June 2019 - Montrose Delta

MONTROSE-DELTA

JUNE 2019

Volume: 5 | Issue: 6

Montrose & Delta’s Magazine for Adults 50+ with over 16,250 Readers

LIVING OFF THE GRID

SUMMER TRAVEL & FESTIVALS

Couple inspired by summer living in a tipi

20 19

Adventure is calling! Check out our Summer Travel guide for travel tips and festival info.

Don’t): SI(orDE Tent ch aIN PitEE FR a guide to camping in the

great outdoors

6

Laughing with dear ol’ dad Dad’s humor was an antidote for hurting hearts

14

Summer fun with grandkids Maximize the long, lazy days of summer with these activities

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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970.323.5504

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EDITORIAL COLUMN

Summer travel in a tipi?

Y

urts and tipis aren’t just for glamping. Some are for living! This shouldn’t surprise me given the rising popularity of tiny homes, but this month’s cover story about Dan and Emma Kigar and the summer they spent living in a tipi sounds marvelous—even if only for a summer. Read more in this month’s cover story.

events, ranging from pickleball to bocce ball, swimming to track and field, pinochle to cards, and golf to dance. This event brings in competitors from across western Colorado. For more information and to register, call Grand Junction Parks & Recreation at 254-3866.

The fee is nominal and it’s great fun for anyone age 50 or older.

SUMMER TRAVEL & FESTIVALS

SHOW US YOUR PETS!

Maybe I’m biased, but I think we live in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Isn’t it worth exploring? Our glossy Summer Travel & Festivals section is your guide to uncovering Colorado’s hidden gems and festivals big and small. Some of my favorite featured travel destinations are only a couple hours away. Whether you go for the day or the week, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and let us know what you find there.

GOT GAME?

The Western Colorado Senior Games gives you another reason to get active and enjoy the outdoors, and the 2019 games are right around the corner. Choose from more than 55 competitive

If you’re a Facebook user, you certainly know someone who obsessively shares photos of their lunch, their kids or themselves.

I’m one of those people who shares photos and videos of my dog, Skye, all too often on social media, even if she’s doing the most mundane things.

Pets are important to BEACON readers, which makes our August issue—centered on pets and their people—our most popular issue of the year. We want to hear about your furry (or scaly or feathered) friends!

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher............................................................................................................................... Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher...................................................................................................................Susan Capps Managing Editor...........................................................................................................................Cloie Sandlin Graphic Designers......................................................................................... Chrissy Martin, B. Bigler Office Manager...........................................................................................................................Stacey Splude Advertising Assistant....................................................................................................Siggie Carpenter Advertising Executives .............................................................. Sue Bowen, Debra Romaniec Proofreader............................................................................................................................................Jan Weeks Delivery........................................................................Cora Gentry, Lauren VanGundy, JR Milner

Office: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970.243.8829 • Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request.

Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2019 • All Rights Reserved

Tell us about your pet and send a photo by July 5 to:

LOVE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE? DO YOU ENJOY LEARNING? LOVE MONTROSE?

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or, P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 You can also tag us on Facebook!

Facebook.com/BeaconSenior News ■

ASK FOR MORE INFORMATION: MONTROSE VISITOR CENTER

Cloie Sandlin, Managing Editor

107 S Cascade Ave info@VisitMontrose.com 970.497.8558 VisitMontrose.com

The Ambassador program is housed within the Montrose Visitor Center. This team of volunteers welcomes guests into the community by telling them about everything we have to offer.

Ambassadors love what they do because they meet new people, attend fun community events, take trips together, and get to be part of a positive organization of people who care about the community.

On the cover

Emma and Dan Kiger found the inspiration to start Colorado Yurt Company after they spent a summer living in a tipi in the ’70s. Photo by Michael Lawton.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM |

JUNE 2019 | EDITORIAL COLUMN | 3

In 1976, Emma and Dan Kigar took the tipi they built and moved to Colorado for the summer. Their passion for living simply evolved into establishing Colorado Yurt Company in Montrose. Photo by Michael Lawton. All other photos courtesy of Colorado Yurt Company.

Living off the grid: Couple inspired by summer living in a tipi

By Carole Ann McKelvey mma Kigar was a seamstress and student at the University of Michigan when she and her husband, Dan, built their first tipi in 1976.

E

“We made a tipi and spent our first night in it,” said Emma. “The next morning it was magical waking up with the sun streaming in.”

It wasn’t long before she and Dan, a cabinet-maker and carpenter in nearby Indiana, packed up the handmade 22-foot tipi in the back of their ’59 pickup, and set out for Colorado.

“We pitched the tipi in a meadow of blue bells, right next to an artesian spring,” said Dan. “We were at

11,500 feet, a short hike through a stand of spruce to tree line and a view of the Tenmile Range so clean and clear and close, it vibrated with geologic majesty.”

The couple met in Colorado several years earlier as “ski bums.” They spent that summer living off the grid, hiking the peaks near Mt. Baldy and down into the wild valley below Mt. Guyot and stopping in French Gulch.

According to Dan, living off grid was putting it mildly. Back then, the pair had about a mile’s ski or walk to their first home.

“We referred to living off the grid as chopping wood and hauling water,” he said.

Life in the tipi on the mountainside was healthy, happy and vibrant.

Their tipi lodge was set up with their

willow lazy-backs and a raised area at the back for a bed.

“We made a low kitchen area with a lodge pole rack for our pots and pans, and a chopping block just the right height to kneel at,” said Dan. There are untold benefits of living a simple life in a tipi.

“No one who’s ever done it would debate the sacred nature of the architecture,” he said. “We were living at ground level but there was plenty of room for our spirits to soar.”

A NEW VENTURE

Living in a tipi gave the Kigars the firsthand experience they needed to start their own business.

They rented an old barn alongside the Blue River and emptied their savings to buy some industrial sewing machines. Then they set up shop to design and manufacture tipis just

COVER STORY

Can you live in a yurt?

By Ivy Fife, Colorado Yurt Company, www.coloradoyurt.com Yurts are very versatile and comfortable structures. To realize your dream of owning a yurt, here are some things to consider: ➊ How will you use your yurt?

Full-time living, studio, motherin-law suite, camping structure, man cave, overnight rental, or summer cabin—a yurt can be an economical and eco-friendly solution. Full-time living may require a larger yurt, while a studio can be very functional in a smaller yurt. ➋ Where will you pitch your yurt?

The location will determine what kind of snow and wind load you may need, as well as the number of windows and other options that would be appropriate. like theirs.

Back then, Earthworks Tipis operated as a mail-order business. They advertised in the “Mother Earth News” and “East West Journal.”

Orders came in the mail with a personal check and a handwritten order form.

At first, the Kigars thought they would live off the grid and maybe make one or two tipis a year.

A friend’s request for a little meditation space in the woods led the Kigars to delve into advanced canvas design. Earthworks evolved into Colorado Yurt Company, which handcrafts yurts, tipis and rugged canvas wall tents from their location at 28 W. South Fourth St. in Montrose.

WHAT’S A YURT?

