BEACON - August 2015

AUGUST 2015

Vol. 29

™

Long-term Planning

No. 8

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 27,300 Readers.

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care Medical Equipment Medicare

Aging in Place

Assisted Living

FREEE

Home Care

es

Medical Servic

Senior Living

IN S ID

Bereavement

Hospice

Nursing Home

the BEACON’s t 2015 Produced by Team © copyrigh Adver tising

Your Local Guid

e to Aging Well

www.Beaco

nSeniorNew

s.com

THERAPY DOGS

enrich lives

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

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AUGUST 2015

H I L LT O P’S S E N I O R D AY B R E A K

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information. n Safe and secure adult day program for seniors affected by memory loss or who are medically frail. n Providing caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. n Valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

(970) 241-7798 • www.seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y

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AUGUST 2015

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70th anniversary since the end of World War II

By Kevin VanGundy

T

his month marks the 70th anniversary since the end of World War II. We’ve heard the stories, read the books and watched the movies, but for most of us it’s impossible to imagine the true sacrifices made by that generation of men and women. Though thoroughly inadequate, I say thank you!

Foster a vet in your home Medical foster care is facilitated by the VA Hospital and allows veterans to live in someone’s home while receiving treatment at the hospital.

These veterans don’t need the fulltime attention of a nursing facility but may have trouble remembering to take their medicine or need help cooking nutritious meals. Mostly, they just need someone willing to help them.

“The process begins with veterans applying through the VA,” Medical Foster Care Coordinator Melinda Roberts said. “They can either sign up or if they’ve been seen at the VA in the last 12 months, they’re eligible.

Then I play matchmaker, connecting vets with homes that suit their lifestyles. If the foster caregiver is a mover and shaker, always on the go, then I wouldn’t pair a person who needs a more serene environment with that household.”

If you are a veteran who would like to apply for medical foster care, or if you would like to become a caregiver and pick up some extra income (amount varies according to level of care given) by doing something that will make your heart sing, call Roberts at 263-2854.

Transitions in Aging This month’s special insert on transitions in aging focuses on the

continuum of care that you and I go through as we age—from buying medical equipment to retrofitting the home, and from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility.

The options available can be confusing and expensive, but we’ll help you sort them out in this yearly guide to long-term care.

Alternative Health & Wellness In a recent study of today’s active, affluent and aging adults, a healthy mind and body were cited as the topic of most interest to them. Our September insert will focus on health and wellness information from some of our esteemed local experts, with an emphasis on non-traditional therapies. Have you tried any? Did they work? Please call us at 243-8829 and tell us what you think.

Montrose-Delta BeaconFest A boomer and senior fair that’s fun! Our fifth annual BeaconFest at the Montrose Pavilion on Thursday, September 17 will not disappoint. A variety of vendors, interesting speakers and talented entertainers will make for another great senior event that you won’t want to miss. For more information, please email me at Kevin@PendantPublishing.com. ■

EDITORIAL

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COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2015

Therapy dogs enrich lives

By Melanie Wiseman

F

our-legged friends are making a valuable impact on the quality of life for thousands of people in the Grand Valley. Therapy dogs are making comforting connections and their owners are happy to share their inspirational stories.

A tail-waggin’ tutor Rita Crumpton, 70, watched as a litter of Labradoodle puppies was born at a friend’s home. Just when they thought the litter was complete at 10, number 11 came—the runt of the litter.

“I had always wanted one but couldn’t afford it,” Crumpton said.

“No one was buying the runt because he was so small so the owner asked if I wanted him.”

Of course she said yes, and immediately had plans for the runt, who she named Wilbur, to be a therapy dog.

Above: Rita Crumpton and Wilbur.

Middle: Maggie Robb and Monty.

Bottom: Rudy Rodriguez and Black Dog. For more information on training a therapy dog, contact: Therapy Dogs International 973-252-9800 www.tdi-dog.org

Photos by Melanie Wiseman

Crumpton and Wilbur, 7, are starting their fourth year at Wingate Elementary School, where special needs kids practice their reading skills by reading aloud to Wilbur. Previously they spent two years at Pomona Elementary.

Crumpton could tell at three months that Wilbur had the personality to make a therapy dog.

“He’ll run and jump and get in trouble just like any other dog,” Crumpton said. “But when I put the therapy dog scarf on, he’s very calm. All the kids hug him and love on him and he just stands there. He is so comfortable around kids and has been that way since he was a puppy.”

Wilbur has a special fondness for children, as does Crumpton. At 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Wilbur waits at the door to go to school.

“Summers are hard for him when school is out,” Crumpton said. “He really looks forward to it.”

Crumpton and Wilbur trained over 18 months to become Therapy Dog International (TDI) certified. Wilbur passed the extensive testing at age 2.

The duo volunteered at St. Mary’s and the Hilltop facilities for over a year, but Crumpton said Wilbur was bored.

“He’s a kid dog and needed more interaction,” she said.

Now Wilbur is a certified tail-waggin’ tutor for the TDI children’s reading program, with the objective to provide a relaxed atmosphere, which allows students to

Wilbur the Labradoodle loves kids, so he and owner Rita Crumpton volunteer their time at elementary schools, helping children build confidence by reading to him.

practice reading. Many children who participate have difficulties reading and have developed self-esteem issues, especially when reading aloud in front of other people.

“The kids are relaxed, there is no judgment and the dog does not laugh at them if they make a mistake,” Crumpton said. “When they read to Wilbur they don’t even notice that other people are around. They show Wilbur the pictures and I swear his eyebrows raise up.”

Crumpton said the reception has been phenomenal.

“I’m amazed at how much better the kids read over time,” she said.

Despite how much she loves kids, Crumpton said it doesn’t bother her that they don’t know her name.

“I’m just with Wilbur,” she said.

The working volunteer duo Within weeks of bringing home her new Papillon puppy, Monty, Maggie Robb received news that her sister, Marilyn, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Marilyn lived at home for a while, then lived out her life in assisted living. Maggie’s other sister, Suzanne, has had MS for 35 years and is wheelchair bound.

“Almost from the beginning of his life, Monty has been around sick people,” Robb, 72, said. “I think his personality was shaped because of this.

My choice was either give the puppy away so I could spend time with them, or I could get him trained.”

She immediately started going through all the training required to become a therapy dog. Monty was barely a year old when he became certified.

Robb got Monty for a companion, after her husband, Jim, passed away.

“I noticed right away that he would be a good therapy dog. He was sensitive around my sisters very early on,” Robb said. “I had the desire to volunteer because I was retired. I didn’t want to have a dog if I was going to leave for hours at a time. As a therapy dog, we could volunteer together.”

AUGUST 2015

COVER STORY

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From shelter dog to therapy dog

Monty, the Papillon, has been around sick people all his life. That’s one reason he makes a caring therapy dog.

Monty, 9, and Robb volunteer every Thursday afternoon at St. Mary’s Pavilion, greeting cancer patients in the radiation treatment area and waiting room for chemo, radiation and infusion.

“My husband was a patient at the pavilion so I just wanted to go and give back to where he had received such excellent care,” Robb said.

“You’re there for the staff, too. People who are dealing with cancer patients have a lot of emotions and need relief.

He loves the staff there and they’re so sweet to him.”

She said Therapy Dogs International has an excellent support system, resources and videos, insurance for the dogs and owner accountability.

“I’ve always loved dogs and they’ve always made me happy,” Robb said.

“Monty can change a person’s entire personality. He puts some normalcy into their otherwise crazy life. It gives them a chance to talk about something other than their illness.

They may be talking to me but their focus is on Monty. He is a comforting distraction. It’s amazing to see the sparkle in their eyes.”

Monty and Robb have positive connections most of the time.

“He’s just such a treasure,” Robb said. “I want to share him with other people.”

Rudy Rodriguez and his wife, Carla, adopted an 8-week-old black mixed breed puppy from a rescue shelter. Today Rudy and Black Dog look forward to spending time with patients, families and staff at the HopeWest Care Center.

“I was just getting a pet,” Rodriguez, 61, said. “When he was about 1-1/2 years old, Carla suggested making him a therapy dog. I think she was looking for something for me to do.”

Rodriguez and Black Dog became therapy dog certified but it’s not for everyone. Rodriguez said the process takes time and patience and not every dog is up for it.

“It took me between 700 and 800 hours to train him before we took the test to be certified,” he said.

Black Dog, now 7, is not only smart but also had the right personality for a therapy dog.

“He likes people and is really laid back,” Rodriguez said.

“Kids can climb all over him and pull on him and he just looks at them.”

Rodriguez thought of volunteering at HopeWest because of his experience with hospice care when his mother died.

“I found out HopeWest had a pet therapy program and it seemed like a good fit,” Rodriguez said.

For the past two and a half years, a Thursday morning shower and the donning of his therapy dog vest tells Black Dog Rudy Rodriguez adopted Black Dog from a shelter and gave his life new purpose as a volunteer therapy dog at HopeWest.

it’s time to go to work.

“I can tell he loves it when we come,” Rodriguez said. “He walks right in and knows exactly what we’re here for. I can tell in his eyes and when his tail wags while people pet him and talk to him. We stay as long as someone wants us to be here.”

Rodriguez believes he and Black Dog not only benefit the patients, but their families and the staff as well.

“We just try and make everyone feel comfortable,” he said. “Black Dog can help them reminisce and take their mind somewhere else for a brief time so they don’t feel their pain. It makes their day better and it makes my day better.”

Is Black Dog aware he’s helping?

“I think animals know when someone is sick and they respond in a comforting way,” Rodriguez said.

“When we get home, he’s all dog. I open up the back of the car and he’s off to explore. You can see the mud flying up behind him.” ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher .......................... Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher.................... Susan Capps Editor..........................................Cloie Sandlin Graphic Design....................... Melissa Trottier Graphic Design...................... Katherine Lopez Production.................................. Karen Jones Office Manager........................Sherry Harmon Account Representative............... Sue Bowen Account Representative.............Sidney Jayne Proofreader...................................Jan Weeks Cheerleader............................... Genevra Shal Delivery ..............................Lauren VanGundy Delivery........................................ Jon Sturgis DELTA-MONTROSE BUREAU Assistant Editor.................... Liesl Greathouse Account Representative........... Virginia Carlile Delivery........................................... JR Milner Delivery.................................. Brandon Carlile P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2015 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: Maggie Robb and her therapy Papillon, Monty, volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital Pavilion. Monty greets cancer patients awaiting treatment with a wag of his tail.

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FEATURE STORY

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE: An interview with Molly the Dog and her favorite human, Dave Haynes

Photos by Katherine Lopez

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

By Jan Weeks

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or the BEACON’s annual pet issue, this reporter was privileged to interview Molly the Dog and her human, Dave Haynes. Since I’m not fluent in spoken Dog, Molly’s words have been kindly translated by Haynes.

Jan Weeks: Dave, please tell me a bit about Molly.

Dave Haynes: Molly came to me as a pup, not long after she was born in November 1997.

Molly the Dog: I’m 17 years and 8 months old. Which makes me about 126 years old in people years. On the other hand, Dad just turned 50, which puts him at about 7 years old in dog years. Humans seem to be obsessed with age, which makes me wonder why more humans don’t count their ages that way.

Dave: Hmmm. You may be onto something, Molly.

Jan: Could be! Dave, what do you do for a living?

Dave: I’ve been with the Daily Sentinel for 25 years. I started as a photographer, but I wanted to get into news. I worked at the copy desk, as a copy editor. Now I’m the news editor, which some people call the page designer. Working with both graphics and words makes me engage both the right and left sides of my brain, which can be a challenge. Fortunately my crew makes me look good.

Molly: He puts stories and ads in white rectangles. Boring!

Dave: In your humble opinion, of course.

Molly: If I remember correctly I left my humble opinion on your office carpet. I was promptly banished from going to work.

Jan: Molly, I notice that you’re a little slow getting around but you still have a lovely gray and black coat with lots of natural wave.

Molly: Thanks to my mixed heritage of border collie and Australian shepherd. Back in the day I could run circles around Dad. Dave: She traveled three miles for each one I hiked. Maybe that’s how

AUGUST 2015

she’s kept her girlish figure. She’s weighed 30 pounds all her adult life.

Jan: You’re both outdoor lovers, then?

Dave: Oh, yeah. In fact, when Molly came to live with me, I was about halfway through summiting Colorado’s fourteeners. She has followed me to the top of 17 of them.

Jan: What adventures have you two had while roaming Colorado’s backcountry?

Dave: Probably the most exciting— and dangerous—time was when a storm chased us off Wilson Peak.

Lightning struck the mountain. The rocks just sizzled.

Molly: My fur stood up. I was sure glad to get off that mountain. And the same thing happened when we were climbing Mount of the Holy Cross.

Dave: We made it down to Cross Creek. Suddenly thunder and lightning surrounded us.

Molly: It was like an artillery barrage all around us. My ears ring just remembering it.

Dave: Then there were the rattlesnakes. We were hiking the Ribbon Trail and suddenly I saw a rattler coiled in the middle of the trail.

Molly had already run past it and I didn’t want her to come back and investigate if I fell too far behind. So I skirted the thing, fortunately without being bitten. We were in Grand Staircase another time when another one appeared in the trail. Again, Molly had already run on down the trail. I could almost touch the sides of the narrow canyon, so getting past was trickier, but I managed.

Jan: What other outdoor activities do you and Molly enjoy?

Dave: We’ve rafted a few rivers. Molly loves to swim, don’t you, girl?

Molly: And I’m really good at it.

Jan: Have you ever gotten lost while hiking?

Dave: Yep. Some friends and I, and Molly, of course, were coming down Kit Carson Peak and took a wrong turn. We went miles out of our way.

Molly: They took the wrong turn. So we had to backtrack, all uphill, for

AUGUST 2015

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hours. Needless to say, I wasn’t real happy with Dad, especially when he ran out of water and tried to get me to share an orange for hydration.

