Beacon 122016 web

DECEMBER 2016 FREE • Your guide to

Vol. 30 No. 12

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

ty • FREE

aging well in Mesa Coun

FThRe EE IN SI DE

MESA COUNTY

Guide 2017

CRAZY FOR CHRISTMAS

Photo by Katherine Lopez

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Look what you did.

Gabriele and countless other cancer survivors list you amongst their friends. Your generous donations to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation fund Survivorship classes like yoga and painting, giving cancer patients and their families more motivation to fight.

Read her story at facebook.com/StMarysHospitalFoundation

DECEMBER 2016

DECEMBER 2016

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

T-I-M-E: It’s how seniors spell “love” D

Be present One thing I’ve learned during my time with the BEACON is that people want to be heard. Often, older people long to connect with someone.

For many of us who are still working and raising families, life has become super busy—rushing here and going there with little time for ourselves, let alone others. Take the busyness of the holiday season into account and it becomes much easier to give a loved one a present instead of your presence.

Happy Holidays from Brown & Brown, P.C.

Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust, Tax & Long Term Care Planning Assistance

By Kevin K. VanGundy uring this season of generosity, the best present that you can give a senior is your presence. And I don’t mean the kind of crappy presence that some of my family and friends displayed at our recent Thanksgiving dinner. Of the 17 people present, more than one-third of them spent time engaged on their cell phone—several for more than an hour. And they weren’t all young people either. With the stock market closed, I know that they didn’t have to confirm some million-dollar trade.

None of them are first responders, and we had no news of a relative dying. When you visit someone, please, leave your cell phone in your car!

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Learn about Estate Planning at our Free Educational Workshop!

Avoid Being Unprepared & Overwhelmed: Understanding Long Term Care Planning

v Montrose: December 12th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. v Grand Junction: December 14th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. v Delta: December 19th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Nearly 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long term care at some point during their lifetime. Don’t wait until there is a crisis to learn about your options! At this free workshop you’ll learn about payment sources including private pay, long term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more. At this workshop you’ll also receive a complimentary copy of our book “Understanding Long Term Care”, authored by attorneys in our office. Bring a friend, a family member, a loved one or your neighbor and they will also get a copy of the book! Sign up today!

Registration is Required for Workshops: Grand Junction office - 1250 E. Sherwood Dr. Montrose - Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, 300 N. Cascade Delta - 1501 E. 3rd St., Mesa Lakes room (Oncology Center) at Delta Hospital.

Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website: www.brownandbrownpc.com

2017 BEACON Guide Our staff has spent the last several months putting together our 2017 BEACON Guide, which is included in this month’s BEACON. Known for many years as the BEACON Senior Resource Directory, we decided to change the name as several other less-established publications sprang up and used that term to describe their sparse offerings. Plus, our resource directory has evolved into more of a guide to aging well in Mesa County. If you need more copies, they’re free, and available by calling us at 243-8829. ■

Tell us what you love and you’ll love what you might win.

Go to the back cover of this month’s BEACON and tell us about your favorite local places.

Send in your nominations and you’ll be entered to win some prizes!

BEST L OCAL

LOVED

2017

Entries must be received by December 31, 2016.

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1317 Grand Ave., Suite 224B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Baird B. Brown u Clara Brown Shaffer u Jamie J. Roth u Paul M. Smith u Shauna C. Clemmer

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COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Tour the Grand Valley’s holiday light displays

Lighting up Christmas:

To get a look at some of these incredible Christmas displays, stop by the following homes: Ron and Lonnie Williams 2651 Hemlock Court, Grand Junction

Bill and Karen Meador 3195 F 1/2 Road, Grand Junction

Jim and Cheryl Moe 2483 Canvasback Place, Grand Junction

Other locations: 325 Northridge Dr., Grand Junction 2603 Partridge Court, Grand Junction 325 Northridge Dr., Grand Junction 1755 Crestview Dr., Grand Junction 27-1/2 Road and Cortland Court, Grand Junction

Extreme decorators spread holiday cheer in the Grand Valley

By Melanie Wiseman

C

hristmastime—a season filled with laughter and memories, carols and gifts, eggnog and cookies, friends and family, and Christmas decorations, of course.

For some people, decorating means hours of stress and frustration, detangling miles of lights, hauling awkward, dusty boxes out of attics, rearranging furniture to accommodate the tree, and wrestling fake reindeer in the yard as frostbite threatens their fingers.

For others, however, decorating for the holidays is not a harried experience, but a joyful passion project because of the happiness it brings others.

Can’t wait for Christmas Jim Moe, 71, finds it hard to wait for Christmas. Last year he knowingly broke one of his family’s household rules by putting up a few Christmas lights two days before Halloween. They were promptly taken down and put back up on November 1.

Jim and Cheryl Moe put 50-60 hours into decorating the outside of their home every year.

DECEMBER 2016

Moe never decorated much in the past, but shortly after moving into a new home in December 2009, he made a spur-of-the-moment stop that changed all that.

“I just happened to go into the Habitat [for Humanity] ReStore and they had oodles of lights,” he said. “I bought every one of them.”

When his wife, Cheryl, asked what he was going to do with them all, he said, “I have no idea!”

But he said it’s been wonderful.

“I’ve had more fun in the last six years. I probably put 50-60 hours into decorating outside each year, but that includes all the time I spend talking to people,” he said. “I’ve gotten to know my neighbors, and the kids are fun, too. I thoroughly enjoy doing it.”

Moe’s collection of decorations has grown annually with additions from Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, after-Christmas sales and donations from neighbors. Nowadays he decorates the inside of the house just as much as the outside. He likes inflatable decorations because they deflate

and fit in his attic easily.

“When we first moved here I was the only one that decorated, and then other neighbors started, too,” he said.

“Now this block is the most decorated one around,” he said. “When I tell people where I live, they say, ‘Oh, you’re the house with all the Christmas lights!’ I’m known for that. This is pretty much my thing.”

Spreading cheer several times a year Lonnie Williams’ eyes light up when she talks about her collection of nearly 400 snowmen candles, which she proudly displays in her home during the holidays.

Her husband, Ron, 76, is a newcomer to Christmas decorating by comparison, but by the size and grandeur of his decorations, you wouldn’t know it.

“Before retirement, he had no patience for decorating,” Lonnie, 70, said. “If he was going to decorate, I had to leave the house.”

Ron has more time and patience

Photos by Katherine Lopez

DECEMBER 2016

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Lonnie and Ron Williams post next to Lonnie’s collection of nearly 400 snowmen candles.

now. A November trip to the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri really set things in motion.

Ron and Lonnie were mesmerized by large pine trees at the park’s entrance, which were completely covered with different colors of lights.

“Branson got our heads rolling and I said, ‘You know, we could do that with little trees,’” Lonnie said. “It was just beautiful, and Ron didn’t need any convincing.”

They planted four pine trees in the front yard of their corner lot, which they decorate each year with 3,000 lights—red, blue, yellow and green.

“We switched to LED lights,” Lonnie said. “You can put a million lights out there without flipping the breaker.”

Fortunately, they have a spacious basement to store their ever-growing display of decorations, including inflatables of Snoopy on a sled, a snowman family and Santa. They shop after-Christmas sales and have been given decorations from neigh-

bors who moved.

Each year, positive feedback from neighbors and passersby bolster Ron and Lonnie’s enthusiasm to continue decorating. They have inspired many others in the area to decorate as well.

“Dragging out all the boxes and checking the lights isn’t fun,” Ron said. “But we continue with it because people enjoy it.”

Ron started with Christmas but has now expanded into decorating for Halloween, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Bronco season (when the team is doing well). Children knock on his door months in advance asking if he will put up his Halloween decorations again.

One year, Ron and Lonnie received a card from a neighbor, who hadn’t been too friendly, thanking them for putting up the Christmas lights and telling them how much he appreciated them.

“Things like that make you feel good,” Ron said.

Ron and Lonnie also decorate for themselves.

“We’re usually by ourselves for Christmas, so this helps keep us in the Christmas spirit without feeling sorry for ourselves,” Lonnie said.

“I’d hate to give this up just because we’re getting older. The energy we

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put into it keeps our spirits lifted.”

Ron and Lonnie often hear kids outside when they’re in the living room.

“We peek out and there they are, pointing and giggling,” said Ron. “It’s worth it.”

Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps

Bigger is better

Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin

Bill and Karen Meador start putting up their Christmas decorations the first week of October and sometimes aren’t finished by Thanksgiving.

“We started 20 years ago and it just kept getting bigger and bigger,” Bill, 65, said. “The most fun is coming up with new ideas each year. Ninety-nine percent of our decorations are outside and can be seen from I-70. Every year limos and people on light tours come by our house.”

The Meadors have five kids and 14 grandchildren who all look forward to seeing what’s new each year. The couple isn’t slowing down at all, as they add to their decorations each year from after-Christmas sales without getting rid of any old decorations.

“We have a shed that’s 8-by-10-by-8, just for Christmas decorations,” Bill said. “If you open the door, everything will fall out.”

The Meadors love the thrill of creating a new Christmas extravaganza each year, and they encourage others to get in the spirit and join them in the fun. ■

Editorial Assistant................ Stephanie Summar

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy

Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Photography..............................Katherine Lopez Digital Media Manager............. Paige Slaughter Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Account Representative..................Anna Hesse Sales Assistant.............................Stacey Splude Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2016 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: A trip to the Silver

Bill and Karen Meador’s Christmas light display gets bigger and better every year.

Dollar City theme park in Branson inspired Ron and Lonnie Williams to dazzle their neighbors with brilliant lights and extravagant decorations during the holiday season.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

Serving others is a way of life: Father, daughter share experiences by showing compassion to others

By Melanie Wiseman

T

hey called him Uncle Jaja (grandpa), a name Grand Junction resident Mike Berry wore proudly. His jolly smile, graying hair and whiskers were mesmerizing, as men aren’t part of the lives of most orphans in Uganda.

For Mike, 61, and his 19-year-old daughter Kayla, serving others is a way of life—it’s not just something they do once a year or during the holidays. Giving to others is a special experience they share together all year long.

Living a servant’s life

For Mike Berry and his daughter, Kayla, serving others is a way of life. Last May, they traveled to Jinja, Uganda with a local church to build relationships with people and to spend time with orphans at the Amani Baby Cottage.

Prayer and praise sessions were filled with song and dance. Mike said they would have five or six giggling children piled on top of them at a time.

Mike and Kayla are compassionate and share an interest in travel and other cultures. Mike and his wife, Debbie, started the nonprofit Kids Aid Backpack Program in 2007 when Kayla was just 10, providing packages of food for the weekend to underprivileged families. They served 10 families in their first year. In 2015, the number of families grew to a staggering 2,300.

Kayla was just 14 when she went on her first church youth group service trip, which involved connecting with the homeless population of San Francisco.

“Something we’ve wanted to instill in our kids is to be more globally oriented,” Mike said. “Getting out of your comfort zone is how you grow.”

Mike didn’t grow up testing the waters outside his comfort zone, but it’s always been a part of Kayla’s life.

“These trips have taught me not to go with a lot of expectations, but to just let life happen to you,” Kayla said. “You’ll make connections and gain new perspectives that will blow you away.”

When she was 15, Mike joined her on a mission trip to Eleuthera Island,

which recently had been hit heavily by hurricanes. Their goal was to reach out to the people while rebuilding roofs and painting homes.

“I was painting a house for a man I called Mr. Bruno,” Mike said. “He ran a grocery store before a hurricane wiped him out, and he had health issues. It made me feel that there was really no difference between him and me. He lives there and I live here. We both want to provide for the needs of our families. We both want to work.

I can, but he can’t. It made me feel sad for him, blessed for me and I still pray for Mr. Bruno.”

At 16, Kayla went on a service trip with the Center for Student Missions in New York City, which primarily focused on inner-city projects, such as soup kitchens and after-school programs. A year later, Mike and Debbie traveled to Manchester, Tennessee on a service mission that raised their awareness of poverty in the U.S. Now a student at the University of Colorado Boulder, Kayla has a passion for human rights, specifically combating human trafficking.

Spreading love in Uganda Last March, Mike asked Kayla if she wanted to go to Uganda with a group from Grand Junction’s First Presbyterian Church.

“I had decided to go and as her life was getting busier with friends and school, I knew trips like this were going to get fewer and farther between,” Mike said. “I decided it was now or never, so I sprang it on her.”

Kayla agreed, and soon they were making travel plans to Africa.

This would be the fifth time the church took a group to the Amani Baby Cottage, an orphanage in Jinja, Uganda.

The group’s mission work began before they departed from the Grand

DECEMBER 2016

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Junction Regional Airport. Delayed and canceled flights left a young woman and her 2-year-old daughter, who were escaping an abusive relationship, stranded at the airport and terrified. Kayla and others in the group took steps to get them help from Latimer House, and they were able to fly out safely the next day.

After a three-day delay and with 12 large trunks of supplies in tow, the group was off to Uganda.

Mike was shocked by the country’s poverty but was amazed by the joyfulness of the people. Prayer and praise sessions after lunch were filled with song and dance. Any one person would have five or six giggling children piled on top of them at a time.

“Our goal was just to love people, build relationships and show people they are worth being loved and cared for,” Kayla said.

Uganda is the size of Oregon and is home to 40 million people. Half of the population is younger than 25, and the mortality rate of women bearing children is 30 percent.

The average life expectancy in Uganda is 54, and there is a cultural lack of support by fathers, resulting in over four million orphans.

