MESA COUNTY
JUNE 2019
Volume: 32 | Issue: 6
Mesa County’s Monthly Magazine for Adults 50+ with over 34,125 Readers
ART FROM THE HEART
SUMMER TRAVEL & FESTIVALS 20 19
Creativity sparks at any age Adventure is calling! Check out our Summer Travel guide for festival info and travel tips.
Don’t): (orDE ntSI Pitch EEa TeIN FR a guide to camping in the
great outdoors
22
Where the dinosaurs roamed
Moab’s museums give a closer look at these prehistoric giants.
34
Living off the grid
Ridgway couple forms business after a summer living in a tipi.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Complimentary Evaluation
WhyOfferam ExpirIesalways June.30.2019tired? Chronic fatigue is one of the most researched health problems via Google. Many different things can cause tiredness, but what it really boils down to is a lack of energy in your system.
response in your body where the blood rushes to your extremities, fueling your muscles. Your pupils dilate, helping you see your surroundings more clearly and your heart races as you choose to battle or race until the danger is gone.
• Loss of memory or concentration
Do these complaints sound familiar?
As feelings of safety come back, your heart steadies, and the body resumes its daily functions and repairs.
• Multi-joint pain without redness or swelling
2648 Patterson Rd #B Grand Junction 970-628-4481 “I wake up tired.” “I go to bed tired.” “Coffee just doesn’t work anymore.” “I can’t seem to catch up on sleep no matter how much I get.” The days of the 2 o’clock energy drain are behind us, as most people experience low energy the entire day. Why is that? Fight or flight These tired feelings occur with overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is designed to protect you during high-stress scenarios by activating the flight or flight response. It is your body’s way of amping up its game to help battle stress. Imagine being chased by a predator, and faced with the choice to stand and fight or run away. This creates a
Now back to real life. What are the predators you face now? Emails, traffic, scheduling demands, violent news reports, bills due, deadlines, etc. The pressure you put on yourself to react to these things has created the similar fight or flight effect. Do those “dangers” ever really go away? Do you ever truly come down from your fight or flight situation? If not, what does that mean for your system? It means that you manifest fatigue that’s severe enough to interfere with daily activities. • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. • Fatigue that gets worse after physical or mental activity (it can last up to 24 hours)
• Chronic insomnia (and other sleep disorders) • Muscle pain • Frequent headaches
• Frequent sore throats • Tender and swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you likely have a high amount of perceived stress in your life.
Our body is like a business. And energy is money. Without energy, we compromise our product or borrow to make ends meet. This results in energy debt and decreases our ability to function and live life the way we want to.
how can you change it? How do you create more energy to get back to living the life you want? One way is to decrease the stress in your life. There are lots of stressors that you can eliminate, boundaries you can create, time you can schedule for yourself, food you can eliminate, and healthy choices you can make. You can even change how you interact with the stressors that are part of your everyday life: family, careers, friends and circumstances. These fairly constant stressors add up in your life over time. Do you feel like you’re carrying a whole bunch of stuff on your shoulders—even stuff that isn’t yours? This real feeling has a very real effect on the body’s energy.
4 | JUNE 2019 |
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EDITORIAL COLUMN
National & Regional Award-Winning Publication
Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Managing Editor Cloie Sandlin Graphic Designers Chrissy Martin B. Bigler Office Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Assistant Siggie Carpenter Advertising Executives Sue Bowen Debra Romaniec Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Cora Gentry Lauren VanGundy JR Milner
P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970.243.8829 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
The BEACON’s youngest reader
“H
e’s a tad under your standard demographic, but I thought you’d get a kick out of how my son entertained himself while waiting for breakfast this morning!” Paige Cadman And I thought I was young when I started reading the BEACON...
SUMMER TRAVEL & FESTIVALS
Maybe I’m biased, but I think we live in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Isn’t it worth exploring? Our glossy Summer Travel & Festivals section is your guide to uncovering Colorado’s hidden gems and festivals big and small. Some of my favorite featured travel destinations are only a couple hours away. Whether you go for the day or the week, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and let us know what you find there.
GOT GAME?
The Western Colorado Senior Games gives you another reason to get active and enjoy the outdoors, and the 2019 games are right around the corner. Choose from more than 55 competitive events, ranging from pickleball to bocce ball, pinochle to cards, and golf to dance. This event
brings in competitors from across western Colorado. To register, call Grand Junction Parks & Recreation at 254-3866 or wait for the official registration form in next month’s BEACON.
SHOW US YOUR PETS!
If you’re a Facebook user, you certainly know someone who obsessively shares photos of their lunch, their kids or themselves. I’m one of those people who shares photos and videos of my dog, Skye, all too often on social media, even if she’s doing the most mundane things. Pets are important to BEACON readers, which makes our August issue—centered on pets and their people—our most popular issue of the year. We want to hear about your furry (or scaly or feathered) friends! Tell us about your pet and send a photo by July 5 to: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com, or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 You can also tag us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews ■
The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose 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 2019 • All Rights Reserved
Cloie Sandlin, Managing Editor
IN THIS ISSUE...
Cover Photo: Carole Sneddon was well into her 50s when she started painting. She has a natural talent for realism, but also paints fantastical land- and skyscapes.
8 14 24
Laughing with dear ol’ dad Dad’s humor was an antidote for hurting hearts. Fitness and fun Free chair yoga classes improve flexibility and promote happiness and wellbeing. Summer fun with grandkids Maximize the long, lazy days of summer with these activities.
26 30 34
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My car is broken. Now what? Expert advice to avoid getting frustrated and stranded on the side of the road. Flipping houses—it’s not like TV Flipping a home can be risky, and there’s no guarantee of profit. Living off the grid Ridgway couple inspired by summer living in a tipi.
JUNE 2019 | EDITORIAL COLUMN | 5
COVER STORY
Art from the heart Creativity sparks at any age Story and photos by Jan Weeks eady for the rocking chair? Not these three seniors, unless it’s sitting in front of their easels.
R
Sue Hughey, Carole Sneddon and Bob Maurer are well into their mature years and all three are still active on the local art scene— some for profit, some for fun. Hughey, 84, grew up in an artsoriented family. Her father was a ceramicist who built the ceramics studio, including all the equipment, at Wichita State University, and her mother won multiple prizes for her poetry. Hughey’s love of drawing led her to work as a graphic artist. She also worked at Boeing drafting electrical diagrams. Illustrated maps brought another income stream. She created a map of Texas for the sesquicentennial celebration, a map of the United States, one of the Caribbean
islands and one of New World pirates and their treasure—all of which were sold as posters. Following in her father’s footsteps, she began sculpting. “The Pugilist,” her alabaster sculpture, was displayed at the Chicago Art Institute. She created a bust of her husband, Harold, as a young man and immortalized her two sons in clay. In later years she began painting in oils, primarily landscapes. She returned to her graphic arts roots when she wrote and illustrated a children’s book, “Herby’s Secret Formula.” When Harold became ill, art took a backseat. He has since passed away, and she said she would love to get back to painting. “It’s a good way to relieve tension,” Hughey said. “I. It’s a great escape.”
“Ancestral Alcove,” watercolor by Bob Maurer.
ALWAYS AN ARTIST
Carole Sneddon grew up with German bombs falling on Wirral, England, during World War II. With her father away in combat, her mother struggled to put food on the table and clothes on the backs of her three children. “I always had a talent for draw-
ing,” Sneddon said, “but we were very poor and couldn’t afford art supplies.” The only time she got to draw and paint was at school, and she stayed for two years beyond the mandatory age of 15 in order to have access to supplies and instruction. After graduating, she attended nursing school and lived at the hospital. There were no opportunities to practice her art during that time. She immigrated to America in 1959 and worked as a nanny in Westchester, New York. Then she became a partner in a restaurant and later became the sole proprietor of another.
Left: Sue Hughey grew up in an arts-oriented family and began painting in her later years. Right: Bob Maurer supported himself and his family as an artist.
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Sneddon met her husband, Max, in the restaurant. He was a land developer and contractor. They came to Grand Junction in 1995, where Max was the moving force behind many new homes. Sneddon was well into her 50s when she started painting.
COVER STORY “I worked in the kitchen, watching Bob Ross on the television,” she said. She took a few lessons but didn’t stay long, as she wanted to develop her own style. Then she got bored and began experimenting with colors. Her first original painting was of a lake in Westchester. She has a natural talent for realism, but also paints fantastical land- and skyscapes. Max always supported her desire to paint, and when they built their home north of the city, it included a self-contained art studio, complete with its own furnace and plumbing fixtures. Christopher Tomlinson’s photograph of fire fighters struggling to put out the White Hall fire on the front page of the Daily Sentinel mesmerized Sneddon. “I asked him if I could paint it in color,” she explained, “and he was thrilled!” The painting now hangs in the Grand Junction Fire Department Administration office, in the hallway
near the chief’s office. Sneddon has exhibited her oils at Grand Junction City Hall and the Fruita Community Center. She joined the Western Colorado Center for the Arts and submitted paintings for the members’ shows and for the Roice-Hurst benefit show. Her painting of a dog waiting to rejoin his master in heaven so impressed a local man that he bought it before the benefit officially got under way.
WORKING ARTISTS
Bob Maurer’s quick wit and spry steps belie his 91 years—years that have been filled with a multitude of jobs but always took him back to his first love: art. As youths, he and his buddy drew comic books, emulating the ones being sold at the time. He had a good art instructor in high school and won the Alexander prize for art. “It should have been a bronze medal,” Maurer said, “but due to metal shortages during World War II, I got a certificate.” Maurer joined the Army during the Korean conflict but stayed stateside. Using his GI bill, he attended The Cooper Union School of Art in New York, then he studied drafting at the Pratt Institute. Maurer works in pencil, pen and ink, oil, pastels and watercolors. The fruits of his labor fill a bedroom and half the living room of his mobile home. His style ranges from realism to abstraction, touching on everything in between.
first prize in the local Veterans Art Center competition and second in the national VA contest in the watercolor category. He exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and had the “honor” of having one of his pieces stolen from the Denver Art Museum. He also designed a Smokey the Bear coin, misspelling the name, and the coin became a collector’s item after the mistake was corrected.
GETTING STARTED
These artists started with an aptitude for drawing, but every one said that anyone with the desire to draw and paint should follow their hearts and just do it. Materials don’t have to be expensive. Sketchbooks, pencils, brushes and paint are available at local discount stores and hobby and craft stores. And they don’t have to be fancy. A child’s watercolor set costs only a few dollars, as do colored pencils that appear on school supply lists.
64% OF OLDER AMERICANS CREATE ART Most older Americans participate in the arts. A study for the National Endowment for the Arts examines arts participation by people aged 55 or older, and using 2014 data from the Health and Retirement Study, determines whether participation is linked to better physical and mental health—and it is. Those who participate in the arts and/or attend arts events have higher levels of cognitive functioning and less physical disability than those who do not. Here’s what the 64 percent of doers create: • 27% crochet, knit, quilt, sew, weave, do needlepoint, or make jewelry • 24% dance
Babies don’t just stand up and walk, and we encourage them to try again and cheer when they succeed. Follow your dream and take that first wobbly step. Do it for fun, do it for yourself, and do it from your heart.
• 19% sing or play a musical instrument
For more information about the artists, visit Sneddon’s website at www.colorsofcalle.com or Maurer’s at www.maurerart.com. Purchase Hughey’s book, “Herby’s Secret Formula,” on Amazon. ■
• 7% paint, sculpt or make ceramics
• 13% do photography, graphic design or filmmaking • 12% do woodwork, leatherwork, or metal work
• 7% write stories, poetry or plays • 1% act in theater or film Source: National Endowment for the Arts, Staying Engaged: Health Patterns of Older Americans Who Participate in the Arts
His wife, Lydia, started out as a fashion illustrator, and Maurer said, “We raised our four kids by being artists.” Both Maurers taught art, having up to 70 students a week at one point. Top: Carole Sneddon Right: Sneddon’s painting of the fire at White Hall, based off of a photo by Christopher Tomlinson.
The Maurers bought a log cabin in Lake City and built a gallery in which to display their work. In the past year, Maurer took WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM |
JUNE 2019 | COVER STORY | 7
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Laughing with dear ol’ dad By Karen White-Walker
I
miss my dad. You’d think that having him for 68-3/4 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 un-speakable 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 a high tolerance toward
one another’s nerve-wracking ways, we might have been thrown into a dark, drowning abyss, never to resurface again. But we weren’t and we did recover. 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, lopsided notion that it was a privilege to get dirt under your fingernails. But he didn’t ask of us things that he himself wasn’t willing 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,
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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. 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 just outside a grocery store. I remembered the bill came to $21.36 and he handed the cashier $22.11 because he needed three quarters. “That girl looked like I had handed her a note to turn over all her loot. Wouldn’t swap a bushel of my sweet cherries for that dumbbell doozy!” he insisted. Yes, Dad could be sarcastic, judgmental and lacking in compassion, but he was a devoted family man. He loved Mom, she adored him, and together they managed to only minimally scar us kids psychologically. Somehow, some way, they both instilled in us such an enthusiasm for life. 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? Those are the sad times, but what about the happy moments? Even after Dad lost Mom after 69 years of marriage and he had developed that insidious Alzheimer’s disease, there was a light moment that made us all laugh.
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Just before we lost Dad, my sisters, their families and mine, were having a summer picnic. We were so aware that someone was missing and, of course, that someone was our precious mom 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-inlaw thought that if he said it just one more time, Dad would finally 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 till we cried—life is funny that way. ■
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Not sure what to get Dad for Father’s Day? By Kimberly Blaker ather’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show him you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you.
F
Video surprise - Share special memories of your dad and put it to video. You can also sing to him, read him a poem, or do skits. Get the whole family involved and conduct interviews with each other, letting Dad know just how much he means to you. King for the day - It isn’t every day your dad gets waited on hand and foot. Offer to be his loyal servant for the day. Bring him coffee and toast in bed; fetch his newspaper; be host or hostess and serve him beverages and snacks; clean up after him and anything else to give him the royal treatment. Record memories - Purchase a scrapbook, and create a record of memories about you and Dad. Include photos of special outings, events and holidays you’ve had together, and other memorabilia such as concert or sporting event ticket stubs, postcards, and brochures. Next to each item, describe your memories of those special times with your father. Write a poem - You don’t need to be a poet to come up with a few thoughtful words to express how much he means to you. Print it on stationary, mat and frame it. Musical moment - Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, enjoy a jazz or blues festival, or pack up some lawn chairs, and enjoy a local concert in the park. Lend a hand - Has your dad been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning out his attic, basement, or garage? Give him a gift of shelving materials and brackets, wall
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racks and ceiling hooks, and storage crates. Then spend the day helping him to get it organized. Sports buff’s surprise - Take your dad for a sporting good time. Play a game of golf, tennis, or basketball, go fishing at the river’s edge, or enjoy a paddle around a lake. If being a spectator is more his thing, buy tickets to his favorite sporting event. Weekend getaway - Get in touch with nature on a camping trip for two. Rough it in a tent or rent a mini cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend enjoying nature hikes, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards, and taking it easy. Father’s Day feast - As the old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So treat dad to a mouth-watering meal on the barbecue. Create a collage - Put together a photo collage of you and your father. Find instructions at your nearby craft store and create a Decoupage photo collage. Keep it simple with a multi-photo frame, or purchase a unique 3D photo collage frame. These are available and art and craft supply stores and online. Certificates of appreciation Show Dad you appreciate his hard work by returning the favor. Make coupons that say: “In appreciation for all that you do, Dad: Redeem this certificate for a hassle-free car wash by me!” Other favors include sweeping out the garage, mowing the lawn, or another task he normally handles. Catch a flick - Treat your dad to a movie fest. Rent a couple newly released videos or some of his longtime favorites, or head to the cinemas for a double feature. ■
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9
RECIPES
GLAZED LEMON COOKIES Recipe courtesy of Milk Means More Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1
teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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In large bowl, mix butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and mix well. Add lemon zest, lemon juice and lemon extract; beat until combined. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly beat dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Beat until combined.
