JUNE 2016
Vol. 30 No. 6
Montrose & Delta Counties’ Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 13,650 Readers.
FREEE IN S ID
SEARCH & RESCUE saves lives
Photo courtesy of Delta County Search & Rescue
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SEAFOOD EXPERIENCES TO SHARE SINCE 1957
JUNE 2016
EDITORIAL
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America’s best idea By Kevin K. VanGundy
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n this month’s travel insert we are celebrating what some say is America’s best idea: our national parks system. The idea, in 1872, that a country, United States of America, would set aside a portion of land, Yellowstone National Park, for the recreation of its citizens was unheard of. And while some time passed before President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service in 1916, that great vision of preserving and protecting our nation’s natural wonders has blossomed these past 100 years and has been emulated around the world.
A parks passport No, you don’t need an actual passport to visit the parks, but the next time you do, you may wish to pick up this official souvenir. Right now, the 2016 National Park Service Centennial Edition Passport is available for purchase. Inside are designated spots for each of the national parks to “stamp” or “cancel” your passport when you visit them. I bought my passport when I recently visited several national parks in Puerto Rico. I am excited at the prospects of filling the book as I visit each new park. There’s also a map and other relevant park information.
From pickleball to bocce ball, swimming to billiards, track to pinochle, and dance to golf, the Western Colorado Senior Games has a competitive event for you. Next month, the BEACON will publish a complete schedule of events and registration form for this growing senior event. The registration fee is nominal and it’s great fun for anyone over 50 years old. Area businesses are encouraged to help sponsor this City of Grand Junction Parks and Recreation event, and to advertise in the July BEACON’s Senior Games insert. Please show your support for our boomer and senior community and call us at 243-8829.
August is our popular pets issue Readers agree that August’s BEACON, which focuses on pets and their people, is our most popular issue of the year. This year we hope to make this issue bigger and better with more photos of you and your pets. Please send your photos to us by July 15 to Beacon@Pendant Publishing.com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502. ■
Send us photos of you and your pets!
Senior Law Day If you need legal advice on issues that pertain to seniors then you’ll want to attend Senior Law Day on June 17 at Two Rivers Convention Center. Spearheaded by Dave Norman with the Area Agency on Aging and Laurie Freeborn with Colorado Legal Services, this one-day event
Learn about Estate Planning at our Free Educational Workshops!
features a variety of speakers, seminars and lunch. Turn to the center spread of this month’s BEACON for more details.
Got game?
Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Tax Planning Attorneys
Why There Is No Such Thing as a Simple Will: The Basics of Estate Planning
Montrose: June 13th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. v Delta: June 20th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Later Time! Grand Junction: June 28th, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
At this free workshop, learn the basics about will and trust estate plans and common issues that can make what seems simple, complicated. We’ll also discuss how these documents can be used with powers of attorney to ensure your wishes are followed and your specific goals accomplished. Sign up today! SPECIAL PROGRAM!
“Communication Strategies” - (Program 2 of 3)
Grand Junction: June 23rd, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. - This special program
presented by Tracy Waite, the administrator from Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. At this program, Tracy will discuss non-verbal and verbal communication forms and how they occur, and their importance in dealing with someone with dementia. Don’t miss out on this series!
Registration is Required: Grand Junction workshops (our office) - 1250 E. Sherwood Dr.
Montrose - Region 10 Area Agency on Aging - 300 N. Cascade. Delta workshops 1501 E. 3rd St. in the Mesa Lakes (Oncology Center) at Delta Hospital. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website at: www.brownandbrownpc.com Don’t forget to look for us at Senior Law Day on June 17th! Jamie & Shauna will be speaking!
Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1317 Grand Ave., Suite 224B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Baird B. Brown u Clara Brown Shaffer u Jamie J. Roth u Paul M. Smith u Shauna C. Clemmer
Generosity
in Action
“It’s always been my goal to leave people feeling better than they do at the beginning of our visit. If I can hold a hand or just be present, I’ve done my job. Compassion and an open heart are all you need.” –Bonnie Ball, HopeWest Patient and Family Support Volunteer
Join our family of volunteers! Lexi Trottier loves Sunny the Bunny
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HopeWest has many opportunities available to fit your needs or busy schedule. Visit our website to explore the ways you can make a difference.
HopeWestCO.org
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COVER STORY
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JUNE 2016
Rules for
SURVIVAL (According to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse Outdoor Survival Guide found at www.mcspi.com)
To keep yourself alive in the wilderness, you must give thought to the possibility before the situation comes up. Survival is 80 percent attitude, 10 percent equipment and 10 percent skill and knowledge to use that equipment. 1) Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. If you change your general area, notify someone of that change. 2) Never go into a wilderness area by yourself. Unavoidable accidents do happen. 3) Wear proper clothing and take proper equipment. The weather can and will change. 4) If you do get lost or stranded, stay put. Search and rescue teams will find you if you have followed rule number 1. 5) Learn how to use a compass, take a map of the area and orient yourself before leaving camp. 6) Always carry a survival kit and know how to use it.
What should be included in a medical kit: • Lip balm • Moleskin • Antiseptic cream • Bandages (ace and square) • Pill container • Hand wipes • Water purification tablet • Personal medications • Blister pads • Tylenol • Kleenex • Surgical Gloves
Search and Rescue teams are always ready to help
Delta County Search & Rescue team
By Cheryl Hardy
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ntrepid search and rescue volunteers will climb over mountains, across rivers and travel through canyons in any kind of weather to answer the call for help. Many search and rescue teams across the country are made up entirely of volunteers. The need is great at all times of year for skilled outdoorsmen and women willing to risk their lives to find lost or injured hikers and hunters and bring them back home safely. The Delta County Search and Rescue team consists of about 20 volunteers who, at minimum, are trained in CPR and first aid, and know how to use a GPS. Kim Shea, commander of this group, coordinates operations and monthly trainings. She is supervised by Mark Taylor, the undersheriff of Delta County. She said the Delta County Search and Rescue team receives eight to 10 calls a year. “Our busiest time is hunting season,” she said. “We respond to calls that someone is missing or injured. Those include snowmobilers,
children and hunters. If a child is missing, you want as many eyes and ears as you can get, and as soon as possible. Everybody comes out, including the fire department and the sheriffs, and other law enforcement agencies.” In March, a 2-year-old was reported missing in the area. When the sheriff’s office received the call, a code red (a reverse 911) was sent to all residents. The search and rescue team gathered and Shea mapped out a plan for the search. In bright orange clothing, they went out, looking in outbuildings and crossing fences. “It took quite a few hours to find him,” she said. “He is autistic and could not respond to our calls.” The child was found by a neighbor and made it a mile or so away from where it was first noticed that he was missing. In some instances, rescuers incorporate 4-wheelers, all-terrain vehicles and air support, if needed. They yell and blow whistles and air horns and use sirens, hoping for a
response. Shea recalled the adrenaline as she shared another story about a call the team received three years ago. “We got a call at 3 a.m. that a man had a heart attack at a hunting camp,” she said. “We went in on horseback and 4-wheelers. There was quite a bit of snow. A helicopter was first sent out but the coordinates were wrong and they couldn’t find the camp. Then about noon, another helicopter went out with different coordinates and found them.” Shea and another woman, who is a nurse, picked up an oxygen tank and arrived a few hours later. “We got there about 3 p.m. He was a pretty big guy and was in bad shape,” Shea said. “There was so much to do and so much to think about. The adrenaline gets you there, but then you have to focus. We called for a helicopter and the cloud cover cleared just enough for them to land. He is still alive.” Unfortunately, the outcomes of some search and rescue missions are
JUNE 2016
COVER STORY
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not always optimistic. She related the story of a hunter that went missing a few years ago. The team searched for a week but didn’t find his body, which wasn’t far from his campsite, until the following spring. “People will say, ‘He wouldn’t go that way,’” Shea said. “We go along because they know the person. This guy did not meet a group at the appointed time so we got the call. This is when I learned not to go along with the advice of others. Just because it’s unlikely a person would go there doesn’t mean we shouldn’t search there. If a person is lost, injured, or gets hyperthermia, he may get confused.” The Montrose search and rescue team is better known as the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse. Posse members are highly trained and certified volunteers who attend monthly meetings and training sessions to develop and enhance skills in first aid, CPR, GPS navigation, firefighting, ice rescue, working with a helicopter landing zone and many others. Paul Gottlieb has been involved with the Montrose Sheriff’s Posse for 30 years. He said they get anywhere from 10 to 30 distress calls a year. Part of the team’s role is to assist with wildland firefighting. There are actually two posses in the area—one to cover the Naturita-Nucla side of the Uncompahgre Plateau and anoth-
er that covers the Black Canyon. “I don’t climb down and up Black Canyon anymore,” Gottlieb said. “I’m too old for that. I leave that to younger people. But I have other skills that help them do that as safely and efficiently as possible in any situation.” Although made up of volunteers, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse takes their jobs seriously. Like Shea’s team, Gottlieb said that outcomes of rescues are not always positive, but the team doesn’t let up when lives are on the line. Gottlieb said the weather is one of the biggest obstacles for the team when they are searching for someone. Almost no one gets lost or needs rescuing in nice weather. Sheriff’s posse members are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not only do these remarkable individuals give their time to help others, but many use their own vehicles and equipment to take with them on missions. The group doesn’t charge for rescue services, however, they depend greatly on donations of funds and equipment from the community. Just like
the sheriff’s posse will help the fire department with wildfires, other businesses and community organizations will pitch in to help them as well. “Sometimes we are at the mercy of renting a helicopter with a pilot, and sometimes the medical people will help,” Gottlieb said. County search and rescue teams are one great example of how the community works together to take care of its resources and citizens. If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, immediately call 911. If you’re interested in learning more about joining the Delta County Search and Rescue, call Shea at 275-1776. For the Montrose Sheriff’s Posse, email inquiries to info@ mcspi.org or call 252-4033. Remember: Donations for gear and training are welcome since services are free and volunteers purchase their own equipment. Call the numbers above for details. ■
Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse and local law enforcement conduct a search on Monitor Mesa.
