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!

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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.

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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