BEACON - Montrose-Delta - November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 Vol. 29

No. 11

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

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Final Flight B-17 pilot makes one last run

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NOVEMBER 2015

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NOVEMBER 2015

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What is it about war that fascinates us?

By Kevin VanGundy

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ince reading the book “A Higher Call” by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander and more recently “A Pilot’s View of World War II” by Winifred Tappan, I have wanted to see the inside of a B-17 bomber, as that plane was such a central point of each book.

The Grand Valley as seen through the waist gunner’s door on As part of the recent air a recent flight of the “Sentimental Journey” B-17 bomber. show, the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona at the BEACON have put our best brought its restored and operational efforts forward to compile a list of B-17G to town. To walk through it resources, freebies and events for our was exciting enough, but when they veterans in this issue of the BEACON offered to fly me over the Grand ValSenior Newspaper. ley in it I was as giddy as a Cub Scout in a camping store.

Happy Holidays insert But this was no toy. Nicknamed the Our area’s finer local retailers have “Flying Fortress,” the B-17 was the gathered together to advertise in battle tank of the skies and a lot more this month’s Happy Holidays insert. deadly.

From bicycles to bagels, you’ll find an Having never been to war, I’m appropriate gift idea for the people on sure that I romanticize it too much. your list.

In fact, for the people that I have If you’d like to do something nice spoken with who have been there for someone older, might I suggest and done that, there’s no romance you buy some socks and take them to it at all. To those who built that by any of the area nursing homes?

B-17 bomber, to those who fired its For some reason, they always seem to weapons and to those who sacrificed need more socks. I think it has somefor my freedom, thank you. thing to do with those industrial-sized In honor of our veterans and in clothes dryers they use. observance of Veterans Day, we Happy Thanksgiving! ■

Photographers WANTED is looking for freelance The BEACON Senior Newspaper ose counties. photographers in Delta and Montr .com e to Cloie@PendantPublishing Email your cover letter and resum your work.

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EDITORIAL

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COVER STORY

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NOVEMBER 2015

A B-17 pilot’s view of World War II

By Melanie Wiseman

A Pilot’s View of World War II

ini Tappan has had lunch at the Montrose Senior Center every weekday for the past 13 years. Over the years her interest has grown in the stories of the 30-50 people she meets there daily.

A year ago, one meal and one conversation with Bob Boecking, 93, opened the door to her legacy of telling the untold stories of veterans. “[Bob] mentioned his journal, and at my request he brought it for me to read,” Tappan said. “I think I got as far as the fourth page before I thought to myself, ‘This has got to be published.’”

The result from a year-long process of interviews and methodical research is the book “A Pilot’s View of World War II: Memoirs of B-17 Pilot Robert Boecking.”

Tappan credits Robert Boecking’s journal, his memory of the past, and the Air Force for providing the material for her book.

“Fortunately, the Air Force has marvelous records of the people who were in their service,” Tappan said.

“They even had an interview they had done with Robert several years ago that confirmed what he told me.”

According to Tappan’s book, Boecking was in his sophomore year at the University of Nebraska, just over a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, when he enlisted in the military. He enlisted rather than be drafted so he could choose his branch of service.

“I am not going to be a ‘ground pounder,’” Boecking said, referring to his decision to join the Air Force.

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He had received a small plane (Piper Cub) pilot’s license at age 18, and the Air Force proceeded to train him to be a bomber pilot.

“I had hopes of becoming a fighter pilot,” Boecking said. “But the Air Force had other ideas.”

Boecking spent the next three years serving as a B-17 Pilot with the 8th Air Force, 379th Bomb Group.

“The fact that the cockpit in the B-17 is extremely small, and I am small (5 feet 5 inches tall), made me a perfect candidate for the job,” Boecking said.

Members of the 379th Bomb Group were trained, assembled and operational at Kimbolton Airfield in England, August 12, 1944.

The 379th Bomb Group received several unique honors, including two Presidential Unit Citations for its accomplishment in combat,

best bombing results (percent on target), greatest tonnage of bombs dropped on target, largest number of aircraft attacking, lowest losses of aircraft, and lowest abortive rate of aircraft dispatched.

Memories from the war vary for each veteran, but for Boecking they include actor Jimmy Stewart, who was stationed at his base, and a fourday pass to Scotland, which he never saw. Instead he and a friend spent all their time in a hotel sobering up from celebrating their freedom over a bottle of Scotch.

“I remember the first time I saw the inside of a B-17 bomber,” Boecking said. “I couldn’t believe how small the spaces were that the gunners had to work in. I never could understand how my 250-pound friend could fold himself into the rear gunner’s posi-

ONE LAST FLIGHT On October 5, Boecking had the rare opportunity of flying in a B-17 one last time when “Sentimental Journey,” a restored B-17 World War II bomber, arrived in Grand Junction as part of the recent air show. It was a rare experience indeed, as many B-17 pilots did not return home from the war and only a few B-17s were ever restored. Boecking was given the red carpet treatment from the Sentimental Journey crew and members of the media that had gathered for the event.

During the flight, Boecking had the best view on the plane looking out the front gunner’s position in a glass bubble at the nose of the plane. Upon landing, Boecking expressed his gratitude and delight when he said, “I had a great time going back up. I can die a happy man.”

B-17 Cockpit

photo by Nathan Kinney

Front gunner seat

photo by Nathan Kinney

NOVEMBER 2015

COVER STORY

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tion. Each mission lasted eight to 10 hours.”

The B-17 was known as the “Flying Fortress,” as each plane carried six gunners. Ten men manned each plane.

“The thundering roar of 3648 mammoth planes each taking off every 15 to 30 seconds is a sound I will never forget,” Boecking said. “Once we were in the air, we had no way of contacting any other plane or home base.”

Being part of the B-17 team meant being prepared 24/7.

“We never knew when we would be called to go on a bombing run,” Boecking said.

“It could be anytime of the day or night.”

During World War II, 754,818 bombing runs were carried out and Boecking flew on 36 of them.

“That doesn’t seem like very many, but to me it was a grueling experience that I never want to repeat.”

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

Boecking’s mission journal Boecking’s journal of his 36 bombing missions was a valuable resource for Tappan’s book. Here are a few excerpts.

Mission Target Map. Robert Boecking flew 37 missions (one was aborted) between August 18, 1944 and December 19, 1944.

“A few of our missions were relatively easy, with no fighters, not much flak or ground fire, and no damages to speak of. On other missions we paid a heavy price.

