May md beacon 2017

MAY 2017

Vol. 3

&

No. 5

Montrose & Delta Counties’ Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 13,650 Readers.

Health Wellness

FREE INS IDE

SUMMER 2017

Road Hit the is great exercise,

Cycling easy on the joints and a fun way of exploring.

Your Guide to Health & Wellness

Visit us on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

LIFELONG LEARNING

CMU makes big efforts to serve community Photo by Cloie Sandlin

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MAY 2017

EDITORIAL

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I’m done with April showers.

It’s time for sunny skies and pretty flowers.

It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway into 2017, but it’s fine with me—May is my favorite month.

First, an introduction My name is Cloie and I’m the editor of the BEACON Senior Newspaper.

I’ve lived on the Western Slope for more than 13 years and graduated from Colorado Mesa University.

May marks my eighth anniversary at the BEACON. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with our talented writers and loyal advertisers, making connections with community organizations, meeting our readers and hearing their stories.

To me, May also marks the beginning of summer… even if the season doesn’t officially start for almost two months.

If you love warm weather as much as I do, I know you’ll enjoy this issue of the BEACON, along with our accompanying guide to Summer Health & Wellness.

CMU strengthens connections in Montrose community It’s exciting to see the growth of Colorado Mesa University and how it’s expanding its services and community education programs to its satellite campus in Montrose. Our cover story details the community impact of CMU and how the local campus appeals to a more nontraditional audience than the Grand Junction campus. Read more on pages 4-5.

3

MAY IS

MENTAL HEALTH awareness month BREAK THE SILENCE

BREAK THE STIGMA

Happy Mother’s Day! Where would we be without moms?

We have moving stories for moms and by moms, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Memorial Day Memorial Day is more than just an excuse for a long weekend. Local funeral home owner Matthew Boyle wrote about the real meaning behind Memorial Day and how that meaning has shaped him over the years on page 17.

Looking ahead

970.252.3200

One year, we received a picture from a reader who took the BEACON with him on his trip to Ireland. It was perfect for the cover of our June insert, your guide to summer travel and area festivals—look for your 2017 edition in next month’s BEACON. Traveling can be stressful, but it also opens doors to new experiences and results in funny stories. I certainly have some of my own. Do you? Send your stories, recommendations or photos to: Beacon@PendantPublish ing.com or call 243-8829.

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4

COVER STORY

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CMU Montrose gives it the old college try

By Stephanie Summar

O

n a Monday afternoon in April, the Montrose Regional Library was closing, but the 30 or so people still there were in no hurry to leave.

In fact, they were eagerly awaiting the start of an educational opportunity that can be rare in cities of this size.

They were there to attend a lecture investigating modern genocide presented by Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Montrose. Though the Holocaust Awareness Series has been a staple on CMU’s main campus for 14 years, this was the first year that a seminar was held in Montrose. It’s the latest in an effort to increase the intellectual opportunities afforded to community members by the satellite campus.

“We’re making a bigger effort to

try to draw activity to the Montrose campus and to have that community connection,” said Derek Wagner, CMU’s vice president of community affairs.

A history of serving the community CMU Montrose began in the 1980s as a regional higher education center that served multiple institutions.

Since CMU adopted it, it has moved to a new location and undergone extensive renovations. The campus footprint now encompasses three buildings and a small quad.

As the campus has grown, its programming has grown, too.

“We’re always trying to listen to what the community needs,” Wagner said.

An advisory committee made up of local officials and business owners helps develop degree programs based on the

city’s needs (for example, the campus’ bachelor of science in nursing program was a natural fit for the community). CMU Montrose offers degrees ranging from the associate to bachelor’s level. Students wishing to pursue a course of study that isn’t offered in Montrose may complete their general education courses there before transferring seamlessly to the Grand Junction campus.

CMU Montrose has proved to be a valuable resource for nontraditional students—people age 25 or older who are returning to school or attending for the first time. According to a spring 2017 survey by the university’s Institutional Research Department, 47 percent of CMU Montrose students are nontraditional.

More than nine percent are age 45 or older.

Rheann Roman, 50, is finishing up her second semester at CMU Montrose. A single mom for most of her life, Roman put her college education on hold while she raised her two daughters. Once they graduated from CMU in Grand Junction and were on their own, she decided it was her turn to give college another shot.

After spending a few years with her family and friends back home

MAY 2017

Rheann Roman, 50, is finishing up her second semester at CMU Montrose. in California, Roman returned to Montrose and registered for part-time classes at CMU’s Montrose campus.

“This is just perfect for me,” she said, noting the campus’ close proximity to outdoor recreation. “I like the people in Montrose. I’m outdoorsy and I love the mountains.”

Pursuing a degree in early childhood education is a natural fit for Roman, who currently owns Roots & Wings Daycare. She’s not certain what she will do with her degree as of yet, but the material she’s current-

MAY 2017

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ly learning in her psychology class intrigues her.

Though her college experience has been rewarding, it hasn’t been without challenges. Other than running a business and working full time, Roman has learned to better familiarize herself with technology.

“The first semester, my early childhood education class was out of Grand Junction,” she said. “We would watch the professor on the screen and everything was done via the computer. That was hard.”

But she stuck with it and feels like she can take on similar courses in the future.

“I’m proud of myself for going back [to school],” Roman said. “When I was young, I didn’t care. Now, it’s so interesting. There’s so much to learn.”

Roman is pleased with the variety of classes offered on the Montrose campus and the support she’s received from the faculty and administration. She said the Montrose campus fulfills a need for local residents regardless of age, whether they are degree-seeking students or lifelong learners.

“If you have the chance, go back to school,” she said. “I think a person should never stop learning.”

An intellectual center

Learning for learning’s sake

Besides students, the audience that turned out for lecturer Adam Rosenbaum’s Holocaust Awareness seminar consisted of a number of senior community members from Montrose, Ridgway and Ouray, all looking for an opportunity to learn.

“It’s sort of a different demographic than the audience that we see [in Grand Junction],” said Rosenbaum, PhD, whose lecture explored the perils of only thinking of the Holocaust when considering genocide. “It was interesting for me because it was like I was preaching to the choir on some level. A lot of these people—if they don’t remember World War II themselves—remember growing up with the memory of it, with loved ones who were involved one way or another.”

Following the two-hour lecture, the audience stuck around for a lively question and answer session, and to thank Rosenbaum for making the trip to Montrose.

“I think the turnout down there says this is a community that wants to see more events like this,” he said.

“They appreciated that opportunity to learn for the sake of learning.”

That passion for education is common among seniors, and CMU Montrose is in the midst of building up its community education offerings for lifelong students who want a whole class, not just a lecture.

“We really want to connect the community to campus,” Wagner said.

“If there’s demand for learning a new life skill, or a new hobby, we’re ready to turn on the taps and make it happen.”

CMU also offers a Golden Scholar program. Students age 60 and older may take almost any course at a reduced rate and enjoy student discounts on all CMU campuses.

