Issuu

AUGUST 2015

Vol. 29

™

Long-term Planning

No. 8

Montrose & Delta Counties’ Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 13,230 Readers.

20 15

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’ IT S

A ’ DOG S LIFE An interview with Molly the dog and her favorite human, Dave Haynes Photo by Katherine Lopez

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AUGUST 2015

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AUGUST 2015

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70th anniversary since the end of World War II By Kevin VanGundy

his month marks the 70th anniversary since the end of World War II. We’ve heard the stories, read the books and watched the movies, but for most of us it’s impossible to imagine the true sacrifices made by that generation of men and women. Though thoroughly inadequate, I say thank you!

Foster a vet in your home Medical foster care is facilitated by the VA Hospital and allows veterans to live in someone’s home while receiving treatment at the hospital. These veterans don’t need the fulltime attention of a nursing facility but may have trouble remembering to take their medicine or need help cooking nutritious meals. Mostly, they just need someone willing to help them. “The process begins with veterans applying through the VA,” Medical Foster Care Coordinator Melinda Roberts said. “They can either sign up or if they’ve been seen at the VA in the last 12 months, they’re eligible. Then I play matchmaker, connecting vets with homes that suit their lifestyles. If the foster caregiver is a mover and shaker, always on the go, then I wouldn’t pair a person who needs a more serene environment with that household.” If you are a veteran who would like to apply for medical foster care, or if you would like to become a caregiver and pick up some extra income (amount varies according to level of care given) by doing something that will make your heart sing, call Roberts at 263-2854.

Transitions in Aging This month’s special insert on transitions in aging focuses on the

continuum of care that you and I go through as we age—from buying medical equipment to retrofitting the home, and from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility. The options available can be confusing and expensive, but we’ll help you sort them out in this yearly guide to long-term care.

Alternative Health & Wellness In a recent study of today’s active, affluent and aging adults, a healthy mind and body were cited as the topic of most interest to them. Our September insert will focus on health and wellness information from some of our esteemed local experts, with an emphasis on non-traditional therapies. Have you tried any? Did they work? Please call us at 243-8829 and tell us what you think.

Montrose-Delta BeaconFest   A boomer and senior fair that’s fun! Our fifth annual BeaconFest at the Montrose Pavilion on Thursday, September 17 will not disappoint. A variety of vendors, interesting speakers and talented entertainers will make for another great senior event that you won’t want to miss. For more information, please email me at Kevin@PendantPublishing.com. ■

EDITORIAL

COVER STORY

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IT’S A DOG’S LIFE: An interview with Molly the Dog and her favorite human, Dave Haynes

Dave Haynes and Molly the Dog pose at the top of Uncompahgre Peak, one of many Colorado 14ers the two have climbed during their 17 years together.

Photos by Katherine Lopez

By Jan Weeks

or the BEACON’s annual pet issue, this reporter was privileged to interview Molly the Dog and her human, Dave Haynes. Since I’m not fluent in spoken Dog, Molly’s words have been kindly translated by Haynes. Jan Weeks: Dave, please tell me a bit about Molly. Dave Haynes: Molly came to me as a pup, not long after she was born in November 1997. Molly the Dog: I’m 17 years and 8 months old. Which makes me about 126 years old in people years. On the other hand, Dad just turned 50, which puts him at about 7 years old in dog years. Humans seemed to be obsessed with age, which makes me wonder why more humans don’t count their ages that way. Dave: Hmmm. You may be onto something, Molly. Jan: Could be! Dave, what do you do for a living? Dave: I’ve been with the Daily Sentinel for 25 years. I started as a photographer, but I wanted to get into news. I worked at the copy desk, as a copy editor. Now I’m the news editor, which some people call the page designer. Working with both graphics and words makes me engage both the right and left sides of my brain, which can be a challenge. Fortunately my crew makes me look good. Molly: He puts stories and ads in white rectangles. Boring! Dave: In your humble opinion, of course. Molly: If I remember correctly I left my humble opinion on your office carpet. I was promptly banished from going to work. Jan: Molly, I notice that you’re a little slow getting around but you still have a lovely gray and black coat with lots of natural wave. Molly: Thanks to my mixed heritage of border collie and Australian shepherd. Back in the day I could run circles around Dad. Dave: She traveled three miles for each one I hiked. Maybe that’s how

AUGUST 2015

COVER STORY

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she’s kept her girlish figure. She’s weighed 30 pounds all her adult life. Jan: You’re both outdoor lovers, then? Dave: Oh, yeah. In fact, when Molly came to live with me, I was about halfway through summiting Colorado’s fourteeners. She has followed me to the top of 17 of them. Jan: What adventures have you two had while roaming Colorado’s backcountry? Dave: Probably the most exciting— and dangerous—time was when a storm chased us off Wilson Peak. Lightning struck the mountain. The rocks just sizzled. Molly: My fur stood up. I was sure glad to get off that mountain. And the same thing happened when we were climbing Mount of the Holy Cross. Dave: We made it down to Cross Creek. Suddenly thunder and lightning surrounded us. Molly: It was like an artillery barrage all around us. My ears ring just remembering it. Dave: Then there were the rattlesnakes. We were hiking the Ribbon Trail and suddenly I saw a rattler coiled in the middle of the trail. Molly had already run past it and I didn’t want her to come back and investigate if I fell too far behind. So I skirted the thing, fortunately without being bitten. We were in Grand Staircase another time when another one appeared in the trail. Again, Molly had already run on down the trail. I could almost touch the sides of the narrow canyon, so getting past was trickier, but I managed. Jan: What other outdoor activities do you and Molly enjoy? Dave: We’ve rafted a few rivers. Molly loves to swim, don’t you, girl? Molly: And I’m really good at it. Jan: Have you ever gotten lost while hiking? Dave: Yep. Some friends and I, and Molly, of course, were coming down Kit Carson Peak and took a wrong turn. We went miles out of our way. Molly: They took the wrong turn. So we had to backtrack, all uphill, for

