BEACON - June 2014

June 2014 Senior

Vol. 28

Summer Traveler &Festivals

2014

Soak up the sun at summer festivals page 6

BEACON reader Mike Hill reads the March issue of the BEACON on his recent trip to Ireland.

Produced by the BeacoN’s advertising Team

Your Guide to Summer Travel, Recreation & Festivals

No. 6

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 33,810 Readers.

Check out our guide to sweet summer travel and fun summer festivals inside.

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Water safety Rivers can be beautiful but they can also be dangerous. Here are some tips before you get on the water. Page 6.

Celebrate Dad Don’t forget Dad this month.

Father’s Day is quickly approaching. Page 14 and 23.

: Offroading icket to adve o Y

t r u

ntu

re

Local Lore The DeJulio family is a staple in Montrose, having resided there since the late 1800s.

Page 24.

Photo courtesy of Western Slope ATV Association Association.

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June 2014

June 2014

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Editorial 3

Google Maps should have a “Stay Out!” warning on how to wear them.

We have an excellent and important article in this month’s BEACON about water safety starting on page 6.

By Kevin K. VanGundy

A

h, yes, the bittersweet moment of leaving home on vacation, when you momentarily wonder if you’ll make it back. Before the age of smart phones, Tom-Toms and Google Maps, I once highlighted a paper map for my father to drive solo to my sister’s house in Los Angeles.

I remember marking some of the neighborhoods in L.A. with skull and cross bones warning him not to get off the interstate there.

So a word of advice for all of you summer travelers: While Google Maps can show you how to get someplace, it can’t tell you whether or not you should. Now some places that I can highly recommend are listed in this month’s special insert on travel and festivals. The one that I’m looking forward to trying out this western colorado summer is the Old Hundred Gold Mine Tour in Silverton, Colorado. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Got game?

From pickleball to bocce ball, swimming to billiards, track to pinochle, dance to golf, and even a black jack tournament, the Western Colorado Senior Games has a competitive event for you.

Next month, the BEACON will publish a complete schedule of events and a registration form for this growing senior event. The registration fee is nominal and it’s great fun for anyone and everyone over 50 years old.

By the way, area businesses are encouraged to help sponsor this City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation event, or advertise in the July BEACON’s special games insert. Please show your support for our boomer and senior community and call us at 243-8829.

Happy Father’s Day!

Senior Games

Speaking of summer safety

I was raftAugust is our ing with my popular pets brother once issue when he fell Readers out of the raft agree that Auin a rough gust’s BEACON, section of the To advertise in next month’s Senior Games insert, which focuses river. While call the BEACON at 243-8829. on pets and still wearing their people, is our most popular his life jacket, he was pulled under issue of the year. This year, we hope water. Fortunately, the river spit him to make this issue bigger and better back up and he lives to tell the tale. with more photos of you and your What he and I didn’t know at the pets. Please send your photos to us time is that there are different types

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4 Cover Story

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June 2014

Offroading

For 4x4 fun: To rent ATVs: Funshares

for t he young at heart

2583 Hwy 6&50, Grand Junction 970-241-2702 www.funshares.com

Durango Adventures 970-259-1800

Vega Lodge Vega Reservoir/Grand Mesa 970-487-3733 www.vegalodge.com

To rent 4x4 vehicles: Durango Adventures 970-259-1800

Ouray Jeep Rentals 800-648-JEEP (5337)

4x4 Club Meetings Western Slope ATV Association meets at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck at the Lincoln Park shelter near the golf course (June-September). Call Steve Chapel at 241-2409 or visit www.wsatva.org for more information.

Grand Mesa Jeep Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Fiesta Guadalajara on North Avenue (dinner at 6 p.m.). Call Jeff Bates at 858-1394 or visit www.gmjc.org for more information.

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meet at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754 or visit www.ws4w.com for more information.

Jeff Bates, 55, drives up to the Billings Canyon Waterfall with some of his fellow Grand Mesa Jeep Club members.

By Liesl Greathouse & Melanie Wiseman

W

hether you are newly retired and just looking for fun, or if you have physical disabilities and want to enjoy the great outdoors, 4x4 offroading might be your ticket to adventure.

Ken Emory, Rick Bell and Dave Pickard have been offroaders for a long time. Bell and Emory have both owned 4x4 vehicles for as long as they have been driving. Pickard bought his first Jeep in 2006.

The three are part of the Western Slope 4 Wheelers, a local club in Montrose where members participate in a variety of activities, from trail runs to community events.

“Our club is made up of a vast array of people, with the majority being in their late 40s and older,” Bell, 65, said. “We had one member who recently sold his 4x4 vehicle, and he is in his 80s.”

For Bell, his favorite part of offroading is getting out and enjoying the area. Emory, 67, enjoys exploring old mines.

“I’m a railroad history buff, and this area is the mecca for that,” Bell said.

The majority of the trails the group

goes on are centered around scenic offroading, which means getting away from the crowds, enjoying the company of friends and checking out the local history.

“The San Juans are my favorite,” Pickard, 64, said. “I like the camaraderie of being with people who enjoy the same things as I do, along with my wife coming on every trip. You get to see stuff with a 4x4 vehicle that you would not be able to see except by hiking.”

Bell said there are a lot of ways to enjoy the trails.

“Like day trips, where you get in a Jeep and go with members to see a lot of places up in the mountains, then get back to the pavement just before dark,” Bell said. “There is a lot of adventure to it, while not spending a lot of money.”

Offroading is also useful for people that are unable to hike.

“It’s good for people who enjoy flyfishing or hunting because you can drive out to your favorite spot if you can’t hike there any more,” Bell said.

Bell told the story of one club member’s wife who is disabled, but she doesn’t let her disability get in her way of coming along on the club’s

off-road adventures.

“What we do is doable by anybody, even if they have a physical limitation,” Pickard added.

Some club members even help the BLM and Forest Service with projects. The club contributes about 1,500-2,000 volunteer hours a year to trail repairs and clean ups.

“We try to protect the environment and the trails,” Emory said. “We feel we should contribute something back and not just run the trails for fun.”

Emory and Bell are eager to help with several projects over the summer. Last summer, Bell was part of a group that took disabled veterans on several trails in their off-road vehicles as part of the Wounded Warrior Project.

“We stopped for lunch at a waterfall and to see the looks on their faces was something else,” he said.

The three men encouraged those interested in 4x4 offroading to meet and learn from like-minded people.

Members of the Western Slope 4 Wheelers love to share what they know and they offer activities for those with different experience levels. Visitors are always welcome at club meetings and people can ride

June 2014 along on trail runs to see if offroading is something they’re interested in.

The most fun you’ve ever had

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Gaskill and her husband, Bill, started riding ATVs in 1998. They are now on their fourth set of ATVs. Both continue to ride despite health challenges.

The evolution of ATVs, which now have power steering, engine breaking and independent suspension, make riding comfortable and you don’t feel like you’ve been beaten up.

Riding ATVs even allows member John Haley, 83, to get out and go.

“He can hardly walk,” Gaskill said.

“But you put him on an ATV and he can ride 15 hours.”

Typical group rides on public land between Utah and Glenwood Springs average 40 to 60 miles.

“I once rode 105 miles in one day,”

Who wouldn’t want to own a business that has the word “fun” in the name? Ron and Charlotte Pollard, 64 and 63, have owned and operated Funshares for 16 years. The Pollards are in the business of sport rental and sales: ATVs, dune buggies, snowmobiles, watercraft and motor homes.

“We’re in the smiles and memories business,” Ron said. “Our business involves motion and emotion. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people say ‘That’s the most fun I’ve ever had’ when they return their toys.”

Being avid adventurers themselves, their shop is covered with photos of fun outings their family has shared.

“ATVs and snowmobiles create the most awe-inspiring experiences because you’re beyond where others can go,” Ron said.

Active participants in both the Western Slope ATV Association (WSATVA) and the Grand Mesa Jeep Club echo Pollard’s sentiments.

“ATVing is the only way a lot of people are going to see what’s beyond the parking lot,” WSATVA President Steve Chapel, 62, said.

WSATVA boasts over 250 enthuDave Pickard’s ride to Imogene Pass. siastic members. It was founded in 1987 on the principle of promoting Gaskill said. “It’s the best chiropracATV use as a fun family recreational tor in the world.” activity on public lands.

Riding is only part of what Gaskill Chapel joined the group in the late loves about the WSATVA. 1990s. He was instrumental in a new “Everyone is your friend,” she said. professional video created to show “It’s a wonderful group of people.” that WSATVA involves so much more Many rides take place on Grand than riding ATVs. Mesa and the Uncompahgre National Its members promote responsible Forest Plateau. land use and are heavily involved “One of the neatest trail areas is in trail clean up and maintenance, Yellow Cat between Arches National building bridges to prevent erosion, Park and I-70,” Gaskill said. “Silver and highway clean up, among other Spruce on the Grand Mesa is the projects. WSATVA also helps provide prettiest fall ride. It’s absolutely search and rescue assistance to Mesa beautiful.”

County and works with the local WSATVA rides year round. Gaskill BLM and Forest Service offices to said they don’t disturb wildlife, but obtain grants.

Jacque Gaskill, 62, loves to ATV for see plenty of it up close, including deer, moose and bobcats. many reasons.

“Some of our best rides are in the “It’s a way I can see country I can’t winter, as long as the snow isn’t too get to anymore because I can’t hike any longer,” she said. deep,” Gaskill said.

Cover Story 5

Challenge your driving skills Ten years ago, Jeff Bates, 55, was extremely impressed when he visited Billings Trail in Bang’s Canyon by Jeep, so he joined the Grand Mesa Jeep Club. This diverse group of 80 members ranging in age from 18-75 is dedicated to building and maintaining trails as well as having fun driving in a Jeep.

“It’s a social club. People have similar interests and share a lot in common,” Bates said. “Other benefits are seeing new country, which is always more fun as a group. As a bigger group, we have a greater voice when it comes to public land issues and trail maintenance is easier.”

The Grand Mesa Jeep Club started 52 years ago when Jeeps were the only 4-wheel drive option.

“People with any full-size 4-wheel drive vehicle can participate,” Bates said. “We encourage all skill levels and vehicles, and are very family oriented.”

Members ride Jeeps year-round.

Many drive local trails, from Moab to Montrose, to Rangely and the Grand Mesa. Others drive to Farmington and as far away as North Dakota and California.

“We all enjoy the great scenery, but part of the whole experience is the actual driving,” Bates said.

“There is challenge involved. It’s not just a scenic trip.”

Some excursions have the goal of seeing petroglyphs, cliff dwellings or arches that you can’t see any other way.

“Camping is a huge part of the club,” Bates said. “Car campers have been around a long time, but we’re going beyond where they can go. We do six or more overnights each year.”

Bates recommends that offroaders interested visit the free, familyoriented event called Rock Junction on June 7 at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. This off-road show will have vendors, a swap meet, car show, and rock crawling course.

The companionship between club members keeps Bates involved in the Grand Mesa Jeep Club, just as it does with Gaskill and the WSATVA. “It’s a fun way of life,” Bates said. ■

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ........................ Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Office Manager ..........................Lisa Moeller Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production................................ Karen Jones Account Representative...............Sue Bowen Account Representative............ Nanci Cooley Proofreader................................. Jan Weeks Cheerleader..............................Genevra Shal Delta-Montrose Bureau Assistant Editor...................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative.......... Virginia Carlile Account Representative....... Clay Greathouse Delivery..........................................JR Milner Beacon Mascot Bogart..........................................................

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 829  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 2014 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo Jerry and Susan Norton, members of the Western Slope ATV Association, cross West Divide Creek on their ATV near White River National Forest.

6 Feature Story

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

i for staying safe on the water i

Jim and Nancy Weibel and their Schnauzer, Snookie, kayak on the Colorado River. A throw rope, left, is a piece of recommended safety equipment.

Editor’s Note: If your summer plans include spending time on the water, having fun should be synonymous with being safe. Whether you will be fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming or rafting, read on.

By Melanie Wiseman

“I

t happened so fast. The minute I fell in, I knew right away my life jacket was going to be a hindrance rather than a help. It went up around my head and limited my movement and what my arms could do. It was actually holding me down,” Andrea Celayeta, 62, said.

It was a warm, perfect day in May for Celayeta, Jim and Nancy Weibel and me to float the Colorado River from Palisade to the Redlands Parkway in our inflatable kayaks. Celayeta’s tumble into the wild rapids near the 29 Road bridge was a safety eyeopener for all of us, and one to share with other water enthusiasts.

Talk to any river experts and they will tell you that water is a powerful resource to be respected.

“Common sense and good judgment keeps people out of trouble,” said Pete Atkinson, 26-year owner of Whitewater West. “Number one, have a good life jacket that fits properly. Number two, know where you are going ahead of time and what kind of water you’ll be going through.”

Maps are available for the main runs in the area that have significant rapids and other hazards, or Atkinson suggests just stopping by to ask questions. He knows the rivers and is happy to review your plan with you.

After the incident, Celayeta visited Whitewater West, 418 S. Seventh St., to be fitted for a life jacket, which would increase her level of safety and peace of mind.

“I would recommend to everyone

that the most important thing to do before getting on the water is to go to a store that can fit you properly for a life jacket,” Celayeta said.

“I had a real lucky break that I didn’t get pulled under by the current. It was an unfortunate learning experience.”

Although Celayeta is a good swimmer and grew up on the water in Maine, she felt unprepared on this recent adventure.

“You should study the river before going out,” Celayeta said. “I had no forethought of what was coming up.”

Celayeta doesn’t fear kayaking again but plans on being better informed and will wear her new snugfitting life jacket.

In addition to a good life jacket, At-

i kinson says a throw rope is the first piece of safety gear everyone should have.

But you need to practice using it.

“Having a throw rope and using one are two different things,” said Atkinson. “A whistle is also a tremendous thing to have if you are in trouble or are separated.”

Nancy and Jim Weibel, both 61, were on the Colorado with Celayeta and me.

“In hindsight, we screwed up,” Nancy said. “We should have had a pre-trip talk about the rapids, and should have put Andrea in the middle of the other two kayaks. If you notice a person’s life jacket isn’t fitting right, say something. It’s not just about going out and having fun,

June 2014 it’s about being safe.”

Jim said to treat it like the SCUBA diving buddy system.

“Check each other out to make sure life jackets fit properly, things are secure and equipment works well,” he said. “Because of Andrea’s experience, I’m going to jump in the water, even if it’s a pool, to make sure my life jacket doesn’t slip off.”

Adventure Bound River Expeditions, 2392 H Road, is starting its 51st season in the rafting business. Tom Kleinschnitz started with the company at age 14, and now at 57 has owned it for the past 29 years. They lead mostly multi-day adventures through Canyonlands, Ruby Canyon and the Dinosaur National Monument areas.