I’ve recorded all of this on my Mission Journal pages. They are very brief accounts of a lot of action. They also form a kind of memorial for each of the men lost on those missions. I have not forgotten any of them. They each paid the ultimate price. I didn’t have to pay that price. I was so very, very fortunate.”

—Robert Boecking

Mission–1, August 18, ’44 Target: Maastricht, Railroad Bridge crossing, Mouse River (Also includes a list of 10 friends shot down during several missions) Mission–5, September 10, ’44 Target: Sindelfingen near Stuttgart, Motor truck plant.

Started wearing parachute on bomb runs in case ship blows up.

Mission–6, September 11, ’44 Target: Merseburg, Germany No. 1 engine hit and knocked out. No. 4 engine hit at same time and knocked out. Radio Mans leg hit. Roughest yet. Was Awarded Air Medal Today!!! I’ve had it.

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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 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 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Mission–21, October 25, ’44 Target: Gelsenkirchen, Germany Almost got a direct hit in nose. One large piece hit my right window even with my head.

Rough Flak!!! I’ve had it.

Mission–25, November 9, ’44 Target: Siegfried Line near Metz on the Moselle River 11 more to Go!!! Take me back home.

Mission–34, December 24, ’44 Target: Merzhausen, Germany What a hell of a xmas eve and day we had!!!

No xmas dinner!!! 2 more to go!!!

Mission–36, December 29, ‘44 Target: Wittlich, Germany Rail yard and supply dump LAST MISSION!!!! TOUR COMPLETED!!

That’s ALL JACK!!! ■

Cover Photo: Robert Boecking poses in front of “Sentimental Journey,” a B-17 bomber just like the one he flew when he served in World War II. The plane visited Grand Junction as part of the recent Air Show.

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FEATURE STORY

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NOVEMBER 2015

Blood of Heroes: Visit the World War II Museum in New Orleans Story and photos by Callie Corley, Prime Montgomery

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alking up Andrew Higgins Drive to the corner of Magazine Street, the National World War II Museum rises against the New Orleans skyline like a giant stone vault, holding the history, and perhaps some secrets, of what’s been termed America’s “Greatest Generation.”

It’s a history touching every facet of American life. Sixteen million men and women served in the armed forces during World War II. Inside the museum’s five (soon to be six) buildings are the stories of those lives. For many, those stories are also passed down from generation to generation.

The Louisiana Memorial Pavilion is the place to start your journey through the museum. There you can buy tickets and talk to museum volunteers. With a little luck, you’ll hear a first-hand account from one of the approximately 20 World War II veterans who volunteer with the museum.

The Memorial Pavilion is also where you start your “Dog Tag Experience.”

With a general admission ticket to

the museum, you receive a dog tag allowing you to follow the life of a World War II participant. The Train Car Experience is your first stop with your dog tag, recreating the first leg of a journey that carried millions of Americans away from their families and into service. Throughout the museum you check-in at different stations, collecting the stories for your dog tag and learing more about the person whose life you’re following.

If your museum trip starts early, Jeri Nims Soda Shop is a great place to grab a snack or a quick break-

fast, while The American Sector is a full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. You can add a little flair to your visit with a live show at Stage Door Canteen, where music of the war years comes to life. Find the show lineup and ticket information online before your visit at www. stagedoorcanteen.org.

Once you leave the Memorial Pavilion, cross the street to the main portion of the museum. The newest addition, added in 2014, is Campaigns of Courage, considered the heart of the museum experience. The Road to Berlin exhibit showcases the grueling challenges servicemen faced in the European theater, from the deserts of North Africa to Germany’s doorstep.

The interactive experience brings together the entire campaign from battle to battle, and reveals the strategy and sacrifices that helped win the war. The exhibit presents a personal perspective on the cost of war, with personal items, such as family photographs strewn across a beach of real sand from Normandy. The Road to Tokyo exhibit is scheduled to open later this year.

Continue your journey through history with a stop at the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.

Replicas of six World War II-era aircraft, including B-17 My Gal Sal, are suspended in air. The four-story viewing deck provides a 360-degree view of the aircraft. The Vehicles of War exhibit offers a glimpse of what it was like on the ground, facing an attack from different war machines, or being rushed from the battlefield with an injury. There’ll you’ll also find the Medal of Honor Wall and the interactive “Final Mission: The U.S.S. Tang Experience.”

Set aside enough time to see everything at the museum, including the “Beyond All Boundaries” movie (produced and narrated by Tom Hanks).

Each requires an additional ticket and happens at pre-set times throughout the day. Be sure to check times and prices online before you go at www. nationalww2museum.org.

“Beyond All Boundaries” is a 4D experience that puts you on the front lines. Archival footage and narrations of real life stories bring to life a growing threat in Europe and news of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. The movie affects every one of your senses, enabling you to better understand the magnitude and weight of the war

NOVEMBER 2015

FEATURE STORY

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“A PILOT’S VIEW OF WWII” AUTHOR FINDS LOVE IN WRITING Wini Tappan authored her first book at 87. Now at age 89, she is currently working on her fourth—proof that it’s never too late to follow your dream.

Tappan went back to college at age 50 and earned her master’s degree by age 55. She retired from teaching at 75 and said her most rewarding experience was teaching high school-level disabled students.

Retirement threw her a curve ball when she was informed she had been overpaid Social Security benefits for 11 years, and the government wanted the $25,000 back. Five appeals later, the ruling was reversed.

The result of her stressful experience was her first book, “Grappling with Government Abuse: My Social Security Nightmare.”

Her second book, a lactose-free cookbook, offers substitutes and recipes for those who are lactose intolerant.

Having the chance to talk to and learn from a World War II veteran is something we won’t able to do much longer. With a little luck, you’ll hear a first-hand account from one of the approximately 20 World War II veterans who volunteer with the museum, such as Arthur Arceneax, left, and Bert Stolier, right. that changed the world. You feel the rumble of tanks as America enters the war, and see and hear steam rising from the jungles as American troops fight for freedom. The production also highlights the courage of Americans at home, as every citizen– male, female, black, white, immigrant–answered the call and lived up to the demands of wartime.

One of the most emotional stories in the museum is that of the U.S.S. Tang. The interactive experience puts you inside America’s most decorated World War II submarine on its last patrol. The commander gives orders as visitors man battle stations. The experience combines actual tasks with an overhead projection of the submarine’s final, fatal fight. Standing at a duty station, the makeshift compartment rings with the sounds of firing torpedoes and mechanics. There’s a sense of pride as the crew takes down more enemy vessels, followed by panic with the realization your efforts aren’t enough to save the ship.

