August 2020

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado

AUGUST 2020

Dive into your passion Patty Deters’ rediscovered love of swimming changed her life

Events are coming back! See what’s happening in Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties starting on page 44

26

Opposing viewpoints: To mask or not to mask?

28

Tactile Traveler: New podcast for the sight-impaired traveler

We have the personal protective equipment and protocols in place to ensure your safety from COVID-19

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970-242-7356 4 | AUGUST 2020 | WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM 2825 Patterson Road

970-245-1211 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive

IN THIS ISSUE

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication AUGUST 2020 | Volume 33 | Issue 8

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Managing Editor Cloie Sandlin Multimedia Editor Lauren Berg Graphic Designers Chrissy Martin B. Bigler Office Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Executives Debra Romaniec Siggie Carpenter Melodie Simon Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Cora Gentry Lauren VanGundy JR Milner

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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email:

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 and Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2020 • All Rights Reserved

10

On the Cover

30

7 Editor’s Column

35 Talking Digital

8 Cover Story Diving in: Patty Deters reclaims her life

36 Finance: Is the CARES package a gift or a trap?

10 Ray of sunshine: Local facilities carefully reopen to family visits

38 Business Spotlight: Vivax Pros

13 Ask the Old Bag: The pandemic took my job!

14 Healthy Geezer 15 Dear Pharmacist: Excellent options for tension headaches 16 5 alternatives to meniscus surgery 17 Go, you chicken fat, go!

18 Laughing Matters 21 Boomer Beat: Be a role model 22 Alive & Digging: Canning? Yes, you can!

24 Deprivations are nothing new 26 To mask or not to mask?

30 “Travel” with virtual tours 32 Artist profile: Judy Rogan 34 Faith: “Selfish bastards!”

Steve Fullerton and his dog, Georgia, look over the Grand Valley while hiking Ribbon Trail in the Bangs Canyon Management Area near Grand Junction.

Patty Deters learned to love herself again after diving into swimming.

22

Photo by Donna Fullerton

40 Adventure in the great outdoors: Learn about our conservation areas 42 The end of the ironing age 44 Mesa County 44 Calendar 46 Clubs & Activities 48 Beacon Bits 49 Question of the Month 50 Support Groups 52 Montrose & Delta Counties 52 Calendar 54 Clubs & Activities 55 Question of the Month 56 Beacon Bits 58 Fun & Games 60 Classifieds 62 Combat obesity: Order off the kids’ menu

D E L E C N A

COLORADO’S LARGEST BOOMER & SENIOR FAIR

C

Due to COVID-19 safety restrictions, our biannual senior celebration was looking less and less like the BeaconFest we know and why we’ve made the difficult decision 2020 love. That’s 2020 to cancel our 2020 BeaconFests in Grand Junction and Montrose.

GRAND JUNCTION MONTROSE/DELTA Mark your calendars for next year’s shows!

AUGUST 19

SEPTEMBER 17

• Grand Junction: April 15, 2021 • Montrose-Delta: September 16, 20212020

9am - 3pm 9am - 2pm We realize that seniors are among the most

vulnerable in this pandemic, and your safety is our TWO RIVERS CONVENTION CENTER MONTROSE PAVILION utmost priority! Stay well and we’ll see you at BeaconFest in 2021!

FREE ADMISSION! 2020 Volunteer of the Year will be announced in next month’s issue.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS!

CALL 243-8829 FOR INFO

EDITOR'S COLUMN

The year without a BeaconFest

LETTERS

from our readers Regarding canceling BeaconFest: “Sad, but safe and expected. Loved the picture with bacon and eggs face [on your e-newsletter]: ‘Don’t go bacon my heart.’

Thanks for continuing to publish a paper and send an e-mail newsletter! Keep healthy.”

- Beth W.

2

020 was going to be a great year—not just for me personally, but for the BEACON as well. We were gearing up for our biggest senior fair to date when COVID reared its ugly head and put the kibosh on every remaining event and festival we love on the Western Slope.

Due to a summer surge in local coronavirus cases, the pandemic made it darn near impossible to conduct events safely, with any semblance of their former glory.

We’d hoped for safer times come summer, but out of concern for our readers, staff and advertisers, we decided to cancel both our 2020 BeaconFest in Grand Junction and Montrose. But we’ve already scheduled next year’s dates, so mark your calendars!

Grand Junction: April 15, 2021 Montrose-Delta: September 16, 2021 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Don’t think we forgot about our nominated volunteers! One of BeaconFest’s most anticipated events is the Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony, where we recognize several of our community’s hardworking volunteers.

Even though our plans to publicly recognize this outstanding group were derailed, we will be featuring them in next month’s issue—along with this year’s winner!

WE MISS YOU— LIKE, REALLY MISS YOU! With more than a decade of BeaconFests under my belt, I’ve met some really fantastic people. I’ll see some around town in the grocery store or at other senior events. Others I

Regarding July’s BEACON: “I was appalled to see these pickleball players so close to each other, and not wearing masks. I think the BEACON is sending a wrong message—one that, as a nurse seeing the COVID patients here in our hospital and watching the news in our country, I think is irresponsible. I hope you take that to heart and hopefully make some sort of repair to this front page that you’ve produced.”

-Renee

This photo of me is from my first BeaconFest at Two Rivers Convention Center back in 2010.

The handsome guy on the right is my friend and former coworker, Mike Zamora.

only get to catch up with at BeaconFest once a year. Because of COVID, this is one less moment we have together.

I pray you’re staying safe, but I also hope you aren’t letting the fear of COVID keep you from living. If you feel safer at home, I hope you’re finally crossing off all the books you’ve wanted to read from the 1983 New York Times Best Seller list. I hope you’re volunteering to spend more time with your grandkids while their parents work from home. Maybe you’ve purchased a new stand up paddle board, or have plans to explore new 4x4 trails in your Jeep. Whatever you fancy, please have your mask on hand and be considerate of others.

Feel free to send me an email at Cloie@ BeaconSeniorNews.com about what you’ve been up to. We’re always on the lookout for great stories. ■

Cloie: Thank you for reading the BEACON and for looking out for the health and wellbeing of our community. It has never been our intent to condone non-compliance with masks and social distancing directives. In fact, these pickleball players are doing a great job complying with city/county regulations because they want to play safely. It’s important for our readers to find ways to stay active, and pickleball is a great option because it’s not a close-contact sport. We take the health of our readers very seriously and we hope that they’re doing all they can to protect their health and that of others.

“Palisade courts were omitted in your article about pickleball. We have four permanent courts, and if needed, can set up two additional courts adjacent. If you want to learn/ write more about our friendly and welcoming group of people, you might contact Wanda Robinson at sharobie@outlook.com.”

-Natasha S. “[‘Paddling a new passion’] was a very upbeat article. Thanks!”

-Pam B. “We read [‘Hungry Hearts Program feeds more than the body’] online. Thank you so much!”

-Andrea Smith, SummitWest Care WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Cloie Sandlin, Managing Editor

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

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | EDITOR'S COLUMN |

7

COVER STORY

Diving in

Reclaim your life and love yourself again

By Melanie Wiseman

“I

’ve always believed I was fat—even when I wasn’t.”

Throughout her life, Patty Deters struggled with self-esteem issues, partially due to her weight.

“In high school I was a cheerleader, but I was always at the bottom of the pyramid because I was always 20-25 pounds heavier than my girlfriends,” said Deters, 58.

Even in college, her swim team nicknamed her “Cutie Curves” because at 145, she was 40 pounds heavier than the other swimmers.

As an adult, Deters balanced two jobs, several volunteer commitments and three kids’ busy schedules. She never really learned how to cook, so she frequently turned to pre-packaged frozen and fast food for her family of five.

Over time, she developed a few health problems on top of the underactive thyroid she’d known about since she was a teenager.

Deters struggled with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and severe anxiety. By the time she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at age 50, her 5-foot 5-inch frame carried 276 pounds.

“When I was diagnosed with RA, I thought it was a death sentence,” said Deters.

That fear became more real in 2012, when a close friend died a week before their reunion with 12 others. A year later, two more friends had serious heart attacks.

“That shook me,” said Deters.

“She was smaller than me and in better shape than me.”

It was a wake-up call for Deters.

“I realized how big I was, how many things I’d passed up doing with my family because of my size,

8 | COVER STORY | AUGUST 2020 |

and that if I didn’t take control of my life, I was going to be dead at 53 like my dad,” said Deters. “I decided I wanted to live.”

When she returned home from the reunion, she quit her second job, retired from her volunteer responsibilities and hit the gym.

GETTING HER FEET WET Despite her newfound determination, Deters tried countless diets with no success.

“At the gym, I busted my butt for six months but didn’t lose a pound,” she said. “I decided there was no one who could help me.”

That was before personal trainer Ryan Teal encouraged her to take the 12-week challenge at Mesa Fitness in Grand Junction. A couple of weeks in, she mentioned she swam competitively in college.

“I told him I love swimming but won’t put on a suit until I weighed WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

175 pounds,” she said.

He told her she should do what she loved to do—period.

Deters reluctantly donned a swimsuit for a training session in the pool with Teal and her workout partner, Marivel.

“I was super embarrassed because of my size, but because I had those two with me, it gave me the boost of confidence to walk out of the locker room to the pool in my

bathing suit,” said Deters. “Once I swam a few laps, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if you tried.”

At the end of the 12 weeks, she’d lost 33 pounds.

In addition to challenging workouts, Teal taught Deters about nutrition. After logging her meals and making small changes in her diet, she saw improvements in her blood work. Her blood pressure and cholesterol were normal, her thyroid issues were under control, and her RA basically in remission.

“I wanted to lose weight,” she said. “I had no idea I could change my health.”

DITCHING THE SCALE

Patty Deters with her personal trainer, Ryan Teal.

Getting back in the water was a major triumph for Deters, but she still combatted moments of self-doubt when she stepped on the scale. So Teal ordered her to get rid of it.

“I used to wonder 20 times a day

“YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF HEAVIER AND YOU CAN LOVE YOURSELF LIGHTER. THE SCALES DON’T GET TO DECIDE HOW YOU FEEL—YOU DO.”

To follow Patty’s fitness journey, visit www.reclaimingpatty.com or on Facebook @PattysFitnessJourney.

what I weighed and now I weigh myself every two weeks,” she said.

“It’s so freeing. To live every day for a number is not healthy.”

Deters still trains with Teal, who now lives in Boston, via video chat.

Currently, Deters swims three or four times a week and uses the MySwimPro training app to log her workouts. She’s even a brand ambassador because of her glowing

praise for the app.

To date, she’s lost 75 pounds.

“Our weight and self-esteem are not the same thing,” said Deters.

“You can love yourself heavier and you can love yourself lighter. The scales don’t get to decide how you feel—you do.”

With renewed confidence, Deters competed in the Western Colorado Senior Games in 2016

2015 Patty Deters before (left) and after (right) her transformational health journey.

2019

and 2017 and the Huntsman World Senior Games (HWSG) in Prescott, Arizona in 2018.

“For HWSG, I wanted to swim the 400 IM. It’s a grueling race,” said Deters. “I placed second in my age group and qualified for nationals!”

At 57, she swam in five events and placed in three.

“Winning first place wasn’t what it was about,” said Deters. “It was about who I believed I was at that moment.”

Today, Deters is a cheerleader and champion for others. She recommends swimming to anyone, no matter their size or ailment, because it supports body weight and reduces stress on joints.

“When I started swimming, everything stopped hurting,” she said.

No matter your age or your past, she’s a firm believer: You can always start over today. ■

SWIM YOUR WAY TO HEALTH! These local pools are open!

Lincoln Park Pool, Grand Junction (254-3887) Reservations required for lap pool. Call or visit www.gjparksand rec.skedda.com/booking to reserve your time slot.

Fruita Community Center (858-0360) Reservations required. Call or visit www.signupgenius.com/go/fcc2020 Colorado Mesa University (248-1592) Palisade Pool (464-5509) Reservations recommended for lap swim.

Crossroads Fitness (Airport: 242-8746) Mesa Fitness (Grand Junction: 255-1656, Clifton: 523-4500) Bill Heddles Recreation Center, Delta (874-0923) Montrose Community Recreation Center (497-8588). Reservations required for some pools. Call or visit www.montroserec.com/outdoor-pool to reserve your time slot.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | COVER STORY |

9

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Ray of sunshine Local facilities carefully reopen to in-person visits with families

By Cloie Sandlin

A

s COVID-19 restrictions ease in Colorado, nursing homes and other senior living facilities are preparing to resume visits for families.

Although visits won’t be the same as before the pandemic—at least until the threat of coronavirus has passed—local caregivers have come up with imaginative ways to keep seniors connected to loved ones and the outside world.

SUNSHINE VISITS Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose is one of the few long-term care facilities arranging “sunshine visits.”

Sunshine visits allow residents to visit with loved ones outdoors and in person while wearing face masks. These socially distanced visits last about 30 minutes and are supervised to ensure compliance and safety.

Since they started at the beginning of June, schedules have been booked solid.

“It came at a good time with the weather, and their families were ready to see them!” said Life Enrichment Specialist Brandy Zavala.

Visits look a little different for memory care patients, with a physical barrier between residents and visitors.

“My visits are done through a gate because my residents don’t understand that they can’t touch their loved ones,” said Memory Care Director Brandi Valdez.

Maintaining social distance is challenging, especially for residents and families who are accustomed to each other’s embraces. Visits often evoke a rollercoaster of emotions.

“They’re never long enough,” said Zavala. “We have some visits where I get to see families laugh with residents, and then I see those

“WE HAVE SOME VISITS WHERE I GET TO SEE FAMILIES LAUGH WITH RESIDENTS, AND THEN I SEE THOSE TEARS WHEN THEY HAVE TO GO.”

Sue LaMarsh, a resident at La Villa Grande Care Center in Grand Junction, visits with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter via Zoom. tears when they have to go. I know they want us to say, ‘It’s okay. You can hug them,’ or ‘It’s okay to bring your dog.’ But to be the person to say no when they’re dying for a hug, it’s hard to choke out.”

What’s most important is that the facility remains COVID free, despite the hardships social distancing creates.

ZOOM CALLS Facilities like La Villa Grande Care Center have relied heavily on technology to keep families connected.

Admissions and Marketing Director Lisa Smith said video chat services such as Zoom have helped residents stay connected with friends and family, and even revived long-distance relationships.

“There are residents who don’t want to or can’t get out of bed to see visitors, and some have family members who live out of state. For

Geneva Coy visits with her daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Rocky Lamb, through a window at La Villa Grande.

10 | AUGUST 2020 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

them, Zoom calls are terrific!” said Smith.

Telecommunication services also extend to doctor appointments.

For La Villa residents, physician visits are being conducted almost exclusively via telehealth.

WINDOW VISITS While Zoom calls are valuable, window visits are especially popular among residents since they can see loved ones in person through a window while talking on the phone.

For hearing-impaired residents, Valley Manor secured an amplifier from one side of the window to the other, making communication a little easier.

“We’ve still got families who prefer connecting through window visits because it’s more of a controlled atmosphere,” said Zavala.

“Weather isn’t an issue, and not having to wear a mask is a big plus.

Valley Manor Care Center resident Connie was able to see her son for the first time in two months during a recent window visit.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Family and loved ones wave to residents as they paraded outside La Villa Grande Care Center in their vehicles. These parades lifted everyone’s spirits.

A lot of our residents need to lip read, and they just want to look at their family members’ faces.”

Window visits are also ideal for visiting with pets and small children.

FAMILY PARADES Kids and adults alike jumped at the opportunity to wave to their loved ones as they paraded outside several local facilities in their vehicles.

These socially distanced parades lifted everyone’s spirits.

Dozens of cars lined up in the

parking lot at La Villa Grande Care Center for a Father’s Day parade.

Cars slowly drove by, while families held colorful signs with messages of love and hope. Crossroads Senior Living in Delta also hosted parades for its residents.

Similar messages popped up at facilities around the Western Slope—on sidewalks written in chalk, and attached to gates surrounding facilities.

“Being in a three-story shortterm rehab building, we have gotten

Lois, a resident at The Homstead at Montrose, uses an iPad donated by Region 10 to chat with her family on her 89th birthday. creative by putting signs in the windows and using chalk art,” said Shelby Meilinger, marketing manager at The Center at Foresight in Grand Junction.

GOODIE BOXES At the beginning of the pandemic, Valdez introduced pleasure event therapy (PET), giving families of memory care patients a list of items to drop by, including photographs residents could look through and reminisce.