“Before we get on the river, each leader goes through a 14-point safety and resource protection speech with their group,” Kleinschnitz said. “Part of the pre-launch is the proper fitting of life jackets.”

His groups stop before all major rapids and review a plan. Rafters or kayakers will have had to demonstrate they can use their equipment and are proficient before entering the rapids. Passengers are informed about the segment of river they will be traveling and components of the area that should not be disturbed. They also advise guests about staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and the safest things to do and not to do if you happen to fall in the water.

“High-water years like this one are cool years,” Kleinschnitz said. “They only come once every five to six years. It brings in enthusiasts from all around the world. We hope people take care of themselves out there. If you don’t have the right equipment, we hope people will call outfitters like ourselves who do.”

Another water safety resource is the “Public Safety Awareness: Water and River Safety Guidelines” publication provided by the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, 215 Rice St. in Grand Junction, or on its website (sheriff. mesacounty.us). It stresses wearing

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Feature story 7

a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, scouting rapids, checking weather and water conditions in advance (www.usgs.gov/ water), learning basic water for water safety rescue techniques and first aid, and definitely not mixing alco- kKkKkKkKkKkKkKkKkK hol and swimming.

The Mesa County Sheriff’s OfCurrent water flow fice encourages you to be honest conditions: with yourself and choose sections www.usgs.gov/water/ of rivers that match your skills and the skills of others in your party.

Mesa Country Sheriff’s They also highly recommend you Office Water and River never boat alone, preferring a Safety Guidelines: minimum of three boats. www.sheriff.mesacounty.us Know and be aware of river signs, both natural and manmade, such Whitewater West as rocks, dams and “strainers” or 418 S. Seventh St., 241-0441 “snags” (trees in the river). Visibility of hazards in the water varies Adventure Bound River seasonally and daily as water levels Expeditions fluctuate.

2392 H Road, 245-5428 Mesa County Sheriff Stan Hilkey www.adventureboundusa.com was recently appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper to be the Pete Atkinson with Whitewater West Raft Sales Rimrock Adventures new head of the Colorado Office of demonstrates what can happen when a life vest is not 927 Hwy. 340, Fruita Public Safety. properly fitted on Andrea Celayeta. i 858-9555 “Waterways in Mesa County can www.rradventures.com provide outdoor family fun,” Hilkey said. “However, these same outdoor BLM Office (Montrose) activities can lead to tragedy if 240-5300 people don’t take proper precauwww.blm.gov tions. Simple safety measures can contribute to a pleasurable day on Black Canyon Kayaking Info the water each and every time.” www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/ Let’s review. kayaking.htm

Resources

1. Have a good life jacket that fits properly. (Find one that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved)

2. Map out where you are going ahead of time and know what water you’ll be going through.

3. Get a throw rope and practice using it.

4. Stay hydrated.

5. Use sunscreen.

6. Never boat alone.

7. Check weather and water conditions ahead of time.

8. Know and be aware of river signs, both natural and manmade.

9. Lean basic water rescue techniques.

10. Learn first aid.

11. Don’t drink and swim/float. ■

Colorado River Outfitters Association www.croa.org Toad’s Guide Shop 309 E. Main St., Montrose 249-0408 www.toadsguideshop.com Paragon Outdoors 213 W. Colorado, Telluride 728-4525 www.bootdoctors.com

Andrea Celayeta is properly fitted in her blue life vest. i

8

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

[

Bruschetta \

Stuffed Chicken

By Michelle Nash f More recipes at www.t hecompletesavorist.com

Ingredients: 4-6 large chicken breasts 1 can petite diced tomatoes 3/4 c panko 1 c mozzarella cheese

2 T freshly chopped basil Salt/pepper/granulated garlic 1 c Italian salad dressing

For the stuffing: In a bowl, add the tomatoes with their juice, the cheese, panko and basil. Mix together well. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Using a sharp knife, make a slit in the thick part of the chicken, starting at least an inch from the end of the breast. Slice about 3/4 the way through the chicken, making a pocket. Stop slicing as the chicken begins to narrow at the other end, leaving the “tail” end of the breast whole, not part of the pocket.

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By spoon or handful, pack as much stuffing mix as the pocket can hold. This will vary from breast to breast.

Place each stuffed breast in a large baking dish.

Sprinkle salt, pepper and granulated garlic on the outside of the breast. Once each breast is stuffed in the baking dish, pour the Italian salad dressing over the top of each breast, making sure they have all been coated.

Place the uncovered baking dish in a 350-degree preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Pull the chicken out and baste the breasts with dressing. Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. When they are done, give them a final baste and serve.

June 2014

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Ask the old bag 9

Ask the Old Bag Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle LagmanCreswick Dear Old Bag: I wrote you a while back that my husband and I had been miserable with each other on every vacation we took together. You advised us that if we could not work it out, we should take separate vacations. So last year we took separate vacations and we both had a wonderful time. I am planning my second vacation for this summer and he is planning his. I feel like it strengthened our relationship. We missed each other and were happy to be back together after vacation. I want to tell other couples out there: If you do not enjoy your vacations together, vacation separately.

Signed, Happy Camper Dear Happy Camper: Glad to hear that distance made the heart grow fonder. O.B. Dear Old Bag: While I might not get as insulted by your title as the person who wrote you last month, I also take some issue with it. It tends to promote a stereotype that older people don’t need.

There is enough discrimination and prejudice against older people without adding to it and tolerating it ourselves. If you remember one thing that the Black community did back in the ’60s, it was denounce and demand an end to stereotypical and demeaning humor. Does “Amos ’n’ Andy” ring a bell? Sure, it’s great to have a sense of humor—everyone needs that. But to laugh at oneself in a way that allows for disrespect and prejudice does us no favors. Signed, SN Dear SN: Thank you for writing.

I never once looked upon my column title the way you and BN (the person who wrote in last month) do.

However, I am trying to see how you must see it and now I wonder if your

opinions are widespread. So I am asking my readers to let me know how they feel about the title. I am willing to change it. If you want me to change it, please make a suggestion about a new name and please do not suggest “Dear Gayle.” It does not grab my attention. Please see the letter below. O.B. Dear Old Bag: I am fed up with people being so concerned with what is politically or socially correct.

It is almost impossible to speak or write without offending someone.

I think people need to funnel their concerns into important things and brush off these little ones. I like the title of your column because I am an “old bag” like you and I’m proud of it. Signed, Another Old Bag Dear AOB: What can I say? I do not want to offend my readers. I will wait until my readers weigh in before I make a decision. O.B. Dear Old Bag: I retired three years ago at age 62. My husband retired this year at age 66. I have enjoyed my three years at home doing things I was unable to do during those working years. In the three months my husband has been home, I have become a raving maniac. He is driving me crazy. This guy who never washed a dish now thinks he can tell me how to wash dishes, do laundry and vacuum! I will have a nervous breakdown if this continues. Signed, Help!

Dear Help: Your problem is common. It also happens in homes where the woman never worked, then the man retires and they lock horns over everything. I thought my sister-in-law had the right idea. She told her newly retired husband that she was retiring as well...from housework. He took over cooking, cleaning and laundry.

They lived happily ever after. O.B. ■

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

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10 The healthy geezer

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

Anesthesia is not as scary as it used to be

By Fred Cicetti

A

nesthesia is risky, but today, it is safer than ever for people of any age. Your medical condition and the type of surgery you’re having are more important risk factors.

Safer drugs and major advances in the monitoring equipment that doctors use in surgery have reduced anesthesia complications. In the last decade, deaths caused by anesthesia have dropped 25-fold to 1 in 250,000.

In addition, shorter-acting drugs, more specific drugs and new intravenous drugs can minimize the nausea and vomiting that sometimes occur after anesthesia.

There are three main types of anesthesia: general, regional and local.

General anesthesia makes a person unconscious so that the entire body is painfree. It’s used for extensive surgeries.

The drugs used are given intravenously or are inhaled.

They act as hypnotics, painkillers and muscle relaxants, and they block your memory of the surgery.

Regional anesthesia is used to block sensation in one area of your body. It’s injected around a single nerve or a network of nerves that branches out. For example, spinal, epidural and caudal anesthesia is injected into or near the spinal fluid, effectively numbing nerves that serve the lower half of your body.

Local anesthesia may be used to

numb only a small area of nerves at the site where the surgeon plans to operate, such as for cataract surgery. It is also used for minor procedures such as skin biopsies and stitching a cut.

During local and regional anesthesia, patients often receive intravenous drugs for sedation so that they can be comfortably drowsy during surgery and remember little of their time in the operating room.

Before your surgery, your doctor should ask you questions about medical problems you might have, medications you take, whether you smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol, any allergies you have, any previous negative experiences with anesthesia, and adverse reactions to anesthesia by other family members.

The information collected by your doctors guides them in their treatment.

For example, smoking or alcohol consumption can influence the way an anesthetic works in your body during surgery. Some anesthetics include components of certain foods, such as albumin from eggs. Discussing food and drug allergies beforehand helps your anesthesiologist make important drug choices.

■

In the last decade, deaths caused by anesthesia have dropped 25-fold to 1 in 250,000.

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

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June 2014

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The risks you may be taking by taking testosterone

By Tait Trussell

Y

ou can’t watch television for more than an hour without being exposed to pleas to use either Viagra or Cialis to deal with erectile dysfunction. Now testosterone is being pushed.

“The Journal of the American Medical Association” (JAMA), however, warned of severe dangers in using testosterone supplements.

The new research examined more than 8,000 male veterans with low testosterone. Researchers compared the rates of cardiovascular ills among those who had testosterone supplementation and those who had not had supplements. The study found that men who had used testosterone were 29 percent more likely to die or have a heart attack or a stroke after three years of use.

This difference was seen even after the researchers took into account age, blood pressure, the presence of heart disease and other factors.

Many middle-aged and older men turn to testosterone, not only for erectile problems but also for bodybuilding.

Dr. Anne Cappola, an endocrinologist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of an accompanying editorial to the JAMA study, said she prescribed testosterone “to those for whom it is indicated and may derive benefit,” according to guidelines from the Endocrine Society.

But Cappola also said that a large number of men are taking testosterone, and it is not clear that all are doing so based on the right indications.

Testosterone supplementation, according to a recent ABC News report, is a billion-dollar industry. It saw a more than five-fold increase from 2000 to 2011, according to the study, with U.S. doctors writing 5.3 million prescriptions each year.

I wrote an article once about men, as well as women, suffering from symptoms of menopause. Urologists have prescribed testosterone therapy

for male menopause, or andropause, the symptoms of which are quite similar to the symptoms suffered by women when their reproductive cycle comes to an end. Like female menopause, male menopause can bring on mood swings, anger and depression. Male menopause also can result in a decrease in muscle strength and body hair.

Dr. Steven Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, said the Food and Drug Administration “should insist on large, randomized, controlled trials to find out if this therapy is safe.”

Companies marketing testosterone supplements naturally defended their products. AbbVie, the company behind the popular AndroGel testosterone product, pointed to past studies suggesting that testosterone supplementation in men with low testosterone protects against metabolic syndrome and early death, ABC News reported.

“FDA-approved testosteronereplacement therapies have been used to treat men with low or no testosterone (hypogonadism), who have been diagnosed by a physician for 20 years, with therapeutic risks well documented in the prescribing labels,” the company said in a statement to ABC News.

Meanwhile, Lilly, which markets Axiron testosterone gel, said it actively monitored all adverse events reported in men taking testosterone supplements.

University of Colorado cardiologist Dr. Michael Ho, who was the lead author of the JAMA study, said he was surprised when he found that the risks of testosterone supplementation seemed to be the same for men regardless of whether they had existing coronary artery disease.

“This study provides some information about potential adverse effects.

The study should help inform the discussion between patient and providers about the risks and benefits,” he said. ■

Health & wellness 11

12 Health & wellness

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

Bike for the Cure: Bicycling grandmas travel 800 miles to raise awareness, funds for Huntington’s disease

M

HOME

SAFETY

Home Safety is critical to allow seniors to live independently and “age in place” at home. Have you reviewed the following for your family member?

Grab bars in bathrooms Handrails on both sides of stairwells and on front and rear steps Grab bars in showers Portable shower seats Call for questions concerning potential services and allow us to help with your family member at home.

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arie Nemec, 70, and Charlotte Gary Heiman, 74, of Ohio joins Reicks, 78, of Grand Junction Nemec and Reicks for his fourth ride will embark on their 16th annual with Bike for the Cure. His wife, bicycle Barb, is a sojourney to cial worker the National for HunHuntington’s tington’s Disease disease Convention families in in Louisville, the ColumKentucky on bus area. He June 20-22. is an exTheir first perienced ride took rider whose place in bicycle 1999, when cyclomthey traveter will eled coast to hit 43,000 coast some From left: Jim Crumly, Judy Luebke, Ron Nemec and Marie miles this 3,000 miles. Nemec with Dickie Martin, who recently passed away from month. He The distance Huntington’s disease. rode his has gradually decreased as the two first century (100 miles in a day) last “bicycling grandmas” age, but this year during the ride from Galveston, year’s ride will cover 800 miles in Texas to Jacksonville, Florida.

13 days, starting in Sault Ste. Marie, In 2009, Amy Mack of Michigan Michigan on June 7 and will follow learned that the father of her chilthe Dixie Highway to Louisville. dren was diagnosed with HD, makThe 2014 ing them at Bike for the risk to inherit Cure aims to the defecraise awaretive gene. In ness and funds 2011, she rode for families from Maine to suffering from Florida (1,600 Huntington’s miles) raising disease, as awareness and well as fundfunds for HD. ing research This is her first for a cure. This ride with Bike year’s ride is For The Cure. dedicated to Although Shanna Turek Kathy Lindner and Dickie of Michigan Martin, both bicycles thouwhom recently sands of miles passed away each year to Marie Nemec and Charlotte Reicks bicycle over 800 from HD. work, this will miles to raise funds for Huntington’s disease research Neither Nembe her first and local people with HD and their families. ec nor Reicks “long ride.” have the defective HD gene in their The plight of HD families has touched families, but are friends with those Lindner through close friends, who that have been affected by HD. are gene positive and at risk.

June 2014

Health & wellness 13

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Alina Del Rio will join Bike for the begin in childhood (juvenile HD) Cure for the last two and a half days or not until old age (late onset HD). of the ride (Indianapolis to LouisAbout 1 in 10,000 Americans have ville). She is the defective a writer and gene, but it is decorator from in people of all Brooklyn, New races worldYork and has wide. A blood tested positive test is available for the defecto those at-risk tive gene. This to determine is her first whether they bicycle ride for have inherited charity. the defective Churches of gene, but it all denominacannot predict tions have been when sympa major contoms will start tributor to the to show.

John Schultz, left, and Dickie Martin.

