March 2023 - BEACON Senior News

TURNING 65?

IT ’ S TIME TO SPRING INTO ME DICARE

Let the team at the Medicare Resource Center help. Enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period.

Your Initial Enrollment Period is your first chance to sign up for Medicare. It lasts for 7 months, starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.

Call us at 970-243-3100 and get started on your Medicare journey with confidence.

Mark

Introduction

Thursday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m.

Space is limited, so RSVP today by calling 970-243-3100. A salesperson will be present with information and applications.

Thank you for your business and referrals — we truly appreciate you! Monday

Meet your local, experienced insurance agents at the Medicare Resource Center who are ready

MedicareResourceCenter.com is a non-government resource privately owned and operated by Benefits Life, Inc. MedicareResourceCenter.com is not associated with or endorsed by Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your plan options.

Christine Bogott MHB Group Martin DeBoer, Sr. Caprock Insurance Agency

Nancy Bartlett First Choice Insurance Broker Nat Bertrami N I Bertrami Insurance Agency

David Shoemaker DVS Insurance Agency Verna Shoemaker DVS Insurance Agency

Joe Barrows Sales Director

8

Save Your Seeds!

A Magnificent Return to a Passion Long Buried

after 40 years

We make lots of promises in life, but as a caregiver, it’s not your job to be perfect

14 Let’s Pump You Up!

Do women over 50 really need weight training as part of their routines? The short answer is yes!

26 4 Reasons to Fall in Love with Provence

Some places are more than a destination and topping that list is Provence, France

28 Raise a Glass and Get to Know St. Pat

You may wonder: Was St. Patrick really from Ireland? Is he even a full-fledged saint? Here’s the truth as we know it

32 Faith: A Rocky Mountain Cowboy’ Prayer

Nona Kelley Carver shares her poem about our majestic Rocky Mountains

33 Stream for Less: How to Make the Most of Your Streaming Services

16

Which Magnesium Supplements are Right for You?

Adequate levels of magnesium ensure good attention span and focus, but choosing the right supplement can be difficult

Streaming media is the access to entertainment we dreamed of as kids. Here’s how to make the most of it while saving money

58

Michael Pietrack and his father David hold the book “Legacy: The Saga Begins,” which Michael wrote to honor his father. Photo by Cloie Sandlin

D.Jo Lowell, daughter of Valley Symphony founder, rejoins the orchestra

Can you spare a kidney?

LastApril, we ran a cover story featuring Curtis Swift, a man who’s well known in the Grand Valley for helping thousands of gardeners as a CSU Extension horticulture expert.

But this story wasn’t about gardening advice—it was a plea for help, as Curtis is in dire need of a living kidney donation.

A year has passed and Curtis is still without a healthy kidney. His health has declined, and he is in desperate need of an O+ blood type donor. There was hope when his son offered to give him one of his kidneys, but unfortunately, he wasn’t a blood type match.

If you are in a position to be a living kidney donor, please consider donating to Curtis.

Operating with one kidney doesn’t alter life expectancy, nor does it appear to increase the risk of kidney failure. If a donor for some reason needs a kidney later in life, they jump to the top of the list for a transplant.

To learn more about how you can help, please email Curtis at curtis@mesalavender farms.com or Kate Keaney at kate@mesalavend erfarms.com.

CHECK OUT THESE ROCK STAR VOLUNTEERS

When I started working at BEACON Senior News, one of my first big projects was Volunteer of the Year. There’s no telling how long this celebration of local volunteers had been going on before I started, but just in my tenure, I’ve read about and met well over 100 remarkable volunteers.

I’m not here to endorse anyone (with so many fabulous people nominated, how could I?), but I am consistently in awe of these noble and generous seniors living right here in Western Colorado. This year, we have one nominated volunteer who’s 100 years old (again, not en dorsing, but wow!)

Each of the volunteers featured on pages 29-31 has graciously gone above and beyond to support other people or four-legged companions, furthering the mission of the organizations that do so much good in the community.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Join us in honoring these exceptional volunteers at Grand Junction BeaconFest on Thursday, April 20. All nominated volunteers will be recognized at the stage at 1 p.m., but only one can be named Volunteer of the Year—so we need your help!

Read about each of this year’s 12 nominated volunteers starting on page 29 and follow the instructions on how to cast your vote.

YOU’RE INVITED TO COLORADO’S FUNNEST SENIOR EXPO

Get ready for an exciting lineup of entertainment, educational seminars, prize giveaways and more when BeaconFest returns to Grand Junction Convention Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, April 20.

Between exciting raffles, peruse nearly 100 booths staffed by health care providers, housing representatives, advocacy organizations, home improvement experts, real estate professionals, financial advisors, local clubs, nonprofit organizations and more.

Plus, admission is FREE! For details, visit BeaconFest.BeaconSeniorNews.com. ■

Thank you for delivering the BEACON to the Walnut Park Apartments. We all enjoy reading the interesting articles… and the fun pages. I go right to Laughing Matters. I love the jokes!

-

Jane

Older Than Dirt Quiz (February)

Not only do I remember all the “older than dirt” questions, I participated in the use of each. Wonderful times. People were kind, thoughtful, giving, eager to help one another, etc. Thank you, BEACON, for the moments of escape and joy!

- J. S.

I remembered all of your questions. In fact, our family had all of them—roller skate keys and a wringer washing machine that had a wooden tub. We even had the first TV on the block and all the kids would come over to watch “Howdy Doody.”

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Ann H.

“The Fight for Freedom” (February)

I read with interest your article describing various civil rights sites. However, on the description of Little Rock High School, President Eisenhower authorized troops from the 101st Airborne from Ft. Campbell to restore order and the children were allowed to enter the school under their protection. Please correct this oversight as you see fit.

-

Kathleen P.

“BEACON wins BIG” (January)

Topics in the January edition are like belated holiday gifts—just when I was feeling more wrinkled, sore and old, along came January’s uplifting and informative issue. The new caregiver columnist, Dr. Landon, will certainly be a very positive addition.

- Sharon W.

“Ice Agers” (January)

Good article. I wish I hadn’t given my ice skates to Goodwill. I was using my head instead of my heart when I cleaned out the garage. I used to be a great figure skater.

- Jan

As a living organ donor, you can be someone’s hero!

A Noble Bee Earns Its Wings

Local author’s book inspired by father’s bedtime stories

By Jan Weeks

David Pietrack has always been an inspiration to his four sons. When they were children, bedtime stories were expected. So he made some up that focused on heroes.

“I grew up with Mighty Mouse cartoons, where he was brave and everything turned out well,” said David, 71, of Grand Junction.

One story he made up was about Buzzy the Bee, who faced his fears and did the noble thing. The bee was afraid to enter a race because he was afraid of losing. After some persuasion, Buzzy entered the race and won. The lesson David wanted his children to take away from the story is that one can’t win if one doesn’t try.

DAVID WANTED HIS SONS TO EXEMPLIFY THE QUALITIES OF CIVILITY, SELFLESSNESS, BRAVERY, HONESTY, VIRTUE, DECENCY, GENEROSITY AND ETHICS.

That story inspired his son Mi chael to pen his first book, “Legacy: The Saga Begins,” which has just come out in paperback.

“I wanted to teach them how to face their fears and keep going,” said David. “You have to know the difference between fear and danger, and that’s what the hero, Abelbee, learns in ‘Legacy.’”

David wanted his sons to exemplify the qualities of civility, selflessness, bravery, honesty, virtue, decency, generosity and ethics. He sent the boys to school each morning with the words, “Be noble.”

David also explained the difference between rules and principles.

“Rules come usually from parents, teachers and society. ‘Do this to get along.’ Principles, on the other hand, teach children to walk in another’s shoes and empathize.”

The boys strived to incorporate their father’s words into their everyday behavior. The phrase, “Be noble,” has inspired their actions ever since.

The tale is told in poetry, specifically iambic pentameter with rhyming couplets.

He began work on the first book in the “Legacy” series in 2010, in his spare time away from his job as a recruiter in the pharmaceutical industry.

“I wrote the first chunk in three years and thought it was done,” he said.

As every writer knows, the first draft is never the final draft. So he soldiered on, sharing each section with David for comments and criticism.

When COVID struck and going to an office was out of the question, he wrote prolifically, ending

“Writing in iambic pentameter with rhyming couplets was very difficult and I was tempted to abandon that form. But rhyme is easy to remember,” said Michael.

Michael’s reason for writing the book in the first place was to honor his father for imparting his wisdom. It was also a legacy for his three daughters: Maddilyn, 11; Olivia, 8; and Gwen, 5, whom he wrote as characters in the book. He wanted them to have something to read when they’re older.

“The book is a coming-of-age story,” David remarked. “It’s not really a kids’ book, but a story that’s meant to be shared. Older readers will love it and read it with nostalgia.”

Michael credits his wife, Jamie, with being able to write to the finish, admitting he couldn’t have written such an epic without her support. Jamie’s patience with Michael’s writing schedule allowed him to work in every spare mo -

“Legacy” follows Abelbee, a fourwinged bee who has been teased for his differentness, as he faces many dangers on a flight from Primdale Hive to save Cimberlee, the queen bee, who has fallen ill. On his journey to find Vallenbee, the only bee who can cure the queen, he travels through all the places bees normally avoid because of the dangers from bellbirds, wasps, frogs and vicious beewolves.

Abel relies on his wits and the

Michael Pietrack and his father David.

When David Pietrack’s sons were young, bedtime stories were expected. So he made some up that focused on heroes. He sent the boys to school each morning with the words, “Be noble.”

kindness of strangers to complete his task while personifying the principles of nobility, as do some other characters, as he makes the long and dangerous journey. Though he’s afraid, he carries on because he knows the hive is depending on him, not letting the possibility of confronting enemies deter him.

The book is considered fantasy, yet none of the characters in the book have superpowers or magic.

Though Abel receives advice from many, including his father, he knows that a determined heart will learn its own lessons. Someday other bees will see him as a hero, and his name will be legend. He also learns that courage is being afraid and doing the right thing anyway.

Michael graduated from Colo -

BOTH PIETRACKS HOPE

TO INSPIRE A “BE NOBLE” MOVEMENT, SIMILAR TO THE “BE KIND” MOVEMENT THAT STARTED WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS.

rado Mesa University in 2001 with a degree in English Literature. Charming illustrations were created by Katrina Odom, a current CMU student. Odom and Michael worked together to get the pictures just right, and that attention to detail shows.

Each chapter illustrates a differ ent characteristic of nobility—or its opposite—and each chapter begins and ends with a narrator, who is revealed at the end of the book.

At the end of each chapter, there’s a QR code that, when scanned, takes the reader to a YouTube video about that segment. Both Pietracks hope to inspire a “Be Noble” movement, similar to the “Be Kind” movement that started with high school students. The book has also inspired a song, co-written by Michael and Brooke Hatala, a rising country star from Nashville. Hatala recorded it and has put in on her album. To hear “Abel’s Anthem,” go to TheLegacy

“Legacy” is avail able on Amazon in paperback, hardback, Kindle and audiobook.

Listen to Michael read aloud from “Legacy: The Saga Begins” at BeaconSeniorNews.com

Michael reads excerpts from his book at the book launch party held at Two Rivers Winery & Chateau.

“Legacy: The Saga Begins” opens with an illustrated tale of Abelbee, who faces many dangers on a flight from Primdale Hive to save Cimberlee, the queen bee, who has fallen ill.

A magnificent return to a passion long buried

Daughter of Valley Symphony founder rejoins orchestra after four decades

By Leanne Goebel

DJowas 9 when she told her mother she wanted to learn to play the violin. She started with a rental, but her mother Wilma told her that if she practiced, she could get her own.

“I just fell in love with it,” said 76-year-old D.Jo, eyes twinkling. “Playing the violin was all mine. It was my own little world.”

She did get her very own violin, but so did her older sister, Terry. A natural competition developed between the sisters in both piano and violin, but Terry proved to be the superior violinist. She went on to major in music at the University of Nebraska (UNO).

D.Jo didn’t want to go to college,

but she attended the University of Guam, where her military family was stationed. She majored in piano with a minor in violin.

When her family moved back to Omaha, D.Jo continued her studies at UNO, but realized she wasn’t good enough to make a career out of music. She switched her major to psychology but dropped out of college when she married Don, a clarinet player.

D.Jo, her new husband and his three small children moved to Eckert to help manage her grandfather’s fruit orchard. Terry and her husband, a gifted pianist and composer, joined them soon after.

A MUSICAL FAMILY

D.Jo’s mother Wilma had majored in music and played piano and French horn. With all of her family’s musical talent in one place, Wilma decided they should play music together.

After a couple of months, the family discussed the idea of starting an orchestra. They, along with a few friends, rehearsed in the Lowell home before moving to Cedaredge High School.

“My mother always thought it was unfortunate that there was nowhere for people to play their instruments,” said D.Jo. “She often said she brought a dust rag to those early rehearsals to dust off the instruments.”

Their first organized performance had an audience of 15 or 20 people. Walter Birkedahl, who taught at Mesa College and played with the Grand Junction Symphony, was their first conductor.

“Our first concert was horrible,” D.Jo recalled. “We had fun and people clapped, but it wasn’t anything like the Valley Symphony’s performances now.”

D.Jo and Don soon divorced, and she finished her degree at Western State College and commuted to symphony rehearsals at Delta High School.

In 1980, she moved to Louisville, Kentucky and earned her Master’s

in Divinity. Eventually, she returned to Colorado, working in the mental health field. Then she completed her advanced chaplaincy training at Swedish Medical Center, and developed the spiritual program at the Anschutz residential substance abuse treatment center in Denver.

“They put [the spiritual program] on the same level as biopsychosocial and made everyone listen to me,” D.Jo said proudly.

She spent 10 years there and retired.

PICKING UP THE BOW AGAIN

While D.Jo isn’t sure when the organization became known as the Valley Symphony, a board of direc-

The Valley Symphony has grown considerably since its humble beginnings back in 1970. Now it includes 60+ instrumentalists and 35+ vocalists.

Fill in the gaps

There are many stories across the Western Slope involving the Valley Symphony, but there are gaps within its 51-year history.

If you have stories or memories about the symphony or some

of the people involved, reach out to Stacey Ryan, director of communications and development, at Info@ValleySymphony.net or 970-765-8323.

D.Jo’s mom, Wilma Lowell, was one of the Valley Symphony’s founding members.

D.Jo Lowell plays violin in the first section for the allvolunteer Valley Symphony Orchestra.

tors joined in 1978, and by 1982, 30 musicians practiced once a week at Delta High School.

In the many years since she left the symphony, she rarely picked up her violin. She recalled a time when she opened the case only to find the hair on the bow had fallen off. She repaired it but still didn’t play.

When D.Jo and her wife Sue moved back to Paonia, she didn’t think the Valley Symphony still existed. When she heard they were having a concert in 2019, she went and was blown away. She knew then, at age 72, she wanted to pick up the violin again.

“I got the violin back up but had no muscle memory. I couldn’t play it,” she said.

She took lessons from Debra TenNapel, the symphony’s former concertmaster. She knew she had to start over, but when TenNapel asked her what her goals were for learning violin, she responded with: “I want to return to the symphony and be in the first violin section.”

TenNapel fed her passion and in 2021, D.Jo returned to Valley Symphony to play in the Christmas by Candlelight concert.

D.Jo moved to Grand Junction,

See

Pop Stars & Superheroes

Saturday, April 22 • 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 23 • 3 p.m.

