April 2020

The Voice of Adults 50+ in Western Colorado

APRIL 2020

Flying the Friendly Skies

What it was like to be a pioneer stewardess Grand Junction BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19

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Surviving COVID-19: Don’t panic, but do plan.

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Journalism or hoax?

Decipher the difference.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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We won’t leave you in the dark Even though it’s uncertain what tomorrow will bring, the BEACON is here to light the way.

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

Here’s how we can stay connected.

Read the BEACON online Uplifting stories, local heroes, and side-splitting jokes—all at your fingertips!

Read our May and June issues, as well as previous issues, at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Get the BEACON delivered straight to your email Receive notifications when the new issue is out, along with exclusive and interactive content.

Sign up for our newsletter at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com or email us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com We will never send you unwanted emails or pass your information along to a third party. Users can unsubscribe at any time.

Follow us on Facebook We’ll share stories, local health updates and TONS of jokes! (and some pretty cool photos to boot)

Let’s be social. Follow us at www.Facebook.com/Beacon SeniorNews

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

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

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

EDITOR'S COLUMN National & Regional Award-Winning Publication APRIL 2020 | Volume 33 | Issue 4

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

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

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Email:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

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

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

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

Self-quarantine doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your social life

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hat a hell of a year we’ve had this month!

With updates regarding the novel coronavirus changing by the minute, many of us have found it difficult to plan out our week, let alone the next few months. And, like many of you, I find it difficult to stay at home.

Kevin wanted me to share this story about his energetic 80-year-old mother—who is on oxygen—and has been doing her best to self-quarantine. When he asked her how that was going, she said, “I’ve only been out three times this week. I went to the store, to see a couple of relatives and visit a few neighbors.”

It’s that type of quarantine that motivates the government to order lockdowns. Quarantine means no people any closer than six feet away. It’s the only way to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

BE HEALTHY, STAY HOME Staying at home has its perks. For me, my yearlong honey-do list is bound to shrink.

Quarantine doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your social life. You can still do many of the activities you enjoy if you’re open to experiencing it just a little bit differently.

GET YOUR MAY AND JUNE BEACON ONLINE In the event of the inevitable stay-at-home order and without an effective way to get a printed copy of the BEACON to you, we are preparing to deliver the May and June issues to you online.

We’ll have exclusive

stories, COVID-19 updates and lots of jokes. You can read these new issues, as well as previous ones, at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com.

We can also deliver the BEACON straight to your email inbox. Sign up for our newsletter at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com, or email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com. (We post some great stuff on Facebook, too.)

Our first priority is the health and safety of our staff, clients and readers. Our second priority is to share with you the truth of our current situation and the hope that it will get better.

COVID-19 is not the zombie apocalypse, but it is serious. Everything we do over the next few months will be to save lives and spread hope.

BEACONFEST IS NOW AUGUST 19 April’s annual Grand Junction BeaconFest is rescheduled to Wednesday, August 19. So, re-mark your calendars, invite your friends and we’ll have an awesome time in August.

THREE-COUNTY COVERAGE, ONE ISSUE As COVID-19 affects us all, we want to provide readers with all the coverage, insights and entertainment we can without being limited by page count. Starting with April, we have combined our Mesa County and Montrose-Delta editions into one—at least through June. Enjoy the stories you love from our award-winning writers from around the Western Slope.

Even through these uncertain times, the BEACON is here for you. While the hours we spend in the office are fewer, our phones are open.

Shoot us an email, follow us on Facebook, or give us a call at 243-8829. Stay well. ■

Cloie Sandlin, Managing Editor

IN THIS ISSUE...

Cover Photo: Betty June Harbig, left, and

DeAnn Piper pose at Grand Junction Regional Airport. Photo by B. Bigler.

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Make your own sanitizer Essential oils have surprising anit-bactierial properties.

Save money by recycling Celebrate Earth Day with some money-saving habits.

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Laughing Matters Everyone could use a good joke about now!

20 albums turning 50 Take a walk down memory lane with these music legends.

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COVER STORY

Flying the friendly skies Local women recall their pioneering careers as stewardesses | By Diana Barnett

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etty June Harbig was fresh out of college in Greeley in 1946. Graduating with a liberal arts degree, Harbig could have done anything, but chance led her to a career as an airline stewardess.

“A friend’s brother was a pilot, and we decided to apply to become stewardesses,” said Harbig, 94.

Stewardesses—flight attendants as they’re known today—was an emerging profession even in the 1940s. Though passenger air travel began in the 1920s, the responsibility of assisting passengers with their luggage and seeing to their needs

was originally held by men, then-known as “couriers” then “stewards,” until United Airlines hired nurses as the first stewardesses in the late 1930s.

During World War II, the nurses left to help the war effort and the airlines hired young, single females to attend to passengers, serve them meals and make sure they behaved.

Back then, the qualifications were strict.

Women had to be at least 21 and unmarried.

Because Harbig was 5 foot 3 inches, she couldn’t weigh over 119 pounds.