Bake 15 minutes, or until edges start to brown. Transfer cookies to wire rack to completely cool.
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10 | RECIPES | JUNE 2019 |
Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.
Spoon out dough and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper 1 inch apart and lightly press with fingers to slightly flatten dough.
VALID THRU 6/30/2019 ORIGINAL COUPON ONLY, NOT VALID WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS OR SPECIALS
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Heat oven to 350 F.
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To make glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice until smooth. Dip top sides of cookies into glaze for full coverage.
ASK THE OLD BAG
Why are kids’ birthday parties so lavish? Dear Old Bag: Last month, I went to my 5-year-old granddaughter’s birthday party. There was a blow-up castle for kids to jump around in, a face painter and a guy with a pony that gave rides to kids. The kids had a blast. I know it must have cost a pretty penny, but that’s not what bothers me. Here’s the thing: If a child has this for her fifth birthday, what in the world are they going to expect later on? Why are these parties getting so lavish? What is wrong with us as a society that we feel compelled to do more, more and more? Signed, BW Dear BW: It appears that parents always want to do more for their children than what was done for them when they were kids. I did it. You probably did, too. When will it all end? I guess when they have exhausted their funds! Sometimes these lavish parties are more for the parents to feel like they have done something important for their child, which is probably a fallacy because I happen to think that nothing is more important to do for your child than spending time with them. OB Dear Old Bag: My dad is impossible! He is in assisted living and it is really nice, but he finds stupid things to complain about. He needed to be there because he was falling, not eating properly and would forget (or refuse) to take his medicine. He resents the fact that his son and I have taken over his finances, and that he doesn’t know what is going on. It is getting harder to visit him and listen to his criticisms. Any advice would be appreciated. W.R.
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Dear W.R.: Since I am old, too, maybe I can help you understand him. He has evidently lost his wife, home, health, independence and ability to manage his affairs. All he has left is being critical of everything and everyone, especially those he sees as trying to control him. Give him back some control, if you can. Give him a financial report each month. If he doesn’t want to take his meds, he has that right. If he falls, he has that right, too. I am a spunky person, but I will be a mean old cuss if my kids begin to act like they are my parents and I am their child. After all, I changed their diapers! Good luck, OB
M O N DAY - T H U R S DAY U N T I L 6 P M
Early DinE
Dear Old Bag: I am a high school senior and I read your column to my grandma each month. She really enjoys it. Grandma keeps up on everything and is very broad-minded. I wish I could get along with my mother as well as I do my grandma. I can tell Grandma anything. I can’t talk to Mom. It always ends up in an argument. Why is that? Help! JW Dear JW: It has been said that there is no gap between grandparents and grandchildren. Your grandma is not responsible for seeing you grow up to be a successful person. She is there to love you. Your mother’s job is to guide and protect you. When she sees you heading in the wrong direction, it is her responsibility to help you correct it. When you have children of your own, you will begin to understand that. Meanwhile, try to realize what a big job it is to raise a child, and keep that close relationship with Grandma! OB ■
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11
HEALTHY GEEZER
Breaking down the process of swallowing
A
s we get older, the esophagus—the tube that connects your throat to your stomach—loses its ability to move food downward, making it difficult to swallow. The medical term for this is dysphagia, and it’s just one of those things that come with aging. Persistent swallowing problems, however, can be a sign of a serious condition, and should be checked by a physician as soon as possible. There are a variety of causes for dysphagia. But first, it’s important to understand that swallowing is a three-step process that involves dozens of muscles and nerves to work properly. The most common cause of dysphagia is chewing improperly or gobbling food, but it could also be: • narrowing of the esophagus, or tumors in the esophagus
• the muscle at the base of the esophagus doesn’t let food enter your stomach • weakened throat muscles caused by disease, stroke or spinal-cord injury
Dysphagia can impede nutrition and hydration, and if food or drinks get into your windpipe when you’re trying to swallow, you can suffer from respiratory problems.
or stimulate nerves responsible for the swallowing reflex, expanding the esophagus with an endoscope and balloon attachment, surgery to remove tumors, drugs to reduce stomach acid, liquid diets and feeding tubes for severe cases.
There is a variety of tests for dysphagia, including an x-ray of a • food or foreign objects stuck in Some people are taught a differbarium-coated esophagus, direct your throat ent way to eat. For example, they examination of the esophagus with may have to eat with head an endoscope, The treatment that istheir provided at cover varie • stomach acid backing up, causing The most common method your a test with a presCompass Medical Center son and ca doctor will recommend to treat to measure muscle turned to one side. sure recorder the esophagus to spasm or form has four main goals: after a deta your neuropathy is with prevascular ev scription drugscontractions that may tempo-of the esophagus, 1) Increase blood flow People2)with problems swallowing you have n scar tissue that narrows this canal rarily reduce your symptoms. Stimulate small fiber nerves 85% nerve These drugs have generic names video fluoroscopy and ultrasound. 3) Decrease brain-based painfor liquids may need thickeners (known as gastroesophageal condition c such as Gabapentin, Amitripty4) Stabilize the nerve cells line, or Lyrica and are primarily their drinks. GERD can reduce swalreflux disease, or GERD). antidepressant Treating The experie or anti-seizure The treatment to increase blood Compass M drugs. These drugs may cause lowing problems caused by the flowsome utilizesfoods—such a specialized lowAvoiding as do a n you to feel uncomfortable and • the formation of a small pouch level light therapy (not to be examinatio have a varietynarrowing of harmful side of the esophagus. Other confused withcold laser foods—can therapy) usvery hot or very extent of effects. that collects food particles in ing light emitting diode technoltreatments include exercises to neu ogy. This technologyvictims. was origi■ This help some dysphagia examinatio your throat nally developed by NASA to help coordinate swallowing muscles detailed Figure 2: When these very small assist in increasing blood flow. blood vessels become diseased they begin to shrivel up and the nerves begin to degenerate.
nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burnBY FRED CICETTI ing, and many additional symptoms. questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of
HEALTHY GEEZER,
Send your general health The main problem is that your the BEACON, or email him directly at fred@healthygeezer.com Figure 1: Notice the very small blood vessels surrounding each nerve.
doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Snowflake that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects. (see the special neuropathy severity examination at the end of this article)
The low level light therapy is like watering a plant. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a plant and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully re-
Peripheral Neuropathy WARNING Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the thedon’t hands drugsnerves whichinyou likeand feet which causes the nerves to begin taking because they make you to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow. feel uncomfortable. There is
physical diagnostic detailed an of your neu
Call our of appointmen neuropathy
1300 S Snowf
(928
Pain, Numbness & Tingling In The Hands/Feet
blood flow to utilizes a specialized blood flow to the nerves in the In order effectively treat your neuropathy factors must be low-level lightthree therapy (not to be hands and feet which causes the determined. confused with laser therapy) using nerves to begin to degenerate 1) What is the underlying cause? now a isfacility right here invaries fromlight diode technology. due to lack of nutrient flow. 2) emitting How Much Nerve Damage The treatment thatAs provided cover to peryou can atsee in Figure 2, as person The that originally is provided at The most common method your Hastreatment Been Sustained? Compass Grand Medical Center son andsurround can onlyThis be determined Junction that offers you technology was the blood vessels that Compass Medical Center doctor will recommend to treat As you can see in Figure has four main goals: after a detailed neurological and NOTE: Once you have sustained nerves taking becomevascular diseased they developed without those bymain NASA to assist in fouras goals: your neuropathy is with hope pre- the evaluation. Ashas long 85% nerve loss, there is nothing 2, as the blood vessels that 1) Increase blood flow shrivel up which causes the scription drugs that may tempoyou have not sustained at least endless drugs with serious side increasing blood flow. that we can do for you. 1) Increase blood flow 2) Stimulate small fiber nerves nerves to not get the to surround the nerves become rarily reduce your symptoms. 85%nutrients nerve damage yourmuchsmall 3)then How treatment will 2) Stimulate fiber nerves 3) Decrease brain-based effects. (see pain thetospecial neuropathy continue survive. Whencan these These drugsup have generic names condition been treated. The low level light therapypain is your condition require? diseased they shrivel which 3) Decrease brain-based 4) Stabilize the nerve cells severity examination at the end of such as Gabapentin, Amitripty4) Stabilize the nerve cells like watering The light causes the nerves not get the The experienced providers at the a plant. line, or to Lyrica and primarily thistoarticle) Theare treatment increase blood Compass Medical Center will can allow the blood or anti-seizure therapy nutrients toantidepressant continue to survive. flow utilizes a specialized lowThe treatment to increase blood do a neuropathy severity These drugs may level light cause therapy to be flow a specialized In order(not to effectively treat your to vessels to utilizes grow back around lowWhen thesedrugs. nerves begin to “die” examination determine the you to feel uncomfortable confused withand laser therapy) uslevel light therapy (not to be extent of the nerve damage. neuropathy three the peripheral nerves and havetoa have variety of harmful side they cause you balance ing light emitting diode technol- factors must confused with laser therapy) usThis neuropathy severity effects. ogy. This technology was origibe determined. them with the proper problems, pain, numbness, ing light diode technolexamination willprovide consist of a emitting nally developed by NASA to ogy. This technology was origidetailed sensory evaluation, Figure 2: When burning, these very small 1) What is the underlying cause? nutrients to heal and repair. It’s tingling, and many assist in increasing blood flow. blood vessels become diseased they nally developed by NASA to physical examination, Figure 2: When these very small like adding water to a plant and 2) How much nerve damage has beginadditional to shrivel up and the nerves symptoms. diagnostic testing, assist and inaincreasing blood flow. blood vessels begin to degenerate. The low level light therapy is become diseased they analysis of the findings been sustained? seeing the roots grow deeper The treatment that is provided at detailed varies from person to perThe most common method your begin to shrivel up cover and the nerves like watering a plant. The light your neuropathy. begin to of degenerate. Compass Medical Center son and can only be determined The low level light therapy is doctor will recommend to nerves treat begin to “die” they cause therapy will allow the blood vesNOTE: Once you have sustained and deeper. has four main goals: after a detailed neurological and your neuropathy is with you pre- to have balance problems, like watering a plant. The light sels to grow back around the pevascular evaluation. As longanwill as allow the blood vesscription drugs that may tempo85% nerve loss, there is“die” nothing ourthey office today totherapy make nerves begin toCall cause pain, numbness, tingling, burn1) nerves Increase blood flow ripheral and provide them you have not sustained at least The amount of treatment rarily reduce your symptoms. appointment to determine if your todo have balance problems, sels to grow back around the pe2) proper Stimulate small fiber nerves ing, and many additional sympthat weyou can for you. with the nutrients to heal 85% nerve damage then your These drugs have generic names neuropathy can beneeded treated: pain, water numbness, tingling, burn3) Decrease pain ripheral nervesthe andnerves provide them to allow toms. and repair. It’sHow likebrain-based adding condition can been treated. such as Gabapentin, Amitripty3) much treatment will 4) Stabilize the nerve cells ing, and many additional sympwithrecover the proper nutrients to a plant and seeing the roots line, or Lyrica and are primarily to fully varies fromto heal toms. your condition require? The main problem is that your and repair. It’s like adding water grow deeper and deeper. The experienced providers at the antidepressant or anti-seizure The treatment to increase blood person person canthe only doctor has told you to just live to atoplant seeing roots Compass Medical Center can andand drugs. These drugs may cause flow utilizes a specialized The main lowproblem your do is athat neuropathy severity you to feel uncomfortablewith and the problem or try the drugs grow deeper after and deeper. is provided be determined a detailed level The light treatment therapy (notthat to be Figure 1: Notice the very small blood examination to determine the have a variety of harmful which side you don’t like taking bedoctor has ustold you to just live The amount of with treatment needed confused laser therapy) vessels surrounding at Compass Medical Center extent ofdrugs theneurological nerve damage.and vascular effects. each nerve. cause they make you feel unto allow to fully rewith thetechnolproblem or try has the ing the lightnerves emitting diode 1300 South Main Street This neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a smallThis blood comfortable. There Figure is now1:aNotice fa- the very ogy. which you don’t like taking befour main goals: Theseverity amount of treatment needed evaluation. As long as you have technology was origiexamination will of a Snowflake, AZconsist 85937 surrounding each nerve. here in vessels Snowflake cause theyflow make you feel unnally 1) developed byblood NASA to result of damage toisthe nerves cility rightFigure to allow the to fully rePeripheral neuropathy a result Increase detailed sensory evaluation, 2: When these very small not sustained at nerves least 85% nerve that offers you hope without takassist in increasing blood flow. There (928) 536-5525 comfortable. is now a faof damage to the nerves often blood vessels become diseased they physical examination, often causing weakness, pain, ing those begin endless drugs with se2) Stimulate damageand thena your condition to shrivel up and the nerves cilitysmall right fiber here nerves in Snowflake causing weakness, pain, numbdiagnostic testing, Peripheral neuropathy The is a low result the spebegin(see to degenerate. level light therapyyou is hope without taknumbness, and dethe rious side effects. that brain-based offers ness, tingling,tingling, and the most detailed of been the findings 3) Decrease pain analysiscan treated. of damage to the nerves often like watering a plant. The light cial neuropathy severity bilitating balance problems. This ing those endless of drugs seyour with neuropathy. The main problem is that your most debilitating balance nerves to “die” they cause causing pain, numbtherapy allow the blood ves- cells examination atbegin the end of weakness, this 4) will Stabilize the nerve damage is commonly caused by rious side effects. (see the speyou tohas have balance problems, to grow ness, tingling, and thesels most de- back around the peprovider’s at article) doctor told you to just live problems. This damage Call ourseverity office The today experienced to make an a lack of blood flow to is the cialprovideneuropathy pain, numbness, tingling, burn-problems. ripheralThis nerves and them bilitating balance appointment to the determine if your Medical Center nerves in the hands by and feet of commonly caused a lack Compass The treatment to increase with the problem or try the examination at the end of this ing, and many additional sympwith the proper nutrients to heal damage is commonly caused by In order to effectively treat your
The most common method your doctor will recommend to treat your neuropathy is with prescription drugs that The most common method your may reduce doctortemporarily will recommend to treat your symptoms. neuropathy isThese with drugs preyour scription drugs that may tempohave such as rarily generic reduce names your symptoms. These drugs have generic names Gabapentin, Amitriptyline, such as Gabapentin, Amitriptyor Lyrica andand areare primarily line, or Lyrica primarily antidepressant oror anti-seizure antidepressant anti-seizure drugs. These drugs may cause drugs. These drugs may cause you to feel uncomfortable and you uncomfortable haveto a feel variety of harmful sideand effects. have a variety of harmful side effects.
which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.
12
neuropathy can be treated:
toms. article) and repair. adding water neuropathy three factors mustofbeblood flow a lack to theIt’s like to a plant and seeing the roots determined. nerves isin that theyour hands grow anddeeper feet and deeper. The main problem In order to effectively treat your 1) What doctor is the underlying cause? which causes nerves to begin has told you to justthe live neuropathy three factors must be 2) How Much Nerve Damage to degenerate due to lack of nuwith the2019 problem or WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM try the drugs | you HEALTH & WELLNESS | JUNE | As can see in Figure 2, as determined. Has Been Sustained? Figure 1: Notice the very small blood which you don’t taking betrient like flow. The amount of treatment needed the blood vessels that surround vessels surrounding each nerve. 1) What is the NOTE: Once sustained cause you theyhave make you feel unto allow the nerves to fully re- underlying cause? the nerves become diseased they 1300 South Main Street 2) How Much Nerve Damage 85% nerve loss, thereThere is nothing comfortable. is now a fa-
cover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. As long as Figure 3: The blood vessels will grow you have not sustained at least back around nerves much 85% nerve the damage then like youra plant’s roots watered. condition cangrow beenwhen treated.
can do a neuropathy severity The experienced providers at the examination to determine the Compass Medical Center can do aof the neuropathy severity extent nerve damage. examination to determine the This neuropathy severity examextent of the nerve damage. ination consist of aseverity detailed This will neuropathy examination will consist of a sensory evaluation, physical detailed sensory evaluation, examination, diagnostic testing, physical examination, and a detailedtesting, analysisand of thea diagnostic detailed analysis of the findings findings of your neuropathy. of your neuropathy.