Dave: Night fell before we got out.

Fortunately a full moon rose just as the sun was setting so we could see.

Molly wasn’t nearly as tired as we three humans at the end of that trek.

Molly: Dad took another short cut that made my ears curl! We were hiking on Castle Peak. There was still snow on the ground up high and he decided that launching himself butt first into the snow field and sliding down was a good way to cut corners.

Jan: And how did that work for him?

Dave: I made it to the bottom just fine. Actually I beat Molly, which is really hard to do.

Molly: I’d rather be slow than crazy.

Jan: Molly, you’re such a sweet dog.

To what do you credit your charming personality?

Molly: To Dad and all his friends. I’ve hardly ever been alone. If Dad has to go away for a bit, my aunts and uncles are all ready to take me in. Being exposed to all sorts of hugs and pets, and treats, has kept me charming.

Dave: She’s Miss Congeniality but she’ll never win an award for being humble. In fact, she has more friends than I do. She’s one of the better-known dogs in town.

Molly: If you’ve got it, flaunt it (tail wag).

Dave: We’ve covered thousands of miles on foot. Molly doesn’t like cars.

Molly: All that wind in my ears and bumps jolting my stomach? You’ve got to be kidding. Or maybe you’d like another humble opinion left in the back seat.

Jan: I see you have an Ovation guitar and quite an assortment of CDs. What kind of music do you enjoy?

Dave: Just about everything, but especially bluegrass and folk. I used to think I had to play melody to be any good but could never get my fingers to work that way. Then I discovered that with folk music, I just have to strum chords.

Jan: Molly, what’s your favorite music genre?

Molly: Back in the day I’d lie in front of the speakers and listen to rock and roll as long as Dad would play it.

Jan: Do you ever sing along?

Dave: She used to but not anymore.

Molly: At my age, I have to conserve my strength for important things, like our nightly walk on the Riverfront Trail when Dad gets off work.

Jan: I see our time’s about up, but I want to thank you both for an entertaining and interesting hour.

Molly and Dave: Our pleasure.

You can find pictures of Molly and Dave Haynes in Christopher Tomlinson’s book, “Sandstone to Summit,” a pictorial journey into the outdoors, for which Dave wrote the text. ■

FEATURE STORY

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AUGUST 2015

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Early DinE

Strawberry Banana Parfaits

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Ingredients: PARFAIT:

PUDDING:

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBLE:

2 bananas sliced

2 T butter

8-10 strawberries sliced

2 eggs large

Whipped cream

1 egg yolk large ½ cup sugar

3 T sugar 3 T brown sugar

¼ t salt

pinch of salt

2 cups milk 1½ t vanilla extract

6 T butter melted

3 T cornstarch

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Whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium saucepan that is not heated.

In a food processor, pulse the cookies until they are crumbs.

Over medium heat, and whisking constantly, cook until the first set of bubbles form and break.

Reduce heat to low; still whisking, cook 2-3 minutes.

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Whisk in eggs and egg yolk.

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Gradually whisk in milk. Carefully dissolve the cornstarch.

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1 sleeve graham cracker (about 9 sheets)

Remove from heat; immediately pour through a fine-mesh sieve into bowl to remove any clumps. Stir butter and vanilla into hot pudding. Mix well.

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Place plastic wrap directly on surface of pudding and around the bowl to prevent that rough skin from forming.

Place in the refrigerator and chill at least three hours, if not overnight.

Remove the crumbs from the food processor and add to a bowl.

Mix to combine the sugars and salt into the crumbs.

Pour in the melted butter and using a fork, mix to make wet crumbs. It will occasionally clump together.

ASSEMBLY Add about 2 T graham cracker crumbles to the bottom of bowls or glasses. Layer the bananas and the strawberries. Add 1/4 cup or so of pudding. Add a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with more graham cracker crumble. Chill for 15 minutes then serve. Enjoy.

AUGUST 2015

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: There are a few things I feel everyone needs to know about.

Please inform folks that the universal sign for choking is to place your right hand to your throat. (The reader, PH, had a recent experience with her husband choking in a restaurant.) Signed, PH

affair with just families invited. This will create a void, which will be noticed by all. Mom doesn’t know yet, and we don’t want to put a cloud on her happy day. What shall we do? My sister was very close to our dad. Signed, Frustrated

Dear PH : Choking is one of the scariest things a person or bystander can experience. If the obstruction is complete, you will not be able to make a sound. If you are choking, use the hand sign and do whatever you have to do to get someone’s attention because they will not hear you. As a bystander do not offer them water.

Begin the Heimlich Maneuver. This can be done if the person is seated or standing by placing your arms around them from the back, above the navel. Make a fist, thumb side in, and grab the fist tightly with your other hand. Pull your fist abruptly upward and inward to increase airway pressure behind the obstruction and force it from the windpipe. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before the object is dislodged. I suggest before you do this maneuver, you ask someone to call 911, in case you are unable to dislodge the object.

This maneuver has saved countless lives. When I was working in longterm care I saw many people choke on hot dogs or brats. Remember to chew well, take small bites, and don’t talk or laugh with your mouth full. Thank you, PH. We will cover the other items later. OB

Dear Frustrated: I can see how this would trouble you. If I were your mom, I would want you to tell me so I could talk to my daughter. Your mom knows her well and would be the one to influence her, if anyone can. You did not say how old your sister is so I’m assuming she is an adult. It is often a challenge for children to understand how mom could love anyone other than their dad.

They often feel if they put a seal of approval on the marriage, they are being unfaithful to their dad. Maybe she won’t come around, but to my way of thinking, four out of five is pretty solid. OB

Dear Old Bag: My mother, a widow of four years, announced that she is getting married. All of her five children are happy for her, except my youngest sister, who says she will not attend the wedding or the reception. It is a small

Dear Old Bag: This may sound petty to you, but every Sunday I get upset when I see this woman sitting in church. She is my neighbor and the biggest gossip in seven states. She watches everyone and reports daily.

Most of us hide when we see her coming. Even when you tell her you do not want to hear about others, she doesn’t shut up. Then when Sunday comes she is sitting right up front like the perfect person. What could stop this woman from gossiping? Signed, Fed Up

Dear Fed Up: I’m not sure what the problem is. Is it her gossiping that has you upset or is it the fact that she goes to church? In my upbringing I learned that Christ calls the sinners.

Be glad that she goes to church. Pray for her and pray you will not let her upset you. OB ■

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email lagmancreswick@cox.net

2015

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2015

Do you have a personality disorder?

Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

P

eople with personality disorders are more than just pains in the neck. They have serious trouble getting along with others. They are usually rigid and unable to adapt to the changes life presents them. They simply don’t function well in society.

daydreamers who fear intimacy with others. Paranoid personalities don’t trust people and see them as deceitful or worse. Schizotypal personalities are eccentrics who act inappropriately and often claim they have supernatural gifts.

People with personality disorders are more likely to commit homicide and suicide, and suffer from social isolation, alcohol and drug addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-destructive behaviors.

In Cluster B are antisocial, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders.

Antisocial personalities are belligerent rule breakers who often get into legal difficulties and fall into substance abuse. Borderline personalities are unpredictable, self-destructive and often see things in black and white.

Narcissistic personalities overstate their own importance and need constant attention.

About one in seven U.S. adults has at least one personality disorder, and many have more than one. Personality disorders are usually first noticed around the teen years. However, personality disorders can surface at any time, including old age. About one in 10 older adults living at home may have a personality disorder. This figure is even higher among adults living in nursing homes.

Childhood experiences and your genes play major roles in personality disorders.

However, personality changes can be brought on in older adults if they have trouble handling the losses of family and friends, other major life changes or their own medical problems.

Mental health professionals place personality disorders in three categories or clusters.

People in Cluster A exhibit eccentric behavior. Those in Cluster B are dramatic, emotional or erratic. And those in Cluster C are fearful.

Here are some examples. Please note that the descriptions are very brief because of space requirements. I could write pages to describe each disorder.

In Cluster A are schizoid, paranoid and schizotypal personality disorders.

Schizoid personalities are introverted

In Cluster C are avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

Avoidant personalities can’t handle rejection well and may have no close relationships outside of their family. Dependent personalities lack self-confidence and rely on others to make decisions for them. Obsessive-compulsive personalities are unsatisfied perfectionists who are so detailed-oriented that they have trouble making decisions.

The symptoms of Cluster A and Cluster B personality disorders may diminish with age. Those with Cluster C personality disorders often experience worsening symptoms as they get older.

There’s no cure for these conditions, but psychotherapy and medication for symptoms, such as anxiety and depression can help. The symptoms of some personality disorders may also improve with age. ■ Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email fred@healthygeezer.com.

AUGUST 2015

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The pros of pet insurance

By Anita Castro

F

or many pet owners, deciding what kind of pet insurance is right for their budget and their pet can be a daunting task. With different companies and plans, just like insurance for humans, finding out where to start can be overwhelming.

“Pet insurance is similar to human insurance,” Tiara Rado Animal Hospital Office Manager Kourtni Dearborn said. “There are basic plans that will cover vaccinations and preventive care, then there are bigger plans that cover huge things like if your dog was to get really sick.”

While you’re researching companies and comparing policies, you need to first decide if pet insurance is right for you. There’s a lot of conflicting advice as to whether or not the cost of pet insurance is worth it.

The answer really depends on your financial situation, the level of care you seek for your pet, and your pet’s breed and age.

“I think there are certain breeds that have a predisposition to certain issues, and a lot of companies will say that certain conditions are hereditary, so they won’t cover them,” Dearborn said.

Dearborn’s pets are covered by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), but she also mentioned that some Tiara Rado clients use Pets Best and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.

“The one I have has an annual deductible,” she said. “Then there are some companies that have a per-incident deductible.”

Keep in mind that what is covered in a basic plan through one com-

pany may not be covered the same through another. Some companies ask about your pet’s weight and pre-existing conditions. Some allow you to select your deductible and coverage percentage. Others give you an annual and lifetime limit of coverage, while others are unlimited.

Some companies only cover dogs and cats, while others cover birds and exotic pets.

Shaun Blackman pays for pet insurance for her two 7-year-old Yorkshire Terriers through PetSmart.

“I would not be without it,” she said. “Toby got sick right after we got him and the bill was $700. Had I had insurance, it would have been $200, so that day we got insurance.”

Aside from saving Blackman money in case of another illness, her plan also covers preventive care.

“My office visits are free and they get their teeth cleaned once a year,” she said. “Their plan also covers their basic shots and 15 percent off all products. I pay $63.50 a month for both dogs. Their spay and neuter were covered, and the microchip.”

Dearborn said it’s nice to have the peace of mind that if something does happen, insurance will cover part, if not all of it.

“I think the worst thing that could happen is that you buy pet insurance and you don’t need it,” she said.

Reviewing your options for pet insurance isn’t easy, but most companies offer direct online quotes or you can call them directly. Local animal hospitals can also provide you with information to help you take the next step in protecting your pets. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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AUGUST 2015

What items are toxic to your pets?

By Melanie Wiseman

A

nimal lovers consider their pets part of the family, so it’s natural to want to protect them from harm.

However, what you don’t know could hurt them. A surprising number of common garden and household plants, people food and household products are toxic to pets.

Pets, like young children, explore the world with their senses, and are therefore vulnerable to accidental poisoning. As a pet owner, it’s important to know what is toxic to pets to preserve their safety and good health.

Plants Animals will often chew plants to get some roughage. Plant roughage can be a good source of vitamins and helpful for passing food through the intestines, but it’s up to pet owners to keep toxic plants out of reach.

Shopping for a little green to spruce up your home or garden? Be sure to check out the plants on the list, which are commonly responsible in poisoning incidents. The toxicity of the plants varies according to the species of animal exposed, the amount of the plant that was ingested, and the specific type of plant.

Lilies: Ingesting any part of the plant can cause complete kidney failure in 36-72 hours. Cats are especially sensitive to lily poisoning, so be very careful to keep your cats away from lilies of any kind.

Amaryllis: All species are toxic and especially dangerous to cats. The bulbs are the toxic part of the plant.

Sego palm: All parts are poisonous, but the seeds or nuts are most toxic.

The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects.

Daffodil and tulip: The bulbs contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and depression of the central nervous system.

Watch out for these other plants: philodendrons, jade, chrysanthemums, asparagus ferns, autumn crocus, English ivy, marijuana, azalea, oleander, cyclamen, kalanchoe, castor bean, yew, pothos, schefflera, lily of the valley, anemone, aloe vera, holly, mistletoe, Christmas cactus and live Christmas trees.

People food Dogs, especially, love food and are attracted to what they see us eating.

While sharing the occasional tidbit with your pet may seem fine, it’s important to be aware that some food can be dangerous to our animal companions. Your best option is to keep them on a diet of pet food made especially with their health and safety in mind.

Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine: These products all contain methylxanthines, substances found in the fruit of the plants used to make them. They are dangerous for pets and can even cause death. Note that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous.

Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can severely affect the nervous and intestinal system of pets.

Avocado: The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain persin, which is poisonous to pets. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning and some ingestion may even be fatal.

AUGUST 2015

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

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Macadamia nuts: Commonly used in many cookies and candies, macadamia nuts can cause problems with your pets within 12 hours of ingestion.

Grapes and raisins: Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins in unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure, especially in pets with pre-existing health problems.

Yeast dough: Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system, leading to pain or even the rupture of the stomach or intestines.

Raw/undercooked meat, eggs and bones: Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, that can be harmful to pets. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, which might choke on bones or sustain a serious injury from a bone splinter lodged in or puncturing your pet’s digestive tract.

Milk: Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Salt: Keep salty chips and popcorn to yourself! Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets.

Xylitol: Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure.

Onions, garlic and chives: These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage.

