Issuu

MARCH 2015

Vol. 29

No. 3

Montrose & Delta Counties’ Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 11,500 Readers.

Montrose County Delta County Create a Legacy We all want to leave a lasting legacy. What will yours be? Read more in this month’s insert.

Declutter for a happy life Does decluttering seem daunting? Learn tips to help create a space that brings you peace and joy. Page 6. Now’s the time to explore Cuba Now that restrictions have been lifted, see what you’ve likely missed these last 50 years. Page 12. Pavilion: a hot spot for dancers One local club meets a special need for seniors, providing time for exercise and fellowship. Page 16.

O V R A S Local flavor

Life is too short to buy store-bought tomatoes. For produce fresh from the garden, contact your local CSAs. Photo courtesy of Borden Farms

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March 2015

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March 2015

It takes a team to make a BEACON

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EDITORIAL 3

By Kevin VanGundy

’ve been in and out of the publishing business since I was the advertising manager for my high school’s yearbook and newspaper. During that time I’ve had the good fortune to work with many talented writers, photographers, sales people, editors and graphic artists. The team that I work with at the BEACON Senior Newspaper is made up of some of the best. Our lead designer, Heidi Graf, is the best graphic artist that I have ever had the privilege of collaborating with. Her ability to P.S. conceptualize and execute er, Heidi, m Reme b bt, an original design generally u “If in do urst!” rb exceeds every expectause a sta Heidi Graf has won more tion. And her use of negative awa rds for the BEACON Senior space in her compositions is Newspaper than any other person. the best I have ever seen. I bring this up because after eight years of working together, Legacy insert. Please read about each Heidi is returning to her native New of them and vote. England. Now that the Patriots have BeaconFest is April 16 reclaimed the Super Bowl title and BeaconFest is an annual event Boston has gotten more snow than where our community comes toColorado, all the signs of bon voyage gether to celebrate aging. This year’s were in place. Grand Junction show will be ThursHeidi, you will be missed, but not day, April 16, from 9 a.m-3 p.m. at forgotten. the Two Rivers Convention Center. Give! Admission is free! The insert in this month’s paper, A few vendor booths remain Create A Legacy, is your local guide Does your business sell products or about where to donate your time and services to our area’s fastest growmoney. While there are many worthy ing boomer and senior population? causes in the area, I think the organiIn addition to being an effective way zations in this month’s paper deserve to meet with them one on one (over your extra consideration. 2,500 people attended last year), Vote early! Vote often! BeaconFest is also a lot of fun! Please You’ll be hearing that a lot as we call us at 243-8829 to get information head towards a City Council election, about being a vendor at this year’s but in this particular case, we would show. ■ like you to help us choose this year’s Volunteer of the Year. The winner will be announced at April’s Grand If you have an event or photo Junction BeaconFest and will grace you would like to have the cover of the May issue of the BEAappear in the BEACON, CON. We have 20 worthy candidates send it to: beacon@pen vying for this year’s trophy and their dantpublishing.com. nominations appear in the Create A

OFF In-Stock or Special Ordered in March

4 COVER STORY

Become a CSA member today! Borden Farms CSA Full CSA Share - $495 (16 weeks starting mid-June) This full share includes an assortment of fresh, certified-organic vegetables, fruit, herbs, hanging baskets and more. Pick up in Delta, Montrose and Grand Junction! Times and days are still being decided. Contact the farm for details. To sign up, call 874-5383, visit www.bordenfarms.com or email bordenfarms@gmail.com.

Field to Fork CSA Spring Garden Share - $100 (4 weeks starting May 8) Distribution from 4 p.m. to dark at the farm, 3526 Front St. Summer Garden Share (17 weeks starting June 10) Distribution at the farm, 3526 Front St. in Palisade, or from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Lincoln Park. • Small share (1-2 people) - $375 • Medium share (3-4 people) $500 • Large share (5-6 people) - $800 Fall Garden Share - $150 (4 weeks starting October 16) Distribution from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Fridays at the farm. To sign up, visit www.fieldtoforkcsa.com or call 216-2642.

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Tired of tasteless tomatoes?

March 2015

Get to know your local CSA farms By Carrie Kellerby ired of tasteless tomatoes? So were Guy and Lynn Borden, who decided to leave their corporate jobs and move to the historic farming community in the Uncompahgre Valley to create The Borden Farm at Pea Green. “We decided we wanted to grow the great-tasting vegetables we remembered our grandparents growing,” Lynn said. They started with great soil and organic farming practices, becoming a certified organic grower in 1996. Today they provide a variety of handpicked fruits, vegetables, herbs and flower baskets to farmers markets from Telluride to Aspen, as well as to their many CSA members.

What’s a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an alternative, locally based model of agriculture and food distribution that has been around since the 1980s. The movement began in Europe and was brought to the U.S. by Swiss farmer Jan Vander Tuin. The model’s purpose is rooted in the belief that delivering high-quality food to a local region is vital to the longterm stability of family farming. It was also a reaction against the emergence of large-scale corporate farming practices that were relying on chemicals and genetically modified (GMO) seeds that were designed to increase shipping stability and pest-resistance rather than taste or nutrition. CSA farms typically practice biodynamic or organic farming methods. Membership in a CSA buys a

share of the local farm’s harvest. Each week of the growing season— typically June through September— members receive a box of produce containing a variety of fruits and vegetables (and sometimes herbs, honey, eggs or dairy products, depending on the farm). CSAs include some kind of delivery system, typically a once-a-week drop-off destination, a local farmers market, or the option of picking up at the farm itself. CSAs are a great way to support your local farmers and get to know the faces behind your food. It is an opportunity to start a relationship with the folks who tend the soil and grow the food you eat, who provide you with a picked-when-ripe healthy alternative to commercially produced, early picked and distantly shipped food, while helping the local economy. Because the shares provide a weekly variety, you might even discover some new flavors that you may not otherwise get a chance to try.