Rosenbaum said Golden Scholars are often his favorite students because they approach history differently and can see how the dots connect.

“They’re engaged with the material, they have a valuable personal perspective and they’re just so excited to be in a classroom again. Plus,” he added, “they laugh at my jokes.”

You’re never too old to stop learning, and thanks to CMU Montrose, you don’t have to. ■

5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Editorial Assistant................ Stephanie Summar Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier Graphic Design............................. Valerie Sears Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Office/Sales Assistant................. Stacey Splude Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative............... Trina Molacek Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative............... Heidi Gofforth Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

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

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2017 • All Rights Reserved

Enjoy an upcoming lecture:

“The Forced Removal of the Ute Indians from Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming” Historian and author Peter R. Decker, PhD, presents this lecture based on his book, “The Utes Must Go! American Expansion and the Removal of a People.”

Thursday, May 4 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Montrose Library, Community Room Free and open to the public To learn more about the Golden Scholars program or request a community education course, contact CMU Montrose at 249-7009 or visit www.coloradomesa.edu/montrose.

Peter R. Decker, PhD

Cover Photo: Rheann Roman is a non-traditional, degree-seeking student in the process of finishing up her second semester at CMU’s Montrose campus.

6

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

Tomboy: Ghost town today, boom town yesteryear

By Melanie Wiseman

O

ne late June morning, before the town of Telluride began rubbing the sleep from its eyes, I began a solo quest, trekking the challenging five miles toward the base of Imogene Pass to the once booming town of Tomboy. I had visited this precious piece of local Colorado history by vehicle in the past and was eager to reach it on foot.

Standing anywhere in Telluride’s box canyon, elevation 8,750 feet, you can see the high San Juan mountain bowl that cradles the remains of the historic ghost town at an elevation of 11,509 feet. Tomboy is the second-highest ghost town in Colorado, and one of the highest in the United States.

Whether you are a history buff, photographer, hiker, ATV or fourwheel driver, curious adventurer or simply appreciate amazing scenic views, Tomboy is a must-visit venture certain not to disappoint.

Tomboy Road takes off from the center of town and hugs the side of the valley like a shelf, following the

contours of the rocky mountain walls.

Enjoy many breathtaking waterfalls, raspberry bushes (help yourself) and wildlife including pika, marmots and birds that are all present along the way. I was rewarded with the view of a large herd of elk grazing in a mountain meadow high above Tomboy—quite a thrilling sight.

The hike was just me, my boots and nature, except for two friendly four-wheel drive vehicles full of adventure enthusiasts whom I enjoyed visiting with. They cheered for me once I met up with them at the Tomboy site.

Guided Jeep tours are available out of Telluride if you’d like to leave the driving to experts and learn about the town’s history and points of interest along the way. It also gives you the opportunity to take in the incredible scenery that leads up to Tomboy,

as switchbacks, cliffs and occasional falling rocks require the driver’s full attention.

High country snowfall can limit access. July and August offer stunning blue skies and wild flowers, and September is spectacular as the aspens turn golden. Remember, afternoon showers are typical during the summer so it’s best to get an early start.

After enjoying Tomboy, spend some time at the Telluride Museum Town Park, ride the free gondola to the Mountain Village or browse unique shops along Colorado Avenue.

A link to the past Tomboy is located in a mountainous region known as the Savage Basin, and the settlement’s original name was Savage Basin Camp. Eventually, the town changed its name to reflect nearby Tomboy Mine, which began producing gold ore in 1894.

The mine sold for $2 million to the Rothschilds of London in 1897. With the depletion of ore, the mine and town went bust in 1928.

Tomboy is one of the more impressive ghost town sites, and not only because of the dramatic drive or

MAY 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Whether you are a history buff, photographer, hiker, ATV driver, curious adventurer or simply appreciate amazing scenic views, Tomboy is a must-visit venture certain not to disappoint. hike. It boasted modern facilities for the 900-some year-round residents that you wouldn’t expect in a late 1800s-era mining camp.

In the days of the Wild West, Tomboy had a school, store, stable, tennis courts, a bowling alley, YMCA, restaurants, bars and a post office.

Tomboy also had a “social tunnel” midway along the Tomboy Road, where miners would meet women from nearby Telluride. A stagecoach carrying passengers and mail would pass daily through Tomboy during the seasonal months.

Brutal and unforgiving winter months have left these ruins true ghosts, a shadow of the past in this remote location. If you do visit, please do not help in the further destruction of these sites by carrying away any pieces of their history.

Ghost towns you can drive to If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can still enjoy Colorado’s rich mining history. Many mining ghost towns are accessible by car.

• Camp Bird Mine was established in 1896 near Ouray and was one of the richest and most famous mines in the world.

• Red Mountain Town, located off

Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton is the site of the National Bell Mine. During its booming years, as many as 10,000 people lived in Red Mountain Town.

• Ironton is located along the Million Dollar Highway at the north end of the Red Mountain Mining District.

The mines made their money with silver and lead until gold was discovered in the late 1800s. The mines closed because of sulphuric acid in the water, which ate up the mining machinery.

• Alta is located south of Telluride off Highway 62 and is known for the Gold King Mine, which produced gold, copper, silver and lead into the 1890s, then operated intermittently into the 1940s. The town’s three mills have burned down, but the town still has cabins, a boarding house and outhouse building still standing. Three scenic lakes sit a short distance up the road from the site.

• Animas Forks was established near Silverton in 1875 and lured more than 1,000 residents to town. Avalanches frequently destroyed buildings and isolated residents, but a number of buildings still stand. ■

7

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8

TALKING DIGITAL

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MAY 2017

Spring cleaning for your digital spaces Talking Digital, By Adam Cochran

W

hile spring cleaning our living spaces is a natural instinct at this time of year, the same is not true of our digital spaces. How many unread emails do you have? Are your digital photos disorganized? Do you have a lot of unused programs installed? Of course you do.

If the clutter from our digital lives were to suddenly manifest itself in the material world, most of us would be easy candidates for one of those reality shows about compulsive hoarding.

I’d like to help you with the first step of cleaning up your computer: backing up your life.

Why back up?

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It would be fantastic in the real world if we could make a duplicate copy of everything we ever touched or used.

While this seems like an obvious practice for life security, very few people backup their computer correctly. Then they refuse to organize or remove anything because they are afraid they might need it later, which leads to clutter.

Back up your files • A backup is the second place you have files stored. This means saving a single copy of a file on a flash drive is not a backup. Which two places do you have all of your photos stored? If you can only think of one place, your photos aren’t backed up.

• You can make as many backups of your files as you’d like, but at least one of them should be off-site. If your house burns down, would you lose all of your files? If so, then you should have an off-site backup. Save everything to a removable hard drive or flash drive, or sign up for a cloud service like iDrive or Carbonite that saves files on the internet.