Household products Being aware of products around our homes and yards that are toxic to our pets may save you and your pet from

an unfortunate experience.

Medications: Topping the toxins list are prescription human medications. The top three types of medications animals are exposed to include blood pressure pills, antidepressants and pain medications. Many of these exposures are due to people dropping their medication when preparing to take them and their pet getting there first. Many over-the-counter medications can be toxic as well, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen as well as herbal products, fish oil and joint supplements.

Insecticides: Always read the label before using any insecticide in your home, in your yard or near your pet.

Household products: Household toxins come in a huge range, from cleaning products to fire logs. Some can be corrosive while others can require surgery from gastrointestinal tract obstruction.

Veterinary products and medications: Flavored tablets make it easy to give your pet pain or joint medication, but it also makes it more likely they will ingest the entire bottle if given the chance.

Rodenticides: Never underestimate the resourcefulness of your pet when putting out bait to kill mice and rats. Depending on the rodenticide, ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures.

Lawn and garden products: Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive to pets, so many of the emergency calls for poisoning involved these products.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the Veterinary Emergency Center immediately.

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AUGUST 2015

Facebook groups help reunite lost pets with their families

By Anita Castro

W

ith over 8,600 members, Mesa County Lost and Found Pets is one of the largest Facebook groups, and the first lost and found group in Western Colorado.

Founded in April 2013 by Crystal Meyer after her daughter’s dog got out, the group aims to help get lost pets back to their families, using the power and speed of social media.

“I started the group after the wind blew my fence down and my daughter’s dog, Buddy, got out and was lost for six days,” Meyer said.

During those six days, Meyer posted flyers, ran ads in the paper and checked with animal control, in hopes of finding Buddy.

“I just felt helpless,” she said.

Luckily someone saw Meyer’s newspaper ad and called her after spotting

P R E M I E R

said. “I started that group and found someone local to help me run it.”

Due to the high volume of posts in both groups, Meyer runs the page but has recruited help from 20 other page administrators.

“I keep my cell phone with me 24/7, and between me and the other people that help me run the groups, someone is always online and available to the members,” Meyer said. “It would be hard to say how many posts we get per day or week because there are just so many.”

Meyer said some pets return home within minutes of statuses being posted while others take months.

Both groups give community members a much higher chance at getting their furry loved ones back home.

According to Meyer, the Mesa County group helped get a dog home that had been lost for eight months.

Although the main purpose of the

Buddy.

“After Buddy was home, I started thinking of ways to help others with missing pets,” she said. “I realized that if people could post, comment and share, things could be spread faster and animals could get home faster.”

The Facebook group allows members to interact with one another, posting status updates and pictures of a lost or found pet, sharing them with their friends and tagging other members in the group.

Stemming from the Mesa County group, Meyer also founded the Facebook group Delta, Montrose and Surrounding Counties Lost and Found Pets, which has over 1,300 members.

“The Delta and Montrose site is also one of my many lost and found groups on the Western Slope,” Meyer

S E N I O R

L I V I N G

Staci Reed was reunited with her dog, Padfoot through the Mesa County Lost and Found Pets on Facebook. groups is to reunite lost pets with their owners, they work as their own community, helping answer questions, providing information and even coming together to raise funds.

Meyer said members of the Mesa County group joined forces to get a dog back home that was lost in the area while her family was traveling.

Thanks to the group, the dog was found and enough money was raised

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to send her back to her family in Texas.

The groups have helped reunite over 1,000 pets with their families, and Meyer and its members don’t plan on stopping any time soon.

“We see more lost and found pets when the weather is bad and when fireworks happen,” Meyer said.

“The group would not be what it is without its members though.

I may have started it but it is the members that make this group what it is. So many will stop and help a lost pet, or even help owners look for it. Posts get shared Mesa County Lost and Found Pets Facebook page. and the members are truly the reason the makes me smile,” she said. “I do what pets make it home. We have such I do because I love the happy endan amazing community and I am so ing. I love knowing that something I proud to be part of something that have done has helped someone else. has helped get so many fur babies Sometimes we get sad endings, but home.”

Jillian Sheue joined the Mesa Coun- the happy endings make giving up so much of my life to the group ty group after she lost her cat, and worth it.” has been a member of the group for Because of the Mesa County a year.

“People shared my post and offered group’s nature, Meyer often commuto help,” Sheue said. “It made me hap- nicates with Mesa County Animal Services, but she wants members to py to know people were willing to know that the group is not MCAS. help me (a stranger) find my kitty.”

“We make it very clear that we are While Sheue isn’t a regular user of not animal control,” Meyer said. the group, she also keeps an eye out You don’t need to be a pet owner for other people’s posts when there’s to be part of either effort. A lost pet a pet loose in her neighborhood. may find you while you’re on your “I think it’s a good resource and way to work, running an errand or I like the page because it reassures just sitting out in your yard. people that others are willing to For more information, search for help,” she said.

“Mesa County Lost and Found Pets” Staci Reed was also reunited with or “Delta, Montrose And Surroundher dog, Padfoot. ing Counties Lost And Found Pets” “It is 100 percent because of the on Facebook. Click “Join Group” to group that I found my dog after he become a member, and invite your ran away,” she said. friends to join as well.

Meyer is committed to the cause “Each member increases these and finds the biggest joy in seeing pets’ chances of going home,” Meyer animals come home. said. ■ “Each and every time I see an animal get home from the page, it

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LAUGHING MATTERS Baseball memory Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Many years ago when I was 8 or 9 years old, I was playing Old Timers baseball. (It’s what passed for Little League back in the ’50s.) I tried to catch a pop-up and I missed. It hit me on the forehead and almost knocked me out. I was on the ground kind of blinking my eyes and shaking my head.

My older brother came up to me and said, “If you hear a phone ringing, don’t answer it.”

Nasty little habit Submitted by Bob Breazeale

A woman is having problems with her young daughter constantly sucking her thumb. After a particularly bad day, the mother sees the little girl at it again and yells, “If you don’t stop sucking that thumb this instant, you’re going to blow up like a balloon.”

Shocked, the little girl slowly takes her

thumb out of her mouth, wipes it on her dress, grabs her teddy bear and climbs up on the couch and goes to sleep. She doesn’t suck her thumb anymore for the next few days.

One day, the mother and daughter take the bus downtown to go shopping. A very pregnant woman sits down in the seat across the aisle. The little girl stares at the woman, wide-eyed. The woman notices her stare and asks, “What’s the matter, honey?”

In a very reproachful voice the girl replies, “I bet I know what you’ve been doing.”

Don’t mess with a woman who reads Submitted by Susan Rawlins

One morning, a man returns the boat to his lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.

Although not familiar with the lake, his wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent.

Along comes a fish and game warden in his boat.

He pulls up alongside the woman and says, “Good morning, ma’am. What are you doing?”

“Reading a book,” she replies, thinking it was quite obvious.

“You’re in a restricted fishing area,” he informs her.

“I’m sorry, officer, but I’m not fishing,” she says. “I’m reading.”

AUGUST 2015

“But I haven’t even touched you,” says the game warden.

“That’s true, but you have all the equipment,” she says. “For all I know you could start at any moment.”

He says, “Have a nice day, ma’am,” and left.

Sex in the afterlife Submitted by Kevin Ray

A couple made a deal that whoever died first would come back and inform the other if there is sex after death.

Their biggest fear was that there was no afterlife at all.

After a long life together, Frank was the first to die. True to his word, he made the first contact.

“Kris, Kris, can you hear me?”

“Yes, but I see you have all the equipment,” he says. “For all I know you could start at any moment. I’ll have to take you in and write you up.”

“Is that you, Frank?”

“If you do that, I’ll have to charge you with sexual assault,” says the woman.

“Well, I get up in the morning, and I have sex. I have breakfast and then it’s off to the golf course. I have sex again,

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“Yes, I’ve come back like we agreed.”

“That’s wonderful! What’s it like?”

AUGUST 2015

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

bathe in the warm sun and then have sex a couple more times. Then I have lunch and another romp around the golf course, then pretty much have sex the rest of the afternoon. After supper, it’s back to the golf course again. Then it’s more sex until late at night. I catch some much needed sleep and then the next day it starts all over again.”

“Oh, Frank, that’s wonderful. Are you in heaven?”

“No, I’m a rabbit somewhere in Arizona.”

Then God saw there was another need.

In His wisdom He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good.

So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember it’s God’s will. It is all in your best interest.

Alzheimer’s test Submitted by Kevin Ray

How fast can you guess these words and fill-in the blanks?

1. _ _NDOM 2. F_ _K 3. P_N_S 4. PU_S_ 5. S_X 6. BOO_S Answers: 1. RANDOM, 2. FORK , 3. PANTS , 4. PULSE, 5. SIX, 6. BOOKS You got all six wrong, didn’t you? You do NOT have Alzheimer’s. You are a pervert.

Justice for seniors Submitted by Susan Capps

Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Tea for grandpa Submitted by Sherry Harmon

One day when I was little, my grandma was out, and my grandpa was left in charge of me. I was maybe 2 or 3 years old. One of my favorite toys was a little tea set someone had given me.

Grandpa was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of tea, which was just water. After I had several cups of tea and gained lots of praise for such yummy tea from Grandpa, my grandma came home.

My grandpa made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was “just the cutest thing!” Grandma waited, and sure enough, here I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Grandpa, and she watched him drink it up.

Then she said, (as only a grandma would know), “’Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?” ■

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AUGUST 2015

Beacon Pets

Don and Ruth Trowbridge’s cat, Chloe

Doug Crandall and Bailey

Bill Lee’s Great Pyrenees, Sophie

Melissa Trottier’s dogs, Bean and Lucy

Teegan Lopez’s Bethann playing in Devils Canyon.

Cloie Sandlin and Skye

Dianne Vardiman’s cat, Mildred

Aundre and Ashur Jenkins with their dog, Vinnie.

AUGUST 2015

19

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Question

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20 HOME & GARDEN

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AUGUST 2015

What to know before digging on your property E

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ach summer, many homeowners reach for their shovels and begin digging as part of landscaping and other home improvement projects. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a professional excavator contracted for a project, it’s crucial to dig smart.

There are more than 100 billion feet of underground utilities in the U.S., equating to more than one football field’s length of buried utilities for every person in the country, according to the Common Ground Alliance, an organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the safety of people who dig near them.

An underground utility line is damaged once every six minutes because someone did not call before digging.

August 11 serves as a reminder to always call 811 in order to dig safely and lawfully. Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence, deck, swimming pool, or starting any other excavation project, it is essential to call 811 before digging to have the approximate location of underground utilities and pipelines marked.

Calling 811 is the law, and knowing where pipelines and underground utility lines are buried before you dig will help protect you, and those around you, from injury. It also helps prevent damage to utilities, service disruptions, potential fines and repair costs. Every digging job requires a call, even if you have called before for a similar project, because the depth of utility lines varies, and there may be multiple lines in a common area. Digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities increases the likelihood of unintentional damage.

What to expect when calling 811 Your call will be routed to a local call center. An operator will gather information about your digging plans

and notify local pipeline and utility companies about your project.

State laws vary regarding the amount of advance notice required to call and have lines marked. In Colorado, two-days notice is required (excluding weekends and holidays).

An 811 representative in your area can provide specific information, or you can learn more at www.Call811.com.

Pipeline and utility representatives will be sent to mark the approximate location of underground utilities and cables using color-coded paint, flags or stakes so you know what’s below and are able to dig safely around them. If there are no underground utilities, pipelines or cables at your dig location, they will mark “clear.”

Planning a digging project • Always call 811 before starting any digging project, regardless of the depth of your digging or your familiarity with the property.

• Plan ahead and allow ample time for lines to be marked. After you have waited the required time for markings in your state, if lines have not been marked, call 811 again to check the status of your request before digging.

• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that a call to 811 has been made. Don’t allow work to begin until lines have been marked.

• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near line markings. (Story from Statepoint.net) ■

AUGUST 2015

HOME & GARDEN 21

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How can I improve the health and look of my landscape?

Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. Planning my garden is over-

whelming. I love the early spring bulbs, but I’m not sure when to plant them. I see many beautiful flowers in the summer but I forget about them. When I walk around my yard, I’m not sure what to plant where. Can you recommend a place to start or a plan of action for creating a landscape that’s interesting all year long?

Great landscapes happen over time and involve year-round planning. I like to make notes of when certain plants are blooming or look their best. I go on garden tours or view public gardens, such as the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens or the Montrose Botanic Gardens, and the CSU Extension Arboretum on Orchard Mesa. Take pictures of landscapes you see around town and collect your ideas on Pinterest. Show the garden center clerk your pictures and they can guide you to those plants.

Local garden center staff and the CSU Extension staff can also give you ideas on what to plant and when. Review catalogs, garden websites and make changes to your hardscape. Consider hiring a garden designer, as they can give you a fresh perspective of your landscape and show you ways to get the most from it all year long.

Q. Some of my purple coneflowers

are green and some are deformed, but all of them are much smaller than they should be. What is going on and what can I do about it?

It sounds like your coneflowers may be infected with aster yellows. Chlorosis, yellowing of the leaves while the veins remain green, is a major symptom.

Stunted, twisted growth and oddly distorted flowers are also common symptoms. Leafhoppers spread the disease when they suck the sap of infected plants. Affected flowers should be pulled up and discarded immedi-

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ately to stop the spread of the disease.

Control weeds such as dandelions, plantains and thistles, which may carry it. Cover vegetables with floating row covers. Find less susceptible plants such as verbena, salvia, nicotiana, geranium, cockscomb and impatiens to avoid future problems.

Q. What should I do to prepare my

roses for winter? I have hybrid teas, floribundas and climbers.

