BEACON - February 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Vol. 29

No. 2

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 35,700 Readers.

Love overcomes grief

Valentine’s Dance Bring your sweetheart, friend or just yourself to this event that everyone’s sure to love. Page 14.

Year of the Goat Chinese New Year begins Feb. 19.

Learn about recipes and customs, and what 2015 might have in store for you. Page 24.

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Camino de Santiago In June, one local couple will hike the last leg of this 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain. Page 18.

Nominate a volunteer Do you know an exceptional volunteer? Nominate them for Volunteer of the Year. Page 15.

After their spouses passed, neither Shirley nor Dave were looking for love. But it found them.

See story page .

Photo by Xxxx Xxxx. eEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeEeE

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February 2015

U.S. Senator sends Jed Clampett a “personal and confidential” letter

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By Kevin K. VanGundy

I

t was bad enough when Jed Clampett was getting invited to social soirees instead of me, but now a U.S. senator is sending him “personal and confidential” letters. I guess it wasn’t enough for Jed to be an oil baron living it up in Beverly Hills. Now he has to rise from the dead to usurp my position at the BEACON Senior Newspaper.

But seriously folks, is it any wonder that Americans harbor such profound disappointment with Congress when they send “personal and confidential” letters to deceased fictional characters from ’60s-era sitcoms? By the way, I don’t know what’s so personal and confidential about this letter, as I have not opened it because even though Jed Clampett doesn’t work at the BEACON, and even though he isn’t even a real person, tampering with his mail is probably a real crime. I suppose this senator will have to contact Jed Clampett directly.

A Valentine’s to remember This year’s Valentine’s Dance, hosted by the BEACON Senior Newspaper and Hilltop Senior Living Communities, will be February 14 from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. in the Garden Room at the Commons of Hilltop. Some tickets are still available and at only $15, they’re a steal.

We’ve brought back Clark Gault’s Swing City Express, rented the area’s largest wooden dance floor and hired Fisher’s Liquor Barn to provide the libations. Call Kelli at 243-8829 to get your tickets.

Here we GROW again The BEACON Senior Newspaper has had a presence in Montrose and Delta long before I became publisher in 2008. But since then, we have seen our circulation in Montrose and Delta nearly double. When you

EDITORIAL 3

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Registration is Required. The workshops are held at our office at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website at:

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consider that many other newspapers have seen a decline in readership, this is quite encouraging.

Starting with the February issue, we have moved most of our news coverage of Montrose and Delta counties to its own monthly publication.

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E Sherwood Dr. Grand Junction, CO 81501 817 Colorado Ave., #206 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Baird Brown ♦ Clara Brown Shaffer ♦ Jamie Roth ♦ Paul M. Smith ♦ Shauna Clemmer

Know a worthy volunteer?

I love working at the BEACON. Most of the news that we cover and the people that we profile are of the positive sort. The most positive are the people who give their time and money to others. Do you work alongside a volunteer? Has your life been touched by the efforts of a local volunteer? Are you that volunteer who gives so selflessly? We want to tell your story. Please let us know.

Local organizations: You’ll find the nomination form for our Volunteer of the Year award on page 15 of this month’s BEACON. All nominees will be recognized in the March “Create a Legacy” insert and at this year’s BeaconFest.

BeaconFest 2015 Our annual senior fair, reader appreciation party and entertainment extravaganza is a whole lot of free fun. This year’s event will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 16, 2015 at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction. For vendor information, email me at kevin@pendantpub lishing.com or call 243-8829. ■

A true devotion to healing.

Advice

4 COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

February 2015

Love overcomes grief

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to finding love after loss Shirley and Dave offer the following advice to seniors working through grief, moving on and finding companionship—maybe even love.

1) “Keep your options open,” Dave said. “Neither of us expected to meet someone that night, which would develop into the wonderful marriage we have.”

2) “Give yourself permission to go ahead and live. On our first date, Dave asked me if I could dance and I said ‘I can’t.’ He said, ‘We’ll dance. I’ll teach you to dance,’” Shirley said.

3) “I had a prayer I prayed. ‘If there is someone out there, God, that I could bless, and he could bless me, and we could bless you, then yes, send him to me.’”

Get help working through grief • GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life. Classes start February 24 at 6:30 p.m. and continue through May 26 at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27-1/2 Road. Reserve your spot by calling Cindi at 242-1923 or email cmlbrower@gmail.com.

• Mending Hearts Grief Support Group, offered by HopeWest, is free to community members. Group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead, 3090 N. 12th St. in Grand Junction. Call 248-8844 for more information.

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By Melanie Wiseman

S

hirley Quinn and Dave Bailey met for the first time on February 25, 2014 but their love story resonates back to the 1940s in rural Western Colorado. What was a chance encounter through a grief share group has come full circle with this pair of newlyweds eloping and marrying barefoot on a Kauai beach.

“We talk about our story every day,” Shirley said. “We love our story.”

Dave was born in Collbran in 1938.

After high school, he went to several colleges to pursue a degree, which he capped off with a doctorate in toxicology from Utah State. His career path led him to New York, Fort Collins and finally Virginia in 1985, where he met and married his wife, Gail.

Prior to Gail’s illness and death in April 2011, the couple had planned to move to Grand Junction because most of Dave’s family remained in the area.

“Throughout the whole time I

here, but when a Realtor showed lived in Virginia, I came back here him a house on Orchard Mesa that to hunt,” Dave said. “That was my would fulfill his hunting lodge needs, time of rejuvenation.” he was sold. After that, he traveled Shirley was raised with her sister between Virginia and Grand Junction and brother in Paonia, just on the other side of Grand Mesa. She attend- every two months. ed nursing school in Kansas Missed connections and finished her After losing degree at Mesa Chuck, Shirley atState College, tended the Mendworking primarily ing Hearts support in oncology and group through hospice. She marhospice. ried Chuck Quinn “But I needed in 1995. He passed more,” Shirley said. away in May 2011, “I knew I was far just one month affrom well.” ter Dave lost Gail.

In the spring of After Gail’s 2013, she took the death, Dave parGriefShare class, ticipated in a Griefa new offering at Share group in First Presbyterian Virginia and conChurch, which tinued his visits to she said gave her Grand Junction. permission for He wasn’t seriously validating some of looking for a home Dave Bailey as a young boy in Collbran. her feelings.

February 2015 After the grief class, Shirley went on a family “girls’ trip” to Mexico.

“I can remember laughing until I cried,” Shirley said. “I realized I hadn’t laughed for a long time. I could feel myself getting better. And that was right before I met Dave.”

Dave struggled deeply with grief of his own.

“You know they’re going to die so you kind of get ready for it, but you aren’t ready for it. I just collapsed,” Dave said. “One of the hardest things I ever had to do was ask for help from others.”

His doctor and members of his GriefShare group in Virginia lifted Dave up. Friends from Virginia later told Shirley they practically had to make him get up in the morning. He was that low.

In the fall of 2013, Dave took the second GriefShare class that First Presbyterian offered, right after Shirley.

For the three years after losing their spouses, they also attended the same church but different services.

Both frequented the coffee hour between services, but never met.

That all changed on February 25, 2014 when the two GriefShare classes had a reunion potluck.

Dave headed to the all-guys table but it was full, so he sat down at an empty one. He soon found himself in the company of seven women, including Shirley who sat directly across from him.

“I’m probably the only person here who rode a horse to school,” Dave said during table talk.

“Actually,” Shirley piped in, “my dad took me to school on horseback sometimes.”

Dave’s one comment and Shirley’s reply spurred a conversation about the similarities in their early years and how close together their hometowns were. At the end of the evening, they went their separate ways, although Dave wanted to learn more about this “milkmaid over the mountain.”

The hunt for the milkmaid Like any good hunter, Dave made note of his surroundings—committing the name on Shirley’s nametag to

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com in years. Dave called her from the memory. The next day he called the number listed in the church directoairport in Grand Junction, when he ry and found that her landline was no landed in Denver, and when he arlonger in service. Persistence paid off rived in Virginia. They talked for two and after a little legwork he acquired hours each night while he was gone. her cell phone “It kind of number. scared us because “I was at that we talked about place where [loseverything,” Shiring Gail] didn’t ley said. “We were hurt as bad,” Dave both feeling love said. “I had to give toward each other myself permisbut we didn’t sion to move on know how deeply. because for a long About the third time I couldn’t week we said, think about dating ‘Who are we kidanother woman. ding?’ and agreed With help, I was we were really in able to look at a love.” picture of Gail Shirley picked with fond memoDave up at the ries rather than airport and neigrief.” ther knew what to Shirley Quinn on a horse in Paonia with her So Dave called expect. brother nearby.

Shirley and they “She saw me set up a day to coming and I put meet for dinner. my arms around They had no expecher,” Dave said. tations, but both “We looked at had both given each other and I themselves permission to enjoy an kissed her. She said, ‘You kissed me,’ evening out. and I told her, “Yeah, and I’m going “I remember telling myself to guard to do it again.’” myself from getting involved with “Falling in love is a lot more fun at anyone until I was ready for another our age than when you’re younger,” relationship,” Shirley said.

Shirley said. “You don’t have any During dinner, the two talked non- inhibitions. It is what it is. You don’t stop for hours and neither finished sweat the small stuff. You know their meals. you’re going to be human and make a “We were there so long so I asked few mistakes and you’re ready to give the waitress to let us know before the other some grace.” they started charging us rent,” Dave Believing this relationship was orsaid. dained by God, Dave was on his knee Following cordial goodbyes, they in May, ring in hand. drove their separate ways.

With family and friends scattered, “On the way home I said to myself, and after reading an AARP article rec‘Oh my gosh, I’m smiling!’” Shirley ommending that seniors elope, they said. started making secret plans. Family When she got home she called knew something was brewing but her daughter and told her she hadn’t had no details of when and where. done that for a long time.

“We snuck away in the middle of the night, drove to Denver and flew Falling in love The next day, Dave left for Virginia to Kauai,” Dave said.

The morning after the wedding, for a month. Shirley emailed him, family and close friends woke to an thanking him for the nice evening and letting him know that it was emailed photo of a barefoot beach the first time her heart had smiled wedding; newlyweds glowing.

“

We love our story.”

COVER STORY 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ........................ Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production................................ Karen Jones Account Representative...............Sue Bowen Account Representative............Sidney Jayne Proofreader................................. Jan Weeks Customer Service...................Kelli Wakefield Cheerleader..............................Genevra Shal Photography ........................... Ashley Bernal Delivery ............................. Solomon Herrera Delta-Montrose Bureau Assistant Editor...................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative.......... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Beacon Mascot Bogart..........................................................

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 82 9  800.536.7516 fax Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo Dave Bailey and Shirley Quinn smile for a photograph after eloping on a beach on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. The newlyweds are joined in the photo by Nkozi Spore, the son of the pastor who married them.

6 FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

By Jan Weeks

A

ge brings wisdom, and we try not to repeat the mistakes we made when we were young. That may apply to budgets and bank accounts, but not to boyfriends. Is dating after 50 any easier than it was at 16? You’d think so, but you’d be wrong.

The following stories are true.

Names have been changed to protect the guilty and save the innocent from unnecessary embarrassment.

-ish first dates

Personal ad pervert In the age before Facebook and Google, Betty, 58, was browsing the personal ads, skipping the obviously pornographic ads for massages and escorts. However, one caught her eye. A man about her age was looking for companionship. She called Bill and they arranged to meet for lunch at the Blue Moon. They hit it off over burgers and brews, and after lunch they strolled Main Street.

Though Bill seemed nice, Betty knew deep down that they’d never click romantically. Nevertheless, they made a date for another lunch the next week, and Betty offered to pick Bill up.

“This time lunch is on me,” she said.

When Betty showed up at his apartment just before noon, she was surprised to see Bill still in baggy sweat shorts and a ripped T-shirt. He invited her in and by the time she sat down on the couch, he had lost the shirt and the shorts were around his knees. The question of boxers or briefs was immaterial.

Bill threw himself across her.

“You know you want it,” he panted as his beer belly banged against her knees. One of which accidentally— or not—managed to make contact with his pride and joy. As Betty ran out, she thanked her lucky stars she hadn’t given him her phone number or address.

Homicide honey Susan, 65, met Garrett through a dating site and they had a nice first dinner and drinks. The second time out, he showed her pictures of his two late wives and his two grown

children. His eyes misted as he told her his first wife had died in a car wreck, and his second wife overdosed on drugs and alcohol at their home. “But,” he said, cheering up, “I talk to my kids every week.”

The third date was going well—until Garrett mentioned how much he missed his wife and kids who had been killed in a car wreck. Alarm bells went off, and Susan got the heck out of there! Later, she heard that Garrett had married again, and this unfortunate bride had taken a header off a cliff. There was enough evidence to put Garrett in prison for homicide, where he eventually died.

Blind date At 51, Carolyn left her abusive husband and moved to a small town in southwest Colorado to teach middle school. She made no secret of being single, but she was floored when the phone rang one evening.

“Ms. Fisher? This is Cindy. I have a guy who wants to go out with you.

Here.”

Now this wouldn’t have been unusual for a friend to set up, but Cindy was a 12-year-old seventh grader.

Carolyn heard a man say, “Uh, hi.

This is Tom. I’m a friend of Cindy’s family. She says you’re really nice. Do you want to go out sometime?”

“How about Thursday?”

What could she say?

On Thursday she drove to town from the ranch where she lived and met Tom at the only restaurant in the small town, where they proceeded

to have chicken-fried steak and iced tea. Awkward turned in to not bad, but by the end of the evening, they had mutually decided that although Cindy’s intentions were good, they’d have to let her down. Thank-yous, handshakes, and “see you arounds” ended the evening.

Freeloader Women aren’t the only ones who need to be cautious. Daniel took out a woman who had lost her husband.

They had a nice evening but no sparks flew.

He said, “If there’s anything I can do to help you, let me know,” meaning get her back into the swing of things.

Her reply? “You can start up my swamp cooler.”

Needless to say, that cooled the relationship before it had a chance to reach lukewarm.

Happy endings exist.

Not all first dates have a bad ending. Sharon Conklin and Don Starr, met while she weeded her daughter’s flowerbed, and neighbor Starr and she began visiting over the fence.

He was married, and Sharon wasn’t looking for a relationship. For a couple of years, they continued their neighborly chats. Then Starr’s wife passed away. After a suitable time, he asked Conklin to go out to lunch. In her words: “He just kind of sneaked up on me. When it starts with friendship, it becomes something special.”

That was six years ago, and they’ve just celebrated their first anniversary.

February 2015 The world of 21st century dating is vastly different from sock hops and malt shop memories, yet with a little selectivity, seniors can find their own happy endings. ♥

9 TIPS

for staying safe in today’s dating scene • Meet first in a public place: coffee shop, library, police station lobby • Don’t give your address out on the first date. Maybe not even the second.

There’s nothing wrong with continuing to drive yourself to a date until you’re really sure you can trust this person.

• Look for inconsistencies in his/her story. Sure, we all forget small details, but who forgets whether he went to Stanford or Tulane? Or if she grew up in Seattle or Savannah?

• If a date asks you for money, don’t lend it or give it. Do you really want to be involved with someone who can’t remember to bring his wallet? Or a woman who’s six months behind on her mortgage? And let’s not even talk about putting someone on your cell phone plan!

• Don’t worry about seeming rude.

If someone is triggering alarm bells, get away ASAP. Wouldn’t you rather be thought rude/strange/dropped from the planet Melmac that to be injured physically or emotionally?