• Back up often. You don’t need to back up every day and you don’t need to back up every file on your computer. You only need to back up the files in your user folder (C:Users/ (your user name) on a PC or Hard Drive/Users/(your user name) on a Mac.) • Don’t back up anything that is stored in the cloud. If you use Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail/Outlook online email, there is no need to back up your email or contacts. If you use Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud, you don’t need to back up anything in those locations because they are already backed up in the cloud.

Backing up your files can be time consuming, but it enables you to delete old files, organize photos or take on other digital spring cleaning projects with confidence because you know you won’t throw away anything important in the process. ■

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

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MAY 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

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9

ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I’m having trouble coping with my granddaughter and her female partner getting married. I finally coped with the fact that she was gay, and that took me awhile. The good advice from you helped! Now this. She plans to have a regular wedding and reception. I don’t want to go, but I don’t want to tell her mother (my daughter).

Am I a coward or just old-fashioned?

Do I have to go? Maybe I’ve lived too long! Signed, Coward Dear Coward: I understand how difficult it is to accept some of these new behaviors. Look at your options.

Do you want to risk losing the love and respect of your daughter and granddaughter? How badly do you want to hang on to your cowardice?

My readers may be tired of this, but again: Accept the things you cannot change. Change the things you can.

Have the wisdom to know the difference between the two. OB Dear Old Bag: I got caught in a scam that I want to share with you so your readers don’t make the same mistake. I am 64 years old and retired, but was looking for a babysitting job to supplement my income. I signed up online with a reputable service, but I made one big mistake. Being the trusting person that I am, I put my phone number on my profile, so those looking for sitters could call me directly. I got a text message from a woman who was moving to my area and needed a sitter weekends only for her handicapped son. She had a very sad story about how her husband and two other children were killed in an auto accident the year before. We chatted for about three weeks, until we were about 10 days from her moving here. She sent pictures of herself and the boy. The week before she was to

move, she asked if I would receive an electric wheelchair for her, if she sent a check for it. She overnighted a check for $2,700. I took it to my bank and deposited it. When I got home I got to thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have deposited that check. What if it was a scam? I went to the Internet and found a scam identical to this. I quickly called my bank, and they said I would have to wait three days until it cleared. I then called the fraud division and told them what had happened. She said she would do what checking she could, and if she found that it was bad, she would not charge me for a returned check. I was very lucky. The bank also said that even though a check clears, it may take up to 10 days to show that it is a bad check. Tell all the trusting seniors. Signed, Scammed

Dear Scammed: You are lucky! I’m glad you had the presence of mind to have second thoughts about the validity of the transaction. I applaud your bank as well. Good advice for anyone transacting business, dating or romance online. Beware of scammers. They are coming out of the woodwork and they are especially fond of trusting seniors.

Dear Old Bag: What is the proper etiquette for a guy who joined a dating site and is having coffee/lunches with several different women, but then he decides on a favorite one? Should he tell the rest that he is no longer available? I don’t want to lead them on. Signed, RJ Dear RJ: You say you don’t want to lead the others on? Then don’t. Very nicely tell them that the dating site worked for you, and you have found a special person. Wish them happy hunting! OB ■

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10

LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS New technology

the large plaque.

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Finally, barely audible and in a voice that trembled with fear, little Alex asked, “Which service—the 9 o’clock or the 11 o’clock?”

I hear that someone is making a new horror movie. It’s about cell phones taking over the world and controlling every aspect of life. They are going to call it “Planet of the Apps.”

Sweden

Submitted by Joshua Barry

“I’m not going,” he replied.

In memoriam

“What are your golf clubs doing here?” she asked.

One Sunday morning, a priest noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of their church, staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and had small American flags mounted on both sides of it. The 7-year-old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the priest walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning, Alex.”

“This isn’t going to take all day, is it?” he said.

“Good morning, Father,” Alex replied, still focused on the plaque. “Father, what is this?”

After a long silence, the husband said, “She’s not for sale.”

The priest said, “Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”

Soberly, they stood together, staring at

Williams

The wedding ceremony

I’ve read that, by law, you have to turn your lights on when it’s raining in Sweden. How the hell am I supposed to know when it’s raining in Sweden?

Submitted by Susan Capps

Submitted by Deborah

One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church.

A beautiful bride walked down the aisle, smiling at her friends and family.

When she reached the altar, she smiled at her groom, then noticed he was standing with his golf bag and clubs at his side.

Submitted by Betty Ruth

Sunday morning

“Why not?” she asked.

“I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, they don’t like me. Two, I don’t like them.”

His mother replied, “Well, I’ll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. One, you’re 59 years old.

Two, you’re the pastor!”

The towel Submitted by Geraldine Morrison

Camels Submitted by Milton Cobb

Two U.S. tourists, a man and his wife, were traveling in the Middle East. An Arab approached the husband, saying, “I’ll give you 100 camels for your woman.”

The indignant wife said, “What took you so long to answer?”

Her husband replied, “I was trying to figure out how to get 100 camels back home.”

A woman was just finishing up a shower when the doorbell rang. Her husband was out in the yard, so she quickly wrapped herself in a towel and ran downstairs. When she opened the door, there stood Bob, their next-door neighbor.

Before she said a word, Bob said, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.”

After thinking for a moment, the woman dropped her towel and stood naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, he handed her $800 dollars and left. She wrapped herself back up in the towel and turned to find her husband coming in from the backyard.

“Who was that?” he asked.

“It was Bob from next door,” she replied.

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“Great!” her husband said. “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

MAY 2017

The fire truck Submitted by Kelly Carter

One night outside a small town, a fire started inside the local chemical plant. In the blink of an eye, it exploded into massive flames. An alarm went out to all the fire departments for miles around.

When the volunteer firefighters appeared on the scene, the chemical company president rushed to the fire chief and said, “All our secret formulas are in the vault in the center of the plant. They must be saved! I will give $50,000 to the fire department that brings them out intact.”

But the roaring flames held the firefighters off. Soon, more fire departments had to be called in as the situation became desperate. As the firemen arrived, the president shouted out that the offer was now $100,000 to the fire department that could bring out the company’s secret files.

In the distance, a lone siren was heard as a dilapidated old fire truck came into sight. It was the volunteer fire company of a nearby township, composed mainly of people over the age of 65. To everyone’s amazement, that little rundown fire engine roared right past all the newer, sleek engines. Without even slowing down, it drove straight into the middle of the inferno.

Outside, the other firemen watched as the old timers jumped off right in the middle of the fire and fought it back on all sides. Within a short time, they had extinguished the fire and saved the secret formulas.

The grateful chemical company president announced that for such a superhuman feat he was upping the reward to $200,000. He began to personally thank each of the brave firefighters.

“What are you going to do with all that money?” he asked the fire chief.

“Well,” said the old firefighter, “The first thing we’re going to do is fix the brakes on that damn truck!” ■

MAY 2017

FAITH MOVES 11

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Motherhood was worth it

By Lynn Gendusa

T

oday is Mother’s Day. I am at my computer writing to you in the quiet hours of a May Sunday morning. I am happy about that.

