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FEBRUARY 2015

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Vol. 29

No. 2

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

Delta County Montrose County Masters at their art Ever wonder what goes into making a memorial for your loved one? It’s a work of art. Page 6. Here we GROW again This Delta-Montrose edition of the BEACON Senior Newspaper was made just for you. Page 3. Delta & Montrose are booming! There’s no reason to be Our The Beacon & Hilltop Senior Livingbored. Communities Present calendar of events is bigger and better than ever! Page 8. For Those Age 55 and Better!

Valentine’s SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Dance THE COMMONS OF

HILLTOP GARDEN ROOM Come625 by your27 1/2 ROAD, GRAND JUNCTION self or bring 7:30 -your 10:30 pm sweetheart. It’s CASH BAR & APPETIZERS worth theBYdrive! MUSIC CLARK GAULT’S SWING CITY EXPRESS

FOR TICKETS CALL 243-8829 A D VA N C E T I C K E T S $ 1 5 P E R P E R S O N / $ 3 0 C O U P L E

AT T H E D O O R $ 2 0 P E R P E R S O N / $ 3 5 C O U P L E

Story on page 4.

Photo by Clay Greathouse

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

February 2015

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February 2015

Here we GROW again By Kevin K. VanGundy

he BEACON Senior Newspaper has had a presence in Montrose and Delta counties long before I became publisher in 2008. Even during the relatively short time that I have been publisher, we have seen our circulation in Montrose and Delta nearly double. When you consider that many other newspapers have seen a decline in readership, this is quite encouraging. I think there are several reasons for the BEACON Senior Newspaper’s dramatic growth. First, we’re all getting older and the number of people that are over 50 years of age is literally booming. Pun intended. Second, these older Americans also control the majority of our nation’s wealth. Area businesses are wise to focus their advertising on those that have the money to spend on their goods and services.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

winning BEACON Senior Newspaper is a great read.

More good news: The old BEACON Senior Newspaper had about 20 percent of its pages dedicated to coverage of Montrose and Delta counties, whereas the new BEACON Senior Newspaper will dedicate 80 percent of its pages to Montrose and Delta.

It might be a little messy For our staff it will be a bit like separating conjoined twins. After all, having Montrose and Delta as a big part of one big western slope monthly paper is all that we’ve ever known. Please be patient with us. The process will last about three months and it starts with this issue. Thank you,

Third, people over the age of 50 grew up reading newspapers and the award-

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Happy Valentine’s Day MACKINAC ISLAND

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Kevin K. VanGundy P.S. As we GROW to serve you better, please let me know what you think. My email address is kevin@ pendantpublishing.com and I can be reached by phone at 243-8829. ■

EC TOR Y RE SOU RCE DIR

Get your FREE copies! Call 970 243-8829

EDITORIAL 3

“THE BOOK OF MORMON” Returning to Denver’s Ellie Caulkins Theater in August 2015… “The Book of Mormon” is so popular Group Sales have been ongoing since November, 2013. Full payment for Theater Ticket is required at time of reservations. Golden Circle Seats ~ $148.50 (includes service fees) Trip Details & Pricing will follow. Call Margaret to reserve your spot. Call for information, reservations, and to receive a free newsletter. Payment plans available...call for details Margaret Krabbe

P.O. Box 2142 • Montrose, CO 81402 Specializing in Escorted Local, National & International Senior Group Travel!