“My friend and I starved ourselves and played tennis all summer to get there,” she said.

Starting out with Western Airlines—which later merged with Delta—Harbig attended training in California for one full week and then was assigned to Los Angeles.

“I was the youngest in the group to go through the training,” she said.

Compared to today, post-World War II airlines didn’t have much business. Additionally, air travel was far riskier. Even though she already had her assignment, Harbig was put on furlough—a blessing in disguise since what would have been her first flight as a stewardess crashed in the Grand Canyon with no survivors.

Harbig worked as an airline stewardess for United Airlines during the 1940s. Stewardesses kept their hair fairly short, their skirts a certain length, and weren’t allowed to wear slacks.

A NOVEL EXPERIENCE

DeAnn Piper, left, relives the glory days with Betty June Harbig. Photos by B. Bigler.

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Harbig signed on with United Airlines and trained for a week in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She learned all about the Douglas DC-3, the most common passenger plane at the time, including the aircraft’s safety features as well as how to best serve guests. With 21 passengers, stewardesses were expected to learn every name and bid them farewell when they deplaned.

Back then, flying was a novel experience.

Stewardesses kept their hair short, skirts a certain length, and weren’t allowed to wear slacks.

People dressed up to travel and expected an attractive and attentive stewardess on their trip.

“You could even tell where people were trav-

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eling from because of how they were dressed,” said Harbig. “Passengers that were traveling from Los Angeles looked sporty while those from San Francisco wore suits.”

The experience of flying was quite different then, too. Plane cabins weren’t pressurized, so stewardesses would pass out gum so passengers could keep their ears from plugging up.

“We also gave out these small wooden balls with a hole that could be held up to the nose to breathe through in order to clear the ears,” Harbig said.

COVER STORY

Meals were the real deal. Dishes containing delicacies like salmon from Portland or chicken pies were delivered steaming hot to the plane just before take-off and were kept in warmers.

Stewardesses would carry them to each passenger without any carts.

“We used to tease each other about being bow-legged because we had to brace ourselves with our knees against the aisle seats to keep our balance walking up and down the aisles with food,” said Harbig.

SEEING THE WORLD Harbig’s friend, DeAnn Piper, began her career as a flight attendant 30 years after she did.

Growing up on an isolated ranch in northern Idaho, Piper was ready to see the world. Her father had been a pilot and owned a small Cessna aircraft, which he used to take her flying in.

“I dreamed of flying with the big airlines, but

their time in a logbook.

Harbig lived in Beverly Hills with five other women. Flight schedules took her from LA to San Francisco, Seattle, Reno and as far east as Chicago. However, this lifestyle was limited only to single women.

“One of the girls met and married Henry Kaiser, Jr.—the industrialist—and, of course, resigned because you couldn’t be a flight attendant and be married,” Harbig said.

That time eventually came for Harbig. After three eventful years as a stewardess, she also got married and resigned. She said a lot has changed since then.

“You can now work if you are six months I was just too short,” Piper said. “I couldn’t have pregnant and 60, and of course you don’t have reached the overhead bins.” to be female,” said Harbig.

Instead, Piper got in on the ground floor with Piper said she had many memorable experithe fledgling SkyWest Airlines in 1986. Headences during her career as a stewardess. quartered in St. George, Utah, SkyWest—a “I met a lot of celebrities,” she said. regional airline—contracted with larger compaAs did Harbig. Back then, smoking was pernies to provide service to shorter destinations mitted on flights, but alcohol wasn’t. throughout the western states.

“We could ask inebriated passengers not to “We had nine days of trainboard the plane and could ing at Dixie College in a pretty confiscate liquor if people primitive setting,” Piper rebrought it on board,” Harbig called. “Classroom chairs were said. “[Actor] George Jessel arranged as if they were in an boarded one flight, proceeded airplane. The primary focus was to get his bottle out, and I took safety, safety, safety, and not so it away very graciously.” much about how to take care of But things could also be the passengers. Of 30 women stressful. who began the training, only 12 “We lost an engine once, of us completed it.” but we could keep going with Shortly thereafter, Skya prop,” said Piper. “The winds West’s business exploded. Palm out of California were just Springs, California, became the terrible on a few occasions. We Piper’s daughter, Candace, left, hub, and new connections were had a lot of turbulence and the followed her mother’s footsteps. added on a regular basis. plane was just bouncing. It was “Because our group of 12 was awful!” the first trained, we became the experts who However, for her, the perks outweighed the were sent on flights when a new connection was difficulties. created and were often involved in promoting “I got to travel to many amazing places, the airline,” said Piper. thanks to employee discounts,” she said. “My There were no overnights on most connecparents were able to travel for low rates as well.” tions, and most flights had one or two stewardEventually, she met her husband—a pilot—on esses. On these short flights, the women scram- the ramp while she was working. Today, their bled to get all passengers served drinks and daughter, Candace, keeps flying in the family snacks and have everything prepared for landing. by ultimately becoming a flight attendant with SkyWest as well.