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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 Social Media............................. Paige Slaughter Office Manager............................... Kim Latham Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner
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 2016 • All Rights Reserved
Cover Photo: Delta County Search and Rescue dispatch team members from a rescue helicopter. In some instances, search and rescue teams incorporate four-wheelers, all-terrain vehicles, air support and more.
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FEATURE STORY
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My big transition from educator to photographer By Joyce E. Corley
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or 30 years I was a dedicated teacher and school district staff developer. I loved being a teacher, but my biggest desire was to have the time to become an accomplished fine arts photographer. My job, as well as being a parent, was really demanding and only occasionally did I get the chance to exercise my photographic skills. Because my dad had been an excellent photographer, I assumed, incorrectly, that I had inherited the same talent. Not true! I took a leave of absence in order to seek a media credential in a post-graduate program. My media teacher at Cal-Poly, Pomona sent me to the Tri-Community School of Photography to pick up some needed basic photography skills. In terms of photography, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I loved the comprehensive curriculum offered there, as well as hob-knobbing on a daily basis with working photographers. They taught me so many invaluable skills! I successfully completed their program and I was prepared to be a professional photographer. Alas, I went
back to my school district to continue my career there. The second best thing to happen was moving to the beautiful environs of Montrose when we retired. I had planned to sub from time to time, but that never happened. I now had the time to pursue my photography ideas. I spent the first three years of my life here, exploring all the beautiful scenic wonders that surround the Western Slope. I have won some awards as a result, but mostly I really enjoy the friends I’ve made here who are part of the arts community. It’s not too late to transition into something you love. When I think of myself today, I truly think first that I am a photographer. ■
JUNE 2016
JUNE 2016
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HopeWest remembers Vicki Caldwell:
a giving volunteer full of love and southern charm By Dani Martin
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n 2013, Vicki Caldwell was voted Woman of the Year by the Ouray Woman’s Club. But to her husband, Steve, she was more than that—she was the most loving, gracious and beautiful woman he had ever met. Vicki was a giver, too. She made things happen for her community, helping HopeWest and many other nonprofits as a supporter, volunteer and advocate. Vicki’s kindness is still felt by families today. The Caldwells both lost parents while they were in the comforting care of Hope West. Vicki and a few local volunteers worked to create a hospice room at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose, where patients and family could gather in a comfortable place that looks and feels like home. “She loved to help,” Steve said. “There is a medical supply closet in Ouray that is in operation because of Vicki. It’s a place where people can donate used medical equipment and others can just check out what they need. She had a passion for her volunteer work.” A few years ago, Vicki began experiencing health problems. She continued her community involvement, but started to require her own level of care. Through her connections with HopeWest, Vicki was admitted to the palliative care program, which is designed for those coping with serious illness but don’t need hospice care. Steve was her constant companion and caregiver. Vicki was coping with a great deal of pain related to a degenerative back condition. When other health concerns progressed and she began to experience additional pain and symptoms, Vicki moved into hospice care for an even higher level of support. “HopeWest was just fantastic in ev-
Steve and Vicki Caldwell celebrated 37 years of marriage before she passed away. ery aspect,” Steve said. “Her caregivers were wonderfully compassionate and I simply can’t say enough about what they did for us. Dr. Marlin made house calls, and our nurses were so bright and knowledgeable. Vicki was able to maintain her quality of life as pain free as possible because of the care she received from HopeWest.” Even though Vicki knew she didn’t have much time left, that didn’t stop this vivacious woman from living out just a few more of her dreams. “She wanted to go on a second honeymoon to Napa Valley and San Francisco for our wedding anniversary,” Steve said. “We weren’t sure she could make it but she tried and she did. We went and it was amazing.” When they returned home, Vicki was granted another wish before she passed away—being with Steve on their 37th wedding anniversary. “With the help of HopeWest,” Steve said. “Vicki died with dignity, at peace and relatively pain free. I know that’s true and that’s all I could have ever asked for.” ■
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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
JUNE 2016
Walking for good
“Yesterday I walked 11 miles between the treadmill and yard work,” Verdahl said. Editor’s note: If you feel you’ve seen this story before, it’s because we are Verdahl injured her foot reprinting it from May’s Health & Wellness insert due to discrepancies with in 1998, while working as some of the facts and poor photo choice in last month’s story. We apologize a flagger on a construction to EJ Verdahl, the subject of the story, and our readers, but here’s a second site. opportunity to read about this amazing lady and her story. “My right foot and knee were severely injured,” she Throughout her home, Verdahl By Cheryl Hardy said. “My foot was run over surrounds herself with depictions of omething good is going to hapby the three axles of a lowpen to you today. E.J. (Erma Jane) soaring eagles in every art form imag- boy trailer that was being inable. “I have been collecting eagles pulled behind an 18-wheelVerdahl lives by that axiom. The for 42 years,” she explained, relating message is reinforced for her while er tractor. Consequently, my her fascination with the bird to the she listens to Joel Osteen on CD and walking was very limited scripture in the Bible: Isaiah 40:31. walks over six miles every day. and painful for some time.” At 69 years old, this tiny Colorado “At the end of every show, I am About five years ago, Vernative walks four miles before break- dahl was watching Dr. Oz blessed by Joel’s message,” said Verdahl. fast and she doesn’t stop there. and heard him say that in order to live a long, healthy life, one should walk at least 10,000 steps (4-1/2 miles) three times a week. “I decided to go for it,” Verdahl said. “At the same time, I knew I needed to make a firm commitment to this. I decided to walk seven days a week.” Verdahl said there were days she was tired and didn’t feel so great, or the weather was too hot or cold. “I soon realized that I needed a purpose to walk,” she said. “I decided to walk for a charity, in memory of Pearl Tiffany, a 98-year-old friend I had just lost.” Verdahl came across the website of Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry founded by Billy Graham’s son, Franklin Graham. “I knew Pearl would be pleased,” she said. Samaritan’s Purse has several ministries on the national and local levels, including drilling water wells in forElevate Fiber powered by DMEA will take you to a new level. Are you ready? eign countries, and feeding and clothElevate Fiber Elevate powered Fiber powered by DMEA bywill DMEA takewill youtake to a you newtolevel. a new Are level. you Are ready? you ready? ing the poor and homeless. Their ⊲ Introducing 100 Mbps and 1 Gig (1,000 Mbps) internet plans. Faster technology is on the way. Launching in phases across Delta Experience internet speedsand upMontrose to 1 counties, Gig (1,000 Mbps) Elevate Fiber will let you