“When those residents are really missing their loved ones, we pull out that box of goodies and we can sit down and visit with them. It’s another way that Memory Care has been trying to connect them back to their families,” said Valdez.

All facilities’ staff eagerly await the day that residents can be reunited with their loved ones without restrictions and barriers. In the meantime, window visits, Zoom and parades ensure the safety of their residents. ■

COVID-19: How to safely visit residential care facilities Visits with people who live in residential care facilities are now allowed in an outdoor setting. Facilities are taking careful measures to help keep everyone safe while encouraging important connections between residents and their guests.

Before you visit: Call ahead to schedule a day and time to visit Ask about the facility's guidelines for visitors When you arrive, expect to: Be greeted outside Wear a facial covering, and see others doing the same Have your temperature checked and be screened for symptoms Visits will take place in a designated outdoor area where: Residents and guests can be isolated from others Furniture is disinfected between visits

Do not plan to visit if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. Social distancing and electronic communication are safest and still strongly recommended. More information about COVID-19 can be found by visiting www.health.mesacounty.us SUPPORT SANDIO'S FOOD DRIVE

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 |

11

RECIPES

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2 cups all-purpose flour

(I like the Montana Brand) 1/4 cup ground flaxseed

ORIGINAL ROCKS

1

Our original margaritas

ORIGINAL have three tequilas and are specially blended with ROCKS our signature sweet and

orange juice and Our sour, original margaritas agavetequilas nectar. and have three are specially blended with our signature sweet and sour, orange juice and agave nectar.

18 oz.

18 oz.

Recipe courtesy of Donna Fullerton Ingredients:

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$

Donna’s Banana Bread

tsp. baking soda

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1 tsp. baking powder

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1/2 tsp. cinnamon

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1/4 tsp. salt 21/3 Tbsp. Morena cane

sugar or white 3/4 cup plain yogurt

(I use Greek lemon)

1/3 cup applesauce 11/2 cups mashed bananas,

about 3 brown medium

sized bananas* 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Extra-large granulated sugar for top Optional ingredients to help with rising. Add one or all: 1

tsp. gelatin

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

1

tsp. fruit pectin

2 Tbsp. whole milk

1

tsp. sunflower lecithin

2 eggs

1/4 tsp. ginger powder

1 tsp. vanilla

(I like Madagascar vanilla) Directions: Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray or grease the bread pan. If using butter, sprinkle a little flour.

In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, flax, sugar, baking soda and powder, salt, gelatin, pectin, ginger, lecithin and cinnamon.

In a medium bowl, whisk together bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, vanilla, milk and applesauce. Add wet ingredients to the dry and stir until moistened. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle a generous amount of large granulated sugar on top.

Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool loaf in pan for 10 minutes. *Tip: Wait until your bananas are really, really brown. Sometimes I put the rotten bananas in the freezer for later use. They’ll be slimy when defrosted but make the best bread. ■

ASK THE OLD BAG

The pandemic took my job!

Dear Old Bag: My mom lives in an assisted living community on the other side of the state. It’s been a wonderful living arrangement. She has a loving and engaged family, and even though it’s a trip for some of us, we visit her often. Her community just announced that a few employees have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Now we can’t visit her. She can’t leave her apartment, and can’t even see her husband! I am living in mortal fear that she will catch the dreaded virus. I feel helpless. Since you used to be in the retirement business, any suggestions? Signed, Fearful

Can CompassMedical Medical Center helphelp with?with What What Can Compass Center Spinal Decompression Spinal Decompression

Dear Fearful: I empathize with you. I have three close friends in facilities Spinal Decompression Osteoarthritis Neck and Back Pain Weight Loss that have had the virus in their residences. One of my friends cannot Neck and Back Pain Headaches Sciatica Osteoarthritis see her husband, and tells me that she would rather die than be without Sciatica Neuropathy Fibromyalgia Headaches him. The loneliness of not seeing loved ones is painful to both parties.

Neuropathy Degenerative Disc Disease Joint Pain/Knee Pain Fibromyalgia Some activity departments are setting aside time regularly for residents Joint Pain/Knee Pain Automobile Accidents Regenerative Medicine Degenerative Disc Disease to FaceTime or Zoom loved ones from their rooms. Some facilities are Joint Injections Automobile Accidents even allowing residents’ spouses to move in for a few months until this Medical Center offers a variety of services to help pandemic is over. Good communities should be providing activities by Compass Compass Medical Center offers a variety of services to help! way of television—such as exercise, counseling and games. The pandemic Regenerative Medicine Rehabilitation Regenerative Medicine Rehabilitation has caught us all off guard and has placed a huge strain on long-term careJoint Injections Medical Services Joint Injections Medical Services residences. If the facility doesn’t provide these services, talk to the admin-Spinal Decompression Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Chiropractic istrator. Sending prayers! OB Weight Loss Massage Weight Loss

Dear Old Bag: I am a 60-year-old gay woman. I have been in a relationMedical Center Medical Centerisis ship with another woman for 20 years, but we don’t live together be- CompassCompass devoted to providing access devoted to providing access cause we’re both professionals and are afraid it would damage our status and excellent care to the Grand and excellent care to the at work. Everyone, including our families, thinks we are just friends. Now Valley.

We are a Physical and Grand Valley.

We are a that I am 60 and she is 65, we are rethinking living together. Do you have Regenerative Medicine Clinic, Physical and Regenerative any advice for us? Signed, In the Closet offering theoffering most advanced Medicine Clinic, the

holistichealth care.

Dear Closet: I realize that 20 years ago it was a different world for all most advanced holistic LGBTQ persons. However, this is 2020, and I cannot imagine denying health care.

Regenerative medicine will yourselves the joy of living together, no matter what your profession. It is help people suffering will from medicine not the business of your workplace to know what you do with your per-Regenerative a variety of inflammatory suffering from sonal life, and you are not obligated to tell them, except to change yourhelp people and degenerative conditions, a variety of inflammatory address or marital status, etc. As for family, they might already suspect in addition to Chiropractic, and degenerative conditions, and don’t care. I am an advocate of separating work and home. You have Decompression and in addition to Chiropractic, Rehabilitation services. wasted 20 years! Please enjoy the home stretch of your lives. OB

Decompression and Rehabili-

Dear Old Bag: I am 55 and lost my job of 25 years due to the pandemic.

ALTERNATIVE TO tation services.

JOINT REPLACEMENT First, I was laid off. Then they sent me a letter and said they were not ALTERNATIVE JOINT Last year inTO the US, there replacing my position. (Thanks for 25 years, huh? I believe some compawere 3.5 million total joint REPLACEMENT nies are using the pandemic as an excuse to reconfigure their staff and replacements and many Last year in the US, there save money.) Nevertheless, I am having trouble even getting an interview. of other surgeries. were 3.5millions million totaljoint joint When I got this job, I filled out an application and either got called for an In increasing numbers, people replacements and many milinterview or I went on to the next. Nowadays, it’s lengthy online applicaare seeking non-surgical joint surgeries. tions, and you don’t even get a chance for an interview. I think they seelions of other alternatives to joint surgery. numbers, people my age and think no way! And there is not a darned thing I can do aboutIn increasing Regenerative medicine therapy are seeking non-surgical it. Any suggestions? Signed, Jobless is a great option for people alternatives to joint surgery.

Dear Jobless: You have joined a huge group of the formerly employed in our society! First, try applying for jobs within your area of expertise. Be patient. Don’t give up. We have to play the cards we are dealt! Your local workforce center can also be very helpful. Good luck!

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13

HEALTHY GEEZER

Can you get hypothermia when it’s hot outside?

W hen your core temperature drops to 95 degrees, you are suffering from hypothermia, which can be lethal.

Hypothermia occurs when your body doesn’t maintain a normal temperature of around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. It can occur when you’re in an air-conditioned environment. It can strike if you’re soaked in the rain on a cool, windy day, or if you fall into chilly water.

Shivering is a common sign, but it doesn’t mean you have hypothermia. Health care professionals recommend looking for “umbles,” too—stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles. Severe hypothermia eventually leads to cardiac and respiratory failure, then death.

People older than 65 are more likely to suffer from illness or take medications that interfere with regulating body temperature, making

• Don’t warm the limbs because you will drive cold blood to the heart, lungs and brain, which will lower the core body temperature.

• If the person’s breathing appears dangerously low or shallow, or stops, begin CPR immediately.

• Provide warm non-alcoholic beverages.

them more vulnerable to hypothermia. Older adults also produce less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity.

Other symptoms to watch for include confusion or sleepiness; slowed, slurred speech; shallow breathing; weak pulse or low blood pressure; apathy; pale skin; poor body control or slow reaction times.

If you suspect that someone has hypothermia, call 911. Here are some First Aid tips to follow until

14 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | AUGUST 2020 |

professional help arrives: • Try to warm the victim by directing heat to their chest, neck, back, head and groin. Use an electric blanket or warm compress. Don’t use direct heat from a lamp or hot water.

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• Handle people with hypothermia gently because they’re at risk of cardiac arrest. Don’t rub the victim, especially an older person who may have thin skin. ■

HEALTHY GEEZER

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

Excellent options for tension headaches T

ension headaches are the most common type of headache, and I’m willing to bet you’ve experienced more than one yourself.

Millions of people endure this pain on a regular basis just in the United States alone.

In January 2020, there was a case study about a 32-year-old woman who received an injection of hyaluronic acid—a popular wrinkle filler—to her forehead and glabella (right between the eyebrows).

This woman promptly developed severe anxiety, depression and tension headaches. These and other symptoms persisted for a year after her injection and, sadly, they sent her to a psychiatrist. She was lucky to eventually find out her problem, otherwise, she would probably have kept up with those shots.

But not all are fortunate enough to determine your “migrenade,” a term I created to mean the trigger for your headache (or migraine).

Tension headaches can actually occur on and off for years, but it’s important to make sure that what you’re dealing with is truly a tension headache.

The root cause must be determined. Some headaches are spawned by MRI contrast media agents, others are related to tickborne illness, and still others are actually related to the side effects of medication. If you’d like more information on headaches and migraines, “Headache Free” is an excellent resource book I wrote several years ago. (Available for purchase on my website and Amazon.)

In the meantime, here’s a little “prescription” for some herbs, ami-

no acids and vitamins that might help you feel better until you can figure out your migrenade. Please ask your medical practitioner what’s right for you with your individual sensitivities and medical history and/or current meds.

• 100 mg Rhodiola rosea, once daily (dosages vary). Not for pregnant or nursing women, or those with bipolar disorder.

• 500 mg Magnesium, total daily dose. This mineral is essential to the electrical circuitry of your brain. You can take it as a dietary supplement by mouth, or alternatively apply magnesium oil to your skin.

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• 100-200 mg CoQ10 (Ubiquinol), total daily dose.

• 500 mg glycine, once at bedtime. Glycine is an important amino acid that has widespread effects in hundreds of metabolic pathways. It is usually very calming.

Medications and analgesics can help. However, if you’re on them long term, there will be side effects and nutrient depletions.

I want to caution you about the long-term use of addictive opiates (don’t start them unless you absolutely have to!) and the combination of serotonergic or SSRI antidepressants, which can create a harmful amount of serotonin. Also, the use of NSAIDs (i.e. naproxen, ibuprofen) should be limited, and those drugs should always be taken with food to protect the fragile lining of your esophagus and stomach. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

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

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15

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Try these 5 alternatives to meniscus surgery

By Carrie Luger Slayback

I

’d had sore knees before, but what sent me to my orthopedist was that I couldn’t straighten my leg.

The doctor gazed at an X-ray of the painful knee.

“You have a slightly torn meniscus,” he said, “and you’re not a candidate for surgery.”

“Well, what can I do?” I asked.

“Here’s a physical therapy prescription,” he said, and I limped out.

I remembered my running friends who’d had meniscus surgery and wondered how many other doctors would’ve looked at my meniscus and said, “Operate.” I went online and found a 2017 National Institutes of Health article titled, “Why do surgeons continue to perform unnecessary surgery?”

“It is significantly safer to board a commercial airplane, a spacecraft, or a nuclear submarine, than to be admitted to a U.S. hospital,” the ar-

ticle read, because “medical errors currently rank as the third leading cause of death in the U.S.” The article listed two unnecessary surgeries: 1. Arthroscopic meniscus surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures— approximately 700,000 yearly in the U.S. A recently published trial

found there was no benefit for patients who had their meniscus repaired.

2. Spinal fusions for back pain do not lead to improved long-term patient outcomes compared to non-operative treatments, including physical therapy and core strengthening exercises. In spite of high-quality trials proving spinal fusion doesn’t help back pain, “spinal fusion rates continue to dramatically increase in the U.S.,” the article read.

Why would doctors perform these surgeries, possibly endangering their patients? According to the article, doctors said because that’s what they’ve been trained to do.

Current Medicare reimbursement rewards doctors for surgery rather than spending time with diagnosis and nonsurgical treatments.

Shouldn’t we try everything before agreeing to surgery? Try these approaches first:

970-242-0162

16 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | AUGUST 2020 |

1. Physical therapy: For me, PT was like having a personal trainer.

I continue doing the exercises I learned even though I’ve completed therapy. It strengthened muscles around my knee, reduced pain, restored movement, and as an added benefit, I learned to work on balance. Balance protects against the dreaded fall, and a stronger knee keeps me moving.

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2. Maintain a healthy weight: Dr. Frank B. Kelly, in an article for www.obesityaction.org, wrote that “every pound of weight gained puts an extra four pounds of pressure on each of your knee joints…just a five-pound gain, would be like adding 20 pounds to each knee.” Extra weight can damage cartilage causing joint stiffness and swelling. Extra pressure can cause tendinitis and bursitis, which are both painful and potentially disabling. Subtracting pounds diminishes pain and promotes healing.

3. Tai Chi: The slow, low-impact movements cannot cause injury, and help painful fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Practicing Tai Chi contributes to balance while providing pathways for fluid to flow to cartilage.

4. Yoga: Yoga is strength training without weights. Join a senior yoga class, and you’ll be surprised at how fast your body loosens up. Range of motion gained gives freedom of movement and the ability to prevent falls.

5. Light weight training: Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength that comes with age.

Lifting light weights two to three times a week can build muscle strength, preserve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and the symptoms of heart disease, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve sleep and reduce depression.

I’m glad I didn’t have unnecessary meniscus surgery. At 76, I practice what I preach: weight training, aerobic exercise and yoga.

Yesterday, I descended the stairs, dumbly looking at my phone, and slid down the last three stairs. I wasn’t hurt, but I made two promises: Don’t look at your phone while climbing stairs, and next time surgery is proposed, explore alternatives. ■

Go, you chicken fat, go!

By Lilli-ann Buffin

E

ver on the lookout for the express train to health and wellness as I age, I read an article reporting that jumping 20 times twice a day can improve bone health in seniors. Wow! That sounds easy. I walk every day, stretch a few times a week, and do some light weights. How hard can it be to jump? I wait for the neighbor in the apartment below me to pull out of the parking lot, and I head for the back bedroom.

I ponder for a few minutes. What did the author mean exactly by “jumping?” Is that just plain old up and down?

Jumping rope? Jumping on something? Jumping off? Realizing I’m making this complicated enough to talk myself into giving up before I even begin, I settle on the standard, time-tested, jumping jack.

How many of those have I done in my life? Sounds of Robert Preston singing the 1960s “Youth Fitness Song” and visions of high school gym class come to mind: “…clap and jump and stride, known as the jumping-jack far and wide…Go, you chicken fat, go!” I’m all in.

I take the first jump and immediately realize this is much harder than it sounds. My body feels dead and heavy like a wrecking ball. By the third jump, I can feel my heart racing and hear it pounding in my ears. I wonder if the neighbors will be calling to complain. The window blinds vibrate and stuff begins to shift on the shelves. I enter into negotiations with myself—maybe I’ll start with 10 today.

By 5, I’ve called out my inner drill sergeant, and I’m shouting at myself: “Don’t be a loser!” The intimidated new recruit in me is won-

dering if it’s possible for my knees to end up where my hips used to be. I realize that if my leg bones don’t crumble and I continue with this, I’m definitely going to need an iron support bra.

I deride myself onward, and I make it to 10. I’ve worked up a sweat, and I realize this takes some balance. My mantra becomes: “Don’t fall. Don’t fall. How will I explain my injuries to the emergency squad?”

My eyeglasses flop up and down striking my forehead and slapping my nose. My sweatpants are sliding down my hips. I’m working up an appetite. By 15, I reopen negotiations: Maybe I’ll do 20 jumps once a day, just for starters.