‘TIL MARRIAGE DO US PART “We recently attended the 30-year reunion There were perks to working for an airline. of our first SkyWest flight attendant class, and I During Harbig’s day, a stewardess could take a was the only one who could still fit in my unipersonal flight at half price, and if it was a vacaform!” said Piper. ■ tion flight, she paid only a quarter of the regular Special thanks to GJT and Denver Air Connection fare. Flight time could not exceed 85 hours a month, and all employees were required to track for helping us stage our photoshoot.

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Go

Green this summer

By Kimberly Blaker

It’ll take drastic measures to stop global warming Despite heroic efforts by scientists, climate advocates and the best intentions among citizens, climate change isn’t slowing down.

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he World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported last year that “the physical signs and socio-economic impacts of climate change are accelerating as record greenhouse gas concentrations drive global temperatures towards increasingly dangerous levels.”

One key indicator of global warming is the record-breaking sea-level rise. Additionally, there’s been a warming trend that’s lasted for 20 years with “exceptionally high land and ocean temperatures over the past four years.”

Since 1994, we’ve also seen roughly a 12 percent rise in carbon dioxide levels, according to the WMO Statement on the State of the Global Climate in 2018.

The WMO statement identified the many impacts this warming trend is already having on our planet and will continue to have with increasing frequency and severity.

These include:

1. Natural disasters 2. Loss of food resulting from climate threats to agriculture 3. Displacement of human populations resulting from disasters 4. Health issues arising from heat and air quality 5. Numerous environmental im-

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Best of all, most of these habits are better for your wallet, too, and can add up to sizable savings. So make a resolution to implement the following go-green tips:

Xeriscaping is landscaping that uses native, drought-resistant plants arranged in ways that save water. pacts, including a decrease of oxygen in both coastal and open oceans, as well as a significant threat to ecosystems But global warming isn’t our only threat. Scientists have long warned of the decline in our natural world.

The impact of this decline is already seen in 1 million animal and plant species at risk of extinction. The end result of these two crises will be catastrophic to human survival as well.

It’s going to take drastic measures both nationally and globally to halt global warming and the human imprint on our planet. Still, we can all daily do our part to reduce the

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rate of acceleration, and strive for a sustainable planet.

GO-GREEN TIPS During the warmer months, we contribute to global warming in ways that differ from colder seasons. The good news is that spring and summer are the perfect times of year to implement many strategies to reduce our imprint.

Transportation. Make nearby errands or visiting family and friends a part of your exercise regimen, by either walking or riding your bike.

For more distant treks, use public transportation resources such as Grand Valley Transit (GVT) or All Points Transit (APT).

Electricity. Run all heat-producing appliances such as the dishwasher, oven and dryer at night to reduce your air conditioning use. Reduce or eliminate dryer use altogether by hanging your clothes in the fresh air to dry.

Keep summer heat out of your home by closing south-facing window coverings, or where direct sunlight comes in. This will help reduce your air conditioning or swamp-cooler use. Where there’s

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN SHOP AT MONTROSE’S FARMERS MARKET YEAR-ROUND? OPERATING AT CENTENNIAL PLAZA DURING THE SUMMER, IT MOVES INSIDE ONCE THE WEATHER STARTS TO COOL OFF.

FOR THOSE WITH LAWNS, TRY TO CUT BACK ON WATERING. WHEN YOU WATER, DO SO ONLY AFTER DUSK. no direct sunlight, open window coverings to allow light into your home and eliminate the need to use electrical lighting during the day.

When you run your air conditioner or swamp cooler, set the temperature up a few degrees warmer than normal. At night, blow a fan toward your bed. That way, you can keep the air cooler set at a higher temperature and still sleep comfortably.

Water. Xeriscaping is an excellent environmental option in Western Colorado. Consult with the experts at Bookcliff Gardens or Camelot Gardens to find the best native, drought-resistant plants to use in your water-wise landscape.

For those with lawns, try to cut back on watering. When you water, do so only after dusk. This will maximize your yard’s and plants’ ability to use the water, therefore reducing the amount and frequency of watering needed.

Another option is using large areas of drought-tolerant ground cover in your yard. Planting drought-tolerant plants in decorative garden areas will reduce water usage as well.

country. Another option is to plant a backyard garden or join a nearby community garden.

Buy used. Garage sales and flea markets abound throughout the warmer months. Reduce both yours and others’ imprints on the planet by buying and using goods that would otherwise fill landfills.

Not only does this reduce waste, but it also decreases environmental pollutants that result from manufacturing new products. Heirlooms for Hospice, arc Thrift Stores and many other second-hand stores provide this opportunity as well.