Scott Washkowiak

Field to Fork: a dream come true Scott and Jessica Washkowiak at Field to Fork in Palisade are gearing up for their fourth year as a CSA farm. In the past they have leased land, but through the help of a USDA loan program for beginning farmers and ranchers they purchased their own farm last year, making 2015 the first season they will be working their own land. It’s the culmination of a longheld dream for the couple, and a responsibility that neither take lightly. They are now filling out the paperwork to obtain their organic certification.

March 2015 Scott has a degree in horticulture and learned organic farming practices in San Diego, where he and Jessica lived for a time. Jessica was raised in the Grand Valley and expressed her love for the community. “There comes a point where it’s about more than just a farm,” she said. “It’s really a relationship with the community that we are growing.” The Washkowiaks are committed to the quality of their products and the soil, which is the foundation of their sustainable farming philosophy. “It’s all about the health of the soil,” Jessica said. Their practice not only eliminates the use of harsh chemicals, but also includes a pledge to use only organic, heirloom and open pollinated seed. They will not use genetically modified seeds for any of their products. Field to Fork will grow a variety of different kinds of fruit, vegetables and herbs, and each week their members will receive a share filled with a sampling of what’s in season. The shares are purchased in advance and can be picked up either at the farm or at Lincoln Park in Grand Junction on Wednesdays from 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. (A one-time delivery charge of $35 applies for pickups at Lincoln Park.) They will also operate a vegetable stand at the Field To Fork Farm throughout the season, open from 2 p.m. until dusk every day. You can find them at 3526 Front St. in Palisade. Field to Fork will also be at both the Grand Junction and Palisade farmers markets this year. The Washkowiaks offer several membership types. The spring garden share is for four weeks, beginning in May. It offers baby spring vegetables, flowers and herbs, eggs and popcorn. The fall garden share is a bountiful selection of late-season produce for five weeks. The whole season share has options for small (one to two people), medium (two to four people) or large shares (four to

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Borden Farms manages 14 acres of field production and over 13,000 square feet of flowers, herbs and vegetables in their five large greenhouses. The farm has a fenced orchard and heirloom apricot trees, and operates two packing sheds on site. The Bordens begin Borden Farms: a homegrown their season in May with a blaze of paradise colorful hanging floral baskets. In Guy Borden of Borden Farms at Pea addition to the beautiful baskets, Green, nicknamed “The Tomato the farm is known for its “Borden’s Guy,” is, according to his wife, Lynn, Best Homegrown Tomatoes,” which a renaissance man. He farms, fixes they start from seed and plant in the tractor, is an accomplished the ground in one of their large woodworker and a great cook. It greenhouses, which gives them was his frustration with the narrow a jumpstart. They can offer vineselection and low-quality produce ripened certified organic tomatoes available in supermarkets that got in June, a month earlier than field him thinking seriously about farming tomatoes are ready. nearly 20 years ago. These days Lynn talked about how they pack you can find Borden Farms at the the share boxes for delivery— farmers markets in Aspen, Avon, usually within a day of picking, Basalt, Carbondale, Crested Butte sometimes hours. and Edwards. They also have their “The vegetables are lightly own stand or deliver to host homes washed, but not processed in in Telluride, Ridgway, Montrose any way,” she said, adding that and Grand Junction, as well as their everything in the boxes comes thriving CSA business. from Borden Farms at Pea Green, providing a huge selection of organic fruits, vegetables and herbs with every share. To sign up for a CSA share with Borden Farms, call 874-5383 or email bordenfarms@gmail.com. ■

six people) to accommodate various needs. Shares are somewhat limited; the Washkowiaks plan to serve about 100 families this year. To sign up for a membership, visit www. fieldtoforkcsa.com or call Jessica at 216-2642.

COVER STORY 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ........................ Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Graphic Design..................... Melissa Trottier Production................................ Karen Jones Account Representative...............Sue Bowen Account Representative............Sidney Jayne Account Representative.................Dave Hoyt Proofreader................................. Jan Weeks Cheerleader .............................Genevra Shal Delta-Montrose Bureau Assistant Editor...................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative.......... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Beacon Mascot Bogart.......................................................... P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 82 9  800.536.7516 fax 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, Montrose and Garfield 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 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Guy & Lynn Borden

Remember that CSA memberships are limited and are usually offered on a first-come basis. Now is the time to secure your place and ensure that you will have the best quality produce throughout the year. Borden Farms: 874-5383 or email bordenfarms@gmail.com Field to Fork: 216-2642 or visit www.fieldtoforkcsa.com

Cover Photo Guy and Lynn Borden longed for the greattasting garden vegetables their grandparents grew. So they left their corporate jobs and started Borden Farms at Pea Green.

6 FEATURE STORY

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13 tips for de-cluttering your life By Melanie Wiseman

ooking forward to spring, we begin thinking about how we can improve our yard and gardens to make them more appealing. An attractive outdoor space is a relaxing spot where we enjoy spending our time and can see the fruits of our labor. Putting the same time and energy into your home can create a space that brings you the same peace and joy. But does the clutter in your home and garage seem like too daunting

and too stressful a task to take on? You are not alone. Taking on the clutter challenge is worth the positive life-altering results, which can leave you feeling weightless and free. Your clutter anxiety will drop and your motivation to stay clutter free will keep you on track. Authors Gretchen Rubin (“The Happiness Project”) and Marie Kondo (“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”), and professional organizer Barbara Reich are my three new superheroes. These three organization gurus inspire thousands of people

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who face what seems to be an overwhelming task. Their books are best sellers and many of the 4,000 members of the National Association of Professional Organizers have an extended waiting list of clients. I share their passion. True story: For a recent white elephant gift exchange function I attended, guests were to wrap a “useless” item from home. I was the only one who actually had to go out and buy something. “Life will throw you enough messes. You don’t need to come home to one,” Reich said. “Clutter equals stress.” While all three of these professionals agree perfectionism is not the goal, they believe you should surround yourself with an environment that makes you happy and joyful. They also focus on working with those who tend to be unorganized. Perhaps the biggest challenge is how to get started. The first step is to accept that the battle against clutter is not a dramatic, one-time organizing event or one that magically happens when your back is turned. It is a transforming process that involves small steps, some tough but necessary decisions, and follow-up maintenance. In her book, Kondo focuses less on what to discard and more on what to keep—those few items that spark sufficient joy or are truly necessary. Rubin and Reich’s approaches attack getting rid of unneeded items and organizing what is left. Both methods offer the same result: Less is more. Don’t let clutter weigh you down.