• Take a class. You’ll meet people with common interests, usually in a safe setting.

• Consider friends and neighbors in a different light. The perfect lover may be just a couple of doors down the street.

• Use the Internet to do a background check. A small up-front fee might save you from heartache, monetary loss, or worse.

• If it feels creepy, it is. Get out.

February 2015

N

early half of all single baby boomers are dating, and many of them are swelling the profiles of online matchmaking websites with names like SilverSingles, SeniorPassions and dating.aarp.org.

Match.com, one of the largest dating sites for people of all ages, says its baby boomer clientele has grown 90 percent in five years, with a quarter of its 15 million users ages 50 to 65.

“Older people love a good romance as much as 20-somethings, and many of us still get just as love drunk as we did when we wore size 32 Levis with no Expanda-Waist,” said Charles W. Massie, a baby boomer who wrote about his online dating experience in a new novel, “Stains on the Gavel.”

“But you’ve really got to be careful, whether you’re a woman or a man,” he said. “A lot of women my age complain the men they meet haven’t changed at all in 50 years. They want to skip the coffee and head straight for the bedroom. My experience was even worse.”

Massie said the woman he met went to great lengths to make him

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A boomer’s believe she was completely smitten.

“Plain and simple, I quit thinking with my brain,” he said.

The woman ended up setting him up in an elaborate ruse that resulted in him going to jail on false charges and her in possession of everything he owned.

Whether you’re meeting people through social media networks, dating sites or through online advertising, Massie offered these cautionary tips for fellow boomers.

• Don’t use Craigslist as a dating website. People advertising on Craigslist haven’t been vetted by anyone.

You have no idea if anything they’re saying is true. Several people have died at the hands of those they met on Craigslist, and it’s not just women who are vulnerable. In 2012, Troy La-

Ferrara was killed by a young couple he met through a “companionship” ad. Massie said he met “the black widow” who snared him through Craigslist.

• If it looks too good to be true, beware! Let’s face it, as we age, we want to believe we’re still the hot young stud we were in our prime, but we’re not. If some beautiful woman or extraordinarily handsome man suddenly becomes completely enamored of you, be wary. Yes, it does happen sometimes, but we become extremely vulnerable when we want something to be true so badly that we ignore all signs to the contrary.

• Don’t rush into cohabitation. Don’t be tempted to move right in with your new honey. Think about the advice you’d give your own kids

FEATURE STORY 7

or grandkids. Once you’re sharing an abode, that person not only has access to all of your personal belongings, computer, accounts, etc., he or she also has more control if you’ve moved into their place. If you invite him or her to move in with you, it can be very difficult to remove the person if you realize you’ve saddled up with a freeloader.

Many of the safety and other concerns associated with meeting people online are the same no matter what your age.

“But when you’re older, you may be lonelier or less secure about how attractive you are to the opposite sex, and that leads you to do irrational things,” Massie said. “Enjoy the person, get to know them, but stay true to yourself and adhere to commonsense rules.”

“Stains on the Gavel” continues the story of Massie’s online dating and criminal justice nightmare, which begins in his first novel, “Pinned: A Kentucky True Crime.” The book can be purchased on Amazon. ♥

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LINE two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the almond flour and the powdered sugar in the sifter and sift it twice.

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3

ADD half of the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture, and gently fold it into the meringue. Your batter should be smooth, not lumpy.

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SEPARATE your eggs. Keep the yolks for your butter cream and let your whites sit until they reach room temperature. Lay plastic wrap over the whites, pressing on the surface of the whites to avoid a skin forming.

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French macaroons

Ingredients: 2/3 c almond meal/flour 1-1/2 c powdered sugar 3 large egg whites 5 T granulated sugar 1/2 t salt 1/2 t cream of tartar Food coloring of your choice

for

4-6

February 2015

PREHEAT the oven to 295 degrees. Place the oven racks in the center and bake for 17-22 min. The macaroons are done when the shells are hard. Watch them closely!

Take care to not under or over bake. Remove them from the oven and cool.

Butter cream frosting: 7 T unsalted butter, softened 2 egg yolks 1/4 c granulated sugar 3 1/2 T milk 1 t vanilla extract Food coloring of your choice IN A SMALL BOWL mash the butter to the consistency of mayonnaise. In a small saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, add the granulated sugar, and whisk until the mixture lightens to off-white and you can no longer see the sugar. Add the milk and whisk to combine. Heat over low heat, whisking frequently.

Cook until the mixture becomes thick like pudding.

POUR the egg mixture into a bowl and whisk constantly until it returns to room temperature. Whisk in the butter in three batches; add the vanilla and the food coloring and stir until smooth. Pipe or spread onto one macaroon half and sandwich between the other. Serve.

February 2015

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Ask the Old Bag

ASK THE OLD BAG 9

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick

Dear Readers: I have been saving letters about relationships for February when the hearts seem to grow fonder!

Dear Old Bag: I have been dating a nice man for two years.

Valentine’s Day is coming up and I am afraid he is going to ask me to marry him. The thought of marriage scares me to death. You see, my first husband was a very nice man, too. That is, until we got married. In the years that followed, he became a tyrant. He was very controlling and critical to the point that when he died, I could not feel sadness. I felt only relief. In my mind a perfectly nice man can turn into someone else after they know they have you in marriage. I would hate to lose my current relationship. What would you do? I usually agree with your answers. Signed, Scared Dear Scared: I have several thoughts. One is that you need to share your fears with your guy before he goes out on a limb with a proposal. Two, I’m sure you realize that not every man is like your first husband. Three, I think a little counseling would benefit you. Four, don’t let the worry about tomorrow cloud the beauty of today. Five, there is no rule that says you have to get married. Plenty of seniors are enjoying relationships without marriage for various reasons. Good luck.

Dear Old Bag: I am the daughter of an 80-year-old woman who has been widowed twice. They were both happy marriages. Now she has another boyfriend. I think it is a bit too much. Don’t you? Signed, Fed Up Dear Fed Up: What exactly are you fed up with? Is it your mom’s happiness? Is it because she has so much love to give? Is it because she

is having so much fun? I guess I don’t get it. I think you need to lighten up.

Be glad for her. Life is short!

Dear Old Bag: My sister and I have been worried about our widower dad. For some time, he was not answering his cell phone when we called (we live out of state) and was often gone when we called him at home. We finally got hold of him and asked him where he was going all the time, and he said he was going to the senior center to dance and play cards. We never knew our dad to be a dancer. We decided to pay him a visit just to make sure everything was okay and boy, did we ever get a surprise. Our dad has a girlfriend! She is about 20 years younger than he is and she spends the night at his house. We were blown away. This quiet conservative man is really living it up. We are still in shock. We thought maybe she was after his money, but she has more than he does. It’s hard to figure out. Help us sort this out, please. Signed, In Shock Dear In Shock: What’s to sort out? I get many letters from kids worried because their parent is depressed and sitting around too much. Your dad has joy in his life. He is dancing, playing cards and sharing a little love. It sounds like a prescription for good health to me. Be happy for him. It sounds like you love your dad a lot. I think you won’t have to worry about him—just enjoy him. I hope you will get to know his lady friend, too. ■

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

BECOME a volunteer at HopeWest!

Whatever your interests and schedule, we'll find the right fit for you.

Volunteer this New Year and explore the many opportunities at HopeWest.

For more information visit HopeWestCO.org or contact Chelsea Jensen at 970.623.8816 or cjensen@HopeWestCO.org

BOOTHS AVAILABLE

April 16, 2015 Two Rivers Convention Center, Downtown, Grand Junction 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Promote Your Business Over 100 Vendors Over 2,500 Attendees

For more information call 243-8829

10 THE HEALTHY GEEZER

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

February 2015

Are you at risk for breast cancer?

By Fred Cicetti

B

Your Choice

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reast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman’s life is about 1 in 8.

The female breast is composed primarily of milk-producing glands (lobules), ducts that connect the glands to the nipple, and soft tissue.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has grown from breast cells.

Nearly all breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules of the breast. The cancer can metastasize to other parts of the body, but it will continue to be defined as breast cancer.

There are many forms of breast cancer but infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common. It starts in a duct, then breaks through the wall and invades the breast tissue. At this point, it can metastasize through the lymphatic vessels and the bloodstream.

Lymph plays a major role in breast cancer. It is a fluid that carries immune system cells through lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are small collections of these cells in the vessels.

Almost all lymphatic vessels in the breast connect to lymph nodes under the arm.

Cancer cells that enter lymphatic vessels can spread and begin to grow in lymph nodes. This is why doctors check the lymph nodes to see if breast cancer has spread.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common type of noninva-

sive breast cancer. The term “in situ” means the cancer is confined to its original site. DCIS denotes that the cancer cells are inside the ducts but have not spread through the walls into the surrounding breast tissue. About 20 percent of new breast cancer cases will be DCIS. Nearly all women diagnosed at this early stage of breast cancer can be cured.

There are many risk factors for breast cancer.

• Risk increases with age. About 77 percent of women with breast cancer are older than 50 when they are diagnosed.

• Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close relatives have the disease.

• A woman with cancer in one breast is at high risk of developing a new cancer in either of her breasts.

• Women who started menstruating before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 have a slightly higher risk.

• Having multiple pregnancies and becoming pregnant at an early age reduces breast cancer risk.

• Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause increases your risk.

• Drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk.

• Obesity puts you at risk, especially for women after menopause. ■

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

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February 2015

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Alcohol damages the body over time

By Tait Trussell

I

think of my youngest niece Laura as the daughter I never had. It pains me that now at age 50, she is dying of liver disease.

Laura is a lovely girl with a sharp intellect, but growing up she had a love for the wild side and was a party girl for many years.

I recall one time 12 years ago; I spent the night at her small apartment in rural New Hampshire where we attempted to drink all the vodka in the state. (At least it’s a small state.) She didn’t realize then the damage it was causing.

Excessive alcohol consumption can have profound negative effects on the kidneys and their function in maintaining the body’s fluid, electrolyte and acid-base balance, according to the Betty Ford Center.

Alcohol metabolism is controlled by genetic factors, such as variations in the enzymes that break down the alcohol, and environmental factors, such as the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Laura was an alcohol victim, but didn’t realize it until it was too late.

Differences in alcohol metabolism may put some people at greater risk for medical problems caused by alcohol, whereas others may be at least somewhat protected from alcohol’s harmful effects.

Binge drinking (usually more than four to five drinks within two hours) can raise a person’s blood alcohol to dangerous levels. This can cause a sudden drop in kidney function known as acute kidney injury. When

this happens, dialysis is needed until a person’s kidney function returns to normal. Acute kidney injury usually goes away in time, but in some cases, it can lead to lasting kidney damage.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, your kidneys filter harmful substances, such as alcohol, from your blood. Alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and can make them less able to filter your blood. The rate of blood flow is usually kept at a certain level so that your kidneys can filter it properly.

Liver disease impairs the flow.

Kidneys also keep the right amount of water in your body, and alcohol affects your kidneys’ ability to do this. When alcohol dehydrates the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of the kidneys.

Too much alcohol can also affect your blood pressure, and can affect medications for high blood pressure. More than two drinks a day can increase your chance of high blood pressure.

When Laura, her brothers and father visited my wife and me a few months ago, she was thin as a string.

She spent considerable time resting in our basement bedroom, missing out on the guffaws and accompanying banter. I didn’t know what her condition was then. It was only lately that she wrote me about the seriousness of her condition.

She said she is educating herself on liver disease and sobriety and may be able to put off surgery for another two years. She keeps well by eating well, walking and resting a lot. ■

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

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12 HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

There’s A New Prosthodontist In Town!

I served in the United States Air Force where I polished my skills and learned the value of self-sacrifice and service.

As a prosthodontist, I primarily deal with the replacement of missing or worn teeth. Whether it’s just one or all 32 of them, I can help you achieve a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile. And remember, it’s important to get your dentures checked annually!

Having 4 kids, I know what it’s like to want the best for the ones you love. That’s why it’s not just about teeth. It’s about providing the best care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

So, come on over, get to know us, and leave feeling like one of the family! *Dr. Atwood is the only Prosthodontist in the Western Slope of Colorado.

ATWOOD PROSTHODONTICS Jake R. Atwood DMD, MS

1317 N 3rd Street

241-2430

Grand Junction

Medicare Moment

TIPS TO AVOID AMBULANCE CLAIM DENIALS

Have you ever had an ambulance claim denied by Medicare? Why did that happen? How can you avoid a big bill? Remember these simple tips: TIP #1: If you DO call 911, always ask the EMT if ambulance transport is “medically necessary.” REMEMBER: If you can make it to the hospital any other way (friend, family, taxi, etc.), Medicare won’t pay the ambulance bill!

TIP #2: An ambulance is NOT a taxi. REMEMBER: Paying for a taxi ride is much cheaper than paying for an ambulance bill.

TIP #3: If you are ill, go ahead and call 911 to be safe. REMEMBER: Let the EMTs assist you into a car or taxi.

There will be NO CHARGE for this service.

Call the RSVP SHIP for information on what to do if your ambulance bill is denied by Medicare.

Brought to you by the Mesa County RSVP Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) Sponsored by the Association of US West Retirees (AUSWR) and Mesa County RSVP

QUESTIONS? Call SHIP! 243-9839

6 healthy habits to implement in February for American Heart Month

D

I’m Jake R. Atwood and although I am new to town, I am not new to Prosthodontics.

February 2015

espite decades of medical research and public campaigns to ease the problem, heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. and throughout the Western world.

According to Dr. Robert Thompson, an integrative medicine specialist deemed by his peers to be in the top 5 percent of U.S. physicians*, one of the problems driving heart disease is the messaging. While there’s plenty of good research to indicate good advice, the general public, and many of his peers in the medical community, are stuck with faulty conclusions.

“Perhaps the biggest misconception is that an overabundance of calcium, which may include supplements, is very good for people, especially women, but that’s simply not true,” said Thompson, author of “The Calcium Lie II: What Your Doctor Still Doesn’t Know,” (calciumliebook. com), a new book that details the roles minerals play in overall health and how to identify and correct deficiencies and imbalances.

Calcium is just one of 12 substances, as well as traces of 64 other minerals, that make up our bones.

Excessive amounts of calcium hurt our bodies in many ways, especially the heart and the brain, he said. We cannot possibly replace minerals with just calcium, which hardens and makes bones more brittle.

One study, published in the British Medical Journal in 2008, was meant to assess the effect of calcium on bone density and fractures in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that participating women were significantly more likely to suffer heart attacks while taking calcium supplements.

“This is far from an isolated study,” Thompson said. “There are others, including 15 studies combined into a meta-analysis yielding similar heart-health results, which show an increased risk of heart disease by

at least 30 percent.”

Thompson offers practical recommendations for what individuals can start doing for better overall health in recognition of American Heart Month in February.

• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. As a general rule, we need to drink half of our body weight in ounces of water daily. For a 150-pound individual, that’s 75 ounces of water. Those who are overweight, are heavy exercisers or live in warm climates may need more. Take care to drink quality water. Get a quality filtration system at home, which can range from $200 to $3,000.

• Take ionic sea salt-derived minerals. We all need a diverse range of minerals and virtually none of us gets enough. Ionic minerals are the only ones that are completely available for our bodies to use because they are water soluble and they naturally carry an electrical charge that allows them to be carried through the cell membranes. All sea salt-derived trace mineral products are recommended—at least three grams per day.