Chemicals. During warmer seasons, we use a variety of chemicals to treat our lawns and plants. We also use them to protect our yards, homes and ourselves from pests and mosquitoes. Look for green products that don’t negatively impact our environment or the people and wildlife around us. ■

Locally grown food. Shop farmers’ markets for your fruits and veggies. Grand Junction’s Market on Main starts July 9, and Palisade, Fruita and Delta’s markets start in June. By doing so, you reduce the use of fossil fuels and pollution that results from groceries being shipped to stores from across the WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 |

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RECIPES

GJ PUFFERBELLY • 242-1600 FRUITA • 858-8444 CLIFTON • 434-0777 MONTROSE • 249-7787 DELTA • 874-7288

TO-GO While our dining room may be closed, we are still OPEN!

DELIVERY or

is Available....

CALL TO ORDER

Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe courtesy of www.culinary.net

Ingredients: 1

can (16 ounces) buttermilk biscuits

1

package (12 ounces) bacon

8

eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1

tablespoon butter

1

green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped 5

slices of cheese

Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Place biscuits on baking sheet. Bake 12-16 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cut bacon slices in half. In skillet, cook bacon until crispy.

Drain and set aside.

In large bowl, whisk eggs, salt and pepper.

DOS HOMBRES 1/8 PAGE

In skillet, melt butter. Pour egg mixture into skillet.

Add bell pepper and onion. Cook until eggs are thoroughly cooked but still moist, stirring occasionally. Add cheese over egg mixture and mix thoroughly until cheese is melted.

Split warm biscuits. Spoon egg mixture over bottom of biscuit. Top mixture with two pieces bacon and add top half of biscuit. ■

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Is it love...or dementia?

ASK THE OLD BAG

Dear Old Bag: As a widow and soon to be 73, I would like to try a safe dating site. Although I am healthy and active, I find it very difficult to meet men. It’s been six years since I lost my beloved. Any advice?

Signed, JMGH Dear JMGH: While I cannot recommend a specific dating site, I would like to give some cautionary advice. I believe there are scammers trying to invade every dating site. I’ve heard from readers who have found them on many sites, and I have met several would-be scammers myself.

During one of my speaking engagements, a gentleman told me that his mother had been scammed out of $17,000 by her online lover. There are romantic scammers everywhere that are trying to take advantage of a person’s loneliness and lack of attention. When you decide on a dating site, do not give out your email address or telephone number, never send them money, and stick to local people. If they won’t meet you in a public place for coffee, they are probably a scammer. Likewise, do not accept Facebook friends whom you do not know. A common scammer profile is someone claiming to be a doctor working for the U.S. government in a Middle Eastern country who is widowed with a teenage child in a boarding school somewhere. They really know how to sweet-talk lonely women. Thank you for letting me use your letter as a way to reach others who may be targets! Good luck! OB Dear Old Bag: My friend volunteers at a home for boys which caters to gay and transgender kids. I told her that she is putting her stamp of approval on their behavior by helping them. What do you think? Signed, MG Dear MG: I have a feeling this letter is from someone who knows that I volunteer at such a home. First of all, being gay or transgender is not a behavior; it is the way you are wired. Second, I operate on the assumption that there was never a person born who was meant to be loved less than any other. Third, I have not been appointed the judge of any person. OB Dear Old Bag: My dad is going through his second childhood, I think. He got on one of those dating sites and found a woman he says he loves. He is 80 years old! She is 82. Now they want to get married and my sister and I are in a state of shock. Our brothers don’t see anything wrong with it.

My dad has been a widower for 10 years and got along just fine. Could it be that he is getting dementia? Please advise. Signed, GH and PH. Dear GH and PH: It seems to be a common thread for adult children to think their elderly parents have lost their minds if the parent finds love at a later age. That is a mystery to me because love does not have an age limit! When I worked in a retirement community, we had a couple who married at 95. They were a beautiful couple and would invite me to their monthly anniversary party. They said, “At our age, we celebrate our anniversary by the month!” Love makes aging way more pleasant. While the love of family is wonderful, it does not compare with romantic love.

Romantic love can be the difference in what makes you want to get up in the morning! I hope that you can rejoice in your dad’s finding new love.

He deserves to be happy, don’t you think? Good luck! OB ■

ASK THE OLD BAG

ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

BY GAYLE LAGMAN-CRESWICK

Send your questions to the Old Bag in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at lagmancreswick@gmail.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

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HEALTHY GEEZER

Do older people faint more often?

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he short answer is, yes. When you pass 70 years, you double the chances of fainting. And the odds triple after 80.

Syncope (SINK-o-pea) is the medical word for fainting, or a temporary—a few seconds—loss of consciousness. Fainting is common.

About one in three people will faint at least once in their lifetime. It happens when your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen from your blood.

It can occur when you stand up suddenly because there’s blood in the legs that has to be redistributed. Your nervous system starts sending rapid signals to the heart and blood vessels to correct the imbalance. Older people’s bodies simply don’t respond as well, and they tend to faint more often because of their reduced capacity.

You may also feel faint after a

meal because blood has poured into your digestive system.