18...19...20. Yahoo! Everyone sing: “Go, you chicken fat, go!”

I plop in the recliner.

Back to pondering: When was the last time I jumped? I try to think of why it is I haven’t jumped, but then why DO people jump? Except for basketball stars and gymnasts, I just can’t picture it. No wonder adult bones are crumbling.

And yet, I feel strangely invigorated and a little proud. I laugh at myself and my new definition of success. I chuckle at my memories of gym class and remind myself to call my best friend from high school. It will end up a long and hilarious conversation, as it usually does when we get to remembering such things.

Why do people jump?

Why, for joy, of course. People jump for joy.

I think I will try this again tomorrow. Go, you chicken fat, go! ■

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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17

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS MOONSHINER Submitted by Bob Breazeale John just inherited a small farm way back up in the hills of Tennessee.

As John and his wife are looking around, they discover a small shed hidden in some trees. When they open the door, they find a moonshine still. They look at each other and John says, “I guess it’s true about moonshining in Tennessee.”

Later, they are eating lunch at the local restaurant and still talking about the still. The sheriff overhears them and arrests John.

John’s brought before a judge.

Sheriff: “Your Honor, this man is a moonshiner.”

Judge: “How do you plead?”

John: “Not guilty, Your Honor. I wasn’t planning on making moonshine. I don’t even know how. I just inherited that place.”

Sheriff: “The law states that if a person is in possession of moon-

shine equipment, then that person is a moonshiner.”

John: “In that case, Your Honor, you had better charge me with rape.”

Judge: (Shocked) “Are you saying you raped someone?”

John: “No, but I am in possession of the equipment.”

ONE-LINERS Submitted by Jan Weeks If you had to choose between drinking wine every day or being skinny, would you choose red or white?

The fact that jellyfish have survived for 650 million years despite not having brains gives hope to many people.

Wife: Did I get fat during quarantine?

Husband: You were never really skinny!

Time of Death: 4/25/20, 11:30 p.m.

Cause of Death: Coronavirus

I might have a slight drinking problem. My husband asked me to toast some bread for him. I raised my wine glass and said, “Here’s to bread!”

As you get older, you’ve got to stay positive. For example, the other day I fell down the stairs. Instead of getting upset, I just thought, “Wow, that’s the fastest I’ve moved in years!”

Not to brag, but I just went into another room and actually remembered why I went in there.

It was the bathroom, but still…

TEA FOR GRANDPA Submitted by Sheryl Fletcher 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 he had drunk several cups of tea and praised me for such yummy tea, 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, there 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?”

COVID PUNS Submitted by Kevin Ray So many coronavirus jokes out there; it’s a pundemic.

Due to the quarantine, I’ll only be telling inside jokes.

Finland has just closed their borders. No one will be crossing the finish line.

Now is not the right time to sur-

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LAUGHING MATTERS round yourself with positive people.

There will be a minor baby boom in nine months, and then one day, in 2033, we shall witness the rise of the quaranteens.

The World Health Organization has announced that dogs cannot contract Covid-19. Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released.

To be clear, WHO let the dogs out.

Why do they call it the novel coronavirus? It’s a long story…

I’ll tell you a coronavirus joke now, but you’ll have to wait two weeks to see if you got it.

I ran out of toilet paper and had to start using old newspaper. Times are rough.

The grocery stores in France look like tornadoes hit them. All that’s left is de brie.

What do you call panic-buying of sausage and cheese in Germany?

The Wurst Kase scenario.

plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, not a problem.

. . . e r e H n e e S Be

Serenity now I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let’s get together, take out our hearing aids and enjoy quiet times.

is our s r e tt a M g in h g u a L section e it r o v a F 1 # ’ s r e d rea in the BEACON

Winning smile Active grandmother with original teeth, seeking a dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.

To advertise call

243-8829

Memories I can usually remember Monday through Thursday. If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let’s put our two heads together.

Mint condition Male, 1932 model, high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn’t in running condition but walks well.

Last but not least…

ACTUAL ADS Submitted by David Downey These are actual ads seen in “The Villages” Florida newspaper. Who says seniors don’t have a sense of humor?

Foxy lady Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80’s, slim, 5’4’ (used to be 5’6’), Searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.

Long-term commitment Recent widow who had just buried her fourth husband. Looking for someone to round out a six-unit

A lady in The Villages in Florida was sitting on a bench near another bench where a gentleman was sitting. She asked him if he was new to the community and he said, “No, I have owned a house here for 20 years” “I have been here for 15 years and I have never seen you around!”

“I have been in prison for the last 17 years!”

She was stunned, and finally asked him what he had done. He said that he had murdered his first wife. She was stunned again, and after a long pause, said “So, you’re single?” ■

s U e k a M

Laugh !

Send your JOKESto

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

WE ALL NEED HELP FROM TIME TO TIME Contact one of our Care Navigators to learn about in-home services available to individuals aged 60 and above.

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19

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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OF GRAND JUNCTION

Candles in the Rain

Melanie’s record hit inspired by Woodstock performance

By Randal C. Hill

M

elanie (full name Melanie Anne Safka) began her performing career as a folk singer in hip Big Apple coffeehouses. When performing at the Brill Building—the New York music-world hotspot—she met record producer Peter Schekeryk, her future manager and husband. With his connections, Melanie recorded a demo called “Beautiful People,” a haunting original ballad that earned her some airplay on New York’s underground radio kingpin, WNEW-FM. “I became a little bit of a buzz in the industry,” Melanie said.

That “little bit of buzz” would explode into an overpowering roar in 1969 after the little-known artist signed to perform at the Woodstock festival, the biggest concert event in history.

“I had an out-of-body experience…and I wasn’t altered by drugs,” Melanie recalled in 2019.

“The terror kept building in me.

The thought of me performing in front of all those people and that huge stage…Then it started to rain, and I truly believed that everyone was going to get up and go home.

It’s raining. I’m free. I’ll go back to life as it was.”

But life for her would never be as it was before Woodstock. Finally, Melanie bravely launched into her seven-song set. Many of the drenched attendees tried to negate the gloom by lighting candles, thousands of which were dispensed

by Woodstock emcee Wavy Gravy (formerly known as poet Hugh Romney). Before long, the vast hillside at the concert was aglow, countless lights blooming and shooing away the darkness.

Afterward, Melanie wanted to commemorate the candle-lighting ceremony and created “Lay Down

(Candles in the Rain)” the next year to honor the milestone event. She recorded the future hit with Buddah Records labelmates, the Edwin Hawkins Singers, whose dynamic “Oh Happy Day” had been a worldwide smash two years earlier.

She was young and attractive, but it was her historic emoting of her first hit that truly imprinted her name on the music world. Her performance drew comparisons to that of blues-based (and highly regarded) fellow Woodstock performer, Janis Joplin.

In “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” Melanie’s lyrics of collective spirituality included lines such as: So raise the candles high ‘Cause if you don’t we could stay black against the sky Oh, oh, raise them higher again And if you do we could stay dry against the rain “I would think only one percent of that audience knew anything about me before I went on that stage...I instantly resonated with 500,000 people at that one moment,” Melanie said. “I walked on the stage an unknown person and walked off a celebrity.”

“Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” became a Top 10 winner and paved the way for five more Melanie hit singles, including “Peace Will Come,” “Ring the Living Bell” and her lone number one winner, “Brand New Key.” ■

BOOMER BEAT

Show younger generations we won’t let COVID dictate who we are

W

hen I began writing this column almost two years ago, I committed myself to keeping it light while talking about the changes and challenges we face during Boomerhood. After all, taking life too seriously is no fun at all. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves and our new circumstances—hair growing where it didn’t before, and the like.

Then COVID hit with a vengeance. Again, I committed to distance my column from this heavy topic. But I’ve come to realize that’s nearly impossible, as every aspect of our lives is affected by the pandemic: some good, some difficult and some downright tragic.

We Boomers have been given a huge opportunity to be role models and make a difference during this difficult time. We are the “sandwich generation”—the cohort between our elderly parents whose best line of defense keeps them isolated, and our children, who are juggling job changes and their own children, trying desperately to keep their households afloat.

As Boomers, we are most likely retired, and have the time and wisdom to help keep our families and friendships bonded even with social distancing. As restrictions allow, we give our children a break by taking grandchildren on outings and help neighbors in need with grocery shopping or home repairs. We have the time to make phone calls and send cards with well wishes to loved ones.

BEING A ROLE MODEL DOESN’T REQUIRE GRAND GESTURES OR EXPENSE. IN FACT, IT’S USUALLY THE SMALL THINGS THAT MATTER MOST, LIKE TELLING SOMEONE. “I’M THINKING ABOUT YOU. I’M THERE FOR YOU.” Every couple of weeks I send my 94-year-old father a new book from Amazon, which he loves. My husband Dan and I just returned from a four-day camping trip where we created great memories with our grandson. We check on our neighbors regularly.

Being a role model doesn’t require grand gestures or expense.

In fact, it’s usually the small things that matter most, like telling someone, “I’m thinking about you. I’m there for you. I’m here to listen.”

Let’s set an example for younger generations that we’re not going to let COVID dictate who we are.

Emotions can run the gamut in these stressful and uncertain times.

Boomers can be the rocks who look outward instead of inward, and help others maneuver through the challenges.

It’s tough out there, so be extra kind to one another. If you’re at a safe distance, pull down your mask and let people see your smile. I’ve found it to be the greatest gift of all. ■

BOOMER BEAT

BY MELANIE WISEMAN

Art is Essential The Art Center is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4pm ART CLASSES

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21

ALIVE & DIGGING

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO PLANT YOUR FLOWERS Mesa Feed Mart has 54 varieties of flower seed and eight mountain flower mixes. For your convenience, we offer quantities in as little as 1/2 ounce as well as larger quantities, and we’ll custom mix any variety. Below are some great flowers to brighten your home and landscape summer through fall.

Asters & Daisies - These beautiful late-blooming flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Calendula & Cosmos - These flowers have a marigold-type bloom, are drought tolerant

and attract butterflies and bees.

All Calendula and only Sulphur Cosmos are edible.

Sunflowers - Great for long, hot summers, these drought-tolerant flowers have beautiful yellow blooms that last.

Zinnias - A customer favorite! Zinnias are also animal resistant since they don’t like the taste.

Wildflower mixes Formulated for drought tolerance, wildflowers provide a sea of wonderful colors.

Let your flower gardens bloom!

Check out all of our varieties at Mesa Feed Mart.

Mesa Feed Mart

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Canning? Yes, you can.

C

anning time! It’s one of my favorite times of year—vegetables are piling up on the counter and pouring out of the fridge. What to do with all that bounty?

Maybe this month you’re beginning to enjoy the overflowing abundance that gardens provide. Or, if you’re at a slightly higher elevation like me, maybe your crops are just finally starting to realize it’s summer. (Why are you so shy, squash flowers?)

Whether it’s your garden that’s overflowing, or you’re the proud farmer’s market visitor who buys up all the seconds, ‘tis the season of preserving: canning, drying, dehydrating, pickling, fermenting and freezing.

Locally grown produce is harvested at the peak of its growing season, which makes it both tastier and more healthful than what you’ll find in grocery stores. Personally, I don’t buy a single tomato outside of tomato season. Instead, I dehydrate and can as many tomatoes as I can during harvest time and enjoy that peak-season flavor all year long.

EATING ON NATURE’S SCHEDULE Our bodies, just like nature, are at the same time amazingly complex and quite simple. In the subtlest ways, we crave and benefit from the exact nutrients and types of food that nature provides throughout the seasons.

In the heat of summer when

TASTE AND NUTRITION ARE REASONS ENOUGH TO PRESERVE LOCAL PRODUCE WHILE IT’S IN SEASON. we’re active, sugary fruits are in abundance and we have plenty of herbs and veggies to dry and otherwise preserve for the seasons to come. In fall, we begin to slow down as the weather cools, turning to root vegetables and hearty soups for grounding. Winter-hardy dark greens provide nutrients while we stay warm cooking up vegetables that keep well–potatoes, onions, carrots and dried herbs.

When spring comes, we join in nature’s waking up by eating sprouts, crisp radishes, crunchy asparagus and the like.

Eating in sync with the seasons is just another way to tune into nature and experience our gardens as bridges to a more connected, natural world.

Growing your own food is just one wonderful way to tap into this rhythm. A few others: • Support local growers by visiting farmer’s markets. Talk to different vendors to learn about how they’re growing their food and what makes them special.

Ask what produce they have an abundance of to support their farming while participating in the ebb and flow of growing food.

ALIVE & DIGGING • Reap (and share) your bounty!

Take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, brag to your friends about all you’ve grown, swap stories and bounties with other garden-dwellers, and share harvests with your neighbors and loved ones.

• Preserve the harvest to enjoy all year long.

PRESERVING ABUNDANCE Taste and nutrition are reasons enough to preserve local produce while it’s in season. Caring for our planet and supporting the local economy are bonuses, each helping to create and preserve an abundant world for all people.

• Drying and dehydrating: Drying herbs, fruits and vegetables is an easy and a great way to capture the nutrients of plants for winter.

Air dry tender herbs by bundling and hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place with a bit of airflow. You can also spread a thin layer of herbs, edible flowers

types of fermentation, leading to fantastic eats like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, wines and spirits.

Fermented products are full of probiotics that benefit your gut.

Drying herbs is as easy as hanging them upside down in a dark, cool place. or chili peppers in a basket and lay a cheesecloth over the top to keep dust away. Slice fruits and veggies, and dry in a dehydrator.

Once the moisture is gone, you can store dried produce in jars to use in soups and other cooked dishes through the seasons.

• Canning: While the process varies for different items, you only need a few tools and a recipe to get started. This is one of the more time-consuming preservation techniques, so choose wisely.

I like to save my canning efforts for sauces and jams: I blend all my tomatoes into a sauce, and roast peach halves in the oven for

winter pies.

• Fermentation: This process can be a little scary if it’s new to you, so find a recipe to follow. Basically, let food and liquid sit in a clean jar on the counter, and wait.

Fermentation is a natural process that food endures under certain conditions, and our ancestors have been doing it for a long time. There are many different

• Pickling: Vinegar is a natural preservative, and one of the easiest methods of preservation; use it to pickle peppers, cucumbers and more. I love dicing peppers and pickling them with garlic, salt and herbs to use on sandwiches year-round.

Resist the urge to be scared off by preservation horror stories, and you just might discover a new favorite way of eating and summertime hobby all at once! ■

ALIVE & DIGGING

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By Arthur Vidro

A

t the supermarkets, I overhear shoppers complain about not being able to buy enough paper towels, disinfectant spray or wipes, bathroom tissue, flour and meat.

The inability to purchase whatever we want, whenever we want it, is not new. My aunts grew up during World War II. They remember the shortages. Uncle Sam issued each family ration books containing coupons. Without giving the seller the appropriate coupon, you could not purchase that item.

Meat was rationed. So was sugar, cheese, shoes, butter, milk, jams, even firewood and stoves. And one that would affect me greatly—coffee. Yet, people found ways to get what they most wanted by trading coupons. No coupon? No transaction.

The shortages were mostly due to diverting those items to the military for its equipment and soldiers.

New cars and bicycles were unavailable to civilians, at any price. Tires

were made of rubber then, and were rationed. You were allowed five tires for each car.

Gasoline was rationed. Doctors were allowed a higher ration than, say, a newspaper editor, because doctors had to drive to make house calls.

Because of coronavirus, our shopping hours have changed a bit, too. Earlier this year, residents of Onondaga County, New York were

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

THE INABILITY TO PURCHASE WHATEVER WE WANT WHENEVER WE WANT IT, IS NOT NEW. MY AUNTS GREW UP DURING WORLD WAR II. THEY KNEW SHORTAGES. encouraged to spread out their essential shopping trips based upon years of birth (odd and even years) in order to keep an overly large crowd from massing at a store and to keep certain supplies from being snatched up all at once.

But it’s not so far-fetched. Some of us old-timers remember a different odd vs. even approach in the 1970s when gasoline was in short supply—twice. Remember the carefully targeted Arab oil embargo from October 1973 to March 1974?

Gasoline prices soared and shortages ensued. The line of vehicles would stretch far beyond the gas station itself. Often the station ran out of gas before your turn came.

To combat the lines (and frayed nerves), the nation experimented with a federally ordered odd-andeven scenario. If your license plate number ended with an odd digit (or if you had no numbers on your plate), you could buy gasoline on the odd dates of the month. The same went for even numbers and dates.