The road to being clutter free Getting started is no easy task. Choose the cluttered area of your home that bothers you the most, or pick a closet or cabinet and dig in. The point is to give yourself permission and just do it.

March 2015

1. Pick a drawer, cabinet or closet. Pull everything out and only put back those things you actually use. You will be amazed at the duplicates you find, things you forgot you even had, or things you’ll admit you’ll never use again. “Want” and “need” will take on new meanings. 2. Make four piles: Keep. Donate. Consign/Sell. Toss. Ask yourself why you’re hanging on to things. If you’re not using something, consider that someone else may be very happy to have it. Don’t let your stuff control your life. Whether it’s a donation or money in your pocket, it’s a win-win. 3. Use the one-year rule. As you sort through things, purge any clothing or items you haven’t worn or used in the past year. 4. Don’t “what if.” If you’re hanging on to clothing because you think to yourself, “What if I lose 20 pounds?” or a box of miscellaneous electrical cords because “What if I need them someday?” consider this: Live for the present and not the future. If you do lose the weight, great! Celebrate by treating yourself to some new clothes. Clothes you’re hanging on to are going out of style anyway. As for

March 2015 that box of miscellaneous cords to who knows what, toss them. Technology changes so quickly. 5. Take inventory of what you have and purge. Discovering you have four can openers, six hammers, eight pair of black pants or 15 glass vases will help you keep track of what you really need. Purge the rest. 6. Keeping things because of a sentimental attachment can be a big problem. Taking pictures of nostalgic clutter makes it easier to throw or donate them. Selling or donating them doesn’t mean you love them less. Are you still hanging on to your adult children’s toys and grade school art projects? It’s their memorabilia now. Pass it on and let them decide what to keep or throw away. 7. The paperwork nightmare. Starting with the mail, don’t let into the house what is trash to begin with. Sort your mail on the way from your mailbox and toss the junk mail in a garage trashcan. If it hits the kitchen counter, it’s now clutter. Unsubscribe to catalogs. You can find almost anything online. Recycle newspapers as soon as they are read. Instead of saving stacks of old magazines, find good homes for them at the library, nursing homes, athletic clubs, etc. Micromanaging filing paperwork will keep you from doing it in the first place. Simplify by having a “car” folder, for example, which can include insurance, maintenance receipts and other records. 8. Try a virtual move. Walk around your home and ask yourself if you moved today, which items would you

pack or get rid of? 9. Make sure everything has a place. Baskets for mail, hooks for coats and clear plastic bins for seasonal items keep things organized and tidy. Don’t underestimate the importance of a junk drawer for things that don’t have a logical place to go. Homelessness is the primary cause of clutter. 10. Get rid of your storage unit. Most likely there is nothing in there you can’t live without or it wouldn’t be in storage. Sell it and treat yourself to a getaway weekend. Life is about experiences, not things. 11. Live within your means. Let the size of your home dictate how much stuff you have and not the other way around. If your closet is bursting at the seams, instead of dreaming of a bigger closet, why not try paring down your clothes to fit the space you have? 12. Still having trouble getting motivated? Ask yourself, “Do I want to leave all this for my kids to deal with someday?” That usually works. Another question to ask is, “Do I really want to spend my retirement years going through old paperwork or would I rather go to a matinee or for a walk?”

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13. Forgive yourself and keep after it. Clutter doesn’t arrive overnight, and getting rid of it is a process. Nobody is perfect and nobody’s home is perfect. Don’t panic. Do a little at a time and celebrate your accomplishments. ■

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Calling ALL caregivers By Liesl Greathouse

egion 10 in Montrose is hosting its second annual Caregiver Summit and Retreat from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 15 at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. This event is designed to deliver useful and inspiring content for caregivers, while giving them a muchneeded respite. Region 10 recognized the need to provide support for caregivers, a rapidly growing segment of the population. Last year’s summit was such a hit that they decided to make it an annual event. Caregivers residing in Montrose, Delta, Ouray, Gunnison, Hinsdale and San Miguel counties are welcome to attend. Cost is $10 per attendee, and includes lunch and refreshments. Hilltop’s Day Haven, 238 S. Second St. in Montrose, offers a retreat for care recipients who are not homebound, but space is limited to 15 recipients. There is also in-home

March 2015

respite available for care recipients too frail to leave the home. All respite care requests must be received by April 1. “It will be a fun day for the people who receive care,” Region 10 Community Living Services Director and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Eva Veitch, 55, said. “They get to meet new people, have fun, and enjoy a nice lunch and entertainment.” The event will begin with the welcome address at 9:30 a.m. by Sue Hansen, a corporate trainer and motivational speaker. Breakout sessions throughout the day will focus on communication, specifically how to discuss difficult issues. If attendees don’t wish to attend a session, volunteers will be on hand to offer manicures and massages, giving attendees options for how they want to spend the day. Attendees can choose from two morning breakout sessions from 10:15 a.m.-11:45 p.m.