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher .......................... Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher.................... Susan Capps Editor..........................................Cloie Sandlin Graphic Design....................... Melissa Trottier Graphic Design...................... Katherine Lopez Production.................................. Karen Jones Office Manager........................Sherry Harmon Account Representative............... Sue Bowen Account Representative.............Sidney Jayne Proofreader...................................Jan Weeks Cheerleader............................... Genevra Shal Delivery ..............................Lauren VanGundy Delivery........................................ Jon Sturgis

hours. Needless to say, I wasn’t real happy with Dad, especially when he ran out of water and tried to get me to share an orange for hydration. Dave: Night fell before we got out. Fortunately a full moon rose just as the sun was setting so we could see. Molly wasn’t nearly as tired as we three humans at the end of that trek. Molly: Dad took another short cut that made my ears curl! We were hiking on Castle Peak. There was still snow on the ground up high and he decided that launching himself butt first into the snow field and sliding down was a good way to cut corners. Jan: And how did that work for him? Dave: I made it to the bottom just fine. Actually I beat Molly, which is really hard to do. Molly: I’d rather be slow than crazy. Jan: Molly, you’re such a sweet dog. To what do you credit your charming personality? Molly: To Dad and all his friends. I’ve hardly ever been alone. If Dad has to go away for a bit, my aunts and uncles are all ready to take me in. Being exposed to all sorts of hugs and pets, and treats, has kept me charming. Dave: She’s Miss Congeniality but she’ll never win an award for being humble. In fact, she has more friends than I do. She’s one of the better-known dogs in town. Molly: If you’ve got it, flaunt it (tail wag).

Dave: We’ve covered thousands of miles on foot. Molly doesn’t like cars. Molly: All that wind in my ears and bumps jolting my stomach? You’ve got to be kidding. Or maybe you’d like another humble opinion left in the back seat. Jan: I see you have an Ovation guitar and quite an assortment of CDs. What kind of music do you enjoy? Dave: Just about everything, but especially bluegrass and folk. I used to think I had to play melody to be any good but could never get my fingers to work that way. Then I discovered that with folk music, I just have to strum chords. Jan: Molly, what’s your favorite music genre? Molly: Back in the day I’d lie in front of the speakers and listen to rock and roll as long as Dad would play it. Jan: Do you ever sing along? Dave: She used to but not anymore. Molly: At my age, I have to conserve my strength for important things, like our nightly walk on the Riverfront Trail when Dad gets off work. Jan: I see our time’s about up, but I want to thank you both for an entertaining and interesting hour. Molly and Dave: Our pleasure. You can find pictures of Molly and Dave Haynes in Christopher Tomlinson’s book, “Sandstone to Summit,” a pictorial journey into the outdoors, for which Dave wrote the text. ■

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

Cover Photo: Dave Haynes and Molly the Dog pose at an overlook on Buzzard Divide with Chair Mountain, the Raggeds, Mt. Marcellina and the West Elks in the background.

FEATURE STORY

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Facebook groups help reunite lost pets with their families By Anita Castro

elta, Montrose and Surrounding Counties Lost and Found Pets, a Facebook group with over 1,300 members, has been instrumental in reuniting hundreds of lost pets with their owners using the power and speed of social media. The group stems from the Mesa County Lost and Found Pets group, one of the largest Facebook groups in Western Colorado with over 8,600 members. Grand Junction resident

Crystal Meyer founded both groups. “I started the [Mesa County] group after the wind blew my fence down and my daughter’s dog, Buddy, got out and was lost for six days,” Meyer said. During those six days, Meyer posted flyers, ran ads in the paper and checked with animal control, in hopes of finding Buddy. “I just felt helpless,” she said. Luckily someone saw Meyer’s

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newspaper ad and called her after spotting Buddy. “After Buddy was home, I started thinking of ways to help others with missing pets,” she said. “I realized that if people could post, comment and share, things could be spread faster and animals could get home faster.” The groups allow members to interact with one another by posting status updates and pictures of a lost or found pet, and sharing them with their friends and tagging other members in the group. “The Delta and Montrose site is also one of my many lost and found groups on the Western Slope,” Meyer said. “I started that group and found someone local to help me run it.” Due to the high volume of posts in the groups, Meyer has recruited help from 20 other page administrators to help run them. “I keep my cell phone with me 24/7, and between me and the other people that help me run the groups, someone is always online and available to the members,” Meyer said. Meyer said some pets return home within minutes of statuses being posted while others take months. Both groups give community members a much higher chance at getting their furry loved ones back home, and Meyer and its members don’t plan on stopping any time soon. “We see more lost and found pets when the weather is bad and when fireworks happen,” Meyer said. “The group would not be what it is without its members. So many will stop and help a lost pet, or even help owners look for it. Posts get shared and the members are truly the reason the pets make it home.” Montrose resident Wayne Carlton, 71, was recently reunited with his dog, Bella, after she wandered off. His daughter posted a photo of Bella

AUGUST 2015

Top: Wayne Carlton received phone calls from concerned citizens about his lost dog, Bella, after her photo was posted on the Delta-Montrose lost and found pets group on Facebook. Left: Staci Reed was reunited with her dog, Padfoot. on the Delta-Montrose Facebook group, asking members to keep an eye out. Though Bella wasn’t necessarily found because of the group, Carlton said locals and people from all over the country had seen her photo shared on Facebook and were checking in with him to see if she had been found. Meyer finds the biggest joy in seeing animals come home. “I do what I do because I love the happy ending,” she said. “Sometimes we get sad endings, but the happy endings make giving up so much of my life to the groups worth it.” You don’t need to be a pet owner to be part of either effort. A lost pet may find you while you’re on your way to work, running an errand or just sitting out in your yard. For more information, search for “Delta, Montrose And Surrounding Counties Lost And Found Pets” and “Mesa County Lost and Found Pets” on Facebook. Click “Join Group” to become a member, and invite your friends to join as well. “Each member increases these pets’ chances of going home,” Meyer said. ■

AUGUST 2015

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Generations of stories told at Black Canyon Quilt Show By Carol McDermott