know when our ⊲ Introducing ⊲100 Introducing Mbps video and100 1 Gig Mbps (1,000 and Mbps) 1 Gig internet (1,000 plans. internet plans.technology Faster is on technology the way. is Launching on the way. in phases Launching across in phases Delta across Delta Southwest Regional Office serves all ⊲ Experience streaming through ROKU®Mbps) with apps likeFaster robust network available in homes and businesses in your area. Meeting ofis Elevate Members and Montrose and counties, Montrose counties, Fiber Elevate will let you Fiber know will when let youour know when our Amazon, Netflix and Hulu. at DMEA’s Annual ⊲ Experience ⊲video Experience streaming video through streaming ROKU® through with apps ROKU® likewith apps like Look for us first in Paonia, the Montrose Downtown Business robust network robust is available network in is homes available and in businesses homes and in businesses your area. in your area. of Colorado, including Arizona, New District, and Cobble Creek. Amazon, ⊲Netflix Amazon, and local Hulu. Netflix and Hulu. Unlimited and long distance calling plus advance June 16, 2016 | for4:30 pm pm the Look us first Look in Paonia, for-us8:00 first thein Montrose Paonia, Downtown Montrose Business Downtown Business Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. features in one voice package. District, and Cobble District,Creek. and Cobble Creek. ⊲ Unlimited local ⊲ Unlimited and longlocal distance and long calling distance plus advance calling plus advance Montrose County Friendship Hall | 1001 N 2nd St, Montrose, CO 81401 “Anywhere that there is a natural features in one features voice package. in one voice package. disaster Samaritan’s Purse is there,” Verdahl said. “They help rehabilitate Learn more and preregister at join.elevatefiber.com / our military personnel back into Learn moreLearn and preregister more and preregister at join.elevatefiber.com at join.elevatefiber.com / / civilian life after coming home from
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“My message is that I aspire to inspire before I expire.”
REACH REACH REACH NEW NEW NEW HEIGHTS HEIGHTS HEIGHTS
the war zones.” Before she started walking, Verdahl’s chiropractor told her that her right knee was a prime candidate for total knee replacement. “Now, thanks to God’s healing and lots of walking, my knee is doing fine,” she said. “In the last 5-1/2 years, I have walked over 11,000 miles. In 2015, I walked 2,605 miles.” Pointing at the shabby-looking shoes on her feet, Verdahl said, “These are Skechers shoes, and this pair has 3,000 miles on it.” She is hoping to get a sponsorship from Skechers to provide funds for Samaritan’s Purse. “My message is that I aspire to inspire before I expire,” she said, eyes twinkling. Connect with Verdahl by calling 216-9126 or email howdyhowdylady@ yahoo.com. She is also on Facebook. To donate to Samaritan’s Purse, visit www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ ejverdahl ■
JUNE 2016
ASK THE OLD BAG
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd
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Long Term Caring Resources A Whole Family Issue
By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I’m having trouble coping with my granddaughter and her female partner getting married. I finally coped with the fact that she was gay, and that took me awhile. The good advice from you helped! Now this. She plans to have a regular wedding and reception. I don’t want to go, but I don’t want to tell her mother (my daughter). Am I a coward or just old-fashioned? Do I have to go? Maybe I’ve lived too long! Signed, Coward Dear Coward: I understand how difficult it is to accept some of these new behaviors. Look at your options. Do you want to risk losing the love and respect of your daughter and granddaughter? How badly do you want to hang on to your cowardice? My readers may be tired of this, but again: Accept the things you cannot change. Change the things you can. Have the wisdom to know the difference between the two. OB Dear Old Bag: I got caught in a scam that I want to share with you so your readers don’t make the same mistake. I am 64 years old and retired, but was looking for a babysitting job to supplement my income. I signed up online with a reputable service, but I made one big mistake. Being the trusting person that I am, I put my phone number on my profile, so those looking for sitters could call me directly. I got a text message from a woman who was moving to my area and needed a sitter weekends only for her handicapped son. She had a very sad story about how her husband and two other children were killed in an auto accident the year before. We chatted for about three weeks, until we were about 10 days from her moving here. She sent pictures of herself and the boy. The week before she was to
move, she asked if I would receive an electric wheelchair for her, if she sent a check for it. She overnighted a check for $2,700. I took it to my bank and deposited it. When I got home I got to thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have deposited that check. What if it was a scam? I went to the Internet and found a scam identical to this. I quickly called my bank, and they said I would have to wait three days until it cleared. I then called the fraud division and told them what had happened. She said she would do what checking she could, and if she found that it was bad, she would not charge me for a returned check. I was very lucky. The bank also said that even though a check clears, it may take up to 10 days to show that it is a bad check. Tell all the trusting seniors. Signed, Scammed
Dear Scammed: You are lucky! I’m glad you had the presence of mind to have second thoughts about the validity of the transaction. I applaud your bank as well. Good advice for anyone transacting business, dating or romance online. Beware of scammers. They are coming out of the woodwork and they are especially fond of trusting seniors. Dear Old Bag: What is the proper etiquette for a guy who joined a dating site and is having coffee/lunches with several different women, but then he decides on a favorite one? Should he tell the rest that he is no longer available? I don’t want to lead them on. Signed, RJ Dear RJ: You say you don’t want to lead the others on? Then don’t. Very nicely tell them that the dating site worked for you, and you have found a special person. Wish them happy hunting! OB ■
Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email lagmancreswick@cox.net
VALUABLE RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY THROUGH LONG RECOVERIES, ILLNESSES OR JUST REMAINING INDEPENDENT AT HOME
At The Ridgway Community Center June 9 & June 16 • 3:00 - 4:30
Marilynn Huseby 28 Years Experience
These County and State resources and FHA HECM Mortgage programs are valuable tools to help enrich people’s lives. 970-252-1040 www.ColoradoRetirementServices.com
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LAUGHING MATTERS
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LAUGHING MATTERS A trip to Texas Submitted by Clay Greathouse
This is on one of those rare occasions when a Coloradan takes a trip to Texas. As this guy gets tired of the barren scenery, he decides to take a break at a motel with a restaurant. The waitress comes up and asks what he would like. He says he’d like a burger. The waitress warns him to keep in mind, “Everything is big in Texas.” And she wasn’t kidding—his burger is huge. So he asks for a beer to wash it down. Once again she warns, “Everything is big in Texas” and brings him a two-gallon beer, but he manages to eat and drink his meal. After this big meal, he is in need of a restroom and asks the waitress for directions. “Just go down that hall and make a left.” So he goes staggering down the hall after drinking that big beer and mistakenly makes a right, and he trips and falls into their swimming pool. So here is this poor Coloradan, after all he had experienced, treading water and yelling, “DON’T FLUSH! DON’T FLUSH!”
I wanted as a teenager, only 60 years later. I don’t have to go to school or work. I get an allowance (pensions). I have my own pad. I don’t have a curfew. I have a driver’s license (so far) and my own car. The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant. And I don’t have acne. Is life great or what?