During evening debriefings, the volunteers discussed if it was possible to fix something this big. They determined that making a significant difference would realistically take a change in leadership—a change in Uganda itself.

“It’s a hard mindset to be content helping one person at a time; one child, one mother, one family,” Mike said. “You can’t do everything and have to focus on the joy of the success you did have. It was a teary goodbye.”

It was a life-changing experience for both father and daughter.

“There are things I will never look at the same again,” Mike said. “I will try and take things more one day at a time. That’s

what those people do. And I’m trying to be more relaxed about things I can’t change.”

The trip also had a significant effect on their relationship.

“On this trip we reached a place where we were both adults,” Kayla said. “He’ll always be my father, but this trip took our relationship to a new friendship level and [it was] a connection of experiences we will always share together. We’ve gained a mutual respect for each other.”

Mike said these trips they’ve shared are important because they’re full of memories they’ve built together.

“I’ve been able to see her become an exceptional young woman over the years,” he said. ■

Hilltop’s Senior Life Options presents their annual

[ÉÄ|wtç OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Commons of Hilltop (625 27 1/2 Road • Grand Junction) • Tour the area’s premier assisted and independent living communities including The Commons, The Fountains and The Cottages of Hilltop • Learn about Hilltop Home Care’s unique medical and non-medical services for seniors who want to remain safe and secure in their own homes • Talk to a dementia and Alzheimer’s care specialist • Learn about Senior Daybreak, a day program for those affected by memory loss Photos courtesy of Mike Berry

For more information call (970) 434-2111

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RECIPES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

focus on people

our residents

their lives

their families

Sauteed Spinach

By Michelle De La Cerda - www.thecompletesavorist.com Servings: 4

Ingredients: 1 tbsp. olive oil

Salt and Pepper

1 tbsp. butter

Squeeze of fresh lemon

1/2 onion, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp Sriracha (optional)

2 cups sliced mushrooms 2 cloves grated/minced garlic 4 pieces crumbled cooked bacon 2 bags of baby spinach, cleaned

Instructions: 1. Heat a sauté pan, add oil and butter, sauté the onions. Once softened, about 5 minutes, add mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes more.

2. Add the Sriracha if using.

3. Add in the garlic.

4. Lower heat, add in spinach and the bacon, mix well.

5. Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of juice from 1/4 a lemon.

6. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes: If you don’t have pre-cooked bacon handy, cut and cook the bacon first and add in the onions after 3-4 minutes of cooking.

DECEMBER 2016

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I have read the “Old Bag’s Rules for Casual Dating.” I know some men who use it, but I have yet to meet a woman who likes it. We grew up in an age when your date paid for you, and it’s embarrassing to me to be asked to pay my own way. I sure wish you would amend your rules! Signed, Old Fashioned Dear Old Fashioned: These rules were born basically for two reasons: 1) Many women had written me that when they go out with a guy and he pays, he expects “benefits.” 2) Guys wrote to me saying they would like to date more but can’t afford it. So the rules for casual dating were born.

Concentrate on the word “casual”— and they are also optional! What does the Old Bag know about you and your dating buddies? At any rate, I don’t care what you do. It should be between you and your date. However, it’s nice to know the arrangement ahead of time. OB Dear Old Bag: First of all, I love your column. I have been reading the letters about people and their gay children and or grandchildren. What is wrong with you people? God created these kids of ours. I am a Christian, but I am smart enough to know the Bible is a book of stories written back before they knew what toilet paper was.

Your children and grandchildren are a mixture of the DNA of you and your husband. Did you ever stop to think it’s your fault, not theirs or God’s? Blame science. They are people for heaven’s sake! I have a gay daughter. God does not make junk! The love I have for my daughter outweighs any opinions I may have about her lifestyle. She is no different than you and me. She is a

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human being and deserves love and respect like anyone else. What if it were you? Signed KM

Dear KM: Thank you for writing!

This topic has drawn lots of letters, both for and against acceptance of alternative lifestyles and sexual orientation. I am all for family unity, and that requires lots of acceptance and love in every family. If your attitude breaks up family unity, I say rethink what you want the results of your attitude to be. Do you want family unity or to create a situation where people do not speak to each other, or other more covert behaviors? OB Dear Old Bag: I have been following your column for some time and I know you always say, “Don’t give advice to your adult children unless they ask, and then only very carefully.” I agree with this advice, but we have a situation that I believe requires intervention from someone—perhaps me. My grandson is 15 years old and is way out of hand. They say he has a bad temper. I think it’s far worse. He might be bipolar. I am afraid he is going to hurt someone if something is not done to help him. I read your book—you have had similar experiences with a family member. What can I do? Signed, Helpless Dear Helpless: If you truly believe that someone is in danger, you need to try to intervene. I suggest you get help from a professional, who can guide you on this path, to talk to the child’s parents. I wish you the best in results. It’s sad to say that sometimes nothing will be done until a crisis occurs. OB ■

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

The Cottages of Hilltop gives you the independence and freedom to make the most of your retirement INDEPENDENT LIVING Our single-level patio homes offer

privacy and luxury. The open living plans feature two bedrooms, two baths, vaulted ceilings, contemporary kitchens, gas fireplace, covered patio and one-car garage.

CAREFREE LIFESTYLE Enjoy the freedom of maintenance-free

living with paid utilities, weekly housekeeping, snow removal, lawn maintenance and a customized meal plan at our Commons or Fountains dining rooms.

PEACE OF MIND Each residence includes a 24-hour emergency response system. Plus, we offer a choice of flexible care options and services to meet your changing needs.

(970) 434-2111

TheCottagesGJ.org

Visit today for a tour and free lunch

L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D B Y H I L LT O P - M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E F O R P E O P L E O F A L L A G E S

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

CHANCE. C H O I C E. You have one chance to get stroke care right. At the first sign of a stroke, it’s a race against the clock. There’s only one Primary Certified Stroke Center in the region.

Know the signs. Know where to go.

F•Face drooping A•Arm weakness S•Speech difficulty T•Time to call 911

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Good riddance to bad breath Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

T

here’s no worse feeling than discovering that you have bad breath, and it seems to get worse as we age.

The good news is that there’s no direct correlation between aging and halitosis, the fancy term for bad breath.

The bad news is, there may be age-related issues that cause it.

Dentures that don’t fit correctly or are not cleaned often can collect food and bacteria, which can lead to bad breath.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition that allows dead cells to accumulate in your mouth, creating bad breath.

Most xerostomia is related to medications taken by older adults rather than to the effects of aging. More than 400 medicines can affect the salivary glands.

Other causes of bad breath: • Food stuck in your teeth will decay and give off an odor.

• Some foods, such as onions, garlic, spices and herbs, contain substances that create bad breath when digested.

• Alcohol itself is odorless, but many alcoholic beverages contain ingredients that leave a telltale odor.

• Gum diseases and canker sores • Diseases of the lung, kidney, liver, stomach and pancreas • Sinus infections, strep throat, tonsillitis and mononucleosis • Smoking dries the mouth and causes an odor of its own • Severe dieting

How can you prevent bad breath?

Find the right mouthwash Mouthwashes and breath-fresheners of all kinds mask odors for a while, but they are not preventives. Many antiseptic mouth rinses, however, have

Learn more at stmarygj.org/stroke

DECEMBER 2016

been accepted by the American Dental Association for their therapeutic benefits and also have breath-freshening properties. These rinses kill the germs that cause bad breath instead of simply hiding halitosis.

You can also • Brush your teeth after you eat.

• If you wear a denture, clean it at least once a day.

• Floss daily or use another interdental cleaner, such as a high-power electric toothbrush.

• Brush your tongue, which can collect bacteria and food particles.

• Drink water to moisten your mouth.

• Chew sugarless gum—it stimulates saliva production and collects debris.

• Buy a new toothbrush several times annually.

• Get a dental examination.

It might be all in your head At times, most of us worry about having bad breath. It’s no surprise that there are so many products out there to combat the problem. But those of us who worry about it are usually doing something to prevent it. Bad breath is found more often in people who neither know nor care that they have it.

There is a psychiatric condition called “delusional halitosis,” which is linked to depression. Several sources report the story of one patient with this delusion who used up to a tube of toothpaste every four days.

Another study reported that the people who try to smell their own breath tend to think their breath smells worse than it does. If this bothers you, ask a family member or good friend to give you an accurate assessment. ■

Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email fred@healthygeezer.com.

DECEMBER 2016

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

When antibiotics cause trouble Dear Pharmacist

By Suzy Cohen, RPH

A

ntibiotics are a common first-line treatment for many symptoms, but it’s important to know that excessive or unnecessary use of these drugs can do more harm than we ever thought possible. It may increase your risk of allergies, asthma, colitis, Crohn’s and heart disease, and that’s just the beginning.

Everyone is aware of the assault that your stomach takes from antibiotics.

You might think cramps and diarrhea are bad enough, but at least those are transient problems. New animal research suggests these drugs trigger Type 1 diabetes, especially when toddlers take them. In 2015, a Denmark study published in the “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” correlated the use of antibiotics to Type 2 diabetes in adults.

To hear that their use can trigger a lifelong metabolic disorder that requires insulin shots is infuriating. Think of the economic impact on families, and the terrible loss of quality of life—needle sticks, dietary restrictions and doctor visits forevermore.

Antibiotics wipe out probiotics, and when your microbiome

Happy

Holidays

Grand Junction’s

Compounding Pharmacy is lacking friendly bacteria, the hateful ones take over. Your immune system becomes compromised. Changes in enzyme production and gene expression occur. This is what ultimately leads to the metabolic disaster, making you way more susceptible to diabetes and all the serious complications like heart disease, amputation, more infections and blindness.

Some antibiotics can also permanently destroy your nerve fibers. Doctors are pretty quick to prescribe antibiotics for your grandkids when they present skin rashes, earaches, sore throats or coughs. But between you and me, those physicians are often just guessing. They don’t know for sure if the bug is a virus or bacteria. Antibiotics won’t work if the infection is viral, yet the prescription is handed out almost immediately.

In the U.S., statistics show that approximately half of all antibiotic prescriptions written have no therapeutic basis. I personally think this is a gross underestimate. I think physicians should rethink prescribing antibiotics for everyone who walks in the door, or at least consider shorter terms of usage.

I know some readers take antibiotics every day. I just want you to be empowered and make an informed decision with your own physician about them. ■

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970.243.5050

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

The truth about the flu vaccine

By Scott Rollins, MD

T

he annual influenza vaccine, known as the flu shot, is labeled as virtually risk free, and patients are told that it prevents transmission and saves lives. But studies don’t substantiate these claims. It appears manufacturers have a vaccine that’s looking for a disease.

The 2014 Cochrane Database review, “Vaccines for Preventing Influenza in Healthy Adults,” found that “vaccination had a modest effect on time off work and had no effect on hospital admissions or complication rates.”

Authors made a specific note that studies funded by the vaccine industry were more likely to cast a positive light on the data, whereas publicly funded studies were not as supportive.

They conclude, “the review showed that reliable evidence on influenza vaccines is thin but there is evidence of widespread manipulation of conclusions and spurious notoriety of the studies.”

Surely there is better evidence to support the flu vaccine for the high-risk groups of people under age 2 and over age 65, right? Wrong. In 2006 and 2008, Cochrane reviews showed the flu vaccine was no more effective than placebo in children under age 2.

Another review from 2010 analyzed flu vaccine efficacy in the elderly and found “the available evidence is of poor quality and provides no guidance regarding the safety, efficacy or effectiveness of influenza vaccines for people aged 65 years or older.”

Overall, studies show that the vaccine has a modest effect on reducing your chance of catching influenza, and ultimately is not shown to lower your risk of dying from the flu, nor prevent you from transmitting the flu to someone else.

Alternative methods

Although the vaccine is not the invincible protection against the flu that many presume, there are several proven things you can do to limit the severity and duration of these infections, but you need to prepare ahead of time, as these treatments work best when started at the onset of infections.

Good studies show the benefits of naturally treating viral infections, including influenza, with supplements such as zinc, vitamin C, N-acetyl cysteine, thymic protein A, astragalus, andrographis, black elderberry and echinacea.

The vitamin-packed Myer’s cocktail is a potent treatment for halting cold and flu symptoms. This mixture of vitamins and minerals is given by intravenous infusion in about 30 minutes and many patients report almost immediate improvement.

Vitamin D is known to support immune function, and many studies confirm the association between low vitamin D levels and higher rates of influenza infections. Have your blood level of vitamin D checked. Supplement using vitamin D3 to get blood levels into the 80-100 ng/ml range— taking between 2,000 and 5,000 units per day is a reasonable estimate for most adults.

Don’t forget other simple yet critical immune system support, such as getting plenty of rest, eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, avoiding excess sugar and alcohol and enjoying immune-supporting drinks such as green tea.

Avoid influenza exposure by using good hand hygiene, taking note that ethyl alcohol gels work best for disinfecting hands. At the end of the day, our immune system works best when proper support is already in place. ■

Scott Rollins, MD, is founder and medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center of Western Colorado and Bellezza Laser Aesthetics.

DECEMBER 2016

Help! I’ve fallen and I...

By Susan Williams, MSW, CMC

An aging life care specialist can help

ave you seen this ad on television? An elderly person falls and can’t get up, and no one is around to hear his or her cries. We are reluctant to admit that it could happen to us, but if a crisis like this does occur, who’s there to help?

As an aging life care specialist, I am here to support you and your loved ones through the third trimester of life. Have you found yourself in any of the following scenarios, or wondered what you’d do if you had to face one in the future?

