BEACON-Delta and Montrose Counties-January 2016

JANUARY 2016 FREE – Your

Vol. 30 No. 1 nties – FREE

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guide to agin

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MONTROSE &

Montrose & Delta Counties’ Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 13,650 Readers.

Guide ES - 2016

DELTA COUNTI

FROZEN ASSETS: into the winter wild

Photo by Katherine Lopez

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JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY 2016

EDITORIAL

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Is Brock Osweiler a babe? By Kevin K. VanGundy “Out of the mouths of babes” is an expression that generally means that young people can sometimes say surprisingly wise things. At just 25 years young, clearly a babe in my book, Denver Broncos Quarterback Brock Osweiler made such an observation in describing his team’s recent win in OT against the Cincinnati Bengals. He said, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” Indeed. I was having dinner with a few seniors at a local restaurant and we were watching the big game. Wow, the Broncos looked awful that first quarter. One of my fellow Bronco fans, I’m guessing in his mid-70s, started talking passionately about his work in the Forest Service before retirement. Clearly, he missed the work very much. Sensing his loss of purpose and having some knowledge of the local senior scene, I suggested several volunteer positions that might get him back to the forest. Yet, each opportunity I presented was immediately rejected. As we watched the Broncos turn into donkeys, we gave up hope and went our separate ways. That was a mistake! In a thrilling second half of football, the Broncos tied the game and eventually won over the Bengals in overtime. It just goes to show you (and me again) that it isn’t over until it’s over.

Some seniors believe, but many don’t What if today, my senior friend and I—and you—all made a point to

finish this race better than how we started it? Can you imagine what 2016 could be like if you and I were to take all that life has taught us and apply it with Broncos QB BROCK OSenthusiasm WEILER readies to throw a pass. to our new The Broncos beat the Bengal s year? Or, in OT 20-17. the rest of Photo credit: ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy our lives? Here are a couple of examples. You may remember that a couple of Christmases ago I had written that Ula Kirkman, a fan favorite at many of our BeaconFest senior fairs, had become ill with cancer. I’m sad to say that she passed away this past month, but I’m happy to report that in between rounds of chemotherapy she was still performing and entertaining many seniors throughout the area. In an inspirational article in this month’s BEACON, you’ll read of a mother, a daughter and a blind man who have hiked the Colorado Trail. Not an easy task, even for the younger and healthier amongst us. This begs the question, “How will you challenge yourself this New Year?”■

Come in and see what we can do for you! 301 Main Street Delta CO, 81416 ♦ director@deltacolorado.org www.deltacolorado.org Find us on Facebook

Learn about Estate Planning at our Free Educational Workshops! Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Tax Planning Attorneys

There Has Been a Death in the Family! Now What?

Montrose: Monday January 11th 4:30-5:30 p.m. Grand Junction: Tuesday, January 12th 4:30-5:30 p.m. & Wednesday, January 27th 4:30-5:30 p.m. Have you lost a loved one recently? Do you have questions on how to administer their estate? Would you like to know how your own estate will be administered? We’ll discuss important issues surrounding the estate administration process. It may not be as easy as you think!

“And the Sky Turned Gray”:How caregivers can break through the dark cloud of Dementia and learn to live again.

Grand Junction: Tuesday, January 19th 4:30-5:30 p.m. A special presentation from Tracy Waite, the administrator from Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. Sign up for this special program today! Registration is Required. The Grand Junction workshops are held at our office at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. Montrose workshops are held at the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging at 300 N. Cascade. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website at: www.brownandbrownpc.com

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E Sherwood Dr. Grand Junction, CO 81501 817 Colorado Ave., #206 Glenwood Springs, CO81601

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

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COVER STORY

Be prepared — for anything Staying safe in winter requires that you pack, dress and act appropriately. Planning: Check weather forecasts before embarking. Winter days are short, so set up camp or head home before dark. Someone at home should know your destination and estimated return time. Don’t bet your life on a cell phone or two-way radio. Know how to use GPS devices, compasses and maps if you’re counting on them. The BLM (244-3000) and Colorado National Monument Visitor Center (858-3617) have maps and advice about exploring the public lands they manage. Clothing: Dress in layers and pack extra clothes. The base layer should be a synthetic material or merino wool to wick away sweat. A middle layer of fleece or down insulates, and a waterproof outer shell protects against wind and rain. Avoid cotton. Gloves, sunglasses, hat, socks and insulated boots are essentials. Emergency gear: Tote as much water as you can carry; leave more at camp or in your vehicle. Have food, emergency blankets, waterproof matches, headlamps and extra batteries, a first-aid kit and sunscreen.

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Frozen assets: Into the winter wild Story & photos by Sandy Nelson

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inter arrives well before the calendar acknowledges it. At the first hint that fall is evolving into something more severe, snowbirds flee for warmer roosts, hibernators dive for their dens and speed devotees head for their favorite ski slopes. In their absence, traffic thins on many area trails and back roads, and anyone who longs for personal space can find it in the immense expanses of public lands in our area. These less-traveled spots invite active seniors of all abilities to witness the world in winter’s sublime light and stillness — a setting that can punish the skin and sinuses but reward the ears, eyes and nerves. A fresh layer of snow muffles sound and reshapes the land, and those differences attract cross-country skiers and snowshoers to the trailheads of Grand Mesa and the Uncompahgre Plateau every weekend after the first snowfall. Popular trails get busy as the day warms up, but early arrivals who are

Stay sober: Avoid overindulgence in alcohol and drugs, as they can impair judgment and compound the risks of winter exposure.

unintimidated by deep cold relish the relative privacy. And retirees? They can wait for a weekday and luxuriate in the solitude. At lower elevations, the ground can be bare for long stretches between fall and spring, tempting cyclists and hikers to act like it’s summer even when it’s not.

White open spaces Now is the best time to visit the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area on the east side of Highway 139, because that’s when the wild horses move to lower elevations to graze, according to Chris Joyner, public affairs officer for the Bureau of Land Management in Grand Junction. Even during peak seasons, remote destinations like Devils Canyon in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, Canyon Pintado National Historic District and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area don’t draw big crowds, Joyner said. In winter they’re downright deserted. And many trails in these spots are snow-free for much of the season, making them accessible to people who prefer the narrower gait of a

JANUARY 2016

hiking boot to the clown-shoe stride of a snowshoe. Recreationists sticking to developed trails should beware of losing their way by mistaking an animal trail for the true route. “Every year, when we have the first false spring, people will go out hiking and some will get on a game trail and get lost,” Joyner said. But winter’s adventures aren’t just for seniors with good knees, lungs and hearts. Wheelchair users and others with limited mobility don’t need to feel trapped inside just because it’s crisp outside. Many of the ancient Fremont and Ute rock art panels in Canyon Pintado are easily visible from Highway 139 for sightseers unable to cover the distance on foot for a closer look, Joyner said. Likewise, the 26 miles of Rim Rock Drive on the Colorado National Monument are accessible for drive-by observers and day hikers. The visitor center and frequent viewpoints are safe places to stop and fully digest the area’s impressive natural assets, including the Gunnison River, Uncompahgre Plateau and the Grand Mesa. During much of the winter, the monument’s red-rock towers and sandstone columns sport sparkling white crowns that add to their grandeur and make Arlene Jackson feel privileged to work in such a beautiful

Double Up: Avoid solo backcountry trips unless you’re an experienced hiker with proper gear. Consider joining one of the area’s numerous outdoor groups, including the Outing Club (255-9120), Sierra Club (www. sierraclub.com), Western Slope Adventurers (westernslopeadventurers.org; 433-4312) and Grand Valley Outdoors (www.meetup.com/GrandValleyOutdoors/). — Compiled from information on the READY Colorado and REI websites

Ph oto by Liz ab eth Deich

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The highway up to Grand Mesa rewards drivers with panoramic views.