This year’s ride ride by taking from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Louisville, Kentucky The local the travelers in Huntington’s overnight. For is co-dedicated to Martin in her memory. disease supmore informaport group is led by a licensed countion on Nemec and Reicks’ journey, selor and meets at 6:30 p.m. the last visit www.bikeforthecure.org.

Tuesday of every month at First UnitSupport for families with HD ed Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. Huntington’s disease is a neuroin Grand Junction. The meetings are logical disease with no cure. It is intended to be a safe and confidential passed on through a defective gene. place for individuals and families to Each child of an HD parent has a voice concerns and seek support for 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene, which causes the degeneration issues that are being faced and other needs that are a result of the disease. of brain cells, resulting in the loss For more information on HD or of the ability to walk, talk, swallow the Huntington’s Disease Society of and reason. Onset generally appears in midlife, but sometimes symptoms America, visit www.hdsa.org. ■

We’re on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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June 2014

The heart’s eternal flame

By Karen White-Walker

I

miss Dad. You’d think that having him for 68 years of my life would satisfy that yearning for a father figure, but no. Like some spoiled rotten ingrate who can’t get her fill of people and things she cherishes, I wanted him and Mom to go on forever—at least until I went first.

“What an incredibly selfish hog you are,” said one of my sisters, “wishing on them heartache and unspeakable sorrow of seeing one of their children go first—again. What kind of daughter are you?”

“An incredibly selfish hog,” I echoed, deciding to keep spoiled rotten ingrate to myself.

Our parents saw their only beloved son go before them and I tell you, if it wasn’t for our deep faith, strong love and high tolerance toward one another’s nerve-racking ways, we might have been thrown into a dark, drowning abyss, never to resurface

Dad’s antidote for handling grief was so Puritan—work, work, work—so he ingrained in us, his children, the cockeyed, lopsided notion that it was a privilege to get dirt under your fingernails... again. But we weren’t and we recovered. Ah, the resiliency of the human spirit. Who knew?

Dad knew.

How could he not know with all the losses he experienced with his own parents and siblings? His antidote for handling grief was so Puritan—work, work, work—so he ingrained in us, his children, the cockeyed, lopsided notion that it was a privilege to get dirt under your fingernails and the good earth between your toes. But he didn’t ask of us things that he himself wasn’t willing

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to do. That’s how you rope people in, you know, stooping down to their level so you don’t lord it all over them that you’re the big kahuna, the father who, as the head of the household, must feed his family, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I wouldn’t have minded starving a little in any of those areas if only Dad hadn’t bought that darn 10-acre cherry farm. He had a good-paying job at General Motors, but he wanted a hobby to keep little hands busy—mainly ours.

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!”

You would have thought our livelihood depended on the nickels and dimes we collected from our roadside fruit stand. Dad got the biggest kick out of all his kids making change long before the age of 5.

“Not like today,” he complained many years later when he went into a grocery store.

The bill came to $21.36 and he handed the cashier $31.11 because he wanted quarters, the four ones, etc.

Terror stricken, that girl might as well have been a deer stuck in the path of a car’s headlights because she didn’t know what the heck to do.

“Wouldn’t swap a bushel of my sweet cherries for that doozy,” he said.

Yes, Dad could be sarcastic, judgmental and lacking in compassion, but he sure was a devoted family man, always home exactly to the minute after work. He loved Mom, she adored him, and together, they managed to only minimally scar us kids psychologically. Somehow they both instilled in us an enthusiasm for life—like Dad’s exuberance over a bumper cherry crop, and Mom’s de-

light over seeing his excitement. But what about when life’s trials knock you down and it’s not just your fingernails and toes in the dirt but your whole darn face? And if that face is smeared with tears, you find yourself scraping mud out of your eyes. Those are the sad times, but what about the happy moments? Ah, they can come so unsuspectingly and almost border on lunacy.

Even after Dad lost Mom after 68 years of marriage and he had developed that insidious Alzheimer’s disease, there was a light moment that made us all laugh. Imagine that the wonderfully secure world you had always known is suddenly shattered and still you can find humor in a grave situation.

Just before we lost Dad, my sisters, their families, Dad and I were having a summer picnic and we were so aware that someone was missing and of course, that someone was our precious mother who had passed away just eight months earlier. Dad was sitting next to me when he turned and asked, “Karen, where’s your mother?”

Repeatedly we had told him, but he couldn’t seem to grasp the unacceptable truth. The doctor had advised us not to keep telling him because he would become very stressed, but my brother-in-law thought that if he said it just one more time, Dad would understand.

“Now Dad, if I tell you, will you try really hard to remember? Mom died, she’s no longer with us.”

Dad’s brow furrowed and his lips quivered when he seemed to reflect on what he was just told. Suddenly he turned to me, leaned over and asked, “Hey, Karen, does your mother know?”

When something is so heart wrenching you have to laugh or you’ll end up screaming your guts out.

“Does your mother know?” Given Dad’s condition, that was an antidote for our hurting hearts, and we almost couldn’t separate our laughter from our tears. We laughed until we cried.

Life is funny that way. ■

June 2014

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16 Laughing matters

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Laughing Matters Preacher’s day off Submitted by Rob McDermott The town preacher was also an avid golfer. Every chance he got, he could be found on the golf course, swinging away.

One Sunday was a picture-perfect day for golfing. The sun was out, there were no clouds in the sky, and the temperature was just right. The preacher was in a quandary as to whether he should miss church and go golfing, or miss out on the perfect day and preach. But the urge to play golf overcame him and he called in sick. Then he packed the car up, and drove three hours to a golf course where no one would recognize him.

Happily, he began to play the course.

Meanwhile, an angel in heaven was watching the preacher and his actions troubled him. So he went to God. “Look at the preacher,” the angel said. “He missed out on church to go

golfing. He should be punished.”

God agreed with the angel and they watched the preacher tee up on the first hole. He swung at the ball and it sailed effortlessly through the air and landed right in the cup, 350 yards away. It was a picture-perfect hole-inone.

The angel was shocked. He turned to God and said, “But I thought you were going to punish him.”

“Think about it,” God said. “Who can he tell?”

Men are like...

Submitted by Pat Anderson Bank Accounts – Without a lot of money, they don’t generate much interest.

Blenders – You need one, but you’re not quite sure why.

Chocolate Bars – Sweet, smooth, and they usually head right for your hips.

Coffee – The best ones are rich, warm, and can keep you up all

June 2014 “What you should do is go out and buy a late ’70s or early ’80s model Dodge Pickup,” the pastor said.

“Then go get married to the ugliest woman you can find and buy yourselves an old trailer house in the panhandle of Oklahoma.”

“Will this help me live longer?” the fellow asked.

“No,” the pastor said, “but it will make what time you do have seem like forever.”

night long.

Commercials – You can’t believe a word they say.

Computers – Hard to figure out and never have enough memory.

Coolers – Load them with beer and you can take them anywhere.

Copiers – You need them for reproduction, but that’s about it.

Curling Irons – They’re always in your hair.

Government Bonds – They take so long to mature.

Horoscopes – They always tell you what to do and are usually wrong.

Lava Lamps – Fun to look at, but not all that bright.

Mascara – They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

Fishing trip Submitted by Karen Jones Four guys have gone on the same fishing trip for many years. Two days before the group is to leave, Sam’s wife puts her foot down and tells him he isn’t going. Sam’s fishing mates are upset that he can’t go, but what can they do?

Two days later, the three get to the camping site to find Sam sitting there with a tent set up, firewood gathered, dinner cooking on the fire, and having a cold beer.

“Wow, Sam, how long have you been here and how did you talk your

One year to live Submitted by Karen Martin A fellow went to the doctor who told him that he had a bad illness and only a year to live.

So he decided to talk to his pastor.

After the man explained his situation, he asked his pastor if there was anything he could do.

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June 2014 missus into letting you go?”

“Well, I’ve been here since last night,” Sam said. “Yesterday evening, I was sitting in my living room chair and my wife came up behind me and put her hands over my eyes and asked, ‘Guess who?’ I pulled her hands off, and there she was, wearing a sheer nightie. She took my hand and pulled me into our bedroom.

The room had candles and rose petals scattered all over. Well, she’s been reading that book, ‘50 Shades of Gray.’ On the bed, she had handcuffs and ropes. She told me to tie her up and cuff her to the bed, so I did.

And then she said, ‘Do whatever you want.’ So, here I am!”

Tax audit Submitted by Sue Bowen The IRS decides to audit Grandpa and summons him to the IRS office. The IRS auditor is not surprised when Grandpa shows up with his attorney.

The auditor says, “Well, sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I’m not sure the IRS finds that believable.”

“I’m a great gambler and I can prove it,” Grandpa says. “How about a demonstration?”

The auditor thinks for a moment and says, “Okay. Go ahead.”

Grandpa says, “I’ll bet you $1,000 that I can bite my own eye.”

The auditor thinks a moment and says, “It’s a bet.”

Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it.

The auditor’s jaw drops.

Grandpa says, “Now, I’ll bet you $2,000 that I can bite my other eye.”

Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn’t blind, so he takes the bet.

Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye.

The stunned auditor now realizes he has wagered and lost $3,000, with Grandpa’s attorney as a witness. He starts to get nervous.

“Want to go double or nothing?”

Grandpa asks. “I’ll bet you $6,000 that I can stand on one side of your desk, pee into that wastebasket on

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.”

The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again. Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can’t make the stream reach the wastebasket on the other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor’s desk.

The auditor leaps with joy, realizing that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win. But Grandpa’s own attorney moans and puts his head in his hands.

“Are you okay?” the auditor asks.

“Not really,” says the attorney. “This morning, when Grandpa told me he’d been summoned for an audit, he bet me $25,000 that he could come in here and piss all over your desk and that you’d be happy about it.”

Life passing you by too quickly? Try these.

Submitted by Charles Gross Feel like your life is passing by too quickly? Experts have suggested you try the following to slow time to a crawl.

Go to the post office and mail a package.

Call the cable company for repair service.

Listen to the neighbor kid practice his drums.

Go out to eat at a popular restaurant without reservations.

Look for a short checkout line at Walmart.

Call someone overseas for computer help.

Try to open a plastic produce bag at the grocery store.

Schedule a colonoscopy.

Have a flat tire and wait for AAA to arrive.

Buy a new car and read the owner’s manual. ■ Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Laughing matters 17

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7

summer safety slip-ups made by grandparents

By Sandra Gordon

N

o big deal, you think—so what if my grandson doesn’t want to wear his helmet? He can go for a bike ride without it just this once. Or you get caught up in conversation at a pool party instead of keeping an eye on your granddaughter.

It’s no surprise that accidents happen, even when we’re trying to be careful. But because we’re outside more and the days are longer, summer can be an especially dangerous time. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, there’s an 89 percent increase in children drowning in the summer months and a 45 percent surge in bike-riding deaths.

Fortunately, turning your grandchild’s summer into a safety zone is a matter of making a few precautionary tweaks. Here are some small risks you might be taking when your grandchildren are in your care that can lead to big problems, and top tips for avoiding them.

1. Slip-up: Tossing charcoal after a BBQ. Cleaning out the grill and

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disposing of coals in a remote section of your yard or campground or at the beach may seem like a good idea because it’s far away from everyone.

Trouble is, kids run all over the place in the summer and they’re often barefoot.

“Charcoal can get up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” said John Drengenberg, the consumer safety director at Underwriters Laboratories, in Northbrook, Illinois.

Even if the coals don’t look hot, they can retain their heat for hours.

And it only takes a moment’s contact with a scorching coal to seriously burn a child’s delicate foot.

Play it safe: Whether you’re at home, at the beach or camping, cool down hot coals before disposing of them. Douse them with a garden

hose or a bucket of water after cleaning out the grill.

2. Slip-up: Leaving your grandchild in the car. Each year, dozens

of children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in motor vehicles. The inside of a car can heat up quickly to as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit in less than 20 minutes on an especially hot day. Moreover, young children overheat faster than adults because they’re less able to regulate their body temperature.

Play it safe: Never leave your grandchild in the car, even with the windows cracked, or even just for a few minutes. Also, get in the habit of checking to make sure that everyone has exited the car when you get to your destination and lock car doors when you leave so a curious toddler can’t climb in your car when you’re not looking. Keep your car keys out of your grandchild’s reach, too.

3. Slip-up: Keeping tiki oil within your grandchild’s reach. Toddlers

and older kids are drawn to anything that looks like juice. Tiki oil, which is used to light tiki torches, comes in purple, blue and red. An enticing container can easily be upturned and ingested. Another common mistake grandparents of young children might make: “They’ll pour gasoline for the lawn mower into a smaller container, like a measuring cup, and leave that sitting around,” said Rose Ann Soloway, a clinical toxicologist at the National Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to being poisonous, “Kids can swallow it or breathe it into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonitis, which can be fatal.”

Play it safe: Store tiki oil in its original container out of your grand-

June 2014 child’s sight and reach, in a locked cabinet just like you do medicine and vitamins. The same goes for gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. These containers don’t have child-resistant caps, which a determined toddler may be able to override anyway. If you believe your child has something potentially poisonous, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. You’ll be connected with a nurse, physician or pharmacist at a local center who is specially trained in recognizing and treating poisoning.

Do this instead of heading directly to a hospital emergency room. Or call 911— you’ll get the fastest advice on how to handle the situation.

4. Slip-up: Assuming someone else is watching the kids. “At pool parties, we often

assume somebody else is watching the kids. Mom assumes Dad’s watching. Dad assumes Mom’s watching and it’s easy to get distracted,” said Phyllis F. Agran, professor emeritus of pediatrics at the UCI School of Medicine, in Irvine, California.

The same goes for grandparents who may not be used to the constant surveillance kids often require anyway. Even a few unsupervised minutes in the water can be deadly for a young child.

Play it safe: Assign a supervisor. At pool parties with children present, designate a supervisor and make it clear by saying to your spouse, for example, “Okay, you’re on duty while I’m chatting with our friends.” Don’t think it’s enough to make your older grandkids, who are also having fun, keep an eye on your younger ones.

Make that supervisor your spouse or another adult.

5. Slip-up: Letting your older

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19

grandchild ride his bike without a helmet. Studies show that kids ages 11 to 15 tend to wear helmets less often than younger ones.

Play it safe: Be on helmet patrol. A bike helmet can reduce the risk of bicycle-related traumatic brain injury by up to 88 percent. So, of course, you’ll want to make sure everyone—you included— is protected with a properly fitted helmet whenever you ride. Keep on your older grandchildren to always wear one.

6. Slip-up: Keeping the wading pool filled. “Young kids can drown in

an inch of water or less,” Drengenberg said, so don’t think the water in your grandchild’s baby pool is harmless.

Play it safe: “Dump the wading pool when you’re done with it, and turn it upside down so it doesn’t catch rain water,” Drengenberg said.

