Issuu

APRIL 2016

Vol. 30 No. 4

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

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Held at the Grace Community Church in Montrose, at 16731 Woodgate Road. For more information or to pre-register, call 970-765-3128 or go to www.Region10.net.

APRIL 2016

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

What’s your lie? By Kevin K. VanGundy

ntil Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile in 1954, it was considered humanly impossible. Within a decade of his achievement, all of the top runners were doing it. Did the human race suddenly get faster? Or, did we finally just realize that we could do it? (My bets are on the latter.)

We all tell ourselves lies that we believe. For example: • I’m too old to ride a bike! Perhaps a traditional bike. But have you considered a recumbent bicycle? This month’s cover story will introduce you to those who are still finding a way to enjoy the great outdoors on a bicycle. • I can’t reinvent myself! Check out the stories of some fascinating people who might change your mind. • Senior fairs are boring! Not ours. Not BeaconFest. You’ll be surprised at just how much fun you’ll have at this year’s biggest event for those age 50 and older. My uncle, a manly man, refused to attend BeaconFest until he “dropped by” last year and discovered something he didn’t know was possible. BeaconFest is a celebration of everything related to boomers and seniors. This year’s senior fair will be from 9 am - 3 pm on Thursday, April 21 at the Two Rivers Convention Center in downtown Grand Junction.

Why attend BeaconFest? This year’s BeaconFest will feature nearly a dozen entertainers, including the ever-popular King ‘N’ Trio and, new this year, Javier de los Santos. In addition to entertainment, free seminars will be offered on topics as wide-ranging as planning your estate to protecting yourself on Facebook.

Learn about Estate Planning at our Free Educational Workshops!

Well-known restaurants such as the Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mi Mexico and Rib City Grill will be giving away free samples of their food.

Feeling lucky? Thousands of dollars worth of valuable prizes and cash will be given away in free door prize drawings throughout the day. And at 2:30 p.m. we’ll be giving our Grand Prize trip for two and all the remaining door prizes, during our hilarious game show, “Let’s Make A Squeal!”

Vendors galore Vendor booths from over 100 senior-related businesses and agencies will be set up to provide current and prospective seniors with information about products and services available to help them successfully navigate the aging process. We have home improvement services, health and nutrition information, real estate experts and senior living reps, government offices and resource info, beauty products and even a dentist or two!

Thank you! The main reason to attend BeaconFest is because it’s fun and it’s our way of saying thank you for reading the BEACON Senior Newspaper. Come and let us give you a happy hug or a hearty handshake. And please thank our vendors and our sponsors.

Summer travel and festivals In June, the BEACON will present you with myriad suggestions on places to go and things to do. What we’d really like to know from you is what to include and what not to include. Also, we’d like to publish some of your older vacation photos. You know, the ones with your Brady Bunch station wagon or you at Niagara Falls in your coonskin cap. ■

Correction & Apology The editor apologizes for a typographical error in the Op-Ed piece, “It’s our Montrose hospital” in the March 2016 Montrose/Delta BEACON. The sentence regarding care for an older population should read as follows: “Some 21 percent of Montrose County residents are 65 and older.”

Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Tax Planning Attorneys We’ll be at

on April 21st! Make sure to stop by our booth and say hello!

Avoid Being Unprepared & Overwhelmed: Understanding Long Term Care Planning

Montrose: Monday, April 11th 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Grand Junction: Wednesday, April 13th 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

New Location! Delta: Monday, April 18th 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Later Time! Grand Junction: Tuesday, April 26th 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Don’t wait until there is a crisis to learn about your options. Nearly 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long-term care at some point during their lifetime. Join us to learn about payment sources, including private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more! Guest speakers Phyllis Hoffman & Scharee Atchison from Long Term Care Planning Solutions will be joining us at the Montrose & Delta workshops! Registration is Required: The Grand Junction workshops are held at our office, 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. Montrose workshops are held at Region 10 Area Agency on Aging - 300 N. Cascade. New Delta workshops will be held at1501 E. 3rd St. in the Mesa Lakes Room, the Oncology Center at the Delta Hospital. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website at: www.brownandbrownpc.com

Phone: (970) 243-8250

1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1317 Grand Avenue, #224B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Baird B. Brown u Clara Brown Shaffer u Jamie J. Roth u Paul M. Smith u Shauna C. Clemmer

COVER STORY

Montrose & Delta County Bicycle Shops Bicycle Outfitters 223 N. 1st Street, Montrose 615-7122

Cascade Bicycles 21 N. Cascade Avenue, Montrose 249-7375

Papa Wheelie’s Bicycles 207 E. Main Street, Montrose 964-4158

Shish KaBikes 232 Grand Avenue, Paonia 527-4614

Tread Adventure Sports 721 Highway 50, Delta 874-6902

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

APRIL 2016

Bicycling options for lifelong health By Melanie Wiseman

lona Wiesiolek has never had a driver’s license in her life, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t covered thousands of miles on her set of wheels—her recumbent bike wheels, that is. She came to Grand Junction from Poland in 1988 and walked or rode public transportation. Wiesiolek, 78, had never even ridden a bike until seven years ago when Brown Cycles helped set her up with a Sun recumbent. “Now I’m an advocate for these bikes. They are so comfortable and stable. I go through a couple sets of tires a year because of all the miles I put on. It’s my transportation yearround and I go literally everywhere,” said Wiesiolek. “I don’t want to be dependent on anyone. I want to die standing up or sitting in my bike.” Wiesiolek believes it’s never too late to start biking and recommends checking out alternatives to traditional bikes if they don’t work for you anymore. “Keep moving,” said Wiesiolek. “Stop creating pollution and get out and ride!”

Why bike? Bryan Miick of The Bike Shop on North Avenue and Chris Brown of Brown Cycles on Main Street both grew up with bikes at the center of their childhoods, taking them on myriad adventures. Both worked at bikes shops in their teens and have 49 combined years of bike shop management. Biking is definitely something they share a passion for, as well as their belief in biking benefits.

Miick and Brown agree that the single most important advantage of bicycling is that it is a low-impact sport. “It’s great physical therapy for people who have had hip or knee replacements,” said Miick. “Bicycling is also great for people who have balance issues or difficulty walking.” “Runners have a life span,” said Brown. “When they stop running, they start riding bicycles. Same with football and baseball players. Later in life, they turn to bicycles.” Ladonna Ishida road her mountain bike 12-15 miles a day on the River Front Trail until 2011. “I started having neck and back pain, my feet fell asleep and my wrists hurt,” said Ishida, 63. Then she fell in love with the Catrike recumbent. “It’s like riding a lawn chair,” said Ishida. “It really cut down on the strain on my back, neck, wrists and feet. It’s so comfortable and enjoyable I don’t want to come home. It’s a sweet ride. A rolling wonder. With the huge boomer population, it really amazes me there aren’t more recumbents around here.” “Riding should not be painful,” said Miick. “We have 100 different seat options, comfort bikes, even electric peddle-assist bikes. Bikes are a great transportation option instead of cars.” “As people get older, they may lose their ability to drive or may just not get around well anymore,” said Brown. “You can put them on a bicycle and they can go crazy and get around town doing normal things. It is really efficient and gives them

freedom.” The great majority of Brown’s customers are 50 and older. “To peddle a bicycle takes about a fifth of the energy it takes to walk or run, and you can go five times farther,” said Brown. “If it takes a fifth of the energy, it has a fifth of the impact on your body.” Brown says people who ride bikes a lot look 20 years younger. “They really do,” said Brown. “Their bodies and their skin are healthier and toned. It’s a big cardio. Their knees aren’t all torn up and they’re not limping or hobbling. It’s good for the heart and good for the joints.” He feels the youth of this generation are missing out. “They don’t ride bicycles like we did because they’re into gizmos,” said Brown. “Bicycles used to be the number-one Christmas or birthday present, and everyone has stories about their first bike.” According to Brown, bicycle technology hasn’t changed in the last 110 years—just the materials and the number of options have changed. Among trikes, recumbents, hybrids, electric, tandems, step-throughs and special order and custom adaptables, there is a bicycle out there for every individual. Both Miick and Brown have helped a range of people, from those with severe handicaps or missing limbs to those with back, joint, or balance challenges. With all the options available, they are confident in their ability to help get anyone on a bicycle, and make it their goal for that bicycling experience to be a great one.

