BEACON - December 2013

December 2013

Vol. 27 No. 12

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 32,851 Readers.

BEACON wins awards The BEACON won 15 national awards for excellence in writing, photos, design and more.

A different

What’s Inside

Christmas

Ask the Old Bag............................... 9 Classifieds..................................... 44 Crossword..................................... 30 Delta/Montrose County................. 38 Faith Moves................................... 31 Finance.......................................... 28 Garfield County.............................. 42 Health & Wellness.......................... 10 Laughing Matters.......................... 16 Mesa County.................................. 32 Parks & Recreation........................ 22 Recipes............................................ 8 River City Singles.......................... 23 Travel & Recreation....................... 18

that makes a difference

All aboard!

Local Local families families create create special special holiday holiday traditions traditions by by giving giving to to others. others.

This impressive model train show takes over Cross Orchards during the holidays. Read more on page 6.

Armchair Traveler Take a trip and learn about other countries without ever leaving Grand Junction! Read more on page 18.

Photo provided by Dave & Renee Miller

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December 2013

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December 2013

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Editorial 3

Cancer for Christmas

By Kevin K. VanGundy

“K

been upset about a dysfunctional copier. Suddenly, I felt small and stupid. The holidays are all about being bigger and smarter. Be thankful for what you have. Don’t be unhappy with what you don’t have.

evin,” she said, pausing for a good long while, “I don’t want to write my own obituary.”

I’m not sure what your plans are for the holidays, but I’m fairly certain Thank you, BEACON staff they won’t include planning your Like a proud father, I’m happy to own funeral. At least, I hope not. share with you the recent triumphs But for Ula Kirkman, the effervesof our staff’s work at the North cent entertainer at many local senior American Mature Publishers Ashomes and the BeaconFest’s most sociation conference in New York. beloved entertainer, doctors are Always a competitive conference, the advising her to do just that as she BEACON Senior Newspaper won 15 prepares to undergo surgery at St. national awards. Of Mary’s Hospital on course, you already December 12. knew how talented “After I got over the our staff is, as you shock of my recent enjoy the paper cancer diagnosis, I every month. knew that I needed to reach out to my Christmas gifts seniors and let them This month’s cover know,” Kirkman said. story is about the “That’s when I called giving of yourself you.” during the holidays.

Kirkman has been Seniors don’t want diagnosed with “presents” from their cholangiocarcinoma. friends and family as Also known as bile much as they want duct cancer, it is a their “presence.” particularly nasty and Ula Kirkman needs a miracle. Please In visiting with my aggressive cancer. join me in prayer on December 12 elders over the years, After the 13-hour that she will be healed and made well. I have learned that surgery to remove Amen. one of the things half of her liver, Kirkman will face they dislike most is the loneliness rounds of cancer therapies and a that often accompanies aging. I’ve daunting recovery. never spoke with a centenarian that Just prior to speaking with Kirkhas longed for material possessions, man, I spent a frustrating morning but all have missed the company of trying to get the BEACON’s new copi- friends and family. er to play nice with our assortment of Please join my family and I as we office computers. Tech troubles are volunteer to deliver and share a so annoying, as there never seems to Christmas Eve meal with area seniors be a simple solution. (Yes, I checked who may not be as blessed with family and friends as we are. You can to see if it was plugged in.) learn more about how to volunteer Then I spoke to Ula. on the next page. ■ Just a few moments earlier, I had

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4 Cover Story

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December 2013

Rethink your Christmas giving?

How can you help those in need this Christmas?

• Deliver meals, companionship to a homebound senior Comfort Keepers will partner with other local agencies to provide a hot dinner and companionship to about 300 Grand Valley seniors on Christmas Eve. You can help by volunteering your time to prepare or deliver meals, donate funds to offset the cost of meals, or offer companionship to a homebound senior.

For details, call 241-8818.

• Give an alternative gift Have you ever wanted to give a truly meaningful gift to someone who has everything? Through December 16, you can shop for thoughtful alternative gifts that also benefit a variety of causes.

Your gift can provide a life-saving vaccine to a child in Africa, provide shelter to homeless animals, or feed a hungry family. To get your shopping list, visit www.gvpeacejustice.org, call 2430136, or visit Grand Valley Peace and Justice at 740 Gunnison Ave. That person on your Christmas list will receive a card saying you have contributed to a cause in their honor.

• Feed My Sheep Christmas Day at Feed My Sheep, a ministry to the homeless in Glenwood Springs, consists of cooking breakfast together, playing games, eating Christmas dinner and watching a movie.

Director Karen Peppers visits with each person that utilizes the ministry’s dropin center and puts together a Christmas wish list of three things. It might be a new pair of jeans, a gently used backpack, warm socks, underwear, flashlights, batteries or something else.

She does her best to fulfill each list.

Donations of these items are appreciated. If you can help, call 928-8340.

Editor’s Note: Everyone has their own holiday traditions.

Some cook certain foods, some drive around to look at lights, and some watch holiday TV programs. But the families you’re going to read about in this story sacrifice many people’s idea of a “traditional” Christmas by helping and giving to others, creating a unique tradition of their own.

A humble Christmas in Mexico

Building the frame of the house.

By Cheryl Currier

T

he smooth sound of Kenny G’s saxophone floated through the dining room and the familiar smell of roast turkey emanated from the kitchen.

Our friend, Anna Teyechea, and her husband, Frank, had just arrived with their children, who were laughing and chattering in Spanish. The other families in the house gathered in the dining room to eat and celebrate.

These families joined ours as we worked together to build a simple straw bale home for a family who currently lived in a house that was barely more than a metal sheet roof and wooden-pallet walls.

This is how we spent our Christmas in Tecate, Mexico.

We had met Anna and Frank the

Paul Currier assembles the house walls.

previous summer when our families partnered with World Servants, an organization that provides crosscultural, short-term mission trips for residents in the U.S. and around the world. Anna and Frank lived in Tecate and provided the local connection to the visiting teams.

Anna grew up in Tecate and had connections in the community. She understood the culture and needs of the poorest people of the town, located an hour southeast of San Diego on the Baja California peninsula. When my husband, Paul, and I contacted Anna about making a trip to Tecate during the Christmas season, she assured us we would be welcome.

Our kids were still young at the time, but the idea of fighting the materialism of American culture with the experience of service dur-

ing the season of giving appealed to us. We invited other friends to join us, including Dave and Renee Miller of New Castle, and current BEACON publisher Kevin VanGundy and his wife, Lauren, who brought their entire family. Dick and Vonnie Elliot of Grand Junction also came along. Dick was retired, and the couple’s generosity and adventurous spirit led them to spend a good part of their year traveling in their motor home and volunteering across the U.S. That Christmas, we did not put up a tree, decorate or bake.

We did not give our children traditional Christmas gifts. I brought along their stockings with some candy and a few simple things, but there was no typical gift-giving ritual.

Instead, we wrapped gifts for children we had never met. We spent Christmas Eve handing out gifts and cake to children in a neighborhood Anna directed us to. It was great to see the kids’ faces light up as they were handed a simple toy. The parents seemed excited, too.

One morning we arrived at the work site and began our jobs. Anna arrived mid-morning. She looked around for Martin, the husband of the family we were helping. She found him sleeping next door. A few moments later, we heard Anna yelling and berating him to get up and get outside to

Kids mudding the walls of the house. Rolling out the roofing.

December 2013 help. Sheepishly, he joined our work crew.

It was then we realized that the poor need the dignity of contribution. When we ignore what the poor have to offer, we create a culture of dependency, which in the long run, cripples the people we are trying to help. Working in Tecate taught us that the poor have much to offer.

The next year, our family and the Millers returned to Tecate over New Year’s. On New Year’s Eve, we were invited to a party at the home of one of the families that had received help from another team.

There was no way we would all fit in the one-room house, so the family ushered us in to have dinner a few at a time. The room was dimly lit by a single candle, which rested on the table. Our hostess proudly served us bowls of menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made of beef stomach (tripe) in broth with a red chili pepper base. The dish is time and labor intensive to prepare, as the tripe takes hours to cook because it is tough. Dave, Renee, Paul and I sat down to eat together.

This family sacrificially shared their food with us in their simple home. They had no space, no fancy table and no electricity, yet they found it in their hearts to graciously serve us a traditional feast. Their generosity and hospitality, and the simple joy of being together as a family, have remained a special example to me when I get stressed out over gifts, food or getting our home ready for company around the holidays.

The opportunity to spend Christmas serving others in another country taught me many lessons.

It changed my perspective on the Christmas narrative. From the human standpoint, Christmas is the story of Mary and Joseph, who make a rigorous journey to a town, where there is no welcome for them. As the time to deliver Mary’s baby draws near, they are given a place in a barn, where she has her baby and receives a visit from a group of shepherds and wise men. Thinking of Christmas from

Cover Story 5

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com thank them. In Matthew 25, it talks about remembering the forgotten who are amongst us, the ‘least of these,’ meaning orphans, widows, grandparents, people in prisons or nursing homes.

Since this is Jesus’ birthday and he is found in the forgotten, we looked for them.

Another way the Shaw family remembers the forgotten at Christmas is a tradition they call the Twelve Days of Christmas.

“This wasn’t our idea,” Shaw said.

“Usually we pick someone we know in the community who is lonely.

Every night (for 12 nights) we drop a gift on their doorstep with a note saying they are loved. The goal is to never be caught or known. In 15 years, we haven’t been caught often.”

Their traditions have caused quite a stir in their family and friends.

“The biggest challenge was conBy Rebecca Sanders vincing our in-laws, the grandparents,” Shaw said. “They love pouring bout 18 years ago, on gifts in a material sense. It was Montrose Christian challenging to adjust for the first Church Pastor Steve Shaw three or four years.” and his wife set up four valBut Shaw insisted that their family ues by which they would raise their traditions make Christmas more fun. four sons. One value, to live counter“We spend no time in malls or culturally, changed the way the Shaw stores,” he said. family celebrates Christmas.

Shaw said they often buy gifts at “It all comes down to whether or Compassion International and Samarnot you believe it’s Jesus’ birthday,” itan’s Purse.

Shaw said. “If it’s his birthday, then “We began giving presents on why am I getting presents? It’s the behalf of others,” he said. “We send same principle as going to someone cards to family and friends saying, else’s birthday party and expecting ‘We’ve purchased a cow for a tribe in gifts.”

India,’ and it’s all in So instead of a The Shaw family delivers a gift to their name.” traditional gift exa nursing home resident.

He recommends change around the these traditions to Christmas tree, the others. family wraps pres“We don’t consider ents on Christmas Christmas bad. In Day and delivers fact, it’s one of our them to local fire favorite holidays,” and police stations, Shaw said. “Everyand other “forgotten” body should do it individuals. just to enjoy it as “Those people much as we do. But are there for us it’s never about judgand are away from ing people who do their families on Christmas traditionChristmas,” Shaw ally. We’re just living said. “We take rolls out our convictions.” and cookies, and the viewpoint of a poor family in difficult circumstances puts Christmas in a different light.

Our Christmas in Tecate laid the foundation for a deeper understanding and practice of generosity. It helped us understand that there are people who don’t have as much as we do, but still have much to offer us. I believe we were all strengthened in our resolve to keep the shiny materialistic aspects of Christmas less a part of our family celebrations. The foundation was laid for sharing not only our money, but our time, energy and effort. It helped us all find a welcome for people of humble circumstance and keep an open heart.

A counter-culture Christmas

A

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ........................ Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Office Manager ..........................Lisa Moeller Office Assistant........................Genevra Shal Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production................................ Karen Jones Advertising Sales.........................Sue Bowen Proofreader................................. Jan Weeks Delivery....................................... Judy Miller Mascot............................................... Bogart Delta-Montrose Bureau Assistant Editor...................Liesl Greathouse Advertising Sales.................... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Garfield Bureau Editor/ Advertising Sales..........Cheryl Currier P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 829  80 0. 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 2013 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo Dick Elliot finishes a roof for a simple, straw bale house he and his wife Vonnie helped build over Christmas for a family in Tecate, Mexico.

6 Feature Story

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December 2013

Model trains take over Cross Orchards during the holidays

By Terri Benson

T

he Grand Valley Model Railroad Club invites you to a special gettogether this holiday season.

Club members have been working hard to prepare for their 25th annual Holiday Open House at Cross Orchards Historic Site, 3073 F Road in Grand Junction, adding structures, mountains, tunnels, water features, rocks and foliage, and expanding and testing tracks and switches. The open house is the club’s only fundraiser and the money is used for expanding the layout. But that’s only half the reason members devote so much time to the event.

“The main reason for the open house is the joy of watching children and their parents and grandparents, as they stand mesmerized, with their noses pressed against the plexi panels,” club member Terry Berg said.

“We think of this event as our chance

the history of trains, especially their to show the world what we’re all importance in the growth and expanabout.” sion of our country.

Berg said the members really get Those who have attended in the a kick out of seeing kids’ eyes light past will be impressed with Mount up at the magical sights and sounds Massive, a gigantic new 500-pound of the trains disappearing and reapplaster structure containing a hepearing from tunnels, rumbling over lix of track bridges and and multiple through towns, tunnels. The and being asmountain sembled and blends perdisassembled fectly with in the train the full-length yard. The club mural on the wants today’s wall behind it. kids to be There are other exposed to the new structures excitement of and landscape, model trains. too. The layout In addition simulates the to operating Denver & Rio the layout, club Grande Railmembers enjoy talking to Club members talk to attendees about the history of road from Denvisitors about trains and their importance to the growth of the U.S. ver to Salt Lake,

including Glenwood Canyon, Grand Junction (there’s no mistaking Mt. Garfield) and into Utah, and branches to Minturn, Aspen and Leadville. The trains and buildings generally depict the 1950s, which is considered the transition era between the latter part of steam engines like the Challenger and Big Boy, and early diesel engines, including the Prospector and Pioneer Zephyr.

The consist, the order of trains made up from engine to caboose, is controlled with hand-held remotes.

Most of the model engines built in the last 10 years are digital command control (DCC), meaning the track operates all the time with constant voltage, and the engines have computer chips. Berg noted that if some people have older sets that they really love, it is possible to convert them to DCC. Most of the newer sets also have horn and engine sounds, and lights.

The layout is capable of running

December 2013

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Feature story 7

PRIZE Hilltop’s DRAWING Senior Life Options

[ÉÄ|wtç presents their annual

LEFT: A Grand Valley Model Railroad Club member operates trains at last year’s Holiday Open House at Cross Orchards. ABOVE: Smuggler Mining company, Basalt, Colorado. Est. 1881. up to 10 trains simultaneously and is made up of pieces belonging collectively to the club, but the approximately 30 members often bring in their own private rolling stock, especially at Christmas and during operating sessions.

The clubhouse was built 10 years ago at Cross Orchards. Volunteers staff the clubhouse during Cross Orchards’ events, such as days at the farm, kids camps and Chautauqua.

Attend their meetings at 7 p.m.

Tuesdays at the clubhouse to talk with members or to watch their activities.

When not preparing for the Holiday Open House, the club has “operating sessions.” Participating mem-

bers ask for dispatch sheets, which detail what type of train they are to assemble and what they need to do with it. Then they make the consist and complete the dispatch by dropping specific cars where required using the engine, sidings, etc. It can take up to three hours to complete the dispatch. Other members watch or work on the layout.

The Holiday Open House operates from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, starting Saturday, December 14 through Sunday, January 5. Admission is $1 for children, $4 for adults and $7 for a family.

The club is always looking for new members. For more information, call Bill Buvinger at 263-9183. ■

OPEN HOUSE

HOLIDAY SNACKS

FREE GIFTS

Saturday, December 28, 2013 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at The Commons of Hilltop (625 27 1/2 Road • Grand Junction) Join us for this special chance to learn more about Hilltop’s Unsurpassed services for Seniors • Tour the area’s premier assisted and independent living communities including The Commons, The Fountains and The Cottages of Hilltop • Learn about Hilltop Home Care’s unique medical and non-medical services for seniors who want to remain safe and secure in their own homes • Talk to a dementia and Alzheimer’s care specialist • Learn about Senior Daybreak, a day program for those affected by memory loss

Look familiar? This model of Glenwood Springs is part of the show’s layout, which simulates the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad from Denver to Salt Lake.

For more information call (970) 434-2111

8

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December 2013

M o n day - T h u r s day u n T i l 6 p M

Early DinE

haselnusstorte Hazelnut Cake

Makes one 10-inch cake

for

Cake: 6 eggs, separated 1 whole egg 1 c ground hazelnuts 3/4 c sugar 1/3 c bread crumbs 1 t flour

c ho o se f rom

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Filling: 1-1/2 c heavy cream 1 T sugar 1 t vanilla extract

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Decoration: 1/3 c ground hazelnuts

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$ Original rOcks

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and the whole egg together, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and light yellow in color. Gradually beat in 1/2 c sugar, then add the nuts and the bread crumbs. Continue to beat until the mixture forms a dense, moist mass.