Call our office today to make Call our office today to make an an appointment to determine appointment to determine if your if neuropathy can be can treated: your neuropathy be treated:
SouthRoad Main#17 Street 24781300 Patterson Snowflake, Grand Junction, AZ CO 85937 81505
536-5525 (970)(928) 985-4506
All major health insurances accepted including Medicare.
All majo accepted
DEAR PHARMACIST
New and novel ways to treat diabetes
D
iabetes affects millions of people each year, and some of the complications are fatal. There are many natural remedies, as well as dietary interventions.
Traditional medications, including those that attempt to correct blood glucose, insulin sensitivity, beta cell function or inflammatory compounds, only go so far. They can even cause serious nutrientdepletions (drug mugging). About 10 years ago, I wrote publicly about how statins could lead to hyperglycemia. Unfortunately, new research proves I had every right to warn you of this. “British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology” published an article in its March 2019 edition that shows how statins increase risk of developing diabetes by up to 38 percent. Statin cholesterol medications can easily predispose a person to develop diabetes, which can also lead them to taking medications for diabetes in addition to statin meds. Statins aren’t the only offenders. There are dozens of prescription and over-the-counter medications that negatively impact your blood glucose levels, glycation end products and overall insulin sensitivity. Here are more findings about diabetes that have been in the news lately. Antivirals reduce diabetes risk. It may sound weird, but people treated with antivirals slashed their risk of diabetes by half. The treatment used was a combination of Interferon and Ribavirin, and the patient
DEAR PHARMACIST BY SUZY COHEN Send your questions to Suzy in care of the BEACON, or via her website, www.suzycohen.com
population studied had Hepatitis C infection. Those people who were not medicated had higher risk of diabetes development, equating to about 20 percent of the participants. Those treated with the medication exhibited an incidence of just 10 percent. Supplement with cinnamon. A new meta-analysis, which reviews many pieces of scientific literature, has concluded that supplementation with cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels by approximately 19 mg/dL. It may not impact A1C or insulin levels. Pomegranate protects. New research shows that pomegranate seeds (and peel) can protect against diabetic nephropathy. Your kidneys are the filtration system for your body. When they don’t work well, toxins build up and can make you itch and lead to swollen feet and ankles, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion and poor appetite. Nutrients and neuropathy. People with diabetes often experience painful neuropathy all over their body, especially in their hands and feet. The pins and needles and burning sensations are very difficult to treat. B vitamins help to form myelin, the protective coating on your nerves. New research was published in the February 2019 issue of “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications” that suggests that Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is helpful in reducing visceral pain and painful limb sensations caused by neuropathy. ■
Medicare Moment: Monthly tips and
tidbits about Medicare and Medicare fraud
The difference between real and fake discount drug cards Prescription drug discount cards • are free and may come from well-known stores or health care companies • can help Medicare Part D enrollees in a coverage gap • don’t claim to replace Medicare or insurance
Some scammers use fake discount cards to steal your identity or your money. Avoid cards that • ask for money or your Medicare number • claim you’ll lose your Medicare or prescription drug coverage without a card Talk to a SHIP Navigator if you are uncertain. NEVER give out your Social Security, Medicare, health plan numbers or banking information to someone you don’t know. If you have questions about Medicare, call RSVP SHIP at 243-9839. 422 White Ave., Suite 090 | 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday | www.rsvpgrandjunction.org
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Fitness and fun: Free chair yoga classes improve flexibility and promote happiness and wellbeing
By Jan Weeks hat do you get when you put an insurance salesperson and a yoga instructor together? A dynamic combination of expertise in senior protection and health in one package.
W
Ashley VanGundy, owner of 970 Insurance, and Mathew McRobbie, owner/instructor of B Yoga, have joined forces to start a free monthly chair yoga class at Vault Real Estate Community, 2755 North Ave. in Grand Junction. Chair yoga is a great option for people of all ages and skill levels, focusing on improving flexibility and creating happy mental states. McRobbie recommends chair yoga for those who have never done yoga and for those who want a gentle workout.
“It’s not a competition,” he said. “Students should work only to their comfort level.” As an insurance agent specializing in Medicare supplement and advantage plans, VanGundy has extensive experience working with seniors. She was introduced to B Yoga and began reaping the benefits just after a few classes. “Mat’s class helped me so much,” she said. “I love working with seniors, so I told him what I did, and we started talking about how nice it’d be to offer a class specifically for them.” Both VanGundy and McRobbie believe that happiness and health go hand in hand and are passionate about helping everyone, especially
Mathew McRobbie with B Yoga and Ashley VanGundy with 970 Insurance host a free, monthly yoga class for boomers and seniors at the Vault. Photo by Cloie Sandlin boomers and seniors, live life to the fullest. “You can really see a difference in people who are active and moving,” said VanGundy. “We want to share that value to everyone in a class that not only helps them physically, but also brings happiness to their sense of well being, mentally and emotionally. Some seniors are lonely, and it’s also nice to have that sense of community.” Two of McRobbie’s students credit yoga with easing their pain and making life more enjoyable. Terri Ludwig, 60, hasn’t let fibromyalgia stop her. She attends meditation class, restorative yoga and chair yoga at B Yoga, 305 Main St., weekly. “It’s given me my life back,” she said. Nancy Sowers, 72, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. “They took out the lymph node in my side and used laser radiation on my lungs to reduce the cancer,” she said. “Yoga helps me breathe better, and eases my sciatica and arthritis.” The next class is scheduled for June 22, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at The Vault. Snacks will be provided.
14 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | JUNE 2019 |
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To reserve your spot, or to find the best Medicare plan, contact Van Gundy at 712-8672 or visit www. 970insurance.com. If you’re ready to build new health skills or brush up on old ones, and make new friends in the process, give McRobbie a call at 312-4711 and visit www.byogasimplyb.com for schedules. ■
To make the yoga experience even better, follow these simple guidelines: • Don’t exercise on a full stomach. Eat a light meal one to two hours before class. • Wear comfortable clothing. You don’t need expensive workout gear. A T-shirt and stretchy pants work fine. • Stay hydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you. • Don’t forget to breathe! Inhale deeply when the pose expands your chest and exhale when you bend over. • Move slowly at your comfort level. It’s about flow, not finishing fast.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Grandma Tillie’s truth about fiber W By Carrie Luger Slayback hen it comes to fiber, my Grandma Tillie was on to something.
Even though my dad—her son— would laugh at her admonitions to eat fiber-filled whole grains, saying, “Tillie was always telling us to eat brown bread for our bowels,” listening to her advice could’ve helped him keep his weight down and avoid coronary disease which resulted in a triple bypass. My dad was a scientist, but in the science of fiber consumption, Grandma was the authority. Nancy Ferrari, senior editor of Harvard Medical School’s blog “Harvard Health,” agrees with Grandma Tillie. In her article, “Making one change—getting more fiber can help with weight loss,” she quoted Harvard Med School’s Dr. Frank Hu, who said fiber diets help to prevent type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even support weight loss. “Something as simple as aiming to eat 30 grams of fiber each day can help you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, and improve your body’s response to insulin,” said Hu, citing a study from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where participants lost four to six pounds just by adding an average of 19 grams of fiber. They even maintained this loss when they were
checked a year later.
Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health reports that high fiber intake is linked to lower risk of coronary heart disease, and relieves and prevents constipation, the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the U.S. It also reports that diets low in fiber and high in sweets and white flour more than doubled the risk of type 2 diabetes, but diets high in cereal fiber were linked to a lower risk.
HOW MUCH FIBER DO WE NEED?
Lucia Pattrito of Michigan State University Extension said women age 50 and under need about 25 grams of fiber a day, while those over 50 should eat about 21 grams each day. For men, it’s 38 grams for those up to 50 and 30 grams over age 50. Fiber falls into two categories: soluble and insoluble. We should eat both. Here’s why: • Soluble fiber, which is found in dry beans, peas, lentils, oats, fruits and some vegetables like carrots and squash, can help in reducing blood cholesterol levels, heart disease and blood sugar levels.
• Consume at least one serving of whole grain in every meal.
• Cook with brown rice instead of white.
• Sprinkle oat or wheat germ over salad, soup, breakfast cereals and yogurt.
• Add kidney beans, garbanzos or other bean varieties to salads.
• Use whole-wheat flour for cooking and baking. • Choose 100 percent whole grain bread. • Choose cereals with at least five grams of fiber. • Keep whole-wheat crackers on hand for an easy snack.
• Substitute legumes for meat two to three times per week. • Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. • Eat whole fruits instead of drinking juices. • Add chopped dried fruits to your baked cookies, muffins, pancakes or breads. ■
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• Insoluble fiber, which is found in foods like wheat bran, whole grains and all vegetables and fruits, helps keep bowels running smoothly, preventing flare-ups of constipation and hemorrhoids.
HOW DOES THIS TRANSLATE INTO EVERYDAY EATING?
University of California, San Francisco gets down to specifics:
Relax These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not inteded to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program.
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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |
15
BOOMER BEAT
Yoga pants are my new Don’t Miss a best friends
Word
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243-6440
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2532 Patterson Rd., Ste. 12 | Grand Junction | www.aaahearing.net
! n u f s i s m o o l r ering at Hei
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arn more.
ation to le irlooms loc
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was in the locker room at the gym recently when I saw a woman whose T-shirt read, “My yoga pants have never been to a yoga class.” Talking with her, I discovered the message was two-fold: although she wasn’t a fan of yoga, it didn’t mean she didn’t love her yoga pants. In fact, she practically lived in them. There’s been a lot of controversy in the media about women’s clothing, namely leggings and yoga pants. I’ve read numerous comments from people—primarily men—that say it’s inappropriate for women to wear leggings or yoga pants in public because they’re too revealing. These critics obviously haven’t experienced the comfort and confidence we have with our new best friends. Yoga pants complement our active lifestyles, work as hard as we do, and fit into any budget. We can dress them up or down, and wear them to the gym, grocery store, or wherever we decide to curl up with a good book. They make for comfortable travel wear, and take up little space in our closet or suitcase. The breathable material helps us make it through stressful days. Not only do yoga pants make working out easier, but they also allow us be more motivated. They’re functional for all ages—much more than hip-suffocating bell-bottoms, polyester short shorts or miniskirts. They also come in a variety of colors and prints, giving us a form of self-expression and confidence that we can’t wait to show the world.
DELTA 532 Main Street (970) 874-5251
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Proceeds from Heirlooms support the mission of HopeWest, a nonprofit organization owned by the communities we serve.
16 | JUNE 2019 |
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However, let’s get one thing straight: we don’t wear yoga pants to evoke attention from men. We wear them because they’re comfortable, versatile and instill confidence. “It’s about functionality and how we feel about ourselves,” said Carrington Schaeffer. “Women should be free to wear what frees their body and allows movement that traditional clothes don’t.” Schaeffer’s mother, Sue King, said people’s opposition to wearing yoga pants might be generational, as she still struggles with wearing them outside of the gym even when she radiates confidence in her own flashy sportswear. “I’ve been losing weight but I still see my fat self in the mirror,” said King. “Maybe after another 10 pounds.” Even though she loves her yoga pants, Kathy Leech, a retired real estate broker of 30 years, said it’s hard to break the habit of feeling the need to look professional when she’s out in the community. Don’t be quick to judge the next time you see a woman wearing leggings or yoga pants in public. Men can enjoy the same feelings of comfort and freedom that women do with yoga pants that are designed for them, too. “Yoga pants say you are comfortable with who you are,” said athletic instructor Andrea Minnick. “It’s not size that matters. The stronger you feel, the more confident you’ll feel.” ■
BOOMER BEAT BY MELANIE WISEMAN Send your questions to Melanie in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at melaniewisewoman@gmail.com
Frisbee: spinning plastic into gold By Randal C. Hill risbie!” was a shout heard across the manicured lawns of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut in the early 20th century. The word was yelled as a courtesy warning to anyone strolling the grounds that a just-tossed pie tin might be coming their way.
“F
Kids in nearby Bridgeport first took to sailing empty pie tins that came from the Frisbie Baking Company, a mom-and-pop business in operation since 1871. In time, many Yale students took up the Bridgeport activity as a fun way to relax and temporarily slough off academic concerns between classes. Unaware of the activity taking place on the other side of the country, in 1937, Los Angeles 17-year-old Fred Morrison started spinning a popcorn-container lid back and forth with his girlfriend. They eventually switched to sailing tin cake pans because they glided better. A year later, the two were throwing a cake pan at Santa Monica Beach when a stranger offered them 25 cents for the item. “That got the wheels turning because you could buy a cake pan for five cents, and if people on the beach were willing to pay a quarter for it—well, there was a business,” Morrison later said. Morrison spent his military years flying P-47 Thunderbolts when World War II intervened. After the war, he was able to use some of the knowledge of aerodynamics that he’d accrued during his service in developing the toy. The enterprising inventor worked as a carpenter during the week and in his spare time designed and created a flexible plastic platter that he sold at weekend fairs and carnivals. Over the years, he called his constantly evolving toy the Whir-
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lo-Way, the Flyin’ Saucer, and by the mid-1950s, the Pluto Platter, which is considered the archetype of such discs available today. Morrison’s creation caught the eye of a California toy company called Wham-O in 1957, and the owners quickly snapped up exclusive rights to the Pluto Platter in exchange for lifetime royalties. Before long, the Wham-O folks learned that many New Englanders still yelled “Frisbie” even though they now sailed Wham-O’s Pluto Platters. The toymakers then began calling their disc the Frisbee, which they misspelled to avoid any trademark issues. Since 1957, over 200 million of the plastic discs have been sold on every continent except Antarctica. The first professional model Frisbee appeared in 1964 and featured raised ridges that were claimed to stabilize flight. Now worldwide competitions exist in Ultimate Frisbee (a cross between football, soccer and basketball), Frisbee Golf (where players sail discs into metal baskets) and Freestyle Frisbee (which features choreographed routines set to music and multiple discs in play). The World Flying Disc Federation shows that the record time aloft for a Frisbee is currently 16.72 seconds, and distance sailed is 1,109 feet. This leads one to wonder: Did those record-holding athletes ever yell “Frisbee” when they tossed their discs? ■
In a tranquil neighborhood all your own. The Cottages let you live independently while giving you the freedom to make the most of your retirement. Our single-level patio homes offer privacy and luxury with open living plans featuring two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio and a one-car garage. All nestled in a quiet neighborhood with beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and walking trails. Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance and a flexible meal plan at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms. Plus you and your loved ones get peace of mind with a 24-hour emergency response system. Call or visit today for a tour and free lunch.
(970) 434-2111 • TheCottagesGJ.org When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, you are supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 65 years. Best of all, your money stays right here in our community bringing vital services to those who need them most.
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 |
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LAUGHING MATTERS
LAUGHING MATTERS GOT TWO BUCKS?
The gentleman asked the homeless man if he would like to come home Submitted by Cynthia Moore with him for a home-cooked meal, A homeless man, who’d obviously to which he accepted eagerly. While seen his share of hard times, apYour trusted resource proached a well-dressed gentleman they were heading for the man’s house, the homeless man’s curiosity on the street. FOR ALL YOUR MEDICAL NEEDS got the better of him. “Hey, Buddy, can you spare two “Isn’t your wife going to be angry dollars?” the homeless man asked. when she sees a guy like me at your The gentleman responded, “You table?” he asked. are not going to spend it on liquor “Probably,” said the gentleman, are you?” “but I want her to see what hap“No, sir, I don’t drink,” retorted the pens to a guy who doesn’t drink, man. gamble or play golf.” “You are not going to throw it away in some crap game, are you?” asked HOLLYWOOD SQUARES the gentleman. Submitted by Charlie
Proudly serving the Western Slope for over 24 Years Locally owned and operated! “No way, I don’t gamble.”
These great questions and answers are from the game show, “Hollywood Squares,” when Peter Marshall was the host.
