May 2021 - BEACON Senior News

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado

MAY 2021

WRITING IN ISOLATION

Pandemic gave local authors a chance to write and publish BeaconFest is back! We hope to see you in Grand Junction on September 9 and Montrose on October 14

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Am I too old to adopt a puppy?

30

Road trip to Mark Twain's hometown

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My name is Jeff Edry and I am an insurance agent with Western Slope Benefits, I have found my passion in helping people to navigate the complicated process of choosing their Medicare plan. I moved to Grand Junction in 2012 and am blessed to call the Western Slope my home with my wife and two-year-old son. When not in the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, hiking, and predicting the weather.

Although new to medicare insurance, my patient and consistent approach will give you the answers you deserve to meet your individual needs.

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MedicareResourceCenter.com is a non-government resource privatly 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.

I N T HI S I S S U E

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado MAY 2021 | Volume 34 | Issue 5

Publisher & Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers B. Bigler Michael Madsen

8 COVER STORY Writing in isolation

Shakespeare wrote “King Lear” during a bubonic plague, and three senior authors wrote these great books during the pandemic.

10

28 Give dance a chance Lift your spirits and shake off those pandemic pounds with local dance clubs

30

Step into Tom Sawyer’s world Relive childhood with a trip to the Missouri town that inspired Mark Twain to write about the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn

Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Executives Debra Romaniec Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade Sandra Patton JR Milner

P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Website:

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON brings hope and help to western Colorado seniors and those who serve them.

The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month and is distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month. Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2021 • All Rights Reserved

Turning and burning Self-taught artist Bert Poling uses a lathe to turn stone-infused wood into bowls, vases and more

13 Why do men want to date much older/younger women?

All we know is that sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince

15 Say goodbye to cravings

5 tips to burn fat and increase metabolism 16 What you need to know about

mental health care If a medical professional recommends

mental health treatment for you or a family member, here’s what to expect

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33 The non-geek’s guide to buying

36 Business Highlight: Eagle Ridge

Whether it’s potting a houseplant or doing residents’ hair, Eagle Ridge strives to make residents feel at home 37 Mom wasn’t royalty,

but she ruled

None of us kids sported the title of prince or princess, but growing up, we had everything 40 MESA COUNTY

40 Calendar 42 Clubs & Activities 43 Question of the Month 46 Support Groups

48 Am I too old for a puppy?

If you need a reminder of what raising a puppy is like, read on

On the Cover

Authors Elizabeth Wheeler, Christina Hovland and Chris Brown pose with their books at Out West Books in Grand Junction. Photo by Lauren Berg

26 The spirit of the fallen soldier

Will America heed the lessons of its fallen heroes or seek more war?

a computer There are many factors to consider but our tech expert gets straight to the good stuff

MONTROSE & DELTA

48 Calendar 50 Clubs & Activities 53 Question of the Month 54 Fun & Games

56 Classifieds 58 Opinion

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Grand Junction, CO 81505

10 good things that came out of the pandemic F

or last year’s May edition, we tried something we’d never done before. Uncertain of the impact COVID-19 would have on our community and out of concern for the safety of our readers, we made our first-ever online-only edition of the BEACON Senior News.

Imagine our relief when case numbers on the western slope remained low and we were able to come back with a print edition of the June issue earlier than we’d planned.

THE GOOD For me specifically, here’s a list of 10 good things that have come out of the pandemic: 1. More people are washing their hands 2. To-go beer 3. Less crowds (but increased lines can be annoying) 4. Great deals on travel (I stayed at an expensive Las Vegas resort for a great rate) 5. Decluttering (now I can park in my garage) 6. Excuses for declining baby shower invites and hugs from strangers 7. Extended tax deadline (I’ve got to get on that) 8. Less money spent on makeup (a relief after spending a small fortune on wedding makeup the previous year) 9. More time in the great outdoors (I played pickleball for the first time!)

10. Being more grateful While the early shutdowns caused many people to go stir-crazy, the isolation resulting from the pandemic gave many artists the inspiration and time to create.

This month’s cover story features three local authors that put pen to paper and published books during the pandemic. You can also read

about self-taught artist Bert Poling, who spent the last year crafting lapidary/wood pieces to show at galleries and art shows this summer.

On a trip to help her mom in Indiana, Diana Barnett made an impromptu stop in Hannibal, Missouri—the hometown of Mark Twain—which inspired him to write his two classics, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Lastly, Magic Circle Players and San Juan Dance Club are almost back in full swing, encouraging seniors to be active once again.

THE BAD AND THE UGLY Sadly, scammers didn’t take the year off, adapting schemes to pandemic times. Over time, it seems that scams are becoming even more difficult to recognize. That’s why we asked readers to share their stories about the wildest scams they’ve come across in an effort to spread the word. We’ll publish more of them over the next couple of months, but you can read a few of them on page 35.

BEACONFEST IS BACK THIS FALL! High on the list of things I missed from 2020 is BeaconFest, our annual celebration of age.

Fortunately, both our fairs in Grand Junction and Montrose are coming back this fall! We look forward to seeing you on September 9 at Grand Junction Convention Center and October 14 at the Montrose Pavilion. Just like in previous years, admission is free!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! My mom is one of my favorite people and I’m pretty sure I’m her favorite daughter. I think it goes without saying how very lucky she was to have me for a kid. (This is also a test to see if she or my sisters read this.)

Give your mom a hug and thank her for never giving up on you, no matter how difficult you made it for her! ■

Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

EDITOR'S COLUMN

LETTERS

from our readers “Keep up the great work with the BEACON. I look forward to every issue.”

- Robert V. “I have five ladies who have contacted me and are helping as a result of the information published in the BEACON. Thank you for all you do to support the military!”

- Karon Carley, President/State Manager, Operation Interdependence “The BEACON is my favoritest paper in the whole world! You guys do a great job. I can’t even function until I get my BEACON.” - Vicky H. “I enjoy the BEACON a lot!”

- Paula K. “I picked up Life After 50 in Colorado Springs and noticed they had a list of senor discounts at stores and restaurants. Is there any way the BEACON could publish something like that a couple times a year? It sure would help. Just checking to see if this is possible. Thanks for a great publication! I always look forward to a new issue!”

- Jean S. Cloie: Hi Jean, we love the idea of publishing a list of senior discounts in the BEACON. If you have any inside info on the businesses that give great discounts, please let us know.

RE: “Ute Heritage Day: Take pride in your heritage” (April) “I am the secretary/treasurer of Native American Cultural Programs here in Grand Junction. I am very interested in getting in touch with Ginger DeCavitch, as we would like to know more about Ute Heritage Day and work with her to reach more of the public.”

- Susan M. RE: “GJT: 90 years flying strong” (April) “I worked in the Hertz rental at the airport in ’71. People used to come out on Sundays to watch the airplanes land. Dick Pond’s restaurant was really great—he used to serve buffalo meat!”

- Jane P. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Mail: P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

7

COVER STORY

Writing in isolation Three local authors wrote and published books in 2020

By Terri Benson

D

id you know that Shakespeare wrote “King Lear” during a bubonic plague outbreak?

Likewise, James Joyce, Sylvia Plath and other renowned writers penned some of their greatest works during times of personal suffering.

While 2020 will go down as one of the worst years in recent history, the isolation that came with the pandemic gave many local writers the chance to put pen to paper, and even publish their books.

PRESERVING MEMORIES, HISTORY Chris Brown, 54, has owned Brown Cycle in Grand Junction for 20 years. During that time, locals often brought in artifacts and photos and shared their fascinating stories. Eventually, Brown decided those stories should be preserved and heard by a wider audience.

After other would-be writers fell through, he decided to write the book himself. Brown came Chris Brown, Christina Hovland and Elizabeth Wheeler hold books they published during the pandemic. up with the idea of a bike-riding, time machine traveling narrator who bikes local trails, meets historical figures and sees history in the making from 1880-2015.

The process was arduous. Besides writing in the wee hours of the morning before work for months on end, Brown spent hours cross-verifying fuzzy memories and vague details with newspaper accounts and other sources. He said

THE ENTIRE PROCESS TOOK FIVE YEARS. WHEN THE BOOK WAS FINALLY RELEASED IN OCTOBER 2020, IT COINCIDED WITH BROWN CYCLE’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY. 8 | COVER STORY | MAY 2021

| WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

that while he loved to write, grammar was a different story.

“I wasn’t a big fan of rules during English classes, and teachers tended to label me a problem student,” Brown said.

Once he finished writing the creative non-fiction book, Brown hired an editor, found an experienced layout artist (the book includes numerous present-day Grand Valley bike trails) and had a local printer produce the coffee table-sized book.

The entire process took five years. When the book was finally released in October 2020, it coincided with Brown Cycle’s 20th Anniversary. And it might just be the start of his writing career.

“If you look at the spine, you’ll see only onethird of the store logo is displayed. If there were

three books stacked, the whole logo would show,” Brown said with a knowing grin.

So, if you want to know how a bike race winner is related to the Mantey Heights area, or what the man Patterson Road is named after has to do with bikes, you’ll just have to read “Bicycle Junction,” available at Brown Cycle and local bookshops. Oh, and High Desert Opera is also producing a folk/jazz operatic musical based on the book, coming in 2021. Learn more at www. browncycles.com/bc or call 245-7939.

COMPELLING MURDER MYSTERIES Elizabeth Wheeler is a Western Colorado native with family ties to Aspen and Glenwood dating back to the 1890s. She grew up in Denver, and over the years bounced back and forth over the divide until settling in Grand Junction in 2016.

With a background in research and marketing, Wheeler had the technical skills to write “The Fabulous Old Houses of North Seventh Street” and coauthored “A Walking Tour Guidebook to the North Seventh Street Historic Residential District” with her friend, Carole Harshman. She obviously had a thing for old houses, leading her to start Denver’s Old House Society, which offered guided walking tours.

In 2013, Wheeler began a blog titled “Ladies of a Certain Age” but didn’t plan on becoming a novelist until 2016 when she accepted and completed the NaNoWriMo challenge to write 50,000 words in the month of November. The resulting book, “Murder and Pink Blossoms,” featured a female sleuth—of a certain age.

COVID’s arrival in early 2020 restricted the

WITH TWO MYSTERIES UNDER HER BELT, WHEELER IS STARTING A NEW NON-FICTION BOOK, “PATHS—A PRIMER FOR LADIES OF A CERTAIN AGE”

HOVLAND’S WORK HAS EARNED HER A PLACE AS A USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR. 74-year-old’s activities, including writing group get-togethers, pickleball games and hobby clubs.

She found that sitting at home didn’t fit her personality.

“I’m a people person and get a lot of energy from others,” Wheeler said.

However, the pandemic allowed more time to write each day. In January 2020, she began writing the second book in her murder mystery series, which she was able to finish in five months. The sequel, “Murder and a Victory Garden,” features the return of beloved characters Ellen Lane, her retired cop love interest, and an Airedale Terrier and tuxedo cat—both inspired

by Wheeler's own fur babies. The artwork on both books is her own as well.

With two mysteries under her belt, Wheeler is starting a new non-fiction book, “Paths—A Primer for Ladies of a Certain Age,” which she hopes will be out later this year. She’s also written two memoirs, “’57 Memories of a 10-yearold Denver Girl” and “My Recipe Box.” Learn more about Wheeler’s writing at www.ladies ofacertainage.com.

AN ESCAPE FROM REALITY Christina Hovland is the textbook definition of an overachiever. While raising four school-aged children and running a chocolate company, she still managed to be a prolific writer in 2020, penning three books and one short story.

“I think now, more than ever, novels are necessary as a reprieve from the trials of reality,” Hovland said.

After attaining a degree in journalism, she always wanted to write a book. It wasn’t until 2015, however, that she was able to fulfill her dream, putting her love of romance novels and innate talent to good use. Her work has earned her a place as a USA Today Bestselling author.

Hovland’s most recent 2020 book release, “Do Me A Favor,” is book number four in her “Mile High Matched” series. She’s a hybrid author, both self-publishing and traditionally publishing her books.

“My publishing paths have unfolded differently than what I would have expected. I thought you wrote a book, then published that book,” Hovland said. “[However,] there are many steps in between if an author decides to go the traditional publishing route.”

No matter which publishing path her books

take, each one requires months of writing and editing, as well as layout and audio narration before the final product emerges.

In January and February 2021, Hovland released the other two books she wrote during the pandemic: “Rachel, Out of Office” and “Played by the Rockstar.” Another novel is set to release in October. Visit www.christinahovland.com to learn more. ■

Get the books Bicycle Junction Available at Brown Cycle and Downtown Grand Junction book stores Murder and a Victory Garden Available on Amazon, Out West Books and www.ladiesofacetain age.com Rachel, Out of Office and other Christina Hovland titles available on all e-platforms, including Amazon

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | COVER STORY |

9

Turning and burning Bert Poling transforms wood into art

By Jan Weeks

I

t took Bert Poling, 60, many years to finally follow his passion for woodturning. But when he retired three years ago, he quickly made up for lost time.

JEWEL IT UP Poling worked with semi-precious stones for many years, and his lapidary hobby adds unique features to his wood pieces. Jars of powdered coral, turquoise, malachite, jet and even coal that he picked up around an old mine line his workbench. He mixes the powder with a special epoxy and uses the mix to fill cracks

LEGACY OF WOODWORKING The aroma of fresh-cut wood fills Poling’s Redlands workshop, bringing forests to mind. Wood shavings destined to become bedding for hamsters and other critters litter the floor. Wooden bowls, vases and decorative pieces fill almost every surface, letting visitors know they’ve walked into an artist’s realm.

Before turning to art, Poling traveled the world for years as a maintenance superintendent for ConocoPhillips. When his time in the energy industry ended, Poling was drawn back to creating with wood. His father was a woodworker who crafted lovely furniture, and later inspired his son’s love of constructing different exquisite objects. However, Poling insists that he’s not a woodworker, as he doesn’t fabricate his creations with hand tools. But that’s because he literally “turns” out unique works of art on a lathe—a rotating machine for shaping wood.

Poling is self-taught, watching hundreds of hours of YouTube videos before he bought his first lathe. Those hours proved to be well spent. Using a small starter lathe, he made his first piece, a sim-

10 | MAY 2021 |

naturally progressed into its own business.

“It’s not always easy, though, to let a piece go. I get emotionally attached to them,” Poling said. “But I enjoy sharing them. Somewhere along the line, I grew very comfortable with letting them go.”

Last year he upgraded to a swing lathe that can hold a 20-inch diameter piece of wood. In addition to using the trunk of a tree, he’s used burls (large growths that jut out from the tree) and even root balls to make bowls, vases and statement pieces. Poling works with all types of wood. Any fallen tree is fair game, including a 100-year-old pine he found on the Uncompahgre.

POLING WORKS WITH ALL TYPES OF WOOD. ANY FALLEN TREE IS FAIR GAME, INCLUDING A 100-YEAR-OLD PINE HE FOUND ON THE UNCOMPAHGRE. Bert Poling mixes powders of semi-precious stones with epoxy to fill cracks and holes in the wood, creating decorative inlays. ple bowl. As he gained proficiency, Poling started posting photos of his work on social media, and people noticed.

“Friends started approaching me about buying something,” he said.

His first sale was a bowl made of cherry wood with lapis lazuli (a blue metamorphic rock) inlay work. As demand grew, he made more and more pieces, and his woodworking

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Poling uses a lathe—a rotating machine for shaping wood—to polish and shape wood into works of art.

Trust is earned

and holes in the wood. After polishing the filled piece on the lathe, the colors resemble those found in Native American jewelry.

The inlay isn’t just decorative, though.

“It stabilizes wood that has been damaged by insects or rot, wood that might split the finished piece,” Poling explained.

He also uses a pyrography tool (think wood-burning sets) with various attachments and adjustable temperatures to burn complicated designs into wood as well as animal skulls. He started burning designs into gourds many years ago and just recently began to decorate antelope, elk and other skulls with intricate Native American designs.

Woodturning isn’t just a retire-

ment hobby-turned-business; it feeds Poling’s soul.

“It’s calming, creative, and gives me alone time,” he said. “Turning wood is mesmerizing. You can see the transformation occurring. It’s very Zen-like in some respects.”

Besides pleasing the eye and the sense of touch, working with wood and stone makes Poling feel connected to nature.

“It’s fascinating that, in some respects, every piece I create actually already exists inside the piece of wood I started with. I just have to find it in there,” he said.

Poling has shown his work in local galleries during Grand Junction’s Downtown Art Walk and the Palisade Honeybee Fest, as well as many juried shows in the west.

When the pandemic put the kibosh on in-person exhibitions, he spent the last year producing pieces in the hopes of being able to start showing them again this summer.

View Poling’s art at www.bert polingstudios.com. For information, call 623-1941. ■

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Stir in rice. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until well coated. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until rice is heated through. ■

Why do men want to date much younger women?

ASK THE OLD BAG

Dear Old Bag: Last month someone wrote in questioning whether she needed to go to church or not. She felt she was spiritual and that the church she belonged to previously had been filled with church rules. I had a similar experience with a church in the past. Now, I’m in a good Bible-based church, where all are welcome and they don’t have a bunch of man-made rules. My advice to her is to not give up on churches, just find the right one. Church really helps me to grow stronger in my faith.