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In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they begin to foam, then add 1/4 c sugar, 1 T at a time. Continue to beat until the egg whites form stiff peaks. With a rubber spatula, mix about 1/4 of the egg whites into the hazelnut mixture, then sprinkle flour over it. Gently fold in the rest of the egg whites. Continue to fold until no trace of the egg whites remains. Do not overfold.

R

Crispy Tacos

Butter and flour a 10-inch springform pan. Turn the pan over and remove any excess flour. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top with a spatula and put the cake in the middle of the oven. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, or until it shrinks away slightly from the sides of the pan. Remove the upper part of the pan as soon as you take it out of the oven. Let the cake cool, and then slice it into two equal layers, using a long, sharp, serrated knife.

The Filling

Whip the chilled cream until it begins to thicken. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whip until the cream holds its shape.

Reconstruct the cake. Place the bottom layer on wax paper at least 18 inches square. Spread the whipped cream on top about 1/2 inch thick. Place the other layer on top. Using a spatula, completely cover the cake with the rest of the whipped cream.

The Decoration

Scatter 1/3 c hazelnuts on the wax paper around the cake. Then lift a small portion of the paper and toss the nuts onto the cake. Repeat until the entire cake is covered.

Serve at once.

ALL DAY, EVERY TUESDAY AT 1300 E. MAIN ST., MONTROSE

December 2013

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Ask the old bag 9

Ask the Old Bag

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle LagmanCreswick Dear Old Bag: My husband died at age 83. We were married 61 years. We were alone at his death. We have one loving daughter in Alaska with three grown children and grandchildren. We have one deceased daughter and son-in-law with grown sons and grandchildren in Idaho and South Dakota. It’s now been five years since my husband’s death. Our daughter has been to see me for two days. My grandsons never came. I feel it is because I live with my sister and brother-in-law.

The daughter does call six nights a week. I feel I have been shunned. It hurts. Please give me your advice.

Sincerely, CMF, Grand Junction Dear CMF: Forgive me for shortening your letter, but I hope I got the gist. I feel for you and understand how you feel, having been through some of it myself. I think what you describe is very common. I hear from those who complain about not seeing their children and grandchildren who live in the same city! One thing I know for sure is that families are busy nowadays. Remember when people had time to sit in the porch swing and drink lemonade? Young families today can’t do that. Busy is part of it. The other part of it is that they have no idea how important their visits and messages are to us, and they will not understand it until it happens to them. I am sure it is a factor that you are living with your sister. Visiting there is not the same as visiting you at your home. I believe we have to be happy with what we get. We can either make ourselves unhappy over it or say, “My daughter calls me six days a week. Isn’t that wonderful?” If you are able, you should visit them. Don’t wait until they invite you. Call them and say, “I would like to visit you. What date would work for you?” O.B. Dear Old Bag: Since the gift-

giving season is upon us, I would like your help in giftgiving for our grandparents, who I am sure have everything they need. Suggestions, please. Signed, Out of Ideas Dear Out of Ideas: This may seem utilitarian, but I am in favor of talking to them and saying, “Grandma, we are going to buy you a gift, but we would feel better if we bought something you wanted. So what would you like?” I personally love gift cards to my favorite bookstore, restaurant or clothing store.

I do not want knickknacks that my kids will have to get rid of when I die. When my dad died, we found one drawer full of unopened pajamas and another full of unopened shirts.

Good luck. O.B. Dear Old Bag: ’Tis the season and what do I buy for my well-to-do married children and grandchildren? They have everything! I am ready to say no more gifts. Signed, Help!

Dear Help: My son put me on this. He said, “Mom, we do not want you to buy any more traditional gifts for us or our kids. We would like you to write something for each. It could be a story of when you were a kid, or an anecdote, or an event, but it would be something from your heart.” One year I wrote them about what their dad was like as a little boy.

This is another idea, which I like and have mentioned before. Give them something of yours to treasure. Start giving away those things that your kids will have to figure out what to do with after you are gone. They may not treasure it now, but when you are gone, they will be happy to have something you gave them, and that they can pass on to their children.

O.B. ■

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

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10 The healthy geezer

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

Have tooth pain? Inflamed sinuses may be the cause

By Fred Cicetti

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Q. A friend told me that sinusitis could be causing a mild toothache I had, so I waited awhile. When my sinuses cleared, the pain disappeared. Was my friend right?

I had a bad toothache that sent me to my dentist. He did some X-rays but found nothing wrong. He asked me about my sinuses and I told him I was fighting an infection. Bingo.

Sinusitis, an infection or inflammation in the sinuses, can cause your upper jaw and teeth to ache, and your cheeks to become tender.

The sinuses are four pairs of facial cavities: the frontal sinuses over the eyes, maxillary sinuses inside each cheekbone, ethmoid sinuses just behind the bridge of the nose, and sphenoid sinuses behind the ethmoids. Each sinus is connected to the nose.

Acute sinusitis lasts for four weeks or less. Subacute sinusitis runs four to eight weeks. Chronic sinusitis can continue for years. Recurrent sinusitis includes several acute attacks within a year.

Most cases of acute sinusitis start with a cold or allergy attack, which inflames the mucous membranes of the sinuses. Swelling traps air and mucus in the sinuses and they cannot drain properly. The trapped mucus creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.

Symptoms of chronic sinusitis may

be less severe than those of acute sinusitis. However, untreated chronic sinusitis can cause damage to the sinuses and cheekbones, which can require surgery to repair.

Most people with sinusitis have pain or tenderness. Other symptoms can include fever, weakness, fatigue, nasal congestion, cough and sore throat.

If you have acute sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe decongestants, antibiotics and pain relievers. Many cases of acute sinusitis will end without antibiotics.

Many health care providers treat chronic sinusitis as though it is an infection, using antibiotics and decongestants. Others use both antibiotics with steroid nasal sprays.

When medical treatment fails, surgery may be the only alternative for treating chronic sinusitis. The most common surgery done today is functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), which enlarges the natural openings and allows drainage.

FESS is less invasive than conventional sinus surgery. With the endoscope, the surgeon can look directly into the nose while clearing the narrow channels between the sinuses.

This type of surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia. ■

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

Here are some ways you can treat acute sinusitis:

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In many cases, acute sinusitis will go away without antibiotics.

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If you have what feels like a bad cold for longer than 10 days, visit your doctor.

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Use an over-the-counter saltwater nasal wash every day.

Most pharmacies carry them.

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Health & wellness 11

6 tips for quick, healthy holiday eating

F

or many people, the holidays involve indulging in buffets loaded with lots of fattening, processed foods and sugary sweets. For those of us who strive the rest of the year to eat a healthy diet while leading busy lives, it can be a challenging time.

“It really isn’t hard to give yourself the gift of delicious, nutrient-rich meals over the holidays,” chef, author and certified healing foods specialist Shelley Alexander said.

Alexander suggested buying fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce from farmers’ markets and shopping at health food stores.

Nutrient-rich, whole foods that don’t have unnatural fillers and other additives, and meats that come from well-fed, unadulterated, healthy animals, will completely nourish your body, make you feel better, ramp up your energy, and you won’t overeat.

Here are six tips for quick and convenient healthy eating during the holidays.

• When shopping, check labels and avoid foods with a long list of ingredients. The best whole foods have easily-recognized ingredients. Ingredients to avoid: chemicals, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, nitrates, MSG, genetically modified ingredients and preservatives (indicated by the initials BHT, BHA, EDTA and THBQ).

• Set aside time each week to prep

foods to eat. Cut up produce and store it in airtight containers. Make homemade vinaigrettes or dressings to last all week so you can make vegetable salads in minutes. Clean and marinate enough meat or poultry for dinners over the next few days.

• Start your day with a green smoothie. Cut and freeze organic fresh fruit to use in green smoothies. Add organic kale or spinach, coconut water or nut milks, plus natural sweeteners such as dates or stevia for an energyboosting beverage.

• Plan on making dishes that are delicious and nutritious. Good examples are pasture-raised wild turkey with sage and garlic, baked wild salmon with lemon and herbs, steamed greens, roasted heirloom root vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze, pureed winter squash soups, and desserts made with seasonal fruits, spices, and healthy sweeteners.

• Invest in a dehydrator. Dehydrate fruits and vegetables and raw nuts or seeds that have been soaked in unrefined sea salt water and you’ll have on-the-go snacks with a long shelf life.

• Make batches of fermented vegetables twice a month. Eat fermented vegetables every day to keep your digestive system healthy.

For more advice from Alexander, visit www.aharmonyhealing.com. ■

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a Involve your loved one in preparations as

much as possible with tasks such as signing cards, decorating and filling stockings.

a Be sure to have all medications filled and ready before the hustle and bustle begins.

a Evaluate environment where you will

celebrate and identify a place for quiet and rest, note barriers to safety.

a Educate guests in advance of changes since they last saw your loved one.

a Be mindful of noise. A child’s toy or

videogames can create over stimulating background noises.

a Choose which holiday traditions are most important to you and your family and prioritize.

a Utilize your support system to get extra time for shopping and errands.

a Prepare ahead: ask for help, educate those

close to you of your needs and most of all take care of yourself.

12 Health & wellness

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

A new use for your belly button

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he belly button, that seemingly useless part of your anatomy, can be peeled back and diseased organs can be slid out through the small hole, making operations safer for seniors.

Minimally invasive surgery is not brand new. Nor are robotics. But they are increasingly at the forefront of many medical procedures.

Surgical robot device markets estimated at $3.2 billion in 2012 are expected to reach about $20 billion by 2019, as next generation devices, systems and instruments are introduced to manage surgery through small parts of the body, rather than large open wounds.

What does this mean for seniors? Much less blood loss, much quicker recovery time, and less hospital expense.

Soon, practically all surgery will be done with at least some aspects of robotic surgery, physicians predict.

Of the more than a million gallbladder removals done each year in the U.S., nearly three-quarters are laparoscopic. The main reason? Laparoscopic patients can go back to daily activities in a few days, compared with being out for about six weeks when they have a full, old-fashioned incision.

With a robot-assisted procedure, a patient-side cart stands next to the

operating table. Electromagnetic arms provide access to the “ports” (entry spots) selected by the doctor.

Metal tubes attached to the arms are inserted through the ports. The visualization and cutting instruments are slid through the tubes into the patient’s body. The surgeon sits at the console, manipulating the instruments, which he or she can see through the visualization device. The surgeon has a three-dimensional view of the patient’s body.

Confined space needs what are referred to as “snake shapes” to get access. The snake robots reduce the number of ports needed, for example, to repair the heart.

A surgical team at Oroville Hospital in Oroville, California, for example, in July performed their first “da Vinci single site” cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) through a tiny incision in the patient’s belly button.

So the operation was virtually scarless.

“Neither robotic surgery nor singleincision surgery is new, but combining the two requires special training and special equipment,” Dr. Randall Skau said.

The benefits of single-site gallbladder surgery may include scarless results. But more important is that there is minimal pain, low blood loss, a short hospital stay, and high patient satisfaction.

Amazingly, the operation can be performed in about one hour, with

December 2013 a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to five small incisions, this new technology allows for the single belly button incision from which the diseased gallbladder can be removed.

Most people who need to have their gallbladder taken out are candidates for the robotic single-incision surgery. According to the American College of Surgeons, surgery is the recommended treatment for gallbladder pain from gallstones and gallbladders that aren’t functioning.

Each year, more than 1 million people, many seniors, in the U.S. have their gallbladders removed.

Robotic-assisted surgery is also used in gynecological and urological procedures.

Patients over 70 do well after minimally invasive spinal stenosis surgery, also, according to a new study at Toronto Western Hospital, at the University of Toronto, Canada.

Some surgeons have been doing knee replacement surgery through very small incisions. The minimally invasive replacements, however, are more difficult to perform than standard joint replacements. Also, it’s not known if the long-term results are as good.

Recently, surgeons in Europe conducted a multi-center study to compare the effectiveness of the two procedures. Enrolled were 134 peo-

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Health & wellness 13

ple whose ages averaged 70. Sixty-six had minimally invasive surgery. The rest had conventional replacement surgery.

The minimally invasive surgery took about an hour longer because it is more technologically involved.

It had less blood loss though. At the four- to six-week post operative visit, those who had minimally invasive operations were in less pain and dealing with normal activities better than those with standard knee surgery.

But after one year, there was no significant difference in the two groups.

Joint replacement is called arthroplasty. The most common type is total joint replacement. In that kind of surgery, the whole diseased or damaged knee joint is removed and is replaced by an artificial one (a prosthesis) to restore function.

Knee replacement has certain risks, such as infection and blood clots.

Precautions can be taken. But recovery is time consuming.

Age, however, is not a reason to avoid knee surgery. Even osteoporosis patients who are 75 or older seem to benefit, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has indicated.

Female knee replacements designed specifically to fit a woman’s knee have been available only in recent years. Before 2006, knee replacements were unisex. But then somebody discovered the surprising fact that men and women are different. ■

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It’s about time...

Decorative artists carry on American tradition of decorative painting.

Michele Heiser, a dynamic memhe moment Cammie Hammer ber of the chapter, is a proponent and Barbara Palmer opened the of Hauser’s method. She has been a bidding at the Western Colorado Decdecorative painting teacher and has orative Artists’ fundraising auction, held a number of board positions the urge to win caught like wildfire. with the local chapter, including that The room warmed as the two of presiauctioneers dent. She playfully explained bantered Hauser’s and the teaching audience method sat on the as resting edges of on “the their seats, mastery of taking turns the differbidding up ent brush their comstrokes.” petition, She held up or yielding Many items were auctioned off to enthusiastic bidders at the a wooden to the high Western Colorado Decorative Artists’ recent fundraiser. board stakes. Most displayof the items offered up on the aucing the different types of brushwork tion block were handcrafted by the that created the basis of a decorative members of WCDA, each a one-of-apainter’s technique. It was reminiskind example of the craft. cent of a needlework sampler.

Cecilia Massey, a quiet woman in The heated bidding at the auction her 80s, sat at one of the back tables continued. A plate decorated with a enjoying the action. As the last active floral pattern went for $75. A packcharter member, she represents the age of ornaments went for history of the club. In 1982, she $10. The auctioneers sold a lap and a group of her friends, who desk, an elegant box filled with took painting classes at the Buthand-painted napkins and placeterfly Craft Shop, formed the club, mats, more Christmas ornaments, and petitioned their charter for platters, a reversible holiday sign, membership in the national a recipe box, and several Society of Decorative small landscapes.

Painters (SDP). The Doe Clore bought a chapter has been a footed stand that had member of the SDP been painted by Judy ever since. The club Hopkins, a teacher she currently boasts had taken classes with about 40 members. for 13 years at a chapter They meet 10 times in Denver. The scope a year, at 9 a.m. on of the auctioned items the second Saturday of was wide, the surfaces each month, except for varied—glass, fabric, wood, July and August, in the Parmetal and canvas. There was even ish Hall at the First Congregational a festive Santa Claus painted on a Church, 1425 N. Fifth St. wooden rolling pin, each handle tied Priscilla Hauser from Tulsa, Oklawith holiday ribbon. homa started SDP in 1972. Her motto Most of the ladies bought one or is that anyone can be taught the craft two items, but several got a good

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December 2013

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

start on their holiday Once the donated shopping that afternoon, works of art were all stocking up on stocking auctioned, Chapter stuffers and breathtakPresident Marsha Root ing hand-painted origiinvited everyone to nal works for friends partake of the potluck and family. lunch. She said that Lora Franklin, a memafter lunch, the group ber for four years, had typically does a paint quite a collection by the project. The project is end of the auction. She a donation, a selection Active charter member Cecilia said she had planned of memory boxes, each Massey enjoys the auction. on buying a number of hand painted with a Christmas gifts at the auction, and unique design. The boxes are dowas not disappointed. Her mother, nated to St. Mary’s Hospital Neonatal who recently passed away, Intensive Care Unit. had belonged to the chapThey are intended for ter, and had introduced mothers who have her to decorative paintlost a newborn, aling. For her, it was a way lowing her a unique of continuing the famand personalized ily tradition. place to keep the In many ways, mementos honoring decorative painting her loss. is all about tradition.

Twice a year, the Its American heritage began in the Western Colorado 18th century in New England Decorative Artists bring in guest and was brought to Pennsylteachers for master classes. vania by German immigrants.

Other months, the members There is also a similar tradition rotate leading a group project. from Scandinavian immigrants.