Although D.Jo moved to Grand Junction, she still takes lessons from the symphony’s concertmaster and attends weekly rehearsals in Delta. but that hasn’t stopped her from playing. Now she plays first section violin with the symphony and drives to Delta for weekly rehearsals. She continues her lessons with Sandra Sundstrom, the symphony’s current concertmaster, and has lessons with her sister over FaceTime.

“I practice every day and I’m getting better,” said D.Jo. “Remembering the music is a challenge. I never practiced scales, but Terry has helped with that. There’s a gratifying difference in my playing.”

Valley Symphony Association brings together some of the best volunteer musicians of all ages from the Western Slope to discover and perform works of great composers.

“This was Mother’s dream,” said D.Jo. “She would be grinning ear to ear with satisfaction at what this has become.”

For information on upcoming concerts, tickets and the audition process, visit ValleySymphony.net or call 970-765-8323. ■

Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr.

It’s a bird...it’s a plane...it’s the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in their final performance of the season! This jam-packed concert teams up some of the most iconic superhero themes of all time, along with pop songs that are the stuff of legend.

These songs connect us across oceans and beyond borders, forming links to the past, present and future. With cape or guitar, everyone needs a hero! Come to this family friendly concert that’s just plain fun! Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for students.

“OUR FIRST CONCERT WAS HORRIBLE. WE HAD FUN AND PEOPLE CLAPPED, BUT IT WASN’T ANYTHING LIKE THE SYMPHONY’S PERFORMANCES NOW.”

MONTHLY SPECIALS!

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Recipe courtesy of MilkMeansMore.org

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray cups halved cherry tomatoes

teaspoons olive oil

teaspoon minced garlic

teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed

teaspoon salt

teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces

cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425º F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top. ■

See more recipes at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

See more recipes at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“But I promised to never put Mom in a nursing home”

Dear Laird: Mom never liked the idea that her own mother was in a nursing home late in her life. When my grandmother ended up dying, Mom was extremely distraught. She said the nursing home was a cold, lonely and terrible place to spend your last days. One day she came to me and said, “Don’t ever put me in a home.” I thought nothing of it at the time and promised to follow her wishes. Now, her doctor says she is nearing end-stage dementia and needs a lot of support. My brother and I are doing everything we can, but we both have jobs and don’t have the time to do everything she needs. We agree she needs to be in a nursing home, but are haunted by our promise to never place her. Is there a way out for us? Signed, Fred

Dear Fred: We make lots of promises throughout life. Situations change. A neurologist once told me it’s hard on families to resolve medical decisions for their parents. When a patient is being supported artificially and has no hope, some family members want to end the suffering and some want to continue life as long as possible. To help the family decide, he gave them this advice: “Remember who your mother was when she was 50. What did she like to do? How did you enjoy your time with her? Now imagine her at 50 looking at the woman in the hospital bed. What would your mother say you should do? Almost all of us would guess she would say, ‘Let me go.’”

Let’s apply that approach to your mother and the promise to never place her in a facility. Ask yourself, “Would she hold me to it, or would she say, ‘You have lovingly taken care of me. You can’t do it anymore. Keeping me at home is a burden to you I can’t stand.”

ASK YOURSELF, “WOULD SHE HOLD ME TO IT, OR WOULD SHE SAY, ‘YOU HAVE LOVINGLY TAKEN CARE OF ME. YOU CAN’T DO IT ANYMORE.’”

As caregivers, we often misunderstand our job. It’s not to be perfect. It’s not to do everything ourselves. It is not to find a cure for the incurable. It is three things: keep your mom safe, keep your mom comfortable and create moments of joy. You can do that even if she is under care somewhere other than home. If you place your mom, you can spend your time with her remembering the joys of her life and telling her what she means to you. Caregivers do what is right in the situation, not what they said they would do when the future is unknown. ■

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

BY LAIRD LANDON, PH.D.

Send your questions to Laird in care of the BEACON, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org

Let’s pump you up!

Stay strong with these 6 simple exercises

By Alicia Jones

Here’sa question I hear all the time about fitness over 50: Do women really need weight training as part of their routines, or is it enough to focus on some type of aerobic exercise?

As women age, weight training becomes even more important. Having strong, lean muscles ramps up your metabolic rate, which slows down as we age, so you can burn fat.

A recent study found that improvement of muscle performance can lead to a better quality of life in older adults. The data is clear: if you want a better life, lift!

Lifting weights also helps bone density and keeps them strong,

which is a serious concern for women since estrogen levels decline after menopause. Estrogen is key to enhancing bone density, which is why seniors are more prone to osteoporosis and broken bones if they fall. Loss of estrogen also ushers in various health challenges that usually weren’t a concern at a younger age. For example, insulin resistance becomes more prevalent, and the body, unable to regulate insulin production, is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Exercising, however, can help balance your blood sugar as well as your hormones. It will also improve your heart health, since the heart is a muscle. Making it stronger will help stave off heart conditions.

STRONGER FROM HEAD TO TOE

Incorporating a weight training routine doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. With only six exercises—legs, back, core, chest, triceps and biceps—you can strengthen your entire body. Here’s how:

LEGS BACK

Squats are excellent as they are a compound movement exercise. When you squat, you’re building leg muscles you need for daily activities such as getting out of a car or chair. You want these everyday motions to feel effortless. Squats work the legs, but also your core, back and overall body for balance.

Rowing exercises are an excellent way to work the back muscles. In this exercise, you squeeze your shoulder blades together as you bow down and slide your elbows along your side while holding two dumbbells. This helps teach your body to pull your shoulders back for good posture, which reduces the risks of shoulder injuries.

CHEST HEALTH & WELLNESS

To strengthen your abdominals, do a modified plank using a sofa so you’re not straining your wrists while trying to balance your body.

Place your hands on the back of the sofa, arms shoulder-width apart. Slowly bring your legs back until you’re in a straight line from the top of your head to your heels. Hold this position anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute. If it’s too easy, progress to using your sofa seats instead of the back of the sofa. If that gets easy, progress to the floor.

Face a wall. Place your hands on the wall shoulder width apart and angle your feet out away from the wall so you’re pressing your weight into your arms. Then slide your elbows along your side and squeeze your shoulder blades together as your arms bend until you’re able to kiss the wall. Then push your hands into the wall and straighten your arms. At the last second, give one final push into the wall as you round your shoulders. Be sure to reset your shoulders before you do another repetition.

This exercise has so much value for women over 50. First, it helps strengthen forgotten postural muscles that reduce shoulder and neck injury. It also works the chest in a way that doesn’t tighten chest muscles to create further shoulder instability.

CORE TRICEPS

Kickbacks are a fast and effective way to work your triceps, the muscles that run along the back of your arms. Standing upright with bent knees, bend at the waist with a straight back, holding one dumbbell. Place one hand on your thigh for support. On an exhale, engage your triceps as you slowly extend your arm back as far as you can, keeping it tight by your side. Pause, then inhale as your return your arm to the starting position

Finish off your routine with some bicep curls. Start standing with a dumbbell in each hand, with your elbows resting at your sides, keeping the knees slightly bent and your belly button drawn towards the spine. Bring the dumbbells all the way up to your shoulders by bending your elbows. At the top, hold for a second by squeezing the muscle then slowly lower.

That’s it! This simple routine of only six exercises is all you need to stay strong and ensure a better quality of life as you age. ■

VIDEO

VIDEO

Need more of a visual?

If you’re just starting out, begin with 15 repetitions of each exercise, two to three days a week.

As you become more advanced, you’ll need to cycle yourself through different repetition ranges, which I explain how to do in this video at: BeaconSeniorNews.com

For more exercises for women: aliciajoneshealthyliving.com

Which magnesium supplements are right for you?

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for strong bones and teeth, and it plays a crucial role in mood, brain health and cognition. Having adequate levels of magnesium ensures good attention span and focus. However, low magnesium (relative to calcium) will lead to long-lasting cramps and spasms. Severe hypomagnesemia will lead to cardiac irregularities and palpitations, as well as migraines and hypertension.

You can get magnesium from eating foods such as leafy greens, nuts and yogurt. However, with the acidification of soil, our crops are becoming magnesium deficient—

meaning you may not get enough simply through diet. That is why supplements are incredibly useful for giving your body the necessary nutrients it needs. Unfortunately, people often buy the wrong kind of supplements after they’re told that “any will do.” But not all supplements are created equal. This quick guide may help you find the one that’s right for you.

■ Magnesium Oxide - This type of magnesium may cause stomach aches, bloating, diarrhea and a lot of gas. The magnesium breaks off from the oxide, but not enough to be impactful. In other words, your body doesn’t absorb as much magnesium.

■ Magnesium Citrate - Magnesium citrate is sold in tablets and liquid. This form is often called “saline” laxatives since it helps

with digestion issues and bowel movements. Some research shows, however, that it may not absorb into the bones and brain as much. Magnesium citrate and oxide forms are perfect if you want to relieve constipation, but not for treating magnesium deficiency.

■ Chelated Magnesium - This slightly more expensive form of magnesium is bound to another thing (usually glycinate). Its formula is easily absorbed by the body. It reaches the brain and bones with more ease, making it a good supplement for magnesium deficiency.

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

■ Magnesium L-Threonate - This chelated magnesium is found in high-quality formulas. It transports itself out of the gut and goes where it’s needed, especially the brain to help with attention span, relaxation and mood.

Make sure you know which magnesium supplements target what issues. Not all of them solve important problems like hypomagnesemia or chronic conditions that require more potent forms of magnesium. Talk to your doctor about which supplements are most beneficial for you. ■

For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at SuzyCohen.com

Write a will: Take care of your pets

Planningfor the inevitable day you pass away might feel uncomfortable or morbid, but preparing a will can ease your mind about what happens to the people and pets you love once you are no longer here. It’s also your opportunity to choose the legacy that will leave a lasting impact on the causes you care most about. March is Write a Will Month, which means now is the perfect time to write or update your will.

I’ve shared before in this column the importance of creating a plan for your pets to protect them if you become unable to care for them someday. Did you know that you can solidify that plan in your will? You can designate a future caregiver for your pets, whether that be a trusted relative or an animal shelter like Roice-Hurst Humane Society, and even set aside a specific amount of money for that pet’s ongoing care.

A will also allows you to define your legacy by choosing who will benefit from your assets after you no longer need them. You can choose to leave all or some of your assets to a cause you care about through a legacy gift to a nonprofit of your choice.

A legacy gift is a wonderful part of end-of-life planning. Just imagine the far-reaching impact your gift will make long after your lifetime! Legacy gifts have funded many projects at Roice-Hurst Humane Society that would not have been possible without the generosity of forward-thinking animal lovers who planned their will ahead of time.

These projects include our mobile veterinary clinic that expands our capacity for veterinary care, a 5.5-acre land purchase that will allow us to meet the growing needs of our community and a charitable endowment fund that will provide a permanent source of funding for many decades to come.

This month, set aside time to put your end-of-life plans in place. The people, pets and causes you care about will someday be grateful that you did. Your legacy plan will ensure that your values, passions and love will live on for generations. ■

Pet Wills and Legacy Directives

Visit rhhumanesociety.org/ planforpets to find sample directives and forms to help you plan for your pet’s future if you precede them in death.

Or visit rhhumanesociety.org/ legacy to learn more about planning a legacy gift that will benefit pets and people in Western Colorado.

Carefree inspired living.

Our award-winning communities are redefining senior living with luxuriously designed apartments and public spaces that inspire. Creative cusine served in an elegant restaurant style setting, engaging social activities that bring neighbors together, beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces with walking trails and compassionate care from Hilltop; trusted by Western Colorado for over 70 years.

BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN

Jenna Kretschman is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator.

Contact her at Jenna@RHHumaneSociety.org

When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.

THE GREAT PROBLEM SOLVER

Submitted by L. Hunley

A man who was having lunch with a co-worker said he had to make a big decision.

He said, “Every spring for 25 years, my wife complained every weekend until I mowed and weeded the lawn and trimmed the shrubs. It was getting tougher and more time consuming as I was getting older, so last April, I hired a young guy named Jim to come over one day a week and do all the landscaping. Things seemed to be going well until last week, when my neighbor called me and asked if I was aware Jim was now coming over two or three days a week while I am at work. At first, I thought that was good news since he never increased the price, but it made me a little bit

suspicious. I gave it a lot of thought and decided I had to do something. Even after considering the price, and the fact that my wife seems happier and no longer nags me— and I do have the nicest lawn in the neighborhood—I decided Jim had to go. I definitely am going to fire him—probably in mid-October! Problem solved! For now, everyone is happy and I have time to play golf this weekend.”

THE WORST FOODS

Submitted by Yvonne Ruth

A doctor was addressing a large audience saying, “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High-fat diets can be disastrous,

and none of us realizes the longterm harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it. Can anyone tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?”

After several seconds of quiet, one man raised his hand, and softly said, “Wedding cake?”

FINAL GOODBYE

Submitted by Joanne Butler

Three friends from the local congregation were asked, “When you are placed in a casket and your friends and church members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say about you?”

The first fellow said: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful husband, a fine Rotary Club member and a terrific family man.”

The second fellow commented: “I would like them to say I was a wonderful teacher, a faithful servant of the church and someone who made a huge difference in

people’s lives.”

The last fellow said, “I’d like them to say, ‘Look, he’s moving!’”

BEST LUMBERJACK

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A man is applying for a job. The boss asks where he worked before.

“For the last 30 years, I drove an 18-wheeler. The 10 before that, I was the best lumberjack in the Sahara Forest,” he replied.

“The Sahara is a desert,” the boss said. “There aren’t any trees there.”

“Not anymore there aren’t,” the man said.

DEAF COWBOY

Submitted by Ben Kuckel

A cowboy comes back to the ranch riding his horse. Behind him is a riderless horse. The ranch hands who come out to greet him ask, “What’s with the riderless horse? Where’s your wife?”

The cowboy turns his head around and sees the riderless horse, then he exclaims, “Oh, thank

God! For a while there I thought I had gone deaf!”

IS SPELLING IMPORTANT?

Submitted by Nathan Williams

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig, huh? Yaeh, and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

60 IS THE NEW 40

Submitted by Tim Menger

A man gets up on the morning of his 60th birthday, walks outside, pounds his chest and exclaims, “60 is the new 40!” It actually reveals a lot about himself.

He has worked at a desk job for the last 25 years.

He has a brand new unused pair of hiking boots in his closet. He has a dresser drawer full of mail-order Viagra pills.

He has never been on a snowboard.

He has a lot of speeding tickets.

THE COMPUTER SWALLOWED GRANDMA

Submitted by Rachel Houston

The computer swallowed Grandma. Yes, honestly it’s true.

She pressed “Control” and “Enter”

And disappeared from view. It devoured her completely, The thought just makes me squirm.

She must have caught a virus Or been eaten by a worm.

I’ve searched through the recycle bin

And files of every kind; I’ve even used the Internet, But nothing did I find. In desperation, I asked Jeeves My searches to refine.

The reply from him was negative,

Not a thing was found online. So, if inside your inbox, My grandma you should see, Please “Copy,” “Scan” and “Paste” her

And send her back to me!

SMOG IN LOS ANGELES

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Recently, a mother and her young daughter were eating soup at an outdoor restaurant in Los Angeles. The little girl was dawdling, so her mother said, “Eat your soup, honey, before it gets dirty.”