Signed, GB Dear GB: Every so often this topic comes up and gets lots of attention.

Like I wrote last month, I believe you can be a good person without going to church. What you do with what you learn in church is the most important thing. Do you drive out of the church parking lot yelling at some little old person who cut in front of you? Do you cheat others? Do you help the less fortunate? You’ve got the picture. Just going to church doesn’t fit the bill. You have to live it! OB Dear Old Bag: I’m a 55-year-old widow and would like to find someone my age to have a serious relationship with. I’m on a dating site. However, I find that every man my age is looking for a woman 20 years younger than they are! What’s wrong with these men? Do they really want to raise kids again? Or have more babies? Have you found this also to be true, or is it just me? I’m ready to give up. Signed, BR Dear BR: I’ve had the opposite experience—I hear from men 20 years younger than I! They claim to like older women, which I don’t believe.

My personal rule is that I’ll go as much as five years younger or older, depending on what shape they’re in. My divorced son is on a dating site and he tends to want younger women too. I was 10 years younger than my first husband, and when he remarried, he married an even younger woman! I think these men think marrying younger will keep them feeling young, or something silly like that. I’d love to hear from men as to why they want younger women. Keep looking, BR. Remember, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! OB Dear Old Bag: I’ve been friends with this person for 20 years. I will still remain friends with her, but she is so tiring! I need to vent. I hear from her three or four times a week. She tells me every little chore she’s done.

She made the bed, she cleaned out a drawer, she cleaned the floor, had her coffee and then she says good-bye. She has never once asked me how I am or what I’m doing. Sometimes I just want to shout “Don’t you ever wonder about me?” What do you do with a friend like that? Signed, Fed Up Dear Fed Up: I’m surprised you’re still friends! Evidently, you’re the bright spot in her week. It appears she leads a pretty boring life if all she has to share is the mundane daily chores. One day, I might be inclined to say to her before she hangs up, “My friend, aren’t you a little curious about what I’ve been up to or how I am feeling?” She’s probably totally unaware that she’s self-centered! I’d like to commend you for being such a loyal friend. Usually in a friendship both derive some pleasure. No one would blame you if you moved on from her. Life is short! OB ■

th the Mom & Dad wi n Day kids – Graduatio

at

Christy at CU Graduation Day

Hopewest

HopeBlooms witH a vision of a different future for aging well..

“I thought I would be more prepared.

Maybe I could have been.

Things just happened so fast!”

One day my children are sitting with my parents in the audience at my graduation from CU. And then, POOF, the tables have turned and my children and I are caring for my aging parents.

We were blessed that Mom and Dad each lived to be 93. Their plan was to live at home, ALWAYS. In Kentucky. I would soon learn every single, little reason why that would be impossible. The questions our family faced were overwhelming at times…

• • • • • •

Was there any way in the world they could have stayed home?

If I leave town to return to work, who will check on them?

How will they cope if I take the car keys?

How will they get a haircut or groceries?

Will they get lonely?

Who is going to get them to a doctor and worry about all these medications?

• Will they eat more than peanut butter crackers, oatmeal and pie?

• What can they afford to do?

My own experience drove the quest for a different way. A lot of things have been tried, but what could we create that would have worked — not just for MY parents but YOUR parents, and all of us some day.

That’s what led us to think about a new concept for aging well: • A one-stop-shop for new programs like PACE & The CLUB. • A place where your parents could be with their friends.

• A place that has all kinds of amazing healthcare and ways to stay well.

• A way people can live their best in their home.

– Christy Whitney, HopeWest President & CEO

ASK THE OLD BAG

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at LagmanCreswick@Gmail.com

tHe HerB & laura may Bacon center for living your Best Learn more at HopeBloomsCO.org • (970) 263-2186 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

13

HEALTHY GEEZER

Is it bad to skip naps?

F

or those who babysit their grandchildren often, you’ll notice that having young kids around may interfere with your normal nap routine. You’ll likely be even more tired when they’re around. If you’re used to regular naps, does skipping them now and again negatively affect your health?

A recent study found that people who napped regularly had a 37 percent lower coronary death rate than those who never napped. In particular, low rates of heart disease were found in countries where siestas are an integral part of life.

Another study published in “Annals of Emergency Medicine” provided evidence that nurses and doctors on night shifts perform better when they take a nap at work.

“There is a belief that people who nap are lazy, and that attitude needs to change,” said Dr. Rebecca

Smith-Coggins the lead author of the study. “Naps are a powerful and inexpensive way to improve work.”

In history, there have been many prominent nappers: Sir Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Napoleon Bonaparte, Albert Einstein and John F. Kennedy, to name a few.

“Don’t think you will be doing less work because you sleep during the day. That’s a foolish notion,” said Churchill.

The UK Prime Minister was a heavy drinker and smoked about 10 cigars a day. He lived to be 90 despite his abominable health habits.

A NASA sleep study reported that 24-minute naps significantly improved alertness and performance for astronauts. Plus, insufficient sleep can cause “microsleeps,” which is involuntary dozing off that can cause accidents.

Sleep experts divide naps into

two categories: brief snoozes that revive the brain and longer ones that compensate for major sleep loss. Here are some napping tips: • A pick-me-up nap should be no longer than a half-hour. Sleeping beyond that can cause your body to drop into deep sleep, resulting in grogginess when you wake.

• When you feel like you need a coffee break, take a nap.

• Don’t nap in the late afternoon because it may shift your biological clock, making it harder to fall asleep at night and get up the next morning.

• Try to take your nap about the same time each day—about eight hours before you go to bed.

• An hour or two before napping, eat foods high in calcium and protein, which promote sleep.

• Try to nap in the dark. Darkness stimulates melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.

• Your body temperature drops when you fall asleep. Pull a blanket over you even if you don’t feel cold when you begin your nap.

For those caring for grandkids, my mother’s advice would be to nap when your grandson or granddaughter naps. While she didn’t have the healthiest of habits, she knew how to rest and lived to be 89. ■

HEALTHY GEEZER

BY FRED CICETTI Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at Fred@HealthyGeezer.com

COVID-19 VACCINE QUESTIONS?

WE CAN HELP 970-248-6900 HOW DO I SIGN UP? IS IT MY TURN? WHEN IS MY APPOINTMENT?

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More information about COVID-19 can be found by visiting www.health.mesacounty.us

DEAR PHARMACIST

Say goodbye to cravings 5 tips for burning fat and increasing metabolism

T

he fastest and healthiest way to lose weight and shrink your waistline is to exercise more. The problem is, some people can’t or don’t feel well enough to work out due to a health issue or injury.

So, if you’re more sedentary than you used to be and the pounds are piling up, the next best thing is to eat smaller portions at each meal. Try cutting back portions by 10 percent each meal until you’re eating a healthy amount, and no longer over-eating.

Also, try “closing your kitchen” earlier—say, at 7 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. My kitchen used to be open 24/7, and I’d find myself making almond butter and jelly sandwiches at 4 a.m. and going back to sleep. As embarrassed as I am to even tell you that, everyone knows that 2020 was a hard year, and stress eating was something many, if not all, of us did.

Increasing metabolic rate and burning fat will help you feel better in 2021. Here are a few ideas: 1. Peppermint essential oil. This is such an easy thing to do—just sniff peppermint essential oil (or even spearmint) every 2 or 3 hours. Research has proven that certain scents will make your mouth water, and others like peppermint actually suppress appetite.

2. Rooibos tea. Try having a small cup of rooibos tea (hot or cold) with dinner. Rooibos is naturally decaffeinated, and the herb contains “aspalathin” which reduces cortisol. Cortisol is what leads to belly fat.

SCENTS SUCH AS PEPPERMINT ACTUALLY SUPPRESS APPETITE 3. Green tea. Green tea is easy to drink or take as a supplement.

Catechins and caffeine activate the sympathetic nervous system which makes you feel less hungry and burns fat and calories. Matcha tea has a much stronger benefit than green tea because it’s not an infusion of the tea leaves—it’s the actual tea leaves themselves that are crushed to make matcha!

4. Cinnamon. Cinnamon can support healthy blood sugar levels by acting like insulin. It shuttles blood sugar out of the blood and puts it into the cells where it belongs. When your blood sugar is more balanced, you crave fewer foods.

5. Hang a picture. Hang a picture of yourself at your desired weight (maybe it was 3 years ago, maybe 30 years ago). Put it on the fridge or cabinet door.

Every time you go to grab a snack, you’ll be reminded of your goal. While this might not work every time, if it stops you from snacking two out of five times each day, multiplied by 30 days, that means you will have dramatically reduced snacking each month! It may sound silly, but it’s a great little trick to try and is something that will help you keep your eyes on the prize. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

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

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16 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | MAY 2021 |

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ne in five Americans will experience a mental illness in any given year, according to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Seniors are no exception. According to the Centers for Disease Control, anxiety, depression and mood disorders are most common in the over-55 age group.

Sometimes this means you or a relative facing admission to a psychiatric or mental health facility.

WHAT TO EXPECT If a medical professional recommends mental health treatment for you or your family member, what can you expect? Likely, you’ll be referred for one of four kinds of treatment: inpatient care, partial hospitalization, outpatient care or private therapy.

The level of care needed for a patient is determined by a licensed clinical social worker who does a clinical assessment. The assessment is reviewed by a physician or nurse practitioner, and a recommendation is made for the patient. Most assessments cost nothing, but you may want to confirm there’s no fee

or that your insurance covers the assessment fee. An assessment can last up to two hours and covers issues of current and past mental health status, along with relevant medical and family issues.

Some facilities are limited in which insurance they can take.

However, patients who are in danger of harming themselves or others must be accepted. The Emergency Medical Labor and Treatment Act, passed in 1986, requires that psychiatric and other hospitals accept patients in emergency situations, regardless of their ability to pay.

For standard admission, know your insurance status for a hospital stay, so there are no surprises on the back end. On average, inpatient care can run hundreds of dollars per day, and the average length of stay in inpatient mental health facilities is five to seven days. Some facilities require that a patient’s insurance deductible be satisfied before admission. (Most communities support community mental health centers that offer care on a sliding scale of fees.)

HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE LEVEL OF CARE NEEDED FOR A PATIENT IS DETERMINED BY A LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER WHO DOES A CLINICAL ASSESSMENT. Inpatient care: If you or your loved one are admitted to an inpatient facility, the admission process involves a search for contraband.

While most patients in a psychiatric unit will not be inclined to violence as portrayed in the movies, anything that could be considered a weapon is not allowed, even something as small as nail scissors.

Once on the unit, patients participate in daily activities, which include group therapy, exercise and recreation, and discussion with a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatrist. Individual therapy is no longer the focus of most psychiatric facilities, and groups are led by licensed clinical social workers. A team of mental health professionals will monitor your progress and work with you and your family on continued treatment.

Patients are allowed visitors on

limited hours. Most facilities do not offer private rooms because sharing space with another person is considered part of therapy.

Some facilities offer specialized programs for seniors. However, there’s a difference between patients with dementia and those with mental illness. Dementia patients generally will not improve, while patients with mental illness can make great progress with the right treatment. Patients with dementia are sometimes admitted for an evaluation of their medication.

POST-HOSPITAL OPTIONS You may be offered one of three options upon discharge: partial hospitalization, outpatient treatment or private therapy.

Partial hospitalization is a day program that mirrors inpatient programming but without the

overnight stay. Patients arrive in the morning and have five or six hours of therapy, eating lunch in the facility. Many psychiatric facilities offer day programs on various schedules.

Transportation may be available from your home or a nearby pickup point.

Outpatient treatment: There are multiple outpatient programs offered in most communities, from those offered by traditional inpatient hospitals to counselors hosting office therapy groups. These groups generally meet for several hours in the morning, afternoon or evening, three days a week. Outpatient groups may have up to 10 participants.

Private therapy with a counselor. Most psychiatrists today only offer medication management, so you may see your psychiatrist only periodically. Counseling sessions can be as frequently as twice or week or as little as once a month, depending on one’s diagnosis and personal need. ■

WESTERN SLOPE MENTAL HEALTH

RESOURCES National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hosts weekly support groups in both Mesa and Montrose Counties, offering free, confidential support for those living with mental health challenges and their families.

• NAMI, Western Slope 985-8591 • Colorado Crisis Services is available 24/7 844-493-TALK (8255) • NAMI Crisis Text Line Text NAMI to 741741 For local support groups, turn to pages 46 and 53.

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17

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS MIND YOUR BUSINESS Submitted by John Neal How I learned to mind my own business: I was walking past the mental hospital the other day, and all the patients were shouting “13…13…13…” The fence was too high to see over, but I noticed a little gap in the planks, so I looked through to see what was going on.

Some idiot poked me in the eye with a stick, and then they all started shouting “14…14…14…”

FAVORITE FLOWER Submitted by Polly Smith While attending a marriage weekend, Frank and his wife Ann listened to the instructor declare, “It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other.”

He then addressed the men.

“Can you name and describe your

wife’s favorite flower?”

Frank leaned over, touched Ann’s arm gently, and whispered, “Gold Medal All Purpose, isn’t it?”

COMFORTABLE IN MY SKIN Submitted by Dillon Cook A married couple was in a terrible accident where the man’s face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband that they couldn’t graft any skin from his body because he was too skinny. So, the wife offered to donate some of her own skin.

However, the only skin on her body that the doctor felt was suitable would have to come from her buttocks. Owing to the sensitive nature of the situation, they all agreed that they would tell no one about where the skin came from.

After the surgery, everyone was astounded at the man’s new face.

He looked more handsome than ever. All his friends and relatives

raved about his youthful appearance, especially his mother.

One day, while alone with his wife, overcome with emotion at her sacrifice, he said, “Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?”

“My darling,” she replied, “I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.”

H2O Submitted by Bob Breazeale The inside of a fire hydrant contains H2O. What’s on the outside?

K9P.

GOLF BALL Submitted by Bobby Dickenson “How was your golf game, Jack?” his wife Tammy asked.

“Well, I was hitting pretty well, but my eyesight’s gotten so bad I couldn’t see where the ball went.”

“You’re 75 years old, Jack,” she admonished. “Why don’t you take my brother Scott along?”

is a great place to be

“He’s 85, forgetful and he doesn’t even play golf anymore,” protested Jack.

“But he’s got perfect eyesight.

He could watch your ball,” Tammy pointed out.

The next day, Jack teed off while Scott looked on. Jack swung, and the ball disappeared down the middle of the fairway.

“Do you see it?” asked Jack.

“Yup,” Scott answered.

“Well, where is it?” yelled Jack, peering off into the distance.

“I forgot,” said Scott.

MORNING COFFEE Submitted by Carla Johnson One morning, a grandmother was surprised to find that her 7-year-old grandson had made her coffee.

Smiling, she choked down the worst cup of her life. When she finished, she found three little green Army men at the bottom.

Puzzled, she asked her grandson, “Honey, what are these Army men doing in my coffee?”

Her grandson answered, “Like it

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WellAge Managed Community

LAUGHING MATTERS

JUST FOR LAUGHS

says on TV, Grandma. ‘The best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup.’”

SENIOR MOMENT Submitted by Danny Preston Two women were conversing over lunch. Mid-sentence, one woman pauses. After a few seconds, she shakes her head and puts her head in her hand as she tries to recall what she was about to say.

“My memory is so bad,” she said.

“How bad is it?” the other woman asked.

The first woman looked up and met the other woman’s eyes.

“How bad is what?”

THE THIRD WISH Submitted by Rachel Murray A man was sitting alone in his office one night when a genie popped up out of his ashtray and said, “And what will your third wish be?”

The man looked at the genie and said, “Huh? How can I be getting a third wish when I haven’t had a first or second wish yet?”

“You’ve had two wishes already,” the genie said, “but your second wish was for me to put everything back the way it was before you made your first wish. Thus, you remember nothing because everything is the way it was before you made any wishes. You have one wish left.”

“Okay,” said the man, “I don’t believe this, but what the heck. I wish I was irresistible to women.”

“Funny,” said the genie as it granted his wish and disappeared forever. “That was your first wish, too.”

Submitted by John Neal Told to make up her mind, Barbara says, “How do you put makeup on your mind?”

I was drying my son’s hair and he was saying, “Stop! Stop!”

When I kept drying his hair, he said, “What are you, ear blind?”

One kid to another at the town pool: “How does the rope keep the deep water from getting into the shallow water?”

Why pay to have your family tree traced? Go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.

I bought a pair of shoes. When I looked at the sole, it said “Made around the corner.”

You never know what you have… until you clean your room.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Submitted by Bob Breazeale What’s the difference between beets and snot?

Kids will eat snot.

What’s the difference between a pigeon and a farmer?

A pigeon can make a deposit on a new tractor.

What’s the difference between an onion and an accordion?

Nobody cries when you chop up an accordion.

What’s the difference between the Girl Scouts and Congress?

The Girl Scouts have adult supervision. ■

Make Us

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19

PET PAGE

Am I too old for a puppy?

JUN 24

to

SEP 9

t h u rs days 5 : 3 0 t o 8 : 3 0

d o w n to w n g ran d j u n ct i o n

20 | PET PAGE | MAY 2021 |

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By Sally Breslin

I

’ve heard many friends say, “Once my current dog (or cat) passes away, that’s it. No more pets for me. I’m getting too old.”