Dues to belong to both the local Originally, the painting was done and national chapter are modon tin or wood. Today, any solid est—$15 per year for the local surface that will take paint is chapter and $50 per year for game. Another change has been SDP—and come with a subscripthe expansion of the mediums tion to “The Decorative Painter,” a used. Tole painting was once magazine full of projects, inspiradone exclusively in oil paints, tion and technical advice. but today, it is just as likely to be Many of the members have rendered in acrylic as oil. Pastels, taught or currently teach watercolors, silk dye and colored classes. Visitors interested pencil have also become accepted in joining are welcome. methods of expression for the To find out more about the decorative artist.

Western Colorado Decorative Artists chapter, visit www.westerncolorado decorativeartists.com. ■

Decorated items ranged from Christmas ornaments and signs, to napkins, placemats and tableware.

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16 Laughing matters

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Laughing Matters Merry Christmas!

Submitted by Charles Gross Hank called the police one day and reported that his neighbor, Ernie, was hiding marijuana inside his firewood. The police raided the house, searched the woodshed, and tossed all the logs outside. Then they used axes and broke open every piece of wood but found no marijuana. Disappointed and angry, they finally left.

When Ernie came home that night, Hank called him and asked if the police had been there.

“Yeah,” he responded.

“Did they chop all your firewood?”

“Yep.” “Well, Merry Christmas, buddy!”

Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe Submitted by Phyllis Graves You will need the following: 1 cup of water 1 cup of sugar 4 eggs 2 cups of dried chopped fruit

P R E M I E R

1 teaspoon baking soda 2-1/2 cups flour 1 cup brown sugar 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts lemon juice bottle of favorite whiskey Sample whiskey to check for freshness and quality. Get a large mixing bowl. Check the whiskey again. To be sure it is the highest quality, pour one level cup of whiskey. Drink and repeat. Turn on electric mixer, beat one cup of mixing butter in the fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar and beat again. Make sure the whiskey is okay. Cry another tup. Turn off the mixer. Break four leggs and add to the bowl.

Mix on the turner. If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers, pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the whiskey for tonsisticity. Next, sigt two cups of salt, or something.

Where was I? Oh, yes. Check the

S E N I O R

December 2013

whiskey and repeat. Now, sift the lemon juice and strain the nuts. Add one table. Spoon. Of sugar. Or something. Whatever you can find. Grease the oven. Turn cake pan 350 degrees.

Don’t forget to beat off the turner.

Boon the spatter. No, uh, poon the spatter in the cake ban, wisk the checky again, repeat and go to bed.

Nighty-night.

Borderline Personality Disorder: Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire Personality Disorder: You Better Watch Out, I’m Gonna Cry, I’m Gonna Pout, Maybe I’ll Tell You Why Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

Christmas cards for the psychiatrically challenged

Angels according to kids

Submitted by William Moreno Schizophrenia: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personality Disorder: We Three Queens Disoriented Are Dementia: I Think I’ll be Home for Christmas Narcissistic: Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me Manic: Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Busses and Trucks and Trees and Fire Hydrants and…

Paranoid: Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me!

L I V I N G

Submitted by Michelle Cogburn I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. – Gregory, 5 It’s not easy to become an angel!

First, you die. Then you go to heaven, and there’s still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. – Matthew, 9 Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. – Mitchell, 7 My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good for science. – Henry, 8 Angels don’t eat, but they drink milk from holy cows. – Jack, 6 When an angel gets mad, he takes

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December 2013 a deep breath and counts to 10. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there’s a tornado. – Reagan, 10 Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow.

Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. – Sara, 6 Angels live in cloud houses made

by God and his son, who’s a very good carpenter. – Jared , 8 All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn’t go for it. – Antonio, 9 Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets.

And if they don’t make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. – Vicki, 8 What I don’t get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. – Tommy, 8 Angels help God sort out all the messages he gets every Sunday morning. – Phil, 9

Perfect couple Submitted by Stella Kuhns Once upon a time, a perfect man

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com and a perfect woman met. After a perfect courtship, they had a perfect wedding. Their life together was, of course, perfect.

One snowy, stormy Christmas Eve, this perfect couple was driving their perfect car along a winding road, when they noticed someone at the side of the road in distress. Being the perfect couple, they stopped to help.

There stood Santa Claus with a huge bundle of toys.

Not wanting to disappoint any children on Christmas Eve, the perfect couple loaded Santa and his toys into their vehicle. Soon they were driving along delivering the toys.

Unfortunately, the driving conditions worsened and the perfect couple and Santa Claus had an accident.

Only one of them survived the accident.

Who was the survivor?

The perfect woman survived. She’s the only one who really existed in the first place. Everyone knows there is no Santa Claus and there is no such thing as a perfect man. ■

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ith a motto like “Dream it.

Discover it. Do it,” the Mesa County Public Library is stretching its boundaries.

“A library is a whole bunch more than books,” Library Public Information Manager Bob Kretschman said.

“The Armchair Traveler series is one way we’re looking beyond books.”

The completion of the Central Library construction/remodel project in June of 2013 included an easily accessible Community Room, which comfortably holds up to 150 people.

The Mesa County Newcomers Club was looking for a new venue for its Armchair Traveler programs. The two entities formed a partnership and the result lets you circle the globe from the comfort of the library.

Most, but not all, presenters are seniors affiliated with the Newcomers Club.

“Past travel programs have been very well attended,” Kretschman said. “Travel lends itself to a regular series.”

The Mesa County Public Library started the monthly Armchair Traveler series in September and is currently scheduled through April 2014.

All programs are free and open to the public.

“Travel is a universally popular topic,” Kretschman said. “Libraries are about information and experiences, plus there is an abundance of resources in the library to help you get ready for a trip. All resources combine to provide you with visual, cultural and language information to prepare you for and enhance wherever your travel journey takes you.”

The huge screen and top-of-theline sound system in the library’s new Community Room make the programs evident for all participants.

There are even three hearing assistance devices available upon request for use during the presentations.

“The in-person experience of the Armchair Traveler gives you a taste

of where people have traveled and it may inspire you as well,” Kretschman said. “Another benefit is all the great travel tips you will get. People find them highly interesting. We’ve had over 100 in attendance.”

Travel tips may include recommendations on the time of year to travel, accommodations and food, photography advice, respecting different cultures and what to pack.

At the most recent presentation, Tom Woodward and Brian Olson shared their guided photo safari to Namibia and South Africa. The breathtaking photographs could easily compete with any National Geographic special. From sand dunes 70 stories high to prehistoric rock engravings, Himba natives and astonishing birds and wildlife, this journey was truly inspiring. As always, there was time for questions and answers, and the presenters were available after the program for individual questions.

My husband, Dan, 62, a first-time attendee, was amazed by the photography.

“The photography was excellent and the program was very interesting,” he said. “It was relaxing and I would definitely go again. The large screen made the images very visible and it’s very nice facility.”

Lee Gelatt’s program on January 13 about Desolation Canyon, Utah will illustrate that you don’t have to travel around the world to find adventure and amazing scenery.

Janice Shepherd gave a fascinating presentation on her travels to Cambodia and Vietnam in October. She will return on December 16, taking armchair travelers to France. Shepherd and her husband hiked hostel to hostel, 272 miles over 24 days, across the French Pyrenees, a mountainous journey that included 73,000 feet in elevation changes. Shepherd likes to display items from her trips for participants to peruse along with enjoying her photographs and travel stories.

December 2013

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Tom Woodward and Brian Olson trekking across the Namibia desert.

“There has been an Armchair Traveler series as long as I can remember,” Shepherd said. “It was usually in people’s homes in the form of slide shows. With digital cameras, we needed better equipment. We are thrilled with the library’s new Community Room. It’s a win-win situation.”

The library has books, DVDs, language resources and more. Need extra help? Make a personal half-hour appointment with a librarian.

Tech Table Tuesdays from noon to 2 p.m. is a free, weekly offering for anyone needing extra assistance with accessing library materials, or operating a personal iPad, laptop or smart phone.

It’s almost impossible to find an excuse not to travel, either as an armchair traveler or on an actual trip,

with all the wonderful resources the Mesa County Library offers.

See you in France December 16. ■

Armchair Traveler Schedule All programs begin at 6:15 p.m. and are free. For more information, visit www. mesacountylibraries.com.

• December 16 - “Hike Across France” presented by Janice Shepherd • January 13 - “Desolation Canyon, Utah” presented by Lee Gelatt • February 10 - “A Smorgasbord of Europe” presented by John Nelson • March 17 - “Wind River Range” presented by Jim Cagney • April 21 - “Portugal” presented by Paula and Keith Struckman

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20

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December 2013

Pearl Harbor: Iskeit possible to a m s t $1 OFF per pound of coffee! find humor? gre e g a ad g

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“They sent my father and his crewmates up in that tin can? How could emembering the Japanese attack they?” I asked incredulously. on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, is it No wonder half the crew died possible to find humor? when the Japanese shot their plane December 7, 2013, marks 72 years down. The men who managed to sursince that fateful day.

When my husband Dick and I, both vive became “guests of the Emperor.”

My father undoubtedly told stories born right after World War II, visited Pearl Harbor last summer, I felt sadand made funny remarks during ness when visiting the U.S.S. Arizona the two years he endured Japanese Memorial. I wished I could have prison camp. Humor was as much a saved every young man who died part of his identity as his dog tags. when the battleship was sunk. But on But while I was growing up, I never a personal level, the visit brought up heard him criticize the Japanese. memories of a funny man, my father.

He told me, “Their people were sufAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, fering, too.” the United States declared war on Our neighbors, the Hosakawas, Japan. In were Japaa B-24, nese and my father friends of navigated my parents. bombing The Miyamissions against the sakas who Japanese in worked for the South Dole PinePacific. apple were Japanese my father’s Zeros shot biggest my father’s clients. plane down A burned U.S. Army Air Forces Boeing B-17C Flying Fortress My chancand half the rests near Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. es of being crew was born after killed, including the pilot. My father the war were risky at best.

When was rescued and the next day he was my father’s plane was shot down, he interviewed on the Japanese patrol could have died. When he got down boat, which had picked him up. To his surprise, the interviewers were to 100 pounds, he could have starved the Japanese pilots who had shot him to death. Niigata, the city where his down. prison camp was located, was one Dad told me, “It was an eerie situaof four U.S. targets for the atom tion. One pilot asked in good English, bomb. But clouds over Niigata on what I thought of Japanese pilots.

August 9, 1945, switched the target That was a no-brainer. I said, ‘They’re to Nagasaki. damn good. They shot us down.’”

The attack on Pearl Harbor, DecemBecause of his witty compliment, ber 7, 1941, will never be forgotten. the Japanese gave him a pack of cigaI will never forget my father’s rettes. I have to laugh remembering funny remarks. his remark because it was “so him.”

It’s possible that his sense of humor Have you ever seen a B-24? When saved his life during the prison camp I saw one at an air show years after years.

World War II, it brought tears to my eyes.

I like to believe that. ■

By Mary Stobie

December 2013

fun to shop  fun to give  fun to receive  fun to pl ay  fun to shop  fun to give fun to shop  fun to give  fun to receive  fun to pl ay  fun to shop  fun to give

S

omewhere on one of your Christmas playlists is the song, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” While humming along as you bustle about making your holiday preparations, you must have heard the lyrics in the song, “Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the tree.”

On the tree? That doesn’t sound right. Shouldn’t it be under the tree?

Not if you’re a traditionalist at heart and you’re striving for authenticity in your Christmas decorations. That being the case, you will wait until the children and/or your grandchildren are nestled all snug in their beds on Christmas Eve to put up your tree and you will hang candy and small toys such as “smart dolls and other whimsies” on its branches.

The “whimsies” bit is taken from the family memoirs of one Charles Follen, who put up the first documented Christmas tree in this country in 1833. Follen was a German immigrant, who taught at Harvard.

The decorating of a Christmas tree was standard practice in his native land, and Follen wanted to start the same tradition in his new home for the benefit of his 3-year-old son.

Several weeks before Christmas Eve, he showed the cook how to crack eggs around the middle of the shell, making two small cups. These were washed, dried and gilded, then filled with “comfits, lozenges and barley sugar.” They were intended to be carefully balanced among the branches of the tree. Follen took sheets of colored paper from which he cut ornamental figures and rolledup cornucopia. These ornaments were filled with more goodies and toys, and then fitted with string for hanging on the tree. Candles in small holders were clipped to the end of each branch.

A houseguest named Miss Harriet Martineau from London visited the

Follens that first Christmas tree year and was so enchanted with the decorations that she wrote a book about the experience. She relates that Follen’s small son waited along with other family members and guests just outside the closed parlor door while the tapers were lighted, making the room seem in a blaze. It was the first time anyone on this side of the Atlantic had seen such a glorious sight.

Miss Martineau went on to prophesy, “The Christmas tree will become one of the flourishing exotics of New England.”

By 1900 every parlor in the country had its very own tree, but never going up before Christmas Eve. It’s quite understandable that the idea of decorating a tree at Christmas time was brought to the U.S. by a German. The tradition was actually born way back in the eighth century.

Legend has it that a missionary, who later became St. Boniface, returned to Germany one Christmas, where he had brought Christianity some years earlier. There in the village square, the Druids were worshiping a huge oak tree.

Enraged, Boniface took out his ax and chopped the oak down. It fell to earth crushing everything in its path. Everything, that is, except one little fir tree that had miraculously escaped the oak’s destructive swath.

Thinking quickly, Boniface declared the survival of the fir a miracle and proclaimed the tree a representation of the Christmas spirit. For 200 years, fir trees were planted all over Germany, and in the 10th century, the first one was cut down and brought inside to be decorated with candles, apples, paper flowers and gilt. Paper cornucopias were decorated and filled to represent the fullness of the Christmas season.

In the 16th century, Martin Luther hit upon the notion of lighting the branches of the Christmas tree with candles to symbolize the Christ Child, Light of the World. ■

21

Giant Fun Size

519 Main Street  Grand Junction 248-3511  toysforthefunofit.com fun to shop  fun to give  fun to receive  fun to pl ay  fun to shop  fun to give

The

Gift ofTaste Grand Junction 7th & Colorado 1st & Patterson

Fruita In the Kokopelli Center

Mesa Mall Kiosk

www.enstrom.com

fun to shop  fun to give  fun to receive  fun to pl ay  fun to shop  fun to give

Presents on the tree

By Mildred Moss

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

22 Recreation

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Fun after 50

Offered by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

R

egistration for all of the following programs is required. Call 2543866 or visit www.gjcity.org/recre ation.aspx. For a full list of activities, pick up an activity guide at the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office, 1340 Gunnison Ave. or at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave.

cost of care, should you need it. Class takes place at 4:30 p.m. at The Law Offices of Brown and Brown, PC, 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. For details, visit www.brownandbrownpc.com or call 243-8250. Registration required.

December 4

Get into the spirit this holiday season with a run/walk at Canyon View Park. Race day registration is from 8 a.m.-8:45 a.m. The 5K run begins at 9 a.m. at the baseball shelter.

Free estate planning for seniors Discuss wills, trusts and powers of attorney as well as the cost of aging and possible sources of paying the

December 7

Jingle Bell Run

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 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Annual membership is $10.

S e n i o r R e c re a ti o n C e n te r M o n t h ly C a le n d a r

of

Ev e n ts

Monday

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Bingo

Wednesday

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Ladies Pool, Card Social Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Pinochle

Thursday

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Canasta Band (1st Thursday) Pokeno Dance

Friday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

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

Saturday

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Bridge Class Bridge Bingo

Sunday

1:00 p.m.

Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday)

Roice-Hurst Humane Society will be accepting donations of dog food, cat food and cat litter. We’ll be raffling off great prizes after the race.

December 11

Holiday Light Tour for 50+ Get in the holiday spirit while you relax and enjoy the hidden gems of the city’s best light displays. Enjoy hot chocolate and goodies. Be at Lincoln Park to get picked up at 6 p.m. Drop off at 7:30 p.m. Registration required.

December 13

Chocolate Walk Experience downtown Grand Junction’s holiday charm during a walking tour of beautiful Main Street, featuring your choice of either an Art on the Corner or History Tour. Cost is $10. All paid participants will receive a commemorative mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate. Register early to ensure that you receive a commemorative mug. Meet at Enstrom Candies at 5:30 p.m.

December 14

Candy Cane Hunt Join the 13th annual Candy Cane

December 2013 Hunt with cookies and cocoa. Mesa County Library will present the holiday-themed puppet show, “Santa’s New Suit.” At 10 a.m., MJ Thomas Photography will capture a holiday family photo with Frosty the Snowman to send to family. Photo packages begin at $15. The candy cane hunt begins at 11 a.m. Event takes place at Lincoln Park Barn.

