December 2022 - BEACON Senior News

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IN THIS ISSUE

Publisher

Kevin K. VanGundy

Founding Publisher Susan Capps

Editor in Chief

Cloie Sandlin

Editorial Assistant

Mia Brabaek

Graphic Designers

B. Bigler

Michael L. Madsen

Customer Service Manager

Stacey Splude

Advertising Director

Kevin K. VanGundy

Advertising Executive

Debra Romaniec

Toni Moersfelder

Advertising & Marketing Assistant

Kayla Pool

Proofreader

Jan Weeks Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade Justin Bowen

P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829 Website www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

The BEACON celebrates age and brings hope and help to Western Colorado seniors and those who serve them.

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

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month preceding publication. Display advertising rates are available upon request. © Copyright 2022 • All Rights Reserved

8 COVER STORY

Switch Up the Holidays

Bond with family over the holidays by creating a new tradition together! Here are a few to ideas to consider

24 Party Like It’s 1923!

Looking back on the Avalon Theatre’s boldest moments as it prepares for its centennial celebration

28 The Ugliest Christmas Guest

Just when I thought it would be nice to have a little company for Christmas, I soon came to regret the thought

30

On the Cover

Make worthy causes like the Santa Cause Run part of your holiday traditions. Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Parks & Recreation

My Summer of Self-Discovery

What I learned about myself from recent road trips with my parents

12

Recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Craving something sweet this season? This recipe’s prominent pumpkin flavor is hard to resist!

Vacation Where the Stars Do

Four people walk into a tavern: Oprah, Owen Wilson, Britney Spears and you. This could happen if you’re vacationing in some of these famous destinations

13

The Top Gift on a Dog Owner’s Wish List

This gift doesn’t require tape or tissue. It’s fleeting, fickle and frustrating with no guarantees

20 Death Doulas: A Companion Through End-of-Life Transitions

Originally, doulas supported new mothers through birth. Now end-of-life doulas support individuals and families with the transition from life

32 Glædelig Jul! (A Scandinavian Christmas)

For me, Christmas comes early on December 24—a whole day before the rest of the world!

Post-Pandemic Tech Hacks That Make Life Easier

These tools can be used to help you stay safe and productive should the new normal last longer than the pandemic lockdown did

How to Protect Yourself from Holiday Shopping Scams

Keep scammers from playing the Grinch this year with these tips

Pretty and Pleasurable Plants That Are Easy to Grow

During the dreary days of winter, fresh indoor flowers keep our spirits believ ing that spring will indeed come again

CONTEST RULES

Entries limited to one per person and one vote per category. Entries must be printed clearly and include the voter’s name, address and phone number. All entries become the property of the BEACON Senior News who reserves the right to publish all nominations in a future issue. Entries must be received by December 31, 2022. Winners will be announced in the February 2023 issue of the BEACON.

It’s time to cast your votes and spread the word about the businesses and organizations that have earned your trust and loyalty with our 2023 BEACON Best Awards!

While good customer service can sometimes be hard to find, these coveted awards recognize that elite group of locales selected for their people, products and services that make your life easier.

Nominate your favorite people or places in 20 categories. By casting your ballot, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a gift card to one of your favorite local places.

Make sure to let your favorite businesses know you’re rooting for them, then pick up the February BEACON to find out who readers voted as THE BEACON

Every year, I dream of the perfect Christmas

Ideally, this entails my home lit up with Christ mas lights and holiday music with all of my loved ones gathered at my house for dinner, festive activities and an exchanging of gifts.

My reality? A dark and deserted-look ing house because I’m too busy to put up lights (although I own plenty) and driving across town to several homes on Christmas Day so I can spend a few hours with all who are near and dear to me.

I’ve been doing this a few years now so it’s kind of become a tradition. My husband doesn’t always participate, as he prefers to make himself at home in one location—even if it’s without me. When it comes to Christmas, he can be kind of a scrooge anyway.

For now, my home is nowhere near large enough to host everybody on Christmas, nor do I particularly enjoy cooking for large groups. I have no kids, so it’s also nice to be at their house when they’re running rampant as op posed to mine.

Perhaps one day my wish will come true. In the holiday hustle and bustle, I have to remem ber that it’s okay for things not to go as planned or be what I hoped for. It may not be the per fect Christmas, but as long I get to spend it with those I love, it’s still pretty special.

Merry Christmas from the BEACON!

WHAT EVERY NONPROFIT WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS

December 6 is Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy through giving.

Hundreds of Colorado nonprofits big and

small participate in Colorado Gives Day, and anyone can donate. The only stipulation is that your giving must be done online at www.colo radogives.org through December 6. Why not just mail a check? While I’m sure that local nonprofits will graciously accept a check or donation made in person, many, if not all of the partici pating nonprofits are eligible to receive extra money from a statewide incentive fund when donations are made through the Colorado Gives Day website. However you choose to give this year, donations are blessings to many of our local nonprofits, allowing them to continue their charitable work and meeting needs in our community. You can also schedule your dona tion at www.ColoradoGives.org today.

VOTE FOR THE BEACON BEST

BEACON readers know best. So tell us about the local businesses with superior customer service that have earned your trust. Vote by December 31 to be entered to win prizes and gift cards. Fill out and mail in the ballot oppo site this page, or vote online at www.Beacon SeniorNews.com. Don’t forget to let these businesses know you’re rooting for them!

GIVE (AND GET) THE BEACON

December is also the last month that you can surprise someone with a BEACON subscription and get one for yourself for free!

While the BEACON is still distributed free of charge thanks to our advertisers, subscribing guarantees you won’t miss out on any senior-re lated news and events, including the release of our 2023 BEACON Guide, a resource directory for older adults in Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties. (More on that next month.) ■

From Readers

I was wondering if it is possible to get a high er resolution file of the coloring page from October. I’d like to color this as a Christmas gift for my sister-in-law who is a bear and stained glass artist. It is such a cool drawing!

- Dawnie B.

I am really impressed at the looks and scope of the BEACON.

- Tim M.

Thank you for honoring our veterans!

- Mark L.

We are getting ready for our next big (really BIG) adventure. Off to Antarctica! Hundreds of thousands of penguins! And that trip ends in New Zealand. We are so very excited.

- Sally S., Montrose

Love your magazine! You guys do a great job and always have something interesting.

- Anonymous caller

Thank you for publishing “Why Resident Rights Are Important” (September) and giving my cause a written voice!

- Sandy Walker, Regional Ombudsman, Region 10

“Why you should adopt an older pet” (November)

Senior pets are the best pets! I got my kitty Jenny from Roice-Hurst a couple of years ago, and she is the sweetest and sassiest feline you will ever meet! She is 12 now and just loves her Mimi and Papi. She behaves when the grandkids are around, too.

- Maree K.

“The ABsolute best exercise” (November)

The article was great, but the video online was even more helpful!

- Isabel G.

“Come on, baby, do the mashed potato” (November)

It was such a cute clever observation of Thanksgiving! It made me laugh! Please write one for next year.

- Francie M., Delta

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

■ Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

■ Facebook: @BeaconSeniorNews

Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

■ Mail: PO Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502

■ Call: 970-243-8829

Cloie Sandlin,

the SWITCH UP

16 FESTIVE TRADITIONS TO TRY THIS YEAR Holidays

BY KIMBERLY BLAKER

hether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid al-Fitr, Bodhi Day or the winter solstice, holiday traditions are a fun way for fami lies to bond and for multiple generations to create fond memories. The traditions you choose are lim ited only by your imagination in the way you and your family carry them out. Here are a few fun traditions to consider.

STORYTELLING

Choose a theme such as “my most memorable holiday season” or “the best thing that happened this year” and ask each person to share a memory. Record the storytelling on video or audio, then play it in future years as part of your memory-sharing tradition.

POETRY

Hold a holiday poetry reading. Ask each person to bring copies of their favorite seasonal or holiday poems to pass out and read aloud at your gathering. (Check out one of our favorites on page 34.)

WHITE ELEPHANT

Rather than giving gifts the traditional way, hold a white elephant gift exchange. This game is more about entertainment than the gift and is a fun time for all ages.

Each guest brings a wrapped gift that anyone can use. Every one then draws a numbered slip and takes a turn choosing either a wrapped gift or taking an unwrapped gift from another participant.

If a player loses their gift, that person gets to choose another wrapped gift or take a gift from someone else. For complete rules and variations on this fun gift exchange, visit www.whiteelephant rules.com

COZY ESCAPE

Sometimes a change of scenery is what you need to get into the Christmas spirit! Escape the holiday hustle and bustle and enjoy a holiday retreat with your beau or the whole brood. Try a cozy cabin on the Grand Mesa, in Ouray or another scenic setting. Then enjoy your togetherness near a roasting fire, flipping through family photo albums, enjoying holiday music, doing crafts and other relaxing activities.

HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN

Start a holiday countdown for your grandkids. Take a 3-by-3 foot strip of ribbon and cut 24-paired slits from top to bottom. Thread each pair with a narrow ribbon and tie a sucker in each. Beginning December 1, your grandchild can remove a treat each day through Christmas Eve or the eve of the holiday you cele brate.

HELP FAMILIES IN NEED

Deliver a hot meal to a homebound senior or supply a family with gloves and hats. Ask your grandchildren (with their parents’ ap proval) to make room for their own new gifts by donating good, unwanted toys. Offer the toys to families in need, wrap them yourself and leave them on the doorstep.

A ROMANTIC EVENING

Couples often forget to take time out for each other during the busy holiday season. Plan an evening for two and reserve a table near a fireplace or a different romantic set ting. When you return home, light some can dles and your tree, listen to holiday or soft music, and exchange a special gift with each other. Then spend the evening reminiscing and sharing your dreams for the future.

CUT YOUR OWN TREE

Take the whole family to a tree farm and make a day of it. Look for the perfect tree to compliment your home or that fits your family’s taste.

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS

Pick up a book on holiday customs around the world. Each year, choose a different culture or nationality for your theme. Then decorate and try new traditions accordingly. Read the article “Family mealtime adventures” at www.Beacon SeniorNews.com for some ethnic meal time inspiration.

SHOPPING DATE

Make a date with your partner and assist each other in selecting your holiday at tire. Decide in advance on the formality so you choose complementary outfits and your shopping trip together remains agreeable.

A SPECIAL ORNAMENT

Buy a new tree ornament each year that signifies something important such as your grandbaby’s first Christmas. If it’s your first season in a new home, find an ornament that represents it.

HOMEMADE WRAPPING PAPER

Get a roll of brown Kraft paper. Then cut holiday shapes out of sponges, dip them in holiday-colored paint and stamp the shapes onto the paper. Use glitter and glue to add to the festive look.

STOCKINGS FOR ADULTS

Fill stockings for your partner, parents or grown kids to discover. Stuff them with treats, beauty products, postage stamps, lottery tickets and other inexpensive or usable items.

TAKE A HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDE

Don’t forget blankets and your favorite hot beverage for warming your lips and hands. If you’re taking a horse-drawn carriage ride in downtown Grand Junc tion, grab a cup of Main Street Bagels’ signature Polar Express Hot Chocolate, a delectable blend of three chocolates inspired by the book.

PAMPER YOURSELF

After returning from a holiday shopping trip, decorate the bathroom in holiday candles, fragrance and holly. Throw on some holiday or other relaxing music. Then enjoy a long bubble bath and give yourself a full salon treatment. Include a manicure, pedicure, deep hair condition ing, facial mask and body buff.

LOCAL EVENTS

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without rejoicing in some local celebrations. Here are some of our favorite traditions to kick off the holidays with:

PARADE OF LIGHTS

• Palisade (Theme: A Very Vintage Christmas) - December 2 at 5 p.m.

• Delta (Theme: Christmas Candies) - December 2 at 6 p.m.-

• Grand Junction (Theme: There’s No Place Like Home) - December 3 at 5 p.m.

• Cedaredge - December 3 at 6 p.m.

• Montrose (Theme: Jingle All the Way) - December 3 at 5:30 p.m.

• Fruita (Theme: A Griswold Christmas) - December 10 at 5:30 p.m.

MUSIC & THEATRE

• Magic Circle Players’ “Miracle on 34th Street” December 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. & December 3-4 at 2 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this beloved story hit the Magic Circle stage, 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose. Tickets are only $10.

• Valley Symphony Association’s “Christmas by Candlelight” December 3 at 7:30 p.m. & December 4 at 3 p.m.

Valley Symphony’s Christmas concert will warm your heart at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.valleysymphony.net or 970-765-8323.

• Spirit of Christmas Walk December 9 at 5:30 p.m. Christmas comes alive with over 300 entertainers in downtown Grand Junction, including clowns, poets jazz bands, dance groups and more.

• Grand Junction Centennial Band December 11 at 3 p.m.

Celebrate the season with this free com munity concert of Christmas classics at the Colorado Mesa University Ballroom.

• Bookcliff Harmony Chorus December 13 at 7 p.m.

This concert features the Bookcliff Har mony Chorus and Sweet Adelines’ Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus and other bar bershop harmony singers at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave., Grand Junction.

• “A Christmas Classic” December 15, 7:30 p.m.

Immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland at the Grand Junction Symphony Orches tra’s “A Christmas Classic” concert at the Avalon Theatre. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at www.gjso.org or 970-243-6787.

OTHER

• Santa Cause Run, December 10 at 10 a.m. Run around Grand Junction’s Las Colonias area in a Santa suit while raising money for inclusive playground equipment in Grand Junction parks. Entry fee is $30.

Planning on incorporating any of these holiday traditions?

Let us know: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Photo by GJ Parks

What I learned about myself after summer road trips with my parents

By Adam Cochran

Iloveit when readers call me a kid because I am. At the time of this writing, I am three years too young to read this 50+ publication. But what readers may not know is that “old people” have been my heroes and friends my entire life.

Over the past year, I have felt driven to grasp my place as a representative of the generation between those who raised me and those who perceive aging as developing wrinkles and a receding hair line. As much as I would like to blame this epiphany on a sudden awakening of self, it is more realis tically the realization that I am the sum of so many parts of family, friends and others who likely have little comprehension of how much of who I am and what I do is actual ly the imitation of the qualities I find so admirable in my elders.

In October 2021, my brother and I kidnapped my dad and took him to numerous air museums in Southern California for a week to see war birds that were on his bucket list, including the world’s only original flying Zero, The Space Shuttle Endeavor and one of the last flying P-26 Peashooter.

For my brother and I, so many

of our road trip conversations were about marriage and family. We talked about our wives, jobs, money and our health the way only those who have shared a common upbringing can.

But I can honestly say the best part of that trip was learning to see my dad almost like an older brother as much as a patriarch.

We joked about the restaurants we ate at, from Waffle House to the Chinese restaurant whose menu included fungus, fetuses and graphic depictions of fowl pre served in various states of torture. My dad told stories of his dad, who passed away when he was 9, and he recalled stories of relatives, busi nesses and adventures that I may never hear again.

By the time I got home, I felt like I understood my dad as a peer as much as I did as his son.

DISCOVERING THE PAST

In 2013, my uncle died suddenly of a heart attack. He was 56. That year, I drove my mom to the funeral

in Missouri, an area she always thought of as home.

Nobody, including my aunt, really knew the influence my uncle had on the worldwide steel industry until the day before his funeral. A line began to form for the viewing and people from all over the world mourned until the sun began to set that night. I remember one mourner wailing loudly and banging his head against the floor repeat edly as he cried for the loss of his mentor, which demonstrated how my uncle’s influence had extended beyond the smelting pots and into the hearts of those he taught.

Years later, my aunt was blessed to find love and got engaged. Noth ing could have stopped me from dropping everything to drive my mom back to Missouri to support her sister and see home again.

The 2013 trip made a big impres sion on me, but not nearly as much as this trip. My mom did something amazing for me—something that only a parent can do. She wanted me to know that a big part of who I am was directly connected to peo ple, places and experiences from her own childhood.

I had always known that her father—my grandpa—was shaped by the Great Depression. He never wasted money or resources, he always saved everything and he had an abhorrence for debt. Although he was practical and meticulous in everything he did, he loved to trav el. He had seen all of the foreign world he could stand when he was in the China Burma India theater, but he couldn’t get enough of see ing his own country with his family. Although he was a child of The De pression, he was not a victim of it. He understood the value of experi ences could never be taken away.

My mom saw this road trip as a way of taking me sightseeing with

MUCH OF WHO I AM AND WHAT I DO IS ACTUALLY THE IMITATION OF THE QUALITIES I FIND SO ADMIRABLE IN MY ELDERS.

Each thing my mom wanted to see on our trip was something she wanted me to experience—like the abandoned Sunday School where she came to know Jesus.

her childhood self. We planned to end the trip at my aunt’s wedding, but everything before that day was flexible. My mom had a piece of scratch paper where she had writ ten all of the tentative destinations by region.