• Use only vitamin supplements made from 100 percent organic whole foods that have been vine ripened. Almost all of us need supplements because contemporary food supplies lack adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals, thanks to soil depletion. Most store-bought vitamins include just one component of the many complex molecular elements contained in the naturally occurring vitamin source.

You need all of the nutrient components to get the full benefits.

• Get your fill of essential fatty acids; raw nuts and/or seeds are a good source. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration approved the following health claim for seven kinds of nuts: “Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 oz.

February 2015 per day of most raw nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered essential because humans can’t manufacture them within our bodies. Research has now shown that plant-derived Omega 6, and not fish oil, is the best oil for humans.

than walking, which probably works so well because it slows us down.

And it is an incredible way to build relationships.

“Also, I recommend ingesting essential monosaccharides, which is new and unknown territory for most people,” he said.

“They are the simplest form of carbohydrate molecules found in the body, are essential for protein molecules and can be found in maple syrup, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets and onions.” *Robert Thompson, M.D., was added to the peerreviewed directory, “Best Doctors in America,” in 1996.

We cannot possibly replace • Eat high-quality proteins. Seafood, eggs, beans, chicken, minerals with just game meat, duck and calcium, which turkey are excellent sources of essential hardens and amino acids that are the building blocks makes bones of every protein molecule, hormone, more brittle. neurotransmitter, cell membranes and immune molecules. Proteins can also be obtained from grains, sprouted grains, raw nuts and raw seeds.

Vegetarians and vegans need to pay close attention and combine protein sources to get the full complement of amino acids.

• Walk at least 30 minutes every day.

This activity has a huge effect on relieving the physiologic effects of stress on the human physiology. Exercise is good, but walking is amazing.

No other single activity will more significantly or more rapidly affect the adrenal stress response in humans

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

About Robert Thompson, M.D. Dr. Robert Thompson is a boardcertified obstetrician and gynecologist, and a nutrition specialist who helps patients get long-term relief from chronic disease, including obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue. His newest book, “The Calcium Lie II,” is available for free at www.calciumliebook.com. Dr. Thompson received his medical training at the University of Kentucky and has been a leader in medical advances for more than 30 years. ■

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14

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A Valentine’s Dance for you

The Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus Presents

Singing

February 2015

By Kevin K. VanGundy

Valentines What: Valentine’s Dance—for

Give your

those 55 and better.

Sweetheart

When: February 14, 2015, from 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm

the Ultimate Valentine!

Where: The Commons of Hilltop

A rose, Enstrom’s candy, Valentine’s Day card, And 2 love songs, delivered by a Bookcliff Quartet

Garden Room, 625 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction

Who: Open to the general public Cost: Advance tickets are $15 per person / $30 per couple �

On February 13th, 14th, *15th *Sunday February 15th will be afternoon only

(All of this for only $45)

For more information, call 243-8829

Order by phone;

call 970-257-SONG [7664] (Delivery hours 8am-8pm)

C

ome join us for a special night out this Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at The Commons of Hilltop’s Garden Room, 625 27-1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Hilltop’s Senior Living Communities and the BEACON Senior Newspaper are hosting a special Valentine’s Dance for couples and singles age 55 and older with an emphasis on socializing and companionship. Social directors and dance partners will be on hand to assure that everyone has a good time.

Advance tickets are just $15 per person or $30 per couple and are available by calling the BEACON at 243-8829. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20 per person or $35 per couple.

The evening will be complete with

hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music performed by Clark Gault’s Swing City Express, an 11-piece big band featuring the talents of some wonderful local musicians.

Dancers can glide across a real wooden dance floor enveloped in an art deco theme. Professional lighting will contribute to the romantic ambience and will help make this night one to remember.

There will be plenty of tables and chairs available for attendees to sit and socialize, or to rest and enjoy the music.

Single? Don’t think you can dance?

Don’t worry. Singles are welcome, as this event will be a great opportunity to socialize, have fun and meet other area seniors.

“I can’t dance, but I’m still going,” said Hap Jordan, a writer for the BEACON. “For $15, I wouldn’t miss it!” ♥

Clark Gault’s Swing City Express will play big band favorites at the Valentine’s Dance.

When words are not enough!

Friday, February 13 or Saturday, February 14

Grand Junction 1st & Patterson 7th & Colorado

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February 2015

Readers to choose Volunteer of the Year

By Cloie Sandlin

B

eaconFest is just around the corner and so is the voting for this year’s BEACON Volunteer of the Year.

Nominees will be featured in the March issue of the BEACON and our readers will again choose the winner. All nominated volunteers will be presented with awards at BeaconFest and the winner will be announced.

Nominate a volunteer The Volunteer of the Year goes above and beyond his or her usual duties and responsibilities. Do you know such a volunteer? Please complete and return the nomination form on this page to us no later than February 20 to include your volunteer in this event. Only one nomination per agency, please.

How to vote Last year, we received thousands of votes for the Volunteer of the Year. It goes to say that our readers really are passionate about local volunteers.

Once you receive your March BEACON, follow the directions below to vote for your favorite volunteer: Step 1: Go to www.BeaconSenior News.com Step 2: Click the ad on the home page that says “Click Here to Vote for Volunteer of the Year.”

Step 3: You will be directed to a page with an article about all the nominees. Click the box in the article to proceed.

Step 4: Choose the volunteer you would like to vote for from the dropdown menu. Then please fill in the fields for the questions we ask below.

Step 5: Hit Submit!

You can also MAIL in the published ballot, which will be included in the March BEACON. Mail your ballot to: BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 ■

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

R W I N Nb E e

15

H U R RY DEADL !

IN FEBRU E A RY 20TH

to N by H C OSE ON B E AC S !

R READE

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2015 N O M I N AT I O N F O R M We are pleased to give your organization the opportunity to honor your most outstanding volunteer—that individual who has gone above and beyond his or her usual duties and responsibilities.

Nominated volunteers will be featured in the March issue of the BEACON Senior Newspaper. The winner will be chosen by BEACON readers and announced at BeaconFest!

All nominated volunteers will be called to the stage and presented with awards at BeaconFest on Thursday, April 16, 12:50 p.m., at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St., Grand Junction, CO. (Note: This is NOT a luncheon—the ceremony will last approximately 20 minutes. Please inform your volunteer of your nomination so they can plan to attend.)

Only one nomination per agency, please. Nominated volunteers must be 50 years old or older.

Complete and return this form, and include a head shot of your nominated volunteer (to include in March’s BEACON), no later than February 20, 2015, to: • E-mail (best): cloie@pendantpublishing.com • Fax: 800-536-7516 • Mail: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 organization name: nominated by:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

name of volunteer:

_ ___________________________________________________

qualifications (please limit to

your phone

#_____________________________

their phone

#_____________________________

250 words, add a sheet if necessary): ____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you’re interested in advertising in our local guide to giving your time in March’s BEACON or having a booth at this year’s BeaconFest, please call 243-8829 for more information. Thank you!

16 LAUGHING MATTERS

Laughing Matters Spread my ashes

Submitted by Karen Jones An elderly woman decided to prepare her will. She told her preacher that she had two final requests. First, she wanted to be cremated. Second, she wanted her ashes scattered in the Walmart parking lot.

“Walmart?” the preacher asked.

“Why Walmart?”

The woman replied, “So I can make sure my daughters visit me twice a week.”

Retirement Q & A

Submitted by Karen Jones Q. How many days in a week?

A. Six Saturdays and one Sunday.

Q. When is a retiree’s bedtime?

A. Two hours after he falls asleep on the couch.

Q. How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb?

A. Only one, but it might take all day.

Q. What’s the biggest gripe of

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

retirees?

A. There is not enough time to get everything done.

Q. Why don’t retirees mind being called seniors?

A. The term comes with a 10 percent discount.

Q. What is considered formal attire for retirees?

A. Tied shoes.

Q. Why do retirees count pennies?

A. They are the only ones who have the time.

Q. What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?

A. Nuts.

Q. Why are retirees so slow to clean out the basement, attic or garage?

A. They know that as soon as they do, one of their adult kids will want to store stuff there.

Q. What do retires call a long lunch?

A. Normal.

Q. What is the best way to describe retirement?

A. The never-ending coffee break.

Q. What’s the biggest advantage of going back to school as a retiree?

A. If you cut classes, no one calls your parents.

Q. Why does a retiree often say he doesn’t miss work, but misses the people he used to work with?

A. He’s too polite to tell the whole truth.

I’ve sure gotten old

Submitted by Susan Reynolds I’ve sure gotten old. I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, and I’ve fought prostate cancer and diabetes. I’m half blind.

I can’t hear anything quieter than a jet engine. I take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded and subject to blackouts. I have bouts with dementia and have poor circulation. I can hardly feel my feet or hands anymore. I can’t remember if I’m 85 or 92. But thank God I still have my driver’s license.

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February 2015

The druggist

Submitted by Willy Charles Upon arriving home, a husband was met at the door by his sobbing wife. Tearfully she explained, “The druggist insulted me terribly this morning on the phone. I had to call multiple times before he would even answer the phone.”

The husband immediately drove downtown to confront the druggist and demand an apology. Before he could say more than a word or two, the druggist told him, “Now just a minute. Listen to my side of it. This morning the alarm failed to go off so I was late getting up. I went without breakfast and hurried out to the car just to realize that I had locked the house with both house and car keys inside and had to break a window to get my keys. Then I was driving a little too fast and I got a speeding ticket. Then when I was about three blocks from the store, I had a flat tire. When I finally got to the store a bunch of people were waiting for me to open up. I opened the store and

February 2015 started waiting on these people, all the time the darn phone was ringing off the hook. Then I had to break a roll of nickels against the cash register drawer to make change, and they spilled all over the floor. I had to get down on my hands and knees to pick up the nickels and the phone was still ringing. When I came up I cracked my head on the open cash drawer, which made me stagger back against a showcase with a bunch of perfume bottles on it. Half of them hit the floor and broke. Meanwhile, the phone was still ringing with no let up, and I finally got back to answer it. It was your wife. She wanted to know how to use a rectal thermometer. And believe me, Mister, as God is my witness, all I did was tell her.”

Cheap bastard

Submitted by Willy Charles A Scotsman, an Englishman and an Irishman were at a bar and had just started drinking their first round when flies landed in each of their drinks.

The Englishman refused to drink his and ordered another.

The Irishman blew away his fly in a cloud of froth and carried on drinking.

But the Scotsman carefully lifted the fly out by its wings and held it over his glass.

“Go on,” he said to the fly, “Spit it oot, ya wee bastard!”

Mixed up emails

Submitted by Don Wilson A couple from Minneapolis decided to go to Florida for a long weekend to thaw out during one particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the very same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years ago.

Because both had jobs they found it difficult coordinating their travel schedules. It was decided that the husband would fly to Florida on a Thursday, and his wife would follow him the next day. Upon arriving as planned, the husband checked into the hotel. In his room there was a computer so he decided to send his wife an email back in Minneapolis.

However, he accidentally left out one letter in her address and sent the email without realizing his error.

In Houston, a widow had just returned from her husband’s funeral.

The dearly departed was a minister of many years who had been called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow checked her email, expecting messages from relatives and friends. Upon reading the first message, she fainted. The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read: To: My Loving Wife Subject: I’ve arrived.

I know you are surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I’ve just arrived and have been checked in.

I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing you then!

Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P.S. Sure is hot down here!

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Hap’s witticism

Submitted by Hap Jordan Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for 10 minutes and come out wrinkle free and three sizes smaller? ■

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LAUGHING MATTERS 17

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18 TRAVEL

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Approaching Sahagun

By Melanie Wiseman

W

hether you call it the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, St. James’s Trail, the Route of Santiago de Compostela, the Road to Santiago or simply The Way, all refer to an amazing 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain.

Grand Junction residents Teresa and Frank Coons have already completed two-thirds of the journey, the first segment they did in August and September 2013 and the second segment in June 2014. In June 2015, they’ll be back in Leon, Spain to finish the last 150 miles.

“It’s an adventure, a journey, a challenge, a pilgrimage,” Teresa said.

This is by far the longest trek for Teresa, 62, and Frank, 65, but it’s not the first.

“This is who we are and how we love to travel,” Teresa said. “We have hiked the Wainright Trail in England and the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, and bicycled in Tuscany and the Gulf Islands of Canada.”

The 2010 movie, “The Way,” has inspired many people, including the Coons, to walk the Camino de Santiago.

“The Way,” written and directed by Emilio Estevez, was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago. Martin Sheen plays an American doctor who comes to France to deal with the tragic loss of his son. He decides to honor his

son’s passion and embarks on finishing the historical pilgrimage. What he doesn’t plan on is the profound impact this journey has on him.

The Camino de Santiago was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during the Middle Ages, beginning in 800 AD. This spiritual renewal path leads to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great (traditionally considered the first apostle to be martyred), in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain.

“Obviously this is a spiritual experience,” Teresa said. “Everyone does the trek for their own reasons, but there is something spiritual about it whether you are inherently a spiritual person or not.”

Frank said they are traveling the most common route used today, starting in St. John Pied de Port, France and finishing at Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

“As you hike the pass over the Pyrenees, you cross the border from France into Spain,” Teresa said.

“There is nothing to mark that border. You don’t need to show a passport or anything. The only way you know you have passed into Spain is the signage changes from French to Spanish.”

The popularity of this journey has grown tremendously to say the least.

In 1985, just 690 people completed the pilgrimage. In 2013, that number amassed to 215,880.

February 2015

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“The weekend we started the first Roundabout in Villovieco. part of the trek, 1,000 other people started the same weekend,” Teresa said.

The Coons walked an average of 17 miles per day.

“It’s amazing how quickly it spreads out,” Frank said. “We could walk 7-10 miles and maybe see one person.”

The Coons did not travel like historic pilgrims did.

“We stayed in small hotels, bed and breakfasts and even a convent, so we enjoyed our wine, fine meals and nice beds at the end of the day,” Teresa said. “We were also a little more leisurely than others. Those doing the route in the traditional way left very early every day hoping to find a hostel to Bodegas Irache, outside of Estella. stay in without a reservation. If not, they kept destination: the tomb walking. We are doing it in one direc- of St. James in Santion, and that is the way most people tiago de Compostela. do it these days. Along the way we The scallop shell also started thinking 1,000 years ago they served practical purhad to do it both ways by foot. That poses as a cup or bowl. makes it even more daunting when “Way finding and you think about it.” markings were remarkably Locals identify pilgrims by their good,” Teresa said. “It doesn’t hiking poles, backpacks and scalmean we didn’t get lost, but you had lop shells. The scallop shell has long to work at it.” been the symbol of the Camino de Large trail maps were located periSantiago. The shell is commonly seen on the pilgrims as clothing, necklace odically along the way.

“They were actually pretty deor backpack ornaments. The shell pressing,” Teresa said, “because they symbol frequently marks doorways, showed you how many more miles posts and signs along the trail to you had to go. We just put one foot guide travelers. in front of the other, anticipating that The scallop shell also acts as a beer was waiting for us.” metaphor. The grooves in the shell, The Coons found the locals exwhich meet at a single point, repretremely friendly and helpful. sent the various routes pilgrims trav“Without a doubt, we were treated eled, eventually arriving at a single

TRAVEL 19

companied by dogs or donkeys. Some trekkers rode bicycles or traveled on horseback.

“Pilgrims were people of all ages, but there roughly seemed to be two main groups of people,” Frank said.

“People our age comprised a good share and also those college/postcollege age. We met a guy in his 80s who was walking it for the third time. There are great stories that come out of the walk.”