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

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fabric beads, working with wool, Sashiko (Japanese stitching), thread here was much to admire at this painting and unusual embellishments. year’s Black Canyon Quilt Show. Judy Clay quilted Jan Doust’s “GalIt celebrated its 20th show with 174 axy of Stars” and Cinda Clay’s “LeMquilts entered this year, plus an addioyne Star,” which won Best of Show. tional 10 that were involved in bed Margaret Noah showed how she turning presentations. made the textured “fabric” she “This year’s show included diverse needed by painting “used and abused styles and use of color,” show comcheesecloth” and Tyvek® paper, mittee president Lois Sackmann said. which she painted then ironed to “We had traditional items and patparchment by holdterns, as well as bursts ing the heat over the of color. I think there papers until the Tyvek® always should be the traditional, but some of us bubbled. This created see oranges and pinks concave textures on that hit our eyes.” one side and convex on A majority of the the other. show’s over 1,200 The quilt show previsitors selected “Amsented its Sheri Hillier azon Star,” created by Memorial Volunteer SerSackmann and quilted vice Award to the Men by Gayle Smith, as their of the Black Canyon favorite. Quilt Show Auxiliary. The highlight of the “They do the heavy Sharrie Blackwelder won first annual show is the bed place in medium pieced quilt. lifting,” Sackmann said. turning demonstrations, “We appreciate their where quilters tell the efforts from loading equipment at story of a quilt from 20 years ago and the storage shed to unloading at the the story of one from this year. Pavilion.” “My mom made a quilt in 1995 and First place ribbons were awarded I shared it in the bed turning,” Sackto Sharrie Blackwelder for “Camping mann said. “The current quilt I made in Style,” Nancy Bowlen for “Tatantells the story of a generation, what ka,” Sue Gattis for “Jellyroll Redux,” my mom created, and how I have Monika Lamprecht for “Shuffled continued her legacy and grown with and Sliced,” Margaret Noah for “The quilting.” Smile,” and Mary Ross for “Words to Quilting skills cross generations, Live By.” with several pairs like Lucy Skiles Wendy McMillan was awarded Best and daughter Kali Jewel, and Doreen New Quilter for “Star Quilt.” Margaret Dwyer and granddaughter Madyson Noah received Best Machine Quilt Scarborough, who took first place in for “Sweet Potato Queen of 2015” and the youth category with “Beginners Barbara Willey was the Judge’s Choice Bargello.” for “Barbara’s Folly.” Second place went to 9-year-old Most of the quilters are seniors who Dafne Seacat’s “Twistydoodle.” Her belong to one of three local guilds. mother, Leta, is a quilter, as well. For information about joining, call Dafne, who said she’d been quilting Cheryl Yergler with Columbine Quilsince age 4, discussed her work in one of the “Meet the Quilter” sessions ters at 462-3849, Gail Fox with Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado at held throughout the three-day event. Demonstration programs were held 252-1269, or Sandy Engraff with San daily and included topics on making Juan Quilters at 249-5491. ■

The Hands that Tell Life’s Stories in Stone

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AUGUST 2015

What’s the proper way to handle and record names? Ask a Genealogist, By Dorothy Causey

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ames are what genealogy is all about. If you think about it, in the beginning there were only first names. Descriptions were added as the population grew. For instance, a village distinguished two boys named George by describing them as George, Son of John, and George, Son of Peter. These names eventually evolved into George Johnson and George Peterson. Other names came about as descriptions of a person or their trade, such as Fred Stout or Pete Shoemaker. Still others were derived from where people lived, such as Peter Seefeld, who had a field by the sea. When filling out pedigree charts and family group records, use the natural order and write the surname (last name) in all caps. Example: Abraham LINCOLN

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If you don’t know the maiden name, list their first name followed by parentheses, as Mary () or Mary () LINCOLN. If a woman has been married several times, list her first name, her maiden name in parentheses, and both last names. For instance, if Mary had married John Doe after Abraham died, you could write it this way: Example: Mary (Todd) LINCOLN DOE. If a person has a nickname write it in quotes.

Example: Abraham “Abe” LINCOLN. If a person has more than one name, due to adoption for instance, try this: Example: Abraham “Abe” LINCOLN (a.k.a. Abraham JONES). You might also include alternate spellings. We all know cases where last names have changed over the years. This is one way to list them: Example: Abraham LINKYN/LINCOLN (earliest name followed by later spellings) There are many conventions for listing names. The key is to find the one that suits you and then be consistent. Surnames are a big challenge. When you’re searching old records, keep in mind that the spelling might not be the one you’re familiar with. Search using any variation you can think of. In earlier years, record keepers and census takers weren’t necessarily well educated. Names were often misspelled or spelled phonetically. Don’t miss next month’s article on how to organize your findings about your family history. ■

The Montrose Genealogy Center, 700 E. Main Street, is open from 1 pm-4 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and 9 am-12:30 pm he first and third Saturdays of he month. For details, call 240-1755.

AUGUST 2015

ASK THE OLD BAG

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ASK THE OLD BAG

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: There are a few things I feel everyone needs to know about. Please inform folks that the universal sign for choking is to place your right hand to your throat. (The reader, PH, had a recent experience with her husband choking in a restaurant.) Signed, PH

affair with just families invited. This will create a void, which will be noticed by all. Mom doesn’t know yet, and we don’t want to put a cloud on her happy day. What shall we do? My sister was very close to our dad. Signed, Frustrated

Dear PH: Choking is one of the scariest things a person or bystander can experience. If the obstruction is complete, you will not be able to make a sound. If you are choking, use the hand sign and do whatever you have to do to get someone’s attention because they will not hear you. As a bystander do not offer them water. Begin the Heimlich Maneuver. This can be done if the person is seated or standing by placing your arms around them from the back, above the navel. Make a fist, thumb side in, and grab the fist tightly with your other hand. Pull your fist abruptly upward and inward to increase airway pressure behind the obstruction and force it from the windpipe. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before the object is dislodged. I suggest before you do this maneuver, you ask someone to call 911, in case you are unable to dislodge the object. This maneuver has saved countless lives. When I was working in longterm care I saw many people choke on hot dogs or brats. Remember to chew well, take small bites, and don’t talk or laugh with your mouth full. Thank you, PH. We will cover the other items later. OB