It was easy to enforce the 1973 rule. (It helped that folks then didn’t fill their own tanks.) Everyone ostensibly knew what date of the month it was. Everyone’s license plate could be seen.

The 1979 shortage had a different trigger point—revolution in Iran—but the effects were equally dire. Lines of cars to tank up seemed to stretch even farther beyond the gas stations than they did six years earlier. As for me, perhaps because I didn’t yet drive, I enjoyed listening to Jerry Reed sing, “Who Was the Man Who Put the Line in Gasoline?”

Prices soared then stalled at the never-before-seen 99.9 cents a gallon. It took quite a while for the price to reach $1 because in those glorious predigital days, the signs lacked a dollars column. Despite the price shock, most drivers were more peeved by the gas shortages.

Granted, some shortages are hitting today’s consumers. Today’s COVID-19 crisis is scary, and wreaking havoc as we try to find a long-term path to safety, without knowing if there is a safe path.

But today’s deprivations are mere pittances compared to what we’ve gone through in the past. ■

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25

FACE MASKS: OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS

Wear a mask!

By Carrie Luger Slayback

M

ask? Never crossed my mind when starting a 6:30 a.m. run down empty streets and deserted boulevards. Back then, masks weren’t required, so I hadn’t developed a mask-wearing habit.

After about 4 miles I found myself at the back door of my local grocery store, in need of a bathroom stop. Ignoring the “employees only” sign, I slipped in and did my business, planning to exit the same way. Whoops. A large woman guarded the exit, arms crossed over her chest. Resuming my run inside the store, I surveyed the aisles for a clear path, scooted along the freezer section and out the front door.

“There she is!” an excited security guard said as I passed through the store’s doors.

I waved innocently. Then I heard

26 | AUGUST 2020 |

the angry voice of the woman, breathless from exertion, “How’d she get in? She isn’t allowed in without a mask!”

I picked up the pace, leaving the store behind like an escaping criminal from the lawless town next door. My unmasked morning was an oversight; bathroom visit, unplanned. But, I’d unwittingly made a political statement. A neighbor told me, “Mask laws contradict my personal freedom! And they don’t protect anybody anyway!” I left that emotion-filled conversation to research COVID mask-wearing, searching for a rational approach.

When epidemiologist George Rutherford and infectious disease specialist Peter Chin-Hong, were asked whether masks helped control the spread of COVID-19, they shared these recommendations:

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1. Masks catch droplets expelled while talking. Admittedly changing recommendations have been confusing, but now we know that people spread COVID-19 disease droplets before they feel sick. In fact, viral load peaks in the days before symptoms occur.

2. An experiment showed droplets expelled when talking were blocked by a damp cloth. In “real-world” examples, a masked China/Toronto airline passenger with a dry cough later tested positive for COVID-19. All 25 passengers near him tested negative.

In another case, two masked hairstylists had COVID-19, but gave it to none of their 140 clients.

3. According to Rutherford, 80 percent of the population wearing masks does more to reduce transmission than a strict lockdown. In fact, tens of thousands of deaths could be avoided if 95

percent wore masks.

4. No special type of mask is recommended, just the one you can keep on and wear all the time.

5. Social distancing is important.

While there’s little evidence that surfaces transmit the virus, what does infect are inhaled droplets.

The most important COVID-19 protection, according to experts?

Wear a mask!

I went back to talk to my neighbor with the above information.

“It’s propaganda,” he told me, but then he read what I wrote and asked for the original research.

The next time I saw him, he wore a mask and called out, “Look, Grandma, no droplets!” Fine, he can call me grandma, but I think he’s wearing that mask to protect his wife and new baby. As for my early morning runs, I always stick a mask in my fanny pack. No telling where I’ll duck in for a potty stop. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Why I’m anti-mask (It’s not what you think)

By Bonnie McCune

H

as the world gone stark mad?

Evidently. Especially when the daily news includes items such as this one: A woman at a San Diego dog park pepper-sprayed a couple for not wearing masks after flipping them off and calling them idiots for their social, moral and health errors.

This sort of rush to judgment and hysterical overstatement is one reason I back far, far away from the group I’ll call “mighty maskers.”

Based on often preliminary and incomplete “studies,” these folks seek to enforce mask-wearing mandates under every and all conditions, despite intelligent skepticism and reasonable alternatives.

Why my hesitation to fully embrace masking at all costs? I’m of the duck-and-cover generation when parents thought their children would be safe during nuclear attacks if they followed the government’s instructions, despite the fact that nuclear bombs lay waste miles in all directions. I was having children during the time that thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women for anxiety, leading to thousands of miscarriages and birth defects. And, wouldn’t you know it, I entered menopause to cheerfully swallow daily hormones that were later found to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer and dementia. Little wonder my current response to COVID treatment is a relentless skepticism.

So when I hear a newscaster claim, “The painful truth is [continuing COVID infections] didn’t have to be this way,” I respond, “Baloney.” There are tiny indications that masks may help certain people. But where are the studies about the dangers of constantly breathing into masks? Actually,

there is some research that indicates a rise in respiratory and other illnesses from masks, along with burgeoning social and psychological ill effects. Masks encourage recycling (rather than the expulsion) of viruses and bacteria, some of which can enter the brain with potentially lethal consequences. Might people infected with major respiratory conditions because of this mask-swaddling potentially be as serious a problem as the pandemic?

David H. Rosmarin wrote in “Scientific America” recently, “There is no question in my mind that our emotional and behavioral responses at the present time are creating more damage than COVID-19.” Some people even believe these masks are not about protecting health, but rather about control and dehumanization.

Since this borders on a conspiracy theory, I question this position, like those who equate anti-masking with personal rights. Beware of radicals of any stripe.

I’m mostly anti-mask because of the hysteria which surrounds the entire issue, with the compliance and buy-in of media, organized groups and even the medical community. We simply lack the information to unconditionally support any of the activities we’re swearing by. Both pro- and anti-maskers have gone mad slinging accusations against those in the opposition.

People are scared. People feel they don’t have control. Guess what? We can’t control everything that happens. We never could. All we can do is make our best guess based on what we see, learn and feel, then leave the outcome to the grace of God, luck or chance just as we always have. But please, let’s do it with some human kindness toward one another. ■

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27

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

“See” the world with the Tactile Traveler Nick Isenberg’s podcast guides the sight-impaired traveler

By Melanie Wiseman

E

ven at age 77, nothing can come between Nick Isenberg and his lifelong passion for reporting the news. Not even total blindness.

In 2019, this Glenwood Springsbased journalist started producing a monthly podcast called “The Tactile Traveler,” taking both the sighted and sightless on adventures around the world—and, sometimes, just around the block.

With help from six contributing reporters from around the world— all of whom are blind—he’s guided listeners down picturesque mountain trails and taken them overseas to explore typhoon damage in the Philippines. These reporters also help him fulfill his mission of empowering blind and low-vision people with resources, and to help sighted friends see the world in a new way.

Nick Isenberg’s podcast, “The Tactile Traveler,” covers topics such as traveling the Independence Pass Braille Trail.

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When sighted people go places, they tend to base the quality of their experience on seeing mountains, landmarks or beautiful sunsets. But when blind people travel, everywhere looks the same.

Isenberg’s primary goal was to figure out new ways for blind people to experience travel. Then, through a philosophy class at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, he learned about another significant aspect of blindness to address—isolation.

“Even though it wasn’t my experience, what kept coming up was people saying ‘When I went blind, I didn’t leave my apartment for 10 years unless it was with a trusted friend,’” explained Isenberg, whose blindness began as a result of a medical error when he was an infant.

With this new insight and the desire to empower the blind, Isenberg formulated a plan for the types of

stories he would cover.

At first, Isenberg considered a newspaper column before deciding that an audio program was the better choice. Isenberg approached Raleigh Burley of KDNK, Community Access Radio in Carbondale.

“He said ‘We’ll run it!’ Just like that!” Isenberg said. “They have been wonderful to work with.”

Wheels were set in motion, story ideas flew and KDNK’s Lucas Turner took on editing.

On July 28, 2019, the first Tactile Traveler podcast went online.

“A podcast is a radio-type program anyone can create and put on the internet,” Isenberg explained.

New episodes appear monthly.

Long term, Isenberg is shooting for an hour-long, weekly NPR program.

“It’s as easy as googling The Tactile Traveler, clicking and listening to fascinating stories and adventures for all ages and physical abilities of blind people, by blind reporters,” he said.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

EMPOWERING BLIND PEOPLE Over the years, Isenberg has endured 15 eye surgeries, including a rejected third cornea transplant in 2011 when he walked out of the hospital legally blind. His right eye was removed in 1961, and his left was removed in April 2019. He now has two custom prosthetic eyes.

“I’d been a reporter for 50 years,” he said. “After my second eye was removed, I tried to decide what I could still do as a reporter.”

Used to the hustle of cranking out multiple stories a day in the past, Isenberg immersed himself in research. What he found was that there were no “meaningful” blind travel writers.

“It hit me like a flash! I could be a travel writer for blind people and make things better for them,” he said.

Isenberg believes iPhones are crucial to blind people, noting that they offer many helpful apps.

In one episode, Isenberg recommends Be My Eyes, an app for blind and low-vision people that he uses every day. Through the app, Isenberg can request volunteers from around the world to use

TOPICS • Visiting your legislature and how to lobby • Blind tennis • Tips on enjoying a restaurant • Tony Giles: the most famous blind traveler who has been to 141 countries to date • How to identify your suitcase at the airport • Traveling via Greyhound and Amtrak • Traversing cobblestone streets • Internet dating safety • Taking a blind former mechanic to an auto show • Participating in walking and running events • Tactile experience of a postMaroon Creek avalanche

the camera on his phone to help him find something he may have dropped or lost.

“If you don’t have an iPhone, you’re not allowed to go blind,” Isenberg chuckled.

Not all stories are just for blind or low-vision listeners. In March, Isenberg’s podcast featured a story specifically for sighted people titled, “Don’t grab a blind person.”

“I can’t walk more than a block from my house without someone grabbing me,” said Isenberg.

“People are uncomfortable because they think we don’t know what we’re doing. It’s a real serious problem.”

The episode included a story from an 80-year-old blind, female Denver reporter who was picked up, carried across the street by two men and deposited on the other side without them ever saying a word.

“She was terrified and had no idea what was going on,” said Isenberg. “People mean well, but they need to ask.”

You can listen to his podcasts online at www.kdnk.org/programs/ tactile-traveler or on Apple Podcasts. ■

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FEATURED ON THE TACTILE TRAVELER • National Federation of the Blind’s “drive” to get self-driving cars for the blind • Riding the historic Denver trolley • The Braille Trail on Independence Pass • A blind survivor of Philippine typhoons • Helpful iPhone apps

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29

TRAVEL

Travel

“

”

By Lauren Berg

with virtual tours Experience popular tourist destinations, all from your computer

S

ummertime is usually the season of travel.

We fly to see loved ones, road trip to a favorite vacation spot and enjoy some hardearned rest and relaxation.

But, as you know, everything has been upended by the pandemic. As cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in various parts of the U.S., Europe has banned travelers from America and many states require 14 days of quarantine upon arrival. Even the places that are open typically have strict policies on face mask wearing and social distancing. Having to constantly worry about your health is very unrelaxing, to say the least.

Luckily, there are safer alternatives. Many iconic destinations offer virtual tours of their popular rides, exhibits and experiences. The best part: no waiting in line!

Here are some virtual travel ideas for trips you can take this summer without leaving your house.

PARIS, FRANCE Nothing says “I’m in Paris!” more than a visit to the Eiffel Tower. For a self-guided tour, the tower’s website, guide.toureiffel.paris/en, offers detailed information on the history and culture of the tower and its surrounding features. You can learn more about Gustave Eiffel, the engineer and visionary behind the tower of his namesake, and many other interesting details. Each chapter of this guided tour can be read separately, and in the order you wish.

Additionally, a simple Google search offers multiple panoramic videos of the outside and inside of the tower, as if you were really there.

The next stop on your virtual tour to Paris: the Louvre. This art museum, famous for owning the Mona Lisa, offers you the opportunity to view its popular works up close. Go to www. louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne, where you can explore panoramas of the museum’s Egyptian

30 | TRAVEL | AUGUST 2020 |

The Eiffle Tower offers self-guided virtual tours on the tower’s website, guide.toureiffel.paris/en, and contains detailed information on the history and culture of the tower and its surrounding features.

THE BEAUTY OF YOUTUBE IS THAT NEARLY EVERY AMUSEMENT PARK RIDE— FROM DISNEY TO SIX FLAGS—HAS A VIRTUAL VIDEO RIDER EXPERIENCE. antiquities, the galleries and even special exhibits such as “Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader.” Simply click on a piece of antiquity or artwork for more information and a closer look, or click and drag to make your way around the rooms. (Note: The virtual tour launches a pop-up. You will need to temporarily unblock pop-ups in order to view the tours.)

Finally, no trip abroad is complete without

some local flavor. Consider getting takeout from a local French restaurant such as Le Rouge in Grand Junction. Or, get your pastry fix at bakeries like Daily Bread in Montrose, which offers delicious croissants, cinnamon rolls and more.

Don’t forget about French wine! You can find imports at a liquor store, or support French-inspired local wineries such as Varaison Vineyards and Winery in Palisade.

The Louvre offers online panorama exhibits. Simply click on a piece of antiquity or artwork for more information and a closer look, or click and drag to make your way around the rooms.

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It’s a health problem TRAVEL

ORLANDO, FLORIDA While many summer festivals and fairs were canceled and amusement parks closed, big theme parks offer their own virtual experiences, especially the ones in Florida.

For Universal Studios fans, the website www. xplorit.com/universal-studios-hollywood gives you the chance to “walk” around the park and view Hogwarts both by day and night.

Similarly, put on your Mickey ears and travel around Disney World via www.xplorit.com/orlando-florida, which features beautiful panoramas of Cinderella’s castle, the Animal Kingdom and all parks within the resort. To go on the rides, search “virtual Disney tours” in Google to find countless videos on YouTube of popular attractions from a rider’s perspective.

The beauty of YouTube is that nearly every amusement park ride—from Disney to Six Flags—has a virtual video rider experience.

Simply go to www.youtube.com and type into the search bar whichever ride you would like to experience.

Complete the Florida vibe with a homemade version of Disney’s Dole Whip: a sweet cold treat made up of 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, 4 oz. of pineapple juice and 2 cups of frozen pineapple, blended until smooth. Or, check out local favor-

It’s not just a hearing problem It’s a health problem

Take a virtual tour of The Wheel at ICON Park. Not your average Ferris wheel, this stunning 400 foot tall Observation wheel gives you a view of Orlando like no other. ite summertime drinks, recommended in our Question of the Month on pages 51 and 55.

ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS Most zoos and aquariums around the country remain closed. But many, like the Denver Zoo, offer virtual experiences with their animals, and even some live feeds. At the Denver Zoo’s website, www.denverzoo.org/zootoyou, you can see zookeepers showcase interesting animals from

a Patagonian Cavy (a mix between a furry rabbit and a deer) to an adorable baby rhino calf.

For live feeds, head on over to the San Diego Zoo’s resource for kids (and the kids at heart) at kids.sandiegozoo.org/videos. They’ve got penguins, tigers and bears, oh my! Likewise, the Monterey Bay Aquarium features live videos of sharks, sea otters and exotic jellyfish, to name a few (found at www.montereybayaquarium.org/ animals/live-cams). ■

Even with mild hearing loss, yourEven risk ofwith dementia can double. mild hearing

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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Sing and dance with a paint brush in hand Artist’s classes help beginners create masterpieces

By Susan Elenz

D

uring a hard time in Judy Rogan’s life, her artist friend, Melody Horton, offered her a palette and canvas and told her to paint. She painted things that made her happy: flowers, bicycles and animals to name a few. It turned her life around, and she’s been painting ever since.

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Rogan’s mother was an artist, and her brother still paints. While art runs in the family, Rogan expressed her creative side earlier in life as an interior designer. But when she tried painting, it opened a well of emotion and new possibilities.

“My husband asked if I’d been struck by lightning because when I started painting, it’s like I’d become a totally different person,” said Rogan, 69.

Rogan’s style is whimsical, loose, colorful and happy. She uses acrylics because they dry fast, allowing her to easily paint over mistakes.

Judy Rogan in her art studio with her latest masterpiece.

She started selling her paintings at art shows, galleries and local studios. She won the 2013 Colorado Mountain Winefest art contest with her entry, “Tipsy Trails,” depicting a colorful bicycle.