This has made me think about what I’ll do once my two dogs pass away. Will I be too old to take care of a new dog? But if I choose never to get another dog, will I be able to stand the loneliness? The silence?

The lack of fur on my pants?

To be honest, I’ve thought about getting a puppy. The last puppy I had was over 20 years ago. After that, I adopted full-grown dogs.

Back in 2000, my husband and I became the proud parents of a Rottweiler pup I named Sabre. (I admit it was a vanity thing—“SA” for Sally and “BRE” for Breslin). The day we picked her up from her foster home, she was eight weeks old and already weighed 18 pounds. She had paws the size of small hams, which made me a little uneasy.

“If she ever grows into those paws we’ll be raising a horse, not a dog,” I told my husband.

Though it had been years since we’d had a puppy, having raised them before, I distinctly remembered what to expect the first couple nights: total sleeplessness.

We had a warm, cozy bathroom, so I put Sabre in there with a little fleece bed in one corner and a baby gate across the doorway. My husband and I had just settled into bed and turned off the light when she began to cry. This, however, was unlike any crying I had ever heard before. No, this puppy sounded just

like the screaming woman in the shower scene from “Psycho” (and at about the same volume as a fire engine siren).

My husband sat upright in bed.

“The neighbors are going to think I’m murdering you!” he said.

I climbed out of bed and wrapped a small plastic alarm clock in a towel.

“I’ll put this in bed with her. The ticking will relax her,” I assured him.

There was blissful silence for the next 30 minutes. Then the screaming began again. With my eyes still half closed, I got up and walked barefoot into the bathroom…right into a puddle on the floor. What was left of the alarm clock was sitting in the middle of the puddle.

The next morning, I began my tried-and-true method of housebreaking. This method had worked like magic with my other dogs, who were completely housebroken in only two days. Whenever I made a big deal over Sabre doing her duty outdoors, however, she looked at me as if she thought I needed a lobotomy.

I swear the puppy was a pee factory. As she filled one end drinking from her water bowl, she’d simultaneously be emptying the other. It took me three months and about $500 worth of pet-stain remover before she was completely housebroken.

Clearly I remember what it was like to raise a puppy, so I’m wondering if I’d be able to handle it now that I’m much older.

Maybe I’d be better off getting a hamster. ■

BOOMER BEAT

The hidden benefits of hiking poles N

o one knows better than Boomers that change is not always a choice as we age, but how we deal with it is.

My husband and I recently traded in our mountain bikes for cross trainer trail bikes. We could have mourned the loss, but instead we embraced a new option and are exploring rails-totrails adventures across the U.S. Fifteen years ago, my knees started saying “You aren’t 30 anymore.” Instead of quitting or limiting my hiking, I did one of the smartest things I’ve ever done and bought hiking poles. I was skeptical, but now I'm an advocate. Hiking poles have allowed me to continue hiking challenging trails without any knee pain. Plus, hiking poles have many other benefits.

Probably the most significant reason for hiking with poles is to reduce stress on your knees, legs, ankles and feet, and taking some strain off the back as well. This is especially true when going downhill. The Journal of Sports Medicine found that trekking poles can reduce forces on the knees by as much as 25 percent.

Adding a little bit of weight distribution into each step means your muscles and joints take longer to fatigue. The less fatigued you are, the more ground you can cover before needing to rest.

Hiking poles also promote better posture. As we grow tired, we’re prone to leaning or hunching forward, putting extra strain on our

necks and back, which can lead to muscle strain or injury.

With good posture also comes improved lung capacity and better oxygen flow. An upright posture opens up the lungs to allow improved circulation to muscles, helping them stay stronger longer. Hiking poles keep your hands elevated, reducing the occurrence of swollen hands. They also propel you forward, encouraging a rhythm of lengthened strides and a livelier pace.

Having three or four points of contact to rely upon instead of just your two legs increases stability and balance when negotiating tricky terrain. Poles help reduce the risk of stumbling, falling and possible injuries. Additionally, backpacks can alter your usual center of gravity, so the extra help from a pair of poles will keep you much more balanced.

You’ll find them especially advantageous for pushing away encroaching vegetation or testing unstable terrain and creeks.

When it’s time for a quick rest, they provide a handy aid to lean on.

At first glance, they may seem pointless (pun intended). But I’m upping my game from one to two poles. Speaking from personal experience, I’m confident that having two poles on a downhill Telluride hike last August would’ve prevented a painful broken elbow. ■

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BOOMER BEAT

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How to best plant tomatoes and the Three Sisters N

othing says summer more than a fresh tomato straight from the garden!

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First, place three stakes firmly in the ground in a row, each six feet apart. Dig four deep holes evenly spaced between each stake.

The holes should be almost deep enough to bury the whole plant.

Add 1 teaspoon of Azomite to each hole. Fill holes with water. Prepare your plant starts by pinching off any suckers that may be starting to pop out from between stems.

Pinching suckers makes for less bushy, more productive tomato plants.

Pull the plants out of their pots, loosen the roots with your hands and remove all lower leaves and stems. When you bury the stem, roots will emerge from that lower stem, giving your plant more capacity to root itself firmly in the soil.

Fill any remaining gaps with soil

and tamp down on the soil surrounding each plant so that the roots make good contact with the earth. If you’re using drip lines, now’s the time to set them in place.

Whatever watering method you use, tomatoes prefer to be watered from below.

Last, create a trellis by tying a strong twine to the end stake, just a few inches off the ground. Pull the twine across one side of the plants; it should sit nicely alongside the plants below the first branching stem. Wrap it all the way around the middle stake then continue on towards the other end-stake; wrap it twice around, then pull the twine back toward the middle along the other side of the plants. Wrap it around the middle stake, then pull it towards the stake you started with, again hugging the opposite sides of the plants, and secure it tightly.

The end result is a line of twine that’s wrapped around your entire row of tomatoes. Gently pull the branching stems up and over the twine so that the plants’ lowest stems are supported by it. If your starts are tall, add another line of twine a few inches above this bottom one.

ALIVE & DIGGING

Repeat this process as your plants grow taller, pulling the branching stems above the twine so that the plants are fully supported.

Keep caring for your plants as they grow by pinching off suckers and weeding.

WHY THEY’RE CALLED THREE SISTERS With origins in Mesoamerica, these three crops have co-evolved over thousands of years. Planting them together continues to be both a symbol of our connection to plants and a convenient and effective way

to grow corn, squash and beans.

Sweet corn, dent, flint or flour corn is the “big sister,” providing support for climbing, nitrogen-fixing pole beans. Beans pull nitrogen from the air into the soil, benefiting all three plants (Corn likes a lot of nitrogen!). Finally, squashes’ large leaves act as a living mulch that keeps the soil cool and moist and suppresses weeds.

To attract beneficial insects and deter squash bugs, add more “sisters” like sunflowers, nasturtium, bergamot and marigold. Plus, they look pretty.

HOW TO PLANT THEM Start by soaking corn seeds in water for a few hours before you plant them. Consider growing an organic, heirloom variety of sweet corn, popping corn or flour corn.

Corn is heavily industrialized, and we gardeners can each do our part to preserve and perpetuate some incredible yet fading varieties.

Use your finger to make 3- to 4-

inch holes, 6 inches apart. Leave at least a foot of spacing around the outside of your corn “grid” as this is where you’ll plant the other sisters.

Wait for your corn to start coming up. Once sprouts are 4 inches tall, sow a row of pole beans around the perimeter of your grid.

Finally, around the edge of your bed, create small mounds of soil, 18 inches apart, and sow three squash seeds in each mound. Later, if all three sprouts come up, you can thin your mounds so that one strong plant comes up from each mound. The squash plants will spread outward and you’ll need room for weeding and harvesting; opt for bush beans in place of squash anywhere you’re limited in space.

WAIT TILL MAY 9 Be careful not to plant out your warm season crops too soon!

Tomatoes, peppers and basil are especially sensitive to cold. While they may survive a few cold nights, it’ll take them longer to bounce back.

Wait until at least Mother’s Day to transplant these garden favorites, and have a few bed sheets on hand to cover garden crops in case of late spring freezes. ■ Show us how companion planting plays out in your garden!

Share your photos on Facebook and tag @BEACON Senior News

ALIVE & DIGGING

BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at Paige@FruitionStudio.com

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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y p p Ha

What old people know

By Lucy Rose Fischer

A

ll summer, I enjoy cherries and peaches—the luscious summer fruits, which dribble juice on our chins, necks and fingertips. Peaches and cherries are pricey, even when they’re in season. I treat myself to lots of cherries and peaches... because I’m old.

Actually, I don’t think of myself as really old. I’m always a little surprised when I look in the mirror and see my gray hair and a crinkled face or when someone refers to me as old. I hate when my doctor reminds me, “At your age, this complaint (with eyes, joint, skin, heart, etc.) is normal and to be expected...” But I didn’t expect to have this problem!

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

SOMEWHERE THERE’S A STOPWATCH WITH MY NAME ON IT. MY NUMBER OF SUMMERS IS FINITE. SO, I’M GOING TO EAT PEACHES AND CHERRIES IN THE SUMMER. LOTS OF PEACHES AND CHERRIES.

Like my old car, my body parts seem to be wearing out from too much use. Sometimes it’s my knees.

Or my neck. Or my shoulder.

Not long ago, it was my knees.

They throbbed if I sat too long or walked too much. The nurse suggested ice packs and ibuprofen. The knees are better now. Is this just part of the process: the breakdown of movable parts?

And, of course, I forget words.

I especially forget proper nouns, like names. Walking on a path by my house one morning, I meet two sets of friends. I would like to introduce these friends to each other, but I can’t remember their names.

It’s as if their names are floating in the blue air around me but I can’t retrieve them—at least not at that moment. I stand by feeling foolish as my friends introduce themselves.

These friends seem to understand and tolerate my forgetting problem. After all, they’re about my age.

As we grow older, we have a different perspective on life. At a certain age, we start counting years, not so much in chronological age, but in how many more years we might live. Of course, the number of our years is a mystery. But what old people know is that our time is finite.

Theoretically, young people know this, too. But when we’re young, time seems like it will go on forever.

We dream about what we might be and what we might accomplish, and anything and everything seems possible. We jog on hard surfaces, play tennis or football, and use our fingers, elbows and knees as if they would never rust.

When we’re old, we understand finiteness in a visceral way. We’ve loved and lost. We’ve had our share of successes and failures. Various body parts have broken down.

What old people understand is the passage of time. We’ve seen how babies grow into middle aged men and how accidents or sickness can come with no warning, or how good things can happen, too. History is something we’ve experienced.

We’ve seen men walk on the moon, lived through war, and watched the fall of the Berlin Wall. The current pandemic is yet one more major historical event in our lives.

I used to teach classes on the Sociology of Aging to 19-year-old college students. For them, aging was something that happened to their grandparents—it wasn’t real for them. They could learn the facts, the statistics and the theories. But old age was like a far-off planet they never planned to visit.

I’ve been lucky, extraordinarily lucky. I’ve had a wonderful life.

And, now in my mid 70s, I still have dreams and work to do: books I’m writing, art I’m creating, places I want to go. So, I’m not preparing my epilogue—not quite yet.

But somewhere there’s a stopwatch with my name on it. My number of summers is finite. So, I’m going to eat peaches and cherries in the summer. Lots of peaches and cherries. ■ Lucy Rose Fischer, PhD, is an award-winning author, artist and social scientist. Her recent books include “I’m New At Being Old” (Temuna Press, 2010), “Grow Old With Me” (Temuna Press, 2019), and “The Journalist” (Spark Press, 2020). www.lucyrosedesigns.com

June 1 to July 17, 2021 • Read and Learn!

• Earn FREE Books!

• Participate in prize drawings!

• All ages welcome!

Call 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org/srp to learn more about Summer Reading at Mesa County Libraries!

To be a volunteer, it takes…

Generosity

A willingness to give your time to others.

Understanding

Because their lives might be very different from your own.

Empathy

An ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, and feel what they must feel.

Compassion

To truly care about making someone else’s life better.

Patience

Because the process doesn’t always go as smoothly as it might.

Dedication

To stick with the project and see it through.

Call the

Senior Companion Program

(970) 298-9092

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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of the fallen soldier Will America heed the lessons of its fallen heroes or seek more war?

By Lynn Gendusa

I

t’s doubtful anyone loved their country more than the fallen soldier. He was the warrior who one day walked onto a battlefield with a fierce determination to protect and defend his beloved America, only to never return to its shores.

Excluding the Civil War, we’ve lost nearly 700,000 service members on battlegrounds because of such courageous love.

These soldiers were born into families that were of different religions and different ethnicities.

They were Republicans, Democrats or neither. However, those differences mattered little because they were all in the same mud, the same trenches, experiencing the same horror and fighting together to save their country. They gave their lives to defend equality for all, the right for all religions to worship, and for America to have the freedom to speak and vote.

Courage has no color and no voice. Bravery is born of the heart, which believes there is no greater love than a person laying down his

life for another. We need to look no further than the 700,000 graves scattered across this world to see headstones depicting such love.

My daddy always said, “When our country starts losing its way and folks no longer take pride in America, that’s the day war will begin, or a tragedy will occur to wake up the spirits of the fallen soldiers.

It is the day we become unified and one. Our backyard debates and political party arguments go silent.

We all realize at that critical time what matters most is saving our land of the free.”

When my father was 13, his widowed mother ran a boarding house near Jamestown, Tennessee. He was the youngest of four children who regularly helped his mom with the chores and duties of running the inn.

“Ray, you need to go to the train depot in the car to pick up Sergeant York and take him to his home,” she yelled from the kitchen.

That’s right—the same Sergeant Alvin C. York, World War I hero and recipient of the Medal of Honor,

IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT TO KEEP TELLING THEIR STORY BECAUSE WE MIGHT GARNER ENOUGH COURAGEOUS LOVE TO HEAL A DIVIDED COUNTRY IF WE LISTEN.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

THE SERGEANT TOLD STORIES ABOUT HIS SERVICE TO THE AWESTRUCK YOUNG BOY WHO WOULD LATER BECOME MY PATRIOTIC FATHER. among numerous other awards. In 1927, most 13-year-old boys knew the story of the famous Tennessean who stood exposed to gunfire from German machine gunners atop a hill in northern France. Nine of the 17 men in his unit fell as a barrage of bullets tore through them. Quickly, York led the charge to attack the hill along with the remaining soldiers. Being an expert marksman, Sergeant York silenced 35 machine guns and took 132 Germans as prisoners.

Also, in 1927, if a 13-year-old knew how to drive a car, he took the wheel. As Ray inched toward the train station, snow began to fall in Jamestown. Undeterred, as soon as the Sergeant got off the train, the boy proudly saluted him.

Ray Walker drove 11 miles to York’s farm as the snow started to settle on the roads. When they

arrived, the Sergeant stepped from the car and told the lad to come in from the cold.

As the snow and ice accumulated, Sergeant York sent word to Ray’s mother explaining why her son would stay with him until the weather cleared. It took nearly four days for the roads to be drivable.

During that time, the Sergeant told stories about the war and his service to the awestruck young boy who would later become my patriotic father.

Daddy always declared that when Sergeant York talked about his infamous battle, he spoke with deep sadness about the comrades he did not save on the hill that day in France. Yes, the Sergeant was a renowned hero. But within his heart, he remained a man without pretense or pride, humble enough to make sure a young stranger was safe.

Sergeant Alvin C. York

Gary Cooper won an Academy Award for his portrayal of this remarkable man in 1941. After all the fame and accolades, the ailing Sergeant tried to enlist once again to fight in World War II. Perhaps if each American paused to remember folks like Sergeant Alvin Cullum York, or the hundreds of thousands of soldiers whose remains lie over battlefields all over the world, we might become a more grateful, thoughtful nation. If we teach our children the personal tragedy of war, they may come to understand the importance of peace.

All fallen soldiers have a story to tell of their heroism. They came from all corners of the United States and gave their lives for us. It is vitally important to keep telling their story because we might garner enough courageous love to heal a divided country if we listen.

Do we need war or tragedy to unite us again, or might we learn a valuable lesson from the spirits of our fallen American soldiers? ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 |

27

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Give dance a chance

JO I N T P A IN IS NOT NO R MA L!

Getting started is easy and fun

By Gary Robertson, San Juan Dance Club

P

15 million people report experiencing severe joint pain.

Currently Offering Complimentary Consultations What can cause joint pain?

There are many reasons why joint pain can show up.

These include, but are not limited to...

Bone Degeneration Various Injuries Muscle Weakness Joint Fusion Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Sprains Tendinitis and more...

andemic blues? Housebound claustrophobia? Isolation itch?

Whatever you call it, we’re all ready to get back to how things were before everything shut down.

Seniors especially need ways to engage our minds and socialize more, as well as physical exercise to lift our spirits and get us into better shape. But what can do all that, and entice us to get up and get going?

Dancing!

EXERCISE BODY AND MIND As dancers know, moving to the music engages multiple levels of one’s body and mind. It stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins,

exercises muscles, and challenges one’s balance and coordination better than walking the dog. Dancing together is the most fun a couple can have in public, and can even be therapeutic because it requires cooperation and moving in unison.