In fact, empty all outdoor containers of water after use, including five-gallon buckets and insulated coolers; they’re a formidable drowning hazard.

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7. Slip-up: Leaving your medication on your hotel nightstand. “When we’re

traveling, it’s often much easier for youngsters to get into things that might be safely stored at home,” Soloway said. We stow medication and vitamins in suitcases and on nightstands—places that are accessible to children.

Play it safe: If you’re traveling with young children and don’t have access to a locked cabinet, store your medication and vitamins out of your grandchild’s reach just like you would at home. Lock your medication in your suitcase or store it on a high shelf. Before your children visit your home, do a safety double-check. Make sure any medication or vitamins you take aren’t accessible to them. ■

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20 home & Garden

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Garden Smarts

By Kathy Kimbrough

ve lo f o ft i g a ther Give your fa : ado Gr own y Color with Hard

Tr ees & Shrubs

Evergr een Tr ees & Shrubs Annuals & Per ennials

Q. I live in Olathe and was won-

dering about some possibilities for windbreaks and/or privacy screening. I’ve been told that the Austrian pine would be a good choice due to its hardiness and adaptability to harsh soils. The front side of the house faces west, so I would like to have privacy or a windbreak along the road in front. Do you have any other recommendations?

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Austrian pine would make a good windbreak, but keep in mind that they will get very big in five to 10 years. Spacing will be crucial. If they’re too close, the trees will suffer.

But if they’re too far apart, the wind-

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This perennial is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions in USDA zones 3 to 8 (up to 10,000 feet). It prefers full sun and well-drained soils but will tolerate partial sun as well. Once established, this showy perennial needs only occasional watering to grow and flower successfully. With a mature size of 12 inches high and 24 inches wide, it works well in the front of a water-wise planting bed or rock garden.

June 2014 break won’t be doing its job. They are not especially drought tolerant so be sure to water regularly.

There are other choices that might work for you as well. CSU Extension has a seedling tree program for homeowners with two or more acres for the very purpose you are looking for. Things to consider before choosing which tree you want for your windbreak: How long will the windbreak be? Any overhead wires or cables? Will you have irrigation to the windbreak? What type of soil do you have?

Q. We have a profusion of a weed that I’ve heard referred to as goat heads. What is the best way to eradicate these weeds?

Goat heads are nasty buggers and a real nuisance to people and pets. If the goat heads are in an area with no other vegetation around, use a combination of glyphosate and 2,4-D to kill them. Just combine the two herbicides in the same water. Combined, they work better than if used individually. If the weeds are in a lawn, do not use glyphosate as it will kill the grass. 2,4-D is a broadleaf herbicide and will not harm the grass. It will take longer to kill them, though.

Garden Checklist  Remove bulb foliage six to eight weeks after the flowers have faded. This ensures the bulb has received plenty of nutrition from the leaves for next year’s bloom.

 Groom spring-blooming shrubs after they finish flowering. Cut off seed heads and twiggy growth at the end of branches.

 Pinch back tops of mums and asters when the stalks reach about eight inches to develop bushy plants. Repeat each time they reach that height until mid July.

 Water either in the early morning or in the evening through fall. Morning is preferable.

 Hose aphids off of plants with a strong stream of water. If that doesn’t work, use insecticidal soap spray.

 Stone fruit trees may need treatment to prevent crown borer damage. The timing of treatment is crucial. Start watching for damage in mid June. Call your local CSU Extension office for more information. ■

June 2014

5

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quick fixes for big improvements around your home

home & Garden 21

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hen it comes to home improvement, you don’t need to do a complete overhaul to make a big impact. A “less is more” approach may serve you better, say experts.

“Sometimes quick fixes are the ones you need most,” HouseSmarts TV host and home improvement contributor on NBC’s “The Today Show” Lou Manfredini said.

According to Manfredini, there are five small projects you can do yourself that can make a huge difference in your home: • Clean the disposal. Your kitchen sink and disposal work hard, but sometimes they can stink. Every few months, eliminate odor and freshen things up by pouring half a cup of general purpose disinfectant cleaner down the drain. Using a small nylon pipe cleaning brush or clean toilet brush, reach in between the sink drain assembly and scrub the sidewalls of the pipe below it, paying special attention to the underside of the rubber flap on the disposal.

• Patch in a snap. Unsightly holes in walls can ruin the look of a room.

Luckily, patching those holes doesn’t have to be time intensive. For holes smaller than a dime, apply wall spackle with a putty knife. For larger holes, you may need to use a selfstick metal patch to cover it and then apply spackle to smooth it out.

“Achieving professional-looking results quickly and on budget requires the right products,” Manfredini said.

Use a high-quality wall patch like 3M Patch plus primer spackle and primer in one, now available in a kit for holes up to three inches wide. It applies smoothly and has a built-in primer, so once the wall is dry and sanded, you can paint immediately, cutting the repair time in half.

• Peace and quiet. Plagued by squeaky wood flooring? Try pouring baby powder over the noisy area.

Then wrap a block of wood in a dish rag and tap the boards down with a

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“It may not work in all instances but I’ve had great success with this process,” Manfredini said.

• Accent with paint. To update a room without investing much time or money, paint one wall an accent color. Half of all paint sold in the U.S. is white, so why not add bold color to your home like blue, red or even tangerine? Prep by lightly sanding the entire surface. Patch any holes and then paint, using a paint and primer in one. Two coats will give you the depth of color you want and should take only an afternoon.

• Light it up. To save money and help the environment, switch to LED light bulbs. With all the improvements in color, they can now mimic the warm lighting associated with incandescent bulbs, using two-thirds less electricity.

You don’t have to spend lots of time or money to spruce up your home this spring. Small projects can go a long way towards making it look great.

Article printed from StatePoint Media, www.statepoint.net. ■

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22 fun after 50

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Imagine Harmony

Fun after 50

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation

T

o register for the following programs, call the Grand Junction Parks & Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksand rec.org.

August 23-29

Western Colorado Senior Games The 13th annual Western Colorado Senior Games is for anyone 50 years and better. Compete in a variety of sports and activities. Register using the special registration insert that can be found in July’s BEACON.

Senior Recreation Center

DANCE

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

June 2014

of

Ev e n ts

Monday

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Bingo

Wednesday

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Ladies Pool, Card Social Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (2nd Wed) Gray Gourmet Pinochle

Thursday

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Canasta Band (1st Thursday) Pokeno Dance

Friday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

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

Saturday

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Bridge Class Bridge Bingo

Sunday

1:00 p.m.

Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday)

Senior Dances with Live Music 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.

June 2-23 & July 7-28 (Mondays)

Beginning Line Dance

Increase your quality of life through line dancing. Class takes place from 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $12.

June 2-July 28 (Mondays)

Intermediate Line Dance

Improve your line dancing skills from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $34 for a 10-punch pass and $5 to drop in.

FITNESS June 3-July 8 (Tues. & Thurs.)

Total Core Conditioning

June 27

Hike Little Bookcliffs Wilderness Main Canyon We hope to see wild horses, bighorn sheep, deep canyons and desert environments. Distance is 11 miles. Bring water and lunch. Register by June 25.

Meet at trailhead at 8:30 a.m. No charge.

SPORTS June 21

Pickleball Clinic (Beginners) This free clinic is designed for players with skill levels of 1.0 (brand new) to 2.5 (beginning). Learn basic rules, equipment and basic play strategies. Clinic is from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at the Pine Ridge Courts.

June 21

Pickleball Clinic (Intermediate) This free clinic is designed for players with skill levels of 2.5 (beginning) to 3.0 (intermediate). Learn playing strategy, including court positioning, “third shot” strategy, dinking, court communication and teamwork, lob and return of lob.

Clinic is from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Pine Ridge Courts.

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

Condition your whole body using Trail Host Program weights and exercise balls, while This program is ongoing throughout focusing on deep torso and spinal the summer. Get your volunteer apmuscles to improve plication in now and balance, control and don’t miss any of the Don’t forget strength. Class is from fun. Be an ambassanoon to 12:45 p.m. at to register for the dor for the Riverfront Lincoln Park Barn. Cost Western Colorado Senior Trail System. Call is $5 to drop in or $39 Lorie at 254-3876. ■ Games! You’ll find the for the session.

official program in July’s BEACON.

June 2014

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

23

Suddenly single father of four and say, “Girls, I just need a few quiet minutes,” and he’d disappear into his y dad probably never envibedroom. sioned becoming a husband and Soon we would start quarreling father by the time he was 19. That amongst ourselves, and we’d look was a lot of responsibility, but it was around for our chief problem-solver. nothing compared to what was to “Dad!” we’d scream, almost in come. Leap forward 11 years, and he unison. and Mom had four daughters. With Then we’d burst into his room to their combined incomes, my parents tattle, and always found Dad kneeling bought a big new house. We moved by his bed, praying. in, but just a few months later, their Those chaotic days are a blur now, marriage fell apart, and Mom moved but seeing Dad on his knees, humout, forever. That meant Dad not only bling himself before God, is a sight had to raise four daughters alone, but I will never forget. His world had he also had to pay for turned upside down, a two-income house Becoming a suddenly draining his energy, with one income. but he knew where Becoming a suddenly single parent is always a to go to renew his single parent is always struggle, but much more strength. He knew a struggle, but much was God who so for a man trying his itequipped more so for a man him to get trying his best to raise best to raise girls. through another day girls. As in most famias the suddenly single lies, Mom had done most of the nurfather of four. Whether he realized turing. Dad knew little about cooking it then or not, he was also setting an and less about housework. He hired example for his daughters. babysitters and housekeepers, always These days if I run out of strength, with disastrous results. So in the end, I remember where to go to renew the five of us winged it. the supply. There’s a saying, “When In the morning, I’d walk myself to times get tough, the tough get on school across the street. After school, their knees.”

I’d walk home and wait in the garage Like my dad, I get on my knees, till my older sisters got home. I never and I feel restored. told them that I was afraid to go into It’s common these days to recognize a house that had been empty all day. single mothers and the hard jobs they Long after dark, Dad would arrive have, raising kids and making a home. home. He was exhausted from 10But more and more, it’s Dad who does hour days, and though I didn’t realize the raising alone, and with little recit then, he was also deeply troubled by ognition. When my family fell apart, the breakup with Mom. Even so, every it was 1963. Back then, unless a man’s night after work, he’d stop to spend wife passed away, it was a rare thing for him to become the sole parent. time with us. We’d crawl all over him and tell him the complaints we’d That’s why, though he wasn’t perfect, my dad was and is, a man among men. waited to lodge against each other.

Don’t forget Dad on Father’s Day. ■ After a while, Dad would stand up

By Teresa Ambord

M

HAPPY Father’s Day

We appreciated their professionalism and attention to detail. is crew has validated our long-held faith in the work ethic of our young people.

— Dick and Joan Miller, e Knolls

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24 Local lore

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June 2014

By Liesl Greathouse ack in the late 1890s and early 1900s, many Italian men came to the Montrose area to pursue a better life for them and their families, as many parts of Italy were suffering from poverty. The lure of gold and the railroads brought them to Montrose, and the lay of the land reminded them of home. Many were hoping to save up money in order to bring the rest of their families over and then be able to purchase farmland.

In the end, several of the Italian families living in Montrose came from Roccacaramanico, Italy, including the Englishes, DelTondos, Massarottis, DeVincentis, Keeps, Dicamillos, and the DeJulios. Each family has their own story to tell, but the story of the DeJulio family starts with brothers Gennaro “John” and Nicola “Nick” DeJulio, who left Italy to provide a better future for their families, risking never seeing them or their homeland again. Many of their descendants still call Montrose home.

Nick DeJulio was born in Roccacaramanico, Italy in 1868. He came to New York from southern Italy and then west, first to Pueblo, then to Ophir, where he became a section foreman on the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. He came to Colorado in 1892, about 10 years before John.

Nick married a woman named Madelena and reared six children: Mike, John, James, Angeline, Annie and Orest. All but Orest remained in the Montrose area.

John DeJulio was born in 1877. In 1902, he married Madelena’s sister Mary. He came to the U.S. in 1902, leaving Mary with child in Italy.

Their first daughter, Aguila Cristina “Evelyn,” was born in Italy in 1903.

John first worked as a miner. In 1906, he returned to Italy, but came back to Colorado in 1911, with the rest of his family following in 1912. John and Mary had four children: Evelyn, Emma, Janie and Alvin.

Not only did the two DeJulio brothers marry two sisters, but it was also commonplace in remote villages such as Roccacaramanico that the citizens marry their cousins. Many

The DeJulio family:

from Roccacaramanico to the Rocky M ountains Roccacaramanico

Brothers Gennaro “John,” left, and Nicola “Nick,” right, DeJulio left Italy to provide a better future for their families.

The town of Roccacaramanico, Italy

families were related to each other, and because the Catholic Church forbade the marriage of first cousins, it was the job of the parish priest to research a couple’s background and forbid illegal unions. Marriages between cousins not so closely related were not only inevitable, but it was desirable in order to preserve family wealth, however small, and land.

In 1911, John and Nick bought 40 acres of land together and divided it up. Nick built a house on his land, which still stands, remaining in the family to this day. John’s portion of the land had a little house on it, which the family called “the shed” because it was so small.

John ended up working at the Blackhawk Silver Mine in 1913, but was seriously injured in a mining accident after only a couple of days. He died a short time later. In 1917, the “shed” caved in, so Nick took Mary and her four young children into his home, with three adults and 10 children living in one house for several years. But taking care of family was important to Nick DeJulio and that sentiment was passed down to future generations.

Nick’s oldest son, Mike, was known as a quiet, gentle person and a devout Catholic. He never married, but was close to his brothers and sisters, and their families. He was a farmer first, known for his hard work.

John became a welder and machinist, married Elsie Johnson and had four children: Ed, Paul, Lily and Betty. Paul and Lily have died, and Betty lives in Grand Junction, while Ed still lives in the Montrose area.

James was born in 1905 in Ophir.

He married Josephine Keep and their children are Don, Robert and Irene, all current Montrose residents.

Robert “Bob” DeJulio is an artist in watercolor oil, tempera and acrylics.

He has done backdrops for the Magic Circle Theatre and the San Juan Model Railroad Club. He does historical research for his paintings and popular subjects include burro/mule pack strings, authentic recreations of narrow gauge railroads and historic depots, as well as street scenes from the Old West. His watercolors are

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Mike DeJulio

John DeJulio

James DeJulio

popular and his paintings are shown worked in Vietnam. He married Henthroughout Colorado and beyond. rietta Bussey and they had two sons, Angeline married Frank Williams, Doug and Steve. a sheepman, and had three children: This is just a small picture of the Frank Jr., Marie and Frances. They long history of the DeJulio family, eventually acquired a large acreage of who brought their Italian heritage to property on Dallas Divide. a small town in Western Colorado.