I am thankful for the hours to put my heart on paper rather than crying my heart out for a mom who is no longer here and for children who are far away. I am the happiest mom on the planet. I am grateful that God decided to give three children to this undeserving girl.

When I was in high school I dreamed of a white house with the proverbial picket fence to hold my family of six children and a great husband. I would sew their clothes, prepare their meals and have hot cookies for them when they came home from school. I never saw myself as a career woman, or a woman who would celebrate some holidays without a gaggle of kids around.

That was just not me.

Then life happened. I did marry a great guy, had trouble having those six children and lived in an apartment for years.

More years passed and life happened again. I was divorced and alone, with three children and work.

Motherhood was not only a blessing but a hardship. I look back on those days and wonder how in the world I did it all. I would wake at 5:30, cook breakfast, get the children ready for school, then go off to work until dark. Back home, I would cook dinner, clean the house, wash the clothes and read a bedtime story or three.

I struggled financially, had horrible child care, broke down a couple of times from sheer exhaustion, battled depression and prayed a lot. In other words, I was one of thousands

of women out there going through the same thing. We tried to do it all. It was virtually impossible to do it alone. My extended family lived in other states. My three little ones were my only constant lifeline to life.

Would I do it all again? You bet!

Was it hard? Yep! I was so busy providing I know I didn’t do it all correctly. I was by no means the best mother. I was selfish at times, I cried too much at times, and I know I yelled too many times. I disciplined too harshly or too leniently. I struggled the whole way, but there is one thing I did perfectly—I loved those children with every fiber of my being and they knew it.

My children gave me the bold courage to try anything. They gave me energy when I thought I was depleted.

They gave me laughter when my cheeks were drenched in tears. They gave me hope when all I had left was a prayer. They gave me friendship and companionship when I felt alone.

They gave me honor as a human being.

Even though I will not see my children this Mother’s Day, I look above my desk and am surrounded with photos of those that, along with God’s grace, gave me my finest hours. There is Corey in his baseball uniform at age 5, beaming with pride. Heather with her big blue eyes, staring down at me with a slight, sad smile at age 2. Amy, with her curly hair at age 1, being held in my arms and laughing because I am tickling her leg. There in the corner is my mother at age 86, holding her great-granddaughter. The loves of my life in snapshot moments of living. ■

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MAY 2017

Is the North Fork going south?

By Bob Cox

B

ment of Labor and Employment gave Paonia-based Solar Energy International (SEI) a $400,000 matching grant to start a program to retrain “workers furloughed from other energy sector jobs.”

SEI used the money to start Solar Ready Colorado. News reports at the time said that the Solar Ready Colorado program was designed to train unemployed miners, veterans and workers in the oil and gas industry. Koontz said he was unaware of any Photo by Bob Cox local miners participating in the program.

The 140-foot tall coal silo that once marked the Town of Somerset is now nothing more than a memory.

Chris Turek, who heads up Last year, a demolition crew strategically placed 700 sticks of dynamite in and around the bin, bringing the marketing department for an end to Oxbow mining operations and highlighting the plight of coal mines in the area.

SEI, said the money cannot be spent on actual training, and was therefore used to make those coal production. Kathy Welt worked of income, none of which have resultlooking to get into solar-related work at the West Elk Mine, went to Oxbow ed in full-time employment. Neveraware of the training that SEI offers. and then returned to West Elk when theless, he, too, said he will not leave “The project [Solar Ready ColoraOxbow ceased operation. She said his home in Crawford. do] was launched late last summer she was lucky to get the West Elk job.

Johnson grew up in Paonia and or early fall. We targetLike so many others, did a short stint in the mines before ed people wanting in, Welt said that being “He works weeks over 50 and wanting to going off to school. He returned and veterans and so on. Since worked several jobs before going we launched, 137 people stay in the area presat a time, then back to the mine. enrolled,” ents unique problems.

“I actually went to the mine kickcomes home for She, like Koontz, said Turek said that though ing and screaming,” he said. “But I the company reached out that many do not leave; a few days.” had family to think about.” to local mines, only a few they simply take availJohnson worked at West Elk for 10 were former miners. He able jobs elsewhere years and was laid off last June. He also said that the last election cycle and travel back and forth. One percreated some significant roadblocks. said he has plans, but will never be son she named went to Utah.

“The unemployment here is a huge counted as one of the unemployed.

“He works weeks at a time, then concern of ours,” Turek said. “But One older coal miner, who asked comes home for a few days,” she said. the money we received only prothat his name not be used, summed it Chris Johnson also found himself vides dollars for information. There over 50 and unemployed. In his case, up well when asked if he thought the are workforce centers on the Front North Fork was doomed. it was not the closing of a mine but Range that received actual training “Hell, no,” he said. “We are tough the reduction of employees at the money.” people, and we are not just dumb West Elk mine that finally sent him Even Arch Coal, the owner of the miners like some folks think. What to the unemployment line—a place surviving West Elk Mine, has seen we need more than anything is just where he did not stay for long. the impacts of a steady decline in to be left alone. It seems like every “I just did not want to put up with day there is some newsperson here that mess,” he said. “I decided to do “We love where we live and the people, wanting to see us crying in our milk. something else.” we now have to travel outside the county to work.”

He began exploring other sources I ain’t crying for anybody.” ■

y some estimates, coal production has dropped by more than 50 percent in the last decade. Hundreds of jobs have been lost, and the trickle-down effect is causing businesses, both large and small, to reevaluate, reduce and sometimes close up shop entirely.

On the forefront of the problem is Delta County, and in particular the North Fork Valley, where a few years ago trains consisting of 100 cars each carried coal out of three mines several times a day. They’ve been reduced to about two per week.

Bowie Resources stopped coal production and Oxbow’s Elk Creek Mine is closed, probably permanently.

More than 1,000 miners were laid off or forced to go elsewhere to work, likely in mines that are also destined to close or reduce their workforces in the near future. Many of those laid off workers are reaching an age where changing careers is not easy.

While studies published by some groups, including the American Association of Retired People (AARP), say that the over-50 unemployed are finding jobs easier than in the past, many in the North Fork say there’s a different dynamic there.

Wendell Koontz, mayor of Hotchkiss and a 15-year veteran of Arch Coal, explained that dynamic.

“We love where we live and the people, but we now have to travel outside the county to work,” he said.

Koontz and others said that those who have worked for a decade or more in the coal mines, and have known no other life, find themselves over 50 years old and looking to do something else. If they do find employment, it often results in them being under-employed.

Last August, the Colorado Depart-

but

MAY 2017

13

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I F I N D BY WA N T I N G L E S S I H AV E M O R E Sally Crum loves her little log cabin that she helped construct. There’s something to be said for splitting your own wood and hauling your own water. For Sally, it’s given her the independence she wants, while still being able to ask for help when she needs it. Rocky Mountain Health Plans Medicare helps people like Sally keep living the life they’ve built for themselves.