Phone (970)

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Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

4 COVER STORY

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February 2015

attracts visitors, spreads love and revives distant memories By Liesl Greathouse

or locals and Montrose visitors alike, a trip to the Boardwalk shopping complex south of town yields cool antiques and many unique finds. Among these rare finds is an old school bus, painted mostly purple but complemented by vibrant colors and eye-catching designs that pay tribute to a bygone era. A sort of “hippie bus,” the vehicle serves as an attraction to the Boardwalk shops but is also a symbol of the ’60s, which to its owner, Dennis Vanderwist, was a magical time in his life. “I see it as a symbol of that time,” Vanderwist said. “The bus reminds people of a different time and brings

them back. When people come in, they have smiles on their faces. My favorite part is that it represents a magical time in the upbringing of a lot of us old hippies.” Vanderwist, 64, also owns the Boardwalk. He found the school bus at an old power plant in Montrose and bought it, hoping to do something with it to attract visitors. But the bus just sat there. After a while Vanderwist thought about sending it to the junkyard until a friend sent him pictures of Further, a 1939 bus purchased by American author Ken Kesey (“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”), which carried him and his Merry Band of Pranksters on a cross-coun-

try trek from La Honda, California to New York’s World’s Fair during the summer of 1964. Seeing Further reminded Vanderwist of something similar, an event during his college days when the Hog Farm, a hippie commune and working farm, came to Boulder in 1970. “There were at least 10 buses and over 100 Hog Farm members in the caravan,” he said. “The group was lead by Hugh Romney, aka Wavy Gravy.” Vanderwist decided to take the old school bus and create his own Further. “The bus is a reminder of a time when people my age were just out of school and trying to figure out what to do with their lives,” he said. “We

February 2015 were all kind of lost and searching.” His ex-wife, Judy, was the artist behind the designs and the paint. The Pranksters painted Further using a variety of psychedelic colors and designs, a look that Vanderwist tried to recreate. The bus is 25 feet long, and was made by White Motor Company somewhere between 1947 and 1952. It seated approximately 50 passengers and was originally a school bus in China Lake, California. The bus has a Steampunk-themed front end complete with 3D printedgears and portraits of the members of The Beatles on the windows. “All you need is love” and “Revolution” are the messages painted on the sides, each accompanied by flowers, music notes, hearts, stars, rainbows and other symbols splashed across the exterior, reviving memories of the hippie era. At night, strings of light display different colors and patterns to the delight of passersby. A motion sensor at the front of the bus initiates a recording of “All You Need Is Love” when people approach. “The motion sensor blows people away,” Vanderwist said. The bus was completed last summer and has since become quite the attraction. Many visitors stop by to take photographs with the bus. A local shoe company even used it as a backdrop for its photos. “It’s doing what I hoped it would do,” Vanderwist said, “prompt conversation and bring people in.” Vanderwist is glad the bus didn’t end up in the junkyard. “Lots of people stop by for photographs and our conversations bring up memories, especially with people 50 and above,” he said. “It’s been really interesting.” Like so many other things at the Boardwalk, the bus elicits comments

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com and memories of that era, with comments such as “Are you taking it on tour?” “I saw the Merry Pranksters in Denver,” “I had a bus like that once upon a time” and “I always thought about doing something like that.” When Kesey bought Further in the ’60s, the bus already had bunks, a bathroom and kitchen, complete with refrigerator and stove. Kesey and the Merry Pranksters repainted it and made other additions to prepare for their journey. Vanderwist hopes to work on the inside of the bus this summer. He has no specific plans for it, but a vision is sure to develop as he searches for fitting décor. If anyone has furnishings or decorations that would be appropriate, contact Vanderwist at 209-1703. All who donate will be given credit for their items. Visit the Boardwalk at 17656 Highway 550 South in Montrose to see the bus and many other unique objects.

■

COVER STORY 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Further, also known as Furthur (the

original name, which was misspelled), was the name of the bus Ken Kesey purchased in the ’60s to carry his Merry Pranksters on a cross-country counterculture adventure from La Honda, California to New York City. The original Further was reportedly decommissioned shortly after it made a trip to Woodstock. Kesey parked it in a swamp on his property and bought a second bus (pictured above). The 2011 documentary “Magic Trip” features footage from Further’s maiden voyage. To commemorate the famous trip’s 50th anniversary, Kesey’s son, Zane, renovated the original bus, taking it on its longest running tour with a new band of Pranksters last summer. A documentary called “Going Furthur” is expected soon. Visit www.goingfurthur. com for updates.