They met a young well-known cellist out of New York City who was doing the trek with his cello on his back. He performed free concerts in churches of towns along the way.

The Coons were fortunate enough to attend one of his concerts.

Other pilgrims sang as they walked. The trek inspired Teresa’s photography and Frank’s poetry.

“A remarkable number of people were doing the pilgrimage in both directions,” Teresa said. “This is a big industry for this part of Spain.

Walking paths keep you away from traffic, and most of the time you are out in the middle of nowhere with an incredible variety of scenery and terrain through small agricultural villages. We saw red The scallop shell has poppies and many wildflowers, long been the symbol vineyards, olive groves, wheat of the Camino de fields, animals and birds.”

Santiago. The shell “There were beautiful catheis commonly seen drals and churches even in the on the pilgrims on clothing, necklaces or smallest of communities,” Frank said. “All of these places have backpack ornaments. tremendous history dating back to the early 200s.”

There were plenty of places to get water so travelers don’t have to carry very well,” Frank said. a lot.

“Pilgrims were called peregrinos “The biggest problem was the lack by locals and they wished us ‘buen of bathrooms,” Teresa said.

Camino,’” Teresa said. “Church courtThe Coons booked their trip yards and plaza areas were welcomthrough MacsAdventure.com/Cami ing to pilgrims, as a place for people no. Luggage was moved to the next to gather, rest, eat lunch or take care town for them, making it very conof their blisters.” venient and allowing them to travel They met interesting people from simply with daypacks. all over the world, including AusThe Coons look forward to the tralia, Japan, the Netherlands and third and final portion of the trek Canada. Travelers varied from daypack to full-pack trekkers, a few acin June. ■

20 FUN AFTER 50

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Fun after 50

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation

T

o register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

Beginning Line Dance

February 12

Mondays

Valentine’s Day Party

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.

9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch* Bingo

Wednesday

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

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

Thursday

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Dominoes Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) Membership Meeting Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) Dance

Friday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

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

Saturday

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

Bridge Bingo

Sunday

1:00 p.m.

Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday) * Call 243-9844 x.1 to make reservations. Suggested donation $3.50.

No partner or previous dance skills needed. Class is at 12:15 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $15.

Intermediate Line Dance

Dancing at 10 a.m. Meal at noon.

Events at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3 to preregister and $5 at the door. For details, call 243-7408.

Class is 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $5 to drop in or $34 for a 10-punch pass.

February 18

Senior Dances with Live Music

Garden Talk: Attracting Birds to Your Yard

Senior Recreation Center

February 2015

Master Gardener John Moore will teach you how to get past the bird feeder and learn what plants attract birds to your yard. Cost is $5. Class is at noon at the Botanical Gardens.

Thursdays & Sundays

Dance to live music from 7:30 p.m.10 p.m. every Thursday and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

HEALTH

February 19

Tuesdays & Fridays

Win gift cards to local businesses.

Wake up with Lady Luck and play blackjack, poker or spin the wheel.

Cost is $5. Event is 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center.

This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unassisted. Class is 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or $50 for a 10-punch pass.

Deuces and Donuts

February 20

Gentle Active Yoga

Facts and Tracks: Low-fat Cooking

Aqua Aerobics

Join wellness experts for a focused 30-minute lecture on various topics that can make a positive impact on your life. Then spend the next 30 minutes outside walking the Riverfront Trail. Learn to create delicious low-fat meals in a jiffy. Cost is $5.

Class is from noon to 1 p.m. at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.

These aerobic classes are for novice to intermediate individuals. Class is 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Cost is $4.25 to drop in or $44 for a 12-punch pass.

SPORTS Drop-In Pickleball

February 25

Take home a fragrant decorative wreath to brighten up your house for the winter months. Cost is $30. All supplies provided. Class is at 1 p.m.2 p.m. Register by February 17.

There are three indoor courts available at Lincoln Park Barn. Equipment is available to borrow at the Parks and Recreation office. See the Activity Guide for court availability. Cost is $5 to drop in or purchase a 10-punch pass for $30.

February 27

Fun after 50 Softball

Springtime Herbal Wreath Making

Friday Hike: No Thoroughfare Canyon This is an intermediate 4-mile hike.

Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. Register by February 25.

DANCE Mondays (Feb. 23-March 23)

Open to men and women ages 50 and older. Call Carl at 255-6688.

VOLUNTEER Be an ambassador for the Riverfront Trail System as a Trail Host. Call 2543876 to apply. â–

February 2015

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Staying active and healthy can reduce your chance of falls

By Shelley Clennin, Paragon Restoration & Building, Inc.

M

ost people shudder at the thought of getting older. This certainty has its share of negative implications, but many people fail to think of the joys they have yet to experience.

Do you long for the time to take warm afternoon walks in the park?

Wouldn’t it be nice to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones or watching your grandchildren grow? How about finally being able to travel or catch up on the hobbies you love?

Staying active and healthy helps make the golden years more enjoyable and can help you avoid some of the obstacles you may face as you age, such as falls.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three adults aged 65 or older fall each year. Many people who fall develop a fear of falling even if they are not injured. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, which increases their actual risk of falling.

Here are some tips that can help reduce your risk of falls.

Exercise regularly. Focusing on increasing balance and core strength may help prevent a fall. Activities such as yoga or Pilates can improve leg and arm strength.

Check your medication and the side effects, as some medications cause dizziness. Speak with your physician to determine how your prescriptions may affect your daily activities.

Have your hearing and vision checked.

As we age, we experience a decline in the normal function of the inner ear sensory system. This degeneration can cause bouts of dizziness, loss of balance, light-headedness or symptoms of vertigo.

Get an adequate amount of calcium in your diet. The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 mg of calcium a day for men ages 51 to 70 and 1,200 mg a day for women ages 51 to 70.

For men and women older than 70, the suggested amount is 1,200 mg daily. Dietary sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products.

Remove trip hazards in your home.

Creating a safe living environment in your home is easier than you think.

Look around for items such as throw rugs or exposed extension cords, or furniture sticking out. These are all common causes of falls and can be addressed without expense. Paragon Restoration & Building, Inc. will walk through your home and educate you on some of the potential tripping hazards.

Aging is inevitable, but preventive measures can help ensure your quality of life. Take care of yourself and enjoy your golden years! â–

HOME & GARDEN 21

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February 2015

Have a heart for animals

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Finance .................................. ............ 38 Garfield County ................. ........ 10 Health & Wellness................. ........ 16 Laughing Matters ................. ... 20 Local Lore .................................. 30 Mesa County................................. 22 ......

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What’s Inside Advice and Ideas ............................ 9 Classifieds .................................... 44 Crossword .................................... 40 Delta/Montrose County ................ 36 Gardening ..................................... 28 Garfield County ............................. 41 Health & Wellness......................... 10 Laughing Matters ......................... 18 Local Lore ..................................... 22 Mesa County................................. 32 Parks & Recreation ....................... 17 River City Singles.......................... 33 Travel & Recreation ...................... 20

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Pickled pink

Some friends have scales

These seniors are competitive but enjoy helping people of the open road learn the of the freedom ce game Experien pickleball. likeonto “let it all go!” it’sStory and what page 6.

Read about how this small reptile made an impact on one Montrose couple’s lives.

Photo by Heidi Graf

Cruise to Alaska Join the BEACON staff on our first reader cruise to Alaska. Read about what wonders await. Story on page 20.

Local Lore

The library has had many faces and has been many places.

Read more about its 110-year history Terry Eakle has led so many tours, she can’t keep track. inside Atthis 72,issue.

traveling keeps her and her many repeat travelers active and loving life. Where will she go next?

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Family moments such as Pirate Day at Eagle Ridge of the Grand Valley impact quality of life more than anything else. With a staff like this to care for you, long-term care may not seem so bad afterall.

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Birds of a feather

Come with us as we take a close r look at local peopl and their pets.

From e exotic birds above everyday “pound puppies” to the .

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Read about how one local man keeps the blacksmith’s trade alive in the Grand Valley. Story on page 22.

Summer down under

Vol. 25

Travel the world

Local Lore

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

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

Story page 18.

Vol. 26 No. 10

Photo by Heidi

Graf

ers.

f you have a heart for animals, now is the time to become acquainted with Grand Valley Pets Alive. Currently, just seven dedicated volunteers are doing the work of an army for this vital nonprofit.

The mission of Grand Valley Pets Alive is to break the cycle of overpopulation and homelessness of cats and dogs in our community. February is National Spay and Neuter Month and is the perfect time to highlight this growing need.

GVPA President Boyd Steele, 77, met several other compassionate people through a local vegan group.

“I became very concerned with the number of pets being euthanized,” Steele said. “I said, ‘Who wants to help do something about this?’”

With conviction, Rhonda Dunlap, 52, said, “I will,” and is now vice president. GVPA was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in January 2013.

“Shelters are full,” Steele said. “Our solution is twofold. Adoption, and cutting down on the population of animals through spay and neuter.”

Dunlap said it’s a nationwide problem.

“It’s been this way for too many years,” she said.

“Our program brings awareness that spaying and neutering save lives.

Each animal spayed or neutered can save hundreds, even thousands of lives, because cats and dogs can produce so many offspring.”

Carole Chowen, 72, and Tina Slivon, 62, are also fully vested in the cause and serve as board members.

“Because of funding reasons, Mesa County Animal Services stopped taking cats,” Slivon said.

“We are not a shelter, but we are trying to fill a gap and work with people to manage feral colonies on their properties,” Chowen said, “as well as people who have pets, and

“Please spay and neuter.

Please don’t abandon.”

February 2015

Western Slope), a local no-kill shelter. cannot afford spay and neuter procedures.”

“There is a myth that people beOverpopulation and limited relieve cats can fend for themselves if sources contribute to the astonishthey throw them out,” Slivon said. ing number of homeless pets in any “They do not do well. There is discommunity. To change the status ease, and they have multitudes of litquo, GVPA hopes ters and they are to encourage starving. Howevour community’s er you feel about commitment to the cats out spay/neuter and there, reducing the re-homing the population of abandoned through spay animals through and neuter is adoption. They work closely the key focus of with shelters, GVPA. It’s a winAnimal Birth win situation Control (a lowto help these cost, high-quality animals.” spay and neuter With their first clinic that has grant, GVPA done 12,000 surbought 30 traps geries) and many and 24 carriers. area businesses.

The traps are “These aniloaned to carmals are little ing and trained lives,” Dunlap individuals, who said. “Ultimately the problem then have the is we’re such animals spayed a throw-away or neutered society. Parents Cafe Sol, 420 Main St. with the finangive their chilcial assistance of in Grand Junction dren bunnies for GVPA, if needEaster. That’s a 20% of sales go directly to GVPA ed. They refer horrendous gift to this process because they as TNR (trap, will get bored neuter, return). with them after a couple months.

GVPA doesn’t get rid of animals or That’s what happens with kittens, relocate them. Foster care and adoptoo.” tion homes are desperately needed.

Chowen said it’s a cultural attitude that animals are disposable.

GVPA members invite you to share “This is a people problem,” she your ideas and energy toward this said, “not an animal problem.” rewarding cause at their monthly Chowen and Slivon are heavily meetings from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. involved in fostering animals before on the second Wednesdays at Main they find their forever homes. Chow- Street Bagels, 559 Main St. en ended up personally adopting a “Please spay and neuter,” Chowen kitten found roaming on BLM land said. “Please don’t abandon.” in the Bangs Canyon area. She also For more information about GVPA, fostered three five-week old kittens spay or neuter assistance, or to voldumped in a box at Riverbend Park unteer, call: Chowen at 256-1851 or in Palisade. GVPA paid for the spaySteele at 241-7875. To donate, send ing and neutering, and all three have a check to GVPA, 539 S. Broadway, now been adopted through CLAWS (Cat’s League & Assistance of the Grand Junction, CO 81507. ■

Buy dinner, prevent a litter

How

23

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you can help

GVPA is actively seeking more volunteers to help in many areas: • Spay or neuter your animals and help spread the word about the benefits.

• Adopt a shelter animal.

• Donate to GVPA or other area shelters such as CLAWS or Roice-Hurst Humane Society. (Donations are tax deductible.)

• Provide foster care for a shelter or homeless animal.

• Use TNR as a humane alternative for community cats.

• Volunteer at a local shelter by helping socialize animals for adoption.

• Volunteer to help Grand Valley Pets Alive with grant writing, marketing and PR, program development, fundraising, building small outdoor animal shelters for warmth, managing website and social media, leading subcommittees or helping at adoption functions.

Financial help with spay/neuter Project PUPs certificates through Mesa County Animal Services (animalservicesmesacounty.us) pays for a portion of spay/neuter costs. A supplement or the balance is picked up by GVPA as long as funds are available. Distemper vaccinations are included.

Animal Birth Control provides low-cost spay/neuter and immunizations, 502 28-1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Call 523-5487.

February 13 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Boyd Steele, Rhonda Dunlap and Carole Chowen represent the GVPA at a recent pet event.

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Chinese New Year drinks sweets

By Ann Hattes

2015

B

aijiu (pronounced “bye-jo”), variously translated as white wine, white alcohol or white liquor, accounts for more than one-third of spirits consumed in the world every year, though very few in the West have heard of it.

There are over 10,000 manufacturers in China where it has been a part of their culture for more than a thousand years.

The hastily made, harsh-tasting fiery mixtures have warmed soldiers

Chinese Almond Cookies Courtesy Andrews McMeel Publishing Makes about 48 cookies.

3 c sifted all-purpose flour 1-1/2 t baking soda 3/4 t salt 1 c unsalted butter, room temperature 1 c granulated sugar 1 large egg 1/4 c light corn syrup 1 T almond extract 1/4 t vanilla extract 48 whole almonds, blanched or with skins PREHEAT the oven to 375 degrees F and place a rack in the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick foil.

MIX the flour, baking soda and salt together in a medium-size bowl; set aside.

IN THE BOWL of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and creamy. Reduce the speed slightly and beat in the egg, corn syrup, almond extract and vanilla. Using the lowest speed of the mixer, stir in the flour mixture until it’s completely incorporated.

SCOOP up rounded teaspoonfuls of dough and arrange about 2-1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Top each cookie with a whole almond. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies are browned around the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

and farmers, while the long-aged and carefully blended varieties with their delicate scents have been favored by dignitaries and the elite. It was baijiu, the Kweichow Moutai brand, with which U.S. President Nixon and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai shared toasts in Beijing in February 1972. Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Obama have similarly exchanged baijiu toasts with their Chinese hosts.

Baijiu is an integral essence of China: a source of inspiration to poets; a link between business partners, relatives and friends; and a celebration symbol for the Lunar New Year plus other festivals, and for special family events like weddings.

The raw materials for baijiu vary and may include sorghum (a cousin of sugar cane), rice, sticky rice, wheat and/or corn. The grains are washed, sorted, divided into precise proportions, mixed with water, cooked, then formed into bricks or balls and left in a warm place for about a month, growing yeasts, fungi and other microorganisms to create qu.

Qu is a yeast-like material that starts the fermentation when mixed with the grains and put in underground mud pits or ceramic jars.

Recipes are closely guarded secrets as the ratios of combined selected ingredients are a major determinant of a baijiu’s aroma and flavor.

Water from rivers or wells, each with distinct mineral content, affects the final product, too, as water is used in every stage of production.

The most well-known baijiu is produced in southern China in the provinces of Sichuan and Guizhou, where conditions are ideal, with mild temperatures, high humidity, a nutrientrich soil and pure water from melting snow of the nearby mountains.