My mom was restless, but not flustered. She cried a little as she explained the importance of each thing she wanted me to see. While she talked, I realized, as I had with my dad, that I was going to be my mom’s brother for this trip far more than I was going to be her son.

Each thing she wanted to see was something she wanted me to experience. We visited three buck et-list destinations on the first day. The itinerary wasn’t what I expect ed; it was better.

Not only did we make it to all three destinations, but over the coming days, we visited The Will Rogers Memorial Museum, count less family landmarks, antique malls and incredible cultural ruins along Route 66. We even looted the aban doned Sunday School where she came to know Jesus.

JOURNEY OF SELF

My mom and dad never expect ed me to get good grades. They expected me to make a living and support my family. Although I often claim to have been raised on sit coms, fast food and offbeat humor, the truth is that my family raised me and my siblings to be ourselves.

On the first two days of our trip, I saw shrines and exhibits dedicat

ed to innovators, philanthropists, writers, artists and teachers who set out to do nothing more than be themselves but ended up branding the world, or at least, their place in it. It seemed that every site she took me to and every person I learned about, related or not, was a part of me because they had been a part of her.

The day after I dropped my mom off at the house I grew up in, I walked into my home where I raised my own kids. Over the next few days, I noticed I was more restless than ever. Thoughts of both trips kept me stirred.

With my dad, I had spent days learning about my family history. He worked a lot when I was young, so our trip gave me a chance to not only get to know him but to thank him for all he did for us.

My mom took a totally different approach by pulling me into her childhood. Both trips helped me re alize that our journey of self doesn’t begin with graduation or continue through each job we hold. Our accomplishments are influenced by who we are.

My own kids are in various states of independence, and my wife and I regularly have the empty-nester discussion about how much more difficult it is to raise grown kids than toddlers. Of course, this also implies that I am still being raised by my own parents.

When I was 12, I decided to start listening to my parents’ old LPs. That summer, I learned that their past actually held some treasures that hadn’t depreciated with time.

My mom used music to deal with the anxieties of moving to a new state in her early teens. I used that same music to connect with my parents at the same age. My mom would sing along to Herman’s Her mits as she took me to school or as I played the music from my room. If you have someone to sing along with, you have a best friend, a sib ling and a bodyguard all in one. ■

When it comes to purchasing adaptive equipment, we understand many clients are new to the process and can often feel overwhelmed. The first thing we do is help you understand the different equipment applications and that there isn’t a one-solution-fits-all.

Everyone’s needs are different. We work with you one-on-one and perform an evaluation, determining the fit and function of various types of equipment and vehicles until the best solution is presented.

In the end, you’ll leave knowing your best options, what fits and what doesn’t, and what to expect moving forward in regaining independence.

The best part of my trip with my dad was learning to see him almost like an older brother.

Serving Western Colorado and Eastern Utah, as well as clients outside that area with specific project needs.

Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

Recipe courtesy of ScrummyLane.com

Servings: 12

Ingredients

11/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs, at room temperature

1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-by-4-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

In large bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Set aside.

In medium bowl, combine canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granu lated sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Stir together.

Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients; mix until combined.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake 45-50 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool at least 10 minutes in pan before removing to wire rack to finish cooling. ■

The top gift on a pet owner’s wish list

By Marti Benson

For December, I wanted to write about gifts for your pets—the kinds of gifts you wrap in paper or stuff into a bag, or just slap a bow on top of. Jaunty coats and jazzy sweaters; plush toys that your dog will love and then discard for your old slippers. I wanted to make a list of affordable and amusing presents to pamper your pet with this holiday.

“Tomorrow,” I choked.

In the kitchen around noon, Ernie’s nose poked my leg.

“Did you forget about my break fast?” he asked. I was euphoric.

His right eye was wonky, and his body swayed to the left. But as the day progressed, the Leaning Tower of Ernie became upright Ernie, which progressed to trotting Ernie.

THIS GIFT DOESN’T REQUIRE TAPE OR TISSUE. IT IS FLEETING AND FICKLE AND FRUSTRATING, WITH NO GUARANTEES. AND ONCE IT’S GONE, IT’S NOT REFILLABLE.

But yesterday, I had a hard time getting into the spirit. My dog Ernie has cancer. This is the dog who, with the help of his veterinary war riors, bared his teeth at cirrhosis, eluding the dismal odds for almost four years. When I call the clinic for his prescription refills, there is always a pause.

“So… Ernie is still with us, then!”

Since this recent cancer diagno sis, I magically mused that he might just lift his leg on the Grim Reap er’s feet once again. But yesterday morning we caught a glimpse of his mortality.

The grand mal seizure racked Ernie’s body just before sunrise. Scrambling to calm him and com fort his frantic brother, Chip, we realized, in utter disbelief, that this might be the end. In the aftermath, Ernie could not get up, nor use his left-sided limbs. We carried our weak fluffy clown to a sunny bed in the living room, and Chip curled up nearby. I called the vet. As she listed the likely (bleak) reasons for Ernie’s condition, I glanced at him lying motionless, but peaceful.

Barking Ernie joined Chip in the yard, and the brothers alerted us to strangers walking by. Hungry Ernie reminded me about supper and his bedtime treat. I reminded him, repeatedly, that I love him, and that he is such a good boy.

I know what this is, and that it’s temporary. I’ve gone through this with human loved ones. One hos pice nurse called it The Gift—that extraordinary and elusive moment when a patient suddenly declares, “I’m not dead yet!” It might last a minute or an hour or an entire day. Some lucky people get a week or a month out of it.

When the sun came up this morning, Ernie was standing next to our bed, staring at my husband Kyle. And as I write this—in this mo ment—Ernie is dozing by my feet. We don’t know what’s next, or even when “next” is.

This gift doesn’t require tape or tissue. It is fleeting and fickle and frustrating, with no guarantees. And once it’s gone, it’s not refill able. But this precious and uncer tain gift of time? Priceless. ■

n 24-hour emergency response n Flexible care options to meet your current and future needs n Temporary assisted living stays n Customized wellness program helps you “Stay Fit for Life!”

Is testosterone therapy right for you?

There is some controversy about whether testosterone therapy should be used in men who have lower levels of testosterone due to aging. It remains unclear whether restoring testosterone levels actual ly benefits them.

For example, studies found that healthy men who took testoster one medications got bigger mus cles. But in most studies, the men weren’t stronger. And if you suffer from erectile dysfunction, taking testosterone may not relieve your condition.

Testosterone is a hormone responsible for male sexual charac teristics and function. It’s produced by the testicles and is important for maintaining muscle, red blood cells, bone and a sense of well-being. For most men, testosterone levels peak during adolescence and decline modestly starting at age 30.

Studies show that low testoster one levels can impair sexual func tion, diminish bone density, reduce muscle mass and strength, increase fat, contribute to memory loss and lead to depression. Yet some men with adequate levels of testoster one may also have these symptoms. Nonetheless, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of taking testosterone.

The potential benefits can great ly improve your quality of life. Some advantages include: more muscle and strength, increased bone mineral density, thicker body hair and skin, elevated sexual desire, more energy, less irritability and depression and improved mental capacity. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, taking testosterone may relieve your condition.

Potential risks include: Growth of existing prostate cancer, in

flammatory benign growth of the prostate, sleep apnea, reduced sperm production, fluid retention, baldness, skin reactions, enlarged breasts, testicle shrinkage, acne and heart disease.

Your doctor can prescribe a syn thetic version of testosterone that is delivered with injections, patches or gels. There are also many other ways to receive testosterone, so speaking with your health care pro vider should be the first step.

Your doctor can run several blood tests in order to determine whether you even need testoster

one supplements. Doctors prefer to obtain early morning levels of testosterone as the highest levels are generally in the morning. ■

HEALTHY GEEZER

HEALTHY GEEZER

BY FRED CICETTI

BY FRED CICETTI

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

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

7 ways to avoid holiday stress and anxiety

Irealized why I have been feeling stressed lately. I feel inundated with Christmas decorations, crowds and holiday paraphernalia. I’m nowhere near holly and jolly right now; I’m barely getting ready for Christmas and I’ve already been swamped with holiday prep since October.

There used to be some sep aration in the old days; do you remember that? The beginning of December was often the start of Christmas advertising, but now there are displays up starting far before Thanksgiving. There’s no breather between the holidays now. I feel like Lucy working the conveyor belt of chocolates!

While companies improve their bottom line by drawing shoppers in for early holiday purchases, we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and stressed. Here’s what you can do to cope with rising holiday stresses and anxieties:

1. Avoid large box stores that cause anxiety. Choose boutique stores that time their holiday ad vertising reasonably. Often, these stores give fair breathing room between holidays, reducing stress and pressure on shoppers who don’t want to be swarmed with Christmas in September! Another option is to shop online on your own terms.

2. Avoid impulse buying. Don’t make a purchase until you feel comfortable doing so. Purchase things that people need right now, like a gift card or a specifi cally requested gift.

3. Stick to a budget. Anxiety sets in when you feel out of control,

and if you don’t set a price limit for the holidays, you’ll wind up in trouble come January when your credit card bill arrives. If your budget is limited, bake something or make a homemade craft. People who care for you don’t even need a gift; they just need to know you love them.

4. Ask about store return pol icies. Will you be able to get a refund on an item if you change your mind?

5. Stay focused and set a time boundary. If you have to go into a store, set a time frame for the item(s) you need. Set the tim er on your phone and avoid a tailspin by steering clear of aisles that offer things you don’t need.

6. Stay calm. What’s wrong with drinking a cup of warm green tea or taking a sniff of lavender? What about taking two capsules of magnesium before the trip? These items are calming, as com pared to a double-shot espresso which cranks up stress-related neurotransmitters.

7. Limit social media. Avoid the barrage of holiday advertise ments that pop up on your news feeds. Google “pilates ball” and you will soon see two dozen ads for this!

Kick off the holiday season when YOU want to! Use these coping strategies to help yourself, and become aware of how certain stores make you feel. Spend your dollars wisely, and prepare for Christmas on your own schedule. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

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

8 tips for sleeping well through menopause symptoms

Menopause affects every woman differently, but lots of wom en report symptoms such as night sweats and insomnia that make it more difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep. Dr. Allie Hare, a consul tant in sleep and respiratory med icine, says that insomnia can often present itself during perimenopause or menopause, despite it being one of its lesser known symptoms.

Jessica Hanley, founder of Piglet in Bed, a luxury linen bedding and sleep brand, has pulled together some tips for getting a good night’s sleep when experiencing night sweats from menopause.

1. GET INTO A ROUTINE

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day for the best sleep quality. Maintaining a good night’s sleep is one of the best

things you can do to alleviate gen eral symptoms of menopause and is vital for preventing other health conditions.

Avoid napping if you can. Hot flashes and menopause can make us feel more tired during the day but napping can make it even harder to fall asleep at night.

Blogger and interior stylist Maxine Brady spoke about her experience with menopause and recommended using a fitness watch to track bedtimes:

“I track my sleep using a Fitbit and use it to make sure I set regular bedtimes and wake up times,” she said.

2. KEEP YOUR ROOM VENTILATED AND COOL

Dr. Neil Stanley, independent sleep expert and bestselling author of

“How to Sleep Well” reported that many experts say the ideal tem perature for the bedroom is 60-65 degrees F.

But ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.

It’s not just the room tempera ture that’s important for getting a good night’s sleep. The temperature under the sheets is equally import ant and should be close to a ther mo-neutral temperature.

It’s a good idea to leave your bed room window open a crack, espe cially during warmer months. Having a flow of fresh air in your bedroom will help keep you cool and the gen tle breeze can help relax you. If you don’t like sleeping with the window open, try to leave it open during the

day to set the room up with a good amount of airflow for the evening.

During the winter months, or if you live on a noisy street, consider investing in a quiet fan to circulate the air around your room. You might also want to leave the bedroom door ajar as this can also prevent the room from feeling stuffy.

3. TRY LINEN BED SHEETS

To get the best sleep, we must keep our bodies comfortable, cool and dry. Comfort, temperature regula tion and softness all happen to be some of linen’s intrinsic technical feats.

During the REM sleep stage, we aren’t very good at keeping our body temperature constant. Meno

pause only makes this trickier, so what we sleep in is very important.

According to a performance study by the University of Lorraine, France, linen achieved the highest score for airflow in comparison to other common bedding materials.

Brady, who struggles with skin sensitivity during menopause, added, “Linen sheets feel nice on my skin…and the natural fibers help with sweat-wicking so that my skin can breathe.”

4. SLEEP IN DARKNESS

This one may sound obvious to some, but keeping your room dark is essential for a good night’s sleep.

If you are tossing and turning throughout the night, spotting bursts of light from street lamps or even sunlight in the early morning will only make matters worse. Con sider investing in black-out blinds or curtains. Alternatively, a classic eye mask will do the trick.

Also, make sure you have low-lev el dim lights in your room for use before you go to sleep. Some types of light with high lumen levels will stimulate your brain and make it think it’s daytime, preventing you from getting a good night’s rest.

5. WEAR GOOD-QUALITY PAJAMAS

We don’t sleep well if our skin feels wet from sweat—and any woman experiencing hot flashes at night time is well aware of this.

Wearing breathable materials to sleep in, like linen pajamas is better than sleeping naked (honestly) because linen is great for moisture management, wicking and all-around breathability, allowing sweat to pass through the material while creating a barrier between you and your bed.

6. HYDRATE BEFORE BED

It’s important to drink enough wa ter throughout the day to prepare your body for a good night’s sleep and alleviate some symptoms of menopause including dryness. In saying this, avoid drinking large amounts of water just before you

head to bed so you don’t end up running to the bathroom through out the night.

Make careful choices about what you drink. Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee or cola for a few hours before you go to bed and limit your consumption of soft drinks which can have high volumes of sugar. We know how tempting it can be to indulge in a glass of wine in front of the television, but when keeping your sleep a priority, alcohol should be limited or avoided as much as possible.

7. PUT YOUR PHONE TO BED

Scrolling endlessly on your phone before bed is a bad idea at any age, but if you’re already struggling with sleep quality, it’s definitely some thing to avoid. Your phone screen emits blue light which signals to your brain that it’s still daytime, knocking your internal clock out of sync and preventing you from being able to easily doze off. Additionally, checking your phone before bed can induce symptoms of anxiety and keep you psychologically alert.

Try to switch off your phone an hour or so before bed to let your eyes rest and give you some much-needed wind-down time. If you’re in the routine of using your phone in bed, try to replace this habit with reading a book. Reading will help tire your eyes and is a great distraction to help your mind relax after a stressful day!

8. SPEAK TO A DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR SYMPTOMS

Dr. Hare advised, “While cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is also effective at this time, hormone replacement therapy can be effective as well, particularly if hot flashes or night sweats are contributing to poor sleep.”

If you’re really struggling with your symptoms, make sure you don’t struggle alone and reach out to your general physician for pro fessional advice on your options to alleviate menopause symptoms. ■

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10 CHRISTMAS PUNS

Submitted by Leslie Shuer

1. How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas?

He was hooked on trees his whole life.

2. Why was Santa’s little helper depressed? Because he had very low elf esteem.

3. What does the Grinch do with a baseball bat? Hits a gnome and runs.

4. What do you call a broke Santa Claus?

Saint Nickel-less.

5. What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa? A rebel without a Claus.

6. Why did Frosty ask for a divorce?

His wife was a total flake.

7. Why does Scrooge love reindeer so much?

Because every single buck is dear to him!

8. What do you get when you cross a duck with Santa?

A Christmas quacker.

9. What’s Santa’s favorite snack food?

Crisp Pringles.

10. Why do mummies like Christmas so much?

They’re into all the wrapping.

A PUNNY CHRISTMAS

Submitted by Judy Howard

What did the wise men say after they offered up their gifts of gold and frankincense?

“Wait, there’s myrrh!”

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Submitted by Clark Bellington

As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, he asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The child stared at him openmouthed and horrified.

“Didn’t you get my email?”

BUY YOUR OWN GIFT

Submitted by Robert Walles

Last Christmas, Grandpa was feel ing his age and found that shopping for Christmas gifts had become too difficult, so he decided to send checks to everyone instead.

In each card he wrote, “Buy your own present!” and mailed them early.

He enjoyed the usual flurry of family festivities, and it was only af ter the holiday that he noticed that he had received very few cards in return. Puzzled over this, he went into his study, intending to write a couple of his relatives and ask what had happened. Then he cleared his desk and under a stack of papers, he was horrified to find the gift

checks, which he’d forgotten to enclose with the cards.

THE PERFECT DRESS

Submitted by Donna Morton

Jennifer’s wedding day was ap proaching and nothing could damp en her excitement—not even her parents’ divorce. Her mother had found the perfect dress to wear and would be the best-dressed mother of the bride ever.