APRIL 2016

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Bicycling advantages Cycling is low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Regular cycling has many physical and mental health benefits. It is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis. An estimated one billion people ride bicycles every day for transport, recreation and sport.

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication 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................................Kim Latham Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Account Representative...............Carolyn Takos Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy

Improve overall fitness level Bicycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. Studies have shown that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50 percent. There is plenty of evidence that any exercise is useful in warding off cancer, but some studies have shown that cycling is specifically good for keeping your cells in working order.

Save your joints Biking tones your whole body by engaging all muscles, while putting much less stress on knees, ankles and the spine than walking or running.

More energy and deeper sleep Studies found that bike riding improved energy levels by 20 percent and decreased fatigue by 65 percent. People who cycle for 20-30 minutes

every other day required half the time to fall asleep and sleep time increased by almost an hour.

Increase brain power Illinois University found that fitness through cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 percent in mental tests. Cycling helps build new brain cells in the region responsible for memory, which deteriorates from the age of 30.

Look younger, live longer Scientists have found that bicycling regularly can protect your skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduces the signs of aging. The body becomes much more efficient at defending itself against disease and regenerating new cells.

Boost your insides According to experts from Bristol University, the benefits of cycling

extend deep into your core. Cycling accelerates your breathing and heart rate, which helps to stimulate the contraction of intestinal muscles, and helps protect you against intestinal cancer.

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Many people think that jogging is the best way to start slimming down. Although it does burn fat, two to three times your body weight crashing down on your feet and joints is a lot of force. Bicycling allows most of your weight to be taken by the saddle so your skeleton doesn’t get battered.

Social time Bicycling is great social time with family and friends. You can even enjoy doing it with your grandchildren.

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 2016 • All Rights Reserved

Good for the planet A bike produces zero pollution. Bicycling is great for your sense of freedom and, above all, for fun. It’s an activity you can do for the rest of your life. ■

Cover Photo: Ladonna Ishida calls her Catrike recumbent a rolling wonder and a sweet ride.

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Life reinvented By Cheryl Hardy “Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.” Monica Wiitanen may not know of this axiom, but she certainly did speak her truth when she testified at a session of the Colorado State Legislature that led to the passing of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act in 2012. And her voice did not shake. “I have always been afraid of speaking in public, but this time I was speaking from my heart about something I believe in. I wasn’t at all intimidated,” she said.

Passionate advocate Wiitanen and her husband own Small Potatoes Farm in Paonia. She worked the farm for several years, as well as baking bread products that she gave away. She noted that a lot of food was being thrown away because farmers were not allowed by law to make and sell products like jams, garlic powder, or home-baked bread from their excess produce. Wiitanen

Monica Wiitanen

felt deeply that this situation needed to be corrected. “It used to be that every large farm would have a fruit stand at the edge of their property where they sold fresh produce, eggs and the occasional jar of homemade pickles or extra homemade bread. The extra income helped farmers to hold on to their way of life. Then laws were passed forbidding such sales of homemade products. I felt this was a terrible situation. I researched laws of other states and found that Kentucky had recently passed a Cottage Foods Act. I took my information to Senator Gail Schwartz and convinced her to set about creating a bill to put before the state senate,” she explained. Senator Schwartz was convinced that such a bill was needed. While this bill unfolded, Wiitanen experienced leg injuries that prevented her from working in the field. Bread baking became the central endeavor of her work. Earlier, a large brick oven had been built just outside her kitchen.

Chrys Bailey

At last, the bill was passed. She was invited to the signing ceremony and was given the pen used to sign the bill into law. Now Wiitanen sells her baked goods to the public; now she can do what she always loved most.

Nurturing through food The passage of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act helps many farmers in the state. Chrys Bailey has been cooking for others for more than half a century. Now she can sell her baked goods, as well as other delicious products. If it gets to be the middle of winter and you are craving fresh, ripe tomatoes, try a jar of her flavorful tomato sauce. After years of cooking for family and community, Bailey felt she needed to reinvent herself. She attended a personal growth workshop during which she began to see ways that she was limiting herself. She decided to buy a farm of her own. Bailey put the word out to her community that she was looking for her own place. At the same time, a long-time friend decided to divide her large property and she offered the share to Bailey. A down payment had to be raised and Bailey looked to-

Juliana Weiser

APRIL 2016

ward obtaining startup grant money for that. Before the campaign could even begin, however, donations started pouring in from the community at large. Soon, she had received enough for the down payment. Now Bailey is an organic food specialist with her own kitchen in Paonia, where she teaches classes and does catering. Bailey is also known for her listening skills in conflict resolution.

Healing and music In 1998, Juliana Weiser was working for a large corporation in Boulder and raising her 6-year-old daughter as a single mom. One day as she drove to work, she saw a bird fly from the top of a lamppost straight toward her windshield. She slammed her brakes and the truck behind her plowed into her Toyota. At first, the ER doctor did not find the brain damage that occurred when her neck was whiplashed, causing her brain to smack into her skull. She was treated and sent home. Soon she began experiencing severe problems with the filtering system in her brain. Weiser struggles with an audio processing

APRIL 2016

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

disorder having to do with how the brain interprets information, decibel levels, sense of smell and light. “It’s not about how I think. It is about how my brain filters stimulus,” she said. Weiser also experiences sleep deprivation that makes things worse. She had to leave her good job. Since she could not care for her daughter, she allowed the child to live with the father while she healed. She thought this would be a temporary arrangement, but she lost custody forever. For nine years, she resisted filing for Social Security Disability Irene Morris displaying her popular fire design payments. “I didn’t want to become part of that system,” she energies of the stones helped me as said. well as the people who bought the Meanwhile, Weiser had been jewelry,” she said. couching with various friends. Now, Friends began buying these piecwith benefits in place, she is able to es and bringing stones to her to be pay rent in Grand Junction, attend wire-wrapped into pendants. Friends Colorado Mesa University and—best kept telling her she should quit her of all—she is beginning to do the corporate job and make jewelry full work of her heart. Weiser has retime. Then, opportunity knocked. invented herself, manifesting her Don’s company transferred him to passion for creating and performing Colorado, so Morris had to leave healing music. Juliana’s inspiring mu- her job. She now had time to make sic is played on acoustic guitar and enough jewelry to sell at art shows flute, telling stories of desert life in on weekends. “At our peak, we did 18 shows a the southwest. Songs from her year. I started making bigger pieces CD titled New Moon of My Heart of art as well. I always set up each can be heard at: piece to go to the right person.” reverbnation.com/julianaweiser. During a meditation, Morris Gemstone energy thought of the name for her compaAnother person who was given an ny. “My name is Irene Adele Morris so opportunity to leave the corporate IAM are my initials. I knew that I AM world to pursue the work of her is a name for God within me, heart is Irene Morris. She and her so I thought ‘Designs of the I AM’ husband Don lived in California and would be ideal.” both worked for large corporations. Now, instead of traveling to Morris also created beaded jewelry as shows, she is happily selling her a hobby. Another hobby she indulged products and teaching classes was gathering beautiful gemstones from her home in Cedaredge. and other rocks. You can see Irene’s jewelry at “It was a spiritual thing for me. The www.designsoftheiam.com. ■