Find a Medicare plan that fits your Colorado lifestyle at www.rmhpMedicare.org or call 888-251-1330 (TTY: 711)

RMHP is a Medicare-approved Cost plan. Enrollment in RMHP depends on contract renewal. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call Customer Service at 888-282-1420 (TTY dial 711). Hours are 8am - 8pm, 7 days/week, Oct.1–Feb.14, and 8am - 8pm, M-F, Feb.15–Sept.30. Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Por favor llame a la línea de Atención a Clientes, al 888-282-1420 (TTY marque 711). Horario de 8am - 8pm, 7 días a la semana, del 1 de octubre al 14 de febrero; y de 8am - 8pm, de lunes a viernes, del 15 de febrero al 30 de septiembre. RMHP complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-282-1420(TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn.

Gọi số 1-888-282-1420 (TTY: 711). H0602_MS_MC244A_10032016 Accepted

14

HOME & GARDEN

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Three Sisters: Companion planting and diversity in the garden

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

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MAY 2017

This isn’t a spectrum ranging from evil to godly; few things are so black and white. This is a spectrum of opportunity and inspiration. As home gardeners, we can draw insight from both extremes to create backyard systems we truly love.

For Big Agriculture, on one end of the extreme, food is a commodity and financial efficiency rules. In Nature, on the other end, nature rules—and she’s in no hurry. All plants, animals, organic matter, microbes and fungi coexist. No hierarchy, just life evolving.

Chances are, if you treat your backyard like an industrial agriculture operation, you probably won’t want to spend much time in it. Likewise, throw up your hands and let your home garden go wild, and you miss out on the joy and bounty that food-garden ecosystems produce.

Luckily, most of us (small farmers included) experience life somewhere in between these two extremes.

A diverse garden ecosystem

By Paige Slaughter

From beetles and worms to bacteria and fungi, organisms interact with one another in soil. As they break down organic matter, their web of activity enhances the soil, filling it with pockets and pores that store water for plants.

Healthy soil also captures carbon and recycles nutrients that feed plants, animals and humans. Diversity in the soil makes for a stronger, more dynamic soil food web that thrives from season to season.

Above ground, similar concepts hold true. A variety of annuals and perennials, fruits, roots and greens creates a diverse habitat for a range of insects and critters. While it’s tempting to defend our gardens against all the bugs that nibble on the food we’re growing, they, too, contribute to a diverse garden ecosystem. Aphids attract ladybugs.

Borage attracts bees. One toad eats thousands of grasshoppers, caterpillars and other bugs throughout the growing season. Invite beneficial critters into your garden with small ponds, safe spaces and blooms throughout the season—the possibilities are plenty.

Permaculturist Geoff Lawton explained that interplanting your crops, mixing colors, shapes and aromas, confuses pests who want to snack. This slows them down, making them more prone to becoming lunch for a bird, toad or praying mantis.

There are as many approaches to gardening as there are gardeners. The way you understand and value diversity is going to be entirely unique. How exciting!

Finding ways to align biodiversity with your values is fun and beneficial for both you and all living things in your garden.

That said, knowledge is power. Here are a few biodiversity insights to mull over.

One of the most commonly known companion plantings has been practiced for thousands of years. The Three

Like sisters

MAY 2017

HOME & GARDEN 15

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Sisters are maize, beans and squash.

With origins in Mesoamerica, these crops have coevolved, and planting them together continues to be both a symbol of our connection to plants and a convenient and effective way to grow corn, squash and beans.

Sweet corn, dent, flint or flour corn is the “big sister,” providing support for climbing pole beans. Beans are “nitrogen-fixers,” pulling nitrogen from the air into the soil, benefiting all three plants. Squash’s’ large leaves are a living mulch that keep the soil cool and moist and suppress weeds. Add more sisters like sunflowers, nasturtiums and bergamot to attract beneficial

MAY GARDEN

insects and deter squash bugs.

Companion gardening inherently increases diversity and brings more intention into the garden. Pairing certain vegetables, fruits and herbs together helps deter pests and protect plants. You can also extend your growing season and use your space more efficiently by planting and harvesting fast-growing plants while others take their time to grow.

Enjoy this month of warm spring weather as your garden bursts into life. I’d love to hear how increased diversity and companion planting play out in your garden ecosystem. ■

CHECKLIST

❒ There are many ways to plant your Three Sisters. The general idea is to prepare a mound or flat area of soil. Sow corn kernels in the center of the mound. Plant pumpkin, winter or summer squash seeds around the perimeter of your mound, and add in aromatic flowers. After the corn is a few inches tall, plant a bean seed next to each corn plant.

❒ Plant peppers and tomatoes. Pull off some of the lower leaves to bury some of the stem to protect tall plant starts in the wind.

❒ Plant another succession of radishes, lettuce and dark greens. ❒ Plant flowers and herbs throughout the garden to attract beneficials.

Dill, basil, oregano, sage and marigolds deter many unwanted bugs with their pleasant aromas. Carrots, dill, parsley and parsnip attract praying mantises, ladybugs and spiders that will love to eat the pesky insects in your garden beds.

❒ Prune perennials to encourage growth. ❒ Suppress weeds with mulch. ❒ Continue watering garlic through June while garlic is bulbing. Trim garlic scapes coming up from the center of the plant to enjoy as pesto or in stir fry. Doing so will also help increase bulb size.

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FUN & GAMES

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FUN & GAMES

16

Remember when

For the puzzle answers see page 19

ACROSS 1 Group of like-minded voters 5 Ulan ___, Mongolia 10 A comet, to the -superstitious 14 Succotash bean 15 Where the action is 16 Tabula ___ (blank slate) 17 Translucent Apple 18 Hyper 19 Catch sight of 20 1972 movie 23 Field pass?

24 Born, on the society page 25 Car ad letters 28 Carriage return key, nowadays 32 Try again, as a court case 34 Incomparable ending 37 Musk-secreting mammal 39 Bart’s schoolteacher Krabappel 40 1993 movie 44 Overhead projection?

45 Punch -spiker 46 Computer keyboard key 47 One-named folk singer 50 “___ to the people!”

52 9 of 9/30

MAY 2017

it took more than a few seconds to heat up a cold cup of coffee.

53 Eyeball 55 Some antiques 59 1986 movie 64 Lens type 66 Louisiana feature 67 Speck in the ocean 68 Tolstoy’s Karenina 69 Ridiculous 70 “Pygmalion” author 71 Theater or party add-on 72 Like a -certain attraction 73 Billboard listings DOWN 1 Spots on a radar screen 2 Word at the express checkout aisle 3 Man from Muscat 4 Laugh like the Wicked Witch 5 Cry like a baby 6 Song in ‘’Summer-time’’ 7 Prison -sentence 8 “There’s ___ every crowd!”