Beth’s mother, Gladys, 85, lives alone in Grand Junction. Beth had recently made a visit to see her mother and thought things were going well. Gladys was taking her medication and agreed not to drive. A friend agreed to take her to the store weekly. She walked to her mailbox daily and occasionally cooked. She was a little confused sometimes but seemed to be making fairly good decisions for herself.

But Gladys fell a few weeks later and couldn’t get up. She lay helpless for hours before being found by a neighbor who happened to stop by.

Gladys was taken to the hospital and the ambulance crew called Beth, who was unable to return to Grand Junction at the time. Who could she talk to about what steps to take next?

In another scenario, Tim and Kathy were relocating outside the area and were worried about leaving Kathy’s parents, Robert and Edna, who were in their 80s and refused to move away from their home of 50 years.

Though they were relatively healthy, Kathy was over at their home daily.

Without her, who would watch out for them?

Paula lives in Denver and her father, Edward, lives in Grand Junction. Edward was independent until he caught the flu. Paula works long weeks, then drives to Grand Junction almost every weekend to check on her father. She is exhausted and needs some relief. Who can she call?

When it comes to caring for our parents, we worry, overextend ourselves, deny the problem and never come up with a solution. This is when an aging life care specialist comes in. Aging life care is a holistic, client-centered approach for older adults facing ongoing challenges. As a guide and advocate, these specialists encourage independence while addressing safety and security concerns. Knowledge of cost, quality and availability of resources is paramount.

Aging life care specialists provide answers at times of uncertainty, guiding families to actions and decisions that ensure quality care and optimal life for those they love. This reduces worry, stress and time off from work for family caregivers. Specialists provide information on assessing home safety equipment, home care services and medical management; communicating with area professionals and family members who live out of town; assisting with social activities; and providing information and referrals to local, cost-effective resources.

Each circumstance is unique and each assessment is individualized.

A neutral third party who can build trusting relationships prevents ineffective guesswork, services that may lead to a poor outcome and unnecessary expenses.

The Aging Life Care Association is a national organization of certified professionals, educated and credentialed in care for the aging population.

Members must keep up with professional development and maintain the highest ethical standards. This specialization assists individuals, families and other professionals.

More adults in their retirement years are choosing to stay at home, which can provide unique challenges for each person and their families.

Even if you’re not sure if you need an aging life care specialist, call me at 208-1345. ■

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DECEMBER 2016

The miracle of Hanukkah

By Lois Greene Stone

A menorah of my own

hen “Once upon a time” was the opening line of my books, World War II was in progress.

Though memories sometimes materialize as make-believe, let me tell you about my first personal Hanukkah menorah.

People always ask if Hanukkah’s the Jewish Christmas. How could that be possible, as it started in 165 BC? The holiday actually has no Biblical basis. Rather, it’s a celebration of religious freedom.

The Seleucid king of Greece, Antiochus Epiphanes, believed anyone not following Greek religion was a threat to the state. He tried to force his religion on Judea and made it a crime to teach the Bible or follow the Covenant of Abraham.

A three-year rebellion ended when Judah the Maccabee recaptured the Jewish temple from Seleucid Greeks and spent eight days purifying and rededicating it. Hanukkah literally means “dedication.” Its proximity to Christmas is coincidental timing.

Mother’s sturdy brass menorah was made so it looked the same on the front and back, but I wanted my very own menorah. I filled little blue cardboard banks to raise money for the Jewish National Fund and earn my own menorah.

In October 1944, I set up my collection stand on a corner by Brooklyn’s Pitkin Avenue. My grandpa gave me a nickel for a Charlotte Russe to fortify myself while I raised the money. People paused, smiled at my whipped cream mustache and actually dropped coins in the metal slot.

When I got my gold-colored, tin menorah, I placed it on the windowsill.

W

Reasonably Priced, Creatively Disguised as Expensive

Candles on the menorah The eight candle slots in menorahs are in a straight row because no Hanukkah day is more important than another. Only the center slot is tall; it holds the ninth candle called the shamash (guardian of the lights), which is lit first. The flaming shamash lights the rest of the menorah. How could a candle protect other candles, I wondered as a child?

My daddy huddled his family together at dusk, and on night one lit the shamash, then candle one.

Then we sang songs only heard at this holiday. This ritual continued every night for a week. I liked to open a traditional box that bulged with multi-colored candles, pull up each crushed wick, then decide which colors to use.

Daddy said that Hanukkah candles weren’t for light, but to remind us of a miracle. Judah Maccabee’s vial of oil—enough to last a single day— burned for eight days.

The miracle My mother taught me about a brave lady named Judith who made latkes and fed them to Holofernes, the general of a bad Assyrian army. He got thirsty so she gave him liquor, made him drunk and helped save the Jewish people. Rescuing people from dictators linked Judith to Hanukkah.

I started thinking: Would anyone understand a festival of lights in a world darkened by blackout shades and air raids? Would anyone know that these candles prove there can be victory over power and take-overs?

Logically, one day’s supply of oil can’t last eight days, but logic has little to do with miracles.

The world powers declared a desert was unable to grow crops or sustain life with any self-sufficient society. In 1948, that desert was named Israel. Logically, a small group of people shouldn’t be able to make a massive mark when they’ve been subjected to quota systems, ghettos and blacklists. But Jewish contributions in fields from science to music have enriched many nations.

When I pull out my menorah each Hanukkah, I remember how important it once was for me to have my own sitting next to my family’s. I’ve sung the same songs I sang as a child with my children and grandchildren, as the candles tilt and drip. ■

DECEMBER 2016

15

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Pearl Harbor: the catalyst for a changing America

By Sandy Higgins “December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy…”

This poignant and unforgettable quote was the beginning of President Franklin Roosevelt’s call for war against Japan and ultimately the Axis Powers. Despite the attempts of the U.S. to remain neutral, Japan had forced the country into World War II. The surprise Japanese attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was meant to cripple America’s Pacific Fleet and prevent the U.S. from defending the South Pacific from Japanese invasion.

Moreover, the Axis Powers did not believe the U.S. capable of entering a two-front war; therefore, the attack would also prevent its interference in Europe. The Axis Powers underestimated the will and strength of Americans and the united front they would present following the attack.

On December 8, 1941, Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Con-

gress, calling for a Declaration of War against Japan for the unprovoked attack against the U.S. Congress approved with a single dissenting vote. Three days later, Congress also approved a Declaration of War on Germany and Italy.

The attack on Pearl Harbor impacted every U.S. citizen. Many young men were drafted and sent off to war, increasing the numbers and power of the U.S. military. A new workforce emerged as women who were once stay-at-home mothers now moved into heavy industrial work.

Children were left to help maintain the home by rationing, shopping and caring for siblings. The dynamics of American society changed in an instant without question or complaint, just a sense of patriotic duty.

The communication officer At the time of the attack, Sgt. George K. Lewis was 16 and working at a movie theater in Denver. His

“December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy…”

family had moved from Greeley after losing their ranch to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in 1934.

Like other Americans, George and his family were surprised to hear of the event.

“It was something you [could] hardly grasp—3,000 people losing their lives,” he said. “It changed life.

It’s a blow—you’re not expecting something like it.”

In 1941, George was not ready to join the military, and his parents refused to sign a waiver to allow him to join. In early 1943, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps’ cadet program, and in 1944, following the end of basic and civil service training, George was drafted into the U.S. Army.

“I said, ‘Well, a lot of money was spent on me to train me in communications. I guess that’s where I ought to go.’ So that’s what I did,” he said.

He served as a communications officer for the 112th Squadron, 56th Airways Communications System group, and landed in Naples, Italy. He moved throughout Italy for six weeks before moving into Liberia and other areas of North Africa.

He served in a support role and never saw combat, although he knew plenty of men who had seen combat and sadly never came home. He returned to the U.S. in 1946, married, had four daughters and settled in Craig.

Childhood duties In December 1941, Joyce Mabary-Higgins-Oliver was 10 years old and visiting her grandparents in ru-

ral Van Buren, Missouri. As the family gathered around the radio, news came in about the attack at Pearl Harbor. She and her younger brother, Robert, didn’t fully understand the impact the event would have on their lives, but they knew that life with their single mother in Jefferson City, Missouri, would change.

Her mother, Opal Lee, stepped up—as many women did—and took a job at Magic Chef manufacturing artillery shells. Although Magic Chef was a stove manufacturer, they halted production to support the war effort.

The work was tough. Many times, Opal Lee worked the third shift, leaving her children home to cook, clean and get themselves to school.

Responsibility for the household often fell to young Joyce, who would take the streetcar to stand in long lines to get the family’s ration stamps or necessities like stockings for her mother.

She doesn’t remember this as a hardship, just as an expectation.

She and her brother pulled a wagon through their neighborhood looking for tin cans to help the war effort, while her mother saved money to buy bonds.

A united front George, Joyce and their families were examples of the new normal following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Basic food staples such as sugar, butter, coffee and meat were in short supply, and families were encouraged to sacrifice for the greater good— supporting the American troops overseas.

Pearl Harbor was a catalyst of change for the U.S. In the face of an attack, American society changed without question, demonstrating its strong will and sense of duty. ■

LEFT: World War II Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction. Photo by Sandy Higgins.

RIGHT: Joyce Mabary-Higgins-Oliver was 10 years old when she heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the radio. Courtesy photo.

16

LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Christmas stamps Submitted by Pat Jessup

A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas card envelopes. She says to the clerk, “May I have 70 Christmas stamps?”

The clerk says, “What denomination?”

The woman says, “Lord help us. Has it come to this? Give me nine Catholic, 12 Episcopalian, eight Methodist, nine Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists.”

Childbirth at 65 Submitted by Karen Jones

With all the new fertility technology, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth. When she was discharged from the hospital, a friend came to visit.

“May I see the new baby?” the friend asked

“Not yet,” the woman said.

“I’ll make coffee and we can visit for a while first.”

Thirty minutes passed, then the friend asked, “May I see the new baby now?”

“No, not yet,” said the woman.

After another few minutes had elapsed, the friend asked again, “May I see the baby now?”

“No, not yet,” replied the woman.

Growing very impatient, her friend asked, “Well, when can I see the baby?”

“When he cries!” the new mother said.

“When he cries?” demanded her friend. “Why do I have to wait until he cries?”

“Because I forgot where I put him, okay?”

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Submitted by Tami Durfee

After a first date, a young man takes the girl back to her home.

He decides to try for their first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her, “Darling, how about a goodnight kiss?”

Embarrassed, she replies, “Oh, I couldn’t do that. My parents will see us!”

“Oh come on! Who’s gonna see us at this hour?”

“No, please. I would just die of embarrassment if someone saw us.”

“Oh come on, there’s nobody around. They’re all sleeping!”

“No way. It’s just too risky!”

“Oh please, please! I like you so much!”

“No. I like you too, but I just can’t!”

“Please?”

Suddenly the porch light turns on

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DECEMBER 2016

and the girl’s sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice, the sister says, “Mom says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, she’ll come down herself and do it. But for crying out loud, tell him to take his hand off the intercom button.”

What was that again?

Submitted by Ron Beaslin

A retired man was driving along when a Highway Patrol car urgently pulled him over. The officer asked the old man if he realized his wife had fallen out of the car a mile back.

“Oh, thank God!” said the man. “I thought I was going deaf.”

The trophy wife Contributed by William Stanton

Bill, a 70-year-old and extremely wealthy widower, attended a holiday dinner with a breathtakingly beautiful 25-year-old woman on his arm. She was hanging on his every word. His

DECEMBER 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

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friends at the dinner were aghast.

They finally cornered him and asked, “Bill, how did you get the trophy girlfriend?”

Bill replied, “Girlfriend? She’s my wife!”

you sleep with me tonight?”

The grandmother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug.

“I can’t dear,” she said. “I have to sleep in your granddaddy’s room.”

A long silence was broken at last by

They were stunned. “So how did you persuade her to marry you?” they asked.

Bill said, “I lied about my age.”

“What do you mean? Did you tell her you’re only 50?”

Bill smiled and said, “No, I told her I’m 90.”

his shaky, little voice. “The big sissy.”

The pharmacist Submitted by Jimmy McCorkle

A lady walks into a drug store on Christmas Eve and tells the pharmacist she needs some cyanide. The pharmacist said, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?”

BETTER HEARING

STARTS HERE SALES

•

SERVICE

Submitted by Dan Green

A husband and wife get ready for bed.

The wife stands in front of a full-length mirror taking a hard look at herself.

“You know,” she says, “I look in the mirror and I see an old woman. My face is all wrinkled, my boobs are barely above my waist, my bum is hanging out a mile. I’ve got fat legs and my arms are all flabby.”

She turns to her husband and says, “Tell me something positive to make me feel better about myself.”

He thinks about it for a bit and then says in a soft voice, “Well, there’s nothing wrong with your eyesight.”

Aren’t grandkids grand?

Submitted by Rhonda Godeski

One evening during a violent thunderstorm, a grandmother tucked her grandson into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked, with a tremor in his voice, “Grandma, will

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“Lord have mercy!” said the pharmacist. “I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband. That’s against the law!

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The woman reaches into her purse and pulls out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife.

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The pharmacist looks at the picture and says, “Well now, you didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”

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TRAVEL

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DECEMBER 2016

Charleston: a cool city when it’s not hot

By John C. Liburdi

T

he irreverent nickname for Charleston, South Carolina, is Chucktown. Its more reverent moniker is the Holy City. Whatever you call it, Charleston is a marvelous place to visit when it’s blessed with relatively cool weather. Early May and early October are the two optimum times to enjoy all that historic Charleston has to offer.