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FAITH MOVES

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Depression:

A misunderstood word–Part 1 By Barbara Ward

epression—a word we hear a lot, but often do not fully understand. Some people go so far as to say, “Aw, it’s all in your head; just get over it.” Over 42.5 million Americans suffer from some form of clinical depression. Depression affects the way that you perform at work, your relationships with friends and family, and sometimes, your physical health. Worst of all, it can break your spirit. There is a broad spectrum of causes for depression. The major causes of depression include: biological, learned helplessness, rejection, abuse, negativity, stress, anger, guilt, loss, some prescription medicines, and genetics. Likely, it is a combination of these. Depression can be especially difficult for a Christian. Christians tend to feel guilt and/or see depression as a lack of faith. Sometimes other Christians are highly critical of

someone struggling with depression, believing that the person is just feeling sorry for himself or herself. Being judgmental about depression has no place in the life of a Christian. We need to show compassion and offer support, not criticism, to those who are struggling. What does the Bible say about depression? The word itself does not appear in the Bible, but there are numerous descriptions of someone in the Good Book who had symptoms of depression. In the Scriptures you will find words like sad, wailing, faint of heart, instead of the word depression. If you read the Psalms you will see that even the great man David had bouts of depression. (Psa.38 6-5; Psa. 37: 23-24; Psa. 40:1-3 and Psa. 42:5 are just a few examples) Other great followers of Christ had periods of depression. Elijah displayed signs of depression in I Kings 19:35. Job, although courageous, had periods of depression during the test-

APRIL 2016

battle and became victorious. If we ing by Satan. (Job 3:1) Hannah was could converse with them, I suspect depressed to the point of not eating. none would tell us it was a battle (I Sam.1: 7-10). quickly or easily won. I suggest to you that even Jesus Fighting depression takes courage, himself had the experience. When determination, hard work and, often, in the garden, he struggled greatly to medical intervention. An old adage the point of sweating blood and asked says, “If you think you can, then you to have “this cup removed.” Being can. If you think you can’t, then you human, I suggest he felt all of the emotions that we would, probably for can’t. Either way, you are right.” So, where do we find this courage and days, maybe even weeks, prior to his determination? The answers are in crucifixion. Jesus experienced what it felt like to be totally misunderstood the same place great people of old found them—in the Scriptures. ■ and truly alone. Clinical depression (Look for Part 2 in next month’s issue) has that same effect on us. Depression is described in Proverbs 18:14 as having a “Being judgmental crushed spirit. Those words about depression accurately has no place describe a life overcome by in the life of depression. Yet, as we search the a Christian.” scriptures, we find many examples of people who fought this

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APRIL 2016

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I live in a retirement community, which has all levels of care. I did not want to move here, but my dear husband kept after me until I consented. I was pretty stubborn about the whole thing and was determined not to like it. He promised me if I did not like it after one year, we would move out. In three months he was gone with a heart attack. I want to tell you that the people here have been absolutely wonderful to me, like family. They hardly knew me in such a short time, but it did not matter. They took me under their wing, as if they had known me all their lives. My husband gave me this gift of moving here. It was as if he knew he was going to die and wanted to be sure I was cared for. Now I do not have to sell a home, get rid of years of “stuff,” and make a decision about where I would live. Please tell your readers: “If you have been dragging your feet about moving into a caring community, take the plunge. You will not regret it.” Thank you, Saved by my Hubbie Dear Saved: Thank you for writing. You said it well! Dear Old Bag: I am in an unusual situation. After several years of being a widow, I finally started dating. It felt strange to be dating like a teenager at 65 years old! What was even stranger was that I felt alive again. I cared how I looked, bought new clothes, had a lilt to my walk. Now my situation: There are now two men vying for my attention, and I like them both! They know about each other and even go to the

same church. I do not discuss one with the other, of course, but they drop hints about wanting to know which one is my favorite. I always say, “I like you both.” I’m afraid the day will come when I may have to make a choice. What do you think? Signed, Seenager

Dear Seenager: I am so tempted to say, “I understand your situation, but what is the problem?” It sounds like what most older singles dream about! I say, just enjoy it while you can. Don’t let your worry about tomorrow cloud your joy of today. Life is short. When and if the time comes, you will know what to do. The problem may never even come up. Dear Old Bag: A few months ago, you had a person write in who had a discussion with a neighbor about spirituality vs. religion. I looked for your answer but could not find it. I have a friend that swears you cannot be a spiritual person without going to church. Please repeat what you said about that. Thanks, Spirit Dear Spirit: This is my belief and experience: I have seen persons who go to church every Sunday, but I would not say they are spiritual because of the way they treat others. I have seen others who do not go to church, but seem very spiritual to me because of the kindnesses they show. It does not seem to me that church is a very good measurement of spirituality. It is how God-like one lives. Just my opinion! ■

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

Did you know the BEACON has a Facebook page? Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

What are your grandkids

doing this summer? Consider a camp that is all about making r registe! today a andmes www.grtcamp.org baptis

new friends, being outdoors, and connecting with God.

Camps for all ages! Family Camp................. June 24–26 The Alpine Zone High School................. June 26–July 2 The Ascent Middle School ...................... July 2–7 The Trailhead Elementary School ...............July 7–10

LAUGHING MATTERS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

LAUGHING MATTERS I am a “Seenager” (Senior Teenager) Written and submitted by Barbara Cotting

Two Rivers Convention Center Downtown, Grand Junction • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

The hands that tell life’s stories in stone

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 ensure 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.

My dreams of 60 years ago have mostly been achieved

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

And I’ve accomplished more than I could ever have believed.

The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

I still have an allowance, only now it’s called a pension.

I have a driver’s license and my very own sweet car, Plus that ID gets me legally into every bar! I have my own house by myself, no curfew to obey, So I can stay out late or not, it’s my choice either way. We women have no worry we’ll get “knocked up” any more, Nor do our men have worries it’s our father at their door. I still have fun and feel just like a teen most of the time; (Until I try to hike that “easy” trail I used to climb!) Puberty and acne are just distant memories now. Being an old Seenager is truly great – and how!

(East of Amtrak Station in Downtown Grand Junction) engraving@carlsonmemorials.com • www.carlsonmemorials.com

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I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I’m doing. I joined a health club last year and spent about 400 bucks. Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there. Every time I hear the dirty word “exercise,” I wash my mouth out with chocolate. If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country. I got a lot of exercise the last few years, just getting over the hill. We all get heavier as we get older because there’s a lot more information in our heads. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Radio

Every time I start thinking too much about how I look, I just find a Happy Hour. By the time I leave, I look just

Submitted by Pat Card

fine.

Answer: “Wee paws” for station identification.

237 South Ave., Grand Junction, CO

Submitted by Angela Sharpe-Gumbert

My life is so much calmer now and often free of tension.

I get out of bed each morning just when I’m so inspired.

Why do radio announcers have small hands?