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COVER STORY

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place. Jackson is chief of interpretation at the monument’s visitor center. “The snow accentuates the rocks in different ways, and it highlights different things,” she said. “You see layers you didn’t notice before.” The monument’s visitor center is open 364 days a year (closed only on Christmas day). Crews keep Rim Rock Drive snow- and ice-free, though a major storm might cause a temporary closure. The park hot line (858-3617, Ext. 402) has updates on road conditions. In the winter, Jackson said, “There are a lot fewer visitors, so people can take their time on the road and look around a little bit. You can see things (like) bighorn sheep playing near the road. The other thing that’s really nice about winter is that you feel like you have the place to yourself, and you can absorb that quiet.” It can also be sunny and warmer at the park’s higher elevation when area residents are shivering under an inversion layer, she said. “I’ve left my home in Fruita when it was 10 degrees; by the time I reached the visitor center, it was 29.” The sun can quickly melt snow on many portions of the 32-square-mile park, making its trails and sandstone plateaus simple to traverse. Dogs aren’t allowed on trails in the monument, but they’re welcome on BLM-managed recreation areas just outside the park’s boundaries.

John Lorentzen, 84, heads out of Mesa Lakes Lodge after gearing up with snow shoes to go fishing (hence the bucket) after cross-country skiing with his Battlement Mesa Hikers group.

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Cold comfort In any season, nature is indifferent to the suffering of people whose outdoor play doesn’t go as planned. A 72-year-old mountain biker who was injured in a crash in the North Desert area off 27 ¼ Road spent two days and one night outdoors before his wife returned from a trip and called the sheriff’s office. The resilient cyclist survived the mid-October accident, but the outcome might have been tragic in winter, when days are shorter and even daytime temperature can linger in the teens. “The most important thing for people to do is let someone know where they’re going and when they’ll be back,” said Mesa County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Lawrence, a remotearea search and rescue coordinator. “Don’t assume you’re not going to have a problem. Plan for double the time; if you think you’ll be out for two hours, plan for four.” Hydration is just as critical in January as it is in July, he added.

Snow accents the inherently dramatic vistas at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

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“Make sure you have plenty of water, because it’s incredibly dry and easy to become dehydrated.” That advice holds true for recreationists of all ages, but athletic and outdoorsy elders sometimes overestimate their stamina and dexterity, he said. “As we age, we have a more difficult time regulating body temperature. It’s easier for older people to get hypothermia” and to suffer serious injuries in a fall. Age brings a more mature appraisal of winter’s risks, but that’s no reason to fear its rewards. The cure for cabin fever is out there, on the other side of indoors. ■

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s South Rim Road features numerous plateaus and viewpoints.

Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Nancy Ruspil Editor at Large............................... Cloie Sandlin Senior Graphic Designer............ Melissa Trottier Graphic Design/Photography....Katherine Lopez Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Office Manager........................... Sherry Harmon Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy DELTA-MONTROSE BUREAU Assistant Editor........................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative...............Virginia Carlile Delivery...............................................JR Milner Delivery...................................... Brandon Carlile

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: Beth Dwyer, Joe Moreng and Mike Dwyer enjoy a ski at the Skyway Cross Country Ski Area

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FEATURE STORY

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Get creative at any age By Jan Weeks

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hat is it about creativity that seems to freeze most people whenever the word is mentioned? They say, “Oh, I’m not creative” or “I’m not an artist.” Or writer, quilt designer, musician, or fill in the blank with any of a thousand endeavors that seem to frighten us. The boomer generation grew up with the idea of sticking to something safe, something that would bring us the American Dream: a house in the suburbs, two cars, 2.5 kids, and a job that we worked for 40 years. Anyone silly enough to pursue a passion for music, fine art or writing was told that it’s fine to starve in a garret when we’re in our 20s, but then we’d better be ready to settle down. And how did that work for you? Do you have unfulfilled dreams of making something beautiful? (Besides the grandkids, that is.) Still craving the feel of clay between your hands? The smoothness of piano keys under your fingers? The smell of turpentine and oil paint? It’s not too late to recapture that passion. Even though the people mentioned in this article started their creative careers earlier than 50, they can inspire the rest of us to try something that we’ve always wanted to do.

Bob Alster, 67, grew up in New Jersey and began playing guitar in high school, then started playing professionally in 1967. After moving to Colorado, he opened a talent booking agency in Summit County in 1982. But he still kept his hands on the strings of his chosen instruments. He begins practice at about 6:30 every morning and plays for a couple of hours, working out complicated chords and rhythms for both classical pieces and standards, such as “Autumn Leaves” and “Girl from Ipanema.” Locally, he plays at Le Rouge downtown, as well as The Winery. He told horror stories about gigs gone wrong, but he also said, “The best is when I’m truly connecting with my audience and can feel the energy from them.” Sue Hughey, a spritely senior well into her golden years, moved to Denver, where her father, a retired art professor and master potter, and she opened Associated Arts, a graphic arts studio, ceramic studio, and art gallery in Lakewood. In 1975, the economic recession forced them to cut back to only the graphic arts studio, mainly because by then it had evolved into a map drafting company, producing plates for USGS topography and geologic maps, and BLM land maps. Her writing career began at age 7 when she published and distributed a neighborhood newspaper. In high school she worked on the school paper. In the early 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency contracted with her to write and illustrate a children’s book titled, “Fun With the Environment,” which was

JANUARY 2016

Bob Alster playing his guitar

distributed to millions of elementary school children. Canada requested, and was granted, the right to print and distribute the book in that country. She went on to create large historical and educational maps and posters, which she self-published and sold. In 1973, she won the top $5,000 prize for designing the Colorado coin that was part of Franklin Mint’s 50 State Bicentennial collection. In 1974, she won the $500 prize for designing Colorado’s Centennial/Bicentennial coin, which by an act of Congress, became the first commemorative coin ever minted in a U.S. mint. After retiring in 1996, she wrote and illustrated a children’s book, “Herby’s Secret Formula,” followed by an adult adventure titled “A Nest Egg Poached.” She self-published both books and placed in several book contests with “Herby,” which also placed second in the Colorado Independent Publishers’ Association juvenile fiction category. “For me, writing is harder than drawing,” Hughey said. “One never hears of ‘artist’s block’.” But she said the hardest thing about either is making time for them. “When I pass, they’ll probably have to either pry an art pencil from my cold dead hand, or pry my fingers off my computer keyboard,” she said. Virginia Jensen, 74, made a living as a graphic designer for many years, dabbling in writing on the side. After a move to New Mexico, she wrote every day and completed

Left: Sue Hughey’s work includes an illustrated map, her book cover illustration and her award-winning coin designs. Right: Virginia Jensen works on her beading.

a novel, as yet unpublished. In 1999 she and husband Rich moved to Grand Junction, where she found it difficult if not impossible to find a job as a designer. She went to work at Michael’s craft store, arranging the classroom for demonstration classes. When a need arose for a beadwork teacher, she knew she could do it even though she’d not strung a bead since she was a child. Using her background in graphic art, she was soon applying her knowledge of color and pattern to bead weaving, making collars, cuffs and other pieces of jewelry reminiscent of ancient Egypt, one of her passions at the time. Soon she began making more pieces and wrote instructions that were published in Bead and Button magazine. Before long, she was under contract to Kalmbach Press to write a book on beading. Another book followed, and when she discovered two-hole beads, she embraced that art and wrote a book of instructions for that. “Part of my success is focus,” Jensen said of her beading. “I treat this as a profession, not a hobby. I was pushed into starting over. I had to stretch myself.” Her one-of-a-kind pieces are displayed in the Oakley Gallery and at Crystal Books in downtown Grand Junction, as well as galleries in Gunnison and Ridgway.