If you’ve already been to the museum, the new additions should bring you back on your next trip to New Orleans. You’ll leave feeling more proud than ever to be an American, knowing your cultural heritage runs in the blood of these heroes.

Meet a History Maker Having the chance to talk to and learn from a World War II veteran is something we won’t be able to do much longer. I met two extraordinary men on my visit.

Arthur Arceneax, 92, was a Marine pilot who’ll tell you from the start he’s lived the very best life. And he’s got the heart and spirit to prove it. A career military man, Arceneax saw fighting in Okinawa, Korea and Vietnam, finally retiring after 22 years of service at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Along the way, Arceneax married the girl of his dreams and says that without the uniform, he’d never have been able to catch such a wonderful woman. He tries to be at the museum every Saturday sharing his story.

Bert Stolier, 96, joined the Marine Corps at 17 and was a warrant officer on the U.S.S. Northampton. He survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and an attack at sea. Stolier spent three days in the waters of the Pacific Ocean before being picked up by a Navy ship.

If you’ve got a World War II veteran in the family, don’t miss the opportunity to take them to see the museum. They’ll get free admission and a special veteran’s ID. ■

Tappan is currently working on a new book “Silent Voices.”

“It is a compilation of letters from servicemen and women in World War II to their families back home, newspapers, family albums and of course more research,” she said.

She is especially excited to have recently interviewed the sister to whom some of these letters were written before her brother was killed in Normandy.

“I’m hoping to make people today stop and think, and appreciate what the individual person is doing,” Tappan said. “These are individual voices that have never been listened to.”

Purchase Tappan’s books at Buckskin Books in Ouray or Out West Books in Grand Junction, on Amazon, or online at SanJuanPub.com/shop-online/books-for-sale/.

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The Hands that Tell Life’s Stories in Stone

ASK A GENEALOGIST

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Census records: a go-to resource for your genealogy search Ask a Genealogist, By Dorothy Causey

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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.

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NOVEMBER 2015

ay the word “census” and you’ll see an immediate gleam in the eyes of a genealogist. That’s because census records contain a wealth of information to help trace your family tree.

Congress uses the census to determine how many representatives each state will have. The first federal census was conducted in 1790, just seven years after the American Revolution.

Census takers had to cross streams, climb hills, walk door to door, and battle the weather to interview every family. The census has been taken every 10 years since then. The contents of the census are confidential so it can only be released after 72 years. Hence, the last census, from 1940, was released in 2012. The 1950 census will be public in 2022.

Federal censuses are often the first resource a genealogist goes to. Information varies from decade to decade.

From 1790 to 1840, only the head of household was listed by name. Later enumerations listed names of spouse and children, and anyone else living in the household and their relationship to the head of house. As the years went on more details were added, such as age, date of birth, birthplace, race, occupation, date of immigration, etc.

The 1930 census asked if there was a radio in the household. That may seem like an odd question, but since the census was taken during the Great Depression, owning a radio was a clue to the family’s financial status. It also indicated whether or not a certain rural area had been electrified.

The 1900 census is the only census to list the birth date of a person. The 1920 census is the only census to ask the year a person was naturalized. In 1860, the census reported the cause of insanity.

Print every census record pertaining

to your family search and compare the information. Don’t be alarmed if names are spelled differently, or the ages are different. Birth dates weren’t particularly important in the early days—not like they are today.

Once you’ve found your family on a census, take note of who lives near them. Sometimes relatives lived near each other.

If you find a relative in the 1910 census but can’t find them in 1920 (and you know they were alive) try a different spelling. Another approach is to search for a child that had an unusual name. Try looking up the next door neighbor whose name might be easier to search.

Ancestry.com, a subscription website, carries the entire run of federal census records and has indexed them.

The Montrose Genealogy Center has a subscription to the international version of Ancestry and is free to patrons.

FamilySearch.org, a genealogy research tool operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers free access to most of the census records and to many other records as well. The church is famous for its family history research and has millions of records online.

HeritageQuestOnline.com also carries the census records. It’s free through the Montrose Regional Library District and other subscribing libraries. All you need is a library card to access it.

There are many other websites that share census records. Don’t limit your search to just one.

For more information, visit The Montrose Genealogy Center, 700 E. Main St., Suite 103. It’s open from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the first and third Saturdays of the month. For details, call 240-1755. ■

NOVEMBER 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: My mother is 88 years old and living in her own home. I have suggested she might do well in assisted living. One day she said to me, “Why would I go to a place like that when my son has a big house and lots of room?”

She caught me off guard. I stuttered and said that I would have to speak to the family about that. That’s how we left it. I spoke to my wife about her coming to live with us and she is dead set against it. It’s not because she doesn’t like Mom, but it’s because my wife is very active and is gone a good part of every day. She said it would be just as if Mom was living alone and she would do better in assisted living. What do you think? Signed, Son Dear Son: I tend to agree with your wife. It’s not because you don’t want her, but it’s about what will be best for her. I have seen it work with Mom living with her children, but most often it causes tension within the family. In assisted living Mom would have her meals prepared, friends, an activity program, 24-hour supervision, etc. She would also be able to visit you frequently, and you could join her for occasional meals. I’d be willing to bet that after a few months she will wonder why she didn’t do it sooner. Take her to visit a few places and if she has friends in one, take her there to see them. Let me know how it works out. Good luck. OB Dear Old Bag: Recently you had a letter from a man who asked if you thought it was okay to date a woman for the purpose of sexual activity.

His sister thought he was a “dirty old man” and you agreed with her. I am a man who disagrees with you. I am not interested in marriage again, and I do not need a companion muddying up

my life. I still have fire in my furnace, and I have found that there are plenty of women who feel the same way. I guess you would be surprised, huh?

Signed, MM

Dear MM: Yours is not the only letter of objection I received, but it’s probably the most honest. I suppose if two consenting adults want to spend their evening that way, who am I to object? I hope you realize that while you probably don’t have to worry about pregnancy, you do need to be careful of those dread diseases, which are on the rise among older folks. I also hope you are upfront with these women about what you want. I still think that sex without a relationship would be like eating dry toast. OB Dear Old Bag: My mother-in-law, 80, still insists on having the family Thanksgiving dinner. She has a big family and a little house, and she has refused all offers of moving the dinner to one of her four children’s homes. Even though we all bring food, it is so hectic and obviously hard on her. How do we change her mind? Signed, In-Law Dear In-Law: This is a touchy subject for many families. Offer again to take this responsibility off her hands.