You should start planning the hardening off process for your roses, trees and shrubs. Gradually reduce your watering and stop fertilizing by the end of August. This will help them go into dormancy at a safe pace and keep them from being stressed all winter long. The climbers and hybrid teas are the most sensitive to winter temperatures. Clean up dead leaves from around the base of the roses to eliminate a winter home for insects or diseases. Leave the serious pruning until spring. Consider mulching the crown of your roses with dirt, bark mulch or straw for winter protection.

Water during the winter if there is not sufficient snow, which is most of the time. Once a month is plenty to keep the roots from dehydrating and the leaves from desiccating. ■

GARDEN CHECKLIST:  If needed, divide spring-

blooming perennials like peonies and iris.  Plant spinach. Harvest tender

leaves for salads in the fall, and overwinter for early spring greens.  Harvest onions when 80

percent of the tops have fallen over.  Fertilize lawns between now

and mid-September, using one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.  Reduce watering of trees and

shrubs to prepare them for winter.  If spring-flowering bulbs are

crowded or need relocated, do it now. Let them dry a few days in a cool shady spot. Choose the best ones to re-plant.

(Origanum Amethyst Falls)

Ornamental oregano is a long-blooming perennial with aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers that resemble hops. Its mature size is 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide, and it blooms from late summer through mid-fall. It is well suited for containers and rock gardens—just be sure to plant it in a container that can overwinter outside without cracking. It’s a low-maintenance, non-edible, water-wise plant that prefers good drainage and full sun. Divide every three to four years and trim off old stems in spring when new growth appears. Deadheading during the season extends the flowering period.

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AUGUST 2015

The human-animal bond is a love like no other

By Kyle C. Dunn

J

ust the other day my son told me, “Dad, I’m going to be a veterinarian when I grow up.”

I can’t say this statement surprises me, because as a veterinarian I hear this from children almost every day.

Of course, some of them will grow up to be something else, but it made me wonder what it is that makes so many of them want to be veterinarians.

As I examined my own path to becoming a veterinarian, it didn’t take me long to realize that the possibilities all come down to one thing: the human-animal bond.

For me, it all started with a beagle named Cinnamon. As a boy I often rode my bike to my friends’ houses on summer days. We spent hours hiking the Colorado National Monument, exploring down by the river, and building forts and tree houses. My good friend, Cinnamon, accompanied us on all our adventures. She was our trusty mascot. With the nose of a beagle, it didn’t matter if she saw us leave or not, she would soon follow our trail and catch up, sometimes hours and miles later.

She was my first canine love and I will never forget her. Watching her age broke my heart, especially once she was no longer able to keep up with our pack of boys. I will never forget the emotions I experienced as we laid her to rest on our family property on the Redlands.

After her passing, I was left with a big hole in my heart, which could only be filled by the love I shared with such a special animal. Over the years many animals have come and gone. Some were a part of my life for much too short a time.

Whether it’s from witnessing kids check in pigs at the fair, helping a child understand how to care for her horse, or seeing someone care for a litter of kittens, the human-animal bond is special and unique to each situation. I love seeing the bond be-

A younger Kyle Dunn with two of Cinnamon’s puppies. tween my patients and their owners.

It’s a joy seeing a family bond with their new kitten or puppy, and terribly sad when a family unites to say goodbye to a beloved pet.

Just before I started veterinary school, my wife and I adopted a jet-black puppy with one floppy ear named Drake. He was our first “child,” receiving our full attention.

Time for a walk to the park? I’ll get my shoes. A hike? Sounds great. A ride in the car? Sit up front!

Once we started having human children, I was amazed at his patience and love, as now he had to share our attention. He patiently put up with countless hours of poking, prodding, tail pulling, dress up, babies crying, children screaming, walking beside strollers and eating dropped crumbs at dinnertime.

So when I think about what my son said, and I witness the bond between him and Drake, I just smile because I completely understand.

Dr. Kyle C. Dunn is owner of Canyon Country Veterinary Services, located at Redlands Pet Clinic, 2517 Monument Road. He can be reached at ccvetservices@ gmail.com or 245-4060. ■

AUGUST 2015

FUN AFTER 50 23

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FUN AFTER 50

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

HEALTH AUGUST 13 Deuces and Donuts Here’s your chance to win gift cards to local businesses and restaurants. Wake up Lady Luck and play blackjack, poker, or spin the wheel at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center. Cost is $5.

AUGUST 15 Movies In The Park: Guardians of the Galaxy Watch free family movies at Lincoln Park starting at dusk.

AUGUST 29 Brews and Thunder Car Show Come out to Lincoln Park and see some of the hottest cars from around the region, and taste the best craft beers in the state. Cost is $5 for spectators and $35 entry fee per car.

HEALTH TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unassisted. Class is 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or $50 for a 10-punch pass.

AUGUST 14 Facts and Tracks: ABCs of Stretching Learn how to correctly stretch your muscles in this hands-on class. Then spend the next 30 minutes outside walking on the Riverfront Trail. Class is from noon to 1 p.m. at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Cost is $5.

Tiara Rado: Hot Air Balloon exhibit by local artists at The Rock Clubhouse

AUGUST 19 Lincoln Park Open Track Meet This meet at Stocker Stadium is designed for track stars of all ages and abilities, from diaper dashers to onemile thrashers. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Cost is $5.

AUGUST 22-28 Western Colorado Senior Games Over 65 competitive events for athletes age 50 plus as of August 7, 2015. Registration open. Early bird registration is $24. Register by August 7.

AQUA AEROBICS These aerobic classes are for novice to intermediate individuals. Class is 8:15 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Cost is $4.25 to drop in or $44 for a 12-punch pass.

Two Rivers Convention Center: Aerospace and history exhibit featuring local artists.

SPORTS

FUN AFTER 50 SOFTBALL Open to men and women 50 and older. Call 255-6688.

MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

Cribbage Cards Computer Classes Gray Gourmet Lunch Card Bingo & Dominoes Singles Pinochle (1st & 3rd Monday)

TUESDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo WEDNESDAY Ladies Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta

THURSDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Dominoes 10:00 am Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) 10:30 am Membership Meeting 12:00 pm Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 pm Dance

THURSDAYS Senior dances with live music Dance from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center.

Cost is $3.

ART

City Hall: Featuring local artists Melissa Carlson, Steve Traudt and the Veterans Art Show.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events

9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

DANCE

Free public exhibits hosted by the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture.

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8:00 am–4:00 pm Annual membership is $10.

FRIDAY

Register by Augu st 7, for the 2015 Wes tern Colorado Senior G ames.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TRAIL HOST Program is ongoing throughout the year. Get your volunteer application in now become an ambassador for the Riverfront Trail System. Call 254-3876.

9:00 am

12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm

Painting Class & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Lunch Bible Study Bridge Canasta

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

To make Gray gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. $3.50

24 TRAVEL

THE PERFECT FIT:

Finding the cruise for you

By Terri Benson

T

he wonderful thing about cruises is that they make great vacations anytime of year and there are many options to fit any budget or taste.

My husband and I wanted a seven- to 10-day cruise, with as many ports of call as possible, and cheap.

We began comparing different cruise lines, departure dates, cruise length and ports. Then we researched ports and eliminated those that didn’t sound very interesting, seemed too commercial, or had reviews with safety concerns. We eventually settled on an eight-day Carnival Cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, stopping in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk.

Choose your room We studied cabin options, which included inside cabins, ocean

view, balcony and suites. If we let the cruise line choose our room, the price was discounted. The inside cabins were cheapest, but when I saw that we could end up with bunk beds, that option was off the table and we opted with an ocean view with a non-opening window. The 200 sq. ft. cabin had a king bed and sofa sleeper and cost us $479 per person, before taxes and fees, for eight days

Book the fun Now it was time to decide what excursions to book. We read the reviews of each excursion on Carnival’s website and decided on snorkeling in St. Maarten, zip lining in St. Kitts, motorized snorkeling at Grand Turk, and rum mixology and salsa dancing classes in San Juan. All of that was only about $614 for the both of us. Tip: If you hate standing in line, get “Faster to the Fun” for $50—it gets you on the ship quicker. But

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AUGUS

buy early, as it sells out fast.

Book excursions early or late in the day, if possible, so you can spend the rest of your time exploring. Book them through the cruise line, as they guarantee you’ll get back on the ship in time or get you to the next port at their cost.

Our cabin was ready when we arrived. It was on the lowest level, half way between the bow and stern, which was very stable. Our friends’ suite was several decks above us, complete with balcony, Jacuzzi tub, and more closets. It was nice but not worth the extra price to me.

Easy boarding tips

Food and drink

We convinced some friends to come with us, which wasn’t hard to do. Plan to get to your destination at least a day before in case of flight delays, because the ship won’t wait.

With a 1:30 p.m. sailing on Sunday, we departed Grand Junction on Saturday and spent the night in a hotel with a shuttle to the port, which was paid for with our friends’ credit card points. Print out your boarding passes and luggage tags ahead of time.

Don’t count on using your phone or iPad, as I watched several people have issues at the boarding gates.

Several hundred people and their carry-ons stood in the cruise port line. Our friends had booked a suite and received VIP status, so they were whisked away to the fast lane. It took us about 45 minutes to get through the line, but it wasn’t too bad.

Tip: Don’t forget your passport and have your medical forms filled out before you get to the port, or you’ll be pushed to the side and have to start over in some places.

Standard dining is included in the cruise price. The dining room food was great, with one stock menu and another menu that was different every night. There was also a buffet and a couple other dining options on board. One night we ate at The Steakhouse, a high-end restaurant on the ship that costs extra. It’s a little pricey but worth it.

We ordered a couple drinks in the main lounge, and then choked on the price, as they were nearly $20 each.

We decided to purchase a beverage package, which worked out to be $50 a day per person and allowed for 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Keep in mind that if one person goes this route, every adult in the cabin must purchase one as well, and it must be purchased by the second day of the cruise.

Hindsight: It seemed like a good deal, but we drank more than we would have if we were paying by the drink. Since we were off the ship for the greater part of four days, we prob-

Left: Castles of San Juan.

Bottom: San Juan Port.

ST 2015

TRAVEL 25

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Tackle your cruising

By Susan Elenz

FEARS

People have many fears/excuses as to why they don’t go on cruises. I was reluctant, too, at first but after I did, I am ready to counter those excuses and tell you why you should have no fear of cruising.

Start with a short three-day cruise.

My first cruise was a weekend trip out of San Diego on Carnival that sailed to Ensenada, Mexico and back.

ably would have spent less paying per drink.

Fun on board With so many activities on board, you won’t be bored on the days you’re at sea. They had Vegas-style shows, classes, tea get-togethers, a casino, educational seminars and more.

The spa services got cheaper as the cruise progressed, and were cheapest when the ship was in port. The gym was also great, and the hot tub hot.

Shipboard Wi-Fi and phone service can be incredibly expensive and slow. If you wait until you’re in port,

1) I get motion sick.

That was my main fear.

So I packed non-drowsy Dramamine and took it as soon as I got on the ship. I have been on five cruises now with no issues. In case you forget it at home, the ship sells it on board.

you can probably find an Internet café that’s free.

Check your balance at customer service or on the TV in your cabin regularly to make sure everything is correct. If you take care of a mystery charge immediately, it will save you some hassle at the end of the trip. ■

2) What if the ship sinks? Tragedies are more likely to happen in your own car or a plane than on a cruise ship. The cruise liners are prepared. On the first day of the cruise they hold a mandatory emergency escape plan drill. Each person has their own his or her vest and lifeboats are plentiful.

3) Many people = many germs. Ships are concerned about this as well, so cleaning and sanitization takes place daily. Hand sanitizer is strategically placed on each deck. If someone becomes ill, he or she is usually quarantined and cared for by the ship’s physician. Staff members on board is trained to watch for signs of illness and are quick to respond. If a contagion occurs, they will refund your money or offer a free cruise at a later date.

4) It’s still close quarters. Opt to spend time on the upper decks or elite sections, which provide space for select groups of people. No need to mingle with big crowds or wait in line. There are plenty of open areas and smaller settings to hang out in.

5) I want to eat whenever. In addition to the dining room, there are buffets, cafes and specialty restaurants that are open at all different hours. If you want to choose your own dining times, then you simply need to book a cruise with the free-style dining, allowing you to eat whenever you wish.

Photos by Terri Benson

6) Too much food, too much waste. Most new ships strive to be eco-friendly. On our recent trip to Hawaii on Norwegian’s Pride of America, we toured the recycling facility below deck. Nothing is dumped overboard anymore. The EPA and others keep them in check. They reduce waste, and re-use and recycle what they can. The ship also had an environmental director on board. In addition, all the big ships have gyms, spas and activities to counteract the rich food.

26 FINANCE

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remium food, state-of-the-art veterinary care and creature comforts most humans would envy are now a regular part of life for many American pets. That’s why prospective pet owners should consider financial planning before bringing home a dog, cat or other breed of animal.

For those considering purchasing or adopting a pet, do thorough research first about what owning that animal will cost. The wide range of products, services and advanced medical options for American pets have pushed U.S. pet industry expenditures to almost $60 billion in 2014, nearly double the amount in 2004. With pet ownership tripling since the 1970s, according to The Humane Society of the United States, it is no surprise that advanced pet products and services at high price points are making it easy for many pet owners to overspend.

Prospective pet owners should begin their research with an idea of first-year costs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) publishes an annual estimate for a variety of pets. Purchase and adoption costs may vary based on breed, so read as much as you can about a specific pet choice.

Fortunately, virtually every kind of pet has an online presence, including sites for adoption and rescue. It’s particularly important to research the pet’s behavioral, care and health history and it might also be worthwhile to find a veterinarian who can offer additional insight about home and medical care.

Keep in mind that average pet costs, not counting additional spending for toys, treats or non-routine veterinary care, can be daunting. For example, the ASPCA cur-

rently estimates that a large dog may cost roughly $1,800 in his or her first year and $780 a year afterward. That doesn’t include potential bills for major illness or accident care that might run into the thousands. If that dog lives eight to 10 years, that means spending a minimum of between $7,260 and $8,820 over a lifetime. Many experts and pet owners are still debating whether it makes sense to buy pet insurance, and that is also an option worth researching before a pet is purchased or adopted.