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FEATURE STORY

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Although these creative individuals have long histories of following their passions, it’s never too late to begin to follow yours. Always wanted to dance? Contact one of the local studios for instruction in everything from ballroom to ballet. Always doodling? Pick up a sketchbook and some pens and ink, and make art. Has clay fascinated you? There are many studios that give classes. Want to write? Check out writing classes at Western Colorado Community College. Does fabric speak to your soul? There are several textile arts groups in the area, specializing in quilting, embroidery, weaving, and other fiber arts. If you want to learn it or do it,

chances are there’s a place for you. A good resource for jumpstarting your imagination is “The Artist’s Way,” a book by Julia Cameron. This 12-week program instructs and inspires budding artists in any discipline as well as more experienced folks suffering from artistic blocks. The Art Center also holds classes in all the fine arts: ceramics, life drawing, watercolor, oil painting, batik and much more. The Mesa County libraries have shelves full of books on every artistic pursuit. Instead of aging gracefully, sculpt, samba, weave or watercolor your way through the years. Live with passion and love what you do. ■

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June 7, 2016 – 13 Days Tour begins in Anchorage, in the great state of Alaska. On this adventure we bring together the best of both land & sea. Featuring: 7 night Princess Cruise, Enjoy Majestic Mt. McKinley at the Princess Wilderness Lodge, Cruise Hubbard Glacier & sail through Glacier bay. Explore Juneau and more! BOOK EARLY!

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Colors of New England

October 6, 2016 – 8 Days Featuring: Boston, Woodstock & Stowe, Vermont, Lake Winnipesaukee, Booth Bay Harbor & for a true taste of New England a succulent fresh lobster dinner. Beautiful fall foliage,and much, much, more!! BOOK EARLY!!!

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Your guide to aging well in Montrose and Delta Counties

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Generosity in Action Elaine Milner became a volunteer for HopeWest and Heirlooms for Hospice 22 years ago just after her husband passed away. “HopeWest was such a big help to me during that time. I felt like I really wanted to give back so I became a volunteer. I don’t think there is any other store in town that’s as friendly or welcoming and supports such a wonderful cause.”

Join our family of volunteers! HopeWest has many opportunities available to fit your needs or busy schedule. Visit our website to explore the ways you can make a difference.

JANUARY 2016

By Cloie Sandlin Start the new year off right with the 2016 edition of the BEACON’s annual RESOURCE Directory, which you should find somewhere inside this January issue. If you haven’t found it already, I thought I should give you a heads up because it looks a little different this year. That’s because it has a new name and a new look. Now called The BEACON Guide, this trusted guide for area seniors, their families and those who assist them has only gotten bigger and better. In addition to the new name and design, it also features editorial content and additional information about the transitions in aging that you or a loved one may be going through. From finding leisure activities to planning your retirement, and from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility, The BEACON Guide will help you navigate the continuum of care that we go through as we age. The options available can be confusing and expensive, but we’ll help you sort them out in this yearly guide to aging well in Montrose and Delta counties. Our directory has many other helpful resources, such as clubs, churches, genealogy resources, pet vets and shelters, support groups and volunteer opportunities. Don’t worry. They’re all still there. The BEACON Guide contains hundreds of listings and hard-to-find phone numbers in Montrose and Delta counties. We’ve taken great care to make sure that each listing is accurate and up to date. Each year, every listed phone number is called and personally verified. Though The FREE – Your guide to aging well in Montrose

& Delta Counties – FREE

Guide

HopeWestCO.org

MONTROSE & DELTA COUNTIES - 2016

geared for seniors, many households keep the resource directory on hand throughout the year. As our community grows, so does our directory. Many listings are added every year. This year, there are over 600 listings in our Montrose-Delta County edition of The BEACON Guide.

Got technology? For even more convenience our website, www.BeaconSeniorNews. com, hosts a virtual format of The BEACON Guide for seniors and their family members who live outside of the area. It’s senior friendly and can be turned page by page with a click of the mouse. You can search for keywords, zoom in and out, and click on an advertiser’s weblink to be automatically directed to its website.

Monthly highlights Every month, the BEACON Senior Newspaper highlights a local club or organization listed in The BEACON Guide. It’s a great way for readers to become better involved with organizations in the community. (This month, The BEACON Guide is what we are highlighting.)

Get your free copies If your copy isn’t in this issue of the BEACON, or if you’d like to request additional copies, call us at 970-2438829 and we will mail them to you. The Mesa County edition is also available by calling 970-243-8829. We widely distribute editions of The BEACON Guide in their respective area—in Mesa or Delta and Montrose counties. It can be found at numerous doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and more. Businesses are able to call and request them in bulk and we will deliver them personally and with a smile. ■

For free copies of our 2016 guide to aging well in Montrose & Delta Counties call us at 243-8829. Or, view it online at BeaconSeniorNews.com

JANUARY 2016

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ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I was wondering if you could help me. I am recently widowed, and I was married for 45 years. I am having a hard time getting on with my life. Do you know anybody who is in my same situation that I could write to? I don’t know anything about computers and I don’t drive, so it is hard for me. Please if you know anyone give them my address. Thank you, A.F. Dear A.F: There are others in your same boat but I’m sorry, I cannot connect you to them. Many couples are close and dependent upon each other. When one is gone they feel lost. Here are my suggestions: 1) Place a friendship ad in the BEACON, asking for a pen pal. Do not give out your address. Use a post office box number. 2) Research transportation options for seniors in your area. There are many sources. You can call your local Area Agency on Aging (Grand Junction 248-2717; Montrose-Delta 249-2436), and ask for their help. My readers tell me this agency has helped them many times. 3) Churches are great sources for meeting people and some even offer transportation to services. 4) Do you know your neighbors and have any offered to help with transportation?

7) If you did not go to a grief support group, I highly recommend it. You will meet others in the same situation. Dear Old Bag: For the last 10 years of my husband’s life, we had no sex. My husband had treatment for advanced prostate cancer and he could not perform. I want to tell your readers that there is an intimacy that is deeper than sex could ever be. We became closer than ever. When I read these letters from people who treat sex as if it is the last supper, I cringe. Please tell them. Dear Wiser: You just told them. Thank you. Dear Old Bag: My aunt is dating a multimillionaire. She is not a millionaire, but she is okay financially. My objection is that this guy divides everything down the middle with her paying her half of all entertainment, etc. They are planning to move in together and he is outlining her half of the rent, utilities, etc. I think he is a cheapskate. What do you think? Signed, Loving Niece Dear Niece: I’m thinking that is probably how he got so rich. Sometimes acceptance is the better part of loving. And she better be able to accept it or leave it because it’s doubtful that he will change. ■

We believe that a memorial should be a reflection of a life lived. This is why Dan Carlson, artist and owner, has been customizing memorials since 1976. Every memorial is designed, engraved and installed by our craftsmen to insure the highest quality from start to completion. It is our commitment to assist you and your family during this difficult time and hope to ease the experience with kind, compassionate professionalism. We are honored to help you select the appropriate memorialization that will last through the ages for someone special. Your memorial will serve as a source of historical record for future generations.