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March 2015 “Validation” by Brandi Garcia will feature specific methods for communicating with people who have difficulties such as Alzheimer’s. “Essential Conversations” by Amy Rowan and Sandy Walker will be about how to tackle general conversations that can be awkward. Lunch by the Camp Robber will be served after the morning session. Keynote speaker, dementia expert and author, Laura Wayman will speak at 12:30 p.m. Attendees can choose from two afternoon breakout sessions from 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” by Jane Dupree and Sandy Walker will give pointers on how to be more effective caregivers and how to have a rewarding experience. “How do the 3Hs (Home Care, Home Health and Hospice) Impact Me?” by Phil Gibson is designed for people navigating the various stages of care. The event is not limited to caregivers of the elderly or disabled. It also includes those who may not consider

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com themselves caregivers, such as the growing population of grandparents who are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren, and people who have already placed a loved one into an assisted living or nursing home. “They don’t see themselves as caregivers but they still have a big responsibility for caring for their loved one,” Veitch said. “[Grandparents] have unique conversations on a daily basis. Being able to effectively communicate is important, regardless of age.” Veitch said these caregivers often receive no credit for what they do and do not feel like they need or deserve support. “Caregivers really need support and respite and need to know what to expect,” Veitch said. “There are a lot of educational opportunities offered at this event, along with respite programs. We want to honor the caregivers, who do not get a lot of recognition and who may feel that it is a thankless job.” For details and to register, call 2492436 or visit www.region10.net. ■

10 LAUGHING MATTERS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

March 2015

Laughing Matters Local story

Submitted by Bob Breazeale Remember the guy who was arrested for pointing a banana at a cop? I kind of know how he feels. The other day I stuck my head out the window to yell at my grandkids. The cops arrested me for moonin’.

Corny collection

Submitted by Christine Treiter Two peanuts walk into a bar. One is asalted. A jumper cable walks into a bar. The barman says, “I’ll serve you, but don’t start anything.” A sandwich walks into a bar. The barman says, “Sorry, we don’t serve food in here.” A dyslexic man walks into a bra. A man walks into a bar with a slab of asphalt under his arm and says, “A beer please, and one for the road.” Two cannibals are eating a clown. One says to the other, “Does this taste funny to you?” Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, “I was artificially inseminated this morning.” “I don’t believe you,” Dolly said. “It’s true,” Daisy exclaimed. “No bull!”

A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Glad Wrap shorts. The shrink says, “Well, I can clearly see you’re nuts.” Two hydrogen atoms walk into a bar. One says, “I’ve lost my electron.” The other says, “Are you sure?” The first replies, “Yes, I’m positive.”

Lessons learned

Submitted by Bob Breazeale The other day my 7-year-old grandson was making all kinds of weird faces in the mirror. I told him, “When I was a kid and made faces like that, my mother said my face would look that way permanently.” He looked at me for a few seconds and said, “Well, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”

Smart as you look

Submitted by Bob Breazeale Over the holidays my brother and I were discussing one of the many political topics of the day. After one of my comments, my brother said, “You’re smarter than you look. Of course, I guess you’d have to be.”

Golf balls

Submitted by Willy Charles A man got on the bus with both of his front trouser pockets full of golf balls and sat down next to a beautiful blonde. The puzzled blonde kept looking at him and his bulging pockets.

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Life’s Legacy in Stone

March 2015 Finally, after many glances from her, he said, “It’s golf balls.” The blonde continued to look at him for a very long time, thinking deeply about what he had said. Finally, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she asked, “Does it hurt as much as tennis elbow?”

Show and tell

Submitted by Mary Sorensen A kindergarten teacher gave her class a show and tell assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object that represented their religion to share with the class. The first student got up in front of the class and said, “My name is Benjamin. I’m Jewish and this is the Star of David.” The second student got up in front of the class and said, “My name is Mary. I’m Catholic and this is a rosary.” The third student got up in front of the class and said, “My name is Tommy. I am a Methodist. And this is a casserole.”

Money talks

Submitted by Karen Jones A well-worn $1 bill and a similarly distressed $20 bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The $20 bill reminisced about its travels all over the country. “I’ve had a pretty good life,” the $20 bill proclaimed. “I’ve been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broadway, and even a cruise to the Caribbean.” “Wow!” exclaimed the $1 bill. “You’ve really had an exciting life!” “Yeah,” said the $20 bill. “So tell me, where have you been throughout your lifetime?” The $1 bill replied, “Oh I’ve been to the Methodist church, the Baptist church, the Lutheran church...” The $20 bill interrupted, “What’s a church?”

True Thoughts

Submitted by Jordan Murphy Gardening Rule: When weeding,

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement. Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway. There are two kinds of pedestrians: the quick and the dead. An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other unbreakable toys. If quitters never win, and winners never quit, then who is the fool who said, “Quit while you’re ahead?” Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism or predictions. Why does a slight tax increase cost you $200 and a substantial tax cut saves you 30 cents? How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Bachelors

Submitted by Charles Craig Two bachelors named Larry and Frank went out to dinner. The conversation drifted from office to sports to politics and then to cooking. “I got a cook book once,” Larry said, “but I couldn’t do anything with it.” “Too much fancy stuff in it, huh?” Frank said. “You said it,” Larry said. “Everyone of those recipes started off the same way: Take a clean plate.” ■

Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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12 TRAVEL

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March 2015

Finally

a chance to explore

Cu ba after 50 years of restrictions

By Victor Block

f I told you I was lying on a white-sand beach at the edge of the turquoise sea, I could be at any Caribbean destination. But what if I told you I was also enjoying an experience that few Americans could over the last 50 years? Those who travel to Cuba under the new regulations due to the recent agreement between Cuba and the U.S. to reestablish diplomatic relations, lift trade barriers and ease restrictions on those traveling to Cuba from the U.S., will find a country of contradictions that make it an intriguing and inviting place to visit. The streets of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), the original 16th-century walled city, are lined by a treasure trove of architectural gems. Mountain ranges rise dramatically from verdant valleys and fields of sugar cane. Almost everyone I met wel-

comed visitors with a warm smile on their lips, music in their souls and a mix of resignation and humor about the challenges of their lives. Even vintage American-made cars from the 1950s, prized possessions for those who can afford them, add to the dichotomy. Some have been lovingly restored by well-to-do owners with the appropriate resources. Most are junkers kept running by a combination of mechanical innovation, imagination and luck. In recent years, renovations to former stately homes in Havana, many of which now house several families, have been underway, especially in areas where tourists congregate. Given the backlog of structures that have deteriorated, however, there are still countless buildings, their former glory hidden beneath crumbling facades and flaking paint. Behind its faded beauty, Havana