Wine tasting Submitted by Theresia O’Cleary
I recently went on a wine tour here in the Grand Valley with some of my elderly friends. At this one winery, we had the opportunity to taste a wine they called pinot grigio, one called pinot noir and one called sauvignon blanc. Then the wine maker told us that they were coming out with a special wine designed specifically for us older folks because of our late night bathroom needs. They called it “Pinot More.”
A parable to meditate in our politically correct society Submitted by Angela
I’m a seenager Submitted by Susan Capps
I just figured it out. I am a seenager (senior teenager). I have everything that
An old man, a boy and a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey, and the old man walked. As they went along, they passed some
people who remarked, “What a shame, the old man is walking while the boy is riding.” The man and boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions. Later they passed some people who remarked, “What a shame, he makes that little boy walk.” So they decided they’d both walk. Soon they passed some more people who remarked, “They’re really stupid to walk when they have a decent donkey to ride.” So they both decided to ride the donkey. They passed some people who shamed them by saying, “How awful to put such a load on a poor donkey.” The boy and the man figured they were probably right, so they decide to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the donkey, and the donkey fell into the river and drowned. The moral of the story: If you try to please everyone, you might as well kiss your ass goodbye.
Tracker on the ground Submitted by Don Bendell
I am a seasoned citizen, a 69-year-old disabled Vietnam veteran living in the mountains of southern Colorado, and I have been privileged to acquire some skills as a tracker over the years. As a public service, I’ve gone out with
JUNE 2016
my horse in the mountains sometimes to track missing hikers, fugitives or animals. In 1998, three cop-killers shot several LEO officers and fled onto the giant Navajo reservation in the Four Corners area. I ended up down there working with the Navajo Tribal Police as a tracker, and for the task force commander FBI Special Agent Dot Graham, running down many leads. One day, a Navajo Tribal Police sergeant happened upon me lying face down in the middle of the road with my ear pressed firmly against the blacktop. The officer asked me what I was doing. I began to speak. “A woman, late 30s, three kids, one barking dog in a late model, green, four-door station wagon, traveling at 65 mph.” “That’s amazing!” exclaimed the NTP sergeant. “You can tell all of that just by listening to the ground?” “No,” I said. “They just ran over me five minutes ago.”
Meow Submitted by Ralph Bickel
A mother mouse and her baby were out for a stroll when a cat appeared. The mother mouse said, “WUFF! WUFF!” and the cat ran off. The mother mouse turned to her baby and said, “See why it pays to learn a foreign language?” ■
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LAW DAY JUNE 17, 2016
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Two Rivers Convention Center 159 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 Registration required
Call 2-1-1 or 970-244-8400 to register Registration WITH lunch and keynote address from Judge Valerie J. Robison ................ $10.00 Registration for sessions ONLY and NO lunch.........$5.00
Keynote Speaker: Judge Valerie J. Robison Memory and the Magic Pill
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12 Keynote Speaker: Judge Valerie J. Robison
Memory and the Magic Pill Judge Valerie Robison grew up in Colorado and received her law degree from the University of Denver in 1991. She was admitted to practice law in the State Courts of Colorado, United States District Court for the District of Colorado, United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Prior to her appointment to the bench in 2007, she served Mesa County as the chief assistant county attorney and as the interim director for the Mesa County Department of Human Services, where she worked closely with Adult Protective Services.
Shauna Clemmer Medicaid Planning: How to pay for long-term care Special needs trusts/ABLE Act: Planning for a disabled heir Shauna’s practice focuses primarily on estate planning, estate administration, probate, conservatorships/guardianships and special needs planning. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Penn State, Dickinson School of Law in 2006. Prior to joining Brown & Brown, PC, she worked as assistant counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation. She is a member of numerous associations and a member of HopeWest’s Planned Giving Council.
John Ahern Medicare 202: Tune-up John became interested in insurance issues as co-founder and president of Trihydro Corporation, a hazardous waste permitting and cleanup company. As he approached Medicare age, he visited the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) in Grand Junction to learn more about Medicare insurance options. Now he is a certified SHIP Medicare counselor and helps others navigate Medicare’s choppy seas.
Doug Larson Bankruptcy: Are you judgment proof? Doug graduated from Lewis & Clark/Northwestern College of Law in 1977. He has practiced bankruptcy law since then and has served as a Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee since 1986. He has represented consumer and business debtors in bankruptcy, as well as creditors and
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com other interested parties in the bankruptcy courts. He is a partner in Griff, Larson, Laiche & Wright.
Lloyd Quesenberry Wills & Trusts: You can’t take it with you (seminar repeats) Lloyd’s practice focuses on business transactions, real estate, oil and gas work, and wills and estates. He attended the University of Iowa College of Law, where he served as associate editor of the Iowa Law Review. He has practiced in Grand Junction for over 13 years. He is the current senior vice president for the Colorado Bar Association.
Annie Murphy
Probate & Personal Representatives: Learn the steps Annie is a partner at Dufford, Waldeck, Milburn & Krohn. She earned her law degree at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Her law practice is concentrated in the areas of leasing, real property, estate planning/probate, and civil litigation. She is a trial lawyer, but also assists clients outside of court with real property issues and disputes.
Barbara Butler Probate & Personal Representatives: Learn the steps Barbara is a partner at Dufford, Waldeck, Milburn & Krohn. She works on a variety of legal issues, including probate, civil litigation, real estate transactions, business formation and property taxation. She is an active member of the Mesa County Bar Association and serves on the boards of The Pro Bono Project, the Access to Justice Committee and KAFM.
Nanci Quintana
Emergency Disaster Preparedness Nanci is a 10-year member of the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response team at the Mesa County Health Department, providing services and trainings to 10 county public health departments in Western Colorado. She is the unit coordinator for the Mesa County Medical Reserve Corps and administrator of the West Region Healthcare Coalition.
Magistrate Stephanie Rubinstein
Grandparent Rights To Marry or Not to Marry? Stephanie is a current magistrate with the 21st Judicial District. She graduated from Drake University Law School and moved to Grand Junction in 1996 and
worked with Colorado Legal Services. She worked for the City of Grand Junction as a staff attorney for over four years and was in private practice for three years. She was appointed to magistrate in 2006.
Brian Burns POAs/Living Wills/MOST: Make your decisions now (seminar repeats) Brian received his law degree from the Charleston School of Law, where he served as an editor of the Charleston Law Review. He served a one-year clerkship with a justice on the Supreme Court of South Carolina, gaining exposure to many areas of the law. In 2016, he moved to Grand Junction, where he joined Rider & Quesenberry, LLC. Brian maintains a general transactional practice, with a focus on business matters, real estate, wills and trusts.
Dyann Walt POAs/Living Wills/MOST: Make your decisions now (seminar repeats) Dyann has been working in the human services field for 26 years. She is an adult services supervisor with the department of human services, primarily overseeing the Single Entry Point/Options for LongTerm Care programs. Dyann has been a member of the Advance Care Planning Task Force in Mesa County since its inception in 2003 and has been a part of the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment Task Force since 2010.
JUNE
Semi
PRESEN
Memory and the Magic Pill.....................
Medicaid Planning: How to pay for long-te
Medicare 202: Tune-up.............................
Bankruptcy: Are you judgment proof?........
Wills & Trusts: You can’t take it with you*...
Probate & Personal Representatives: Learn the steps...........................................
Emergency Disaster Preparedness.........
Grandparent Rights.................................
POAs/Living Wills/MOST: Make your decis
Titling Assets & Beneficiary Deeds: To g
Special needs trusts/ABLE Act: Planning for a disabled heir.........................
Elder Exploitation: Spotting the signs of ab
Guardian/Conservator 101: When is it nec
To Marry or Not to Marry? A discussion o to couple and become uncoupled................
Mobile Home Park Act: The lease that nev
Chris Mahre
Planning for Your Pets.............................