Oxygen “You wouldn’t waste the money at a golf course for greens fees, would you?” Scooters Peter: “What is a good reason for “Never,” said the homeless man. “I pounding meat?” don’t play golf.” Lift Chairs
Peter: “Do female frogs croak?”
Peter: “Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?”
Paul Lynde: “If you hold their little heads under water long enough.”
Charley Weaver: “My sense of decency.”
Peter: “If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?”
Peter: “In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say ‘I Love You?’”
Charley Weaver: “Three days of steady drinking should do it.”
Vincent Price: “No, you can say it with a pineapple and $20.”
Peter: “True or False: A pea can last as long as 5,000 years.”
IT’S NICE BEING A GUY
George Gobel: “Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.”
We know stuff about tanks.
Paul Lynde: “Loneliness!”
Peter: “You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?” Don Knotts: “That’s what’s been keeping me awake.”
Submitted by Tony Elam
A five-day trip requires only one suitcase. We can kill our own food. We don’t have to learn how to spell a new last name.
Peter: “According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and think he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he’s married?”
We can leave a motel bed unmade.
Rose Marie: “No, wait until morning.”
If someone forgets to invite us to
We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. Wedding plans take care of themselves.
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18 | LAUGHING MATTERS | JUNE 2019 |
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LAUGHING MATTERS something they can still be our friend. Three pair of shoes are more than enough. Car mechanics tell us the truth. Gray hair and wrinkles only add character. We can drop by and see a friend without having to bring a gift.
I gather all the parts to start up my swamp cooler: faucet, ball valve, snow cake, one or two brass clamp nuts, and several brass clamp sleeves and brass inserts. Even though I said a little prayer, I still find myself at the hardware store buying parts, anticipating what might go wrong this year. I get home. Here goes nothing.
We are not expected to know the names of more than five colors. We are unable to see wrinkles in our clothes. The same hairstyle lasts us for years—maybe decades. We don't have to shave below the neck. One wallet, one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons. We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache. We don't care if someone notices our new haircut. We can do our nails with a pocket knife. Wedding dress: $2,000; Tux rental: $100. Just throw them in the dirty clothes with everything else. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
SETTING UP THE SWAMP COOLER Written and submitted by Linda A. Binkley
Summer is here and the house feels like a sauna. I figure it’s time to start up the swamp cooler since it’s not going to cool off until October.
I assemble and attach all the pieces of the water supply, muttering another prayer of thanks that the cooler is on the side of the house and not on the roof. I turn on the water and am grateful that the water spraying like Niagara Falls is clean water. That’s my second bath of the day.
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759 Horizon Dr, Ste E, Grand Junction, CO (NW corner of Horizon Dr. and Crossroads Blvd.)
www.pinnaclehearingaidcenter.com
I turn off the water, take a big breath and apply Teflon tape to stop the leaks. After turning the water on and off a few times and removing the tape, I realize the connections are no longer leaking, but the rubber hose from the water to the cooler has sprung a leak. Must have been that feral cat or the ninjas that live in the neighborhood. I turn off the water again and connect the splicer. I check the water level in the cooler. It should be good since the floater hasn’t been touched since last year—floater is good. I take a deep breath. The water is coming out of the spiders at a steady rate and the pads are well watered. Now I go into the house and turn on the motor, which runs like a racehorse. The cool air feels like Alaska has moved into my living room. Isn’t summer a wonderful thing? ■
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19
HOME & GARDEN
Made in the shade: Varying degrees of light, moisture, warmth lead to a robust garden
Our high desert sun is intense, and while many warm season crops, like tomatoes, peppers, corn and squash can handle full sun, many of our favorites enjoy a bit of shade.
T
his is good news for those of us who want to transform our gardens into diverse backyard ecosystems. Embracing shade means we can tend to our garden in layers, utilize vertical space, create habitats for toads and beneficial insects, and relish the abundance. Getting away from the idea that every garden plant needs full sun moves us towards creating more robust and resilient garden ecosystems with varying degrees of light, moisture and warmth. You might even discover that your greens are tenderer, certain flow-
ers look more vibrant, or that you don’t have to water as much as you thought you did.
THINK LIKE A FOREST One of the most central ideas in permaculture is mimicking a forest. Imagine it: You’re walking through a forest of evergreens and aspen, and you look up to see trees of varying heights, each reaching their leaves up toward the sun. You’re enjoying a shady walk, but specks of sunlight still beam down on you. As you look around, shrubs and wildflowers are everywhere, and beneath them
are grasses and shorter, sprawling flowers and ferns. Pine cones and decomposing leaves lie beneath the smallest plants and cover the forest floor, blanketing a layer of dark brown, moist soil. Don’t forget about the worms, birds, deer and critters contributing to and benefiting from this forest ecosystem. No one is tending to the forest but Mother Nature. As you cultivate your garden, think about the many layers you have to work with. Is mulch blanketing your soil to help retain moisture and provide habitat for earthworms? Are you growing
Section 3
poppies spinach
lettuce
herbs
kale
peppers aisle buckwheat
aisle
carrots
beets
bush beans
Section 1
squash
onions
corn pole beans
20 | HOME & GARDEN | JUNE 2019 |
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Sunflowers, corn, trellised cucumbers or squash can cast shade on shorter plants to protect them from the hot afternoon sun. Seed buckwheat with carrots to create a shady canopy for the carrots to germinate under. A little bit of shade for broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower will help slow flowering and encourage tighter heads.
HARVESTING POTATOES stakes
Section 2
tomatoes
There are infinite ways to add diversity to your garden and make use of vertical space to mimic the layers of a forest.
You may not have much planting to do this month, but take a look at your garden and don’t be afraid to try something new. Maybe you can add mulch or a layer of grass clippings. Maybe you’ll fill in the gaps in your garden with lettuce seed so you can enjoy more tender leafy greens throughout the summer. Maybe you’ll add nasturtium to your squash patch, if you haven’t already.
potatoes
arugula
tall flowers beside your greens?
If you planted potatoes in early spring, they might be ready to harvest.
Knowing when to harvest potatoes depends on when you want to eat them and whether you want to
To recap our garden: In April, we sowed a foundation for a biodiverse garden. In May, we added warm-season crops on top of sections we covered with fast-growing buckwheat and peas, which we replaced with the Three Sisters. Then we waited until;l after Mother’s Day to plant tomatoes and peppers.
HOME & GARDEN CONCRETE REPAIR, RESTORATION & STABILIZATION
…Walls cracking? - Patio sinking? - Floors buckling? - Foundation tilting? - Basement leaking? - Concrete ugly? - Walks & Drives shifting?
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info@mays-mcsi.com www.mays-mcsi.com store them. “New potatoes” are harvested early; they’re smaller in size and have tender skin. These can be harvested two to three weeks after the plants stop flowering. New potatoes are for fresh eating, so enjoy them within a few days of harvest. Mature potatoes can be harvested two to three weeks after the plant’s foliage has turned yellow and died. Whether you’re harvesting new potatoes or mature ones, choose a dry day to harvest. Use a pitchfork to gently dig up the plants from beneath, being careful not to stab your potatoes, which will be attached to the roots of the plant. If you want to store your mature
potatoes after harvest, set them out in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks to allow their skins to cure. After curing, brush off any lingering soil and store them in a cool, somewhat humid, dark place.
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IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES
TENDING TO GARLIC
Garlic puts out scapes that will eventually flower. Scapes are stalks that come up from the center of the garlic plant. They’re delicious to eat, and removing them will encourage bigger and tastier bulbs! Coming up on mid-June, taper off watering garlic, but don’t stop watering completely. As July nears, you’ll notice leaves starting to yellow. That means harvest time is coming! ■
ALIVE & DIGGING BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com
Mesa Feed Mart has 126 varieties of vegetable seed available in quantities as little as 1/2 ounce and larger quantities that can be special ordered. Below are some great planting ideas for summer. Late Spring/ Summer planting: Beans, beets and peas These fast-growing and warm weather veggies are great for June or July planting. The “Cs”: cabbage, carrots, corn and cucumbers - These vegetables will produce in abundance, and they need to be planted after the last frost in warm soil. You can plant them as late as July.
Herbs - Annual herbs such as basil, dill, oregano and thyme love the heat. It’s best to plant them in June. Melons and squash - Great for long, hot summers, melons and squash are a staple for picnics and family fun. Radishes - With only 20 days to maturity, radishes are vegetables that keep giving all summer long. Come by Mesa Feed Mart and check out all our varieties. Watch for next month’s column: “It’s Not Too Late to Plant Summer Flowers.”
Mesa Feed Mart
242-7762 • 520 S. 9th St., Grand Junction www.mesafeedmart.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | HOME & GARDEN |
21
TRAVEL
Where the dinosaurs roamed Moab museums give a closer look at these prehistoric giants
Story and photos by Diana Barnett
W
ho doesn’t love dinosaurs? I sure do, and so do my grandkids. Since my grandson Liam lives and breathes dinosaurs, we decided to take a day trip to Moab to learn about our area’s early reptiles. On the drive over, I had a flashback to our first trip to Vernal, Utah, with our kids more than 30 years ago. I remembered their excitement as they walked through the wooded museum trail, looking up at the towering dinosaur statues and a wooly mammoth on the path. The T-Rex was by far their favorite. In every family photo in the months that followed, two kids posed with their fingers shaped like dinosaur claws.
EXPLORE THE DINOSAUR DIAMOND
Moab, Utah, is located smack dab in the middle of the Dinosaur Diamond—Vernal to the north, Fruita to the east, Price to the west, and Blanding to the south. Moab has several trails for hiking and viewing dinosaur tracks. Two of my favorites are the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, a 1.8-mile hike that’s great for hikers of all skill levels, and Potash Petroglyphs trail, where you can also view petroglyphs from your car. Museum of Moab also features an extensive rock and mineral display with massive dinosaur bones. Liam’s favorite attraction was Moab Giants, a dinosaur museum unlike any other, just a few miles north of Moab. This prehistoric compound also features life-sized dinosaurs, which look quite comfortable in the land they once called home.
22 | TRAVEL | JUNE 2019 |
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Diana and Brad Barnett explore Utah’s Dinosaur Diamond with their grandkids.
A TRIP THROUGH TIME
The half-mile trail at Moab Giants’ Dinosaur Park is mostly level, which makes for an easy walk whether you’re 6 or 60. Plaques at each display inform visitors about the creatures’ habits, footprint, time period and other interesting facts. Many dinosaurs are portrayed in families or hunting groups with Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains in the backdrop. “Look, it’s a Utahraptor!” Liam announced, as we rounded the trail. “You can tell by its head, its tail and its sharp claws!” I didn’t remember that one from the first time around. Evidently, this recently recovered raptor is a larger version of his cousin, Velociraptor, made famous by “Jurassic Park.” The trail winds past smaller creatures like the silesaurus, oviraptors and pterosaurs, and then opens up to creatures like the diplodocus, which can measure up to 80 feet from nose to tail tip. We could hardly wait to get up close and personal with the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Once we reached the end, there he was—all 44 feet of him. We looked like munchkins posing by his 30-plus inch feet.
TRAVEL
Moab Giants is a dinosaur museum unlike any other. This prehistoric compound features life-sized dinosaurs, which look quite comfortable in the land they once called home.
BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE
ly made and preserved in stone.
Of course, not all ancient creatures walked on land. Our next stop was the 5D Paleo Aquarium, which provided a walking tour for observing creatures ranging from sea turtles to Megalodons, prehistoric sharks thought to measure up to three times as long as a Great White.
The park also includes a playground, gift shop and café; a 3D theater, which introduces early history of the universe; excavation sites; and a paleo camp, where visitors can step into the life of a paleontologist, seeing how they camp and what they use.
The park’s interactive Tracks Museum uses cutting-edge technology to bring the past to life with touchscreen terminals and educational games that facilitate learning. We peeked into labs where scientists are conducting a range of research projects. Visitors can also create their own fossilized tracks to better understand how they were original-
So what are you waiting for? This two-hour trek from Grand Junction, and three-hour trip from Montrose makes it easy to make your own tracks with your grandkids alongside life-sized dinosaurs. What a great way to enjoy a common interest with grandchildren and share quality time together! ■
MOAB DINO JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS MOAB GIANTS DINOSAUR PARK 112 West SR-313, Moab, UT 435-355-0288 www.moabgiants.com
FANTASTIC FOSSILS of the Grand Valley Research and discoveries of the Grand Valley’s fossils since 1900
On exhibit through September 15
Dinosaur Journey in Fruita
MUSEUM OF MOAB
POTASH PETROGLYPHS & DINOSAUR TRACKS
I
D
FAMILY Y FRIENDL FUN
SAUR DA O N
Y
(closed for remodel; re-opening in Fall 2019) 118 E. Center St., Moab, UT 435-259-7985 www.moabmuseum.org
June 8
9am-4pm
www.climb-utah.com/Moab/potash.htm
MILL CANYON DINOSAUR TRAIL
www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/mill-canyon-dinosaur-trail WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | TRAVEL |
23
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
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Summer fun with grandkids:
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24 | JUNE 2019 |
By Kimberly Blaker
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
BACK TO NATURE
Trailblazing - Head to a local, state, or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and a lightweight jacket in case it gets too cool. Ride ’em, cowboy - You don’t have to be a horse owner to enjoy the pleasure of riding one of these majestic beings. Visit Rimrock Adventures (www.rradventures.com; 858-9555) or another horse rental stable and catch the sunset on horseback. Make sure your grandchild is provided a helmet for safety before you ride. Zoo trip - Visit a nearby zoo that has created natural, spacious set-
tings for their animals, and teach your grandchildren the importance of these habitats. Check the schedule for animal presentations. You don’t have to travel all the way to Denver for this experience! Check out the Children’s Nature Center (www.childrensnaturecenter.org; 241-1000).
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE Beach bummin’ - Load up the beach ball, buckets and blankets, and head to the lake. Take along goggles, snorkels, and fins for underwater exploration. Swimmer’s paradise - Spend a smoldering summer day cooling off at the pool. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen throughout the day. Backyard water blast - Plenty of cool fun can be had right in your own backyard. Fill water balloons, and play a game of catch. Or hook up the sprinklers for a refreshing game of tag. Don’t forget to fill up the squirt guns and supersoakers to ensure everyone stays drenched.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
YOUR OWN BACKYARD
Under the stars - Take full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and camp out in your backyard. Kick off the evening by watching the sunset, then build a bonfire (if permitted), roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars, seeing what you can spot. Croquet champs - Set up this outdoor game everyone can play. Then hold a summer’s end croquet match. Step right up - Organize a backyard carnival to raise funds for your favorite charity. Hang posters in local businesses, and submit a news release to the newspaper. Ask friends and neighbors to help man the booths. Then set up games such as a beanbag toss or number wheel, a baked goods stand, fortune telling, face painting and refreshments. Outdoor hideout - What’s a backyard without a hideout or special place to kick back? Build a tree
house or fort with the younger kids, who can feel a part of the project by carrying small materials, dispensing nails, and occasionally swinging the hammer.
OUT AND ABOUT
Dancin’ in the street - Summer abounds with fairs and festivals. Enjoy live music, food, and arts and crafts. Look for upcoming festivals in the BEACON’s Summer Travel & Festivals insert (inside this issue). Batter up - Family fun centers like Bananas offer a variety of recreation for the whole family. Get ready to practice your golf swing, speed around the race track, or bump another boat. Arts in the park - Unwind listening to summer concerts at Grande River Vineyards (www.granderiver vineyards.com/events-concerts; 464-5867) or take in a movie under the stars at Lincoln Park (www. facebook.com/moviesintheparkgj; 254-3886) or Glade Park (www. glade-park.com/movies-under-
the-stars.html). Don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Wheels big and small - Pull out your bikes and roller blades, and take advantage of a paved trail in your neighborhood or along the river. Coasters, cars and Ferris wheels - A trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (www. glenwoodcaverns.com) can be the highlight of the season. If your grandkids are at different ride levels, invite another family with children similar in age to your own. Then divide up so everyone can get the most out of the day. Meet up for lunch and dinner to swap kids, so all grandparents get time with each age group. Park play - Take your grandkids for a picnic and an afternoon at the park. Bring along a playmate for your grandchild, and they’ll be content for some time. Don’t forget to bring a book to catch up on your summer reading. ■
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
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My car is broken. Now what? Y By Corey Colombin ou’re driving along Patterson, grocery list in hand, when suddenly your car engine dies at a stoplight. You put it in park and restart the engine, but it barely comes to life, sputtering and jerking to the nearest curb. The dash is lit up like a Christmas tree with warning lights and any attempts to restart now are met with zero results. Your car is broken. Now what? First off, let’s back up to a little history and maintenance. Have there been warning lights on the dash before this happened? Perhaps “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” that have been ignored? It’s true that a check engine light can be triggered by some very small issues (a loose gas cap comes to mind), but it will also illuminate when there is a serious problem. Ignoring these warnings can leave you frustrated and stranded on the side of the road. The simple solution is to be proactive with your vehicle and you will likely avoid this kind of situation.