Dear Frustrated: I can see how this would trouble you. If I were your mom, I would want you to tell me so I could talk to my daughter. Your mom knows her well and would be the one to influence her, if anyone can. You did not say how old your sister is so I’m assuming she is an adult. It is often a challenge for children to understand how mom could love anyone other than their dad. They often feel if they put a seal of approval on the marriage, they are being unfaithful to their dad. Maybe she won’t come around, but to my way of thinking, four out of five is pretty solid. OB

Dear Old Bag: My mother, a widow of four years, announced that she is getting married. All of her five children are happy for her, except my youngest sister, who says she will not attend the wedding or the reception. It is a small

Dear Old Bag: This may sound petty to you, but every Sunday I get upset when I see this woman sitting in church. She is my neighbor and the biggest gossip in seven states. She watches everyone and reports daily. Most of us hide when we see her coming. Even when you tell her you do not want to hear about others, she doesn’t shut up. Then when Sunday comes she is sitting right up front like the perfect person. What could stop this woman from gossiping? Signed, Fed Up

Dear Fed Up: I’m not sure what the problem is. Is it her gossiping that has you upset or is it the fact that she goes to church? In my upbringing I learned that Christ calls the sinners. Be glad that she goes to church. Pray for her and pray you will not let her upset you. OB ■

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

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Baseball memory Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Many years ago when I was 8 or 9 years old, I was playing Old Timers baseball. (It’s what passed for Little League back in the ’50s.) I tried to catch a pop-up and I missed. It hit me on the forehead and almost knocked me out. I was on the ground kind of blinking my eyes and shaking my head. My older brother came up to me and said, “If you hear a phone ringing, don’t answer it.”

Nasty little habit Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A woman is having problems with her young daughter constantly sucking her thumb. After a particularly bad day, the mother sees the little girl at it again and yells, “If you don’t stop sucking that thumb this instant, you’re going to blow up like a balloon.” Shocked, the little girl slowly takes her

thumb out of her mouth, wipes it on her dress, grabs her teddy bear and climbs up on the couch and goes to sleep. She doesn’t suck her thumb anymore for the next few days. One day, the mother and daughter take the bus downtown to go shopping. A very pregnant woman sits down in the seat across the aisle. The little girl stares at the woman, wide-eyed. The woman notices her stare and asks, “What’s the matter, honey?” In a very reproachful voice the girl replies, “I bet I know what you’ve been doing.”

Don’t mess with a woman who reads Submitted by Susan Rawlins

One morning, a man returns the boat to his lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.

Although not familiar with the lake, his wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent. Along comes a fish and game warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, “Good morning, ma’am. What are you doing?” “Reading a book,” she replies, thinking it was quite obvious. “You’re in a restricted fishing area,” he informs her. “I’m sorry, officer, but I’m not fishing,” she says. “I’m reading.”

AUGUST 2015

“But I haven’t even touched you,” says the game warden. “That’s true, but you have all the equipment,” she says. “For all I know you could start at any moment.” He says, “Have a nice day, ma’am,” and left.

Sex in the afterlife Submitted by Kevin Ray

A couple made a deal that whoever died first would come back and inform the other if there is sex after death. Their biggest fear was that there was no afterlife at all. After a long life together, Frank was the first to die. True to his word, he made the first contact. “Kris, Kris, can you hear me?”

“Yes, but I see you have all the equipment,” he says. “For all I know you could start at any moment. I’ll have to take you in and write you up.”

“Is that you, Frank?”

“If you do that, I’ll have to charge you with sexual assault,” says the woman.

“Well, I get up in the morning, and I have sex. I have breakfast and then it’s off to the golf course. I have sex again,

“Yes, I’ve come back like we agreed.” “That’s wonderful! What’s it like?”

AUGUST 2015

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

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bathe in the warm sun and then have sex a couple more times. Then I have lunch and another romp around the golf course, then pretty much have sex the rest of the afternoon. After supper, it’s back to the golf course again. Then it’s more sex until late at night. I catch some much needed sleep and then the next day it starts all over again.” “Oh, Frank, that’s wonderful. Are you in heaven?” “No, I’m a rabbit somewhere in Arizona.”

Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good. Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good. So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember it’s God’s will. It is all in your best interest.

Alzheimer’s test Submitted by Kevin Ray

How fast can you guess these words and fill-in the blanks? 1. _ _NDOM 2. F_ _K 3. P_N_S 4. PU_S_ 5. S_X 6. BOO_S Answers: 1. RANDOM, 2. FORK , 3. PANTS , 4. PULSE, 5. SIX, 6. BOOKS You got all six wrong, didn’t you? You do NOT have Alzheimer’s. You are a pervert.

Justice for seniors Submitted by Susan Capps

Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Tea for grandpa Submitted by Sherry Harmon

One day when I was little, my grandma was out, and my grandpa was left in charge of me. I was maybe 2 or 3 years old. One of my favorite toys was a little tea set someone had given me. Grandpa was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of tea, which was just water. After I had several cups of tea and gained lots of praise for such yummy tea from Grandpa, my grandma came home. My grandpa made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was “just the cutest thing!” Grandma waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Grandpa, and she watched him drink it up. Then she said, (as only a grandma would know), “’Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?” ■

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2015

TRAVEL

THE PERFECT FIT:

Finding the cruise for you By Terri Benson

he wonderful thing about cruises is that they make great vacations anytime of year and there are many options to fit any budget or taste. My husband and I wanted a seven- to 10-day cruise, with as many ports of call as possible, and cheap. We began comparing different cruise lines, departure dates, cruise length and ports. Then we researched ports and eliminated those that didn’t sound very interesting, seemed too commercial, or had reviews with safety concerns. We eventually settled on an eight-day Carnival Cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, stopping in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk.