Let her know that others would like a turn. If she still refuses, make the best of it, and go to her house again for Thanksgiving. She may not be able to do this physically/mentally for much longer and it sounds like it brings her much joy and happiness, so I think it’s well worth the effort. I have been hinting like crazy for one of my kids to take over Thanksgiving dinner, but so far no takers! Tell her the Old Bag would love to give up that task. 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 Lovely dog Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A man driving through a small rural town pulls into the only gas station in town. He notices a boy sitting on a chair whittling on a stick and a dog asleep by the soda machine.

He rolls down the window of his car and says, “Hey kid, does your dog bite?”

Without looking up the kid replies, “Nope.”

The man gets out of his car and starts walking toward the soda machine when the dog wakes up and makes a beeline toward him. The man runs for his car but the dog rips out the seat of his pants just as he gets inside.

The man yells, “Hey, you punk kid!

I thought you said your dog doesn’t bite!”

The kid stops whittling, looks at the

man and says, “He doesn’t.”

Then he looks over at the dog and says, “But that’s not my dog.”

Small brown bottle Submitted by Del Owens

The other day I went to my nearby pharmacy. When I got there, I went straight to the back of the store to where the pharmacist’s counter is located. I took out my little brown bottle along with a teaspoon and laid them both on the counter.

The pharmacist came over, smiled and asked if he could help me.

“Yes,” I said. “Could you please taste this for me?”

Being that I’m a senior citizen, I guess the pharmacist decided it was safe to go along with me. He picked up the spoon and put a tiny bit of the liquid on his tongue and swilled it around.

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Then with a stomach-churning look on his face, he spit it out on the floor and began coughing.

When he finally finished, I looked him right in the eye and asked, “Now does that taste sweet to you?”

The pharmacist, shaking his head back and forth, said, “Hell no.”

So I said, “Oh, thank God! That’s a real relief. My doctor told me to get a pharmacist to test my urine for sugar!”

Lemonade

NOVEMBER 2015

The old man says, “It might be lemonade, but I wouldn’t light any matches near it if I were you.”

Country-western song Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Being retired sure is great. Now I can do some of the things I’ve always wanted to do. Like write a country-western song. I haven’t written any music or lyrics, but I do have a theme. My girlfriend is leaving me for another guy. What else? I’ve also got a title. I’m going to call it “I kissed her sweet lips and left her bee-hind for you.”

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A real old timer who grew up in Tennessee during the Great Depression is about to take his first plane ride. Now this old timer lives in moonshine country and always carries a flask of it in his back pocket.

Growing business

When the TSA agent discovers it, he holds it up and asks, “What might this be?”

He replied, “Business is so good in this town that I decided to open a branch office.”

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

The other day I noticed a panhandler on one of the corners with a hat in each hand asking for money.

“Why two hats?” I asked.

NOVEMBER 2015

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

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A klutz’s first day of hunting season Submitted by Ralph Bickel

2 a.m. Alarm clock rings. I hit the snooze button.

3 a.m. Hunting partners arrive and drag me out of bed. We throw everything in pickup.

3:30 a.m. Leave for the deep woods, and beautiful backcountry and mountains.

5 a.m. Furiously drive back home alone to pick up my gun and license. Drive like mad to get back before daylight.

6:30 a.m. Set up my camp.

7 a.m. Head into the deep woods.

Spot eight elk moving toward me. Now within range.

7:37 a.m. Take careful aim at lead bull, hold breath and gently squeeze trigger.

Click!

7:38 a.m. Frantically load gun while watching trophy bull and seven elk go over the hill.

9 a.m. Head back to camp for coffee break.

10 a.m. Still looking for camp. Realize I don’t know where camp is.

11:58 a.m. Fire three shots, the signal for help. Notice wild berries. Eat wild berries.

12:05 p.m. Fire three more shots. Run out of shells. Eight elk come back.

12:45 p.m. Strange feeling in stomach.

Realize I must have eaten poisonous berries.

1:35 p.m. Rescued! They rush me to nearest hospital to get stomach pumped.

3:30 p.m. Arrive back in camp. Leave camp to go after elk again.

3:50 p.m. Return back to camp for shells. Load gun. Leave camp again.

4:30 p.m. Empty gun on squirrel that is bugging me. Miss every shot.

5 p.m. Arrive back in camp. See eight elk grazing right near camp.

5:01 p.m. Load gun. Fire gun.

One dead pickup.

5:35 p.m. Hunting partners arrive back in camp, both dragging elk.

5:36 p.m. Repress desire to shoot hunting partners. Stumble and fall into campfire.

6 p.m. Change clothes. Throw burned ones into campfire.

6:05 p.m. Take pickup, leave hunting partners and elk in camp. Pickup boils over because of the hole in the radiator.

6:16 p.m. Start walking. Stumble and fall and drop gun in mud.

6:25 p.m. Meet bear! Take aim. Fire gun. Blow up barrel plugged with mud.

6:26 p.m. Run fast, run very fast! Climb nearest tree, bear climbs…bear climbs higher…and returns to the ground.

6:29 p.m. Bear circles the bottom of the tree.

7:30 p.m. Holler loudly for hunting partners.

9:38 p.m. Bear leaves.

9:46 p.m. Cautiously climb down tree.

10:18 p.m. Hitchhike a ride with farmer into town.

11:49 p.m. Home at last.

Noon the next day. Watch football game on TV, slowly tearing up hunting license into small pieces. Place pieces in envelope and mail it to local fish and wildlife department with detailed instructions on what to do with it. ■

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

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For more information on all our programs and amenities please visit our web site at www.cityofdelta.net or call 874-0923

 Basketball Gymnasium  Aerobic Classes  Water & Fitness Classes  Silver Sneaker Classes  Racquetball Courts  Weight & Cardio Rooms  Pickleball Leagues  Tot Pool  25 yd. (6) lane Pool & Sauna  Warm Water Wellness Pool & Lazy River

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SALUTE TO VETERANS

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NOVEMB

Regardless of whether or not he or she saw war, a veteran is someone who at one time wrote a check to the United States of America in the amount of up to, and including my life.”

It’s hard to give more than that.

Indeed, some veterans gave all, but all veterans have given some of themselves to protect our freedom.