Yurts are portable round dwellings based on the traditional Mongolian ger, that has been used in Central Asia for thousands of years.

The company’s modern yurt takes the ingenuity of those nomadic structures, adding engineered

strength and durable outdoor fabrics, making it one of the world’s most functional shelters. Their tipis are also authentic Sioux-style tipis.

THE BENEFITS OF YURT LIVING

A yurt or tipi is a fraction of the cost of a traditional home, making it great for first-time home owners as well as retirees. Some will use yurts as a mother-in-law suite or overnight rental. According to Colorado Yurt Company Marketing Manager Ivy Fife, the most common reason people choose to live in a yurt or tipi is to simplify life. For some, this means saving money and living debt-free, or being closer to nature.

➌ Do you need a permit?

Permitting is usually regulated on a local level. Whether it’s your county, city or even your homeowners association, you may need approval to install a yurt. ➍ What kind of deck?

Your yurt needs to have a place to sit. Colorado Yurts need to be pitched on a permanent platform, concrete slab or SIPS deck.

➎ Will you add utilities?

If you decide to add electricity or plumbing to your yurt, it should be part of your deck planning (as the connections would likely come up through your floor). We suggest doing a floor plan before building the deck, noting where the electrical and plumbing needs to be. ➏W hat is the lead time?

We handcraft each yurt after you place your order. You pick your fabrics, window placements, snow and wind load options and other details. Lead time can be as little as a few weeks, and as much as a few months. ➐W ho will set up your yurt?

Most of our customers pitch their own yurt with the help of a crew of friends and family.

Others will hire a contractor.

We send an instruction book, and can give phone support where needed. If you live in our area, you can hire us to pitch your yurt.

Colorado Yurt Company’s expert staff can help you make these decisions and can provide deck plans and documentation needed for a permit. For more information or to get a quote, call 800-288-3190 or visit www.coloradoyurt.com.

Though the Kigars now live in a traditional home in Ridgway, they’re returning to life’s more simple pleasures. They recently took a step back from managing the company’s day-to-day operations and are spending more time outdoors and with friends and family, especially their grandson. ■ WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM |

JUNE 2019 | COVER STORY | 5

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Laughing with dear ol’ dad

By Karen White-Walker

I

miss my dad. You’d think that having him for 68-3/4 years of my life would satisfy that yearning for a father figure, but no.

Like some spoiled-rotten ingrate who can’t get her fill of people and things she cherishes, I wanted him and Mom to go on forever—at least until I went first.

love and a high tolerance toward one another’s nerve-wracking ways, we might have been thrown into a dark, drowning abyss, never to resurface again. But we weren’t and we did recover. Ah, the resiliency of the human spirit. Who knew?

Dad knew.

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

How could he not know with all the losses he experienced with his own parents and siblings? His antidote for handling grief was so Puritan: work, work, work. So he ingrained in us, his children, the, lopsided notion that it was a privilege to get dirt under your fingernails and the “good earth” between your toes.

But he didn’t ask of us things that he himself wasn’t willing to do.

Our parents saw their only beloved son go before them and, I tell you, if it wasn’t for our deep faith, strong

That’s how you rope people in, you know—stooping down to their level so you don’t lord it all over

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

What kind of daughter are you?”

“Given Dad’s condition, that was an antidote for our hurting hearts, and we almost couldn’t separate our laughter from our tears.”

them that you’re the big kahuna, the father who, as the head of the household, must feed his family, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I wouldn’t have minded starving a little in any of those areas if only Dad hadn’t bought that darn 10-acre cherry farm. He had a good-paying job at General Motors, but he wanted a hobby to keep little hands busy—mainly ours.

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

“Not like today,” he complained many years later just outside a grocery store. I remembered the bill came to $21.36 and he handed the cashier $22.11 because he needed three quarters.

“Terror stricken, that girl looked like I had handed her a note to turn over all her loot. Wouldn’t swap a bushel of my sweet cherries for that dumbbell doozy!” he insisted.

Yes, Dad could be sarcastic, judgmental and lacking in compassion, but he was a devoted family man, always home exactly to the minute after work.

He loved Mom, she adored him, and together they managed to only minimally scar us kids psychologically.

Somehow, some way, they both instilled in us such an enthusiasm for life, like Dad’s exuberance over a bumper cherry crop, and Mom’s delight over seeing his excitement.

father and mother.

Author Karen White-Walker’s

6 | JUNE 2019 |

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But what about when life’s trials knock you down and it’s not just your fingernails and toes in the dirt but your whole darn face? And if that face is smeared with tears, you find yourselves scraping mud out of your eyes. Those are the sad times, but what about the happy

moments? Ah, they can come so unsuspectingly and almost border on lunacy.

Even after Dad lost Mom after 69 years of marriage and he had developed that insidious Alzheimer’s disease, there was a light moment that made us all laugh. Imagine that: the wonderfully secure world you had always known is suddenly shattered and you can still find humor in a grave situation.

Just before we lost Dad, my sisters, their families and mine, were having a summer picnic. We were so aware that someone was missing and, of course, that someone was our precious mom who had passed away just eight months earlier.

Dad was sitting next to me when he turned and asked, “Karen, where’s your mother?”

Repeatedly we had told him, but he couldn’t seem to grasp the unacceptable truth. The doctor had advised us not to keep telling him because he would become very stressed, but my brother-inlaw thought that if he said it just one more time, Dad would finally understand “Now Dad, if I tell you will you try really hard to remember? Mom died, she’s no longer with us.”

Dad’s brow furrowed and his lips quivered when he seemed to reflect on what he was just told.

Suddenly he turned to me, leaned over and asked, “Hey Karen, does your mother know?”

When something is so heart wrenching, you have to laugh or you’ll end up screaming your guts out: “Does your mother know?”

Given Dad’s condition, that was an antidote for our hurting hearts, and we almost couldn’t separate our laughter from our tears. We laughed till we cried—life is funny that way. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Not sure what to get Dad for Father’s Day?

Video surprise - Share special memories of your dad and put it to video. You can also sing to him, read him a poem, or do skits. Get the whole family involved and conduct interviews with each other, letting Dad know just how much he means to you.

King for the day - It isn’t every day your dad gets waited on hand and foot. Offer to be his loyal servant for the day. Bring him coffee and toast in bed; fetch his newspaper; be host or hostess and serve him beverages and snacks; clean up after him and anything else to give him the royal treatment.

Record memories - Purchase a scrapbook, and create a record of memories about you and Dad. Include photos of special outings, events and holidays you’ve had together, and other memorabilia such as concert or sporting event ticket stubs, postcards, and brochures. Next to each item, describe your memories of those special times with your father.

Write a poem - You don’t need to be a poet to come up with a few thoughtful words to express how much he means to you. Print it on stationary, mat and frame it.

Musical moment - Take your father to see his favorite band or performing artist, enjoy a jazz or blues festival, or pack up some lawn chairs, and enjoy a local concert in the park.

Lend a hand - Has your dad been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning out his attic, basement, or garage? Give him a gift of shelv-

Sports buff’s surprise - Take your dad for a sporting good time.