After the fermented mix is exposed

Luzhou Laojiao ferments grains for ba

to precise temperature and pressure conditions, liquid is strained from the mash, distilled in giant steamers, then aged for a year—or many years—in clay pots to Chinese Zod preserve flavor and remove undesirable aromas.

Finally the aged distillates made from a variety of mashes are blended for consistency or complexity and bottled, with the alcohol reduced to 48 percent to 53 percent Years of the Goat: 1 in most cases. The 1955, 1967, 1979, appearance is crystal According to Chines clear with the scent born in the year of of alcohol minimal gentle, creative, tho in the premium persevering, frank a categories.

Baijiu is categorized Love compatibility by aroma, based on horse or pig the region where it is Lucky colors: brow produced—the four Lucky numbers: 2 main types being strong, light, sauce Lucky flowers: ca and rice aromas. Light Lucky direction: n aroma, easy and fast Unlucky colors: gr to produce and thus inexpensive, is made Unlucky numbers in northern China, Unlucky direction fermented in earthenware jars.

Information from www Moutai, the lead-

Year of

aijiu in mud pits, the oldest dating from 1573.

ing luxury brand in China prized by international diplomats and blended from up to 200 spirits before bottling, is in the labor- and resourceintensive sauce-aroma diac for 2015 category. Using only sorghum as an ingredient and fermented in pits lined with stone bricks, Moutai’s complex bouquet has been described as soy sauce and fermented grains, to dried dates with a hint of nuts and toasted rice. It’s 1919, 1931, 1943, silky, spicy and dry 1991, 2003, 2015 but smooth. se Zodiac, those Strong-aroma baithe goat are calm, jius, the most popular oughtful, amicable, and widely produced and honest. category, use mud y: Best with rabbit, fermentation pits.

Luzhou Laojiao-Zisha, with sorghum and wn, red, purple grains as ingredients, 2, 7 is sought after by connoisseurs for its arnation, primrose traditional slightly north sweet taste and longreen, blue, black lingering peppery, ripe peach fragrance. s: 6, 8 Shui Jing Fang, a n: southwest strong-aroma baijiu with a fruity bouquet, w.chinahighlights.com is made at the old-

the Goat

Kweichow Moutai was used to entertain President Richard Nixon during his 1972 visit to China. This is the first choice of government officials and the business elite, used to entertain distinguished foreign and domestic counterparts.

Shui Jing Fang is the oldest distillery in China, with over six centuries of history.

This baijiu is available in 42 airports around the world.

est distillery in China with over 600 years of production, aged a minimum of five years, and blended with spirits aged up to 30 years.

Traditionally, because of its high alcohol content, baijiu is partnered with food rather than mixed in a cocktail, and is drunk straight at room temperature from thimble-size cups or glasses which are refilled throughout the meal. Baijiu draws out the flavors in spicy foods, as well as sautéed mushrooms and soy-marinated beef, but can be tried with any foods.

“You can’t set the table without wine” is the Chinese custom. Baijiu has brought countries together and brings people, friends and families together.

Ganbei (Bottoms up) Another way to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Sheep (also called goat or ram) is with recipes from “The Daily Cookie” (Andrews McMeel Publishing)

by Anna Ginsberg, which has 365 tempting treats honoring holidays throughout the year.

Every day is a day to celebrate. ■

Luzhou Laojiao-Zisha pays homage to traditional liquor bottles from many dynasties ago with its matte porcelain bottle.

Cookies

Courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing

Makes about 45, plus a few practice cookies.

3 large egg whites 3/4 cup granulated sugar 8 T (4 oz) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1/4 t salt 1/2 t vanilla extract 1/4 t almond extract 1 c all-purpose flour 3 - 4 T water TYPE FORTUNES onto paper and cut into long strips. Have them ready to go before you begin the cookies.

PREHEAT the oven to 375 degrees and place a rack in the center.

Line two rimless baking sheets with nonstick foil.

WITH A HANDHELD ELECTRIC MIXER, beat the egg whites and sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes, or until light. Reduce the speed to low and add the melted butter, salt, vanilla, almond extract, and flour. Add 2 to 3 T of water and stir well, then add more water until you get a very soft dough—not quite a batter, but close to it.

You don’t want the dough to flow too quickly from the spoon.

SCOOP UP heaping teaspoonfuls of batter and form six paper-thin circles about 3 inches in diameter on one of the prepared baking sheets. Bake the cookies for 5 to 7 minutes, or until your circles have brown edges. Remove from the oven, and working quickly, with one circle at a time, put a fortune in the center of the circle, fold the cookie over once to make a rounded half-moon, then fold the far edges toward each other. Set in a muffin tin and let cool. Repeat with the remaining hot circles, doing your best to keep the folded fortune cookies closed as they set and cool. Start another sheet. While one batch of cookies bakes, spoon out the batter for the next batch.

26 FINANCE

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Don’t fall for Valentine’s Day scams

By Jason Alderman

O

Medicare: Questions or Concerns Call the Colorado Senior Medicare Patrol for help.

1.800.503.5190 or go online to: DORA.Colorado.gov/MedicareHelp

This is a free, confidential and objective service of the Colorado Division of Insurance

February 2015

n Valentine’s Day, people’s emotions run all over the map.

Some are head over heels and want to shower their loved one with gifts, while others are despondent because they currently have no one special in their life.

Whatever your love status, one thing everyone needs to guard against at this time of year is scams.

Valentine’s Day brings out the best and worst in human behavior. Our impulse is to be generous and search for the ideal gift. Internet thieves know this and set traps for unsuspecting shoppers. And, not surprisingly, dating websites experience greater activity, along with a corresponding increase in relationship scammers.

Here are some of the more common Valentine’s Day scams to avoid: Electronic greeting cards are popular year-round, especially near holidays. Scammers count on you not paying attention when you receive an email with an innocuous subject line like, “Someone you know just sent you an e-card.”

Unless you’re certain someone sent you an e-card, never click on links or follow instructions to download software to open the message. Chances are you’ll load a virus or malware onto your computer, dooming you to receive endless spam or even endangering your personal and financial information.

Valentine’s Day is the busiest day of the year for florists. Since many people now order flowers online, these purchases are a common target for fraud. Here are a few tips when choosing a florist: • Make sure the physical location, contact information and fees for the florist who’s actually fulfilling your order are fully disclosed.

• Pay by credit card so if there’s a problem you can dispute it with your card issuer.

• If you receive an email saying there’s a problem with your order,

call the florist to make sure it’s legitimate. Don’t click on any links—they could be malware.

Beware of emails and social media ads touting great deals on other Valentine’s-themed gifts like chocolates, jewelry or lingerie. Unless you’ve previously done business with a company that legitimately has your email address, be skeptical. Watch out for minor typos in the web address – www.macys.comm instead of www.macys.com, for example.

It’s no coincidence that dating websites are busier during the winter holidays and leading up to Valentine’s Day. Lonely people’s defenses are lowered, making them vulnerable to online romance scams. Before they know it, victims are conned into sharing personal or financial information, or lending money—money they’ll never see again.

I’m not saying don’t pursue love online at legitimate dating sites. Just watch out for these warning signs: They want to move your conversations off the dating site immediately and use personal email or instant messaging (to avoid policing by the site’s Webmaster).

Their online profile sounds too good to be true. That’s because they’ve probably shaped it to reflect your stated preferences. Or, conversely, their profile may be suspiciously sketchy on details or their photos don’t seem genuine.

They profess love very quickly, even before you’ve spoken or met.

They claim to be a U.S. citizen working overseas, often in the military.

They make plans to visit but are suddenly prevented by a traumatic family or business event, one which your money can overcome.

Bottom line: Don’t let your emotions get the better of your common sense when it comes to matters of the heart. For more tips on spotting and reporting online scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, www.ftc.gov. ■

February 2015

7 steps to Valentine romance

By Linda Lovendahl

f you’ve read “Song of Solomon” or have seen Aragom and Arwen in “Lord of the Rings,” you’re aware of the ingredients for true love. Did you know that St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying soldiers of the Roman Empire who were forbidden to marry? He healed his jailer’s daughter and signed a note left for her after his death, “your Valentine.”

Though some may think these examples of true love are only for a favored few, it is not so.

There are simple ways of infusing loving and caring thoughts into any relationship.

According to Dr. Ted Roberts and Diane Roberts who wrote “Sexy Christians,” and Dr. Laura Schlessinger in “The Proper Care & Feeding of Marriage,” romance is something we can choose to grow in a relationship, no matter how long it has been neglected. This is possible based on the principle that expansion occurs naturally where we place our thoughts.

In general terms, men are physically stimulated and think logically based on cause and effect. Women are stimulated on the interior through their intuition and emotions.

Simply put, when the male is able to establish safe, caring and honest communication with the female, she responds with physical trust.

Here are seven activities that can contribute to a life of shared intimacy. They include some elements of Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts.” Use them any time of the year or begin on February 8 to culminate on Valentine’s Day. Day 1 – Find one thing you like about your loved one that brings you pleasure, pride or gratitude. Verbalize it to him or her.

Day 2 – Identify another attribute you like about your favored companion and tell him or her.

Romance is something we can choose to grow in a relationship, no matter how long it has been neglected.

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Day 3 – Write a short note (or buy a greeting card) and describe what this information means to you. Leave it somewhere you know the other will discover it in your absence.

Day 4 – Plan an act of kindness for the other person and do it. Pick something you would like to be forgiven for doing (or not doing). Hold your loved one’s hand and look into his or her eyes as you share it. (My sister asked to be forgiven for omitting several of her boyfriend’s biking buddies from the invitation list to his surprise birthday party. He asked that she forgive him for breaking her favorite serving bowl. They discovered it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to carry guilt.)

Day 5 – Give your loved one a special food he or she enjoys. Rate the level of satisfaction in the type and amount of affection you receive from the other person. Hold hands and look into each other’s eyes as you describe this. (My brother told his wife he liked it when she initiated holding his hand when they went shopping together. She liked it when he hugged her with appreciation after a home-cooked meal.

They both do this for each other more often now, knowing they are appreciated for doing it.)

Day 6 – Do a task together. It can be as simple as walking around the block or folding laundry. Think of one thing you would like your loved one to do for you and share it with each other. (My sister-in-law wanted to be kissed on the nape of her neck.

Her husband decided to kiss her every time he opened the car door on a date. Needless to say, they love to go places together.)

Day 7 – Celebrate with a gift and/ or date. Review what you’ve learned about yourself and your loved one.

Brainstorm about what other activities you could do together that could bring you closer to understanding and appreciating each other’s finer attributes. Then schedule it! ■

27

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What is love?

By Neil Wyrick

I

t all makes sense, this tornado called love that makes our minds and emotions go around in circles, leaving us slightly dizzy. There is something wonderfully sensitive about this emotion that can make us so selfless as we fight selfishness.

It is so good to be loved back, to receive an echo of the same thoughtfulness we have given. Of course, the best kind of love is that which does not demand receipt of the same, such as loving the unlovely despite rather than because.

It’s February, the month of dancing happy hearts all spelled out on Valentine cards. And since love is always kind, the thought crosses my mind: Why should this kind of emotion be restricted to just one day?

A world without love is a world composed of all getting and no giving. It creates the kind of person who concentrates on receiving benefits from others but does so on a one-way street. In this kind of world, wars multiply and those who have much simply want more and cannot care that others thereby receive less. It is a giant foolishness, but then there is never a shortage of fools.

The glue that holds love together is commitment with wise moments of understanding and compromise.

Without commitment, love is no more than infatuation. To be able to

It’s worth the drive!

February 2015

love others you have to love yourself.

Self-haters meet the world with a clenched fist.

You have little control over love.

You cannot make someone love you.

It can be legalized but not legislated.

True love is a loyal companion. True love worships at the altar of justice. True love honors the sovereignty of each individual.

True love is centered in respect, for if you cannot respect the object of your affection, temporary love will shrivel and die.

The greatest challenge of love is to love who happens to be around at work or at play. We have so little control over what family we are born into or school we go to or all the other elements that make up our daily atmosphere.

In my counseling sessions, I have one piece of advice I always give, “Love each other more than yourself.” And having given it once, I give it again.

To love is to be sincere. It is not shaky and uncertain, depending on the time of day or mood. It survives and grows stronger even after anger has taken over for a while. It is good in a manner called universal good. It is warm, cozy, constant and content, all wrapped up in a package called common sense. And if you have it and give it, the world is better—so much better—because you live. ■

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February 2015

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Where’s my iPhone?

Ask the computer guy

By Daniel Ashurst, Alpine Computer Solutions

I

celebrated my birthday recently, and as the weekend approached I was looking forward to spending time with my sons up on the slopes.

While up on the mountain, we blasted down the slopes, setting speed records and carving up the snow like pros.

Okay, so maybe I was struggling down the slopes with my sons far ahead of me, but regardless, we had fun taking pictures with our iPhones, capturing the special moments of the weekend.

Later in the day my son, Tim, began the “where’s my phone?” body tap. It’s that frantic moment when you realize you can’t locate your iDevice. Sure enough, his iPhone had dropped out of his ski jacket on the slopes somewhere. But where?

Our savior was that my son had the free Find iPhone app on his phone, which led us to his phone’s location. This practical app is definitely worth downloading.

After downloading the app, make sure it’s activated by going to Settings>iCloud and then make sure the Find My iPhone option is switched on. The app has its limitations, but as long as the device has a charge, you can usually locate it easily.

Test the app by logging into Apple’s Find My iPhone/iPad/Mac website at www. apple.com. Searching “Find my iPhone” on Google will probably get you there quicker.

Suppose that you’re sure you’ve mis-

placed your device somewhere in your house. Using the website, you can send a signal to your device that will make it emit a loud noise, alerting you to its whereabouts. This sound plays even if your device is muted.

If your lost device contains critical information you don’t want in the hands of the wrong people, you can remotely wipe the contents of the device. Make sure to back up your data in the cloud so you can completely recover your data when you find your device or get another one.

You can use the website to lock your screen with your contact phone number displayed so if found, someone can contact you without accessing your pertinent data. You can also use it to see where it is and where it’s been.

Apple’s iDevices are practical and beneficial. Come to our showroom at Alpine Computer Solutions or visit your local electronics store to learn more.

With all of the rich features and genius programming, they are quite easy to use. Come by our office today and see how adept you really are.

I enjoyed my weekend with my sons, and the retrieval of my son’s phone certainly saved some frazzled nerves.

Technology can be our friend if we know how to use it to our advantage. ■ 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.

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Free help filing your tax returns

By Carrie Kellerby

W

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ho says there’s no such thing as a free lunch? It’s possible, but most “free” lunches come wrapped up in a tangle of obligatory strings.

Well, whoever says that obviously hasn’t heard about VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). This program is administered through Colorado Community Action Association in cooperation with the IRS. Grand Junction VITA volunteers are ready to do your taxes—for free. No strings.

The service has been around for over 40 years in the Grand Valley.

VITA District Coordinator Marie Walz, a retired CPA, has been a VITA volunteer for nine years. She said that one of the nice things about being a volunteer with VITA is that she knows that all the benefits of her organization’s efforts go directly to the recipients in need. They can take the money they’ve saved on tax preparation and put it towards another needed expense, like groceries.

“VITA helps between 4,500 and 5,000 Grand Valley residents with their taxes every year,” Walz said.

“The annual savings for the taxpayers in our community is over a million dollars.”

To be eligible for this service, the only criterion is that your adjusted gross income can’t exceed $52,000.