Studies show that dance reduces stress and leads to a 21 percent increase in the volume of the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory, emotion and balance.

They’ve also noted that dance has anti-aging effects that lower the risk of dementia.

LEARNING TO DANCE Men often use the medically unfounded claim of possessing “two left feet” as an excuse for being

Joint pain can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include overuse such as heavy physical activity, lack of use, sprains, or strains.

How can you treat this?

With joint pain there are various methods of treatment that can be deployed, however, the context of the joint pain will dictate what care is necessary. Some incidents require lowimpact activities, ice packs, heat packs, and over-thecounter medications for inflammation.

For those who have severe or chronic joint pain, it is recommended to seek further medical care and discuss with a professional what care would be necessary.

At Compass Medical Center we have various treatments we use with our patients in order to get joint pain under control.

Some of our treatment methods include: Joint Bracing Prolozone Therapy Rehabilitive Therapy

Knee Traction Joint Injections Regenerative Medicine

Your Health In The Right Direction

WITH A FEW LESSONS, DANCERS FORGET ABOUT HOW WELL (OR BADLY) THEY'RE DOING. INSTEAD, THEY GET SWEPT AWAY WITH HOW MUCH FUN THEY'RE HAVING.

Feel free to call or visit us @

985-4506

2478 Patterson Rd Suite 17 Grand Junction www.compassmedicalco.com

28 | MAY 2021 |

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San Juan Dance Club Board members Pat Douglas and Ron Black.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

WHERE TO DANCE

For Gary Robertson and Joy Wright, dancing is one of the most fun things they can do together.

reluctant to dance or take lessons.

Truth be told, if a man can walk, he can dance. If he can skip, he can do the polka and triple step. Combine walking and skipping and we have swing. To start, it’s simple. All you have to do is: 1. Feel the beat with your feet.

Then move to it using basic steps.

2. Communicate by leading.

The gentleman gets to lead the lady using standard signals in order to communicate clearly.

3. Learn the steps, which is easier when the emphasis is placed on having fun rather than doing it right.

With a few lessons, dancers forget about how well (or badly) they’re doing. Instead, they get swept away with how much fun they're having..

For Michele Webbe and Dan Lynch, dance changed their lives.

“Meeting each other at dance lessons was a surprise for the heart,” said Webbe. “When we married, we continued dancing because we enjoyed it so much. It became a great communication tool between two people and something we both learned to love.”

Ready to put on your dancing shoes?

Here are a few places that offer dance lessons or have a dance floor where you can show off your moves!

Mesa County Colorado West Area Square Dance Council 434-3543 Grand Junction Elks Lodge 243-0675 Grand Junction Parks & Rec 254-3866 Western Colorado Community College 255-2800 Lynch added he never expected to like it so much.

“As an added bonus, my back issues completely healed and I feel so much healthier,” Lynch said.

So give dance a try. All it takes is a lively tune to get you moving across the kitchen floor while fixing meals. ■

Montrose & Delta Counties Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club 773-4495 Montrose Pavilion Dance Club 252-7172 Montrose Elks Lodge 249-4852 San Juan Dance Club 252-9600, sanjuandanceclub@gmail. com

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29

TRAVEL

Step into Tom Sawyer's World Visit the town that inspired Mark Twain

By Diana Barnett

L

ast summer, my daughter, grandsons and I made an emergency trip to Indiana to help my mother, who had fallen and fractured her kneecap.

It was in the midst of COVID, so we decided that driving was the better option, even though the trip would take us two and a half days from Colorado. We planned our route based on low COVID case numbers, and found ourselves driving through many small towns due to their safer statistics.

On the second night we found ourselves in Hannibal, Missouri, the town that inspired Mark Twain to write his two classics, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” It turned out to be one of the most picturesque stops on our trip.

SAILING THE MISSISSIPPI We hadn’t planned to stop for sightseeing, but this little town presented some great learning opportunities for my grandsons, Liam, 8, and Landon, 11. So, we planned a stop in Hannibal on the way home.

Luckily, we pulled into Hannibal just before the last riverboat made its sail down the Mississippi River for the afternoon. We took seats on the sparsely populated top deck and enjoyed our ride down the famous river that divides the nation.

Our voyage took us past the old ice plant, where ice was once cut from the river and delivered to iceboxes all over town, as well as on board boats to keep things fresh. From the ship’s deck, we also saw the entrance to the cave, which was visited by Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher in Twain’s book.

Later, our excursion took us past Jackson’s Island, where Huckleberry Finn and Jim hid from the law.

The author’s daughter, Kate, and grandsons, Landon and Liam, ride the Mark Twain riverboat down the Mississippi.

THE LIFE OF SAMUEL CLEMENS The well-kept town was both quaint and colorful. Most things were within walking distance. Its well-preserved historical buildings were located in the Mark Twain Historical District, which bordered the river.

We began our self-guided tour at the wax museum, which offered a narrated life-size display of all of Twain’s family members, as well as the locals and characters who appeared in his stories. Neither of my grandsons wanted to continue on to the haunted house section of the museum after standing too close to Injun Joe during the audio program.

We spent most of our time at Samuel Clemens’ (Mark Twain’s real name) boyhood home and museum, which included access to nine sites for the price of one ticket. We were further pleased to see that only a limited number of visitors could enter at the same time.

The Clemens’ home was a modest two-story, clapboard structure. It was one of the larger historic homes in Hannibal, featuring several small rooms that had once housed the town’s most famous resident

TRAVEL

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Left: Visitors can tour Samuel Clemens’ boyhood home (right) and the surrounding properties. Right: The author’s grandsons took a turn painting the fence made famous in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” and his seven siblings. Visitors got to peek into the rooms, still furnished with furniture belonging to the family. White plaster sculptures of the author in various poses were located throughout the house, with a Twain quote by each one. Here, the author gained his inspiration for the many characters who found their way into his short stories and novels.

Twain’s home wouldn’t have been complete without the whitewashed picket fence surrounding the property. Tom Sawyer enthusiasts will remember that he persuaded his friends into experiencing the “wonder” of painting the fence so he wouldn’t have to. The fence is always maintained, as anyone who chooses can pick up a brush and continue where the last lucky boy or girl left off. Both of my grandsons took a turn painting the fence.

While totally unexpected, we found that the stop in Hannibal was a delightful diversion from long hours spent on the road in the midst of a challenging pandemic. ■

Booming Market Seniors are the fastest growing demographic Active & Affluent Baby Boomers are redefining being a senior

Call Debra Romaniec

970-632-2367 Debra@BeaconSeniorNews.com

How do you reach them?

BEACON reaches over 50,000 readers monthly*

Open for Dine-In

RIVER TOWN WONDERS The museum’s second story offered a replica of an old steam ship steering room and a wall-sized window that looked onto the Mississippi.

Another surprise was the museum’s large gallery of Norman Rockwell paintings. What connection did Norman Rockwell have with Mark Twain? It turns out that Rockwell had been commissioned to illustrate a second printing of “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” in 1935.

We purchased abridged versions of both of Twain’s famous books.

Landon entertained us by reading them aloud on the drive back to Colorado.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | TRAVEL |

31

FAITH

Service Times Service Times Celebration Celebration Service Service am Sunday 10:00 am10:00 Sunday Family Family Night Night pm Wednesday 6:30 pm 6:30 Wednesday

Ask someone their story and let God change their life

By Vic Stinemetze, Living Stone Church

I

met Jeremy in the fall of 2000. He had just finished a six-month sen515 S. Dr. Hillcrest Dr. 515 S. Hillcrest tence at the Department of Youth Montrose, Montrose, CO 81401CO 81401 Corrections, so I picked him up Where Passion 970-249-4319 here Passion for God and for God and 970-249-4319 for People meet…. and transported him to the shelter mpassion Compassion for People meet…. where I worked.

The day before, I’d attended a conference hosted by the DepartCOME GROW WITH US IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP! ment of Human Services. The keyWe are… note speaker was a therapist who Family-oriented had worked with Native American Inspirational youth on a reservation in North Dakota. He said, “Every kid has a Relational story, and every kid wants to tell his Sacred space story. And it’s not the story that’s The place for you in the case files. When you ask a 9:00 am Contemporary Praise Service young person their story, you open United Methodist Church 11:00 am Traditional Service with Choir the door to relationship. Everything Live stream services at fumcgj.org begins there.”

First United Methodist Church | 5th St. & White Ave. (downtown) | 242-4850 | www.fumcgj.org I thought about the speaker’s words as we made our way to the shelter. I turned to Jeremy and asked, “So, what’s your situation?”

His reply was significant.

Sunday study: 9:00 a.m.

“I’ve grown up in a bad part of Sunday worship: 10:15 a.m.

Grand Junction. My dad and his brothers have been in street gangs First Baptist Church all their lives. They’ve been in and of Grand Junction out of prison many times. Lots of drugs and alcohol. My mom is 720 Grand Avenue getting ready to serve a 90-day 970-242-5645 sentence in the county jail for too many DUIs,” he shared.

Visit our website: fbcgj.org Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I said, “You know, you don’t have to go down that same road. It can end in your generation.”

Jeremy replied, “I’d like that.”

S Townsend Ave Over the course of our relaBAPTIST CHURCH E Niagara Rd tionship, I took Jeremy and other Turning Montrose Around youth from the shelter to church on RosemontBaptist.org Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights each week. At one of the serFAMILY FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY vices, Jeremy gave his life to God. After a couple months, he was Sunday Bible Study (all ages) 9:30 9:15 am 1598 E Niagara Rd Montrose, CO 81401 transferred to a local group home, Worship Service 10:45 am Worship Service Office: 970.249.4887 but I still ran into him from time to time. One day, I saw a large announcement in the paper: Jeremy

Experience God's loveloveinina atraditional setting.

Experience God's traditional setting.

Experience God's love in a traditional setting.

Rosemont

32 | FAITH | MAY 2021 |

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INSPIRED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, I SAID, “YOU KNOW, YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO DOWN THAT SAME ROAD. IT CAN END IN YOUR GENERATION.” was graduating high school with honors! He received a summer scholarship to Colorado School of Mines and a four-year scholarship to Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University), where he started in the fall.

Tragically, he lost his life during his first semester. My heart was broken.

At the funeral, his brother shared that the day before Jeremy died, he walked by the group home where he had once lived and asked to talk to the young men sitting on the front porch.

“I know you guys,” he said. “I used to live here. I know your stories. But you don’t have to continue down that road. It can end in your generation.”

Jeremy broke his family’s cycle of incarceration, crime and drug use. It started with a simple question that led to a relationship with God. Like Jeremy, there are hundreds of young men across the Western Slope who have some concept of God but no idea of his will for their lives. Many have never set foot in a church.

When Jeremy and I walked in the front door of his group home, the Lord impressed on me that one day, I would be part of a mission in a group home where men would learn about God, his will and how to have a relationship with him.

To learn more about this vision, visit www.jeremyhousegj.org or email vic@jeremyhousegj.org. ■

TALKING DIGITAL

The non-geek’s guide to buying a computer A

fter writing last month about what to look for in a new TV, I had a number of readers ask for a similar guide to help them shop for a new computer.

So, welcome to the non-geek’s guide for finding the right computer for your needs.

There are many factors to consider, so I’ll get straight to the good stuff. In the future, I’ll compare computers to tablets and Apple vs.

Microsoft products, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll focus on Windows (Microsoft) machines for now.

SPECS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN BRAND The most common question I get asked about computers is, “Which brand is best?”

Computers are like cars in that every manufacturer produces different models of machines. Dell, HP and Lenovo all produce budget computers that barely perform the most essential functions, such as browsing the internet and managing email. Unfortunately, all manufacturers sell some extremely underpowered computers, so shopping for the lowest price can be a waste of money.

Likewise, all manufacturers also produce luxury computers that exceed the needs of everyone except astrophysicists and mechanical engineers. The objective is to find a computer that does everything you need but also has enough performance for future needs.

THE ONLY THREE SPECS THAT MATTER FOR MOST USERS ARE PROCESSOR, RAM AND HARD DRIVE CAPACITY. exchange between Scotty and Captain Kirk on “Star Trek”). And, most of the specs you see in an ad don’t have any relevance to the day-today performance of the computer.

The only three specs that matter for most users are processor, RAM and hard drive capacity.

Suggested specs: • Processor: Intel i5 (or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 (or higher) • RAM: 8GB (or higher) • Hard drive: 512GB (or higher)

PROCESSOR The processor is the information engine of the computer. Like engines, processors vary by performance thresholds. While engines are measured in horsepower and cylinders, processors are measured with standards such as gigahertz (GHz) and cores.

While the power of your engine doesn’t matter when driving 25 mph through a residential neighborhood, the ability of your car to accelerate, start quickly and carry heavy loads are all factors to consider.

The processor’s power doesn’t have much impact on the basic tasks, but it can help your computer run smoother and more efficiently, especially when you’re multitasking.

DECIPHERING THE SPECS

RAM

Most computer advertisements are full of technobabble (think an

Imagine walking into a room and forgetting why you're there. RAM is

TALKING DIGITAL

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

your computer’s temporary memory, and like your own temporary memory, not having a sufficient amount can drastically impact the efficiency and speed of your computer.

HARD DRIVE Now, imagine only retaining phone numbers, addresses and names in your temporary memory. The computer’s hard drive serves as the computer’s long-term storage.

Photos, documents and default settings are all stored on your computer’s hard drive.

Most people have well under 100GB of personal data stored on

their computer, but programs, web browsing, email and backup data also take up a lot of storage. It’s important to have enough extra space to allow your computer to retain system information and history on the hard drive.

BELLS AND WHISTLES Many other specs will be listed in computer ads. The computer’s video card will impact what games it can play. The number and types of ports will determine which and how many devices you can connect to the computer. However, the three specs I described above are the most important.

Even the most standard offerings of these specs will be enough for basic tasks like creating documents, browsing the web and looking at digital photos. ■

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33

MONEY & SCAMS

Facing foreclosure? Watch out for scams Mortgage and rental scams are on the rise due to COVID

By Marisa Felix-Campbell, Housing Resources of Western Colorado

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has triggered an almost unprecedented housing affordability crisis.

Today, 1 in 5 renters and 1 in 10 homeowners with a mortgage are behind on payments.

An extension of the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums in connection with the presidentially declared COVID-19 national emergency was extended to June 30, 2021 for single family homes through HUD and FHA mortgages.

The Centers for Disease Control

(CDC) issued a temporary halt in residential evictions to prevent further spread of COVID-19. This hold on rental evictions is effective through June 30, 2021 as well.

Mortgage and rental assistance scams are prevalent due to COVID-19. Scam artists are openly taking advantage of seniors in difficult circumstances: online, on the phone, and even in person.

Homeowners and renters who are approached by someone who offers to help them for a fee should be cautious.

Seniors facing foreclosure might be tempted to retain the services of a loan modification company to help them obtain more favorable terms on their loan. Before doing so, the Office of the Attorney General encourages consumers to bear in mind several facts about Colorado law and the fact that they may

can only charge you once their services are completed.

• Never stop making your monthly payments. Consumers who do so could find themselves in foreclosure.

be able to accomplish a modification without hiring anyone.

When dealing with a loan modification company, remember: • It is illegal in Colorado for a loan modification or renegotiation company to charge you an upfront fee if you are more than 30 days behind on your mortgage.

Ongoing or monthly service charges also are forbidden under Colorado law; these companies

• Do not ignore communications from your lender. Most lenders have loan modification programs that can help you save your home.

In some cases, all a borrower needs to do is call the lender and provide some current financial information. Or contact a HUD Certified Housing Counselor.

• Beware of any advice from a loan modification company urging you not to contact your lender.

• If any company promises they will get rid of your debt, they are making a promise they cannot keep.

To file a complaint against a Loan Modification Company with

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MONEY & SCAMS the Colorado Attorney General, visit www.coag.gov or call 720-5086000.

Housing Resources of Western Colorado (HRWC) is the HUD Certified Housing Counseling Agency for Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties and 13 other counties across Western Colorado. HRWC’s certified HUD housing counselors are a trusted source to assist with foreclosure and eviction prevention, connecting with federal and local relief programs, and determining a solution that is best for the client.

Schedule a virtual one-on-one appointment today with a HUD housing counselor by calling 241-

We asked readers

2871 or visit www.hrwco.org.

Services are free and confidential to residents of Colorado of any income level.

For legal assistance and guidance, contact Colorado Legal Services (CLS) at 243-7940. CLS, a non-profit, has helped low-income individuals including seniors in Colorado for over 90 years.

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Learn more at www.hrwco.org or call 241-2871. ■

SCAM

What’s the wildest scam you’ve encountered?

Dating scam I met a man on OurTime.com. We emailed back and forth, and after about a week, we exchanged cell numbers. We talked, but he could never meet for coffee or anything like that. He was always too busy with his computer company.