Play a game of golf, tennis, or basketball, go fishing at the river’s edge, or enjoy a paddle around a lake. If being a spectator is more his thing, buy tickets to his favorite sporting event.

Weekend getaway - Get in touch with nature on a camping trip for two. Rough it in a tent or rent a mini cabin at a state park. Spend your weekend enjoying nature hikes, sightseeing, fishing, boating, playing cards, and taking it easy.

It’s your life We’re“here to help you li It’s your life.

We’re here to help you live it.

Father’s Day feast - As the old adage goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So treat dad to a mouth-watering meal on the barbecue.

“

Create a collage - Put together a photo collage of you and your father. Find instructions at your nearby craft store and create a Decoupage photo collage. Keep it simple with a multi-photo frame, or purchase a unique 3D photo collage frame. These are available and art and craft supply stores and online.

I have been a patient for four years or more and I recommend this agency to everyone.

Thank you to all of the nurses for the patience and care they provide to me.

- Mary Ann

At Home Health of Western Colorado, we’re a Medicare/Medicaid-

certifiedbeen home health agency – a friendly experienced team ofor mo I have acarepatient forandfour years nurses, rehab therapists and home health aides dedicated to providing your individualized health care needs with compassion and empathy. recommend this agency to everyon Services offered by Home Health of Western Colorado include: Thank you all of the nurses for the pati • Skilled nurseto on call 24 hours/day • Home health aide assistance with daily activities such as dressing, care they provide to me. grooming and bathing • Pain management, wound care and IV infusion therapy - Mary Ann • Disease and medication management •

Pediatric care

Certificates of appreciation • Physical, occupational and speech therapy At Home Health of Western Colorado, we’re a Medicare/M Show Dad you appreciate his hard • Medical social worker certified care agency – a friendly and experien • health Diabetes management and education work by returning the favor. Make home • Lab testing and finger stick INRs coupons that say: “In appreciation nurses, rehab•therapists and home health aides dedicated Coordination of additional community services for all that you do, Dad: Redeem individualized health care needs with compassion and this certificate for ayour hassle-free Call today for more information car wash by me!” Other favors (970)-240-0139 Services include sweeping out the garage, offered by Home Health of Western Colorado mowing the lawn, or another task • Skilled nurse on call 24 hours/day he normally handles.

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Catch a flick - Treat dad to •yourHome health aide assistance with daily activities such as a movie fest. Rent a couple newly grooming and bathing released videos or some of his Home Healthcare of Western Colorado longtime favorites, • or head to themanagement, Pain wound and IV infusion therapy cinemas for a double feature. ■ North Cascade, Suite T9, Montrose, CO 81401 • Disease and300 medication management 151156

F

ing materials and brackets, wall racks and ceiling hooks, and storage crates. Then spend the day helping him to get it organized.

“

By Kimberly Blaker ather’s Day is just around the corner, so don’t be caught scrambling for the perfect way to show him you care. Try some of these ideas to show your dad just how important he is to you.

• •

Pediatric care WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 Physical, occupational and speech therapy

| 7

TALKING DIGITAL

Streaming allows you to listen to music in a whole new way O ver the past 15 years, the process of listening to and acquiring music has completely changed.

Individual songs are now available on demand through streaming music services, often for free.

The next time you talk to someone under 30, ask them about the music they listen to. He or she will most likely mention playlists that include The Beatles, Van Morrison, Eminem, Garth Brooks, Metallica and perhaps a Neil Diamond tune mixed in.

The iPod and similar digital devices have established an era of music lovers who think of music as individual songs. It’s likely that everyone still has a favorite artist or two, but playlists are more oriented to activities and mood than to genres.

Each streaming service has pros and cons. Almost all of them have a free ad-supported option, but a subscription (usually $10 per month or less) provides more versatility and limits ads. I’m going to focus on the free options because the paid options all offer the same features

Pandora is great for the traditional genre listener, but it’s the last service you want to use when you have a hankering for a specific song or artist. Pandora creates stations for you that features music similar to the songs and artists you search, but it doesn’t necessarily play the song or artist you’re searching for.

Spotify is the most popular service, as it allows users to build custom playlists of individual songs or choose from playlists designed by other Spotify users.

The free version provides full flexibility on a desktop computer. Users can build ad-supported playlists of individual songs or listen to the same song over and over. The disadvantage is that you can only listen to playlists on shuffle on a mobile device, and it will only allow you to skip songs so many times.

The pay version of Spotify allows users to play individual songs, skip and repeat, and even download their songs for offline listening.

YouTube is also a great place to access music. I enjoy using it to

discover interesting and/or obscure cover versions of songs I like.

YouTube Music is a free app that allows you to listen to any song or playlist of songs that have been uploaded in video form.

If you are an Amazon Prime subscriber, you have access to many of the features available to the $10 per month Amazon Music subscriber.

Users can build custom playlists, play and repeat single songs, and even download songs for offline listening.

However, Amazon Prime Music has a limited library of music. In order to gain access to the full library, you either need to subscribe to the $10 service or use a program like Spotify with a more robust library.

My favorite way to acquire digital music is to shop thrift stores and garage sales. A single song usually costs around one dollar to download and most pay services cost around $10 per month. But you can buy a used CD for a dollar or two.

Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon all allow you to copy music from your CDs and include those songs in with the library of music provided by the given service.

Whatever service or combination of services you use to access music, you’ll discover that you have more options than ever for playing music you enjoy, no matter how eclectic your tastes may be. ■

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at adamc@talkingdigital.org

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Love the BEACON? Visit us online!

Our award-winning website has: More fascinating stories!

More great photos!

More exciting events!

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ASK THE OLD BAG

Why are kids’ birthday parties so lavish?

Dear Old Bag: Last month, I went to my 5-year-old granddaughter’s birthday party. There was a blow-up castle for kids to jump around in, a face painter and a guy with a pony that gave rides to kids. The kids had a blast. I know it must have cost a pretty penny, but that’s not what bothers me. Here’s the thing: If a child has this for her fifth birthday, what in the world are they going to expect later on? Why are these parties getting so lavish? What is wrong with us as a society that we feel compelled to do more, more and more? Signed, BW Dear BW: It appears that parents always want to do more for their children than what was done for them when they were kids. I did it.

You probably did, too. When will it all end? I guess when they have exhausted their funds! Sometimes these lavish parties are more for the parents to feel like they have done something important for their child, which is probably a fallacy because I happen to think that nothing is more important to do for your child than spending time with them. OB Dear Old Bag: My dad is impossible! He is in assisted living and it is really nice, but he finds stupid things to complain about. He needed to be there because he was falling, not eating properly and would forget (or refuse) to take his medicine. He resents the fact that his son and I have taken over his finances, and that he doesn’t know what is going on. It is getting harder to visit him and listen to his criticisms. Any advice would be appreciated. W.R. Dear W.R.: Since I am old, too, maybe I can help you understand him.