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My husband, Robert, a career automotive technician and operations manager for MIT Automotive, debunked some of the common misconceptions about automotive repairs. “Diagnostic equipment does not give all the answers; it just points a technician in the right direction. There is no replacement for diagnostic skill and experience,” he said. “There is also no Magic 8 Ball for when a component will fail. Technicians cannot give exact mileage for how long brakes will last or when that seeping water pump will fail.” I have fielded many of the same questions from customers about their vehicles. Although each manufacturer has designed its own systems, these basic facts for fueldriven cars might help you understand yours better. • Battery life: If your vehicle has a five-year battery, its expected life is just that: five years. If you’ve had a vehicle for five years and never replaced the battery, that may be the cause if your car won’t start. If you suspect your battery is low, turn off all the consumers (radio, heat, wipers, lights, seat heaters) before trying to start again.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS • Heat: The heat for your vehicle comes from the engine. If it’s 30 degrees outside and you’ve just started your car, you will not get any heat from the vents until the engine is up to operating temperature. • Pre-heating: Running your vehicle in cold weather for 10-15 minutes before driving not only allows for comfort in the cabin, it also warms up the engine oil and other fluids, which are needed for proper operation. • Warning lights: Warning lights should never be ignored. It’s your vehicle’s way of warning you of potential problems. Furthermore, never ignore flashing warning lights, which is your vehicle’s desperate attempt to get your attention. They mean one thing: stop now and drive no more. Call a tow truck. • Oil changes and maintenance: Manufacturers are quick to want vehicles to appear low cost for maintenance and often push the scheduled service intervals out for 15,000 miles, particularly for vehicles that utilize synthetic oil. The problem is that many drivers won’t cover 15,000 miles in a year. An oil change is also the mechanic’s opportunity to check other systems in the car, therefore heading off potentially expensive problems. Be proactive by taking your vehicle in for service at least once a year regardless of the mileage. • Choosing a service and repair shop: It’s important to pick a service shop that you trust and where you feel comfortable asking questions. It’s also important to pick a service facility that knows your brand of vehicle. After all, you wouldn’t take a heart problem to a podiatrist. With the complicated electronic systems in most vehicles, aim for some place that has vehicle-specific software. Your mechanic should be able to answer any questions you may have about the workings
of your vehicle. If your mechanic is easily stumped, you may want to consider another mechanic. • Estimates: It’s tempting to phone into a repair shop and ask, “If my brakes need replacing, how much will that cost?” But it’s more complicated than that for the mechanic to answer. Do you need front brakes, rear brakes, just pads, or pads, rotors and sensors? And, do you even need brakes? Take the guesswork out by taking your vehicle in, have the problem diagnosed and get an informed estimate.
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• You are in control: As the car owner, you are always in control of a repair, whether you authorize or decline work. Ask questions to be fully informed as to why a repair is being recommended. • Can’t be without your car? When faced with a repair, many people think their schedule is way too busy to be without their car—even for a day. Remember that right now, you were able to drive to the shop, get an estimate and decide if a repair should be done. Being broken down on the side of the road becomes an emergency. You’ll definitely be without your car then and whatever plans you had will be interrupted. Save yourself. Be proactive with service and repairs. ■
CALL US BEFORE YOU BUY AN EXPENSIVE NEW COOLING OR HEATING SYSTEM Jim Schooley, Owner-Operator. Over 35 years of experience. BBB A+ Rating Licensed and Insured. Serving the Grand Valley. Properly installed blown-in attic insulation: • Saves money on annual cooling and heating costs • Eliminates hot and cold areas in your home • Makes living in your home more comfortable year-round
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Grand Valley Home Insulation grandvalleyinsulation.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 |
27
FAITH
Affect your circle of influence
First Presbyterian Church Our Mission Is To Follow Christ & Share His Word
Sunday Worship Services: Traditional 8:30 am Contemporary 9:30 am Traditional 11 :00 am
By Vic Stinemetze efore I retired in 2016, I worked as a supervisor in a program for delinquent teens. My position included hiring staff, tracking and scheduling trainings, resolving grievances submitted by the kids, and posting the weekly staff schedule for a workforce of 70 people.
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3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 970-242-1923 www.firstpresgj.org
Each year, I was given a budget of
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day, the program director asked me into his office and told me how the number of hours our staff was working was exceeding our budgeted hours.
Inspirational Family-oriented Inspirational Inspirational Relational Inspirational Relational Relational Sacred space Relational Sacred Sacredspace space The place for you 9:00 am contemporary Praise service Sacred space The Theplace placefor foryou you 9:009:00 am PraisePraise service am contemporary service 10:00 amcontemporary Christian Education (all ages) United Methodist Church 10:00 am Christian Education (allservice ages) The place for you 10:00 am Christian Education (all ages) 11:00 am Traditional service with Choir 9:00 am contemporary Praise United United Methodist MethodistChurch Church 11:00 am service with Choir 11:00 am Traditional service 10:00 amTraditional Christian Education (allwith ages)Choir United Church First UnitedMethodist Methodist Church, 5thth St. & White Ave.11:00 (downtown) 242-4850 am Traditional servicewww.fumcgj.org with Choir
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I told him, a little defensively, that I had always scheduled our staff within the number of hours I’d th & White Ave. (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org First First United United Methodist MethodistChurch, Church,5 5St. St. & White Ave. (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org been given, but my position didn’t First United Methodist Church, 5th St. & White Ave. (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org allow me to have control over the number of hours people actually worked. I told him that the floor supervisors were responsible for that, and that I couldn’t tell them what to do since their positions were parallel to mine.
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I pondered what the director said, and started bringing awareness to the issue by mentioning the number of hours our staff were working (in
In Matthew 16:18 (NLT), in talking to one of His disciples, Jesus said, “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means “rock”), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” The word Jesus used for “church” was a word known in Jewish as “Ekklesia.” Ekklesia was actually a secular word, meaning a social impact group with implications of affecting society, all the way up to and influencing government. That’s what we, the church, are to be. Each of us has a circle of influence given to us by God. We can’t force our society to change, but if each one of us works to affect his or her circle of influence, we will see the effects of our work upon society. One pastor put it this way: “Go and preach the Gospel; and if necessary, use words.” What we do affects others. So who can you affect in your circle of influence for the Kingdom of God? ■
Experience God's loveloveinina atraditional setting. Experience God's traditional setting. Sunday study: 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship: 10:15 a.m.
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28 | FAITH | JUNE 2019 |
“I’m not asking you to,” the director replied. “All I’m asking you to do is to affect your circle of influence.”
a non-threatening way) whenever possible. Sure enough, our labor hours began to come into line with our budget.
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First Baptist Church of Grand Junction 720 Grand Avenue 970-242-5645 Visit our website: fbcgj.org
Experience God's love in a traditional setting.
TALKING DIGITAL
Streaming allows you to listen to music in a whole new way O ver the past 15 years, the process of listening to and acquiring music has completely changed. Individual songs are now available on demand through streaming music services, often for free. The next time you talk to someone under 30, ask them about the music they listen to. He or she will most likely mention playlists that include The Beatles, Van Morrison, Eminem, Garth Brooks, Metallica and perhaps a Neil Diamond tune mixed in. The iPod and similar digital devices have established an era of music lovers who think of music as individual songs. It’s likely that everyone still has a favorite artist or two, but playlists are more oriented to activities and mood than to genres. Each streaming service has pros and cons. Almost all of them have a free ad-supported option, but a subscription (usually $10 per month or less) provides more versatility and limits ads. I’m going to focus on the free options because the paid options all offer the same features
Pandora is great for the traditional genre listener, but it’s the last service you want to use when you have a hankering for a specific song or artist. Pandora creates stations for you that features music similar to the songs and artists you search, but it doesn’t necessarily play the song or artist you’re searching for.
Spotify is the most popular service, as it allows users to build custom playlists of individual songs or choose from playlists designed by other Spotify users. The free version provides full flexibility on a desktop computer. Users can build ad-supported playlists of individual songs or listen to the same song over and over. The disadvantage is that you can only listen to playlists on shuffle on a mobile device, and it will only allow you to skip songs so many times. The pay version of Spotify allows users to play individual songs, skip and repeat, and even download their songs for offline listening. YouTube is also a great place to
access music. I enjoy using it to discover interesting and/or obscure cover versions of songs I like. YouTube Music is a free app that allows you to listen to any song or playlist of songs that have been uploaded in video form. If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have access to many of the features available to the $10 per month Amazon Music subscriber. Users can build custom playlists, play and repeat single songs, and even download songs for offline listening.
However, Amazon Prime Music has a limited library of music. In order to gain access to the full library, you either need to subscribe to the $10 service or use a program like Spoti-
fy with a more robust library.
My favorite way to acquire digital music is to shop thrift stores and garage sales. A single song usually costs around one dollar to download and most pay services cost around $10 per month. But you can buy a used CD for a dollar or two. Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon all allow you to copy music from your CDs and include those songs in with the library of music provided by the given service. Whatever service or combination of services you use to access music, you’ll discover that you have more options than ever for playing music you enjoy, no matter how eclectic your tastes may be. ■
TALKING DIGITAL BY ADAM COCHRAN Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at adamc@talkingdigital.org
Storage Challenges and Solutions in Western Colorado Thad Porter of New Castle was determined to find a safer way to store items after his close friend contracted the dangerous hantavirus after cleaning out his storage shed. This serious virus is found in the urine, saliva and droppings of infected deer mice and other wild rodents and gets stirred up while cleaning—a common hazard on the Western Slope. That’s where Porter’s Hogback Storage Containers come in.
Hogback Storage Containers provides: • Steel, air-tight Conex containers for homeowners, business owners, ranchers, contractors and builders • Durable and versatile storage units that are element-proof, rodent-proof, easily accessible and moveable • Personal delivery to your site • Extra storage space for household items, supplies, feed, tack equipment and can even be converted into a shop.
An average 20’x 8’ container rents for about $100 per month. Larger containers are available. Hogback Storage Containers is locally owned and serves customers from Eagle to Aspen, down to Grand Junction, east and north of Meeker.
Rent or own Call for pricing
970-366-6106 porter_thad @yahoo.com www.hogbackstorage.com
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | TALKING DIGITAL |
29
FINANCE
Flipping houses— it’s not like TV By Nathaniel Sillin lipping a house can seem like a walk in the park when it’s wrapped into a few montages during a half-hour TV segment. Find a run-down property. Buy it. Take out a few walls, paint, replace carpets, upgrade the kitchen and voilà! You could make tens of thousands of dollars in just a short time. Reality is seldom so straightforward. Flipping a home can be risky, and there’s no guarantee you’ll profit.
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Finding and buying the right house at the right price point can be
difficult. The shows often start with the submission of a winning offer on a home. You may not realize that it takes a lot of work to determine what a potentially good flip looks like and find a property to match. Experienced flippers have learned how to estimate costs and work backward. A rule of thumb in the industry is to take 70 percent of the potential selling price (what’s known as the after-repair value, or ARV), subtract the renovation costs and use that as the maximum buying price.
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You’ll need a lot of background information, including comparable selling prices of similar homes, to figure out the right numbers. The ability to be honest with yourself while estimating the cost of parts and labor is also important. For example, if you estimate that you could sell your renovated home for $200,000, you’d start at $140,000 (70 percent of a $200,000). If you calculate that the renovation costs will be $40,000, you’ll arrive at the maximum buying price of $100,000. The 30 percent margin that remains if everything goes according to plan isn’t entirely profit; you may still have expenses like closing costs or reimbursing your investors. You need a lot of working capital. While paying cash for a home can expedite the sale and increase profits, it might not be an option for beginner flippers. However, traditional lenders don’t necessarily offer financing for flips, especially if you’re trying to fix up a dilapidated home. Even when they do, you might not be able to borrow enough to cover all your expenses. Instead, some flippers turn to hard-money lenders, private individuals or companies that issue short-term loans backed by real assets (such as the home you’re buying). With either traditional or hard-money lenders, expect the financing costs to be higher than what you’d pay for a mortgage if you were buying a home to live in. Keeping an eye on your total budget is essential. If you borrow enough money to make the purchase but don’t have cash on hand to pay for the renovations and
30 | FINANCE | JUNE 2019 |
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unexpected contingencies, you’ll be stuck before you even start. In addition to the purchase price, you’ll need money for renovations, upgrades, inspections and permits. Also, consider the cost of ownership between the purchase and sale. Carrying costs, including utilities, financing, insurance and property maintenance, can add up each month. You want to move fast. One thing you pick up from TV is that time is of the essence. In competitive markets, you’ll need to move quickly to evaluate a home and put in an offer before someone else buys it. Successful flippers may have a real estate license or work with a real estate agent to get access to the multiple listing service (MLS), a directory of homes that are for sale. Others look for homes that are for sale by owner (FSBO) or use direct mail campaigns to reach out to prospective sellers. Once you buy the home, there’s another race against time to complete the work and make a sale. Working with a trusted contractor and real estate attorney could expedite the project. Once you’ve developed a strong working relationship, you may even want to invite others to join your team and contribute their work in exchange for a cut of the profits. ■
SENIOR SCAMS
Selling your timeshare? Beware of scams By Teresa Ambord f you own a timeshare, you may have heard of Pro Timeshare Resales, a Florida-based company that preyed on older adults, promising to sell timeshare properties and telling them they already had a buyer in mind. Once sellers agreed to list with them, they were slapped with an upfront fee, usually of $500 to $2,500.
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According to the FTC, the properties listed by Pro Timeshare Resales did not sell quickly and sometimes didn’t sell at all. Meanwhile, the company pestered sellers for additional funds and gave no hope for refunds. You’ll be happy to know the FTC responded to consumer complaints and Pro Timeshare Resales has been busted. Now they’re banned from timeshare resale services and telemarketing and can no longer collect payments for their services. They were also forced to surrender more than $3 million collected. Of course, as with any successful scam, if it works for one thief— even temporarily—another thief will rise up. The FTC gave the following advice on how to avoid this scam when you want to sell your timeshare:
• Contact the State Attorney General (www.naag.org), State Consumer Protection Office (www.usa.gov/ state-consumer) or the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) and ask if there are any complaints on file. • Ask about fees. FTC says if you must pay in advance get the company’s refund policies in writing. Better, use a company that takes fees after the timeshare is sold. • No oral agreements. Get everything in writing and make sure that whatever you are told verbally matches what you see in writing. If the two don’t match, don’t sign the contract. Consumer Reports advises: • Don’t pay upfront fees and certainly don’t pay them in cash, money order, certified bank or cashier’s check. These methods of payment are hard for law enforcement to help you recover.
number provided and hear a voice that claims to be the broker, but is actually the scammer.
(382-4357).