Syncope is often foreshadowed by “premonitory symptoms” that include nausea, feeling lightheaded and irregular heartbeats.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO SEE A DOCTOR Syncope is a symptom, not a medical condition. It can be an indicator of a serious problem, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you have a fainting spell, get checked out by a doctor. It’s sometimes difficult to diagnose syncope in seniors because there can be multiple causes, including abnormalities of

the blood, brain, heart, arteries and veins. It may also be a result of some medications and low blood pressure. Passing out can sometimes be the only symptom of a heart attack in older people.

Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs for high blood pressure, surgical medications, anti-anxiety agents, diuretics, heart medicines, antidepressants, narcotic painkillers and alcohol.

Other causes of low blood pressure include dehydration, heart failure, heart arrhythmias, shock from infection, stroke, severe allergic reaction, major trauma, heart attack and advanced diabetes.

Even after extensive testing, the cause of syncope is not found in almost half of the cases.

WHAT TREATMENT LOOKS LIKE Treatment for syncope depends upon the cause. Treatment may include: diet changes, support garments to improve circulation, changing medications, avoiding situations that cause syncope, rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, and installing devices to control your heart rate. ■

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

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How to make your own hand sanitizer Editor's Note: These hand sanitizers do not kill COVID-19. Don’t delay in seeking medical attention if you have respiratory symptoms.

A

s the fear of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads across the U.S., many people have stocked up on hand sanitizer. It’s already sold out in many stores and online prices have skyrocketed due to opportunistic sellers.

However, there are alternative methods to sanitizing your hands, cell phone cases, doorknobs, etc.

Here are some of my homemade hand sanitizers, using essential oils that all have some degree of activity against pathogens. These are intended as recipes for external application only. Do not spray any of these on your face or near your eyes because it will burn.

Hydrogen peroxide. You can still buy 3 percent hydrogen peroxide pretty much anywhere. Put this in a spray bottle and use it like you would hand sanitizer. Dilute it with a little water to make it last longer.

Tea tree essential oil. Mix 10 drops of essential oil of tea tree and approximately 4 ounces of water and put it in a spray bottle. If the scent is too “antiseptic” for you, you can certainly add some other essential oil you like such as lemon or lavender—both of which offer even more antibacterial and antiviral benefits.

Eucalyptus in aloe vera. Pour 1 ounce of aloe vera gel or juice into a 4-ounce spray bottle. The aloe juice is less viscous, so it goes into

DEAR PHARMACIST

solution very nicely.

The gel is thicker and it’s sold for external use. Next, add 10 drops of essential oil of eucalyptus and fill the bottle to the top with water.

Distilled white vinegar. You probably have plain vinegar at home to use in recipes or for cleaning. You can buy a gallon of this stuff for around $5.

Vinegar is a great disinfectant and is known to destroy many gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and other pathogens. To make a sanitizer with white vinegar, add five drops each of patchouli, lemongrass, tea tree and thyme.

Rubbing alcohol. If the stores run out of everything, you can always use rubbing alcohol to kill germs. I recommend you dilute it by about 50 percent with water.

To cut down on the alcohol scent, add some essential oil of eucalyptus, lemon or orange.

Colloidal silver. Silver was the antibiotic of choice for years until proprietary drugs became available. Silver is a strong antibacterial. You can buy a bottle of colloidal silver and use it at 100 percent strength in your spray bottle. Don’t dilute it. I’d personally recommend that you add five drops each of clove and eucalyptus essential oil to the silver. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at www.suzycohen.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Plan, don’t panic How you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic

By Melanie Wiseman

N

ever before in my nearly 10 years of writing for the BEACON Senior News have I written and rewritten an article so many times. As information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) changes constantly, it almost seems fruitless to write about it in a monthly magazine.

The BEACON, however, is dedicated to its readers, offering hope as we adapt to life’s many changes and transitions. This has never been needed more than during these challenging times of unknowns where anxiety, isolation and depression can rear their ugly heads.

Today’s seniors have survived wars, 911, the 1968 influenza A pandemic, 2009 swine flu, and much more—and have come out stronger and more resilient. No doubt we will overcome COVID-19 as well.

In the meantime, let’s plan, not panic. Here is the best local, practical information for maintaining “life as normal” while also keeping yourself and others safe.

CHECK YOUR SOURCES The barrage of “breaking” news can spiral some of us into panic and fear. But like Franklin Roosevelt once said, fear is our worst enemy.

Opinions, commentary, rumors and hearsay may be more fearThe BEACON is here for you every step of the way!

See content updated daily designed to keep you entertained, hopeful and informed!

Follow us: Facebook.com/ BeaconSeniorNews Sign up for our email newsletter: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Email us at: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

14 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | APRIL 2020 |

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based than factual, and are rampant online and on social media.

It’s crucial to screen where your information comes from and to remain calm.

“All of the information coming out about COVID-19 is like drinking out of a fire hose,” said Andrew Tyler, regional epidemiologist with Mesa County Public Health. “Our job is to take that information, synthesize it and put it back out in a more understandable manner.”

Tyler advised using the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), Johns Hopkins Medicine (www. hopkinsmedicine.org) and local health department websites for the best up-to-date information.