ANY ID?

Submitted by Christine McCoy

A Colorado State Trooper pulled over a pickup on I-77.

The trooper asked, “Got any ID?”

The driver replied, “’Bout whut?”

TWINS

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A poor woman gave birth to identical twins and put them up for adoption. One boy was adopted by a family in Egypt, and they named him Amal. The other was adopted by a family in Spain; they named him Juan.

Many years passed and Juan eventually tracked down his birth mother and sent her his photo. Overjoyed, the woman told her sister, “Isn’t Juan a handsome boy? I only wish I had a picture of his brother!”

“For crying out loud!” Her sister exclaimed. “They’re identical twins. If you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal!” ■

New

My Diabetic Solutions

Nearly 35 million Americans are living with diabetes and even more who are undiagnosed.

My Diabetic Solutions at Compass Medical Center is the only provider on the Western Slope to offer groundbreaking treatments that can stabilize, and in some cases, even reverse the complications caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Our medical team focuses on metabolic, pre-diabetic and diabetic treatments for patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Some of these cuttingedge therapies and treatments include:

Infusion therapy

Nutrition

Light therapy

Wound care

Specialized orthotic fittings

Physiologic Insulin Resensitization

About Physiologic Insulin Resensitization

This treatment program has yielded significant results from patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Many patients reported a significant improvement in their neuropathy as well as vast improvements in other complications and a reduction in the overall use of medication.

This method has been used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and helps pre-diabetic patients improve insulin resistance and helps cells convert sugar into energy more readily. It can also help with:

Neuropathy relief

Restored energy

Weight control

Erectile function

Retinopathy relief

Reduced use of medications

Blood sugar control

Mood and sleep improvement

Hair and nail growth

Reduced blood pressure

Reduced symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Accelerated stroke recovery

Reduced fatty liver

Our holistic approach focuses on restoring mobility and creating positive outcomes for every patient rather than suppressing the symptoms so they can live to their fullest health potential.

There are ways to age gracefully with less pain and discomfort and more energy and vitality!

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley 2022-2023 Concert Series

Celebrate the music of Chicago with Beginnings, the ultimate tribute band

Beginnings

April 25 • 7:30 p.m.

By Jan Weeks

Inthe early 1960s, most rock bands were comprised of only guitars, bass and drums. But in 1967, a group billing itself as “rock ‘n’ roll with horns” shook up the music scene with a new sound. That band was the Chicago Transit Authority, later shortened to Chicago.

Revisit their revolutionary music on April 25, when Beginnings brings Chicago’s sound and hits to the Avalon stage in Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s final concert of the 2022-23 season.

“The music is timeless, and it

marries rock and jazz seamlessly in ways that no other contemporary band has,” said Patrick Bush, manager and occasional keyboardist for Beginnings—the ultimate Chicago tribute band.

LIFE ON THE ROAD

The concept for Beginnings came about in 2001. Like all musical acts, even Chicago, Beginnings members have changed over the years.

“It’s challenging and demanding

Rigby Meet

Whengrief occurs, animals can provide a level of comfort beyond spoken words. That’s why we have Rigby.

Rigby is a bright, handsome goldendoodle that joined our team at Brown’s Cremation & Funeral Service. At just five months old, Rigby has an uncanny ability to sense when families are grieving and need some extra attention. He greets everyone who walks in with a kind and loving demeanor, bringing a smile to every face he encounters. Sometimes these smiles produce more tears, but families are often comforted by his attention and affection during their visits to our funeral home.

Rigby’s role as our Grief Support Animal will involve visiting with the deceased’s family and loved ones at viewings and memorials, and assisting in comforting children and young people. Although he’s still in training, Rigby loves his position and enjoys being paid in hugs, kisses and treats.

Petting a therapy dog increases serotonin and dopamine levels in our brains. That chemical reaction is sometimes the one thing that can make a person feel normal, even if it’s only for a moment. It is our hope and intention that Rigby will improve an already difficult situation for the families we serve.

Stop by and say hello to Rigby (and our staff) at any time. Rigby will happily take you on a guided tour of our facilities if you find yourself preplanning for the future.

for even the best musicians, particularly the horns. But we love the music and the challenge of faithfully replicating it in a way few other tributes can,” said Bush.

The number of hits from the

We strive to do more for our families than just disposition.

Are you a Community Concerts season ticket holder?

Get your free ticket to “100 Years of Hank,” a special concert that honors the memory and music of Hank Williams. Community Concerts teams up with the Avalon Theatre Foundation in celebrating Hank’s life, along with the theater’s centennial. Read more about this additional show in next month’s issue!

original band makes deciding which songs to pick for any given performance difficult. Each player has their favorite songs, but the band as a whole prefers playing the earlier songs from the start of the band through the hits of 1978.

As with most touring groups, hard work, fun and friendship meld during long hours of drive time between gigs. But the drive and demanding performance schedules fall to the bottom of favorite ways to spend time.

“It takes a special group of people to tour together over long stretches, living out of a suitcase and being away from family,” said Bush. “You spend so much time traveling, performing and hanging with the guys, it’s hard not to develop great friendships and a real

appreciation for each band member’s talents.”

SEE THEM LIVE

Beginnings will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, at the Avalon Theatre, 645 Main St. in Grand Junction. Concertgoers will have a chance to meet all Beginnings members and chat with them after the show. Select merchandise will also be available.

“We love to meet the audience and make a point to chat with folks after the show. It helps to make the performance personal for us and our fans,” said Bush.

Concert tickets are available for $35 plus fees at Ticketmaster.com or the Avalon Theatre Box Office. Call the box office at 970-263-5757.

WIN TICKETS FROM THE BEACON!

One of first singles released by Chicago featured a distinctive guitar riff at the beginning. The song did not chart, however, until it was re-released two years later. What was the name of the song?

Send in your answers by Thursday, March 16 to be entered into a drawing for two tickets to Beginnings at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction. Winners will be notified by March 20.

Your Name:

Phone:

Email:

Mail this entry form to: BEACON Senior News PO Box 3895

Grand Junction, CO 81502

Get the latest news and giveaways by signing up for our eblasts at: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com/pages/subscribe

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Sustainability outlines a practice that does not deplete, pollute or destroy a natural resource. Closed loop gardening overlaps that philosophy with a desire to create your own resources and utilize products from one season to the next.

We do this with composting, and we can do it by saving our seeds. This option saves money, keeps genetic lines pure and provides consistent varieties of seeds.

It was only a couple generations ago that gardeners saved their own seed because they didn’t have garden centers, supermarkets and seed websites. They traded them with their neighbors, and in the process, grew varieties of crops year after year that naturalized to their specific climate.

Growing the same varieties will make our crops and seeds stronger and more resilient with each generation. Here are some ways

to preserve heirloom seeds.

For thousands of years, seed savers have been the stewards of genetic heritage. There have been concerns of losing those proven varieties and the crop nutrients they contain, which is why it is important to save seeds that grow heirloom crops.

Heirloom seeds have been around for generations and provide the true genetic characteristics of vigor, nutrients and viability. They tend to taste better and be better for your body too.

Though there are many seed suppliers, we need to look for original genetic varieties.

Too often crops are hybridized for their disease resistance, uniform maturation or ease of use in a restaurant food slicer. Each genetic modification breeds a trait and simultaneously removes a previous trait. We risk ending up with crops that lack the vitamins and enzymes they once had.

DON’T CROSS-POLLINATE

Keep the pollen isolated so that the seeds we harvest are not crosspollinated by other varieties nearby.

Many of us have had the experience of growing a bell pepper next to a jalapeño and eating a really spicy bell pepper.

There are three strategies to isolating pollen:

• Provide distance. Do some research to verify how much distance your crops need. Windbreaks or physical struc-

STORE

the plant blooms and is pollinated, the bag can also catch the seeds before they release onto the ground and disappear.

pulled out so they don’t cross-pollinate. We want the seed from the strongest, best plants.

After harvesting the seeds, be sure to dry them out thoroughly. Professional growers will dip the seeds in a bleach solution after harvest to kill any surface pathogens that may be present. Then dry the seeds, which is easy to do, especially in our climate.

I always do a germination test and label the storage container with which crop, what variety, where I grew it and the date produced.

Then be sure to store your seeds between 50-80 degrees. Never store seeds in a shed or garage, as the temperature swings are far too great and can harm the viability of the seeds. Under the bed or in a closet inside the house are great spots. ■

tures (like a house) can help. When I managed a seed farm, we couldn’t grow corn because its pollen could drift up to two miles and we had neighbors growing it just down the road! John Navazio’s book “The Organic Seed Grower” has comprehensive details on isolation distances.

• Use physical barriers. Professionals use fine mesh netting that pollen can’t get through but sunlight does. Paper bags are a good option for small seed crops. After

• Time the blossoms. Timing the blossom set can allow for multiple plants to be grown side by side. A short season crop like lettuce is ideal. Spacing each variety three weeks apart allows for each to bloom freely without cross-pollinating the others.

HOW TO SAVE YOUR SEEDS

For seed saving, select the plants with the best traits. Plants exhibiting any unusual growth patterns, odd fruit set or diseases should be

GROW WILD BY BRYAN REED

Did you know? Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch is installing a seed library! It will be a hub for leaving and borrowing seeds grown in our area at no charge.

Don’t miss Bryan’s FREE presentation on seed saving at Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch on Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. He will also cover topics relating to harvesting, cleaning seeds and more.

Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of the BEACON, or email him at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu

I am not my age Experience is a terrible thing to waste

By Noah LeVia Iam a senior.

No, according to employment counselors, that’s the wrong description of me. Euphemistically, according to the state workforce connection folks, “mature worker,” is what I should write in my cover letter to hiring managers and recruiters.

I might as well write I have a terribly infectious virus.

Yes, I am indeed a senior, which still surprises me. I’m not certain when I crossed that line from adult to senior, but it seems that the corporate world may have drawn the line at age 50. Certainly at age 60.

By 70, the line becomes a wall. There seem to be precious few doors in that wall.

In 2011, I was also a senior. However, I was employed in an office with coworkers who spanned a wide age range. I began working in that office in 2003 when I was a “younger senior,” but I was still a senior when hired.

In 2008, the layoffs began. I survived three. Then, in 2011, came the big one! Hundreds, if not thousands, of us were laid off throughout the U.S. and Canada. If there was a good thing, it was that I knew the layoff was not due to age.

Naively, I was unconcerned

about finding another job quickly. I updated my skills with help from the local workforce center, and I took advantage of job hunting workshops. I was blithely confident that, given my years of experience, advanced degree and updated computer skills, I would land a job with no problem.

I sent out tailored resumes and cover letters, and was invited to interviews. After several good interviews but with no job offers, I began to wonder what I was doing wrong. Then came the interview that removed the scales from my eyes.

The position was in an office environment. The interviewer was friendly, but he began to noticeably draw the interview to a premature close. When he asked if I had questions, I said “Do you feel my qualifications fit this position?”

His replied, “Yes, they do. But this is a busy office, and you would be expected to keep up here.”

I was so shocked, so dumbfounded, so taken aback, I couldn’t speak. Based on what he saw on the outside, he judged that I was a tottering old relic who couldn’t keep up. Should I have the opportunity to answer the same question again, I would ask, “Is there a reason you feel I could not keep up here?”

So what was I doing wrong in the interviews? Nothing. However, for the first time since I crossed the senior age line, I understood what ageism is.

Since that experience, my cover letters include the fact that as a mature worker, I offer rich, varied, unique and mature life experiences that would add a certain seasoning to the position.

Since I came out of the age closet through my cover letters, I have had far fewer interviews. For various reasons, none of those interviews have produced a steady, viable position.

Yes, I am a senior. But I am not my age. If I were, according to some in the corporate world, I would have nothing left to offer any business anywhere.

If I were my age, according to some interviewers, I could not keep up with office procedures.

If I were my age, I would have no new ideas to offer nor better plans to consider.

If I were my age, according to some hiring managers, I could learn nothing new due to an old mind nor could I possibly be creative.

If I were my age, my imagination

and originality would have atrophied long ago.

Ageism is a terrible thing. Its discrimination and prejudice are sharply felt by many of us who have crossed that senior line. Ageism relegates an entire population of people to society’s landfill and refuses to recognize that many of us have a great deal to contribute. Perhaps some of our methods are old-fashioned, but many times old-fashioned works very well. Perhaps the younger generation may feel threatened by us seniors because they realize they are inexorably becoming older and will cross that senior line before they are ready to do so.

In his poem, “Thanatopsis,” William Cullen Bryant writes of “the innumerable caravan which moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of Death.”

As a senior, I am inexorably moving with that caravan. So are we all. Perhaps the fear comes from the fact that we’re all inexorably moving. Perhaps ageism is a reaction to that fear.

To be fair, ageism is also experienced by younger generations.

To both the younger and mature worker, ageism says, “because of your age, you cannot fit into the parameters of this,” whatever this may be. Ageism does not define people for who they are; it defines them for what age they are.

I am still surprised that I’m now a senior. I appreciate the respect paid to my position, but I also despise the discrimination towards it. Regarding birthdays, I am considering measuring my earthly time in orbits instead. So far, I’ve experienced 75 earth orbits around the sun. Somehow, that sounds better than being 75 years old.

Maybe it will also sound better to the next hiring manager. ■

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

When you retire, don’t lose health coverage

Retire right with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan that fits your life

Your local, licensed Humana sales agent can help you explore your options and see if you’re eligible to enroll in one of Humana’s affordable Medicare Advantage plans upon retirement. Get the benefits you want and need so you can focus on making your retirement what you want it to be—enjoying the things you love.

From helping you find a doctor to assisting with unexpected barriers, Humana goes above and beyond to help you get the healthcare you need. That’s called human care.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish):

ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese):

Y0040_GHHJWWVEN22_AD_M

SO WHAT WAS I DOING WRONG IN THE INTERVIEWS? NOTHING. HOWEVER, FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I CROSSED THE SENIOR AGE LINE, I UNDERSTOOD WHAT AGEISM IS.

4 reasons to fall in love

with Provence, France

By Victor Block

Some places are more than a destination and topping that list is Provence, France. The Maryland-size enclave, nestled in the country's southeastern corner, immediately immerses visitors in a setting and lifestyle that cajoles and captivates.

While the glitzy French Riviera has many advocates, I limited my recent stay to what I call the “real” Provence. It's an area of tiny towns and even smaller villages. Mountain chains overlook valleys blanketed by a checker board of vineyards, orchards and olive trees.

Against this backdrop emerge the jewels of Provence that lie at the heart of its charm. These are history-rich hilltop villages of stone buildings crowding narrow, winding cobblestone streets and walkways, and compact tree-shaded squares lined by sidewalk cafés.

These casual brasseries represent one of four other factors that make a visit to this corner of France more than memorable. I am referring to the history, food, wine and people.

HISTORY

Phoenicians who arrived six centuries before the birth of Christ were followed by Greeks and later Romans. While Rome held sway

over this swath of fertile land, from about 100 BC until its empire disintegrated five centuries later, Provence became one of the realm's wealthiest provinces.

In the Middle Ages, the region was invaded by successive waves of fierce marauders. Evidence of this colorful past abound. In the town of St. Remy, remains of the once-grand Greek city of Glanum stand near a Roman triumphal arch and funerary monument. The two-tiered Roman amphitheater in Arles, which was built in 90 AD, once held more than 20,000 spectators who watched chariot races and gladiators.