December 19

Seniors Christmas Party The seniors at the Grand Junction Senior Recreation Center are having a Christmas party from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bring a small wrapped gift for someone of the same sex. Cost is $3 to preregister and $5 at the door.

Ongoing Classes Classes are at Lincoln Park Barn.

Gentle Yoga Incorporate strength, balance, flexibility and relaxation into your life.

Designed for all abilities, this class is taught in a supportive atmosphere, utilizing props such as a chair, blocks and straps. Class is from 7:45 a.m.-8:45 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through December 19. Cost is $4 to drop in.

Total Core Conditioning Experience the benefit of utilizing props to effectively use deep torso and spinal muscle work to improve control, strength, balance and conditioning of the core. Class is from noon to 12:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through December 12.

Cost is $4 to drop in.

Intermediate line dance Build on your skills from the beginning class while learning popular line dances. No partner is needed.

Class is from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays. Drop in for $4.

Sports

Online, by phone, or stop by our office: 740 Gunnison --- 10 am - 4 pm, M-F Through December 16

• Indoor pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Equipment available.

Drop in for $5, 10-punch card $30.

• Senior Softball is open to men and women aged 50 and older, and is an excellent avenue for exercise and friendly competition. For more information, call Carl at 255-6688. ■

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

River City Singles

23

December 2013 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!”

Friday Afternoon Club meets at 5 p.m. Fridays in the lounge at The Doubletree Hotel.

Call Janice Koppang at 261-9114 or 433-7108 for details.

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - Join us for Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive.

Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - Dine at the following locations. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995.

Rehabilitation at its nest

December 4 - Outback Steakhouse, 2432 U.S. Hwy 6 & 50 December 11 - Rib City, 2830 North Ave. December 18 - Dos Hombres, 421 Brach Drive Saturdays at 9 a.m. - Meet at Albertsons on the Redlands for a leisurely bicycle ride.

RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462.

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling and card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes. RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462.

Sundays (and Thursday, December 12) - Cheer on the Broncos while enjoying a potluck at the Moose Lodge. Contact Mary Wynn at 255-7370 for times.

Hear the precious sounds of the holiday.

December 7 at noon - Have lunch and play billiards at Bank 8 Billiards. Call Mary Wynn at 255-7370. At 4 p.m. - Meet at Loree’s Seafood and Steakhouse before the Parade of Lights. Dinner optional.

December 15 at 2 p.m. - RCS Christmas Party at Lakeside Community Room. Bring a potluck dish and white elephant gift. RSVP to Janice Koppang at 433-7108.

December 19 at 5:30 p.m. - Restaurant Rove to Citrola’s Italian Grill, 624 Rae Lynn St. Call Mitzi Taylor at 210-2390.

Your Goals Are Our Goals!

We will help you deal with serious chronic diseases and short term illnesses to help you be all you can be.

• Home visits from our nurses • Personal Safety Alert (PSA) Unit…

Works with land line or cellular.

• Assistance with personal care • Help with medications • Pain management

Our Care: • Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Hearing Disorders for Adults and Children • Tinnitus Evaluation and Treatment • Advanced Digital Hearing Aid Technology Prescribed For Specific Hearing Loss Types and Severities • Aural Rehabilitation and Counseling, including Assistive Listening Devices • Custom Ear-Plugs for Swimmers, Hunting, Sports Enthusiasts, Musicians, Industrial Workers, etc.

• OSHA Screenings and Follow-up • Hearing Aid Repair and Maintenance • Cerumen (Ear Wax) Removal and Maintenance

Western Colorado Hearing Clinic

2139 N. 12th St., Unit 4 • Grand Junction, CO 81501

info@wchearingclinic.com Phone 970-549-4660 • Fax 970-549-4658

Home

Call today for your no cost in-home visit to see how we can help you.

Happpy Holidays!

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In downtown Fruita

(970)263-0202

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122 E. A spEn , F ruitA , C olorAdo 81521

Jennifer a. Bebee, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA DOCTOR of AUDIOLOGY

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24 NAMPA Awards

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

Members of the BEACON staff, from left: Cloie Sandlin, Virginia Carlile, Cheryl Currier, Kevin VanGundy, Sue Bowen, Heidi Graf and freelance writer, Brenda Evers.

BEACON Senior Newspaper wins national awards General Excellence

By Cloie Sandlin

• BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado hristmas comes early every year for the BEACON staff when our Column Review publisher, Kevin VanGundy, returns • “Ask the Computer Guy” by Daniel from the annual North American MaAshurst ture Publishers Association (NAMPA) convention.

Senior Issues This year’s convention took place • “Free help with your tax returns” by in Buffalo, New Marsha Kearns (March York. Aside from 2013) seeing the sights • “Local Lions Clubs with other senior want new members publishers from Boomers but they need you” by and their across the country, bikes Carla Johnson (June a highlight of the 2013) convention is the • “Garden Smarts” awards banquet,

by Kathy Kimbrough where senior publications big and Personal Essay small vie for top • “The power of honors in a variety language: a strange of categories. Pubseduction” (October lications are inde2012) & “Think past pendently judged the sales pitch, please” (November 2012) on the quality of their written conby Patti Hoff tent, editing, design, photography, web content and more by the prestiProfile gious Missouri School of Journalism.

• “Dave Mantlo: Grand Mesa Little The best are then commended for League’s all star” by Carla Johnson their efforts with awards.

(July 2012) This year, your BEACON Senior Newspaper and its staff were nomi• “Traveling with Terry” by Melanie nated in the following categories: Wiseman (October 2012)

C

September 2012 Vol. 26 fall 2012

Health &Wellness

Why do women hurt more?

Pain and gender differences

page 2

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your G ui d e to a H eal t hy Mind & Bo d y

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

No. 9

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 31,510 Readers.

Why do men and women experience pain differently?

Find out in our Health & Wellness insert.

What’s Inside

Advice and Ideas ............................ 7 Classifieds .................................... 40 Crossword .................................... 29 Delta/Montrose County ................ 35 Finance ......................................... 26 Garfield County ............................. 38 Health & Wellness......................... 10 Laughing Matters ......................... 16 Local Lore ..................................... 20 Mesa County................................. 30 Parks & Recreation ....................... 22 River City Singles.......................... 31 Travel & Recreation ...................... 18

Local Lore

Blacksmiths have a rich history in the Grand Valley. Story page 20.

Zippity Do Dogs

This fun club promotes agility training for both dogs and their owners. Story page 9.

Summer down under

A Montrose woman crossed off an item from her bucket list when she visited Brisbane, Australia.

Story page 18.

Photo by Heidi Graf

Experience the freedom of the open road and what it’s like to “let it all go!”

• “Life as a park service brat” by Melanie Wiseman (January 2013)

• “So you want to write a book?” by Jan Weeks (Jan-March 2013)

• “What’s on Jim Terlouw’s bucket list?”

by Melanie Wiseman (January 2013)

• “How to convert your front yard into a vegetable garden” by Liesl Greathouse (April 2013)

• “Tillie Bishop’s legacy of service” by Carla Johnson (March 2013) • “Blind veteran finds hobby in woodwork after war” by Brenda Evers (November 2012)

Feature Writing • “Furry, funny families of alpacas” by Melanie Wiseman (August 2012)

Veterans

Community Service • “Burkey Park’s broken promise” by Kevin K. VanGundy (December 2012) • “Walking to End Alzheimer’s” by Cameron Jones (November 2012)

Veteran’s vision enhanced by blindness

page 2

• “Boomers on bikes”

by Brenda Evers & Melanie Wiseman (September 2012)

Some gave all, but all gave some: the price of freedom remains high page 6

Many veterans such as Harvey Haats relinquished the pleasures of home to protect our freedom.

• “Seniors encourage civics and voting among Mesa County kids” by Marsha Kearns (December 2012) Produced by the BeacoN’s advertising Team

• “Have you hugged your pig today?”

by Patricia Scholes (August 2012)

Sto r i e s t hat hono r A m er ic a’s H ero e s

• “Project CURE: delivering health and hope to the world” by Karen Jones (February 2013)

How-To Feature • “Geocaching: modern-day treasure hunting” by Liesl Greathouse (September 2012)

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

• “It’s hard leaving the children behind”

by Terri Benson (November 2012)

• “Seniors want your presence for the holidays, not your presents” by Melanie Wiseman (December 2012) • “America’s love affair with cars has its local heartbeat” by Sandi Cameron (January/February 2013) • “It’s never too late to fall in love” by Linda Lovendahl (February 2013) • “Rifle man experiences life in the fast

NAMPA Awards 25

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com lane” by Cheryl Currier (February 2013)

• “The band that changed everything”

by Marsha Kearns (March 2013) • “In land they trust”

by Terri Benson (March 2013) • “Ghost Towns of Western Colorado”

by Sandi Cameron (May/June 2013)

Create a Legacy Vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year page 7

Three keys to successful giving through your estate plan page 13

Local philanthropist Herb Bacon is none other than Mr. April from the Rotary Club Calendar of 2011, “Legends of Rotary: A Tribute to Sexy Old Guys.”

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

• “There’s no time to cry when you’re dancing” by Terri Benson (November 2012)

Community Service

• “Furry, funny families of alpacas”

by Melanie Wiseman.

Layout by Heidi Graf (August 2012).

• 2nd Place - “Burkey Park’s broken promise” by Kevin K. VanGundy (December 2012)

• “Ghost Towns of Western Colorado”

by Sandi Cameron.

Layout by Heidi Graf (May/June 2013).

• 3rd Place - “Project CURE: delivering health and hope to the world” by Karen Jones (February 2013)

• “America’s love affair with cars has its local heartbeat” by Sandi Cameron. Layout by Heidi Graf (February 2013).

2012 Guid e to G iving Your Tim e and M on ey

• “Jeep tours may be the only way to get there” by Liesl Greathouse (June 2013)

Feature Layout

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

• BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado • BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Heidi Graf

Special Section • Create a Legacy (March 2012) • Salute to Veterans (November 2012)

Topical Issue • “Finally, a tax break for seniors” by Cloie Sandlin (July 2012) • “Don’t miss your chance to change your Medicare plans” by Marsha Kearns (November 2012)

Front Cover Photo • “Baseball Fever” (Featuring Dave Mantlo.

Photo by Heidi Graf.) – July 2012

Media Kit • BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Kevin K. VanGundy & Heidi Graf

March 2013

Vol. 26

Create a Legacy LOCAL guide to giving your time

and money

Tillie Bishop’s legacy A servant leader and friend

page 6

Vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year

Tillie Bishop poses for a photo on his living room sofa while stroking his beloved bichon frise, Buddy.

page 10

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your Local Guide to Giving Your Time & Money

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

No. 3

We all want to leave a lasting legacy. How will you leave yours? Read more in this month’s insert.

What’s Inside Advice and Ideas ............................ 9 Classifieds .................................... 44 Crossword .................................... 32 Delta/Montrose County ................ 39 Faith Moves .................................. 33 Finance ......................................... 30 Garfield County ............................. 42 Health & Wellness......................... 10 Laughing Matters ......................... 16 Local Lore ..................................... 24 Mesa County................................. 34 Parks & Recreation ....................... 22 River City Singles.......................... 35 Travel & Recreation ...................... 18

ShareFest

In land they trust Founders of the Mesa Land Trust decided years ago to preserve the beauty and vitality of our area. Read more on page 6.

Monday, august 13, 2012

Thank You to our Facility Sponsors Ale House The Atrium Orchard Mesa Pool Orchard Mesa Lanes Bookcliff Activity Center Lincoln Park Golf Course Senior Recreation Center

For more info on Brown & Brown, P.C. scan this QR code with your smart phone

• “Beatlemania” (Featuring Marsha Kearns and Karen Kosinski. Illustration by Heidi Graf.) – March 2013

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

now on the web at www.BeaconSeniornews.com

Profile • 2nd Place - “Tillie Bishop’s legacy of service” by Carla Johnson (March 2013)

Photo by Heidi Graf

Putting together a BEACON isn’t easy. It takes novel ideas, creative design and photography, careful editing, intriguing and well-written stories, supportive advertisers, and a dedicated staff.

Congratulations!

After the convention, I was both amazed and disappointed to see the number of articles that were not connected to a local person or community in other senior publications.

I believe that the number and quality of the local articles we publish in the BEACON make us stand out at such competitions. Many of our awardwinning stories about local people and local issues might never have been written if it weren’t for our wonderful, local writers. Thank you!

But above all, the BEACON would not be where it is today if it weren’t for you, our readers. As always, thank you for reading the BEACON. ■ Tillie Bishop poses for a photo on his living room sofa with his beloved bichon frise, Buddy.

page 10

Your Local Guide to Giving Your Time & Money

• 1st Place - Salute to Veterans (November 2012)

Front Cover Photo

Volunteers help their community during ShareFest in April.

See how you can help on page 33.

• BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Cloie Sandlin & Heidi Graf

Your Guide to the Western Colorado Senior Games

Vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year

• 3rd Place - Create a Legacy (March 2012)

The railroad was instrumental in western Colorado’s rapid growth. Read more about its history on page 24.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Produced by the Beacon’s advertising Team

For baby boomers Marsha Kearns and Karen Kosinski, the music, legend and love of The Beatles lives on across the universe.

• 1st Place - BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Cloie Sandlin & Heidi Graf Congratulations!

Special Section

And the winners are…

• “Funny Looking Dogs” (Featuring Mike and Cindy McDerColumn Review western colorado mott. Photo by Heidi • 3rd Place - “Ask Graf.) – August 2012 Senior Games the Computer Guy”

by Daniel Ashurst • “Thanks for giving” (Featuring Scott Personal Essay VanDusen.) – No• 3rd Place - “The vember 2012 power of language: a strange seduction” • “Senior Games (October 2012) & Aug. 27-Aug. 31 Program” (Photo “Think past the sales

by Lorie Gregor.) – pitch, please” November 2012 (November 2012)

by Patti Hoff

Front Cover Illustration

page 8

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 31,920 Readers.

Beat lemania

time and money

Tillie Bishop’s legacy A servant leader and friend

• 2nd Place - “The band that changed everything” by Marsha Kearns (March 2013)

Local Lore

Website General Excellence

LocaL guide to giving your

• 3rd Place - “Boomers on bikes” by Brenda Evers & Melanie Wiseman (September 2012)

Best Overall Use of Photography Best Overall Design

Feature Writing

Create a Legacy

Website General Excellence

• 2nd Place - “Senior Games Program” (Photo by Lorie Gregor.)

– November 2012

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Front Cover Illustration • 2nd Place - “Beatlemania” (Featuring Marsha Kearns and Karen Kosinski.

Illustration by Heidi Graf.)

– March 2013

Best Overall Use of Photography • 3rd Place - BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado

Best Overall Design • 3rd Place - BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Heidi Graf

Media Kit • 1st Place - BEACON Senior Newspaper, Colorado - By Kevin K. VanGundy & Heidi Graf

The BEACON’s website, www.BeaconSeniorNews.com, won first place for website general excellence.

26

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

Craft program helps hospitalized vets vets and learn new leisure skills. It’s defiisa Smith nitely therapy said she has for me.” seen a change A variety of in every veteran crafts are ofwho has walked fered: models, through the leatherworking, doors of the woodworkGrand Junction ing, paint by Help Hospitalnumber, poster ized Veterans art, latch hook (HHV) Craft and more, all at Lisa Smith, right, shows Mary Sonneborn a craft Center. kit available at the HHV Craft Center. different skill “I have seen levels. Each kit people who were completely shut is geared toward helping improve down learn to build their hope coordination, concentration and moagain,” she said. “I’ve seen people tor skills as well as provide entertainwho say they have nobody build a ment. family.”

The Grand Junction HHV even has The program started at the VA Hospital 15 years ago and is now a stand- free clinics to help vets learn new skills in creating their crafts. alone center, located at 1670 North “I like the fact that I can explore Ave. The center is one big room new things and get feelings out in equipped with tables, where veterans a tangible way,” veteran Mary Sonfrom all eras work on crafts, which neborn said. are given to them free of charge.

Veterans who can’t make it to the Veteran Chris Ecklund has voluncraft center can be a part of the teered with the Grand Junction HHV Patient Home Rehabilitation Prosince it first started. gram. This program is available to “We used to build our kits in a utilany veteran of Mesa County who is ity closet,” Ecklund said. “Now we homebound or in a facility. They also have enough room to have clinics. serve the Rifle area. Veterans inPlus, there is free coffee.” volved in the program receive a craft Smith is the craft care specialist who runs the center. She has worked kit monthly.