Then he told me he was going to Utah to pick up his son then flying out on business abroad. He called me and said, “Did you read my email? I am in Nigeria and l can’t get my computer unless l pay them $15,000. l will take anything you can send.” l told him not to contact me again. I also reported him on the dating site. I will say this: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

- Barbara Fake IRS website Just recently, I got done in from what I thought was the IRS website. I was looking for the instruction booklet for 1040/1040-SR so I went online to what I thought was the IRS site (it had security icons in the http line) and tried to get to the PDF but the key pages were missing. Feeling frustrated, I clicked the “free filing” link. I

input my data only to be stopped by the site asking for money before I could even see the final version of the form or print it.

I backed out and tried to get to the real IRS site. I was directed to a site (calling itself www.tigta. gov) that wanted my credit card numbers and a lot more sensitive info. It looked shady so I didn’t fill out anything, backed out of the site, and gave up for the day.

Then, later in the evening, my computer wouldn’t shut down.

I pulled the electric plug. This morning, I tried to contact IRS but it wouldn’t recognize my SS# in the ID input. I am devastated that just trying to get the 1040 SR booklet could be a trap. So now I am a part of the “call for aid daily” segment of the population. I hope you get through to someone real, and I hope they are who they say they are.

- TAJ

Got a wild scam story?

Email them to Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com Read more reader-submitted scam stories in next month's issue.

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For accommodations of persons with special needs at meetings call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. 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.

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35

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Feel at home at Eagle Ridge

By Melinda Mawdsley

W

hether it’s replacing a houseplant or formally styling one’s hair and nails for holiday parties, staff at Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley strive to ensure residents feel loved and at home.

Marketing and Admissions Director Lisa Perlick said watching the care residents received and the attention staff paid to health, safety and connection—particularly during the pandemic—warmed her heart.

“We do care for other people’s loved ones, and it’s personal care,” said Perlick.

SHORT & LONG-TERM CARE The 70-bed skilled nursing home, located at 2425 Teller Ave. in Grand

Junction, offers 24-hour care for both long-term and short-term stays, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapies.

Short-term residents include those discharged from the hospital who are still in need of supervised care that they or a family member couldn’t do at home. This includes open wound treatment, administration of intravenous antibiotics, and catheter monitoring.

When short-term care concludes, residents either return home or come to the realization it’s time to transition into long-term skilled nursing care. Eagle Ridge helps families navigate that transition, as well as the transition from living at home to moving into longterm skilled nursing care.

Come experience the

Eagle Ridge

• • • • •

“WE CAN FINALLY PLAY BINGO IN THE LUNCHROOM! DURING COVID, WE PLAYED WALKIE TALKIE BINGO.” Stephen Hook, the facility’s new administrator, is especially passionate about Eagle Ridge feeling like home when residents move in.

“What we are trying to focus on now is trying to make it more like home instead of a facility,” Perlick said.

• Post Physical,

Occupational, and Speech Therapies Life Enrichment Programs Seven Days A Week Short and Long Term Care 24-Hour Skilled Nursing Care Hospice Care Respite Care

Staff at Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley has recently added more variety and opportunities back into their activity schedule.

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36 | BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT | MAY 2021 |

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Eagle Ridge features numerous amenities for residents, such as transportation to medical appointments, personalized meal plans, snacks, Wi-Fi and specially designed activities.

Perlick noted that while allowable activities have changed since the pandemic, staff is thrilled to be adding more variety and opportunities back into the schedule after COVID essentially closed their doors over a year ago.

“We can finally play Bingo in the lunchroom! During COVID, we

played walkie talkie bingo,” she said. “Our activities department is always coming up with fun and new things, and works really hard to keep people active.”

Maintaining that sense of community was particularly challenging this past year. But staff made every attempt to connect residents to family members via phone calls, video calls and even window visits.

One resident in particular talks to her daughter on FaceTime at the same time every day.

As of late March, Eagle Ridge has been able to allow more visitors per state guidelines. They’re also able to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations and transport residents to and from appointments, if needed.

If you or a loved one is interested in learning more about Eagle Ridge of Grand Valley, contact Perlick at 243-3381 or visit www.vivage.com/ eagleridge. ■

Mom wasn’t royalty, but she ruled

By Michael Murphy

I

t won’t be long before Meghan Markle’s royal baby bump results in Meghan and Harry’s second royal baby. Despite the couple’s efforts to no longer be working members of the royal family, the worldwide fascination over the births of their children continues.

When Prince Harry was asked his thoughts on parenting after baby Archie was born, he responded, “It’s great. Parenting is amazing. It’s only been two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”

The timing of all this royal baby talk coincides with the observance of Mother’s Day on May 9, and has triggered thoughts of my own mother and the six children she raised.

While it’s true that parenting is amazing, it seems that for mothers, royalty or not, it goes beyond amazing. For mothers, there’s a dimension to being a parent that fathers simply don’t or can’t experience, no matter how much they cuddle, coo or carry the baby once it’s been delivered.

Like many fathers of my generation, I was in the hospital room as my wife gave birth to each of our three sons. I honestly felt sort of helpless and in the way, yet wanted to do my part. It seems that no matter how earnestly men try to share that entire process, the vicarious experience still falls way short of what the mother is going through—and childbirth usually isn’t the last time that proves true.

Since my generation, there’s been a big push to encourage fathers to take the opportunity to bond with their children more.

However, during my childhood, I have the sneaky feeling that bonding with his six children was not high on my dad’s list of priorities.

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Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one

That was Mom’s job, and that’s just the way it was.

The year I was born, the country’s average family income was $3,100. I’d guess Dad’s 1940s policeman salary was below that, as he often moonlighted at other jobs.

While Dad worked as a cop, it was Mom who “walked the beat” at home 24/7. Back then, everything Mom did was by hand: laundry, cooking and discipline. UnfortuHilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps nately for us six kids, “time out” seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing had not yet been invented. their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care She never did get a driver’s for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable license. Day trips were by city information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone bus, and those were few and far affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s. between since dragging four or five little boys downtown on a bus Call (970) 241-7798 hardly qualified as a fun outing. As seniordaybreak.org a result, Mom was basically stuck at L O C A L L Y O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D B Y H I L L T O home, which was good for us kids but had to be rough on her.

I know that our situation was not unique. Most of my friends’ families mirrored ours.

Dads were employees while moms were just moms. As far as us kids were concerned, that worked out fine.

Dads can be hard to figure at times, but moms are different.

Their love is more tangible. They’re not afraid to lay it out there for their kids to hear, see and feel.

Because of that, although our births did not garner the worldwide attention as the births of Meghan’s and Harry’s babies have, none of Medicaid/Medicare Certified | Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002 us kids had any doubt that our Nursing and Therapy Services mom welcomed each one of us into Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS the world with the same love and Personal Safety Devices feeling of amazement as Archie’s Serving parents did. g Servin ld, Mesa, Garfield, e Mom was not royalty. And none sa, Garfi le e M Pitkin, Eagle and g a E , in Pitk of us kids sported the title ofGunnison prince nnison and Gu es n or princess. Yet, while growing Cou ti Counties up, I certainly had everything www.summitwestcare.com that I needed to be happy—and I 970-263-0202 Grand Junction wouldn’t trade that for any fancy 970-945-6455 Glenwood Springs Branch title. ■

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BEACON GUIDE FEATURE

The show will go on Magic Circle Players adapts performances to pandemic times

By Kathy Applebee

I

t starts with an empty, dusty stage. Someone begins sweeping.

Another puts out a few chairs explaining, “this is a door” and “that’s a window.” The director confers with volunteers about sets and costumes, sending someone to round up props. Finally, the audience arrives and the Magic Circle Players (MCP) come to life on stage.

Throughout the year, the Montrose-based theatre troupe usually produce five plays, plus specials on Christmas and Valentine’s Day. MCP holds a youth theater drama camp in the summer, as well as a director training workshop that culminates in an evening of one-act plays directed by participants.

“This team art form is a magical

process, satisfying, an act of love and fun,” said octogenarian playwright Nancy Ballantyne.

In a non-COVID season, several hundred volunteers are involved, some with little or no experience.

MCP provides training for those wanting to learn new skills, as well as opportunities like ushering or running the box office.

“We train anybody on anything they want,” explained Kim Santich, 69. “In 2018, I decided to audition for ‘Barnaby.’ I was cast, and found the MCP players to be welcoming.”

The pandemic has adversely affected the entertainment industry, MCP included. Fortunately, the company is used to overcoming obstacles—like when the curtain fell during “Beauty and the Beast,”

or another instance when an actor got sick just before the show and a stagehand came on stage, script in hand, to do the lines. One time, the stage lights failed during the second act.

“We lined up cars outside and used their headlights to light up the stage,” recalled MCP board president Merrilee Robertson, 78.

For its 60th season, MCP adapted to pandemic restrictions by

Magic Circle Players’ May 2013 performance of “1776.” scheduling virtual rehearsals and casting couples, family groups and folks who were already doing life together. They were able to bring “My Funny Valentine” to the stage in February and produced “You Can’t Be Too Careful” in October with actors seated with social distancing.

“In no way will COVID kill us,”

We invite you to join our song!

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BEACON GUIDE FEATURE

NEW CLASSES! THEATER IS A PLACE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF, ENGAGE, MAKE FRIENDS AND KEEP FROM GOING BONKERS. said Santich. “It may slow us down, but the shows will go on.”

Santich directed the virtual March show, “Tune in Tomorrow,” a theatre radio show presented live via Zoom.

The 95-minute production featured four radio show scripts punctuated by commercials for products from the radio era of entertainment like Carter’s Little Liver Pills.

“Theater is a place to express yourself, engage, make friends and keep from going bonkers,” said

“Twentieth Century,” November 2018

Santich. “Despite the pressures of learning lines and opening night, it’s the best stress reliever.”

Theater Manager Lisa Rediger, 53, agreed. “[Theater] helps navigate the pandemic with some sense of normalcy.”

Although the 2020-2021 season is subject to change, Disney’s musical “Newsies” is scheduled for May 7-29, 2021, followed by “Mash” opening Fourth of July weekend.

MCP's 61st season opens in September. For show information or to volunteer, call 249-7838 or visit www.magiccircleplayers.com ■

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39

MeSa County Due to COVID-19, please contact event organizers to confirm details before attending.

CALENDAR

May 1

May 4

May 7

This half-marathon race starts and ends at the 18 Road trailhead, as well as a 50k mountain bike race hosted by Gemini Adventures. For spectators, enjoy music, food and microbrews.

8 a.m. | $75-$105 | www.gemini adventures.com/adventure- fest-at-18rd

Join AARP for a free virtual HomeFit workshop for tips on how to make your home safer and more comfortable as you age in place.

3:30-4:30 p.m. | Free | www.local. aarp.org/grand-junction-co

Get in your steps while walking around Sherwood Park and share what you’ve been reading, listening to or binge watching, hosted by Mesa County Libraries.

10-11 a.m. | 1301 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction | 243-4442

Adventure Fest at 18 Road

May 1 Sculpting Critters with Wool

Learn how to turn fluffy wool into small sculptures, using special needles to bind the fibers together. Make an adorable little animal, a tiny house or even miniature food. Supplies and instruction provided.

10 a.m-3 p.m. | 101 W. Third St., Palisade | $55 | www.theblue piggallery.com/workshops

May 1

Hand-in-Paw Wellness

Residents of the Clifton community are eligible to receive a free pet wellness exam and vaccines for cats and dogs only at Rocky Mountain Elementary, as well as human health resources. First come, first served.

12:30-5 p.m. | 3260 D ½ Road, Clifton | 434-7337

May 2, 16, 30 Yoga Sunday

Thrive Yoga hosts an hour-long outdoor yoga class at Pressed Coffee.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and unwind.

10-11 a.m. | 392 W. Third St., Palisade | $10 | 464-2090

AARP HomeFit

May 4

Writing Memoir as Fiction

Award-winning author Teague von Bohlen discusses borrowing from one genre to enrich and enliven another. Register in advance for this virtual workshop, held on Zoom.

6 p.m. | www.westerncolorado writers.org

Spring Art & Frame Sale

Peruse a selection of paintings, collage, photography, ceramics, jewelry, frames and more (including baked goods!) with all proceeds going to the Art Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1803 N. Seventh St., Grand Junction | 243-7337

May 7

Relay for Life

Calling all survivors of cancer and their caregivers to walk the Colorado Mesa University Quad and raise funds toward cancer research.

6 p.m. | 100 North Ave., Grand Junction | 719-291-4193

May 5

May 7-9

The Mesa County RSVP Medicare SHIP program offers a monthly “Introduction to Medicare” seminar.

Learn about if, what, when and how to enroll in Medicare from a trained and unbiased SHIP counselor. Registration required.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Ste. 090, Grand Junction | Free, donations appreciated | 243-9839

Relax aboard an oar raft as you travel 25 miles through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons, all while discovering the amazing avian diversity along the way.

8 a.m. | $525-$575 | www.colorado canyonsassociation.org/events | 263-7902

Medicare 101

Birding on the Colorado River

May 8 & 22

UnWINEd: Yoga and Wine

Come for the 30-minute yoga flow class, stay for the happy hour at Talon Winery. Enjoy a glass of wine included in the ticket price. Space is limited.

5:30-6:50 p.m. | 785 Elberta Ave., Palisade | $25 | www.talonwine brands.com/events | 464-1300

May 4

May 1

Steps and Stories

Webinar on all things fish

BLM Fish Biologist, Tom Fresques, shares about all things fishy in McInnis Canyons and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Areas during this one-hour live webinar.

5:30-6:30 p.m. | Free | www.colorado canyonsassociation.org/events | 263-7902

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May 8-9

McInnis Canyons Paleontology Tour

Sip & Paint Mother’s Day Special

Renowned paleontologist, Rob Gay, leads a hiking tour of Dinosaur Hill, Fruita Paleo Area and Trail Through Time. Expect 3-4 miles of hiking and pit stop for lunch.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | $90-$115 | www.colo radocanyonsassociation.org/events | 263-7902

Enjoy Mother’s Day by sipping wine and painting a wine glass at St. Kathryn Cellars. Drink specials, food trucks, charcuterie and fudge are also available for purchase.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday/3-4 p.m. Sunday | 785 Elberta Ave., Palisade | $15 | www.talonwine brands.com/events | 464-1300

May 17

Virtual Functional Fitness Class

Exercise with AARP’s 5-week Functional Fitness class from the comfort of your own home. Follow along live or enjoy the recorded session later.

All you need is your own bodyweight and a little room to move.

7-8 a.m. | $10 | www.local.aarp.org/ grand-junction-co

May 9

Mother’s Day Mala Making

Mothers and their adult kids are invited to a handmade Mala necklace experience and a beer of choice at Monumental Beer Works.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2575 Hwy 6 & 50, Grand Junction | $70 | 462-7411

May 12

“Healing the Trauma of Divisiveness”

Join local therapist Hali Nurnberg at the Civic Center Park for a discussion on tips for working through the trauma of divisiveness and how to heal relationships.

5-6:30 p.m. | 325 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita | 243-4442

May 18 Kansas Live

Head on over to the Avalon Theatre for a night of live music featuring one of America’s iconic classic rock bands, Kansas.

Doors open at 6 p.m.

7 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $47-$133 | 263-5757

May 19

Colorado’s Mineral Belt

Mesa County Libraries presents a video investigating Colorado’s mineral endowment and its heyday of extraction.

6-7 p.m. | www.youtube.com/user/ yourmcl | 243-4442

May 20

All about Total Joint Replacement

Community Hospital hosts a class to help you and your family better understand what to expect with a total knee or hip replacement procedure.

Please call to register.

6-7 p.m. | 2351 G Road, Grand Junction | 245-0484

May 29 Garfield Grumble

Become a part of Mt. Garfield’s summit and plummet club! This race features a very steep and difficult climb to the summit up the main Palisade trail head and then descends a marginal trail on the Clifton side.

8 a.m. | Mt. Garfield trailhead, Palisade | Free | www.mesa monumentstriders.com | 245-4243

May 21

Palisade Pedal Tour

Bike 12 miles through Palisade orchards, wineries and farms and learn more about local agriculture and water. Includes lunch, and the chance to win door prizes.

8 a.m.-12 p.m. | 239 S. Main St., Palisade | $25 | 464-9266

May 27

Celtic Woman Concert

May 29

Laine Hardy Live

Experience four fantastic Celtic woman soloists (featuring the Irish harp and fiddle) live at the Avalon Theatre for an unforgettable night.

Doors open at 7 p.m.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | tickets start at $51 | 263-5757

The winner of American Idol 2019, Laine Hardy is set to light up Warehouse25sixty-five’s stage with songs about growing up in Louisiana on the bayou.

8-11 p.m. | 2565 American Way, Grand Junction | $20-$33 | www. warehouse2565.com/events | 628-4321 ■

SEE MORE EVENTS AT: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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41

CLUBS

MeSa County

Please contact organizers to confirm details before attending. In lieu of in-person, some clubs are meeting virtually.

American Association of University Women meets monthly.

Call for location.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 261-2112 Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Grand Junction.

Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:45 p.m. | 244-9989 Citizens’ Climate Lobby meets monthly online via Zoom. Check their Facebook page for details and contact info.

250-4832 | grandjunction@citizens climatelobby.org | facebook.com/ CCLGJ Clifton Book Club meets virtually on May 11 to discuss “The One-ina-Million Boy” by Monica Wood.