“Bicycles are a good happy childhood memory, and they seem to bring other people a lot of joy as well,” said Rogan. “I taught a beginner’s class with bicycles and my students just loved it. Ladies

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Rogan’s artwork features happy, loose, whimsical and colorful scenes.

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The Animals featured in Rogan’s artwork, including commissioned pet portraits.

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“WATCHING PEOPLE GET INTO IT AND ENJOYING IT IS WHAT I LIKE ABOUT TEACHING.” like painting them with flowers in the back.”

When she painted a dog portrait as a gift for a friend, that started her Arff Art Custom Animal Portraits collection, where she paints commission portraits of people’s pets—past or present.

HAPPY LITTLE ACCIDENTS Rogan’s art took a new direction when a friend asked her to teach a painting class at a weekend retreat at Redstone Gallery in Redstone, Colorado. Students were having so much fun painting that they scrapped the other planned activities for the weekend and kept going.

Many students sign up for a series of Rogan’s classes, starting with her Beginners Blast class, which reportedly makes any beginner feel like an artist. If students like the class (and they usually do), they’ll take Serendipity Acrylics, where Rogan reveals secrets to her imaginative style along with painting techniques. Both classes allow painters to go home with their own masterpiece.

“Watching people get into it and enjoying it is what I like about teaching,” Rogan said. “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents. A mistake can turn out to be the best part of your painting.”

Rogan’s classes take place at her Grand Junction studio, Art & Soul Studios, 523 1/2 Main St. Students paint while listening to music and

are amazed at the masterpieces they get to take home.

She keeps classes small so she can give individual attention as needed. A cap of six participants has become even more appropriate since COVID-19.

“We do wear masks and sit at least six feet apart,” said Rogan.

“We try to be respectful of others.”

■

Upcoming Classes Create your own unique masterpiece painting from start to finish. All supplies included.

Masks required.

Beginners’ Blast: August 4 Serendipity Acrylic: August 15 NEW! Yikes Bikes: TBA An upbeat and fun acrylic bicycle painting class.

To sign up for classes or commission your pet’s portrait, call or text 424-9511 or visit www. artandsoulstudiosgj.com.

Find the BEACON closest to you! www.BeaconSeniorNews.com/Home/Map

St. Mary’s Senior Companion Programs is looking for

VOLUNTEERS throughout the Grand Valley!

Whether you’re in Fruita or Palisade, or anywhere in-between — we need YOU! To be a volunteer, it takes...

GENEROSITY a willingness to give your time to others.

U N D E R S TA N D I N G because their lives might be very different from your own.

CO M PA S S I O N

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

PAT I E N C E

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

D E D I C AT I O N

to stick with the project and see it through.

If you’re 55+, and you’re interested in helping homebound seniors run errands and get to appointments, Call the Senior Companion Program Now!*

298-9092

www.WesternSlopeSeniorVolunteers.org Sherry Schreiner

*fixed-income volunteers may qualify for a tax-free stipend

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33

FAITH

We Welcome You! Joyfully, to Love all, to Serve all, and to share Jesus Christ with the world

“Selfish bastards!”

By Pat Ralston, Warrior at Heart Ministry

S

ince I don’t follow political news in depth, I was surprised to hear ••• that the Governor of Colorado Open Hearts, Open Minds recently resorted to name-calling anti-mask wearers as “Selfish basand Open Doors tards!” So, I went to verify it online 19 S. PARK AVENUE, MONTROSE and, yep, he did.

In his frustration during another 970-249-3716 • WWW.MONTROSEUMC.ORG outburst, he blurted, “Wear a damn mask!”

He may believe his bullying and humiliating outbursts are a show S Townsend Ave of strength, but it merely further BAPTIST CHURCH E Niagara Rd alienates the very people he’s trying Turning Montrose Around to bring into compliance in the first RosemontBaptist.org place.

I recall many years ago when FAMILY FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY members from one church wanted a local Christian bookstore to Sunday Bible Study (all ages) 9:15 am 1598 E Niagara Rd put brochures on its shelves that Montrose, CO 81401 Worship Service 10:45 am Office: 970.249.4887 criticized the supposedly doctrinal fallacies of another church organization. Their intent was to chastise that particular church into seeing their “wrong thinking” and to deter Service Times Service Times others from it. The store manager Celebration Celebration Service Service instantly refused and rebuked them am Sunday 10:00 am10:00 Sunday saying, “How can you expect to Family Night Family Night win someone over by telling them pm Wednesday 6:30 pm 6:30 Wednesday they’re stupid?”

In this world of growing impatience, instant results are expected and we are increasingly seeing tac515 S. Dr. Hillcrest tics Dr. that demean and belittle. The 515 S. Hillcrest thinking Montrose, Montrose, CO 81401CO 81401 is, “If I go on the attack, Where Passion 970-249-4319my opposition will cower and come ere Passion for God and for God and 970-249-4319 for People meet…. mpassion Compassion for People meet…. into alignment with my way of thinking. Plus, others will see how

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9:00 am contemporary Praise service 9:009:00 am PraisePraise service am contemporary service 10:00 amcontemporary Christian Education (all ages) 10:00 am Christian Education (allservice ages) 10:00 am Christian Education (all ages) 11:00 am service with Choir 9:00 amTraditional contemporary Praise 11:00 am service with Choir 11:00 am Traditional service 10:00 amTraditional Christian Education (allwith ages)Choir United Church First UnitedMethodist Methodist Church, 5thth St. & White Ave.11:00 (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org am Traditional service with Choir th & White Ave. (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org First United Methodist Church, 5 St.

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34 | FAITH | AUGUST 2020 |

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strong I am and won’t dare step out of line.”

When people are attacked, it’s human nature to want to retaliate in kind. But as Christians, we must rise above verbal assaults and controlling restrictions by being Christ-like men and women in our speech and actions. We are not to be sucked into childish, verbal mockery, but instead boldly and confidently speak and demonstrate His truth at all times. When we do that, His will is done.

Instead of lashing back at those who oppress us, we must be on the offensive living in ecclesia—the community of the church—even in the midst of storms. Jesus spells it out in Luke 10:5-9, calling us to intentionally build meaningful relationships using God’s word as the foundation. We are purposefully fulfilling the Great Commission when we: 1. Bless the lost 2. Fellowship with them 3. Minister to them 4. Proclaim the kingdom of God Our downfall comes when we focus on the concerns of the world and lose sight of the calling He has for each of us. When we do things His way, we are establishing long-lasting relationships that prepare others for His return.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” ■

TALKING DIGITAL

What to know before buying your first gadget TODAY, LEAVING YOUR COMPUTER ON DOES M NOT CONSUME ENOUGH POWER TO MAKE ANY ore BEACON readers reached out to me in July than in all four years I’ve written this column combined. I’m not sure if that’s because you’ve been trapped indoors avoiding coronavirus, or whether there’s been a surge in technology problems on the Western Slope.

Chances are it’s both. Throughout the month, I jotted down some of the advice I gave:

1) People who are trying to sell you something are trying to sell you something.

This is especially true about technology. When purchasing a new piece of tech, talk to somebody with no vested interest in your purchase. This advice applies to kids, grandkids and anyone else who may benefit from it.

For example, if you ask your grandson which computer to get, he might recommend one that works best for video games. If you ask your granddaughter which smartphone you should get, she’ll probably recommend the one she would buy to maintain her social media career. Neither will be the right one for you.

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL. IF YOUR COMPUTER IS A LAPTOP, THE AMOUNT OF POWER IT USES IS ABOUT 60 PERCENT LESS.

2) Don’t try to learn the computer, smartphone, camera, etc. Instead, learn how your technology can help you do what you want.

Trying to learn how to use your device is like trying to learn how the human body works—no single book can thoroughly cover all of the systems and uses.

Instead, ype your questions into Google and search websites and YouTube videos.

3) The purpose of your first gadget is to make you aware of everything you need in your second gadget.

I’ve helped a lot of people buy their first phone, tablet, laptop or digital camera. Many people buy the most expensive device that will do everything, when all they really need is an inexpensive device with specific features.

No matter what your first gadget is, you’ll soon realize where you went wrong. If you buy a device that does everything, it’ll be too complicated. If you buy a budget device, you’ll realize its limitations.

It’s best to buy a device that does what you need for as little money as possible because, within a year or two, you’ll likely be making an educated purchase of the right device for your needs.

I call this philosophy, “Buy ’em cheap and buy ’em often.” It means you’ll buy more gadgets, but likely waste less money on features and tools you don’t need.

4) Turn it on and leave it on.

Back in the days of amber or green monitors and 5.25-inch floppy drives, computers consumed a lot of power. It was important to shut them down when not in use.

Today, leaving your computer on does not consume enough power to make any significant impact on your electric bill. If your computer is a laptop, the amount of power it uses is about 60 percent less.

When your computer is turned off, it won’t receive updates, emails or run virus scans. When you turn the computer back on, it often runs slowly because it’s trying to catch up on maintenance.

Additionally, computers that are turned off frequently have significantly more hardware problems than those left on. Of course, if you’re leaving the house for a long time, feel free to turn it off. But you probably don’t have to. ■

TALKING DIGITAL

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

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35

FINANCE

Is the CARES package a gift or trap?

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By Karen Telleen-Lawton

A

lways take a magnifying glass to a deal that allows you to borrow from what is already yours.

I usually haul out this maxim for reverse mortgages, but it applies equally well to some provisions of the CARES Act—the coronavirus relief and stimulus package first passed in March.

Not surprisingly, the Act’s most hailed provision was the $1,200 cash payment to most workers.

Other provisions of the Act are much longer lasting. Specifically, CARES changes and adjusts the circumstances under which you can withdraw money from retirement accounts. It also allows you to delay your required minimum distributions. It’s up to your retirement plan sponsor, so check with them to see what they offer.

Even if your retirement account is eligible for loans, you must have a valid COVID-19 reason to access your funds (see sidebar).

ACCESSING RETIREMENT FUNDS

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If eligible, the new CARES rules provide for the suspension of penalties and taxes on early withdrawal and an increase in the amounts that can be withdrawn. For example, if you are not yet 59 ½ and intend to take a loan from your account for an approved COVID-19 reason, you will not pay the usual 10 percent penalty. You can borrow up to $100,000 (instead of the usual $50,000) or

EVEN IF YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT IS ELIGIBLE FOR LOANS, YOU MUST HAVE A VALID COVID-19 REASON TO ACCESS YOUR FUNDS. up to 100 percent of your funds (versus 50 percent).

If you repay the loan within three years, you owe no tax on the amount until you withdraw it again during retirement. If instead you take it as a permanent withdrawal, you can pay the tax all at once (which typically would reduce your tax liability) or over a three-year period.

This is both good and bad news.

If you’re out of options, accessing these funds could be a temporary lifesaver. However, the purpose of retirement savings is to develop a nest egg. The pandemic is not likely to reduce your future need for retirement income. Therefore, anything you withdraw now you’ll want to replace as soon as possible.

Dr. Shlomo Benartzi, professor at University of California Los Angeles’ business school, says the way to take advantage of the loan without derailing your retirement is to develop and follow a repayment plan.

He recommends these guidelines for making decisions about using your nest egg:

FINANCE • Hardship withdrawal versus a loan. If your plan is to restore your retirement funds, a loan makes this easier by automatically setting you on a repayment plan.

Trying to set aside the money outside of your retirement plan is less likely to be successful.

• How much to withdraw. Dr. Benartzi recommends you take out only half of what you think you need. You don’t want to feel flush, but instead observe anytime you’re spending your hard-saved funds. This attitude will save more of your funds as well as the option to withdraw more if absolutely needed.

• Rebuilding your portfolio. Stay enrolled in the paycheck deduction for your company retirement plan using your previous contribution percentage. Then, commit to increasing percentage contributions regularly. Benartzi recommends increasing your deduction amount two percentage points per year until you’re saving 15 percent a year. This is the highest percentage allowable under the Secure Act. For those of us in our post-kid and pre-retirement years, I would suggest saving 20 percent or more of your income. A financial advisor can help you determine an appropriate rate for your circumstances.

DEALING WITH JOB LOSS Illness, death and loss of livelihood are some of the terrible fallouts of this pandemic. Marooned retirement accounts may seem like the least of your worries. Nevertheless, they are important anchors for your future. There are three options for dealing with retirement

accounts when you leave a company: cash them out, move them to IRAs, or leave them under the company’s plan sponsor.

If you have other accounts with a money manager such as Schwab or Fidelity, I recommend comparing management fees and investment options between the management selections. Likely you’ll pay less without sacrificing return by rolling your accounts to IRAs, but it means you’ll have to pay more attention. If this isn’t your forte, leave it with the company sponsor to manage.

In any case, do your best not to cash out your retirement for living expenses while you search for work.

TAKING YOUR RMD For 2020, retirees are not required to take their minimum distribution.

Moreover, the age by which you must make your first withdrawal is now 72 instead of 70. Leaving the money in your retirement accounts may allow time for the funds to recover from market gyrations. It also improves your future flexibility. One disadvantage is that you will withdraw funds in fewer years, which could result in you being in higher tax brackets.

Nevertheless, as with loans from your retirement, if you need the money, take the money. Withdraw it little by little, as allowed by the plan sponsor.

You’ve taken a lifetime to accumulate your retirement funds.

COVID-19’s thrown a wrench in planning. If you move slowly and deliberately, you can make decisions using the CARES Act that will serve your needs now and maximize your retirement lifestyle. ■

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37

BUSINESS PROFILE

Vivax Pros: Your local painting experts

By Melanie Wiseman

D

isplaying a high level of integrity and an outstanding track record, Vivax Pros painting company often gets new business through referrals. I should know—they painted my house and I have recommended them to countless others.

THEY LOVE TO PAINT! When it comes to painting your house, there are many options out there, but Vivax Pros rises to the top for many reasons.

“It’s your home, your biggest investment,” said Mary Lou Wilson, branch operator. “We train our crews to paint as if it were their own home.”

Focusing primarily on residential exterior painting, their guaranteed quality work sets them apart: • Customer service and attention to detail are the priority.

• A project manager communicates with clients daily.

• Employees are professional, punctual and seek perfection.

• Vivax touts the best trained and most trustworthy painting crews in the valley.

• Crews perform daily cleanup.

• Free color consultation is offered.

• Crews use the highest quality Sherwin Williams paint.

• 100 percent warranty on paint and workmanship for one year, no questions asked.

• Workmanship warranties offered for 6, 9 or 14-year durations.

• Homes and families treated with the utmost respect.

The author’s home before (above) and after (below) Vivax Pros was hired to paint the exterior.

One impressive detail of their customer service is that no deposit or payment is required until the final inspection between the homeowner and project manager. You pay only when completely satisfied.

TIRELESS ATTENTION TO DETAIL Grand Junction local Jeremiah Owen founded Vivax Pros over 15 years ago. He started by opening offices in Denver, Colorado Springs and Loveland/Fort Collins. When he decided to expand into Grand Junction 10 years ago, he contacted Wilson, who literally bought into the idea.

“We are locally owned and operated and support local businesses such as Sherwin Williams and True Value,” said Wilson. “We are literally your local painting experts.”

Wilson keeps their eight Grand Junction crews busy. Extensive preparation is done before the painting even begins. Homes are pressure washed two days ahead of time; loose paint scraped; gutters, seams and nail holes attended to; windows masked; and walkways, patios and decks are covered for protection from overspray.

38 | BUSINESS PROFILE | AUGUST 2020 |

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“I don’t want to give away all our secrets,” said Wilson. “Let’s just say our attention to detail is tireless.”

Vivax promotes and upholds a strong company culture, through both personal and professional growth. They’re not only passionate about promising to complete each job with the finest methods, material and equipment, but call themselves, “A company that breeds loyal clients and gives back to the communities we serve.”

Vivax Pros does just that by giving back through its annual Community Pride Project. Recently, they donated the design and labor for a community mural on the west corner of Fifth Street and South Avenue in downtown Grand Junction.

Every day, they strive to provide their clients with the best possible service, and “wow” them with the Vivax Pros experience. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Quincy barks “yes” and sometimes “four”

By Marti Healy

Q

uincy is a very literal sort of dog. He’s more agreeable than well trained, although he’s rather opinionated. Loyal to a fault. He’s vulnerable and naive and not terribly brave, but compellingly sincere.

Quincy is the kind of dog who barks first and asks questions later.

Particularly when anyone comes to my house. No matter how often they may visit, how well he may know them, he announces their arrival loudly. He announces it to me, to them, to himself, to most of the neighbors.