Many of the volunteers are retired IRS employees or CPAs. All of them are IRS-certified and are available to assist with income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. They also provide tax counseling to the elderly, and will help answer specific questions about pensions and retirement-related concerns. In addition, they can also help with PTC-104 forms, the property tax heat rebate credit provided by the state to assist elderly and disabled Colorado residents.

VITA volunteers will be available at stations in Mesa County starting February 2 through April 15, but Walz cautions against procrastination. It’s better to get your taxes done sooner

than later. This applies particularly to those expecting refunds. The IRS has fewer employees this year and processing refunds is expected to take longer than usual.

VITA’s services are all offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Volunteers can be found at these convenient locations: • Wells Fargo Bank basement level, 2808 North Ave. Open 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays • Downtown Wells Fargo Bank Annex Building (second floor), 359 Main St. Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

• Alpine Bank, 125 N. Park Square in Fruita, Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays Please note the different times and days for each location. Walz said that if clients have all their paperwork with them, the forms are usually prepared fairly quickly, but still plan for some wiggle room in case you must wait your turn.

Make sure to bring these documents with you: • Proof of identification (Photo ID) • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration.

• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number.

• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN. • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return.

• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers.

• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).

• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.

• Proof of bank account routing and ac-

February 2015 count numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check.

• To file taxes electronically on a marriedfiling-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

• Total paid for daycare providers and the daycare providers’ tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or Business Employer Identification Number.

• Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.

• Form 1098T for students or parents of students paying college tuition.

For more information on this

service, call the local VITA tax line at 589-3789. For more information about your taxes and free assistance, visit www.irs.gov.

Cloie’s note: Please understand that there is high demand for VITA’s services and sessions sometimes fill up, so get there early and plan your day accordingly. These volunteers are very good at what they do and they provide a valuable service to the community. Please be patient, as these fabulous volunteers are donating their time to help you.

(If you really want to make their day, show up with some donuts or yummy morning treats, thanking them for their generosity.) ■

Tax-related scams that target the elderly

By Teresa Ambord

L

ast tax season, the IRS warned that fake IRS agents were placing threatening phone calls to elderly citizens. These fake agents try to frighten them by threatening jail, and the revocation of the person’s driver’s license or business license. Often the caller is armed with the last four digits of the taxpayer’s Social Security number, which gives them an air of credibility. The caller may follow up the phone threat with a threatening, but official-looking email.

Nobody wants to believe people would fall for such a scam. But before the worst happens, ask your parents and friends if they have had calls from the IRS and tell them about this scam.

What should they watch for?

Let them know that even if the caller ID says “IRS,” it may be fake.

The IRS always communicates first by sending snail mail. However, thieves have been known to send fake snail mail, too. Tell parents or relatives if they receive any communication from the IRS, you will take it to your accountant.

The IRS will not call and demand payment by wire transfer or debit card, and will not threaten to revoke a license to secure payment.

Thieves are able to get bits of in-

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formation to make the victim believe the lie, so let them know it does not prove the caller is authentic.

A scam that involves a real tax credit Depending on the nature of their income, many seniors are not required to file taxes at all. But thieves see this as an opportunity to scare elderly people into believing that if they do file, they are entitled to a lucrative credit worth up to $2,500.

After they hook them, these thieves offer their help in filing the tax forms.

The tax credit is real, and is called the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). To qualify, the taxpayer must be currently enrolled in higher education. Con artists rope in unsuspecting seniors by convincing them the credit is available to them even if they went to college many years ago.

Here is what you should tell folks to watch for: Solicitation calls from tax companies.

Offers of tax help made over the Internet.

Offers from anyone saying they will help you file your taxes. Insist on getting a name and contact number.

Then call the Better Business Bureau to find out if complaints have been filed against them. ■

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February 2015

Eagle Ridge: the journey to five-star care

By Jan Weeks

E

nergy sparks from Maxine Wilson as she strides down the halls of Eagle Ridge of the Grand Valley, a long-term care facility in Grand Junction. It’s clear that as administrator, she really loves her job. She’s been in that position since 2010, and when she was hired the facility had a less than savory reputation. Wilson has turned it around.

“We went from the state wanting to close the facility to getting five-star ratings,” she said.

It wasn’t an easy journey. Wilson, herself a registered nurse, had to hire more staff, including licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and certified nursing assistants.

“We’re a team,” she said. “I used to think that ‘team’ was a hokey word, a buzz word to make people feel better.”

Now she knows better. She’s imbued employees with the sense that they all matter. If someone comes to her with a complaint about another department, to put it in a proper perspective she simply asks, “Which department can we do without today?”

The answer, of course, is that they can’t do without any of them. She also believes in “please” and “thank you,” not only for her but for every

staff person.

Before coming to Grand Junction, Wilson was the administrator for a nursing home in Paonia. When the CEO of Quality Life Management, the company that oversees Eagle Ridge, asked her to come to work, she hesitated at first, then decided to take up the challenge of making Eagle Ridge a quality care provider.

Coming in to one of the worst care centers in the state was a challenge, to say the least.

But Wilson’s no quitter. “I knew I could turn it around,” she said.

It took a while but she has. Besides adding 40 full-time positions, she’s tackled remodeling the decades-old building. She had hardwood floors installed for easy maneuvering of wheelchairs and for ease of cleaning.

As rooms become available, each one is refreshed with new paint, new cupboards and other amenities.

Soon there will be a wing dedicated to rehabilitation patients. This wing will be dedicated to Medicare patients who are recovering from injuries, such as broken hips.

“They will receive physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy,” Wilson said. “The wing will have a private shower area and a separate dining room.”

Eagle Ridge doesn’t have an Al-

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A staff that has fun together, provides better care together. Here, Maxine Wilson, second from left, dons her Captain Morgan Rackham costume for the festivities.

February 2015

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zheimer’s wing and does not take patients who are a danger to themselves or others.

“There are no accommodations for psychiatric patients who need 24/7 supervision on the Western Slope,” Wilson said. “They must go to the Eastern Slope to be cared for.”

Eagle Ridge does Maxine Wilson, right, spends time with an Eagle Ridge resident. Most have door alarms elderly people spell love t-i-m-e. in case a resident he or she can. She also promotes decides to take an unescorted walk.

When Wilson came to Eagle Ridge, from within whenever possible. there were 45 beds. They added 15 When she took over, there were no more and filled them immediately. long-term employees.

There are currently 70 rooms, 54 of “Now many have been here for at which are singles, and 16 are double least five years,” Wilson said. occupancy. Residents who wish to The activity department staff move to a single room are put on a has to hustle to keep the residents list and move when a room becomes occupied. A common activity area available. offers residents crafting and paint“We’ve had some call and say they’ll ing opportunities, as well as a large wait to come in until they can get a television, which is well used on single,” Wilson said. “We don’t have a waiting list for non-residents. The first football Sundays. Books, games, puzzles and other pastimes keep stop is always a room for two.” residents occupied. And of course, Private rooms are available to anybingo. If residents don’t want to leave one, regardless of the payer source. their rooms, the staff bring activities Residents set their own schedules to them. They also take residents according to individual care plans. on outings to ball games at Suplizio They go to bed and get up when they please, choose to eat at their Field, to Walmart for shopping, to convenience in the dining room or concerts and the botanical gardens, in their rooms, participate in activiand to restaurants for meals. Families ties or don’t. There’s a main dining are welcome to join in any of these room and a smaller snack room with outings. In fact, when they join their coffee, a microwave and tables. If the relatives at a local dining spot, it’s doctor okays it, family members may almost like a big family dinner at bring wine, beer or liquor, as well as home. On every outing, there is at favorite foods, to residents. least one staff member present for “Residents don’t have to give up each resident. things they enjoy when they come Wilson isn’t about to rest on her here, as long as those things are laurels. medically approved,” Wilson said.

“I’ll keep working to make Eagle Wilson is also cognizant of staff Ridge the best facility it can be,” she members who want to increase their said. skills. Besides paying competitive, The one thing that Wilson will above-scale wages, she works with never do? school schedules so that if a CNA wants to advance to an LPN degree, “Take away bingo!” ■

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February 2015

Teaching success with love

By Melanie Wiseman

W

hat do retired teachers Anne Breckenridge and Shari Vandervelde miss most about working for the school district? Kids.

“Kids make me happy,” Breckenridge, 66, said. “After retiring I wasn’t getting a kid fix on a regular basis.”

“We retired from the classroom where we spent many days loving kids as well as being driven crazy by them,” Vandervelde, 58, said. “But when I retired and wasn’t with kids full-time anymore, I felt there was a gap in my life.”

Both women brainstormed on how to fill that gap, along with fellow retiree Alice Dunick, uniting their combined 75 years of teaching experience, three master’s degrees, love of children and desire to make a difference. In 2013, they established Essentials in Learning, a small business offering one-on-one academic coaching sessions with students over 10 weeks.

“Our love of kids is why we’re still working,” Vandervelde said.

Mesa County Behavioral Health and Wellness and Mesa County Valley School District 51 expressed great need for specialized academic tutoring, and the women also noticed it from their experience in the classroom. They believe all children have

the potential to be successful in school.

Vandervelde said she and Anne work with kids differently than they did when they were teachers.

“We work with them individually and we help kids who don’t have everyday successes at school,” she said. “We’re helping build them up so they can be more successful and independent.”

Part of the job is encouraging kids to love themselves.

“A lot of kids we help don’t feel real great about themselves,” Vandervelde said. “When kids come through the door, I’m happy to see them and I tell them that.”

They mentor students in kindergarten through college, and work with those in need of extra attention, helping them develop executive skills, such as controlling their impulses and emotions, flexible thinking, working memory, self-monitoring, planning and prioritizing, task initiation and organization.

Breckenridge said executive skills usually develop in most people by their mid 20s, but for some, the skills need to be taught directly.

“One of the things we’ve done with clients is to take everything out of their backpacks and look at how it’s organized or not organized,” Vandervelde said. “Typically we have

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

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Because of their love of children, retired teachers Shari Vandervelde, left, and Anne Breckenridge, right, started Essentials in Learning to help students be successful at school.

February 2015 clients who can do the homework or part of the homework, but they lose it in their backpack and never turn it in.”

Some of their clients are children with Asperger’s syndrome or ADHD. Breckenridge said sometimes these students get frustrated and feel like failures.

“And failure equals avoidance,” she said. “It’s a cycle we’re trying to break.”

Vandervelde said many kids get the message that if they’re not doing well in school it’s because they’re lazy and unmotivated.

“Kids are not hardwired to be lazy,” Vandervelde said. “They may be daydreamers, but they are not lazy. Kids want to learn. So it’s really up to us as teachers to set up an environment conducive to learning.”

The need for these services is so great that Breckenridge and Vandervelde have contracted with other retired teachers to help them on their mission.

Breckenridge, Vandervelde and Dunick have received various training from coaching professionals. They use a coaching protocol developed and researched by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, two of the leading experts in understanding and working with those with ADHD. “I feel that if I had had this knowledge when I was in the classroom I could have been a much stronger teacher,” Vandervelde said.

A common desire they hear from parents is “I want my child to develop self-confidence.”

“We build specific attainable goals for the child each week so they can

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com see their successes,” Vandervelde said.

Essentials in Learning also offers family advocacy services, which provide support for parents or grandparents during school evaluations or at other times by communicating with teachers about learning issues and the needs of the child.

Request a free initial consultation with an Essentials In Learning coach by calling 210-9271 or by visiting www.essentialsinlearning.com. Essentials in Learning operates out of the Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way in Grand Junction.

EVERY LIFE IS A STORY - A TREASURE, INSIDE EVERY PERSON, TOUCHED ALONG THE WAY. THEY ARE PART OF THAT STORY. WHEN THEY TELL IT - THE TREASURE IS FOUND, THE STORY IS TOLD, IT’S PASSED ALONG. TELLTHEIR STORY.

Be an advocate for children Anne and Shari’s love of children does not stop there. Both are active in CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mesa County), a nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to serve as a child’s voice in court, when the child is a victim of abuse or neglect.

“Our role is to be an impartial advocate for children who have been removed from their homes and are in the custody of the County,” Vandervelde said. “We are volunteers and have no other vested interest other than the well-being of the children. CASA volunteers remain consistent—sometimes they are the only consistency in a traumatic and chaotic situation. We attend court hearings strictly as advocates for the children, or sit in on supervised visits with family members. Our mission is to make sure children are in safe, secure and loving homes.”

To volunteer with CASA of Mesa County, call 242-4191 or visit www. casamc.org. ■

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Confused By Medicare Plans?

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to meet with someone local who can: • Provide you with the information you need, so you may determine which plan is right for you.

• Show you how to find the best drug plan for your current situation.

Stop by for a cup of coffee at The Artful Cup coffee shop, at: 3090 North 12th St., Grand Junction, 970-623-9665, Wednesdays between the hours of 9 am to 12 pm on the following dates: Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18 and Feb 25.

I will be happy to talk with you, or if you cannot make it to the coffee shop feel free to give me a call.

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February 2015

Caregiving: after your loved one dies

By Joni Karp, CDP, CaregiverCARE

W

hether you are a family or professional caregiver, losing your care receiver can leave you grieving, feeling empty, lonely and wondering what’s next.

I resigned from a full-time corporate job in Salt Lake City and my family and I relocated to Fruita, where we immediately moved my mom from her home in Michigan to live with us.

So began my new career as a fulltime caregiver for my mother who was newly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I stepped into this new life feeling I could do it as long as it took, not knowing or caring what lay ahead.

For the next 10 years, my life revolved around caring for my mom.

Whether she lived in my home, in assisted living or a nursing care community, my caregiving duties did not end. In fact, I was probably the staff’s worst nightmare.

After she died, I found myself asking the question that so many caregivers do after their care receiver has passed: “What now?”

I felt lost and unsure not to mention grieving the loss of my mother.

Then it dawned on me. I had learned so much from other caregivers, my support group members and other kind folks in the community—I couldn’t just walk away—I had to pay it forward.

The first step was to admit and acknowledge my feelings. Because for some of us, the death of a loved one who has suffered for years brings some relief alongside grief. It isn’t easy or a proud moment to admit relief. I certainly didn’t want anyone to think I was cold and unfeeling. But the truth is I was grateful that her suffering was over.

Looking toward a new future can be difficult. Deciding what’s next can be challenging. When faced with this

decision, ponder the following: Join a support group. In a support group you will receive the help you need to get you through the grieving stage. Amazingly enough, you may find that your experiences and knowledge will help others walking the same path. There is healing in helping others during a difficult time in your own life.

Allow others to help you work through any guilt about things you feel you could have done differently.

You did your best. We are all imperfect caregivers. Compare notes with other caregivers and you will likely understand that you did just fine.

Forgive yourself.

Preserve and reflect on the positive and humorous memories. They far outweigh the negative. Your loved ones did not choose their disease or disability. They did the best they could, and so did you.

Work with active caregivers and share the wisdom and experiences you gained.

Keep the compassion and patience you learned, and the insight into the problems of others that you found through the educational process of caregiving. Find other ways to use this wisdom. Believe that anyone who has been a caregiver has gained some insight and compassion for people who are hurting and struggling. Find your own niche and you will find fulfillment and peace.

Consider taking a break to do something for you. Take a vacation or simply take time for yourself.

Consider doing something completely different. You’ve devoted yourself to the care of someone else for a long time. It’s time to evaluate what you want and go for it.

If you are able, volunteer your time working with kids, elders or animals.