Here’s what we know: • Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, but the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

PLAN, BUT DON’T PANIC Grocery stores are not in danger of closing. They will continue to serve the community through this crisis.

As Gov. Jared Polis has said more than once in his public addresses, there is no disruption to the supply chain, therefore there’s no need to swarm grocery stores, hoarding items and buying more than what’s needed.

“There is a surplus of food in the supply chain. Go less often, stock up a little bit. Simply go to the grocery store less so that less people are there at any given time,” Polis said during his March 22 news conference.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Many stores have implemented “senior only” shopping hours to give at-risk customers the ability to purchase items they need while avoiding busier and more crowded shopping times.

While there’s no need to over purchase, make sure you have ample food, medications and supplies on hand so that you can limit trips to the store and reduce exposure.

DO THE RIGHT THING Once again, don’t panic, but don’t discount the seriousness of the situation either.

The health department’s greatest concern is that health care providers and first responders have the resources they need to protect themselves so they can continue to provide medical care.

“The norovirus outbreak last November prompted discussions and helped us prepare for COVID-19,” Tyler said.

It’s up to us to be responsible and do the right thing to help stop the spread of the virus. Wash your hands frequently, disinfect surfaces regularly, social distance yourself from others, and stay home if you feel sick.

REASONS TO BE THANKFUL We are fortunate to live in a state that’s responding proactively to the

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE’S NOTHING TO DO

Staying busy is the best way to fend off loneliness and depression. Even when you can’t leave your house, try these activities: • Play card games, board games, or engage with friends online and via phone apps such as Words with Friends and Solitaire. (Walmart and Target are still open, and Amazon delivers!)

• Practice or learn to play an instrument

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COVID-19, CONTACT: Mesa County Public Health - 248-6900, health.mesacounty.us/COVID19 Montrose County Public Health - 252-4545 www.montrosecounty.net/COVID Agape Food Bank of Lower Valley..... $7200.00 Catholic Outreach Kitchen .............. $7200.00 Delta County Health Department - 874-2172 Gray Gourmet Senior Meals ............. $7200.00 www.deltacounty.com/688/Coronavirus-19-COVID-19 virus, and in communities where residents give so much of their hearts to help those in need.

Businesses, schools, churches, food banks, nonprofits and neighbors are stepping up to ensure that seniors in particular have the services and supplies they need. In Mesa County alone, grocery stores have hired 1,000 new employees to keep shelves stocked. Food banks, human service agencies and nonprofits have adjusted their services and put out a call for more volunteers, food and monetary donations.

Health department officials are coordinating with government agencies in nearby counties, in addition to medical facilities, school districts, home health agencies, and senior housing facilities.

“We’re in a unique, and in many ways, a good position being hundreds of miles from the nearest high density metro area,” said Tyler.

SPEND TIME OUTSIDE EVERY DAY Just because the gym is closed, • Read books or learn a language!

Even though libraries are closed, a variety of online eResources and downloadable and streaming media are available, including ebooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, films through Kanopy, language learning through Mango Languages and more. (If you don’t have a Mesa County library card, you can get one at www.mesacountylibraries.org/ services/library-cards) • Send cards to friends and loved ones • Tell jokes (follow the BEACON on Facebook and see this month’s Laughing Matters)

R.S.V.P............................................ $7200.00

don’tMcConnell stop exercising.

Chances Math & Science Center ...are $7200.00 Center- from the yourCourtyard favoriteCare instructor Residents Acts ................................ $1500.00 gym is leading a class on Facebook.

Lower Valley Imagination Library You can exercises on (this isalso made find in partfree with donations) ....... $6774.36 YouTube.

WalkPets theAlive Riverfront Trail Grand Valley .................... $1000.00 NAMI West Slope at ............................ $1000.00 (while remaining least 6 feet disCanyon View Church ........................... $25.00 tance between people), bird watch, Lower Valley Fire District................ $12000.00 dust (This offisyour weights and exercise 3 ½ years of $100,000.00 pledge towards building fund.

Pledge will be completed in June 2018) bike, walk the dog, plant a garden, Hopewest Memorials ........................... and catch up on home repairs. $25.00 Salvation Army – Thanksgiving Turkeys ...................... $1000.00 EXERCISE YOUR HEART Salvation Army – ........................... $1000.00 If youChristmas know aTurkeys senior who doesn’t Fruita Fall Festival Bluegrass Band ... $2500.00 have a computer or smartphone, Fruita Thundercats Baseball Teams .... $500.00 let them use yours so they can Fruita Community Senior Lunches ...... $900.00 FaceTime or Skype with distant $1000.00 MS Society ..................................... family.

(Please use appropriate Museum of the West COCowboy Poetry................................ caution—clean and sanitize!) $1000.00 Grand Junction Call or stop byCommemorative to check on them, Air Force Museum........................... $1000.00 offerGrand to cook them or shop for Valley for Raptors themBaseball while Teams following recommend................................. $900.00 Fruita Assembly of God – ed cleaning and social distancing Memorial ............................................ $25.00 practices. Bring them a book to Fruita Summer Solstice readCommunity (including this............................ issue of the $300.00 Dinner

BEACON).