FOOD & WINE

Much of France's well-deserved reputation for fabulous food and wine is based upon what is grown, made and cooked in Provence. The vegetables on my plate, often seasoned with garlic and local olive oil, was grown in fields close by. Regional specialty sweets like artisan chocolate, candied fruits and nougat tempt the palate and challenge your next step on a scale.

Wine has been made in this region for at least 2,600 years, first by the Greeks and then Romans. Provence is known predominately for rosé wine, which accounts for about half of the local production.

Some oenophiles also praise its spicy, full-flavored reds. I felt obligated to sample both.

FRIENDLY FRENCHMEN (AND WOMEN)

Even given these pleasures of the past and palate-pleasing flavors of food and wine, I found the people of Provence to also be among its most endearing treasures. When I struggled with my elementary school-level French, they offered help with their elementarylevel English. When I encountered a car problem, an off-duty policeman cheerfully came to my rescue. If I looked lost while walking in town,

a local passerby invariably offered assistance.

The genuine friendliness and welcoming attitude of the Provencales might be reason enough to visit this inviting corner of France. Given the many other enticements, it's no wonder why the destination is placed high on many travel bucket lists.

LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS

I traveled to Provence with Untours,

a company with which I have traveled in the past. It's motto and goal to enable participants to “Live like the locals” is perfectly suited to a stay in Provence, as I was immersed in its local culture and customs.

Untours provided my wife and me with a wealth of helpful pre-trip information, accommodations, a rental car and a first-day briefing by the on-site company representative.

We stretched our budget by enjoying some meals at our home away from home—and I don't mean a hotel room. That's a "nono" for the company. Instead, where you stay becomes part of the travel experience.

In Provence, we stayed in a beautifully renovated century-old house in Pernes-les-Fontaines, a fortified Medieval town named for 41 ornate public fountains that began furnishing water to inhabitants in the 17th century. The house’s interior was a treasure trove of reminders of its history and that of Provence. Wall hangings and knickknacks displayed artifacts representing both the past and present-day life. In the enclosed yard, olive trees and a grape arbor hinted at the gastronomic pleasures that abound.

Untours travels to 13 European countries and also offers canal, river and small ship sea cruises.

For more information about Provence, visit provence-alpescotedazur.com/en. Book a trip with Untours by calling 888-868-6871 or at untours.com. ■

Fall Prevention Class

How to help prevent fall-related injuries

Please join us for a FREE educational class on how to prevent falls & injury, taught by a Community Hospital Physical Therapist

Topics Featured:

• Home Safety

• Community Resources

• Physical Activities

• Fall Prevention

• Physical Therapy Recommendations

• Assistive Devices

Upcoming Classes:

March 15, 2023

April 19, 2023

May 17, 2023

• Maintaining Independence www.YourCommunityHospital.com

2023 Class Location: Community Hospital • 2351 G Road Legacy Conference Rooms 1 & 2 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

For more information regarding classes: Call (970) 644-3103

I FOUND THE PEOPLE OF PROVENCE TO ALSO BE AMONG ITS MOST ENDEARING TREASURES.

Raise a glass and get to know St. Pat

Truths and myths about St. Patrick’s Day

By Randal Hill

Whenit comes to legendary heroes, myths often become entangled with the truth.

As is the case with St. Patrick. You may wonder: Was he really from Ireland? Did he really like to drink? Is it true that he drove snakes from the land? Is he even a fullfledged saint?

THE TRUTH AS WE KNOW IT

Sometime in the fifth century, Maewyn Succat was captured by Irish pirates from his wealthy family’s villa in Roman Britain—probably in the area we now know as Wales. Succat, who was about 16 years old, was whisked away to become a slave in Northern Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd.

He spent his precious spare time in prayer, and in his early 20s, Succat claimed he heard a voice telling him that he would be going home soon. At the right moment, he fled his master and made his way to a port 200 miles away, where he found a ship’s captain willing to

return him to Britain.

Once home, the pious young man studied to be a Christian missionary. He planned to return to Ireland in hopes of converting pagans to Catholicism.

After becoming a priest, Succat changed his name to Patricius, which is Latin for “father figure.” In his missionary work, he used the common three-leaf shamrock to teach the Irish about Christianity’s Holy Trinity. This is why celebrants wear the color green on St. Patrick’s Day.

You may have heard the story of St. Patrick chasing all the country’s snakes into the sea. That never happened. According to fossil record, Ireland has been snake-free since the Ice Age.

We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17—not because it was the day that St. Patrick was born, but it’s thought to be the anniversary of his death. Historians can never be certain of this, however, and St. Patrick’s own writings don’t provide evidence for more precise dates.

Perhaps the biggest myth of all

DRINK.

is that he is widely revered today as the patron saint of Ireland, but has yet to be canonized by a pope.

PARADES & PARTIES

As for today’s celebrations, St. Patrick’s Day often means parades—and drinking. Contrary to belief, parades didn’t start with the Irish. The first such event took place in Boston in 1737, with New York City following 25 years later. Dublin didn’t offer a parade until 1931. In the Big Apple’s iconic event, about 150,000 marchers walk for up to five hours on Fifth Avenue. It doesn’t take that long in Hot Springs, Arkan -

Dublin didn’t hold it’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade until 1931.

sas—their parade route measures 98 feet in length. And that’s no myth.

March 17 often falls during a period of Lenten abstinence, but Patrician tradition decrees that the faithful are free from this constraint. That’s why the holiday is often steeped in drunken revelry.

Volunteer of the Year

What age group makes up the majority of our community’s volunteers? Seniors!

That’s why the BEACON gives Mesa County organizations the opportunity to recognize their outstanding senior volunteers on Thursday, April 20 at Grand Junction BeaconFest. All nominated volunteers will be honored at the stage, but only one can be named Volunteer of the Year. We need your help!

Vote online (easiest)

Step 1: Go to BeaconSeniorNews.com/VoteVOY

Step 2: Select your favorite volunteer and enter your name and email address

Step 3: Submit your vote!

Voting closes Friday, April 7 at 4 p.m.

Mail-in your vote!

Mesa County Nominees

All volunteers will be recognized at Grand Junction BeaconFest on Thursday, April 20 at Grand Junction Convention Center. Ceremony starts at 1 p.m.

John Ahern

Nominated by Mesa County RSVP/SHIP

In all of John’s volunteer capacities, he has put in 7,325 hours since starting with RSVP 9 1/2 years ago. He has advised hundreds of people on Medicare, putting on seminars and answering questions about this incredibly confusing government program. His smile and infectious attitude wins people over instantly!

Weldon Allen

Nominated by Grand Valley Resettlement Program

In January 2022, Weldon accepted the responsibility of developing a team, creating tasks and a workflow, and finding sponsors for Afghan families who arrived in the Grand Valley. This included everything from furnishing refugees with homes to education, including English lessons, job training and support, fundraising and physical and mental health support. Since then, Weldon has coordinated teams of over 350 volunteers through 12 church sponsors, as well as supporting the nine Afghan families currently in the Grand Valley. No matter how much chaos or how situations change, Weldon is willing to sit down to help train individuals, meet with sponsors and move and furnish homes for the refugees. He is a calm and thoughtful presence in the organization.

Ruthmary Allison

Nominated by Mesa County Spellbinders

Ruthmary is always selflessly helping someone! She tells stories in many elementary school classrooms across the valley and has done so regularly for over 18 years. Teachers love her! A member of Mesa County Spellbinders’ board of directors, we depend on her strength, commitment and creativity to continue to exist and operate. A nationally certified master trainer, she leads our monthly workshops and trains members in Spellbinders organizations across Colorado. Ruthmary also trains our chapter’s new recruits so they can go into the classrooms and tell stories in the oral tradition. Additionally, she’s a long-time HopeWest volunteer who helps patients in hospice care and their families. Whether it is sitting with a patient in their home while the family caregiver takes a break, singing to a patient at their bedside, or making cookies in the kitchen, Ruthmary is there to help in any way. She also sponsors immigrants from Afghanistan.

Bronwyn Beckstead

Nominated by Meals on Wheels

Bronwyn started volunteering just over a year ago for Meals on Wheels and has made a great impact in a short amount of time. She has delivered over 600 meals to clients and has befriended a number of them. Most Fridays, she spends several hours going beyond the call

MESA COUNTY

Vote for Mesa County Volunteer of the Year!

How to vote:

1 Read about each volunteer’s qualifications

2 Choose your favorite

❒ John Ahern

❒ Weldon Allen

❒ Ruthmary Allison

❒ Bronwyn Beckstead

❒ Joy Bush

❒ Leonard Cruz

❒ Judy Fenton

❒ Cheryl Gummere

❒ Nanette Lytle

❒ Shirley Schultz

❒ Dana Seelye

❒ Steve Olney

3 Cast your vote online at BeaconSeniorNews.com

Or mail this official ballot to: PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

The last day to vote is Friday, April 7. Online voting closes at 4 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be received by 4 p.m.

All nominees are invited to a special ceremony at Grand Junction BeaconFest, where they will be presented with awards and the Volunteer of the Year will be announced (details below).

Questions? Contact us at 970-243-8829, or email Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

GRAND JUNCTION

Enjoy the area’s largest boomer and senior fair! FREE admission, entertainment, seminars, food

GRAND JUNCTION

Thursday, April 20, 2023

9 am-3 pm

Grand Junction Convention Center

of duty for a Mesa County resident. Before starting her weekly route, Meals on Wheels staff pack an extra lunch in Bronwyn’s bag because she spends time with a wheelchair-bound senior and assists her in the home, sorting through mail, organizing stacks of paperwork and socializing. Bronwyn always shows up with a positive attitude and a kind spirit. She is one of those individuals who quietly serves in a great capacity.

Joy Bush

Nominated by Visit Grand Junction

Joy has logged 2,115 lifetime hours at the Grand Junction Visitor Center. She greets guests looking for things to do in the area and assists new residents seeking advice on places to dine, things to do, Realtor information and places to meet other locals.

Joy is well respected by all of the volunteer ambassadors at the Grand Junction Visitor Center. She shares articles with volunteers who have similar interests along with books she’s read, her favorite trails and bike routes and more. Joy is always trying to expand her horizons. If there is a topic she isn’t familiar with, she will research and learn about it. She is always optimistic with a positive attitude.

Leonard Cruz

Nominated by Roice-Hurst Humane Society

Since 2017, Leonard has dedicated more than 2,430 volunteer hours to the dogs at Roice-Hurst Humane Society. He has a special knack for working with the most timid, shy dogs that enter the shelter, often taking them on as his own personal projects until they are adopted. Leonard has fostered more than 60 dogs in his home and has touched the lives of countless more at the shelter. Most days, you can find Leonard sitting on the floor of a dog kennel, gently hand-feeding hot dogs to a wary pup, teaching them that humans aren’t so scary. His generous work has set dozens of dogs up for successful lives with loving families

Judy Fenton

Nominated by Supporting Our Seniors (SOS), Hilltop & Aging and Disability Resources of Colorado (ADRC)

As a volunteer with SOS, Judy has provided rides to homebound seniors for over six years. In addition to being an amazing volunteer, Judy is also an incredible human being. She is a vibrant ray of sunshine. Her happiness and sense of humor rub off on others really easily. She is full of life and will always put a smile on your face. Even though Judy prefers to give seniors rides to medical appointments, she is pretty flexible and always willing to work with us. One day, we had a last-minute ride

from a grocery store that no other volunteer was available to do. When we explained the situation to Judy, she enthusiastically took it on. Her flexibility and commitment to the SOS program are among the many reasons we would like to nominate her for Volunteer of the Year.

Cheryl Gummere

Nominated by EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum

Cheryl “Jolly” Gummere has volunteered at EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum since 2018 and has donated over 400 hours of her time. She has filled a variety of roles during her time at the museum, and is always willing to do whatever needs done. She is a leader, welcoming and training new volunteers. Jolly is thoughtful, persistent and a joy to be around.

Nanette Lytle

Nominated by Grand Valley Pets Alive

When Nanette and her family moved into their new Fruita home, they quickly noticed the overwhelming feral cat and abandoned pet cat problem in the area. Their trailer park was overrun by cats who were often sick or injured, or abandoned by their owners who moved away. Many of them were starving and produced litter after litter of kittens every year who often died or were killed on the surrounding streets. Nanette, along with her teenage daughter Violet and mother-in-law Ann, started trapping and spaying/neutering the cats, hoping to rescue the kittens and younger cats, tame them and place them in loving forever homes. They spend countless hours feeding and spending time with the colony—all in an attempt to make trapping efforts more successful. They became involved with Grand Valley Pets Alive’s Spay/Neuter Return Program, utilizing vouchers to cover the cost of procedures and then continue to feed and care for the cats, mostly at their own expense. When GVPA had the opportunity to apply for a grant from the City of Fruita, Nanette went door to door securing signatures on a letter of support. Because of Nanette’s efforts, her mighty team has been able to take care of 59 of the approximate 60 colony cats. Currently, the team is dealing with the displacement of the colony while being displaced themselves. Even though they no longer living there, they continue to feed, trap and take care of them.

Shirley Schultz

Nominated by HopeWest

Shirley is a volunteer at Heirlooms for Hospice and has been volunteering with HopeWest for over 25 years. Last year, she turned 100 years old. Her motto is,

“If you’re not having fun, it’s not worth doing.” She volunteers at Heirlooms on Monday mornings and always tells us she is happy to do whatever “grunt work” we have for her. She is a valuable asset to the HopeWest team. Everyone she comes into contact with is lucky to know her. When we shared that we would like to nominate her for the Volunteer of the Year award, she said, “I get far more out of volunteering then you get out of me, and I enjoy every minute of it”.

Dana Seelye

Nominated by VA Western Colorado Health Care System

Dana has given hundreds of hours to beautify the landscaping at the VA Hospital. An Army veteran and master gardener, Dana has done a great job of recruiting others to help him. Many times, he helps his helpers succeed in other areas of their lives. His passion for volunteering, improving our grounds and showing kindness to others continues to inspire.

Steve Olney

Nominated by Community Hospital & Community Food Bank

When you arrive at Community Hospital, Steve’s is one of the friendly smiles that greets you. He gives his time two mornings a week greeting visitors, patients and their families and escorting them to their appointments. His humor and friendliness put people at ease, and his kindness and compassion shows through in every interaction. Steve also visits with patients, collects mail throughout the hospital, works on a variety of special projects and is always willing to take on a new responsibility. During his six-year tenure at the hospital, Steve has volunteered over 2,600 hours. He knows many patients by name, and the staff looks forward to talking with him and are grateful for his willingness to give his time and talents to the hospital. Steve connects with other volunteers, supports their work and is a friend many of us have come to rely on. Steve is also an integral part of the Community Food Bank family. He goes to Main Street Bagels every Monday morning to pick up bagels for us to serve. Then he spends every Monday afternoon as our greeter, explaining our shopping model to new clients, updating returning clients of any changes and answering questions. He truly cares for our clients and is eager to hear about their day. Not only is Steve dedicated and compassionate towards clients, but he also makes sure to build community with other volunteers he serves with. Steve is an amazing volunteer who shows up for each shift with a smile on his face and a get-it-done attitude, making him the perfect candidate for Volunteer of the Year!

Congratulations to all the nominees and thank you for your volunteer service!