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5) If you can afford it, move yourself into a retirement community where you will have transportation, friends, fun things to do and meals prepared for you. If your finances are low, the Area Agency can recommend some that are low cost.

6) Use every bit of your creativity to get yourself out into the community.

The Hands that Tell Life’s Stories in Stone

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ASK THE OLD BAG

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. —E. B. White

You can only be young once, but you can always be immature. —Dave Barry

I intend to live forever. So far, so good. —Steven Wright

A good thing for them to cut on my tombstone: “Wherever she went, including here, it was against her better judgment.” —Dorothy Parker

You can get the monkey off your back, but the circus never leaves town. —Anne Lamott If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. —George Bernard Shaw Insane people are always sure that they are fine. It is only the sane people who are willing to admit that they’re crazy. —Nora Ephron

Someone sent me a photo postcard of Earth. On the back it said, “Wish you were here.” —Steven Wright

Army life Submitted by Bob Breazeale

On the day Joe graduates from high school, he joins the U.S. Army. At boot camp, he’s assigned the roughest, toughest, no-nonsense drill instructor sergeant. This guy makes Joe’s life miserable, but he hangs in there and

makes it through. Joe is so happy to get to his first assignment. However, when Joe gets there, he finds out that his boot camp sergeant is there also, and he’s in his company. Needless to say, Joe’s enlistment is anything but enjoyable – but he makes his mind up to stick it out. On his last day, Joe is packing to go home. The sergeant says, “So, you’re quitting the Army to be a candy a** – a civilian. Well, I’m happy I made it hard on you.” Joe says, “I’m happy that I’ll never see you again.” The sergeant replies, “Oh, you’ll see me again. I bet that when I die, you’ll come to my funeral just to spit on my grave.” Joe says, “No, I’m not going to do that.” Surprised and confused, the sergeant asks, “Why not?” Joe replies, “Now that I’m out of the army, I’m never going to stand in any more looong lines.”

Wine about it Submitted by Sally Henderson

JANUARY 2016

I went on a wine tour with some of my older friends. At one winery, we had the opportunity to taste a wine called Pinot Grigio, one called Pinot Noir & one called Sauvignon Blanc. Then the winemaker told us that they were coming out with a special wine designed specifically for us older folks because of our late-night bathroom needs. They called it “Pinot More.”

Surprise Submitted by Genevra Shal

“Hello, is this the Sheriff’s office?” “Yes, what can I do for you?” “I’m calling to report ‘bout my neighbor Virgil Smith. He’s hiding marijuana inside his firewood. Don’t quite know how he gets it inside those logs, but he’s hiding it there.” “Thank you very much for the call, Sir.” The next day the Sheriff and his deputies descend upon Virgil’s home. They search the shed where the firewood is kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood, but find no marijuana. They sneered at Virgil and left.

JANUARY 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

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Shortly after, the phone rings at Virgil’s. “Hey, Virg, this here’s Floyd. Did the sheriff come?”

confused and exclaim “What? And spoil the mood?” (Or just throw glitter on them to create a festive mood.)

“Yeah!”

Pet Hair: Explain the mound of pet hair brushed up against the doorways by claiming that it keeps out cold drafts in winter.)

“Did they chop your firewood for the winter?” “Yep.” “Happy Birthday, buddy!”

Don’t get mad Submitted by Karen Jones

Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, “Now don’t get mad at me. I know we’ve been friends for a long time, but I just can’t think of your name! I’ve thought and thought, but I can’t remember it. Please tell me what your name is.” Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, “How soon do you need to know?”

Handy cleaning tips Submitted by Janice Harvey

Dirt: Layers of dirty film on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful and aging rays from the sun. Call it an SPF factor of 15 and leave it alone. Cobwebs: Artfully draped over lampshades reduce the glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If someone points out that the light fixtures need dusting, simply look

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

Guests: If unexpected company is coming, pile everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your tidy home, rattle the doorknob vigorously, fake a growl and say, “I’d love you to see our den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed and the shots are SO expensive.” Dusting: If dust is really out of control, simply place a showy urn on the coffee table and insist that “This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes.” General Cleaning: Mix one-quarter cup pine-scented household cleaner with four cups of water in a spray bottle. Mist the air lightly. Leave dampened rags in conspicuous locations. Develop an exhausted look, throw yourself on the couch and sigh, “I clean and I clean and I still don’t get anywhere.” As a last resort, light the oven, throw a teaspoon of cinnamon in a pie pan, turn off oven and explain that you have been baking cookies for a bake sale for a favorite charity and haven’t had time to clean...Works every time. Another favorite, I think from Erma Bombeck: Always keep several get well cards on the mantle so if unexpected guests arrive, you can say you’ve been sick and unable to clean. ■

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TRAVEL

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JANUAR

Mother and daughter build bonds hiking Colorado Trail By Melanie Wiseman “She’s quite a lady,” Sarah Eller said, referring to her mother Jane. “I learned a lot about myself as I was watching her.” Mother-daughter duo Jane Eller, 67, and Sarah, 33, backpacked 100 miles of the Colorado Trail this past August. Stretching nearly 500 miles from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail travels through the spectacular Colorado Rocky Mountains among peaks, lakes, creeks and diverse ecosystems. From start to finish, trail users experience six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges topping out at 13,271 feet. The average elevation is over 10,000 feet with dramatic rises and descents. Jane and Sarah are now part of an elite group of backpackers who have described the Colorado Trail as an amazing and life-changing experience. They found the trek so inspiring and rewarding that it’s likely they will hike more sections of the trail together in the future.

The Bucket List At 5 foot, 3 inches and 120 pounds, you might not take Jane for the high mountain adventuresome type. But don’t let her size fool you. “My mom expressed an interest in

creating a bucket list of some things she wanted to do,” Sarah said. “First on the list was ziplining. So I set up a ziplining adventure near Winter Park that we did last summer with some of my sisters.” Next on the list was backpacking a lengthy section of the Colorado Trail, which came together much sooner than either originally thought it would. “You have to seize the day, and seize the moment,” Sarah said. “Her father is 92 and was in the hospital twice this year. That in particular solidified the hike in August because you just never know what’s going to happen next year.” Sarah assured her mom that she could make this trek happen, and Jane said, “Let’s do 100 miles.” “That number really captured her attention,” Sarah said. “It was a number that was impressive and worthwhile, and had meaning to her from a Peter, Paul and Mary song.” Home responsibilities and property upkeep, boarded horses, a sick dog and litter, and a severed rotator cuff threatened to hold Jane back, but she persevered and everything fell into place. “The doctor said she could do anything she could tolerate, and she has a really high pain tolerance, so she decided to go for it,” Sarah said. “I’m really proud of her for overcoming those obstacles. I didn’t push. It was she who overcame it.”