Total Donations in 2017 ............ $71,449.36 Even during difficult times, show We smile sincerely thank all of each the customers kindness, and greet and all those who generously other. After all, we’re all in thisdonated to the Thrift Shop. Without your support, we together. would ■ not be able to put all of this financial help back into your community.

We are always looking for new volunteers

• Work who in your yardtoorgivegarden are willing 4 hours or more a month to help stocking new items and • Give your housewith a facelift working behind the counter. If you feel you • Take up a new hobbyin giving back to your would be interested being ahupart of this • Foster a community pet fromand a local organization, please stop byfoson days we mane society (Temporary are open or speak to one of the volunteers ters areforneeded at Roice-Hurst! more information.

It can be a very Call 434-7337) rewarding feeling. As you can see, the money in your valley.

• Donate blood.

Callstays St. Mary’s Blood Center to make an appointment: 298-2555 • Purge closets and the garage and get ready for a yard sale once this passes.

• Support local restaurants with takeout orders, and enjoy the food in whatever social distancing setting you choose.

Agape Food Bank of Lower Valley..... $7200.00 Catholic Outreach Kitchen .............. $7200.00 Catholic .............................. $7200.00 Gray Outreach Gourmet Senior Meals ............. $7200.00 ...........................................

GrayR.S.V.P. Gourmet Meals ..........................$7200.00 $7200.00 McConnell Math & Science Center ... $7200.00 R.S.V.P............................................... $7200.00 Courtyard Care CenterEureka McConnell Science Museum....$1500.00 $7200.00 Residents Acts ................................

Lower Valley Imagination Library Oaks Assisted Living – Resident Acts... $1800.00 (this is made in part with donations) ....... $6774.36 Lower Valley Imagination .........$1000.00 $7314.42 Grand Valley Pets Alive Library ....................

HopeNAMI of the Grand Valley ....................$1000.00 $3600.00 West Slope ............................

Canyon ViewLiving Church ........................... $25.00 Willows Assisted – Resident Acts ..... $1800.00 Lower Valley Fire District................ $12000.00

Agape Food Bank of Lower Valley........ $7200.00

Museum Cowboy pledge Poetrytowards ... $1000.00 (This is of 3 ½West years COof $100,000.00 building fund. Pledge will be completed in June 2018)

Fruita Parks/Rec – Golf Tournament ...... $500.00 Hopewest Memorials ........................... $25.00

MavsSalvation Boys Baseball Army – team ..................... $300.00 Thanksgiving Turkeys Canyon West Food Bank ...................... .....................$1000.00 $3600.00 Salvation Army –

9th Health FairTurkeys – Family Health West ..... $500.00 Christmas ........................... $1000.00 Fruita Fall Festival Bluegrass Band ... $2500.00 Native American Cultural Program ....... $1000.00 Baseball Teams ....$1000.00 $500.00 The Fruita HouseThundercats .........................................

Fruita Community Senior Lunches ...... $900.00

Project 1.27 ...................................... $1000.00 MS Society ..................................... $1000.00 Salvation Army – Thanksgiving Museum of the West CO- ............ $1000.00 Cowboy Poetry................................ $1000.00 Salvation Army – Christmas ................ $1000.00 Grand Junction Commemorative

Grand Alive ......................... $500.00 AirValley Force Pets Museum........................... $1000.00 ValleySlope Raptors NAMIGrand Western .......................... $1000.00 Baseball Teams ................................. $900.00

Memorials ............................................. $50.00 Fruita Assembly of God –

Memorial ............................................ $25.00 Fruita Fall Festival Bluegrass Band ...... $2500.00 Fruita Summer Solstice Lower Valley Fire District..................... $4000.00 Community Dinner ............................ $300.00

After Shock Girls Baseball team ............ $300.00 Total Donations in 2017 ............ $71,449.36

MS Society ........................................ $1000.00 We sincerely all of the customers Fruita Senior Lunchesthank .......................... $900.00 and all those who generously donated to Fruita Senior Account ............................. the Thrift Shop. Without your support,900.00 we would not be able to put all of this Fruita Art/Culture ................................. $250.00 financial help back into your community.

Elmwood Cemetery – Vet. Wreaths...... $1000.00 FMHS Tennis ............................... $300.00 We are Team always looking for new volunteers who are willingTeams.................... to give 4 hours or more a Gene Taylor Baseall $400.00 month to help with stocking new items and FMHS working Hall of Fame $500.00 behind.............................. the counter. If you feel you would be interested in giving back to your Grand Valley Baseball Teams................. $600.00 community and being a part of this organization, stop by on$days we Total Donations inplease 2019 ..............

75,614.42 are open or speak to one of the volunteers for more information. can be a very We sincerely thank all ofIt the customers rewarding As you can see, to and all those whofeeling. generously donated the money stays in your valley.

the Thrift Shop. Without your support, we would not be ale to put all of this financial help970-858-7052 back into your community.