9 Original “Saturday Night Live” star 10 Three-part cookie 11 Newspapers, radio, tv, etc.

12 Debatable power, for short 13 House call?

21 Process stolen goods 22 “___ whiz!”

26 Group of experts 27 Join plants 29 Up to, -informally 30 Really, really bad 31 Newscaster’s summary 33 “Love ___ Madly” 34 Ideology 35 What umbrellas provide 36 Bell’s ringer?

38 Crunchy sandwich 41 Start for shot or belly 42 Like Roosevelt’s Deal 43 Mark indicating a short vowel 48 Pull along 49 Lawrence’s peninsula 51 Salad -ingredient 54 X, for one 56 Japanese menu item 57 Brilliant achievement 58 Distorts, as data 60 First name in bridge 61 Pair 62 Concern of a musician or bodybuilder 63 Colored 64 Half of a stitch 65 Lennon’s widow

Crossword Puzzle

Turn to page 19 for your puzzle answers

MAY 2017

17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Memorial Day was different

By Matthew R. Boyle

I

grew up in a Midwestern town that captured the true essence of every holiday in a calendar year. To a kid back then, Memorial Day marked the start of summer and meant a threeday weekend, which I often spent at the neighborhood swimming pool.

But as I’ve grown older, the purpose of the holiday has given my life new meaning. Twenty-five years ago, I witnessed the wreath being laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day. It undoubtedly had a hand in shaping the rest of my professional life. From then on, I wanted to be a funeral director. I believe that every life deserves to be celebrated

and I wanted to help the deceased’s families honor them.

Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May, and is recognized as a day to pay respect to lives lost—not just any lives, but those of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom.

On the Western Slope, we use this time of year to welcome the summer season with picnics and parades.

For cemetery owners and staff, the Sunday before Memorial Day is a busy one. Our day begins by raising Old Glory to the top of the flagpole, then slowly lowering it to half-staff.

The flag is raised back to full height at noon.

How’s your mood bone?

By Jack Bradley, Good News Chiropractic

H

ow does your mood bone feel?

You’re probably wondering, “What are you talking about, Dr. Bradley. My mood bone?”

I call your tailbone (the coccyx) the mood bone. If your tailbone is out of place, and you’re sitting for a long period of time, you’re most likely not in a very good mood… thus the “mood bone.” However, once it is in place, your mood can improve dramatically.

If your tailbone is out, there can be symptoms that go across the mid to lower part of your buttock.

Patients often discover this bone from slipping and falling on it. Your tailbone is not the only one in your pelvic area that can be out of place and create dysfunction for an otherwise happy body.

The pubic bones When we look at x-rays of the pelvic area, we may see a broken tailbone or a lot of torsion in the pelvis.

This causes dysfunction of several parts of the pelvis, including the pubic bones. The pubic bones are made up of a right and left bone, as well as

the cartilage in between. When your pubic bones are out, they can cause discomfort or even severe pain in the groin and upper thigh.

Either side of the pubic bone can get out of place in up to nine directions. That’s a total of 18 directions that may need to be checked to see what is causing groin pain.

Pain in the groin Don’t ignore groin pain because it can become serious. Besides misaligned pubic bones, groin pain can be traced to several causes. A common cause is irritation to the nerves exiting the spine in the lumbar spine region and going into the groin area.

Bone misalignment from the head of the femur can also cause symptoms in the groin. The psoas muscle can be too tight (it is the only muscle that attaches to the lumbar spine discs and also attaches to the bones in the groin area). This tightness can cause complications like disc problems and irritated nerves going into the groin area. There may also be other structural and soft tissue issues that need to be addressed. ■

Some cemeteries will have a religious service on Sunday morning, followed by patrons picnicking and roaming the grounds, observing markers of those laid to rest.

Every day there’s an obligation to respect our freedoms. No matter what Memorial Day means to you, Americans have the responsibility of paying respect to fallen heroes.

This year, let’s close our eyes and say “thank you” to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. ■

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18

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

Montrose/Delta Calendar MAY 6 Authors Affair The Montrose Historical Society is sponsoring an Author’s Affair from 1-4 p.m. at the Centennial Room in Centennial Plaza. The public is invited to meet local and regional authors and view their works. If you have written a book you would like to sell, join this special event.

To participate or for more information, contact Sally at 249-2085.

MAY 6-7 Taste Colorado’s finest wines More than 30 wineries will participate in Wine Around Colorado, a statewide wine tasting event in its second year.

Register and a wristband and event map will be mailed to you prior to the event. You are welcome to visit any and all participating wineries over the weekend. Wineries will be offering discounts on their products, small bites and more.

Please note that transportation is not

provided for this event. To register, visit www.coloradowineexperience.com/ tasting

MAY 9 ADRC Resource Training Join Region 10 from 1-4 p.m. at Grand Mesa Oncology Delta for the first of a four-part training series open to professional case managers, non-professional caregivers and individuals who work and care for persons with disabilities or older adults in the region. The training will cover Area Agency on Aging programs, how to access available benefits and services, housing weatherization and long-term care facilities. Email arowan@region10.net to reserve a seat.

MAY 11 Book sale The Friends of the Delta Library host a book sale in or outside the Delta Library on the second Thursday of every other month. Donations of gently

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com used, good quality books help earn money for the Delta Library. Please do not bring dirty or damaged books, textbooks, VHS tapes, encyclopedias or Time Life series.

MAY 12-14 Stock dog trials Witness one of the most dynamic partnerships in the animal kingdom: a dog, its handler and their sheep. With just a few well-timed whistles from its trusted handler, the dog strategically approaches the flock, assumes control of the sheep and completes the assigned task.

There will be a judged demonstration during the lunch breaks on Saturday and Sunday. This event begins at 8 a.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s spectator fee is $4; Saturday’s and Sunday’s is $5. The trials take place at the corner of East Hotchkiss Avenue and Second Street.

MAY 13 Service Saturday in Paonia Looking for a way to make a differ-

MAY 2017

ence? The nonprofit organization A Little Help seeks volunteers who are passionate about helping seniors for its next Service Saturday, which will be held from 8 a.m. to noon May 13. Volunteers help seniors with home maintenance, cleaning, organizing, raking and other household tasks. The day begins with a quick meet and greet at 8 a.m. with coffee and pastries. Call 720-2429032 or email volunteer@alittlehelp. org.

MAY 16 “The Starry Way” Nick Myers of the National Park Service will present “The Starry Way—International Dark Sky Parks from Black Canyon to Death Valley and Big Bend to Big Cypress” at the May meeting of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society.

The program begins at 7 p.m. in the Delta Partners Meeting Room, 511 E. 10th St. Attendance is free. Journey through the history of night sky protection throughout America’s public

MAY 2017

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

lands to understand the significance of International Dark Sky Park designations. Learn more at www.BlackCanyonAstronomy.com or call 856-7716.

MAY 18 Beat Night From 6-9 p.m., Loui’s Loft in Paonia hosts Beat Night on the third Thursday of every month. Bring your original music, poetry or short stories. Call Jeanine for more info at 683-8242.