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Charleston coast

Street and King Street give you northsouth orientation; Calhoun Street and Broad Street provide east-west orientation. To make it even easier to locate key places of interest, tour companies offer 90-minute “get acquainted” excursions aboard small buses with large windows. The buses depart every half-hour from the big visitor’s center on Meeting Street, where you can also sign up for tailored tours that include outlying mansions, plantations and more.

Charleston’s military history spans from the Revolutionary War to the nation’s most recent wars. Landmarks and monuments everywhere manifest Charleston’s proud military heritage. Among them are the Battery, Fort Sumter and Patriots Point.

The latter includes the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum aboard the USS Yorktown. If you opt for a boat excursion out to Fort Sumter, be sure to visit the Charleston Aquarium, which is located at the same dock area you’ll be departing from.

Surprisingly, the historic district has a very youthful spirit. That’s largely due to the presence of a university and several colleges, including The Citadel military college.

The downtown area hosts a happy mix of people, most of whom enjoy

DECEMBER 2016

TRAVEL 19

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Happy Holidays!

We invite YOU to make 2017 YOUR year of discovery!

Exciting travel destinations are waiting for YOU !

Escorted Tours • Cruises • Air • Tours International Travel Avenue of Oaks, first planted in 1743, is a picturesque three-quarter mile drive lined by majestic live oak trees Charleston’s jazzy nightlife late into the night.

The city’s market is in the southwest portion of the peninsula. Visitors stroll through a series of large buildings that make the area feel like a bright and airy tunnel surrounded by hundreds of shops. Local craftsmen weave a variety of reed baskets, and Charleston’s cypress carvings are known for their longevity—termites can’t stomach that type of wood.

Dining and local fare Dining in Charleston is always a pleasure. There’s a spectrum of fast-food joints on King Street, many of which are local establishments.

There are restaurants aplenty for those who favor a more formal dining experience, but check prices before committing—after-the-fact sticker shock could sour a sweet dessert. That said, Charleston features

unique fare such as she-crab soup, Hoppin’ John rice and Huguenot torte. On Saturday mornings, there’s a vibrant farmers market in Marion Square where you can enjoy the area’s specialties as you wander around the small park. The local cuisine places an emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Take note, seafood lovers!

It’s imperative to visit Charleston at least once. The well-preserved European-style architecture is extremely impressive, and the city is the heart of gracious Southern culture. There’s no need to feel out of place. In fact, the locals don’t even declare themselves to be native Charlestonians unless they can officially trace their family roots back to the earliest immigrants. You may not be a descendant of the Old Guard, but wonderful Charleston is unofficially your town, too—even if it’s just for a few pleasurable days. ■

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DECEMBER 2016

Celebrating Christmas with the Soupeaters

How the community made Christmas memorable during the Depression

By Eileen O’Toole

O

n October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed. Sometime between November and Christmas, Al Look, who wrote a column for The Daily Sentinel, noticed many children in the soup line next to the newspaper’s building on Main Street.

If children couldn’t afford soup, they couldn’t afford toys for Christmas, he realized. Look used his popular “On Guard” column to organize a toy drive and general Christmas celebration. It was called the Soupeaters Christmas event, and it took place two months into the Great Depression.

Many toys collected needed repair.

Tom Leiper’s high school farm class made mechanical repairs, local dry cleaners cleaned dolls and Miss Glendenning’s high school sewing class

made new clothes for the dolls. The Avalon Theatre and the Motion Picture Operators Union co-sponsored the drive by offering the space for the party and showing a movie.

The Depression hadn’t ended by 1930. The Daily Sentinel set up a relief fund office in the YMCA building, and local charities—including the Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Mesa County, local churches and numerous other clubs—organized the Social Service bureau while the Chamber of Commerce set up an employment office.

Al Look was still busy with Soupeaters. In 1930, more than 1,000 children and 259 families participated in the event. Knitted ties were given to fathers and 300 sacks of candy were added, according to a 1991 museum newsletter written by Judy Prosser-Armstrong.

Boys playing with

toys. Photos courte

The next year, the Soupeaters ran a deficit. A bridge tournament was organized for January 8, 1932 to help pay off the 1931 event and boost the event planned for Christmas 1932.

Every bridge player in Mesa County was invited. Tickets could be purchased for 50 cents each at Copeland Apothecary, Reynolds Pharmacy and Mesa Drug. The tournament was a success and was held at the country club (now the Redlands Community Center).

There were many efforts in 1932 to help the city’s poor. Mrs. E. M. Coles,

Children in front of the Avalon Theatre with their toys from the Soupeaters Christmas, which served 14,000 children and 3,500 families in its first decade.

sy of Loyd Files Re

search Library.

administrator of the relief fund at the YMCA, gave out 22 orders in five hours and talked to at least 100 people seeking some kind of aid—gasoline, clothes or work—in one day.

Coles told the newspaper that she was giving out 30 gallons of buttermilk each day and bread loaves “for as long as it lasted.”

In the spring, local barbers who had noticed children at the Christmas party who needed haircuts offered two free haircuts a month to the city’s poor boys and girls.

DECEMBER 2016

LOCAL LORE 21

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Al Look, right, in a room full of donated toys.

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In another effort, a group of men organized the Prosperity League, designed to hasten the end of the Depression. People across Western Colorado and Eastern Utah pledged to give preference to homegrown and manufactured goods, to purchase things they needed instead of making do and to keep their bills paid—all without outside aid. The national press discovered the efforts and spread the pledge nationwide.

Another Christmas rolled around.

Franklin Roosevelt had just won the presidential election and the Soupeaters party was held at Mesa Theater, which showed the talkie “Huckleberry Finn.”

The soup kitchen wasn’t the only organization to offer Christmas dinner in 1932. The Elks Club fed more than 500 children by taking them in relays. While one group ate, the other group waited in warmth at Whitman School. The Elks event included entertainment, a large Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Members brought carloads of children from Fruita and the lower valley.

The community had held four Soupeaters Christmas parties by now, but the struggle continued. How many more poor children would there be next year? Hopeful signs popped up over the years. When the jobless found work they would often bring their own donations to the relief fund. Sometimes people would stop organizers on the street and offer a dollar.

In 1933, The Daily Sentinel not-

ed that the “Christmas outlook is not quite so desolate for the really poor as it was a year ago due to the far-reaching recovery program.” But thousands were still “in such straits” and the Soupeaters Christmas would continue.

The Soupeaters Christmas organizers expected more than 1,500 children in 1933. That year, a Soupeaters Ball benefit made it possible to buy some new toys. Merchants opened their doors after closing on Christmas Eve to allow the Soupeater elves to buy the newly discounted leftover toys.

In 1934, local firemen were repairing the donated toys and “other community contributions were substantial.” The Soupeaters event was sent back to the Avalon Theatre, which showed “Alice in Wonderland” and hosted 1,656 children. According to Prosser-Armstrong, four children returned their tickets “because their fathers had found work and they wanted other children to have the opportunity.”

After Look suffered some ill health and stepped down in 1937, the Kiwanis Club took over. In 1938, the party was the biggest ever—hosting 1,923 children. The last party was held in 1939 as the economy improved. According to Prosser-Armstrong, a Daily Sentinel article claimed the event had served about 14,000 children and more than 3,500 families in its first decade. ■

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Five ways to support the bereaved during the holidays

G

rief during the holidays can be the most difficult grief of all.

Someone mourning the loss of a loved one may struggle to join in the merriment, be overcome by memories of holidays past or try to block out or avoid the celebrations altogether.

It’s natural that friends and family want to step in to provide love and support, but just how you do that is important, said Lynda Cheldelin Fell, an emotional healing expert and creator of the “Grief Diaries” series of books.

“Don’t think that you need to fill the person’s every moment with holiday festivities,” Cheldelin Fell said.

“Grieving can be both physically and emotionally exhausting. They simply may not have the energy to handle all that celebrating.”

Cheldelin Fell speaks from experience. She was inspired to help others through life’s roughest moments after her 15-year-old daughter, Aly, died in a car accident in 2009. In 2015, Cheldelin Fell launched the “Grief Diaries,” a 16-volume series of books filled with true stories by people who have experienced loss and heartache, and want to offer comfort and hope to those facing similar challenges.

Fell said that, during the holiday season, you can best provide support to the bereaved if you: • Don’t force your agenda on them. Allow the bereaved to set the tone for how they wish to cope with the holidays. Honor their choices. Whether they wish to maintain their normal holiday routine, leave town or ignore the holidays entirely, resist the urge to pressure them to handle the holidays your way.

• Don’t avoid them. Your absence will be noticed more than you think. If the griever asks to be left alone, honor their wishes if it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, include them in the festivities and treat them as

“Don’t think that you need to fill the person’s every moment with holiday festivities... grieving can be both physically and emotionally exhausting.” you would any other significantly injured guest: with kindness, compassion and gentleness.

• Don’t pretend nothing has happened in their life. That only creates the elephant in the room, and invalidates their sorrow. “But don’t awkwardly coddle them either,” Cheldelin Fell said. Again, simply treat them with kindness, compassion, and gentleness while reminding yourself that you can’t fix their pain.

• Invite them to help you serve meals at local shelters. Serving those who are less fortunate, Cheldelin Fell said, is a wonderful reminder that we aren’t alone in our struggles.

• Remember to take care of yourself. If you live or work with the bereaved, their sorrow can quickly deplete your own happiness. Give yourself permission to take time to enjoy the festivities. If you live with the griever, then carve out ways that allow you to celebrate in private. Even small ways can help, such as indulging in a favorite holiday treat or enjoying a night out with friends.

“If you think you can’t make much of a difference, I always like to remind people how the power of one moment can change someone’s world,” Cheldelin Fell said. “One smile can change a person’s mood.

One hug can change their day.

That’s everything to someone in mourning.” ■

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

M

erry Christmas from the BEACON! As a gift from us to you, you should find a copy of the 2017 BEACON Guide, our annual guide to aging well in Mesa County, stuffed somewhere inside this December issue.

The BEACON Guide, a trusted resource directory for area seniors, their families and those who assist them, has only gotten bigger and better. In addition to over 900 listings of local, state and national resources and hardto-find phone numbers, it also features informative editorial content to help you with the transitions in aging that you or a loved one may be going through.

From finding leisure activities to planning your retirement, and from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility, The BEACON Guide will help you navigate the continuum of care that we go through as we age. The guide also includes listings for clubs, genealogy resources, veterinarians and pet shelters, support groups, volunteer opportunities and more.

As our community grows, so does the guide. Many listings are added each year. We’ve taken great care to make sure that every listing is accurate and up to date, as every listed phone number is called and personally verified year after year.

Though geared for seniors, many households keep The BEACON Guide on hand throughout the year.

in Mesa County • FRE

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For even more convenience our website, www.BeaconSeniorNews. com, hosts a virtual format of The BEACON Guide for seniors and their family members who live outside of the area. It’s senior friendly and can be turned page by page with a click of the mouse. You can search for keywords, zoom in and out, and click

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on an advertiser’s weblink to be automatically directed to its website.

Monthly highlights Every month, the BEACON Senior Newspaper highlights a local club or organization listed in The BEACON Guide. It’s a great way for readers to become better involved with organizations in the community. (This month, The BEACON Guide is what we are highlighting.)

Get your free copies If your copy isn’t in this issue of the BEACON, or if you’d like to request additional copies, call us at 970-2438829 and we will mail them to you.

Our Montrose-Delta edition will come out next month in the January Montrose-Delta edition of the BEACON and will also be available by calling the number above.

We widely distribute editions of The BEACON Guide—in Mesa, -Delta and Montrose counties. It can also be found at numerous doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and more. Businesses are able to call and request them in bulk and we will deliver them personally. ■

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DECEMB

Do you believe?

Then come aboard the Polar Express!

By Sandi Cameron

Who hasn’t read the epic-scale story of the Polar Express to his or her children or grandchildren or shared the movie with them? It’s such a classic, illustrating the most imaginative adventure for a child. The scenario is dreamlike and, yet, so very real...

T

he scenes at the beginning of the book show a boy of age 10 or so who is seriously questioning the existence of Santa Claus, although his younger sister is excited about his visit on Christmas Eve. The boy mumbles his disbelief and heads off to bed. However, he is awakened to the sound of a powerful, magical train that is on its way to the North Pole, and has stopped at a depot close to his home. He rubs his eyes, heads out the door to investigate, and is invited on board by the friendly train conductor. He is not so sure about the prospect, but eventually hops on board.

The book’s description states that the story is a “journey of self-discovery, showing the boy that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.”

During the course of the train ride, the boy meets and befriends other children, also attired in their pajamas. Each one is given a special golden ticket that eventually will need to be punched with

a word significant to the ticket holder, such as “believe,” which is what the boy receives. Many adventures await the young boy during this train ride as the locomotive travels at lightning speed through forests, mountains and a lake of ice until it eventually reaches the North Pole. This setting is filled with magical, mischievous toy-making elves, along with many traditional Christmas icons. After a number of events, Santa Claus gives the boy the First Gift of Christmas, a magical silver bell, and invites the boy to join him for his Christmas Eve worldwide gift delivery. When the boy arrives home after the return trip, he realizes his robe had a hole in its pocket, and he lost this treasured bell. Happily on Christmas morning, the special bell, found and returned by Santa, reminds the boy of his incredible adventure.

The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal winner of 1986, and has been a favorite of children since. It has been

a favorite of my grandchildren as well.