Titling Assets & Beneficiary Deeds: To gift or not to gift? Chris received a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law. In Washington, he serve as a deputy prosecuting attorney and was a candidate for district attorney and state representative. After operating his own practice, he moved to Grand Junction in 2001. He is a member of the Colorado and Mesa County Bar Associations, Colorado West Estate Planning Counsel, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, and Grand Junction Downtown Rotary Club.
What to Do When Someone Dies.............
Drew Moore Special needs trusts/ABLE Act: Planning for a disabled heir Drew graduated with his Juris Doctorate from Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1993. He was an advisor to the Ombudsman Title III program, working with Medicaid issues. Since being in private practice, his emphasis is in elder law issues, including planning for long-
Power Against Fraud...............................
What If There Is No Will? Colorado has wr
Aging In Place: Your home is your castle.... Mental Health First Aid: Can you spot the
Long-term Care Insurance & Annuities..
Hanging Up the Car Keys for Good..........
Veterans Benefits: What your country can do for you and your s *Seminar will be presented twice term Medicaid, representation of guardians and conservators in court proceedings, and probate administration. He is currently on the board of the Mesa County Adult Protection Program.
E 2016
inar
NTATIONS
years. She has been a long-term care case manager and Adult Protective Services case manager. She is currently a supervisor for the Adult Protective Services division.
Carol Viner
.................................................. John Ahern
Guardian/Conservator 101: When is it necessary? Carol is a partner with Masters & Viner, PC, in Montrose, and provides legal services to seniors on estate planning and administration, guardian and conservator proceedings, and bankruptcy and other debtor/ creditor related issues facing retirees.
................................................ Doug Larson
Andrea Rosenberry
...............................Judge Valerie J. Robison
erm care............................. Shauna Clemmer
....................................... Lloyd Quesenberry
.....................Annie Murphy & Barbara Butler
............................................ Nanci Quintana
................... Magistrate Stephanie Rubinstein
sions now*.............Brian Burns & Dyann Walt
gift or not to gift?.........................Chris Mahre
................... Drew Moore & Shauna Clemmer
buse..................................Candace McGuire
cessary?......................................Carol Viner
of how ................... Magistrate Stephanie Rubinstein
ver terminates...................Andrea Rosenberry
............................. Anna Stout & Teri Shecter
.............................................Charles Reams
.................................................. Dave Waite
ritten one for you......................... Jamie Roth
....................Dave Norman & Christie Higgins signs?.................................. Felicia Romero
.............. Phyllis Hoffman & Scharee Atchison
.................................Officer Martin Donohue
spouse................................Timothy Johnson
Candace McGuire Elder exploitation: Spotting the signs of abuse Candace has worked with Mesa County Department of Human Services for nine
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Mobile Home Park Act: The lease that never terminates Andrea graduated from Loyola University in New Orleans with a degree in civil law in 2013. During law school, she was a member of the Loyola Wage Claim clinic, where she assisted a group of laborers in their wage claim using the Louisiana Wage Claim Act. She is currently a grant attorney with Colorado Legal Services, and her practice focuses on family law and landlord tenant disputes.
Anna Stout
Planning for Your Pets Anna is executive director of Roice-Hurst Humane Society. She has over a decade of nonprofit and business experience as the founder and president of the Foundation for Cultural Exchange and owner of Transfinem Language and Cultural Services, as well as the member of various community boards of directors. Anna is a Certified Court Interpreter, Certified Medical Interpreter, and Certified Spanish-English Translator.
Teri Shecter
Planning for Your Pets Teri is a probation officer with the 21st Judicial District. Her primary focus is crime victims, but she has worked in the field of victim services for over 20 years. Teri has collaborated with a number of local animal rescue organizations, and is the chair of LINK, a sub-committee of the Mesa County Domestic Violence Task Force, which provides emergency placement for the companion animals of domestic violence victims, allowing individuals to seek safe housing knowing their animals will not be harmed by an abusive partner.
Charles Reams
What to Do When Someone Dies Charles began his career in personal injury and insurance defense as a lawyer in 1983. In 1991, he was appointed as the public administrator of the 21st Judicial District
of Colorado. As the founding partner of Reams & Reams, his primary focus of practice is probate, but he also specializes in the administration and litigation of decedent’s estates and trusts, guardianship and conservatorship, and wrongful death litigation in connection with the estate.
David Waite
Power Against Fraud David is a prosecutor with the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office. For a decade, he specialized in criminal law, wills and trusts, and family law. He has attended numerous trainings related to criminal law, fraud avoidance and elder law.
Jamie Roth
What If There Is No Will? Colorado has written one for you Jamie is a partner at Brown & Brown, PC. Her practice focuses on clients with needs in probate, litigation, estate planning and conservatorships/ guardianships. Jamie received her Juris Doctorate at the University of Colorado in 1997. She earned her LL.M. degree in taxation from New York University in 2011. Jamie serves on the Colorado Attorney Disciplinary Hearing Board and Heeling Partners of the Roaring Fork Valley, among others.
Dave Norman Aging In Place: Your home is your castle Dave Norman established Mesa County RSVP and assisted in the planning and organization efforts to establish an Area Agency on Aging, to which he became director in 1974. Most recently, he implemented a regional Adult Resources for Care and Help (ARCH) program that provides assistance to seniors and adults with disabilities. He has created a network of committed sponsors who have provided over $1.3 million to support services for seniors.
Christie Higgins Aging In Place: Your home is your castle Christie has been in the social services field for over 13 years, having worked with many different populations and age groups. She is currently the director of the Aging and Disabilities Resources for Colorado Program and Western Colorado 2-1-1.
Felicia Romero Mental Health First Aid: Can you spot the signs? Felicia is a program director
for outpatient programs, a licensed professional counselor and a Certified Addictions Counselor III who joined Mind Springs Health in 2012. She has been practicing in the field of mental health, substance abuse and victim advocacy for almost a decade.
Phyllis Hoffman
Long-term Care Insurance & Annuities Phyllis is a respected longterm care planning specialist. In 2009, she joined Genworth’s Long-term Care Insurance wholesaling division and successfully assisted financial advisors and investment representatives associated with the top financial services companies in 14 Northwest-Midwest states.
Scharee Atchison
Long-term Care Insurance & Annuities Scharee is an independent long-term care insurance agent representing Genworth Life Insurance Company. Her awareness of the need for long-term care came after she experienced firsthand the financial and emotional impact that many families live through during the illness of a family member. Her approach to long-term care insurance is to educate, inform and present all available options, and her goal is to help individuals who are seeking to protect their hardearned assets and maintain their financial independence, lifestyle and dignity.
Officer Martin Donohue
Hanging Up the Car Keys for Good Martin attended Trinidad State Law Enforcement Academy in 1996. He was hired by the Steamboat Springs Police Department, where he worked for 2-1/2 years until he was hired by the Grand Junction Police Department in 1998. Since being with the GJPD, he has served as school resource officer, a SWAT team member, a firearms instructor and corporal, but his true calling has been as a motor officer and a level IV accident reconstructionist.
Timothy Johnson Veterans Benefits: What your country can do for you and your spouse Timothy has been a patient advocate in the Grand Junction veterans health care system for 8-1/2 years. Prior he worked at the VA Health Administration Center in Denver, working with the CHAMPVA program. ■
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How can I protect my yard from deer? Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. How can I incorporate native
plants into my existing landscape? Adding native plants to the landscape is a great idea and is something everyone can do to some extent. Native plants, like the Rocky Mountain penstemon, naturally adapt to the harsh growing conditions of our region and are an important food source for bees, butterflies, birds and pollinators of all kinds. The best way to incorporate any new plants into your existing landscape is to take into account the water, soil and sun needs of both the existing and new plants. In general, our native plants like full sun, lean soils and minimal watering. If your existing landscape has the same conditions, you can plant almost anything you want. But if you have a landscape that has mature trees and a lawn that needs regular water and fertilizer, look for another spot in your landscape that has drier conditions or look for natives that can take more water. One of the best places to plant natives is in a hell strip, which is that dry, sunny area that lies between the sidewalk and curb.