Phone: 970.242.7264 • Fax: 970.256.1667

Exercise chuckles Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional five months in a nursing home at $7,000 per month. My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60. Now he’s 97 years old and we don’t know where he is.

I don’t have to go to school or work, because I’m now retired.

APRIL 21, 2016

APRIL 2016

Irish Submitted by Pat Card

Wherever you find four Irishmen, you’ll find a Fifth.

APRIL 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

One-liners

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise

Submitted by Ralph Bickel

• The seven ages of humans are spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills and wills.

TRAVEL SLIDE PRESENTATION

Monday, April 4, 2016 10:00AM - Montrose Timberline Bank, 1561 Oxbow Drive 2:00 PM - Grand Junction Old Chicago, 120 North Avenue

• Forget about jets, race cars, dragsters and speed boats. Nothing goes as fast as middle age.

Featuring...

• Seniors: We have control over our destinies – our bladders not so much.

Nine Important Facts To Remember As We Grow Older Submitted by Sherry Harmon

9. Death is the #1 killer in the world. 8. Life is sexually transmitted. 7. Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

Colors of New England

Submitted by Dave Linke

5. Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.

CUATSC - See You at the Senior Center

2. In the ‘60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal.

SENIOR GROUP TRAVEL SPECIALTIES

Margaret Krabbe

P.O. Box 2142 • Montrose, CO 81402

Phone (970)

240-3020

Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

BFF - Best Friend’s Funeral BTW - Bring the Wheelchair

3. All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

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

Specializing in Escorted Local, National & International Senior Group Travel!

ATD - At the Doctor

6. Men have two motivations: hunger and hanky panky, and they can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich.

4. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.

Colors of New England

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Text me Young people have their texting codes, and now Seniors have their own:

July 5, 2016 – 13 Days Tour begins in Anchorage, Alaska. We bring together the best of land & sea. Featuring: 7 night Princess Cruise,

BYOT - Bring Your Own Teeth CBM - Covered by Medicare DWI - Driving While Incontinent FWIW - Forgot Where I Was GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low GHA - Got Heartburn Again HGBM - Had Good Bowel Movement LMDO - Laughing My Dentures Out LOL - Living on Lipitor OMSG - Oh My! Sorry, Gas TOT - Texting on Toilet WAITT - Who Am I Talking To? ■

1. Life is like a jar of jalapeño peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow.

Join us for good conversation, coffee, and pastries at The Morning Buzz with DMEA.

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?

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s U e k a M

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Send your JOKES to

Beacon@pendantpublishing.com or

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Busy Corner White Kitchen Thursday, April 21, 2016 7:00am – 9:00am 318 Main St., Olathe

stries a P & e e f f Co

Munson Gallery Friday, April 22, 2016 7:00am – 9:00am 260 W. Main St., Cedaredge

DMEA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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APRIL

Godm to wild

Mar

By Pat Martin

ittle did Marty Felix know that reading an article on wild horses in “Colorado Magazine” in 1969 would change her life forever. But four years later, the upstate New York native found herself in Coal Canyon northeast of Grand Junction, viewing wild horses in the flesh for the first time. From that moment on, her life would never be the same. She has become the “godmother” and best friend of the Little Book Cliff mustangs, which number well over 100 animals.

Their “playground” that she monitors consists of harrowing networks of steep, rocky canyons, vast expanses of sagebrush and thousands of acres of pinyon and juniper forests. Ranging over a rugged 36,114 acres in the high desert of the Little Book Cliff Wild Horse Area above De Beque, the wild horse herd is made up of approximately 30 separate bands. Most are harem or family bands, with a dominant stallion in charge of two or three mares and their offspring. The rest are made up of young studs that have been run off by the older stallions they threaten. The outcasts gather in small groups, like gangs of juvenile delinquents, harassing the stallions, honing their skills and always hoping for a chance to steal a mare or two. In 1971 the U.S. Congress recognized that mustangs and free-roaming burros “are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, which continue to contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” For the past 43 years, Marty Felix has made it her life’s work to observe, research, and photograph these roving bands of wild mustangs, first as a

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) volunteer, and later as a paid, parttime employee of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Biological Research Division. Between 1982 and 2003, she racked up 6,000 hours of volunteer service, earning her the President’s Volunteer Service Award and presented to her by Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. In 1997 she earned a trip to Washington, D.C., where she was awarded the BLM National Volunteer Award. In the meantime, Marty was instrumental in organizing the Friends of the Mustangs club, a local group of people who love the wild horses and volunteer their services to the BLM to help with the management of the mustangs and their range. The personnel of the BLM admit they could not do it without the invaluable assistance of this local group, which now numbers over 100 members. A schoolteacher by profession, Marty taught for 30 years in Grand Junction, Clifton and Fruita, all the while pursuing her passion for the wild horses. She retired in 1999 and now devotes 100 percent of her time to the mustangs. She has written numerous magazine and newspaper articles about the wild horses of the Little Book Cliffs, and her magnificent photos have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, and on postcards. She also has put together wonderful slide presentations, which she has given in schools

and for various organizations to promote understanding of the wild mustangs and the role of the government in their care. Between 1997 and 2002, Marty helped the BLM implement WHIMS, the Wild Horse Identification Management System, collecting demographic information on each horse, such as sex, color, markings, range, relationships, etc. Each wild horse has a name and its own page in her three-ring binder, with photos and all pertinent information that has to

L 2016

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mother o the d horses

rty Felix

be updated continually, as horses change bands, die off, get rounded up and adopted, or disappear. At one gather, a horse showed up that had been missing for six years! It was resurrected from the “dead list” and added back in with the living. No one knows where the horse had been all that time, but it’s indicative of the challenges presented to humans by the animals’ inaccessible habitat. With the aid of another equally passionate volunteer, Billie Hutchings, this information is now also incorporated into a computer program for the BLM. All of this research entails many, many days of living up in the Book Cliffs with the

horses and observing them as they go about their daily lives. Marty says she used to average about 75 days per year up on the range, but it now averages about 50. She loves it, and anyone who has seen her in action up there can see that she’s truly in her element. The demographic information Marty accumulated was invaluable when she went to work part-time for the USGS Biological Research Division in 2002 to help with the Fertility Control Project being conducted in the Book Cliffs. With the wild horse and burro population in 10 western states numbering approximately 58,000—a more manageable number of 26,000 is the goal—a plan had to be developed to stem the tide of new foals being born each year into the wild herds. Resources in the arid west are limited, and unchecked numbers soon find themselves with no forage or water and facing a slow death. Thanks to the invention of PZP, the safe and effective contraceptive dart that prevents pregnancy, many of the mares can now get time off from foaling every year, allowing them to improve their body

condition and increase their longevity; otherwise, their life span can be relatively short compared to domestic horses. Also, the end result is fewer newborns competing for scarce resources. Marty Felix has been instrumental in the administering of the PZP program in the Little Book Cliffs since its inception, and the number of foals born each year has dropped dramatically. This has reduced the need for frequent gathers here in the Little Book Cliffs, in which the horses are captured and put up for public adoption. Since slaughter is no longer an option, those that aren’t adopted after various gathers are kept in holding facilities all over the country, some owned by government and some privately owned. The latest estimate of wild horses and burros in captivity is 47,000, which costs the U.S. taxpayers some $50 million per year. Marty is not quite as active as she once was; five other members of the Friends of the Mustangs organization (Laurie Briden, John Boughton, Scott and Joni Gross, and Jim Dollerschell, the BLM Wild Horse Specialist) have taken over the darting of the mares, but Marty is still the “go to” person for anything happening on the range. She is a walking encyclopedia of information on the horses and the range they inhabit, and she has become an unsurpassed mentor for the team. She not only knows all the horses, she can usually relate their whole history and lineage. Not since the days of “Wild Horse