Choose your room We studied cabin options, which included inside cabins, ocean

view, balcony and suites. If we let the cruise line choose our room, the price was discounted. The inside cabins were cheapest, but when I saw that we could end up with bunk beds, that option was off the table and we opted with an ocean view with a non-opening window. The 200 sq. ft. cabin had a king bed and sofa sleeper and cost us $479 per person, before taxes and fees, for eight days

Book the fun Now it was time to decide what excursions to book. We read the reviews of each excursion on Carnival’s website and decided on snorkeling in St. Maarten, zip lining in St. Kitts, motorized snorkeling at Grand Turk, and rum mixology and salsa dancing classes in San Juan. All of that was only about $614 for the both of us. Tip: If you hate standing in line, get “Faster to the Fun” for $50—it gets you on the ship quicker. But

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AUGUS

buy early, as it sells out fast. Book excursions early or late in the day, if possible, so you can spend the rest of your time exploring. Book them through the cruise line, as they guarantee you’ll get back on the ship in time or get you to the next port at their cost.

Our cabin was ready when we arrived. It was on the lowest level, half way between the bow and stern, which was very stable. Our friends’ suite was several decks above us, complete with balcony, Jacuzzi tub, and more closets. It was nice but not worth the extra price to me.

Easy boarding tips

Food and drink

We convinced some friends to come with us, which wasn’t hard to do. Plan to get to your destination at least a day before in case of flight delays, because the ship won’t wait. With a 1:30 p.m. sailing on Sunday, we departed Grand Junction on Saturday and spent the night in a hotel with a shuttle to the port, which was paid for with our friends’ credit card points. Print out your boarding passes and luggage tags ahead of time. Don’t count on using your phone or iPad, as I watched several people have issues at the boarding gates. Several hundred people and their carry-ons stood in the cruise port line. Our friends had booked a suite and received VIP status, so they were whisked away to the fast lane. It took us about 45 minutes to get through the line, but it wasn’t too bad. Tip: Don’t forget your passport and have your medical forms filled out before you get to the port, or you’ll be pushed to the side and have to start over in some places.

Standard dining is included in the cruise price. The dining room food was great, with one stock menu and another menu that was different every night. There was also a buffet and a couple other dining options on board. One night we ate at The Steakhouse, a high-end restaurant on the ship that costs extra. It’s a little pricey but worth it. We ordered a couple drinks in the main lounge, and then choked on the price, as they were nearly $20 each. We decided to purchase a beverage package, which worked out to be $50 a day per person and allowed for 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Keep in mind that if one person goes this route, every adult in the cabin must purchase one as well, and it must be purchased by the second day of the cruise. Hindsight: It seemed like a good deal, but we drank more than we would have if we were paying by the drink. Since we were off the ship for the greater part of four days, we prob-

Left: Castles of San Juan. Bottom: San Juan Port.

ST 2015

TRAVEL 13

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Tackle your cruising By Susan Elenz

FEARS

People have many fears/excuses as to why they don’t go on cruises. I was reluctant, too, at first but after I did, I am ready to counter those excuses and tell you why you should have no fear of cruising. Start with a short three-day cruise. My first cruise was a weekend trip out of San Diego on Carnival that sailed to Ensenada, Mexico and back.

ably would have spent less paying per drink.

Fun on board With so many activities on board, you won’t be bored on the days you’re at sea. They had Vegas-style shows, classes, tea get-togethers, a casino, educational seminars and more. The spa services got cheaper as the cruise progressed, and were cheapest when the ship was in port. The gym was also great, and the hot tub hot. Shipboard Wi-Fi and phone service can be incredibly expensive and slow. If you wait until you’re in port,

1) I get motion sick. That was my main fear. So I packed non-drowsy Dramamine and took it as soon as I got on the ship. I have been on five cruises now with no issues. In case you forget it at home, the ship sells it on board.

you can probably find an Internet café that’s free. Check your balance at customer service or on the TV in your cabin regularly to make sure everything is correct. If you take care of a mystery charge immediately, it will save you some hassle at the end of the trip. ■

2) What if the ship sinks? Tragedies are more likely to happen in your own car or a plane than on a cruise ship. The cruise liners are prepared. On the first day of the cruise they hold a mandatory emergency escape plan drill. Each person has their own his or her vest and lifeboats are plentiful. 3) Many people = many germs. Ships are concerned about this as well, so cleaning and sanitization takes place daily. Hand sanitizer is strategically placed on each deck. If someone becomes ill, he or she is usually quarantined and cared for by the ship’s physician. Staff members on board is trained to watch for signs of illness and are quick to respond. If a contagion occurs, they will refund your money or offer a free cruise at a later date. 4) It’s still close quarters. Opt to spend time on the upper decks or elite sections, which provide space for select groups of people. No need to mingle with big crowds or wait in line. There are plenty of open areas and smaller settings to hang out in. 5) I want to eat whenever. In addition to the dining room, there are buffets, cafes and specialty restaurants that are open at all different hours. If you want to choose your own dining times, then you simply need to book a cruise with the free-style dining, allowing you to eat whenever you wish.

Photos by Terri Benson

6) Too much food, too much waste. Most new ships strive to be eco-friendly. On our recent trip to Hawaii on Norwegian’s Pride of America, we toured the recycling facility below deck. Nothing is dumped overboard anymore. The EPA and others keep them in check. They reduce waste, and re-use and recycle what they can. The ship also had an environmental director on board. In addition, all the big ships have gyms, spas and activities to counteract the rich food.

FAITH MOVES

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AUGUST 2015

Why we bless animals By Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M.

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

970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org

s autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd. A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey. Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat. The fact that there are over 62 million cats today in the U.S. attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We’ve even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln’s Fido to Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, named Him and Her. For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature. The bond between human and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye to eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love. No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.

At Franciscan churches, a friar with a brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.” As the prayer is offered, the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water. Believe it or not, most pets receive this sacramental spritz with dignity, though I must admit I have seen some cats flatten their ears a bit as the drops of water lightly pelt them. But the owner is happy, and who knows what spiritual benefits may result? Usually the Blessing of Pets is held outdoors. But I remember it rained one year, and all were invited inside St. Stephen’s Church in Manhattan. It was quite a sight to see pairs of creatures—one human, one animal— sitting in the pews. The pastor joined right in with his beagle. Noah’s Ark was never like this! Some people criticize the amount and cost of care given to pets. People are more important, they say. Care for poor people instead of poodles. And certainly our needy fellow humans should not be neglected. However, I believe every creature is important. The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator. Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M., is a Franciscan of the Holy Name Province. ■

AUGUST 2015

HOME & GARDEN 15

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How can I improve the health and look of my landscape?

Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. Planning my garden is over-

whelming. I love the early spring bulbs, but I’m not sure when to plant them. I see many beautiful flowers in the summer but I forget about them. When I walk around my yard, I’m not sure what to plant where. Can you recommend a place to start or a plan of action for creating a landscape that’s interesting all year long? Great landscapes happen over time and involve year-round planning. I like to make notes of when certain plants are blooming or look their best. I go on garden tours or view public gardens, such as the Western Colorado Botanic Gardens or the Montrose Botanic Gardens, and the CSU Extension Arboretum on Orchard Mesa. Take pictures of landscapes you see around town and collect your ideas on Pinterest. Show the garden center clerk your pictures and they can guide you to those plants.

Local garden center staff and the CSU Extension staff can also give you ideas on what to plant and when. Review catalogs, garden websites and make changes to your hardscape. Consider hiring a garden designer, as they can give you a fresh perspective of your landscape and show you ways to get the most from it all year long.

Q. Some of my purple coneflowers

are green and some are deformed, but all of them are much smaller than they should be. What is going on and what can I do about it? It sounds like your coneflowers may be infected with aster yellows. Chlorosis, yellowing of the leaves while the veins remain green, is a major symptom. Stunted, twisted growth and oddly distorted flowers are also common symptoms. Leafhoppers spread the disease when they suck the sap of infected plants. Affected flowers should be pulled up and discarded immedi-

PLANT OF THE MONTH—Amethyst Falls Oregano

ately to stop the spread of the disease. Control weeds such as dandelions, plantains and thistles, which may carry it. Cover vegetables with floating row covers. Find less susceptible plants such as verbena, salvia, nicotiana, geranium, cockscomb and impatiens, to avoid future problems.

Q. What should I do to prepare my

roses for winter? I have hybrid teas, floribundas and climbers. You should start planning the hardening off process for your roses, trees and shrubs. Gradually reduce your watering and stop fertilizing by the end of August. This will help them go into dormancy at a safe pace and keep them from being stressed all winter long. The climbers and hybrid teas are the most sensitive to winter temperatures. Clean up dead leaves from around the base of the roses to eliminate a winter home for insects or diseases. Leave the serious pruning until spring. Consider mulching the crown of your roses with dirt, bark mulch or straw for winter protection. Water during the winter if there is not sufficient snow, which is most of the time. Once a month is plenty to keep the roots from dehydrating and the leaves from desiccating. ■ (Origanum Amethyst Falls)

Ornamental oregano is a long-blooming perennial with aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers that resemble hops. Its mature size is 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide, and it blooms from late summer through mid fall. It is well suited for containers and rock gardens—just be sure to plant it in a container that can overwinter outside without cracking. It’s a low-maintenance, non-edible, water-wise plant that prefers good drainage and full sun. Divide every three to four years and trim off old stems in spring when new growth appears. Deadheading during the season extends the flowering period.

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GARDEN CHECKLIST:  If needed, divide spring-

blooming perennials like peonies and iris.  Plant spinach. Harvest tender

leaves for salads in the fall, and over-winter for early spring greens.  Harvest onions when 80

percent of the tops have fallen over.  Fertilize lawns between now

and mid-September, using one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.  Reduce watering of trees and

shrubs to prepare them for winter.  If spring-flowering bulbs are

crowded or need relocated, do it now. Let them dry a few days in a cool shady spot. Choose the best ones to re-plant.

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

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AUGUST 2015

Clubs, volunteer info and support groups • The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. On August 8, music will be provided by Ric and Karen. On August 22, music will be provided by the Ghost River Band. Admission is $5 per person. Call 252-7172.

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• Western Slope 4 Wheelers’ monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754. • Montrose Amateur Radio Club’s monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142. • Black Canyon Camera Club’s monthly meetings are at noon on the second Tuesdays at the First Church of Christ, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Call 399-3674.

activities. For dates and times of meetings, call 249-6761, ext. 14. • Wild Bunch 4WD club’s bimonthly meetings are the second Mondays of “odd months.” For dates, times and locations, email desertrat27@hotmail.com. • Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club members dance mainstream and plus and welcomes all visitors. Monthly meetings are 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 596-4252. They dance Main Stream and Plus and welcome all visitors.

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

• Black Canyon Classics is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For times and locations, call 249-6051.

• RSVP in Montrose is seeking volunteers. Volunteers who register with RSVP receive supplemental insurance and recognition for their service. Call 249-9639.

• Black Canyon Audubon Society members are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational

• The Interpretive Association of Western Colorado is seeking volunteers to help with the operations of the Fort Uncompahgre Living History

Museum in Delta. Call 874-6695. • Senior CommUnity Meals/Meals on Wheels needs volunteer meal delivery drivers in Delta. It takes about an hour to deliver three or four meals to a homebound senior. Call 835-8028.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Veterans PTSD support group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services. Call 765-2210. • Stroke Support Group meets 11 a.m. to noon twice a month at Montrose Memorial Hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit. For details and meeting days, call 318-2028. • Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets from noon to 1:15 p.m. Wednesdays at 645 S. Fifth St. in Montrose. • Caregiver Support Group meets 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at Crossroads Assisted & Independent Living model cottage at 1380 Aspen Way in Delta. Call 773-4214. • Caregiver Support & Networking Group meets 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays and third Thurs-

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Life’s Legacy in Stone

AUGUST 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 17

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days of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. The meetings are structured to be an all-inclusive group for caregivers who care for someone with dementia, or any disability or illness in any living environment. For details and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203.

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• Alzheimer-Dementia Support Group meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Valley Manor Care Center, 1401 S. Cascade in Montrose. For details, call 249-9634. • Caregiver Support Group meets at 1 p.m. on the first and second Mondays of each month at the United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. For details, call 249-3716. • Validation Dementia support group meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Thursdays at the Valley Manor Care Center Chapel, 1401 S. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. For details, call 252-3118. ■

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Denver Theater...Featuring “THE BOOK OF MORMON” at Ellie Caulkins Theater and “MARY POPPINS” at Boulder’s Dinner Theater August 19-21 2015… Call for information & to reserve your spot as tickets are limited.. First Come… First Serve..