MAY 26-27 Shrine Circus “The Shrine Circus” will thrill fans of all ages. See death-defying aerial acts and animal attractions including tigers and elephants. Kids will have the opportunity to ride and pet the animals. The circus comes to Delta’s Round Up Club Arena on Friday, May 26. The show begins at 7 p.m. There are performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on May 27 at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. ■

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 16

FUN AFTER 50

Activities offered by the Montrose Recreation District To register for these programs, call the Montrose Recreation District at 249-7705 or visit www.montroserec.com.

MAY 15 Retiree group kick-off meeting Are you new to retirement? Do you consider yourself an active senior?

Join this free group to share ideas and network with others facing the same dilemma. Meet new friends and learn about support services in the area. Register for the initial meeting by calling 249-7705. Space is limited, so register early! Light refreshments will be served. The group will continue to meet from 6:15-8 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the Montrose Pavilion Senior Center. For details, call Cindy at 252-4884.

TRIPS & TOURS Trips depart from the Montrose Senior Center. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the activity’s start time noted below.

MAY 9 Horseback Riding: Colorado Canyons Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the Senior Center to begin a trip through the front country of the McInnis National Conservation Area, located at the base of the Colorado National Monument, and onto the rim of Devil’s Canyon.

There are some tricky inclines and declines along this trail, but it’s still appropriate for novice riders. There is a weight limit of 250 pounds. The cost is $79. Bring a sack lunch. The group will return to the senior center at approximately 2:30 p.m.

MAY 16 Botanical gardens tour, shopping and lunch Enjoy a guided tour of Grand Junction’s Western Colorado Botanical Gardens and Butterfly House, home to an herb garden, cactus garden,

rose garden and orchid display maintained by local gardening organizations. Native butterflies are in the Butterfly House. Following the tour, we will have lunch in downtown Grand Junction and shop along Main Street. Meet at the Senior Center at 8:15 a.m. We will return at around 4 p.m. The cost is $24; bring money for lunch.

MAY 23 Spring Hike: Crystal Creek Overlook Located at the north rim of the Black Canyon, this five-mile round-trip trail drifts down, then works back up before a final descent to the impressive overlook. It’s an easy to moderate hike. Meet at the Senior Center at 8 a.m.; we will return around 4 p.m.

The cost is $18. Bring a sack lunch.

MAY 25 Off-Grid, Earth sheltered home tour Visit an Earth Sheltered off-grid residence near Montrose with 360-degree panoramic views. We will tour a custom designed, southwest-style home featuring recycled cabinetry, handmade doors and unique landscaping using onsite materials. Learn about modern energy conserving techniques in a home that uses 10 percent of the energy of a typical home. Meet at the Senior Center at 9:45 a.m. We will return around 1 p.m. The cost of this trip is $15.

Bring

GAMES MAY 15 Monday Night Out Enjoy a potluck, line dancing and games from 4-7 p.m. Bring a dish to share and $2 for paper goods and prizes. For details, call 252-4884.

THURSDAYS Montrose Cribbage Club Keep your mind sharp by playing Cribbage. Attendance is free and all ages are welcome. New player? We’ll teach you. Expert? We have players who will give you a challenge. Meet at the Senior Center from 1-3 p.m.

Call 252-7243 for details.

MUSIC & DANCE MONDAYS Line dancing Line dance from 4-6 p.m. on the first, second and fourth Mondays of the month and 5-7 p.m. on the third Monday at the Montrose Senior Center. A $2 donation is requested.

MONDAYS Jam session/sing along Join us from 4-6 p.m. if you play an instrument and/or sing! Each person gets a turn to choose and lead a song and others play along.

WRITING MONTROSE WRITER’S GROUP This group meets monthly from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Senior Center dining room. Published and non-published writers are welcome. Call Kate Burke at 729-1188 for more information.

20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

Montrose/Delta Beacon Bits Recognizing elder abuse Region 10 Community Living Services and its community partners are campaigning to bring awareness to the problem of elder abuse and exploitation. Financial exploitation targeting older adults is a major problem in the United States. As many as 5 million older adults fall victim to financial abuse each year at an estimated cost of $3 billion annually. Knowledge is power, and Region 10 has assembled attorneys, adult protective services personnel, long-term care ombudsman and local law enforcement available to provide community presentations on these topics to educate the public. For more information, visit www.facebook. com/ElderAbuseWesternSlope or call 765-3125.

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Montrose Memorial rated among Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in nation Montrose Memorial Hospital was recently named one of the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the country by the National Rural Health Association. It is the only Colorado hospital ranked in the Top 20. The Top 20 Rural Community Hospital winners have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight categories: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, costs, charges and financial stability. This group was selected from iVantage’s Top 100 Rural Community Hospital list, released earlier this year.

Each of the Top 20 hospitals will be recognized in an awards ceremony in May. Photography show and sale Black Canyon Camera Club is hosting the Chasing Light Photography Show and Sale at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta, May 25-27, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. To participate in the show, photographers’ borderless prints must be mounted on foam core, metal or canvas formats. All experience levels are welcome. Cash prizes and awards will be given in all categories. The deadline for entries is May 15. Up to four photos may be entered. Entries are

restricted to a maximum 32” longest edge and 80” perimeter. Prospectus and entry form are available at www. blackcanyoncamera.club. Contact Nolan Thornberry at 925-984-5756 or nthornberry@sbcglobal.net with questions.

Square dancing with the Delta Hubwheelers The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts dances from 7-9 p.m. on May 6 and 20 at Lincoln Elementary School. The May 6 dance is Cinco de Mayo-themed, and kicks off with a pre-dance potluck beginning at 6 p.m.

Bring a dish for all to enjoy. The night’s guest caller is Ervin Wyatt of Montrose. On May 20, wear red, white and blue for the Armed Forces Day Dance, with club caller Naaman Moorehouse.

Dances are Mainstream with Plus tips.

Round dances are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share at intermission.

For more information, call 856-4187 or 773-4495.

Casey Linscott-Brethouwer, right Volunteers of America honors Volunteer of the Year Volunteers of America has presented Casey Linscott-Brethouwer, a volunteer at Valley Manor Care Center, with this year’s Heart for Service, Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is given to one volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to uplifting the lives of vulnerable older adults.

Linscott-Brethouwer volunteers at the center four times a week for up to 12

MAY 2017

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

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hours. She leads morning stretches, plays brain games, helps with baking, gives manicures and makes crafts for and with the residents in both memory care and long-term care. The Heart for Service award was created to acknowledge the enormous impact volunteers have on the individual residents and their families at Volunteers of America programs and communities in Western Colorado.

Free heart health screenings How healthy is your heart? Delta County residents who are un- or underinsured qualify for a free, grant-funded heart health screening at the Delta County Library. Screenings take place on May 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and May 2 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. All it takes a finger poke, a few drops of blood and 20-30 minutes to get results. The screening is completely confidential and a copy of the results can be taken to a primary care physician upon request.

