000 and 2017, chosen because they are typical of costs that SS recipients must bear. This is similar to the analysis the government does when determining the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly. “This study illustrates why Congress should enact legislation to provide a more fair and adequate COLA,” Johnson said. “To put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of expenses seniors could afford in 2000, they can afford just $70 today.” Since most of America’s 57 million senior and disabled citizens depend on SS for at least half of their total income (one-third depend on it for 90 percent of their income), seniors and those who love them should ask Congress to pass more realistic COLAs going forward. ■

DECEMBER 2017

kvetch \ kfech  “Across America, managers of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurants are struggling to drum up business. Only now are they realizing that all they had to do was relocate to Grand Junction, Colorado. But, like the rest of you, I recently stood in line for an hour to taste the Grand Valley’s newest culinary delight. I could have saved both time and money had I stopped over at City Market’s deli and picked up some fried chicken and a bottle of hot sauce.” - Vern S.  “Shame on Grand Junction and Scott McInnis. [I] hope he never needs the service of Gray Gourmet or any help when he is older. What comes around goes around!” - Jeanne C.  “I had to comment on Eileen W’s [comment in November’s BEACON] on seeing a picture of a dead bear and how horrible it was. If seeing dead animals offends people, I would suggest they never drive the freeways or the mountain highways. More animals get hit by drivers than [get killed by hunters]. No one likes to see that but it is a part of life in mountain country, and those of us who have lived here a long time understand that. Having personally hit a large buck deer, it is a shattering experience to kill an animal and even worse to have your car demolished. Living in the mountains will always present us with these unpleasant experiences and we just have to live with it.” - Beverly D.

Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

DECEMBER 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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. We will give away three $50 gift certificates to the most loved locales nominated on the ballot. 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 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 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_______________________________________ 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:______________________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________________

Best Place to Golf____________________________________________

EXCEPTIONAL CARE Two great locations

“The Five Star Difference” Rehabilitation to return home after hospitalization ■ Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy ■ Skilled nursing care 24/7 ■ Respite care & short-term stays ■

■ ■

Memory care-Alzheimer’s & Dementia Veterans benefits accepted

LifeStyle 360 Activities Program focusing on your:

Intellectual, social, physical, emotional & spiritual well being

Exceptional Care —Two great locations

MEDICARE AND MEDICAID BEDS NOW AVAILABLE

970-242-7356 2825 Patterson Road Grand Junction

CALL TODAY FOR A TOUR

970-245-1211 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive Grand Junction