Many homeowners and renters should also check with their insurers for potential pet restrictions that may raise their premiums or risk voiding their coverage. In 2013, the Insurance Information Institute claimed that one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims came from dog bites alone. Certain types of breeds may be considered higher risk among some insurers, so before a pet purchase or adoption, prospective pet owners should check their home or rental policies to see how the animal will affect the pricing or availability of coverage.

Finally certain kinds of pet ownership situations may call for estate planning. Some pet breeds, birds and tortoises among them, may live well in excess of 20 years. If a pet owner becomes disabled or dies, pets at any age may have an uncertain future if there’s no plan in place for guardianship, care and ongoing financial support. Estate planners have recognized pet trusts as a potential legal solution for this purpose. Pet owners of advanced age, with disabling illness or living alone might consider leaving such specific instructions for their animals in their will or advance directives. ■

AUGUST 2015

RESOURCE DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHT 27

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Are you caring and a good listener?

Become a victim advocate: Training starts September 1

By Terri Benson

D

o you think you have what it takes to respond when law enforcement asks you to go to the scene of a crime or other trauma?

If your answer is yes, then consider becoming a victim advocate with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office or Grand Junction Police Department.

Victim advocates address the personal needs of victims of crime or other traumatic incidents, and provide crisis intervention, referrals and comfort, ensuring that no victim remains alone or uninformed.

The two departments are hosting a joint victim’s advocate training, beginning September 1. The training will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus one Saturday, for a total of 35 hours. You’ll be taught how to work with vic-

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tims, what resources are available to them, and how to access those resources.

Advocates need to be compassionate, caring and nonjudgmental, but above all they must possess good listening skills. New volunteers will be paired with experienced advocates until they are comfortable with the job. Once the training is complete, volunteers will work with one department. Sheriff’s Department volunteers may be dispatched to all areas of the county, while GJPD volunteers work within city limits.

Once on scene, officers assess the situation and determine if the victims could benefit from talking to a victim advocate. The most frequent type of calls are domestic violence and unattended death. If requested, an advocate’s first priority is

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usually just simply listening to the victims and helping them process the event. In addition, the advocate will determine what resources the victim(s) might need, such as a safe place to stay, emergency food or baby supplies, a locksmith, or an emergency phone.

Advocates may be exposed to things most people don’t want to see, including dead bodies and trauma. It’s possible this exposure could lead to compassion fatigue or secondary trauma, so it’s important that advocates make sure they take care of themselves and watch for symptoms before burn out.

Both departments are looking for mature advocates because they often have more flexible schedules and possess a sense of perspective and experience younger individuals haven’t yet attained. However, advo-

cates can be anyone age 21 and up.

Advocates choose their own shifts but are asked to commit to three to four shifts per month, and to stay in the program for at least a year.

Crimes happen at any time, so there are weekday, weekend and day and night shifts available. Primary and secondary advocates are assigned to each shift.

Volunteers must pass a background check, provide a valid driver’s license and have current vehicle insurance. Volunteers will drive their own cars to crime scenes, but will be reimbursed for mileage.

According to Mesa County Victim Service Coordinator Tracy Baker, the quicker victims receive compassionate care, the faster and more wholly they heal emotionally.

For more information, call Baker at the Mesa County Sheriff’s Department at 244-3275 or Mary Harmeling at the Grand Junction Police Department at 549-5290. ■

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28 FAITH MOVES

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AUGUST 2015

Why we bless animals

By Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M.

A

s autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd. A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets.

This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

Francis, whose feast day is October 4, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things. “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization that referred to her little cat.

The fact that there are over 62 million cats today in the U.S. attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We’ve even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln’s Fido to Lyndon Johnson’s beagles, named Him and Her. For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return.

Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature.

The bond between human and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye to eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love.

No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where

the bond of creation is celebrated.

At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

As the prayer is offered, the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water.

Believe it or not, most pets receive this sacramental spritz with dignity, though I must admit I have seen some cats flatten their ears a bit as the drops of water lightly pelt them.

But the owner is happy, and who knows what spiritual benefits may result?

Usually the Blessing of Pets is held outdoors. But I remember it rained one year, and all were invited inside St. Stephen’s Church in Manhattan. It was quite a sight to see pairs of creatures—one human, one animal—sitting in the pews. The pastor joined right in with his beagle. Noah’s Ark was never like this!

Some people criticize the amount and cost of care given to pets. People are more important, they say.

Care for poor people instead of poodles. And certainly our needy fellow humans should not be neglected.

However, I believe every creature is important. The love we give to a pet, and receive from a pet, can draw us more deeply into the larger circle of life, into the wonder of our common relationship to our Creator.

Kevin E. Mackin, O.F.M., is a Franciscan of the Holy Name Province. ■

AUGUST 2015

29

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Sit, stay, win: the life of a kennel club champ

By Pat Martin

L

ocal dog trainer Penny Hopkins has won 17 American Kennel Club titles in the dog show world with six different dogs of various breeds. She is continuing her winning ways with her current dog, a English Springer Spaniel named Jazzy.

A classic liver and white representative of her breed, 2-year-old Jazzy competes in dog trials that require obedience and agility. She is very energetic, loves her work, and is willing to perform.

“I get a dog for a companion,” Hopkins said. “If a dog wants to compete, we’ll do it, but if it doesn’t enjoy it, I don’t do it.”

Always the consummate trainer, Hopkins makes sure her dog is ready to turn in top scores before they set off for a show. There are three different skill categories in AKC competitions: obedience, rally and agility. Jazzy has competed in obedience and rally. To earn a title, a dog must earn a minimum number of points from at least two different judges at three trials. When a dog

has qualified at three different trials, AKC sends a certificate indicating its new title.

Jazzy ranked nationally last year, which was her first year of showing, with all English Springer Spaniels and earned four AKC titles: Beginning Novice (BN), in which she placed fourth in the nation; Novice Obedience and the designation of Companion Dog (CD) in which she placed fifth in the nation; Rally Novice (RN) in which she placed ninth in the nation; and Rally Advanced (RA).

These suffixes appear on the dog’s title certificate to indicate titles won.

These accomplishments earned the pair an invitation to compete in the Rally Nationals in St. Louis, Missouri.

However, due to late arrival of her entry form (probably due to blizzards back east), they missed the deadline, so Hopkins and Jazzy will have to hope for next year.

Obedience trials demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified routines in the ring and emphasize the usefulness of the dog as a companion to man. All contestants in a class

are required to perform the same exercises in the same way so that the relative quality of the various performances may be compared and scored.

To give you an idea of the complexities mastered by dog and handler at the rally level, there might be as many as 20 different stations within a timed pattern set up by the judge, and patterns differ with each judge. A station designates an obedience maneuver for dog and handler, to be performed before moving on to the next station. There, other obstacles might challenge the dog, such as jumps, weaving in and out of cones, doing figure eights, etc. In Rally, handlers may use voice and/or hand signals to direct their dogs.

AKC dog trials are held all over the country throughout the year, but Hopkins tends to attend only those that are closer to home. The trials last between one and four days, and some competitors combine the shows with their vacations. The Grand Valley Kennel Club will host its annual event at the Mesa County Fairgrounds on September 24-27,

featuring all classes but agility.

Mixed breed dogs can now participate in AKC Traditional Obedience, Rally and Agility, but they must first be listed with the AKC as an “All American Dog” and receive an I.D. number in order to compete.

Hopkins shows her dogs for fun.

“Dogs have minds and need jobs and activities to motivate them and make their lives more fun, and the same goes for the handlers,” she said. “It gets me off the couch and outside every day, breathing the fresh air and getting lots of exercise.

A dog like Jazzy is a great motivator.”

She said she also likes participating in dog trials because of the camaraderie between exhibitors.

“We all root for each other, and win or lose, and we share our feelings because we’ve all been there,” she said.

For more information about the Grand Valley Kennel Club, call 234-6292 or visit www. grandvalleykennelclub.org. See more about the AKC at www.AKC.org. ■

Photos by Pat Martin

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AUGUST 2015

What should you do if your dog doesn’t like your date?

W

hat should you do if your dog doesn’t like your date?

If you’re single and in the market for romance, you probably know at least two things: Online dating is a viable and efficient way to find a potential partner, but dating sites cannot guarantee a perfect match.

While a third of all married couples started their romance online, including on social networks like Facebook, according to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, only 23 percent of those who went on a date through a match-making site say it resulted in a long-term relationship, according to the Pew Research Center.

“Really, that’s not a bad success rate. I imagine it beats the club scene,” said Kris Rotonda, founder and CEO of www.

YouMustLoveDogsDating.com, a website devoted to singles who’ve already found their canine companions, but have yet to find true human love. “Still, that’s a lot of scrolling and dating before you find the right one. I think it’s important to narrow the search by letting users start with what’s most important to them.”

Rotonda, who has four beloved dogs including one he’s had since age 8, said his commitment to his furry family became a problem in his dating life. He’s happy to report he has now found true love— she loves his dogs and they love her back.

What should you do if your dog doesn’t appear to like the new love interest in your life?

• So your dog reacted negatively to a girl or guy you really like.

Of course, if you love your dog, how he or she reacts matters. But he or she may be picking up on something that’s nonessential to the character of your date, who may be nervous, not used to dogs, or simply

wearing the wrong perfume or cologne that day. While dogs are very intuitive, realize that the chemistry can improve. Give it a little time and proactively look for ways to help your dog and your potential love interest relax and get to know each other.

• Different reactions can have different meanings. Did she bark for several minutes? Did he run and hide under the bed? If your dog barked in what sounded like a hostile or aggressive way, she’s likely just trying to protect you. While you may have had plenty of time to get to know your date over long dinners, he or she may still be a stranger to your dog. If your dog ran and hid, he may be afraid. That doesn’t necessarily mean that his fear reflects a real threat—something rotten about your new love interest.

What else was going on at the time?

If a plane was flying overhead or thunder rumbling outside, that may have been the source of anxiety.

Don’t try to pet or sweet talk your pet while he’s in hiding, as that will encourage the behavior. Instead, reward him when he emerges.

• Mending fences between your canine and human companion. When you are planning to re-introduce your dog to your date, start before they actually meet in person. This can be done by introducing the person’s scent with an unwashed article of clothing. You can also add your scent to the clothing by rubbing it on your arm and then placing in a spot where your dog spends a great deal of time. This will help your dog get used to the person’s scent over time and you are not introducing the person to your dog by invading all his senses at one time.

For help finding your perfect dog-loving match, sign up for an account at www.YouMustLoveDogs Dating.com. ■

AUGUST 2015

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You’d have to be crazy to not be concerned about Identity Theft.

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Utility scam revived

By Teresa Ambord

C

BS News reported last summer about a utility scam that was circulating. The caller claims to be from the utility provider or an affiliate. That way if you say, “but I don’t have utilities through that company, I pay XYZ Gas and Electric,” the con artist simply says, “Yes, but XYZ is our affiliate.”

This fraud may be more pronounced during high heat or high cold months, when many seniors already fear their utility bills might be out of control. Beware of notices and messages that seem to be from

your utility provider. I reported last summer that, after hearing utility costs were going to soar during the hot months, I got one of these fake notices by email, showing a billed amount four times what I expected. I almost bought the lie—until I contacted my utility provider and was reassured that the high bill was a fake.

If you get a threatening phone call or message about an unpaid heating bill and you suspect it might be bogus, do what I did and contact your utility provider directly, using a phone number you look up yourself. ■

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AUGUST 2015

A teacher’s confession

6 lessons her students taught her

By Jan Weeks

my “real” life easy and free.

chool bells will soon shrill across the valley, calling students to class. Teachers sometimes act as if school was separate from life, warning that the “real world” is immensely different from what kids experience in school. I always wondered why my school life wasn’t real because it sure seemed so at the time. I graduated from teachers’ college and found their caveat to be partly true, but as elementary, middle school, and high school students passed through my classrooms, I realized that school teaches lessons that apply to real life, too.

2. There are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes. Kids are notoriously shy about asking questions.

They don’t want to appear stupid.

They don’t believe that there are probably a dozen others who don’t know the answer and wish someone else would be brave enough to speak up.

I used to be afraid to show my ignorance, too. If I didn’t know an answer, I’d cower in the corner or bluff my way through, with sometimes awful results. Would my rudimentary Spanish stand up to a visit to Juarez? Or would they think I was just another stupid Americano?

Then I traveled through Europe alone, meeting many people who didn’t speak—or at least didn’t admit to speaking—English. I discovered that a dictionary and a willingness to make myself look foolish earned me new friends and excellent adventures.

3. Don’t take someone else’s word for it. Many teachers study the permanent folders and test results for each student. I never did. Within a week students would demonstrate their academic, mental and behavioral abilities much more accurately than any paperwork could measure. My first year teaching, David D., 15, walked into my English class. He was so small I thought he was a fourth grader. He came in quietly, did his work, got decent grades, and wrote amazing poetry. Another teacher told me that David had been bad since the day he started kindergarten. Couldn’t learn, couldn’t behave, a crook in the making. In such a small town (1,900 people) two kids having the same name was a real coincidence because they certainly weren’t talking about my David. Oops! Yes, they were. Those teachers, who had

S

1. There are no little people— unless you believe in leprechauns.

In my younger days, I felt superior to those who weren’t as smart as I thought I was. Plumbers and sales clerks weren’t nearly as important or interesting as pilots and doctors.

When my mom, an experienced teacher, told me to make friends with the janitor and the secretary on the first day, I was baffled.