Photo by Jmabel. Wikimedia Commons.

Main photo by Sydni VanGundy. Accompanying photos by Sydni VanGundy & Clay Greathouse.

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 Cheerleader..............................Genevra Shal 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 Dennis Vanderwist, 64, poses next to his colorful and flamboyant hippie bus, which attracts visitors to the Boardwalk shops south of Montrose.

6 FEATURE STORY

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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

Morris Monument: more than headstones and masters at their art By Liesl Greathouse

urchasing a headstone for a loved one or an engraved stone for your garden can be an opportunity to create a piece of unique artwork. Morris Monument owner Luke McGaha learned the trade of engraving headstones and other stone pieces 13 years ago from the company’s founder, Mitch Morris. “As soon as I started learning this business I knew I loved creating headstones,” McGaha said. His favorite part of the work is at the heart of what he does. “I love to help families in their time of need,” he said. “We try to help them find closure to their sorrow and mourning.” After Morris’ death in 2003, McGaha reopened the business in 2009. The process of purchasing a memorial starts with a client coming in for a headstone or other engraved project. “Some come in with ideas of how to commemorate the lives of their loved ones, while others need a compassionate guide to help them through the process,” McGaha said.

“We take the time to view a variety of stone shapes and the different colors of granite to find a combination the customer likes that fits within their budget.” Once the shape, size and color are chosen, the design of the headstone is created. “We try to use designs that represent the individual so you see their life’s legacy in stone,” McGaha said. “Most headstones can’t tell the whole story so we try to focus on what was most important. We draw the designs, hand sketched or digitally drawn, often while our clients are watching so they can give us input.” McGaha enjoys conveying the essence of Colorado in his artwork. Pine trees, wildlife, rivers and handcarved mountain peaks are his specialty. Once the design is approved by the customer, McGaha prepares a stencil by feeding a thin disposable rubber sheet into a computerized plotter to accurately cut the design. The granite is then brought to room temperature. The preparation phase is the most important part of the process because it determines Luke McGaha prepares a headstone

February 2015

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the quality of engraving that is family members in mourning may produced. find it difficult to make important “We then precisely adhere the decisions,” McGaha said. “Choosing stencil onto the stone. Next, we your headstone when making arextract the part of the stencil that is rangements prior to death eliminates not needed to produce the desired the stress on the grieving family design,” McGaha said. members, allowing the opportunity Then the sandblasting begins. for personal preference, and helps The stencil is designed to deflect keep the purchase within the famthe specialized sand and handle the ily’s budget.” high pressure of sandblasting, allowWhile the majority of Morris Monuing crisp, clean edges of the engravment’s business is headstones, the ing. Morris Monument prefers to do design and engraving shop creates a most of their sandblasting by hand to number of custom projects. achieve the highest quality. “We do more than just memorialWith the stencil still attached, a ize death,” Meints said. “We want to specialized paint is celebrate life with applied. The stencil our products.” is removed and cusMorris Monument tom hand details are offers pet memorials, added, bringing the address stones, garengraving to life. den rocks, benches, Many accessories patio rocks with famcan be added to a ily names and procustom memorial fessional desk name such as flower vases, plaques. They also bronze adornments, make commercial solar-powered lights, business signs, entry color porcelain phosigns for homeowntographs and inlaid er’s association subdipersonal items such visions and small as a pendant. trinkets for display, “We can laser encommemorating imgrave to add realism Morris Monument prefers to do most of portant dates, such to the design,” Office their sandblasting by hand. as a wedding or birth Manager Kristin of a baby. Meints said. Morris Monument also goes beyond Finally, McGaha and his team have just stone. They can engrave or etch a finished product to deliver and just about anything: glass, concrete, install. In most cases, the process mirrors, porcelain, ceramics and from concept to completion can wood. They also do restorative work, take four to six weeks, depending such as sandblasting car frames, on how quickly the family approves industrial equipment, wheels, farm the design and if the selected stone is equipment and many other items. part of Morris Monument’s expansive The unique aspect of Morris Monuinventory. ment is also the most important: its While Morris Monument has a percustomer service. manent shop sandblast booth, they “We treat our customers with kindalso have a mobile unit to engrave on ness and compassion,” McGaha said. location. They are able to perfectly “We bring together all their thoughts match fonts for death dates or adto make a product. We ensure our ditional information added at a later customers play an integral part in the date. process.” Preplanning for a headstone purFor more information about Morris chase is an option that Morris MonuMonument, call 323-6658, like them ment is happy to accommodate. on Facebook, visit www.MorrisMonu “When headstones are purchased ment.com, or visit them at 1630 S. after the passing of a loved one, Main St. in Delta. ■