Q. Any suggestions for deer-resis-
tant shrubs for my front yard? We have a herd of deer come through every winter and I would like to discourage them from coming through my yard. Deer and rabbits can be problematic for landscapes. They can and will munch on almost anything if they are hungry enough. While you may not be able to keep them from walking through your yard, you can reduce the amount of damage they do by incorporating plants they don’t like. I like to think of it as a restaurant. If you keep changing the menu to food deer don’t like, they should quit coming. In my personal experience, deer love arborvitae, sweet potato vine and hosta. I will never plant these in areas accessible to deer again. Thanks to Chrissy Morin of the Douglas County Examiner for this list of plants that are deer and rabbit resistant in Colorado. Xeriscape list Likes sun - Lavender cotton, blue flax, elfin and wooly thyme, apache plume, fernbush, Russian sage, three leaf su-
PLANT OF THE MONTH— Cape Blanco Sedum
(Sedum spathulifolium ) I love groundcovers and this one is super special because of its color. The blue-green leaves form tight rosettes on trailing stems and create a bold contrast against rock or bark mulch. Plant this sedum in a hot, dry and sunny spot on the edges of perennial borders or rock gardens. Cape Blanco Sedum gets between four and six inches high and spreads out eight to 12 inches across. Bright yellow flowers appear in late summer and look great with Rocky Mountain Penstemon or Licorice Mint hyssop (agastache rupestris).
GARDEN CHECKLIST: Fertilize trees and shrubs Control flea beetles on
vegetable transplants like eggplant as soon as they are planted. Cover with floating row covers or sprinkle diatomaceous earth on leaves. Bring your houseplants outside
and give them a good shower. Spray all of the foliage to remove dust collected over the winter and soak the plant until water runs out of the
mac, blue mist spirea, piñon pine Likes shade - Ajuga
Regular water list Likes sun - yarrow, coreopsis, coneflower, daylily, peony, feather reed grass, blue fescue grass, barberry, rose
drainage holes. This dilutes any accumulated salts from fertilizers and tap water in the soil. Cilantro is one of those herbs
you can use in many food dishes. To have fresh cilantro all season, you can do what is called “succession planting.” Plant a small amount of seed every three weeks or so. You will have new plants coming along as the older ones are fading out. Other fast-growing crops are Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce and radishes.
of Sharon, lilac, viburnum, maiden hair grass, locust trees Likes shade - Golden Tiara, Blue Giant and Frances Williams hostas; bleeding heart; Japanese painted fern; boxwood. ■
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JUNE 2016
Dad raised a bunch of Sweathogs
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By Teresa Ambord “I was blessed with five daughters,” Dad used to say. But we knew that, like most men, he also wanted a boy. Eventually he got not just one boy, but a bunch of them—a big bunch of Sweathogs. In the 1970s our family moved to the country, and Dad became the transportation director for a neighboring school district. That area was economically depressed and many of the kids had no fathers in the home and little discipline. Several boys were on the verge of dropping out or being kicked out of high school. They just didn’t care and the teachers had run out of options. Then someone got the bright idea of sending the misfits over to the school bus barn to “help” the new guy—my dad. Dad’s main job was to keep the big yellow school buses running safely. That meant climbing under the giant hoods and changing heavy tires. But at 5 feet 4 inches tall, and with no modern equipment, just changing a bus tire was daunting for Dad. So it came in handy to have several burly country boys to heft
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those bus tires around. He taught every boy to do basic vehicle maintenance and repair. During lunch he’d let them bring their family cars to the bus barn, and he’d teach the kids how to fix and maintain them. Everyone had chores and Dad didn’t put up with excuses. Anyone who wanted to hang out at the bus barn had to help keep the place clean and organized. It was Dad’s way of teaching them to listen, follow directions and be responsible. These kids had always ignored authority figures, but Dad demanded and eventually got their respect. Not long after he took over the bus barn, a new sitcom hit the TV airwaves. It was called “Welcome Back, Kotter,” and it could’ve been modeled after Dad’s work life. Kotter was a teacher of kids who were misfits and incorrigibles, known as the Sweathogs. Dad’s boys saw themselves in the Sweathogs and embraced the name. Over time, the Sweathogs gained skills they could take into the working world. But there was one area that bugged Dad and he couldn’t seem to make much headway. “To be employable,” he said, “you have to clean up your language.” He’d taught his daughters that if you use profanity, people think you’re too stupid to use real words. That’s all it took with us. But it didn’t faze the Sweathogs. So one fine morning, they entered the bus barn to find a gallon jug on Dad’s desk. He’d cut a slit in the metal lid, and slapped a label on it that said “No Swear Jar.” “If you swear, you owe me a nickel,” he said, and they knew
he’d collect. Unfortunately, to them it was a game, and that jar filled up fast, over and over again. After several school terms of collecting nickels, the money added up. Then one December, the boys came up with a good use for it. Just before Christmas, Dad and the Sweathogs went on a secret shopping spree. Armed with a list of needy local families, they stretched that money to provide gifts for as many kids as possible. For most of the Sweathogs, that was the first time they’d ever looked beyond themselves to the needs of others, and they loved doing it. Generally, the work Dad did with the Sweathogs went unnoticed, though not by the Sweathogs themselves. Even after they were grown and Dad retired early due to poor health, they kept in touch with him. When Dad passed away in 2014, some of them drove 100 miles to be at his memorial. “He was the only reason I graduated,” said one guy, and they all agreed. Story after story poured out of how Dad had turned their lives around. We always knew Dad wished for a son, but I doubt he envisioned leading a big bunch of Sweathogs. Like his daughters, those boys frustrated him, tested and tried his patience, and in the end, made him proud. He was father to five girls, but he also raised a bunch of Sweathogs and helped them become fine men. ■
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REGION 10 Education & Activities
Events will be held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose, unless stated otherwise. Registration is required. All sessions are free. For details and to register, call 765-3123 or 765-3127. FIRST THURSDAY Kinship Connections Support Group This support/networking group is structured for individuals raising children that are not their own. Group meets from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Region 10. FIRST WEDNESDAY & THIRD THURSDAY Caregiver Support & Networking Group Montrose Enjoy a safe, supported, resource-filled and confidential environment for caregivers to learn from one another about the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones with dementia, illness or disability. Groups meet from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at Region 10. SECOND TUESDAY Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) This six-county collaboration of businesses, community members and caregivers serve and work with the aging and disabled populations. Anyone serving these populations is encouraged to join monthly meetings alternating between Delta and Montrose. (Next meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on June 14 at Delta Oncology Center, 1501 Third St.). TUESDAYS Application Assistance Clinics Region 10, Senior CommUnity Care, PACE and The Center for Independence are hosting free clinics in Delta and Montrose to assist seniors or persons with a disability to apply for benefits, help fill out applications, and explain what their benefits letters mean. No appointment needed. Come in from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 145 W. Fourth St. Call the Region 10 ADRC office for more information at 399-3615.
JUNE 9 & 21 Home Safety, Fire, Fall and Life Alert Awareness Do you know what fire, carbon monoxide and fall hazards to look for in your home? Montrose Fire Protection District Fire Protection Specialist Mark Bray will be presenting ways to improve safety in your home in two seminars. Registration is required. Register at www. region10.net/calendar or call 765-3123. • June 9 - 12:45 p.m. at Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Drive. (Lunch is served at noon for $5.) • June 21 - 4 p.m. at Region 10
JUNE 21 Time Bank of the Rockies Volunteer Presentation For every hour you spend providing support to another member, you earn a time credit to be used to receive a service from another Time Bank member, not necessarily the same person you provide assistance to. The goal is to build healthier communities based on mutual respect for everyone’s efforts, talents and skills. Learn more about the time bank from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at Region 10. For details, call 209-6886 JUNE 21 Caregiver Resources The ADRC with Region 10 will be presenting on resources, services, benefits and support programs are available in Delta County to assist caregivers. Presentation will be from 11 a.m. to noon at Grand Mesa Oncology Center, 1501 E. Third St. For more information and to register, call Region 10 ADRC Delta at 399-3615. JUNE 27 “My Spouse Recently Passed or No Longer Has Capacity. What Should I Do?”