There are volunteer opportunities for HHV for 11 years. available at the Grand Junction HHV. HHV is a nonprofit organization Volunteers can work on crafts with with services available to veterans the veterans or organize the kits who have sought any form of health for shipping. The costs of the craft care in the last six months. HHV has kits are covered by donations. Kits provided craft kits to veterans since range from $8 to $100, depending 1971. on size, skill level and type. All craft These kits do more than simply kits come with a prepaid donor reply give veterans a hobby. They become postcard. Vets can fill them out as a tools that help vets who are on the way of saying thank you to the donor. road to recovery from physical, The goal of HHV is to reach out to mental, and/or emotional wounds as many veterans as possible with endured during their service to our a free craft kit. Their motto states, country.

“HHV Arts and Crafts are not to kill There is a strong camaraderie time, but to make time live.” among the vets at the craft center.

Grand Junction HHV is open from “It’s allowed me to do things I’ve never tried before,” veteran Terri Cox 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through said. “It’s a place where I can get lost Friday. For more information, call 424-0499 or visit www.hhv.org. ■ in an activity, socialize with other

By Cameron Jones

L

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Will the end of Windows XP be the end of my computer?

Ask the computer guy

By Daniel Ashurst, Alpine Computer Solutions

T

he date was December 31, 1999. People everywhere were buying generators and storing food in preparation of what was referred to as Y2K. Many people were concerned about how the world would operate with computers that were not programmed to function past 1999. Where were you and how did you respond?

Another computer-related event is coming that concerns owners of computers with Windows XP as its operating system. On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will pull the plug on support for Windows XP. So if you have a computer that has Windows XP, what do you do?

Q. Will my computer handle an upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8?

It depends. But in general, here’s a quick checklist: 1. Is your computer in good shape and does it have at least $400 in value?

2. Does your computer have or can it handle up to 2 GB of memory (RAM)?

3. Is your hard drive at least 250 GB in size?

4. Do you have programs that are compatible with Windows 7 or Windows 8?

On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will pull the plug on support for Windows XP.

Q. If I have a Windows XP computer, will it stop working on April 8, 2014?

Not at all. This is a procedural play on Microsoft’s part to make sure that you are moving forward with your computer and using some of their most recent products. Yes, there is genius marketing in this, but it is also a product of the constantly changing world we live in.

Q. If Microsoft is just trying to push me on to the new stuff, can I securely use my computer without their support after April 8?

No. They have a particularly powerful advantage over the general public. They control the servers, which give us the upgrades to Windows that keep it as secure as possible. On April 8, they will be pulling all of those updates. According to Microsoft’s disclosure website, “Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks.”

5. Do you see yourself using that computer another two years or so?

If you answered yes to at least three of the five questions, particularly the second, then you could be a candidate for an upgrade to Windows 7.

To read what Microsoft is saying about the end of XP, visit www.microsoft.com/ en-us/windows/enterprise/endofsup port.aspx.

Call us at Alpine Computer Solutions for a free diagnostic of your Windows XP computer to establish a plan for your journey forward. ■

Email your questions to Daniel Ashurst with Alpine Computer Solutions at solutions@alpinepc.com or mail them to the BEACON at P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502. For professional assistance, call Daniel at 234-1011 or Alpine Computer Solutions at 257-1011.

ask the computer guy 27

28 Finance

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

Don’t let cyber grinches ruin your holidays

By Jason Alderman

I

Senior Homecare by Angels

’m usually in too much of a Thanksgiving food coma to hit the sales on Black Friday, but millions of other Americans somehow find the energy.

Last year, 89 million people took advantage of Black Friday sales (57 million of them online), while an estimated 247 million shopped throughout the four-day weekend, as stores increasingly have opened their doors on Thanksgiving itself.

In addition, millions of bargain hunters spent another $2 billion on Cyber Monday, so it’s clear that online holiday shopping is here to stay. Unfortunately, cyber criminals have zeroed in on this trend and are redoubling their efforts to separate shoppers from their hard-earned cash.

Whether you’re shopping online by computer, smartphone or tablet, here are some common cyber scams to watch out for and security precautions to take.

Tips for buying gift cards: • Only buy from secure websites of trusted retailers. (Look for an “s” in the “https://” web address and a lock symbol.)

• At walk-in stores, only purchase cards from employees who have them locked up. Avoid cards at unattended display racks, since thieves can scan the card’s unique serial number; then, after you’ve loaded it with cash, drain its value with online purchases before the recipient has a chance to use it.

• Never purchase deeply discounted cards or event tickets from online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist.

Chances are good that the cards are counterfeit or were stolen.

Most retailers offer holiday sales as a way to boost their year-end bottom line. If you’ve “liked” a product or store on Facebook or Twitter, or have signed up to receive their emails, you may well get genuine offers for steep discounts or last-minute sales.

But beware of bogus offers from

sites that mimic those of legitimate retailers. They could be: • Trying to harvest your credit card number and other personal information to make illegitimate charges to your account or open new accounts in your name.

• Attempting to sell you counterfeit or stolen goods.

• Trying to gain access to your social media profile to log into other accounts tied to it, or to post illegitimate offers purportedly endorsed by you to lure in your friends.

Another common scam is to send an email claiming a courier is trying to deliver a package or there’s a problem with your order. You’ll be told to click on a link to get details and will likely be asked to reveal account or other personal information to verify.

Unless you previously provided them your email address, this is probably bogus.

A few additional holiday-related security tips: • When shopping online, avoid pop-up ads touting incredible deals.

If you think it might be real, log on to the retailer’s website yourself to see whether the deal is posted.

• Hackers create realistic-looking web addresses that, when clicked, take you to a bogus site that can infect your device with malware or install a Trojan Horse program to steal your personal information. To be safe, let your cursor hover over web addresses you didn’t type in yourself and look for misspelled or weirdlooking sequences of characters.

• Before completing an online order, visit the site’s “Contact Us” and “Terms and Conditions” pages for their phone number, mailing address, return policies, etc. Phony sites often either don’t have such pages or they’re filled with easy-to-spot errors.

Don’t let the prospect of getting a great deal on Black Friday allow you to drop your guard against scammers who would love to fill your stocking with coal. ■

December 2013

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The maestro of ‘champagne’ music with Swedish reeds, was one of the most exhilaratne day, our daughter’s ing moments of Welk’s life. friend said, “I don’t He stayed up half the night like watching TV with playing to the dismay of my grandparents. All they the household. watch is Lawrence Welk.”

When his four years The moment was surreal were up, his parents let because 40 years earlier, him go with love but with we had expressed the concern that the life of same sentiments. Lawa musician was unstable rence Welk had many loyal and that he would lose faith. Over fans. What was his secret? the next 30 years, Welk performed The Lawrence Welk Show is the with a series of bands and orcheslongest running television show in tras. Many times in the early years, American history. It ran from 1955 he slept and changed for perforto 1972 on ABC, from 1972 to mances in his car. He recalled 1982 on over 200 stations one Fourth of July dance, in nationwide syndicaat which mothers brought tion, and from 1982 until their babies up in baspresent, in PBS reruns. kets and set them on the It was a variety show stage. Welk quipped that with dancing, singing, A nd save the date he played the accordion, big band music, dance, for the led the band and babysat. jazz, country, polkas, In 1955, Welk and his Latin, popular music orchestra were asked to and gospel music. In Senior Prom be a summer replace1938 a Pennsylvania ment show on ABC but Friday, listener said the music with some changes, February 14, 2014 was “effervescent, like including a comedy act champagne.” Champagne and chorus girls to spice Commons of Hilltop music became his band’s things up. Welk was devGarden theme. astated but stood firm, Room Welk’s autobiography saying that television “Wunnerful, Wunnerful!” went into people’s homes is a story of the American and he wanted a healthy dream. His parents were atmosphere. The show was a German immigrants, who beresounding success and the age cause of religious persecution, fled of Welkisms began, including “Atheir homeland of Alsace-Lorraine one, an-a-two,” and bloopers such as to live in the Ukraine. In 1892, they a song “not being his cup of dish.” immigrated to America and settled How did a big band leader thrive in North Dakota. They brought with during the peak of rock and roll them an accordion passed down youth culture, and live on today as from a blind ancestor. Welk’s first a regular on PBS? Welk read and memory was of crawling toward the charted fan letters, keeping in touch accordion to push the keys. with what his fans wanted. He atWhen Welk was 16, he asked his tracted talent and even as teenagers, father to lend him $400 for an acwe confess, we liked many of the performers. Welk was infectiously cordion of his own. In return for joyous. Those watching his show felt the loan, Welk worked on the famthat they were part of a celebration. ily farm for four years and gave his The Lawrence Welk Show, noted parents any money he made playing Janet Lennon of The Lennon Sisters, music. His father went into debt to “conjures up an innocent time spent get the money. The arrival of the accordion, a custom-made instrument with parents and grandparents.” ■

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30 Crossword puzzle

“An exquisite novel: funny, trAgic, hArd-edged And ethereAl At once.”

—david ulin, los Angeles times

Official 2014 one Book Selection SUPPORT ONE BOOK

The Barnes & Noble Bookfair donates a portion of bookfair sales to support the One Book, One Mesa County program. If you use the Bookfair ID 1120364 when purchasing A Tale for the Time Being online at bn.com from Dec. 8-13 or in person at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 8, a percentage of your purchase will support One Book.

visit mesacountylibraries.org

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com AT A DISTANCE

Richard W. Lewis, Funeral Director Although death is a certainty in all our lives, where death claims us is not.

Many people who are retired enjoy their years of hard work by rewarding themselves by travelling the country, as well as the world. Families simply do not know what to do when their family member dies in another county, state, or country.

As your local Dignity Memorial® provider, through a relationship we have with Medical Air Services Association, we are able to offer the Transportation & Relocation Plan.

For those who travel on a regular basis, this is an extremely valuable service, giving everyone involved additional peace of mind in knowing they will be taken care of and returned home regardless of where death claims them. Medical Air Services Association will take care of all the necessary paperwork, including all transit permits, airline, container, ground transportation and shipping, body preparation, and paperwork necessary to return your loved one home (when travelling beyond 75 miles of your home).

We also understand that for the family members that do not live nearby, the death of a loved one can present the predicament of getting home to be with the family… For that reason, we offer a Bereavement Travel Program, an exclusive Dignity Memorial® provider benefit. This is a wonderful program designed to assist out-of-town family members and friends to attend a funeral, cremation, and memorial or graveside service.

We provide the best available travel options throughout the U.S. and Canada and to many international destinations. On a moment’s notice, dedicated travel specialists will seek the best available airfares as well as hotel accommodations and car rentals for all family and friends - allowing them to be with their loved ones.

We are committed to providing our families with a wide variety of services that meet any possible need your family might encounter when a loved one dies. Martin Mortuary, your local Dignity Memorial® provider, has been serving families in the Grand Valley and surrounding areas since 1917. Please feel free to visit our mortuary at 550 North Avenue, and if a question arises, do not hesitate to contact us at 970-243-1538 to set up an appointment, or visit our website: www.MartinMortuary.com.

Whether you desire cremation or burial, Martin Mortuary provides the security of insurance funded funeral prearrangements.

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 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

December 2013

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”

December 2013

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Remembering the reason for Christmas

By Pastor Jeff Goodwin, Loma Community Church

E

ach year we find ourselves engulfed in the marketing hype known as Christmas. Each year it seems easier to get caught up in the decorations, the expectation of cheer, and the all-important tradition of giving and getting of gifts.

Please don’t misunderstand. I enjoy Christmas more than most! Just ask my family. I enjoy giving and getting thoughtful gifts, but we all must be very careful to not let the marketing hype of Christmas diminish the real reason for the season— Immanuel. We must not let our hearts wander from the birth of Jesus Christ. We must guard the truth, lest we forget God the Father sent His only son for a purpose. For Jesus, the Son of God, is Immanuel, the greatest gift ever given. “…a humble girl gives birth to the only hope this world has.

His name is Immanuel. …a baby swaddled tightly is the one who split night from day.

His name is Immanuel. …a child who must learn to speak is the one who spoke the world into existence.

His name is Immanuel. …a boy who became a man is the Lamb crucified to take away our sin.

His name is Immanuel.”

We all live in a time that is losing this story, this reality. The songs of Christmas may still be played, but the biblical reality and truth of the Christmas story fades. As it fades, people are driven to create their own plotlines for the Christmas

story. They spend their time, energy and money, attempting to develop meaning in the moment without the moment being God’s unimaginable love. And when they replace eternal things with temporary things, they soon find the moment lacking and they wonder, “There must be more.”

Hints of it can even be heard in our secularized culture. For Christ is not easily sidestepped during this Christmas season. The hustle and bustle and noise may be overwhelming, but the small truth of Christmas found in a manger can overcome it all. Most radio stations and department stores play songs with words like, “Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.” Reminders like these are woven into the secularized Christmas season, reminding us of Immanuel— God with us.

Immanuel was born unto us so that He “who never sinned” would become “the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21). The manger is to always be a shocking reminder of God’s overwhelming love for us. Immanuel, born to be one of us so that He could die for us on a cross, is the message of Christmas, a personal introduction of Jesus, God’s only plan for the redemption of you and me. So during this Christmas season, let the gift of Immanuel be the reason you celebrate.

Matthew 1:23 “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” ■

faith moves 31

Loma Community Church

Shining the Light of Christ to our Community & Beyond “Helping Families Grow in Christ”

Pastor Jeff Goodwin

Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 & 11 a.m.

Sunday School (children thru adult): 10 a.m.

1307 Garfield Street, Loma, CO 81524 970-858-7147

www.lomacommunitychurch.com

32

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December 2013

The perfect tree

By Jan Weeks

B

lame it on Hallmark or Martha Stewart, but for years I had the urge to chop down the perfect pine tree, the supreme spruce, and bring the great outdoors inside, at least for a few weeks on the cusp of winter.

So last year I bought a tree cutting permit and ventured into the hills in search of that perfect tree, the one I wouldn’t have to stand in a corner to hide the sparse side.

If you’ve ever gone in search of the perfect tree, you know that it’s always at the crest of the steepest hill around. So, clad in my Snow Pacs and parka, I set out with Darby, my Labrador retriever, to find Martha’s version of the holiday. I didn’t really need the dog, but leaving him behind would be like telling a teen that he can’t have the car on Friday night.

Oh, the eyes!

I drove for miles, winding through the mountains along the back roads, scanning the slopes for the quintessential tree, the one that would make this Christmas just like the ones I never had but always wanted. If I found this incomparable tree, the livin’ would be easy, I’d be 10 pounds thinner, and Publisher’s Clearinghouse would call. At least that would happen in my Christmas fairy tale world.

At last I spotted it. Way up there on the ridge. The snow-covered branches spread evenly and thickly.

It would fit in my living room. It was beautiful. I pulled into a plowed area, slung a bow saw over my shoulder, and began the climb. If you’ve ever waded through knee-deep snow in the mountains, you know that there is no down. It’s all up. And up I went, breaking trail for Darby, pulling myself up in places, crawling in others, fighting the slope.

After what seemed like seven hours of struggle, I finally reached the tree. Darby sniffed and proceeded to mark it as his.

“Bad dog!” I scolded.

His huge brown eyes looked like I had just beaten him with a rolledup Sunday “New York Times.” He stalked away, pretending that he was above such holiday nonsense. I unslung the saw and began cutting above his mark. The Currier and Ives snow that had adorned the branches cascaded over me, soaking my hair and melting down my neck. Sawing madly, I ignored the chill that swept through me and finally stepped back to watch the 7-footer topple.

I whistled to Darby and began the descent. “Down” reappeared with a vengeance as my feet slipped out from under me. I began to slide feet first, the tree on top of me, blocking my vision, and cursed Martha and her ilk. If it hadn’t been—ouch!—for her—damn rock!—I wouldn’t be in this—oh, crap!—predicament.

Believe me, the human backside was never designed to be a toboggan.

About halfway down the hill, Darby decided to hitch a ride, jumping onto my legs and howling as we raced toward destruction. By the time we landed in the ditch beside the road, I was considering converting to Judaism. Finding a menorah seemed much safer than finding the perfect tree.

By the time I got the tree home, I noticed that several branches had been ripped off during our precipitous descent and I had to put that side to the corner. Even after I put the tinsel and ornaments and lights on it, the tree still looked battered and beaten. Kinda like me.

After Christmas I hauled the bedraggled remnants to the curb and hit the post-holiday sales. And there I found my perfect tree. Its limbs were flawless, not a bad side in sight. Its needles would never shed. Fairy lights twinkled. I handed my credit card to the clerk and said, “Box it up.”