Register online.

2nd Tuesday | 8-9 a.m. | www.mesa countylibraries.org Colorado Archaeological Society Grand Junction meets monthly.

Call for location.

2nd Monday | 6:30-9 p.m. | 433- 4312 | www.meetup.com/ CAS-GJ/ events Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library.

3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 434-6936 Cribbage Lite meets at IHOP. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 201-7823 Cups Club meets at The Artful Cup

in Grand Junction. Meet people through cards, games, talk and tea.

Wednesdays | 2 p.m. | 257-2390 Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly.

719-580-0948 Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981 in Grand Junction.

All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 434-0868 Friendship Force meets at First Baptist Church in Grand Junction.

3rd Thursday | 6:15 p.m. | 778-6191 | www.ffwcolo.com Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road in Grand Junction.

2nd Thursday, 7 p.m. | 4th Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionrock club@gmail.com Golden K Kiwanis meets at the Redlands Community Center.

Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | facebook. com/gjgoldenk Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Two Rivers Convention Center.

3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | www.grandjunctionpmc.com Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at The Commons of Hilltop Garden Room in Grand Junction.

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Grand Valley Pets Alive meets at Church of the Nativity in Grand Junction.

3rd Wednesday | 4:30-6 p.m. | 462-7554

Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands Methodist Church.

2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 245-8817 or 856-3632 Great Old Broads for Wilderness, Grand Junction Area Chapter, meets monthly. Call for details.

596-8510 Guys’ Giving Club meets quarterly at Springhill Suites in Grand Junction. Members donate $100 at each meeting and are invited to nominate a local charity to receive the evening’s total contributions.

1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 243-8829 or 270-6184 Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at Warehouse 25sixty-five on 2565 American Way. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 260-8664 Knights of Columbus #1062 typically meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall in Grand Junction.

2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 261-1952 Knitting Club meets at Community

Not Going Quietly meets at Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction.

This group creates a space of empowerment, grace, community and wisdom for those aged 60 and older.

2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | 433-7799 Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets twice monthly. Call for location.

1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 208-9228 Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques.

256-9580 River City Singles meet weekly and for activities throughout the month.

Fridays | 5 p.m. | 210-2390 Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets weekly at the Bookcliff Country Club.

Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 234-5030 Senior Social Club meets on Zoom via Mesa County Libraries to chat and share stories. Register online for video link.

243-4442 | www.mesacounty libraries.org

$5 off

WBU Small High Perch Hummingbird Feeder

Any Service

Rufous Hummingbird

Expires: 5-31-21 limit 1 coupon, per person, per visit

• Heels • Boots • Shoe Shine

ST

*Some exclusions apply.

970-242-2843 | 2454 Hwy 6 & 50, #116 | Grand Junction, CO 81505 42 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES | MAY 2021 |

Newcomers Club meets at First Christian Church in Grand Junction.

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

Get More Miles Out Of Your Shoes!

STOREWIDE

-31

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. www.mesacountygenealogy.org

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands Methodist Church.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1 p.m. | 245-8817 or 257-1549

*

ST

of Christ Church in Grand Junction.

4th Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 623-1455

Tuesdays | 6:45 a.m. | 361-1806

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

241-9123

• Sewing Repairs • Stretching • Purses & Belts

Tues-Fri 10:00 - 5:30 • Sat 10:00-2:30 2493 HWY 6 & 50 / Cottonwood Mall

Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction.

2nd Saturday | 1:30 p.m. | 245-5649 | www.vestafjelllodge.org

Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at the Civil Patrol Hangar, 2868 Aviators Way. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www.w0rrz.org

SOS: Singles over 65 is an active, hip social club for single seniors! www.meetup.com/singles-over-65

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at Mesa County Libraries’ Central Branch.

1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 201-2865 | www.wcacastronomy.org

Sweet Adelines International, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church. Currently, meetings are held over Zoom. Call for an invite.

Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 256-9763 | www.grandmesaacappella.com Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets weekly. Call for location.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 361-1806 Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thunder mountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Junction Masonic Center.

Thursdays | 261-1670 Veterans Coffee Club meets weekly at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road, Grand Junction.

Tuesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 257-3760 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets at the Post Hall, 503 Florence Road, in Grand Junction.

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

Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets at First Congregational Church in Grand Junction.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 640-2751 Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247 in Grand Junction.

4th Tuesday | Free currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. | Meeting at 6:30 p.m. | 250-7036 Western Slope Liberty Toastmasters meets at Chronos Builders in Grand Junction.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 361-1806 Wheels West Car Club meets at the Whitman Center, Museum of Western Colorado.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www.wheelswestcarclub.org Yoga for Military Members, at Western Region One Source, offers a free yoga class for military members and their families.

Wednesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 257-3760 ■

Email your club’s information to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Question

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Jan Weeks

What are you looking forward to doing that you haven’t done since COVID? Shelly Booth, Grand Junction “I’ll go window shopping and actual shopping without constraints—only when it’s safe. I look forward to living in society without health fears.”

Chris Brewer, Grand Junction “I’ll take the ‘Mask Required’ sign off the door of my business (Tattered Tartan)! And I’ll go to a movie— any movie.”

David Dennison-Jones, Grand Junction “I’ll make a date with my wife and we’ll go to a concert or play.”

Spring has arrived!

Come see us for ALL of your allergy needs!

Don Bell, Grand Junction

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“I look forward to meeting book club members face to face again. And I want to host an in-person musical event like we used to have.”

| www.PalisadePharmacy.com | WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES |

43

MeSa County Cappella of Grand Junction earns customer experience award Cappella of Grand Junction was recently awarded the 2021 Customer Experience Award from Pinnacle Quality Insight. Cappella’s assisted living and memory care neighborhoods qualified for this award because of the facility's variety of food/menu choices, cleanliness, easy move-in process, and safety and security. Explore Cappella’s award-winning services with a virtual or in-person visit. Call 822-7070.

Crossroads Fitness reopens downtown location Crossroads Fitness reopened its downtown location on April 19, in response to Mesa County’s shift to level blue on the COVID-19 dial.

Crossroads Downtown summer hours are 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays. For details, call the downtown location at 241-7800.

BEACON BITS

Guys Giving Club gives $10,000 to Colorado Canyons Association Members of the Mesa County Guys Giving Club recently presented a $10,000 check to Chris Herrman, executive director of the Colorado Canyons Association (CCA). CCA fosters community stewardship, education and awareness of local National Conservation Lands with a focus on McInnis Canyons and Dominguez-Escalante. The Guys Giving Club meets four times a year to nominate local charities and nonprofits. Donations fully go towards supporting the selected recipient. For details, call 243-8829 or email GuysGivingClub@gmail. com.

VA Medical Foster Home Program recruiting caregivers The VA Western Colorado Health Care System (WCHCS) in Grand Junction is actively recruiting paid caregivers for their Medical Foster

City proclaims May National Huntington’s Disease Awareness month City of Grand Junction Mayor Duke Wortmann signed a proclamation declaring May as National Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in honor of local families affected by the disease. Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an inherited, fatal degenerative brain disorder that slowly destroys body and mind. The onset of HD usually occurs between 30-50 years of age; however, it can strike at any age. There are approximately Home (MFH) Program. The program provides eligible veterans the option to transition into a family setting when they can no longer live independently, and is an affordable alternative to nursing homes or assisted living facilities. The MFH Program helps match eligible

a dozen families in Grand Junction and on the Western Slope affected by HD. Learn more about HD at www.hdsa.org. veterans with approved homes and experienced caregivers who provide room and board, personal care and 24-hour supervision. Veterans in the program also receive in-home medical visits from the WCHCS’s home-based primary care team. Approved MFH Caregivers

Life. Love. Legacy Living Life Well Western Slope Memory Care provides a safe and Welbrook Grand Montecito provides secure environment while allowing residents with a safe and secure environment while Alzheimer’s or dementia to live a lifeallowing that is unique to with Alzheimer’s residents their needs and wants. or dementia to live a life that is unique to their needs and wants.

• 24 hour professional care staff

• Vigil Monitoring Systemneeds.

• On-site and Community Activities Program, tailored to individual • 3 + 3 Compassionate Cuisine Dining Program • Moments Program • Respite Care • Compassionate Cuisine Menu • Family Comfort Room • 24/7 professional care staff and

• Electronic security and incontinence monitoring nursessystem available to provide assistance with activities of daily living

• Transitional support provided during move in

25 9 4 Pa t t e r s o n Ro a d , G r a n d J u n c t i o n 44 | BEACON BITS | MAY 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

WELBROOK

TM

Grand Montecito A Memory Care Community 6660 Grand Montecito Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89149 P 702-240-0090 | welbrook.com

97 0 - 4 6 2 - 9 6 9 6

BEACON BITS

must meet annual training requirements, be CPR/First Aid certified, and pass initial and yearly VA home safety inspections. To determine if you qualify to be a caregiver, call 242-0731, ext. 2663.

Public reservations for the studio live room start June 1 970West Studio Live Room will be open for public reservations in June. Starting May 17, patrons can begin making reservation requests to use the Live Room. Studio users must meet the following requirements: • Attend a studio orientation (also offered virtually) • Be a resident of Mesa County • Mesa County Libraries account is in good standing (owe less than $10) • Library account information is current.

For more information about studio reservations, call 243-4442 or email studio@mcpld.org.

Jac Kephart Gallery fundraising nearly complete The Art Center of Western Colorado (TAC) seeks to complete its fundraiser campaign to build the new Jac Kephart Gallery, in honor of late artist Jac Kephart.

While TAC has raised more than three-quarters of the necessary funds, it cannot complete the project until it reaches $600,000. In addition to funding a 1,700 square foot gallery, the campaign funds the installation of a modern fire mitigation system, an upgrade to the permanent collection preservation, and updates to the Gould Gallery. It will also provide a new space for educational programs. To learn more or donate, visit www. gjartcenter.org/kephartproject or call 243-7337. ■

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of its member agencies. www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 243-9839, ext. 5 Food Bank of the Rockies volunteers assist in a variety of areas. www.foodbankrockies.org/ western-slope-volunteer | 464-1138 Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to hand-write notes for care packages sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 523-4217 Grand Junction Visitor Center seeks tourism ambassadors to welcome visitors to the Grand Valley. Flexible schedule. www.visitgrandjunction.com | 256-4054 MOPS Kids (Mothers of Preschoolers) volunteers watch children while parents attend MOPS meetings at Canyon View Vineyard Church Call 549-6637 Palisade Historical Society welcomes volunteers who like to share the history of Palisade.

Email pbwalker630@acsol.net Foster Grandparents are needed in school classrooms.

Applicants must be age 55+ and may be eligible for a tax-free stipend.

Call 298-9092 Senior Companions 55+ provide friendship and drive homebound seniors to errands and appointments.

Call 298-9092 Mesa County Spellbinders tell stories to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. www.spellbinders.org | 243-7303

Email your business news to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Discover a tranquil neighborhood all your own.

Carefree retirement living.

The Cottages let you live independently while giving you the freedom to make the most of your retirement. Our single-level patio homes offer privacy and luxury with open living plans, two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio, and a one-car garage. Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance, and flexible meal options at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms. Plus you and your loved ones get peace of mind with a 24-hour emergency response system.

(970) 434-2111 • TheCottagesGJ.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.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | BEACON BITS |

45

SUPPORT GROUPS

MeSa Montrose County & Delta

Some support group meetings may be canceled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact organizers to confirm meeting details before attending.

Caregiver Connections meets at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest, 3090 N. 12th St. Tuesdays | 10-11:30 a.m. | 241-2212 Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella Grand Junction, 628 261/2 Road. Call to RSVP. 1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 822-7070 Caregiver Support Group, sponsored by Aspen Ridge Care Center, meets at Mesa County Libraries' Central Branch.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 640-7416 Come Back Yoga is open to veterans and their caregivers at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 2:15-3:15 p.m. | 257-3764

Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents at Unity Church.

1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 434-3822 COPD Support Group meets at 581 Grand Valley Drive.

4th Friday | 2 p.m. | 317-7556 | jimcampbell3@aol.com Gamblers Anonymous’ 12-step meeting is held at The Meeting Hall, 1938 N. First St. in Grand Junction.

Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719 GriefShare, a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one, meets at Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F 1⁄4 Road.

Mondays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 628-1453

Grief Group for Pets meets at Roice-Hurst Humane Society, 362 28 Road.

2nd Wednesday, bi-monthly | 6-7 p.m. | 434-7337, ext. 103 Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 2643 Patterson Road, #503 (St. Mary’s Hospital).

1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 245-2400 Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 298-2351 HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N 5th St., Grand Junction.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 778-9274 Job Searching After 50 meets at Mesa County Workforce Center.

You must register as a job seeker at www.connectingcolorado.com.

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-10 a.m. | 248-7560 Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets monthly in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

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

PLEASE JOIN OUR MONTHLY

SUPPORT GROUP 2nd Tuesday of each month 1:30 - 3:00 PM Central Library Open to any caregiver in the community, this group is an opportunity to share and learn with others experiencing a similar journey caring for a loved one with dementia. Caregivers may bring their loved one to participate.

RSVP TO (970) 640-7416 46 | SUPPORT GROUPS | MAY 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center In-Patient Dining, 2121 North Ave. 1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 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. | 257-2390 Mindful Pain Management meets at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road.

Fridays | 1 p.m. | 257-3764 MS Breakfast Group meets at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Drive.

1st Tuesday | 9 a.m. | 985-4935 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www.NAMIWS.org | 462-3989 Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment, community and grace for adults 60+, meets at the Center

for Spiritual Living.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | www.cslgj.org | 433-7799 Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road.

Thursdays | 6:30 p.m. | 379-5786 PTSD Support Group meets at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 257-3764 TOPS Club weight-loss support group meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 3/4 Road.

Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 523-0241 Veteran Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source.

Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 257-3764 Veteran Peer Support meets weekly at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 2-3 p.m. | 257-3764 Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only support group meets at the Grand Junction Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 263-8986 Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 298-2351 Yoga For Life meets at the St. Mary’s Life Center Aerobics Room.

Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | 298-2351 Yoga for Military Members, hosted at Western Region One Source, offers a free beginner yoga class for military members and their family.

Wednesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 257-3760 n

List your support group for FREE Email Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com or call 243-8829

MeSa County

FUN AFTER 50

To register for programs, and for COVID-19 updates, call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

The Senior Recreation Center remains closed, except for classes Silver Sneakers

Many insurance plans provide a free membership to many Grand Junction Parks and Recreation facilities. Visit www.silversneakers .com to see if you qualify and take advantage of this amazing benefit!

Kindred Reserve Open Space Take a walk at Grand Junction Park and Recreation’s newest amenity located at 2064 S. Broadway, Grand Junction, and get back to nature!

FITNESS Sherwood Park Fitness Circuit

Learn how to properly utilize the newly installed fitness circuit at Sherwood Park as well as secrets to maximizing your workouts!

Meet at the Juniper Shelter on the south side of the park.

12-1 p.m. | May 4 | Sherwood Park | Free

Gentle Active Yoga

This class is designed for active beginners and above. Variations, props, and more challenging options are offered. Please bring your own mat.

8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Bookcliff Activity Center | $50 for 10-punch pass, $7 drop-in

required up to one week in advance at www.gjpr.org/swimreservation.

Silver Sneakers membership eligible.

8:30-9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | Orchard Mesa Pool | $46.50 for 12-punch card, $4.50 drop-in

SPORT Western Slope Regional Pickleball Tournament

To register for programs and for COVID-19 updates,call the Fruita Community Center at 858-0360 or viswit www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

GAMES Virtual Bingo

Join others on Zoom for an afternoon of Bingo! Email Jacqui or call the Fruita Community Center for the invite link.

2:30 p.m. Thursdays | Free | jfoster@ fruita.org

FITNESS Silver Seniors Classic

Come watch the fastest growing sport in America and see some awesome competition!

All-day | May 8 & 9 | Lincoln Park

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement. A chair can be used for seated exercises or standing support.

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Tuesdays | Fruita Community Center

Beginning Pickleball Clinic

Silver Seniors Circuit

Learn basic rules, equipment, and how to play a fun sport with a crazy name! Equipment provided; pre-registration required.

8-10 a.m. | May 15 | Lincoln Park | $15

Intermediate Pickleball Clinic

Learn strategy, positioning, dinking, court communication and how to lob.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | May 15 | Lincoln Park | $15

Circuit training and flexibility exercises for seniors.

11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Thursdays | Fruita Community Center

HIKES Senior Hikes

Meet at the Fruita Community Center’s west parking lot Wednesdays for lighter walks on river trails, or Fridays for more adventurous trails around the Grand Valley. Group size is limited; register early. Go online for the full list of hikes.

1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays & Fridays | $5 | www.fruita.org/parksrec/ page/55-senior-hikes

MEAL PROGRAMS Canyon West Worship Center Food boxes are available every second Saturday for anyone— no registration needed.

9-11 a.m. | May 8 | 456 Kokopelli Plaza, Fruita

Food Bank of the Rockies

Food boxes for Fruita seniors are distributed every third Thursday at Little Walsh Park. Call for more information and to register for a box.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. | May 20 | 464-1138 n

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS Enjoy great food, live entertainment, and craft beers!