Annie married Jimmy Keep and Their legacy will not be forgotten had two children, Harold and Joseand their stories will live on for a phine, both who died shortly after long time to come. birth. She was a quiet, gentle person, Research courtesy of Ed DeJulio. â– known for being very generous to her nieces and nephews.

Orest was the only member of the family to go to college, attending Colorado State University.

He became an engineer, worked for the Colorado Department of Highways, the BLM, and then Madelena with her granddaughters

Angeline DeJulio

Annie DeJulio

Orest DeJulio

KREXTV.COM

Local lore 25

26 Finance

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

Keep a lid on vacation costs

By Jason Alderman

S

Rehabilitation at its nest

ummer vacation is right around the corner. I’m not a big believer in pre-planning every single detail— sometimes the best vacation moments are spontaneous. But unless your rich uncle is paying for the trip, you’ll need to do a certain amount of preparation or your budget will fly out the window.

You do have a vacation budget, right? If not, here are a few suggestions for creating one and some costsaving ideas to help keep expenses down.

First, be realistic about what you can afford. If your vacation will take more than a month or two to pay off, you may want to scale back on this year’s trip and start setting aside money now for next year.

When building a trip budget, try to anticipate all potential expenses.

Consider things like: • Airfare-related expenses. Include taxes and fees for items like changing flights, extra leg room, priority boarding, Wi-Fi access, meals, and checked, oversized or overweight baggage.

• Kayak.com, Airfarewatchdog.com and Travelnerd.com provide handy charts that compare various fees for popular airlines; however, always double-check the airline’s own posted rules before booking your flight.

• Transportation to and from the airport—at home and all travel locations.

• Car rentals. Factor in taxes, gas, fill-up penalties and insurance (check your auto insurance and credit card policies to ensure you don’t pay for duplicate coverage).

• Hotel/lodging. Don’t forget taxes and other local fees, charges for phone/Internet, room service, early check-in or departure, gratuities, etc.

• Hotel room rates often are based on double occupancy. Although kids usually can stay for free, many hotels charge extra for additional adults.

• Entertainment. Include meals and snacks, event admission and ticketordering charges, transit passes or taxis, sporting equipment rental,

babysitters and special clothing or accessory requirements.

• Throw in an extra 10 or 15 percent for unanticipated expenses such as lost luggage, flat tire, etc.

Search for deals on flights, hotels and rental cars at comparison sites like Orbitz.com, Kayak.com, Priceline.com, Hotwire.com, Hotels.com and Travelzoo.com. But beware: Before clicking “confirm,” make sure the final price matches the initial quote. I’ve seen fares jump $50 or more in just minutes.

A few additional tips: • Follow and “like” airlines and ticketing sites on Facebook and Twitter. They’ll often share sales, discounts and promotional codes with their followers.

• If the airfare goes down after you’ve purchased your ticket, ask the airline or ticketing site to refund the difference. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

• Print and carry a copy of your airline’s Contract of Carriage, which outlines your rights and the airline’s obligations should your flight be cancelled or delayed for reasons besides weather or other “acts of God.” • Consider vacation rentals listed on sites like Airbnb.com, VRBO.com and HomeAway.com. You can often find cheaper accommodations with more space and amenities than hotels offer.

• Before booking a hotel room online, call the individual property to see if they can beat the company’s posted rate. Also ask for member discounts for organizations you belong to like AAA or AARP. A little preplanning now can ensure you don’t blow your whole budget on unexpected vacation expenses. Practical Money Skills for Life, a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc., has a handy web-based travel calculator that can help you estimate travel costs and rejigger them to meet your budget needs (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/calculators). It’s also available as a free iPhone app, which you can download from iTunes. ■

June 2014

Grandparents support B4 Babies.

Will you?

By Adele Israel

M

y first granddaughter was born in December and, lucky for me, her family lives just two miles from our home. Many of you are also grandparents and understand how my life has changed. I get to experience the deep joy of helping a new person discover our world without sleep deprivation and 24/7 responsibility.

On May 10, KKCO, Mesa Mall and Colorado West WomanCare of the Grand Valley, associated with Community Hospital, sponsored a Community Baby Shower benefiting B4 Babies & Beyond and Hilltop Family First. Most of us are fortunate enough not to worry about essential supplies for babies and small children.

As a new grandmother I am very aware my granddaughter will want for nothing while so many others struggle just to have the basics for survival. According to Hilltop Marketing Manager Mike Green, the Community Baby Shower collected a van full of donated formula, diapers, new

resource directory highlight 27

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clothes, blankets and quilts, books, toys and even four strollers.

A Hilltop program, B4 Babies is dedicated to improving healthy birth outcomes for mother and child. The program reaches out to young pregnant woman who need assistance accessing prenatal care. Arrangements can even be made for transportation to prenatal appointments. Mothersto-be are provided with information on nutrition, growth and development, and healthy lifestyles.

B4 Babies lines up health care coverage for the mother during pregnancy and two months afterwards.

Additionally, the newborn will automatically receive one year of continuous health care coverage.

“Clients can always use diapers or anything that will help them out,” Client Specialist Vicky Fritz said.

The program also accepts cash donations or you can volunteer.

The program is housed at the Mesa County Community Services Building, 510 29-1/2 Road in Grand Junction. For details, visit www.htop.org or call 683-2634.

Hilltop Family First offers classes for expectant mothers and their partners, and separate support groups for new moms and dads.

The organization also provides free safety checks for car seats. For details, call 244-0460. ■

Helping out at the Community Baby Shower at Mesa Mall were (from left): Nickoli Kutzschebauch, AmeriCorps member with Hilltop Family First; Hilltop Marketing Manager Mike Green; Morgen Mantlo, AmeriCorps member with Hilltop Family First; Mariah Sorensen, daughter of mom’s group member Rhonda Sorensen; KKCO news anchor Jean Reynolds; KKCO’s Moms Everyday spokesperson Annie Payne; and KKCO weatherman Butch McCain.

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Thank You former workers of

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28 faith moves

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June 2014

Prepare for your journey along the Faith Highway 8:45am…Contemporary Serv.

9:50am…Sunday School

10:50am…Traditional Serv.

By Jenny Barnes, First Christian Church

W

than the ones that we are not well prepared for. A flat tire with a spare in the trunk is much better than a flat with no jack, no spare and no clue on how to even change a tire, even if we were equipped.

A Bible study, a sermon, our church family, the congregational newsletter and Bible meditations are all sources we can turn to in preparing for and helping along our faith journey.

They don’t make the road any smoother and they don’t prevent crashes, but they do prepare us to deal with those instances.

They offer a road map on which way to go, a restaurant guide to nourish us for the journey, a trip planner to avoid detours and reroute, and aid stations to care for our injuries and help us back onto the road.

Whether you’re cruisin’ or broken down, it’s never too late to prepare. And don’t forget to re-check your plans. Highway conditions change, you know. ■

How much planning and preparation have we done for our faith journey?

ith summer comes the call to explore God’s marvelous creations—the canyons, mountains, deserts, lakes and rivers.

We are also eager to hit the highways to visit family and friends who live out of town.

We prepare and plan for these journeys.

But how much planning and preparation have we done for our faith journey? We are all on a faith journey, whether we’re barreling down the Faith Highway, spending some time at a rest stop, or broken down along the road. Each of us is following a different path but one that will hopefully bring us into contact with opportunities, needs, knowledge and people that further our progress. Like any successful journey, those that are planned out go more smoothly

June 2014

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ask the computer guy 29

How to perform a quick cleanup of your computer Ask the computer guy

By Daniel Ashurst, Alpine Computer Solutions

N

o, there isn’t a dipstick on a computer. The oil doesn’t get dirty or need to be replaced, but to think that you can use your computer every day for months or years without maintenance is wishful thinking.

Maintenance on your computer consists of taking care of the outside and the inside. Cleaning the outside is pretty much common sense. Make sure to clean off your keyboard and screen, and wipe down your tower. There are also several places on the computer that need regular vacuuming.

Some computer cases open up quite easy, while others may require the help of your computer professional to open.

Any reputable computer shop will be able to show you what and how to clean physically as well as how to protect your computer from static shock while you clean it.

The interior cleanup tends to be much more of an art than a science. Most people have the skills necessary to perform routine cleanups of their computer that can dramatically improve the performance and the life of the computer.

Cleaning the inside of your computer consists of working with the files and programs. So how does one determine what items need to be cleaned up?

Here’s a short list of items that should be cleaned out routinely.

1. Remove items from your recycle bin, this can be done by right clicking on it and selecting “Empty Recycle Bin.”

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2. Rid yourself of unwanted excess temporary Internet files.

3. Remove old programs you haven’t used.

4. Perform a “disk cleanup.”

This will clean temporary files and some old setup files.

5. Update your browser to the latest version and remove old cache files.

6. Update your Java program and remove the older versions.

7. Make sure you are only using one antivirus program at one time.

8. Run a scan with your antivirus program.

9. Run a scan with a good anti-spy program such as Malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org).

10. Defrag your hard drive with the built in tools that Windows comes with.

If you find yourself in a bind and don’t understand any of the actions above, feel free to send us an email at solutions@alpinepc.com.

On the other hand, if you’ve read this and decided you want nothing to do with the cleaning process, give us a call at 257-1011 and we can schedule a remote session, or bring your computer in and we will get it back to original operating speed. ■ 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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June 2014

How I became an outdoor woman

By Jan Weeks

M

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any years ago at the dawn of time, I did things. Outdoor things.

Climbed trees, fell into creeks, rode bikes, ice skated, made the monkey bars my home away from home, chased my friends and enemies until we were breathless. I built tree houses and dug caves in the 1955. dding in Des Moines, backyard. Of course, I was Writer Jan Weeks sle only 10, and what does a kid Number Two convinced me that I’d know about being happy? like fishing. H2, you understand, From 12 on, my friends and I had worked only to support his hunting daily swim fests, walked or biked to and fishing habits. You may think the pool twice a day, racking up as that’s a joke. Trust me, it’s not. many hours as we could between H2 decided we should start with May and September. Sun burn? Bad fishing. Streamside, I popped open hair? Looking cute? Who cared? the Daiwa Mini-spin he’d given We lived more than a mile me and put the rod together. H2 from school, and during courteously added a snelled the school year, I hoofed hook and worm to my line it, along with the rest of and showed me how the neighborhood. Too to cast. young for cars, too old “I’ve never caught a for bikes, we strolled fish in my life,” I insisted. from 24th Street to “Not even at one of those Main Street every pay-by-the-inch places Saturday. that guarantees a catch.”

At 16, suddenly all I “Just throw the worm wanted to do was sit in over there and let it drift the shade and down into that pool,” he look at guys, instructed. hoping for a A monster trout class ring wrapped in tape smacked the bait and as I recoiled and painted with Pretty Pink in fear, I accidentally set the hook. nail polish. They didn’t do much Suddenly I had the fight of my life looking back, but hope sprang eternal. I lost the wrinkly toes and chlori- on my hands. I struggled for at least 30 seconds before I swung the sixnated hairdo. incher over land. Dropping the rod, In college, we chugalugged pitchI lunged toward it. ers at the nearest Shakey’s Pizza “Keep the rod tip up!”H2 shouted. (when beer was available to anyone Too late. My very first fish flopped at 18). Too poor to afford a car, I hiked to and from campus, along with back into the sparkling waters to vanish with an impertinent flip of the guys I dated, who also couldn’t his tail. afford cars. Movie and coffee house But H2, bless his heart (or his dates involved more walking.

Welsh stubbornness), didn’t give up.

Then I grew up, got married, got We drove into the country, where he divorced and got married again. handed me a 20-gauge shotgun.

Five years after our first date, Hubby

June 2014 I backed away as he tried to fit the over-and-under Rueger to my shoulder. “No way! Those things knock you on your kiester.”

Scorn dripped from his voice.

“There’s absolutely no danger,” he said. “And the kick’s not that bad.”

He raised the gun, touched the trigger and flew backward, shaking his head to clear it, as the massive blast of a double-triggered event reverberated in the clear mountain air.

“So tell me again how much fun this is,” I said, lifting him to his feet.

Not content with my past failures, he decided big game hunting was just the ticket to keep our marriage chugging along. We drove to his uncle’s ranch and set up camp. H2 handed me a rifle weighing close to 40 pounds, pointed to the bottom of a 500-foot deep canyon and said, “Go down there and if you see a deer, shoot it. We’ll walk the rim and shoot what you flush out.”

“What’s a deer look like?” I wondered as I scrambled through scrub juniper and cactus. It was a moot point. By the time I’d scuffed and

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com skidded to the bottom, H2 and the other four guys were yelling, “Come on back! We’ve filled our tags!”

I won’t even mention the tent blowing down in the morning gale.

Or my learning to parasail as I turned sideways in the truck bed and the breeze caught in my borrowed Big and Tall Shop coveralls.

Then H2 decided that spin casting was for sissies and that I’d better learn to fly fish. We drove to a pond, and after downing a six-pack of Miller Lite, I wasn’t doing too badly.

I’d caught 15 wild rosebushes (or the same one 15 times, but who’s counting?) and Mocha, our Lab, learned to sit very still as soon as she heard the line whistle through the air.

By now you may be wondering if we’re still married. Nope. But I’ve become much, much better at everything—except shotgunning. I’ve owned a fly shop, guided fishermen, given fly-fishing seminars and modestly ducked my head when people refer to me as an “expert.” I bagged my share of deer and learned to skin, bone and butcher them. (Learned to cook them, too!) I served on the board of directors for Outdoor Women of South Dakota and instructed fly tying and fly casting at that group’s workshop sponsored by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.

No prune-toes now (I have hip waders) or bad hair (David does a great pixie cut). I took a scuba diving lesson and have ambitions to fly fish in New Zealand and Patagonia. Hang gliding is even looking interesting.

It’s been a long learning process, but thanks to H2 (and the fact that he could whip me three falls out of four and make me go), I’ve gained many skills and hours of pleasure in the great outdoors, even though I’ve moved on to people and places without him.

But I’d still like to own a knit shop. ■

Community Hospital’s partnership with University of Utah Health Care will provide Mesa County with increased choices in specialty services, both here in Grand Valley, and in Salt Lake City when needed.

We’re dedicated to doing everything we can to improve the health of Mesa County.

If it matters to Boomers and Seniors, it’s in the BEACON.

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243-8829

31

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

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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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29 Travel & Recreat ion ........................ . 16

Pickled pink

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

Story page 18.

Western Colorado ’s Monthly Newspap

wi t h Terry

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

Summer down under

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Read more on page 26.

Local Lore

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

Vol. 25

Travel the world

Some friends have scales

These seniors are competitive but enjoy helping people

of the open learn the of the freedom ce game Experien pickleball. Story it all go!” and what it’s likeonto “let

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

road

page 6.