A week later, Jennifer was horri fied to learn that her father’s new wife had bought the exact same dress! She asked her to exchange it, but she refused. Jennifer told her mother, who graciously said, “Never mind, sweetheart. I’ll get another dress. After all, it’s your special day.”

They went shopping a few days later and found another gorgeous dress. When they stopped for lunch, Jennifer asked her mother, “Aren’t you going to return the other dress? You really don’t have another occasion where you could wear it.”

Bring in cookies that you baked at home. helpLookthroughholidayshoppingmagazinesand thempickoutwhattheywanttogetfor telltheirgrandchildren.Youcanordertheitemsand them.themthattheirgrandparentboughtthemfor lovedIfyouarewonderingaboutgiftideasforyour one,consideritemssuchasasmallphoto wordbookwithfamilypictures,adultcoloringbooks, conversationsearches,anditemsthatwillserveas piecesforyourlovedone.

family members. Bring in pictures of past holidays. Spend some time reminiscing about their favorite aspects of the holidays.

Her mother just smiled and replied, “Of course, I do, dear. I’m wearing it to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.”

PERKS OF HAVING A WIFE

Submitted by Jacque Stafford

A senior citizen said to his 80-yearold buddy:

“So I hear you’re getting mar ried.”

“Yep!”

“Do I know her?”

“Nope!”

“Is she good looking?”

“Not really.”

“Is she a good cook?”

“Nah, she can’t cook too well.”

“Does she have lots of money?”

“Nope! Poor as a church mouse.”

“Well, then, is she good in bed?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why in the world do you want to marry her then?”

“Because she can still drive!”

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Submitted by Beth Martin

Hospital regulations require a wheelchair for patients being dis charged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital.

After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.

On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him.

“I don’t know,” he said. “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”

MORE LIKE HOME

Submitted by Joe Hendricks

In the retirement community of Sun City in Hilton Head, South Car olina last week, there was a bumper sticker on a parked car that read: “I miss Chicago.”

So someone broke the windows, stole the radio, shot out all four of the tires and left a note that read: “Hope this helps!”

WEIGHT GAIN 101

Submitted by Mary Fran Baldo

How come when you mix water and flour together you get glue? Then you add eggs and sugar and you get cake? Where did the glue go? You know where it went! That’s what makes the cake stick to your butt.

HEY, DARLING

Submitted by ML Madsen

The foreman on a large worksite noticed a new laborer one day and barked at him:

“What’s your name?”

“John,” the new guy replied.

The foreman scowled. “Look, I don’t know what kind of wishywashy worksite you were at before, but I don’t call anyone by their first name. It’s weak and wastes time. I call my employees by their last name only. If I want a job done, I yell “Baker, get this.” or “Jones, do that.” Now that we have that straight, what’s your last name?

The new guy sighs and said “Dar ling. My name is John Darling.” The foreman paused briefly for a couple of seconds, then quietly said “Okay, John, the first thing I want you to do is...” ■

Death Doulas Companions through end-of-life transitions

By Diana Barnett

Lori

Rienstra wished there was more she could’ve done for her parents when they died. She watched her father struggle with Alzheimer’s and did her best to manage her mother’s care from afar before she was moved to a hospice setting.

“I received the phone call just as she was about to pass and when I asked to speak to her, I was told that it wouldn’t make any differ ence,” said Rienstra, 63. “I missed that last opportunity for her to hear my voice.”

These experiences with the decline of her aging parents led Rienstra to HopeWest, where she volunteered her time with patients nearing the end of their lives. When she retired from her career as a

social worker, Rienstra set off on a second career as an end-of-life doula.

EVOLUTION OF A DOULA

Originally, doulas were midwives that helped women transition into motherhood. Now the role has evolved to help both men and women transition from life with personalized support for the dying person and their loved ones.

“We’ve come full circle,” said Mary Anne Holmes, 59. “The teaming of end-of-life doulas and hospice care is a great partnership.”

Another end-of-life doula and HopeWest volunteer, Holmes spent a great deal of her life caring for her mother and disabled brother. While keeping watch over her mother in her final days, Holmes realized

As end-of-life doulas, Leah Cabot and Lori Rienstra help people nearing death to prepare both emotionally and spiritually.

many other patients had no one to be with them.

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Doulas are a calming and com passionate presence for those near ing the end of their life and their families. They provide non-medical, holistic support by helping with ad vance directives, vigil care, provid ing respite and communicating with the family and medical team on the patient’s behalf.

“Having someone familiar and comfortable with the dying process as a companion is quite valuable,” said Rienstra.

Leah Cabot, a speech-language pathologist, earned her doula certi fication after keeping vigil over her grandmother, Gina.

“Watching my grandmother die, although very sad, was an inspira tion to me,” said Cabot, 43. “She died as she lived, being very much a participant to the end. She had no unfinished business and no regrets. She had a great network of friends and allowed people to support her.”

Being present in the moment is what makes life so precious, and death is simply part of that cycle, said Cabot.

“We live in a death-phobic society,” she said. “Although this is a difficult, sad time, it’s an oppor tunity to restore death to its sacred place as part of life, and take away the fear and mystery.”

SERVICES AND COSTS

Most doulas charge for services either hourly or as part of a pack age while some base fees on a sliding scale. Doula services are not currently covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Services may differ depending on a doula’s experience and exper tise, but generally, they can be with a patient from diagnosis to the very end.

“Our role is to listen to and accompany people where they are,” said Rienstra, who provides ani mal-assisted therapy with her dog, JoJo. She also collaborates with a friend for music therapy.

Cabot finds creative solutions for incorporating nature into her practice for patients who aren’t mobile. She uses guided imagery to help them visualize experiences they loved when they were well,

such as walking on a beach, skiing or gardening.

“Lots of things are possible to immerse the patient in nature,” said Cabot. “They may need to be near a window to be able to feel the sun on their face. A bucket of sand can be the next closest thing to putting your feet on the ground. Soundtracks or a diffuser can intro duce nature sounds and smells.”

Rienstra offers life review assis tance to help patients share and talk about important events and memories. She can also document these stories in various momento projects, which provide comfort ing memories for loved ones left behind.

Doula services don’t have to end after a person dies. They can also help friends and family members process their grief.

Rienstra reiterated the impor

tance of family presence during the end-of-life process.

“It’s important to keep talking to your loved ones,” said Rienstra. “Hearing is the last sense to go. Tell them stories about memories and what impact their life has had on you. People are alive until they take their last breath, and can often hear, even though they may not show a response.”

To learn more about end-of-life doulas, visit www.consciousdying institute.com or www.inelda.org.

To contact Rienstra with Alpen glow End-Of-Life Resource and Support, call 970-260-4388 or email Alpenglow.eold@gmail.com. Contact Cabot with Leah Magde lene, LLC at 970-314-0857 or leah@ leahmagdalene.com. Holmes with Aistriu End-Of-Life Doula can be reached at 970-201-2610 or aistriueoldoula@gmail.com. ■

Four for end of life

By Barbara Karnes • www.BKBooks.com

With talk of Santa this time of year, we hear the phrase “naughty and nice.” When nearing a loved one’s final days, here are four “naughties” that can be turned into “nice” enhanced end-of-life experiences.

Naughty #1: Keeping secrets

“Don’t tell mom.” “Pretend everything is going to be alright.” Mom lives inside of her body. She may play your game of pretending but she knows if she is preparing to die. She is frightened and you are fright ened, but you are both frightened alone. By sharing your feelings, you are able to support each other during this stressful, sad time.

Naughty #2: Delaying beginning hospice services

We often associate hospice care with dying care, when in fact, hospice is living care. Hospice helps people live their best during their final mo ments. If you wait until a person looks like they’re dying, you will have missed out on all the guidance that hospice can provide in those months before death, including resources, caregiving help and emotional support.

Naughty

#3: Thinking you can caregive alone

It takes a village! Doing everything yourself can lead to burnout, anger and frustration during a time when we want to be loving and supportive.

Naughty #4: Not talking about the person who has died

In our grieving, we sometimes think that we make people uncomfortable when we talk about someone who has recently died. But it’s good to come up with creative ways to include our missing special person, such as setting up a photo of them at the dinner table. To understand more fully the four naughties and how to care for a dying loved one, visit the author’s website at www.bkbooks.com.

“ALTHOUGH THIS IS A DIFFICULT, SAD TIME, IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTORE DEATH TO ITS SACRED PLACE AS PART OF LIFE.”

Pretty and pleasurable holiday plants that are easy to grow Amaryllis

By Lori Rose

Afriend gave me a plant for the holidays. She didn’t know what kind of plant it was, but she promised it would make beautiful flowers.

One dreary day in February, the first bud opened. I was thrilled! That flower looked like an orange tiger lily with a white throat. It was one of the prettiest things I had ever seen!

I searched through spring bulb catalogs for the name for the plant until I eventually found my February friend in all its glory!

AMARYLLIS

It was an Amaryllis (hippeastrum), the Dutch bulb sold during the holiday season. My particular vari ety, iridescent orange with a white center, is called charmeur.

The red and white Amaryllis you see sold in boxes are just the begin ning of the colors and sizes that will surprise and delight you.

Try one (or more) of these lovely Amaryllis varieties: red lion

(vivid scarlet color), Christmas gift (pure white); apple blossom (pink blending to white); clown (red and white peppermint-candy striped).

Pot up amaryllis bulbs any time during the winter months. Soak the roots for an hour before potting. Use a pot with good drainage that is 3 inches wider than the bulb. Put down a few inches of soil and place the bulb in the center of the pot. Add soil until two-thirds of

ONE DREARY DAY IN FEBRUARY, THE FIRST BUD OPENED. I WAS THRILLED! IT WAS ONE OF THE PRETTIEST THINGS I HAD EVER SEEN!

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the bulb is covered. Keep the soil 1 inch below the pot rim and water thoroughly.

Put your new amaryllis in a warm, sunny room. Water it when the soil is dry, making sure it’s moist but not soggy.

When it finishes flowering, treat it as you would any other house plant and cut the stalk back as low as you can without disturbing the leaves.

Here’s the secret for getting your amaryllis to bloom again: stop watering the plant in August. The leaves will turn yellow and die. Gently cut off the dead leaves, and then start watering your bulb again in November.

PAPERWHITES

For many families, growing cheerful paperwhites is a winter tradition. But while the amaryllis can live on to bloom again, paperwhites do not. They will spend all their energy flowering indoors.

It takes about six weeks from planting for paperwhites to bloom. They are so easy to grow that they don’t even need potting soil—just a bowl of pebbles and water. It’s a fun project for grandkids, and they make great gifts.

Choose a fun container for your paperwhites. Any watertight container that is 4 or 5 inches deep, and wide enough to hold bulbs side by side will work.

Use your imagination. Consider clean river rocks or a variety of

stones, marbles or glass beads to anchor the bulbs in the bowl and hold them steady once growth be gins. Place a layer of these several inches deep into the container.

Fit as many bulbs as you can onto the stone layer. Pack them in firmly with the pointy-ends up. The more bulbs, the better—they will hold one another up and reward you with loads of flowers.

Hand-place a second layer of stones around and in between the bulbs. Leave the bulb shoulders (where the tops narrow) and necks exposed. Add enough water so it rises close enough so the bulb can “sniff” the water but not touch it.

If you choose a clear container, you can watch the roots grow. Set the planted bulbs in a cool, bright spot. The brighter the light, the less “leggy” the plants will be. You can secure a leggy narcissus by tying ribbon or raffia around the whole bunch, two thirds of the way up the stems.

Try these two unique paperwhite varieties: Chinese Sacred Lily (yel low and white with citrus fragrance) or Soleil d’Or (pure yellow).

Both amaryllis and paperwhites are so easy to grow that it’s almost shameful to get these spectacular flowers with so little effort.

Winter is a season when we his torically get sick and fatigued, and are starved for color. During those cold, dark days, fresh indoor flowers keep our spirits believing that spring will indeed come again. ■

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Party like it’s 1923

Looking back on the Avalon’s boldest moments

By Stephen Doyle, Avalon Theatre Foundation

When

you think of the Avalon Theatre, the word “bold” might not be the first word that comes to mind. However, when you look back on the local landmark’s 100-year history, there are numer ous pivotal moments where it is a fitting descriptor.

Consider Walter Walker’s vision to construct the theatre in a town with a population of less than 10,000. He used his newspaper, The Daily Sentinel, to promote this audacious idea and ultimately at tracted local investors to fund the Grand Junction Theatre Company in 1922.

Eleven months later, the Avalon Theatre celebrated its opening night with the famous soprano, Lucy Gates; but not before rumors

circulated about shoddy construc tion and a balcony that would surely collapse under the weight of its audience. This resulted in Walker’s bold move to have nearly 50 tons of sacked gravel brought up to the balcony along with engineers to measure for any sagging.

JEWEL OF MAIN STREET

Fast-forward 20 years to when the Cooper Foundation purchased the theatre in 1943 and boldly invested a tidy sum to transform the Ava lon into an ultra-modern movie house. For the following 40 years, the Cooper Theatre served as the cultural and economic anchor on Main Street and became the site of first-run movies, first dates and first jobs.

The Cooper’s original luster was gradually eroded by the arrival of multiplexes and strip malls. Six months after Carmike 7 opened in 1989, the Cooper went dark and the empty building became an eye sore battling for survival.

This artist's rendering was the first glimpse of what The Avalon would become months before construc tion was to begin. Image from The Daily Sentinel, Friday, February 17, 1922.

The next bold moment was orchestrated by the remarkable Pat Gormley, who rallied like-minded citizens around the idea of saving the building and restoring the Ava lon Theatre to its former glory. He established the Avalon Project, Inc. in 1991, which later morphed into the Avalon Theatre Foundation.

In one bold move after another, the City of Grand Junction was cajoled into buying the Cooper in 1994 and funds were raised in a classic grassroots fashion to re

store the Avalon’s original Roman esque Revival façade in 1996. In 1999, the Grand Junction Sympho ny Orchestra held its first concert in the Avalon.

Although the restored façade was beautiful, the theatre itself was in poor shape. By 2010, the $9.7 million cornerstone project was in its infancy. Moving the project to completion by 2014 required bold heroics from the City of Grand Junction, Downtown Development Authority, Grand Junction Sympho ny Orchestra, Department of Local Affairs, ANB Bank and the Avalon Theatre Foundation. Compromises were made, but the Grand Valley’s mettle brought the project across the finish line.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

For the past 18 months, the Avalon Theatre Foundation has been planning a centennial celebration worthy of the Avalon’s bold histo ry, thanks to the support of local sponsors.

The festivities begin on New Year’s Eve with a fundraiser dinner on the mezzanine of the Avalon just before the High Desert Opera’s evening performance of “Nun sense!”

Starting in February 2023, the Avalon will show a monthly movie along with a brief lecture from each decade of the Avalon and the Cooper.

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The next bold decision was when the city outsourced the theatre’s operations in 2017 to a for-profit management company that special izes in running theatres and conven tion centers.

OVG360’s general manager Ma ria Raindson has received well-de served praise for the high quality entertainment regularly featured at the Avalon Theatre. Further more, OVG360 works closely with the Avalon Theatre Foundation to ensure that local organizations such as Community Concerts of the

On January 5, which is the Avalon’s actual birthday, come see Artrageous, an amazing fusion of music, comedy, dance and theatre during which eight performers paint five gigantic canvases! There will also be flapper dancers in the lobby and a contest among audi ence members for the best roaring ’20s costumes.

On January 14, the Grand Junc tion Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of John Williams’ movie scores.

On May 7, Community Concerts of the Grand Valley presents “One Hundred Years of Hank” (Hank Williams was also born in 1923).

Lastly, the Centennial Celebration concludes in November with a tobe-named, well-known performer.

Until then, let’s boldly party like it’s 1923! ■

SHOP SMALL

This Season

Grand Valley and High Desert Op era can affordably host their events at the Avalon.

The Avalon Theatre today.

The Avalon during its 2014 Cor nerstone Project remodel. Photo courtesy of Bryan Wade.

How to ready your outdoor equipment for winter

By Debbie Mayster

After your lawn gets its last seasonal cut, it’s time to put away your summer power equip ment and prepare for winter. But how and when you do so can save you time and money, suggests Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Insti tute (OPEI).

“Over the last few years, we’ve learned our outdoor spaces are more important than ever so mak ing sure you’ve got the means to care for your yard is critical,” said Kiser. “Preparation is everything— understanding how to store equip ment and get it serviced, how to operate it safely and how to ready your space to use that equipment.”

Here are a few tips to ensure proper equipment storage, mainte nance and safe handling:

1. Review the owner’s manual. Know how to handle equipment safely including operation and shutdown procedures. If you’ve lose the manual, search for it online. Save a copy on your computer, so it can be consulted when needed.

2. Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equip ment, drain and change engine oil, service the air filter and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Take it to a small engine repair shop if you do not wish to service it yourself. Also, check your winter equipment to see if any maintenance and repairs are required.

3. Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing, add fuel stabilizer to the tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the ma chine to cool then restart and run until the tank is empty. For winter

equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment.

4. Charge batteries. Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on plastic or wood shelves in a climate-controlled area.

5. Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.

6. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Make space to store larger yard items before the weather changes. Clean up your yard by removing sticks, debris, toys and other items that can damage or destroy equip ment.

7. Use generators with care. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and keep extra-long, heavy-duty weatherproof extension cords on hand to maintain a safe distance from the house or building. ■

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The ugliest Christmas guest ever

By Teresa Ambord

Except for the lights on the Christmas tree, the house was dark.

I sat on the floor with my back against the couch, admiring the red, green and white twinkle lights. They were one of my favorite things about Christmas. Beside me on the floor were two boxes of dec orations, most of which would not make it onto the tree at all. I was determined to keep it simple for once, especially because this would be my first Christmas as an empty nester. My only child had moved too far away to come home for the holidays.

Christmas might be a little lonely this year, I thought as I sipped some decaf coffee. I knew that on Christ mas afternoon I’d go to my sister’s house, but until then, it would be just me and my dog and cat. It would be nice to have a little bit of company. I didn’t know then that I would come to regret the thought.

A noise at the back door caused me to look up and see my cat Gra cie hop through the kitty door.

“Come here, baby,” I said.

Gracie stopped and took a long look at the Christmas tree as if to ask how an outside tree got inside the house. Then she sauntered over to allow me to pet her.

“Have you been rolling on the wet ground? You’re damp,” I said. “Oops, Gracie, you’ve got a leaf or something stuck in your hair. Let me pull it off.”

Removing the thing proved harder than I expected since it had worked its way into Gracie’s long hair. With it on my finger, I walked to the darkened kitchen to toss it in the trash. As I walked, I noticed it felt odd. Hmmm, this is no leaf,

I thought. I flipped on a light and brought my hand up to my eyes for a better look. Then I realized I was eye to eye with a fat brown slug. My beautiful Gracie had brought a slug into my home, instantly destroying my peace of mind!

I HAD VISIONS OF MYSELF WALKING ACROSS THE CARPET AND SQUASHING

HIM WITH MY NEW CHRISTMAS SOCKS.

I shrieked, probably scaring the slug more than he scared me. In my panic, my hand shot out as a way to get him off of me. No sooner did Sluggo detach and fly off of me that I realized that was a big mis take.

What have I done? I thought, smacking my forehead. Now there was a slug somewhere in my house and I had no idea where. I had visions of myself walking across the carpet and squashing him with my new Christmas socks. Or maybe Gracie or my dog would find him and think he was an interesting toy or worse: a treat.

Moments earlier I had wished for some Christmas company, but this was not what I had in mind!

I had to find him, so I estimated the trajectory of my hand when I propelled Sluggo into oblivion. Then I followed the path I thought he must have traveled, eager to expel the unwanted, ugly visitor. No luck.

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

I got down on all fours and sur veyed the carpet. For the first time, I regretted my choice of new carpet in multiple shades of brown, includ ing the ever-popular “Slug Beige” tone. I wasn’t sure which would be worse—finding him or not finding him. Would I stand up and discover he was pasted to my knee? The idea of having to peel a slug pan cake off my pant leg made me shiver.

Face it, I told myself. There is no good ending to this situation.

When Sluggo did not turn up anywhere else, I realized he had to be in one of two places. Either he had flown into one of the boxes still filled with decorations or he was buried in the boughs of my Christmas tree. Methodically, I emptied the boxes, examining every ornament. No sign of Sluggo.

With no other choice, I got out my big flashlight and began to go over the tree, inch by inch. I’d been so happy with this tree, but I soon regretted how dense and prick ly it was. I wanted Sluggo gone, but I sure didn’t want to find him impaled on my Christmas tree like some kind of weird ornament.

By the end of the evening, I had failed to turn up my unwant ed guest. I knew there was little chance of Sluggo finding his own way out of the house. But I was at a loss. I had no choice but to give up and face the fact that I would be sharing my house and my Christ mas with a fat, slimy, brown slug that had accidentally hitched a ride on my unsuspecting Gracie. Or did he do it on purpose? Maybe he was lonely too.

Ah, well, I decided. Somehow life will go on.

As I expected, Christmas was

lonely that year. But thanks to Sluggo, it was certainly more interesting. He never made another appearance, and for all I know, he could still be here somewhere. He was without a doubt, the ugliest Christmas guest anyone ever had.

On the other hand, he was quiet and undemanding. In previous years, I’d had human guests who were noisy, clumsy and less than grateful for my hospitality.

Come to think of it, some of them even resembled Sluggo’s gelatinous, blob-like appearance. When I looked at it that way, as Christmas guests go, it could have been

Yes, it could have been much worse. ■

Christmas

Vacation

where the stars do

By Victor Block

Four people walk into a tavern: Oprah Win frey, Owen Wilson, Britney Spears and you.

If this sounds far-fetched, it could be true—if you were vacationing in Maui.

That Hawaiian island is among the U.S. des tinations that attract Hollywood A-listers and other famous people when they’re seeking a bit of R&R. Whether you’re a star-struck movie fan or just a lucky traveler, it’s possible to cross paths with the rich and famous at destinations that range from likely to less anticipated.

Long stretches of golden sand beaches, the sprawling Haleakala volcano and graceful water falls are just a few of Mother Nature’s touches that attract travelers to Maui. Those seeking active pursuits against this backdrop may opt for hiking, mountain biking, surfing or snorkeling.

It’s not clear how many of these interests appeal to Oprah, Owen and Britney, but these three are among the many stars often spotted.

Popular travel destinations to spot celebrities

Kate Hudson, Ben Affleck, Selena Gomez and Bill Clinton are other celebrities known to frequent the island.

Another type of view and vibe greet visitors at Miami Beach. Jennifer Lopez and members of the Kardashian clan have been spotted checking out what it has to offer. They often turn their at tention to Florida’s South Beach and the eclectic list of appeals there.

The sparkling sand is lined by art-deco hotels, high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants and bars—a natural environment for people-watch ing. And whom better to set your sights for than stars of the silver screen?

OTHER STARS ARE SERIOUS SNOWBIRDS

If you’re more of a snowbird than sun, sand and surf seeker, you might prefer to join the likes of Michael Douglas, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore and Mariah Carey, who frequent Aspen, Colora do. Along with thrilling slopes that challenge ski ers and snowboarders, the town offers a choice of warm-weather activities including mountain hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, boating and climbing.

Given its popularity among the rich and famous, along with the well-to-do and not so well-known, Aspen is home to fine-dining restau rants, fancy boutiques and fashionable spas.

Celebrities seeking an escape from the exclu sive luxury of Aspen opt for Sun Valley, Idaho. It became the first destination ski resort in the United States when it opened in 1936 and con tinues to appeal to a swanky clientele in spite— or, for some, because—of its more laid-back

atmosphere. Regular visitors include Tom Hanks, Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss.

GAMBLING AND GLITTERING LIGHTS

Wagering replaces outdoor winter activities in Las Vegas, Nevada. Much of the action happens indoors with city lights, clubs and nightlife, games of chance and glittering entertainment. Savvy savers who stay away from the lure of cards and dice can enjoy a variety of vacation activities without blowing their bank account. It’s not known if that applies to Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus and Gwen Stefani, who are among entertainers who have been spotted along the Las Vegas Strip.

JAZZ AND BLUES MUSIC HAVE THEIR FAMOUS FANS

Nightlife also gets top billing in New Orleans, Louisiana. That’s only natural for a city nick named the “Big Easy” and “Birthplace of Jazz.” While fun and frivolity are abundant there, it also offers fascinating history, a rich cultur al mélange, and an A (art) to Z (zoo) list of things to see and do. That inviting choice may be among reasons why Sandra Bullock, Nicolas Cage and Brad Pitt purchased homes there, and Beyonce, Serena Williams and Harry Connick, Jr. are among celebs who have visited.

If New Orleans is where jazz music was born,

there’s little argument that Nashville, Tennessee is the birthplace of country music. No wonder Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Blake Shel ton own homes there. A number of now-famous singers got their start warbling tunes at the Blue bird Café, and other celebrity hang-outs include The Pancake Pantry and Capitol Grille.

STAR-STRUCK SUMMERS IN NEW ENGLAND

Some stars who prefer New England set their sights on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a maritime magnet for seafarers since Norse voyagers showed up around 1000 AD. It became a sum mer haven for city dwellers beginning around the end of the 19th century, and more recently

for Meg Ryan, Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal.

As long as he’s in Cape Cod, Gyllenhaal has been known to make the short trip to nearby Martha’s Vineyard. That island, believed to have been named for a relative of an English explorer who traveled there in 1602, is a popular, affluent summer colony. Today’s visitors stroll through its quaint towns, enjoy inviting beaches and check out the five lighthouses that have marked its shoreline since “the Vineyard” was a fishing and whaling hub in the 1800s.

They may recognize singer-songwriter Carly Simon or actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenbur gen, who have houses there, or Barack Obama who has been known to drop by. ■

OF THE Month Question

By Jan Weeks

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Rae Alba - Grand Junction

“For the nine days before Christmas we go to dawn mass, which started as mass for farmers who couldn’t come later. After mass, we go to breakfast with friends, each one on a different day. It’s called Simbang Gabi in the Philippines.”

Glædeig jul!

By Mia Brabaek

Loretta

Bob Kretschman - Grand Junction

“Our favorite tradition is decorating the tree. Everyone participates. Our ornaments are handmade or sentimental. They all have some meaning to all of us. Store-bought ones are just for fillers.”

O’Connell

- Grand Junction

“We love the ornaments and the memories. Some of them are from our parents, and some were made by our children. Some were Cub Scout projects.”

Maritza Cardenas - Grand Junction

“Even though I’m from Mexico, I celebrate Hanukkah. I love the lights and the menorah, which celebrates the miracle in the temple when a lamp burns for eight days on one day of oil.”

Ican

easily say Christmas is my favorite holiday. It’s a magical blan ket that covers my whole world, bringing joy to everything it touch es. Bright colors and rich smells fill the air with Christmas spirit. Gifts lay wrapped like diamonds beneath a thousand multicolored stars. I can’t remember a time when the day wasn’t incredible.

At least, that’s how I’ve been blessed to experience Christmas. It’s always been special to celebrate it in the Scandinavian tradition.

For me, Christmas comes early on December 24—one whole day before the rest of the world. That’s because Nordic countries cele brate most of their holidays the eve of due to ancient time-keeping practices. Truthfully, it feels special to watch the world quietly prepare for Christmas while I celebrate with my family.

THE BEST PART OF CHRISTMAS

Scandinavian Christmases empha size the gathering of family through cooking. Though mine is small, we gather on Christmas Eve to spend the day prepping for the big event: dinner! Julegaver (presents) aren’t opened until the evening after the meal, so the morning and afternoon are filled with time in the kitchen. Everyone plays a part, from potato peeling to whipped cream licking or gravy stirring. Of course, the whipped cream licking is my job.

The staple of a typical Danish Christmas dinner and my personal favorite is the Flæskesteg, a pork shoulder roasted with the skin on.

My father usually prepares that first, covering the meat with salt, pepper and bay leaves. It goes into the oven, roasting all day until the house is filled with the savory aroma. It brings a smile to my lips wondering how many homes in Denmark smell that exact same way while red-nosed children smack their lips in anticipation.

Let no one fool you into skipping dessert. While the meat cooks, we all come together to prepare a chilled rice pudding dessert named Ris alamande.

This delicious sweet comes with a game. Though the dish consists of rice, homemade whipped cream and chopped almonds, one single whole almond is dropped into the pot. Be the first to get the whole nut and you win a prize!

My family and I have played this game ever since I could reasonably eat food and I only once have I ever gotten the almond! Unlucky?

Prepping Ris alamande is only half the fun. In order to make the pudding, we have to boil the

A Jule Nissen peeks out from the branches of our Juletræ.

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE

Glædelig Jul (gleh-dth-e-lee yool) - Merry Christmas Jule Nissen (yool-eh ni-sen) - Christmas elves/spirits Flæskesteg (fle-ski-stai) - Pork shoulder roasted with the skin on Smutte Mandler (smoo-tuh mant-luh) - “Almond fights” Ris alamande (rees a-la-mang) - A chilled rice pudding dessert Juletræ (yool-eh-trei) - Christmas tree Julegaver (yool-eh-gei-oh) - Presents Lille Jule Aften (lee-le yool-eh aft-en) - Little Christmas Eve Risengrød (ree-sen-grert) - Cooked rice with milk that’s often left out for the Jule Nissen This one is very hard to pronounce since the ø sound does not have an English language counterpart. If you are curious about the sound, look up a pronunciation video online. Or maybe you know a Dane and can ask them!

almonds and skin them before chopping them. As tedious as this sounds, boiling makes them ripe for Smutte Mandler, which indirectly translates to “almond fights.” You can literally shoot the almonds out of their skins like peas and attack an unsuspecting family member. Flying almonds are just a normal part of our Christmas morning!

When we gather to eat, we give thanks to the Lord, for He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

FOLKLORE AND TRADITIONS

Our bellies full, our eyes are slowly pulled to the Juletræ (Christmas tree) with its twinkling lights and Jule Nissen (Christmas elves/spirits) dolls and strings of Danish flags. The Jule Nissen traditionally

are little mischievous Christmas spirits who love to cause chaos if you don’t give them small gifts and food. My father places them in the boughs of the Juletræ and they watch us as we sit around the tree and bring Julegaver to each other.

As a child, I remember spending one Christmas with my grand mother in Denmark in her crooked forest house. I’ll always remember her placing a bowl of Risengrød (the rice porridge base made for Ris alamande the night before) in my small hands. One night, she led me to the attic and told me to leave it there for the Jule Nissen. The next morning, I ran up there and found the porridge eaten!

Though we don’t often leave Risengrød out for the Jule Nissen anymore, we still eat it for dinner the night before Christmas Eve. Risengrød is cooked rice with milk. We each take a small warm serving from the pot and mix in a dollop of melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a delicious Lille Jule Aften (Lit tle Christmas Eve or the Christmas Eve to our Christmas) meal.

For me, Christmas is a wonderful tradition and a welcome excuse to find sparks of joy throughout the season. I implore everyone to try some Flæskesteg or Ris alamande and look out for those naughty Jule Nissen. Glædelig Jul! ■

OF THE Month Question

By Siggie Carpenter

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

Karen Pagone - Delta

“We’re simple and practical no-fuss folks. Since we don’t have little ones coming around anymore, we open our gifts on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas day relaxing and watching classic movies.”

Harold Hunter - Montrose

“My favorite part of the holidays is getting together with family and friends. My wife and I dress up like elves.”

Anna & Charles Bates - Montrose

“Our favorite time is watching our six grandchildren, ages 2-14, scramble with excitement and awe as they open up their presents Christmas morning. We love everything about Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus, the music, the decorations and lights, the scrumptious foods and coming together as a family.”

Elizabeth Bauer - Cedaredge

“Christmas isn’t the same since my husband passed away two years ago. My children and grandchildren live on the east coast and it’s hard to get together for the holidays. So, I get together with a few friends for Christmas dinner. The host makes the meat dish and we each bring a favorite dish along with a new dish we’ve never made before. We listen to music, drink a little wine, play board games and count our blessings.”

My family gathers for dinner on Jule Aften (Christmas Eve).

When the Cowboys Came For Christmas

By Nona Kelly Carver

boy was sitting upon his grandpa’s knee, and he began to question of how things used to be.

Alittle

“Grandpa, how was Christ mas when you were just a boy? Did you wait for Santa? Did you want a shiny toy?”

The grandpa’s eyes looked dreamy as he thought of long ago, and he began this story for the grandson he loved so:

“We had a Cowboy Christ mas, for we lived out near the range. It wasn’t very fancy, but I would never change

The memories that I treasure of how it was for me, and of the happy hours spent around the Christmas tree.

We had no television, no flashy shopping mall...but I had my mom and dad, and the cow boys. That is all.

Dad let me ride behind him when he went to find a tree. We dragged it home across the snow; my dad, his horse, and me.

The cowboys helped us set it up and decorate each branch, with paper chains and popcorn strings; things common on the ranch.

And Mama baked some cook ies. They tasted, oh, so good! We warmed up by the heating stove as flames burned up the wood.

My daddy took his Bible, and read to us that night, the story of the Christ Child, and the star that gave Him light.

He read about the shepherds coming on a night so cold, and kings who rode on camels, bringing frankincense and gold.

He told us of the angels hose songs filled up the sky, and how the mother held the child, and

how he didn’t cry.