8 DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES

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Delta/Montrose Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

in Delta. Registration is required. For more information and to register, call 874-6823.

gram will be at noon in the Montrose Library Community Room.

February 7 through March 1

League of Women Voters meeting

February 4

The Montrose League of Women Voters will present a program with a guest panel called “The Replacement Process,” which will educate attendees on how vacancies for elected and appointed officials are filled in the city and county of Montrose. Pro-

Learn the basics of aromatherapy, essential oils and lotions and what to use for different ailments and how to prepare them. This free class is from noon to 1 p.m. at the HopeWest Conference Room, 195 Stafford Lane

Learn about your surroundings and get some exercise during these 1.5mile walks at 10 a.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays at the Black Canyon National Park. Allow 2.5 hours for the program. Snowshoes are available free of charge with sizes that fit all ages. Reservations are required. For more information, call 249-1914, ext. 423.

February 4

Aromatherapy

Ranger-guided snowshoe hikes

February 8

Baritone, Harp & Piano Concert This concert presented by Western Slope Concert Series will begin at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive in Montrose. For more information, call 241-4579. February 13

An Evening with Judy Collins Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. The Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Reserved seating is $39.50. For more information and to get tickets, call 243-8497. February 13

Free Medicare counseling - Hotchkiss Confused about Medicare? A Medi-

February 2015 care counselor will be available at the Creamery, 165 W. Bridge St. in Hotchkiss. Certified volunteer Medicare counselors can help you understand your options, make informed choices and save money. Free Medicare counseling is also offered Monday through Thursday by appointment in the RSVP Colorado West office, 121 N. Park Ave. in Montrose. For more information and to set up an appointment at either location, call 249-9639. February 13 & 14

Singing Valentines The Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus offers Singing Valentines to surprise your sweetheart with a quartet direct to your location in Montrose, Delta, Olathe or Cedaredge. For $35 your sweetie will receive a real red rose and two songs. We also sing to office groups or restaurants for $50. Available times are limited. For more information and to make reservations, call 596-7395. February 14

Magic Circle Players presents “My Funny Valentine” Magic Circle Players presents “My Funny Valentine,” a benefit concert at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavillon Drive. The VIP reception, which includes champagne and food, will be at 6 p.m. Curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 for VIP passes, which include reserved seating. General admission seating is $20 for adults and $15 for students. Purchase tickets at the Magic Circle Theater Box Office, 420 S. 12th St., or at the Montrose Pavilion. For details, call 249-7838.

February 2015 February 14 & 28

Dances at the Montrose Pavilion The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. On February 14, there will be music by Route 66 and on February 28, there will be music by Ghost River Band. Admission is $5. For more information, call 252-7172. February 17

Time Bank of the Rockies If you want to join the local time bank or just want to learn more about what time banking is, come join us at 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. (Enter from the main door on Cascade Ave.) Time banking is when one hour you spend providing support to another member earns you a time credit to be used to receive a service from another member, but not necessarily the same person you provided assistance to. Stay after the presentation and join us for a potluck and meet other time bankers. Please bring a dish. For details and to register, call 209-6886 or 249-2636.

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DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES 9

Mary’s will support you as you change your life. Call 298-6400 to register.

Depression is not a normal part of aging!