Jane with her daughters zip-lining through her bucket list.

Pre-trip “feet time” Sarah is no mountaineering rookie. “I couldn’t have had a better person to help me accomplish this 100 miles,” Jane said. In 2005, Sarah hiked the entire Colorado Trail, and is close to 4,000 total backpacking miles since 2004. These miles include the 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail and three years of guiding people up fourteeners at a leadership camp. “My mom and I have been on a few other three-day backpacking trips together, but nothing of this length,” Sarah said. Gaining as much “feet time” as possible was crucial preparation for their journey. Jane walked her dogs a couple of miles each day and did more challenging hikes on the weekends. “I started carrying my pack and kept adding more and more books to make it heavier,” Jane said. “We were going to be on our feet a lot, so in preparation, you have to spend as much time on your feet as possible.” Jane’s drive to stay fit is enhanced by her love of the outdoors and by being an active swim coach and teacher for 20 years.

Their itinerary involved leaving one car in Leadville, dropping a supply replenishment bucket at a Frisco hotel and shuttling to the starting point. “It’s so important to have good equipment,” Jane said. “I had great padding on my pack so I didn’t get sore, and I never got any blisters on my feet.” Sarah dehydrated all the meals for their trip, keeping high calories and weight in mind. “You can count on about two pounds of food per person, per day,” Sarah said. “Or if by calories, 4,000 per day, if possible. A rule I’ve learned is that you want to pack food that is 100 calories per ounce of weight to give you the most bang for your buck.” Each pack weighed 30-32 pounds at it’s heaviest.

Planning for two “My husband wanted to go,” Sarah said. “But I said no—this is something my mom and I want to do together.” Sarah and Jane made plans to backpack from Long Gulch Trailhead near Fairplay to Timberline Trailhead in Leadville. “I chose this section because of the aspen and high panoramic views, which give you a great sense of accomplishment and beauty.”

DURANGO

RY 2016

TRAVEL 13

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DENVER

“She taught me how to pack and so many other things,” Jane said. “When she was little, I taught her, and now she’s teaching me.”

The journey Hiking 12-17 miles a day, Jane and Sarah traveled 100 miles in eight days with an overnighter in Frisco sandwiched in the middle. “I was pretty tense at first, and I fell a number of times, and got pretty banged up,” Jane said. “I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and focused on

HIKING IT BLIND Trevor Thomas, trail name Zero Zero, started hiking The Colorado Trail in June 2015 with his guide dog Tennille. His trail name refers to his vision—Thomas is blind. So just how does a blind hiker navigate 486 miles of obstacles from Denver to Durango? “There is no margin for error,” Thomas said by satellite phone from the summit of Georgia Pass. He was sitting in a snowbank, “Loving life but getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.” “I use every resource available and all my senses to navigate,” Thomas said. He uses

what made this journey so special.” “It took a few days for my mom to delve into the reason the trek was so meaningful,” Sarah said. “She discovered one reason was the spiritual pilgrimage, remembering those who came before us. Second, was the mother-daughter experience she specifically wanted to do with me to learn why I spend so much time on the trail and am passionate about the choices I make. This was a chance for us to truly connect, and I cherish our time together.” Jane brought her hymnbook, learning new songs and singing along the way. “’There’s Sunshine in My Soul Today,’ was my favorite,” Jane said. Evenings were the most special times for Jane. “Getting up in the quiet, coolness of night, looking up and seeing all the stars was amazing,” she said. “I was

so grateful for sharing this experience with my daughter.” Sharing a square or two of raspberry dark chocolate for dessert each evening was also a highlight of the evening. “From my perspective, at first my mom was dependent on me more as a guide,” Sarah said. “As the hike progressed I saw a real change in her, where there was a desire to take on things she hadn’t done before. I feel there was real growth in her finding her own independence.” Both women found enrichment in their adventure because their experience and accomplishments relied on just the two of them. “I feel my greatest contribution to the trip was letting my mom take the lead on the pace of the trip,” Sarah said. “The trip was not about me. It was about us.” ■

Excerpted from “The Long Haul: Blind hiker Trevor Thomas blazes the trail,” by Dean Krakel, denverpost.com, November 2, 2015

echolocation, “like a human bat,” to know where he is and where he must go. “Everything in the world has a particular sound, and from those sounds I can get a primitive idea of what an environment is like.” Thomas calls The Colorado Trail one of the most challenging trails he has done, because of the altitude and the unsettled, often violent weather—“I can get struck by lightning just like any other hiker,” he said. “I don’t have any storm super-sense.” And then there’s the lingering snow. “Snow is a blind person’s navigational nightmare. You can’t feel the trail.” He has one constant companion, who he credits for much of his long-distance hiking success—a black Labrador retriever named Tennille. Tennille guides Thomas around boulders, finds trail markers and keeps Thomas true to the trail. “She points out the things that can hurt me,” Thomas said. “She knows how tall I am and warns me about low hanging tree limbs. No other dog has been trained to do this before. She’s one of a kind.”

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HOME & GARDEN

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How can I keep my poinsettia alive and looking great until next Christmas? Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough

P

oinsettias are easy to keep looking fresh and colorful for the first few months. After that, there are certain things you must do to ensure a rebloom in time for next Christmas. The CSU Extension suggests the following: • Always keep your poinsettia in the brightest part of your home and avoid placing it near cold drafts, radiators or heat vents. • Water poinsettias thoroughly as needed. • Remove the decorative foil and plant it in a pot with good drainage.

• Use a complete houseplant fertilizer every two weeks. • If you want the plant to re-bloom, start the pruning process in April and finish by mid August. Remove the bracts and part of the stems. Leave three or four leaves on each remaining stem. Re-plant into a larger pot and apply a slow release fertilizer to the soil. Prune tall growth to keep the plant well formed. • At the end of September, place the plant in total darkness for 14 hours a day. You can do this by placing the plant inside a large paper bag in a

closet. Colored bracts (the colored leaves) should begin to appear in early November. ■

PLANT OF THE MONTH—Grape ivy (Cissus rhombifolia) Grape ivy is a classic houseplant that offers beautiful evergreen foliage and thrives in most home and office environments. This vine’s curling tendrils easily attach to a trellis or a stake, and look just as good when allowed to drape over a cabinet, shelf or hanging basket. Grape ivy appreciates fluorescent lights or low to moderate light from an east-facing window. It also likes regular water from spring through summer. Decrease water in fall and winter and allow soil to dry out between watering. Use a balanced houseplant food monthly.

JANUARY 2016

GARDEN CHECKLIST:  Be sure to water your landscape once a month if there has not been sufficient rain or snowfall. Set your sprinklers out during the warmest part of the day and finish before the temperatures fall below freezing. Don’t just water the trunks of your trees. The absorbing roots are in the lawn and outside the drip zone of the trees.  Create a winter habitat for the birds. A heated birdbath is an easy way to give the birds accessible water during sub freezing temperatures. Leave seed heads on grasses and perennials. In the spring, plant fruit-producing trees and shrubs such as crabapples, serviceberries and currants.  Keep your gardening skills sharp by attending classes offered by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation. Topics include beekeeping, weed control, diagnosing plant problems and wildflowers. Visit www.gjcity.org/Parks_ and_Recreation.aspx for more information and to register.