He has evidently lost his wife, home, health, independence and ability to manage his affairs. All he has left is being critical of everything and everyone, especially those he sees as trying to control him. Give him back some control, if you can. Give him a financial report each month.

If he doesn’t want to take his meds, he has that right. If he falls, he has that right, too. I am a spunky person, but I will be a mean old cuss if my kids begin to act like they are my parents and I am their child. After all, I changed their diapers! Good luck, OB Dear Old Bag: I am a high school senior and I read your column to my grandma each month. She really enjoys it. Grandma keeps up on everything and is very broad-minded. I wish I could get along with my mother as well as I do my grandma. I can tell Grandma anything. I can’t talk to Mom. It always ends up in an argument. Why is that? Help! JW Dear JW: It has been said that there is no gap between grandparents and grandchildren. Your grandma is not responsible for seeing you grow up to be a successful person. She is there to love you. Your mother’s job is to guide and protect you. When she sees you heading in the wrong direction, it is her responsibility to help you correct it. When you have children of your own, you will begin to understand that.

Meanwhile, try to realize what a big job it is to raise a child, and keep that close relationship with Grandma! OB ■

S E R V I N G

G R A N D

J U N C T I O N

&

M O N T R O S E

Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information.

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and secure while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Grand Junction (970) 241-7798 Montrose (970) 244-0860 www.seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y

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(970) 245-0834 ASK THE OLD BAG

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at lagmancreswick@gmail.com

info@mays-mcsi.com www.mays-mcsi.com Licensed – Insured - Since 1993

“Providing sound solutions is the foundation of our business.”

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

9

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS GOT TWO BUCKS?

Submitted by Cynthia Moore A homeless man, who’d obviously seen his share of hard times, approached a well-dressed gentleman on the street.

“Hey, Buddy, can you spare two dollars?” the homeless man asked.

The gentleman responded, “You are not going to spend it on liquor are you?”

“No, sir, I don’t drink,” retorted the man.

“You are not going to throw it away in some crap game, are you?” asked the gentleman.

The gentleman asked the homeless man if he would like to come home with him for a home-cooked meal, to which he accepted eagerly. While they were heading for the man’s house, the homeless man’s curiosity got the better of him.

“Isn’t your wife going to be angry when she sees a guy like me at your table?” he asked.

“Probably,” said the gentleman, “but I want her to see what happens to a guy who doesn’t drink, gamble or play golf.”

Paul Lynde: “Loneliness!”

Peter: “Do female frogs croak?”

Paul Lynde: “If you hold their little heads under water long enough.”

Peter: “If you’re going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?”

Charley Weaver: “Three days of steady drinking should do it.”

We know stuff about tanks.

Peter: “You’ve been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?”

“You wouldn’t waste the money at a golf course for greens fees, would you?”

“Never,” said the homeless man. “I don’t play golf.”

Peter: “What is a good reason for pounding meat?”

Peter: “According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and think he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he’s married?”

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Vincent Price: “No, you can say it with a pineapple and $20.”

George Gobel: “Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.”

These great questions and answers are from the game show, “Hollywood Squares,” when Peter Marshall was the host.

The Camelot Way

Peter: “In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say ‘I Love You?’”

IT’S NICE BEING A GUY

Don Knotts: “That’s what’s been keeping me awake.”

“No way, I don’t gamble.”

Charley Weaver: “My sense of decency.”

Peter: “True or False: A pea can last as long as 5,000 years.”

HOLLYWOOD SQUARES

Submitted by Charlie

Peter: “Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?”

Rose Marie: “No, wait until morning.”

Submitted by Tony Elam

A five-day trip requires only one suitcase.

We can kill our own food.

We don’t have to learn how to spell a new last name.

We can leave a motel bed unmade.

We get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness.

Wedding plans take care of themselves.

If someone forgets to invite us to

LAUGHING MATTERS something they can still be our friend.

Three pair of shoes are more than enough.

Car mechanics tell us the truth.

Gray hair and wrinkles only add character.

We can drop by and see a friend without having to bring a gift.

I gather all the parts to start up my swamp cooler: faucet, ball valve, snow cake, one or two brass clamp nuts, and several brass clamp sleeves and brass inserts. Even though I said a little prayer, I still find myself at the hardware store buying parts, anticipating what might go wrong this year.

I get home. Here goes nothing.

We are not expected to know the names of more than five colors.

We are unable to see wrinkles in our clothes.

The same hairstyle lasts us for years—maybe decades.

We don’t have to shave below the neck.

One wallet, one pair of shoes, one color, all seasons.

We have freedom of choice concerning growing a mustache.

We don’t care if someone notices our new haircut.

We can do our nails with a pocket knife.

Written and submitted by Linda A. Binkley

Summer is here and the house feels like a sauna. I figure it’s time to start up the swamp cooler since it’s not going to cool off until October.

I turn off the water again and connect the splicer. I check the water level in the cooler. It should be good since the floater hasn’t been touched since last year—floater is good. I take a deep breath.

The water is coming out of the spiders at a steady rate and the pads are well watered. Now I go into the house and turn on the motor, which runs like a racehorse. The cool air feels like Alaska has moved into my living room. Isn’t summer a wonderful thing? ■

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SETTING UP THE SWAMP COOLER

I turn off the water, take a big breath and apply Teflon tape to stop the leaks. After turning the water on and off a few times and removing the tape, I realize the connections are no longer leaking, but the rubber hose from the water to the cooler has sprung a leak.

Must have been that feral cat or the ninjas that live in the neighborhood.

MONTROSE-D

Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.

I turn on the water and am grateful that the water spraying like Niagara Falls is clean water. That’s my second bath of the day.

JUN E 201

Just throw them in the dirty clothes with everything else.

CINNAMON ROLLS • BISCUITS • FRESH BERRY CREPES • FRESH MADE JAMS •

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I assemble and attach all the pieces of the water supply, muttering another prayer of thanks that the cooler is on the side of the house and not on the roof.

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Technology for Discover new lifelong learners with this list interests and hobbies of educational resources.

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24 N. Uncompahgre Ave., (970) 964-4488 www.bluemesafloat.com .....................................................

Blue Mesa Float Center, 24 N. Uncompahgre Ave., is one of the many health and wellness outlets that make up the eclectic and ever-changing Montrose Downtown.

Paul Cooper started the float center in 2006. It took him two decades of living and working on the Front Range and an Asian odyssey before he eventually settled in Montrose with his wife and daughter.

Cooper said he knew western Colorado was the perfect place to raise a family, and Montrose had everything he was looking for: location, affordability and size. It’s small enough to feel homey, yet big enough with resources and opportunities for his daughter.

Cooper is passionate about his downtown location.

“I want to be a part of the move toward revitalizing downtown and re-establishing it as the center of life in Montrose,” said Cooper. “Downtown still seems a little sleepy, but there's more and more going on. There are great options for food, shopping and music, and it's all very convenient—everything is close by and parking is easy. I feel like there's an energy developing downtown with more and different kinds of businesses opening—like mine.”

Cooper not only brought something unique to Montrose with Blue Mesa Float Center, but he brought a wealth of experience with him, too.