Five of them are ages 6-11, so my husband and I agreed that they were the perfect ages to enjoy the Durango-Silverton’s Narrow Gauge Polar Express experience. Utilizing their famous steam train, we decided that a special Christmas gift would be a weekend trip to ride the Polar Express in Durango last December.

Planning the experience For the first stage of this gift, I researched the schedules and fares online at www.durangotrain. com. Coordinating times with family to determine the best weekend for all was a priority. Once we decided on the first weekend in December, I called the Durango office at 1-888872-4607 to make reservations for seven.

I was surprised that so few tickets remained five weeks prior to the date but, thankfully, I was able to procure seven seats in coach class for 8:25 p.m. on a Saturday.

Although we had hoped for an upgraded deluxe car and an earlier time, we knew the children would still love the experience.

Our grandchildren excitedly anticipated the upcoming adventure for the next few weeks and we looked forward to our

time together. When the date arrived, we left Grand Junction one early morning with our Toyota Sienna full of passengers, young and young at heart.

When we arrived in Durango, we found our hotel, relaxed, ordered pizza and played in the wilderness area adjacent to our ground-floor room. It was perfect for releasing some pent-up energy. Then it was time to “get dressed” for the event. “You did bring pajamas, didn’t you?”

BER 2016

25

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All aboard!

As it neared 7:30, we drove to the train depot and visited the wonderful little gift shop with a wide array of Polar Express gifts. (I should have planned for a little more cash for each child, as the items were a bit more than dime store prices.)

As we stood by the tracks and watched the billow of steam covering the tracks from the chug-chug-chugging train, the children were wide-eyed in anticipation, eager to board the train. The conductor looked out and addressed a boy, who looked to be about 10 or so, separated from the crowd, “Well, you coming?”

The boy asked,

“Where?”

The conductor answered, “Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express! If I were you, I’d think of climbing on board.”

The children were excited to find seats close together and to await the evening’s events. Some of the highlights were the freshly made cookies and hot cocoa, the chefs and waiters who danced and led Christmas carol singing, and the reading of the Polar Express story.

Sandi Cameron and grandchildren (back to front, from left): Adora, Danika, Dana, Nathan and Isaiah enjoyed a memorable journey last year on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s version of the Polar Express.

When the train arrived at the North Pole, the children were able to view the elves and village decorations from the train. They also saw parts of the story acted out, including Santa giving the First Gift of Christmas to the young hero. Then Santa jumped on board, visited with each child, presenting them with a “magical” silver bell. After the most glorious trip, lasting 75 minutes or so, the children had the conductor punch their golden tickets with the personal, encouraging word that belonged uniquely to them.

Only a few, includ-

ing our youngest grandson, got the coveted “believe.”

After the train ride, we visited the depot museum (free with the train ticket) and took some fun photos.

Our three granddaughters and two grandsons slept well that night. After breakfast, we settled in for the long trip home. The remainder of the trip was rather quiet, as the children were still sleepy and recovering from their enchanted experience. A train ride is fascinating, but the Polar Express is in an entirely different league for amazing experiences for the whole family. ■

Plan your trip before January 3

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Tickets start at $22 per child and $32 per adult.

For a schedule and more information, visit www.durangotrain.com or call 1-888-872-4607.

26 FAITH MOVES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

Look for the star

By Lynn Gendusa

A

few days before Christmas is when my home goes into complete Christmas mode.

I loved Christmas more than anyone other than my grandma. I would get so excited at Christmas that I couldn’t sleep. Believe it or not, I still don’t sleep much on Christmas Eve. I think it’s tradition.

On Christmas Eve I would lay awake and listen for Santa. I would often sneak down the stairs to see if he had come, and once I reached the bottom step, I would quickly run back to my room scared to death. I was afraid he would be there and wouldn’t leave me anything because I was sneaking.

When I was back in my room I would press my nose against the cold windowpane and look across the sky to find the biggest star. I remember thinking that Jesus was born every Christmas, so I would search for the star and listen for the angels singing. It was always a night filled with magic and wonder. It still is.

The wonder now is that I have been blessed with three children, one grandchild, two stepchildren, and a husband. I go to great lengths to keep the wonder of Christmas alive for them. I never told my children about Santa because I still believe he exists. And, I know for a fact there is a star out there that shines over all of us.

The star is the miracle. The hoopla that surrounds the holidays is chaotic and crazy, but the peace of Christmas resides in and around the birth of a baby ages ago. Christ is still among us and with us in all we do. He truly is the miracle.

I understand that now more than I ever have. In 2011 my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and after a year of treatments is back to her beautiful self. I know God was with her every step of the way and held me up when I felt like falling down.

Her sister gave up a life in Seattle to be closer to family after that. She now lives within a couple of miles from her niece and sister. That is love in precious form.

In 2014 while on a family vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, my son dove into the water and hit a sand bar. He thought he had hurt his shoulder, but we took him to a trauma center close by just to make sure. He kept twisting his neck trying to pop it back into place. He looked gray.

He had broken his neck. The doctor’s exact words were, “Son, you have an angel on your shoulder. You should be a quadriplegic right now.”

That was the day that the wonder of God walked right down the hall in a trauma center and touched my son, my heart and our lives.

My son now has a plate in his neck and is back to his beautiful self, just like his sister.

I don’t know why my children were spared and not others. I don’t know why some families never seem to have any catastrophes, but I know that one day, because I have faith, I will find out.

This Christmas you may be going through a tough time, or you may have lost someone that you love.

Your heart may be hurting and grief is clouding the joy of Christmas.

You may be sick and suffering or feel desperately alone.

My belief is that you are never alone, never forgotten and never unloved. The baby born long ago came to us to tell us that very thing.

“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Yes, there will be chaos and noise around my house as Christmas Eve nears. I will be exhausted, but I still won’t sleep. I will get up at some point, press my nose against the windowpane, find the brightest star in the sky, and say, “Thank you.” ■

DECEMBER 2016

TALKING DIGITAL 27

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Holiday tech gifts that don’t cost an arm and a leg Talking Digital,

By Adam Cochran

D

id you ever think you’d see the day when a set of Legos would cost more than a computer?

The gift-giving game has changed significantly. Tablet computers, video cameras and even drones now share the same shelf space in the toy aisle as dolls, action figures and board games.

The phenomenon doesn’t only apply to the toy aisle. You’ll find affordable technology gifts in sporting goods stores, pet stores and most niche boutiques. Below is a mini guide to help you find the right gifts.

Bluetooth headphones ($30-$200+) Apple made news earlier this year by eliminating the headphone jack from its newest phones, but all major cell phones and most computers are equipped with Bluetooth technology that allows you to use special wireless headphone/microphone headsets or earbuds. Sound quality varies, but it is usually comparable to similarly priced wired alternatives.

Bluetooth headsets can be found almost anywhere that sells electronics.

Make sure to buy a set with a built-in microphone. This allows you to take calls while listening to your device without taking off your headphones.

3D virtual reality headset ($20-$800) 2017 is going to be the year of virtual reality. Expect the market to be flooded with cameras and headsets that let you view the world of video and still images in 360 degrees. For as little as $20, you

can buy a headset that allows you to clip your cell phone in and view images by moving your head. It’s an immersive experience that was once only found in science fiction.

Pebble smart watch ($70-$250) A smart watch connects via Bluetooth to your cell phone to become an entirely new way of interacting with your phone and the information that surrounds you. There are a number of smart watches and activity trackers on the market, but the Pebble is the one I usually recommend.

Wearing a device to eliminate the arduous process of pulling your phone out of your pocket may seem lazy, but glancing at your phone can be troublesome during certain activities—such as an important meeting, working out or just screening phone calls when your phone is in your purse or pocket.

GoPro/Action Camera ($50-$400) I believe that anyone at any age can find some fun uses for a GoPro or similar action camera. These tiny, rugged cameras can be attached to cars, cats and toddlers to create some fun videos that give you a unique point of view on the world. Many of these cameras also have features like time-lapse or underwater capabilities.

A great technology gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. The perfect gift for a child, grandchild or another loved one on your list is in reach! ■

Adam Cochran is a technology instructor at Colorado Mesa University.

You can email your technology questions to Adam at adamc@talkingdigital.org.

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elax, Santa, the local Marine Corps League has everything under control. This holiday season, community veterans will again spearhead the annual Toys for Tots campaign in Mesa County.

The group’s goal is to “deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.”

Although the program has been around for more than 50 years, Toys for Tots became an official activity of the U.S. Marine Corps and an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve in 1995, when it was approved by the Secretary of Defense. Local, trained coordinators tackle the challenge of organizing the event each holiday season. Over its lifespan, volunteers have distributed more than 512 million toys to make a difference to 237 million less fortunate children at Christmastime.

Overseeing this year’s Mesa County Toys for Tots drive is Michael

Davis, coordinator and member of the local Marine Corps League. Davis has coordinated the effort since 2010.

“When I came on board, I worked in conjunction with the Salvation Army,” he said. “It was a big undertaking. At that time there was a coordinator in Montrose and Delta who helped me get started.”

After that initial support, Davis and his cadre of volunteers were on their own.

To participate in the program, families access the Grand Junction Toys for Tots website to complete some personal information and add their children’s names and ages.

During a specified time window, parents can request certain toys that their children might like. The only eligibility criteria are a verifiable identity and Mesa County residency, which can be confirmed with a phone bill or something similar.

While families are applying to receive toys for their children or grandchildren, Davis and his corps of volunteers are busy collecting

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From left: Volunteers Tim and Cheryl Brown, Toys for Tots coordinator Michael Davis and volunteer Ed Foster stand near donation boxes filled with toys for families in need this holiday season.

DECEMBER 2016

29

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toys. Large, well-marked collection boxes are set up in locations throughout the county. Businesses and organizations can sign up online to be a collection site. Anyone wishing to donate new, unwrapped toys to the program simply places them in one of the collection boxes. Volunteers pick up the toys and transport them to the distribution site, where they are sorted and organized by age level.

Ultimately, the process results in lots of toys for lots of kids. As donations come in, they are sorted, bagged and marked for a particular family. If a requested toy has not been donated locally, monetary donations may be used to supply that item.

Distribution takes place on December 16 and 17, when parents are invited to come to the center to pick up their bag. They can also browse for stocking stuffers and other gifts at that time. Then they take everything home and put it under the tree, and the kids never know the toys come from anywhere else.

“It’s a heartwarming experience when parents come in,” Davis said.

“They often are so overwhelmed— they just break into tears. They know their kids wouldn’t have a Christmas without this opportunity. And we receive plenty of emails and notes thanking us for the generosity.”

Davis said that community support of the Toys for Tots program is amazing. The Grand Junction fire and police departments give large donations each year. Restaurants frequently hold special promotions with a percentage of the proceeds going to Toys for Tots. Many businesses and organizations encourage participation from employees, or serve as drop-off sites for toys.

Toys for Tots volunteers keep the group and its focus at the forefront during the holidays by participating in community events. A Toys for Tots float appears in the Parade of Lights in Grand Junction, Fruita and

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The effect of the program on the Grand Junction area has been impressive.

“Last year, 1,410 local kids received gifts for Christmas,” Davis said. “But the collection doesn’t stop there. Even after the distribution date is over, we leave the boxes out through December. Any donations we receive are stored for the next year or emergencies.”

Davis, who lives in Gunnison County after retiring from the Marines, does a lot of the work remotely. For most of the year, he travels to Grand Junction weekly, and more often during the holiday season.

The success of the program speaks to the dedication of his volunteer staff.

“There are Marine reservists all across the Western Slope who want to stay connected, and are involved with the Toys for Tots program in the Grand Junction unit. No matter where they are, many volunteer to help with the project in Mesa County to make sure kids have Christmas,” Davis said.

For details, contact Toys for Tots at 628-5071 or mesacountyco.toys fortots@gmail.com, or visit www. grand-junction-co.toysfortots.org. ■

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’Tis the season for giving… and scamming

By Megan Terlecky, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office Scammers know the holiday season tends to bring out the generosity in us and they aim to take advantage. Before you open your generous heart this holiday season, know to whom you’re giving. Many scammers call to pose as a charity over the phone, asking for a donation. How do you know if a legitimate charity is calling or if it’s a scammer?

What’s in a name?

Pay attention to the charity’s name. Scammers will set up fake charities that sound very similar to nationally recognized nonprofits to try and fool you. Always look up the name of the charity that is asking for your money.

Red flags

Watch out for these indicators that a charity might be a scam.

• The caller doesn’t give you details. You should know about its mission, costs and how the donation will be used.

• There’s no proof that your contribution is tax deductible.

• The caller asks for donations in cash, a prepaid card or asks you to wire money.

• The caller thanks you for a pledge you don’t remember making.

• The caller tries to pressure you to donate immediately, without giving you time to think about it and do your research. A good way to get people off the phone is to ask for the charity’s website so you can learn more about it.

• They guarantee you the chance to win money through a sweepstakes in exchange for a contribution. By law, you never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.

Police charity scams

Figuring out the legitimacy of people who call to collect money on behalf of police and firefighters can be tricky. The key here is to do your research so you know whom you are giving your money to.

Locally, Back the Badge and County Sheriffs of Colorado support law enforcement.

Concerns of Police Survivors, or COPS, is a nationally recognized charity for law enforcement. Most of these charities don’t ask for donations over the phone.

Do your research.

• Ask for detailed information about the charity, including its name, address and telephone number.

• Search the exact name of the organization online—especially with the words “complaint(s)” or “scam.”

• Check on the charity’s nonprofit status online with the IRS at www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-select-check • Call the charity. Find out if the organization is aware of the solicitation and has authorized the use of its name.