“They’re here!” he barks at the top of his voice.

The purpose of their visit doesn’t matter either—to steal the silver or bring a cake, to fix the plumbing or take me to lunch—it’s all the same salutation. Quincy prefers to figure out the good or the bad of it later. It’s all about the greeting and acknowledgment that he’s aware of them.

He’s even been able to determine that when I am on the phone, I must be talking to someone he simply can’t see. So his solution is to run around the house, barking out loud and looking everywhere for them. Then he barks directly at the phone.

This can be rather disconcerting to the caller. Q’s bark has disconnected some unwanted phone scams (good dog!), but he has also

created some unintentional results when the automated options are “press or say one for yes…press or say two for no” and he barks “one.”

Once he apparently barked “four,” because I was suddenly talking with a nice man in charge of Medicare questions for businesses. Fortunately, he liked dogs and found the humor in it all, transferring me to the department I actually wanted.

Quincy has been a life-lesson to me since the first day I brought him home from the shelter—as have all of the animals that have graced my life. This one’s barking at unseen visitors is no exception.

I suspect I am meant to learn much from him, as he reminds me to welcome all with equal enthusiasm, to say “hello” first and ask questions later, and to not jump to judgment (after all, they may be the ones with cake).

Following his lead, I’m learning to be involved with life personally and literally. To be agreeable, even if I’m opinionated. To try hard even when it’s difficult. To be loyal even to a fault. That it’s okay to be shy and vulnerable and naive and not necessarily brave, as long as I’m always sincere.

And, of course, there is the compelling lesson to never miss an opportunity to choose “yes” (or possibly “four”) because you just never know where it will lead.■

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

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 |

39

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT

Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties

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Adventure in the great outdoors

Call 243-8829

Learn about our conservation areas through CCA’s fall trips

By Michael Melneck

D Artisan Bakery & Cafe 6th & Main  970.241.2740

gjmainstreetbagels.com

o overnight rafting trips float your boat? Grand Valley locals have access to a grand buffet of outdoor adventures this late summer and early fall, courtesy of Colorado Canyons Association.

ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD Colorado Canyons Association (CCA) connects people using education, stewardship, recreation and awareness to the natural resources of western Colorado’s National Conservation Areas. The

nonprofit leads outdoor adventures in three local conservation areas in particular: McInnis Canyons, Dominguez-Escalante and Gunnison Gorge. CCA works in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management to increase education and outreach programs to communities on the Western Slope.

“From night sky photography to finding fossils, we’ve got a trip for everyone to enjoy,” said Sara Brooker, CCA’s Program Coordinator.

“Our trips are guaranteed to provide you with new knowledge and

Where great food, great coffee & great people meet!

The Conrads’ group at Camp Catalpa on CCA’s 2019 Birding Excursion.

40 | BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT | AUGUST 2020 |

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BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT connect you to your public lands.”

CCA’s adventure trips are led by experts on the subject matter— many of whom are seniors—as well as medical personnel, expert guides and CCA staff. The often multiday experiences provide fun and education, plus great camp-cooked food and safe overnight camping at CCA’s own private Catalpa Camp.

In addition to connecting people to the outdoors, the trips help support CCA’s mission.

“Proceeds from the trips support CCA’s youth education programs, helping us get thousands of kids outside every year,” Brooker said.

CCA partners with local school districts and youth groups, as well as residential and after-school programs for at-risk and underserved youth. Students who participate in the programs often come from families who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources or time to actively engage in these public lands.

from 0 to as much as 104,” said Jon, 56. “Be over-ready, especially when swimming, as the water can be very cold.”

The Conrads agreed to go out on another trip, and intend to strongly support CCA both as citizens and as conservation advocates. ■

2020 Adventures Medicaid/Medicare Certified | Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002

Nursing and Therapy Services Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Personal Safety Devices

Nursing and Therapy Services CCA has five trips Serving g Servin ld, Mesa, Garfield, e planned this fall: Pitkin, Eagle and Mesa, GaErfiaglePersonal Care, Homemaking, IHSS Gunnison • September 12-13: NightCounties Sky

•

GET ADVENTURING Jon and A’lanne Conrad have joined two CCA adventures so far. They counted over 40 species of birds— in addition to bighorn sheep—on their 2019 birding adventure trip.

But they found that the people they meet on the trips is often just as rewarding as experiencing nature’s beauty. Their birding trip mates included an 80-year-old woman who’d made a quilt that hangs in the Smithsonian Institution. On their 2020 river adventure, they met a man who’d built yurts in the national parks before retiring.

The trips are called “adventures” for a reason. The Conrads’ 2020 trip experienced a microburst, with the party enduring horizontal rain and 90 mph winds, damaging Catalpa Camp’s tents. Even though the squall only lasted about 10 minutes, for the Conrads, the memory will last forever! The microburst left nearly everything and everyone soaked, but safe. Jon’s takeaway for these kinds of river adventures: It’s all about appropriate clothing and gear.

“The temperatures can range

Bringing Health Care Home to You

•

• •

Photography Clinic September 18-20: All-levels Yoga and Wellness Rafting Retreat September 25-27: Geology & Paleontology on the Colorado River October 3: McInnis Canyons NCA Paleontology Tour October 10: Eagle Rock Shelter Float Trip

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CCA stays current with CDC and Mesa County Health Department guidelines. Trip participation is limited. Handwashing stations are available and there will be frequent temperature and symptoms checks.

“As conditions change often, CCA’s future adventures will adapt to ensure the adventurer’s safety and health,” Brooker emphasized.

Trip costs range from $200500 for day and overnight rafting trips, and from $85-250 for day and overnight hikes.

For details and to sign up, visit www.canyonsassociation.org or call 263-7902.

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41

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

The end of the Ironing Age

By Lilli-Ann Buffin

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on’t do it, Buffin!” my friend yells at me like a rescue worker talking a person off the ledge.

But we’re on the phone. And this is not a life-threatening situation.

In fact, we’re talking about ironing. Yes, ironing. You remember, the act of smoothing out wrinkles using a hot, flat metal device?

My friend is appalled that I still iron “in this day and age.” Of course, I saw the end of the Ironing Age coming. Some years back, another friend bemoaned the fact that her son had outgrown several items while waiting for them to be ironed. In more recent years, I’ve had phone conversations cut short by my long-distance friend, Joyce.

Hearing the dryer buzz, Joyce drops the phone and sprints for the laundry room. She refuses to iron a single item—ever.

Back at the peak of the Ironing Age, we had an “ironing pile” in our home. Eventually, it grew to several piles. Soon, baskets full of wrinkled clothing occupied half of our basement. With six people in the house in the days before permanent press, this mountain of wrinkled fabric did not take long to develop. Toward adolescence, I realized that once an item made its way into the ironing pile, it was as good as gone—outgrown or out of style before it’s ever seen again.

My mother, an early pioneer in the whole working-mother movement, had very little time for housework.

Mom tried various strategies to deal with the ironing chore. One example was the mangle that appeared in our home as a hand-me-down

from my grandmother’s house. The darn thing was HUGE and looked menacing. “Mangle” seemed like an appropriate name, and maybe that is why the device sat untouched despite the effort of moving the monster 100 miles.

Then there was the freezer period. Mom read a time-saving hint that if you rolled up your laundry while it was still damp, put it in a plastic bag and placed it in the freezer, it would be easier to iron.

Years passed with rolls of frozen

AT THE PEAK OF THE IRONING AGE, WE HAD AN “IRONING PILE”.

EVENTUALLY, IT GREW TO SEVERAL PILES. SOON, BASKETS FULL OF WRINKLED CLOTHING OCCUPIED HALF OF OUR BASEMENT.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

laundry taking up our freezer space.

It is not that we forgot about those frozen bundles: we peered around them daily when we went to the freezer to pull out something for dinner.

Now don’t get me wrong, some ironing did get done. Clothes were selected on a priority basis— whatever had to be worn that day became the priority. By the time I got heavily into ironing, my dad was wearing dress shirts to work every day and my sisters and I had school uniforms with blouses and cotton gym suits. Each morning, I trudged downstairs ahead of the others to iron the day’s priority items.

It was in the summers that I really got into ironing. There wasn’t much else to do. While we didn’t have the daily school attire as a priority in that season, sheets, pillowcases and tablecloths needed to be ironed if you planned to use them.

Most summer clothing was made of cotton. No reliable permanent

press existed that was worthy of the label. I would set up the ironing board in front of the television and watch soap operas for hours.

Tame by today’s standards, those old soaps were still pretty provocative for a teenager who spent her summers ironing.

My aforementioned friend Joyce, with the built-in sensor for the end of the dryer cycle, got her sex education while ironing—or pretending to be ironing. After she discovered one of her older sister’s college textbooks on human sexuality, Joyce would go downstairs under the pretense of ironing and spend hours looking at pictures of naked people in various sexual positions.

Joyce was so fast at ironing that she could make up for the lost time, and her parents never knew the difference. Perhaps, the trauma showed itself later in her obsession with the dryer cycle.

Ironing was never that exciting for me. Most often I used that ironing time to daydream and reflect on my own life. As a youth, some important life lessons came to me, not from the school board but from the ironing board. Chief among the tutorials was that all of our lives contain wrinkles and embarrassing piles. All we can do is cope resourcefully, stick with ourpriorities and attack the creases, piece by piece. ■

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43

CALENDAR

MeSa County

Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact event organizers to confirm details before attending.

August 3

Colorado Day

Colorado Parks and Wildlife celebrate Colorado Day by offering free entrance at all 41 state parks. All other fees, including campsite reservations, will remain in effect.

7 a.m.-9 p.m. | All Colorado State Parks

August 4

Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis

The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis is a veteran-operated nonprofit that uses motorcycle therapy to get vets outdoors and connect with them through a stong network of other veterans. This year’s ride to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally stops at Maverik in Fruita. Come meet the vets and say hi!

10-11 a.m. | Maverik Fuel Stop, Fruita

August 4

Facebook live reading of a children’s animal-themed book with a pet.

1 p.m. | facebook.com/RoiceHurst | 434-7337

August 5

Home brew club social: Peach Cup

Join the Bookcliff Home Brew Club at the Palisade Brewing Company for this month’s social.

6:30-9:30 p.m. | 200 Peach Ave., Palisade | www.bookcliffhome brewclub.com

August 5, 12, 19, 26

Redlands Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday, the Redland’s Farmers’ Market offers a wide variety of produce and hand-crafted items, music and food trucks. Build your community by supporting local farmers and artisans.

5-7:30 p.m. | 527 Village Way, Grand Junction | 245-1478

August 7

Writer’s Night

Essay writer Allison Snyder Kingsley will discuss turning failures into art.

Please register online.

6-8 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | www.westerncolorado writers.org | 541-9293

August 5, 12, 19, 26

Reading with Rescues

Join Roice-Hurst Humane Society every Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a

Glade Park Movie Under the Stars

Enjoy a family-friendly feature film every Friday while supporting a good cause. This month, Glade Park’s Volunteer Fire Department offers the nostalgic 1987 film, “The Princess Bride,” with entertainment

by Landslide & Friends. Bring chairs and warm clothes.

6-10 p.m. | 16400 DS Road, Glade

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August 7, 14, 21, 28 Fire Pit Fridays

Varaison Vineyards and Winery welcomes the weekend with delicious wood-fired pizzas paired with signature wines and wine cocktails, available for purchase in their openair pavilion and patio.

6-10 p.m. | 405 W. 1st St., Palisade | 464-4928

August 7-8

Comedy Night in the Vines

Nothing goes better with laughter than a nice glass of Mesa Park Vineyards’ Barn Owl or Cab Franc. Grab your lawn chair for a refreshing evening of laughter courtesy of hilarious nationally-recognized comedians.

7-9 p.m. | 3321 C Road, Palisade | $15 | www.mesaparkvineyards.com/ events | 628-9113

August 8, 15, 22, 29

Cross Orchards Saturday Market

Wander Cross Orchard’s beautiful grounds every Saturday and shop for local produce, artisan vendors and food trucks, or picnic on the lush lawns.

8 a.m. to noon | 3073 F Road, Grand Junction | www.museumofwesternco.com/cross-orchards | 434-9814

August 8

Paint “Colorado Loud and Proud”

Come on in to Angelo’s Pottery for an in-person instruction on painting a unique, multi-media Colo-

241-9123

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

44 | CALENDAR | AUGUST 2020 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

August 8, 15, 22, 29

Fruita Farmer’s Market

Reed Park features local produce, handmade crafts and other local goodies for shoppers, plus live entertainment!

8:30 a.m. to noon | 250 S Maple St., Fruita | www.fruitafarmersmarket. org | 858-3894

August 9

Country Gospel Brunch

Chef Lyle and the gang at Warehouse 25sixty-five are cooking up a country-style brunch, complete with Bloody Marys and mimosas!

10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 2565 American Way, Grand Junction | 628-4321

August 9, 16, 23

Palisade Farmers’ Market

Located in the heart of fruit, farm and wine country, the Palisade Sunday Farmers Market offers farmfresh produce, ranch-raised meats, homemade crafts, music, delicious foods and so much more!

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | W. 3rd St. & Main St., Palisade | 464-5602

August 10

Flume Canyon Night Group Run

Runners of all abilities are welcome to join the Monday Night Group Run in Flume Canyon in Fruita. There’s a 5-6 mile standard loop, as well as

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• Heels • Boots • Shoe Shine

rado-themed wall hanging. Social distancing will be practiced; space limited.

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5:45 p.m. | Flume Canyon, Fruita | 773-3124

August 12

August 17

Enjoy a burrito while raising funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! Tell the employees at check out that you are there for the Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser. All proceeds will go directly to the charity.

4-8 p.m. | 2504 Hwy. 6 & 50, Ste 300, Grand Junction

Learn the basics about wills and trusts and common issues. This virtual seminar, presented by attorneys at The Law Offices of Brown & Brown, PC, comes with a complimentary estate planning workbook. Registration is required.

4:30-5:30 p.m. | www.brownand brownpc.com | 243-8250

Chipotle fundraiser

August 14

UON at the Brewery

Estate Planning 101 Seminar

Union of None returns to Palisade Brewing Company for the first time since the COVID lockdown. Enjoy some high-energy covers of familiar songs over ice cold brews.

7-10 p.m. | 200 Peach Ave., Palisade | 464-1462

August 15 Goat Yoga

August 21

August 16

Stray Grass in concert

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View excellent, clear night skies from Highline State Park with the Western Colorado Astronomy Club. Call to confirm the event is happening..

8:15-10:15 p.m. | 1800 11 8/10 Road, Loma | 812-3661

Learn about hassle-free home ownership at Village Cooperative, a community for active adults age 62+. Visit www.villagecooperative. com to learn more. Call to RSVP. 1 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. | Free | 628-3628

Star Party

August 22

Band in Barrel: Acoustic Soul

Restoration Vineyards hosts Acoustic Soul at its Band in the Barrel concert series. Wine is available for purchase, as well as food from Little Pink Truck. Reservations are highly encouraged due to limited capacity.

2-5 p.m. | 3594 E ½ Road, Palisade | Free | www.restorationvineyards. com | 985-0832

Ward Davis in concert

Grocery Boxes for Older Adults

Roice-Hurst Humane Society hosts a virtual adoption event via Zoom.

Meet your new best friend, and ask questions of fosters and staff. They can process your adoption virtually!

August 26

August 22

Combine the relaxation and focus of yoga with the happy distraction of 12 little goats for a fun, relaxing and memorable morning at the Mesa County Fairgrounds’ Gazebo.

Register online in advance at www. bit.ly/gjpractive.

8:30-10 a.m. | 2785 Hwy. 50, Grand Junction | $20 | 254-3866

Virtual Adoption Event

August 21

The Food Bank of the Rockies in Palisade hosts a drive-through distribution of food boxes for low-income adults 60 or older. Call to sign up.

1-3 p.m. | 120 North River Road, Palisade | $10 | 464-1138

August 21

Enjoy the high-energy acoustic bluegrass sounds of Stray Grass, which returns to Mesa Theater.

8-11 p.m. | 538 Main St., Grand Junction | $10 | www.mesatheater. com | 773-1775

BIG RESULTS! Advertise your upcoming event or fundraiser in our Calendar of Events.

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Enjoy the country sounds of American singer-songwriter Ward Davis at the Mesa Theater. Doors open at 7.