While signs of some buildings’ former glory is hidden beneath crumbling facades, renovations are being made to former stately homes in Havana. has enough attractions to make for an interesting day. Some three dozen major museums make the city an art lover’s paradise. A number of them offer the unsubtle propaganda, and praise for socialism and the revolution, that visitors to Cuba soon learn to expect. Others would rank as world class wherever they were located, displaying works of art by the likes of Renoir, Rodin and Picasso. The aptly named Museum of the Revolution focuses upon the uprising (1953-1959) that led to the downfall of the dictatorial ruler Fulgencio Batista and the rise to power of Fidel Castro. Maps, weapons and other exhibits—many with English descriptions denouncing U.S. oppression, imperialism and capitalism—trace the revolution in detail. An outdoor display area includes the tiny yacht in which Castro and 81 other men landed in Cuba to begin their improbable

and ultimately successful revolution. When I sought to exchange the confined space of museums to the world outside, I found the streets and neighborhoods of Havana to offer an introduction to living history. The Plaza de Armas, the most important square, was laid out in 1519, and served as the center around which early Havana arose. The Malecon, a sweeping boulevard between the city and the sea, is frequented by strollers, fishermen and lovers strolling hand in hand. The stately old villas of sugar barons and other wealthy Cubans who once resided in the upscale Miramar neighborhood, which were abandoned following the Revo-

lution, now house government agencies, foreign embassies and business offices. I also explored other areas of the island, including fields of sugar cane and what many cigar aficionados rate as the world’s best tobacco yield, and rolling plains where cattle graze. Cowboys (vaqueros) riding horses and farmers guiding plows pulled by oxen come into view. Hills where coffee is grown rise into mountain ranges. The northern coastline is rimmed by the best beaches on the island. The resort complex at Varadero, a two-hour drive east of Havana, has long attracted vacationers from Europe and Canada who have been free to visit Cuba. Explorations elsewhere on the island provide a wealth of experiences and impressions.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Strolling the narrow cobblestone streets of Trinidad, founded in 1514, is like being immersed in a time capsule of Cuba’s colonial past. Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city, is perched in hills overlooking the southeastern coast. Its past includes serving as the capital city during the mid 16th century, and being a slave port and refuge for French settlers from Haiti. In the little village of El Cobre, just outside Santiago, even the most ramshackle houses are neat, tidy and often decorated by foliage and flowers. Many of the people I encountered there, and elsewhere in Cuba, looked at me with curiosity, then smiled and offered a greeting in Spanish. One man gestured for me to enter his modest hut for coffee and to meet the family. After looking around to make certain no one was observing us, another man rolled up the sleeve of his T-shirt to display for me an American flag tattoo on his upper arm. The positive attitude that tattoo represented is held by many Cubans. In recent years, they have been getting a small taste of economic freedoms that we enjoy in the U.S., at least in a limited way. A number of the unpopular policies imposed by Castro during the

decades he ruled in Cuba have been eased by his brother Raul, who became president in 2008 when Fidel stepped aside due to illness. For example, Raul has lifted the restriction, that prevented people from buying and selling property and automobiles. He has also encouraged limited private enterprise, and many new small businesses have sprung up, including restaurants and people selling pizza through the windows in their homes. Those who visit Cuba under the new travel policies will be able to observe these changes and experience the friendliness of people whose lives have been challenging and lacking in luxuries. The attitude they have managed to retain is one of my lasting memories, along with the confusing, often conflicting, impressions left by that country. Those recollections linger, along with images of Cuba’s natural beauty, glorious yet sometimes faded architecture, and other attractions. With the lowering of barriers for people from the U.S. to visit, more Americans are likely to follow in my footsteps and return home with their own impressions. ■

TRAVEL 13

A young girl g reets the auth or and poses in the d oorway for a p hoto.

LEFT: Many cigar aficionados rate Cuba’s tobacco yield as one of the best. CENTER: A man rolls Cuban cigars. RIGHT: Family and friends play dominoes.

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he idea of creating a legacy may seem complicated but Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) makes it incredibly easy. In fact, its mission is to “promote charitable giving, build and manage charitable legacy funds and endowments and to provide grants and other resources to benefit the residents and communities of western Colorado.” WCCF President and Executive Director Anne Wenzel said there are many misconceptions about leaving a legacy with the foundation. “We can

meet a donor wherever they are,” she said. Involvement with WCCF is not limited to wealthy patrons but can be accessed by anyone who wants to support specific causes in the community. People with a serious one-time tax liability can mitigate tax consequences while benefiting local causes. WCCF serves seven regions: Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco counties. According to the foundation’s website, www.wccf.org, the logo for WCCF is a spiral which represents three concepts. “The circle

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reflects a sense of community and our connectedness to others. The spiral reflects the power of endowment, a permanent gift that keeps on giving. The petroglyph symbolizes those who have been here before us and who have left their mark.” The foundation, which began in 1996, offers several ways to secure your legacy. For as little as $5,000 you can create a named fund using your name or named to honor someone else. Frequently funds are named after children or grandchildren. When you name a fund after progeny, you actively engage them in philanthropic values and teach them to give back to the community. An End-of-Life Fund is created

through a bequest or your estate. This is an effective way to support something important to you for perpetuity. This type of fund is especially attractive to people who do not have heirs. Wenzel has been at the foundation’s helm for 15 years. “I love this job,” she said. During this time period the assets of WCCF have grown from $1 million to a whopping $45 million. The foundation manages 250 different funds including three $7-8 million endowments. Wenzel is in the process of lining up two signature estate gifts bringing in an additional $8-10 million. This concentration of money has a huge positive impact on our community. Scholarship funds are popular with

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donors and the foundation manages 28 such funds. Donors can serve on the selection committee, read essays submitted by applicants and then track progress of scholarship recipients. “Scholarship funds can be very satisfying to donors,” Wenzel said. Recently funds from an anonymous donor have been designated for a new initiative to alleviate child hunger in western Colorado. The initiative is supporting an emerging hunger alliance, which will serve as an umbrella organization for 35 different entities dealing with this problem. Identifying gaps in services is essential and summer feeding is a major concern. When school is not in session many children go hungry.