Wasn’t the principal the one I had to impress? It didn’t take long to realize that snubbing the janitor makes getting things like hanging new map brackets and getting old windows unstuck take way longer than if I treat him as an equal. Ditto the secretary. Messages will slow to a crawl or disappear. And who do you think rules the copy machine?

And they turn out to be really interesting people whom I’m proud to know.

Everyone has a function. Plumbers who crawl into small, spider-filled spaces so that my toilet drains properly, the clerks who work Sundays and holidays so I can shop without having to plan ahead (Black Friday is a whole ’nother rant) and wait staff who serve me sauvignon blanc and smiles make

AUGUST 2015

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taught there for years, knew David was bad and stupid, and David lived down to their expectations. I had treated him like a normal student so he acted like a normal kid. If I had read his records, I would have expected poor behavior and inattention. Glad I didn’t waste my time.

Now that I’m grown, I still follow the same rule. Instead of believing gossip about someone or heeding a warning that So-and-so isn’t to be trusted/dated/believed, I choose to think the best of a person until he or she proves me wrong. Do people disappoint me? Sometimes. Do I get over it? Always.

4. Don’t hold a grudge. Each day has to be a new beginning for both you and your students. Shannon, a bigfor-his-age kid with eyes that had seen too much in 11 years, drove me nuts. I decided to have him removed from my classes. It would be a tremendous personal failure, but I’d had it.

The next morning, Shannon

Those teachers knew David was bad and stupid, and David lived down to their expectations. I had treated him like a normal student so he acted like a normal kid. slouched in his desk, putting in his time. Suddenly, instead of seeing a surly troublemaker, I recognized the angry, hurt preteen who wanted to be good but didn’t know how.

My own anger dropped away, and Shannon, somehow sensing my change in attitude sat up straighter.

From that moment on, we worked as a team, and I discovered a smart, charming child inside his sullen shell.

The same holds true now. Hanging on to a perceived wrong is like letting the offender live rent free in my head. I’d rather use the space for more constructive purposes.

to fifth grade self-contained to Job Corps 16- to 20-year-olds.

One colleague bragged that she’d taught first grade for 30 years.

Sounds to me like she taught one year 30 times.

I’ve bounced around to different jobs, too. Long-distance operator, heavy equipment operator, receptionist, waitress, surgical ward secretary, fly shop owner and fishing guide. Some called me a quitter; I called me curious. I’ve stuck with writing, a true vocation, along with editing and proofreading. All those jobs have given me a broad range of knowledge that I use in my work.

5. Don’t resist growing. I never spent more than two years in any classroom. I liked the challenge of moving from eighth grade English

6. Same book, different pages.

When I taught fifth grade, the math books were different editions with identical covers. I didn’t know there

was a problem until I assigned a lesson and several students couldn’t find the questions. We searched the books and finally found the page, but from then on we had to be aware that even though we were all in the same book, we couldn’t all be on the same page.

How many misunderstandings come about because we are on different pages in life’s book? Just because I have a human cover my interior may not be the same as yours. Religions, philosophies, and upbringings all affect our pages.

It’s up to us to find the ideas—and humanity—we have in common.

Yes, the real world may be slightly different than the scholastic one, but common threads run through both. Take those threads and weave a tapestry of color, texture, and pattern. Create your real world of joy. ■

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AUGUST 2015

Local dog trainer Teri Thomas smiles with her dogs Buster and Halo.

A trained dog is a happy dog

By Melanie Wiseman

T

eri Thomas has always had a passion for working with animals. She trained her first dog at the age of 8. After changing majors five times in college, she found her passion and began a 28-year career as a veterinary technician, before she began training dogs full time in 2010. As a certified professional dog trainer, Thomas, 55, has operated Angels In The Making out of the Business Incubator for five years and she loves every minute of it.

“A happier partnership between the owner and the dog is the premise of my business,” she said.

“My husband calls it interspecies communication. Humans and canines are two different species, yet as humans we try to treat them as humans and we get it wrong every time. My business is to teach people how to read dogs better, to understand what dogs are saying non-verbally because they are a non-verbal species.”

Thomas said that overwhelming dogs and getting mad will cause them to look away, waiting for you to cool down and talk to them in a calmer tone.

“You’re making a bad situation worse,” she said. “Instead of scolding to discipline, turn your back on them. They hate that. They like to see our faces. Ultimately the

goal is to catch them doing it right.

We’re always catching them doing it wrong.”

Thomas said dogs are just trying to figure things out. They are constantly taking notes because they want to get it right.

“Many problems between a dog and its owner are miscommunication problems,” she said. “The owner may feel the dog is not trainable and turn it into a shelter. If I can keep one more dog from being relinquished to the shelter because of behavior, that’s a big bonus for me.

That’s my goal really: to help people keep their dogs rather than give up on them.”

Thomas volunteers with Mesa County Animal Services, assessing the dogs and recommending methods to help the dogs become more adoptable.

Sometimes it’s about the dog and owner being unsuitably matched. In one situation, Thomas recognized outstanding abilities in a dog, Allie, which wasn’t a good fit for the owner. Therefore, she helped the owner find a new companion dog, and Allie is now a certified search and rescue dog with the San Francisco Fire Department.

Thomas’ training abides by the following guidelines: • Training alone won’t make a great dog. They need an equal balance

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of good training, good nutrition and adequate exercise.

• Dogs are intelligent and will make decisions about what behavior to perform in what situations. They simply do what works. Humans need to be consistent so the dog can figure out what consequences (both positive or negative) are attached to what behaviors.

• Leadership is everything. The dogs don’t want to be in charge, but they will take that position if they aren’t sure who is.

Thomas offers a flexible schedule of beginner to therapy dog-level classes in small group settings. Private sessions are also offered.

For more information, call Angels In The Making at 263-8634 or visit www.angelsinthemaking.com.

Training time is playtime Professional agility trainer Geoff Teare of K9 Powersports believes a happy dog is a motivated dog.

“Most dogs want a place, a purpose, something to do,” he said.

“They want to feel like they’re doing well.”

In 1999, a Papillon won the Westminster Dog Show, and the breed caught Teare’s attention. He got his first Papillon while living in southern California and started obedience training. The instructor suggested he try agility, and he was hooked.

Teare, 57, is now the only professional agility trainer between Denver and Salt Lake City, and he also has the only indoor training facility, located at 2578 I Road. It is heated and air-conditioned for year-round use, and has state-of-theart equipment. In 2014, he became licensed as an agility judge with the American Kennel Club, which is no easy feat.

“For the newcomers out there, dog agility is a team sport consisting of one dog negotiating a field of obstacles and one handler directing the dog,” he said.

Speed and accuracy create the winning combination.

“I was just like everyone else

when I started out,” he said. “I have a lot of patience with people because I was once there.”

Teare ran his first dog about two years before wanting a faster one.

“That’s when I got Sheena,” Teare said. “She’s 13 now and retired.”

You could wallpaper a large room with Sheena’s competition ribbons and eight championship awards.

Despite tough competition, Teare and his Papillons have had terrific success.

Nike, 8, has won three championships and Clipper, 4, is working on his first.

“It’s rare to have a dog that doesn’t benefit from agility,” Teare said. “Owners can see how much fun their dog is having and they learn right alongside them. It’s a bonding experience. The dogs are much happier, as they have a purpose and something to do.”

Dogs of any age can be distracted when they first start training.

“You’ve got to cut them slack,” Teare said. “I try to get the owners to loosen up. That’s the hardest part. After a few classes, the dogs understand that they have to pay attention and focus to get the rewards. By the end of the class

series, the dogs and owners have a better relationship.”

Teare trains with positive reinforcement, using a lot of praise and rewards, such as toys or special treats.

“I prefer a fun-filled, energetic class atmosphere, and firmly believe the more the dogs enjoy their training, the faster they will learn,” he said. “They consider training time playtime.”

Dog owners ranging in age from their teens and 20s to their mid 70s are taking time out of their lives to train their dogs at K9 Powersports.

“I can’t tell you how many people who come to my classes say it’s great motivation for them to lose a few pounds,” Teare said. “It takes about eight or nine months to go from the beginning class to the ending class and by then they are ready to go out and compete.”

Although the majority of his students go on to compete, it’s not a requirement. Teare said any kind of dog can do agility.

Small classes are offered for all levels. For more information, call K9 Powersports at 462-6660 or visit www.k9powersports.com. ■

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KP Powersports agility trainer Geoff Teare with his two dogs, Clipper, left, and Nike, right.

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AUGUST 2015

Mesa County Club Activities • Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the second Thursday at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org.

• Western Slope Coin Club, meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247.

Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit www. gjcoinshow.com.

• Two River Sams, Good Sam RV Club, meets at noon on August 15.

For location, call 523-5625.

• Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388.

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670.

• Happy Feet Rounds offers basic choreographed ballroom dancing at 5 p.m. (beginners) and 6:30 p.m. (intermediate) Sundays at the Masonic Center, and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Mondays (phase 3 and 4 dancers). Call 2435858.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church.

Call 245-8817 or 523-5965.

• Grand Valley Woodturners meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesdays at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632.

• Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B in Grand Junction. Call 2433598 or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org.

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AUGUST 2015

• Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312.

• Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874.

• Western Colorado Decorative Artists meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751.

• Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome.

Call 434-0868.

• Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at 7:10 a.m. Tuesdays at St. Mary’s Life Center. Call 242-4863.

• Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays at the Business Incubator Center. Call 250-3969.

• Western Slope Rovers RV Club meets monthly at the Egg and I for breakfast on the first Thursdays. Call 858-3907 for time and details.

• High Desert Diamonds is a plus-level square dance club that dances from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Masonic Center. Call 241-7457.

• Cribbage Lite meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at City Market Deli, 200 Rood Ave., for a six-game tournament. Call 270-2433.

• Vestafjell Lodge of the Sons of Norway will celebrate their annual Viking Day from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. August 9 at Hawthorn Park. Noted Scandinavian history experts, Tom Sorensen and Roric will present “Women Living in Viking Times.” Call 245-5649. ■ ■

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AUGUST 6 Didgeridoo Down Under outdoor concert Don’t miss the Didgeridoo Down Under outdoor concert at 6:30 p.m. in the east lot of the Mesa County Libraries’ Central Library in Grand Junction.

Didgeridoo Down Under is a high-energy, family oriented, Australia-themed entertainment program, featuring the music of the didgeridoo. The show combines music, culture, science, puppetry, comedy, character building, and reading motivation for kids and their families. The performance is free and ice cream refreshments will be available. For details, call 683-2437.

AUGUST 6 Dr. Robert, Beatles tribute band Dr. Robert is not your everyday Beatles tribute band, marking a new generation and bringing a thoroughly modern sound and feel to the Fab Four’s classics. The band is quickly becoming respected for its extended, high-energy sets, including everything from “Please Please Me” to “Abbey Road.” No two shows are ever the same. Tickets cost $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave. in Grand Junction. For details and to purchase tickets, call 241-8801, ext. 201.

AUGUST 8 Hear It Through the Grapevine: Stray Grass Stray Grass will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Grande River Vineyards as part of the Hear It Through the Grapevine concert series. Proceeds benefit Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner, but no outside beverages are permitted. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 in advance and are available at Grande River Vineyards, Fisher’s Liquor Barn and Roper Music.

AUGUST 14 & 15 Palisade Peach Festival The Palisade Peach Festival takes place from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Park in Palisade. New this year are carnival rides in addition to an abundance of peaches and peach-infused foods, such as pie, ice cream, preserves, salsa, brandy and wine. Each year, there are cooking demos and a peach-eating contest to help facilitate the consumption of as many peaches as possible while they’re still fresh and tasty. For more information, visit www.palisadepeachfest.com.

AUGUST 17 & 20 The Dementia Whisperer: Laura Wayman Is someone you know impaired by dementia? Are you confused by their symptoms, personality changes or behaviors? This program is designed with you in mind. Comfort Keepers offers two free presentations, featuring best-selling author Laura Wayman, as a community service to support caregivers, family members and others who are caring for someone with dementia. Presentations take place from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. August 17 at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. August 20 at Grand Villa Assisted Living, 2680 N. 15th St. Presentations are free but seating is limited. Call 241-8818 to reserve your spot.

AUGUST 19 Caregiver’s Toolbox Conference The 15th annual Caregiver’s Toolbox Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on August 19 at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 512 29 ½ Rd in Grand Junction. The featured keynote speaker will be Jane W. Barton, who will be speaking on resilience in her presentation called “Got bounce? Exploring the process of resilience.” Space is limited to the first 150 registrants. Cost is $5 and includes the keynote luncheon, sessions, vendors and materials. To register, dial 2-1-1 or call 244-8400.

AUGUST 2015

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AUGUST 20 Guitarist Ottmar Liebert in concert Five-time Grammy nominee Ottmar Liebert, accompanied by Luna Negra, will present his Spanish-influenced classical/flamenco guitar music in a concert under the stars at 7:30 p.m. at Devil’s Kitchen Picnic Area on the Colorado National Monument. Liebert describes his music as instrumental nouveau flamenco. Seating is limited. Tickets are $55 and are available from City Market stores and online at www.ticketswest. com. Admission into the east entrance of the park is waived for ticket holders.

Prior to the concert, Museum of Western Colorado staff will give a historical presentation on John Otto. For details, call 216-4596.

AUGUST 20 Code workshop at Off the Shelf Solve ciphers and crack codes as part of Crystal Books’ Off the Shelf series during the farmers market. Jan Weeks, author of “The Centerville Code,” an interactive children’s mystery reminiscent of the Hardy Boys, will teach a mini code workshop at 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Crystal Books, 439 Main St. in Grand Junction.

golf tournament will be held at 7:30 a.m. at Tiara Rado Golf Course, 2057 S. Broadway in Grand Junction. Entry fee is $67, which includes green fees, coffee and pastry bar, plus lunch.

Return your entry form and check by August 15 (no refunds after this date).

To download an entry form, visit www. golfgrandjunction.net and look for Ladies’ Invitational Flyer. For details, call 234-8834.