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That’s where Cooper began his spiritual journey.

“I went to Chiang Mai, the main city in northern Thailand in 2003,” he said. “At that point, I was in a period of transition in my life. I decided to spend a year in Thailand teaching English and pursuing my interest in Buddhism, Asian martial arts and massage therapy.”

He shares that experience and education with visitors to Blue Mesa Float Center.

“Flotation therapy is a powerful, natural way to counter stress and chronic pain,” Cooper said. “There's a lot out there about floating and sometimes the claims sound too good to be true. When I promote floating, I like to emphasize the benefits that have been scientifically documented.

Floating encourages deep relaxation of both the mind and body, and studies show real benefits for those suffering from stress, anxiety and chronic pain. It is also great environment for meditation and elite athletes are increasingly using floating to help with psychological preparation and physical recovery from competition.”

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That year turned into 12.

Cooper was a practicing Buddhist and a working massage therapist before he moved to Thailand, but after more than a decade, his understanding of consciousness and holistic health deepened alongside his pursuit of formal education in related subjects.

be adding a number of new services in the coming months, floatation therapy is, as the name suggests, the main draw.

A

“I lived and traveled in Asia for over 14 years,” he said. “I spent a couple years in Nepal when I was in my 20s, but I spent the bulk of my Asia years in northern Thailand.”

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Summer fun with grandkids: Recreation and activities you’ll all enjoy

By Kimberly Blaker t’s the season your grandkids have been waiting for, so how will you maximize the long lazy days of summer with them? Celebrate the carefree season to its fullest with these outdoor activities and adventures.

I

BACK TO NATURE

Trailblazing - Head to a local, state, or national park and make a day of nature hiking. Carry a backpack with binoculars, sunscreen, visors or sunglasses, and plenty of water and snacks. Don’t forget your hiking shoes and a lightweight jacket in case the shade becomes cool.

Ride ’em, cowboy - You don’t have to be a horse owner to enjoy the pleasure of riding one of these majestic beings. Visit a horse rental stable nearby and catch the sunset on horseback. Make sure your grandchild is provided a helmet for safety before you ride.

Zoo trip - Visit the wild at one of the many zoos that have created natural, spacious settings for their animals, and teach your children the importance of these habitats.

14 | JUNE 2019 |

Check the schedule for animal presentations. Remember, you don’t have to travel all the way to Denver for this experience! Check out the Children’s Nature Center in Grand Junction (www.childrensnature center.org; 241-1000).

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Beach bummin’ - Load up the beach ball, buckets and blankets, and head to the lake. For added fun, take along goggles, snorkels, and fins for underwater exploration.

Swimmer’s paradise - Spend a smoldering summer day cooling off at the Montrose Community Recreation Center pool. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen throughout the day.

A trip downstream - Canoeing is a fun-filled family adventure for all ages. Look for canoe rentals on a clear river, and take a cool dip when the day heats up. Carry belongings in a waterproof bag that floats since tips are not only common (although can easily be avoided if caution is exercised), but can be half of the fun. Be sure to give the

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kids plenty of opportunities to paddle and steer.

Backyard water blast - Plenty of cool fun can be had right in your own backyard. Fill water balloons, and play a game of catch. Or hook up the sprinklers for a refreshing game of tag. Don’t forget to fill up the squirt guns and super soakers to ensure everyone stays drenched.

Putt around the lake - Rent a pontoon or motorboat for a cruise around the lake.

YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Under the stars - Take full advantage of the peaceful summer nights and camp out in your backyard.

Kick off the evening by watching the sunset, then build a bonfire (if permitted), roast marshmallows, and gaze at the stars. Bring along your guide to the stars, and see what you can spot: the Little Dipper, Hercules, or Sagittarius.

Croquet champs - Set up this outdoor game everyone can play.

Then hold a summer’s end croquet match. Give handicaps to the kids based on their most recent scores

so it’s fair to everyone.

Up and away - Is the wind hampering your fun? It won’t be for long. Make the most of that breeze, and get your kite up in the air.

Step right up - Organize a backyard carnival to raise funds for your favorite charity. Hang posters in local businesses, and submit a news release to the newspaper. Ask friends and neighbors to help man the booths. Then set up games such as a beanbag toss or number wheel, a baked goods stand, fortune telling, face painting and refreshments.

Green thumbs - Make summer gardening a family affair. Ask your grandkids to choose a favorite vegetable to plant. If you’re getting a late start, look for starter plants that have already sprouted. Work together to get the garden ready and plant it, then give everyone a responsibility for keeping it up: watering, pulling weeds, picking ripe produce, cleaning it, and preparing it to eat or store.

Outdoor hideout - What’s a backyard without a hideout or special

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place to kick back? Build a tree house or fort with the younger kids, who can feel a part of the project by carrying small materials, dispensing nails, and occasionally swinging the hammer.

OUT AND ABOUT

Dancin’ in the street - Summer abounds with fairs and festivals.

Enjoy live music, new foods, boating and ski shows, magic acts, and arts and crafts. Look for upcoming festivals in the BEACON’s Summer Travel & Festivals insert (inside this issue), or pick up an event guide from the visitor’s center.

Batter up - Family fun centers offer a variety of recreation for the whole family. Get ready to practice your batting swing, holler “fore,” speed around the race track, or bump another boat.

Recycled treasures - Join the craze, and spend the day rummaging for treasures. This is a great way for kids to get the most out of their limited earnings, teach them the importance of recycling and how to get the best value for their money.

Arts in the park - Unwind listening to music at Black Canyon Golf

Course as part of the Montrose Summer Music Series (www.montrosesummermusic.com) or take in a movie under the stars Don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs!

A SEASON OF C E L E B R AT I O N S

Wheels big and small - Paved trails are popping up everywhere: in parks, along riverbanks, and even through many towns. Pull out your bikes and roller blades, and take advantage of these smooth paths.

Coasters, cars and Ferris wheels - A trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (www. glenwoodcaverns.com) can be the highlight of the season. If your grandkids are at different ride levels, invite another family or two with children similar in age to your own. Then divide up so everyone can get the most out of the day.

Meet up for lunch and dinner to swap kids, so all grandparents get time with each age group.

Park play - Take your grandkids for a picnic and an afternoon at the park with a fort. Bring along a playmate for your grandchild, and they’ll be content for some time. Don’t forget to bring a book to catch up on your summer reading. ■

Wedd ings, R et irements , R eun i o ns & G raduat i o ns…

It ’s a sea son to c ong regate and c el ebrate w ith family and f r iends.