8-11:30 p.m. | 538 Main St., Grand Junction | $15 | www.mesatheater. com | 773-1775

August 22-23

Orchard Mesa Bowling Tournament

The Colorado Utah Tournament Bowling Association hosts a traveling amateur bowling tournament at Orchard Mesa Lanes over the course of two days.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. | 295 27 Road, Grand Junction | 618-3667

Village Cooperative Seminar

August 26

Beyond Words Book Club

Discuss virtually or in person “An Anthropologist on Mars” by Oliver Sacks with other people who’ve read the book. Register in advance to meet at Mesa County Central Library’s Monument Room. Masks required.

10:30-11:30 a.m. | meet.google.com/ zki-hkmb-dsg | 243-4442

August 29

Evening under the Stars concert

The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra invites you to its free outdoor concert, featuring the Grand Junction Centennial Band.

5:30-8:30 p.m. | Sherwood Park | www.gjso.org | info@gjso.org | 2436787 ■

See more events at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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45

MeSa County

CLUBS

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Editor’s note: Some club meetings may be canceled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact organizers to confirm meeting details before attending.

American Association of University Women meets monthly. Call for location.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 261-2112

Friendship Force meets at First Baptist Church in Grand Junction.

3rd Thursday | 6:15 p.m. | 778-6191 | www.ffwcolo.com

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Grand Junction.

Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:45 p.m. | 244-9989

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

2nd Thursday, 7 p.m. | 4th Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionrock club@gmail.com

Colorado Archaeological Society Grand Junction meets monthly.

Call for location.

2nd Monday | 6:30-9 p.m. | 433-4312 | www.meetup.com/CAS-GJ/events

Golden K Kiwanis meets at the Redlands Community Center.

Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | www.gjgoldenk.com

Cribbage Lite meets at IHOP. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 201-7823 Cups Club meets at The Artful Cup in Grand Junction. Meet people through cards, games, talk and tea.

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

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

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

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 434-0868 Crafting Club meets at the Clifton Library.

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

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1 p.m. | 245-8817 or 257-1549 Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands United Methodist Church.

2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 245-8817 or 856-3632 Guys’ Giving Club meets quarterly at Springhill Suites in Grand Junction. Members donate $100 at each meeting and are invited to nominate a local charity to receive the evening’s total contributions.

1st Tuesday | 5:15 p.m. | 243-8829 or 270-6184

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

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

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets twice monthly. Call for location.

1st & 3rd Mondays | 7 p.m. | 216-2919 Outing Club meets for hiking, biking, skiing and other activities. Call for more dates and details.

801-638-8707 River City Singles meet weekly at Travelodge in Grand Junction. These young-at-heart adults get together for activities throughout the month.

Fridays | 5 p.m. | 242-5252 Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction.

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

Grand Junction Toastmasters meets at The Commons of Hilltop Garden Room in Grand Junction.

Tuesdays | 6:45 a.m. | 241-1900

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

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

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

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

2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | 433-7799

Knitting Club meets at Community of Christ Church in Grand Junction.

4th Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 623-1455 Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at various locations. www.mesacountygenealogy.org Newcomers Club meets at First Christian Church in Grand Junction.

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

SOS: Singles over 65 is a gender-balanced club for hip, cool, classy seniors who want to meet singles, have fun and do new activities.

775-400-8700 \ $20/year | www.meetup.com/singles-over-65 Sweet Adelines International, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church. Currently, meetings are held over Zoom. Call for an invite.

Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 256-9763 | www.grandmesachorus.org

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46 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES | AUGUST 2020 |

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

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

Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets weekly. Call for location.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 250-3969

Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247 in Grand Junction.

4th Tuesday | Free currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. | Meeting at 6:30 p.m. | www.gjcoinshow.com Western Slope Liberty Toastmasters meets at Chronos Builders, 637 25 Road in Grand Junction.

1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 661-974-9904

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thun dermountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Junction Masonic Center.

Thursdays | 261-1670 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets at the Post Hall, 503 Florence Road, in Grand Junction.

1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 778-8242 Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at the Civil Patrol Hangar, 2868 Aviators Way. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www.w0rrz.org

19.

19.

19.

54.

54.

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No appointment necessary

2020 Westen Colorado Senior Games have been postponed until 2021. See you next year!

HEALTH August 1 & August 15 Goat Yoga

Play with baby goats while doing yoga! Please bring yoga mat. Preregistration required.

8:30-10 a.m. | Mesa County Fair Grounds gazebo | $20

HIGH Fitness

Wheels West Car Club meets at the Whitman Center, Museum of Western Colorado.

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

HIGH Fitness transforms old school aerobics into a new fitness experience that combines simple fitness techniques, including cardio and strength training, with music you know and love. Drop in, or buy a punch card for $50.

6:15-7:15 p.m. | Bookcliff Activity Center | $6 drop-in

Tuesdays & Fridays Gentle Active Yoga

This yoga class is designed for active beginners and above. Drop in, or buy a punch card for $50.

8-9 a.m. | Lincoln Park Barn | $7 drop-in

Email your club information to: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

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

Thursdays

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

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

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FILM August 19

Film Screening: My Year Living Mindfully

In the midst of a growing mental illness epidemic, award-winning health journalist Shannon Harvey enlists a team of scientists to put meditation to the test. As she travels around the world, from the bright lights of Manhattan to the dusty refugee camps of the Middle East, she asks one simple question: Could learning to quiet our busy minds be the solution the world so desperately needs? What begins as a yearlong self-experiment transforms into a life-changing experience, where investigative science journalism meets personal storytelling. A discussion about the film will follow.

4:30-6:30 p.m. | Register at: www. brainbellyheart.com/schedule | Free

WHAT’S OPEN? • City parks, over 20 miles of bike paths and over 900 acres of open space remain open. All bathroom facilities are being regularly cleaned.

• Court spaces—including basketball, volleyball, handball, pickleball and tennis—are open for drop-in play.

• Practices, lessons and skills clinics may resume. Field use is limited to local teams. Games and tournaments must have

prior approval by Mesa County Health Department.

• Playgrounds have reopened.

• Lincoln Park Pool is open.

• Senior Recreation Center and Orchard Mesa Pool remain closed.

• Lincoln Park Stadium complex remains closed.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES |

47

MeSa County

BEACON BITS BEACON BITS

Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact event organizers to confirm event details before attending.

2020 BeaconFest boomer and senior fairs canceled The BEACON Senior News made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s BeaconFest Boomer and Senior Fairs. Despite the number of eager participants, we realize that senior show attendees are among the most vulnerable in this pandemic. The health department’s latest regulations for local events make it impossible to put on a show that would even resemble BeaconFest. However, we hope you’ll mark the date on your calendars for next year’s 2021 BeaconFests! Grand Junction BeaconFest is scheduled for April 15, and Montrose-Delta BeaconFest for September 16.

Rotarian of the Year awarded to Merritt Kinsey The Rotary Club of Grand Junction named Merritt Kinsey its Rotarian of the Year. The award is given to a Rotarian for outstanding service and unselfish effort in furthering the ideals of the Rotary way of life. In addition to volunteering for many ongoing projects, Merritt’s contributions to Rotary and the community at large include: service as club president, Paul Harris Fellow

+8, Major Rotary Foundation donor, and the Club’s Rotary International Annual Fund Chair. Additionally, Merritt is the standup bass player in The King N’ Trio musical group which has performed countless benefit concerts for Rotary and other community organizations.

Students awarded music scholarship Each year the Grand Junction Centennial Band awards The Gary Ambrosier Music Scholarship to up to three graduating high school seniors for their first year at university. This year’s scholarship winners: • Chloe Schrader - $1,500 scholarship • Raina Scott -$750 scholarship The scholarships will be awarded to these winners at the Evening Under the Stars concert featuring the Grand Junction Symphony and the Grand Junction Centennial Band on August 29.

Rotary Club honors COVID heroes Jeff Kuhr and Diane Schwenke were recognized by the Rotary Club of Grand Junction for their work in helping to navigate Mesa County through the COVID pandemic. The

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Service Above Self Award is the club’s highest honor, and recognizes those who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service.

Kuhr’s leadership as the director of the Mesa County Health Department and Diane Schwenke, Grand Junction-Area Chamber of Commerce Director, have led the charge in guiding Mesa County through the challenges created by COVID-19.

Rural survey participants needed Older adults in Colorado who were/ are, or hope to be in the workforce are encouraged to take the brief survey at www.bit.ly/CTNWorforce Survey. Responses will be used to inform programming designed to assist those aged 50+ gain access to meaningful work that fully uses

Fruita Maverik on US Hwy 50 from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4. Catch the vets as they travel through Grand Junction and chat with them about their initial feel of motorcycle therapy as they stop to fuel up at Maverik’s.

their talents and abilities. All responses will remain anonymous. At the end of the survey, respondents will have a chance to enter a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards.

Pali-tours to offer group history tours Dave Smith, operator of Pali-tours, has partnered with the Palisade Historical Society to add new tours featuring Palisade’s unique history.

The 2-½ hour long tours for groups of four to 10 people will be in “Pinzy,” a 1975 Pinzgauer 6x6 made in Austria for the Swiss Military.

Historical Society volunteers will narrate with information about Palisade’s interesting agriculture and coal mining past. Contact Pali-Tours at 697-8134 for details.

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Expires August 31, 2020

The VCR is a veteran-operated nonprofit that uses “motorcycle therapy” to get vets outdoors and connect them with a strong network of other veterans. This year’s ride to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts on July 29 in Moab, Utah. Riders stop in Craig and Fort Collins and ride through some of the nation’s most scenic backroads and highways before arriving in South Dakota on August 7. The veterans will be stopping at the

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Call me today to start your way to an easier lifestyle. I will help you navigate the way whether you are buying, selling, transitioning or investing.

Carol Gerber SRES 234-2037

2474 Patterson Rd. #100 Grand Junction CarolGerber@kw.com

Protect the river: keep your stormwaters clean The Mesa County Public Works Stormwater Division protects our rivers and wildlife from unwanted toxins and pollutants. Help keep our stormwaters and river clean: • Clean up your pet’s waste.

• Shovel snow instead of salting it.

• Recycle used oil or use a professional oil changing business.

• Wash your car at a professional carwash so soapy water doesn’t run down the driveway.

• Fertilize your lawn on a dry day.

• Take your yard clippings to the Mesa County Compost Facility.

Humor columnist releases new collection “Driving Backwards on a One-Way Street: A Savvy Senior’s Map to Finding Humor in Everything,” comes from the irreverent mind of Northwest Jersey humor columnist Laverne H. Bardy. Featuring 71 of the humorist’s favorite columns, the book explores aging in America with humor and wit. Readers of a certain age will relate to the struggles of getting older while finding solace that they aren’t alone. To purchase the collection, visit www.

LaverneBardy.com.

Mesa County Libraries assists with immigrant driver’s licenses The Mesa County Libraries Foundation received a $3,000 grant enabling it to help immigrants to the U.S. get driver’s licenses. The Literacy Center helps immigrants understand what documents they need, assists them in setting up an appointment for a driving test, and can provide translation services when necessary. ■

Email your news briefs to: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Question VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. | 243-9839 Grand Junction Visitor Center seeks volunteers to welcome visitors to the Grand Valley as a tourism ambassador. Flexible schedule and lots of fun!

256-4054 | kerryg@gjcity.org | 740 Horizon Dr., Grand Junction MOPS Kids seeks volunteers to watch children for several hours a month during MOPS meetings at Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction.

2nd & 4th Wednesdays | 9-11:30 a.m. | 549-6637 Palisade Historical Society welcomes volunteers who would like to share the history of Palisade, and/or work on various committees and projects. pbwalker630@acsol.net Foster Grandparents are needed in nonprofit school classrooms throughout Mesa County. Applicants must be 55+ and may be eligible for a tax-free stipend. | 298-9091 Riverside Education Center seeks volunteer tutors to ensure the success of kids K-12 in its structured after-school tutoring and enrichment activities.

Volunteers commit to one day per week for 1-2 hours after school.

462-2901 | www.rec4kids.com Mesa County Spellbinders seeks volunteers to learn a few storytelling skills and make a difference in children’s lives. Spellbinders volunteer in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year.

462-7346

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Melanie Wiseman

Best summertime beverage from around town?

Judie Chapin “Vodka martini, dry up and dirty at the Palisade Brewery. They’re delicious!”

Junta Solano “Iced tea from Pablo’s downtown, and water. The water tastes so good here. When I lived in Florida, the water was rusty and made your clothes yellow.”

Dr. Pete Soaring High Eagle “Pure artesian water. Grand Junction has one of the greatest sources, in the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. The person who donated the land wanted the deep, old well accessible to the public, so there’s concrete with a pipe and water continually coming out of it.

It has a very smooth texture.”

Gail Buelter “I’m a beer drinker so I’m going with the Palisade Red at the Ale House. It’s light, fruity and a feel-good drink.”

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | BEACON BITS |

49

CALENDAR SUPPORT GROUPS

Montrose MeSa & Delta County

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

Caregiver Connections meets at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest.

Tuesdays | 10-11:30 a.m. | 241-2212 Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella Grand Junction, 628 261/2 Road. Call to RSVP. 1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 822-7070 Compassionate Friends offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents at Unity Church.

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

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

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

GriefShare, a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one, meets at Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F¼ Road.

Mondays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 628-1453 Grief Group for Pets meets at Roice-Hurst Humane Society.

2nd Wednesday, bi-monthly | 6-7 p.m. | 434-7337 ext. 103 Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists.

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

Thursdays | noon to 1 p.m. | 298-2351 HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 778-9274 or 241-4349

Job Searching After 50 Networking Group meets twice monthly at Mesa County Workforce Center. You must be registered as a job seeker at www. connectingcolorado.com.

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

3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 298-2351 MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center In-Patient Dining Room.

1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 298-2351 Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one, and meets at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest.

Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 248-8844 MS Breakfast Group meets at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Drive.

1st Tuesday | 9 a.m. | 985-4935 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and

connection groups for adults living with a mental illness. Now meets at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www.NAMIWS.org | 462-3989 Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets at First Presbyterian Church.

Thursdays | 6:30 p.m. | 379-5786 TOPS Club weight-loss support group meets at Grace Point Church in Grand Junction.

Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 523-0243 Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets at Center for Independence. Transportation is available.

3rd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 241-0315 Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

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

Tuesdays | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | 298-2351 ■

HOME EQUITY means nothing in your retirement unless it is UNLOCKED. Is your largest asset also your largest non-producing asset?

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50 | SUPPORT GROUPS | AUGUST 2020 |

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Even in times of uncertainty, the BEACON will be there to light the way!

Even though it’s uncertain what tomorrow will bring, the BEACON is here to light the way.

In the event of a stay-at-home order and without an effective way to get a printed copy of the BEACON to you, we will be publishing the May and June issues solely online.

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Whileissues, it isn’t orReceive email us at notifications when the www.BeaconSeniorNews.com same as holding it in your hand, you’ll Beacon@PendantPublishing.com Let’swith be social. Follow us at new issue is out, along www.Facebook.com/Beacon find the same uplifting stories and We will never sendexclusive content. you unwanted emails or pass SeniorNews your information along to a third party. Users can unsubscribe at any time. side-splitting jokes right here Sign up for our e-newsletter here, every month. or email us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

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Shoot us an email, follow us on Facebook, or give us a call.

970-243-8829 • Beacon@PendantPublishing.com • www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

While the hours we spend in the office are fewer, our phones are open.

970-243-8829 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Montrose & Delta

CALENDAR

Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact event organizers to confirm event details before attending.

Duo’s country music live in concert at the Mountain Top Restaurant in Ridgway.

6-9 p.m. | 225 Country Road 23, Ridgway | 325-9856

August 4

August 5 & 8

August 9

Come to the Sherbino Theater and paint a colorful scene of poppies with step-by-step instruction led by Anne Hockenberry. Cost includes one drink. Remote participation also offered.

6-8 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $45 | 318-0892

Shop for Olathe sweet corn, meats, breads, scones, arts and crafts, hand-crafted signs and more from over 20 vendors. Market open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

8 a.m. to noon | Meeker St. between 4th and 5th St., Delta | 640-7810

As part of Ley Line’s live acoustic concert series, FY5 serenades listeners while the Storm Cellar sells glasses of wine for a listening room experience.

7:30-10:30 p.m. | 234 Grand Ave., Paonia | $20 | 431-3549

Paint a Poppy Field

August 5

Historic Mining Sites Webinar

Increase your appreciation and understanding of historic mining sites by digging deep into the mining history of Park County, Colorado, with this Zoom webinar. Register online.

Noon to 1 p.m. | Free | www.history colorado.org/events

August 5

Vinyasa Yoga

Relax Relief Recover offers small group gentle yoga for the beginner or those looking to relax. Call to schedule.