Annie,” whose legislative efforts in the early 1970s saved the mustang from cruel decimation, have the wild horses had such a devoted champion as Marty Felix. With this woman looking out for their welfare, the Little Book Cliff mustangs will continue to grace the landscape with their wild and untamed beauty, an invaluable legacy for the generations to come. ■

FUN & GAMES

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE At Grand Villa we do our best to not only feed your loved one’s appetite, but their spirit as well. Grand Villa offers: Housekeeping & laundry services Variety of activities • Licensed nurse supervision • Trained staff 24/7 • Medication management • Exercise programs and much more! • •

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Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers 53 Wine descriptor 55 Cardiolo-gist’s -concern 57 Margaux’s grandfather 62 Blow, as bucks 64 Scaler’s spike 65 Fam. -members 66 Snooty -attitude 67 180, so to speak 68 Director Kazan 69 Letter’s number 70 Huffs and puffs 71 Jalousie unit Down 1 Dwelling places 2 Gift for 62 Down? 3 Eventually 4 Hangs in the balance 5 Milky gem 6 ___ di Como, city in 50 Down 7 With the stroke of ___ 8 Poison administrants 9 Zigzag downhill 10 Shore defense grp. 11 Books of synonyms 12 Scaleless fish 13 Mastered perfectly 21 Baker’s supply 22 MPG raters 26 ___ Alto, CA 27 United Church of Christ college

30 Sneaky laugh sound 31 Loads from lodes 32 Sharp -irritation 34 Hoops Hall-of-Famer Thurmond 35 Quantico initials 36 Makes tracks? 38 Water transporter 39 Arab -sultanate 40 Traveler’s document 41 Popular ’80’s dolls 42 “Backyards, Greenwich Village” artist 46 Dreaded snake 47 Ascend 49 “1984” author 50 Napoli locale 51 ___ one’s feet 54 Dancer Rivera 56 Frightful giants 58 Place for a vault 59 Vingt-___ (twenty-one, in cards) 60 Cartoonist Walker 61 Pay-to-stay places 62 Subject of this puzzle 63 Narrow inlet

For the puzzle answers see page 23

ASSISTED LIVING

Across 1 Per unit 5 Several Norwegian kings 10 WAC school 14 Mother Hubbard’s quest 15 Like some bulls 16 New York night spot 17 Ready for customers 18 Project Gemini rocket 19 Gael, for one 20 1955 Astaire musical 23 Use the unsharpened end 24 Apply bread to gravy 25 Mighty Joe Young, for one 28 Oink-filled pen? 29 ___, skip and jump away 33 Repairman’s reading 35 Log-on requirement, often 37 “Alice’s Restaurant” name 38 Asks to marry 43 Teheran V.I.P. 44 Arcane 45 Computer programming -language 48 Bygone pump name 49 Product of 48 Across 52 Nixon’s start and finish

APRIL 2016

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FUN & GAMES

8 5

7 3

4 1 4

1 9 2 5 9 6 4 2

5 8 6

1 5

7 3

9 5 3 4

7 3

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Crossword Puzzle

APRIL 2016

HOME & GARDEN 15

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Early spring garden care Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. I have noticed dead spots in the middle of my ornamental grasses. What should I do? This is a normal part of the life cycle of most ornamental grasses, like maidenhair grass, feather reed grass and hardy pampas grass. The best thing to do is to dig up the entire plant if possible and divide the clump into sections with a sharp-edged shovel. Remove the dead parts and replant the other clumps in your garden or share the extra clumps with friends and neighbors. It is best to do this after you cut down last year’s growth and before it starts actively growing in the middle of spring.

Q. When is a good time to move my coneflowers and black-eyed susans? Shade has taken over where I planted them and they are stretching for the sun. Now, before they break dormancy and start growing, is a great time to trans-

plant most of your perennial plants. Determine where you want your plants to go, dig a hole and amend the hole with organic matter such as compost or Soil Pep. Then dig out as much of the root ball as possible of your perennials and place into the newly prepared hole. Gently tamp down the soil around the crown and water in thoroughly.

Q. My crabapple has so much fruit that it has become hard to justify keeping it in my yard. The birds love the fruit, but it makes such a mess. Is there anything I can do to eliminate the fruit and keep the tree? I love the blossoms and a little bit of fruit is ok. I had the same problem in my front yard – fruit all over my driveway and front walkway. I spray Florel, a growth regulator, on the blossoms once or twice each year and the fruit is reduced by about 90 percent. Just enough fruit left for the birds and a lot less mess for

GARDEN CHECKLIST:  Irrigation

water is coming this month. It’s a great time to give your sprinkler system a thorough check up.

 ■ Aerate your lawn after the first me.

deep soaking. Be sure to use a core aerator and not spikes, which will compact your soil.  Turn

your compost pile and start a new batch with debris from spring clean up.

 Plant

an extra row of vegetables for our community food banks. You can take your extra produce to the CSU Extension in Grand Junction and they will get your donation to people who need it. Contact Susan Honea for more information: 244-1841.

 Celebrate

Arbor Day (April 29th) by planting a tree. Visit the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation page for a list of suitable trees for our area: gjcity.org/Forestry. Also check out these fact sheets from CSU Extension for more choices: 7.403, 7.418, 7.419 and 7.421. You can download them from their website (extension. colostate.edu) or pick them up at your local CSU Extension office.

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Fragrant Persian Stonecress (Aethionema schistosum) I’m always on the lookout for “scentsational” plants to add to my landscape and fragrant Persian Stonecress is a real winner. Place this alpine or rock garden beauty where you can enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the small pink flowers with deep green evergreen foliage. Bloom time is early spring to midspring in our area. Fragrant Persian Stonecress is xeric and prefers well-draining soils and full sun. Attention, mountain gardeners—this beauty is also suitable for landscapes above 7,000 feet in elevation. Mature size is 10” tall x 15” wide.

APRIL 21, 2016 Two Rivers Convention Center

Downtown, Grand Junction • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Never-ending adventure By Arlyn Macdonald

life well lived is a life full of adventures; and adventures are made of learning, adapting, and inventing as you go along. Ahren Anthony Ashton is such a man of adventure, not by mountain climbing, river running, or sky-diving, but by living the adventures of life. A Colorado native, Ahren ended his Navy service in San Diego, California, in 1986 as a Bridge Yeoman on the USS Constitution. The Navy wanted him to re-enlist, but Ahren was ready for a different kind of adventure. Little did he know that he would end up in Hollywood, not on the silver screen, but behind the scenes with the William Morris Agency, the world’s largest talent agency. How does a yeoman land a job negotiating in the talent world? Through adapting his Navy skills, being eager to learn new ones, and reinventing himself. Of course, having a charming personality also helps. Adventures also have tragedies and when Ahren’s beloved partner died, not even the glitter of Hollywood could fill that void, so he reinvented his life again. From placing people in the entertainment industry, he moved to the exciting world of a startup dot-com company. There he honed his people management skills. With a $35 million grant from AT&T, CollegeClub.com launched a new kind of Internet service that connected college students to share resources, jobs, and knowledge. The Internet company ran 24/7 and was filled with excitement. Ahren became the office manager for this new company that employed 1500 programmers and support staff. From the rooftop deck to the offices below, a giant circular slide was constructed so staff could avoid taking the elevators. A special sleeping room was equipped with bunk beds accommodating 60 people, in case the programmers needed to sleep over. But glitz and innovation consumed the funds and it wasn’t long before CollegeClub.com