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15

FUN & GAMES

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Crossword Puzzle

Turn to page 21 for your puzzle answers 16 | FUN & GAMES | JUNE 2019 |

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Across 1. Jr.’s exam 5. Former Virginia senator Charles 9. Swan-like aquatic birds 14. Patron saint of sailors 15. Fall birthstone 16. Actor’s parts 17. Republic in N Central America 19. Personal quality of material belonging 20. Nero’s tutor 21. Apple computer 23. Chances ___ 24. Crooner Vic 26. Kazan 28. Slant 30. Monetary unit of Panama 34. Unconscious 37. Eternal 39. Zwei cubed 41. Extra-wide shoe size 42. “Song of the South” song syllables 43. Glowing 48. Attention 49. Get down 50. Forest makeup

52. Florida’s Miami-___ County 54. Aquanaut’s base 57. ___ in Charlie 60. Queue after Q 62. Stage plays 64. Sharp 66. Interpret 68. Oktoberfest vessel 69. Exchange premium 70. Siouan speaker 71. Exhausted 72. Spanish muralist 73. Intellectual faculty Down 1. Clothes-pins 2. Swung around 3. Radarange maker 4. Clan emblems 5. Imperial dynasty of Russia 6. ___-Locka, FL 7. Indonesian island 8. Hold responsible 9. Thank you, in Mexico 10. Goddess of dawn in Greek mythology 11. Movie lioness 12. Fortuneteller

13. Ferrara family 18. French school 22. Goya’s “The Duchess of ___” 25. Tools for duels 27. Utah ski resort 29. Standing up 31. Linger 32. Most draftable 33. Antiquing agent 34. Clods 35. Arthur Ashe’s alma mater 36. Dull sound 38. Dirty looks 40. Mary ___ Lincoln 44. Hindmost part 45. Finishes 46. Is unobliged to 47. Eye drops 51. Zigzag 53. Kett and James 55. Fine fiddle 56. Twirler’s stick 57. Play group 58. Play start 59. Plaintiff 61. Driving force 63. Bird feed 65. Father’s Day gift 67. Show

HOME & GARDEN

Made in the shade: Varying degrees of light, moisture, warmth lead to a robust garden

O

ur high desert sun is intense, and while many warm season crops, like tomatoes, peppers, corn and squash can handle full sun, many of our favorites enjoy a bit of shade.

This is good news for those of us who want to transform our gardens into diverse backyard ecosystems.

Embracing shade means we can tend to our garden in layers, utilize vertical space, create habitats for toads and beneficial insects, and relish the abundance.

Getting away from the idea that every garden plant needs full sun moves us towards creating more robust and resilient garden ecosystems with varying degrees of light, moisture and warmth.

You might even discover that your greens are tenderer, certain flowers look more vibrant, or that you don’t have to water as much as you thought you did.

THINK LIKE A FOREST

One of the most central ideas in permaculture is mimicking a forest.

Imagine it: You’re walking through a forest of evergreens and aspen, and you look up to see trees of varying heights, each reaching their leaves up toward the sun. You’re enjoying a shady walk, but specks of sunlight still beam down on you. As you look around, shrubs and wildflowers are everywhere, and beneath them are grasses and shorter, sprawling flowers and ferns. Pine cones and decomposing leaves lie beneath the smallest plants and cover the forest floor, blanketing a layer of dark brown, moist soil. Don’t forget about the worms, birds, deer and critters contributing to and benefiting from this forest ecosystem.

No one is tending to the forest but Mother Nature. As you cultivate your garden, think about the many layers you have to work with. Is

Section 3

potatoes poppies arugula

spinach

lettuce

herbs

kale

peppers

stakes

Section 2

buckwheat

aisle

carrots

beets

bush beans

Section 1

squash

onions

There are infinite ways to add diversity to your garden and make use of vertical space to mimic the layers of a forest.

Sunflowers, corn, trellised cucumbers or squash can cast shade on shorter plants to protect them from the hot afternoon sun. Seed buckwheat with carrots to create a shady canopy for the carrots to germinate under.

A little bit of shade for broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower will help slow flowering and encourage tighter heads.

You may not have much planting to do this month, but take a look at your garden and don’t be afraid to try something new. Maybe you can add mulch or a layer of grass clippings. Maybe you’ll fill in the gaps in your garden with lettuce seed so you can enjoy more tender leafy greens throughout the summer. Maybe you’ll add nasturtium to your squash patch, if you haven’t already.

HARVESTING POTATOES

aisle tomatoes

mulch blanketing your soil to help retain moisture and provide habitat for earthworms? Are you growing tall flowers beside your greens?

If you planted potatoes in early spring, they might be ready to harvest.

Knowing when to harvest potatoes depends on when you want to eat them and whether you want to store them. “New potatoes” are harvested early; they’re smaller in

size and have tender skin. These can be harvested two to three weeks after the plants stop flowering. New potatoes are for fresh eating, so enjoy them within a few days of harvest.

Mature potatoes can be harvested two to three weeks after the plant’s foliage has turned yellow and died.

Whether you’re harvesting new potatoes or mature ones, choose a dry day to harvest. Use a pitchfork to gently dig up the plants from beneath, being careful not to stab your potatoes, which will be attached to the roots of the plant.

If you want to store your mature potatoes after harvest, set them out in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks to allow their skins to cure. After curing, brush off any lingering soil and store them in a cool, somewhat humid, dark place.

TENDING TO GARLIC

Garlic puts out scapes that will eventually flower. Scapes are stalks that come up from the center of the garlic plant. They’re delicious to eat, and removing them will encourage bigger and tastier bulbs!

Coming up on mid-June, taper off watering garlic, but don’t stop watering completely. As July nears, you’ll notice leaves starting to yellow. That means harvest time is coming! ■

corn pole beans

To recap our garden: In April, we sowed a foundation for a biodiverse garden. In May, we added warm-season crops on top of sections we covered with fast-growing buckwheat and peas, which we replaced with the Three Sisters.

Then we waited until;l after Mother’s Day to plant tomatoes and peppers.

ALIVE & DIGGING

BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JUNE 2019 | HOME & GARDEN |

17

BEACON BITS

CALENDAR JUNE 5-9

Salute to Armed Forces Festival Delta’s Salute to Armed Forces Festival in Confluence Park features the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall, in addition to a welcome home BBQ, poker run, benefit concert and celebration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Opening ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Thursday, and closing ceremony will be noon Sunday. For a complete schedule and details, visit www.deltaarmedforcesfestivals.com.

JUNE 6-9

Crawford Pioneer Days “Small Town, Big Heart” is the theme for this year’s festival in Crawford.

Friday starts with a baking contest, and Saturday is filled with arts, crafts and food vendors; live local music; melodrama encores; an exciting flyover and parade; kids’ activities; and a fireworks extravaganza over Crawford Reservoir. Visit www. crawfordpioneerdays.com for a full schedule and details.

JUNE 7-8

Colorful Colorado Car, Truck & Rod Show” The 24th annual car show takes place on Main Street from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, with the Black Canyon Classics Pinup Contest at Intrinzik from 9 p.m. to midnight. The show resumes at 8 a.m. Saturday at Cerise Park, with a silent auction, food vendors, dance contests, hourly prize drawings and more. Visit www. blackcanyonclassics.org for a complete schedule.

JUNE 8

Freedom Festival Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans hosts a golf tournament and 5K run/walk at The Bridges, benefiting local veterans and their families.