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MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

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Home Care Beyond the Expected

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

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

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

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

(970) 208-1345 • HilltopHomeCareGJ.org

AUGUST 2015

Delta/Montrose Calendar AUGUST 5 Ouray Historical Geology Tour The Ouray County Historical Society will host an educational, all-day tour of the Northwestern San Juan Mountains starting at Ouray City Hall, 320 Sixth Ave. at 8 a.m. The tour is led by local geologists and is a fundraiser for the Ouray County Historical Museum’s new Research Center. During stops at points of geologic and historic interest, leaders will explain the major geologic events that led to spectacular scenery and the area’s rich mining history. Participants are encouraged to register with payment early to assure a place on the tour. Cost is $135 and includes transportation, a complete Geologic Field Guide Book, and lunch. To register, call 325-4576. AUGUST 7 Car enthusiast show This free event from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. will

have cars, food, vendors and prize drawings on the lawn behind The Homestead, 1819 Pavilion Drive in Montrose. Hamburgers and hot dog meals will be for sale with proceeds benefiting Pavilion Meals. For details, call 596-2439. AUGUST 13 Bike-in Movie Summer Series The Montrose Area Bicycle Alliance hosts the Bike-in Movie Summer Series on the second Thursdays of the month this summer. Enjoy a free movie under the stars. Ride your bike or walk to Canyon Creek Bed & Breakfast, 820 Main St. in Montrose, for the movie “Hook,” beginning at 8 p.m. Cash bar, popcorn and soda available. For details, visit www.montrosebicycle.org. AUGUST 13-15 Wingin’ the Rockies The Colorado District of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association is holding

AUGUST 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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its 26th annual Wingin’ the Rockies convention in Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds, 1001 N. Second St. Passes are available to the general public. For details, visit www. coloradogwrra.com. AUGUST 14 Chris Daniels & The Kings concert The Montrose Summer Music Series comes to a close with Chris Daniels and the Kings performing from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Black Canyon Golf Course, 1350 Birch St. in Montrose. Bring lawn chairs and blankets (please no coolers) and sit in the driving range to minimize damage to the course. Show will proceed rain or shine. Food and beverage available from Horsefly Brewing. For

WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR

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

details, call 275-4183. AUGUST 15 Moonshiners’ Ball The third annual Moonshiners’ Ball will be from 8 p.m.-11:45 p.m. at the Habitat Barn, 1601 N. Townsend in Montrose. It’s another 1920s prohibition-era hootenanny, maintaining the elements from previous years you’ve grown to love, while changing things up a bit. You can expect a traditional Cajun cuisine main course and shrimp boil, true Southern-style dessert bar, moonshine cocktails and a full bar. There will also be a late night brunch buffet, Kipori Woods Blues Band, live performances from Denver-based Lumina Entertainment, gambling, prizes and a silent

auction. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. For details and to purchase tickets, call 252-9303, ext. 7. AUGUST 28 Music on the Green The Music on the Green free outdoor concert series features Donny Morales from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at 2377 Robins Way in Montrose. Concession food will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Senior CommUnity Care PACE Living Legacy project. Bring chairs or blankets. For details, call 901-7768. AUGUST 28-29 Celebrate the Fork Music Festival Come celebrate the creative people in the North Fork Valley with two days of

music at the Delta County Fairgrounds, 403 S. Fourth St. in Hotchkiss. On Friday night, the weekend kicks off with dinner at Heritage Hall with accompanying music by the Scones. On Saturday, local churches will showcase their gospel groups and choirs. There will also be an art fair and more live music by the North Fork Flyers, the Scones, the 3 Tinkers, Beth Williams and David Snider, Michael Meadows, Mojo, Travis Mann, and The Otis Taylor Band. The concert arena will be lined with vendors, some that are selling products of the creative people being celebrated. Tickets start at $30. For details and to purchase tickets, call 872-4651 or visit www.northforkcreative.org. ■

20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

AUGUST 2015

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Events for veterans The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans this month. If you have not previously registered with the Warrior Resource Center as a veteran, bring a form of military ID with you. For more information, call 765-2210. • All veterans are invited for coffee from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thursday. • All military spouses (of any branch or era) are invited to a luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the last Friday of every month. • The public is invited to eagle head cane presentations at 1 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Beautiful eagle head canes created by Black Canyon Wood Carvers and Wood Workers Guild of Western Colorado are presented to veterans. AARP SMART Driver Safety Courses Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required. • Montrose County Health and Human Services will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on August 13 at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. Call 249-2436, ext. 203 to register. • Delta Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on August 17 at 531 N. Palmer

St. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. Call 424-1778 to register.

Montrose Historical walks Meet at the Montrose Historical Museum for all walks. Space is limited. Call 249-2085 to register. • August 7, 11 and 21: Historic Alley Walks, 7 p.m. Cost is $5. • August 29: Grandview Cemetery Tour, 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Join Arbor Day Foundation, receive 10 Blue Spruce trees Everyone who joins the Arbor Day Foundation in August with a $10 donation will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees through the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between October 15 and December 10, depending on the right time for planting in each member’s area. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. To receive the trees, send a $10 membership contribution to: Ten Free Blue Spruces, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by August 31, 2015, or join online at www.arborday. org/august. Volunteers of America awards individuals in honor of Alzheimer’s Advocacy Volunteers of America, one of the nation’s largest and oldest human services charities, awarded its highest honor—the 2015 Ballington and

OPEN DAILY

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Montrose, CO

970-252-1000

AUGUST 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

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Maud Booth Award—to country music superstar Glen Campbell, his wife Kim, and filmmakers James Keach and Trevor Albert. VOA is an official partner involved in the promotion of “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me,” which chronicled the musician’s “Goodbye Tour” across the country, as he and his family dealt with the unpredictable nature of his Alzheimer’s disease. This year’s honorees were selected in recognition of their collective efforts to shine a light on the challenges faced by caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, call 703-341-5054.