Life was cheap there

By Kevin K. VanGundy

M

any refer to the Korean conflict as the “forgotten war,” which is certainly a misnomer. From the U.S. point of view, we never declared war on North Korea—instead we declared it a “policing action” in support of the United Nations. But it was one hell of a police action leading to the deaths of over 33,000 U.S. soldiers in just

three short bloody years. How do you forget that?

“Life was cheap there. It didn’t amount to anything,” said Dean Van Gundy.

At 17 years young, Van Gundy enlisted with the Unites States Marine Corp. After basic training and his 18th birthday Van Gundy was sent to fight at the 38th Parallel.

“Our lieutenant instructed us to make contact with the enemy,” he recalled, “and we did. His throat was ripped out by a piece of shrapnel. He died right there.”

Van Gundy earned his first Purple Heart in early October of 1951.

Mostly recovered from his flesh wound, he was reassigned the slightly less risky job of guarding a base.

His new job proved much safer until the base came under fire in a surprise attack. Hit by shrapnel from a grenade, he awoke from a concussion to find the man next to him dead and himself paralyzed from his lower back down. He chuckled to lighten the mood. “They didn’t like me over there. I lucked out,” he said. “I got wounded twice and got out of there.”

From the front lines, he was sent to recover at a hospital in Japan. There, he was pinned with his second Purple Heart.

More impressive was his near full recovery. His paralysis faded and he regained full use of his legs.

Eventually shipped home, Van Gundy finished his time in the military as a supply sergeant. Given an honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to his hometown of Grand Junction.

He briefly attended Mesa College, married, raised a family and worked at the family’s salvage yard. Today he spends most of his time at the VA Hospital in Grand Junction. Speaking of which, he has nothing but praise for the staff of the local facility.

“It’s the best,” he said. “It’s better than either of the VA’s hospitals in Denver or Salt Lake City.”

One more thing he added: “I’m proud of defending my country.” ■

Van Gundy, second from left, spends time at the VA Hospital with his daughters Jana and Cindy and his brother, Eldon

In a note home to his mother Veta, Van Gundy wrote, “Arrived just in time to save the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”

BER 2015

SALUTE TO VETERANS 13

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VETERANS

RESOURCES Veterans Organizations American Legion, Post 73..............................................................................417-2804 Delta County Veterans Services.....................................................................641-7919 Montrose County Veterans Services..............................................................249-2115 VA Caregiver Support............................................................................. 855-260-3274 VA Community Clinic......................................................................................249-7791 VA Medical Center.........................................................................................242-0731 Veterans Service Officer, Montrose...............................................................252-5000 Vocational Rehabilitation...............................................................................249-4468 Warrior Resource Center, Welcome Home Montrose.....................................765-2210 November 5 Eagle Head Cane presentations Beautiful eagle head canes created by Black Canyon Wood Carvers and Wood Workers Guild of Western Colorado are presented to veterans at 1 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose.

The presentations are open to the public.

November 11 Veteran’s Day Assembly Montrose High School hosts a special Veterans Day Assembly at 9:50 a.m. in the Lloyd McMillan Gym. The public is welcome to attend. There will be special performances by the MHS band, choir, JROTC drill team and more. For more information, call 249-6636.

November 11 Veterans Pancake Breakfast Veterans and their family members are invited to a special pancake breakfast, complete with bacon and sausage, from 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Montrose Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Drive. Veterans are admitted for free, but must show proof of service. Family members who attend will be charged $1.50.

For details, call 249-4852.

Foreign Wars or the American Legion. The ID should be presented at the parking gate.

WARRIOR RESOURCE CENTER EVENTS FOR VETERANS The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans this month. Most events are free to veterans and their spouses. 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.

• Mondays and Wednesdays: Traveling Gym (3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.)

• Tuesdays: Tae Kwon Do (5 p.m.-6 p.m.) and Tai Chi (6 p.m.-7:15 p.m.)

• Thursdays: Veterans Coffee & Social (8 a.m.-10 a.m.), Veterans PTSD Support Group (10:30 a.m. to noon) and Tae Kwon Do (5 p.m.-6 p.m.)

• Fridays: Wives of Warriors Support Group (2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.) and Music Jam Session (6 p.m.-9 p.m. and open to the community.)

November 11 Free entrance to National Parks In honor of Veterans Day, the National Park Service waives fees for the public to enter National Parks.

November 11 Free entrance to Colorado State Parks Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers all military men and women free admission to Colorado’s State Parks on Veterans Day. To obtain free admission, veterans, active duty military personnel and their families must show a valid active, discharge papers, DD214, reserve or retired military ID card, or an ID card from a Veterans Administration, Veterans of

WE HONOR THOSE WHO SERVE. SOURCEGAS SALUTES ALL OF OUR VETERANS.

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14

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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NOVEMBER 2015

Crossword Puzzle

st or y From your store to our

Donate

to Heirlooms today.

Heirlooms welcomes home furnishings, clothing, shoes, jewelry, antiques and kitchen accessories. We honor the generosity of our donors – your treasures become our Heirlooms.

435 E. Main Street, Montrose • (970) 252-3648 521 Main Street, Delta • (970) 874-5251 635 Main Street, Grand Junction • (970) 254-8556 Monday – Saturday • 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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Across 1 Clock radio switch 5 Fingerprint features 11 Something to shoot for 14 “Doctor Zhivago” role 15 Feudal ­tribute 16 Season 17 Detonator 19 Ball of fire 20 Group of royals ending with Queen Anne 21 Israeli ­parliament 23 Conk out 24 Coup d’___ 25 Portable grill 29 Nativity tableaux 32 Honest politician 33 Seoul food place 35 Butler of fiction 36 Stupid ___ stupid does 38 Namely 40 1995 Cage co-star 41 Mortise mate 43 Babes of Baja 45 Fleet VIP 46 Fettered 48 Homes of the rich and famous 50 “Do I dare to ___ peach?” (Eliot) 51 Capote, on Broadway 52 Divides up 55 Typically 59 Eureka!