went bankrupt. This time, reinventing his life was not so easy. Jobless and lonely, he ended up on the street. “This isn’t what I had planned,” he said to himself and to anyone who would listen. So he came home to Colorado, to Northglenn, where his parents lived and he began a new career. This time he was hired as the first human resources administrator for Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado, and then took a one-year contract as quality control director at Lucent Technologies in Westminster. “I loved that job,” said Ahren, reminiscing about the intricacies of manufacturing international phone systems. “If there was a problem, I fixed it.” In 2004, Ahren returned to San Diego to start a new life. He began a real estate career, putting that old charm into practice and soon added a home inspection business. He found a church home and a new partner to finally fill the void. One Sunday morning he was pulled into service to help serve communion and something new awakened in him. He declared, “This is what I want to do. I want to become a pastor.” And

he did. The adventures of life often surprise us and when Ahren went before the Ordination Examination Panel, one of the members who tested him was Cardinal Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI. During this time Ahren and a partner bought an eight-bedroom home and remodeled it into a licensed nursing facility with a homelike setting. Ahren became a licensed nursing home administrator and for the next several years he helped care for seniors. In 2007, the real estate market in California took a nosedive, but his nursing home thrived and he continued his ministry with the Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego. In 2010 his father died and he moved back to Colorado to be with his mother, who had relocated to Montrose. Reinventing your life in a rural setting is different from doing it in the city. Ahren saw a need for more landscaping services in the community and opened Trails End Landscap-

APRIL 2016

ing. He also joined the Magic Circle Players and became a valuable singer and dancer for many musical productions including “Man of La Mancha” and “Mary Poppins.” Hiking in the mountains has been a lifelong passion for Ahren who says, “When you are in the mountains, you are closer to heaven.” In 2013 Ahren was hiking alone near an old abandoned mine on County Road 14A in Ouray, when he felt stabbing pains in his chest. He sat down on the ground with his back against a tree, overlooking a beautiful valley. In that moment he prayed, “If this is my time, you’ve put me in a beautiful place to take me.” Ahren says he felt he was ready to go, but then he heard a loud voice booming in his head. The voice told him to get up and walk to the top of the road and dial 911. Dragging his backpack, he slowly walked up the steep road until he got two bars on his cell phone and dialed 911. One of the Ouray paramedics was driving on Highway 50 just before County Road 14A when the call came in and immediately headed up the road to find Ahren. The paramedic kept him calm until the ambulance arrived to take him to Ridgway. There the helicopter waited to fly him to Montrose Memorial Hospital. Three days and two stents later, Ahren was released from the hospital. He reinvented his own

APRIL 2016

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WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR

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rehab program by using landscaping work to become fit and healthy. Recently Ahren became inspired to help Mother Earth by upcycling and repurposing old furniture and other items that are headed for the landfill. He started by gutting an old organ that someone gave him and turned it into a desk, which sits in his music room. People began giving him more items, and Timeless Treasures was born. Ahren said about this innovative business, “I want to divert items that do not belong in the landfill, things that have good bones and life in them. I want to find what its new

life is going to be and then create it.” Timeless Treasures will soon be opening a store in Montrose. From yeoman to talent agency, from the Internet to being homeless, from quality control to real estate, to a final calling of service to others as a minister and to the earth, Ahren Ashton has become a master of reinvention. When asked for his advice on reinventing your life, Ahren replied, “Don’t do it too fast. Take it one step at a time—one day at a time. Find the voice of God in you and listen to Him carefully.” ■

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Montrose United Methodist Church 19 S. Park Ave., Montrose, CO

970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org

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APRIL 2016

Friendship and fellowship By Barbara Ward The saying goes—where two or more Methodists are gathered, there is food. The saying might be a joke, but the statement isn’t too far from the truth. Montrose United Methodist Church takes food and what it means to the life of the church seriously. The church has two certified kitchens that are used for church and community events alike. Most church events are linked to food in some way. Why? Food naturally brings people together. When people are eating, they generally have to sit down and slow down. That provides great opportunities for people to visit. In the Methodist church world, visiting (or taking the time to get to really know people) is referred to as fellowship. Food equals fellowship and fellowship equals friendship. Two groups that have a long history with food at the church are the United Methodist Men and Methodist Women groups. The Methodist Women have been holding a monthly luncheon since 1980. The luncheons are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the church. Approximately 40-60 women attend each month. Joan Dunham, who helped cook for the luncheons for 14 years, said she enjoys the luncheons because of the programs and, “we get

to visit with each other.” Long-time Methodist Peggy Erickson said, “My favorite part is getting to see all the ladies because you don’t always see them at church.” The Methodist Women are responsible for putting on the annual November bazaar at the church. And yes, lunch is served at the bazaar each year. That is how the Methodist Hamburger Soup got so popular. Hundreds of people attend the bazaar and lunch each year to enjoy the traditional soup. The Methodist Men join together twice a month, first and third Mondays at 7 am, to enjoy breakfast together. The Montrose United Methodist Men group was formally started in 1953 and has been having breakfast meetings since the mid-1960s. About 15 men attend the bimonthly meetings. Along with enjoying time together and breakfast, the men also enjoy informative programs. In April the church will put one of its kitchens to good use and start serving a Community Sunday supper. These meals are for people who would have no other way to get a hot meal on a Sunday. The idea came together after the church youth group returned from a mission trip to San Francisco last summer and wanted to

continue serving those less fortunate. This idea coupled well with the church mission of being heavily grounded in serving those who live in and around downtown Montrose. “In Montrose there is not a dinner meal served at any of the other food ministries. Christ’s Kitchen serves lunch Monday through Friday, and Shepherd’s Hand does breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and just breakfast Saturday and Sunday. We felt there was a need for a weekend dinner meal,” said Becky Clark, a committee member who helps organize the meals. “In addition to food, we want to provide a welcoming atmosphere to those who attend,” said committee member Elaine Baker. It all comes back to friendship and fellowship. The food served at Montrose United Methodist Church is just the avenue to feeding the soul of those who step in the door. Montrose United Methodist Church is located at 19 S. Park Avenue in Montrose. More information on activities or groups at the church can be found at www.montroseumc.org. ■

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Life’s Legacy in Stone

APRIL 2016

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Montrose/Delta Calendar APRIL 2 Annual Flea Market to raise funds for nonprofits Montrose Women’s Club Annual Flea Market, 8 am – 4 pm, Friendship Hall, Montrose County Fair Grounds. Free admission. 100+ vendors, breakfast/ lunch by Big Head BBQ. Antiques, fine collectables, new/used items and more. This flea market is the largest and longest running in Montrose. All money raised is given back to the local community’s charitable nonprofit organizations that are voted on by the Club’s members. This year’s event will host vendors from Montrose, Grand Junction and other towns/cities. For vendor tables, call 249-6381. APRIL 2 & 16 Delta Hub Wheelers square dancing Come enjoy a night of square dancing at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Prerounds to recorded cuers begin at 6:30 pm at 530 Gunnison River Drive, Delta. Mainstream square dance with plus calls and round dance cues between tips from 7–9 pm. Call 257-7281 for more information. APRIL 8-10 San Juan Independent Film Festival Three days of award-winning films from around the world, including New York International Children’s Festival “Best of the Fest” family program, Bloody Mary “brunch in your glass” bar, VIP cocktail hours, dance party with DJ on Sunday, yoga in a Colorado Yurt and so much fun! 4:30–8 pm, Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose. Cost $10-$125. www.buildinglives.org/ events. Call 252-9303 Ext. 4 or email Alison@buildinglives.org. APRIL 9 Spring into Shape – 5K Fun Run/Walk Bill Heddles Recreation Center annual “Spring into Shape” 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held on Confluence Lake Trail, from 9-11 am. Check-in starts at 8

am. This event is for all ages. $25 per person.