Allow the healing in your life to take place. ■

February 2015

Mesa County Club Activities • Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the second Thursday at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org.

• Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247.

Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit www.gjcoinshow.com.

• Two River Sams, Good Sam RV Club, meets at 11:30 a.m. on February 14.

For location, call 523-5625.

• Grand Valley Knights meets at 7 a.m.9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Spoons Bistro & Bakery with their sport and classic vehicles. Call 462-6762 or visit www. grandvalleyknights.com.

• Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388.

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670.

• Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will meet at 2 p.m. on February 8 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjell lodge.org.

• Happy Feet Rounds offers basic choreographed ballroom dancing at the Masonic Center on Sundays (beginners from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and intermediate from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.) and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays (Phase 3 and 4 dancers). Call 243-5858.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church.

Call 245-8817 or 523-5965.

• Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632.

• Levis & Lace Square Dance Club meets monthly on the second and fourth Fridays at the Masonic Center.

Rounds at 7 p.m. Square at 7:30 p.m.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Call 434-6541.

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

• Stamp Collectors meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at White Star Electric. Call 986-1502.

• Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles meets monthly at 1 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month at Starvin’ Arvin’s in Clifton for lunch and games.

For more activities, call 434-0803.

• Mesa Fiberarts Guild meets monthly at noon the first Wednesdays at First Presbyterian Church and at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at the Center for Independence. Call 243-3598 or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org.

• Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312.

• Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874.

• Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751.

• Fleet Reserve Association Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at the VFW Post #3981. Retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome. Call 434-0868.

• Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at 7:10 a.m. Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 242-4863.

• Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays at the Business Incubator Center. Call 250-3969.

• Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly at the Egg and I for breakfast on the first Thursday. Call 858-3907 for time and details.

• High Desert Diamonds is a plus-level square dance club that dances from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays monthly at the Masonic Center. Call 241-7457.

• Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets 7 p.m.-9 p.m. February 24 at Western Colorado Community College, building B, room 171. Visit www.thunder mountaincameraclub.org. ■

MESA COUNTY 37

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38 MESA COUNTY

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Mesa County Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse February 2 & 23

Employment workshop series A free employment workshop series focusing on job-hunting skills is scheduled from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on both days at the Mesa County Central Library Community Room, 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction. Topics to be covered are how to produce an outstanding resume on February 2, and how to perform a standout interview on February 23. The workshops will be presented in English and Spanish. For more information, call 683-2437.

February 6 & 7

Fruita Lions Chili Supper Choose from a bowl of chili or Judy’s famous chicken noodle soup at the Fruita Lions Chili Supper from 5 p.m.7 p.m. at Independence Village Hall, 225 N. Coulson in Fruita. Buy a paddle for the chance to win a cake.

Adults are $5 and kids age 6-12 are $3.

Children age 5 and under are free.

February 10

Is it gout?

Dr. Jessica Mears will be giving a free lecture on gout at 6 p.m. at the Fruita Community Center, 324 N. Coulson St. Gout is a type of arthritis often misdiagnosed. It occurs when uric acid builds up in blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Mears will discuss symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options. For more information, call 858-2104.

February 11

Understanding Medicaid and Long-Term Care Costs Seventy percent of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care during their lifetime. Learn about payment sources at this free educational session offered by the attorneys at Brown & Brown, PC from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at their office,

February 2015

located at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction. Registration is required. Call 243-8250 or visit www. brownandbrownpc.com to register.

February 12

Changing Landscapes of Science lecture Topic is “CSI’s Fact and Fantasy: Modern Forensic Science” at 7 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.

February 13

Swingin’ Sweets Jazz Band Fundraiser This fundraiser for Grand Junction High School’s Jazz Bands is a great way to treat your valentine or the entire family. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Swing lessons at 6:30 p.m. Event takes place until 10 p.m. at the Grand Junction High School auxiliary gym (north door entrance), 1400 N. Fifth St. in Grand Junction. All three jazz bands will perform. There will be a silent auction with a wide variety of baskets and hundreds of dollars in items to bid on. There will also be

a photo booth and plenty of chocolate and desserts. Tickets are $12 a person or $20 a couple and can be purchased at the door. Children age 10 and under are free. For more information, email gjhsmusicparents fundraising@gmail.com.

February 13

Woodcarving demo and art exhibit Local Navy veteran Buddy Chadd will offer woodcarving demonstrations from 10 a.m. to noon at Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV), 1670 North Ave. Learn how to get started with wood carving, what tools you need and get your questions answered. Chadd has been recognized as a national medal winner for his artwork and has also selected several pieces of his woodcarvings to display at HHV. This display is available to the public for viewing 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibit will be on display through February 27. Chadd’s artwork is available for purchase by commission and will benefit the fund for his son, retired Mesa County Sherriff’s Deputy Keith Chadd, who is suffering from stage

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February 2015 four brain cancer and recovering from surgery. For more information, visit www.teamkeith.org.

February 19

Brush & Palette Club Event Colorado Watercolor Society President Dani Tupper will demonstrate watercolor experimentation at 1 p.m. at The Art Center, 1803 N. Seventh St. in Grand Junction. Referring to her work, Dani said, “I try to recreate the beauty in the world created by the master creator.” For more information, call 433-4180.

February 20

Heritage exhibit “Heritage Rendezvous: Working on the Western Slope” exhibit opens at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave. This exhibit focuses on the cultural organizations on the Western Slope coming together to offer different insights into our shared heritage.

Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, $3.75 for children or $20 for family groups.

February 21

One Book author to speak Roz Chast will join a Mesa County audience at 7 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre to discuss her book, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” Chast’s appearance caps a five week long series of movies, book discussions and special events centered on themes in this year’s title selection for the annual One Book, One Mesa County celebration. The book’s unique use of colorful cartoons, photographs and text tells the story of Chast’s aging parents. It directly tackles the difficult issue of dealing with aging parents who eventually become unable to care for themselves, a topic that hits home with many Mesa County residents and BEACON readers. Doors open at 6 p.m. and there is no charge for admission. Visit guides. mesacountylibraries.org/onebook for a list of preceding events.

February 22

Old Fashioned Gospel Song Service Enjoy great old hymns performed by talented musicians at this special service from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Bethel

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Assembly of God, 2945 Orchard Ave. February 25

How to help Mom and Dad with their estate planning Learn how to talk to your parents about legal, financial and medical issues they will face as they age. This free educational session is offered by the attorneys at Brown & Brown, PC from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at their office located at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive in Grand Junction. Registration is required. Call 243-8250 or visit www.brownandbrownpc.com to register.

February 27

Behind the Scenes Tour at Museum Behind the Scenes Tours allow tour participants to enter collections storage areas that are seldom open to the public. Hundreds of artifacts not currently on display may be viewed, as well as laboratories and work areas. The exhibition halls will also be open for a true museum after dark experience. Tour starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave. Cost is $5 per person. ■

River City Singles

MESA COUNTY 39

February 2015 Activity Schedule

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

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) meets in the lounge at the Travelodge (formerly the Country Inn), 718 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is the business meeting. Cards and games will follow the meeting.

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - Dine out at the following locations every week. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

February 4 - Boston’s February 18 - Red Lobster February 11 - Old Chicago February 25 - Texas Roadhouse Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday and card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462.

Wednesday, February 4 - AARP Driver Safety class. Call Bob Kline at 243-2531 for time and to RSVP. Saturday, February 7 at noon - Chili cook-off and potluck. RSVP to Jerry at 216-3048.

Saturday, February 7 at noon - Enjoy billiards, games of pool and lunch at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Call Mary Wynn at 255-7370.

Thursday, February 12 at 11:30 a.m. - The Fun Lunch Bunch meets at Aztecas Family Mexican Restaurant, 2516 Broadway. RSVP to Penny at 712-2588.

Tuesday, February 24 - Mardi Gras Party at Billie’s place in Palisade. Call Billie at 464-0578 for time and to RSVP. Thursday, February 26 at 5 p.m. - Restaurant Rove to Wine Country Inn in Palisade.

RSVP to Jim Spiegel at 424-2545.

40 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Mesa County Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Weight loss surgery seminar 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.

• February 4 - 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

• February 18 - noon to 1:30 p.m.

St. Mary’s offers free home radon test kit Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Colorado residents are particularly at risk from radon as all 64 counties are rated at high risk for elevated radon levels. St. Mary’s Medical Center can help area residents test their homes for radon, the first step in protecting their families from dangerous radon exposure. The kit includes complete collection instructions, an analysis of your sample, and report of findings. To get your free radon test kit, call 298-2351.

Free help with your tax returns VITA is a group of local and trained volunteers that provides free, confidential and secure tax preparation and e-filing of federal and Colorado

state income taxes for low-income taxpayers or those who qualify. In 2013, VITA helped 4,700 Grand Valley residents file their tax returns.

See their schedule below.

• Wells Fargo Bank, 2808 North Ave., Open 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays • NEW SITE! Wells Fargo Bank Annex Building, 359 Main St., Open 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays • Alpine Bank, 125 N. Park Square, Fruita, Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays

Call for chorus singers for Handel’s “Messiah” The Messiah Choral Society of Grand Junction begins choir rehearsals for its 11th annual Easter performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” If you would like to sing in the performance of this timeless masterwork, join us from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. every Sunday afternoon until Easter Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. in Grand Junction. All singers are welcome. No audition necessary. Easter performance will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction High School auditorium. For details, call 245-4914.

2015 One Book, One Mesa County celebration “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” is the 11th title in the One Book, One Mesa County series, which is one of the most anticipated annual events among readers in Mesa County. Author Roz Chast, an accom-

February 2015

plished author and illustrator known for her work in The New Yorker, uses humor and sensitivity to tell the story of watching her parents age and die.

The memoir is written in the style of a colorful graphic novel. Events include presentations about family dynamics, staying healthy in old age, dealing with emotional burdens through art and journaling, and how to have the important conversations that surround a person’s final years.

Movies about aging parents and family relationships between generations also are scheduled. In addition, public book discussions will be held at library locations. For complete event information, visit guides.mesacoun tylibraries.org/onebook

Mesa Vista Assisted Living offers new adult day program Mesa Vista Assisted Living, 72 Sipprelle Drive in Battlement Mesa, now offers an adult day program 9 a.m.4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The program offers seniors a safe environment with friendly social interaction, planned activities, snacks and a delicious hot lunch, giving spouses or other caregivers a break. For more information, call 285-1844.

Kiva Book Club announces 2015 lineup of titles The Kiva Book Club at Mesa County Libraries has announced its lineup of titles for 2015. A long-running book club open to the public, the Kiva Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Central Library, 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction. A new title is discussed each month, and readers are

welcome to stop by and participate in the discussions, or just listen. For more information, call 683-2437.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19: “The End of Your Life Book Club” by Will Schwalbe.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19: “The Poisoner’s Handbook” by Deborah Blum.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16: “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21: “The Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18: “Prayers for the Stolen” by Jennifer Clement.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16: “The Signature of All Things” by Elizabeth Gilbert.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20: “The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund de Waal.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17: “The Mapmaker’s Wife” by Robert Whitaker.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15: “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bohjalian.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19: “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks.

• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17: “1491: New Revelations of the Americas before Columbus” by Charles C. Mann.

Historic Palisade Coloring Book dedicated The Palisade Historical Society announced its popular Historic Palisade Coloring Book is in its third printing, thanks to generous contributions

CLIFTON · GRAND JUNCTION · FRUITA · MONTROSE

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store hours: pharmacy hours:

7 am -10 pm m-F 8 am - 10 pm sat 9 am - 6 pm sun 10 am - 6 pm

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February 2015 of the Palisade Sunrise Rotary Club, Grand Junction Rotary Foundation, and Rotary International District 5470. First released in July 2011, the book features original artwork and historic information about the Palisade area. The Sunrise Rotary Club underwrote printing costs, largely because of the efforts of John Galloway.

Galloway passed away in June and was a founding director of both the Palisade Historical Society and the Sunshine Rotary Club. Since its initial printing, the rotary club’s donations have enabled more than 1,000 students in area schools to use the coloring books in their local history curriculum. The book is available for a donation to the Palisade Historical Society. For details, call 464-2177.

Support groups • The National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is offering support groups in Mesa County for adults diagnosed with mental illness and their families. The Fruita group meets 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at Family Health West, 228 N. Cherry St. Call 462-3989.

• GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one.

This free class is offered 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays starting February 16. Call Vicci at 628-1453 for details.

• Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision peer support group, meets 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call Joanne or Cathy at 241-0315.

• Mending Hearts Grief Support 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.

• Caregiver Connections is open to all caregivers and meets from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th St. • 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. 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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Reflection Room (Entrance 25). Call 298-2254 for details.

• MACHO Men, a cancer support group, meets at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 2982351 for details.

MESA COUNTY 41

Here we GROW! (again)

Volunteer opportunities • 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. SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746.

• HopeWest seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. Volunteering can be as simple as one hour a month.

Call 623-8816 for details.

• Operation Interdependence invites you to write notes for deployed troops around the world. They are also in need of Slim Jims, beef jerky, gum, snack bars, Chapstick, toothbrushes, etc. Call 523-4217 for dropoff location.

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

• St. Mary’s Foster Grandparents seeks volunteers to work with children in Mesa County and Delta County schools. Volunteers mentor kids in classrooms under supervision of a certified teacher. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a non-taxable hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, annual wellness exam and other great benefits. Call Tanya at 298-9091.

• Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary seeks a volunteer in Grand Junction to be a Silver Whiskers Program Animal Advocate. The Silver Whiskers Program matches senior people with senior pets. A SWP Animal Advocate is there for a client’s pet, should they need transport to and from the vet or groomer. This volunteer position typically requires three hours per month per client and is a very rewarding experience. Call 399-7152. ■

NOVEMBER 2014 •

• 2014 Holiday events you don’t want to miss

page 6 & 12

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your Guide to a Happy Holiday

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Vol. 28 No. 11

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 34,020 Readers.

Celebrate the holidays with gift-giving ideas galore from our area’s finest merchants.

Healing with Art The Veterans’ Art Center is a place where veterans can heal their emotional wounds through music and art. Page 6.

Elks’ Lodge It was no easy task establishing a lodge in both Delta and Montrose, but perseverance and creativity prevailed.

Page 20.

Museum honors Ute heritage The Ute Indian Museum helps share the stories and livelihoods of the native Utes.

Page 30.

Our annual salute to local veterans

Photo courtesy of Veterans Committee of Photo the Western

by Xxxx Slope Xxxx.

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Balancing the needs of seniors with the interests of boomers is no easy task, but we must be doing a pretty good job because we can’t keep the racks full.

So we’re printing more papers and adding more racks. Thanks for reading!

42 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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Crossword Puzzle Across 1 Noted chef Graham 5 Halted 11 Classified items 14 CSA Gen. Robert 15 Not in its original form 16 Surname ascribed to an unknown 17 He went “Back to the Future” 19 Author Beattie 20 Spanish cabbage?

21 Coin- operated cafeteria 23 Polish off 24 Boxer’s warning 25 He went “where no man has gone before”

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33 Took place 34 “Grumpier Old

Men” star

35 Tibet city 36 River flowing to

the Rennes 38 Canonical hour 40 Industrial city on the Ural River 41 Informal talk?