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

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June 2014

A mind is a terrible thing to waste

By Allen Smith

F

or the life of me, I can’t remember what this article was going to be about. That happens a lot when you get to be my age. You seem to forget even the simplest things like your address, where you keep your money or why your underwear is on the outside of your pants. Of course, it wasn’t always like that.

There was a time when my mind was a veritable sponge for anything that passed within 100 miles of my senses. I have very important things filed away—like that 1974 Big Mac marketing slogan, “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, all on a sesame seed bun,” but even under the threat of death, I can no longer identify a tenth of the U.S. state capitals, the names of America’s founding fathers or any of the other things new U.S. immigrants are required to know before acquiring equal citizen status with me.

Over the years, I’ve been amazed at the sheer volume of space I’ve wasted cramming new lingua franca into my already dwindling cranial space. Every time I launch a new career, there’s another lengthy list of vernacular I’m required to memorize that doesn’t have anything to do with the last. And I’m not the only one with complaints. According to my dentist, he doesn’t depend on any of the terms he acquired in high school auto shop. If he had, it would make his job much easier.

“Margie, how about handing me

that 3/8-inch torque wrench with the six-inch drive, so I can clean out Mr. Fensterman’s root canal?”

In all fairness, it’s not my brain’s fault for failing to keep up with the incessant demand for retaining information. Between being submerged during fraternity keg parties, oxygendepleted by pot through the ’60s and suffocated with black market muscle relaxants, it’s a wonder there’s anything left for my dementia and Alzheimer’s to grab on to. I haven’t yet had to wrestle with CreutzfeldtJakob disease, prosopagnosia, fibromyalgia, hydrocephalus, meningitis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy or transient ischemic attacks, but there have been plenty of times I’ve stood in the kitchen wondering why I walked in there in the first place. To avoid looking stupid in front of my wife, I’ll usually just grab the blender and take it back to the bedroom. My frequent irrational behavior baffles her so much that she’s learned not to ask questions anymore. She just makes room for all of the kitchen appliances on the nightstand.

At times, I wonder if I’m finally losing ground for good. As I get older, I’ve become aware of my attention fading in and out. I’ll frequently stand in front of the ATM, trying to remember my four-digit PIN, but all I can come up with is the theme song to “The Brady Bunch,” which is commendable, but still leaves me without any lunch money.

I’ve forgotten so many passwords,

Between being submerged during fraternity keg parties, oxygen-depleted by pot through the ’60s and suffocated with black market muscle relaxants, it’s a wonder there’s anything left for my dementia and Alzheimer’s to grab on to.

June 2014

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I just write them on the outside of my credit cards and hope nobody gets hold of my wallet. I buy Post-its by the case and label the contents of every drawer, box or bottle with things that are important to locate sometime in the future—like tomorrow. I’ve also concluded that failing memory is the reason why all of the best chefs never write down any of their recipes. They’d simply never find them again.

So instead of referring to thick cookbooks, you’ll usually see them grabbing handfuls of oregano, slinging it into a large bowl with a pinch of saffron and a smidgen of fenugreek.

Over the years, I’ve tried numerous approaches to recapturing the information that has taken flight. On my doctor’s orders, I’ve tried ways to stimulate my memory by getting more exercise, sleeping in the buff and learning how to laugh. He also suggested that I try varying my routines by eating while blindfolded, learning how to juggle, changing my clothes every hour, conversing in Flemish and

speaking to women in Braille.

I don’t know where all my accumulated knowledge has gone since those first days, drooling in my bassinet.

I keep stuffing it in but eventually, it just seeps out like air from an old, worn inner tube. And it doesn’t seem to matter what type of thoughts I try to dredge up. Normally, I wouldn’t mind losing a few principles of beginning Calculus. But when I’m struggling to introduce my wife to my office mate, it can be a real problem when I can’t remember her name, even after living with her for 15 years.

They call those incidents brainfarts, and they’ve been responsible for more than a few nights spent sleeping on the couch.

Eventually, I suppose it’ll get so bad that someone will have to commit me to a nursing home. But in the meantime, I’m doing pretty well by looking for the different colored tape on the floor and following it to the index card that tells me what to do next. ■

I’ll stand in front of the ATM, trying to remember my four-digit PIN, but all I can come up with is the theme song to “The Brady Bunch,” which is commendable, but still leaves me without any lunch money.

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June 2014

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 French 101 verb 5 Dey TV series 10 Fly like Lindy 14 Perjured oneself 15 Open-air rooms 16 “The Lost Boys” star Corey 17 “___ Wonderful Life” 18 Ohm or Solti 19 Pistolet, e.g.

20 It can be over your head 21 Garden-variety Canadian sprinter?

23 Always the same 25 ___-Day vitamins 26 Says “yes” without saying a word 27 Place for sports writers 31 “Baa Baa Black Sheep” writer Gregory ___ Boyington 33 Senate assistants 34 Naval off.

35 Top cards 36 Bygone Renault auto 37 Cruising to Hawaii 38 Parseghian of Notre Dame 39 Late astronomer Carl 40 Good buddies with handles 41 Ornamental ribbons 43 Playwright Bogosian 44 River to the Gulf of Finland 45 It’s on the level 48 Garden-variety talk show hostess?

52 D-Day troop carrier 53 Moistened clay 54 Winner by ___ margin 55 He loved Lucy 56 Singer Lane 57 “___ say more?”

58 Evangelist Roberts 59 Wedding wear 60 Altos and tenors 61 F.D.R.’s park Down 1 Yale’s Yale 2 Certain -missile 3 Garden-variety tombstone inscription?

4 Writer LeShan 5 Some brews 6 Mr. T’s worn outfit?

7 Scientologist Hubbard 8 Noted nickname in hoops 9 Former Jeep model 10 Journalist Alexander, et al.

11 Dinghy directors

12 It can move a star 13 Serious sign 21 Type of builder 22 Pianist Myra 24 Beau Brummells 27 Type sizes 28 Garden-variety pay rate?

29 River to the Baltic 30 Present time 31 Early late-night personality 32 Bat head?

33 Arm of the Mediter-ranean 36 Certain Baltic natives 37 Somewhat 39 Culinary potpourri 40 Robert with the blues 42 Canine coat?

43 Fragrant resins 45 A deadly sin 46 Syrian leader 47 Of value 48 Norwegian saint 49 1995 earthquake site 50 Physics Nobelist Isidor 51 Emulate a Mr. Universe contestant 55 Play-___

June 2014

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Mesa county 35

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

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

• Two River Sams Chapter, Good Sam RV Club, meets at 1 p.m. on June 28.

For location, call 523-5625.

• Grand Valley Knights is a group of auto enthusiasts that meet every Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Spoons Bistro and Bakery with their sport and classic vehicles. Call 462-6762 or visit www.grandvalleyknights.com.

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

Call 640-2388.

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

• Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway meets at 2 p.m. on June 8 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road in Grand Junction. Don’t miss Norwegian humor with Duane and Annette Helgelien. Celebrate the 24th anniversary of the lodge with a special cake and ice cream. Bring a dish to share. Guests welcome. For details, call 245-5649 or visit www. vestafjelllodge.org.

• Christian Women’s Network meets for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Clarion Inn on June 12. Cost is $15. Linda Pringle will speak about “Women who make a difference.” RSVP by June 7. Call 256-0749.

• Happy Feet Rounds meets at the Masonic Lodge on Sundays for a variety of dancing, including waltz, rumba,

cha-cha and more. Beginners are welcome from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and intermediate dancers are welcome from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Call 243-5858.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers Club meets from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965.

• Levis & Lace Square Dance Club has beginner classes from 7 p.m.8:30 p.m. Fridays at the Masonic Lodge. Call 936-8801 or 434-6541.

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

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

• Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles has potlucks on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

They go out to eat on the third Wednesday of the month and have monthly outings. Call 434-5277.

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

• Blue Lodge Masons meet at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Masonic Lodge. Call 245-5312.

• Grand Mesa Back Country Horsemen meet at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. For location and details, call 242-8860.

• Post 2009 American Legion meets at 5:30 p.m. for dinner at The Atrium of the Grand Valley with a meeting to follow. All honorably discharged veterans are welcome to join. Call 242-9195.

• Play Pinochle from 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Saturdays at Nellie Bechtel Senior Apartments. Will teach beginners.

Call 241-0048.

• Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club welcomes new members to play at 2923 North Ave. Open games are at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

Call 243-7874.

• The Brush & Palette Club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Art Center. The Brush & Palette Club provides opportunities for members to learn, practice and improve technical skills and abilities in all fine art media. Call 241-0410.

• Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month in the dining area at the First Congregational Church, 1425 N. Fifth St. Call 640-2751.

• Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.

The meeting is held at the VFW Post #3981, 503 1/2 Florence Road in Grand Junction. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard members are welcome. Call 434-0868. ■

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36 Mesa county

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Mesa County Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse June 3

Magician at the library Bring the family and the grandkids to see magician Cody Landstrom perform at 6:30 p.m. at the Mesa County Libraries’ Central Library, 530 Grand Ave. in Grand Junction. Admission is free.

June 6

Country Jam Tailgate Party Come see Charley Jenkins perform at Major Mortgage Country Jam’s Tailgate Party at Allen Unique Autos,

Ladies free ‘til 10 pm $1 drinks for all ‘til 10 pm DJB 80’s music, country & more

Live music/DJ Country & more $2 drinks 7-9

Friday

• June 7: Country Jam Party w/KEKB. Country Jam ticket giveaways • June 13: DJB & Midtown Violets Band

Saturday

• June 14: Midtown Violets Band • June 28: Desert Flyer Band

www.CentralStationgj.com 2993 North Ave.  GJ

FREE drink  Coupon 

2285 River Road in Grand Junction.

This outdoor event features pickup truck parking along the perimeter of the venue, but space is limited so call to reserve your spot. Cost is $30 per truck, which includes admission for two, or you can purchase your tickets individually for $10 per person in advance or $12 at the door. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Led Stetson starts at 8 p.m. and Charley Jenkins starts at 9:30 p.m.

June 7

Grand Mesa Jeep Club Offroad Show & Parts Swap Meet The annual Offroad Show is a gathering of offroad enthusiasts of all forms of motorized recreation, as well as camping, hunting and fishing. Vendors come from all over the country to the Mesa County Fairgrounds, offering great deals on the newest and greatest gear for your 4x4 or offroad machine. There is also a car show-style offroad show. Shine up or dirty up your rig and enter for great prizes and trophies. Show is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission is free.

June 7

Rockestra: That ’70s Show

member or caregiver are invited to a special Survivor Celebration Dinner from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. in the event pavilion at Banana’s Fun Park, 2469 Riverside Pkwy. The evening will include dinner prepared by Chef Patrick Waldow, a performance by Aspen musician Mack Bailey, a survivor and caregiver recognition ceremony, and a private viewing of the

June 2014 ers, dessert, lemonade and iced tea.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Proceeds benefit the Sacred Heart Church building fund. For details, call 858-9605.

June 8

Swedes’ Midsummer Celebration Swedes of the Grand Valley’s Midsummer Celebration takes place from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hawthorne Park in Grand Junction. For more information, call 263-8406.

June 11

Long-term care planning workshop Learn how to plan for the unexpected at this workshop presented by the attorneys of the Law Offices of Brown & Brown, PC, 1250 E. Sherwood Drive.

Approximately 66 percent of women and 33 percent of men over the age of 65 need some type of assisted or long-term care during their lifetime. This workshop is an opportunity to learn about private pay, Medicaid, Medicare and long-term care insurance as well as the importance of advance directives. Registration is required. Workshop takes place from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Call 243-8250 or visit www.brownandbrownpc. com.

June 13 The fun begins at 5:30 p.m.

Lecture by fiber artist at Allen Unique Autos, 2285 Denver’s critically acclaimed Zikr Dance Ensemble will present major Rosalie Dace River Road in Grand Juncperformances in Grand Junction on Saturday, June 21 and in Hotchtion, with a buffet dinner, The Art Quilt Association cash bar, Rockestra concert kiss on Sunday, June 22.

(AQuA) presents this twoof ’70s hits, dancing, costume Lilly Oncology on Canvas Art Exhibit. part lecture by South African fiber contest, prizes and more. Proceeds artist Rosalie Dace. Learn where we This celebration is free and open benefit the Grand Junction Symphony to all cancer survivors regardless of get our ideas and inspiration, and Orchestra and the music department how we go about putting ideas and where they received treatment. Call of Colorado Mesa University. Cost is 254-5581 to RSVP. inspiration into the actual making of $75 per individual or $500 for a table an art quilt. Dace is a full-time quilt June 7 of eight. For more information, call maker whose work reflects her pasWestern Roundup Dance fundraiser 243-6787. sion for color, pattern and texture.

There will be food, a cash bar and June 7 live music by the JLRJ Band at A Taste This lecture will take place at 7 p.m. at the Clarion Inn, 755 Horizon Drive.

Cancer survivors invited to of Heaven Catering, 2817 North Ave. It’s free to members and costs $5 at celebration dinner The dance starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets the door for nonmembers.

All area cancer survivors and a family are $30 each and include appetiz-

June 2014 June 13

Kiwanis Pancake Day Kiwanis of Grand Junction celebrates its 47th annual Pancake Day with all you can eat breakfast (or lunch) featuring pancakes, eggs, ham, coffee and juice from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. There will also be live entertainment, a cake walk for kids, and silent auction. Cost is $6 for one adult or two children under 12. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations that help children. For more information, call 216-1707 or 242-3647.

June 14

Bikers Against Diabetes Poker Run Grand Junction Eagle Riders are sponsoring the fifth annual Bikers Against Diabetes Poker Run to benefit Community Hospital’s Diabetes Foundation. The event starts at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 U.S. Highway 50.

Registration is from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pick up your poker card and map.

Cost is $25 per rider and $10 per passenger. Price includes poker card, door prize entry, food and live music by the 3 Peace Band.

June 14

Salute to America concert featuring Jefferson Starship The six-member band, Jefferson Starship, will perform at the upcoming Salute to America concert at 7:30 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. in Grand Junction. This concert, presented by Help Hospitalized Veterans, honors Vietnam War veterans. Admission is free but tickets are required and may be picked up at any local Grand Junction City Market store.

June 21

Zikr Dance Ensemble performance The Zikr Dance Ensemble performs a spectrum of works that are based on transcendent dance rituals from many different ancient world cultures throughout history along with original and contemporary dance/theatre realizations. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Robinson Theatre, Colorado Mesa University, 1100 North

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Ave. in Grand Junction. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors.

Purchase tickets by visiting the Grand Junction Symphony Box Office or call 243-6787.