This workshop, from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. will cover long-term care planning and what financial and estate planning updates need to be done when a spouse passes or loses capacity. Registration required. Register at www.region10.net/calendar or call 765-3123. ■
Montrose Mayor Rex Swanson poses for a photo with Region 10 Community Living Services Director Eva Veitch at the recent Caregiver’s Summit. Swanson attended the event and officially declared May 19 as Caregiver’s Day.
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MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES
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JUNE 2016
Delta/Montrose Calendar
Montrose United Methodist Church 19 S. Park Ave., Montrose, CO
970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org
JUNE 1-4 Black Canyon Astronomy Festival The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, in partnership with the Black Canyon Astronomical Society, will celebrate the starlit skies of Western Colorado with the seventh annual Black Canyon Astronomy Festival at the South Rim Visitor Center and Campground. There will be daytime and evening programs with solar viewing, workshops and night sky viewing with telescopes. All programs are free, but the park entrance fee is $15 (good for seven days). Astronomer Tyler Nordgren will be the keynote speaker. Events and times vary. For the full schedule, visit www.nps.gov. JUNE 4 Delta County Rock, Gem & Mineral Show Over 20 vendors will have gemstones, jewelry, mineral specimens, cabochons, slabs, and fossils on display and for sale at the The Delta County Rock, Gem and Mineral Show. The show will be from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. Browse through lighted mineral and specimen displays, learn about gold panning, and view demonstrations on wire wrapping and filigree. There will be door prizes, grab bags, a silent auction, a rock wheel and more. This event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome. JUNE 4 Celebrate Cedaredge Celebrate our local businesses, cottage industries, and the local arts and crafts community on Main Street. The second annual Celebrate Cedaredge event includes street music, plein air artists, terrific food, a wine and beer garden, and many local vendors. Enjoy live music from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Activities Calendar Info:
970-252-4889
Meal Reservations:
970-252-7797
JUNE 4 & 5 Colorado’s Free Fishing Weekend Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reminding the public that Colorado’s Free Fish-
ing Weekend, where anglers of all ages can fish without a license anywhere in the state for the weekend.
JUNE 9 Downtown DeltaFest Join us on the second Thursday evening in June, August and September for our newly formatted community event to be held on Main Street in Delta. DeltaFest is a street fair that is a family friendly community event. Don’t miss live music, kids crafts and activities, and tons of vendor booths. JUNE 10 Reflexology Foot Therapy Reflexology helps improve circulation, promote better health and rejuvenates the body and soul. Certified Reflexologist Cheryl Adams gives therapy sessions by appointment from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Montrose Senior Center. Cost is $15 for 20 minutes. Call 252-4884 to schedule. JUNE 10 & 11 Freedom Festival Sponsored by Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans, the Freedom Festival starts at 5 p.m. on Friday at The Bridges, 2500 Bridges Dr., with a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres. On Saturday, the full-day events starts at 9 a.m. Other activities include live music, a 5K fun run, golf tournament, poker run, obstacle course, barbecue, beer garden and more. Cost varies by event. For more information, call 765-2210 or visit www.welcomehomemontrose.org. JUNE 11 Yard sale and bake sale for Montrose seniors Support the Montrose Senior Center by donating or purchasing a worthwhile treasure at the yard sale or bake sale from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. JUNE 11 American Legion Riders’ Poker Run The American Legion Poker Run starts at the Warrior Resource Center at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 for the first hand and $5 for
JUNE 2016
MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19
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each additional hand. Proceeds benefit local veterans and their families through Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans. To register, visit www.welcomehome montrose.org or call 765-2210.
JUNE 11 Montrose Garden Tour Take a self-guided tour of five private gardens and the Montrose Botanic Gardens from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and live music, and watch artists paint in the gardens. Start the tour at the Botanic Gardens, located next to the Montrose Pavilion at 1801 Pavilion Drive, and pick up your map and purchase tickets. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. You can also order tickets in advance at Camelot Gardens, San Juan Gardens or at www.montrosegardens.org. For more information, call 765-2237. JUNE 13 Current events seminar The Montrose Daily Press Managing Editor Paul Wahl discusses current
events at the Montrose Senior Center at 1 p.m.
JUNE 14 Flag Day Celebration The third annual Flag Day program in Centennial Plaza takes place from 11:30 a.m-1 p.m. This free program invites the community to join in the pledge of allegiance, accompanied by the color guard by the VFW and DAV, singing of the national anthem, a proclamation by the city mayor, guest speakers, live music and free hamburgers and hot dogs. JUNE 20 Seniors’ Night Out Play games, have dinner and make new friends at the Montrose Senior Center’s monthly Seniors’ Night Out Potluck. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with bingo, prizes and a jam session. The potluck dinner is served at 5 p.m. along with the option to play pinochle. (Please bring a dish to share.) Play Hand and Foot or billiards at 5:45 p.m., and practice your line dancing skills from 6 p.m.8 p.m. Cost is $2, which covers prizes,
paper goods, drinks and ice cream.
JUNE 21 Lunch and learn Edith Johnson presents on “Taking the DIS out of disability” at 1 p.m. at the Montrose Senior Center. Learn the four phases of adjustment to limitations that will increase your functioning abilities. Cost is $3. To reserve lunch, call 2527797. JUNE 25 Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus’ Annual Show The Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus will present Twitterpatted, an evening of harmony singing at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. The show will also include guest barbershop quartet
Momentous and the Sweet Adelines’ Del Rose Chorus. Tickets are available from chorus members, by calling the Montrose Pavilion at 249-7015, or at the door. Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. Enjoy additional entertainment, finger food and a cash bar at the Afterglow Party following the show for only $10 more.
JUNE 25 HopeWest’s annual Golf Tournament Western Colorado’s premier annual golf tournament takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Links at Cobble Creek. Cost is $100 per person. Find event information at www.hopewestco.org or call 497-5206. ■
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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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JUNE 2016
Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Montrose Memorial Hospital ranks top 5 percent of rural hospitals According to a new report, Montrose Memorial Hospital ranks in the top 5 percent of rural hospitals nationwide. iVantage Health Analytics, a leading provider of health care analytics and decision support tools, studied over 2,000 rural hospitals to ascertain top performers. Focusing on over 70 indicators to measure hospital strength including quality, affordability, efficiency and patient outcomes, the report is “the industry standard for assessing and benchmarking rural and Critical Access Hospital performance.” More information about the study can be found at www.iVantageINDEX.com. AARP Driver Safety Course Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws in this half-day course. Membership in AARP is not required. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required. • Montrose – Montrose County Health and Human Services, 1845 S. Townsend Ave. will host the course from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 16. Call 765-3123 to register. • Delta – Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the course from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 20 at 531 N. Palmer St. Call 399-3113 to register.
Montrose County Historical Society events Events begin at the Montrose County Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande, unless stated otherwise. To register for the walking tour or cemetery tour, call 249-2085. June 7 & 24 - Historic Legends and True Tales Walking Tour starts at 7 p.m. Please RSVP, as space is limited. Cost is $5. June 12 – Sunday History Series, from 3 p.m.-5 p.m., will introduce you to local history authors Elaine Hale Jones, Greta Henstrom, Jack Raiden, Judy Buffington Sammons, Steve Baker and Carol Patterson, who will be available to discuss their books and sign copies. Author Muriel Marshall’s brother Raymond Tyler will be our special guest.