“We are trying to raise awareness and generate more funding to address this issue,” Wenzel said. WCCF has established excellent relationships with local nonprofit agencies making it easy to determine the most pressing community needs. General purpose community grants are designated to help meet these needs. Another way to support community projects is simply to donate to the foundation. You can specify which fund you’d like to enhance and all donations are fully tax deductible. For more information go to the foundation’s website at www.wc-cf.org or call 243-3767 to discuss options and receive the brochure “Thinking About Your Charitable Legacy.” ■

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March 2015

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By Liesl Greathouse

exercise, enjoyment, music and fellowship.” She said it’s also a way for local seniors to meet those who are new to Montrose. “There are a lot of new people moving in, so this is a way for them to get acquainted and share their experiences,” she said. “They can find new friends and interests, and they have something to look forward to every two weeks.” Campbell said comments are generally positive from dance attendees. “While some don’t like the music all the time, most just enjoy making new friends,” she said. Holiday dances are special for attendees. Guests tend to dress up for Valentine’s Day, Christmas and Halloween. Halloween is the club’s biggest event, awarding prizes for the best costumes. All are welcome to the dances. Admission is just $5. “Those who enjoy our group are faithful to bring new people,” Campbell said. “Bands bring in people from their areas, and we try to generate interest from everywhere.” See the details of the Montrose Pavilion Dance Club’s events every month on the BEACON’s Club Activities page. For more information, call 252-7172. ■

or a fun time dancing and getting to know fellow seniors, the Montrose Pavilion every other Saturday night is the place to be. The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club members dance at the Montrose Senior Center from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. each second and fourth Saturday of the month. Members boogie to several types of dance, including ballroom, line dancing and western swing. Normally six different bands are scheduled throughout the year to provide music variety, but dances featuring western music are most popular. The bands are crowd pleasers, working to keep the atmosphere fun and lively. “We like for everybody to come and have a good time,” Lavon Campbell, 89, said. The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club started in 1990. The club is a subsidiary of the Golden Circle Seniors, a club whose members help run the Montrose Senior Center inside the Pavilion. A break at 9 p.m. allows guests to enjoy refreshments and socialize while club members have a short meeting to discuss business and answer questions. While a large fruit tray is provided, attendees are asked to bring refreshments to share. No alcohol is served, but coffee and ice water are available. “We have time to visit, then we get right back up to dancing,” Campbell said. With dances bringing in 90-110 people, Campbell said she believes the club meets a special need in the senior community. “It is a chance to meet new people and have a great evening,” she said. “Seniors get Nelson Jennett and Kathleen Harris show off their red sweaters at the annual Montrose Pavilion dance.

March 2015

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Club Activities & Support Groups Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

• Western Slope 4 Wheelers is made up of off-road enthusiasts who enjoy four wheeling and who work to protect four-wheeling rights on public lands. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754. • Montrose Amateur Radio Club has been continuously active for over 50 years and is an ARRL-affiliated general interest club. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of every month at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142. • Black Canyon Camera Club is where you can join a group of avid photographers for outings, workshops and conversation. Meetings are at noon on the second Tuesday of every month at the First Church of Christ, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Call 399-3674. • Black Canyon Classics is open to

people of all ages who are interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. During the winter months, meetings are on the first Tuesdays at the Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors Building, 155 Merchant Drive in Montrose. For times, call 249-6051. • Black Canyon Audubon Society is one of eleven National Audubon Society chapters in Colorado. They are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational activities. For meeting dates and times, call 2496761, ext. 14. • Wild Bunch 4WD club is made up of members who share the love of the outdoors. From easy scenic trail rides to hard rock crawling, the club is out to have fun and promote responsible use of our public lands for future generations. Meetings are on the second Monday of “odd” months. For dates, times and locations, email desertrat27@hotmail.com.

• Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club members dance main stream and plus and welcome all visitors. Meetings are 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays monthly at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 596-4252. • Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. On March 14, there will be music by Thin Air and on March 28, there will be music by Country Plus. Admission is $5. Call 252-7172.

Support groups

• Veterans PTSD support group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services. Call 765-2210. • Stroke Support Group meets 11 a.m. to noon, twice a month, at Montrose Memorial Hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit. For details and meeting days,

DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES 17

call 318-2028. • Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets from noon to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at 645 S. Fifth St. in Montrose. • Caregiver Support Group meets 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at Crossroads Assisted & Independent Living model cottage at 1380 Aspen Way in Delta. Call 773-4214. • Caregiver Support & Networking Group meets at 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays and third Thursdays of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. The meetings are structured to be an all-inclusive group for caregivers who care for someone with dementia, disability or illness. For more information and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203. • Mending Hearts Support Group, offered by HopeWest, meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays in the Bosom Buddies Room, 645 S. Fifth St. Call 240-7734.■

18 DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES

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Delta/Montrose Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Dances at the Montrose Pavilion

“Serving Life” documentary showing “Serving Life” documents an extraordinary hospice program and is narrated by actor Forest Whitaker. This free showing takes place at noon and again at 6 p.m. at the HopeWest Conference Room, 195 Stafford Lane in Delta. Follow the story of a group of inmate volunteers who staff their own hospice inside a maximum-security prison in Louisiana. Registration required. For details and to register, call 874-6823. March 12, 19 & 26.

Alzheimer’s education series This program will be held from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. March 12, 19 and 26 at Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose Campus, 320 S. Second St. Classes provide information on detection, possible causes and risk factors, stages, treatment and more. To RSVP, call 240-0600.

S E N I O R

experienced gardener and birder Pete Loncar and will be at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Room off Centennial Plaza, 422 S. First St. in Montrose. For details, call 249-1115.

March 14 & 28

March 12

P R E M I E R

March 2015

The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. On March 14, there will be music by Thin Air and on March 28, there will be music by Country Plus. Admission is $5. Call 252-7172. March 18

March 21

Community evening dances in Delta Dance from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. Cost is $5 per person. Bring a snack to share. For details, call 874-0923. March 25

Martin Sexton in concert Sexton’s music blends many genres of American music. His solo performances are engaging and intimate with audiences of all sizes. Concert will be at 7:30 p.m. at The Paradise Theatre, 215 Grand Ave. in Paonia. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit pickinproductions.com or call 260-6493.