And that’s the tale of the perfect tree. ■

December 2013

■ Deliver meals, provide companionship to

homebound seniors this Christmas Eve For the fifth consecutive year, Comfort Keepers of Grand Junction and Montrose will partner with Family Health West, Hilltop, Edward Jones, Canyon View Church and the Gray Gourmet to provide a hot dinner and companionship to homebound seniors on Christmas Eve. This tradition began in 2008, when Comfort Keepers’ owner Ora Lee recognized that many Grand Valley seniors were homebound, hungry and alone on Christmas Eve. Lee said they expect to deliver 300 hot meals this Christmas Eve to

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Grand Valley seniors located as far as Collbran. Seniors also have the option to have a volunteer take some time to visit with them as they enjoy their meal.

If you know of a senior that could benefit from this program, call Comfort Keepers at 241-8818.

Volunteers are also needed for a variety of positions, including meal preparation, delivery and companionship. If you’d like to volunteer, make a dessert to accompany the meal or make a monetary donation, call 241-8818.

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■ “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki named the 2014 selection for One Book, One Mesa County Mesa County Libraries are pleased to announce that “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki is the 2014 One Book, One Mesa County selection.

The novel is a powerful story about how reading, writing and the discovery of a journal connect two people who will never meet. The connection begins with a lunchbox washed up on a beach in the Pacific Northwest, suspected to be debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. The lunchbox contains a diary written by a troubled Tokyo schoolgirl, and its finder, a novelist named Ruth, becomes obsessed with discovering the fate of the girl. “A Tale for the Time Being” contemplates quantum mechanics, Zen meditation, computer science, climate change and the

nature of being.

“A Tale for the Time Being” has received wide critical acclaim and was a shortlist finalist for the prestigious 2013 Man Booker Prize.

Author Ruth Ozeki is a writer, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest who lives in British Columbia and New York City.

Ozeki is scheduled to visit Grand Junction Saturday, March 1, to discuss her book at the One Book, One Mesa County author event. In early 2014, Mesa County Libraries will host a variety of entertaining programs and informative discussions centered on “A Tale for the Time Being.” More information about those events will be released in January.

For details, call 243-4442.

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34 Mesa county

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Mesa County Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse December 2-14

Library Book Sale The Friends of the Mesa County Libraries Book Sale will take place at the Central Library, 530 Grand Ave., during regular library hours. Call 243-4442 for details.

December 4 & 11

Free estate planning seminars Attorneys of Brown & Brown offer free estate planning seminars at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction. Seminars are from 4:30 p.m.-

“An exquisite novel: funny, trAgic, hArd-edged And ethereAl At once.”

—david ulin, los Angeles times

5:30 p.m. Topics are Estate Planning for Seniors on December 4 and LongTerm Care Planning on December 11.

Registration required. For details, call 243-8250.

December 6

Chili supper and cake raffle The Redlands Lions Club will serve chili or potato soup from 5 p.m.8 p.m. at Redlands Middle School.

Guests can purchase raffle tickets for cakes and a handmade afghan. Tickets are $7 for adults. For details and tickets, call 589-2124 or 201-8432.

December 7

Craft Fair at Grand Villa This event takes place from 9 a.m.4 p.m. at Grand Villa Assisted Living, 2680 N. 15th St. Call 241-9706.

December 7

Military Open House Operation Interdependence invites all veterans, active military and their spouses to an open house from

Buying for CASH!

Official 2014 one Book Selection SUPPORT ONE BOOK

The Barnes & Noble Bookfair donates a portion of bookfair sales to support the One Book, One Mesa County program. If you use the Bookfair ID 1120364 when purchasing A Tale for the Time Being online at bn.com from Dec. 8-13 or in person at Barnes & Noble on Dec. 8, a percentage of your purchase will support One Book.

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2 p.m.-4 p.m. at VFW Post 1247, 1404 Ute Ave., as a thank you for their service. Refreshments will be provided.

For details, call 523-4217.

December 7

Messiah Sing-along The Messiah Sing-along will be from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. in Grand Junction.

Arrive by 1:45 p.m. to get seated. Sing or just listen to the complete performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Free admission. Scores can be bought for $8 or borrowed for a refundable $8.

December 7

Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser Share the Christmas spirit with children in East Africa, help local businesses and cross items off your shopping list at this craft fair from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Jubilee Family Church Fellowship Hall, 493 30 Road.

There will be a tablet PC and $200 gift certificate raffle, silent auction, bake sale and more. Proceeds benefit Father to the Fatherless International.

For details, call 234-9751.

December 2013 December 7 & 21

Photos with Santa

Santa will be at the Bibs to Cribs Store, 2923 North Ave., from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Your special Christmas photos will be ready in minutes.

Just $5 for the first photo and $2 for each additional photo. Proceeds benefit the Grand Junction Veterans Golden Age Games Team. For details, call 234-1497.

December 8

CMU Holiday Concert Colorado Mesa University’s annual Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. in the Moss Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. For details and tickets, call 248-1604.

December 13

Spirit of Christmas Walk Enjoy the event with the year’s largest collection of entertainers in the area, performing on Grand Junction’s Main Street and inside downtown’s unique retail shops from 5:30 p.m.9 p.m. Businesses will serve complimentary hot drinks and treats. For details, call 241-2740.

December 2013 December 14

Fruita Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair This fun event will be 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fruita Community Center. For details, call 858-0360.

December 14 & 15

Art Jewelers Guild Holiday Sale The sale will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Meadowlark Gardens. There will be entertainment, drawings and refreshments. For details, call 243-1220 or visit www.artjewelryguild.com.

Christmas Eve at First Presbyterian There will be a 2:30 p.m. children’s service with puppets and candlelight family services at 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road. For details, call 242-1923 or visit www.firstpresgj.org December 24

Christmas Eve at Appleton Christian Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. includes communion, candlelight and a Christmas message. Call 242-7380.

December 31, January 3, 4 & 11

Metropolitan Opera in HD: “Falstaff”

High Desert Opera: “Les Misérables”

See the MET production of Verdi’s “Falstaff” at Regal Cinemas in Grand Junction at 10:55 a.m. on December 14 and 6:30 p.m. on December 18.

Performances will be at the Grand Junction High School auditorium. For tickets and details, call 523-9605.

December 15 & 24

New Year’s Eve celebration

Loma Community Church, 1307 Garfield, hosts its church program, Worship the King, at 6 p.m. December 15 and a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6 p.m. Call 858-7147.

Mesa county 35

December 24

December 14 & 18

Loma Community Church Christmas

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December 31 This fundraiser for Sacred Heart Church’s Building Fund will take place at 7:30 p.m. at A Taste of Heaven Catering. There will be food, live music, cash bar and more. Tickets are $30. Call 858-3137 for details. ■

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Wendy Zaharko, M.D. Your Local Valley Physician “Compassion and Continuity of Care”

Dr. Zaharko has been serving The Grand Valley continuously for the last four years. Besides writing on cannabis in numerous Western Slope papers, she is writing a book on Medical Cannabis as a tribute to her remarkable patients.

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36 Mesa county

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Mesa County Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

One Book, One Mesa County

Weight loss surgery seminar

Mesa County Libraries are pleased to announce that “A Tale for the Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki is the 2014 One Book, One Mesa County selection.

The novel is a powerful story about how reading, writing and the discovery of a journal connect two people who will never meet. The connection begins with a lunchbox washed up on a beach in the Pacific Northwest, suspected to be debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. The lunchbox contains a diary written by a troubled Tokyo schoolgirl, and its finder, a novelist named Ruth, becomes obsessed with discovering the fate of the girl. The book contemplates quantum mechanics, Zen meditation, computer science, climate change, and the nature of being.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, attend a free education session presented by the staff of St. Mary’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center. Learn how the different types of surgery work, who qualifies, and how St. Mary’s will support you as you change your life. Sessions take place at the St. Mary’s Life Center, 2686 Patterson Road in Grand Junction. Call 298-6400 to register.

• December 4 - 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

• December 18 - noon to 1:30 p.m.

Great deals on popular books!

Holiday DEC 2 - 14

HopeWest holiday events The Light Up a Life holiday memorial ceremony and lighting of the HopeWest campus is at 5:30 p.m. December 5 at HopeWest. HopeWest also participates in Colorado Gives Day on December 10, where you can support nonprofits by donating at www.coloradogives.org.

Senior Connections First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1425 N. Fifth St., hosts

December 2013

Senior Connections at 2 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month. Senior Connections is an educational and social opportunity for seniors. This month, Al Albrethsen presents rural rustic poetry, reflecting his farm and ranch life in Idaho. Call 245-7872.

Grand Mesa Chorus fundraiser Just in time for your holiday baking projects, Grand Mesa Chorus Sweet Adelines International has just received a beautiful shipment of AAA fresh nuts, grown in the U.S. There are eight varieties available. Contact a chorus member or call Shirley at 255-9419 or 245-9484 to order.

Classic country and dance Bill Bartley plays classic country music for biweekly dances from 7 p.m.10 p.m. at the Grand Junction Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave. All ages are welcome. December dances are on the 7th and 28th. Cost is $5.

Museum of Western Colorado activities • December 14 - 9 a.m., Breakfast with Santa at Dinosaur Journey, 550 Jurassic Court in Fruita. Cost is $8 per person, which includes admission to Dinosaur Journey and a gift bag. Reservations required. Call 242-0971.

• Starting December 14 - 10 a.m.4 p.m. Enjoy the annual Christmas Train Show at Cross Orchards His-

Shop for the holidays and benefit Friends of the Mesa County Libraries!

(5th Street and Grand Avenue)

Sale open during regular Central Library hours

Friends of the

Mesa County Libraries

visit mesacountylibraries.org

Support groups • Mending Hearts Support Group is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. This group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th St. Call 248-8844 for details.

• Caregiver Connections is open to all caregivers. This group meets from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th St. Call 248-8844 for details.

• St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month in the Grand Mesa Room of St. Mary’s Life Center, 2686 Patterson Road. Call 298-1929 for details.

• Breast Cancer Support Group meets from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the Reflection Room of St. Mary’s Hospital (Entrance 25). Call 298-2254 for details.

Volunteer opportunities

Pick up favorite titles for the people on your shopping list and benefit a nonprofit organization that has provided support for programs at Mesa County Libraries for almost 50 years. Most books are priced under $10 and gift certificates are available.

December 2 –14, Central Library

toric Site, 3073 F Road, every Friday and Saturday in December, starting December 14. Cost is $1 for children 12 and under, $4 for adults or $7 for a family.

• December 19 – noon, Oral History presentation at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. • December 20 – 5:30 p.m., Behind the Scenes Tour at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave. Cost is $5 per person.

3251 E Road • Clifton, CO

• Relocate to a Quiet Adult Park • New Homes for Sale and Vacant Lots Available • Incentives for New Move-ins Call Meg at 970-434-6800 email: meg@pictureranchllc.com

Legacy

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• RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839.

• Mesa County SOS needs volunteer drivers to give seniors rides to grocery shopping, pharmacy and medical visits once a week. Must be 25 or older and pass a background check.

SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746.

• HopeWest is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. Call Diane at 257-2378.

• Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to write notes for the troops, help collect products and

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

pack civilian rations. Call 523-4217.

• Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. Volunteers are also needed to work at one of their senior dining sites one day per week. Call 243-9844.

• Harden Hospice needs volunteers to help patients tell their life stories.

Training is provided. Call 210-5912.

Club activities • Friendship Force meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org.

• Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will celebrate Christmas at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Officers will be installed and the Uffda musicians will entertain with a holiday sing-a long. Bring an unwrapped toy, gift card, or a cash donation to be presented to the Salvation Army.

Members bring Christmas cookies for the cookie sale and a side dish for the potluck dinner. Call 245-5649, 8586702 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

• Western Slope Coin Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW Post 1247, 1404 Ute Ave. Get a free coin/ currency evaluation before the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit ww.gjcoinshow.com.

• Two River Sams Chapter, Good Sam RV Club, meets at 11:30 a.m. on December 14. For location, call 523-5625.

• Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month (bring a lunch) at the Museum of Western Colorado. A help session is at 1 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at one of the Mesa County libraries. Call 245-5312.

• Art Jewelers’ Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Grandview Apartments, 1501 N. First St. Call 243-1220.

• Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles has potlucks on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

They have dinner on the third Wednesday of the month and have monthly outings. Call 434-5277.

• Mesa Fiberarts Guild meets at noon the first Wednesday of the month at First Presbyterian Church, and at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the Center for Independence. Call 245-9469 or visit www. mesafiberartsguild.org.

• Grand Junction Christian Women’s Network meets at 12:15 p.m.

December 12 for a luncheon at The Clarion Inn. Cost is $14. RSVP required. Call 858-1044. ■

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38 Delta/ Montrose counties

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Who is Volunteers Of America?

December 2013

Delta/Montrose Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse December 6 & 7

Paonia Holiday Art Fair

T

he name Volunteers of America was chosen when the organization was founded 117 years ago. It signified that Volunteers of America was comprised of people voluntarily choosing to help others. Founders and social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth envisioned a movement dedicated to “reaching and uplifting” the American people.

The Booths pledged to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” That declaration continues to guide the organization’s outreach efforts today. Our services are delivered through a partnership of professional staff, volunteers and other community supporters. We are one of the largest nonprofit providers of quality, affordable housing for seniors, the fourth largest nonprofit provider of long-term care, and the sixth largest nonprofit provider of assisted living facilities in the United States.

• Valley Manor Care Center • The Homestead at Montrose • Horizons Health Care & Retirement Community • Senior CommUnity Meals • Senior CommUnity Care PACE • Home Health of Western Colorado

For more information visit www.voahealthservices.org

Experience real holiday magic in Paonia from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m-5 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 228 Grand Ave. Enjoy live music, caroling and refreshments while browsing candles, soaps, jewelry, cards, wreaths, paintings, photography, pottery, clothing, journals, handwoven scarves, accessories and more by 19 local artisans.

For details, call 527-5421 or 527-6570.

December 7

Handmade Holiday Craft Show The annual Handmade Holiday Craft Show will feature over 50 crafters, artists and artisans with unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. The show will be from 9 a.m.3 p.m. at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center gym, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. Shop local and help out your local handmade movement.

December 7

Ten Friends Arts & Crafts Show

The Celebration Voices of the Montrose United Methodist Church will present this traditional service of readings and carols in the church sanctuary, 19 S. Park Ave., at 7 p.m.

Friday and 5 p.m. Sunday. The concert features many of the season’s favorite carols. There is no charge for the performance, but there will be a free-will offering. For more information, call 249-3716.

The show will be held from 9 a.m.4 p.m in the Chipeta Room at the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Drive (Highway 550 South) in Montrose.

This will be in conjunction with the museum’s annual Holiday Open House with free admission to the museum and the show. The show features local artists and crafters, and will feature pottery, jewelry, decoupage, pressed flowers, gourds, mixed media art, woodcarvings, metal art, folk art, photography, polymer clay art, knitted and felted items, and more. For more information, call 240-8377.

December 7

December 14

December 6 & 8

A Festival of Lessons and Carols

Pearl Harbor Day ceremony Remember and honor our Armed Forces at a Pearl Harbor Day remembrance ceremony organized by the VFW from 11 a.m. to noon at Confluence Park in Delta.

Merriment on Main Saturday On Main Street in Montrose, enjoy holiday hayrides, shopping specials, entertainment, refreshments, lights and more from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and a special holiday night on the town

Custom Engraved:

Home appointments available

• Headstones • Stone Signs • Address Rocks • Sandblasting • River Rocks • Gifts & More

970-323-6658

Please call for an appointment

www.facebook.com/ MorrisMonument

morrismonument.com

1630 South Main Street, Delta

Life’s Legacy in Stone

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/ Montrose counties 39

with wine tasting, artists’ demonstra- Montrose Community Band tions and holiday decorations from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

December 14 & 31

Dances at the Montrose Pavilion The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. On December 14, there will be music by the Jim Estle Band and on December 31, the dance will be from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with music by the Ghost River Band. Admission is $5. For more information, call 252-7172.

December 15

Montrose Community Band Christmas concert The Montrose Community Band will hold a free Christmas concert at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive in Montrose. For more information, call 596-1188 or visit www.montroseband.com.

December 19 & 20

Paonia Players present “It’s a Wonderful Life” This beloved American holiday classic is reimagined as a live 1940s radio

There when you need them the most.

Minor injuries & Illness Colds, Flu & Allergies Sports, Dot & employment physicals.

Laceration and Fracture Care Terry S. Wade D.O. Barbara Budagaher P.A.-C Izzy Singleton P.A.-C MON

- FRI 8AM - 8PM SAT 8AM - 4PM - 4 PM, CLOSED EASTER, CHRISTMAS & THANKSGIVING

SUN NOON

broadcast, complete with soundman, stage manager and commercial jingles. The story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve, only to encounter Clarence, an angel who has yet to earn his wings. With Clarence’s help, George discovers what life in his small town would be like if he had never been born.