He talked about a stable and of a manger there. The cowboys lis tened quietly. They really seemed to care.

Then they went back to the bunkhouse, and Dad put me to bed with thoughts about the story still running through my head.

I woke on Christmas morning, a wondrous sight to see! There was the entire manger scene beneath the Christmas tree!

For while I had been waiting, and trying to be good, the cow boys had been carving the figures out of wood.

Old Joe had built the stable and topped it with a star, and Bill had carved the camels and kings who came so far.

Slim had fashioned Mary, with Joseph by her side, and Morgan made the shepherds, who had no place to hide.

My dad had carved the Christ Child upon a manger bed, and Mama made the angels to hang above his head.

There were donkeys, cows and critters, and a little band of sheep. They had set the whole scene up while I was fast asleep!

We sang the Christmas Carols, and of the Christmas Star, as Slim picked out the melodies on his battered old guitar.

Each cowboy had a story that he told for us that day, and Mama baked a turkey, inviting them to stay.

Yes, that’s how I remember Christmas a long time ago; The story of the Christ Child and how He loves us so.

Of a day of songs and stories, and of the feast we shared, when the cowboys came for Christmas, to let us know they cared.” ■

Post-pandemic tech hacks that make life easier

If you are reading this column, you live in a community experiencing the following problems: Employers in every industry are struggling to find people who will show up to a job interview, let alone a shift of actual work.

Employees are struggling to find jobs that pay enough to cover gas, groceries and rent. Employers must factor increased mandatory leave, benefits and other factors into the budget for salary, which can be difficult for everyday workers.

The price of everything has increased because of a perfect storm of supply shortages, worker shortages and the fact that 80% of U.S. currency has been printed in the past two years. Too much money chasing too few products is the definition of inflation.

All of that paints a grim picture, but hardship and opportunity share the same foundation. While many in Generation Y and Z are using new tools to avoid the rigors and pains of living structured and scheduled lives, Boomers and Generation Xers can use the same resources to help shel ter themselves from the impending financial, employment and cultural storms that linger on the horizon.

Here are a few tools and re sources that have been developed or improved during the pandemic lockdown that can also be used to help you stay healthy, safe and pro ductive should the recovery from the new normal last longer than the pandemic lockdown itself.

BANK FROM YOUR PHONE

Stop avoiding online transactions, but especially banking. You feel safe riding in vehicles that run on fire, explosive gasses and lethal chemi cal compounds. If you can trust an engineer to harness the physical and unalterable laws of physics, you can trust banks and commerce to rely on the equally unalterable laws of mathematics.

Financial transactions are

encrypted so strongly they can’t be broken by anyone. If someone steals your identity or accesses your bank account, it will happen because you gave the bad guy the information to do so. It won’t be because hackers used Hollywood technology to break into your account. Paying a bill through your online bank is safer and more accu rate than any process that involves humans or paper.

Your smartphone likely has the ability to act as your debit card and wirelessly pay for transactions at checkout. This is by far the safest way to pay for anything because it creates a direct encrypted payment from your bank to the business with no chance of anyone accessing your debit card, cash or personal information.

REMOTE WORK IS A VIABLE OPTION

Working remotely is exactly what it sounds like. There are many compa nies that prefer to avoid the costs of real estate and maintenance by hiring people to work from wher ever they are. If you are skilled in a type of work that doesn’t require you to physically work on-site, there are probably remote worker openings listed on Indeed.com or other job sites.

I have been a remote worker for my employer for six years. The pay,

benefits and working conditions are the best I have ever had. If you are looking to improve your lifestyle and income, and have more quali ty time with your pets and family, use this era of staffing shortage to make some changes.

Here’s a tip: It’s important to use the keyword “remote work,” when searching for these types of jobs.

USE APPS TO MAKE SHOPPING EASIER

Ninety percent of my shopping time is spent on my phone.

For example, shopping for a $25

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN

toaster used to involve reading tons of online reviews and then running to every possible retailer in town to check prices and availability.

Now every major retailer has an app that provides prices, sales and availability information for the specific store that I will be pur chasing from. That means I know whether Target or Best Buy have the toaster in stock, how much it costs and whether I have enough loyalty points banked to use toward the purchase.

Further, when I see something on sale while shopping in the aisles of a store, I frequently check the apps of other local retailers to see if I can get a better deal elsewhere.

Apps will make your life so much easier and you will use much less gas by not running around.

Many people are afraid to use technology because they feel that it somehow increases their online presence. But the truth is, the apps only work because your presence is online. Rather than fear the digital tools that others use, I suggest you implement them to augment or even automate your life so you can streamline the day to day. ■

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

How to protect yourself from holiday shopping scams

Keep scammers from playing the Grinch this year

Online scams cost Americans nearly $7 billion throughout 2021, according to the FBI, and with the holiday shopping season ramping up, it’s vital that people understand how to avoid falling victim to scams.

“Scams often increase with consumer spending, making the holidays ripe for scammers trying to take advantage of the season’s sense of urgency and scarcity,” said Amy Maliga, a financial edu cator with Take Charge America, a nonprofit credit counseling and debt management agency. “It’s not enough to be aware of scams, though. You have to learn how to watch for and avoid them so your happy holidays don’t turn into a nightmare.”

Maliga shared several things to watch out for to avoid falling prey to holiday shopping scams:

Use secure payment methods: Be wary of websites or sellers that request unusual payment methods like wire transfers, cashier’s checks or apps. Stick to secure payment options such as major credit cards or PayPal.

Check for site security: Look for “https” at the front of the site’s URL and the small lock icon in the brows er window. These indicate that the website is secure, ensuring any data you share (such as credit card numbers or shipping details) will be encrypted when you submit it.

Watch for spelling and grammat ical errors: If you notice a plethora of spelling and grammar mistakes on a website, social media posts or

other promotional materials, you likely want to shop elsewhere.

Pay attention to reviews: Re views can reveal much about online retailers and sellers. Are there lots of poor reviews from buyers who didn’t receive what they purchased? Or are there numerous glowing reviews that all read alike? Either may indicate the site isn’t what it claims to be.

Watch for “phishy” confirmation emails: If you receive a confirmation email for an order you didn’t place, ignore and delete it. Knowing peo ple are likely making several orders, scammers will send a phishing email disguised as a confirmation notice from legitimate retailers. If it ap pears legit, try manually searching the order number on the retailer’s website instead of clicking on any included links.

Don’t let scammers steal your money or your holiday cheer. If a deal or website appears too good to be true, it likely is. ■

Additional resources

To combat financial scams and ensure holiday shopping success, explore Take Charge America’s Budget Tools at www.takecharge america.org/budget-tools

The rise and fall of

By Randal C. Hill

On the night of December 27, 1960, 1,500 music fans jammed into the spacious Lither land Town Hall in Liverpool, En gland. Promotional posters prom ised fans a grand night of dancing and rock ’n’ roll, thanks to the debut of “the Sensational BeatlesDirect from Hamburg.” Attendees that night—who logically assumed the band came from Germany— would remark later how good the quartet’s English skills were when ever the group members chatted with the audience.

Actually, all four Beatles had grown up in Liverpool. But for the previous five months, they had been playing long sets of American Top 40 hits in bars and dance clubs

in the gritty Reeperbahn district of Hamburg. In doing so, they had morphed from a ragtag bunch of minimally talented musicians into a respectable cover band that had become popular as headliners.

Back at Litherland, as the Beatles waited behind a curtain drawn across the dancehall stage, the emcee snapped the crowd to attention with “And now, every body, the band you’ve been waiting for! Direct from Hamburg…” But before the word “Beatles” could be uttered, a nervous Paul McCartney burst through the curtain, singing his best high-octane Little Richard imitation: “I’m gonna tell Aunt Mary about Uncle John; he said he had the misery but he got a lot of fun.”

“Long Tall Sally” instantly fueled

the crowd’s rush to the stage to revel in the Beatles’ half-hour set as the leather-jacketed young artists staked their claim to history.

According to numerous rock his torians, “Beatlemania” was ushered in that night. Within two years the Fab Four became UK stars, and by 1964 they ruled the international pop music world.

Flash forward six years to August 29, 1966. The Beatles are scheduled to play a concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. Fans headed to that performance didn’t realize that this will be the final live show of the quartet’s career, as the four some kept the announcement to themselves until they returned to England.

So pronounced was John Len non’s malaise that he had begun calling the Beatles’ live act a “freak show.”

Ringo Starr offered no argu ment. “Nobody was listening at the shows,” he said.

Even normally positive Paul Mc Cartney confessed, “It wasn’t fun anymore.”

Fans did not realize that the Beatles’ concert at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966 would be their last.

Who could blame the band for their decision? Worldwide fame, it seemed, had robbed the musicians of everything they enjoyed about performing before an audience. The group’s powerful Vox amps had become all but useless against the nightly scream fest that rolled over the band like an oceanic tide.

That night, at the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team, the Beatles performed their last live gig on an elevated platform erected over second base and surrounded by a chain-link fence. The world’s leading rockers, amid chilly swirls of fog, performed their final concert in a cage.

Their show, as usual, ran half an hour, and the last song sung was “Long Tall Sally.” For those who could hear him, it was said that Paul McCartney had never sounded better. T

See through Santa’s eyes

By Noah LeVia

It started in the late 1960s as a lark, an escapade, an adventure. I was living in Charlotte, North Caroli na, and I was jobless. Oh, I was “self-employed” in the sense that I peddled my handmade macramé belts, headbands, flowerpot hangers and handbags out of a baby carriage. Those were my hippie days, garbed in a tie-dyed shirt, bell-bottom pants and headband, hawking my wares as I pushed the colorfully string-festooned carriage along sidewalks. Requisite shoulder-length hair and a full beard completed my freak look, as we often called ourselves then.

With the Christmas season fast approaching, I was thinking I could use some extra spending money. Then it hit me: I could be a Santa! After all, those were the days when real-beard ed Santas were rare, and with my full beard and long hair, I thought I just might have a chance in securing a Santa gig for the season. My hair and beard were red, but that wasn’t anything a little bleach couldn’t fix.

So, dressed as conservatively as possible, I approached the manager of a downtown depart ment store and convinced him to hire me as Santa.

It was a Christmas miracle when I look back on it. The manager of an upscale, name-brand department store hiring a hippie off the street

who said he would bleach his beard so the store could have a real-bearded Santa? Unheard of! But it happened!

With help from friends, I home-bleached my hair and beard and unbeknownst to me at the time, I began a career that would last roughly 40 years. Department store and mall gigs gave way to town Santas, and as professional entertainers, my wife and I portrayed Yuletide characters for years in numerous venues as we presented our special Christmas show.

The first few years as a mall Santa remained a light-hearted lark. That changed the day a driver had an emergency medical event and drove his car through a mall’s plate glass windows into a group of school children that had just finished visiting Santa and were heading out to board their school bus. I heard the boom, the clatter of glass crashing, and the screams of adults and children.

I suppose I could have remained on the Santa seat without blame. However, in that instant, the thought arose that I am Santa—and Santa com forts. Those kids needed Santa now.

I rose from my throne, rode down the esca lator, and walked into a horrendous spectacle of hysterical children, some lying injured, some standing in shock and sobbing, all horror struck.

About the only thing I remember is kneeling, holding children, soothing them and telling them it would be all right. It was as if the spirit of Santa called and I heard and answered, not knowing what I would do or say when I came upon that

Are you handy around the house? If you have a little time to spare, why not use your skills to help older adults in your community?

There are homebound seniors that desperately need help with small tasks that just aren’t safe for them to do anymore.* Some seniors simply have no one to help them with small tasks like changing a burned out light bulb, replacing a furnace filter or changing batteries in a smoke detector. Mileage reimbursement is available.

* Snow removal and landscaping/lawn care are not provided.

scene. It didn’t matter. Santa knew what to say even if I didn’t.

From that moment forward, my portrayal of Santa transformed from a trivial escapade into a serious purpose, from a superfi cial adventure into a meaningful mission. Santa has a profoundly deep empathetic, loving, soothing, quiet side to his merry joviality and jolliness—a side I found that day.

As the years passed, Santa’s spirit and I became more intimately acquainted. I began to see through his eyes, understanding an unfath omable, unconditional acceptance of every person as an equal mem ber within the family of humanity. I recognized a basic goodness within each of us.

Sadly, I also saw an unwittingly misguided ignorance that utilizes Santa as a stern controller who rewards good children and pun ishes naughty ones. I witnessed a mother staring out a store window so anxious her husband would find a parking spot she completely missed the remarkably beautiful ex perience her daughter was having with Santa and Mrs. Claus behind her. Through Santa’s eyes I saw the world’s angst embodied in that woman, an anxiety blind to beauty in all its forms. I watched parents commit unconscious abuse as they forced panicked, terrified toddlers

upon Santa in order to get a cute photo.

I also saw the absolutely inno cent, deep-seated wonder in chil dren’s eyes as they marveled at the incredible pageantry and colors of the Christmas season. I beheld the joy, cheer, gladness and optimism this annual celebration imparts to our fellow humans in the midst of a wintry, cold, dark world. I saw rekin dled hopes, dreams and promises of a kinder, gentler caring humanity.

Will I ever see through Santa’s eyes again? I would not have to bleach my hair or beard now. That suit I last wore in 2010 still hangs in my closet, the boots tucked under neath the robe.

I’ve seen extraordinary sights through Santa’s eyes: an elderly man on the back edge of a large mall crowd saluting me on my throne, troubled teens hugging each other after a Santa visit and jaded adults weeping as, somehow, childhood Christmas hurts were healed.

Through Santa’s eyes I’ve seen hurting and happiness, depression and delight, anguish and awe.

Most of all, I’ve seen benevo lence, generosity, kindness and genuine appreciation for others. I’ve seen the good. It’s there for all to see if we look through Santa’s eyes. ■

How a group of senior singers gave me the power to feel young

By Colleen M. Story

Playwright Eve Ensler said, “I wake up every day and think, ‘I’m breathing. It’s a good day!’”

If I wake up with a headache, I want to go back to bed.

I have an excuse. My headaches can be bad. The kind where the invisible vice of misery locks onto your ears and slowly squeezes your brains out. I inherited them from my mother.

She visited me last weekend. I couldn’t wait to spend time with her, so I filled our schedule with fun activities. We had breakfast at a local pancake house, saw a music performance, returned for dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, enjoyed a few laughs watching a movie and topped it all off with a delicious piece of pie.

I later learned she’d had a head ache most of the day.

“You should have told me,” I said. “I would have given you time to rest.”

“Oh no,” she said. “I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.”

Is there a generation gap in how we treat life’s inconveniences?

Last week, I took a break from TV and drove to the local theatre. They were showing a film called “Young at Heart.” It’s a documen tary about a senior citizen singing choir from Massachusetts. The average age is 80.

of practicing, they performed a few gigs in the U.S., then jetted off on a European tour.

At most, I expected to feel be mused. What else might one expect watching grandmas and grandpas belt out unlikely tunes like James Brown’s

old-fashioned Colorado cowboy. I always remembered him with a gentle smile creasing his lips as he watched his horses. Sometimes, he’d do something crazy, like walk up to a new colt and pull his tail.

“I

Wrinkled and spectacled and toting bottles of medication—some with oxygen tanks—about 30 members shuffles into an old music room that reminded me of my high school band room. (White-walled, spacious, dotted with rickety chairs.) Under the leadership of a gifted, mop-headed director, they rehearsed their songs. After weeks

Feel Good”?

Instead, by the time it was over, I’d gotten a powerful jolt of energy as if someone had hooked me up to a joy IV. Watching them thrive in the midst of their age left me feel ing bold. I wanted that energy.

Ron, one of the members of the group Young at Heart, reminded me of my uncle, Max.

Max didn’t like to sing. At least, not as far as I know. He was an

Ready to Volunteer?

Just last week, Uncle Max passed away. He’d been struggling with all kinds of ailments: Congestive heart failure. Cancer. Hip replacement. We rarely heard about them. In stead, when we visited him, he told us stories about how he’d built the screen at the local drive-in theater. How his strapping filly had won her first race. How he’d teased my aunt about losing her sunglasses, before adding a few off-colored jokes for good measure. Uncle Max was living life young.

Eighty-year-old Ron had endured five bouts of chemo. Five.

A LITTLE HELP

Need A Little Help? Call us to learn more.

We need you to help the older adults in our community thrive in their homes.

WHEN THERE ARE ONLY SO MANY MONTHS LEFT, EVERY DAY CARRIES MORE WEIGHT. EVERY MORNING IS A GIFT. WE FINALLY REALIZE LIFE IS ABOUT FINDING JOY, WHATEVER IT TAKES.