Call Delta County Community Health Worker Justine Foster at 812-6026 with questions, to find out if you qualify or to set up an appointment.

Farm to Table cooking class This class—held at Old River Road Trading Post, 15495 Black Bridge Rd. in Paonia—teaches simple, healthy and delicious ways to prepare local bounty. All ages are welcome. The class, presented by the Learning Council, will prepare a community meal from a variety of cultures. If you don’t want to prepare the meal, you can still enjoy it!

Lunch will be served from noon to 2 p.m. and costs $10 or one hour of service. Classes are held on May 4, 11 and 18. Call 433-5852 to learn more.

Local garden club thanks donors The Friends and Flower Garden Club appreciates the generous donation of a Ukrainian Maple tree and a Juniper Pine tree from John and Ron Romatzke of Arbor Acres Farm. These trees were planted in the Orchard City Town Park in memory of Bobbie De Leau and Zoe Weiss. A plaque will soon be placed

by each tree in their memory. The club also thanks David Boyd from the Parks Department of Orchard City for planting the trees and for their future care.

We hope everyone who visits the park will take notice, enjoy these trees, and the shade they will provide. The club is a small group of ladies from Delta, Cedaredge and Orchard City who meet monthly, at a member’s house. At meetings ladies may enjoy a presentation, an outing or social time.

Bingo at the Montrose Elks Lodge For the best Bingo game in the area, visit Montrose Elks Lodge at 801 S. Hillcrest Drive at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

Volunteer opportunities Mothers of Preschoolers is seeking some special volunteers to rock babies, play, sing and spoil little ones for two mornings a month. This gives their mamas time to refuel and to be encouraged. Contact Maria at 509-619-3062 or MontroseMOPS@gmail.com if you can help support this vital ministry to young moms.

Volunteer drivers needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors.

Drivers are background checked and need to provide references. Contact Betty Hayes at 249-8804.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Caregiver Support & Networking Group Montrose meets on the first Wednesday and the third Thursday monthly from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Region 10. Call 275-2138.

• Caregiver Support & Networking Group Ridgway meets on the second Tuesday monthly from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Ridgway Library. Call 2752138.

• Kinship Connections Support Group is for individuals raising children that are not their own. Group meets monthly from 6-8 p.m. on the first Thursdays at Region 10.

Call 765-3127. ■

Clubs & Activities

Alpine Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. May 9 in room 106 at Colorado Mesa University Montrose. There will be a presentation about photojournalism by Paul Hurschmann. Call 3161401 for details.

Black Canyon Camera Club meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the second Tuesday at the First Church of God, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Stay from noon to 1 p.m. for a workshop.

Visit www.blackcanyoncameraclub.org or call 399-3674 for details.

Black Canyon Classics Car Club meets monthly on the first Tuesday.

The club is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For meeting time and location, call 249-6051.

San Juan Dance Club meets at the Lion’s Club House in Montrose from 6:45-8 p.m. every Thursday. Enjoy two hours of fun and free dance. For details, call Ron at 708-8333.

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754.

Wild Bunch 4WD Club meets at Flower Motor in Montrose. For dates and times, email desertrat27@hotmail. com.

■

Friends and Flower Garden Club meets monthly for presentations, outings and social time. For more information, email sandythrasher216@ gmail.com Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Friday at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142 Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion from 7:30 -11 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Enjoy great music, snacks and refreshments.

Dancers of all ages are welcome. Please bring a snack to share. Cost is $5.

Call 252-7172.

Montrose Women’s Club meets for monthly luncheons at noon on the third Monday, September through May. All Montrose area women are invited to attend. For location and more information, call 275-3336.

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Montrose Elks Bingo is the destination to get away, relax, and laugh with old friends or make new ones.

Join us at the Lodge every Tuesday at 6:30 PM at 801 So. Hillcrest, Montrose. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening having fun!

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MAY 2017

MAY 2017

Eau de shopping mall:

the pungent powers of perfume

By Anne Ashley

I

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

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lost track of how many times I’ve been approached by a salesperson in a department store asking if I would like to sample the latest wonder fragrance created for both men and women.

I can still recall the first time I was made aware of the pungent powers of perfume. My paternal aunt was quite the gal in her day. Her visits never came often enough, as far as I was concerned. She was the only person on the planet who could irritate our ultra-strict father and not be threatened with a spanking for it.

On one occasion, she reproached her younger brother for not relaying information of some sort soon enough, causing me to practically choke on my bubble gum when her reprimand was accompanied by a swat to the back of his head.

She could wear her high-heeled shoes in the house when the rest of us were threatened with execution for so much as stepping inside with our PF Flyers still on our feet. She drank beer from a bottle—despite the fact that, according to the coven of women in attendance, no lady worth her talcum powder drank from a bottle (let alone drank beer)— without earning a ruinous reputation.

On one of her rare appearances my aunt leaned over to kiss my cheek and I became mesmerized by the waft of perfume she left behind as she passed. I remember this particular occasion well because it was also the first time I’d heard the word “floozy.”

Evidently—also according to the coven of my other female relatives— overpowering fragrances were reserved for certain types of women.

I further deduced from the endless tch-tching going on that bangles, perfume and low-cut, figure-hugging floral dresses were unacceptable attire in certain company. I instantly and reluctantly accepted that I would incur the wrath of Satan’s sisters if

I so much as hinted that I wanted perfume for my 12th birthday.

My reason for being so drawn to my aunt was probably because she was such a rebel. No one put her in her place—well, not without having paid an extremely and embarrassing high price for their efforts. She wore what she wanted, where she wanted—regardless of whether it was a church gathering or a family picnic.

Thereafter, fragrance became my inspiration and my motivation to grow up. I associated perfume with independence, individuality and boldness. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to disregard the advice of my elders and bathe in whatever it was my aunt was bathing in.

As a youngster, I assumed that all adults sought some kind of higher authority’s permission before being allowed to waft scent all hither and yon. As an adult, I searched high and low to find a scent that I felt conveyed my particular brand of wife-mommy sassiness. It was a near obsession to find the right one. When I finally found what I considered to be the right combination of me plus the me I desired to be, I was never without it. Even as a grandmother I still wear the same scent today— although now it’s less about being wife-mommy sassy and more about being companion-superfluous stubborn.

Fast-forward to the modern fragrances offered. Today’s young women are left with nothing more than a unisex choice, a non-denominational imposter—a $2 ersatz in a $25 bottle.

Gone is the floral or spicy, musky or zesty scent of a woman. In its place is a weird fusion of confusion.

Despite my aunt risking her reputation on tight clothes, baubles, bangles and perfume so potent it made your eyes water, I’d take that any day before I settled on the up-to-the-minute variety of eau de shopping mall. ■

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Your Life, Your Decisions • Decision-making capacity means the cognitive ability to make a decision.

• Age, illness, or condition that affects cognitive abilities does NOT mean the person lacks capacity.

• The law presumes that adults have the capacity, unless a court decides differently and appoints a guardian or conservator to make decisions for the adult.

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