60 Pipe down 62 Place for ale 63 Place to park an ark 64 Falling-out 65 Wallflowery 66 Cheapen 67 “_____ girl!”

Down 1 They’re in a clergyman’s closet 2 Fountain favorite 3 “Haus” wife 4 Zealots’ last stand site 5 More than sizzling 6 Coop group 7 E-mail address ending 8 One of Ozzie’s boys 9 Temporary vehicle 10 Heavenly gatekeeper 11 Raise funds 12 Flu ­symptom 13 Give ­quarters to 18 Halloween option 22 German Meister­singer 25 Columbus landed here in 1492 26 “Ghosts” playwright

27 Stuffed favorite 28 Oscar ­winner for “Reversal of Fortune” 29 “Educating Rita” star 30 Pianist’s exercise 31 Arrests 34 Woolly mama 37 Bashful birds of the marsh 39 Lab 42 Memo writer’s need 44 Precious instrument, for short 47 Earth ­mother 49 Night light show 52 Duped group 53 Nope 54 Guesstimate 55 Sad to say 56 College credit 57 Jack-up 58 James or Kett 61 First name in college football coaching

NOVEMBER 2015

FAITH MOVES 15

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Montrose UMC makes a joyful noise

By Erica White

M

usic and worship truly go together at Montrose United Methodist Church, where making a “joyful noise unto the Lord” is taken seriously. During worship, music is one of the main ways God is praised at church.

“Music is such an important part of worship because it adds spontaneity to worship and is a wonderful way to praise God,” Music Director Kelly Thompson said.

Members of the church and its music groups demonstrate their love for God with several styles of music performed throughout the three worship services offered on Sunday mornings. There are two choirs, a handbell choir, two teams that provide more contemporary music and a children’s choir.

“Some people love music so much they sing or play in multiple groups on Sunday,” Thompson said.

Thompson has a long relationship with church music. He started playing the piano at age 7 and started playing at church at age 12, where his father was a pastor. Thompson started playing the piano at Montrose United Methodist Church in 2000,

and became the director of music in 2010.

“We are abundantly blessed with musicians,” Thompson said.

Laurie Ranum is the church’s regular pianist and Connie Stoutt is the church organist. On any given Sunday, between 30 and 35 people are involved in providing the music for worship.

Sunday worship at Montrose United Methodist Church takes place at 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

The early service tends to have a more blended musical style and the mid-morning service is more contemporary. The later service provides traditional worship music.

Taize, a contemplative worship service, also takes place at 7 p.m. on the first Thursdays of each month.

The annual Lessons and Carols concert takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, December 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday, December 6, and is open to the public.

Come join us in praise and worship! Montrose United Methodist Church is located at 19 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. For more information, visit www.montroseumc.org or call 249-3716. ■

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

970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org

On any given Sunday, 30-35 people are involved with providing music for worship.

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MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

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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 November 14, music will be provided by Country Plus. On November 28, music will be provided by Knuckleheads. Admission is $5 per person. Call 252-7172.

Tuesdays at the First Church of Christ, 1102 Howard St. in Delta.

Call 399-3674.

• Vestafjell Lodge of the Sons of Norway will celebrate Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. November 8 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road in Grand Junction. Elections for 2016 officers and a ceremony to honor our veterans will take place. Charles Barth will also tell us about his recent fishing trip to Iceland and Norway. Please bring a generous side dish, salad, or dessert, and a canned food item for Community Food Bank boxes.

To RSVP, call 245-5649.

• Black Canyon Audubon Society members are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational activities. For dates and times of meetings, call 249-6761, ext. 14.

• 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 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142.

• Black Canyon Camera Club meets monthly at noon on the second

• 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.

• 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 meets monthly at 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 5964252. They dance Main Stream and Plus and welcome visitors.

• Alpine Photography Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Montrose. For more information, email alpinephotoclub@aol.com

NOVEMBER 2015

• Delta Hubwheelers dance at 7:15 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month at Bill Heddles Recreation Center’s Aerobics Room. All dances are mainstream with plus tips and one round dance between tips. Potluck dinners start at 6 p.m. Rerounds/ instructions begin at 6:30 p.m.

Upcoming meetings will be November 7 (Mainstream and plus and ’50s dance and food drive) and November 21 (Dark - Turkey Tromp). Call 856-3735 for details.

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

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

• Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer meal delivery drivers in Delta.

It takes about an hour to deliver three or four meals to a homebound senior.

Call 835-8028.

• Volunteers of America seeks volunteers for a variety of positions in Montrose and Delta counties.

Volunteers can assist with resident outings, events or fundraisers, delivering meals or light office work.

Custom Engraved:

Home appointments available

• Headstones • Stone Signs • Address Rocks • Sandblasting • River Rocks • Gifts & More

970-323-6658

Please call for an appointment

www.facebook.com/ MorrisMonument

morrismonument.com

1630 South Main Street, Delta

Life’s Legacy in Stone

NOVEMBER 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 17

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VOA also accepts donations of books, craft supplies, nail polish, plants, quilts, music devices, headphones, iTunes gift cards and more.

Call 1-844-VOA-4YOU. SUPPORT GROUPS • 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 at 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays and third Thursdays of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose.

P R E M I E R

The meetings are structured to be an all-inclusive group for caregivers who care for someone with dementia, or any disability or illness. For details and to register, call 249-2436, ext. 203.

970-249-7838

• Alzheimer-Dementia Support Group meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Thursdays at Valley Manor Care Center, 1401 S. Cascade in Montrose.

For details, call 249-9634.

MagicCirclePlayers.com Production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s

• 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 in Montrose and in Eckert. For details, call 252-3118.

A Musical Based on the Stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film

• Kinship Connections for Kids meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose. This group is structured for persons raising children that are not their own. For details, call 765-3127. ■

Cameron Mackintosh

S E N I O R

Original Music and Lyrics by

Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman Book by

Julian Fellowes New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe Co-Created by

Evenings Performances - 7:30 PM

November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28

Sunday Matinées - 2 PM November 8, 15 & 22

purchase tickets online at MagicCirclePlayers.com Available to the Public Oct. 23rd

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Delta/Montrose Calendar NOVEMBER 6 & 7 Women’s Club Hobby & Craft Bazaar Shop for holiday gifts and more at the Montrose Women’s Club annual Hobby & Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is free. Enter for chances to win door prizes. For more information, call 275-3336.

serve their local community by preparing and selling freshly made, healthy meals, with the profit going to local causes.

When possible, the ingredients for the meals are provided by local producers and businesses. The Kids’ Pasta Project provides the opportunity to learn the value of service to community as well as relevant life skills. To reserve your seat and for details, call 985-9200.

NOVEMBER 7 Altrusa Autumn Affair The Altrusa Autumn Affair will be from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. in the Lark & Sparrow Historic Venue, 511 E. Main St. in Montrose. The evening will feature live jazz

by The House Blend, delicious appetizers and desserts catered by The Bistro, and a silent auction with a fun twist.