Evening | May 28 | Lincoln Park n

Splash Aqua Aerobics

Moderate intensity activities incorporate noodles, hand paddles, water weights and more. Class size is limited. Reservations are WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | FUN AFTER 50 |

47

Montrose & Delta

CALENDAR

Due to COVID-19, please contact event organizers to confirm details before attending.

help those in need. Email tevans@ montroselibrary.org to register for this virtual event.

6:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | tevans@mon troselibrary.org | 964-2540

May 1

May 5

Lovers of hops and stouts alike are welcome to this beer festival complete with food trucks, live music, games and more at Cleland Park.

2-6 p.m. | 790 Howard St., Delta | $35-$50 | 417-7804

Bring your art supplies and escape today’s turmoil with the magic of watercolor. Class includes demonstration, individual attention, group critique and lots of fun.

1-4 p.m. | 11 S. Park Ave., Montrose | $35 | www.mc4arts.com/classes | 787-9428

Our Slope Beer Fest

Watercolor Wednesdays

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Twilight Shavano Tour

Explore one of the most picturesque and important rock art sites in western Colorado on this guided tour.

Dress appropriately; reservations suggested.

6:30-8:30 p.m. | $15-$20 | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | 249-3098

May 4

ARTbar: Pouring Paint & Pinot

Try a variety of paint pouring techniques to create colorful abstract art, and walk away with two finished 12x12 paintings. No experience necessary; all materials and instruction provided, plus a drink.

6-8 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $40 | www.sherbino.org/event | 318-0892

May 4

Virtual Green Thumb Gardening

For gardening enthusiasts, learn how to join CSU Extension’s program Grow & Give and use your skills to

May 7

Opening Night: “Newsies”

Magic Circle Players presents the Disney musical “Newsies” with evening and matinee performances May 7-29. Ticket prices vary. Reserve your seat online.

7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | www.magiccircleplayers .com | 249-7838

May 8

Comedy Night

Come ready to laugh at David Rodriguez’s comedy, hosted in Blue Sage Center for the Arts’ new outdoor space.

8-10 p.m. | 226 Grand Ave., Paonia | $20 | 527-7243

May 8

Mother’s Day Tea & Waffles

Come be pampered for Mother’s Day with a brunch buffet, flowers and full table service at Cerise Park.

Email DarlingDamesCO@gmail.com for reservations.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Shanes Way, Montrose | $20

Ridgway | $10/person | www.sher bino.org/event | 318-0892

May 8 Porcupine Quill Earrings

Make the perfect Mother’s Day gift—your very own porcupine quill earrings, taught by Amerson Woodie (Lakota & Navajo). Registration required.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | $20 | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | 249-3098

May 8

Donny Morales Live

Head on over to the Courtyard at 610 for an evening of wonderful music by local favorite and BEACON Best winner Donny Morales. Table reservations required.

5:30-9 p.m. | 610 Clinton St.,

May 8

Wild West Family Dance

May 7-9 Montrose Spring Home Expo Head on over to the Montrose County Event Center to see the latest trends in home improvement and meet with local vendors who can help with any sized project.

12-7 p.m. Friday/10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday/11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday | 1036 N. Seventh St., Montrose | Free | 303-867-0808

Grab the grandkids for a wild west night at the Lion’s Pavilion, featuring music and free horse drawn carriages.

5-8 p.m. | Gunnison River Drive, Delta | $15 per couple, $5 each additional family member | 874-0923

May 12 & 26

Art Journaling Class

Express your thoughts and feelings in words and images with doodles, paint, stamps, collages, you name it!

10-11:30 a.m. | 11 S. Park Ave., Montrose | $25 | www.mc4arts. com/classes | 787-9428

Need a ride to get the COVID19 vaccine?

Call to Schedule a Ride

Montrose: 249-0128 | Delta: 874-7334 No fare for trips to pre-scheduled vaccine appointments 48 | CALENDAR | MAY 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

CALENDAR

May 12

Wildflowers of Gunnison Gorge

Explore early season beauty of the Gunnison Gorge area with Ridgway writer Mary Menz and Montrose photographer Jim Pisarowicz. Bring cameras and/or nature journals.

8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Gunnison Gorge, Montrose | $45 | www.weehawken arts.org | 318-0150

May 13

Free Legal Clinic

Delta County Libraries offers a virtual, free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney. The clinic is not a substitute for legal representation.

2-5 p.m. | www.deltalibraries.org/ events | 399-7876

May 13

Delta Area MTB Series

This mountain biking race kicks off a series of four total races. Participants bike along a classic single track through trails at Confluence Park.

6:30-8 p.m. | Gunnison River Drive, Delta | $15, $40 for whole series | 874-7566

May 13

“The Plight of the Honey Bee”

Long-time beekeeper and researcher of honey bees, Richard Nunamaker presents information on native bees, their importance to agriculture and how to protect them.

6-7 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $10 | 856-9195

May 14 Blue Sage Concert Series

Head over to Poulos Park and let musicians Jon Sousa and Adam Agee transport you to Ireland with their Celtic beats.

7-9 p.m. | 217 Grand Ave., Paonia | $25 | 527-7243

May 19

Porcupine Quill Bracelet Class

Make your very own porcupine quill bracelet, taught by museum Director CJ Brafford (Oglala Lakota).

Reservations required.

5:30-7 p.m. | $15-$20 | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | 249-3098

Schedule Your Screening

(970) 252-2983

May 22

Delta Chamber Annual Banquet

Delta Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual banquet and silent auction at the S & K Parks and Event Center.

6-9 p.m. | 5955 Sawmill Mesa Road, Delta | 874-8616

 

May 25

Poetry Reading

Ouray resident Beth Paulson reads selected poems from her newest collection “Luminous” at the Sherbino Theater.

6-7:30 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $5 | www.sherbino.org/ event | 318-0892

May 29

Memorial Day Fundraiser

Enjoy a day filled with vendors, a chili cookoff, a car show and more at the Looney Bean, all benefiting Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 3480 Wolverine Drive, Montrose | DarlingDames CO@gmail.com

Season Outside the Box 2020/2021

61st Season MAGIC CIRCLE PLAYERS

EST. 1959

PRODUCTION OF

May 30

Ragin’ Cajun Celebration

Benefit the Blue Sage Center for the Arts with the best Cajun food and music, hosted at Midway School.

Plus, dress up in your Cajun best for the chance to win!

4 p.m. | 12982 3700 Road, Hotchkiss | $80 | www.bluesage.org | 527-7243 n

See more events at

www.Beacon SeniorNews.com

y Music B KEN N E ALAN M

y Lyrics B MAN D L E F JACK

Book By STEIN Y FIER HARVE

DIRECTED BY LISA REDIGER CHOREGRAPHY BY AMY NELP MUSIC DIRECTION BY ALLYSON CROSBY AND GREGORY DAVIDSON

OPENS MAY 7, 2021

PLAYS THROUGH MAY 29, 2021 NEWSIES Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www. MTIShows.com

come PLAY with us

Canyon Cleaners & Shirt Laundry

MagicCirclePlayers.com • 420 S. 12th • Montrose, CO • 970-249-7838 • mcp@montrose.net

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | CALENDAR |

49

Montrose & Delta Due to COVID-19, please contact organizers to confirm details before attending.

Alpine Photography Club meets at Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose Campus, classroom 100.

2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part a cappella at Olathe United Methodist Church.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 765-7020 Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets weekly at the Montrose Senior Center.

Thursdays | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 323-5860 Book Club meets virtually through the Montrose Regional Library.

1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | lmclean@ montroselibrary.org Citizens Climate Lobby meets monthly at the Montrose Library.

CLUBS

240-9146 | montrose@citizens climatelobby.org | www.citizens climatelobby.org Crafternoon members meet in the Montrose Library’s meeting room.

Members knit and crochet projects, which they donate to various charities. Supplies provided. Experienced crafters will help beginners.

1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays | 2:30- 4:30 p.m. | 249-9656 Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club is seeking new dancers. Call if interested in future square dancing classes.

7-9 p.m. | 773-4495 | deltawriter47@gmail.com Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado meet monthly at Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 417-4842 Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society offers free help and resources with family history research at the

Montrose Genealogy Center, 700 E. Main St. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 240-1755 Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center.

3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 417-6142 Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way, Montrose.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. to noon | 986-2550 | lvcribbs@charter.net Montrose Elks hosts bingo at the Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Drive.

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 249-4852 Montrose Pavilion Dance Club has canceled dances at the Montrose Pavilion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When they resume, dancers of all ages are welcome.

2nd & 4th Saturdays | $5 | 7:30-11 p.m. | 252-7172 San Juan Dance Club offers eight styles of dance lessons at the Precedence Music Academy, 513 E.

Main St. in Montrose. Singles are welcome.

Thursdays | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | 252-9600 | patdouglas213@yahoo. com Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets monthly at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction.

1:30 p.m. | 245-5649 | www.vesta fjelllodge.org Veteran Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source, 428 28 Road in Grand Junction.

Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 257-3764 Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 209-5326 n

Email your club’s information to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Live a meaningful and purposefilled life at…

Vinyl

Corrugated Metal

Cedar Wood

Colorow Care Center Dedicated to creating quality of life for Gate operators add an extra measure of protection.

elders and their care partners

Services at Colorow Care Center include: Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Care Short and Long Term Skilled Nursing Care Secured Memory Care | Respite Care | Hospice Care

970-323-5504 855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425 We Accept:

Medicare | Medicaid | RMHMO | Private Pay | PACE | And More!

50 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES | MAY 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Montrose & Delta

FUN AFTER 50

To register for programs, and for COVID-19 updates, call 249-7705 or visit www.montroserec.com/637/ COVID-19-ReOpening-UPDATES

To register for programs and for COVID-19 updates, call 874-0923 or visit www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf

The Senior Center is scheduled to open on June 15.

TRIPS & TOURS Hike Palisade Rim Trail

This 3.3-mile round-trip, moderate trail takes you up 800 feet along the edge of the cliffs east of Palisade and features great views, wildlife and rock art. Bring a sack lunch.

7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. | May 6 and May 11 | $20 | Meet at Montrose Community Recreation Center

Horse therapy and beekeeper artisans

Dream Catcher’s mission is to effectively empower people with physical and mental health challenges through interactions with rescue horses in a unique, clinical setting. San Juan Bee Supply offers a collection of quality beekeeping products and unique gifts from local beekeeper artisans. Bring money for lunch.

9:15 a.m.-2 p.m. | May 13 | $26 | Meet at Recreation Center

Art and wine in Palisade

Steve Kentz has been a stone sculpture for 35 years, creating abstract, wildlife, figurative and stylized art. Lyle Nichols has been turning discarded items into art for decades. We will visit Plum Creek Winery where Lyle’s chardonnay

chicken and galloping horse reside.

Bring money for lunch and wine tasting.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. | May 18 | $21| Meet at Recreation Center

Alpacas and mini horses tour The Flying Iron Ranch Alpacas feature diverse bloodlines and specialize in breeding, sowing and selling the highest quality alpacas.

Mighty Mini Horse Therapy, located in Ridgway, began in 2017. We will have the opportunity to pet the horses and learn where they travel to help people. Bring money for lunch in Ridgway.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | May 26 | $30 | Meet at Recreation Center

PAMPERING Reflexology Foot Therapy

Call to reserve a 20-minute treatment with certified reflexologist, Cheryl Adams.

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | May 14 | Montrose Recreation Center Party Room | $15

Pedicures

Service includes a foot assessment, toenail trim and filing edges, thinning of nails and callus removal if needed. Call to reserve your appointment.

8:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | May 11 & 25 | Montrose Recreation Center Party Room | $35

Chair Massage

Call to reserve a 15-minute chair massage by certified massage therapists.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | May 10 & 25 | Montrose Recreation Center Party Room | $15 n

CLASSES

Yoga Fusion

Tuesday Needlers

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

This vinyasa flow style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre elements.

5:30 p.m. Wednesdays

Bob Ross Painting Class

Dance Fit

Call 618-3639 to register.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. | May 7

Gardening with Rocks

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | May 8 | $10

Succulent Gardens

1-3:30 p.m. | May 8 | $15

FITNESS Senior Circuit

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. Monday through Friday

Pilates

Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.

12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

9 a.m. Tuesdays | 6 a.m. Wednesdays

Healthy Body Strong Bones Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays

Get fit and have fun while following along to choreographed dances.

5:30 p.m. Thursdays

POOL FITNESS Cardio Crazy

This class incorporates high-energy cardio to gain strength and muscle toning.

8:30 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

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

This class is designed for beginners to build endurance and strength.

10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Splash Circuits

This is the aquatic equivalent to gym circuits for a total body workout.

11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays

This class includes water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges to tone muscles and raise heart rate.

5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Body Blitz

Deep Benefits

Silver Sneakers Classic

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m.

Thursdays

Held in the diving well of the main pool, this is a no-impact, challenging cardiovascular workout.

5:30 p.m. Wednesdays n

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51

Montrose & Delta VA Western Colorado Health Care System administered 10,000th vaccine Western Colorado Health Care System began COVID-19 immunizations in late December 2020 and recently administered it’s 10,000th vaccine to eligible veterans residing in rural locations. Per the “Save Lives Act,” the Western Colorado Health Care system is now offering the vaccine to all veterans, spouses and caregivers who want to be vaccinated. If you fall into one of these groups and are interested, please

BEACON BITS

go to www.va.gov/health-care/ covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed and “sign up.” Please wait for 24 hours and then call 242-0731 option 2 to schedule your vaccine. For additional questions, veterans can call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 405-456-7119.

Montrose Genealogy Center reopens May 5 The Montrose Genealogy Center at 700 E. Main St. reopens to public walk-ins starting May 5. The Center helps patrons research family history and offers an extensive

It's Your Life.

collection of books, surname files, historical records and archives of local newspapers primarily for Montrose County, but also the surrounding counties of the Uncompahgre Valley. The center’s hours are 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, but it will also accept appointments at other times by calling 240-1755. Use of facility and resources is free.

Delta Health COVID-19 vaccine moves to primary care locations Starting in late April, Delta Health transitioned its COVID-19 vaccine clinic location from the hospital to three of its primary care clinic locations. The vaccine clinics will now be held at Delta Health Internal Medicine, Delta Health Family Medicine and Delta Health West Elk Hotchkiss. Those signing up do not have to be Delta Health patients to receive the vaccine. Anyone can make an appointment at one of the three primary clinic locations.

The vaccine clinics will be appointment only; no walk-ins. To make an appointment online, visit www. deltahealthco.org/covid-19-vaccine or call the COVID-19 vaccine call line at 874-2410.

Montrose spring cleanup scheduled for April 30 & May 1 The City of Montrose provides disposal and recycling services from a single collection point on April 30 and May 1, 2021. Residentscan bring cleanup items to the drop-off site located off the San Juan Bypass (U.S. Highway 50), directly across the street from the Sunshine Peak apartment complex. Signs will help direct residents to the drop-off location, open each day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Masks and social distancing required. Visit www.cityofmontrose .org/SpringCleanup for more information on accepted items, or call 240-1480 to learn more about scheduling a special collection service for a small fee.

Spring operations at Curecanti and Black Canyon

We're Here To Help You Live It! At The Homestead at Montrose, our approach to care grows out of respect for the human spirit, and the belief that the right to dignity doesn’t diminish with age.

Compassion, empathy and personal attention are at the core of how we help every Homestead resident feel cherished, and at home.

Call today to arrange a visit. We look forward to meeting you.

Indoor and Outdoor visits happening now!

1819 Pavilion Drive Montrose CO 81401 970-964-3400 homesteadatmontrose.org Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization.

52 | BEACON BITS | MAY 2021 |

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At Curecanti, The Elk Creek Visitor Center is under construction, so look for staff at the temporary trailer in the parking lot. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Campground reservations will be available through www. recreation.gov beginning May 21. At Black Canyon, South Rim Campground reservations begin May 23. Beginning May 1, Black Canyon entrance passes will be available online as well at www.

recreation.gov. Campground reservations are strongly suggested as they are filling up fast. The South Rim Visitor Center is currently open to 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and is scheduled to extend to 6 p.m. on May 28. Ranger guided programs, including talks, guided walks, and amphitheater programs will begin Memorial Day weekend. Masks are required within federal facilities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

All Points Transit Montrose bus fares resume Beginning May 3, All Points Transit’s (APT) public bus passengers will be paying a fare for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

Even with this change and updates to state and local public health orders, APT falls under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) federal mask mandate. APT drivers and passengers are still required to wear masks while on board the buses. APT public buses currently run Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. A one month bus pass in Montrose is $30 for an adult and is discounted to $15 for older adults 60 and older. Information about schedules, routes and fares can be found at www.allpoints transit.org or by calling 249-0128.

Older Coloradoans Month webinars For Older Coloradans Month, Colorado Senior Lobby and supporting organizations offer the following three free webinars in May: • May 12, 1-3 p.m. - Ageism in the Workforce, Health Care and community • May 19, 1-3 p.m. - Age-Friendly Communities in Colorado • May 26, 1-3 p.m. - Regional Perspectives Across our State in Aging Learn more and register online at www.oldercoloradansmonth.org. n

Email your business news to

Question VOLUNTEERS WANTED Sharing Ministries Food Bank in Montrose seeks dedicated volunteers for three hours, one day a week. www.sharingministries.com | 240-8385 Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties. www.seniorcommunitymeals. org | 874-7661 Friends of Montrose Library seeks volunteers to sort donated books, run book sales and serve on its board of directors.