Sometimes, after being scammed by a bogus timeshare reseller, a victim might be contacted by a second scammer. This “sympathetic” caller wants to help them recover the money they lost—of course, Many scammers use names and webfor a fee. After the victim pays sites that look professional and claim the fee, their calls and emails go to be escrow, timeshare resale, finance and/or title service companies. unanswered and no money is ever They may use the name of an actual recovered. Don’t let your desire for revenge cause you take the bait. real estate broker and license number in an effort to appear legitimate. If you’ve already been victimized, To add another layer of legitimacy, contact the FTC at www.consumer. potential customers call the phone ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP
If you’re thinking about buying a timeshare, listen to what nationally known financial guru Dave Ramsey says: “The first word that should come to your head when you hear the word timeshare should be RUN! Run far, far away!” “Why in the world would you pay thousands of your hard-earned dollars for a place with minimal square-footage that you might get the chance to visit for one week each year?” he asked. You have no equity, have to pay ongoing maintenance fees, and selling is nearly impossible. ■
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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | SENIOR SCAMS |
31
BUSINESS PROFILE
Live your best life at The Lodge
Grand Junction’s newest senior living community focuses on quality care Story and photos by Melinda Mawdsley ith its modern mountain décor, emphasis on common space design and proximity to St. Mary’s Hospital, The Lodge at Grand Junction supports a quality, resident-first environment for assisted living and memory care.
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“Every assisted living has brick and mortar. Everyone has food. Everyone has laundry and housekeeping,” said David Beil, marketing director for The Lodge. “There’s a certain minimum level of expectation. Where we want to set ourselves apart is we want to be an exceptional experience.” Located across from St. Mary’s Hospital at 2656 Patterson Road, The Lodge is accepting leases for its 36 assisted living apartments—one bedroom or studios are available— and its 12 memory care studios located in a separate, secure side of the building. All memory care studios cost $6,500 a month. Assisted living studios start at $4,200 a month and $4,700 for a one-bedroom apartment. That price includes meals, utilities such as cable and wireless Internet, transportation to
medical appointments and access to a fitness room, spa and outdoor greenhouse. It does not, however, include an additional monthly medical fee determined through a health assessment. That assessment sets the level of care an assisted living resident requires. Level One is the least amount of care and, therefore, a lower cost, Beil said. The Lodge is private pay only, accepting long-term care insurance but not Medicaid.
kitchen and large windows, and a theater room that also will serve as a chapel.
Beil noted that residents and their visitors will expect a certain level of service at that price point, and the staff at The Lodge is prepared to deliver. Residents and guests will be greeted by an oversized common space with seating and a television inside the front door.
“The socialization later in life is a huge selling point of assisted living,” Beil said. “You make friends for life. We want to encourage residents to come dine and socialize.”
The dining room is nearby and resembles a restaurant. A private dining room is adjacent to the main area for guests and their visitors to use if desired. Three meals will be offered daily with accommodations made for those unable to eat at specific times. Additionally, there is a fitness room, a multipurpose room with a full
There will be a full slate of activities, including, but not limited to, cultural and educational programs with group outings and travel. Although particular attention was paid to amenities—the quality of the food and resident engagement are often most important to residents, Beil said—the level of care residents in both assisted living and memory care will receive has not been overlooked. The building is secure and equipped
with a 24-hour emergency response system. Every apartment is wheelchair accessible with individual heating and cooling systems. With a motto of “Age Well, Be Well, Live Well,” The Lodge has partnered with Wellage, a Colorado senior living management firm, to oversee staffing quality and service level. The Lodge is open to anyone 55 and older. “We want our residents to be able to tell their friends that don’t live with us that the food and activities are the best,” Beil said. “We want to be the place that they want to get to.” For more information or to schedule a visit, contact The Lodge at 822-4141. ■
Residents of The Lodge can expect superior service and accommodations in addition to delicious meals, modern amenities, fun activities and quality care.
32 | BUSINESS PROFILE | JUNE 2019 |
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Living off the grid: Couple inspired by summer living in a tipi By Carole Ann McKelvey mma Kigar was a seamstress and student at the University of Michigan when she and her husband, Dan, built their first tipi in 1976.
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“We made a tipi and spent our first night in it,” said Emma. “The next morning it was magical waking up with the sun streaming in.” It wasn’t long before she and Dan, a cabinet-maker and carpenter in nearby Indiana, packed up the hand-
made 22-foot tipi in the back of their ’59 pickup, and set out for Colorado. “We pitched the tipi in a meadow of blue bells, right next to an artesian spring,” said Dan. “We were at 11,500 feet, a short hike through a stand of spruce to tree line and a view of the Tenmile Range so clean and clear and close, it vibrated with geologic majesty.” The couple met in Colorado several years earlier as “ski bums.” They
spent that summer living off the grid, hiking the peaks near Mt. Baldy and down into the wild valley below Mt. Guyot and stopping in French Gulch. According to Dan, living off grid was putting it mildly. Back then, the pair had about a mile’s ski or walk to their first home. “We referred to living off the grid as chopping wood and hauling water,” he said. Life in the tipi on the mountainside was healthy, happy and vibrant. Their tipi lodge was set up with their willow lazy-backs and a raised area at the back for a bed. “We made a low kitchen area with a lodge pole rack for our pots and pans, and a chopping block just the right height to kneel at,” said Dan. There are untold benefits of living a simple life in a tipi.
WHAT’S A YURT?
A NEW VENTURE
The company’s modern yurt takes the ingenuity of those nomadic structures, adding engineered strength and durable outdoor fabrics, making it one of the world’s most functional shelters. Their tipis are also authentic Sioux-style tipis.
They rented an old barn alongside the Blue River and emptied their savings to buy some industrial sewing machines. Then they set up shop to design and manufacture tipis just like theirs. Back then, Earthworks Tipis operated as a mail-order business. They advertised in the “Mother Earth News” and “East West Journal.” Orders came in the mail with a personal check and a handwritten order form. At first, the Kigars thought they would live off the grid and maybe make one or two tipis a year. WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
A friend’s request for a little meditation space in the woods led the Kigars to delve into advanced canvas design. Earthworks evolved into Colorado Yurt Company, which handcrafts yurts, tipis and rugged canvas wall tents from their location at 28 W. South Fourth St. in Montrose.
“No one who’s ever done it would debate the sacred nature of the architecture,” he said. “We were living at ground level but there was plenty of room for our spirits to soar.”
Living in a tipi gave the Kigars the firsthand experience they needed to start their own business.
34 | JUNE 2019 |
In 1976, Emma and Dan Kigar took the tipi they built and moved to Colorado for the summer. Their passion for living simply evolved into establishing Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose. Photo by Michael Lawton.
Yurts are portable round dwellings based on the traditional Mongolian ger, that has been used in Central Asia for thousands of years.
THE BENEFITS OF YURT LIVING
A yurt or tipi is a fraction of the cost of a traditional home, making it great for first-time home owners as well as retirees. Some will use yurts as a mother-in-law suite or overnight rental. According to Colorado Yurt Company Marketing Manager Ivy Fife, the most common reason people choose to live in a yurt or tipi is to simplify life. For some, this means saving money and living debt-
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Can you live in a yurt? By Ivy Fife, Colorado Yurt Company, www.coloradoyurt.com Yurts are very versatile and comfortable structures. To realize your dream of owning a yurt, here are some things to consider: ➊ How will you use your yurt? Full-time living, studio, mother-in-law suite, camping structure, man cave, overnight rental, or summer cabin—a yurt can be an economical and eco-friendly solution. Full-time living may require a larger yurt, while a studio can be very functional in a smaller yurt. ➋ Where will you pitch your yurt? The location will determine what kind of snow and wind load you may need, as well as the number of windows and other options that would be appropriate. ➌ Do you need a permit? Permitting is usually regulated on a local level. Whether it’s your county, city or even your homeowners association, you may need approval to install a yurt. ➍ What kind of deck? Your yurt needs to have a place to sit. Colorado Yurts need to be pitched on a permanent platform, concrete slab or SIPS deck.
➎ Will you add utilities? If you decide to add electricity or plumbing to your yurt, it should be part of your deck planning (as the connections would likely come up through your floor). We suggest doing a floor plan before building the deck, noting where the electrical and plumbing needs to be. ➏ What is the lead time? We handcraft each yurt after you place5/20/2019 your order. You pick your fabrics, window placements, snow and wind load options and other details. Lead time can be as little as a few weeks, and as much as a few months. ➐ Who will set up your yurt? Most of our customers pitch their own yurt with the help of a crew of friends and family. Others will hire a contractor. We send an instruction book, and can give phone support where needed. If you live in our area, you can hire us to pitch your yurt.
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Colorado Yurt Company’s expert staff can help you make these decisions and can provide deck plans and documentation needed for a permit. For more information or to get a quote, call 800-288-3190 or visit www. coloradoyurt.com.
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 |
35
BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT
Community Concerts celebrates 75 musical years
Get your season tickets before prices increase July 1 if you relocate,
your memorial plans move with you. If you move more than 75 miles, your plan is valid at any of our locations across the country.*
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Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one
Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and secure while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Grand Junction (970) 241-7798 Montrose (970) 244-0860 www.seniordaybreak.org O W N E D
“C
The Association, one of the most underrated groups to come out of the mid to late ’60s, arrives midway through the season for a matinée performance on January 26, 2020, to thrill those who sang along with “Cherish” and other hits, like “Along Comes Mary.” Three original members and the son of another bring a huge helping of memories to audiences. According to Trish Mahre, CCGV publicity chair, this season turned out to have a nostalgia theme. Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute group, starts the season on September 19, with a trip back to the 1960s. The Beginnings, a tribute to Chicago, including the brass sounds that make them special, bookends the season on May 17. “The board tries to find a variety of music, and I feel that you won’t find this selection of music for a comparable price anywhere,” said Mahre.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information.
L O C A L L Y
By Jan Weeks herish” is the word that more than describes how devotees of Community Concerts of the Grand Valley (CCGV) feel about the organization.
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O P E R A T E D
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A season ticket for all seven performances is $75 until July 1, when the price increases to $80. That works out to about $11 per show. Try seeing a live performance at the Avalon or many other venues for that price. The Annie Moses Band performs October 8. These Julliard-educated musicians celebrate four family generations of hard-working folks and an abiding love of music. Grand Junction joins Carnegie Hall and the Grand Ol’ Opry as a venue. On December 1, Rockapella offers a matinée performance. The group became TV famous in the early
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1990s after performing “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” Now they rock on with Motown, pop, soul, and more. Sons of Serendip, finalists in the ninth season of “America’s Got Talent,” perform on March 15. The male group consists of a harpist, a cellist, a pianist, and a vocalist who thrill audiences with their creative interpretations of popular music. Dan Miller’s Cowboy Revue uses guitars, mandolin, bass, fiddles and their voices to bring the traditional music of the American West to life on April 14. Bobbi Alpha, CCGV board president, became involved in the organization when her three daughters all took piano lessons from Mary Leah Chavies, who gave them free tickets to concerts and they were hooked. Chavies, 91, has been around since the first season in 1944 and a CCGV board member since 1963. “She was a sophomore at Grand Junction High School and sold tickets to her classmates,” Alpha said. She has also taught piano students since 1944, and played string bass in the Grand Junction Symphony for 44 years. Season tickets have sold out for three of the past five years. Order tickets online at www.community concertsgrandvalley.org or by mail. You can print the application form from the website or call 243-1979 and one will be sent to you. Tickets will be mailed to subscribers in early September. Unsold seats for each concert may be purchased at the door—$25 for adults and $15 for students. Doors open 45 minutes before each performance and seating is first come, first served. ■
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Bathroom remodeling tips make aging-in-place safer and easier
O
ne of the keys to being able to live comfortably in your own home as you age is to adapt it so it’s safe for someone with limited mobility or physical impairments to use. The bathroom is a high traffic area that needs to be updated stat, rather than waiting until an accident or a fall necessitates it.
• Add grab bars. Using towel rails as grab bars is a major safety risk, as they will not support a person. Instead, install grab bars following manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Bars next to the bath, shower and toilet are critical to help support someone when they move around the bathroom.
“Many Americans choose to age in their own homes where they are familiar with their environment,” said Joe Todaro, who owns Gold Medal Service, a plumbing and electrical company in New Jersey. “People of all ages value their ability to live independently, and remodeling a bathroom in preparation for retirement will ensure convenience and safety.”
• Mind the lighting. Make sure you have ample lighting in the bathroom with a minimal amount of glare.
What can you do? • Remodel the bathroom on the main floor. If you have a house with multiple levels, consider remodeling the bathroom which is located on the same level as the bedroom of the person who will be using it. Climbing stairs is challenging for people with limited mobility, and presents an increased risk. • Provide extra space. Make sure there is enough room to move a wheelchair around. Doorways must be set to at least 32 inches wide, and there must be space to position a wheelchair next to the toilet, bath or shower to enable a safe and easy transfer. • Stick with non-slip floors. Nonslip tiles are a must to prevent slipping and tripping on the bathroom floor. Loose rugs can be hazardous, so stick with non-slip materials. • Make tubs and showers more accessible. Walk-in tubs are a great solution for the physically impaired, and easily replace an older tub. A seating area in the shower enables users to sit.
LET US KEEP YOU SAFE Easy Access Showers -Convert your tub to a walk-in shower -Barrier free units available -Grab bars
• Get an elevated toilet seat. People with mobility impairments often find it difficult to stand up from a low-set toilet. Adapting to an elevated toilet seat is helpful and reduces the stress of sitting and standing. Wheelchair users will also find that a wide toilet seat is beneficial, as they can then rely on a lateral sliding transfer to move from the wheelchair to the toilet
seat and back.
• Consider extra accessories. Putting soap dishes, shaving stands and shower caddies in the right place will make your bathroom more convenient and safe. Professional bathroom installers can advise on where to install accessories, eliminating the need to stretch for soap and minimizing the risk of falling. • Use low-maintenance materials. When you remodel your bathroom, use modern materials that are easy to clean, mildew-resistant and have a lifetime guarantee. These are available in many colors, patterns and styles. Remodeling your bathroom may sound daunting, but certain companies can create a fully customized bathroom with minimal difficulty in as little as one day. It’s a timely and cost-effective solution for homeowners who need to make their living space safer and more convenient, while increasing a home’s value. ■
At Eagle Ridge Sharing is Caring Physical, occupational and speech therapies Short-term or long-term care Private rehab rooms Hospice care Restorative therapy 54 private rooms
970-243-3381
Call or stop by today to see how we can serve you!
2425 Teller Avenue, Grand Junction • www.vivage.com/eagleridge WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 |
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Changing the narrative on aging By Debra Dobbins t seemed like a reasonable request. When she moved into a rehab facility, my mother, Ruth S. Gossen, Ed.D., insisted that she be called “Dr. Ruth.” She didn’t need the more formal “Dr. Gossen,” but she did want acknowledgment for the 10 long years she’d invested in getting her doctorate. Her advanced degree is a big part of her identity. Fortunately, most caretakers in her facility caught on quickly.
I
By insisting on this form of address, my mother stood up against ageism, though she probably hadn’t heard of the term.
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3 bdrm, 2 ba, 2 car garage, 2128 sq. ft. $329,900
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234-2037
2474 Patterson Rd. #100 Grand Junction CarolGerber@kw.com
38 | JUNE 2019 |
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Ageism is prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age due to negative or inaccurate stereotypes. It’s endemic not only in our society but across the world, according to presenters of a recent workshop called “Changing the Narrative” which was held at La Villa Grande Care Center, an event co-sponsor. Ageism can cause mental and physical health issues, writes Liz Seegert for the online publication, “Covering Health.” These issues include “a decreased will to live, less desire to live a healthy lifestyle, an impaired recovery from illness, increased stress and a shortened lifespan.” Ageism can be a big factor in the workplace. It certainly doesn’t help that the government lists 25-54 as the prime working ages, which could imply that workers older than 54 are not quite up to snuff. They may be passed over for promotions, not invited to key meetings or not given the training that younger people are receiving. When firms downsize, older workers are often the first to be laid off. What are some ways to counteract ageism? Janine Vanderburg, initiative manager of Changing the Narrative, suggested we change the way we think, talk and act
about ageism in order to create age-friendly communities. David McKendry, owner of Right at Home, a non-medical home care service that co-sponsored the event, agreed. “I feel that as an agency that is helping seniors age in place, we need to be ambassadors for the idea of ageism,” he said. Vanderburg explained that we all have “implicit bias,” which means messages acquired from childhood that “subconsciously form negative judgments about people based on their age.” The good news is if we become aware of those biases we are not so likely to act on them and “more likely to treat people fairly.” An essential part of revised thinking is learning how to reframe a situation, which primarily depends upon word choice and lets people see the bigger picture. Instead of using terms like “elderly,” use terms such as “older Americans.” Forego words like “battle” and “fight” to describe aging experiences and replace them with wording that builds momentum, such as: “aging is a dynamic process that leads to new abilities and knowledge we can share with our communities.” Vanderburg said these increase positive attitudes toward aging, attitudes that older people and younger people are similar, support for policies that expand opportunities to contribute to community, support for policies that provide support for older people and their caregivers, and understanding that public policy can play a big role in how successfully people age. For more resources, visit www. changingthenarrativeco.org/ resources. And remember, as Vanderburg told everyone in the audience, “We are all aging.” ■
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue
970-243-7408
FUN AFTER 50
Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.