Along with gift baskets and centerpieces, the auction will include two special collections of gift cards and gift certificates from local merchants for a wide range of goods and services. Altrusa Clubs develop and fund specific service projects to meet community needs and are recognized internationally for their significant contributions. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at Fabula, 317 E. Main, or online at www.altrusa. bpt.me

NOVEMBER 12 AARP SMART Driver Safety Course (Montrose) Montrose County Health and Human Services will host the AARP SMART Driver Safety Program from 8:30 a.m.1 p.m. at 1845 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required.

For more information and to register call 249-2436, ext. 203.

NOVEMBER 9 Nordic Council Kids Pasta Project Come join the Kids Pasta Project as they prepare and serve a homemade dinner to help raise money for the Grand Mesa Nordic Council from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at 39126 CO-133 in Hotchkiss. The mission of the Kids’ Pasta Project is for youth to

NOVEMBER 14 Grand Vin Wine Tasting & Auction The Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia is proud to host the third annual Grand Vin Wine Tasting & Auction from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Blue Sage Curtis Hall, 226 Grand Ave. in Paonia.

Modeled after the annual wine auction in Beaune, France for the benefit of the Hospices de Beaune, this event benefits the West Elks AVA and the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. Guests will be presented with over 20 different wines and hard ciders to taste and will be given the opportunity to purchase case lots of

OPEN DAILY

Friday & Saturday: 11:00am to 11:00pm Sunday - Thursday: 11:00am to 10:00 pm

Happy Hour - 3pm to 6pm... Every Day

Domestic Draft 16oz $2.00 Mexican Draft 16oz $2.50 House Margarita $3.00 Appetizers 1/2 price 3pm 5pm Monday - Domestic -16 oz $2.00 All Day Monday - Domestic Draft Draft -16 oz $2.00 All Day House Margarita TuesdayTuesday - House -Margarita $3.00 all$3.00 day all day Wednesday-Thursday - Well $3.00 Drinksall$3.00 Wednesday-Thursday - Well Drinks day all day

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Montrose, CO

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NOVEMBER 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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the wines and ciders at live auction. All guests will receive a free souvenir glass engraved with the date and name of the event. Admission is limited. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door, and can be purchased at the Blue Sage Gallery at 226 Grand Ave., online at www. bluesage.org, or by calling 527-7243.

NOVEMBER 14 Down Home Country Bazaar The Down Home Country Bazaar, sponsored by the Montrose United Methodist Women, will be at 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at 19 S. Park Ave. in Montrose. The coffee shop will be serving all day and the delicious hot lunch will be served from 11 a.m.1 p.m. for $5. There will be tables of

wonderful crafts, plus the great bargains in Granny’s Attic. The Bake Shoppe will also have homemade goodies. Fresh pecans will be available for sale. For more information, call 240-3616.

NOVEMBER 21 Colorado Adventure Sweet Adelines style The Del-Rose Chorus of Sweet Adelines International presents their annual show “Colorado Adventure: Sweet Adelines style” at 3 p.m. at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road. An afterglow reception will follow the show. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

Children 6 and under are free. For details call 256-9763.

NOVEMBER 21 San Juan Weaver’s Show and Sale San Juan Weaver’s Guild annual Show and Sale will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. The show will have exhibits, items for sale, and educational opportunities to learn to weave and spin. For details, call 249-2981.

NOVEMBER 21 A Night to Honor Israel Praise Him Ministries presents “A Night to Honor Israel” at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. This free meeting is held in association with Christians United for Israel. For more information, call 626-3140.

NOVEMBER 28 Art Partners Chili Bowl Fundraiser The eighth annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser to benefit Art Partners will be hosted by the Lark & Sparrow Historic Venue, 511 E. Main, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Purchase a bottomless bowl of chili and the handmade/hand-painted bowl is yours to keep. Bowls start at $15. Enjoy art and endless chili donated by local restaurants and chefs, while also supporting Art Partners. Vote for your favorite.

Paint a bowl at Amazing Glaze, 219 E. Main St. by November 21 to donate to the fundraiser and you will receive a 15 percent discount. For more information, call 249-1116. ■

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NOVEMBER 2015

Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits 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.

Trust is knowing someone is there to catch your fall.

It’s knowing someone will be there when you need a shoulder to cry on.

It’s knowing a promise made is a promise kept. Trust is something we earn everyday.

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

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E L A S S S E N I S BU F TO U O G IN Come in or Visit our website O G to see available units and prices.

4088 N. Townsend Ave. Montrose, CO 81401 970-240-8503 www.ColoradoRVRanch.com Tues - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat 9am-5pm

• November 9, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. “Understanding long-term care planning: Avoid being underprepared and overwhelmed.” Learn about payment sources including private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more.

• November 17, noon to 1 p.m. “Hospice and Palliative Care Options.”

When do you start palliative care?

When do you start looking at hospice options? Who pays for what? What does palliative and hospice cover? Don’t wait to find out what your options are.

“Mary Poppins” at Magic Circle Theatre Magic Circle Players brings the magic of “Mary Poppins” to the theatre stage, with its infectious songs fueled by dazzling choreography. The Magic Circle stage will be awash in color, light and spectacle. The show opens at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 6 at Magic Circle Theater, 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose.

The show will continue at 7:30 p.m. on November 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 and at 2 p.m. on November 8, 15 and 22. Purchase tickets online at www. magiccircleplayers.com or call 249-7838.

Free Medicare help Now is the time to enroll in or switch Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

and Medicare Advantage Plans during Medicare Open Enrollment October 15 through December 7. Certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors provide free help with your Medicare questions or problems.

The local location at the Region 10 offices at 300 N. Cascade in Montrose serves Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, San Miguel and Ouray counties.

SHIP counselors are at 147 Fourth St. in Delta on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Call 765-3132 with questions and to make an appointment at either location.

MMH staff honored at annual Fall Clinics The medical staff of Montrose Memorial Hospital honored general and vascular surgeon Dr. K. Michael Jay, and community leaders Don Gladwell and Nancy Hoganson at this year’s 44th annual Fall Clinics. Dr. Jay was recognized for bringing many firsts to the surgical services and trauma programs at MMH and for the excellent care he has provided to many people in the Montrose community. Gladwell served on City Council, MMH Board of Directors, MADA and more. He and his wife are actively involved in the Hearing Loss Association of America and are Cochlear Americas volunteers. Nancy Hoganson was recognized for her leadership at HopeWest Colorado.