June 22

NRA’s Refuse to be Victim Seminar Pureland Security invites you to attend this free crime prevention seminar, providing valuable information on cultivating a positive self-defense philosophy and offering many safety strategy options. Although this seminar was created by the NRA, it is a no-firearms based course. Pureland Security is a team of both women and men certified instructors. Class takes place from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at Blue Star Industries, 2350 G Road in Grand Junction. The seminar is free. Registration is required. Class is limited to 10 students. For details and to register, call 270-3203.

June 28

Sweet Adelines perform free concert Mark your calendar for a free concert at 7 p.m. at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, 641 Struthers Ave. with the Grand Mesa Chorus of Sweet Adelines International.

Celebrating 50 years of four-part (a cappella) harmony, Grand Mesa Chorus is celebrating with an evening of harmony and fun. The popular King’n Trio will be guest performers and will sing many of their favorites. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of music. Donations appreciated. Proceeds will go to the Botanical Gardens. For details, call 858-4839.

June 28

St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving event Shave it off at the third annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation Grand Junction Head Shaving event to raise funds for childhood cancer research. We’ll be shaving heads and having fun from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Edgewater Brewery, 905 Struthers Ave. Register at www.stbaldricks.org/ events/gj2014, call 361-1059, or visit 2014 St. Baldrick’s Grand Junction Event on Facebook.

June 28-29

Mesa county 37

July 3

Mud Dash & Fitness Competition

Fruita Fireworks Display

Grab your friends and compete in the first Powderhorn Mud Dash. Climb under, over, around and through obstacles such as a mud pit, cargo net, log wall, rope traverse, rope wall and more to accomplish this four-mile race and trek. Enjoy live music, food and good people. Registration is from 6:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. and race starts at 10 a.m. Cost is $40 plus $10 per car for parking. For more information, visit www.powderhorn.com or call 268-5300.

Celebrate Independence Day in Fruita. Fireworks will be lit at dusk at Snooks Bottom. Pick a spot around town and enjoy the show. For more information, call 858-0360.

July 4

Grand Junction Independence Day Parade Celebrate our country’s independence at the annual Independence Day Parade in downtown Grand Junction. Parade starts at 10 a.m. on Main Street. ■

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

River City Singles

June 2014 Activity Schedule

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

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) meets in The DoubleTree Hotel’s lounge, 743 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is the business meeting. Call Janice Koppang at 261-9114 or 433-7108 for details.

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.

Tuesdays at 4:45 p.m. - Taco Tuesday in Bailey’s Lounge at the Grand Vista Hotel, 2790 Crossroads Blvd. For details, call 241-6383.

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

June 4 - Applebee’s June 11 - Old Chicago June 18 - Fiesta Guadalajara June 25 - Olive Garden 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.

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

Tuesday, June 10 at 9:30 a.m. - See the wild horses of the Little Bookcliffs Wild Horse Range in DeBeque. Meet at the DoubleTree Hotel. Bring water and lunch. Call Janice Koppang at 261-9114 for details.

Thursday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. - Join us for a full moon easy hike. Meet at Albertsons in the Redlands. For details, call John Delahanty at 241-3171.

Friday, June 13 at 8 a.m. - Enjoy the Kiwani’s Club’s Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction. Meet at the doors on the south side of Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. Call Janice Koppang at 261-9114.

Thursday, June 19 at 5:30 p.m. - Restaurant Rove at Edgewater Brewery, 905 Struthers Ave. Call Mitzi Taylor at 242-2807.

Saturday, June 28 at 3:30 p.m. - Visit Peach Street Distillers, 144 Kluge Ave. in Palisade. For details, call Jerry Whittaker at 216-3048.

38 Mesa county

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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.

• June 11 - 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

• June 25 - noon to 1:30 p.m.

Register today for the Summer Reading Program!

Sign up online or at a Mesa County Libraries location. There are reading levels for all ages.

You could also win prizes!

For information call 243-4442.

CattleWomen taking orders for precooked top round roasts Mesa County CattleWomen will be taking orders for their 5 lb. precooked top round roasts cooked by The Ribber. They can be picked up 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 14 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. Call 270-1176 to place your order. Price is $30. These roasts make a great treat for Father’s Day.

Chris Watson chosen as Home Care of the Grand Valley’s Summit Award winner

Therapeutic Approach

The Summit Award winner embodies the mission of Home Care of the Grand Valley through excellence in performance, caring and teamwork.

The Summit Award is Home Care of the Grand Valley’s Employee of the Year award. Winners are chosen after reviewing written nominations submitted by the staff. “As Administrative Assistant she wears many challenging hats. Kindness and thoughtfulness are second nature to Chris and [are] felt throughout the office,” Watson’s nominator wrote.

One week of free unlimited yoga.

Summer reading program begins at Mesa County Libraries

visit mesacountylibraries.org

Yoga for Seniors with a

970-683-0166 1048 Independent Avenue A207 www.academyofyoga.com www.facebook.com/academyofyoga www.integrativewellnesstoday.com

This summer, mix a dash of imagination with a pinch of curiosity and sign up for the summer reading program at Mesa County Libraries.

Everyone—kids, teens and adults— can participate. Special events continue all summer long. To participate,

register and pick up your logbook at any library location. Track your reading progress and earn chances to win prizes. The adult program’s goal is to “Read for a reason.” When you register and turn in your first reading log, a donation goes to the John McConnell Math & Science Center.

Prizes will be drawn at each library branch and two lucky readers will win a 16 GB Retina Display iPad. Sign up at any library location or online at www.mesacountylibraries.org. There is no cost to sign up. For details, call 683-2437.

The Redlands Lions Club awards $1,000 scholarships The scholarships went to three Colorado Mesa University students for the 2014-2015 school year. The three students selected are senior Cyrena Grasmick, junior Mariah Weinke and senior Tanja Werren. The scholarship funds for these students come from various community projects that the Redlands Lions Club works on throughout the year, such as their flag project and chili supper. For more information, call 201-8432.

Africanized honey bees discovered in Palisade Africanized honey bees have been confirmed in Palisade. They can be a threat to humans and animals when they are present in large numbers, such as when in a hive, colony or swarm. Africanized honey bees do not have venom that is more potent than the common European honey bee. Last month, a fruit grower became concerned about abnormally aggressive behavior of a hive, so he brought a sample into the Colorado State University Tri River Area Extension office. Officials there sent the bees away for testing. The bees tested positive for Africanized genetics and has since been destroyed.

Individuals vary considerably in their response to bee and wasp stings.

If you have any cause for concern regarding an insect sting, seek medical help immediately. Colorado State University has set up a diagnostic lab

June 2014 for testing honey bees for Africanized genetics. For more information, including how to submit a honey bee sample, visit wci.colostate.edu or call 244-1834.

Water testing for homeowners with private wells To help ensure all residents have access to safe drinking water, the Mesa County Health Department Regional Lab offers water testing for homeowners with private wells and others for only $20. Water sample drop-off hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The lab is located on the south side of the first floor of the Health and Human Services Building, 510 29-1/2 Road. For more information on the lab and its services, call 248-6999.

St. Mary’s Hospital Regional Medical Center excels in patient safety Designed to rate how well hospitals protect patients from accidents, errors, injuries and infections, the latest Hospital Safety Score honored St. Mary’s Hospital with an “A,” its top grade in patient safety. The Hospital Safety Score is compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is administered by The Leapfrog Group (Leapfrog), an independent industry watchdog. The score is free to the public and designed to give consumers information they can use to protect themselves and their families when facing a hospital stay. For details, call 298-2196.

Museum of Western Colorado Activities • June 7 - Heritage Day starts at 9 a.m. at Cross Orchards, 3073 F Road. Come see historic demonstrations, big trains, model trains, prospecting, blacksmithing, saddle making, flint napping and more.

Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors.

• June 12 - Changing Landscapes of Science Lecture at 7 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. Topic is “The Geology of the Colorado Plateau: what we can learn from the local geology,” presented by exploration geologist and

June 2014

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Colorado School of Mines adjunct professor Dr. Larry Meckel. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.

• June 19 - Oral history presentation at noon at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. • June 20 - Downtown Grand Junction walking tour at Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave., at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.

Support groups

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

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

• 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. For details call 298-2351.

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

• Breast Cancer Support Group meets from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the Reflec-

tion Room of St. Mary’s Hospital (Entrance 25). Call 298-2254 for details.

• GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one, Mondays 1 p.m.-3 p.m. For details, call Vicci Hofmann at 628-1453.

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. Must be 25 or older and pass a background check.

SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746.

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

• Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to write notes for the troops, help collect products and pack civilian rations. Call 523-4217.

• Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. Volunteers are also needed to work at one of their senior dining sites one day per week. Call 243-9844. ■ If you have an event or photo you would like to have appear in the Beacon, send it to: beacon@pen dantpublishing.com.

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Mesa county 39

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40 Delta/ Montrose counties

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June 2014

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

Show Time in Las Vegas

WE SUCCEED WHEN WE HELP CHANGE THE LIVES OF OLDER ADULTS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Share your gifts and talents and become part of real change for an older adult.

We work with your schedule, so the time you spend is effective and enjoyable.

The Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus and award-winning quartet, McPhly, are the stars of this show, which is performed in Delta on Friday at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Ave., and then in Montrose on Saturday at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive.

Both shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children under 12 are free. In Montrose there will be a bonus event with food and more entertainment for only $10. For details and tickets, call 249-7015.

June 6-8

POSSIBLE VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES:

 Calling bingo  Leading trivia  Playing cards  Escorts to chapel  Reading to group or one on one  Assisting with outings  Shopping buddies  Playing music  Pet visits  Greeters  Crafting  Gardening  Library helpers And more!

For more information, visit:

www.voahealthservices.org

Call 970-275-1220 or Email: eberge@voa.org

WWII B-25 combat aircraft on display Airplane enthusiasts, veterans, children and history buffs will love seeing the Maid in the Shade at the Montrose Regional Airport, 2000 Airport Road. This famous World War II aircraft is maintained and operated by the all-volunteer nonprofit Commemorative Air Force. The B-25 Mitchell bomber was made famous in the World War II Pacific theater by the Doolittle Raiders. The plane will be on display from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and will be followed by an event by the Montrose Community Foundation from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Cost

for MCF’s event is $20 at the door and includes food and drinks. It will also be on display from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. There is no charge to view the plane, but cockpit tours are $5 per person, $10 per family and children age 5 and under are free. If you’d like to take a ride in the plane, the cost is $395 to fly in the waist gunner and $650 to fly in the cockpit. For details, call 249-1508.

June 11

Montrose Botanical Society Open Meeting: “Lavender Under the Tent” Master Gardener and Lavender Association of Western Colorado President Tracy Harrison will give a presentation on the endless possibilities of lavender and the joy of its renaissance from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the tent at the Montrose Botanic Gardens, 1800 Pavilion Drive. For details, call 249-1115.

June 12

AARP SMART Driver Safety Course (Montrose) The Montrose County Health and Human Services will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. Membership in AARP is not required. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers.

Custom Engraved:

Home appointments available

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

970-323-6658

Please call for an appointment

www.facebook.com/ MorrisMonument

morrismonument.com

1630 South Main Street, Delta

Life’s Legacy in Stone

June 2014 Preregistration is required. For more information and to register, call 2492436, ext. 203.

June 14

The Montrose Garden Tour This is a chance to stroll through five private gardens plus the Montrose Botanic Gardens and see both traditional and xeriscape landscapes.

The gardens each have a unique flair. There is a country haven with lovely cottage gardens, a parkscape with an abundance of color, a garden that was transformed from weeds to a wonderful garden, a lawn that is now an exquisite xeriscape garden, and an estate that has many treasures to discover and wander through. Event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Montrose Botanic Gardens, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Tickets are $12 for the public and $10 for anyone who is or becomes a member of the Montrose Botanic Gardens. Tickets available at the Pavilion’s front desk, Around the Corner Art Gallery, or on the day of the tour. For details, call 249-3577.

June 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 June 14, there will be music by Ghost River Band and on June 28, there will be music by Country Plus. Admission is $5. For more information, call 252-7172.

June 17

Region 10’s Lunch ‘n’ Learns Region 10 Community Living Services is launching a series of Lunch ’n’ Learn presentations designed to educate the public on topics related to aging, disabilities and some of the issues caregivers face. This series takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. June’s topic is “Say What: Protect your hearing, and what to do about hearing loss you already have,” presented by South West Hearing. For details, call 249-2436, ext. 201.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/ Montrose counties 41

June 18-22

VFW State Convention The Veterans of Foreign Wars State Convention has been held for 94 years and this is the first time it’s been held in Montrose. The convention is hosted by VFW Post #784 and its Ladies Auxiliary, and will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. For details, call 209-3884 or 240-1800.

June 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. Learn how the different types of surgery work, who qualifies, and how St. Mary’s will support you as you change your life. Session takes place from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Call 298-6400 to register.

June 19

Béla Fleck & The Colorado Symphony performance This unique performance will be a preview of events to come the following day at the sold-out Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Featured works include Béla Fleck’s “The Impostor, Concerto for Banjo & Orchestra.”

Performance will be at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. For details, call 303-623-7876.

June 22

The Zikr Dance Ensemble The Zikr Dance Ensemble offers a spectrum of works that are based on transcendent dance rituals from many different ancient world cultures throughout history along with original and contemporary dance/ theatre realizations. The show will begin at 3 p.m. at the Hotchkiss Memorial Hall, 175 N. First St. in Hotchkiss. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Tickets available at the door. ■

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

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42 Delta/ Montrose counties

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2014

Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Delta walking events

Events for veterans

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

The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans in June. 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.

Quality Care with a compassionate touch Paonia Care and rehabilitation Center 1625 Meadowbrook blvd • Paonia, Co Hospice • Respite Care • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy • Medicare/Medicaid Certified Transportation to & from Appointments • Respiratory Services Available as Needed • Dedicated Rooms for Rehabilitations and Recoveries • Long Term Care and Private Rooms Available • Basic Cable Service Provided to our Clients • All Qualified Insurances Accepted Medicare • Medicaid • HMO • Private • PACE • UMWA • Hospice Respite Care • VA We Accept MC & Visa Credit Cards

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

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

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

Historic Walking Tours and Cemetery Tours These walking and cemetery tours are hosted by the Montrose County Historical Society. Times and dates are subject to change. For more information, call 249-2085.

• Cemetery tours take place at 4 p.m. on the last Saturday of the month.

Meet at Grandview Cemetery, 16216 Sunset Mesa Drive in Montrose.

• Tuesday Alley Walk - 7 p.m., June 3.

Meet at the Montrose Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande Ave. • Saturday Alley Walk - 9 a.m., June 14. Meet at the Montrose Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande Ave.