Meetings are held once a month. www.montroselibrary.org | 249-9656 Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans seeks volunteers to help at its ReStore or at its construction sites. www.buildinglives.org | 252-9303 Time Bank of the Rockies is a Montrose-based nonprofit that helps people through a system of exchanged services. www.timebankoftherockies. com | 209-6886 Museum of the Mountain West seeks volunteer tour guides to bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 240-3400

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Month

Compiled by Siggie Carpenter

What are you looking forward to doing that you haven’t done since COVID? MaryElla English - Montrose “I’m a 93-year-old native farm gal and pretty tough. But since COVID, I’ve played it very safe. I go out twice a week—once for my ladies’ bowling league and once for groceries. I’m looking forward to getting outside more and visiting friends.”

Harry Kitzmiller - Montrose “It’s been a year of adjustment. So many people don’t know how to chill out or relax. I’m glad the bars and restaurants are opening up more. I’m looking forward to getting back into my regular routine that makes living easier for me.”

Tim & Christin Hawbaker - Cedaredge “We’re looking forward to traveling again. We’d prefer to be teleported since travel days always seem long and tedious; we want to get to our destination as quickly as possible so the vacation can start. Meanwhile, we’ll continue to fly.”

La Veta England - Montrose

SUPPORT GROUPS Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room.

2nd Monday | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 874-6410

OF THE

NAMI Family Support Group meets at the PIC Place, 87 Merchant Drive, Montrose.

3rd Wednesday | 5:30-7 p.m. | 520-282-9060

“I’m looking forward to attending festivals. One of my favorites is Burro Days in Fairplay, CO. It’s always held the last weekend in July. It’s a fun weekend for families and a tribute to our history when mining prospectors and pack burros ruled and gold was plenty.”

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | BEACON BITS |

53

FUN & GAMES

ADD SOME

TO YOUR BOTTOM LINE by advertising here in Fun & Games

Call 243-8829 54 | FUN & GAMES | MAY 2021 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

FUN & GAMES

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Rent-___ 5. Brahmans, e.g.

10. Scarf 14. Sites 15. Broadcasting 16. Get in on a deal 17. Action word 18. Ballet by Tchaikovsky 20. Lend ___ 22. Diddley and Derek 23. Snares 24. Open the door for 26. Bullfight cheer 27. Automobile

wheelguards 30. Sports arena 34. English Channel

swimmer Gertrude 35. Asian country 36. Road-sign word 37. Wee 38. Thread holder 40. Filmmaker Riefenstahl 41. Like Bruckner’s

Symphony No. 7 42. Wait ___!

43. Musical dramas 45. Taro 47. Most gruesome 48. Like some jobs 49. Eye sores

50. San Diego player 53. Mil. address 54. Examine account

books 58. Printed copy 61. File 62. Look ___,

I’m Sandra Dee 63. High home 64. O.T. book 65. Calendar abbr.

66. Song of praise 67. Barely passing grades

DOWN

1. Thomas ___ Edison 2. “Fargo” director 3. Land measure 4. Scurrility 5. Jailbird 6. Jackal headed deity 7. Squelched 8. Personal quirks 9. Make a boo-boo 10. Consecrated 11. “Lonely Boy”

12.

13.

19.

21.

singer Paul Dance move “His and ___” Collection of maps Rod’s partner

25. Braided 26. Study of diseases

of the ear

27. Stinking 28. Minneapolis suburb 29. Hawaiian state birds

30. ___ Paulo, Brazil 31. Grenoble’s river 32. Arm bones 33. Damp 35. Rapper Tone ___ 39. Writing instrument 40. Unhurried 42. Yellow-fever

SUDOKU

mosquito 44. Defendant’s answer 46. Large stinging wasp 47. System of social perfection 49. Steeple 50. School orgs.

51. Jocular Johnson 52. A bit wet 53. Half the base

times the height,

for a triangle 55. Stupefy 56. Palmist’s words 57. Toll rds.

59. Put an upper

limit on 60. X

Turn to next spread for puzzle answers WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | FUN & GAMES |

55

CLASSIFIEDS To Place Your Ad Call: 243-8829 DEADLINE for next issue is the 15th of the Month CLASSES

HELP WANTED

Always Free Women’s Self Defense Classes for Ladies 18 and older for groups of 2 to 24. No athleticism required with safety for all. Simple yet effective methods to escape assault. Offered by nationally certified Black Belt with over 35 years of experience. Please call (not text) Bob at 970-261-2445 and leave your name and number.

WE’RE HIRING! 970-258-0930

ToneKote and Seal ‘N Heal for dogs. Use Happy Jack® ToneKote to treat allergies, stop shedding and ensure a warm winter coat, and Seal ‘N Heal to protect wounds with a bitter taste to prevent gnawing and allow healing. Available at Tractor Supply. www.kennelvax.com

FOR RENT Country Home. Possible outside maintenance-free for seniors. North area between Clifton and Palisade. 1100 SF, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage.

Chain link fenced yard. $1450/month, need last and damage deposit upfront.

261-2202.

FREELANCE

WRITERS WANTED Please send your letter and resume to:

Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com No Phone Calls Please

Retired/Need Extra Income?

Part-time medical delivery position available. Shift starts at 2:45 a.m.

Good driving record and ability to drive a manual transmission. Flexibility and dependability essential. Call for details.

254-2897.

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER?

List it here!

Call Stacey at 243-8829

to reserve your space in next month’s issue.

SERVICES

Pat's Hair Salon & Ceramics 10% Senior Discount on Repairs

FOR SALE Fancy Guppy Fish For Sale, $1.25 each. Will deliver purchases of 10 or more locally. Delta, CO. Please send text message. 901-9364.

HOME SERVICES

Scene Clearly, LLC. Window Cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

The Cleaning Lady. Spring cleaning time is here, I can help! Competitive rates on downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning—weekly, biweekly, monthly or just a one-time shot. Linda K. 720-8417505 or 263-7364.

Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales.

With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the Valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048.

20% Senior Discount. Call Dragon Heating & A/C, Inc. to get your air conditioner checked or swamp cooler started for spring. Serving the Western Slope since 2006. Your Comfort is Our Business. Call to schedule services and for a free estimate: 858-4775. www.dragonhvac.com.

All Hair Salon Services Available

Great Prices on Perms Senior Discounts

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN DOLL MAKING CLASSES & SUPPLIES

778-8075

B&D’s

Resale & Services

No job too big or small Moving, trash haul away, construction cleanup, estate & yard sales

I buy silver, gold, antiques, knives, watches, military, coins, old signs.

Same day service and free quotes. Call Brandon

970-930-1942

B-N-Trees. Tree removal, stump grinding, trimming. Call Bill 430-1970.

Need a railing? Call Johnston Metal for a beautiful custom iron railing. 303-7181661

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Love the BEACON? Visit us online!

Our award-winning website has: • More fascinating stories!

• More great photos!

• More exciting events!

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

56 | CLASSIFIEDS | MAY 2021 |

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Like us on Facebook

SERVICES

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Silver Sage Senior Delivery Service. Local, safe and dependable, the surprisingly affordable answer to your delivery issues. “You need it…We bring it.” Priority delivery available for medicine and medical supplies. For all your delivery needs, call 314-8753.

VOLUNTEER BE A DRIVING FORCE IN

Computer Lady, LLC. In-home repair.

18 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. Remote services available. www.CompLady.com or 255-1216.

Senior Beauty Special. First-time clients receive $10 off single service, $15 off cut and color packages. Regan’s Regal Beauty, 2500 North Ave., #2, Grand Junction. Call Regan to schedule: 719-425-0543

YOUR COMMUNITY

Interested in giving back to your community and having fun? VOLUNTEER WITH AARP Driver Safety – a program that helps older drivers stay safe on the road.* Sign up today to be an Instructor for our AARP Smart Driver Classroom course: • Training is easy and resources are 100% provided • No Special skills or AARP memberships required • Teach at least 3 courses a year, on your own schedule

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY! For more information on becoming an AARP Smart Driver Course Instructor, visit www.aarp.org/driversafetyvolunteer

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 HIPAAcompliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com.

NOW OPEN My Little Haven Is NOW OPEN! New and used home furnishings, antiques and collectibles. Inside is way bigger than it looks from the outside. Come in and check us out. 575 25 Road, Grand Junction. Open Tues-Sat 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 986-8141.

VIRTUAL SENIOR LAW SERIES Free Senior Law Book!

F R EE Sign-Up for a Free Ask-A-Lawyer Session! SERIES! DATE 5/7/2021 5/14/2021

WANTED TO BUY Local investor loves helping house sellers. Sell your house fast Full price. No commission. No closing cost. As is / no repairs. No nuisance showings Call John. 970-344-8400

DID YOU KNOW?

More than 10,000 “baby boomers” turn 65-years-old every day.

5/21/2021 5/28/2021 6/4/2021 6/11/2021 6/18/2021 6/25/2021

Puzzle Answers

TOPIC PRESENTER What You Need to Know Clara Brown-Shaffer, Esq. When Someone Dies POA’s & Andrea Rosenberry, Esq. Advanced Directives Wills & Trusts Lloyd Quesenberry, Esq. Long Term Care Medicaid Shauna Clemmer, Esq. Medicare 2021 John Ahern Titling Assets & Beneficiary Chris Mahre, Esq. Long-Term Care Choices: Robb Huff & Assisted Living or Marilyn Richardson Skilled Nursing Home End of Life Planning Stephanie Holguin, Esq.

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER AT:

https://bit.ly/32qUOvV For technical issues with registration, please call (970) 248-2717

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2021 | CLASSIFIEDS |

57

OPINION

For seniors’ sake, protect the innovation that brought us COVID vaccines

By Saul Anuzis

T

he breakneck pace of COVID-19 vaccine development will go down in history as one of the great triumphs of modern medicine.

These vaccines have marked a turning point in the pandemic response—particularly for high-risk populations like seniors.

Not long ago, it was unthinkable that two safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines would be authorized for use in the U.S. by December 2020. Before COVID-19, the fastest vaccine ever developed took four years to reach patients.

In addition to their quick development, the authorized vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have proven roughly 95 percent effective at protecting against illness.

Both are essentially 100 percent effective against hospitalizations and death. These numbers far sur-

pass public health experts’ wildest expectations.

For seniors, these vaccines have offered hope in an otherwise bleak time. To date, roughly 8 in 10 deaths from COVID-19 have been among Americans age 65 and older.

The vaccine campaign advanced so rapidly for a number of reasons.

Government support was certainly a factor, as was the massive global cooperation among scientists that the pandemic spurred.

But the effort could not have succeeded without the research ecosystem that pharmaceutical firms have nurtured for decades.

Moderna researchers have been refining mRNA technology since the company’s inception in 2010. Meanwhile, the founders of BioNTech, the German firm that partnered with Pfizer to create an mRNA vaccine, have been study-

ing mRNA for over 25 years. The time and money these companies invested into research provided the building blocks to develop effective vaccines in record time.

Innovation is an arduous undertaking. Fewer than 12 percent of drugs that reach clinical trials receive FDA approval. Accounting for this high failure rate, developing just one viable medicine takes nearly $3 billion over the course of more than a decade.

Despite the enormous risks involved, drug companies continue to invest heavily in innovation, and because they do, we’re able to envision a post-pandemic world.

Lawmakers should keep this in mind the next time they consider reorganizing the pharmaceutical

sector in the name of lowering prescription drug prices.

Recently, a bill that would peg American drug prices to those paid abroad known as H.R. 3 has been gaining popularity. But reforms like these wouldn’t benefit patients. By imposing foreign price controls, H.R. 3 would divert money away from research, dramatically slowing the pace of innovation. That, in effect, would make it challenging for firms to respond to the next crisis.

Seniors are often the principal beneficiaries of medical innovation, from cancer treatments and diabetes management to vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal illnesses, and now COVID-19.

Standing in the way of such progress pits lawmakers against the solution to today’s and tomorrow’s gravest public health threats. ■

Saul Anuzis is the President of 60 Plus Association. The piece was originally published by the Southern California News Group.

Taking care of each other is what community is all about.

We’re proud to serve the friends and families in our community with personal, compassionate care. As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, we’re dedicated to helping families create a unique and meaningful memorial that truly celebrates the life it represents.

CALLAHAN-EDFAST MORTUARY & CREMATORY | GRAND JUNCTION

970-243-2450

MARTIN MORTUARY & CREMATORY | GRAND JUNCTION

970-243-1538

58 | OPINION | MAY 2021 |

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Ask Barbara Tax Efficiency in Retirement What role should taxes play in your investment decisions?

Q&A with a local retirement advisor

We compiled some of Barbara’s most frequently asked questions about retiring and published her answers here. If you have a question you’d like to submit, please email us at info@gjretire.com.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to retirees?

Every retiree is an individual. He or she has a unique and individual financial situation, and unique goals. There is no generic retirement advice. There’s no one-size-fits-all retirement strategy. There are certain things that most people need to do – save early, save often, invest for growth and tax efficiency, revise your portfolio so it’s not so risky as you get older, that sort of thing. But you should always examine your individual circumstances. Because the financial moves that work for another retired couple or individual may not work for you.

When do you recommend filing for social security?

There is an assumption that you’ll be able to take Social Security as late as possible. Now, that’s a great idea. If you can do that, absolutely. Despite this, your health, your industry, your employer – these are variables that you can’t really control, and you may retire earlier than you wish. Some people claim Social Security at 62 because they need the money now. And that could be you.

And your retirement checks, so to speak, might be smaller than you thought they’d be. I specialize in social security planning, so if you have questions on your personal situation, please call my office.

How long should people plan to be retired for?

Most people assume their retirement will last 15 to 20 years. That’s not off-base, but again, it won’t prove true for everybody. You may live much longer. The number of Americans 100 or older grew 66 percent between 1980 and 2010. In 2010, 83 percent of centenarians were women. Here’s the real eye-opener: in 2010, slightly more than a third of U.S. centenarians lived by themselves, in their own homes.

Now, had their retirement expenses diminished over time? Probably not.1

How should retirees approach their investing strategies as they get closer to retirement?

There is an assumption that you should step back from growth investing as you get older. It is a good idea to invest more conservatively as you get older.

Conversely, you have some people who really have no retirement savings or very little retirement savings, and they have to invest for growth. You could make an argument that the potential rewards of growth investing outweigh the risks at any age. Most investors gradually scale back the amount they have in stocks and funds as they get older, because they have less time to make back any big losses

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they might incur. Which is sensible. But the way the investment markets work, if you totally abandon risk, you might get a very low return. You might find your retirement nest egg shrinking within a few years, because you’re withdrawing more than you can make back.

What exactly is a Roth conversion and why is it a popular option for retirees?

You can convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, the idea being that you’re changing the tax treatment on your retirement savings. When you have a traditional IRA, you have to start taking mandatory withdrawals in your seventies and all that money is taxable income, so you have to pay regular income taxes on it. That’s the trade-off you make with the IRS for all those years of tax-deferred growth for those assets.

Why are Roth conversions a popular option for retirees?

Converting has two advantages. One, you never have to take mandatory withdrawals from a Roth IRA; you can take elective ones. Two, withdrawals out of a Roth IRA aren’t taxed if you’ve owned the IRA for more than five years. So if you want tax-free income in retirement, converting a traditional IRA to a Roth opens that door. But... you can’t just assume that because so many people are doing it, it’s good for you. Here’s why. You will pay taxes on a Roth IRA conversion. It is a taxable event.2

What is the most harmful assumption you see people make in retirement?

The assumption that living it up in your 60s won’t hurt you in your 80s.

Sometimes you see couples that are well-to-do and suddenly, they retire, and every day is Saturday. I mean, every day is just a day to live it up. Some couples withdraw much more than they should from their savings in the early years of retirement. After a few years, their portfolio isn’t returning enough to replenish what they’ve taken out. You can still have “epic adventures.” Just plan them carefully. Make sure they don’t wreck your budget.

Citations 1 money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2013/01/07/what-people-who-live-to-100-have-in-common [1/7/13] 2 creators.com/lifestylefeatures/business-and-finance/money-and-you/can-you-make-ira-contributions-after-you-retire.html [2012]

744 Horizon Ct., Suite #350 Grand Junction, CO 81506 Phone: (970) 256-1748 Email: info@gjretire.com www.gjretire.com

BARBARA TRAYLOR SMITH Independent Financial Advisor

CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®

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EDICA M S L ’ Y

18

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96

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, Happy 125th Birthday St. Mary s Medical skills and technologies have come a long way in 125 years, and so have we. From the banks of the Colorado River, the very foundation of the Valley’s first hospital was formed by a community united in a collaboration for care. As we celebrate our 125th Birthday, we extend our gratitude for the committed alliances that continue to shape western Colorado’s most medically advanced home of healing, and for the skilled hands that remain the bedrock of hope and health.

125 YEARS

MAY 22, 1896