This event is free and open to the public. June 18 – Learn about the history and burial traditions, along with the stories of our earliest community members at the Grandview Cemetery Tour at 4 p.m. Meet at the cemetery. Cost is $10. Please RSVP, as space is limited.
Estate planning seminars Seminars are presented by the attorneys of The Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC. Registration is required by calling 243-8250 or register online at www.brownandbrownpc.com. June 13 & 20 - Why there is no such thing as a simple will? Learn the basics about will and trust estate plans and common issues that can make what seems simple complicated. The attorneys will also discuss how these documents can be used with powers of attorney to ensure your wishes are followed and your specific goals are accomplished. Seminar takes place from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. June 13 at Region 10 Area Agency on Aging in Montrose and 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. June 20 at 1501 E. Third St. in Delta.
Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50 and older. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr., or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on the following activities, call 252-4884. • Intro to Pickleball Clinics – June 11. Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines the elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. This game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced competitive game for experienced players. Learn the rules of the game, how to keep score, court positioning and paddle techniques. Cost is $10 per person. • Blue Heron Run Colorado River – 7 p.m.-3 p.m., June 21 . A small piece of quiet desert paradise awaits on this half-day float trip between Grand Junction and Fruita. The trip is mostly
JUNE 2016
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flat water with a few small ripples making this the perfect first-time raft trip. Cost is $65. • True Grit Tour – 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., June 25. Take a one-hour guided tour starting at the gazebo in Ridgway and see the railroad depot, gallows, livery stable, undertaker and Chin Lee’s Place, courthouse façade, True Grit Café, and the saloon and grocery. Cost is $24. • Hike Portland Trail – 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., June 30. Bring a sack lunch, money for dinner, and wear sunscreen and good hiking footwear. Cost is $18. • T’ai Chi Chih – 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Mondays, June 20-August 8. T’ai Chi Chih® is a set of movements focused on the development of an intrinsic energy called Chi. T’ai Chi Chih® is not a martial art and is completely non-violent. It does not require a particular level of physical fitness or coordination. For those with physical limitations, movements may be done seated with some modification. No special clothing or equipment is required.
• Summer Dance Classes – Learn new dances in four-week sessions. We offer two open dance practices with a variety of music and dances. Classes take place from 2:45 p.m.3:45 p.m. – June 8 and 15 - Session 1: Open dancing. Cost is $20. – June 22 and 29, & July 6 and 13 Session 2: Intermediate Country Two-Step. Cost is $30 or $10 per week to drop in.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans needs volunteers to help with the following events. Whatever time you can give is appreciated. Call 765-2210 or visit the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave., to sign up. • June 4 - Benefit Rifle Match. WHAV is seeking six volunteers to help with the Benefit Rifle Match from 7:30 a.m. -1 p.m. • June 10 & 11 - Freedom Festival. This festival is a two-day event with several options for volunteering. ■
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HOME CARE MAYFIELD SENIOR CARE, LLC Openings! Private pay clients, Montrose to Aspen areas. Professional and exceptional compassionate home care. Cooking (from scratch), light housekeeping, laundry, assistance to appointments, shopping, office administration, pet care. Insured. Local references. 683-1414. jenniferjane@mayfield seniorcare.com
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. 216-0048.
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kudos \ ku·dos “Just picked up a BEACON (May 2016). Wow, here we are on the front cover of Health and Wellness, and then we even have the centerfold! We are so grateful. Whoever did the layout did a fantastic job! The left column of how you can help is a great idea that I never thought about and is very powerful. Once again, the BEACON goes above and beyond for the Huntington’s disease families in this community and for Marie and me. Thank you for your terrific staff and above-par paper for seniors.” -Charlotte Reicks
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Reader discretion advised By Anne Ashley
I
have always considered swearing to be nothing more than an extension of everyday language. I don’t mind it used in aggression, to punctuate a good point or as humor. I even believe that in some cases it’s the only way the narrator can express exactly what they intend. Granted, some words are better left to more grown-up audiences, but there are a few profanities that can be dropped into conversation without offense to even the most pious amongst us. An innocent damn or an innocuous hell is practically elementary these days. Anyone who’s spent 10 minutes in my company learns quickly of my penchant for everything from Disney-style expletives to full-throttle obscenities, depending on the occasion (and topic). No word too decadent, no phrase too immoral, so long as the audience is likeminded, prepared or deserving. I confess to my colorful vocabulary because I wish to provide convincing proof that I am no prude. I’ve been on this earth long enough to have heard, seen, tasted, felt and encountered just about everything. Everything apart from this modern open-mindedness for advertising products that beautify, boost or recover the most private of bodily private parts. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been watching television in the company of guests only to be unexpectedly confronted by an ad for lovemaking superfluities, personal hygiene remedies, constipation tonics or body enhancers. Half the time I don’t even know my guest’s middle names, let alone what feminine hygiene routines they follow. So learning that we can get our hands on the cure for ED or a new pill to make sure we’re ready when the moment arises in between programs is cringe worthy. I’ve seen less uncomfortable faces in a dentist’s waiting room.
It’s not just evening or late-night viewing schedules either. Even daytime programs can catch me off guard when a commercial interrupts a harmless newscast with “good news” that I’m not alone in my world of suffering. Better still, here’s a coupon for my new and improved cream available online at www.fallingapart.com (the modern day alternative to the idiot number). I don’t know about you but I’d rather suffer in silence than to go through all the palaver of inevitably registering with all my relevant contact information on a site that will hold me ransom for the rest of my life and fill my inbox with other equally disturbing products, than to ask for 50 cents off my Secret Sunshine in a Bottle. What is the world coming to? My generation got along just fine without having to rely on commercial breaks to educate us on every ailment, complaint and need we might have had in our early days of maturing. If we didn’t have a parent or a close relative to discretely discuss life’s trials and tribulations with, we plodded on until experience educated us. And I dare say our grandparents also managed without the sponsors of The Great Gildersleeve enlightening them about the treatment for low testosterone or unfair gender expectations. I mean, whatever would Great-nana make of a radio advertisement that informed her of what to do about Great-granddad’s low sex drive? Hell, Nana was probably too busy raising her 12 children and too grateful for his lack of attention to even notice that Gramps was spending more time happily whittling away his time on the porch than pestering her with his devotion. Seriously, it’s not just adult programs that should come with viewer discretion warnings; it’s the @#*!! commercials in between, too! ■
kvetch \ kfech “I have been thinking about the aging process. The unique aspect of growing older is that we are not prepared for it. We have a perspective as children that our parents are old and our grandparents are positively ancient. We love them, look up to them, but can’t picture ourselves becoming like them. As teens we imagine that we are invincible and that we know everything. As young adults and new parents, we are so busy just dealing with everyday life that we have no appreciation for our young healthy bodies, our energy level, or our physical stamina. As we enter our 40s the realization comes that we are middle-aged, but we don’t FEEL that way. Our mental outlook is still that of a much younger person and we find it odd that younger people consider us “over the hill.” In our 50s, a lot of the stress has leveled out, our children are mostly grown and we have time to begin enjoying life and having more fun, but now the years are beginning to show. Staying up until the wee hours? Not so appealing. Reckless behavior? Not so much. The invincibility illusion is long gone and we understand that not only are we vulnerable to injury, illness and other issues, we also become aware that not only did we NOT know everything years ago, we sure as hell don’t know everything now. Still the concept of nearing senior status seems downright goofy. Then we turn 60 and there is no denying it. We begin to lose friends and family. We attend many more funerals than weddings. We adore our grandchildren but are often completely baffled by them. And as our aging bodies begin to betray us at every turn, we still do not think of ourselves as “old.” You younger folks, enjoy your youth and stop to appreciate it. It will be gone before you expect it, and it’s a rude awakening!” – Sherry’s friend
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