APRIL 11 – MONTROSE APRIL 18 – DELTA Avoid Being Unprepared and Overwhelmed: Understanding Long-Term Care Planning Don’t wait until there is a crisis to learn about your options. Nearly 70 percent of people of over age 65 will need long-term care at some point during their lifetime. Join us to learn about payment sources, including private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more! Guest speakers Phyllis Hoffman and Scharee Atchison from Long Term Care Planning Solutions will be joining us at the Montrose and Delta workshops! Registration is required. Montrose workshops (April 11) will be held from 4:30–5:30 pm at Region 10 Area Agency on Aging – 300 N. Cascade. New Delta workshops (April 18) will be held from 4:30–5:30 pm at 1501 E. 3rd St. in the Mesa Lakes Room, the Oncology Center at the Delta Hospital. Sign up by calling 243-8250 or on our website at www.brownandbrownpc.com. APRIL 13 A Matter of Balance: Managing your concerns about falling Touch of Care and Region 10’s Area Agency on Aging are bringing Matter of Balance classes to older adults. These classes are available through donation only, for participants age 60 or older who are concerned about falling. This program is evidence-based; studies have shown that it is effective in reducing the fear of falling, as it emphasizes practical strategies for managing falls. Each class includes eight sessions (two hours per session). Classes are currently taking place in Delta and will soon be forming in Gunnison, Lake City, and the West End of Montrose County. Registration is required, and classes are limited to the first 12 participants. The Ouray County class begins on Wednes-

day, April 13 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 329 5th Ave. in Ouray, and will be held weekly from 10 am–noon every Wednesday through June 1, 2016. To register, please contact Touch of Care at 249-6080 or toll-free at 1-866-874-6115.

dancing, horse racing, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. 7:30 - 10:30 pm at the Lark & Sparrow Historic Venue, 511 E Main. Cost is $100. For information call 249-3900, visit www.montrosecf.com, or email montrosecommunityfoundation@gmail.com.

APRIL 15 & 16 Spring Expo Formerly the Home & Garden Show, the Spring Expo offers huge giveaways, door prizes and over 80 vendors. Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Hours: April 15 from 9 am–5 pm and April 16 from 9 am–3 pm. Presented by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce.

APRIL 29 - 30 4th Annual Paonia Film Festival Screening of all selected films on April 29 at 7:30 pm. Tickets $10. Red Carpet Gala and Award Ceremony on April 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets $30. Paradise Theatre, 215 Grand Ave, Paonia. Call 526-6610 for information or visit paradiseofpaonia.com. ■

APRIL 15 & 16 Black Canyon Hunt & Outdoor Expo Bring your families for this fun-filled event of demonstrations, presentations and hands-on activities for all ages. Hours are April 15 from 1-7 pm and April 16 from 8 am - 6 pm. Montrose County Fairgrounds Friendship Hall, 1001 N. 2nd St. Information: www. blackcanyonexpo.com or 275-6547 or tracy.r@eventive-events.com. APRIL 18-23 Earth Week Big Country: Water, Land and Sky The City of Montrose is sponsoring and coordinating activities for Earth Week 2016 to raise awareness about how each member of the community can help preserve a healthy environment for themselves and future generations. The week ends on April 23 with the Big Country: Water, Land and Sky Festival held from 10 am - 4 pm at Riverbottom Park. Activities include great live music, huge kiddie carnival, hot dog grill-out, auction, local celebrity chef demos, and the Montrose High School agriculture petting zoo. For more details and a weeklong schedule go to: http://www. cityofmontrose.org/EarthWeek. APRIL 23 MCF Gala – A Gatsby Affair Join the Montrose Community Foundation for “A Swell Affair” with a ‘20s flair. Evening fun includes live music by Gypsy Swing Band Swing Je T’aime,

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APRIL 2016

Montrose/Delta Beacon Bits, Clubs & Activities Alpine Photography Club meets the second Tuesdays from 7-9 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1855 St. Mary’s Dr. (St. Paul room) in Montrose. Public is welcome. For more information, email apcmontroseco@gmail,com Montrose Women’s Club, a service club established in 1949, holds monthly luncheon meetings at noon on the third Monday of each month, September through May at the Lion’s Park Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada, Montrose. All Montrose area women are invited to attend. For more information, please call Lexy Stevenson at 275-3336.

REGION 10 EDUCATION SERIES Region 10 - Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) This is a six-county collaboration of businesses, community members, caregivers, and volunteers who serve and work with the aging and disabled populations. Goals are to enhance programs, reduce gaps, and increase communication and access to resources. Anyone serving these populations is encouraged to join the meetings held the 2nd Tuesday monthly (next meeting 4/12), 9:30 am, 300 N. Cascade Ave., Montrose: Call Eva for more information, 765-3127. Caregiver Support & Networking Group, Montrose Come and enjoy a safe, supported, resource-filled, and confidential environment for caregivers to learn from one another about the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones with dementia, illness, or disability. Groups meet 1:30-2:30 pm the 1st Wednesday & the 3rd Thursday of every month. Sponsored by Region 10 ADRC Cost: Free. Location: Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave., Montrose. For more information call Amy Rowan 765-3123.

Kinship Connections Support Group This support/networking group is structured for individuals raising children that are not their own. Group meets the 1st Thursday from 6 - 8 pm sponsored by Region 10. On Thurs April 7 hear input from Julie Huffman, Guardian Ad Litem, a guardian appointed by the court to represent the interests of infants, the unborn, or incompetent persons in legal actions. No cost. Location: 300 N. Cascade. Call Eva Veitch at 765-3127 for information. Financial Planning for Retirement Montrose Getting ready to retire or already enjoying this next phase of life? Make sure your finances keep up with your retirement. Learn retirement income strategies, savings and spending, and make sure you have built in some contingencies for life’s “what ifs.” Sponsored by Region 10 ADRC and Edward Jones. Thursday, April 7, 12:45 pm at the Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Free. Registration required: www. region10.net/calendar or call 765-3123. Financial Planning for Retirement Delta Getting ready to retire or already enjoying this next phase of life? Make sure your finances keep up with your retirement. Learn retirement income strategies, savings and spending, make sure you have built in some contingencies for life’s “what ifs.” Sponsored by Region 10 ADRC and Edward Jones. Tuesday April 19, 4 pm at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Montrose. Free. Register in advance at www.region10.net/ calendar or call 765-3123. 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

APRIL 2016

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

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credit to be used to receive a service from another Time Bank member, not necessarily the same person you assist. Although some skills are generally perceived as having a higher value than others, the Time Bank recognizes that everyone is equal, no matter what job they perform. The goal is to build healthier communities based on mutual respect for everyone’s efforts, talents and skills. Sponsored by Time Bank of the Rockies and Region 10. Tuesday, April 19, 5:30–7 pm at Region 10, 300 N Cascade Ave. Montrose. If you can, bring your laptop. For information and to register, call Cynthia at 209-6886. 3rd Annual Caregiver Summit & Retreat 2016 Celebrating and Supporting Community Caregivers, Sponsored by Region 10 ADRC. Featuring Dr. Amy D’Aprix, co-founder of the Essential Conversations Project. Respite is available for care recipients on premises or at home if they are too frail to attend. Thursday, May 19, 8 am – 4:30 pm, Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate, Montrose Summit & Retreat. Asking donation of $10 each. Registration deadline is May 9. Contact Region 10 249-2436 or register online at www.region10.net/event/caregiver-summit-retreat-2.