Bridges Out of Poverty Bridges Out of Poverty is a unique and powerful tool that has helped millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty. This presentation will be 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Region 10 Office, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. To register, call 254-5736. ■ If you have an event or photo you would like to have appear in the BEACON, send it to: beacon@pen dantpublishing.com.

March 18

Gardening for birding presentation This free event is presented by

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March 2015

Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Events for veterans The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans this month. If you have not previously registered with the Warrior Resource Center as a veteran, bring a form of military ID with you. For more information, call 765-2210. • All veterans are invited for coffee from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thursday. • All military spouses (of any branch or era) are invited to a luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. • The public is invited to eagle head cane presentations at 1 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Beautiful eagle head canes created by Black Canyon Wood Carvers and Wood Workers Guild of Western Colorado are presented to veterans.

Magic Circle Players present “Pride and Prejudice” This well-known Jane Austen classic adapted for the stage opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Magic Circle Theater, 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose. Show continues Friday and Saturday evenings through March 21. There will also be matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays, March 8, 15 and 22. For more information and tickets, call 249-7838.

St. Mary’s and MMH join forces with air ambulance St. Mary’s Hospital CareFlight and Montrose Memorial Hospital have agreed to form a joint venture to provide emergency helicopter services to patients on the western slope. The joint venture will place a helicopter at MMH in April 2015 and will provide a helicopter air ambulance service that will be fully integrated with the existing CareFlight. St. Mary’s and MMH share the express mission of providing a high-quality, cost-effective air ambulance service for the region. For details, call 240-7344.

Lenten music at MUMC Enjoy Lenten music from noon to 12:30 p.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. every Wednesday through April 1. Each will feature various local artists. For details, call 249-3716.

No attorney and need help? The self-represented litigant coordinator can help you find and complete forms, and answer your questions about the process in county court civil, contempt, small claims, divorce/parenting and uncontested guardianship. In Delta, walk-in hours are from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Delta County Combined Court, 501 Palmer St. In Montrose, walk-in hours are from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays (and Fridays, March 13 and 27) at the Montrose County Combined Court, 1200 N. Grand Ave. To schedule an appointment at either location, call 252-4312.

Montrose Community Rec Center earns $500,000 grant The Daniels Fund has awarded a $500,000 grant to help build the Montrose Community Recreation Center (CRC). The Montrose Recreation Foundation recently launched a $1.6 million capital campaign for enhancements to the regular plan. The enhanced plan includes a third court in the gym, three more lap lanes in the lap pool, doubling the size of the walking track and a therapy clinic. Tax deductible donations may be sent to the Montrose Community Foundation, PO Box 63, 81401, with a reference to the “CRC Capital Campaign”. For more information, visit www. montroserecfoundation.org.

Free Medicare counseling Certified volunteer Medicare counselors can help you understand your options, make informed choices, know your rights, and save money. Free Medicare counseling is offered Monday through Thursday by appointment at RSVP Colorado West,

March 2015 121 N. Park Ave. in Montrose. To set up an appointment, call 249-9639.

Montrose Education Series: All events will be held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade in Montrose. Registration is required for all events. To register, call 249-2436. • March 10 - 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. “Estate Planning Basics.” Learn basic estate planning essentials, including the difference between wills and trusts and how to use a power of attorney to round out your estate plan. Workshop is free. To register, call 243-8250. • March 17 - noon to 1 p.m. “Should a reverse mortgage be part of my retirement plan?” Learn how home equity conversion mortgages are structured and how they may be used to meet financial needs or to supplement monthly incomes, and USDA programs to help with housing modifications and repairs.

Volunteer opportunities • HopeWest in Delta and Montrose is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. In Delta, call 874-6823. In

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Montrose, call 252-2642. • RSVP in Montrose seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. For a list of opportunities, call 249-9639.

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ this month. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on the following activities, call 252-4884. • Snowshoeing at Grand Mesa - 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 17. Cost is $18 with your own snowshoes or $28 if we provide snowshoes. • Eckert Crane Days - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 21. • Hike - 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., March 26. Colorado River Trail. Bring a sack lunch. Cost is $18. • Shopping in Grand Junction 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. April 2. Cost is $20. Bring money for lunch. ■

DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES 21

Depression is not a normal part of aging! Call the Center for Mental Health (970) 252-3200.

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For Sale Stair Lift Chair Expands 4 steps but could be extended for longer stairway. Light tan in color. Located in Cedaredge. 8563121.

Home Care PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers. Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs. Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel

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Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

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www.pascosw.com

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Home Services

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Black Canyon Home Services Small repairs, maintenance, housekeeping, second home care. Visit our website at www.blackcanyonhomeservices.net. Montrose area. Call John 209-2095. Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 30 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. 216-8236. Reliable Estate Sales Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 2602327, cash4@bresnan.net or www. reliableestatesales.net.

March 2015 Accessibility Services Grab bars. Walk-in tubs/showers. Licensed plumber/handyman. Serving Western Colorado since 1989. Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403. Skilled Handyman Services Fast, reliable handyman services available. No job too big or too small. We are licensed and insured and have over 35 years’ experience. We are ADA (Special Needs), CAPS (Aging in Place) and NHBA (National Home Builders Association) certified to meet your individual needs. All services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and misc. services. Western Interior Builders, LLC. Call 241-2029 for appointment.

Wanted to Buy BUYING OLD CLOTHING Costume jewelry, purses, sewing patterns and perfumes (pre-1970s). Call Linda 234-4736 or 1-800-572-7670. 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** CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff.net. Mark 260-2327.