By Nona Kelley Carver

Dear God,

want to thank you for these rugged Rocky Mountains, that you formed and stacked so close up to the sky. I wonder if you made them to inspire and to uplift us, or simply piled them up here just to echo eagle’s cry.

How their heights still make me dizzy, every time I travel through them, and their beauty pours a peace into my soul…

And I pause here and I ponder if the lakes reflect their splendor, clear to heaven and if that has been your goal.

God, we’ve scratched upon their surface with our railroads and our highways, that still take us to the places where we really want to go. But sometimes, stark fear will grip us as we peer beyond the edges, into crystal streams that run at least a thousand feet below.

I still marvel at the colors from pale gray to deep magenta… at the purples and the depths of valleys green; and I think you must have rested as you finished with creation, with these mountains as your footstool while you looked upon the scene.

I feel sure you smiled contented as you scattered seeds for flowers, and you watered them with raindrops so they’d grow. Then you chilled the earth for winter, let it rest until the springtime, as you capped these mighty mountains with a sparkling crown of snow.

When you hung your lovely rainbows that still follow summer showers, did you place them there before us so we’d see, that your guiding hand will lead us ever onward, ever upward? If we trust you, you will set our spirits free.

God, we love these Rocky Mountains you’ve created for our pleasure, but we love you more, and this will be my prayer… that we honor and adore you, place our heart and soul before you, and accept the strong protection you provide with loving care.

Stream for less: How to make the most of your TV and music streaming services

Every teacher, student, parent and most grandparents are about to enter what is referred to in education as “The February Doldrums.” The holidays are over, there’s a gap in sports, the weather is cold, and Top 40 radio only plays break-up songs (that’s just my opinion). As a result, the whole world slows down because our kids are in emotional hibernation.

As much as I would love to tell you that technology has the solution, it doesn’t. However, how we use technology can give us just enough energy to remember that spring is less than two months away. We can fight the doldrums by shifting the media and messages we consume in our vegetative off-hours.

There is a world beyond scrolling through the dissipating variety of movies on Netflix or mindlessly flicking through our social media feeds. Streaming media is the access to entertainment we dreamed of as kids. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Go beyond your Smart TV. Some low-end TVs have Roku built in. But for everyone else, I suggest investing in a Roku box. These small devices cost $20-$100 but will open up the number of free and premium streaming options significantly.

Unlike Apple, Google, Amazon or your smart TV’s built-in options, Roku gets along with all other streaming services, and there are a variety of developers that offer streaming content on Roku that isn’t available anywhere else. Much of it is free.

Rotate through services. Streaming services don’t require you to sign a contract, and you can easily cancel and resubscribe with a simple toggle switch.

I like to rotate through services. I

am currently subscribing to Peacock and Discovery Plus. In the spring, I will likely cancel either or both and subscribe to Paramount Plus or Criterion Channel. There is no reason to stack up multiple subscriptions for content you don’t have time to watch.

You may be eligible for a free account. Cell phone carriers, Walmart, credit cards and many other companies use streaming services as a perk. Walmart+ subscribers get Paramount Plus for free. T-Mobile users get free Netflix, and AT&T subscribers get free HBO Max with some plans. Some services even give major discounts to students. Don’t forget music. found it interesting that people will pay $15 per month for Hulu with out commercials, but they won’t spend $5-$10 per month on a music streaming service. I can only watch so much TV, but I can stream music almost anywhere.

Music is portable and, unlike video streaming services, I can find almost any song or artist that I am in the mood for. If a person has eclectic music tastes and a vast collection of albums, a music subscription service is more essential than owning a TV, not to mention paying for any particular streaming video service.

Some people argue that stream -

ing music isn’t as high of quality as CDs or albums. Generally, these people are just being pretentious. The music on streaming services will sound as good as your device

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

will allow it to sound.

Watch or listen to something new. New content is being produced and released faster than we can possibly discover it. Don’t feel compelled to watch what everyone else is watching. Try watching a Korean horror movie or an Australian home renovation reality show. There’s also no penalty for starting with episode six of season four and watching 10 minutes of a show you’ve never seen just so you can decide whether to start from the beginning. There are no rules. ■

Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org

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The Flying Nun: “It was just drivel!”

By Randal C. Hill

“I was in heaven, learning as much as I could learn. I loved, loved, loved every minute of it,” Sally Field once enthused to a writer from O, The Oprah Magazine.

Was this reaction about her time spent as “The Flying Nun”? Actually, no. Field was waxing nostalgic about her first television series, “Gidget,” a 1965 show on ABC based on the Sandra Dee movie of the same name. (In 1959, “Gidget” had kicked off the beach party/surfing film craze of the early 1960s.)

Field’s recollections of her “Flying Nun” years was quite different. She had landed the “Gidget” role right out of Birmingham High School in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys. Shortly after, she was spotted by a casting agent at an acting workshop.

When “Gidget” folded after a year of mediocre ratings, Field was devastated. She was then offered the lead role in another ABC series, this time as a Puerto Rico-based Catholic sister who could soar through the air. (“The Flying Nun” was based on Tere Rios’ 1965 book, “The Fifteenth Pelican.”)

Field rejected the role, later explaining, “The show just made no sense to me. It was just drivel! There wasn’t any piece of it that had human behavior in it.”

Her stepfather was a stuntman/ actor named Jock Mahoney, who Field found intimidating and controlling. When Mahoney warned her, “If you don’t take this part, you may never work again,” she capitulated and signed to play the cartoonish sister. When she later requested more depth to the scripts, Field was told, “[People] want to know what they’re going to see before they see it. They don’t want to be touched. They don’t want to be surprised. They don’t

want to think.”

The series ran from 1967 to 1970 for a total of 82 episodes. It quickly became a ratings winner, but as the weekly stories unfolded, viewership dropped steadily. By the third year, the show was on life support.

In the meantime, Field had married her first husband, Steve Craig, and was pregnant during the last season’s filming.

“You can only imagine what a pregnant flying nun looked like. I was a walking sight gag,” Field said.

The show’s producers used props and scenery to block the view of Field’s body below the chest.

Eventually Field came to realize that the time she spent on “The Flying Nun” did, to her surprise, have an actual upside.

“Something in me started to take care of myself in a way that I hadn’t been able to before,” she said later. “I started to change and heal. I grew up and moved out of the fog. And ultimately, the experience of being on the series gave me tremendous strength. It made me want to be a real actor, no matter what.”

She certainly achieved that goal. In her superlative movie career, Field carried home an armful of Tinseltown trophies, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress for “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart.” ■

Diamond G: A driver’s best friend

By Arlyn Macdonald

WhenDennis Goodhue first opened Diamond G Auto Repair in 1985, he committed to providing customers with exceptional service by honest and highly trained technicians.

This promise has served him well, as the shop’s reputation for quality service and customer care has caused it to grow into one of the best auto repair services in the area.

Located on the south end of Montrose at 65790 Racine Road, the full-service shop sits on a portion of Goodhue’s still-operational family farm.

is CDE-certified) and even ground equipment for one of the airlines at Montrose Regional Airport.

QUALITY SERVICE

Goodhue emphasized the importance of continuing education for his current staff. Diamond G’s auto technicians receive ongoing training so they can repair newer models of cars as well as older ones. They work on minivans and work trucks; medium- and light-duty diesels; Asian imports; as well as domestic vehicles.

“We work on most everything,” said Goodhue. “We are not a specialist on one type of car.”

Goodhue and his staff are also continually adapting their trade as new hybrid and electric vehicles come on the market. Currently, they can service many hybrid vehicles, but are not yet certified to work on fully electric vehicles.

“In the early days, farmers couldn’t afford to take their equipment in for repairs, so their families repaired them during the winter,” said Goodhue, who took an interest in mechanics and started repairing farm equipment at a young age.

In 1985, Goodhue opened his first shop in his parents’ two-car garage. Ten years later, it moved to a larger Quonset building just behind the garage, and in 2010, he built his own service building. Diamond G will soon double the number of vehicle bays, which will allow his technicians to work on more vehicles, including school buses (the shop

“In 1976, there were about 15 models of cars from four to six manufacturers,” said Goodhue. “Now there are all of these models, plus new ones every year.”

Diamond G does all factory recommended services from oil changes to replacing belts and hoses. They also service brakes and rotors, transmission, wheels and tires, heating and air-conditioning systems, and more.

As a NAPA AutoCare facility, all repairs and parts are guaranteed for 12 months or 24,000 miles.

“We are honest—not perfect— but we stand by our work,” said Goodhue.

Every vehicle they work on comes with a free inspection. Diamond G service advisors take time to explain problems to each customer and make sure they understand what needs to be done before repairs are made.

WELL DESERVED WINNERS

BEACON readers have selected Diamond G Auto Repair as the Best Auto Repair Shop in Montrose and Delta Counties for the past two years because of their exceptional customer service and quality work.

Goodhue and his staff put every effort to helping customers get the repairs their car needs without it costing a fortune. Call 970-2496856 to schedule a tune-up and see why local seniors trust Diamond G Auto Repair. ■

Owner Dennis Goodhue says that soon he’ll be doubling the number of vehicle bays in the shop at 65790 Racine Road.

Diamond G’s technicians are continually adapting to their trade so they’re qualified to service almost every make or model vehicle that comes in.

Diamond G owner Dennis Goodhue and his wife Sherry

The Alzheimer’s Association Please Join Aspen Ridge In Raising Money For

where: The Feisty Pint

when: March 11, 2023

time: Noon to 9:00 p.m.

Please let your server know you are ordering food for the Alzheimer’s Association Fundraiser.

12.5% of your total order over $12 (not including alcoholic beverages) will be donated to the American Alzheimer’s Association.

Can I save money by settling an estate myself?

By Karen Telleen-Lawton

Afriend and former client of mine called for advice when she was named the executor of her mom’s estate. Her mother, who recently died at age 95, had been living in a nursing home, though she still owned her home plus a small property across the street. My friend and her siblings thought they had organized their mother’s affairs beforehand, but there were issues with the real estate and the potential for probate. My friend wondered whether she needed to hire an attorney.

You don’t always need an attorney to settle an estate, but even the simplest of estates can present unexpected twists and turns. If the estate can be settled without going to probate, it may be a relatively straightforward process.

Probate is a court of legal standing designed to ensure that legitimate creditors are compensated and any remaining personal property is paid out according to the wishes of the decedent. If there are more debts than assets, disputes among the purported heirs, or the possibility of unpaid creditors emerging from the sidelines, probate is the legal process for settling these competing claims in a timely fashion.

If large debts or disputes seem unlikely, here are some circumstances under which you might consider going it alone:

• Someone in the family (preferably the executor) is confident in their organizational and financial skills

• The rest of the heirs share confidence in that person

• Most or all of the decedent’s funds avoid probate and pass directly to beneficiaries. This happens when the decedent and his/ her attorney did some careful estate planning so that most estate assets are held in joint ownership, payable-on-death ownership or a living trust. It also works if the assets pass to heirs through the terms of a contract such as beneficiaries in a retirement account or life insurance proceeds

• You have access to an attorney to help with any snags that arise.

IF YOU AS THE EXECUTOR DECIDE TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY, THEY WILL REPRESENT YOU RATHER THAN ALL THE BENEFICIARIES.

Even though I am a retired financial advisor, I don’t recommend acting as executor without the help of an attorney if the main reason is to save money. This is not a good enough reason on its own.

In the case of my friend, she uncovered a complicating factor. Her mother’s manufactured home was purchased before 1976. In that time period, mobile homes such as hers were classified as vehicles and transferred at death like vehicles rather than real estate. Some different rules and fees applied, depending on the state.

My friend was able to resolve this by consulting friends, researching, contacting the commercial interests involved, and ultimately paying a few hundred dollars in fees. She was comfortable with this level of snag, but she had also lined up a couple of attorneys who could help if complications arose.

If you as the executor decide to hire an attorney, they will represent you rather than all the beneficiaries. You have several options.

• Hire your own personal attorney. They may be able to advise you on whether the estate is simple

enough to proceed on your own. If estate planning isn’t their specialty, they’ll likely recommend someone you can work with.

• Hire the attorney who drafted your parent’s estate documents. They’ll be familiar with the contract and understand how your parent wanted it interpreted.

• Hire another estate-planning attorney. You may think a specialist will cost you more money but because they are settling estates all the time, they should be efficient at zeroing in on potential snafus before they become big problems. Since they didn’t write the estate documents, they may provide another, possibly different, interpretation.

Finally, take this article as a suggestion to work through estate planning issues with your parents or spouse while they are living. As uncomfortable as the topic may be, they’ll probably appreciate that you’re being open and honest. They’ll likely also be more clear-headed now than when they are 95. ■

YOU DON’T ALWAYS NEED AN ATTORNEY TO SETTLE AN ESTATE, BUT EVEN THE SIMPLEST OF ESTATES CAN PRESENT UNEXPECTED TWISTS AND TURNS.

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The one that got away

By Melinda Abraham

Please don’t roll your eyes when I mention that I once owned a photo signed by all four Beatles. Scout’s honor!

Please feel free to laugh when I explain why I no longer own the photo…and when I add that Antiques Roadshow featured a similar item that appraised for five figures.

One of my core competencies is the amazing ability to divest myself of assets. It appears to be embedded in my DNA. Some people inherit musical genius. I inherited an uncanny knack of ridding myself of anything that is of value now or might be of value in the future. I’m pretty sure that this highly refined skill is hard-wired and has been passed down through the generations.

Family lore is filled with stories which prove my point. My great-great-grandfather owned a sawmill which sold railroad ties to help build the transcontinental railroad. He amassed a sizable fortune. In 1874, he owned a prosperous hotel valued at $275,000 (equivalent to approximately $6.5 million today). A guest knocked over a candle and the entire building went up in flames. Fortunately, no one was injured.

970.434.2111

Unfortunately, my family had forgotten to renew their fire insurance. The fire occurred three days after the policy had lapsed.

For obvious reasons, my family’s mantra has always been, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” We’re big milk spillers—and have been for generations.

My brother briefly forgot about our family legacy. He fancied himself a land baron and exchanged his hard-earned cash for barren land.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW FEATURED A SIMILAR ITEM THAT APPRAISED FOR FIVE

FIGURES.

Decades later, his useless parcel is still barren. For years he’s been known in our family as the Land Barren. It’s not the title he wanted. But it suits him.

Now about that prized photo that got away. The saga began in August 1964. My brother-in-law, a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, used to moonlight security jobs during his off hours. He regaled us with stories featuring various actors and actresses as they filmed TV shows and movies on location around LA. Parties were legendary. Several times he helped with security at the Chartwell Mansion during the filming of “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

One night, my brother-in-law worked security at a private party in Beverly Hills where the Beatles were the guests of honor. It was their first trip to LA. The Beatles were signing photos and my brother-in-law had each member of the band autograph an 8x10 black and

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white photo for me.

When I mentioned the photo to one of my friends, she got very excited and promptly offered me $50. In my world, $50 was a king’s ransom.

I quickly concluded that if she was offering me that much money, then the photo must be worth even more. I was not about to let the

hap. One of her friends said she’d love a copy of the photo. In fact, all of the ladies in the office wanted copies.

Without hesitating, my mom inserted the photo in the intake handler of the office copier. As soon as the photo disappeared into the belly of the beast, the machine jammed—not all surprising since the

photo go for a song. I decided to keep my treasure. I set it in a place of honor on my chest of drawers.

A few days later, when I came home from school, the photo was missing—totally gone!