Who should you give to?

When giving to charities this holiday season, stick with who you know and try to stay local. Ask where the money is going, as not all money given to nationally recognized charities stays in the area. United Way of Mesa County has done a lot of the work for you. You can check out the list of local charities they support at www.unitedwaymesacounty.org.

You can also find legitimate charities at www.guidestar.org or the Better Business Bureau’s charity website, www.give.org.

Not everyone who asks for a donation is a scammer. There are many credible groups who do a lot of good in our community. If you do come across a scam, however, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting www.ftc.gov/complaint.

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DECEMBER 2016

How to make every dollar you give to charity count

By Nathaniel Sillin & Honora Thompson

D

eciding to make a charitable contribution can arise from a desire to help others, a passionate commitment to a cause or the aim to give back to a group that once helped you or a loved one. Choosing which organizations you want to support can be difficult. You have to determine which causes are most important to you, and with outside help you can compare how effective various charities are at using their funding.

Here’s how you can stretch your dollar to best benefit the causes and charities you care about.

Donating in times of crisis Sometimes a specific event rather than a general cause can spur you into action. When this happens, if you want to be sure that your money goes to support that particular cause, narrow your search to charities that let you specify how your donation will be used. Otherwise your money might not directly support those affected.

Supporting individuals and small businesses Donating to a nonprofit with effective programs and processes is the way to go if you’re trying to help as many people as possible, but you can also make contributions to individuals or families through a crowdfunding website. There’s something special about knowing exactly who and how you’re helping. Similarly, you can help entrepreneurs by making a microfinance loan through a nonprofit. You can relend the money you’re paid back

to continue supporting small businesses.

Matching campaigns Third parties fund matching campaigns for charities. You can ask a charity if there’s a campaign running and if your donation qualifies.

Claiming a tax deduction You might be able to increase your financial impact if you can claim a tax deduction for your donation. Calculate your tax savings each year and put the money back into your charity fund. Donation-related deductions can sometimes be confusing, and you may want to check with a tax professional or look online for tips from the IRS.

Give locally Making a donation to a local cause or nonprofit is one way to actually see your dollars in action. Here in the Grand Valley, we are lucky to live among people who generously invest in the community, but there is still enormous need here.

United Way of Mesa County supports 46 different programs in the community, including many that serve our growing senior population, such as Senior Companions, the Handyman Project, Senior Daybreak and Gray Gourmet. All donations made to United Way of Mesa County stay in the community and don’t leave our area.

This winter, United Way is pushing to raise $1 million to build strong families, promote health and increase self-reliance for local residents, helping people of all ages thrive and creating a healthier community. ■

You can be confident that a contribution will be invested wisely to address a variety of needs of Mesa County residents. If you’d like to make an investment or learn more, call 243-5364 or visit www.unitedwaymesacounty.org.

DECEMBER 2016

FINANCE 31

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Does making a charitable contribution from your IRA make sense for you?

By Kim Last, HopeWest Planned Giving Council If you are considering making a charitable contribution from your IRA, there’s good news for taxpayers that are at least 70-1/2 years young. Congress voted to make permanent the exclusion from income up to $100,000 per person, per year, for IRA distributions that are given directly to charities.

Now that you are able to plan for charitable contributions from IRAs, let’s consider whether it makes sense for you.

Benefits of IRA charitable contributions • A key benefit of the direct charitable contribution from your traditional IRA is that the distribution counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).

• IRS rules mandate that individuals age 70-1/2 and older take RMDs from their IRA each year, regardless of whether the income is needed. These annual withdrawals are subject to ordinary income taxes. By making a charitable contribution from your IRA, you can satisfy your RMD amount without reporting additional income.

• Generally, in order to claim a charitable deduction, you must itemize your tax return. For retirees who no longer pay mortgage interest, the deductions may be too small to itemize. The provision offers tax benefits of a chari-

table contribution without having to itemize your deductions.

• Charitable deductions are limited by a taxpayer’s income—generally up to 50 percent of modified adjusted gross income. By directing your IRA distribution to a charity, this restriction can be avoided.

• If reporting additional income on your Form 1040 increases your Medicare Part B premiums or negatively affects the taxability of your Social Security benefits, then making a charitable contribution from your IRA may be appropriate.

• You can contribute more than your RMD to charity as long as you do not exceed $100,000 in a calendar year. However, you may not receive anything tangible in exchange for your contribution.

• The contribution cannot go to a donor-advised fund, supporting organization or private foundation.

It’s important to consider your tax situation before deciding whether to make a charitable contribution from your IRA. Be sure to work closely with your financial representative and your tax professional to determine whether donating directly to a charity from your traditional IRA is right for you. ■

For information about making a charitable donation, contact the charity’s foundation or planned giving office.

To learn more about donating to HopeWest, call Debbie Horwitz at 257-2365.

Charitable contribution from your IRA Does it makes sense for you?

There is good news for taxpayers 70 ½ years young! Work closely with your financial advisor or tax representative on whether donating directly to a charity from your traditional IRA is right for you.

For more information contact Debbie at (970)257-2365 or visit HopeWestCO.org

32

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DECEMBER 2016

Four-cent toys and other joys

By Karen White-Walker

M

y town’s bustling Main Street was home to many five-anddime stores when I was a child— stores such as Grants, Woolworths, Kresge, Newberry’s, the upscale Williams Brothers—and my all-time favorite, the Carl Company.

Never mind that the Carl Company always had a peculiar, putrid smell. As kids, my brother, three sisters, and I would dash in, squeal out “P.U.!,” plug our noses and race to the back of the store. There, before our bulging eyes, would be the most delicious, unbelievable sight!

Tiny toys, gadgets and figurines, all spread out on long tables.

“You may each pick out one thing,” instructed both Mom and Dad. “Just one,” reiterated Dad. “I’m not made of money, ya know. There’s no Rockefeller in our family tree.”

“But Dad,” we all cried, “those are only the four-cent tables!”

“Hey, kiddos, you do the adding.

Five kids, getting one thing a piece at four cents each, is what?”

“20 cents?” spoke up little Michael.

“Make that a whopping 20 cents, Mike. In our house, on Daddy’s budget, that’s big bucks, son.”

Looking back, I can remember one Christmas season in particular, one magical night that mirrored a Norman Rockwell painting. It had to have been a Friday—Dad’s payday—when he and Mom loaded us five kids onto our big sled and pulled us all the way into town.

Many years later neither of them had the strength to pull out the cotton in an aspirin bottle, but back then, oh, how young and vibrant they were!

It was snowing and everything was still and quiet until we hit Main Street. Crowds of shoppers were

darting in and out of the stores, but many lingered outside to listen to the Christmas music being piped out onto the street. And there, on the corner of Market and Main, was the most magnificent sight ever: the real Santa Claus, waving to passersby.

In spite of his aching back (you could hear him say, “Ouch, ouch,” as he stooped over) he lifted us up, one by one, from our sled.

“And what do you want Santa to bring you, little girl?” he asked me.

The overwhelming thrill of Santa patting my head and talking to me made the words stick to my tonsils like the snowflakes had clung to my eyelashes. But my brazen sister Mary Paula had no trouble speaking up.

“Santa,” she said, “I want every single four-cent thing on those back tables in that Carl Company!”

Just when it looked like she was going to be reprimanded by our parents, she quickly added (even though I knew she was totally lying), “So I can give them to the other less fortunate children. Or,” (and this is where she was telling the absolute truth), “I can resell them for five cents a piece.”

Then our sweet little Beth, a mere baby at 3 years old, spoke up. From und-erneath the blanket that had swaddled us from the cold, she held out a once-hot hard-boiled egg in her chubby little hand. It was one of five that Mom had given each one of us to keep our hands warm.

“Here, Santa, for you,” she said.

It was a loving, selfless gesture that seemed to warm Santa’s heart more than his hands, and it came from a baby. A baby is what the world received on Christmas Day. It’s our Heavenly Father’s gift to us, so shouldn’t every day feel like Christmas? ■

DECEMBER 2016

33

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Procrastination: Helpful,

fulfilling and stress-reducing, especially during the holidays

By Bonnie McCune

W

ith the approach of the year’s end and a new one beginning, many of us frantically compile lists of things to finish up or initiate.

Mine include holiday gift-buying, card-sending, planning a family dinner, household chores to complete before the arrival of guests, places to go and people to meet, not to mention activities related to my writing career. It’s enough to make me long for a nap. If I actually try to accomplish everything, I’m cranky, exhausted and depleted of cheer by Christmas Eve. But a secret has been revealed to me through my own neglect. If you wait long enough, many of those little notes to yourself are out of date.

You can throw them away without completing the duties! The tactic won’t work with responsibilities like filing your taxes, although you can even delay on that particular task from year to year.

This certainly alleviates some of the stress we place on ourselves to achieve each and every item on our to-do lists. For example, I’ve had a stack of bricks in my backyard for about a year, pried out from the mud by a landscaper. “Move bricks” was on my to-do list for quite some time, never to be accomplished.

Then my grandkids wanted some chores for which they could earn money. Presto! They did the work, and I crossed it off the list.

Another advantage: You’re able to ponder an action from multiple perspectives, gain the advice of others and maybe even outlast a trend.

When I had a house I wanted to refinance, I delayed and delayed. Over the years, the interest rate plunged steadily downward to my benefit.

But a secret has been revealed to me through my own neglect. If you wait long enough, many of those little notes to yourself are out of date.

In terms of social interactions, I recently postponed contacting some friends I hadn’t seen in awhile. They finally reached out to me with invitations to their homes.

What a great way to keep in touch without having to put forth effort to plan a party or organize an outing, thereby eliminating another bunch of chores to be completed!

The hallmark of holidays is gift giving. Who doesn’t enjoy the look of wonder on the faces of loved ones when the gift’s perfect? I used to spend an eternity each December compiling lists of gift ideas, comparing prices, slogging from store to store, elbowing other shoppers out of the way to grab the last game and wrapping items in paper and ribbons soon to be discarded.

About 50 percent of the time, however, the looks recipients gave me were of polite acknowledgment or puzzled inquiry.

One year I was so late in my shopping that come Christmas Eve all I had at hand was money. Out came the checkbook; into holiday cards went the funds. Sure enough, crows of delight echoed around the tree.

Why not give people what they really want? Not only do I slash the number of hours I spend shopping, but I help my gift recipients eliminate the chore of returning unwanted presents.

This holiday season, try a little procrastination yourself. You may find you’re happier, and so are the folks around you. ■

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When Christmas collectibles take over

By Melinda Mawdsley & Susan Elenz

E

xtravagant lights, delectable dishes and manger scenes are items you’re sure to see on display this holiday season. But two local women put their own twist on traditional holiday décor with incredible collections guests have to see to believe.

Lily’s World A replica Durango Silverton train clickety-clacks along its tracks at the base of a homemade ski mountain molded from a creative combination of leftover boxes, a white tablecloth, artificial snow and lights.

In the small village at the mountain’s base, people gather at Grandmother’s house while skaters take turns on an outdoor rink.

These specific scenes—a mogul-filled ski mountain, a passenger train circling evergreens, a family party at Grandma’s and a skating rink—are only a few of the dozens assembled by Grand Junction’s Lily Fitch. More than 1,000 individual pieces go into her holiday display, which fills two walls and half a room.

She calls it “Lily’s World.”

For the past 25 years, Fitch has told a Christmas story through her display. Made up of Department 56 collectors’ items, it grows every year and takes nearly seven weeks to complete.

As she thinks about how to build the display annually, Fitch, 60, puts herself in these idyllic winter wonderland scenes, asking herself questions, such as: Where would the bakery go? Where would the Christmas carolers stand?

From the ski mountain and neighboring village, where the display always starts, the Christmas tale transitions into a golf course and crazy Christmas corner in homage to Clark Griswold’s character in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

From there, the display moves into the main town, which spans several blocks and bustles with businesses, a church, shoppers and even a fire station with tiny pieces of laundry drying on the roof.

An ocean harbor where replica cruise ships are anchored in a blue sea near a busy beach is next to the coastal town. Going on cruises is a favorite pastime of Lily and her husband, Bill, so it’s one of Lily’s favorite scenes in the display. In fact, Lily’s detailed work with the ocean scene garnered her an invitation to speak at a national

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Lily Fitch and her Christmas village.

Photo by Melinda Mawdsley.

DECEMBER 2016

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collectors’ convention in Arizona next year.

The sheer size and intricate display makes Fitch a popular hostess for her friends.

Although Christmas consumes an entire room in the couple’s home from August through January, Fitch said her husband doesn’t mind. In fact, she added the golf course and numerous classic cars parked around the display to honor his hobbies.

His car club, the Grand Junction Knights, comes to visit the display, too.

“At least my hobbies are less expensive [than Bill’s],” Lily said.

At least for now.

Fitch has already purchased several new Department 56 pieces for next year. They’re stashed in a room, still in the box, because they were bought after the display was conceptualized.

“I already have ideas for next year,” she said with a smile.

Nutty for nutcrackers Karen Stone got her first nutcracker in high school 50 years ago, but it wasn’t until seeing the ballet that she was hooked.

Over the years, friends and family members gave her nutcrackers as gifts. Today, she owns an army of 590 nutcrackers.

During her working years as an elementary school teacher, fellow teachers asked her to present her collection and “The Nutcracker” story to their classes.