Performances take place from 7 p.m.10 p.m. both nights at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and can be purchased at the Montrose Pavilion, Fabula in Montrose, Second Edition in Delta and Paonia Farm & Home. They can also be purchased at www.brownpaper

tickets.com. Call 361-1540 for more information.

December 25

Free Community Christmas Day Dinner This event will be at 2 p.m. in Baldridge Hall at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. The dinner is free and the community is welcome. To volunteer or to make reservations, call 249-3716 or email office@montroseumc.com.

December 31

Community New Year’s Eve Party This family-friendly, alcohol-free event will be from 8 p.m. to midnight at Friendship Hall, 1001 N. Second

St. in Montrose. Why watch the ball drop on TV when you can experience it live? There will be a carnival and minute-to-win-it games from 8 p.m.-10 p.m., and “Dance through the Decades” from 10 p.m. to midnight. There will be appetizers and hors d’ouvres. Advance tickets are $10 per person or $25 per family of four or more. Tickets at the door are $15 per person and $35 per family.

Purchase tickets with cash or check at Genesis Christian Market Place, Great Harvest Bread Company, KFrizz Salon, or the Life Choices Family Resource Center. For details, call 249-4302. ■

40 Delta/ Montrose counties

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Valley Symphony Christmas

by Candlelight concert Enjoy a special Christmas concert with the combined talents of the Valley Symphony Chorus and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. The November 30 concert is at 7:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive.

The December 1 concert will be at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. The December 8 concert will be 3 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Ave. A variety of holiday carols and Christmas favorites will be performed. Tickets are $20 for adults/seniors. Because this is a popular holiday concert, advance ticket purchases are encouraged. Tickets can be purchased at Clubb’s in Delta, Colorado West Investments, Howard Davidson Insurance Agency, DeVinny Jewelers and the Montrose Pavilion office. Tickets can also be purchased

online at www.valleysymphony.net.

For more information, call 209-2295 or visit www.valleysymphony.net.

Events for veterans The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans in December. 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 for coffee from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. every Thursday.

• 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.

Delta walking events • First Saturday Street Fair - Come down to Third Street between Main and Palmer Streets from 8 a.m.1 p.m. and enjoy entertainment, food, crafts, bags, cookware, health and beauty supplies, and more.

Montrose walking events • First Friday Stroll - On the first Friday of each month, stroll along downtown Montrose and see artist demonstrations, enjoy free wine tastings and in-store promotional events from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

• ReneWest Interactive Art Crawl - On the third Thursday of each month, stroll along the West Main arts district in Montrose for fine art, fun activities, drinks, drama, music and special discounts at 5 p.m.

Support groups • Veterans PTSD support group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the

Quality Care with a compassionate touch

What’s your plan

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when you have a period of extended care?

Who will care for you and how will you pay for it?

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970-527-4837 www.PCrC.web.officelive.com

December 2013 Montrose Workforce Center, 504 N. First St. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services. Call 245-4156.

• 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, call Tim Ramsey at 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 (first cottage on the left) at 1380 Aspen Way in Delta. Call 773-4214.

• Mending Hearts Support Group, offered by HopeWest, is open to adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.

• Delta group meets at 6 p.m.7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at HopeWest, 195 Stafford Lane. Call 874-6823.

• Montrose group meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays and 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays at the Bosom Buddies Room, 645 S. Fifth St. Call 252-2520.

• Cedaredge group meets at 2 p.m.

Tuesdays at the Cedaredge Public Library, 180 S.W. Sixth Ave. • Hotchkiss group meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays at First Baptist Church, 203 W. Main St.

Volunteer opportunities • Harden Hospice in Montrose is seeking volunteers to help their patients tell their life stories. Share some laughter, hold a hand, and be there when you’re needed most. For more information, call 210-5912.

Phyllis Hoffman, CLTC LTC Planning Specialist phoffman@genworthltc.com

970-765-5029 Call for complimentary plan Long Term Care Insurance

• HopeWest in Delta and Montrose is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. In Delta, call 874-6823 for more information. In Montrose, call 252-2642.

• RSVP seeks volunteers age 55 and older to serve in Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Gunnison areas. There is immediate need for volunteers to help with special projects and long-

December 2013 term positions for four to eight hours weekly. For more information, call 249-9639.

AARP Driver Safety Course Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, and learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule, contact John Loring 856-6924 or 424-1778.

Delta Senior Activities The following activities are offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. To register for any of the following activities or for a full list, call 874-0923.

• Community Evening Dances From 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Cost is $4 per person. Please bring a snack to share.

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in December. 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 any of the following activities, call 2524884.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Cost is $25 (includes dinner at Ted Nelson’s Steak House).

• Winter Hike - 9:30 a.m., December 6. Keep active year-round by joining us on a lower elevation, easy-to-moderate hike in Fruita. Cost is $18. Bring a sack lunch for all trips.

• Sing We Now of Christmas 1 p.m.-4 p.m., December 15. Dolce Voce, which means “sweet voice” in Italian, is a group of eight a cappella singers from the Montrose area. They perform an eclectic blend of music, ranging from madrigals and littleknown classics from the baroque and romantic masters, to jazz, pop and spirituals. See them perform at the Wright Opera House. Cost is $22.

WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR

The Pavilion will be closed after lunch on December 24 and December 31. The Pavilion is closed Christmas Day. • Affordable Care Act - 12:30 p.m.

December 4. Confused about the new health care laws? Are you or someone you know looking for affordable insurance? Find out about the qualifications for generous financial assistance to reduce monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. There will be time for questions following the presentation.

• Holiday lights, dinner and Little Town of Bethlehem event 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., December 20 & 21 (same tour repeats). Montrose community members have a great display of lights for the holidays. Join us for Christmas light viewing and experiencing the sights and sounds of Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at the Montrose Christian Church.

When you need us, we’ll be here for you.

Funeral Service & Crematory Mesa View Cemetery 682 1725 Road • Delta (970) 874-9988 105 S.E. Frontier, Suite F • Cedaredge (970) 856-3232 209 Bridge Street • Hotchkiss (970) 872-3151 311 Grand Avenue • Paonia (970) 527-3836 www.taylorfuneralservice.com

• Shopping in Grand Junction 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., December 10 & January 7. We will travel to Hobby Lobby, Sprouts, Mesa Mall and Kohl’s.

We will also stop at the shopping

Delta/ Montrose counties 41 center with Michaels, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross, TJ Maxx and Sportsman’s Warehouse. You pick the stores you want to shop in. Cost is $20. ■

MONTROSE ORAL SURGERY AND DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALISTS • Specialist Implant Surgeons with Advanced Training • Most experienced implant team in our area • Implants for denture stability & implants for individual tooth replacement • Do your surgery asleep or awake • We work with your general dentist • Conventional, Mini & Orthodontic Implants Craig T. Cayo D.D.S., Dorcha W. Boisen D.D.S.

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SENDING YOU A WARM

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DIGITAL THANKS THIS SENDING YOU A WARM

HOLIDAY SEASON HOLIDAY SEASON DIGITAL THANKS THIS

42 Garfield county

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Give • a • Gift •Subscription and get a free subscription for yourself!

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ne easy order card lets you send joy, encouragement and inspiration to your loved ones twelve times a year!

Gift subscriptions will begin just in time for the holiday, so don’t delay. Send in your order card today. A gift card will be sent in your name to tell them it’s coming.

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january 2011

Vol. 25

No. 1

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,560 Readers.

Do something different this New Year. Volunteer!

RSVP has choices for everyone.

See page 10.

Compiled by Cheryl Currier December 6

Out of Bounds art exhibit The Rifle Shots is a group of people brought together by photography. Though art is a personal journey, Rifle Shots members work together to inspire and push each other’s photographic art. The Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave., stays open late this one night as the group goes “out of bounds.” An artist reception will be held from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

For details, call 625-3471.

December 7

From gold and coal to uranium, mines still provide a source of revenue today.

Read more inside.

Head to the Rifle Senior Center, 50 Ute Ave. for the best craft fair in town from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Coffee and cinnamon rolls will be waiting, and lunch will be served. For details, call 625-1877.

A bloomin’ New Year

December 7

What’s Inside

Local Lore

• Subscription Holiday• Gift

Garfield County Calendar

Rifle Senior Center Craft Fair

Advice and Ideas ............................ 9 Classifieds .................................... 30 Crossword .................................... 26 Delta/Montrose County ................ 27 Fruita ............................................ 18 Laughing Matters ......................... 14 Local Lore ..................................... 12 Mesa County................................. 22 Parks & Recreation ....................... 20 River City Singles.......................... 23 Travel & Recreation ...................... 16

New Castle Senior Housing Craft Fair

Hatching butterflies and exotic roses. Read about what’s new at the Gardens.

Health & Wellness What everyone needs to know about living healthy.

Read more in this month’s insert.

city ...................................................................................state........................ zip .......................................

New Castle seniors will be hosting a craft fair at the New Castle Senior Housing Activity Center, 201 Castle Valley Blvd., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop Santa’s Sleigh for handmade gifts. Follow the yellow signs. Call 948-2088 for details.

email ...............................................................................................................................................................

December 9

lness Health &Wel Make a successful resolution New Year’s THIS year

page 6

R.N. Ask Bonnie, BEACON page 8 new to the

Positive people and live longer healthier page 2

by the Beacon’s Produced Team Advertising

Organically beautiful? page 7

Bod y t hy Mind & e to a H eal Your Guid

Web at Now on the www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Ol’ Man Winter (finally) comes a calling...

But don’t let that alarm you. We’ll show you how you can stay warm and save money with a home energy audit. Photo of Fritz Diether.

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December 2013

Author visit and world potluck The Friends of the Rifle Branch Library is proud to host Polly Letofsky, author of the memoir, “3mph.” In 2001, Letofsky left her hometown of Vail, Colorado to trek across four continents on foot. Her mission was to promote breast cancer awareness. In honor of her journey, we will serve dishes from around the world. The free event will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Rifle Branch Library, 207 East Ave. Call 625-3471 for details.

December 13 & 14

Winter Palooza

The Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, 601 E. Sixth St., is pleased to present the Winter Palooza, showcasing talented dance and music students. Performances are at 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $12 for adults. For tickets, call 945-2414 or visit www.glenwoodarts.org.

December 14

Holiday tea and cookie exchange 'Tis the season for hot tea and holiday treats. Everyone is welcome to bring a friend and join us at 1 p.m. at the New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main St., for an afternoon tea and cookie exchange. Please prepackage your cookies and bring the recipe for sharing. However many cookies you bring is how many you can take home. For details, contact the New Castle Branch Library at 984-2346.

December 19

Reel Readers: “The Princess Bride” Reel Readers at the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, is back with Rob Reiner’s modern classic, “The Princess Bride.” William Goldman’s book of the same name promises to share only the good stuff of this swashbuckling, romantic fairy tale. Read the book and watch the movie at 6 p.m. Event is free. For details, call the library at 285-9870.

December 28

Cocoa and Collage Come into the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way, for hot chocolate and crafts at 2 p.m. Bring your holiday greeting cards and learn to make a creative collage. For details, call the Parachute Branch Library at 285-9870. ■

If you have an event or photo you would like to have appear in the Beacon, send it to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

December 2013

Garfield County Beacon Bits Compiled by Cheryl Currier

Get Your Game on at the Rifle Senior Center The Rifle Senior Center, 50 Ute Ave., hosts a regular pinochle tournament at 6 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month. Play pinochle for fun at 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Play bingo Fridays at 1:30 p.m. and come to a potluck and dance at 6 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Call 625-1877 for details.

CMC Pottery & Art Sale Students and instructors of the pottery program at Colorado Mountain College will have their work for sale at affordable prices from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

December 6 and 7 at 703 Railroad Ave. in Rifle. Call 625-2030 for details.

Tai Chi for Arthritis This eight-week class for beginners is offered at three locations. The classes are free but reservations are required. Classes take place from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Call Debby Sutherland at 945-9191, ext. 3084 to reserve your space.

• Glenwood Springs: Tuesdays, January 14 through March 11, at Colorado Mountain College, 1402 Blake Ave. • New Castle: Mondays, January 27 through March 17, at New Castle Recreation Department, 423 W. Main St. • Rifle: Thursdays, January 16 through March 6, at Rifle Senior Center, 50 Ute Ave.

Pickleball Mini-tourneys The New Castle Recreation Department hosts pickleball tournaments Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18 at the Elk Creek Gym. Participants will be randomly paired with other players and play in round-robin tourney format until winners are crowned each week. Cost is $5 per player per tourney. Call 984-3352 or visit www.newcastlerec.com for details.

Handel’s “Messiah” The Aspen Choral Society presents Handel’s “Messiah” for several perfor-

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

mances in the area. Performances are free but donations are appreciated.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m.

• December 3 & 4, at First United Methodist Church, Glenwood Springs • December 6 & 7, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Aspen • December 8, at Snowmass Chapel, Snowmass Village

IT’S YOUR CHOICE. CHOOSE THE BEST.

Mountain Madrigals Christmas concerts The Mountain Madrigals will be delighting audiences with their unique blend of holiday music in a series of December concerts. All concerts are held at the First United Methodist Church in Glenwood Springs. Seating fills quickly, so come early. Concerts are free, but donations are appreciated, and free babysitting services are provided. A special matinee holiday concert for seniors is at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 8. Seniors or disabled persons needing transportation within Garfield County, call the Traveler at 945-9117 or 625-1366 by 4 p.m.

December 2 to reserve a ride. Treats will be provided after the concert.

Catch other performances on the following dates and times.

• December 7 - 7:30 p.m.

• December 13 - 7:30 p.m.

• December 15 - 7:30 p.m.

N’ Balance exercise class N’ Balance is an exercise class offered through Garfield County Senior Services to lower the risk of falls.

Classes are from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, January 8 through February 12, at the Sunnyside Retirement Center, 610 21st St. in Glenwood Springs. An evaluation is needed to take the class. The evaluation session will be 9:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. on January 7, at Sunnyside Retirement. For details, call Debby Sutherland 945-9191, ext. 3084.

Party Bridge Battlement Mesa’s Party Bridge group meets from 12:45 p.m.-4 p.m. every Monday at the Grand Valley Recreation Center, 398 Arroyo Drive in Parachute. All levels are welcome.

Call 285-9480 for details. ■

Garfield county 43

WATER

WIND

FIRE

HAIL

MOLD

ASBESTOS

BIOHAZARD

HAZMAT

970.945.4407

24 7

E M E R G E N C Y

R E S P O N S E

Attention

BEACON Advertisers

s Health & Wellnes

Spring 2013

1.

An easier approach to change

10 ways to turbo charge your immune system

page 3

page 10

Dare to do new things in 2013 page 2

Healthy Mind & Body Your Guide to a

BeacoN’s Produced by the advertising Team

at Now on the web s.com www.BeaconSeniorNew

In a recent study of today’s active, affluent and aging adults, “a healthy mind and body” was cited as the “topic of most interest” to them. Because of our readers’ keen interest in health and wellness we have committed to publish this special insert three times a year (Jan., May, Sept.) with ads and articles created around you and your business.

Advertising Deadline: December 20, 2013 Publication Date: January 2, 2014

2.

Mature people love romance. They enjoy a good meal, they still give flowers and they have the time to get away. In fact, our area’s over fifty crowd spends 26% more money on dining, 54% more on drinking and 60% more on travel than any other group. Shouldn’t you be romancing them?

Advertising Deadline: January 20, 2014 Publication Date: February 3, 2014

Romantic Restaurants

Finding love later

page 2

page 4

Produced by the BeacoN’S advertising Team

Create a Legacy LocaL guide to giving your

3.

Your Guid e to Ro manc e

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNew

s.com

time and money

Tillie Bishop’s legacy A servant leader and friend

page 8

Vote for this year’s Volunteer of the Year

Tillie Bishop poses for a photo on his living room sofa with his beloved bichon frise, Buddy.

Today’s active, affluent and aging adults own 77% of all the privately held assets in the United States.

Admirably, 98% of this group make charitable contributions. But are they planning to donate to you?

Advertising Deadline: February 20, 2014 Publication Date: March 3, 2014

page 10

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

and Retreats

The best restaurant you’ ve never heard of

Your Local Guide to Giving Your Time & Money

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Call for information 970

243-8829

44 classifieds

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To Place a Classified Ad...

3 easy steps!

Real Estate for Rent

Home Services

senior living in a park like setting

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 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net.

Friendly  Affordable  Safe Convenient  Comfortable

 Write your ad: ....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

Start running my ad in the month of .....................................................................

For how many months ..................... deadline :

20th of the preceding month

 Pay for it: Rates: $29 for 30 words or less. Additional words $1 each.

 cash

 check

 credit card # ............................................................... name on card ................................................................ exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

nellie Bechtel senior apartments 245-1712 • 3032 North 15th Street

Real Estate for Sale 507 Bookcliff Drive Convenient city preserved location. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath, or 4 bedroom/ office option. 2,600 square feet, large rooms, 62’ enclosed patio, 3 car, 2/3 acre, great privacy, spacious storage.