Altrusa International of Montrose recognized At the recent Altrusa International District 10 conference, awards were presented to the 15 clubs in District 10 that achieved excellence in a variety of areas. This year, Altrusa International of Montrose was recognized in several areas. Montrose ASTRA received $100 for their Hilltop Tandem Families project and a member from Olathe ASTRA received a $500 scholarship. Altrusa of Montrose tied with another club for first place for the distinguished clubs award. Twelve were recognized for being members for 25 years or more and two members received sponsorship awards, which are given to members that brought in two to six new members from 2009 to 2014.

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

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

• Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets from noon to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at 645 S. Fifth St. in Montrose.

• Caregiver Support Group meets

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

www.montroseoms.com

970.240.4485 • 600 S. Park Avenue • Montrose, CO 81401

June 2014 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at Crossroads Assisted & Independent Living model cottage (first cottage on the left) at 1380 Aspen Way in Delta.

Call 773-4214.

• Caregiver Support & Networking Group meetings are structured to be an all-inclusive group for caregivers who care for someone with dementia or any disability or illness in any living environment. For more information and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203.

• Caregiver and Early Onset Dementia Care Recipients meet from 1 p.m.2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. (Sneffles/Gunnison Room) • Caregiver’s meeting takes place from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. at Hilltop, 540 S. First St. on the third Thursday of the month.

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

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

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

• Cedaredge group meets at 2 p.m.

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

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

• Montrose County Historical Museum’s old Railroad Depot is looking for summer volunteers. They offer flexible schedules and it’s a great way to learn about what happens behind the scenes of the museum. For more information, call 249-2085.

Club activities • Western Slope 4 Wheelers is made up of off-road enthusiasts who enjoy

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com four-wheeling and who work to protect four-wheeling rights on our 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. For details, call 275-0754.

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

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

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in June. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on any of the following activities, call 252-4884.

• Perimeter Trail Ouray Hike – 8:15 a.m.2:30 p.m., June 5. This approximate 4.2-mile hike has some steep up and down terrain. It is considered a moderate hike with a few difficult sections. Cost is $18.

• Raft the Uncompahgre - 7:45 a.m.2:30 p.m., June 10. Experience the untamed section of continuous rapids (II-III) on the Uncompahgre River.

This 9-mile stretch is the perfect choice for those looking for a fun paddle boat run. Private access to the narrow section of the Uncompahgre River provides a unique and remote experience for paddlers. Put-in is two miles below Ridgway State Park. Cost is $70, which includes guide gratuity.

Bring lunch and water. Payment due no later than June 3. Space is limited.

• Barnacle Bob’s Sailing Adventure 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., June 11 (same trip repeats July 9). Set sail on a one-hour sailing adventure. Try your hand at the helm, trim the sails, or just relax and enjoy the scenery of Ridgway State Park surrounded by

Delta/ Montrose counties 43

the majestic San Juan mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and optional hike by the reservoir. Cost is $31. Bring a sack lunch.

• Sky Ute Casino & Southern Ute Cultural Center - 6:45 a.m.-7:30 p.m., July 2. Gamers and nongamers alike will enjoy this trip to Ignacio. Senior Day is Wednesday with a variety of incentives offered. The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum is an architectural masterpiece that includes galleries, a library, museum store and an outdoor experience. Museum tour is optional. Cost is $45. Bring money for lunch and gambling.

Montrose Community Band honors military at annual Patriotic Concert Join the Montrose Community Band at 7 p.m. June 29 at the Montrose Pavilion for the annual Patriotic Concert celebrating Independence Day, and our veterans and active military personnel. Selections include traditional marches, songs celebrating American heritage and the Armed Forces Salute. The concert is free but donations are welcome. Ice cream will also be served for a donation. For more information, visit www.mon troseband.com or call 596-1188. ■

e loss of a loved one can occur at any time.

When you need us, we’ll be there.

Funeral Service & Crematory Mesa View Cemetery 682 1725 Road • Delta (970) 874-9988 105 S.E. Frontier, Suite F • Cedaredge (970) 856-3232

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

Turn BEACON readers into your customers.

Call Virginia Carlile about advertising opportunities.

417-0275

209 Bridge Street • Hotchkiss (970) 872-3151 311 Grand Avenue • Paonia (970) 527-3836 www.taylorfuneralservice.com

44 classifieds

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

To Place a Classified Ad...

3 easy steps!

June 2014

Real Estate for Rent

Manufactured Homes

senior living in a parklike setting

RIO VISTA MOBILE HOME PARK BEAUTIFULLY SHADED lot available in Palisade’s premium 55+ mobile home community. Ideal for a single wide modular home. Ph: 464-7798 for details.

Friendly  Affordable  Safe Convenient  Comfortable

Home Care - Work Wanted

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

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

Real Estate for Sale

........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

granD junction

........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

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

For this many months ...................... deadline :

20th of the preceding month

 Pay for it:

$239,900

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

 cash

 check

215 Love Mesa Drive

WOW! Fully furnished, low maintenance home with stucco exterior with Spanish tile roof. 9 ft. ceilings, hand textured drywall, refrigerated air, extra large covered patio with gas line for BBQ and ceiling fan. Vinyl fencing & front yard landscaping maintained by the HOA. Stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, raised oak cabinets and tile backsplash. Affordable luxury and only minutes from Chipeta Golf Course.

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

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

SE GRand Junction

 Send it in:

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

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

435 32 Road #444 • 2B/1Bath • Carport/covered patio/8x8 shed • All appliances included plus washer and dryer • Built in 2000 - original owner • Immaculate condition $20,000

Re/Max 4000 queStionS? Call Lisa M-TH, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MATURE, RESPONSIBLE CNA Available for part-time in-home care and companionship. Creative cooking, smart shopping and exceptional personal care are my specialties. Let me be your partner in high-quality living. Great references.

Call Brenda 623-0649.

FOR HIRE: ASSISTANT CAREGIVER - COMPANION Available for shopping, appointments, home care services, companionship in the home, or travel assistance.

Friendly, courteous, 20 years CNA experience. Call Connie at 366-1366.

References available.

PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel

name ..................................................................................................................... address.................................................................................................................

ALL THINGS DOMESTIC Cook, Clean, Errands, Animals, Personal Companion, Almost anything. Conscientious with 19 years experience and current references. Call Pam at 986-7393.

Please leave message. Thank you.

anna L. Rickenbach 970-260-8362 anna@gjproperties.com

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

www.pascosw.com

Home Care - Help Wanted CAREGIVER NEEDED Experience desired. Will train.

Flexible hours. Looking for kind and compassionate person. Call after 1pm. No messages please. 243-1599.

June 2014

Home Services Black Canyon Home Services Small Repairs, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Second home care, visit our website at www. blackcanyonhomeservices.net.

Montrose Area. Call John 209-2095.

Flooring Great Scott’s Hardwood Floors.

Installs, sand and refinish, residential, commercial, sports floor installation and stripping. Remote? No electricity? Not a problem! 25 years’ experience. 433-3539.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Licensed plumber/handyman.

Serving Western Colorado Since 1989. Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403.

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

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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 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.

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

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

Classes Elephant Mountain - Peaceful Pistol University™ Offers Pure Beginner Gun Class, Custom Marriage Pistol Course & DPR-Defensive Pistol Refresher (CCP).

Suzanne@gracefulguns.com. 270-3203.

Growing in the Honorable Discipline of Protective Preparedness©

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

We offer competitive pay, discounts and a great working environment.

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

Classifieds 45

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46 Kudos & kvetch

kudos \ ku·dos  “BeaconFest was a great event as usual. Thank you for being a ‘beacon’ in our community for seniors.”

- Lindy H., Grand Junction

 “I want to thank you (BEACON Senior Newspaper) and Marsha Kearns for the article, ‘In Memoriam: Local Wall of Heroes honors our veterans,’ in the May issue. Your story, hands down, is the best article we’ve ever had done on the wall. That includes stories from the Daily Sentinel, the Free Press and the Denver Post. Marsha’s story nailed it perfectly. I am tickled pink.”

- Bob McGary, Lois’ Place, Grand Junction

Kevin: That’s some fine company you’ve put us in. I’d also like to thank you for taking the time and effort to use your restaurant as a gallery of tribute to the brave men and women of our armed services who have fought to keep us free.  “The last issue (May) was outstanding! I’m so glad we’ve been together for so long. Makes me proud.”

- Becky Brown, Great American Estate Sales, Grand Junction

Kevin: Becky, thank you for your kind words and your loyal business. It’s customers like you and the comments from the reader below that sustain our grit on long production days.  “Please continue our subscription for two years. The BEACON Newspaper is without a doubt the best newspaper ever for people over 50.”

- Don & Marian F., Montrose

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Pursuing the American Dream

By Don Johnson

T

here is a great deal of debate today about the American Dream.

Some say it is an old ideal that is no longer reachable in today’s world.

Others say it never really existed— that it was only a myth to keep the poor quiet. Others say that today, the American Dream is a governmentsupplied income that keeps us from abject poverty.

In my opinion, those who think any of these bromides is correct never understood the American Dream in the first place. American productivity, that huge and powerful engine that drives our economy wasn’t always what it is today. Today’s economy, which in spite of the assaults on it by those who would “fundamentally change America” to a more European style of socialism, still affords us very high living standards. This economy has its roots in opportunity and self-reliance. There were never any guarantees. What you had is what you created and worked for. It wasn’t given to you or earned by the endeavors of others.

Poor? Yes, at one time, most of us were poor. We were poor in the way only people in the midst of a major depression can be poor. We lived in ways one thinks of now as ways only those in third-world countries live.

Most of our houses were without electricity. Few people we knew had indoor plumbing.

As a young boy, I don’t remember ever being in a house with air conditioning.

We lit kerosene lamps for light.

We dug pits and built wooden privies with quarter-moon shaped holes for ventilation on top of them. We carried water in buckets from

the windmill or well for drinking, bathing and all other water needs.

In the sweltering summer heat, we wet down dishtowels or sheets and hung them over the windows to cool the air as it passed through into the house. And most of us survived.

We kids frequently slept outside, weather permitting, on iron beds and springs that were weather-proof and mattresses that could be carried inside and thrown on the floor when it rained. And no one reported our parents for child endangerment.

We butchered our own beef, pork, poultry and game. The beef, we mostly wrapped in cheesecloth and hung on the windmill. The pork we smoked. The poultry and game we ate immediately or canned. Produce from the garden was dried or canned.

No governmental agency snooped into how we did these things, but we survived anyhow. We drank milk that had not been pasteurized nor homogenized. It was never government inspected, but it didn’t kill us.

We made this all a part of the American Dream, which meant that if we worked hard, lived frugally, and planned prudently, we would eventually have property of our own, which we could pass on to our children, who could improve on it, maybe enlarge on it, and pass it on to their children.

This was the American Dream. It was part of our American culture. It was a heritage worth fighting for— worth dying for if necessary. I can only hope we have not failed to pass on to our children the basic principles of thrift and hard work, which have always been the foundation of the American Dream. ■

June 2014

kvetch \ kfech  “Why wait until July to publish the schedule of events for this summer’s Western Colorado Senior Games? I never know exactly where to find one in time. June would be great. Thanks for an excellent publication.”

- Grace P., Grand Junction

Kevin: I’m glad that you’re excited to participate, but we need to wait until all of the events, times and venues have been established. This summer’s games promises to be the best yet and the entire schedule will be in July’s BEACON Senior Newspaper. As far as finding our paper, we have steadily increased circulation over the last five years. Try the local grocery stores first and if that fails, give us a call at 2438829. Thanks for reading the BEACON!  “Just because Marilyn Charlesworth may have lied about being a domestic violence victim doesn’t mean that Michael Blagg isn’t guilty.”

- Jim T., Palisade

 “So, a county commissioner wants us to advertise our community in an airplane magazine. Imagine the reader’s disappointment when after just having read the article, they fly into Grand Junction and over the desert area below Mt. Garfield only to see a variety of tornado-torn trailers, junkyards in the making, shotgun-shelled televisions and half-naked cousins making out on discarded couches.”

- Anonymous, Clifton

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

If you have questions about aging we have the answers.

We understand navigating the complex issues of aging can be confusing. You have questions and getting the answers you need can be frustrating. With one free call to the experts at Hilltop’s Senior Helpline you can get all the information and support you need including caring for an aging parent, aging at home, dementia and Alzheimer’s care, independent and assisted living options, community referrals and so much more.

Call (970) 244-0799 today and speak with a Hilltop aging expert or visit www.HilltopSeniorHelpline.org

A M E R I CA N CA N C E R S O C I E T Y ’ S

R E L AY F O R L I F E

ST. M A N D ARY ’S M ED

ICA H O S L C P I TA ENT L ER

ONCE UPON A CURE PM

Opening Ceremonies and Survivors Lap

Celebration Dinner Saturday, June 7, 5–7 pm Banana’s Fun Park, Event Pavilion 2469 Riverside Parkway If you’ve beat cancer, you may feel like Jack the Giant Slayer, and it’s no wonder. After navigating the emotional and physical terrain of cancer, slaying giant after giant, you deserve a little recognition and good dinner. All cancer survivors, regardless of where they received treatment, are invited to the annual American Cancer Society Survivor Celebration Dinner. Chat with the physicians and staff of St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center, catch up with old friends and meet new ones.

- Dinner prepared by Chef Patrick Waldow - Performance by Aspen musician Mack Bailey - Survivor and caregiver recognition ceremony - Pick up your Relay T-shirts - Lilly Oncology on Canvas Art Exhibit

CALL 970-245-5581 BY JUNE 1 TO RESERVE SPOTS FOR A SURVIVOR AND CAREGIVER.

COLO

June 13-14, 2014

Friday, June 13, 6:00

SURVIVOR

JU D N GRA DO

TI NC

ON,

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Long Family Memorial Park 3118 E 1/2 Road (near Central High School)

Go to www.gjrelay.com to register.

LEGENDARY TEAMWORK

Fairy tales and folklore are full of great teams: Snow White’s seven diminutive friends, the lost boys of Neverland. The staff of St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center knows the value of teamwork, too. With a staff of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a gynecologic oncologist, hematologists, dieticians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, patients get the best of each individual’s expertise and the benefits of collaboration.

CINDERELLA HAD A FAIRY GODMOTHER, PINOCCHIO HAD A WATCHFUL CRICKET

Patients receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center and their families have medical, emotional and spiritual support during and long after treatment, including our cancer survivorship program. Some people like hard facts and findings. Some seek activity and exercise. Others want conversation with like-minded folks, a creative outlet, or info about community programs. We are our patients’ personal Jiminy with great resources!

PEERING INTO THE FUTURE

St. Mary’s doesn’t need a crystal ball to see the future in cancer care.

Through relationships with UCLA’s Translational Research in Oncology–U.S. Network and the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Denver, St. Mary’s patients have access to cancer clinical trials, testing tomorrow’s medications and treatments. Clinical trial participants contribute to medical advances and may receive the latest cancer treatments before they are available elsewhere.

“We’re here for life.”

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