43 Stuck in the mud 45 Kind of clamp 46 One-time “Baywatch” babe 49 “La ___” (Debussy) 50 Half a colon 51 Perform on stage 55 It can be social or natural 59 Brit. ref. book 60 “You’re Still the One” singer 62 Put down the first card 63 NHL team in the city of 17 Across 64 Opposite of exo65 Endorses 66 Oder’s partner 67 Father’s and Mother’s, for two

Down 1 Dole’s 1996 running mate 2 1986 Nobelist Wiesel 3 45’s and 78’s, briefly 4 Cobble again 5 Dress designed by Oleg, for example 6 Morays 7 Dictionary abbreviation 8 Parlor seat 9 “Eight is ___” (classic TV show) 10 Right handed 11 Genesis gentleman 12 Spanish lady’s title 13 Dropped in the mail 18 ___ costs 22 Big garden products brand 25 Half a Washington city 26 The Five Pillars of ___ 27 Dieter’s temptation 28 “___ Black” (Smith movie) 29 Wooden-headed Mortimer 30 Pusher’s pursuer

31 Where Big Bertha was “born” 32 Croupier’s tool 33 Small tuft 37 Hostile force 39 Pea pod, for one 42 Kramden portrayer 44 Legal claim 47 Meathead’s father-in-law 48 Like some tomatoes 51 Word with shirt or pony 52 Onion relative 53 Follows a recipe direction 54 Anklebones 55 Word often followed by a colon 56 Zola courtesan 57 Slicker’s home 58 TV deputy from Hazzard 61 Nintendo’s Super ___

February 2015

One Book, One Mesa County: “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by Roz Chast

R

oz Chast, an accomplished author and illustrator known for her work in The New Yorker magazine, will join a Mesa County audience at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 21, at the Avalon Theatre to discuss her book, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”

Chast’s appearance caps a series of movies, book discussions and special events centered on themes in this year’s title selection for the annual One Book, One Mesa County celebration, “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”

“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” is the 11th title in the One Book, One Mesa County series, which is one of the most anticipated annual events among readers in Mesa County. In the book, Chast uses humor and sensitivity to tell the story of watching her parents age and die.

The memoir is written in the style of a colorful graphic novel.

Approximately 80 print copies of “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” are available for checkout at Mesa County Libraries locations. The book is a quick read and can be finished in a matter of hours.

Members of the One Book, One Mesa County Committee read more than 50 books before choosing “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” as this year’s featured title.

The book’s unique use of colorful cartoons, photographs and text to tell the story of Chast’s aging parents made it stand out from other titles.

It directly tackles the difficult issue of dealing with aging parents who eventually become unable to care for themselves, a topic that hits home with many Mesa County residents and BEACON readers.

All One Book events are open to the public at no charge. Events take

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

place at the Central Library Community Room unless stated otherwise.

• Feb. 3, 6 p.m. - Tell Your Own Story in a Cartoon Blueswade Cartoons illustrator Bryan Wade and local artists/cartoonists Ramana Konantz and Rebecca Woods show you how to translate your ideas to cartoons.

• Feb. 5, 6 p.m. - Art and Journaling to Heal the Heart Ease the burdens of your life by practicing some creative therapy.

• Feb. 8, 1:30 p.m. - Movie: “Wrinkles” Based on Paco Roca’s comic of the same title, “Wrinkles” is an animated film for an adult audience. It’s a humorous and tender tale about growing older and facing new life challenges.

43

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• Feb. 12, 6 p.m. - We Have to Talk: The Conversations that Surround a Person’s Last Years Just like we all know that we need an updated will, we know we have to talk between loved ones about all the issues as a family member’s health fails. Our speakers will help us make these talks easier.

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• Feb. 15, 1:30 p.m. - “Mother” See this 1996 movie at the Avalon Theater.

“Mother” takes a truthful, amusing look at the adult mother-son dynamic.

Why call separate companies to perform your plumbing and cooling service work? At Airstream Plumbing & Heating we pride ourselves hiring trained plumbers and EPA certified HVAC technicians. When it comes to the comfort in your home, trust us to keep you covered.

• Feb. 17, 6 p.m. - Can’t We Talk About The Book Now? Perspectives on “Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”

• Feb. 21, 7 p.m. - Roz Chast Author Presentation Visit the Avalon Theater to hear Roz Chast talk about her book. There is no charge for this event. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit guides. mesacountylibraries.org/onebook. ■

For the comfort in your home

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970-434-5348

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Check and clean one (1) heating unit, parts or repairs not included. Please show this ad at time of service.

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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To Place a Classified Ad...

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

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

 check

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Complete Cremation Package for Two All cremation services are inclusive along with an attractive oak companion urn and eye level glass front niche inside Memorial Garden’s Chapel. $2,900 OBO. 255-0043.

Invacare Stander Stuck in a wheelchair? Stand up with an Invacare Stander, and live longer. $500 OBO. Call Anne at 970-275-1414.

Oxygen Concentrators (2) 1-5 liter Invacare Perfecto and 1-5 liter Invacare Perfect Flow Oxygen Concentrators. $150 each OBO. Call Cheryl at 970-242-8990.

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

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CNA Caregiver Retired CNA with nice home. Would love to care for your loved one.

Someone that needs just a little care, meds, laundry, 24-7. I can even help with baths. 970-434-3527.

Home Services Be Clutter-Free Love your home again! Let me help you: *Lose hundreds of pounds without going to the gym. *De-clutter *Organize, simplify, repurpose *Reduce stress *Sell or donate unwanted items *Decorate on a budget *Call Melanie, 985-5897. You’ll be glad you did!

Black Canyon Home Services Small repairs, maintenance, housekeeping, second home care. Visit our website at www. blackcanyonhomeservices.net.

Montrose area. Call John 209-2095.

February 2015 Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 30 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-8236.

Reliable Estate Sales Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one?

Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 2602327, cash4@bresnan.net or www. reliableestatesales.net.

Accessibility Services Grab bars. Walk-in tubs/showers.

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Tree Service Get ready for winter – Tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding. FREE hauling, boom truck to 85 feet, FREE estimates. Licensed and insured. Chris 260-0222.

Skilled Handyman Services Fast, reliable handyman services available. No job too big or too small. We are licensed and insured and have over 35 years’ experience.

We are ADA (Special Needs), CAPS (Aging in Place) and NHBA (National Home Builders Association) certified to meet your individual needs. All services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and misc. services. Western Interior Builders, LLC. Call 241-2029 for appointment.

Pet Services AT HOME PET CARE While you’re away, your pets stay comfortably in your home. We provide LOVE, Feeding, Walking, and Insurance. 243-2069. Mention ad for FREE VISIT. References available.

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February 2015

Wanted to Buy BUYING OLD CLOTHING Costume jewelry, purses, sewing patterns and perfumes (pre-1970s).

Call Linda 234-4736 or 1-800-5727670.

USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, Romance, Mysteries, Suspense, Kids, Young Adult, Inspirational, and many others.

Large print. Special orders. 242-3911.

Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit** CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff. net. Mark 260-2327.

Help Wanted Wendy’s NOW HIRING! Shift Supervisors and Crew Members. We are looking for smiling faces and positive attitudes.

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Full-time and part-time employment available. Please apply at your nearest location in Grand Junction.

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sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us.

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CLASSIFIEDS 45

National Classifieds  February 2015

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writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

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MISCELLANEOUS HOTELS FOR HEROES – to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www. fisherhouse.org

Finding Senior Housing can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be.

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(800) 217-3942 A Place for Mom is the nation’s largest senior living referral information service. We do not own, operate, endorse or recommend any senior living community. We are paid by partner communities, so our services are completely free to families.

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

February 2015

kudos\ku·dos Retirement Planning: The Ridiculous kvetch\kfech Expectations of the Middle Class  “The BEACON is the only newspaper  “I was reading the BEACON article about the Swing City Express [in January’s BEACON] when it dawned on me that when I came to Colorado in the USAF in 1965 with the Norad Command Band at Pete Field, I served with a trombone player named Clark Gault. I have been meaning to get to the Junction and try and see him and the band but just can’t seem to get away from Crawford. Read the article with great interest only to find that you did not even mention Clark Gault in the article other than being the leader of the band.

So in closing, this ain’t a kudos to the BEACON!” - John P., Crawford Kevin: The fact that you read the BEACON and took time to write us is complimenting enough. What can I say about Clark Gault? Maybe that he totally “rocks” and is a musical genius!

Please come see Clark and his mates perform live at our Valentine’s Dance, February 14, at the Hilltop Commons’ Garden Room. It’ll be a swinging good time.  “I liked Melanie Wiseman’s article, ‘Reminiscing for the heart, soul and mind’ in January’s BEACON Senior Newspaper.” - Joe M., Grand Junction Kevin: That was a wonderful article from a wonderful writer. The good news, Joe, is that new research is showing that not only is reminiscing fun, but it also has some mild health benefits. Now, if I could just remember something to reminisce about…  “That was a really great article (‘91 and slowing down? Not a chance!’) [in January’s BEACON]. I’m sending some BEACONs to a friend in Switzerland and a friend in London and then to people all across the U.S. I also received a phone call from someone in Paonia wanting me to go and talk to a group down there.” - Dave Morison, Grand Junction

PART 2 of 2

ing by $4,000.

By Brian Stoffel Reprinted with permission of the Motley Fool

Your family phone bill costs $400 per month I understand that phones are vital these days. But when money is tight, it’s important to get the best plan possible. Though the family in question said their high phone bill owed partly to a necessary landline, some extremely cheap plans out there can help cut costs.

For instance, Republic Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and data over a 3G plan for just $25 per month.

Include all four family members in this plan, along with a $40-per-month landline, and this family would save about $3,100 per year.

You can’t control your spending on toiletries and cleaning supplies According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $50 on household cleaning supplies per month. Finding average spending for toiletries is a bit harder, as most publications lump that in with “groceries.”

But even if we allot $75 per month for toiletries, our family in question has ridiculous expectations: $300 per month on cleaning supplies and toiletries.

If they ramped down these expectations to a reasonable level, they could save $2,100 per year.

Cable: I’ve saved the most ridiculous of all expenses for last.

You have a motorcycle or something similar as a “toy” The husband in this family has a motorcycle as his “toy.” This particular toy costs the family $2,600 per year. You’re certainly allowed to have whatever toys you can afford. But to complain about being unable to save for retirement when you’re spending this much on a toy? Not so much.

You spend a huge amount of money on groceries I’m assuming both college-age girls live at home, because this family spends a whopping $1,200 per month on groceries. According to the USDA, a low-cost plan for a family of four grown adults should run around $871.

When you’re living paycheck to paycheck and not saving anything for retirement, shooting for anything above the “low-cost” plan is ridiculous. If this family adhered to this standard, it would cut annual spend-

You pay money for cable when you don’t need it I’ve saved the most ridiculous of all expenses for last. This family reported spending $100 per month on DIRECTV because it is “needed for [the] weather channel and business.”

This is 100% ludicrous.

If, like this family, you’re already spending $100 per month for Internet service, go to Weather.com, punch in your ZIP code, and have a look at the forecast. And get familiar with some of the countless businessrelated websites out there. This will save you $1,200 per year.

Just like that, retirement planning isn’t so hard If our hapless family were to take these suggestions, they would save almost $20,000 per year! That’s a huge deal. Over a decade, if this family put that money in a fund that earns 9.8% per year -- the stock market’s historical average -- they would have almost $350,000 in its coffers.

Not bad for a family that, by that time, will have just finished paying off its house and could really amp up the savings. ■

that I have trouble finding. Every month I have to make multiple stops. The racks are usually empty.”

- Ted F., Grand Junction

 “My mother reads your paper. This last month I was particularly hard pressed to find a paper. Do you have a place where I can reliably pickup a paper?” - Debbie R., Grand Junction Kevin: I’m sorry to each of you and the others I know who have had the same problem. The BEACON’s popularity has grown substantially over the past several years and even though we increase the circulation regularly, it has not been enough to keep up with the growing demand. That’s a good problem to have, but on the other hand the economic climate has been so tepid that we have only been afforded one small advertising rate increase during that time to help offset the increase in printing and distribution costs. However, help is on the way.

Over the next few months we will be increasing our circulation by 12 percent and we have invested in new racks to put those extra papers in.

Might I suggest that you get a subscription to the BEACON? For a nominal $15 per year, you can have the paper mailed to you. Or you can always stop by our office at 524 30 Road in Grand Junction and pick one up for free.

And by all means, please shop with our advertisers and express your thanks for their support of the BEACON. As a free newspaper they keep our writers writing, which in turn keep our readers reading.

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

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

February 2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

P R E M I E R

S E N I O R

L I V I N G

47

C O M M U N I T I E S

The Independence we want and the Support we need.

Visit Hilltop’s independent and assisted living communities today and discover a world of gracious living, personalized care and unsurpassed amenities.

Now Renting Studio, 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments n Luxurious apartments featuring great views & spacious floorplans

n On-site physician visits and medical transportation

n Temporary assisted living stays

n 24-hour emergency response

n Social activities and trips

n Personal assistance, room service & pet walking

n Restaurant-style dining

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

www.TheCommonsGJ.org

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

www.TheFountainsGJ.org

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

PROGRAM 4:00–6:00 PM

Silent auction begins Free education and screenings: American Heart Association cardiac risk factor assessment • Blood pressure • Cardiac rhythm • Carotid artery disease screening (space limited, call 298-2769 for appointment) • Health and wellness vendors • Nutrition education and heart healthy recipes • Stroke symptoms and risk factors •

NOTHING IS MORE ATTENTION GETTING THAN A WOMAN IN RED.

You are invited . . .

Go Red for Women

Dinner

February 26, 2015 presented by St. Mary’s Hospital Cardiac and Vascular Services

T

he American Heart Association sponsors the Go Red for Women campaign and Wear Red Day to increase awareness of women’s risk of heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. But why a red dress logo? Because you can’t ignore a woman in red!

St. Mary’s wants you to know more, so you can do more to reduce your risk. So put on your red dress (or sweater or suit), baby, and join us. 

5:00–6:00 PM Cocktail hour

6:00 PM

Heart healthy dinner featuring: • •

Miso Chicken, or Vegetarian Butternut Squash Ravioli

7:00 PM

Presentations • “What is healthy? Sorting through confusing messages in the media” Presented by Maria Anderson, MD, cardiologist •

“Women and cardiovascular disease: Risk factors and prevention” Presented by Sara Pereira, MD, St. Mary’s cardiothoracic surgeon

COST

Event fee includes dinner: $25/person Or call to sponsor a table; $350 seats 10

LOCATION

Double Tree Hotel

743 Horizon Drive Grand Junction, Colo

✁

Reservation Form

I AM PAYING BY:

Seating is limited. Reserve early. Deadline is February 23, 2015.

❑ Check payable to: St. Mary’s Hospital–Go Red ❑ Credit card Name as it appears on card:

Name: ________________________________________________________

Card number: ________________________________

City:__________________________

Expiration date: ___________ CCV#: _____________

State: _______

ZIP: ___________

Email (for reservation confirmation): _________________________________ Daytime phone: _______________________________________________

970-298-CARE www.stmarygj.org/heart-and-vascular-services 2635 N. 7th Street • Grand Junction, CO 81502 An Affiliate of SCL Health

_____________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Please reserve _____ spots at Go Red for Women at $25 each.

Total: $___________ ❑ I/we will take advantage of the free screenings.

DINNER CHOICE: ❑ Chicken ❑ Vegetarian

Reservations with credit card payment can also be faxed to 970-298-7784.

SEND FORM AND PAYMENT TO: St. Mary’s Hospital, Go Red, Attn: Julie Shayne P. O. Box 1628 Grand Junction, CO 81502

QUESTIONS: 970-298-2769

email: GoRedForWomen@sclhs.net