By the time she moved to a new classroom at Dos Rios Elementary, Karen had collected about 100 nutcrackers. At Christmastime, she told her fourth grade students about her collection. When they asked to see them, Karen put up a display in her classroom and integrated “The Nutcracker” into the curriculum. Students would choose which nutcracker to write about and read their reports to the class.

After she retired, Karen set up a

35

A Great Place to Call Home!

Karen Stone stands next to her nutcracker collection. Photo by Susan Elenz.

permanent display of nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes in the den of her home.

“It’s great having space in my new home to display some of them all year instead of just Christmas,” she said.

Her most unique nutcracker is of Clara, the young heroine in the story, which was given to her by a fellow teacher. A favorite of many who view her collection is a large soldier that plays music from the ballet and opens up to display all the characters from the story.

Karen continues to do presentations on her collection, though her audience is mostly comprised of adults. She tells them about the nutcracker’s German origins and how many Germans would keep them by their fireplaces to ward off evil with their sharp teeth. During World War II, American soldiers brought them home as souvenirs.

Karen said if she ever feels the need to downsize, she would donate her collection to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Washington, or try to sell them. Until then, she will continue to share her collection with others. ■

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36 FUN AFTER 50

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DECEMBER 2016

FUN AFTER 50

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

DECEMBER 9 Chocolate Walk Experience downtown Grand Junction’s holiday charm during a walking tour of beautiful Main Street, featuring an Art on the Corner Tour or a History Tour.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is $10.

The walk begins at 5:30 p.m. and meets at Enstrom Candies.

970-640-3908

grandvalleyinsulation.com

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408 The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older.

The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–4 pm. Annual membership is $15.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY THURSDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

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

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo

9:00 am

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

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

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Ladies Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta

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

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

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

DECEMBER 17 Santa Cause Run This 5K run/walk benefits area kids.

Participants will receive a Santa hat and beard to wear during the race. Register

by December 9. Registration is $40, with a free entry for the 1K for kids with a paid 5K entry. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at the Las Colonias Park Confluence Shelter. The race starts at 10 a.m.

DECEMBER 22 Christmas Party at the Senior Recreation Center Live music and dancing starts at 10 a.m. and lunch begins at noon. Cost is $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Call 245-7408 to reserve your spot.

HEALTH TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Class is at 8- 9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or purchase a 10-punch pass for $50.

MONDAY-FRIDAY Aqua Aerobics These aqua aerobic classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 5:30.-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.

DANCE THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8-11 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

SPORTS DROP-IN PICKLEBALL Play pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn.

Cost is $5 to drop-in or purchase a punch card for $30.

Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Tuesday & Friday - 9:30-12:30 p.m. & 5.-8 p.m.

Saturday - 9 a.m. to noon Sunday - 1-4 p.m.

ART The Arts Commission is accepting applications for artists interested in showing their work at the historic Avalon Theatre. Contact Lorie Gregor at lorieg@ gjcity.org for more information.

DECEMBER 2016

MESA COUNTY 37

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Mesa County Club Activities Art Jewelers Guild meets every second Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Grandview Apartments, on the corner of First Street and Independent Avenue.

Everyone from amateurs to professionals is welcome. Visit www.artjewel ryguild.com or call 250-3881 for more information.

Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Call 434-0868 for details.

Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursdays at the Red Cross Training Center. Call 2604653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce. org for details.

Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunctionrock club@gmail.com for details.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday at First Christian Church.

Call 549-0439 for details.

Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 255-9419 or 523-3464 or visit www. grandmesachorus.org for details.

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity.

Call 462-7557.

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965 for details.

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

Help Hospitalized Veterans’ Craft Center, 1670 North Ave., supplies hundreds of free therapeutic craft kits each week to military service members and veterans receiving medical care. Call 424-0499 for details.

Knitting Club meets monthly from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Call 623-1455 for details.

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

Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at 6 p.m. the first Thursdays at Color Creek Fiber Art, 1150 N. 25th St. Unit B. Email rickihowie@aol.com or visit www.mesafiberartsguild.org for details.

Mt. Garfield Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its annual Christmas potluck at noon on December 10 at the Whitman Education Center. Bring a dish to share. Call 242-7074 for details.

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Not Going Quietly meets from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Two Rivers Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction. This group is intended to create a space of empowerment, grace, community and wisdom for individuals age 60 and older. Call 433-7799.

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at A Taste of Heaven Catering. Call 424-4980 for details.

Swedes of the Grand Valley holds its annual Christmas celebration and potluck on December 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Please bring a dish to share. The program will include a silent auction, Swedish music and a St. Lucia procession with saffron buns. RSVP at 245-0673 or rjbenson@ bresnan.net.

Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays downstairs at the Mesa County Public Library Study Room B. Call 250-3969 for details.

River City Singles

Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. on December 10. For location, call 523-5625.

Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will celebrate Christmas on December 17 at 1 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road. Bring cookies or treats for the annual Christmas Cookie Sale and an unwrapped toy, gift card or cash donation for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Bring a dish for the potluck. Call 245-5649 or 858-6702, or visit www. vestafjelllodge.org for details.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays for a family style dinner and meeting at the Post Hall, 503 ½ Florence Road in Grand Junction. Call 778-8242 for details.

Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.gjcoinshow.com. ■

DECEMBER 2016 Activity Schedule

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

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Calling all singles over 55!

Meet new friends and play games at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests. Membership in RCS is only $20 per year.

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road.

RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Thursday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m. - The Fun Lunch Bunch Lunch goes to Chin Chin, 3210 I-70 Business Loop in Clifton (Mesa Point Shopping Center). RSVP to Penny at 712-2588.

Thursday, December 8 at 3:45 pm - Horse and Buggy Ride at the Ranch. Meet at Sutherlands and carpool to Loma for a fun evening. Enjoy a ride on a horse-drawn wagon, followed by a chili supper and s’mores in front of a cheery campfire. We’ll top the evening off with cowboy poetry. RSVP to Ellie at 261-8690.

Wednesday, December 21 at 2 p.m. - Game day at Mary’s. Play Pinochle, Rummikub, Dominoes, Hand and Foot and more. RSVP to Mary at 242-0630.

38 MESA COUNTY

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DECEMBER 2016

Mesa County Calendar DECEMBER 5 Martin Mortuary and HopeWest screen documentary Martin Mortuary and HopeWest will screen the highly regarded documentary “Being Mortal” at 5 p.m. at 550 North Ave. for free. The film explores the way people deal with life-limiting illness and the relationships doctors have with their patients, who are nearing the end of life. A light dinner will be provided. For details, call 243-1538.

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DECEMBER 9 “A Christmas Tale” and more Jan Weeks will be reading from and signing copies of her short story collection, “A Christmas Tale and Other Stories,” at Grand Junction’s Crystal Books and Gifts, 439 Main St. Join the fun from 6-8 p.m.

Brandon S. Berguin D.D.S. SENIOR DISCOUNTS

North Avenue Coins We Buy: • American & Foreign Coins & Currency • Jewelry • Stamps & Postcards • Scrap Gold & Silver • Sterling Silver • Antiques • WW2 Collectibles • Military Items • Colorado Historical Items

DECEMBER 6 Social media documentary and panel The acclaimed documentary “Screenagers” is coming to the Mesa County Central Library at 5:30 p.m. The film explores the struggles families face over social media, video games, academics and Internet addiction. It will be followed by a panel discussion with library, social media, and psychology experts.

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DECEMBER 9-10 Palisade High School holiday concert The Palisade High School choral music program proudly presents its sixth annual “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert and fundraiser. Performances are 7 p.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. Call 2619402 to reserve tickets.

DECEMBER 10 “A Writer’s Journey” Erik Storey, author of “Nothing Short

of Dying,” will share his story of becoming a writer and landing a large publishing contract at 9 a.m. at the Business Incubator Center, 2591 Legacy Way. Please RSVP to tbenson@gjincu bator.org

Pictures with Santa Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital hosts pictures with Santa Claus from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with a break to feed reindeer from 11:30 a.m. to noon, in St. Mary’s main lobby. Families may receive up to five photos—the first costs $5, additional photos are $1 each. There will also be children’s craft tables in the lobby. Call 260-8346 for details.

Graphics workshop at the Art Center In this hands-on, participatory workshop, artist Emily Hornback will share strategies for educating and organizing with images. Students will take brainstorming to a new level through web mapping and drawing exercises that can be used with any group to generate relevant and strategic images.

Registration is $10 for members and $15 for non-members of the Grand Junction Art Center. The workshop runs from 1-3 p.m.

The Metropolitan Opera’s “L’Amour de Loin” Join Regal Canyon View Stadium at 10:55 a.m. for a performance of “L’Amour de Loin” from the Metropolitan Opera. There will be an encore performance on December 21 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children.

DECEMBER 10-11 KAFM’s “War of the Worlds” The Radio Room Players will bring Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” to life with two performances at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The performances will take place at KAFM’s

If you have an event or photo you would like to have appear in the BEACON, send it to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

DECEMBER 2016

MESA COUNTY 39

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Radio Room, 1310 Ute Ave., and will air live on the radio. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and students, and may be purchased by calling 2418801 or at www.kafmradio.org.

Art Jewelers Guild Holiday Sale Browse handmade jewelry by local artisans in silver, wire and metal work, fused and torch glass, fiber art and beadwork. The show will be at the Art Bar, 205 Colorado Ave., on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

DECEMBER 11 Centennial Band’s Holiday Extravaganza The Grand Junction Centennial Band presents its family friendly Holiday Extravaganza at 3 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations go towards a music scholarship. The Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture will also present the Champion of the Arts award that evening.

Swedes of the Grand Valley Christmas celebration Swedes of the Grand Valley will hold its annual Christmas celebration and potluck from 4-7 p.m., at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St. Please bring a dish to share. The program will include a silent auction, Swedish music and a St. Lucia procession with saffron buns. RSVP at 241-2945 or rjbenson@bresnan.net.

DECEMBER 16 KAFM presents jazz ensemble String-based jazz ensemble Gypsy Jazz Social Club will perform at 7:30 p.m. in KAFM’s Radio Room at 1310 Ute Ave. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door, and may be purchased by calling 241-8801 or at www.kafmra dio.org.

Holiday gift bazaar Join the Commons of Hilltop, at 625 27-1/2 Road, for the annual Holiday Gift Bazaar. Vendors will offer a variety of handmade gifts. The event is open to the public. A non-perishable food donation, to be donated to a local food bank, is requested for entry. The bazaar is open from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

DECEMBER 18 “The Nutcracker” by the Bolshoi Ballet Regal Canyon View Stadium will screen a performance of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” by the Bolshoi Ballet, at 12:55 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for seniors and children.

Our Family

Crime prevention and personal safety seminar Join Pureland Security from 3-6 p.m. for Refuse To Be A Victim®, an award-winning crime prevention and safety seminar. Seminar topics address personal safety issues as well as home, automobile, telephone, technological, and travel security. Preregistration is required. For location and to register, call 270-3203 or email suzanne@grace fulguns.com.

DECEMBER 30-31 “Guys and Dolls” This New Year’s Eve weekend, High Desert Opera presents “Guys and Dolls,” fully staged and with a live orchestra at Robinson Theatre at Colorado Mesa University. There will be three performances of this show: at 7:30 p.m. on December 30, and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on December 31. Ticket sales will begin on November 14. Visit www.highdesertopera.org for tickets.

DECEMBER 31 New Year’s Eve dinner and dance Fruita’s Sacred Heart Church, 1210 17-1/2 Road, hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., a prime rib dinner will be at 7 p.m. and dancing starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available from Sacred Heart Church after all December masses. Call 858-3137 for more information.

JANUARY 4 Zen classroom lecture Join award-winning author Jan Weeks for an “Intellecture” at Fruita’s Lithic Bookstore, 138 S. Park Square, at 7 p.m. The topic of this 20-minute talk is “In Praise of the Zen Classroom and Beyond.” For more information about this monthly series, call 858-3636.■

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Giving Trees at libraries Giving Trees decorated with gift requests from underprivileged Mesa County residents of all ages will be at the Central Library and the Clifton, De Beque, Fruita and Palisade library branches through December 10. Stop by and select a tree tag describing a gift to purchase. Before leaving the library, provide staff with your contact information. After you have purchased the gift, bring it back unwrapped and with the Giving Tree tag attached. Beneficiaries of Giving Tree gifts are Catholic Outreach clients and Mesa County residents. Gifts are meant to be about $25 or less.

tion was made to Robert Smith at his home at The Willows in Fruita.

Smith is a five-year veteran who served in Paris and London during World War II. On behalf of the Grand Valley Valor Quilters, a local branch of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, Sue Schore presented him with a beautiful handmade quilt.

The quilts made by the Foundation’s volunteer members are awarded to U.S. military service members and veterans as a way of honoring them for their service and dedication to our country. To learn more about the organization, please contact Schore at 241- 7457 or visit www.QOVF.org

Christmas train show The Grand Valley Model Railroad Club hosts its 28th annual Christmas Train Show at Cross Orchards Historic Site in Grand Junction. The show is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on the weekends of December 10-11, 1718, 23-24 and December 31-January 1. Admission is $1 per child, $4 per adult and $7 for a family.

Comfort Keepers’ Ora Lee makes President’s Club Local Comfort Keepers franchise owner Ora Lee was recently honored as part of the Comfort Keepers’ President’s Club during the national leadership conference in Las Vegas. The President’s Club award is presented to the top 25 franchisees whose local franchises have generated the highest revenue in the previous year within a single territory. Lee has served the Western Slope community for 13 years and serves approximately 300 seniors throughout the region with a variety of in-home services.