His doctors said anyone else would not have survived them. But I’d have never known if the filmmak er hadn’t mentioned it. Ron was always smiling, encouraging the others, raring to go. For the song “Yes We Can Can” by the Pointer Sisters, Ron was the first to mem orize all the repetitions of “can” in the lyrics. If you know the song, you know that’s no small feat.

Another choir member, Bill, a soft-spoken tenor, had spinal meningitis. He’d survived three episodes of his priest reciting his last rites. He staggered to rehearsal even when he could barely walk and practiced his part in a soulful duet. Later, lying in a hospital bed, he kept a poster advertising the upcoming concert on the wall. Inspiration to get better in time.

Popcorn salty on my lips, I watched this ordinary group of se niors battle all the things we worry about in life: sickness, disease, pain, discomfort and the gradual wear ing away of abilities. They didn’t complain. They didn’t sequester themselves off in their easy chairs or their beds to suffer away. They made it to rehearsal however they could. They practiced. They strug gled with rhythms. They tried and tried again to get certain lines right. When they lost two important members of the group the week before their big debut, they went on to perform to a sold-out audi

on their feet, dancing and crying tears of joy.

I think I know why these seniors are full of life. By the national aver age lifespan, if you’re 80 and you’re a woman, you’ve got about six months left to live. If you’re a man, you can go anytime. Suddenly, it’s real. It’s an expiration date we can get our minds around. When there are only so many months left, every day carries more weight. Every morning is a gift. We finally realize life is about finding joy, whatever it takes.

Fortunately, so far, I don’t have cancer or heart disease. I can do whatever I have a mind to do. Odds are I’ve got at least another forty years to enjoy, but I often find my self complaining. Gas prices are too high. I can’t seem to find my soul mate. My bank account is low. My lawn tractor isn’t working. Maybe I need to change my perception.

I woke up this morning without a headache. Pressing my finger to my neck, I felt my heartbeat there, steady and strong. As I looked out my window on another beautiful day, I realized: this one isn’t going to come again.

I may have what seems an as tounding 14,600 days left, but after midnight tonight, that number will drop to 14,599.

I got up, singing, “Whoa, I feel good!” ■

Holiday advice for caregivers

By Joni Karp

For most families, the holidays are about spending quality time with loved ones. But the holidays can be challenging for people with a disability and those who care for them.

It’s important that you update family and friends about the per son’s condition. This is especially important if changes in appear ance or behaviors and increased memory loss have become more apparent. Be honest. The purpose is to maintain their dignity, avoid embarrassment and create a calm and comfortable environment.

DON’T OVERWHELM

Recognize agitation, stress and dis comfort. Signs include withdrawal and seeking isolation, repetition in behaviors and speech, pacing and outbursts. If your person is self-isolating, allow them that time. Avoid continued coaxing, as this may lead to agitation and unde sired behaviors.

Here are some tips to avoid overwhelming your loved one this holiday season:

• Consider having family and friends visit in small groups rather than one big gathering, or consider scheduling it at a time that’s best for the person you are caring for, such as the time of day or evening when they’re most alert and at their best.

• Be sure to serve foods that your person likes, will recognize and will be easy to eat.

• Include level-appropriate activi ties that your person can partici pate in so they feel included.

• When dealing with memory issues, ensure that people intro duce themselves and state who they are in relation to that per

son. Better yet, wear nametags.

• Avoid saying “Remember...”

• Be aware of the tone of your voice. Dementia doesn’t mean deaf. Speak slowly and clearly and allow the person time to respond.

• Follow and engage in their con versation.

• If the person is in a wheelchair, get down to their level. Do not talk down to them.

• Make eye contact.

• Choose music that is soothing.

• Limit holiday decorations. Avoid clutter and possible tripping haz ards.

• Ensure proper lighting and room temperature.

• When assisting with personal needs, whisper in their ear.

• Above all, be patient.

YOUR SELF-CARE CHECKLIST

• Join a support group.

• Don’t take anything personally.

• Don’t get stuck in tradition. Make memories with new traditions.

• Breathe deeply and allow family and friends to provide you with moments of respite. Step away, mingle and enjoy.

• When others ask if or how they can help, don’t be shy. Tell them.

• If guests ask what they can bring, suggest gifts that really will help, such as frozen prepared foods, an IOU for caregiving that offers you respite, an offer to run spe cific errands, etc.

• Take photos and videos to record special and humorous moments.

• Above all, love, laugh and enjoy. Cherish every moment. ■

CALENDAR MeSa County

December 3

Grand Junction

Parade of Lights

Get in the holiday spirit and watch over 100 festive floats decked in holiday lights drive down Main Street during the biggest parade of the year! Bring chairs and grab your spot early!

5 p.m. | Main Street, Grand Junc tion | Free | www.downtowngj.org | 970-245-9697

December 3

HOG Toy Run

Bring an unwrapped toy to West ern Slope Harley Owners’ 43rd annual toy run. This fun-filled day in support of local families starts in the morning with free coffee and donuts at Grand Junction Harley-Davidson before kickstands go up at noon. Come to the afterparty at Ware house 25sixty-five with fantastic food and door prizes.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 2747 Crossroads Blvd., Grand Junction | Free | www. gjharley.com | 970-245-0812

December 3

Handel’s “Messiah”

Let your ears be filled with angel ic voices in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church as the Messiah Choral Society of Grand Junction performs sections from Handel’s “Messiah” in this free community concert.

5 p.m. | 3940 27 1/2 Road | Free | www.mcsgj.org | 970-245-4914

December 3

Palisade Olde Fashioned Christmas

Gather in downtown Palisade for some Christmas cheer. The ginger bread contest and showcase, the Olde Town Marketplace and the soup challenge are just a few of the many fun events that await!

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Downtown Palisade | Free | www.palisadecoc.com | 970-464-7458

December 6

Medicare Open Enrollment

Get help with your Medicare health and drug plans for 2023 by Mesa County RSVP SHIP. Bring your Medicare card and prescription drug information. First come, first served. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Grand Junction | Free | www.mesa countyrsvp.org | 970-243-9839

December 6

Writer’s Night Silent Auction & FUNdraiser

Join Western Colorado Writers Fo

rum for a night of fun, refreshments and a little bit of holiday shopping while you bid on an array of fabulous auction items, including lift tickets to Powderhorn. Register online. 6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St., Grand Junction | Free | www.western coloradowriters.org | 970-822-7373

December 7

New-to-Medicare 101 Mesa County RSVP SHIP holds an educational seminar about Medi care. Learn when and how you sign up, what Part A and Part B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Grand Junction | Free | www.mesa countyrsvp.org | 970-243-9839

December 7

Full Moon Drum Ceremony

Join the Center for Spiritual Living at Koinonia Church for a shamanic drum ceremony in celebration of the Yule Moon, the longest night of the year. Bring a pen and paper, and anything you would like to charge on the altar.

7-9 p.m. | 730 25 Road, Grand Junc tion | $10 | www.cslgj.org | 970-4337799

December 8

Bar D Wranglers’ Christmas Jubilee

The Bar D Wranglers return to the Grand Valley for an evening of Christ mas cowboy songs with western harmonies, guitar and fiddle solos, comedy and entertainment at the Avalon Theatre.

7-9 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junc

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• Weekly Housekeeping and Individualized Laundry Included

tion | $25 adults, $12 children | www. avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5700

December 9

Spirit of Christmas Walk

Christmas comes alive with over 300 entertainers in downtown Grand Junction, including clowns, poets jazz bands, dance groups and more Santa will be there and shops will be open and serving complimentary drinks and treats. Get some holiday shopping done followed by a horsedrawn carriage ride.

5:30 p.m. | Downtown Grand Junc tion | Free | 970-433-1496

December 11

Centennial Band Christmas Concert

The Grand Junction Centennial Band brings a free community concert of Christmas classics and seasonal selections to the CMU Ballroom. No tickets are required!

3 p.m. | 1455 N. 12th St., Grand Junction | Free | www.gjcentennialband.org

December 10

A Sentimental Journey Band Concert

The Sentimental Journey Band presents a Christmas concert at the Mesa Community Center. Bring two dozen individually wrapped cookies to participate in a cookie exchange.

2 p.m. | 48973 KE Road, Mesa | Free | 970-464-2177

December 10

Fruita Parade of Lights

Just like the Griswold family from “Christmas Vacation,” showcase the quirky family fun that comes with the holiday season while you watch the Parade of Lights in downtown Fruita.

5:30 p.m. | Downtown Fruita | Free | Free | www.fruitachamber.org | 970-858-3894

December 13

Bookcliff Barbershop

Christmas Concert

Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Cho rus presents a Christmas concert featuring Sweet Adelines’ Grand

Santa Cause Run/Walk

Run around Grand Junction’s Las Colonias area in a Santa suit while raising money for inclusive play ground equipment for Grand Junc tion Parks & Recreation. Register early for a race T-shirt or Santa suit. 10 a.m. | 725 Struthers Ave., Grand Junction | $30 ($20 for 1K option) | 970-243-7408

Mesa A Cappella Chorus and other barbershop harmony singers at First Baptist Church.

7-8:30 p.m. | 720 Grand Ave., Grand Junction | 970-257-7664

December 15

A Christmas Classic

Immerse yourself in a holiday won derland among an array of choruses and the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra at the Avalon Theatre.

Audience members will enjoy songs from the Nutcracker Suite by Pyotr Illych Tchaikovsky and “Wonderland of Snow” by Robert Wendel.

7:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $25-$45 | www.gjso.org | 970-243-6787

December 15

Downtown Palisade Pictorial Tour

Join the Palisade Historical Society for a pictural tour of Downtown Palisade at The Ordinary Fellow Winery. The tasting room opens at noon, and Le Snack Fine Foods will be on the patio with food available

for purchase. This event is open to the public.

6 p.m. | 202 Peach Ave., Palisade | Free | www.historicpalisade.org | 970-464-2177

December 20

Communication Strategies for Dementia Patients

The Alzheimer’s Association invites you to learn how to decode verbal and behavioral communication from someone with Alzheimer’s and de mentia at the Clifton Library Branch. Participants will leave with strategies for meaningful connection with peo ple with early, middle and late-stage dementia.

5-6 p.m. | 590 32 Road, Clifton | Free | www.mesacountylibraries.org | 970-243-4442

December 21

Holiday Party at the Warehouse

Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra performs at Warehouse 25Sixty-five to celebrate the holidays with food, drinks and dancing! Buy tickets online.

December 21-23

The Nutcracker

Bring your family and friends to Colora do West Performing Arts’ production at the Avalon. Come join the magical journey and leave with magical visions of sugar plums dancing through your head. 1-3:30 p.m. & 7-9:30 p.m. | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $30-$55 | www. avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5700

7-9 p.m. | 2565 American Way, Grand Junction | $15 | www.gjso. org | 970-243-6787

December 16-18

Shrek the Musical

Come to the Avalon Theatre and enjoy The Theatre Project’s Shrek the Musical. Join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey rescue fair Fio na to bring her to Lord Farquaad for her wedding day.

7 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday | 645 Main St., Grand Junction | $19 seniors, $25 adults, $10 children | www.avalontheatregj.com | 970-263-5700

County

American University Women meets monthly. Call for location.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-261-2112

Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus wel comes men of all ages to sing at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead. Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989

Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road. 1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868

Citizens’ Climate Lobby meets virtually. Contact for Zoom link. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org

Clifton Book Club meets to discuss book selections at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | www.mesacountylibraries.org

Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. Call for location. 4th Wednesday | 4:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537

Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522

Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing, meets at the han gar at 780 Heritage Way, Gate 10. Call ahead to get in.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 970-256-

0693 | www.rmwcaf.org

Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-434-6936

Cribbage Lite meets at IHOP near Mesa Mall, 2420 Hwy 6 & 50. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823

Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, meets monthly. Call for details. 970-250-7401

Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. Call for location.

1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941

Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all women, meets at Redlands Commu nity Church, 2327 S. Broadway. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880

Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road. Former, retired and active sea ser vice, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-4340868

Friendship Force, a club that pro motes travel and cultural under standing through home stays, meets at New Covenant Baptist Church, 3196 F Road.

3rd Saturday | 2 p.m. | 214-5362250 | www.ffwcolo.com

Grand Junction Brush & Palette Club meets at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St.

3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | www. brushandpaletteclub.org

Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road. 2nd Thursday & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. | www.grandjunctionrockclub.org

Grand Junction Modeleers meet monthly at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | www.gjmodeleers.com/rcclub

Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junc tion Convention Center.

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

Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave.

2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-9861502

Grand Junction Toastmasters promotes communication and lead ership skills. Call for locations. Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. | Thursdays at 12 p.m. | 970-241-1900

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broad way.

3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-462-7554 | www.grandvalley petsalive.org

Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50. 3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2700804 | valorquilters@gmail.com

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. 4th Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-2458817 or 970-257-1549

Grand Valley Woodturners meets

at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way.

2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-856-3632

Great Old Broads for Wilderness meets monthly. Call for details. 970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com

Guitar Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473

Guys’ Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-361-7478 or 970-270-6184

Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at the Warehouse, 2565 American Way.

Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664

Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 230 N. 3rd St.

2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2611952

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

Military Officers Association of America meets quarterly at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. Call for meeting details. 970-361-1806

Newcomers Club meets at the Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct.

2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 970549-0440 | www.gjnewcomers.org

Not Going Quietly, a space of em powerment and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road.

2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | www.cslgj.org

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-2087228

Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques. Call for meeting details. 970-256-9580

River City Singles meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, with fun activities for singles over 50. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537 Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road.

Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970234-5030

SOS: Singles over 65 is a gender-bal anced social club for single seniors! Must join online. www.meetup.com/singles-over-65

Sunset Slope Quilters meets at American Lutheran Church, 631 26 1/2 Road.

2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | www.sunsetslopequilters.com

Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-245-1837 | www.grandmesaacappella.com

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Commu nity College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | www.thun dermountaincameraclub.org

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Valley Events Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. Call for time. Thursdays | 970-261-1670

Veterans Coffee Club meets at West ern Region One Source, 482 28 Road. Tuesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. |

970-257-3760

Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 503 Florence Road.

1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242

Women’s Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Monday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-260-6140

Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St.

2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | www.w0rrz.org

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St.

1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-2012865 | www.wcacastronomy.org

Western Colorado Artists Guild meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-6402751

Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247, 1404 Ute Ave. 4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-2507036

Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park. Saturdays (April-October) | 10 a.m. | 303-503-3978

Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Call for details. 970-241-8561 | www.western slopepickleballclub.com

Wheels West Car Club meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www. wheelswestcarclub.org

Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a la dies-only meeting for local writers, meets at Main Street Bagels, 559 Main St.

Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com ■

Mesa County Libraries’ Giving Trees help people in need

Help make a local family’s holiday season special this year by pur chasing a gift for someone from Grand Valley Catholic Outreach and Mesa County Libraries’ Giv ing Tree. Giving Trees are set up at the Central Library Branch, 443 N. Sixth St. in Grand Junction, and at library branches in Clifton, Fruita, Palisade and Orchard Mesa. Each tree is decorated with gift requests from Mesa County residents of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Participating is easy—visit a partici pating library branch and select a tag from the tree describing a gift to purchase. Provide your contact information on the smaller por tion of the tag and return it to the library attached to an unwrapped gift before Monday, December 5. All beneficiaries of Giving Tree gifts are Catholic Outreach clients. For more information, drop by a library branch or call 970-243-4442.

NextFifty Initiative awards grants to Western Slope organizations

NextFifty Initiative recently an nounced $239,970 in grants to eight organizations across Colo rado’s Western Slope that are

working work to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. Among the organizations to receive funds are Second Chance Humane Society, who will use its $10,000 grant to provide free and low-cost veterinary services, food and train ing to older adult pet owners. Some funds will support the purchase of robotic pets that will be brought to memory care and assisted living facilities. Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia will use its $50,000 grant to support its older adultfocused programming, including speaker series, story share and concerts. A $25,000 grant to Sum mitWest Care in Grand Junction will be used to cover vital homec are services for older adults and seniors with disabilities. To learn more about the NextFifty Initiative, visit www.next50initiative.org.

Wreaths Across America adorns gravesites with Christmas wreaths

On December 16-17, volunteers place holiday wreaths at 3,000 gravesites at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and 1,190 graves at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. Remem ber our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach your grandchildren the value of freedom

by attending a wreath-hanging ceremony at 10 a.m. on December 17 at the Veterans Memorial Cem etery. For more information, call 970-250-1174.

Medicare Walk-in Thursdays

Do you have questions about your Medicare bills? Get free unbiased help from State-Certified Medicare Counselors from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. No appointment necessary! Mesa County RSVP is located inside US Bank at 422 White Ave., Suite 090, Grand Junction. For details, call 970-243-9839 or visit www.me sacountyrsvp.org.