February 21

Pioneer Social The United Methodist Church will be honoring the Sanburg family at 2 p.m. at 19 S. Park Ave in Montrose. For more information, call 249-3716. February 26

Senior Resource Council meeting

Call the Center for Mental Health (970) 252-3200.

Anyone interested in joining this free group is welcome. Group meets from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at the Oncology Center at Delta County Memorial Hospital, 1501 E. Third St. in Delta. For more information, call 712-2295. ■

Recovery is possible.

WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR

February 18 & 25

CareGiver Conversations Join Senior CommUnity Care PACE’s new caregiver and loved one conversation group, led by Danielle McCarthy of Vibrant Caregiving. Bring the person you give care to for some activity and oversight by staff while you visit with Danielle and discuss issues that are important to you. On February 18, the event will be from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Montrose PACE Day Center, 2377 Robbins Way. On February 25, the event will be from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Eckert PACE Day Center, 11485 Hwy 65. For more information, call 901-7768. February 19

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 from 5:30 p.m.7 p.m. at Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Learn how the different types of surgery work, who qualifies, and how St.

When you need us, we’ll be here for you. Funeral Service & Crematory Mesa View Cemetery 682 1725 Road • Delta (970) 874-9988

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.

105 S.E. Frontier, Suite F • Cedaredge (970) 856-3232 209 Bridge Street • Hotchkiss (970) 872-3151 311 Grand Avenue • Paonia (970) 527-3836 www.taylorfuneralservice.com

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

10 DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES

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Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

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

Montrose walking events • First Friday Stroll - On the first

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

2015 Wellness Calendars available 2015 Wellness Calendars published by Montrose Memorial Hospital are bright, informative calendars containing monthly wellness tips and information on services available at the hospital. The free calendars will be available at the front information desk, 800 S. Third St. Pick yours up between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday while supplies last. For more information, call 249-2211.

Family Advice Clinic Come talk to a lawyer at this free clinic from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month at the Montrose County Courthouse, 320 S. First St. These 15-minute consultations are offered on a first-come

first-serve basis. These volunteer attorneys will only deal with family legal questions, such as divorce and parental responsibility. Please bring any court papers, letters or other documents that relate to your questions. This service is provided to lowincome and senior residents of the Montrose area. For more information, call 249-7202.

Bingo Enjoy bingo at 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday at the Montrose Bingo Connection, 2075 E. Main St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Snack bar available. For more information, call 249-6711.

AARP SMART Driver Safety Courses Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required for both classes. • Montrose County Health and Human Services, 1845 S. Townsend Ave., will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on February 12.

February 2015 For more information and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203. • The Delta Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on February 16 at 531 N. Palmer St. in Delta. For more information and to register, call 424-1778.

Blue Sage Center for the Arts activities All events are at Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226-228 Grand Ave. in Paonia. For details, call 527-7243. • February 2 - 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Valley Voices presents a seminar on creating your estate planning tool kit. Cost is $5. • February 6 - 7 p.m.-9 p.m. “This is where we live: Paonia’s colorful history.” Learn about the scandals in Paonia during the early 20th century. Cost is $5. • Tuesdays - 9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. “Gentle Therapeutic Movement” is a class for those who may have challenges with knees, hips or general flexibility. Some stretches will be done seated or using chairs for sup-

February 2015 port. Some will be done standing, seated or lying down. Cost is $8 per class. First class is free. See if it is right for you.

tions answered. Options counselors from Region 10 will be available to answer questions.

Montrose education series

• HopeWest in Delta and Montrose is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. In Delta, call 874-6823. In Montrose, call 252-2642. • RSVP in Montrose is seeking volunteers for the following opportunities: hot meal delivery drivers and back up drivers; cashier, greeters, sorters and electronic testers; office/clerical, event volunteers, and volunteers to work with children. Some volunteer opportunities may require special training and background checks. Volunteers who register with RSVP receive supplemental insurance and recognition for their service. For information, call 249-9639.