Cost for golf tournament is $100 per person, and includes 18 holes, golf cart, awards and lunch. Four-person modified scramble. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Race also begins at 9 a.m. and is $15 per participant if purchased before June 5. Day-of registration

starts at 7 a.m. for both events. Register in advance at www.whafv.org.

For more information, call 765-2210 or email mike.trickey@whafv.org.

Learn Scandinavian folk dances Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, hosts free Scandinavian-style folk dance classes for all ages at 9:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction.

Lunch will be provided. Call 2455649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org to reserve your spot.

Garfield, Mesa, and Pitkin Counties are all invited to attend this unique three-day event in Hotchkiss and Paonia, featuring workshops and presentations, and culminating in “Funder Roundtables,” at which nonprofit representatives discuss their projects and programs with grantors and receive immediate indication from funders about whether they would welcome a funding proposal for the project or organization. For a complete schedule and to register, visit www. westernrpd.org, or call 303-506-5593 for more information.

JUNE 8

JUNE 14

JUNE 8

Carolyn White author book signing Cedaredge writer, photographer and columnist Carolyn White will be signing her books, “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt” and “Trucks are for Girls” from 2-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Grand Junction. For a time, White lived exclusively in high-mountain snow country, often without electricity, telephone, or daily mail service. “Bricks Underneath a Hoop Skirt” is about those adventures in primitive living. “Trucks are for Girls” revolves around the not-so-easy return to civilization. For details or to buy additional book copies, visit www.unleashedpublish ingco.com.

JUNE 12

Western Slope Hook-In & Hooked Rug Show Members of the Mesa Fiber Arts Guild and Association of Traditional Hooking Artists promote rug hooking from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at The Craft Studio and Yarn Shoppe, 634 Main St. in Grand Junction. After lunch, these fiber artists open their rug show to the public from 1:303:30 p.m. in the adjacent Dance Magic Studio. For more information, contact Judy Brock at 261-5702.

JUNE 12-14

Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days Nonprofit, government, business and community leaders from Delta, Eagle,

18 | BEACON BITS | JUNE 2019 |

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Region 10 sponsors free presentations in Montrose and Delta. Presentations are from 10 a.m. to noon at the Montrose Public Library, and 2-4 p.m. at Grand Mesa Oncology in Delta. For more information, call 249-2436 or visit www.region10.net.

JUNE 29

5K/10K Color Run/Walk This fundraiser for Volunteers of America starts at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Races start at 8 a.m.

Pancakes and live entertainment from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Cost is $35 per person, which includes a T-shirt while supplies last. Proceeds go towards remodeling the dining experience in Memory Care. For details, call 249-9634.

JUNE 29

Ridgway RiverFest This family-friendly celebration features all-age river races, live music, local food and drink, kids’ activities, educational and cultural programs, and more. The highlight is the infamous “Junk of the Unc” race in which boaters maneuver their craft that’s constructed from scrap materials through whitewater rapids, trying to keep it all intact for the half-mile finish line. Visit www. ridgwayriverfest.org for a complete schedule. ■

BEACON BITS Western Slope concert series announces 2019-2020 season Western Slope Concert Series gears up for its 21st season, with six concerts held at the Montrose Pavilion. Ticket prices have been lowered to make world-class concerts accessible to all. Season tickets, six concerts, are $110 for gold seating, $85 for silver seating and $60 for bronze seating. Purchase tickets at www.westernslopeconcertseries. org/tickets. This year’s lineup is as follows: • September 8 - The Art of Duo: Yumi Hwang-Williams, violin, and Hsing-Ay Hsu, piano • October 20 - Director’s Concert: Stephanie Mientka and Andrew Krimm, viola, with Arthur Houle, piano • January 19 - Home Sweet Home: Love, Duty, Honor and Music of the Civil War • February 9 - Altius Quartet • March 8 - Patterson/Sutton Duo: Kim Patterson, cello, and Patrick Sutton, guitar • April 5 - Romantic Piano Trios: Sharon Park, violin; Matthew Zalkind, cello; and Hsiao Ling-Lin, piano Montrose Memorial Hospital has new robotic UVC disinfection technology Montrose Memorial Hospital has added a new member to its environmental services team. The facility has invested in Tru-D (total room ultraviolet disinfection), a UVC disinfection robot that helps keep patients and staff safe from harmful germs. Tru-D is a portable system that administers one automated, measured dose of UVC energy to disinfect an entire space during one cycle. Tru-D provides significant pathogen reduction in direct and shadowed areas and reduces the threat of human error in the process. Tru-D will not replace MMH’s award-winning Environmen-

tal Services staff but supplement them, adding an extra layer of protection against infections. For details about this new technology, call 252-2513.

Montrose Memorial Hospital named in Top 100 rural and community hospitals Montrose Memorial Hospital has been named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the U.S. by The Chartis Center for Rural Health for the fourth year in a row. It is the only hospital in Colorado with this recognition for four consecutive years. Regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence, the award is based upon the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX from iVantage Health Analytics. Hospitals recognized as a Top 100 facility scored in the top 100 among all rural and community hospitals nationally. For details, call 240-7344.

Tickets available for Herb Alpert and Lani Hall concert Don’t miss Herb Alpert and Lani Hall at the Avalon Theatre on September 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Avalon’s box office, by calling 263-5757 or online through www.ticketmaster.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks dedicated volunteers for three hours, one day a week. Some lifting involved. Must enjoy serving community. Inquire at 49. First St. in Montrose. Call 240-8385.

• Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer delivery drivers and dining room helpers to help elderly citizens in Delta and Montrose counties. For details, visit www.seniorcommunitymeals.org or call 874-7662.

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus is looking for those who want to sing four-part in an a cappella bar-

BEACON BITS bershop music style. Practices are from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Olathe United Methodist Church.

Call 216-3800.

Citizens Climate Lobby meets at 6:30 p.m. June 10 at the Montrose Library’s meeting room. For more information, call 240-9146 or email montrose@citizensclimatelobby.org.

Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the fourth Thursday in the Pioneer Room of Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. Call 417-4842 for meeting details.

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the

third Friday at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142.

Montrose Area Woodturners meets monthly from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday at 520 Collins Way in Montrose. Call 986-2550 or email lvcribbs@charter.net.

Montrose Elks host bingo at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Montrose Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr. Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances monthly from 7:3011 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays at the Montrose Pavilion.

Dancers of all ages are welcome.

Bring a snack to share. Cost is $5.

Call 252-7172. ■

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FUN AFTER 50 Same tour repeats. Tour Desert Sun Vineyards, Mesa Park Vineyards, Restoration Vineyards and DeBeque Canyon Winery. Meet at the senior center at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $30; bring a sack lunch.

JUNE 25

FUN AFTER 50

Activities offered by the Montrose Recreation District To register for these programs, call the Montrose Recreation District at 249-7705 or visit www.montroserec.com.

EDUCATION Have lunch at noon and listen to educational presentations at 1 p.m. at the Montrose Senior Center. Lunch is $5. Call 964-3419 the day before to make lunch reservations.

JUNE 4

You have the power to save your memory!