4:15-5:15 p.m. | 428 Main St., Ste 1, Delta | 251-7352

August 5

Women in Business

Meet with other women in business, hosted this month at Crossroads Senior Living. Please call to RSVP. 5:30-7 p.m. | 1380 Aspen Way, Delta | 874-8616

52 | CALENDAR | AUGUST 2020 |

Delta Farmer’s Market

FY5 Live Acoustic

August 8, 14 & 15

August 13

The Paradise Theatre shines the spotlight on Paonia’s local youth and adult talent, eight of which will be featured live. Come enjoy the lineup and help choose the audience choice winner.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 215 Grand Ave., Paonia | $18 | www.paradiseof paonia.com/paradise-fest-2020 | 527-6610

Come out to Centennial Plaza for an energizing discussion centering around Kim Scott’s book, “Radical Candor.” Includes free burritos and coffee! Reading the book not required for participation.

8-9 a.m. | 422 S 1st St., Montrose | www.facebook.com/MontroseCO Rotary

Paradise Fest

August 8

Movie night in the Courtyard

The Courtyard at 610 presents “Idiocracy”: a 2006 American science fiction comedy about an American soldier who participates in a hibernation experiment gone wrong, awakening 500 years later in a dystopian future. Food and bar available.

7:30-10 p.m. | 610 Clinton St., Ridgway | $20 | 318-0892

August 8

Lissa Hanner & Brother Duo Jam to Lissa Hanner & Brother

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Leadership series: Radical Candor

August 15

Neon Sky at Mad Russian

Neon Sky performs legendary live music from several genres at Mad Russian. Come hear them play while enjoying craft brews and corn hole.

7-10 p.m. | 519 US-50 BUS., Olathe | 323-8811

August 15

Chief Ouray and Chipeta Color Run

Join the Ute Indian Museum in honoring the Ute tribes as well as Ouray and Chipeta’s legacy with a 3-mile

walk and fun run backdropped by the beautiful San Juan Mountains.

Virtual options available. Call to reserve your spot.

8:30-11 a.m. | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | $25 | 249-3098

August 15

Amelia Presley Live at Healthy Rhythm

The Healthy Rhythm Art Gallery hosts Amelia Presley in the listening room, followed by an after-show meet and greet. All seating is reserved; advance purchase recommended.

7:30-9:30 p.m. | 68 S Grand Ave., Montrose | $15-$20 | 270-6284

August 15

Unknown Motorcycle Show Peruse a display of vintage, classic, custom, rat bikes and scooters from all over! Plus, enjoy live music, motorcycle gear, food and fun for the whole family.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | S 1st. St., Montrose | www.westerncovintage. com | 497-0634

FUN AFTER 50

August 16

Sushi Night

Purchase tickets ahead of time to enjoy a buffet style spread of veggie rolls, California rolls, tuna and salmon nigiri, and more at My Place!

5:30 or 7 p.m. | 1410 Valley View Dr., Delta | $30 | 874-3130

August 18-20

Canoe the Colorado River

History Colorado teams up with Centennial Canoe Outfitters for this exciting 3-day trip through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons. Along the journey, historian Dr. Andy Gulliford brings the Wild West to life with fascinating western history.

7 a.m.-5 p.m. | $504 | www.centen nialcanoe.com | 720-283-0553

TRIPS & TOURS

Shavano Tour

The Shavano Valley is one of the most picturesque and important rock art sites in western Colorado, used by both the Archaic and Ute peoples. Tours are led by a trained Shavano Valley Petroglyph Docent.

9-11 a.m. | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | $10 | 249-3098

August 4

Altitude with an Attitude

Alpine Scenic Adventures is your tour guide for this high alpine tour that traverses three of the San Juans’ highest passes: Corkscrew, Hurricane and California! Multiple lakes and mining ruins reside along this 5-hour tour in an open-air Jeep with bucket seats! Meet at the Montrose Community Recreation Center at 6:45 a.m. to carpool, or drive on your own.

7 a.m.-4 p.m. | Alpine Scenic Adventures, Ouray | $99

Raft Raffle

Western Slope Conservation Center is raffling off a new Hyside Mini-Max Raft, complete with frame and oars.

All proceeds fund future efforts to protect the Lower Gunnison Watershed.

5-6 p.m. | 204 Poplar Ave., Paonia | $20 | www.westernslopeconserva tion.org/2020raffle | 527-5307

Boot Stomp Montrose

The second annual boot-stomping event features old-fashioned barbecue, barn dance, raffle and a live auction benefiting the San Juan Cancer Center and its patients.

6:30-11:30 p.m. | 70400 Kinikin, Montrose | $60 | www.bootstomp montrose.com | 901-6761

August 29

Drive to End HomelessnessGolf Tournament

August 22 & 23

Victoria Eubanks leads a high energy, hands-on encaustic workshop at Weehawken Creative Arts. This twoday workshop including making medium and paint, prepping substrates,

Little ad...

COVID-19-ReOpening-UPDATES

August 26

August 28

August 22

Hot Art: Basic Encaustic Techniques

fusing wax, layering translucent color, adding and reducing texture, masking, stencils and more.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1075 Sherman St., Ridgway | $260 | 318-0150

To register for programs, and for COVID-19 updates, call Montrose Recreation District at 249-7705 or visit www.montroserec.com/637/

Bring your clubs to the Links at Cobble Creek and play for a good cause!

Event includes lunch, prizes, gift bags and a silent auction. Proceeds support Haven House in Olathe.

7:30 a.m. | 699 Cobble Dr., Montrose | $80 | www.havenhousehomeless. org | 323-5280 â–

BIG RESULTS! Advertise your upcoming event or fundraiser in our Calendar of Events.

Affordable rates for events of all sizes!

Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties

The

Guide RESERVE SPACE in the 2021 Issue

Call 243-8829

WRITERS WANTED Write about local seniors and issues that matter. (and earn some extra cash) Send your writing samples to Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com No phone calls, please.

Call 243-8829 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | CALENDAR |

53

Montrose & Delta

CLUBS

Editor’s note: Some club meetings may be canceled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact organizers to confirm meeting details before attending.

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

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

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part acappella at Olathe United Methodist Church.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 765-7020

Citizens Climate Lobby meets monthly at the Montrose Library meeting room.

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

Members knit and crochet projects, which they donate to various charities. Supplies are provided, but yarn donations are always welcome. Experienced crafters will help beginners.

1st, 2nd & 3rd Wednesdays | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | 249-9656 Columbine Quilters meet at Meadowlark Senior Apartments in Montrose.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 462-3849

Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts dances in the aerobics room at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. Call for future dates and details.

7-9 p.m. | 773-4495 | deltawriter47@gmail.com

Montrose Elks host bingo at the Montrose Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Drive.

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 249-4852

Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado meet monthly in the Pioneer Room of Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 417-4842

Montrose Neighborhood Watch meets monthly.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 901-5876 | hebert623@yahoo.com

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at the Olathe Community Center.

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

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion. Dancers of all ages are welcome.

Bring a snack to share.

2nd & 4th Saturdays | Cost $5 | 7:30-11 p.m. | 252-7172

Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way in Montrose.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. to noon | 986-2550 | lvcribbs@charter.net

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Window Treatments • Custom Drapes• Bedding & Pillows • Rugs

54 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES | AUGUST 2020 |

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We Accept: • Medicare • Medicaid • RMHMO • Private Pay • PACE • And More

Question

San Juan Dance Club offers eight styles of dance lessons at the Lions Clubhouse in Montrose. Singles without partners are welcome.

Thursdays | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | 708-8665 | thesjdanceclub@gmail. com

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 209-5326 ■

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

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

OF THE

Month

Compiled by Siggie Carpenter

Best summertime beverage from around town?

Kandice Lockwood - Montrose “My new favorite summertime drink is Kim’s 50/50 iced tea concoction served at the Light House Coffee Shoppe & Eatery in Montrose.”

Women’s Giving Club of Montrose meets quarterly at The Bridges Country Club. Members donate $100 at each meeting and are invited to nominate a local charity to receive the evening’s total contributions. Next meeting in November 2.

5:30 p.m. | givingclubofmontrose@ gmail.com

Hank Bentley - Cedaredge

Email your club information to: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Life’s Legacy in Stone

“Every once in a while, I will have one of Cedaredge’s Red Mountain Ranch hard cider. I really like their Apple Raspberry served at the Creekside Cafe.”

Mention this ad and receive a $500* credit towards new purchase

Custom Engraved Memorials, Mobile Sandblasting, Monument Repair & Cleaning

Mike Ballou - Montrose “Any of Mi Mexico’s margaritas taste especially good in the summer with nachos and shared with a friend.”

Sebastian Crowe - Delta

970-323-6658 www.morrismonument.com 1630 South Main Street, Delta www.facebook.com/MorrisMonument

“On a really hot day nothing tastes better than a beer in an ice-cold mug. My favorite place these days is CB’s Tavern in Delta where the staff and service are fabulous.”

*purchase must be greater than $3000 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | AUGUST 2020 | CLUBS & ACTIVITIES |

55

Montrose Montrose & & Delta Delta

BEACON BITS BEACON BITS

Editor’s note: Some events may be canceled or rescheduled due to COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions. Please contact event organizers to confirm event details before attending.

2020 BeaconFest boomer and senior fairs canceled The BEACON Senior News made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s BeaconFest Boomer and Senior Fairs. Despite the number of eager participants, we realize that senior show attendees are among the most vulnerable in this pandemic. The health department’s latest regulations for local events make it impossible to put on a show that would even resemble BeaconFest. However, we hope you’ll mark the date on your calendars for next year’s 2021 BeaconFests! Grand Junction BeaconFest is scheduled for April 15 and Montrose-Delta BeaconFest for September 16.

Montrose Memorial Hospital ranked No. 1 small hospital in Colorado Montrose Memorial Hospital (MMH) has been recognized by the Lown Institute as the No. 1 small hospital in Colorado, receiving an A+ grade. The Lown Institute is a nonpartisan think tank utilizing data from patient outcomes, including satisfaction, safety and mortality rates, as well as care measurements and civic leadership metrics (for example, how much a hospital invests in community health).

Bosom Buddies Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group of Southwestern

Colorado announced the 2020 Bosom Buddies scholarship recipients: Carlie Wytulka (Nucla), Maria Herrera (Olathe), Teagan Bailey, Jilian Keenan and Sierra Vigil (Montrose).

Bosom Buddies offers three scholarship opportunities to residents of Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Applicants must have a parent or guardian who, at some time, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Habitat dedicates 56th home Habitat for Humanity of the San Juans has completed its 56th home, located at 40 Bluegrass Court in the West Meadows subdivision. A small dedication service was held on July 24 at the home, honoring the volunteers, countless community contributions and contractors whose work made this home a reality for owners, Les and Katy Mascarenas. Several volunteer crews

convened throughout construction to complete projects such as siding, fencing and laying sod. Habitat and the Mascarenas family are grateful to the many organizations and businesses who gave support, donations of materials and labor.

COVID testing site at Montrose Memorial Hospital COVID testing for symptomatic people is available at Montrose Memorial Hospital’s designated drive-thru testing area near the corner of 800 S. Third St. and Nevada St. between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday. You must have a provider’s order for the test.

There is no charge for the swab.

The site serves nasopharyngeal COVID tests for patients who are symptomatic or receiving an elective procedure. Individuals who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, a provider’s order, or need a test for

Seniors and Retirees have Different Real Estate Needs We help buyers and sellers transition into the next phase of life. The Real Estate Store has the highest number of certified Senior Specialists in one office in Western Colorado.

Leslie Gore

Michelle Klippert

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56 | BEACON BITS | AUGUST 2020 |

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Be Inspired, Happy & Connected!

VOLUNTEER WITH US AT HEIRLOOMS FOR HOSPICE Delta • Grand Junction • Montrose HeirloomsForHospice.org Proceeds from Heirlooms support HopeWest, a nonprofit dedicated to profoundly changing the way our communities experience aging, serious illness, and grief – one family at a time.

travel or personal reasons can call 874-2165. For more information, call 240-7220.

Humor columnist releases new collection “Driving Backwards on a One-Way Street: A Savvy Senior’s Map to Finding Humor in Everything,” comes from the irreverent mind of Northwest Jersey humor columnist Laverne H. Bardy. Featuring 71 of the humorist’s favorite columns, the book explores aging in America with humor and wit. Readers of a certain age will relate to the struggles of getting older while finding solace that they aren’t alone. To purchase the collection, visit www.

LaverneBardy.com. ■

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology & Rheumatology’s Crag Crest room.

2nd Monday | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | 874-7681

Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks dedicated volunteers for three hours, one day a week.

240-8385 | 49 N. 1st St., Montrose Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer delivery drivers and dining room helpers to help seniors in Delta and Montrose counties. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 874-7662 Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors. Drivers are subject to background checks and must provide references. | 249-8804 Friends of Montrose Library seeks volunteers to serve on its board of directors. Meetings are held once a month.

846-5287 | 320 S. 2nd St., Montrose Museum of the Mountain West seeks volunteer tour guides to bring the past to life for visitors.

240-3400 | 68169 Miami Road, Montrose

Stroke & Brain Injury Survivor Support Group meets at Rocky Mountain Therapy Services in Montrose.

August 19 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 249-6920

Foster Grandparents are needed in nonprofit school classrooms throughout Delta County. Applicants must be 55+ and may be eligible for a tax-free stipend. | 298-9091

SUPPORT GROUPS

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FUN & GAMES

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50. Yellow metallic

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of You 58. Absence of oxygen 61. Insertion mark 62. Vietnamese holiday 63. Mother-in-law

of Ruth 64. Win by ___ 65. Balaam’s mount 66. Lieu

DOWN

1. Pond organism 2. Bog 3. Employs, consumes 4. Sweat shop?

5. Repair shop fig.

6. Mislead 7. Church area 8. Rock clinging plant 9. Unfasten 10. Frasier’s brother 11. Burning gas 12. Sewing machine

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59

CLASSIFIEDS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER? List it here—pricing starts at just $29 per month!

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60 | CLASSIFIEDS | AUGUST 2020 |

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61

OPINION

If you have Medicare questions, we can still help!

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Find the BEACON closest to you! www.BeaconSeniorNews.com/Home/Map Answers from page 59

Combat obesity:

Order off the kid’s menu

By Bonnie McCune

E

veryone knows this country has an obesity problem.

Rates have increased significantly since 19992000 when 13.9 percent of children and 30.5 percent of adults were obese. In 2015-16, 18.5 percent of children hit the target while 39.6 percent of adults were obese, one study showed.

Fast food receives a hefty amount of criticism for its supposedly unhealthy ingredients and large portions. Most restaurants serve two to three times more than the healthy portion sizes recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. People tend to eat the complete meal or serving regardless of feeling full or not. We’ve gotten used to larger portions, and we expect them.

Common opinions include: “I want my money’s worth,” and “We love coming here because the portion sizes are huge.”

There’s a simple solution, but one not generally supported by the food service industry: Order from the children’s menu.

Most menus have a warning that diners must be under 10 or 12 to order from the kids’ section. A few also allow seniors to indulge from the list, but many simply prohibit the practice.

Rather than passing laws to ban “unhealthy” snacks in schools, why not insist that restaurants and places where people buy large helpings of food also offer smaller servings, and approve ordering food by size rather than age?

Take a look at the average calorie content for McDonald’s children’s

MOST RESTAURANTS SERVE TWO TO THREE TIMES MORE THAN THE HEALTHY PORTION SIZES RECOMMENDED

BY THE U.S. DIETARY GUIDELINES. meals. A Hamburger Happy Meal clocks in at 475 calories, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal at 405 calories, and a 6-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal at 495 calories. Over at Olive Garden, eaters can easily keep their caloric intake at about 500 to 750 by selecting from the kids’ choices.

These are reasonable amounts for many adults to eat, too.

The restaurant industry is generally not supportive of this move.

I’ve landed in several major brouhahas with my determined requests to act childish. Well, if the businesses don’t favor this approach, why not cut the average size of a portion by 50 percent and reduce the price by only one-third?

I remember a Weight Watchers’ leader years ago telling the audience, “You’re the customer. Ask for what you want or take your business elsewhere.” Sounds like good advice to me. ■

Bonnie McCune is a Colorado novel and feature writer. Her most recent is “Never Retreat” (www.firstforromance.com/book/never-retreat). Reach her and read some of her short stories at www.BonnieMcCune.com.

62 | OPINION | AUGUST 2020 |

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