All classes are held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade in Montrose. Registration is required for all events. For more information and to register, call 2492436. • February 10 - 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. “How to help Mom and Dad with their estate planning.” It’s not easy to talk with your parents about legal issues they will face as they age. This free workshop will help you be proactive in talking with your parents, understanding their options and helping them carry out their wishes as they get older. To register, call 243-8250. • February 17 - noon to 1 p.m. “Dental health and resources.” This free session will cover the new Medicaid benefits for adults and other resources that are available to help with the cost of dental procedures like extractions and dentures. Get all your ques-

DELTA/ MONTROSE COUNTIES 11

7 p.m.-10 p.m., February 21. Music by DJ Chuck Gregory. Cost is $5 per person. Bring a snack to share. • Cribbage Tournament – 1 p.m.5:30 p.m. February 22. It’s time for the City of Delta’s/Lee Martinson’s annual February Cribbage Tournament! All players must play singles, but doubles is also an option. Bring your own boards if you have them! Register in advance or the day of event no later than 12:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person and $5 per person for doubles.

Park. Wear hiking boots or Yaktrax. Dress in layers. Bring a sack lunch. • Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley - 2:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. February 9. Exhibitors at this food festival celebration at Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction include local restaurants, caterers, food, gourmet product businesses and more. Come taste the delicious food and beverage samples provided. This event raises funds that benefit United Way of Mesa County. Cost is $30. • Palisade Insectary - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. February 19. The Palisade Insectary raises insects that are beneficial to help with reducing the spread of invasive species, such as bindweed, tamarisk and Canada thistle. We will tour the facility and then eat lunch in downtown Palisade. Cost is $20. Bring money for lunch. • Snowshoeing at Portland Trail in Ouray - 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. February 24. The beauty of snowshoeing is its simplicity. Just strap on a pair of snowshoes to your favorite snow boots and start walking. We take frequent rests. ■

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Volunteer opportunities

DELTA SENIOR ACTIVITIES The following activities are offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. To register for any of the following activities or for a full list, call 874-0923. • Community Evening Dance -

MONTROSE SENIOR ACTIVITIES The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ this month. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on the following activities, call 252-4884. • Hike - 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m. February 3. Join us for this 4-mile round-trip hike at Enchanted Mesa Ridgway State

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Here we GROW! (again) 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.

Our annual salute to local veterans

Museum honors Ute heritage The Ute Indian Museum helps share the stories and livelihoods of the native Utes. Page 30.

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!

February 2015

Delta/Montrose Club Activities & Support Groups Compiled by Liesl Greathouse • Western Slope 4 Wheelers is made up of off-road enthusiasts who enjoy four wheeling and who work to protect four-wheeling rights on public lands. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754.

For dates, times and locations, email desertrat27@hotmail.com. • Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club members dance main stream and plus and welcome all visitors. Meetings are 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 596-4252.

• Montrose Amateur Radio Club has been continuously active for over 50 years and is an ARRL-affiliated general interest club. Meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Friday of every month at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142.

Support groups

• Black Canyon Camera Club is where you can join a group of avid photographers for outings, workshops and conversation. Meetings are at noon on the second Tuesday of every month at the First Church of Christ, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Call 399-3674.

• Stroke Support Group meets 11 a.m. to noon, twice a month, at Montrose Memorial Hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit. For details and meeting days, call 318-2028.

• Black Canyon Classics is open to people of all ages who are interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. During the winter months, meetings are on the first Tuesdays at the Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors Building, 155 Merchant Drive in Montrose. For times, call 249-6051. • Black Canyon Audubon Society is one of eleven National Audubon Society chapters in Colorado. They are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational activities. For meeting dates and times, call 249-6761, ext. 14. • Wild Bunch 4WD club is made up of members who share the love of the outdoors. From easy scenic trail rides to hard rock crawling, the club is out to have fun and promote responsible use of our public lands for future generations. Meetings are on the second Monday of “odd” months.

• Veterans PTSD support group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services. Call 765-2210.

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