Gabrielle Louise in concert Musician, songwriter and storyteller Gabrielle Louise will stop in Montrose and Paonia on her current tour. She will

NOVEMBER 2015

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

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perform at The Lark & Sparrow Venue, 511 E. Main in Montrose at 7:30 p.m.

November 14, and at Fresh n’ Wyld Farmhouse, 1978 Harding Road in Paonia at 7 p.m. November 15. She will be accompanied by David Kaye on dobro, mandolin and guitar. For the Montrose show, tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. For the Paonia show, seating is limited and tickets are $25, which includes a dessert plate, coffee and tea. Paonia show tickets can be purchased at Backcountry Bistro, The Rose in Hotchkiss or online at www. gabriellelouise.com.

MMH recognized as five-star hospital For the fourth year in a row, Montrose Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a top-ranked Community Value Provider by Cleverley + Associates.

Cleverly + Associates, a leading health care financial consulting firm specializing in operational benchmarking and performance enhancement strategies, released the findings as part of its new publication: “The State of the Hospi-

tal Industry – 2015 Edition.” Only two hospitals in the state of Colorado were honored with this award. According to Cleverley + Associates, issues of pricing and community benefit have been well publicized but little has been offered to measure the broad scope of value.

In response, the Community Value Index (CVI) was created to provide an assessment of a hospital’s performance in four areas: financial strength and reinvestment, cost of care, pricing and quality of care. While a large number of hospitals may perform well in one or two of the cores areas of the CVI, MMH achieved strong performance in each of the four areas, which ranks them in the top 20 percent of hospitals nationwide.

What’s your plan when you have a long-term event?

Who will care for you and how will you pay for it?

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

970-765-5029

Scharee Atchison

Tax volunteers needed AARP Tax Aide seeks volunteer tax preparers for the Delta and Cedaredge sites during tax season. Volunteers work six to 10 hours a week from February through April 15, 2016. Training will be provided. Call 856-3007. ■

satchison@pnwis.com

719-640-1300

Western Slope LTC Solutions Home Care Beyond the Expected

PARKWAY Our prices will help youDENTAL smile Single Crown ........................................................ $525

Complete Denture ...................................... (plate) $425

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

Complete Dentures ........................................ (set) $850 Implant & Crown .................................. starting at $1500 Implants to Hold Denture .......................... (arch) $1200

Dr. Brian Hanson, DDS 970.208.8046 • www.smilehelper.com • 1300 N. 7th Street #3

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

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

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

(970) 208-1345 • HilltopHomeCareGJ.org

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The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us.

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writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

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NOVEMBER 2015

HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

WANTED TO BUY ISO Roadtrek Camper 190 Series or comparable rig. Good condition.

Low mileage. 901-9576.

WORK WANTED PERSONAL ASSISTANT Mature, compassionate, college degree, sense of humor. Proficient in organizing, bookkeeping, writing, driving, errands, meal planning and preparation, house keeping, gardening, listening. Montrose area. $15/hour. Marie 210-2590.

Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel

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Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

www.pascosw.com

ASSISTED LIVING VACANCY MONUMENT ASSISTED LIVING 2194 McKinley Drive, Beautiful 8-bed home in the Redlands currently accepting private pay client.

Call Valerie at 970-618-0636.

Monday-Friday 10:30 - 5:30 PM Saturday 10:30-4:00 PM

FOR SALE Gently used Rally Mobility Scooter New batteries. Detailed and in excellent condition. $1,150 OBO; also lift is available for $150.

Call 249-8802.

25 N. Willerup Avenue | Montrose

970-249-0866

www.DivineFishandMeat.com

To advertise please call Sherry Harmon at 243-8829

NOVEMBER 2015

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

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Waste causes want

By Jerry L. Ginther

P

ain and poverty are always products of war. Daily necessities are in short supply or nonexistent. Hunger and disease are often constant companions during and in the aftermath. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is sometimes unseen for years. These were the realities often reflected in the stories we hear and read about in the accounts of our ancestors.

My grandparents on both sides of the family were born 20 to 30 years after the Civil War. They lived through two world wars, the Great Depression and the Korean War, but what they talked about the most was surviving the Depression years.

My parents were both born shortly after the turn of the century, my dad in 1904 and mother in 1910. They, too, remembered the struggles of those infamous years. Their accounts of those hard times helped me appreciate how those struggles affected their lives going forward. The lessons they learned about thrift and survival were so arduous that they continued to practice and teach them to their children and grandchildren even when times were much improved.

Today, I’m thankful for the lessons that my grandmother, and others of that era, tried to impart to my generation.

After World War II, improvements in the infrastructure started to appear in our little town. As a second grader, I remember watching as city crews cut deep trenches in the intersecting streets in front of my grandparents’ home to lay gas mains. Another trench was dug from the new gas main to the west side of Grandma’s house where a gas meter was installed. Then new appliances began to appear in the old house.

About that same time water was hooked up to the house and indoor plumbing became a reality. Prior to gas and water being piped to the house, water had to be heated on a coal-fired, cook stove in the kitchen.

In summer or winter a fire had to be

built in that stove for cooking meals, making coffee or heating water to do laundry. On Monday morning, a big brass boiler was placed on the stove and filled with water for the old Maytag wringer washer.

Other new appliances were quickly added. However, the Maytag and the cook stove remained, as well as the coal stove in the living room. Their thinking was that you just never know when the gas would go off like the electricity did and you would need to build a fire.

Finally, they removed the heating stove from the living room after installing a gas furnace in the basement. Then a funny thing happened.

The first time the electricity went off, the thermostat for the furnace ceased to work and Grandma was quick to say, “I knew it would happen. I told you we should never have gotten rid of the stove.”

Of course, she didn’t realize that the gas supply had not failed, and that it was the electricity that had failed again.

Earlier I mentioned the lessons learned by the folks who went through the years of the Depression and how it affected the rest of their lives philosophically. Waste, no matter how small was not tolerated.

Grandma was still boiling her coffee grounds twice in the ’50s and scolding her grandchildren for not drinking all of their milk.

“Waste causes want,” she told us.

She, and many others of her day, never fully recovered from those harsh years and continued to live as though they were near penniless even when times were much better. I suspect that no matter where the children of pre-World War II parents lived, they, likewise, heard the same stories and were taught the consequences of being wasteful. ■

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