There was no sign of forced entry. The rest of the house appeared to be undisturbed. I didn’t know what to make of it. When my mom came home from work, she solved the mystery. She apologized for having borrowed the photo to show to the ladies at work. She said that she should have asked my permission first. Of course, I would have said yes and she knew it. So it was no big deal.

Then my mom started apologizing profusely for a particular mis-

photo was on cardstock which was thicker than regular paper. But that fact hadn’t occurred to my mom until after the photo was stuck.

No amount of coaxing worked. A repair person had to be called. Extremely tiny particles were extracted from the copier. Not a single piece recognizable as having been a part of a photo was to be found. A shredder could not have done a better job of destroying the photo.

Some may say that the moral of this story is that you shouldn’t use the office copier for personal use. I prefer to think that a picture may be worth a thousand words and a signed Beatles photo circa 1964 may be worth five figures. But continuing a family legacy is priceless. ■

NOT A SINGLE PIECE RECOGNIZABLE AS HAVING BEEN A PART OF A PHOTO WAS TO BE FOUND. A SHREDDER COULD NOT HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB OF DESTROYING THE PHOTO.

CALENDAR MeSa County

March 1

New-to-Medicare 101 Learn when and how to sign up for Medicare, what Part A and Part B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more in this free seminar at Mesa County RSVP SHIP. Seating is limited.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Grand Junction | Free | mesacounty rsvp.org | 970-243-9839

March 1

Crystal Singing Bowls

Find transformation and healing through the power of singing crystal

March 2

bowls in this presentation at Koinonia Church.

6:30-8 p.m. | 730 25 Road, Grand Junction | $20 | cslgj.org | 970-4337799

March 3-5

Peter Pan

In this production by Colorado West Performing Arts Company, join Wendy, John and Michael as they soar to a magical land of mermaids and fairy dust, where children can fly and adventures happen every day.

7 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 1 p.m. Saturday & Sunday | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $20-$40 | avalon theatregj.com | 970-243-6787

March 4

Tri-Sport Extravaganza

Support the Grand Junction Community Rec Center and compete in tennis, pickleball and cornhole. Bring your own equipment if you have it. Register by March 1.

1-5:30 p.m. | 535 25 1/2 Road, Grand Junction | $30 | gjcrc.org

March 7

Virtual: Rocky Mountain Conference on Dementia

Learn to recognize common signs, how to approach someone about memory concerns, the importance of early detection, assessments for the diagnostic process and more at this virtual conference.

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free | alz.org/ co/events/rocky-mountainconference-on-dementia

Writer’s Night: Reading Your Work in Public Western Colorado Writers Forum Vice President John Lanci presents at the Art Center how to overcome fear and become a more effective reader of your own work.

6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | Free | westerncolorado writers.org | 970-822-7373

March 7

What the Heck is Geophysics?

Colorado Canyons Association

March 9

Cinderella

The multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers gather to bring the most celebrated fairy tale to life. Enjoy a radiant array of costumes, dancers and music at the Avalon Theatre.

7 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $39-$89 | avalontheatregj.com | 970243-6787

presents a virtual lecture on the utilization of technology to understand earth science—in other words, geophysics! Learn from Dr. Greg Baker how he uses tech toys to work on interesting geology problems on our public lands. Sign up online.

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | coloradocany onsassociation.org | 970-263-7902

March 7 & 14

Acrylic Landscapes with Mary

Pat Ettinger

Starting with your own photograph, Mary Pat will help you plan out a painting and then lead you through finishing it on canvas at the Blue Pig Gallery. Fees include supplies, but if you bring your own, check the website for a list of required paint colors. Register online.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 101 W. 3rd St., Palisade | $75 | thebluepiggallery. com | 970-620-1791

March 10

U.S. Navy Concert Band

The United States Navy Band comes to Robinson Theatre! The Navy Band is the Navy’s premier musical

organization, frequently preforming at White House and Pentagon ceremonies and across the country. Tickets are available at Roper Music and at the Moss Preforming Arts Box office.

7:30 p.m. | 1299 N. 12th St., Grand Junction | Free | 970-242-3272

March 15

Fall Prevention Classes

Learn how to prevent fall-related injuries in this free educational class taught by a physical therapist at Community Hospital. Topics covered include: home safety, community resources, physical activity, assistive devices, maintaining independence and more.

1-2 p.m. | 2351 G Road, Grand Junction | Free | 970-250-9183

March 15

Author Event: “Go As A River”

Inspired by true events surrounding the destruction of the town of Iola in the ’60s, this story by local author Shelly Read is one of love in the face of hardship and loss, but also of finding courage, resilience and friendship. Meet Read at this author event at Out West Books.

6:30-8 p.m. | 533 Main St., Grand Junction | Free | 970-986-8086

March 16

Introduction to Medicare

Turning 65? The team at Medicare Resource Center is here to help you learn the ins and outs of Medicare as well as help you enroll in the right plan.

10 a.m. | 327 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | Free | 970-243-3100

March 17

Learn to Curl

Get your curl on! Come to River City Sportsplex and get a 30-minute lesson on curling before trying it out yourself! Enjoy beer and food specials.

6-8 p.m. | 2515 Riverside Pkwy., Grand Junction | $15 | rivercitysport plex.com | 970-242-7465

March 17

Sinners & St. Patrick Concert

Sinners and Saints is a folk group that plays gospel music and pub songs—this time with your favorite Saint Patrick’s Day music at Two Rivers Winery & Chateau. Concertgoers will receive a glass of wine.

7:30 p.m. | 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction | $35 | gjso.org/sinners andsaintpatrick | 970-243-6787

March 18

Classical Guitar with Javier de los Santos

Watch and listen as local musician

Javier de los Santos performs Spanish guitar music at The Art Center.

7-9 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | $20 | 970-243-7337

March 22

Equinox Drum Circle

Join Center for Spiritual Living for this community drum circle. When community members drum together, sharing our spirit in the form of rhythm, it positively changes relationships, gives an emotional release and healing.

March 21

Lecture: Gunnison SageGrouse

Colorado Canyons Association invites you to this online event. Whit Blair, Wildlife Biologist for the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, teaches about one of the most beloved birds in Colorado. He’ll discuss its behavior, habitat and community-based conservation efforts that are working hard to save it.

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | coloradocany onsassociation.org | 970-263-7902

6:30-8 p.m. | 2730 25 Road, Grand Junction | $10 | 970-433-7799

March 25

License Plate Meet

Come to Chipeta Golf Course Clubhouse and enjoy a magnificent array of license plates and related items for sale. Collectors and the general public are invited to this wonderful spectacle.

7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | 222 29 Road, Grand Junction | Free | 970-2509183

March 25

DAR Cards & Games Benefit

Mount Garfield Daughters of the American Revolution invites you to support their scholarship program by enjoying fun and exciting games at the Moose Lodge. There will be door prizes and finger foods.

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | 567 25 1/2 Road, Grand Junction | $20 | 970618-6883 ■

ST. MARY’S

Community Connections

March 31

Garrison Keillor Tonight

Stand-up comedian Garrison Keillor brings storytelling, song and poetry to the Avalon Theatre. Enjoy sonnets, limericks and musical jokes about the beauty of growing old. Buy tickets online.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $19-$128 | avalontheatregj.com | 970-2436787

Community Connections

St. Mary’s Community Connections is seeking volunteers in our community to help older adults who no longer drive, with friendship and support with grocery shopping, medical appointments and other errands. By providing this support for two or three hours once a week, you will help with maintaining their ability to live independently.

St. Mary’s Community Connections is seeking volunteers in our community to help older adults who no longer drive, with friendship and support with grocery shopping, medical appointments, and other errands. By providing this support for two or three hours once a week, you will help with maintaining their ability to live independently.

Please contact Amber Creek, Volunteer Coordinator, at 970-298-9092 or amber.creek@imail.org

American Association of University Women programs advocate for women and girls.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-241-9684

Art Quilt Association meets at Redlands Community Center.

3d Saturdays | 9:30-11 a.m. | theartquiltassociation.com

Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead. Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989

Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road.

1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868

Chinle Cactus Club meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 536 Ouray Ave.

2d Thursdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 970773-7637

Citizens’ Climate Lobby advocates for climate change solutions. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org

Clifton Book Club meets to discuss book selections at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | mesacountylibraries.org

Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. Call for location.

4th Wednesday | 4:30 p.m. | 970-250-7402

CLUBS

Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522

Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing honors military aviation at air shows and its museum at 780 Heritage Way, Gate 10. Call ahead to get in.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 970-2560693 | rmwcaf.org

Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-434-6936

Cribbage Lite plays at IHOP near Mesa Mall, 2420 Hwy 6 & 50. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823

Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, celebrates patriotism and champions education. Club meets monthly. 970-250-7401

Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. Call for location.

1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941

Embroiderers’ Guild of America

Desert West Chapter meets monthly at Appleton Christian Church with open stitching from 1-4 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays.

1st Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | 970-8582002

Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, meets at Redlands Community Church, 2327 S. Broadway. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880

Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road. Former, retired and active sea service, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome.

2nd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-4340868

Friendship Force promotes travel and cultural understanding through home stays. Club meets at New Covenant Baptist Church, 3196 F Road.

3rd Saturday | 2 p.m. | 214-5362250 | ffwcolo.com

Grand Junction Brush & Palette meets at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St.

3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | brushand paletteclub.org

Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road.

2nd Thursday & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. | grandjunctionrockclub.org

Grand Junction Modeleers flying club meets at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | gjmodeleers. com

Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center.

3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionpmc.com

Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-9861502

Grand Junction Symphony Guild meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 271/2 Road.

4th Friday | 9:30 a.m. | sheri@mei. net

Grand Junction Toastmasters promotes communication and leadership skills.

Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. | Thursdays at 12 p.m. | 970-241-1900

Grand Valley Pets Alive reduces the homeless population of dogs and cats. Volunteers meet at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway. 3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-462-7554 | grandvalleypets alive.org

Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets

at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2700804 | valorquilters@gmail.com

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

4th Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-2458817 or 970-257-1549

Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-856-3632

Great Old Broads for Wilderness inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. 970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com

Guitar Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473

Guys’ Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St.

1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-361-7478 or 970-270-6184

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at the Warehouse, 2565 American Way.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664

Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 230 N. 3rd St.

2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2706162

Knights of Columbus #13621 meets at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 790 261/2 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-640-3263

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. 303-549-4398 | mesacounty genealogy.org

Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets at First Congregational Church.

4th Saturday, 1st & 3d Wednesday for knitting and spinning | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | mesafiberartsguild@ gmail.com

Military Officers Association of America meets quarterly at DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. 970-241-8714

Native American Cultural Program meets at United Methodist Church.

2nd Tuesdays | 3:30 p.m. | 970-433-4763

Newcomers Club welcomes locals both old and new with friendship and fun activities at Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-549-0440 | gjnewcomers.org

Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road.

2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | cslgj.org

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. |

970-208-7228

Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques.

970-256-9580

River City Singles meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, with fun activities for singles over 50. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537

Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road.

Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970-234-5030

SOS: Singles Over 65 is a gender-balanced social club for single seniors! Must join online. meetup.com/singles-over-65

Sunset Slope Quilters meets at American Lutheran Church, 631 261/2 Road.

2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | 612-2373491 | sunsetslopequilters.com

Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-245-1837 | grandmesaacappella.com

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B.

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | thunder mountaincameraclub.org

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Valley Events Center, 2400 Consistory Ct.

Thursdays | 970-261-1670

Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 503 Florence Road.

1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242

Women’s Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St.

1st Monday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-260-6140

Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | w0rrz.org

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.

1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-2012865 | wcacastronomy.org

Western Colorado Artists Guild meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-640-2751

Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247, 1404 Ute Ave.

4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-640-3765

Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park. Saturdays (April-October) | 10 a.m. | 303-503-3978

Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Call for details. 970-241-8561 | westernslope pickleballclub.com

Wheels West Car Club meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 251/2 Road.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www. wheelswestcarclub.org

Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a ladies-only writers club, meets at Main Street Bagels, 559 Main St. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com ■

OF THE Month Question

Compiled by Jan Weeks

Don Bell - Grand Junction

“I was in the Badlands of Wyoming when the driveshaft of my van fell out. I had to be at work in North Dakota the next morning. A fellow pulled over and took me to the nearest town, and found another fellow who went out and towed my van to a shop, where the owner refused payment. The van worked fine for years!”

Cynthia Zaits - Grand Junction

“I was hiking a mountain in Vermont with my husband and his gung-ho buddies, who were ahead of me. I slipped on wet leaves and broke my leg. They came back and were helping me down the trail when two young men arrived and took me the rest of the way to trailhead. I never knew their names but have never forgotten them.”

Janine Briscoe - Orchard Mesa

“A man once paid for my groceries at Walmart. I told him I have enough to buy my own, but he insisted. So, I paid it forward at City Market, when a man and his son didn’t have enough to get all of their order. I just couldn’t let a child go hungry.”

Vicki

Flanagan - Grand Junction

“I was going to lunch in Palisade with a friend when I hit something and put a hole in my tire. A man stopped and changed my tire, and refused to take any money for his help. People are really good.”

What is something a stranger has done for you that you’ve never forgotten?

VA Western Colorado Health Care System earns prestigious award for quality care

VA Western Colorado Health Care System underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on January 10, 2023. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with Hospital, Behavioral Health and Home Care standards spanning several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, medication management, mental health programs, care of veterans in the home, and rights and responsibilities of the veteran. Out of 1,405 elements of performance, VA Western Colorado Health Care system scored a success rate of 97.5%, earning them the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital, Behavioral Health and Home Care re-accreditation. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Canadian pharmaceuticals could provide big savings for Coloradans

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (DHCPF) is close to making it possible for Coloradans to access savings on drug costs by getting imported pharmaceuticals from Canada—as much as 65% on average. DHCPF estimates that the Colorado Importation Program may be operational by mid 2023. Drug manufacturers approved by the FDA will sell the eligible prescriptions to Colorado’s foreign seller, AdiraMedica, which is located in Canada. AdiraMedica will export the eligible prescription drugs to Colorado’s Importer, Premier Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. wholesaler based in Idaho who will test, relabel and distribute to Colo-

rado pharmacies. Colorado’s list of 112 medications include those that treat conditions such as respiratory diseases, cancer, HIV and more. DHCPF projects savings as high as 91% for antipsychotics, 80% for smoking cessation, 78% for Type 2 diabetes, 73% for blood thinners and 60-70% for multiple sclerosis, respiratory and women’s health. Consumers, including Medicare beneficiaries, will want to check to see which pharmacies are participating in the program and whether their health plan covers imported drugs. Check for registered pharmacies in Colorado at dpo.colorado .gov/pharmacy.

AARP Driver Safety Classes in Grand Junction and Fruita

Take the AARP Driver Safety course and you could be eligible

for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Plus, the course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers.

• Fruita class is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 11. Register by calling 970-433-0384.

• Grand Junction class is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 30. Register by calling 970-243-2531.

Out West Books features local author events in March

Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Come to Out West Books, 533 Main St. in Grand Junction, to meet with local authors and hear them speak about their books. Visit outwest books.co/events for details or call 970-986-8086.