stress and increase happiness, and dignity during the final stages of life. Sponsored by Region 10 ADRC and Volunteer of America, presented by Brandi Garcia. Tuesday, April 5, 11 am – noon, Grand Mesa Oncology Center, 1501 3rd in Delta. Program is free. Register online at www.region10.net calendar or call the Delta ADRC office at 399-3615. Paonia CommUnity Garden Springs to Life The Paonia CommUnity Garden, a project of Elsewhere Studios, was once a gravel parking lot. The garden is now a thriving place for anyone in the community to relax, plant, grow, harvest

and learn. All organic and permaculture, the garden is inspired with a focus in biodynamics. Monthly workshops are taught by experts from the valley who give their time and knowledge. On Saturdays at 9 am, community members can dig into weekly work parties led by garden co-founder and manager Ryan Strand. All are welcome to these family-friendly work parties and everyone can leave with a bag of food when the garden is producing. Garden events will be happening from April until October. To keep up to date with workshops and progress, join the

Paonia CommUnity Garden Facebook page or visit www.elsewherestudios.org. For donations, to teach a related workshop, or for more information email info@elsewherestudios.org. ■

S L A I C E P S T S A F K A BRE

MON: Sausage & Eggs Breakfast TUES: Pancakes, Eggs & Bacon WED: Biscuit & Gravy, Eggs & Hash Browns THUR: Biscuit Supreme $5 Sausage & Eggs m FRI: French Toast Special served 6-8a 7 days a week

AARP Driver Safety Course Save money on insurance. Keep up on newer traffic laws. This is a half-day course sponsored by AARP SMART Driver’s Program. Montrose County Health and Human Services, 1845 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose. Membership in AARP is not required. Thursday, May 19 from 8:30 am - 1 pm. Fee: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Pre-registration required. Contact Region 10, 765-3123. Dementia Care Communication for Caregivers Validation is a way of caring for and communicating with older adults who are often diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s-type dementia. Validation promotes empathy on the part of the caregiver, communication to reduce

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HELP WANTED WANTED: The Trustees for the Grand Mesa Christian Camp, located on the south shore of Baron Lake, are looking to hire a camp manager for this next summer. Work should begin mid-June through mid-August and weekends the latter part of August through most of September. Please call Jim Mackley at 242-4794 or Max Stites at 256-7797.

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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

APRIL 2016

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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MAYFIELD SENIOR CARE, LLC. Two openings for private pay clients. Professional and exceptional compassionate home care including cooking (from scratch), light housekeeping, laundry, assistance to appointments, shopping, office administration, pet care. Insured. Local References. 683-1414. jenniferjane@mayfieldse niorcare.com

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USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, Romance, Mysteries, Suspense, Kids, Young Adult, Inspirational, and many others. Large print. Special orders. 242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

APRIL 2016

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

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kudos \ ku·dos

 Thank you all so much for the most beautiful Valentine’s Dance. My girlfriends and I enjoyed the opportunity to get dressed up and have a reason to have our hair and nails done. There are so few of these kinds of occasions anymore. It was a perfect evening. –G.G. Bird  I, literally, ran into one of your newspaper stands for the BEACON. Fortunately it’s as tough as I am so, we’re both okay. By the way, it stood out plenty fine, I just wasn’t paying attention. –Barbara M. Kevin’s reply: I’m glad that you are both okay.

Kvetch \ kfech  I read in the paper that Toby Quick has been charged with burglary. It would appear to me that he was not quick enough. – Hap J.  Good news, the City of Grand Junction has hired a new city manager – Greg Caton. Better news, he has stated that he intends to work here the rest of his career. Will he be able to resist the temptation of cashing out early? The city has a history of lavishing large sums of money on those managers who perform poorly and leave quickly. What incentive is there for him to stay and work? –Donovan D.  Got stocks? Another reason to buy funds rather than individual stocks is exemplified by my owing shares in Chipotle. What a debacle! First, they’re making people sick. Then they mismanage the whole affair and now they’re giving away food because people don’t want to pay for it. Yeah, sell stuff for free. That’ll work. –Tyler F.

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Are you afraid of retirement? By Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

ll of your ducks are in a row. You have saved and carefully invested for years, and the personal discipline is about to pay off. So why is there apprehension in the bottom of your belly? Let’s be honest. There is risk involved, and the future no longer seems certain or familiar. “What if I forgot about something?” you think, and you start going over every plan you have made. No one likes to admit straight out that they are afraid of retirement. Why, that sounds silly. But changing your life from one of being focused on work duties, raising a family, paying bills and receiving that dependable paycheck every week to one of the virtually unknown has its own set of stresses. You’re being dishonest if you say it’s not a big leap mentally, emotionally, or financially. Lack of confidence often underlies questions disguised as logistics on how to retire. Sometimes, one must simply take the leap of faith, making a companion of the ever-present question, “What if?” If you have spent your whole life building security and providing that security the best you could for your family, then stepping into the unknown world of retirement is like jumping off a cliff—even if you’re as prepared as you think you are. Sure, we can distract ourselves with dreams of endless golf, or margaritas on an exotic beach somewhere, but when it’s quiet, we find ourselves looking over our shoulders, wondering whether some forgotten component is lurking just out of sight. “What if I run out of money?” you whisper to yourself. Perhaps your personal fear-mongering nemesis is health care in retirement, your portfolio balance, or

even something as simple as boredom. There can be great comfort gained from all of one’s time being planned out months in advance. To expect retirement to be free of hitches or snags is unreasonable. There are no guarantees in life. None of us knows what the future will bring, and this is true whether you’re working or retired.

“What if ... ?” The “What if” syndrome is all-pervasive. It attaches itself to every aspect of life. However, living life through the eyes of fear only amplifies that uncertainty. If you wait for that perfect time to do something, you may discover that it never arrives. Looking back over your life, you might see all of the missed opportunities for great adventures and memory making that you set aside in your pursuit of that ever-elusive feeling of security. So what do you do? Fear never leaves us, but the fortifying of our confidence helps us cope. Find ways to transfer your talents and abilities to your new life. If you must, make a list of your strongest traits. Enumerate your interests and the ways you can best satisfy them. Check out the BEACON Guide, the local library, or the BEACON Senior Newspaper for groups to join, ongoing education classes being given, or chances to volunteer somewhere that let you offer your expertise in something. Exercise. Stay connected to society. Try something new. Following these suggestions will bring strength to your new life, expand your mind and build up your spirit. From here, you will gain self-assurance, making it easier to surmount any obstacles you may encounter in your retirement. ■

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 14

6 1 8 5 7 9 4 3 2

3 4 7 8 6 2 5 9 1

9 5 2 1 4 3 7 8 6

7 3 6 9 5 1 8 2 4

1 2 4 7 3 8 9 6 5

5 8 9 6 2 4 1 7 3

8 7 3 2 1 5 6 4 9

4 9 5 3 8 6 2 1 7

2 6 1 4 9 7 3 5 8

Puzzle by websudoku.com