AUGUST 23 An Evening Under The Stars Wells Fargo’s 23rd annual “An Evening Under The Stars,” featuring the Centennial Band and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, will be at 7 p.m. at Stocker Stadium. Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets. For details, call 243-6787.

SEPTEMBER 2 Los Lonely Boys Don’t miss Los Lonely Boys at 7:30 p.m. at James M. Robb Colorado River State Park in Fruita. Concerts are free but space is limited. Tickets are required and are available at all City Markets. No parking fee for cars containing four or more people. Cars with fewer pay $7. Call 683-4333. ■

AUGUST 21 Tiara Rado Ladies Invitational Golf Tournament The Tiara Rado Ladies’ Invitational

Gate opens at 6:30 p.m. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. rain or shine!

Dinner, wine, soda, & bottled water offered for sale NO Outside Beverages Permitted (Complimentary Water Available) TICKET OUTLETS Grande River Vineyards, Fisher’s Liquor Barn & Roper Music Kids 12 and under FREE Bring a chair and a picnic, but please leave pets at home.

Enjoy an evening of great music, great wine and great views while supporting great causes!

All concert proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.

Bring your friends and join us!

GRANDE RIVER VINEYARDS 787 N. Elberta Avenue Palisade, CO 81526 (Off I-70 at Exit 42) granderiverwines.com 970.464.5867 PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Did you know the BEACON has a Facebook page?

Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

River City Singles

AUGUST 2015 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!”

Calling all singles over 50! Come meet new friends and join us at 5 p.m. Fridays at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive.

Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - Dine out at the following locations every week.

Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

August 5 - Red Robin • August 12 - Chili’s • August 19 - Applebee’s • August 26 - Pantuso’s •

See the world with Friendship Force Western Colorado Friendship Force members recently traveled abroad, beginning their journey visiting Friendship Force members on the Isle of Wight.

Their second destination was Vienna, Austria, a city rich in culture, then to Dubrovnik, Croatia. Friendship Force International provides opportunities for people to explore the world and create lasting friendships by participating in exchanges between clubs in different parts of the world. Interested in traveling with FFI? Contact Sue Palmer at 241-9122 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org.

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday and card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Saturday, August 1 at noon - Enjoy billiards, games of pool and lunch at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Call Mary at 255-7370.

Thursday, August 13 at 11:30 a.m. - The Fun Lunch Bunch meets for a winery tour.

RSVP to Penny at 712-2588.

Saturday, August 15 at 10 a.m. - Paint and drink mimosas at the Art Bar, 205 Colorado Ave. Arrive at 9:45 a.m. RSVP to Janice at 433-7108 or 261-9114.

Thursday, August 20 at 6 p.m. - Restaurant Rove to Garfield’s.

RSVP to John at 241-3171.

August 22-28 - Western Colorado Senior Games- Register at Grand Junction Parks and Recreation by August 7.

40 MESA COUNTY

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Mesa County Beacon Bits

Five Light’s Pet Crematory

Redlands Area Farmers Market With the recent closure of Safeway in the Redlands, community neighbors of Redlands United Methodist Church (particularly seniors) no longer have easy access to neighborhood shopping. To fill this void and to provide support to our local farming community, Redlands UMC, 527 Village Way, will host a farmers market from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. each Wednesday through September 16. For more information, call 245-1478.

End of life services for all animals.

We treat your animal with tenderness, respect and love.

970-858-9062 1072 21 ½ Road

Grand Juction, CO 81505 Bring this ad in for 10% off an upgraded urn or cremation.

(Exp. 12/31/2015)

AUGUST 2015

Archaeology class Archaeology in Colorado will be hosted by the Grand Junction chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society on October 17-18. Cost is $20. To register and for more information, visit www.historycolorado.org or call or text 260-7031.

Wow Only $ 195 per YEAR!*

*Seniors 65 years & older

FREE In-home assessment ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

Insulate ▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼▼

ThE SoluTion May bE SiMplE noT ExpEnSivE Jim schooley, owner-operator. over 35 years of experience. bbb a+ Rating Licensed and Insured. Serving the Grand Valley.

Properly installed blown-in attic insulation: • Saves money on annual cooling and heating costs • Eliminates hot and cold areas in your home • Makes living in your home more comfortable year-round

Grand Valley home Insulation 970-640-3908

New provider of American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training As a newly authorized provider, the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (WCAHEC) is proud to join with the American Red Cross to share in its long tradition of providing high-quality education that saves lives. WCAHEC now offers basic CPR and First Aid training, along with instruction for professional nurses and medical practitioners. The next CPR/ First Aid course is planned from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. August 19 at 743 Horizon Ct., Suite 204 in Grand Junction. To register, call 434-5474, ext. 3.

The Giving Club adds male counterpart: Guys’ Giving Club Mesa County’s newest philanthropic organization, The Giving Club, has completed its first full year, with its all-female membership, awarding more than $45,000 to local nonprofits. The group also announces the initiation of a new and parallel effort: Guys’ Giving Club. A simple nominating process considers three nonprofit organizations at each quarterly meeting of The Giving Club, with the full membership voting to determine one agency to receive all contribu-

tions. Club members pledge to make four $100 tax-deductible contributions each year, and also kick in $25 per meeting for hospitality. For more information, visit www.gjgivingclub. org or call 260-6140. To contact the Guys’ Giving Club, call 243-8829.

Join Arbor Day Foundation, receive 10 Blue Spruce trees Everyone who joins the Arbor Day Foundation in August with a $10 donation will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees through the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

The trees will be shipped postpaid between October 15 and December 10, depending on the right time for planting in each member’s area. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. To receive the trees, send a $10 membership contribution to: Ten Free Blue Spruces, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by August 31, 2015, or join online at www.arborday.org/august.

Lifelong learning institute launches for adults over 50 After a successful pilot program last spring, New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute will commence regular sessions this fall with a variety of non credit courses for area residents who are over 50 years old. Fall, winter and spring sessions are slated, and a $50 membership fee for each session entitles participants to enroll in any number of the classes offered. Interested persons can sign up to receive class descriptions and registration information by emailing newdimensionsgj@gmail.com. Only those on the email list will be eligible to enroll for the fall session. Registration for the session is expected to begin August 28 with classes starting September 21. For more information, call 314-9911.

Explorer’s Bible Study This group of women will meet from 9:30 a.m.-11:15 p.m. every Wednesday, beginning August 12 at Redlands Community Church, 2327 Broadway

AUGUST 2015

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

in Grand Junction. Explorer’s is open to all women in the Grand Valley. We will be studying Acts this year. Childcare is provided. For more information, call 257-7726.

Mantey Heights receives national quality award Mantey Heights Rehabilitation & Care Centre in Grand Junction is the 2015 recipient of the bronze Commitment to Quality award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The award is the first of three distinctions through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The program honors centers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Mantey Heights Rehabilitation was one of 545 centers to receive the bronze level award. The award will be presented to Mantey Heights during AHCA/NCAL’s 66th annual convention and exposition on October 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas.

We believe that a memorial should be a reflection of a life lived.

This is why Dan Carlson, artist and owner, has been customizing memorials since 1976. Every memorial is designed, engraved and installed by our craftsmen to insure the highest quality from start to completion.

It is our commitment to assist you and your family during this difficult time and hope to ease the experience with kind, compassionate professionalism.

We are honored to help you select the appropriate memorialization that will last through the ages for someone special. Your memorial will serve as a source of historical record for future generations.

hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 to 5:00 For your convenience, Evening and Weekend Appointments

7th St

Rood Ave Main St Colorado Ave Ute Ave Pitkin Ave South Ave

CARLSON MEMORIALS, INC. 237 South Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

5th St

Fax: 970.256.1667 engraving@carlsonmemorials.com www.carlsonmemorials.com

340

6th St

Phone: 970.242.7264

ay

hw

Hig

4th St

Downtown Grand Junction

Ouray Ave Grand Ave

3rd St

237 South Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 East of Amtrak Station

2nd St

Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839.

• Mesa County SOS needs volunteer drivers to give seniors rides to grocery shopping, pharmacy and medical visits once a week. SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746.

• HopeWest seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. Volunteering can be as simple as one hour a month.

Call 623-8816 for details.

• Operation Interdependence invites you to write notes for deployed troops around the world. They are also in need of Slim Jims, beef jerky, gum, snack bars, Chapstick, toothbrushes, etc. Call 523-4217 for dropoff location.

• St. Mary’s Foster Grandparents seeks volunteers to work with children in Mesa County and Delta County schools. Volunteers mentor kids in classrooms under supervision of a certified teacher. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a non-taxable hourly stipend, mileage reimbursement, annual wellness exam and other great benefits. Call Tanya at 298-9091.

• American Cancer Society needs volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to treatment appointments.

Call 800-227-2345. ■

The Hands that Tell Life’s Stories in Stone

1st St

Support groups • Mending Hearts Support Group is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Fruita group meets at the Fruita Civic Center. Call 248-8844.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and for adults who have a mental illness diagnosis. Groups meet at various times in Mesa County. Call 462-3989.

• The Fruita Group is for family members and meets monthly from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at Family Health West Nursing Home, 228 N. Cherry St. • Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315.

• Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to

bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The group meets monthly at 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Call 434-3822.

• MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café.

Call 298-2351 for details.

• MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly on the third Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon at the Artful Cup. Call 2418975.

• MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Wednesdays at The Egg & I. Call 241-8975.

MESA COUNTY 41

42 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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AUGUST 2015

Crossword Puzzle $

25 off 00

any service over $120.00

August 22nd • 10 am - 3 pm Dinosaur Journey Museum 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita

An event for all ages!

Jurassic-themed educational activities and good old “prehistoric” fun!

50th Adults/$6 • Children/$4 • Family of 4/$20 1965 - 2015

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With support from:

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Dinosaur Day and Feast of Skulls are brought to you by:

F SK O U ST

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www.museumofwesternco.org

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For event details and Feast of Skulls tickets

FE

Celebrating 50 Years

Community Hospital Enstrom Candies • Jerry Hamilton Impact Promotions • Suds Bros

22 • 6:3 0

-

Dress in your best Jurassic Chic attire and enjoy dinner, drinks, auctions, musical entertainment

by Rockestra, and dancing under the stars! $100/Individual; $150/Couple

Across 1 Musical symbol 5 Child or Puck, e.g.

9 Deity ­worshiped as “The Destroyer” 14 The 29th state 15 Blast furnace sound 16 Exhibit ­supporter 17 Form an opinion 18 Something to grow on 19 American novelist Cather 20 Shadow 23 Asset for Tina Turner 24 Kind of duck 25 Cautiously 28 Unusually intelligent 30 Muscat’s milieu 34 TV’s “___ Smith and Jones’ 35 Basket-maker’s ­willow 37 Elton John song 38 Shadow 41 ATC’s point 42 Explosives ingredient 43 Encum­brances 44 John Reed film bio 46 Coach Shula 47 William Kidd, for one 48 Hand wringer’s feeling 50 Direction from Eden?

51 Shadow 58 Indepen­dently 59 Muscal McEntire 60 Watch part 62 Ointment 63 “I second that!”

64 Cloudy 65 Completely unfamiliar 66 Indicates yes, in a way 67 Your family is part of one Down 1 Massenet’s “Le ___” 2 Juilliard cofounder 3 Large jug 4 Hereditary 5 Rocky 6 First word in magic 7 Dodge City lawman 8 Ukulele ­feature 9 Made a dress 10 Coiffure 11 Presque ___ , Maine 12 The Sail (southern constel­lation) 13 Contro­versial ­pesticide 21 Wrestling hold 22 Eagles’ hit “___ California”

25 Thin ­cracker 26 Mervyn Peake novel “Titus ___” 27 Got one’s goat 28 Gray 29 Marina ­feature 31 She was jilted by Jason 32 Secret one 33 From Bergen 35 Preminger or Graham 36 Dog topper 39 Dentist’s request 40 Like some alibis?

45 Deviate 47 Praiseful songs 49 Time and again 50 Slackened 51 What Castro calls home?

52 1995 ­hurricane 53 West African republic 54 Mediter­ranean port 55 Temp’s pad 56 Get closer to 57 Knock for a loop 61 Salinger’s grain

AUGUST 2015

REAL ESTATE 43

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

senior living in a parklike setting Friendly  Affordable  Safe Convenient  Comfortable

RIO VISTA MOBILE HOME PARK BEAUTIFULLY SHADED lot available in Palisade’s premium 55+ mobile home community. Ideal for a singlewide modular home. Ph: 464-7798 for details.

GOT M ATURE LIS TINGS?

nellie Bechtel senior apartments 245-1712 • 3032 North 15th Street

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE NORTH

Are you looking to attract senior BUYERS or SELLERS in Mesa County?

Come tour our

5-star manufactured home community.

Peaceful walk paths, beautiful views, community garden and lots of amenities. This land leased community is very affordable and has all you need. Your choice of home sites and various floor plans available or relocate your existing home to our community. Relocation incentives offered. All homes are owner occupied. Families welcome.

Homes starting in the $40ks. Pet friendly.

Your Summer Patio is Waiting for You!

ADVERTISE YOUR LISTING HERE! 2488 Fountainhead Blvd.

Custom home shows attention to detail.

• 3 bd/3 bath, over 3000 sq.ft. Several decks.

• 3 car detached garage, plenty of RV parking.

• On 8/10 of an acre, No HOA! Room for shop.

•

$399,900 Heath & Company Realtors/Metro Brokers

Special promotions for Registered Realtors®

Call 243-8829.

Beacon@pendantpublishing.com www.BeaconSeniorNews.com The right community.

Hal Heath 970-250-9515

A MAN WITH NOTHING HAS EVERYTHING TO PROVE.

SUNDAYS 9PM

(970) 434-8193 435 32 Rd. Grand Junction Open: Mon.-Sat. 8:30-5:00 www.midlandsvillage.com

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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To Place a Classified Ad...