Need resources for human services, but don’t know where to start? Call 211

National 211 day in February recognized and spread awareness about the free resource number helping locals across Western Colorado connect with essential resources in their communities. The free, confidential, easy to remember phone number and website (wc211.org) connects residents to essential community information and services including healthcare, housing, food, transportation, employment, childcare, veterans’ services, tax filing, COVID testing, substance abuse and much more. When you dial 211, the call is answered by a local trained information and referral specialist, who discerns your need, then searches a comprehensive database of relevant human ser-

Mike’s 2nd annual Breath Day Golf Tournament

Mike Spradlin, survivor of a double lung transplant, hosts his second annual charity golf tournament to benefit lung transplant recipients and research. The tournament will occur April 29, 2023, at Adobe Creek National Golf Course in Fruita. Mike, now fully recovered, is paving the way for others to find life-saving surgeries and you can help to. Go to NoMoO2golf. corsizio.com or call 970-985-0061 for more details or to sign up.

Kristie Gerber Carol Gerber

Plateau Valley Historical Preservation Society has historical books for sale

Plateau Valley Historical Preservation Society (PVHPS) has a large selection of historical books for sale. Many of them are by local authors and feature Plateau Valley, Grand Mesa, Mesa County, the Western Slope and Colorado in general. Books are available at Mesa Bloom Market in Mesa and at the PVHPS office, 218 High St., Collbran, or you can call 970-487-3116 and leave a message. If you would a book shipped to you, you can pay for the cost of the book plus postage.

vice referrals. The 211 specialists then explain how to access those services. The service is designed to be a one-call solution to help cut through the confusion of calling agency after agency to locate the appropriate assistance. Take advantage of this free resource today and call 211 to get connected to the help you need.

Bundle up against hypothermia

We are used to taking action if our temperature rises above 98.6°F, but a body temperature that is too low can also be harmful. Normal aging changes in your body can make it harder for you to be aware of feeling cold, and you could be experiencing hypothermia. For an older adult, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause health problems, such as heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage or worse. It’s even possible for older adults to experience hypothermia inside. Make sure the furnace is set at 68–70°F. Early hypothermia symptoms include pale skin, a swollen face, slower or slurred speech, sleepiness, anger or confusion. Later signs include clumsiness, stiff limb movements, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing or blacking out.

There are steps you can take to prevent hypothermia. Dress in layers even at home, and keep blinds and curtains closed so heat will not leak out. Keep your weight up, for body fat keeps you warm. Always drink in moderation, as alcohol can make you lose body heat.

First Baptist Church hamburger/ hot dog fundraiser on March 18 Feast on hamburgers and hot dogs and help First Baptist Church raise funds for Rainbow Acres, a ranch for developmentally handicapped adults, at Camp Verde, Arizona. All money raised will be used to help remodel their Glory Hill Gazebo.

SHOP VISIT ENJOY DOWN TOWN TODAY

This fundraiser takes place at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. in Grand Junction, in the parking lot east of the building on Saturday, March 18, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Learn more about the ranch at rainbowacres.com. For more information, or in case of inclement weather that day, call the church office at 970-242-5645. ■

SUPPORTCALENDARGROUPS MeSa SUPPORT GROUPS MeSa County

Montrose & MeDelta Sa County

50+ Networking Group through Mesa County Workforce Center meets virtually. You must be registered as a job seeker at www. connectingcolorado.com to join.

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | 970-248-7560

A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-study program, meets virtually. Call for Zoom link.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 801-369-8995

Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia group meets virtually. Contact for Zoom link.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road.

1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-822-7070

Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 28 1/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church, 840 N. 11th St.

1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822

Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association, 2232 N. 7th St.

4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970-714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 281/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Gamblers Anonymous meets at The Meeting Hall.

Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719

Guitars 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 2515 Foresight Circle.

1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-245-2400

Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298- 2351

Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave.

2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-778-9274

Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-298-2351

MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center, 2121 North Ave.

1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location.

Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-2390

Mens Health Group for Veterans

meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road

1st Mondays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 970- 257-3760

Moms Group for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

1st and 4th Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760

National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road in Fruita. 4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www. NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets in the downstairs conference room at the Freedom Institute, 930 Main St.

Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 | tammytway@gmail.com

Overeaters Anonymous for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St.

Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435

S.M.A.R.T. Addiction Recovery meets via Zoom. Call for details. 801-369-8995 | www.smartrecovery.

org

St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets virtually and in person.

3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-298-1980

Tai Chi for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28

Road.

Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. |

970-257-3760

Thyroid Support Group meets at Grand Valley Wellness, 605 281/4 Road

4th Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 970-263-2661

TOPS for weight loss meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 1/4 Road. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241

TOPS 458 for weight loss meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B 1/2 Road.

Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981

Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only meets at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986

Vets 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Fridays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Women Veterans Tai Chi meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Fridays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

Senior Recreation Center activities

Registration is required for all activities. To register for programs, call 970-858-0360 or visit Fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

FOOD

Senior Potluck

Senior Center potlucks feature pork (March 2), corned beef (March 16) and chicken (March 30). Bring a dish to share. Preregistration required to ensure there’s enough of the main dish for everyone. RSVP by noon on Monday.

12 p.m. | March 2, 16 & 30 |

$3 if no dish

Food for Thought: Protein

Learn about this essential nutrient and enjoy dishes made with different types of plant and animal proteins. Bring your favorite protein-based dish and recipe to share.

1 p.m. | March 27 | Free

Social Night with Tacos Feast on tacos while watching “Call of the Wild” starring Harrison Ford.

5:30 p.m. | March 31 | Free

HIKES & TRIPS

Music Experience

Afternoon Trip

See Grand Junction Symphony Concertmaster and violinist Alisha Bean perform at First United Methodist Church’s “A Little Noon Music.” Enjoy lunch on Main Street afterwards (included) and do some downtown shopping. Voluntary donations are accepted for the concert. This trip re-

quires 1-2 miles of walking. Transportation meets at the Senior Center. Registration required.

11:15 a.m. | March 8 | $40

Hike: Serpents Trail

Hike this moderate 3.5-mile roundtrip trail that was once called “the crookedest road in the world.” Meet at the Senior Center and carpool to the trailhead.

Registration required.

9:30 a.m. | March 23 | $5

Connected Lakes

Nature Walk

Walk an easy 1.5-2 miles roundtrip on an ADA-accessible paved trail around Connected Lakes. Meet at the Senior Center to carpool. Registration required.

9:30 a.m. | March 28 | $5

GAMES

Bunco

Play Bunco after the Senior Center Potluck.

1 p.m. (approximate) | March 16 | Free

Pinochle

Come to the Senior Center to play this trick-taking aceten card game. Play with someone you know or join a table and meet new people.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays

Afternoon Games

Play dominoes, Mexican train and many other games at the Senior Center.

1 p.m. | Tuesdays

To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit GJParksAndRec.org

SPECIAL EVENT

St. Patrick’s Day Potluck

Celebrate St. Paddy’s at the Senior Center. Corned beef and cabbage provided.

10 a.m. | March 16 | Free

CLASSES

Senior Computer Classes 50+ Learn about your computer and smart phone in these workshops and seminars.

10-11 a.m. Mondays | 2-3 p.m. Thursdays | Free

FITNESS

Tai Chi for Health

Tai Chi fosters physical and mental health improvement and aids spiritual growth.

8-9 a.m. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. Thursdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8 drop in, $60 10-punch pass

Gentle Yoga

Develop flexibility of mind and body in a fun, supportive environment.

8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8 drop in, $60 10-punch pass

Line Dance

Choreographed dances taught to a variety of music. 12:15-2 p.m. | Mondays | Lincoln Park Barn | $6 drop in, $20 5-week session

SPORTS

Splash Aqua Aerobics

Work out in the water with these moderately intense exercises. Silver Sneakers and Renew Active accepted.

M, W, F: 8:30-9:30 am | Tues, Thurs: 5:30-6:30 pm | Orchard Mesa Pool | $5 drop in Indoor Drop-In Pickleball

Don’t let the water stop you from playing your favorite sport. Cost is $7 drop in or $50 for a 10-punch pass.

Bookcliff Activity Center: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sun | 4:30-7 p.m. Sat

Lincoln Park Barn: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wed |

March 2

though played on traditional instruments, the music stylings of Stray Grass are anything but traditional!

7-9 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $25 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

March 4

A Night on Broadway Concert

Virtual: Rocky Mountain Conference on Dementia

Learn to recognize common signs, how to approach someone about memory concerns, the importance of early detection, assessments for the diagnostic process and more at this virtual conference.

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free | alz.org/ co/events/rocky-mountainconference-on-dementia

March 3-5

Montrose Gun Show

Browse dozens of vendors displaying a variety of firearms and gun related items at Montrose Pavilion’s Friendship Hall. Check website for times. Times vary | 1001 N. 2nd St., Montrose | $10 three-day pass, $5 one day | montrosegun show.com | 970-249-9008

March 4

Stray Grass Live

Enjoy the high-energy acoustic sounds of Stray Grass at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. Al-

Valley Youth Orchestra performs iconic tunes from Broadway at the Montrose Pavilion. This annual fundraising concert also features desserts and coffee from local bakeries and restaurants. Proceeds go towards Youth Orchestra Opportunities in the Western Slope.

6:30 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $20 | valleyyouth orchestra.org

March 4

Montrose Library Book Club

Come to the Library Meeting Room for a discussion of “Invisibles: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the Workplace.” Bring your own book, or rent one from the library.

9-10 a.m. | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | montroselibrary.org | 970-249-9656

March 7

Dinosaurs in Ouray

Did dinosaurs live in Ouray? Local geologist Rick Trujillo discuses evidence at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center for Delta County Libraries’ “Voices of the Western Slope” series.

6 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $10 | deltalibraries.org | 970-399-7674

March 7

Creative Stichin’

This class teaches a large variety of hand embroidery stitches and embellishment techniques with varied fabrics. Patt Jones will help you discover how to let your imagination loose with a needle and thread at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center.

1:30-3:30 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $15 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

March 7

Welcome Home Alliance Veteran’s Coffee

Every Branch. Every Era. Every Ability. The Sherbino offers coffee, donuts and camaraderie to veterans. Topics discussed are: navigating the VA, housing, jobs and much more.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | Free to Veterans | sherbino.org | 970-765-2210

March 10

“John: The Last Cowboy”

Come to Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center to see this film about 92-year-old John Hoiland, who runs

his ranch in Montana all by himself. This film is a poetic tribute to the simple life, a peaceful escape from fast-paced modern society and a subtle reminder of what is lost.

7-9 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $10 | gmaec.org | 970856-9195

March 10

’70s Prom

Come relive (or redo) your greatest prom moments on the dance floor with Disco Fuego at the Sherbino Theater. Get out your platform heels and sparkliest, gaudiest gear and get ready to boogie the night away!

8 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $25 | sherbino.org | 970-318-0150

March 10-12

Montrose Home Expo

Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Montrose Home Show is your one stop for local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. Check website for times.

Times vary | 1001 N. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | montrosehom xeexpo.com | 970-234-5337

Bed & Breakfast

Private Baths

RV Spots and so much more! 420 Main Street | Nucla, CO Call or Text 970-428-7750 | Email: vestalhousenucla@gmail.com www.VestalHouseNucla.com |

“Where our love of community, heritage and the outdoors reflect in our rooms and hospitality.”

March 11

Concealed Carry

Concealed Carry is one of the biggest decisions of your life, so take a class from professionals who take it seriously! .

9 a.m.-1 p.m. | 68779 E. Oak Grove Road, Montrose | $75 | ursurvival. com | 970-765-0398

March 17

March 17

HopeWest Gala

HopeWest celebrates 30 years of exceptional service with their annual gala at the Montrose Pavilion. Enjoy dining and entertainment as you support HopeWest’s various care programs.

6 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $125+ | 970-497-5200

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Concert

Get in the St Patrick’s Day spirit and come to Pioneer Town’s Stolte Shed for an afternoon of incredible traditional Celtic music! This concert features the Montrose Harp Ensemble and Robin Freed.

4 p.m. | 388 S. Grand Mesa Dr., Cedaredge | By donation | pioneer town.org | 970-856-7554

March 18

Sinners & St. Patrick’s Concert

This concert at Grand Mesa Arts &

Events Center features a special St. Patrick’s Day performance of Irish tunes with Sinners and Saints.

7-9 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $25 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

March 20

State of the River Meeting

Learn more about West Slope water, the outlook for our rivers and how the Colorado River District is working to protect our most precious resource at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. A light dinner will be provided. Registration required.

6-8 p.m. | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | Free | coloradoriverdistrict.org | ldefrates@crwcd.org

March 21

Living with Alzheimer’s: Late Stage

In this hybrid event, you’ll hear from caregivers and professionals about resources, monitoring care and providing meaningful connection for people with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Attended in-person at the Montrose Regional Library or virtually.

10:30-11:30 a.m. | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | bit.ly/LATE_ MAR21 | 970-714-2875

March 29

Backyard Chickens 101

You might be wondering what it would be like to raise chickens in this time of rising eggs prices. Look no further. Come to the Montrose County Event Center to learn how to care for chickens in your backyard.

5-8 p.m. | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | Free | montrosecountyeventcenter .com | 970-964-2187 ■

March 17-19, 24-26 & 31

Magic Circle Player: Lost and Found in IKEA

Can two strangers find love at IKEA? Winifred and Lex are both lonely hearts, skeptical that true love can be found. However, a playful ghost thinks differently and has decided to play cupid for the reluctant couple.

7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $20 | magiccircleplayers.com | 970-249-7838

CLUBS Montrose & Delta

Alpine Photography Club meets in Class 100 at Colorado Mesa University, 245 S. Cascade, Montrose.

2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at Olathe United Methodist Church, 518 Hersum Ave.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-2101793

Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr.

Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860

Citizen’s Climate Lobby advocates for climate change solutions and meets at Montrose Regional Library. 970-765-9095 | chapmanjanet@ yahoo.com

Crafternoon members knit and crochet projects at Montrose Regional Library to donate to charities. Supplies provided.

Thursdays | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | 970249-9656

Crafty Chatty members work on craft projects at the Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Bring your own materials. 9:45-11:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | 970249-7198

Columbine Quilters gather monthly at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com

Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers! 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com

Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library, 180 SW 6th Ave.

Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | deltalibraries.org

Friendship Quilters meets at Montrose County Events Center, 1036 N. 7th St.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842

Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Genealogy Center, 700 E. Main.

Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755

Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center, 115 Main St.

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-5969184 | wcgpaa.org

Golden Circle of Friends meets at Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Bring lunch and socialize. Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888

Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way, Montrose.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970986-2550 | lvcribbs@gmail.com

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center.

3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142

Montrose Historical Society meets at Montrose Events Center, 1036 N.

7th St.

1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | montrosehistory.org

Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852

Montrose Library Book Club meets virtually. Email for link.

1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | lmclean@montroselibrary.org

Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970-7650599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com

Montrose Newcomers and Neighbors meet at Cedar Creek Church.

1st Wednesdays, September-May | 10 a.m. | bethcav25@gmail.com

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr. All ages welcome.

2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | $10 | 970-252-7172

Montrose Single Seniors is a new group for active singles. 520-282-9060 | smilingangel10@ gmail.com

Montrose Woman’s Club meets at the Lions Clubhouse.

3rd Mondays, Aug-May | 970-9018743

SOS: Singles Over 65 is a gen-

SUPPORT GROUPS

HopeWest Bereavement Book Club members heal through discussions about death and grief from various forms of literature at the Delta Library, 211 W. 6th St. 3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | deltalibraries.org

Caregivers Support Group meets at Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. 2nd & 4th Mondays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-240-3714

Caregiver Support Group Montrose meets monthly at US Bank.