JUNE 21
Food Truck Fridays & Movies in the Park Bring the grandkids out to Lincoln Park for great food and a free movie. This month’s movie is “Incredibles 2.” Food trucks open at 5:30 p.m. Movie starts at dusk.
AUGUST 19-25
Western Colorado Senior Games Choose from over 60 events to compete in. Registration information in next month’s BEACON.
HEALTH MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
Tai Chi for energy and longevity Learn to reduce stress and improve balance, brain health, and strength with flowing movements. Class is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Sherwood Park’s Juniper Shelter. Register by the Friday before the session starts.
TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS
Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for active beginners and above. Class is 8-9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in, or purchase a 10-punch pass for $50.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Aqua Aerobics These classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is from 8:159:15 a.m. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS (JUNE 4-27)
Get Great in 8 This challenge instructs you on how to use the equipment at Canyon View Park, and how to use your own body weight, cardio, strength and stretching for a complete package. Class is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Canyon View Park. Cost is $34.
JUNE 8 & 22
Goat Yoga This gentle yoga class, perfect for all levels, allows for a unique experience with the happy distraction of 12 little goats. Goats are spontaneous, and may snuggle on your mat, burp in your ear, and give you a hug. Bring a yoga mat, but please leave other personal items behind. Goats are curious creatures, so no water bottles, purses or bags. Keys and phones may be kept under your mat. Drinking water will be provided. Classes take place from 8-9:30 a.m. and 9:30-11 a.m. at Mesa County Fairgrounds. There will be a 15-minute goat playtime before and after the one-hour yoga class. Cost is $20. Registration required.
DANCE MONDAYS (JUNE 3-24)
Line dance Line dancing is great physical exercise and helps keep your mind sharp. This combo class focuses on beginning steps and moves for easier dances, then builds on those steps to create more challenging dances to a variety of music. Class is from
12:15-2 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $12 for the session or $5 to drop in. No partner needed.
THURSDAYS
Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.
SPORTS JUNE 22
Learn to Play Pickleball Learn basic rules, equipment and play strategies from 9-11 a.m. at the Pineridge Courts with an optional day of play at 9 a.m. June 24 at Lincoln Park courts. Equipment is provided. Cost is $15.
JUNE 22
Intermediate Pickleball Clinic Learn playing strategy, including court positioning, “third shot” strategy, dinking, court communication and team work, lob and return of lob from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Pineridge Courts. Equipment is provided. Cost is $15.
VOLUNTEER
The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday– Saturday from 8 am–4 pm. Annual membership is $20.
Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY
9:00 am Cribbage 9:30 am Cards 10:30 am Computer Classes 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:00 pm Card Bingo & Dominoes 5:30 pm Singles Pinochle (1st & 3rd Monday)
TUESDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm
Ladies Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta
THURSDAY
9:00 am Cribbage & Dominoes 10:00 am Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) 10:30 am Membership Meeting 12:00 pm Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 pm Dance FRIDAY
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? We are recruiting volunteers for two programs. Call Lorie at 254-3876 for more information.
9:00 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm
Trail Host: Patrol the Riverfront Trail System and help keep the trails friendly for users.
SATURDAY
Downtown Ambassador: Be a friendly face to patrons in Downtown Grand Junction. ■
Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch Bible Study Bridge Canasta
9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo
To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. Cost $3.50
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BEACON BITS Your Personal Real Estate Specialist. I’m a Colorado native with first-hand experience working with Mesa County seniors.
CALENDAR JUNE 3-7
Ready “Anyone wishing to use Niki as a buyer or to sell e? seller agent will be treated with integrity, m o h your me the utmost professionalism, and most Call importantly, a done deal!” -B. Moureaux
Niki Yenter-Przystup 970-250-3147 nikisoldmyhome@gmail.com
Watercolor Workshop Artist Tricia Spencer teaches this new and exciting watercolor workshop from 6-9 p.m. at the Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade. Cost is $125. Students will learn to see how experimental techniques can be used to create the depth, dimension and individual expression through the bold application of color. For details and to register, call 464-4819 or visit www.thebluepiggallery.com.
JUNE 4
Bringing Health Care Home to You
Writers Night Ever been bathed in the glorious inspiration of your muse? Mostly, your muse is shy or stubborn, or listless. How do you get that muse to visit more frequently and regularly? In this workshop led by Rebecca Mullen, you’ll explore ways to make friends with your unique writing process and explore new methods, new systems, new pens, and remember, that writing is meant to be fun. Class is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Art Center.
Serving Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle and Gunnison Counties
Nursing and Therapy Services Nursing andHomemaking, Therapy Services Personal Care, IHSS Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Personal Safety Devices Personal Safety Devices
Nursing and Therapy Services Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Personal Safety Devices
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FORMERLY KNOWN AS HOME CARE OF THE GRAND VALLEY www.summitwestcare.com 970-263-0202 Grand Junction 970-945-6455 Glenwood Springs Branch
www.summitwestcare.com
970-263-0202 Grand Junction 970-945-6455 Glenwood Springs Branch
40 | BEACON BITS | JUNE 2019 |
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Stargazing at Highline See the majesty of the night sky from Highline Lake using telescopes provided by Western Colorado Astronomy Club. This free event begins approximately 30 minutes after sunset. If the event is cancelled due to weather, the club will attempt to host it the following night. For details, visit www.wcacastronomy. org or call 812-3661.
JUNE 8
Learn Scandinavian folk dances Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, hosts free Scandinavian-style folk dance classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Lunch will be provided. Call 245-5649 or visit www. vestafjelllodge.org to RSVP.
JUNE 8
Veterans Advocacy Project legal outreach event University of Denver Veterans Advocacy Project (VAP) has scheduled a veteran law outreach event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mesa County Libraries Central Library. VAP lawyers will be prepared to answer questions about veteran-related legal issues and military discharge upgrades. This event is open to all veterans at no charge. No registration is required.
Carolyn White author book signing Colorado writer, photographer and columnist Carolyn White will be signing both her books, “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt” and “Trucks are for Girls” from 2-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble. For a time, White lived exclusively in high-mountain snow country, often without electricity, telephone, or daily mail service. “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt” is about those adventures in primitive living. “Trucks are for Girls” revolves around the not-so-easy return to civilization. For details or to buy additional book copies, visit www. unleashedpublishingco.com.
JUNE 5 & JULY 3
JUNE 12
JUNE 4
Medicaid/Medicare Certified | Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002
JUNE 7
Medicare 101 seminar Are you new to Medicare? Learn when and how you sign up, what Parts A and B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more at this free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon at Mesa County RSVP in the basement of US Bank, 422 White Ave. Call 243-9839 to reserve your seat.
Western Slope Hook-In & Hooked Rug Show Members of the Mesa Fiber Arts Guild and Association of Traditional Hooking Artists promote rug hooking from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at The Craft Studio and Yarn Shoppe, 634 Main St. in Grand Junction. After lunch, these fiber artists open their rug show to the public from 1:30-
BEACON BITS 3:30 p.m. in the adjacent Dance Magic Studio. For more information, contact Judy Brock at 261-5702.
JUNE 12-14
Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days This three-day event in Hotckiss and Paonia features workshops and presentations, culminating in “Funder Roundtables,” at which nonprofit representatives discuss their projects and programs with grantors and receive immediate indication from funders about whether they would welcome a funding proposal for the project or organization. For a complete schedule and to register, visit www.westernrpd.org, or call 303506-5593 for more information.
JUNE 15
Father’s Day Car Show Take Dad on a date to Graff Dairy for ice cream, live music, hot dogs, BBQ and a car show from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free, and dads get free soft serve ice cream.
JUNE 19
The Basics of Medicaid seminar Learn about eligibility criteria, myths, common pitfalls, payment sources and other planning options at this
free workshop, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at The Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC. Registration required. Call 243-8250 or visit www. brownandbrownpc.com.
JUNE 21 & 22
Gem & Mineral Club Yard Sale & Rock Auction Come to 2328 Monument Road in Grand Junction and see items up for auction from 8 a.m. to noon both days. Some items will have a “Buy It Now” price listed, and all others will be auctioned at 1 p.m. on Saturday.
JUNE 22
Chair Yoga at The Vault 970 Insurance and B Yoga present this free beginner chair yoga class for seniors from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Vault, 2755 North Ave. in Grand Junction. To RSVP, call 712-8672.
JUNE 29
Hear it through the Grapevine See the Dubious Brothers in concert at Grande River Vineyards. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and show begins at 7:30 p.m. rain or shine! Bring lawn chairs. Wine is available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Tickets are $15 in advance. For details, call 4645867 or visit www.granderiverwines. com. ■
RIVER CITY SINGLES “Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship.” Annual membership is $20.
2019 Hear it Through the Grapevine
OUTDOOR CONCERTS AT GRANDE RIVER VINEYARDS / PALISADE, CO
JUNE 29 | The Doubious Brothers $15 in advance/ $20 at the door
Gate opens at 6:30 p.m. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. rain or shine!
Benefits Mesa County Libraries Foundation
Bring a chair and a picnic, but please leave pets at home.
JULY 6 | Quemando
(Presented by Alpine Bank)
$18 in advance/ $24 at the door
NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES PERMITTED (COMPLIMENTARY WATER AVAILABLE)
Benefits Child and Migrant Services
Dinner, wine, soda, and bottled water for sale
$20 in advance / $25 at the door
TICKET OUTLETS Fisher’s Liquor Barn / Roper Music / Enstrom Candies (downtown) / Grande River Vineyards / www.granderiver vineyards.com
JULY 13 | Boogie Machine (Sponsored by CHFA)
Benefits HomewardBound of the Grand Valley
JULY 27 | Stray Grass $15 in advance/ $20 at the door
Benefits Roice-Hurst Humane Society
GRANDE RIVER VINEYARDS 787 N. Elberta Avenue Palisade (Off I-70 at Exit 42) www.granderiverwines.com
AUGUST 3 | Hazel Miller $20 in advance / $25 at the door Benefits Mesa County Partners
464.5867
AUGUST 10 | Exit 42 $15 in advance/ $20 at the gate Benefits Harmony Acres Equestrian Center
TURNING 65? YOU HAVE A LIMITED WINDOW TO SIGN-UP FOR MEDICARE
Fridays at 5 p.m. - Calling all singles over 50! Meet new friends at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Drive. Call Chuck at 242-5252 for details. Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details. Mondays at 10 a.m. - Tee-time is at 9 a.m. at Adobe Creek National Golf Course in Fruita. Confirm ahead of time with Barb at 640-0967. Thursday, June 6 - Bring a potluck dish to Joanne’s to accompany the pasta entrée. Yard games to follow. Call Joanne at 263-0520 for details and to RSVP. Thursday, June 13 at 5 p.m. - Learn how the Basque people built the handball court and learn how to play. Meet in the southwest corner of Canyon View Park at 5 p.m. Call Jan at 201-3090 for details. Saturday, June 15 - Meet in the parking lot at the east entrance to the Colorado National Monument for a full moon hike. RSVP to Elli at 2618690. Thursday, June 27 - Enjoy an early dinner at Golden Corral at 3:30 p.m. RSVP to Arlyne at 245-2227.
FREE MEDICARE 101 CLASS MONTHLY
Call now to reserve seat. Licensed Sales Agent • Medicare Advantage Plans • Medicare Supplement Insurance • Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Ashley VanGundy
970-712-8672
970
INSURANCE
www.970insurance.com
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BEACON BITS
BEACON BITS
La Villa Grande resident Henrietta Hay celebrates 105th birthday On Wednesday, April 24, Henrietta Hay, a resident at La Villa Grande Care Center, celebrated her 105th birthday. Henrietta spent more than 20 years writing articles for the Daily Sentinel. Her columns covered a wide range of topics, including local and national politics, her “wonder cat” Mercury, and Colorado history. Hay retired her column in 2011 when she was 97 years old due to failing eyesight. She is a longtime advocate of women’s rights and was one of the founders of the Grand Junction chapter of National Organization of Women. Her son, David offers a collection of her work on his website, www.davehay. com/henrietta.
Community Hospital offers Rapid Diagnostic Clinic Community Hospital recently launched a new Rapid Diagnostic Clinic (RDC) to help patients identify the reasons behind breast changes, such as breast cancer, in a matter of days rather than a few weeks. The RDC, located in the breast imaging department at Community Hospital, will provide patients with an initial assessment, diagnostic testing, which may include imaging and biopsy, as well as a plan for follow-up care or treatment. To reduce the risk of breast cancer, individuals should maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and abstain from alcohol or limit alcoholic beverages to no more than one per day. Individuals with a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are encouraged to talk to their doctor about ways to help lower their risk of breast cancer. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.yourcommunityhospital.com/ breastcancercenter or call 644-3157. Museum offers free Monday admission to local residents Grand Junction residents are invited to visit the Museum of the
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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
West free of charge on the first Monday of each month. This special offer will last through December 2019. Visitors must provide proof of residency with a driver’s license for free admittance. For more information about the Museums of Western Colorado and other museum happenings, visit www.museumofwesternco.com or contact David Bailey at 242-0971, ext. 2215. Fantastic Fossils of the Grand Valley exhibition opening The Museums of Western Colorado invites you to explore its summer exhibition, Fantastic Fossils of the Grand Valley, from May 17 through September 15. From the discovery of Brachiosaurus in 1900—the largest dinosaur known at the time— to the first ankylosaur from the Jurassic Period, Fantastic Fossils of the Grand Valley brings our local discoveries together in a cohesive exhibition that highlights not only the fossils, but also their impact on science and the scientists who found them. For more information, visit www.museumofwesternco. com or contact Julia McHugh at 858-7282, ext. 2217. Chasing the Moon Week commemorates moon landing This summer celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and numerous organiza-
tions are engaging the community during “Chasing the Moon Week” on June 14-21. All events are free and convey the impact of this milestone for those who did not witness the moon landing, while celebrating the nostalgia for those that did. • June 14 - Grand Mesa Observatory and Western Colorado Astronomy Club host a moon viewing on the Grand Mesa. • June 21 - Explore the night sky near the Colorado National Monument at the Saddlehorn Picnic Area. • June 20 - Rocky Mountain PBS will premiere a 40-minute preview of “American Experience: Chasing the Moon” at the Avalon Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception, and the preview screening will begin at 6 p.m. RSVP at www. rmpbs.org/chasingthemoon. Western Slope concert series announces 2019-2020 season Western Slope Concert Series gears up for its 21st season, where all but one of the Grand Junction concerts will be held at The Art Center (the other will be at Colorado Mesa University). Montrose concerts will continue to be at the Montrose Pavilion. Ticket prices have been lowered to make worldclass concerts accessible to all. Season tickets, six concerts, are $110 for gold seating, $85 for silver seating and $60 for bronze seating.