3 EASY STEPS!  Write your ad: ....................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

CLASSES BRING OUT THE ARTIST IN YOU! Private painting classes. Please call 256-0676.

FOR SALE FITNESS ELLIPTICAL MACHINE Octain Fitness Q37. Retails for $2500, asking $1000 OBO. This machine was named the #1 Fitness Machine of the Year. Price includes delivery! 361-6752.

...........................................................................................................................

TWO BURIAL PLOTS in the older section of the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. $1200 each or $2000 for both. Call 434-7980 before 9 p.m.

...........................................................................................................................

HELP WANTED

...........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

Start running my ad in the month of .....................................................................

For this many months ...................... deadline :

20th of the preceding month

 Pay for it: Rates: $29 for 30 words or less. Additional words $1 each.

 cash

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 Send it in:

 credit card # ............................................................... name on card ............................................................... exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 fax: 1 800 536-7516 email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

name ..................................................................................................................... address................................................................................................................. city ........................................................... state ..................zip ............................. telephone number ....................................................................

QUESTIONS? Call us M-TH, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

WENDY’S NOW HIRING! Shift supervisors and crew members. We are looking for smiling faces and positive attitudes. We offer competitive pay, discounts and a great working environment. Full-time and part-time employment available. Please apply at your nearest location in Grand Junction.

JANITORIAL Experienced supervisor, commercial cleaning. Individuals, teams, husbands and wives, retirees, seniors. Evenings and weekends.

Part-time. Please call 255-0525, M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Junction residents only please.

sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

AUGUST 2015

HOME CARE PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

www.pascosw.com

HOME SERVICES COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CLEANING BY KayDee the Cleaning Lady. Dependable, Efficient & Insured. Please call for References! KayDee at 970-6234722 (cell) or 970-241-1270 (office).

PO Box 394, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

HOUSE CLEANING & MORE! Safe and secure small animal pet sitting. Your home – Grand Junction/Clifton area. Call for current openings. References available.

Discounts for seniors. Call Benni at 241-2611.

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter!

Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

GIRL FRIDAY Housecleaning, cooking, laundry, yard work, in-home hair styling (licensed), errand running and minor home repairs in the Mesa County area. Please call 256-0676.

RELIABLE ESTATE SALES Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one?

Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net.

AUGUST 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 45

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES Grab bars. Walk-in tubs/showers.

Licensed plumber/handyman. Serving Western Colorado since 1989.

Free estimates. Compare and save!

985-1403.

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.

TREE SERVICE Get ready for summer – Tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding.

FREE hauling, boom truck to 85 feet, FREE estimates. Licensed and insured. Chris 260-0222.

SKILLED HANDYMAN SERVICES Fast, reliable handyman services available. No job too big or too small. We are licensed and insured and have over 35 years’ experience.

We are ADA (Special Needs), CAPS (Aging in Place) and NHBA (National Home Builders Association) certified to meet your individual needs. All services include carpentry, plumbing, electrical and misc. services. Western Interior Builders, LLC. Call 241-2029 for appointment.

FLOORING – GREAT SCOTT’S Hardwood Floors. Installs, sand and refinish, residential, commercial, sports floor installation and stripping. Remote? No electricity? Not a problem! 25 years experience.

433-3539.

PROPERTY CARETAKER Mature trustworthy woman will take care of your private residence, inside and out, in exchange for rent.

References available. Please call 256-0676.

WANTED TO BUY CASH Paid for Old Stuff Wind-up men’s wrist/pocket watches, gold and silver jewelry, pocket/hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amps, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff.net.

Mark 260-2327.

USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, Romance, Mysteries, Suspense, Kids, Young Adult, Inspirational, and many others. Large print. Special orders.

242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit** COLLECTIONS & ESTATES VFW Vet collecting any WWI & WWII military knives, swords, bayonets, helmets, ammo, etc. Also paying CASH for any coins, silver, gold jewelry as well as entire estates, big or small. Avoid the hassle of a yard sale. Call 201-6117 for offer.

WANTED OLD HISTORICAL ITEMS: Mining, Military, Swords, Helmets, Western, Spurs, Early Colorado, Police & Fire Badges, Advertising, Porcelain Signs, Toys, Odd and Unusual. 424-5024.

COMPANION CARE ASSISTED COMPANION CARE Are you a senior woman who would enjoy living in a safe, affordable and happy home environment? Your family will appreciate peace of mind knowing you are not alone. Private suite in upper middle class smokefree home. Heart healthy meals.

Your choice of activities. Transportation. Your pet is welcome. Call Sylvia at 596-1408 for further information.

NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS AUGUST 2015 AUTO SALES OR AUTO DONATIONS Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible.

Call 1-800-656-1632

Life Alert. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone!

FREE Brochure. CALL 800-309-8027

AUTO’S WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED! Top $$$$$ PAID! Running or Not, All Years, Makes, Models. Free Towing! We’re Local!

7 Days/Week. Call Toll Free: 1-888-416-2330

Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-491-6053

GET CASH TODAY for any car/truck. I will buy your car today. Any Condition. Call 1-800-864-5796 or www. carbuyguy.com BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY $500-$1000 Daily Returning Phone Calls! No Selling, No Explaining! Not MLM! Call 1-800-725-2415 HEALTH **SUMMER SPECIAL** VIAGRA 40x (100 mg) +16 “Double Bonus” PILLS for ONLY $119.00. NO PRESCRIPTION Needed! Credit / Debit Required. 1-888-386-8074 www. newhealthyman.com Satisfaction Guaranteed!!

HEALTH & FITNESS VIAGRA 100MG and CIALIS 20mg! 40 Pills + 10 FREE. SPECIAL $99.00 100% guaranteed. FREE Shipping! 24/7 CALL NOW! 1-888-223-8818 HEALTH/MEDICAL VIAGRA 100mg or CIALIS 20mg 40 tabs +10 FREE all for $99 including FREE, Fast and Discreet SHIPPING. 1-888836-0780 or Metro-Meds.NET Viagra 100mg/Cialis 20mg, 44 Pills/+4 Free. Only $99.00. No prescription Needed! Save $500 Now! Call Today 1-888-797-9029 CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS. Get FAA approved maintenance training at campuses coast to coast. Job placement assistance. Financial Aid for qualifying students. Military friendly. Call AIM 888-686-1704 MISCELLANEOUS CASH FOR CARS: All Cars/Trucks Wanted. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Any Make/Model.

Call For Instant Offer: 1-800-864-5960 CASH PAID for unexpired, sealed DIABETIC TEST STRIPS! 1 DAY PAYMENT & PREPAID shipping. HIGHEST PRICES! Call 1-888-776-7771. www.Cash4DiabeticSupplies.com DIVORCE, ETC. $240-$550* Covers Children, etc. *Excludes govt. fees! For a Local Office, Call 1-215-7178499, Ext. 400 or 1-888-498-7075, Ext. 500 BAYCOR & ASSOCIATES Established 1973 Dish Network. Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.)

PLUS Bundle & SAVE (Fast Internet for $15 more/ month.) CALL 1-800-240-0859

Make a Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call NOW: Call 1-877-737-9447 18+ Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal.Approved by Arthritis Foundation.

Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included.

Call 800-980-6076 for $750 Off. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800290-8321 to start your application today!

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s.

Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg.

And Gibson Mandolins/Banjos. 1-800-401-0440 YOUNG READERS – Find the magic of farm life in this wonderful children’s book. Check out Richard the Donkey and His LOUD, LOUD Voice at www.RichardTheDonkey.com WANTED TO BUY Cash for unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS or STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, Best Prices & 24 hr payment! Call 1-855-440-4001 www.TestStripSearch.com Want To Purchase Minerals And Other Oil/Gas Interests.

Send Details To: PO Box 13557, Denver CO 80201.

REAL ESTATE Tennessee Lakefront Community, OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE, beautiful lake and mountain views, private marina, starting at $24,900 call 1-877-513-8015 for more information 20 to 40 Acres, $0 Down From $128/mo. Owner Financing. Money Back Guarantee Near El Paso, TX Beautiful Mountain Views FREE Color Brochure Call Now 1-800-939-2654

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAW Win...No Award / No Fee

Applications/Hearings/Appeals Immediate Access to Experienced Personnel

We Strive For Quick Claim Approval Free Consultation CALL TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE HELP!

(800) 290-8321

All Cases Considered

Bill Gordon & Associates is a nationwide practice limited to representing clients before the Social Security Administration. Bill Gordon is a member of the Texas & New Mexico Bar Associations. The attorneys at Bill Gordon & Associates work for quick approval of every case. Results in your case will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your claim.

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

Buying for CASH! • Coins & Coin Collections • Gold & Silver Coins • Old Currency • Foreign Coins & Currency • Pocket Watches • Sterling silver • Gold & Silver Jewelry • Antiques • Guns and Ammunition • Military Items • Cowboy Spurs • Native American Items

Check with US before you sell!

We Have Over 40 Years Experience Buying and Selling Professionally.

Paying $14 per gram and up for Scrap Gold!

Open: Monday-Friday, 10-5

North Avenue Coins 1005 North 12th Street, Suite 211 Grand Junction, CO 81501

970-261-8368

There’s A New Prosthodontist In Town!

I served in the United States Air Force where I polished my skills and learned the value of self-sacrifice and service.

As a prosthodontist, I primarily deal with the replacement of missing or worn teeth. Whether it’s just one or all 32 of them, I can help you achieve a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile. And remember, it’s important to get your dentures checked annually!

Having 4 kids, I know what it’s like to want the best for the ones you love. That’s why it’s not just about teeth. It’s about providing the best care in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

So, come on over, get to know us, and leave feeling like one of the family! *Dr. Atwood is the only Prosthodontist in the Western Slope of Colorado.

ATWOOD PROSTHODONTICS Jake R. Atwood DMD, MS

241-2430

AUGUST 2015

kudos \ ku·dos

 “We really enjoyed the Riders in the Sky concert. Even our great grandson, Devin, thought they were really good!”- Karen J., Grand Junction  “Just wanted to express my appreciation for a well-written cover article by Jan Weeks and a great cover photo by Katherine Lopez in the July BEACON Senior Newspaper. Now I just have to convince my body that it’s ageless.”

- Dave Schlosser, Grand Junction

 “Thank you for the July article on Carlson Memorials, Inc. and Dan and I. After 39 years in business, it is really nice to see that what you try to do is recognized.”

- Kaye Carlson, Carlson Memorials, Inc.

 “My husband and I went to the celebration of the Roller Dam in Palisade in June. Before the speeches began, I noticed quite a few people reading the excellent historical article on the dam in the BEACON Senior Newspaper. Of course, I picked up a copy, too, and thoroughly enjoyed reading that article and many other well-written and informative articles. I was happy to see the graphics were also quite good. Great job on the paper!”- Cheryl C., Rifle Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment?

Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

kvetch \ kfech

 I recently picked up a copy of the Mesa County edition of The Beacon while on a

I’m Jake R. Atwood and although I am new to town, I am not new to Prosthodontics.

1317 N 3rd Street

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Grand Junction

shopping trip to Grand Junction. I had already perused the same issue obtained here in Montrose. I knew that you had separated the issues by county some time ago for advertising reasons, I believe. Never did I dream how we southern inhabitants were being so short changed. In addition to missing the classic crossword puzzle, we are missing half the stories and articles as well. The Mesa County edition is far better, more complete, and meatier than the Montrose/Delta copy. In short, it is like the old Beacon I miss so much.

To compound this injustice there is a thriving black market springing up, dealing in Beacon newspapers. A man sidled up to me in the supermarket the other day and mumbled, “Wanna buy a GJ Beacon?” I thought he said, “Gee, your diaper’s leakin’.” Such incidents are becoming increasingly common as befuddled, bored seniors cruise further afield looking for the “real deal”—the “good stuff.”

A couple days ago I heard my neighbor, Earl (not his real name), banging and grinding in his garage, so I hobbled over to have a look. Good grief, he’d hollowed out a cavity under the seat of his Rascal scooter, and said he could stuff 12 or 13 copies of the thicker Mesa Beacon in there and make good money working the crowd at the 4:30 Early Bird Buffet.

“Think of your family, Earl,” I implored him, “your grandchildren.”

“Who ya think brings me these papers every month? They’re shaking me down for 5 percent. I’m in too deep to get out now.”

Families torn apart. Oh, the impending calamity.

This crisis has spawned gangs: The Blue Hairs, The Rollin’ Slowlies, and the Eh?Whats, all trying to augment their meager pension by overloading used Subarus, covering the immense stack of illicit newsprint with an innocent looking hand-knit afghan and heading off down Highway 50. Many don’t make it.

The State Patrol has noted more bent walkers, broken canes and dented oxygen bottles cluttering the roadside at the Mesa-Delta county line. All evidence of Beacon deals gone bad. Somebody is going to chip a partial plate if this mischief keeps up.

Please, I beg you, restore some stories, the crossword puzzle. Even some ads for varicose veins would bring welcome relief. We down here in the hinterlands suffer from those big-city maladies, too. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a delivery to make.

-Charles Gross, Montrose

AUGUST 2015

47

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

PARTING SHOTS Bottom: Bank of Colorado Employees get together with Kahuna Beach Party Band at the Meet & Greet.

Right: Kahuna Beach Party - Tanya & Bruce Marvin kick up their heels.

Top Left: Nightingale's Home Care’s 10th anniversary party. From left to right, Sue Palmer, Robin Bradbury, Janet Walker (owner) and Sonja Patterson. Top Right: Jay and Jessica Empson, and BEACON Publisher Kevin VanGundy also took part in the celebration Bottom Right: Sara and Dustin Andrews with Elite Care At Home, lift a local pint in congratulating their friend Janet.

If you would like to see your photos in the BEACON email them to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com