Charlie Spears, a nutrition coach, tells you how to support memory with nutrition and activities.

JUNE 10

Otto Mears’ Historic Silverton Railroad Kathryn Burke presents on how Otto Mears built a railroad from Silverton, over Red Mountain Pass to the Ironton Valley.

20 | FUN AFTER 50 | JUNE 2019 |

JUNE 17

What is the future of our climate?

Wayne Quade and Janet Chapman from Citizens Climate Lobby discuss how you can help protect the environment.

TRIPS & TOURS JUNE 13

Rifle Falls hike and fish hatchery tour Tour the Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery then stop for lunch (sack lunch) and hike around the limestone caves and triple falls. Bring lunch and your camera. Meet at the senior center at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $21.

JUNE 18 & JULY 18 Palisade Winery Tours

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Hemp, Hops and H2O Learn the process of growing and processing hops at Misty Mountain hop farms in Olathe, then head to Project 7 water authority, which provides drinking water to Montrose residents. Little Flower Hemp company will educate us on hemp’s numerous applications, including body care and medicinal uses. Meet at the senior center at 8:30 a.m.

Cost is $15; bring money for lunch.

JULY 2

Stand Up Paddle Board Before launching, you will spend 30 minutes with professional instructors learning basic SUP and river running skills. We proceed five miles downstream through calm water, deep canyons and exciting class II rapids. Must be able to stand or kneel for two hours. Meet at the Senior Center at 7:45 a.m. Cost is $87 (includes transportation, instruction, all gear and gratuity).

CLASSES & CLINICS JUNE 8

Boomer Bicycling 101 You are never too old to ride a bicycle or get back on one! This threehour class will increase your confidence and competence on the road.

Class features an indoor discussion on bicycle safety and rules of the road, tips for selecting the right gear, and practice bicycle handling and balance skills. Bring a bicycle and helmet. Class is from 9 a.m. noon at the Field House. Call 252-4884 to register.

MUSIC & DANCE SATURDAY NIGHT DANCES Dance along to live music at the senior center from 7:30-11 p.m. June 8 and 22. Cost is $5.

LATIN DANCING

Join Nando for free Latin dancing in the senior center crafts room from 6:15-8 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.

LINE DANCING

Learn to line dance from 4-6 p.m. on the first and fourth Monday of the month, and 6-8 p.m. on the third Mondays. Cost is $2.

JAM SESSION/SING ALONG

Join us in the Senior Center crafts room from 4-6 p.m. Mondays if you play an instrument or sing. Each person gets a turn to lead a song and others play along.

GAMES GAMES AT THE SENIOR CENTER

Play Cribbage, Bunco, Billiards, Poker, Bingo, Bridge and more all month long. Games cost $1 to play. For schedule, call 252-4884. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Western Slope residents of all ages gathered at the Montrose Senior Center for the Magical Musical Mystery Dance fundraiser. Photos by Paul Hurschmann.

Magical Musical Mystery Dance sponsors pay it forward

By Marilynn Huseby BIG thank you to the whole Montrose community for continuing to support the Golden Circle Seniors’ Pay It Forward lunch fund. All the volunteers at the Montrose Pavilion Senior Center helped so whole-heartedly to make the Magical Musical Mystery Dance an exciting evening.

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Even though Mother Nature didn’t give us a sunny day, all the smiling faces and happy hearts filled and warmed our community center.

After the BBQ and magic show, we danced our socks off to those favorite ’70s rock ‘n’ roll, country and original songs performed by The Scones.

How can all of us who benefit from the lunch program begin to thank all our generous sponsors? We would like everyone to know how caring these organization have always been towards our community.

Altrusa gave us our startup funds

and the BEACON followed by offering us the whole back page ad in their magazine. Dr. Bennett from Colorado Hearing donated the BBQ, and we were on a roll with ongoing support from Montrose Memorial Hospital, Alpine Bank, the Lions Club, Brookdale Senior Living, Pepsi, Cedar Point Health, Aspen Grove Physical Therapy, Office Depot, Montrose Rec District, Colorado Retirement Services, Montrose Daily Press, Camp Robber, Touch of Care and our musical guests The Scones.

This community really knows that we can make a difference. Our volunteers are so willing to give of their time and talents to ensure that our senior center lunch program doesn’t have to fall to government programs that are cutting back. The Golden Circle Seniors invite all ages to come to our community lunches. Please consider stopping by and having lunch, or sharing a volunteer hour with us.

With the success of Magical Musical Mystery Dance, we will continue to offer our four-course meals for $5 and offer volunteers a free lunch.

Come down and see how much fun and friendship you can find here at our center.

The Golden Circle Seniors, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, knows that community support is priceless! Contact us at 901-9914 for details. To donate, send a check to P.O. Box 832, Montrose, CO 81401. ■

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CLASSIFIEDS

CLASSIFIEDS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER? List it here—pricing starts at just $29 per month!

Call Stacey at 243-8829, ext.102 to reserve your space in next month’s issue.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

EVENTS Montrose Elks Bingo - Tuesday Nights 6:30 p.m.

Main bingo packs include five regular games and three progressive games worth up to $500, $1,199 and $15,000. For a great time filled with smiles and laughter, be sure to join us every Tuesday at the Elks, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr., Montrose, CO 81401. Funds raised support local charities.

Medical Marijuana Doctor Days in Montrose and Grand Junction Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com.

Medical Cannabis Certification Cannabis treats arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, Parkinson’s, MS, cancer, glaucoma, PTSD, etc.

GJ - Thursday 6/6, 6/27 Rifle - Wednesday 6/5, 6/26 Wendy Zaharko, MD, 970-319-0652, z@alumni.princeton.edu. Your local Western Slope cannabis physician since 2009.

HELP WANTED

WE’RE HIRING! The BEACON Senior News is growing and we’re looking for talented folks who want to grow with us!

We’re hiring for the following positions: FREELANCE WRITERS ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES PHOTO JOURNALISTS Send your letter and resume to Beacon@PendantPublishing. com

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER?

List it here! Call Stacey at 243-8829

Creative folks, don’t forget to send samples of your work!

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M O N T R O S E - D E LTA

Enjoy the area’s largest boomer and senior fair!

FREE admission, entertainment, seminars, food

September 19, 2019 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Montrose Pavilion, Montrose FOR INFORMATION CALL 243-8829

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matter

2019 5k-10k Walk-Run Valley Manor Care Center

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R O L O C K 0 K/1

K L A W / N RU E L F F U H S E L I M 1

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Registration Starts 7:00am

1401 S Cascade Ave, Montrose

8:00am

Valley Manor Care Center

Races start

REGISTRATION FORMS AVAILABLE AT VALLEY MANOR CARE CENTER $35 pp Including Shirt, while supplies last • Pancakes & Live Entertainment 9:30 - 12pm

PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS Phase 2 of remodeling the dining experience in Memory Care so our residents can participate in preparing and cooking meals like they once provided for their families.

Contact Debra Hayre dhayre@voa.org or Brandi Garcia bgarcia@voa.org with any questions.

Phone: 970-249-9634