Wreaths Across America ceremony The Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado and the Patriot Guard Riders of the Western Slope will present the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on December 17 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Parkway.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Last year, the Veterans Memorial Cemetery placed donated wreaths on approximately 1,800 gravesites. This year, they expect to place more than 2,000 wreaths on graves on December 16, starting at 3 p.m.

Quilts of Valor honors World War II veteran On October 25, a special presenta-

New Changes to LEAP applications

The Mesa County Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) will no longer be handled through the Department of Human Services (DHS). It will now be administered

by Discover Goodwill of Southern and Western Colorado. Applicants should follow these new procedures for the 2016-2017 season: LEAP is a mail-in program only. Return your completed 2016 application by faxing it to 719-633-9098; mailing it to LEAP, PO Box 39200, Colorado Springs, CO 80949; or emailing it to

DECEMBER 2016

MESA COUNTY 41

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

LEAPHELP@discovermygoodwill.org.

For more information, call 1-866432-8435 or visit www.cdhs.state. co.us/leap.

Area businesses join forces to help homebound seniors Comfort Keepers has partnered with the BEACON Senior Newspaper, Citrola’s, Boston’s and Sam’s Club to provide a meal and companionship to homebound seniors on Christmas Eve. Seniors can request the company of a volunteer while they enjoy a delicious turkey dinner. Meals will be delivered from 2-4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Donations are also needed.

To donate or volunteer, call Comfort Keepers at 241-8818.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Family Health West is looking for volunteers to act as greeters at Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center or to assist with our activities in our assisted living facilities. To learn more, call 858-2211 or email nwatchman@fhw.org.

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

• The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to work with people, serve food, pack food boxes, clean house, sort food, stock food, take applications for assistance, answer phones, ring bells and more at their corps office, 1235 N. Fourth St. Call 242-7513 for details.

• AARP Foundation TaxAide is seeking volunteers to help Colorado taxpayers who need assistance preparing and filing their 2016 tax returns. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_ taxaide/ or call 1-888-687-2277. The application deadline is December 15.

• Mesa County Spellbinders is looking for volunteers to learn a few story-telling skills and make a difference in children’s lives. Spellbinders tell stories to students in kinder-

garten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. To join, call 462-7346.

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

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and connection groups for adults living with a mental illness. Groups meet at various times and locations in

Learn and Discover AT MESA COUNTY LIBRARIES

Get your library card AT NO CHARGE and take advantage of these opportunities: • Book clubs • Family story times • Travel presentations • Regional history information • Genealogy resources • Volunteer opportunities

Call us at 970-243-4442 or visit mesacountylibraries.org

Mesa County. For additional information, please visit www.NAMIWS. org or call 462-3989.

• Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315.

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

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

City Café. Call 298-2351 for details.

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

• MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesdays at Village Inn, 757 Horizon Dr. Call 241-8975.

• GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. This no-cost group meets from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Mondays. For location and details, call Vicci at 628-1453. ■

FUN & GAMES

42 FUN & GAMES

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DECEMBER 2016

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FUN & GAMES

DECEMBER 2016

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For the puzzle answers see page 45

Across 1 Igor’s load 5 Kellogg-Briand and Warsaw 10 Mlle. La Douce 14 On the Marmara 15 Special Forces group 16 Novelist Uris 17 Former Senate majority leader 20 Texas leaguer?

21 Type of spray 22 Madison Ave. output 23 Lady with a title?

25 Wish undone 27 1863 Chancellorsville event 30 On the ball 33 Matador motivator 34 ___ the word 37 Pileup 39 Female representative?

43 Artist’s pigment 44 Cameo stone 45 Black-eyed item 46 Walks with one’s head up?

48 Be to come 51 Gov’t agency 52 One of a New Testament twelve 54 Ship pronoun

FUN & GAMES 43

Turn to page 45 for your puzzle answers 57 Drop a swatted fly, e.g.

59 Cuckoo houses 63 Home business of sorts 66 Entertainer Moffo 67 Reduced, as tension 68 One preparing for the prom 69 Rifle sight 70 Head lock?

71 Org. since 1960 Down 1 Second City sound 2 Exploits 3 Advance ending 4 Repeat after me 5 Associate 6 Turn away from sin 7 Chest material 8 Sale sights 9 Vilifies jam?

10 Dock worker’s org.

11 “The Ballad of John McEntire” singer 12 It may be contentious or cheerful 13 Dance if they’re in your pants 18 Distressful sound, as heard in a kennel 19 Coop crowd 24 Jules Verne character 26 New currency

27 Greets with courtesy 28 “A Lesson From ___” (Athol Fugard) 29 Wiggle a carrot in front of 30 Grayish 31 Oyster shade 32 City near the Ruhr and Rhine 35 Certain saucers 36 Rockies abbr.

38 Froth on beer 40 Graces partner 41 Ill feeling 42 Take one’s leave 47 Object of attack 49 Diner’s card 50 Magical word 52 Aplomb 53 Beach birds 54 Line crosser 55 Make a point?

56 Sicilian hot spot 58 Raise 60 “That’s one small ___…”

61 Genealogical diagram 62 Harmony 64 Drop in the ocean 65 Driller’s deg.?

Crossword Puzzle

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HOME CARE

541 & 547 29 ½ Road. 2 bedroom apartments. Tenant pays electric. $600/month, $600 deposit.

Office hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 255-9555.

COMPASSIONATE CHRISTIAN LADY offering eldercare for your loved one. Meals, cleaning, errands, companionship. QMAP, CPR certified. Dependable, experienced, references. Reasonable rates–I can beat agency rates. Keep them home sweet home with my help. Karen 774-239-4966.

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NEED HOUSING starting January 1, 2017. Single senior man seeking small, furnished private rental or housesitting situation. Shortterm or month-to-month rental OK. No roommate situations.

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COMPUTER LADY, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified.

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Full-time and part-time employment available. Please apply at your nearest location in Grand Junction.

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation.

Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048.

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CLASSIFIEDS 45

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DO LITTLE SERVICES, LLC Helping seniors, singles or anyone maintain home/property with swamp coolers, garden tilling, leaf, yard, chimney, gutter cleaning, snow removal and general repairs. Free estimates.

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ATTENTION SENIORS: We’re here to serve you! Hair Services: Perms, cuts and styles for men and women. Melody: 201-0267.

Husband does garage cleaning and extra jobs! Great senior prices. Trustworthy and reliable.

Donovon: 778-7331.

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$AVE MONEY ON TRAVEL! Travel Club membership offering discount cruises, travel packages and decreased condo rates. Checkout www.coconutclubvacations.com. Member # cc1546ue, password #1115. Travel agents at 855-259-1155. Call Susan at 970-462-1115 before booking a trip so I can call the organization with pre-approval.

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USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 970-242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10–6 Mon–Sat, 11–4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

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LETTERS FROM THE PAST s heart from Daughter take father’s wartime words

DECEMBER 2016

LETTERS FR THE PAST OM

Daughter tak heart from father’s warties me words

Photo by Melanie Wiseman Photo by Melan

ie Wiseman

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kudos \ ku·dos  “I enjoy your online version of the BEACON. It appears you have updated the format and, of course, the colors are more vivid. Nice!”

- Sandi C.  “My subscription expired in August.

I am not going to renew. Please stop sending me the BEACON. Thank you.”

- Marilynn A.

Kevin: “I’m sorry that you’re not renewing. What do you think about the BEACON?”

Marilynn: “I love the BEACON and read the entire publication. But now that I’m about retired, I figure I’m able to pick up my copy at your many newsstands. I ordered the subscription when I was putting too many hours in at work to see anything outside of getting in and out of a store quickly.”

Kevin: “Thank you. I understand and I feel better now. Remember, dear readers, that it’s our advertisers that keep the BEACON free. Please thank them.”  “I have always enjoyed reading the BEACON over the 28 years we have lived in Grand Junction. I have no intention of ever stopping. (I still call it the Senior Beacon). It seems that we were already living here when it first started so I believe it has been in existence for less than 28 years.”

- Kathy R., Grand Junction

Cloie: “That’s so neat! 2016 was actually the BEACON’s 30th year so I guess it was around when you moved here but just barely. It’s also interesting to note that the paper was never officially called the ‘Senior Beacon.’

It was just a name that caught on.

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How to be more generous in a me-first world A

mericans like to think of themselves as generous people, and often, the numbers back that up. A recent report revealed they gave a record $373.3 billion to charity in 2015.

But as impressive as that seems, most people still struggle with the stingier side of human nature, putting their own material wants first and considering charitable giving only as an afterthought, according to John Cortines and Greg Baumer, co-authors of the book “God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School.”

“We don’t need to point fingers at those greedy people over there on Wall Street or wherever,” Cortines said. “Greed lurks in all of us. The question is: What are we going to do about it?”

A legacy of generosity The good news, Cortines and Baumer said, is that while greed is a widespread human characteristic, so is generosity. Reflecting on their lifelong journey, they took a hard look at Biblical passages while at Harvard and became convinced that their own hearts were full of greed and needed to change.

“Take your pick of a worldview and it encourages sharing with others,” Baumer said. “Eastern faiths, Abrahamic faiths—it doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to this topic. Virtually all of humanity values generosity.”

Valuing generosity is one thing.

Making it a significant part of your lifestyle is something else. Cortines and Baumer said mindsets about money can be broken down into three groups: spenders, who pursue the greatest amount of consumption right now without much thought of tomorrow; savers, who limit their consumption to accumulate wealth; and servants, who

limit both consumption and wealth building, so they can give the most money possible to help others.

“That last group, unfortunately, is the rarest,” Cortines said.

Becoming more generous Here are some steps people can take to become more generous.

• Make giving a priority. In any endeavor, how well you do depends on how much of a priority you make the goal. It’s tough to be generous if the amount you give is based on what’s left over after you’ve satisfied your own wants.

Cortines and Baumer give right off the top, before setting the rest of their monthly budgets. (They give away 12-18 percent of their gross incomes.)

• Talk about your finances. In our culture we talk about almost everything, but are strangely silent about personal finances.

Sharing your financial life with a trusted friend can help you gain perspective. Cortines and Baumer fully divulge their finances to close friends, soliciting advice and encouragement.

• Set financial finish lines. While it’s important to take care of yourself and your family, it helps to come up with a cutoff point where there is no further need for more spending or more wealth accumulation. Both authors have publicly committed to live a middle class life, regardless of their earnings. Getting more money should increase our standard of giving, not our standard of living, they said.

“You can always find ways to justify more spending and more accumulation of wealth,” Baumer said.

“But at some point you should ask yourself, ‘How much is enough?’”■

kvetch \ kfech  “Would you give a message to the publisher for me? Would you tell him to quit trashing Trump? Tell him to do what he’s good at—writing articles.

But tell him he needs to stay out of politics. Our country doesn’t need this right now. I’m sick of it, and so is my neighbor.” - Anonymous Kevin: “For the record, I never trashed Donald Trump. He did a fine job of doing that himself. But thank you for saying that I’m a good writer.”  “While reading the November BEACON (which pays homage to veterans) I was disappointed that no one remembered any veterans from Korea or Vietnam. I would like to recognize two brothers who were in Vietnam at the same time in the early ’70s—Gary Lake was in the Army and Phil Lake in the Marines. They served their time and were honorably discharged. I think of the terrible waste of lives still going on today with two endless wars and how it affects our young people. I pray those wars end soon. Thanks for allowing me to remember my nephews in this way.”

- Romaine Webb Kevin: “Thank you writing, and thank you for reading the BEACON. We’re interested in honoring all veterans. We just don’t get many stories from the Korean conflict and only occasionally from Vietnam.

We’d love to write about them and not just for our November issue.”

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

OFFICIAL BALLOT Photocopies will not be accepted

BEST

Best Antique Store___________________________________________ Best Bike Shop______________________________________________ Best Clothing Store__________________________________________ Best Shoe Store_____________________________________________

L OCAL

LOVED

2017 Share the LOVE!

Help the BEACON determine the best and most loved hotspots for boomers and seniors in Mesa County. Nominate your favorite locales in the following categories and return this page to the BEACON by December 31 to be entered to win a prize.

We will give away three $50 gift certificates to the most loved locales nominated on the ballot.

The winners will be announced in a special insert in the February BEACON. Mail your ballot to: The BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 or drop off your ballot at: The BEACON, 524 30 Road, Suite 4, Grand Junction, CO 81504 CONTEST RULES:

• • • •

One entry per person. One vote per category.

Entries must be clearly printed.

Entries must include voter’s name, address and phone number.

Entries become property of the BEACON, which reserves the right to publish nominations in an upcoming issue.

• Entries must be received by December 31. Winners will be published in the February BEACON.

Best Place to Buy Gifts________________________________________ Best Liquor Store____________________________________________ Best Second Hand Store______________________________________ Best Optical Store___________________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store_________________________________________ Best Financial Planner________________________________________ Best Auto Dealership_________________________________________ Best Auto Repair____________________________________________ Best Tire Store______________________________________________ Best Carpet Cleaner_________________________________________ Best Garden Nursery_________________________________________ Best Heating and Cooling Service______________________________ Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service____________________________ Best Plumber_______________________________________________ Best Place for Breakfast_______________________________________ Best Place for Lunch_________________________________________ Best Place for Dinner_________________________________________ Best Date Night Location_____________________________________ Best Coffee Shop____________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________

Best Place to Get a Stiff Drink_________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

Best Winery________________________________________________

City:____________________________State:_______ Zip:____________

Best Hiking Trail_____________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________

Best Place to Take the Grandkids_______________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________

Best Place to Golf____________________________________________