Help Wanted

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

March 2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

youth kudos\ku·dos The truth about maintaining “More” are both a little more truth-

 “Thank you for giving us our own BEACON. I loved the story and photos of the old hippie bus.” - Kelli F., Montrose

 “Seeing the hippie bus on the cover of your paper brought back some great memories from the ’60s. Groovy, man!” - Ted H., Montrose

 “I have never picked up a copy of the BEACON before, but then I saw that cool bus on the cover and thought, ‘Wow. Count me in.’ Here’s $15 for a subscription.” - Jack R., Ridgway Kevin: We’re excited to have grown enough to turn what once was a Montrose-Delta section in the paper into its own paper. And we got such positive response to the story about the hippie bus that we are running it this month in Grand Junction.  “My mom used to live at Eagle Ridge. Your article was very truthful. They have made many good changes there and she loved the staff.” - Margaret A., Grand Junction

 “I cried during the reading of [“Love overcomes grief” in February’s BEACON]. It was lovely. I love the BEACON.” - Martha B., Grand Junction

 “We enjoy the BEACON so much. Thank you.” - Patricia W., Billings, MT

 “I want to thank whoever shoveled my walk recently after that crazy snow flurry. I meant to get to it. I live near the high school.” - Loyd P., Montrose  “To the nice couple that sat across from us at Denny’s in Clifton. No, they didn’t buy my meal, but they did give me a half-price coupon. Thank you.” - Denise S., Clifton

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

By Patsy Pipkin

he high cost of maintenance is driving me nuts! Not just the monetary cost. It’s just so darn time consuming. I know there are products and promises out there that are supposed to help relieve the pain and offer hope for the aging population. They lie. No matter how crazy it sounds, I’d better not quit my feeble efforts to take care of what’s left. What I see when I look in the mirror is far better than it will ever be in the future. Every single thing I do, just to maintain what’s left, is entirely too time consuming. There’s got to be a short cut. When darkness arrives each evening, I’m too pooped to even complete my bedtime beauty routine, much less read a book, or watch TV. I guess this period has been creeping up on me for years, but I have been too busy to notice. Well, it’s finally caught up with me. All the time and effort put forth through the years, thinking I was going to get better, be more limber, define my waistline, lighten the darkness under my eyes, remove the liver spots on my hands and arms, and wake up glowing and skinny was completely useless. I’m wide awake now and I can plainly see I haven’t accomplished a single one of those sought-after beauty tricks. Not that I haven’t had constant encouragement. Every single magazine I pick up offers suggestions for staying young and beautiful. Face creams, massage, sun-spot lighteners, hair color, diet pills, Botox, eight glasses of water a day, and all the exercise in the world isn’t going to accomplish what the ads and nutrition books herald. Should I just give up and let nature have its way? No. I’m not ready to accept defeat. I’m still reading stuff like “The New You” and the “The Number One Beauty Treatment in the Country,” and those before-and-after bodies still catch my eye. “O: The Oprah Magazine” and

ful than some of the others geared to foolish younger women, but even they preach standards and goals I’ll never reach. Besides, they have an age limit on most of their studies about maintenance and beauty tips. I don’t know why I still subscribe. Recently I’ve been plagued by medicine my dentist gave me to swish around in my mouth for two minutes each morning. You’d think that would be a snap, but nay. I don’t have two minutes to swish metallic tasting stuff every morning. I’m a busy woman. There’s also the six pages of stretching exercises I’m supposed to do each morning. I know I have arthritis. It thrives in my fingers and toes, and lately it’s trying to invade my knees. Sometimes I think it’s migrated to my lower back but I’m trying to ignore that. In other words, I’m doing quite well for my age, or so I’m told. I’m also told I don’t have the crippling kind of arthritis, but nobody told that to my fingers and toes! My fingers are frightful to look at and won’t unscrew anything. My big toes are blessed with a plastic joint and a little screw and simply rebel when stuffed into high heels. I’ve been forced to reconsider those “dreadful grandma shoes” that I once swore loud and long to never wear. Most days I don’t have an hour to stretch. I just do the few absolutely necessary moves to get me going. After coffee and the newspaper in my recliner, I usually head to the fitness center, if I don’t settle down to write an hour or two. I have thought my maintenance routine was working reasonably well for the last 13 years. Thirteen lying, cheating years! Just look at all the time and effort I’ve wasted, not to mention the money for special shoes and stretchy pants. All this time I’ve been thinking I was going to at least get better, but now I’ve come to realize that youth vanished long ago. ■

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

kvetch\kfech  “Cockamamie county commissioners are at it again! This time approving a subsidy, $50,000+, for a quarter-ofa-billion-dollar company, Townsquare Media, that promotes Country Jam. Doesn’t make sense to me. How about you?” - Dean R., Grand Junction  “I don’t mind our community subsidizing the arts, but I don’t like that crap they call country. It doesn’t sound country to me.” - Lucinda W., Fruita

 “As a resident who lives near where they have Country Jam, I get a pretty good earful and I’m not always happy with what I hear. Now I understand they are bringing the devil himself to town, Rob Zombie. Will the county pay for my hotel in town? I will not subject myself to that garbage!” - Please don’t use my name.

 “It’s official! I have sworn off local radio for good. Now my tax dollars are going to make them richer. It’s not like they are still locally owned. I’m glad my new truck came with XM Radio!” - Todd O., Grand Junction

 “I don’t understand why gas can be $1.97 a gallon at one gas station and just across the street its 15 cents more and people still go there.” - Floyd M., Grand Junction

Wanna pitch a fit? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Moments are sweeter when shared.

At Holiday Retirement, we take care of life’s daily details so you can focus on what matters most. All our residents enjoy:

• • • •

Three chef-prepared meals a day Full calendar of activities & events 24/7 live-in managers Housekeeping and linen service

• • • •

Private apartments Pets warmly welcomed No long-term commitments And much more!

Join us for our upcoming events! International Women’s Day ...........Saturday, March 07, 2015

Adventure Travel Club - Ireland.......Saturday, March 14, 2015

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration ....... Saturday, March 21, 2015

Chef Showcase - Pasta Bar ............Saturday, March 21, 2015

Easter Celebration ....................... Sunday, April 5, 2015

Easter Celebration ...........................Sunday, April 5, 2015

The Atrium of Grand Valley

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Independent Retirement Living 3260 N 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506 970-674-7286 | theatriumofgrandvalley.com

*ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

We’re nationwide! Learn more by calling 800-322-0999.