For the puzzle answers see page 47

FUN & GAMES

JANUARY 2016

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Across  1 Musical symbol  5 Child or Puck, e.g.  9 Deity ­worshiped as “The Destroyer” 14 The 29th state 15 Blast furnace sound 16 Exhibit ­supporter 17 Form an opinion 18 Something to grow on 19 American novelist Cather 20 Shadow 23 Asset for Tina Turner 24 Kind of duck 25 Cautiously 28 Unusually intelligent 30 Muscat’s milieu 34 TV’s “___ Smith and Jones” 35 Basket-maker’s ­willow 37 Elton John song 38 Shadow 41 ATC’s point 42 Explosives ingredient 43 Encum­brances 44 John Reed film bio 46 Coach Shula 47 William Kidd, for one 48 Hand wringer’s feeling

CROSSWORD PUZZLE 15

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50 Direction from Eden? 51 Shadow 58 Indepen­dently 59 Musical McEntire 60 Watch part 62 Ointment 63 “I second that!” 64 Cloudy 65 Completely unfamiliar 66 Indicates yes, in a way 67 Your family is part of one Down  1 Massenet’s “Le ___”  2 Juilliard cofounder  3 Large jug  4 Hereditary  5 Rocky  6 First word in magic  7 Dodge City lawman  8 Ukulele ­feature  9 Made a dress 10 Coiffure 11 Presque ___, Maine 12 The Sail (southern constel­lation) 13 Contro­versial ­pesticide 21 Wrestling hold 22 Eagles’ hit “___ California”

ASSISTED LIVING

25 Thin ­cracker 26 Mervyn Peake novel “Titus ___” 27 Got one’s goat 28 Gray 29 Marina ­feature 31 She was jilted by Jason 32 Secret one 33 From Bergen 35 Preminger or Graham 36 Dog topper 39 Dentist’s request 40 Like some alibis? 45 Deviate 47 Praiseful songs 49 Time and again 50 Slackened 51 What Castro calls home? 52 1995 ­hurricane 53 West African republic 54 Mediter­ranean port 55 Temp’s pad 56 Get closer to 57 Knock for a loop 61 Salinger’s grain

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16

FAITH MOVES

JANUARY 2016

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By Tait Trussell What are the physical effects of religious faith? A study tracking 20,000 Americans found that white people who attended church regularly lived an average of seven years longer than their counterparts who didn’t go to church, and churchgoing black people lived an average of 14 years longer. The relationship between religious faith and health has been analyzed in thousands of studies in recent years, according to Dr. Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University. “People who feel their life is part of a larger plan and are guided by their spiritual values have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, a lower risk of heart attack and cancer, and heal faster and live longer,” Koenig said. Although there is no exact or specific means of measuring the degree of faith a person has, research does show that people who attend a place of worship at least four times a month tend to avoid risky behavior or depression. Koenig adds, “It’s the sense that God has a purpose for humanity... and that each of us has a special role in that divine plan.”

Religion seems to “soothe the body as well as the soul,” according to WebMD. The people most involved in their religious beliefs were 29 percent more likely still to be alive than their nonreligious counterparts, according to a review of 40 scientific studies of the elderly, the health information website said. Dr. Michael E. McCullough, who conducted the research while at the National Institute for Health Research, said, “Some people believe that religious involvement instills healthy beliefs and behaviors... They also receive a lot of positive and social support that helps them cope with stress.” McCullough is associate professor of psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. “Religion helps people to develop a coherent set of beliefs about the world that helps them make sense of their stress and suffering,” he said. More than 90 percent of American adults are affiliated with some formal religion and nearly 96 percent say they believe in God or some universal spirit. The spiritual studies examined the link between religious involvement and mortality, involving 120,000 people, many of them seniors. Information was collected

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JANUARY 2016

FAITH MOVES 17

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Why do older folks who go to religious services seem to live longer and have better health? on how often participants attended a place of worship, whether they were a member of a religious organization, and how much time they spent in religious activities The research also assessed how frequently they prayed in private and how they used religion as a mechanism for coping with problems. Dr. Redford Williams, director of the behavioral medicine research center at Duke University Medical Center at Durham, N.C., and author of the book, “Lifestyles,” said, “At least part of what is going on is social support. The health-advancing effects of social support are well documented.” Why do older folks who go to religious services seem to live longer and have better health? Is it related to their attendance at churches, temples or synagogues, where they have increased contact with people with similar interests? It’s not simply “finding religion” late in life as the end seems closer. Instead, it may be that being involved in religious

Marilynn Huseby

activities makes seniors feel better emotionally, helping them live longer and in better health. “There’s increasing interest in the subject among researchers and the public,” according to Dr. Susan H. McFadden, at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. She is co-chair of the religion and aging interest group of the Gerontological Society on Aging (GSA), a national organization of researchers on aging. Even people who don’t think of themselves as particularly religious can benefit from the findings of research into this area of spirituality and aging, according to Dr. Harry R. Moody, a gerontologist and author of “The Five Stages of the Soul.” “The message isn’t: Go back to church and you’ll live a long time,” Moody maintains. Joining a small prayer group unconnected with any church, practicing personal meditation, searching for personal meaning in your life as you age, and forging social connections with friends and family may be what’s important, he suggested. ■

Home Care Beyond the Expected

Hilltop - the name you trust At Hilltop Home Care we know remaining safe, secure and independent in your own home can be a primary worry as you age. Aging well in your home may require a wide-range of personalized services to help you achieve your optimal independence. At Hilltop Home Care we offer: n Post-hospitalization and surgery care n IV therapy, medication management and injections n Physical, occupational and speech therapists

n Chronic disease management n Personal care n Companionship n Housekeeping, pet care and handyman services

n Transportation and errands n Meal preparation n Emergency Response Monitors n All caregivers screened and insured

Ask about our Geriatric Care Managers and how they can help you navigate the complex issues of aging at home

(970) 208-1345 • HilltopHomeCareGJ.org

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MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

One night’s tragedy never to be forgotten— One man’s decision never to be forgiven.

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Delta/Montrose Calendar

What’s your plan when you have a long-term event? Who will care for you and how will you pay for it?

JANUARY 2 & JANUARY 16 Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club Enjoy square dancing at Heddle’s Recreation Center. All dances begin at 7 p.m. Round dances are with recordings and include beginners and advanced levels. Potluck dinners begin at 6 p.m. Call Helen with any questions: 856-4187.

THE LAST

L IfeboaT by Luke Yankee

Evening Performances 7:30 PM - January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 & 30

JANUARY 9 Cross Country Ski Clinic Do you want to learn a new skill or start a winter fitness program? Come discover the basics of cross-country skiing, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Black Canyon National Park. This two-hour clinic will cover simple striding and gliding and traveling in variable terrain and snow conditions. You must provide your own ski equipment. Reservations required. For more information, call 249-1914, ext. 423.