BEACON BITS Purchase tickets at www.westernslopeconcertseries.org/tickets. Tickets available for Herb Alpert and Lani Hall concert Don’t miss Herb Alpert and Lani Hall at the Avalon Theatre on September 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Avalon’s box office, by calling 263-5757 or online through www.ticketmaster.com. Devan Penniman is Mesa County Libraries’ Artist in Residence Devan Penniman, a creator who specializes in paper, printing, and bringing people together through art, is the new Mesa County Libraries 970West Artist in Residence. Penniman will host open studio hours at the 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave., from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday through August 12. She also has scheduled a variety of public classes and workshops throughout the summer. For a complete list of workshops, visit www.mesacountylibraries.org. AARP Driver Safety classes Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws at the AARP Driver Safety course. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Call for location and to register. • June 12 - 1-5 p.m. Call Phil at 3147408. • June 15 - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Mary at 433-0384.
Historical Society seeks donations for Palisade Tribune Digitization Thanks to generous donors and two grants from the Colorado Historic Records Advisory Board, Palisade Historical Society has raised funds to digitize 2,262 issues of “The Palisade Tribune” for the Colorado Historic Newspaper website, www.coloradohistoricnewspapers. org. Please send a check or money order, payable to the Palisade Historical Society, to help digitize more issues and preserve history: Mail to: P.O. Box 631, Palisade, CO 81526. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Mesa County 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. • Palisade Historical Society welcomes volunteers who would like to share the history of Palisade, and/or work on various committees and projects. To volunteer or for more information, email pbwalker630@acsol.net. • Grand Junction Visitor Center is seeking volunteers to welcome visitors to the Grand Valley as a tourism ambassador. Flexible schedule, and a whole lot of fun! Contact Kerry Graves at 256-4054 or email kerryg@gjcity.org for details. ■
www.vineyardsmemorycare.com
Personalized Care for Alzheimer’s & Dementia
970-243-7224 1530 Walnut Ave., Grand Junction
Western Rockies Eye Center, P.C.
Michael E. Luby, O.D. Optometrist
Medical Eye Exams
• June 21 - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Christine at 241-3414.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cataracts Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma
Are you a thrifty shopper? Then you’ll love
Refractions for Glasses Contact Lenses
Tracy D. Carter, D.O. Ophthalmologist
Unique Selection of Fashion Frames
Come in today and score great deals.
New arrivals daily on new and used fine furniture, home decor, apparel, fashion accessories, jewelry and much more.
1059 North Ave #1
970-644-5400
970-243-9000
Frontier Plaza, Unit #2
2460 Patterson Road, Grand Junction
Gregory E. Kellam, M.D. Ophthalmologist
WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | BEACON BITS |
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BEACON BITS
Drug Take Back Box now available inside
Safe, Convenient and Anonymous Come see us for our fast and friendly service 464-5668 | M-F 8:30 – 6:30; Sat. 9 – 5 707 Elberta Ave., Ste. B, Palisade, CO 81526
Full Service Nursery
Give your father a gift of love Trees & Shrubs, Perennials Roses & Vines, Grasses & Herbs 680 24-1/2 Road (3/4 mile north of Mesa Mall) 245-2634
SUPPORT GROUPS Caregiver Connections meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 241-2212. Caregiver Support Group meets monthly from 1:30-3:30 p.m. the first Thursday at Cappella Grand Junction, 628 26 1/2 Road. Call 8227070 to RSVP. Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents from 7-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Unity Church. Call 434-3822. COPD Support Group meets monthly at 1 p.m. on the fourth Friday at 581 Grand Valley Drive in Grand Junction. Call 317-7556 or email jimcampbell3@aol.com. Divorce Support Group meets at 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at 103 S. Fifth St. in Palisade. Call 200-1191. Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step meeting to help compulsive gamblers recover, is held from 7-8 p.m. at The Meeting Hall, 1938 N. First St. Grief Group for Pets meets monthly from 6-7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Call 434-7337, ext. 103. Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Colorado West Otolaryngologists. Call 245-2400.
Become an SOS Volunteer and help provide rides and independence to homebound seniors Supporting Our Seniors (SOS) is a transportation program that provides rides to homebound seniors age 60 and over. Our volunteers provide seniors a ride to the grocery store, pharmacy, and medical appointments, helping them maintain their independence. We are currently seeking volunteers who have their own vehicle, valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance. We offer flexible schedules and mileage reimbursement.
To become a volunteer call (970) 248-2851 or apply online at htop.org/volunteer
44 | BEACON BITS | JUNE 2019 |
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Healing Hands Hour meets from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. Call 298-2351. HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the third Tuesday at First Congregational Church. Call 7789274 or 241-4349. Job Searching After 50 Networking Group meets from 8:30-10 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month at Mesa County Workforce Center. You must be
registered as a job seeker at www. connectingcolorado.com. Call 2487560 for details. Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets monthly from 4-5 p.m. on the third Monday in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 2 p.m. on the first Thursday at the VA Medical Center In-Patient Dining Room. Call 298-2351. Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one, and meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 248- 8844. MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesday at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Drive. Call 241-8975. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at First Presbyterian Church. If you have a child who struggles with alcohol, drugs or food, there’s help and hope. Call 379-5786. Tinnitus Support Group meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Community Hospital’s Legacy Room 1. Call 589-0305. Western Colorado Post Polio Group educates polio survivors and caregivers about post-polio, connects post-polio people and promotes independent living for people struck with the virus many years ago. Call 241-7825 for details. Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets monthly from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Center for Independence. Transportation is available. Call 241-0315. Woman to Woman cancer support group meets monthly from 4:305:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. ■
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley. Call 244-9989. Cups Club meets at 2 p.m. Wednesdays at The Artful Cup. Meet people through cards and games or talk and tea. Call 683-4909. Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly. For details, call 596-4870. Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at First Baptist Church. Call 778-6191 or visit www.ffwcolo.com. Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com. Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity. Call 462-7554. Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632. Guys’ Giving Club meets quarterly at the Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. in Grand Junction. Members donate $100 at each meeting and are invited to nominate a local charity to receive the evening’s total contributions. For membership information, call 243-8829 or 270-6184. Mesa County Genealogical Society meets on June 13 and 26. Visit
www.mesacountygenealogy.org for location and details. Outing Club meets weekly for hiking, biking, skiing and other activities. They also meet quarterly. Call 812-6759 or 243-7645 for details.
BEACON BITS
focus on people
our residents
their lives
their families Sub-acute care ■ 24-hour skilled nursing ■ Rehabilitation
Long-term care ■ Dementia care Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, Hospice and Respite care ■ Secured Alzheimer’s unit hosts free Scandinavian-style folk dance classes for all ages at 9:30 East Third Street �\l/� 151 151 East Third StreetPeach Grove a.m. on June 8 at Shepherd of the Grove Peach Palisade, CO 81526 Palisade Living Center Valley Lutheran Church. Lunch will Palisade Living Center Palisade, CO 81526 REHABILITATION REHABILITATION 970-464-7500 970-464-7500 be provided. This event is open to the public. Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org to reserve your spot.
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Swedes of the Grand Valley’s Midsummer Celebration is from 4-7 p.m., June 9 at Hawthorne Park South Shelter. Bring a dish to share. RSVP to 241-2945. Sweet Adelines International, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses from 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Call 255-9419 or 523-3464, or visit www. grandmesachorus.org. Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. Visit www.thundermountaincameraclub.org. Vintage Motor Car Club of America, Colorado West Chapter, is looking for new members. Call 260-0543 for details. Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Mesa County Libraries’ Central Library. Call 8123661 or visit www.wcacastronomy. org. Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday at VFW #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.gjcoinshow.com. ■
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Across 1. Jr.’s exam 5. Former Virginia senator Charles 9. Swan-like aquatic birds 14. Patron saint of sailors 15. Fall birthstone 16. Actor’s parts 17. Republic in N Central America 19. Personal quality of material belonging 20. Nero’s tutor 21. Apple computer 23. Chances ___ 24. Crooner Vic 26. Kazan 28. Slant 30. Monetary unit of Panama 34. Unconscious 37. Eternal 39. Zwei cubed 41. Extra-wide shoe size 42. “Song of the South” song syllables 43. Glowing 48. Attention 49. Get down 50. Forest makeup
52. Florida’s Miami-___ County 54. Aquanaut’s base 57. ___ in Charlie 60. Queue after Q 62. Stage plays 64. Sharp 66. Interpret 68. Oktoberfest vessel 69. Exchange premium 70. Siouan speaker 71. Exhausted 72. Spanish muralist 73. Intellectual faculty Down 1. Clothes-pins 2. Swung around 3. Radarange maker 4. Clan emblems 5. Imperial dynasty of Russia 6. ___-Locka, FL 7. Indonesian island 8. Hold responsible 9. Thank you, in Mexico 10. Goddess of dawn in Greek mythology 11. Movie lioness 12. Fortuneteller
13. Ferrara family 18. French school 22. Goya’s “The Duchess of ___” 25. Tools for duels 27. Utah ski resort 29. Standing up 31. Linger 32. Most draftable 33. Antiquing agent 34. Clods 35. Arthur Ashe’s alma mater 36. Dull sound 38. Dirty looks 40. Mary ___ Lincoln 44. Hindmost part 45. Finishes 46. Is unobliged to 47. Eye drops 51. Zigzag 53. Kett and James 55. Fine fiddle 56. Twirler’s stick 57. Play group 58. Play start 59. Plaintiff 61. Driving force 63. Bird feed 65. Father’s Day gift 67. Show
CALL 970-243-4442 FOR ORE INFO
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47
CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER? List it here—pricing starts at just $29 per month!
Call Stacey at 243-8829, ext.102 to reserve your space in next month’s issue.
SUPPORT GROUPS
REAL ESTATE
HOME SERVICES
Gamblers Anonymous Finally a 12-step meeting in Grand Junction to help compulsive gamblers recover from our self-inflicted miseries. Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m., at The Meeting Hall, 1938 N. First St. It takes courage to change.
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WE’RE HIRING! The BEACON Senior News is growing and we’re looking for talented folks who want to grow with us! We’re hiring for the following positions:
Downsizing?
FREELANCE WRITERS ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES PHOTO JOURNALISTS Send your letter and resume to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com
Creative folks, don’t forget to send samples of your work! No phone calls, please.
48 | CLASSIFIEDS | JUNE 2019 |
Call today Julie Adams
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Peace of Mind Home Care Homestyle delicious cooking, light cleaning, organizing, laundry, errands, outings, gardening and watering. Caring companionship, qualified and dependable, excellent references. Call today for a free meet and greet. 562-221-9800. Scene Clearly, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264. Window Cleaning Isn’t it time to get those dirty/hazy windows cleaned? No problem, free estimate. Ryan & Michele Allowitz, Blue Ribbon Cleaning Services. 361-0531. 35 years’ experience and insured. Housecleaning services, also. Computer Lady, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, internet, Wi-fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. 255-1216.
Custom Draperies, Blinds and Solar Shades Floor coverings and design services. Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040. Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 40 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. 216-0048.
SERVICES My Phone Friend, LLC Smart Phones/Tables assistance and lessons. 623-2121. www.myphonefriendllc.com
Pat's Hair Salon & Ceramics ——————————————————————————— Regular Perms $45 Senior Citizen Perms $35 *Long hair extra *Includes shampoo, set & blow dry. (Haircuts extra)
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Do you want relief from chronic pain? Our minimally processed full spectrum CBD tinctures and salves have helped many with: arthritis, neuropathy, digestive problems, diabetes and inflammation. Our CBD contains naturally occurring chlorophyll, which optimizes the health benefits of the oils. Call 4642048 today for more information or a sample. Medical Marijuana Doctor Days in Montrose and Grand Junction Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com. Medical Cannabis Certification Cannabis treats arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, Parkinson’s, MS, cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, etc. GJ - Thursday 6/6, 6/27 Rifle - Wednesday 6/5, 6/26 Wendy Zaharko, MD, 970-319-0652, z@alumni.princeton.edu. Your local Western Slope cannabis physician since 2009.
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. 2423911. 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**
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES MOPS Share your love of children and knowledge of parenting with a new generation. Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is desperately seeking volunteers to love, watch and teach children 9 months to 6 years during its meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Canyon View Vineyard Church. All curriculum, materials, snacks and coffee are provided. Rooms are divided by ages. Time commitment is 8:45-11:15 a.m. Please call MOPS Kids coordinator Morgan Barb at 216-2952.
HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER?
List it here!
Call Stacey at 243-8829
to reserve your space in next month’s issue.
Answers from page 47
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49
KUDOS & KVETCH
kudos \ ku • dos “Thank you so much for the Mary Rait article—and for picking up a
couple of items from [the Palisade Historical Society] newsletter. Enjoyed BeaconFest, too! Good work!” - Priscilla Walker, Palisade Historical Society, and author of “Mary Rait: Colorado Mesa University’s pioneer educator” in the May issue
“There is one more very important part to the poppy story (ref-
erencing May’s “Poppies still a way to honor veterans”). In 1918, Moina Michael conceived the idea of using the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for fallen service men. She was inspired by John McCrae’s poem and answered with a poem of her own entitled ‘We Shall Keep the Faith.’ Miss Moina vowed to wear a poppy for the rest of her life and worked tirelessly to spread the symbol of the poppy. It was Moina Michael who inspired the American Legion to adopt in 1921 the poppy as the symbol of remembrance. Also during this time, Anna Guerin took the idea back to Europe and helped spread the idea. I hope that you can take the time to learn more about these two amazing women.” - Marie Mize.
kvetch \ kfetch “I understand that the article (“Know the difference: service animal
or emotional support animal”) was written to clarify TWO very different ways that dogs are currently being used. I am, however, sad that your source made no mention of the third very important way that trained dogs are being used in our community—the therapy dog. These dogs are trained, tested and certified to be of service to all that they meet. They bring joy and stress relief to total strangers, while in the care of their handlers. These dogs are seen in airports, care facilities, libraries and schools. They do not share the exclusive entry rights of the service dog, but I feel the article was remiss in omitting this very special group of dogs.” - MJ
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Medicare for all, quality care for none M By Janet Trautwein edicare for All has emerged as a defining issue in the race for the White House. Several contenders for the Democratic nomination for president support expanding Medicare to cover all Americans.
But the idea may not play well with the public. Medicare for All would take away existing health insurance coverage from tens of millions of Americans and deprive them of any say over their health care. In exchange for sacrificing control of their health care, Americans would pay trillions of dollars in new taxes. Consider Sen. Bernie Sanders’s Medicare for All Act, which would enroll all Americans in a new government-run health plan, outlawing private insurance coverage. More than 150 million people with employer-sponsored insurance plans, 20 million people who purchase coverage on the individual market, and 20 million people with privately administered Medicare Advantage plans would find themselves in a one-size-fits-all government plan. Experts peg the cost of Medicare for All at roughly $32 trillion over its first decade. Even doubling what the federal government takes in corporate and individual income tax would be insufficient to cover that tab. And that initial $32 trillion estimate may be low. The bill envisions paying health care providers at Medicare’s existing rates, which are 40 percent lower, on average, than those for private insurance. Doctors and hospitals can’t simply absorb those kinds of pay cuts. Many health care facilities, especially those in rural areas, will close their doors. Physicians may retire early, cut the number of hours they work, or leave medicine altogether.
The result will be a health care system where everyone has coverage but no access to care. That’s exactly how things work at the government-run Veterans Health Administration.
According to a 2017 audit of 12 VA facilities in North Carolina and Virginia conducted by the agency’s inspector general, one-third of veterans had to wait more than 30 days for a primary care appointment. The average wait for this group was 51 days. Thirty-nine percent of those waiting for an appointment for specialty care at the 12 hospitals and clinics idled for more than 30 days. The average wait for this group was 60 days. Millions of Americans who have private health insurance have demonstrated they’re not interested in losing coverage for this style of health care. Just look at the results of the recent midterm elections. Seventy percent of Democrats that won Republican-held House seats—21 out of 30—do not support Medicare for All. Ensuring everyone has access to health insurance is a laudable goal, but we can achieve it by building on what works in our current system and fixing what doesn’t. Seventy percent of those with employer-based plans are happy with their coverage. A recent poll found 61 percent of Americans want the Affordable Care Act to be retained or improved. Medicare for All is not the only way to ensure universal access to health insurance. In fact, it’s the most expensive, most complicated, and most disruptive. Janet Trautwein is CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters (www.nahu.org). This piece originally ran in “Detroit News.” ■
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