Paonia summer concert series The eighth season of the Paonia Pickin’ in the Park Concert Series takes place at Paonia Town Park. Concerts are free and family friendly. There will be food and vendors. Bring your lawn chair, blankets, coolers and picnics. No outside alcohol and glass containers allowed. For more information, call 260-6493. The schedule is as follows: • August 6– Todo Mundo / Handmade Moments • August 13 – Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats / Jelly Bread • August 20 – Davina & The Vagabonds / Dustbowl Revival • August 27 – Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen / The Railsplitters Region 10 Education Series Events will be held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade in Montrose. Registration is required. All sessions are free. For details and to register, call 360-6090. • August 18, noon to 1 p.m. - Montrose Suicide Prevention Coalition

presentation. Please join us and increase you knowledge and awareness about suicide and how to prevent it. • August 24, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. “What if there is no will? Colorado has written one for you.” This free workshop will cover how your assets will pass, how a personal representative is appointed, who will administer the estate, how the estate will be divided, etc.

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ this month. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from there. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on the following activities, call 252-4884. • Winery Tours in Paonia area – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. August 4 and August 6 (tour repeats). Cost is $22. • Hike - 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. August 13. Beaver and Belfast Mine Ouray. Cost is $18. • Ute Mountain Casino – 6:45 a.m.7:30 p.m. August 18. Cost is $45. Bring money for lunch and gambling. Space is limited. • Learn to Paddleboard - 8:15 a.m.3:30 p.m. August 25. We will take a 2-hour lesson with a licensed outfitter at Corn Lake in Clifton. Cost is $65. • Telluride Chamber Music Festival – 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. August 16. Cost of $40 • Intro to Pickleball – 6 p.m.-8 p.m., August 5, 12, 19 and 26. Your first class is free! Cost is $10. ■

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

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

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

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AUGUST 2015

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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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COMPANION CARE ASSISTED COMPANION CARE Are you a senior woman who would enjoy living in a safe, affordable and happy home environment? Your family will appreciate peace of mind knowing you are not alone. Private suite in upper middle class smoke-free home. Heart healthy meals. Your choice of activities. Transportation. Your pet is welcome. Call Sylvia at 596-1408 for further information.

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 970-216-0048.

WANTED TO BUY CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff.net. Mark 260-2327. COLLECTIONS & ESTATES VFW Vet collecting any WWI & WWII military knives, swords, bayonets, helmets, ammo, etc. Also paying CASH for any coins, silver, gold jewelry as well as entire estates, big or small. Avoid the hassle of a yard sale. Call 201-6117 for offer. WANTED OLD HISTORICAL ITEMS: Mining, Military, Swords, Helmets, Western, Spurs, Early Colorado, Police & Fire Badges, Advertising, Porcelain Signs, Toys, Odd and Unusual. 424-5024.

FOR SALE FITNESS ELLIPTICAL MACHINE Octain Fitness Q37. Retails for $2500, asking $1000 OBO. This machine was named the #1 Fitness Machine of the Year. Price includes delivery! 361-6752.

AUGUST 2015

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kudos \ ku·dos

H I L LT O P’S S E N I O R D AY B R E A K

 “We really enjoyed the Riders in the Sky concert. Even our great grandson, Devin, thought they were really good!”- Karen J., Grand Junction  “Just wanted to express my appreciation for a well-written cover article by Jan Weeks and a great cover photo by Katherine Lopez in the July BEACON Senior Newspaper. Now I just have to convince my body that it’s ageless.” - Dave Schlosser, Grand Junction

 “Thank you for the July article on Carlson Memorials, Inc. and Dan and I. After 39 years in business, it is really nice to see that what you try to do is recognized.” - Kaye Carlson, Carlson Memorials, Inc.

 “My husband and I went to the celebration of the Roller Dam in Palisade in AUGUST. Before the speeches began, I noticed quite a few people reading the excellent historical article on the dam in the BEACON Senior Newspaper. Of course, I picked up a copy, too, and thoroughly enjoyed reading that article and many other well-written and informative articles. I was happy to see the graphics were also quite good. Great job on the paper!”- Cheryl C., Rifle Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

kvetch \ kfech

 I recently picked up a copy of the Mesa County edition of The Beacon while on a shopping trip to Grand Junction. I had already perused the same issue obtained here in Montrose. I knew that you had separated the issues by county some time ago for advertising reasons, I believe. Never did I dream how we southern inhabitants were being so short changed. In addition to missing the classic crossword puzzle, we are missing half the stories and articles as well. The Mesa County edition is far better, more complete, and meatier than the Montrose/Delta copy. In short, it is like the old Beacon I miss so much. To compound this injustice there is a thriving black market springing up, dealing in Beacon newspapers. A man sidled up to me in the supermarket the other day and mumbled, “Wanna buy a GJ Beacon?” I thought he said, “Gee, your diaper’s leakin’.” Such incidents are becoming increasingly common as befuddled, bored seniors cruise further afield looking for the “real deal”—the “good stuff.” A couple days ago I heard my neighbor, Earl (not his real name), banging and grinding in his garage, so I hobbled over to have a look. Good grief, he’d hollowed out a cavity under the seat of his Rascal scooter, and said he could stuff 12 or 13 copies of the thicker Mesa Beacon in there and make good money working the crowd at the 4:30 Early Bird Buffet. “Think of your family, Earl,” I implored him, “your grandchildren.” “Who ya think brings me these papers every month? They’re shaking me down for 5 percent. I’m in too deep to get out now.” Families torn apart. Oh, the impending calamity. This crisis has spawned gangs: The Blue Hairs, The Rollin’ Slowlies, and the Eh?Whats, all trying to augment their meager pension by overloading used Subarus, covering the immense stack of illicit newsprint with an innocent looking hand-knit afghan and heading off down Highway 50. Many don’t make it. The State Patrol has noted more bent walkers, broken canes and dented oxygen bottles cluttering the roadside at the Mesa-Delta county line. All evidence of Beacon deals gone bad. Somebody is going to chip a partial plate if this mischief keeps up. Please, I beg you, restore some stories, the crossword puzzle. Even some ads for varicose veins would bring welcome relief. We down here in the hinterlands suffer from those big-city maladies, too. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a delivery to make. -Charles Gross, Montrose

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