A classic residence. 314-0880. $345,000.

1,955 SF home.

Grand Junction, Orchard Mesa.

3 bedrooms, office, dining room, family room, pantry. RV storage and 4 sheds. Garage, work bench. Only $158,000. Call 241-0858, 433-9787 or hagerman@acsol.net Hickory Crest 55+ Community In Columbia, MD. 1 bedroom, den, 1.5 bath, wood floors. Close to Lorian/Hospital. $320,000. LongnandFoster Realtors. 410-730-9573/ 410-730-3456. Ann Detraglia. orchard Mesa

 Send it in:

name .....................................................................................................................

city............................................................ state .................. zip ............................. telephone number .....................................................................

queStionS? Call Lisa M-TH, 9a.m.-4p.m., 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Professional Flooring Installer Insured and bonded. You purchase the tile, laminate, hardwood or vinyl and I provide everything else.

Special discounts. Call Bill for a free estimate. 245-3344.

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.

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter!

Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

Accessibility Services Grab bars. Walk in tubs/showers.

Licensed plumber/handyman.

“Serving Western Colorado since 1989.” Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403.

For Sale Piano & Organ Beeman Piano – Lowery Organ. With 125 pcs sheet music. Both in very good condition. Both for $750. Call 970-625-3493.

beacon, po box 3895, Grand Junction, Co 81502 fax: 1 800 536-7516 email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

address .................................................................................................................

December 2013

1183 Micaelas Place • 3 Bedroom Rancher • Living room & Office • New interior paint • Covered Patio, 2 car garage • Pellet stove, large shed $199,900

Hill & Homes, LLC Ben hill 970-250-5002 www.benhill.com ben@hillandhomes.com

Classes Elephant Mountain Peaceful Pistol University™ offers Pure Beginner Gun Class, Custom Marriage Pistol Course & the DPRDefensive Pistol Refresher (CCP). Suzanne@realstreamline. com. 270-3203. Growing in the Honorable Discipline of Protective Preparedness©

December 2013

Home Care

Wanted to Buy

PASCO/SW, INC.

BUYING BOOKS Nonfiction, history, nature, westerns, religion, antique, reference, etc. Also buying stamp collections. Call Frank at 241-7778. Will pick up.

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

www.pascosw.com

Need help with your elderly loved ones?

21 years experience. Cooking, cleaning, meals, errands, and doctor’s appointments. References and background check available. Grand Junction area. 434-2049 Janet.

Home Care Provider 24 years experience. Personal care, cooking, light house cleaning, errands, doctor appointments. References and background check available. Mesa County. Jackie 778-2597.

Personal Care Provider Do you need a helping hand? Light meals, laundry, shopping, doctor’s appointments. $15/hour. References and background check available.

Grand Junction area. 201-4849. Kay.

Miscellaneous Services Dedra’s Hair and Nails On Wheels Licensed Cosmetologist offering: perms, cuts, shampoo sets, color, pedicures, manicures. Tuesday through Saturday afternoons by appointment only. Servicing from Palisade to Fruita. 200-9799 Dedra.

BUYING COINS AND CURRENCY U.S. Silver Dollars, 90% Silver, Eagles, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Gold and Silver Bars, Proof Sets, Mint Sets, Currency, Collections, Hoards, Accumulations of any size. Call 242-5374.

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 amp, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff. net. Mark 260-2327.

Help Wanted

salesperson needed The BEACON Senior Newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a Delta/ Montrose salesperson to grow with us.

Please send your cover letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

writers wanted The Beacon Senior Newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose Counties.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Classifieds 45

National Classifieds  December 2013 Adoption PREGNANT? CONSIDERING ADOPTION? Talk with caring adoption expert. Choose from families Nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One True Gift Adoptions 866-413-6296 Void In Illinois/ New Mexico/Indiana Apartments For Rent RETIREMENT APARTMENTS, ALL INCLUSIVE. Meals, transportation, activities daily. Short Leases. Monthly specials! Call (877) 210-4130

experience Necessary 1-800-405-7619 Ext 2605 www.easywork-greatpay.com Good Money! Weekly! Processing Mail and Mailing Brochures! Experience Unnecessary! Start Immediately! WWW.MAILINGNOW23.COM 1-888-2857643 Opportunity of a lifetime: unique USDA-certified grassfed NOP organic livestock farm, see detail at www.

Lewisfamilyfarm.com/recruitment

Auto Donations/Autos Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help those in need!

Your vehicle donation will help US Troops and support our Veterans! 100% tax deductible Fast Free pickup!

1-800-263-4713 Auto Donations DONATE A CAR - HELP CHILDREN FIGHTING DIABETES. Fast, Free Towing. Call 7 days/week. Nonrunners OK. Tax Deductible. Call Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 1-800-578-0408

Miscellaneous *REDUCE YOUR SATELLITE/CABLE BILL! Confused by other ads? Buy DIRECT at FACTORY DIRECT Pricing. As low as $19.99/Mo. FREE Installation! 1-877-329-9040 VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping.

Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1-800-213-6202 AIRLINES ARE HIRING – Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid for qualified students – Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-686-1704

Auto’s Wanted CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local! 7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330

CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/ Model. Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 CASH PAID- UP TO $25/BOX for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. BEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.

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Cable TV Bundle & Save on your CABLE, INTERNET PHONE, AND MORE. High Speed Internet starting at less than $20/ mo. CALL NOW! 800-291-4159 Employment Immediate Opportunity for Men and Women. EntryLevel Oilfield Jobs Starting at $64,000-$145,000/Year.

No Experience Necessary. Call 24hr Free Recorded Message 1-888-450-4902 Employment/Help Wanted ACTORS/MOVIE Extras Needed immediately for upcoming roles $150-$300 per day depending on job requirements. No experience, All looks needed. 1-800561-1762 Ext A-104, for casting times/locations.

Health/Medical VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg. Generic. 40 tabs + 10 FREE all for $99 including Shipping. Discreet, Fast Shipping. 888-836-0780 or metromeds.net Help Wanted $1000 WEEKLY** PAID IN ADVANCE!!! MAILING BROCHURES or TYPING ADS from home. FREE Supplies! Genuine Opportunity, PT/FT. No Experience Needed! www.MailingBrochuresFromHome.com HELP WANTED Earn Extra income Assembling CD cases From Home. Call our Live Operators Now! No

Pheasant Hunting Pheasant Hunting on 1,200 Private Acres 18 miles from Grand Junction.

Brokenspokeranch.com. 241-3949.

Computer Lady – In-home PC Repair Services Friendly, affordable, easy to understand. Computer not-soliterate my specialty! Cleanups, virus removal, setups, upgrades, instruction, wireless and more. Call Mindy at 255-1216 or 261-3120.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL – Rotary builds peace and international understanding through education. Find information or locate your local club at www.rotary. org. Brought to you by your free community paper and PaperChain.

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg, and Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-4010440 Motorcycles/Wanted to Buy WANTED JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE KAWASAKI 19671980 Z1-900, KZ900, KZ1000, ZIR, KX1000MKII, A1-250, W1-650, H1-500, H2-750, S1-250, S2-350, S3-400 SUZUKI GS400, GT380, GT750, Honda CB750 (1969,1970) CASH. FREE PICKUP. 1-800-772-1142, 1-310-721-0726 usa@classicrunners.com Satellite TV/Miscellaneous Order Dish Network Satellite TV and Internet Starting at $19.99! Free Installation, Hopper DVR and 5 Free Premium Movie Channels! Call 800-597-2464 TV/Phone/Miscellaneous DIRECTV, Internet, & Phone From $69.99/mo + Free 3 Months: HBO® Starz® SHOWTIME® CINEMAX®+ FREE GENIE 4 Room Upgrade + NFL SUNDAY TICKET! Limited offer. Call Now 888-248-5961

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46 Kudos & kvetch

kudos \ ku·dos  “I would certainly vote yes for a new senior center.” - Patricia M., Grand Junction

 “I really do think that we need a new senior center.” - Karen J., Grand Junction  “We two are interested in a new senior center.” - Larry and Laura M., Grand Junction

 “Thank you so much for the incredible spread on the Dream Catcher veterans program. We especially appreciate the effort you put in, considering how late we got to you! Thanks for your, and the BEACON’s support for our programs.” - Carol Inglis, Montrose  “And the angel said unto them: ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.”’(Luke 2:10–15) - Linus van Pelt

kvetch \ kfech  “Bah! Humbug!” - Ebenezer Scrooge

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

December 2013

Stamp out regifting. Give cash.

By Ira Rosofsky

Y

ou’re about to open a gift. You notice that the bow on the Macy’s box is a bit off-center, and then you unwrap it, and the tape on the package is at an odd angle.

You may be the victim of regifting.

Or it’s countdown to the office party and you have nothing for Secret Santa, and there’s that oyster opener you got back in ancient days when banks gave out gifts for new accounts, and you’re kosher.

You may be the perpetrator of regifting.

Johnny Carson, the patron saint of regifting, put this on the stone tablet: “The worst gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world and people keep sending it to each other.”

As an amateur economist, I say this is a sin in our consumerist economy.

Regifting = no spending = no growth My hands are clean. I’ve never regifted unless you count a last-minute invitation to dinner and I have that wine someone brought me years ago that I’d never drink myself before it aged into vinegar.

Those who study this kind of thing estimate that two-thirds of us regift and almost as many have no guilt about it. I think it’s on the same moral plane as hand-me-downs.

I’ll admit it’s not in the same circle of hell as freestyling, the honorific name for buying a dress, wearing it to a party and returning it for a refund.

Regifting is for amateurs. Freestyling is commercial fraud.

Not that it bothered the women in a survey reported on in the UK’s Daily Mail. One in three admitted to wearing a dress with the tags still on before returning it.

“This Vera Wang just didn’t fit and besides, it doesn’t coordinate with this Jimmy Choo clutch, which I’m also returning.”

One in 10 admitted freestyling is their go-to shopping practice whenever they have a big event like a wedding or fancy dinner. Only a fifth of

the freestylers felt a pang of guilt. An unscrupulous 28 percent said it gave them a buzz.

Even though standards have lowered to the point where stealing from the big department store or international clothing conglomerate is rationalized as borrowing, I can understand that most people still have an easier time recycling gifts.

You’re clearing out clutter and maybe Aunt Zadie will really like that leopard skin Snuggy. But I doubt it, unless you really believe that everyone else has worse taste than you.

Let’s stop this in its tracks. Give cash and get a clear conscience.

There was a time when cash was the tacky gift, but now it’s the antidote to the endless fruitcake loop. It’s not the thought that counts in this cold, hard world. It’s cold, hard cash.

If my uncle or nephew gives me cash, I’ll buy whatever it is that I want (and here’s hoping that I’m not the Hamlet of shopping).

Even if you take a cash gift and give it to someone else, that’s not regifting. It gives someone else the opportunity to buy whatever it is that they want.

The buck, it doesn’t stop here—or there.

I prefer to give cash and if you’re thinking of me, send me some, too. If it’s a long-distance gift, I’ll settle for an Amazon online coupon.

I prefer not to give those plastic gift cards. They’re basically a scam in which the store relies on the fact that you will probably lose them

and they’ll be happy to pocket the money. And how are you going to spend that $2.53 gift card balance on anything unless you lay out some of your own legal tender?

I’d also avoid a gift card to a store with a narrow line of merchandise.

That’s just as hard as trying to pick out a tangible gift. I could easily make the mistake of a gift card for my teenage daughter to Old Navy, when everyone one knows (now she tells me) that’s so yesterday, and Urban Outfitters is the way to go.

There is scientific warrant for my off-the-cuff suspicions about this whole shopping-gifting thing. Economist and “Scroogenomics” author Jeff Waldvogel said in an interview on Public Radio’s Marketplace, “The answer I’ve come to is that people value stuff that they’ve received as gifts 20 percent less per dollar spent than stuff they buy for themselves.

So multiplying that 20 percent times that $65 billion gets to you about $12 or $13 billion a year in destroyed value, or missing satisfaction in the U.S. Worldwide, the number is about twice that big.”

Plus if you’re in a hurry, cash is just the thing for last-minute shopping.

So stamp out regifting and unwanted fruitcakes, and “Show me the money!” Let’s get this economy moving.

Or to borrow from the sign in the store on the corner, “In God we trust.

All others pay cash.” ■

Le Rouge

R es tauR a n t & P i a no B a R

Open Monday - Sunday Lounge 4:00 pm Dinner 4:30 pm

Newly redesigned lounge Gift certificates available

Holiday parties welcome

New seasonal menu

317 Main Street

Happy Hour

257-1777

December 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

47

- Mini Implants to Stabilize Dentures and Partials - 0% Financing Options - Open Fridays - Laughing Gas Available For Relaxation - Friendly, Kind, Experienced Staff - Find Courage And Trust - We’re Here To Help

D E M E N T I A

Palisade Fruita

&

A L Z H E I M E R’S

“I found the support I needed to care for mom at home.”

Grand Junction (new location)

We will honor policies from any other funeral home, at these prices, and we will refund your family the difference.

Burials

ORT SUPPCATION U & ED ASSES CL ABLE AVAIL

A safe and secure day program for seniors with memory loss... a break for the caregiver.

Includes FREE 20 Ga. Sentry Metal Casket (Choice of 4 Colors) $3,540 All Veterans & Active /Retired Police & Firemen: Includes FREE Sentry Metal Casket (Choice of 4 Colors) $2,995

n Get the flexibility and support you need to care for your loved one at home n Socialization and stimulation for seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia

Cremations

Direct $1,095 • All Veterans & Active /Retired Police & Firemen $995

Palisade Funeral Home

Fruita Funeral Home

Grand Junction Funeral Home

729 373/10 Road

455 Kokopelli Blvd, Suite A

1022 Grand Ave.

464-5333

858-3933

549-1114

S U P P O R T

n Activities customized to individual interests and abilities n Medicaid and Department of Veterans Affairs assistance available for those who qualify

(970) 241-7798 • www.seniordaybreak.org

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Holidays a reminder of St. Mary’s true mission What is Mission Integration?

• Medical and humanitarian missions • Food and clothing drives • Gray Gourmet • Senior Companions

Last year, St. Mary’s Food and Clothing Drive supplied 15 families with food and blankets.

Visit our website at www.stmarygj.org for information about our services, campus maps, and driving directions.

“We’re here for life.”

970-298-CARE (2273) 2635 N. 7th Street • P. O. Box 1628 Grand Junction, CO 81502-1628 An Affiliate of SCL Health System

S

t. Mary’s has a department you may not be familiar with: Mission Integration. It’s a small department, but it reaches every patient and every person who works at St. Mary’s. It is Mission Integration’s job to make sure the hospital fulfills the promise its founders made 117 years ago.

When St. Mary’s is considering whether to offer a new service or undertake a community project, leadership asks the question: “Will it help us achieve our Mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve, especially those who are poor and vulnerable?”

Because that answer is often “yes,” St. Mary’s, its associates, and volunteers serve seniors through Gray Gourmet and Senior Companion and at-risk students through the Foster Grandparent program. Associates are supported and encouraged to participate in medical and humanitarian missions.

This time of year, St. Mary’s associates and Mission Integration are involved in holiday food and clothing drives. Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of preparation and anticipation. While planning holiday meals, shopping for gifts, and preparing for holiday guests, we are keenly aware some of our neighbors may have no family gatherings, no special dinners, and no cozy, new clothes to unwrap. St. Mary’s associates’ response to this very human need for joy and respect is Mission Integration at its best.

Upcoming Events Weight Loss Surgery Seminar Learn how weight loss surgery works and

who qualifies at a free seminar presented by the staff of St. Mary’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center. Call 970-298-6400 to register.

GRAND JUNCTION, St. Mary’s Life Center Wed., Dec. 4, 5:30–7:00 pm Wed., Dec. 18, Noon–1:30 pm

New locations…

December 2, 2013 • St. Mary’s Coumadin Clinic In the hospital, Bookcliffs Zone, Sixth Floor, Suite 601 Use Parking Lot E, register inside Entrance 4 January 1, 2014 • Foster Grandparents 2530 N. 8th Street, Suite 102.......298-9091 • Senior Companions 2530 N. 8th Street, Suite 102.......298-9092

Wooden Horse Gift Shop Holiday Open House and Sale 10% off all merchandise, except candy and flowers Wednesday, December 4 7:00 am–8:00 pm Cash and credit cards accepted. Sorry, no checks.

Main Floor Lobby, Entrance 1 Take the covered walkway from our parking garage.