Question of the Month

Surface Creek Writers has released a new book “Where Columbines Grow.” Set in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, it’s a pre-Civil War historical fiction about a Native American encountering a homesteading family. Katherine Sparacino began writing at an early age inspired by an aunt who was a teacher. She worked for a newspaper composing her own column entitled “Thru the Years.” Living in a historic mining and railroad district in a rural area of western Colorado inspired the research for this story. For more information, call 970-835-3453 or email sparacinok@msn.com. DAR honored Mike Trickey with outstanding service award

The Uncompahgre Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored Mike Trickey this fall with the chapter’s Outstanding Service Award. It will be sent into state DAR and hopefully on to National DAR. Trickey was well deserving of the award for all of his shepherding of Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans (WHAFV). Learn more about WHAFV at www.whafv.org. FEMA provided Coloradans $9.7 million for funeral expenses

FEMA continues to provide financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020 for deaths related to COVID-19 to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. As of December 2021, 1,739 Coloradans had received more than $9.7 million in assistance. This includes reimbursement for cremation, burial expenses, transfer of remains, markers or headstones and other costs. Up to $9,000 per funeral is available for eligible expenses, with a maximum of $35,500 per application. There’s currently no end date for this program. To apply, call FEMA at 844-684-6333, TTY: 800-4627585 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information about FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, visit www. fema.gov/disaster/coronavirus/eco nomic/funeral-assistance. ■

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Friends of Montrose Library volunteers to sort donated books, run book sales and serve on its board of directors. www.montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656 Golden Circle Seniors volunteers needed to greet and serve lunch Monday through Friday for 2-4 hours. 970-252-4888 Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans volunteers to help at its ReStore or construction sites. www.buildinglives.org | 970-252-9303 Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides to bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400 Region 10 RSVP seeks volunteers to deliver hot meals or make minor home repairs. 970-765-3135, Delta | 970-765-3147, Montrose Senior CommUnity Meals volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661 Sharing Ministries Food Bank in Montrose seeks volunteers for three hours, one day a week. www.sharingministries.com | 970240-8385 Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886

Question

OF THE Month

Compiled by Siggie Carpenter

What should everyone know about money?

Vicki Biggins - Montrose

“Money leaves my hands quicker than it comes in. It lets me purchase things and makes me feel good when I can ‘pick up the tab’ now and then. Everyone should learn how to save, understand the value of good credit and be content with what they have.”

Larry Lemser - Montrose

“The goal to achieve great income and amass huge wealth is not as satisfying as following your heart’s desire in daily career activity.”

Johnene Foster - Olathe

“Everyone should learn how to save money. I’m still trying to figure it out. There never seems to be anything leftover to save. There’s always ‘just enough.’ It makes living more challenging. ‘Ample’ would be nice for a change.”

Tim Reidy - Montrose

“Take care of your financial responsibilities and put most in safe places. Investments need to be a scattering of risk evaluations. Never risk more than you can afford to set fire to in the driveway, so you don’t have any regrets. If you can, hire a fiduciary because they have a legal obligation to invest your money in your best interest.”