Phyllis Hoffman, CLTC Long-Term-Care Specialist phoffman@pnwis.com

Sunday Matinées 2 PM - January 17 & 24

970-765-5029

Purchase Tickets Online www.MagicCirclePlayers.com

Scharee Atchison

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Western Slope LTC Solutions

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P R E M I E R

S E N I O R

JANUARY 2016

L I V I N G

JANUARY 9 Free Line Dancing Class for Beginners Jan Cook is teaching a free line dancing class 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Montrose Recreation District’s Apex and Omni, 25 Colorado Ave. in Montrose. This class is designed for beginners. The 6 week session runs from January 9-February 13. For more information, call 252-4884. JANUARY 15-30 “The Last Lifeboat” at Magic Circle Theatre Immerse yourself in this fascinating drama – the untold tale of the man who built the Titanic. J. Bruce Ismay, head of the White Star Line, was aboard the doomed ocean liner when it struck the iceberg. As the mighty ship began to sink, Ismay tried to save as many passengers as possible. At the last moment, he stepped into the last

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JANUARY 2016

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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lifeboat – a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his life. “The Last Lifeboat” opens January 15 at 7:30 pm and evening performances continue on January 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Sunday matinees are January 17 and 24 at 2:00 pm. Magic Circle Theatre is located at 420 S. 12th St., Montrose. For information call 249-7838 or visit the website for tickets at: www.magiccircleplayers. com. JANUARY 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31 Guided Snowshoe Hikes Experience winter at the Black Canyon by snowshoeing with a ranger among the oaks, open meadows and along the canyon rim, from 1-3 p.m. each day, meeting at the South Rim Visitor

Center in the Black Canyon National Park. No special skill needed to participate in these 1.5-mile walks. Allow 2.5 hours for the program. Snowshoes are available to use, free of charge, for these programs. Reservations required. For more information, call 249-1914, ext. 423. JANUARY 17 Winter Night Sky Viewing and Program Join park rangers and the Black Canyon Astronomical Society for a special viewing of the winter night sky in Black Canyon National Park. The program starts indoors, then moves outside. Be prepared for chilly weather. Meet at

7 p.m. Call 249-1914 for details. If the weather is cloudy, the reschedule date would be Jan. 24. Hosted by the Black Canyon Astronomy Club.

JANUARY 22-23 Western Colorado Food & Farm Forum Friday Pre-Conference, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Saturday Forum, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. If you’re interested in the future of agriculture, attend this valuable forum. Ranchers, farmers, gardeners, students and agricultural professionals will gain insights and strategies regarding the production, marketing and consumption of local food. Breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics such as

maximizing crop and livestock production, specialty crops, and innovative agricultural marketing and management. Saturday’s forum takes place at the Montrose Pavilion. For Friday’s location, call 503-709-8558 or visit the website at www.foodfarmforum.org. Cost is $30-$70. JANUARY 31 Moonlit Cross-Country Ski Join a ranger to explore the South Rim Ski Trail by moonlight. Please bring your own equipment, including skis, poles, warm clothes and headlamp. Meet at the Black Canyon National Park, South Rim Visitor Center. Call to register or reserve your spot at 249-1914, ext. 423. ■

HILLTOP MEMORY CARE The name you trust for comprehensive and compassionate care

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information. We understand navigating the complex issues of memory loss can be confusing. You have questions and getting the answers you need can be frustrating. With one free call to the experts at Hilltop’s Senior Helpline you can get all the information and support you need including:

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JANUARY 2016

Delta/Montrose Clubs, Activities & Beacon Bits • The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. On January 9, music will be provided by New Vision. On January 23, music will be provided by Thin Air. Admission is $5 per person. Call 252-7172.

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• Western Slope 4 Wheelers monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754. • Montrose Amateur Radio Club monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142. • Black Canyon Camera Club monthly meetings are at noon on the second Tuesdays at the First Church of Christ, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Call 399-3674. • Black Canyon Classics is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For times and locations, call 249-6051.

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What we talk about is up to you. Rates, energy generation, scholarships, efficiency, economic development, bill assistance . . . the topics are endless. We will be available to answer questions and get to know you, the members! All DMEA members are invited. Stop by just to say hi before work or spend some time asking us questions. Coffee and pastries are on us!

Where?

Monday, February 1, 2016 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 6:45am – 8:00am 6:45am – 8:00am 845 E. Main, Montrose 3480 Wolverine Dr., Montrose

Coffee & Pastries

DMEA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

• Black Canyon Audubon Society members are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational activities. For dates and times of meetings, call 249-6761, ext. 14. • Wild Bunch 4WD Club bimonthly meetings are the second Mondays of “odd months.” For dates, times and locations, email desertrat27@hotmail.com. • Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club members dance mainstream and plus and welcomes all visitors. Monthly meetings are 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 596-4252. They dance Main Stream and Plus and welcome all visitors. • Alpine Photography Club of Montrose monthly meetings are 7 p.m. every second Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1855 St. Mary’s Drive in Montrose. The public is welcome. For more information email alpinephotoclub@aol.com.

• Delta Hubwheelers dances start at 7:15 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center’s Aerobics Room. All dances are Mainstream with Plus tips and one round dance between tips. Rerounds/ instructions begin at 6:30 p.m. Potluck dinners start at 6 p.m. Upcoming meetings will be November 7 and November 21. Call 856-3735.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • HopeWest in Delta and Montrose is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. In Delta, call 874-6823 for more information. In Montrose, call 252-2642. • RSVP in Montrose is seeking volunteers. Those who register with RSVP receive supplemental insurance and recognition for their service. Call 249-9639. • The Interpretive Association of Western Colorado is seeking volunteers to help with the operations of the Fort Uncompahgre Living History Museum in Delta. Call 874-6695. • Senior CommUnity Meals/Meals on Wheels needs volunteer meal delivery drivers in Delta. It takes about an hour to deliver three or four meals to a homebound senior. Call 835-8028. • Volunteers of America has numerous volunteer opportunities in Montrose and Delta Counties. We can use your help visiting with our residents in many creative forms, assisting with outings, events or fundraisers, delivering meals or light office work. Call 1-844-VOA-4YOU.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Veterans PTSD support group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services. Call 765-2210. • Stroke Support Group meets 11 a.m. to noon twice a month at Montrose Memorial Hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit. For details and meeting days, call 318-2028.

JANUARY 2016

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• Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets from noon to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at 645 S. Fifth St. in Montrose. • Caregiver Support Group meets 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at Crossroads Assisted & Independent Living model cottage at 1380 Aspen Way in Delta. Call 773-4214. • Caregiver Support & Networking Group meets 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays and third Thursdays of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. For details and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203. • Alzheimer-Dementia Support Group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Valley Manor Care Center, 1401 S. Cascade in Montrose. For details, call 249-9634. • Caregiver Support Group meets at 1 p.m. on the first and second Mondays of each month at the United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. For details, call 249-3716. • Validation Dementia support group meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Thursdays at the Valley Manor Care Center Chapel, 1401 S. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. For details, call 252-3118. • Kinship Connections for Kids Support Group meets 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. This support/networking group is structured for persons raising children who are not their own. For details, call 765-3127.

Events for veterans The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans this month. For more information, call 765-2210. • All veterans are invited for coffee from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thursday. • All military spouses (of any branch or era) are invited to a luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. • The public is invited to eagle head cane presentations at 1 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Beautiful

eagle head canes created by Black Canyon Wood Carvers and Wood Workers Guild of Western Colorado are presented to veterans.