1 & 3 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 970-275-2138

Caregiver Support Group Delta meets monthly at Delta County Memorial Hospital, meeting room A.

1 p.m. | 1st & 3rd Fridays | 970275-2138

Caregiver Support Group Virtual meets monthly on Zoom. For link, contact Laird@Family-Caregiver. org.

10:30-11:30 a.m. | 2nd & 4th Fridays | 970-275-2138

COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care, 1100 E. Main St., Montrose.

2nd & Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988

Dementia Caregivers Delta meets at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way. Thursdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-5100724

der-balanced club for single seniors! Must join online. meetup.com/montrose- singles-over-65

Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse in Montrose, 602 N. Nevada. 7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-258-1955 | uncompahgretreasureclub.com

Dementia Caregivers Cedareddge meets at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Dementia Caregivers Hotchkiss meets at Town Hall, 276 Main St. 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room, 1501 E. 3rd St. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Montrose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St. Call 405-205-9397

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Montrose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St.

Last Monday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970252-2996

Stroke Support Group meets monthly at Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose.

1 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Fridays | 970765-2210

Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | whafv.org

Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way. Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-756-2210 | whafv.orgv ■

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

followed by a tour of the Delta Historical Museum. Bring money for lunch.

10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | March 7 | $30

TLC Kitchen - Paonia

To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit MontroseRec.com

EDUCATION

Presentations are free, but donations support activities and the lunch program. Call to reserve your seat.

Lewis & Clark: Fate of Corps

Todd Weber hosts part 4 in this hands on series about Lewis and Clark.

1 p.m. | March 1

Utah’s Colorful Parks & Monuments

Learn about the history and geology of some of the West’s most spectacular parks and the best time to visit.

1 p.m. | March 13

No Individual Heroes: Ouray Mountain Rescue Team

Karen Risch, author and 14-year veteran of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, presents stories of how, through orchestrated teamwork, these compassionate people assist terrified people in deadly situations while crafting memorable solutions to logistical and technical problems.

1 p.m. | March 20

TRIPS & TOURS

Most trips meet at the Senior Center and fill quickly. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case another is scheduled.

Tour: Egyptian Theater and Delta County Historical Museum

The 1928 Egyptian Theater is a great example of the Egyptian revival-style architecture that rose in popularity after the 1922 discovery of King Tut’s tomb. This tour includes a history lecture about the venue,

The Learning Council (TLC) kitchen crew works out of a commercial kitchen and provides locally sourced meals to the community by donation. Learn about what TLC does and assist in making the community meal, and then eat!

7:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | March 8 | $30

50+ Snowshoeing: Cerro Summit

Bring a sack lunch on this snowshoeing trip to Cerro Summit.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | March 16 | $21

Business Tour: Alpen Confections & The Rathbone Hotel

Tour the new location for Alpen Confections, which creates a variety of artisan chocolates. Then, explore the 113 year-old Knights of Pythias building at 33 S. Cascade Ave., which is being transformed into the Rathbone Hotel. Bring money for lunch.

TBD | March 21 | $20

Winter Walking

Walk the Riverside Trail in Grand Junction in segments and check out the artistic murals along the way. Bring money for lunch.

8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | March 31 | $21

FITNESS

Tai Chi for Health & Energy

Tai Chi brings peace to the body, using controlled movements, weight transference, mental resistance and quietness of mind. This sun-style based class incorporates Qi Gong.

10-10:30 a.m. | Mondays |

Donation

GAMES

Contact the senior center for a schedule!

To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf

GAMES

Pinochle

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Dominoes

1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $15

Party Bridge Club

1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | $15

Chess Club

5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | Free

FITNESS

Indoor Pickleball

Play this fun sport with an even funnier name. Dates and times are subject to change based on gym availability. Call or check the website for details.

7:15-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays

Pilates

Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.

12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Senior Circuit Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

Yoga Fusion

This vinyasa flow style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre elements.

12 p.m. | Tuesdays

Healthy Body Strong Bones

Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Silver Sneakers Classic

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Body Blitz

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

6 a.m. | Wednesdays

POOL FITNESS

Monday Movers

Jumpstart your week with a mid to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class.

5:30 p.m. | Mondays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas.

9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Body & Health

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool.

10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

Tone those muscles, pump up that heart, and get an overall good workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges.

5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Silver Sneakers Splash

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers.

8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays

Water Zumba

Enjoy a dance party in the pool, fun for all fitness levels.

5:30 p.m. | Wednesdays

Valley Symphony Association

announces election of new board member

Stephanie Helleckson of Paonia has been elected to the Valley Symphony Association (VSA) board of directors. Helleckson took her first violin lesson at age 5 from former VSA concertmaster Lu Vorys and has been involved with the VSA for almost 20 years. She has periodically played in the orchestra as a violinist since 2006 and sung with the chorus under the direction of Jan Tuin. She now teaches music locally and joined the VSA board of directors in late 2022 to assist with the orchestral conductor transition and support the continued success of the VSA. Helleckson has also founded the North Fork Community Choir, published original research on the acoustics of kivas at Mesa Verde National Park, worked at a humane society on Maui and

BEACON BITS

Montrose Senior Center discontinues catered meals, introduces Senior Pantry Program instead

With the rising cost of food, the Golden Circle Board of Directors have decided to stop using catered meals for seniors. Though they have worked hard to keep the meals cost-effective, fluctuation of attendance and miscellaneous costs for materials have made it difficult to serve the meals without operating at a loss. Instead, the board of directors have voted to continue the Senior Pantry Program which, in partner with Sharing Ministries, supplies generous amounts of food. The board also supplements fresh produce when necessary. Not only does this benefit seniors more than catered meals, it will be far more practical financially as food prices rise. For more information, call 970-252-4888.

spent a summer working at the Sitka Music Festival in Alaska. VSA looks forward to the energy and education Helleckson will bring. For details about the VSA, visit ValleySymphony.net or call 970-765-8323.

Valley Youth Orchestra inspires new generations of musicians with youth fundraiser

Valley Youth Orchestra preforms iconic tunes from Broadway on Saturday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. They have partnered with local restaurants and bakeries to provide an exciting array of sweets to accompany a wonderful set of music. This fundraiser concert provides new opportunities for Western Slope youth to discover the joys of orchestra in a safe and nurturing environment. Come and enjoy music from “Aladdin,” “Mary Poppins,” “Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and

OF THE Month Question

Love wine? Want to learn to make your own? A small family-owned vineyard may be your answer

Marino Bruni owns and operates a vineyard and winemaking facility at 21266 Knight Road, Orchard City in Delta County. He offers seniors the opportunity to become an amateur winemaker in his fully operational facility. From his group you will walk away with fresh knowledge of the winemaking process and 10 cases of wine. The cost is $800 and includes legal use of the winemaking facility and all the materials necessary. For more information, call 970-509-9707.

more and spread the love of music to future generations. For more information, visit ValleySymphony. net or call 970-765-8323.

Need resources for human services, but don’t know where to start? Call 211

National 211 day in February recognized and spread awareness about the free resource number helping locals across Western Colorado connect with essential resources in their communities. The free, confidential, easy to remember phone number and website (wc211.org) connects residents to essential community information and services including healthcare, housing, food, transportation, employment, childcare, veterans’ services, tax filing, COVID testing, substance abuse and much more. When you dial 211, the call is answered by a local trained information and referral specialist, who discerns your need, then searches a comprehensive database of relevant human service referrals. The 211 specialists then explain how to access those services. The service is designed to be a one-call solution to help cut through the confusion of calling agency after agency to locate the appropriate assistance. Take advan-

tage of this free resource today and call 211 to get connected to the help you need.

Bundle up against hypothermia

We are used to taking action if our temperature rises above 98.6°F, but a body temperature that is too low can also be harmful. Normal aging changes in your body can make it harder for you to be aware of feeling cold, and you could be experiencing hypothermia. For an older adult, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause health problems, such as heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage or worse. It’s even possible for older adults to experience hypothermia inside. Make sure the furnace is set at 68–70°F. Early hypothermia symptoms include pale skin, a swollen face, slower or slurred speech, sleepiness, anger or confusion. Later signs include clumsiness, stiff limb movements, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing or blacking out. There are steps you can take to prevent hypothermia. Dress in layers even at home, and keep blinds and curtains closed so heat will not leak out. Keep your weight up, for body fat keeps you warm. Always drink in moderation, as alcohol can make you lose body heat. ■

Debbie Blanchard – Montrose

“When my son was six years old, he decided to walk home after karate class and not wait for me to pick him up. When a man saw him walking, he asked him if he needed a ride. My little munchkin accepted the ride because he was tired and freezing cold. He was gone for three long terrifying hours in a city of over six million people. Fortunately, the kind gentleman brought my son home safe and unharmed.”

James

Roeder – Montrose

“I had a flat on highway 70 and my jack wasn’t working. A stranger pulled up and offered to help me. Before long I was on my way and thankful that there are still some good people around who are willing to help others in time of need. I was sincerely thankful.”

Clarissa Sullivan – Delta

“My granddaughter and I were visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mexico when I tripped and twisted my ankle stepping off a curb. The couple behind us saw what happened and offered to help us. We went to their house across the street. They iced my ankle, served us lunch and we had a lovely afternoon together. I offered them money, but they refused. Once I was feeling better, they got us a taxi and we went back to the

Bill Forest – Montrose

“I grew up as a ward of the state of New York. At age 18 years, I was out on my own and living in my car. Through this experience, I could have been very angry and resentful, but I decided that no matter what I did, I would do my best to provide H.O.P.E. Helping Other People Every day. We need to set aside our prejudice and show love and compassion for others.”

What is something a stranger has done for you that you’ve never forgotten?

Compiled by Siggie Carpenter

Barak

CLASSES

FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.

FOR RENT

Rental in quiet, safe, clean 55+ Friendship Woods Senior Community. 2 bedrm 1-bath recently renovated mobile home in very nice condition.  Large shady yard, carport and shed. W/S/T incl. in rent. 2 small pets allowed. $1100/mo. Section 8 ok. 970-210-5753.

FOR SALE

RETIRING: Selling doll molds and all supplies. Would take down payment and payment plan. 970-778-8075

FOR SALE

Medline Transport Wheelchair, four 8” wheels, lightweight, nice height, 40” to handles. $160/OBO. Drive Medical Transfer Tub Bench, Tool-free Back, Legs, Arm rest. $50/OBO.  Both excellent condition.  970-283-1283, leave message.

Use Happy Jack® Skin Balm® on cats & dogs to treat hot spots, flea allergies without steroids! At Tractor Supply. (www.fleabeacon.com)

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR DAYS IN MONTROSE AND GRAND JUNCTION. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS

HOME HEALTH PHYSICAL THERAPY. Enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Total PT including strength, balance, pain management, postsurgery, chemo rehab. Improve your physical and mental well-being. Bypass complicated insurance plans/ doctor referrals. Cash pay: $75/hr. Call Paul 970-433-1777

HOME SERVICES

THE CLEANING LADY, LLC. New Year, New You, let’s clean out the clutter! Competitive rates on downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning—weekly, biweekly, monthly or just once, Airbnb’s included! Linda K. 720-8417505 or 970-263-7364.

KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices. 970-241-4825.

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses, any condition, any situation. 970-316-2488.

SERVICES

Hair on Wheels at your door. Barbering, haircuts, color, all your hair needs. Senior Discounts. Call Melodie 970-201-0267.

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES INC. Your needs delivered. Join the many other Grand Junction area business owners who are utilizing our efficient restocking services. Rags, floor care, hand care, packing material, paper products, respiratory, gloves, eye protection, ear protections,and head gear, restocking all bathroom needs. Most everything you need for safety, cleaning and bathroom. Bi-weekly or monthly restocking 970-434-9440

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MONTROSE/DELTA MESA COUNTY

ADRC - SOS volunteers provide rides to homebound seniors.

www.htop.org/volunteers | 970-248-2746

A Little Help volunteers help older adults with home projects. www.alittlehelp.org | 970-404-1923

Ariel Clinical Services is looking for host homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.

www.arielcpa.org | 970-245-1616

Community Hospital volunteers support the hospital in various ways. codell@gjhosp.org | 970-644-3541

Food Bank of the Rockies volunteers serve in various positions. www.foodbankrockies.org/west ern-slope-volunteer | 970-464-1138

Grand Junction Visitor Center tourism ambassadors welcome visitors to the Grand Valley.

www.visitgrandjunction.com | 970256-4054

Hilltop’s Senior Life Options programs are recruiting volunteers to help enrich the lives of senior residents. A variety of opportunities are available.

www.htop.org/volunteer | 970-2440659

Lower Valley Heritage Room volunteers help preserve Fruita history. 970-858-3868

Master Gardeners teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension. https://tra.extension.colostate.edu | 970-244-1834

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver lunch to homebound seniors or serve lunch at local dining sites.

970-298-9844

Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies.

www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 970243-9839

Operation Interdependence volunteers hand-write notes sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 970-523-4217

Palisade Historical Society volunteers share Palisade’s history and work on committees.

970-464-2177

Valley Symphony Association volunteers assist with a variety of projects to support volunteer musicians who bring classical music to life on the Western Slope. info@valleysymphony.net | 970765-8323

Friends of Montrose Library volunteers sort donated books and run book sales. www.montroselibrary.org | 970249-9656

Golden Circle Seniors greet and serve lunch during the week. 970-252-4888

Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400

RSVP connects individuals age 55 and older to volunteer positions. jwalker@region10.net | 970-7653147

Senior CommUnity Meals seeks volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661

Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks volunteers. www.sharingministries.com | 970-240-8385

Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886

Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans seeks volunteers. 970-765-2210 | www.whafv.org

Keep

By Sue Springer

IN

the February issue, I read with great interest the article about the Grand Junction Community Recreation Center that the campaign co-chair and I were interviewed for. It was filled with great information, and as a senior, I wanted to share my personal thoughts as well.

I am 72 years old and diabetic, but I still consider myself a healthy and active senior. I am an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, which I believe starts with moving.

This is the reason I am involved with and support voting for a community recreation center. The proposed recreation center means so much more than just moving at a gym. An equally important part is recognizing and helping this community be better and be aware of the physical and mental needs across the valley. That’s where a recreation center will benefit all of us.

I love being a grandmother. It’s the best job ever! I love watching my grandsons participate in sports and I will love watching them with their friends when they meet up to play basketball at a new rec center. I know they will make new friends there.

Families like mine will enjoy the pool and water slide. There will

also be places for people to play backgammon, Mahjongg or checkers. What I know about this facility is that it’s designed to support all ages. It is designed to connect us.

The Grand Valley is the biggest community on the Western Slope without a recreation center. Smaller communities are enjoying benefits that we don’t yet have. We all want top-notch professionals recruited to our valley, and Realtors would identify a rec center as an important asset in attracting the doctors we might need someday.

I encourage everyone to visit GJCRC.org to see the proposal and envision how you might personally enjoy the benefits of such a move. It’s been on the minds of a growing number of people for 20 years! But now, it really is the right place, the right plan at the right time.

A municipal election has the lowest voter turnout, which means your vote really does matter. So vote “yes” for a community recreation center on April 4. I hope you will join seniors like me and keep us all moving. ■

Read more about the Grand Junction Community Recreation Center campaign at GJCRC.org, and read the story from February’s BEACON at BeaconSeniorNews.com