How to support families of children with disabilities

It is expensive for all families to raise a child, but research has shown that raising a child with spe cial needs can more than quadruple the cost, making holidays excep tionally difficult for some local families. STRiVE, a local nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, has several ways you can help local families this holiday season. Con sider sponsoring a family’s wish list (STRiVE will provide a list of gifts, food or other items), or provide cash donations that STRiVE can use to purchase gifts and essentials for families. If you would like to

sponsor a family or donate toward STRiVE’s holiday basket program, contact Tanya Workman at 970244-5519 by December 5. Any contribution helps STRiVE reach its goal of supporting 35+ families this holiday season!

AARP Driver Safety Classes in Grand Junction and Fruita

Take the AARP Driver Safety course and you could be eligible for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance. Plus, the course teaches proven driving techniques to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmem bers. The Grand Junction class is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on December 7 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Fruita on December 14. Register for the Grand Junction class by calling 970243-2531. To register for the Fruita class, call 970-433-0384.

Community Concerts introduces mid-season package Community Concerts of the Grand Valley recently announced an excel lent mid-season package deal! Buy the last four concerts of its current season for one low price of $60!

This deal includes reserved seats at the Avalon Theatre for Sail On, a Beach Boys tribute on January 15,

NEW Cardiology Medical Practice and Outpatient Procedure Lab

Advanced Heart and Vein Center serves its patients by providing cardiac and endovascular services. We provide clinic consults, stress testing, echocardiograms, peripheral, renal and carotid ultrasound testing. We also offer same-day discharge peripheral angiogram and venogram procedures in our own outpatient procedure lab to better serve the patient with a cost-effective care model.

Behzad Molavi MD,

Qaisar Khan MD,

Rajesh Sharma MD, FACC, FSCAI

Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue on February 2, The Beginnings Chi cago tribute on April 25 and a bonus concert, “100 Years of Hank Wil liams” in May. This is a perfect gift for loved ones or even yourself! Call 970-263-5757 for more information or visit the Avalon Box Office at 645 Main St., Grand Junction.

Grand Valley Model Railroad Club Christmas Train Show opens December 10

Grand Valley Model Railroad Club brings back its Christmas Train Show to Cross Orchards Historic Site, 3073 F Road in Grand Junc tion. The show, in its 34th year, features indoor layouts of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad circa 1950 among other familiar landmarks, such as Grand Junction’s historic Union Depot, the town of Glenwood Springs and Mt. Garfield. Weather permitting, there will be an outdoor garden rail way and several running displays. Additionally, Cross Orchards offers rides on its tractor train and vintage fire truck. The train show opens December 10-11 and runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on December 17-18, 24, 26 and 31. Admission is $10 for a family, $5 for adults and $2 for kids. Cash or check only. Visit www. gvmrc.org for details or call 970245-3273.

Mesa County Workforce Center names new director

Mesa County Department of Human Services (DHS) named Lindsay Bullock as the new direc tor of the Mesa County Workforce Center. Bullock comes to the posi tion with a wealth of knowledge and experience from her time with DHS, which began in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Colorado Mesa University and was a small business owner from 2009

to 2016. For more information about the Mesa County Workforce Center, visit www.mcwfc.us or call 970-248-0871. ■

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

ADRC - SOS volunteers provide rides to homebound seniors. www.htop.org/volunteers | 970-248-2746 2

A Little Help volunteers help older adults with home projects. www.alittlehelp.org | 970-404-1923

Ariel Clinical Services is looking for host homes for adults with intellec tual disabilities. www.arielcpa.org | 970-245-1616

Community Hospital volunteers support the hospital in various ways. codell@gjhosp.org | 970-644-3541

Food Bank of the Rockies volun teers serve in various positions. www.foodbankrockies.org/west ern-slope-volunteer | 970-464-1138

Grand Junction Visitor Center tourism ambassadors welcome visitors to the Grand Valley. www.visitgrandjunction.com | 970256-4054

Lower Valley Heritage Room vol unteers help preserve Fruita history. 970-858-3868

Master Gardeners teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension. https://tra.extension.colostate.edu | 970-244-1834

Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver lunch to homebound seniors or serve lunch at local dining sites. 970-298-9844

Mesa County RSVP connects indi viduals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies. www.rsvpgrandjunction.com | 970243-9839

Operation Interdependence volun teers hand-write notes sent to U.S. military men and women. carley@oidelivers.org | 970-523-4217

Palisade Historical Society volun teers share Palisade’s history and work on committees. 970-464-2177

Montrose & MeDelta Sa County

50+ Networking Group through Mesa County Workforce Center meets virtually. You must be reg istered as a job seeker at www. connectingcolorado.com to join.

1st & 3rd Thursdays | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | 970-248-7560

A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-study program, meets virtually. Call for Zoom link.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 801-3698995

Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia group meets virtual ly. Contact for Zoom link.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Caregiver Support Group meets at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road.

1st Thursday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-822-7070

Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 28 1/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church, 840 N. 11th St.

1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822

Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association, 2232 N. 7th St.

4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970714-2875 | wlbandel@alz.org

Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 28 1/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416

Gamblers Anonymous meets at

SUPPORT GROUPS

SUPPORTCALENDARGROUPS

The Meeting Hall.

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

Guitars 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road. Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Oto laryngologists, 2515 Foresight Circle.

1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2452400

Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298- 2351

Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave.

2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congrega tional Church, 1425 N. 5th St.

3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-7789274

Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-2982351

MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center, 2121 North Ave.

1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location.

Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-2572390

Mens Health Group for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road

1st Mondays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 970- 257-3760

Moms Group for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

1st and 4th Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760

National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www. NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets in the downstairs conference room at the Freedom Institute, 930 Main St.

Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 | tammytway@gmail.com

Overeaters Anonymous for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church, 3205 N. 12th St.

Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435 S.M.A.R.T. Addiction Recovery meets via Zoom. Call for details. 801-369-8995 | www.smartrecovery. org

St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets virtually and in person. 3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-2981980

Tai Chi for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-2573760

Thyroid Support Group meets at Grand Valley Wellness, 605 28 1/4 Road

4th Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 970263-2661

TOPS for weight loss meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 1/4 Road. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-5230241

TOPS 458 for weight loss meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B 1/2 Road.

Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981

Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss la dies-only meets at Veterans Memori al Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986

Vets 4 Vets meets at Western Re gion One Source, 482 28 Road.

Fridays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Women Veterans Tai Chi meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Fridays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-2573760

Yoga for Veterans meets at West ern Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Thursdays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

Registration is required for all activities.

To register for programs, call 970-858-0360 or visit www.fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

SPECIAL EVENTS

Christmas Lights Limo Bus Tour

Tour Christmas light dis plays in Grand Junction and Fruita in a limo bus. Meet at the Fruita Community Center.

5:15 p.m. | Dec. 14 | $20

Then & Now Display

Terri Ahern presents her “Then & Now” photos showing how the Colorado National Monument has changed throughout the decades while enjoying light refreshments and good company.

2 p.m. | Dec. 29 | Free

ART

Art Class: Snow Mountain Painting

Paint a beautiful landscape reminiscent of the American masters. You don’t have to be a master to make this!

Using only easy-to-follow steps, students in this class will create a wintery Colora do mountain scene that is pleasing to the eye and fun to paint. All materials are included!

2 p.m. | Dec. 5 | $20

Arts & Crafts Fair

Enjoy a fun day at the Arts & Crafts fair before watching the Fruita Parade of Lights.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Dec. 10 | Free

FOOD

National Brownie Day

Come to the Senior Center for a coffee and chat on National Brownie Day.

1 p.m. | Dec. 8 | Free

Food for Thought: Christmas Recipes

Bring your favorite holiday recipe to share.

1 p.m. | Dec. 19 | Free

HIKES & TRIPS

Hike: White Rocks, Colorado National Monument

Learn about Fremont Rock Art on this easy 3+ mile hike. Meet at the FCC Se nior Center and carpool to the trailhead.

12:30 p.m. | Dec. 21 | $5

GAMES

Pinochle

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fri days

Afternoon Games

Play dominoes, Mexican train and many other games at the Senior Center.

1 p.m. | Dec. 13 & 27

To register for these programs, call 970-254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

Senior Center Elections & Potluck

Senior Center members vote for 2023 officers. 12 p.m. | Dec. 1 | 550 Ouray Ave

Senior Center Christmas Party

Celebrate the holiday season with a potluck meal at the Senior Center. Ham provided. Bring a gift worth $10 for a gift exchange. Dec. 22 | 550 Ouray Ave

SPECIAL EVENTS

Holiday Light Tour for 50+

Enjoy hot chocolate and holiday goodies, then board the bus at Lincoln Park Barn for a festive tour of the most beautiful lights in the city. Register early as this event fills up quickly. 5:15-8:15 p.m. | Dec. 8 | $7 Santa Cause 5K Run or Walk This event helps fund inclusive playground equip ment. Register early to receive a Santa suit or red race shirt. Meet at Las Colonias Amphitheater. 10 a.m. | Dec. 10 | $30 ($20 for 1K option)

Senior Recreation Center activities

550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct. 970-243-7408

Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

MONDAY

9:00 am Cribbage & Games 12:00 p.m. Canasta

1:00 pm Card Bingo 6:00 pm Game Night

TUESDAY

8:00 am Pinochle (DD) 9:00 am Pool Tournament & Games 11:00 am Darts 1:00 pm Bingo

WEDNESDAY

9:00 am Games 9:30 am Pool 1:00 pm Pinochle Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle

THURSDAY

Bunco

Come play Bunco at the Senior Center.

1 p.m. | Dec. 15 | Free

FITNESS

Gentle Active Yoga

8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $7 or $50 10-punch pass Line Dance 12:15-2 p.m.

SPORTS

Indoor Drop-In Pickleball 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. M, T, Th, F, Sun | 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Fri | 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Sat | Bookcliff Activity Center | $7 or $50 10-punch pass

9:00 am Games 10:00 am Craft Share 10:00 am Dance (1st Thursday) 12:00 pm Lunch & Potluck (1st Thursday 12:00 pm Pokeno 1:00 pm Rummikub 6:00 pm Bunco

FRIDAY

9:00 a.m. Pool Tournament & Games

10:00 a.m. Painting Class 12:00 p.m. Canasta 12:45 p.m. Bridge

SATURDAY

9:00 am Games 10:00 am Tai Chi 1:00 pm Bingo

Montrose & Delta

December 1-11

Deck Your Halls

Browse and buy one-of-a-kind hol iday decorations and gifts at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. Small Christmas trees, wreaths, gnomes and fairy wands are some of the many crafts available.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday & 12-3 p.m. Sunday | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | Free | www.gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

December 1-4

Miracle on 34th Street

An old man named Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. When Kringle claims that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity. Grab your tickets now for this fun, family friendly production of a Christmas classic by Magic Circle Players.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sat urday & 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday | 420 S. 12 St., Montrose | $10 | www.magiccircleplayers.com | 970-249-7838

CALENDAR

December 2

Delta Parade of Lights

The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce’s Parade of Lights are kicked off with a tree-light ing ceremony in West Legacy Park. This year’s theme is Christmas Candies!

6 p.m. | Main Street, Delta | Free | www.deltacounty colorado.com | 970-874-2108

December 2

Jingle Mingle Gala

Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center is putting on the ritz with its annual Jin gle Mingle Gala. Come for cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts! Dress to the nines, enjoy live enter tainment and shop for Christmas decorations. Buy tickets online.

5:30-8:30 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $45 members, $55 nonmembers | www.gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

December 2

Christmas at the Fort Experience the sights and sounds of Christmas in 1830 at Fort Un compahgre right after the Parade of Lights. Enjoy music, refreshments and the lighting of the fort’s Christ mas tree. Bring a canned food item for free admission.

7:30-9 p.m. | 440 Palmer St., Delta | Free | www.deltacountycolorado. com | 970-874-2108

December 2-3

Christmas Town at Pioneer Town Celebrate the season at Pioneer Town with the Christmas tree light ing, warm drinks out of the Lizard Head Saloon and a delicious soup dinner courtesy of the Cedar Mesa Club.

4:30-7 p.m. Friday & 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday | 388 S. Grand Mesa Dr., Cedaredge | Free | www.pioneer town.org | 970-856-7554

December 3

Cedaredge Parade of Lights ‘Tis the season to celebrate the holidays in beautiful downtown Cedaredge. Grab cookies and cider in Town Hall and watch lighted floats parade down the street. 6 p.m. | Downtown Cedaredge | Free | www.deltacountycolorado. com | 970-874-2108

December 3

Paonia Holiday Art Fair Shop more than 50 arts and agricul ture vendors in downtown Paonia and

bring the grandkids for winter crafts, gingerbread houses and a puppet show . There will also be a library book sale, refreshments and more!

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Grand Avenue, Paonia | Free | www.northfork creative.org

December 3

Library Book Club

Join the Montrose Library Book Club for a thoughtful discussion of “The Good Earth” by Pearl S. Buck in the library’s meeting room. Every one is welcome!

9-10 a.m. | 20 S. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | lmclean@montroselibrary.org

December 3-4

Christmas by Candlelight Ring in cheer with the joyous sounds of the holidays and the Valley Symphony Orchestra at the Montrose Pavilion. Start the season off Coloradostyle with festive favorites that will warm your heart.

7:30 p.m. Saturday & 3 p.m. Sunday | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Mon trose | $25 | www.valleysym phony.net | 970-765-8323

CALENDAR

December 10

Holiday Book Fair

Harps In Motion Christmas Concert

This all-ages Christmas program ushers in this special time of year with harp melodies from Robin Freed and students from Harps & Hammers Music Studio. Come to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for a Victorian Christmas Celebration.

December 8

Moors & McCumber in Concert

Bridging the gap between classic folk-rock and present-day Amer icana, Moors & McCumber write heartfelt songs directly inspired by life’s experiences. See them live at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Cen ter. Purchase tickets online.

7 pm | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $25 | www.gmaec.org | 970-8569195

December 9

Ski & Snowboard Film

Come to Grand Mesa Arts & Event Center for the premiere of “Magic Hour: An Epic Ski & Snowboard Film” by Teton Gravity Research. “Magic Hour” is a culmination of powerful moments in some of the most beautiful, wild places on the planet.

7-9 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $15 adults | www. gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

Meet local authors, enjoy refresh ments, listen to holiday music and buy Christmas gifts at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center’s holiday book fair!

11 a.m.-4 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | Free | www.gmaec.org | 970-856-9195

December 10

Scott

Coulter in Concert

Enjoy an evening of classical music and jazz by Scott Coulter at Blue Sage Curtis Hall. Scott grew up in Boulder and began studying jazz pia no before mastering the Hammond B3 organ. Purchase tickets online. 7-9 p.m. | 228 Grand Ave., Paonia | $20 | www.bluesage.org | 970-5277243

December 13

Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, stages and risk factors in this free presenta tion by the Alzheimer’s Association at The Homestead at Montrose. Registration is required.

2-3 p.m. | 1819 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | Free | wlbandel@alz.org | 970-714-2875

December 16

Holiday

Happy Hour

Enjoy live music by Two Lane Road, Christmas songs and visits with San ta & Mrs. Claus at the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center.

5-7 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | Free | www.gmaec.org | 970856-9195

December 23

Harps and Hammers Ensemble Christmas Concert

Enjoy a “Victorian Christmas Cel ebration” with a full ensemble of Harps and Hammer Dulcimers at Abundant Life Church. This all-ages concert has a few surprises!

3 p.m. | 2430 Niagara Road, Mon trose | Free | 970-275-8996 ■

December 6 Call Today to Reserve Your Holiday Party! CLASSIC AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE

Merry Christmas!

970-249-6856 65790 Racine Rd. • Montrose, CO

From All The “Elves” at Diamond G! www.DiamondGRepair.com

May Your Holidays Guests like you make us so grateful to be a part of this wonderful community Holiday Gift Cards Available!

We’ll get your “sleigh” running right for that holiday trip! WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | DECEMBER 2022 | CALENDAR | 53

Glow with Happiness!

Alpine Photography Club meets in Class 100 at Colorado Mesa Univer sity, 245 S. Cascade, Montrose. 2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus sings four-part a cappella at Olathe United Methodist Church, 518 Her sum Ave.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-2101793

Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavilion Dr. Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860

Book Club meets virtually through Montrose Regional Library. Email for link.

1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | lmclean@montroselibrary.org

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meets at Montrose Regional Library. 970-765-9095 | chapmanjanet@ yahoo.com

Crafternoon members meet at Montrose Library, 320 S. 2nd St., to knit and crochet projects to donate to charities. Supplies provided. Thursdays | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | 970249-9656

Crafty Chatty members socialize and work on craft projects at the Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavil ion Dr. Bring your own materials.

Montrose & Delta Shop Local — Win Prizes!

CLUBS

9:45-11:30 a.m. | Tuesdays | 970249-7198

Columbine Quilters gather monthly at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com

Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers! 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com

Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library, 180 SW 6th Ave.

Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | www.deltalibraries. org

Friendship Quilters meets at Montrose County Events Center, 1036 N. 7th St.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842

Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Gene alogy Center, 700 E. Main. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755

Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center, 115 Main St.

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-5969184 | www.wcgpaa.org

Golden Circle of Friends meets at Montrose Senior Center, 1800 Pavil

ion Dr. Bring lunch and socialize. Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888

Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 520 Collins Way, Montrose. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970986-2550 | lvcribbs@gmail.com

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142

Montrose Historical Society meets at Montrose Events Center, 1036 N. 7th St.

1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | www.montrosehistory.org

Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852

Montrose Model Aircraft Associa tion fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. www.mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970765-0599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr. All ages welcome. 2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | $10 | 970-252-7172

Montrose Single Seniors is a new group for active singles.

520-282-9060 | smilngangel10@ gmail.com

SOS: Singles Over 65 is a gen der-balanced club for single seniors! Must join online. www.meetup.com/montrosesingles-over-65

Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse in Montrose, 602 N. Nevada. 7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-258-1955 | www.uncompahgretreasureclub. com

Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St.

3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org

Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way.

Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org

Veterans Coffee Westend meets at the Nucla Airport, 27696 D. D. Road. 2nd Wednesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-756-2210 | www.whafv.org

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets at Grace Community Church, 16731 Woodgate Road. 1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-209-5326 ■

November 25 thru December 31

The Hometown Shopopoly game board will be on the centerfold of HCS’s Holiday Handbook. Customers can take their boards into a participating business, spend at least $10, and receive a sticker on that square. The more they shop, the more chances they have to win over $1000 in prizes! Customers have from November 25 thru December 31 (nearly six weeks) to shop and collect stickers on their boards.

Presented by the High Country Shopper and the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce

FUN AFTER 50 Senior Center Activities

variety of features on your smart phone. Call 970-252-4884 to set up an appointment.

By appointment | Free

Diamond Painting

To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit www.montroserec.com

TRIPS & TOURS

Most trips meet at the Senior Center. Trips fill quickly. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case we schedule a second one.

Holiday Lights and Dinner at Trattoria Di Sofia

Join us for an evening of dining and holiday light viewing. If you are not able to drive or don’t drive at night, call Cindy at 970-252-4884. Fee includes tour and dinner.

4:45 p.m. | Dec. 15 | $29

“Nunsense” in Grand Junction

“Nunsense” is a hilarious musical farce about a convent of nuns stag ing a fundraiser to enable them to bury the last four nuns of their order who died of botulism in an unfor tunate convent cooking accident. Register by December 9. Meet at the Field House.

10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | Dec. 31 | $45 + money for lunch

Learn to apply hundreds of sparkling resin rhinestones on an adhesive, color-coded canvas. Sit together, relax and create a beau tiful piece of art. Kits are available for purchase. Contact Joy Long at 970-787-0133.

9 a.m. | Thursdays | Fee: Cost of kit

To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit www.cityofdelta.net/parksrecgolf

CLASSES

Tuesday Needlers

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

Pinochle

1-4 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Dominoes

1-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $15

Party Bridge Club

1-4 p.m. | Thursdays | $15

Chess Club

Silver Sneakers Classic

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Body Blitz

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays

Yoga Fusion

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

12 p.m. | Tuesdays

POOL FITNESS

Monday Movers

Jumpstart your week with a mid to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class.

5:30 p.m. | Mondays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas.

Crafters

Bring a project to work on. Call 818-262-3272 for details.

12-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $10 per session

MUSIC & DANCE

Jam Session/Sing Along

Take turns picking and leading a song. Spectators welcome.

3:45-5:45 p.m. | Mondays | Free

Open Line Dancing

Learn line dancing steps with for mal instruction.

3:30-4:30 p.m. (beginners), 4:305:45 p.m. (improvers) | Mondays | $2

FITNESS

5:30-8 p.m. | Tuesdays | Free

FITNESS

Indoor Pickleball

Play this fun sport with an even funnier name.

7:30-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednes days, Fridays | 12:30-3 p.m. Tues days & Thursdays

Pilates

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

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

Senior Circuit

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Body & Health

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool.

10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Build endurance and strength, de signed for beginners.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

Tone those muscles, pump up that heart, and get an overall good workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges.

5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Tai Chi

Use slow controlled movements, mental resistance and quietness of mind to ease the body.

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

ACTIVITIES

Secret Creek, MRD Flex Rec & Smartphone Help

Bring your smartphone and your questions to this student-led dis cussion. We will experiment with a

10-10:30 a.m. | Mondays | Dona tion

GAMES

Contact the senior center for a schedule! ■

9 a.m. Mondays | 6 a.m. Wednes days

Healthy Body Strong Bones

Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Silver Sneakers Splash

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers.

8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays

Water Zumba

Enjoy a dance party in the pool, fun for all fitness levels.

5:30 p.m. | Wednesdays ■

Montrose & Delta

NextFifty Initiative awards grants to Western Slope organizations

NextFifty Initiative recently an nounced $239,970 in grants to eight organizations across Colo rado’s Western Slope that are working work to improve the lives of older adults and their caregivers. Among the organizations to receive funds are Second Chance Humane Society, who will use its $10,000 grant to provide free and low-cost veterinary services, food and train ing to older adult pet owners. Some funds will support the purchase of robotic pets that will be brought to memory care and assisted living facilities. Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia will use its $50,000 grant to support its older adultfocused programming, including speaker series, story share and concerts. A $25,000 grant to Sum mitWest Care in Grand Junction

BEACON BITS

Valley Symphony narrows conductor search, seeks audience feedback

The Valley Symphony Association orchestra conductor search committee recently announced that they have narrowed the field of finalists to three individuals: Troy Raper from Grand Junc tion; Charlotte Ruth Harrison from Orem, Utah; and Steven Aguiló-Arbues from Denver. Each finalist will guest conduct the orchestra at con certs in December (Raper), February (Harrison) and April (Agu iló Arbues). Part of the selection process will consider audience feedback about each guest conductor following the performance. Feedback will help the committee reach a decision in May, when they expect to announce the new conductor. A beautiful hand-painted violin will be awarded in a prize drawing as an incentive to participate. Audience members who complete the survey at any of the concerts will be entered into a drawing that will take place at the April concert. For information about upcoming concerts, tickets and the audition process, visit www.valleysymphony.net or call 970-765-8323

will be used to cover vital homec are services for older adults and seniors with disabilities. To learn more about the NextFifty Initiative, visit www.next50initiative.org.

Delta Chamber lays off staff, hopes to “reset” in 2023 Due to the COVID pandemic and recent economic hardships, the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors recently an nounced its decision to salvage the remainder of 2022 with fiscal responsibility and lay off its paid staff members while the organiza tion takes time to reset the cham ber’s vision for 2023. The lights are still on and the doors remain open, as the chamber will continue to be run by volunteers for the rest of the year. The chamber is also com mitted to its regularly scheduled events such as the Parade of Lights and Women in Business. The Delta chamber is a membership-driven organization that bases its annual budget on the renewal of mem bership dues, the addition of new members and business support of events like the Spring Expo and Deltarado Days. For more informa tion or to volunteer, call 970-8748616. ■

SUPPORT GROUPS

HopeWest Bereavement Book Club members heal through discussions about death and grief from various forms of literature at the Delta Library, 211 W. 6th St. 3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | www.deltalibraries.org

Caregivers Support Group meets at Montrose United Meth odist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. 2nd & 4th Mondays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-240-3714

COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care, 1100 E. Main St., Montrose. 2nd & Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988

Dementia Caregivers Delta meets at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way.

Thursdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970510-0724

Dementia Caregivers Cedared dge meets at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Dementia Caregivers Hotchkiss meets at Town Hall, 276 Main St. 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-510-0724

Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room, 1501 E. 3rd St. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Mon trose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St. 405-205-9397

Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Montrose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St..

Last Monday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970252-2996

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Valley Symphony Association volunteers assist with a variety of projects to support volunteer mu sicians who bring classical music to life on the Western Slope. info@valleysymphony.net | 970765-8323

Friends of Montrose Library volunteers sort donated books and run book sales. www.montroselibrary.org | 970249-9656

Golden Circle Seniors greet and serve lunch during the week. 970-252-4888

Museum of the Mountain West volunteer tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. www.museumofthemountain west.org | 970-240-3400

RSVP connects individuals age 55 and older to volunteer positions. jwalker@region10.net | 970-7653147

Senior CommUnity Meals seeks volunteer delivery drivers to help seniors. www.seniorcommunitymeals.org | 970-874-7661

Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks volunteers. www.sharingministries.com | 970240-8385

Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of ex changed services. www.timebankoftherockies.com | 970-209-6886

Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans seeks volunteers. 970-765-2210 | www.whafv.org

at Delta’s 8 acre campus sits atop a bluff with a stunning view of the Grand Mesa. Move here at any stage of life 55+, and enjoy our campus as you enter a new chapter of your life.

To

CLASSES

FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE

INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.

FOR RENT

Impressive, one-level, spacious 3-bed, 2-bath home on quiet cul-de-sac minutes from top medical facilities, shopping. Enclosed garage. Very clean and bright. Annual or long-term lease. $2,350/mo. Includes city services, HOA fees. Senior discount offered 55+ tenants. Call or text Ken 808-597-4076

FOR RENT

Rental in quiet, safe, clean senior community. 3bd, 2bth, large shady yard, carport and shed. 55+ senior community. W/S/T, irrigation water paid. Small pets allowed. 970-2105753.

FOR SALE

HANDMADE

PORCELAIN DOLLS for sale, all sizes/prices. Or make your own doll from start to finish! Classes, Supplies & Sales. *CERAMIC CLASSES also. Bring a friend! Call 970-778-8075.

HOME SERVICES

AMBER’S HOUSE CLEANING, LLC. Here making an honest living to help make your life easier. Licensed and insured. References available. Mesa County, 970-985-8178.

HOME SERVICES

KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices. 970-241-4825.

REAL ESTATE

We buy houses, any condition, any situation. 970-316-2488.

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, flooring, etc. Xeriscaped. Shade tree, dog run, shed, large carport. $215k. 970-210-5753

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 2bd 2bth 1200sf home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, tiled shower, etc. Wheelchair accessible. Grass Yard. Shade tree, dog run, 2 sheds. $215k. 970-210-5753

REAL ESTATE

Friendship Woods Senior Community: 3bd 2bth 1600sf doublewide home, newly renovated. 55+ only. Perfect condition. New paint, wallpaper, etc. Large grassy yard. $225k. 970-2105753

SERVICES

SENIOR BEAUTY SPECIAL. First-time clients receive $10 off single service, $15 off cut and color packages. Regan’s Regal Beauty, 2500 North Ave., #2, Grand Junction. Call Regan to schedule: 719-425-0543

ASSISTING SENIORS with housekeeping, cleaning, shopping, transportation service, housesitting, pet sitting, anything you may need help with! 20+ years’ experience. References. Serving Mesa County. Call 406-899-2586.

Congress needs to better protect Americans’ privacy

By Timothy Lee

Several members of Congress just introduced legislation that aims to protect consumer data from misuse and abuse.

Unfortunately, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act contains significant defects unrelat ed to much-needed privacy protec tions for consumers or businesses. Instead of simply safeguarding the personal information of ordinary Americans and simplifying legal obligations for companies, the bill would uncork a torrent of coun terproductive lawsuits that would damage job creators and enrich trial lawyers.

There’s no question America needs a federal data privacy law. Currently, data privacy is governed by a patchwork of state laws and regulations. Consequently, Amer ican firms may needlessly spend up to $1 trillion over the next decade trying to navigate that legal maze and comply with the varying statutes with $200 billion of that burden falling on small businesses.

A single, streamlined federal law would help reassure consumers that their data remains secure, regardless of where they live or where a company is located.

The legislation under consider ation, however, contains two mas sive flaws that would unleash endless class-action litigation over minor or technical violations, allowing lawyers to reap millions while class members receive just a few dollars or, in many cases, nothing at all.

First, the proposed legislation includes a ban on class-action waivers in arbitration agreements,

which could prohibit companies and consumers from having their disputes resolved on an individual basis. Arbitration offers a more efficient alternative to court litiga tion, relying on independent third parties to mediate conflicts.

Arbitration is typically cheaper, quicker and less complicated than formal lawsuits. Consumers prevail 41% of the time in arbitration, ver sus 29% in court. Arbitration cases are also resolved 27% more quickly on average, and there’s often no need to involve a lawyer.

However, those benefits present big problems from trial lawyers’ perspective. They prefer huge, class-action lawsuits that net consumers an average of $32 while lawyers earn close to $1 million.

The bill’s second massive flaw would create a “private right of action,” which allows individuals to sue to enforce the law no matter how trivial the violation. It’s per fectly clear how that benefits law yers. But it’s uncertain how it would advance consumer privacy and data protection.

Data security and privacy remain serious, complex issues, and Con gress should absolutely pursue a uniform national policy. People who steal our data, and businesses that fail to adequately protect it, must be held accountable.

As currently drafted, however, the American Data Privacy and Protection Act contains unaccept able provisions that would enable rich trial lawyers while delivering scant benefits to ordinary Ameri cans whose interests they claim to represent. ■

Timothy H. Lee is senior vice president of legal and public affairs at the Center for Individual Freedom. This piece was originally published by Inside Sources.

Routine eye exam and eyewear to help protect your eyesight

Large provider network, access to virtual visits, and no provider referrals required

Dental coverage included at no extra cost

Low-cost premiums, some as low as $0 per month

Allowances for covered over-thecounter products

Dec. 1 & 6, 2022

9 AM - 12 PM, MDT Medicare Resource Center 327 North 7th Street, Grand Junction

Dec. 1 & 6, 2022 1 - 5 PM, MDT 970 Medicare 2755 North Ave Ste 105, Grand Junction

Dec. 6 & 7, 2022

9 AM - 12 PM, MDT Walgreens 572 32 Rd, Clifton

Visit findmyRMHPmeeting.org

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with specials needs at sales meetings call 866-941-1993, TTY 711. H2582_MKT_AEPEventAd_09132022_M

It’s a new experience, but Humana helps take the mystery out of Medicare

right health plan for you Humana and your local, licensed Humana sales agent are here with professional advice to help you select and enroll in the right plan for your needs.

It’s a new experience, but Humana helps take the mystery out of Medicare

It’s a new experience, but Humana helps take the mystery out of Medicare

Let your agent help guide you to the right health plan for you Humana and your local, licensed Humana sales agent are here with professional advice to help you select and enroll in the right plan for your needs.

Putting experience on your side:

Putting experience on your side:

Let your agent help guide you to the right health plan for you Humana and your local, licensed Humana sales agent are here with professional advice to help you select and enroll in the right plan for your needs.

Let your agent help guide you to the right health plan for you Humana and your local, licensed Humana sales agent are here with professional advice to help you select and enroll in the right plan for your needs.

While you’re new to Medicare, Humana is not. Over the years, millions of people have trusted Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans.* Humana provides the healthcare benefits you want, prices them competitively and helps you understand your plan options.

Putting experience on your side:

Putting experience on your side:

While you’re new to Medicare, Humana is not. Over the years, millions of people have trusted Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans.*

While you’re new to Medicare, Humana is not. Over the years, millions of people have trusted Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans.*

While you’re new to Medicare, Humana is not. Over the years, millions of people have trusted Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans.*

Humana provides the healthcare benefits you want, prices them competitively and helps you understand your plan options.

Humana provides the healthcare benefits you want, prices them competitively and helps you understand your plan options.

Humana provides the healthcare benefits you want, prices them competitively and helps you understand your plan options.

To view agent’s online profile, scan this QR code using the camera of your smartphone or tablet or visit humana.com/pzapf.

To view agent’s online profile, scan this QR code using the camera of your smartphone or tablet or visit humana.com/pzapf.

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

WRONG SIZE

To view agent's online profile, scan this QR code using the camera of your smartphone or tablet or visit humana.com/pzapf. Call a licensed Humana sales agent

Call a licensed Humana sales agent

8

Patti Zapf 970-301-8752 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Humana sales agent

Patti Zapf 970-301-8752 (TTY: 711) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Patti Zapf 970-301-8752 (TTY: 711) pzapf@humana.com humana.com/pzapf A

A more human way

to healthcare™

A more human way to healthcare™

Patti Zapf 970-301-8752 (TTY: 711) pzapf@humana.com humana.com/pzapf A more human way to healthcare™

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language.English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1 877 320 1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果 您使用繁體中文

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language.English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1 877 320 1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language.English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務

*Source: Humana Inc. First Quarter 2022 Earnings Release, April 27, 2022 Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. Applicable to H5216-078-002. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, ethnicity, marital status, religion or language.English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320 -1235 (TTY: 711).