Region 10 Education Series Unless otherwise noted, events will be held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade in Montrose. Registration is required. All sessions are free. For details and to register, call 360-6090. • January 7, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Drive. “Resources for Long Term Care.” Planning for long-term care does not mean planning for the nursing home. Long-term care planning is looking at a variety of benefits, services and supports systems to support aging in place. We will discuss what benefits and services are available and how to access them. Cost: Free. For more information and to register, call 901-9914. • January 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. “There Has Been a Death in the Family! Now what?” Losing a loved one can be devastating. If you are responsible for administering someone’s estate, this workshop is for you. • January 12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Paonia Library, 2 3rd Street in Paonia. “Tools for Remaining Independent.” Learn what you need to do for your long-term plan. Ask…What is my plan in the unlikely event I may need care in the future? Who pays? Where is care given? Who provides the care? For more information, call 765-3123. • January 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Montrose Christian Church, 2351 Sunnyside Road in Montrose. Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) Educational Conference, for community members who serve people with long-term care needs. Help our community support resident choice. To register, please contact Region 10 at 970-249-2436 or visit www.region10/net/catchthewave. • January 19, 4-5 p.m. “Resources for Long Term Care.” Planning for Long term care does not mean planning for the nursing home. Long-term care planning is looking at a variety of benefits, services and supports systems to support aging in place. We will discuss what benefits and services are available and how to access them.

• January 19, 5:30-7 p.m. “Time Bank of the Rockies Volunteer Program Presentation & Orientation.” How does the Time Bank work? For every hour you spend providing support to another member, you earn a time credit to be used to receive a service from another Time Bank member, not necessarily the same person you assisted. For more information, call 209-6886.

Blue Sage Center for the Arts Activities All events at Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226-228 Grand Ave. P.O. Box 700 in Paonia. For details, call 527-7243. • January 16: 7:30-9 p.m. CLASSICISM, featuring music by Franz Joseph HAYDN. Join us as we journey to the

e loss of a loved one can occur at any time. When you need us, we’ll be there.

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

realm of Classicism where composers relax the ideas of theme and structure, using Sonata form to write music that is complex and virtuosic. Cost is $17-22 for adults and $12-17 for students. Magic Circle Players Auditions Magic Circle Players will hold auditions for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” 6:30 p.m. January 17 and 18 at Magic Circle Theater, 420 S. 12th St., Montrose. It is to be performed on stage in May 2016. Come prepared to sing. Roles are available for adults. For information, call 249-7838. ■

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FURNISHINGS FOR SALE Antique sewing machine, new southwestern table w/6 chairs, single size metal bed and two mattresses, white brocade couch, two antique lamps, two blue barrel swivel rockers, Sears riding mower and trailer. Call 801-803-9952

The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers. Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs. Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

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QUESTIONS? Call us M-TH, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • FRI, 9 a.m.-Noon 970 243-8829 • www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JANUARY 2016

GUITAR FOR SALE Fender 6-string acoustic guitar, like new, $175 OBO. Great gift for the musician in your life! 255-6679. BEEF For sale about a 900-lb Holstein steer - $1,000 or you pay for slaughter and packaging for half 970-901-0107

MISCELLANEOUS GOT GRANDKIDS? Got Grandkids? Call Deborah Williams to bring creative activities for ages 3-7. Giant bubbles! Volcanoes! Slime! See Rubber Ducky Hands-On Fun on Facebook. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Call (970) 366-0397.

www.pascosw.com

HOME SERVICES RELIABLE ESTATE SALES Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net. 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. 970-216-0048.

WANTED TO BUY CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff.net. Mark 260-2327. Casita Spirit Deluxe Camper Casita Spirit Deluxe Camper, 16’, 2008 or newer. Please call Melanie at 985-5897.

JANUARY 2016

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

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kudos \ ku·dos

 Thank you for your story on the B-17 pilot (November 2015). I used to work at a plant that built those planes. I am 101 years old now. I love reading the BEACON Senior Newspaper and I really enjoyed the November issue. –Vera Metcalf, Grand Junction Nancy’s response: Thank you, Vera. Perhaps we should be doing a story about you. What’s your phone number?  Kevin, You have been a great supporter of the Legends Sculptures Committee projects. We appreciate the assistance you gave us. You continue to do a “super good” job with the BEACON. –Tillie Bishop, Grand Junction Kevin’s response: Tillie, you’re a gentleman and a scholar and I thank you for your kind words. Truth be told, I’d say you’re as much deserving of a statue as any of the people immortalized by the Legends Project. But I understand that one needs to be “dead” to be considered for a bronze bust and quite frankly I’d rather have you here with us. I think Pat would agree.  We love the BEACON and Fred shares his several times, even when a couple of months late. So well worth the $19 (subscription fee) even if it says, “free!” –Marjorie G., Glenwood Springs

Kvetch \ kfech

 There’s a cold wind blowing in the desert north of Clifton and it seems to have blown in a lot of trash and some riffraff along with it. Many years I’ve lived here and had always assumed that ground beneath Mount Garfield was owned by the government. Now I see a few rundown houses, plenty of junk cars and the loads of trash. What can be done? – Dismayed in the Grand Valley

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PBM Greed Sickens Patients FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43 and Drives Up Health Costs By Peter J. Pitts

D

onald Trump, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders all think that health care is too expensive. But they’re looking in the wrong places for savings. In 2012, the CEO of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit manager, Express Scripts, earned about $1 million every week. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) can afford such rich compensation because they increasingly refuse to pay for patients’ medicines. In 2016, Express Scripts will deny coverage to 124 medicines—up from 95 drugs this year. America’s second largest PBM, CVS Caremark, announced that it will banish an additional 14 drugs from its 2016 list of covered medications, in addition to the 66 forbidden medicines in 2015. By refusing to cover specialized drugs, Express Scripts and CVS Caremark aren’t just denying patients access to lifesaving medication. They’re also driving up healthcare costs for patients. PBMs design and maintain drug formularies – the lists of medications available under particular health plans. Their influence is massive because PBM-administered plans cover more than 210 million Americans insured through employers, unions, or government programs like Medicare Part D. PBMs can play a valuable role as middlemen in the health care system. They streamline the drug purchasing process by supplying thousands of pharmacies and insurers with prescription contracts. They also hold health care spending in check by using their immense purchasing power to negotiate large discounts from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Their profit comes from pocketing any rebates they

extract from drug makers that they don’t pass on to pharmacies and insurers. However, the largest PBMs—particularly Express Scripts and CVS Caremark—increasingly abuse their role and pad their bottom lines by simply refusing to cover certain lifesaving drugs. CVS Caremark, for example, recently took to the Journal of the American Medical Association to promote the use of cheaper statin medications rather than specialized new drugs that can cut “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in half. Doctors have called the new medicines a “game-changer” in the fight against coronary artery disease. Last year, pharmacies sued Express Scripts over its “scheme to deny all claims” for certain customized medications. “The scheme is forcing patients to go without treatment,” the suit stated, “jeopardizing their health and causing bodily harm, or forcing them to pay out-of-pocket sums that they may or may not be able to afford for basic healthcare needs that have been prescribed by their doctors.” Without medicine, many patients grow sicker and require more expensive care in hospitals and nursing homes. Prescriptions are almost always the most cost-effective treatment option. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that a 1 percent increase in prescription use by Medicare beneficiaries causes Medicare’s total medical spending to fall by about one-fifth of 1 percent. So in effect, PBMs are passing the buck to insurers and government health care programs, which are on the hook for pricier treatment regimes. ■

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Did you know?

Region 10 has a full slate of educational opportunities! Check out our website at www.region10.net for upcoming programs.

300 N. Cascade Ave., Ste 1 Montrose, CO 81401

(970) 249-2436 Fax 970-249-2488