142 S. Park Square,

We are always looking for new volunteers Fruita who are willing to give 4 hours or more a month to help with stocking new items and working behind the counter. If you feel you would be interested in giving back to your community and being a part of this organization, please stop by on days we are open or speak to one of the volunteers for more information. It can be a very rewarding feeling. As you can see, the money stays in your valley.

142 S. Park Square, Fruita

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | HEALTH & WELLNESS |

15

BOOMER BEAT

No chicks allowed: Men

should give book clubs a chance

T

he majority of Boomers I encounter are avid readers. With an increase in free time, men and women alike are devouring books and passing their “must reads” on to others.

It comes as no surprise that many women I know are part of a book club (or two), but I started to wonder where all the men were.

Surely, male book lovers enjoy intriguing reads and enlightened discussion just as women do.

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY

245-1742 Fruita: 858-6566 Rifle: 625-3333 Food Dudes: 241-1904

Grand Junction:

fooddudesdelivery.com

16 | BOOMER BEAT | APRIL 2020 |

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My curiosity got the better of me and through word of mouth, I found Steve Watson, Dennis Kirtland and the Grand Book Club.

Watson, 74, and Kirtland, 72, have been the club’s driving force for 31 years. They started the group while they were in their 40s because they missed the challenging reads and discussions of their college years. Watson keeps a list of every book that club members have read since day one.

Members come and go, but the club maintains an average of eight members.

“I don’t know of any other men’s book clubs in the Grand Valley,” Watson said. “We’ve kept it all men because women would change the dynamics—we’d have to watch our language and couldn’t talk sports!”

Grand Book Club meetings are kept simple. Men from all backgrounds engage in great conversations—travel, family and movies, in addition to books—over popcorn and beer.

So why don’t more men join

“WE’VE KEPT IT ALL MEN BECAUSE WOMEN WOULD CHANGE THE DYNAMICS— WE’D HAVE TO WATCH OUR LANGUAGE AND COULDN’T TALK SPORTS!” book clubs? Among the reasons Watson and Kirtland list are that some men like a certain type of book or author (like Clive Cussler) and want to stick with what they know and like. They also tend to be reticent and may not like the give-and-take of a discussion where opinions differ from their own.

Just to get my goat, a man I spoke to recently said, “I understand the books I read, so I don’t need a book club to tell me what I already know.”

Online articles try to tackle the mystery of men missing from book clubs, suggesting they remind men of bad memories from high school English class. Or, men simply don’t want others to choose what they read and attach a timeline to it.

MAYBE THIS WILL INSPIRE YOU While the Grand Book Club isn’t seeking new members, Watson and Kirtland recommend that men read the stories on www.manbookclub. blogspot.com. This blog follows a group of 15 men in Marin County, California, who share their reads and discussions as well as memorable meals and adventures together.

Maybe it will inspire you to start a book club of your own. ■

BOOMER BEAT

BY MELANIE WISEMAN Send your questions to Melanie in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at melaniewisewoman@gmail.com

The church that built them

LOCAL LORE

Church erected by Redlands Women’s Club inspired Easter Sunrise Service, celebrations

By Eileen O’Toole

T

hese women had virtually nothing. Nothing except abundant ambition and an opportunity to settle into a real home.

The women that made up the Redlands Women’s Club came from different backgrounds, religions and experiences. They came together even if they didn’t always enjoy each other. Finally, they came together to build a community under very adverse conditions.

Even the scenic Colorado National Monument didn’t soften their backbreaking hardship.

LIFE IN THE REDLANDS The hills and red sand soil of the Redlands was one of the last areas of the valley to be developed. After years of construction, conflict and controversy around the earliest developers, Charles Rump arrived in 1919. He was assigned to develop approximately 2,000 acres after the Doherty Company purchased the Redlands Power and Irrigation along with the land.

“Sox” Sutherland—whose family was one of the first to take

advantage of what he called the “housing boom” of 1920—made several attempts to develop the land successfully. A Daily Sentinel “Growers News” article on January 8, 1921, claimed, “The company has picked their buyers from men that were conscientious farmers—good neighbors and good American citizens.”

It was a devilish, time-consuming effort to create a producing farm out of the desert, taking years—especially for fruit trees—to provide any wage at all. The sandy soil promised great crops if it didn’t wash away. But it did, especially along the extensive canal system which required constant attention.

Everyone worked together to shape their farms, not only for themselves but for the Redlands Company. They earned extra pay riding the canals and working the company’s home ranch. They dug what few low-quality coal mine sites there were for fuel, and the ladies worked a farm cannery that supplied their own homes and earned them extra money from selling the products. According to Sutherland,

Photos courtesy Charles

Rump family collection.

Redlands Women’s Club circa late 1940s, early 1950s.

Courtesy Redlands Community Center

the land now owned by Two Rivers Winery was the home ranch garden that produced food for the workers and the cannery.

Hill, where it became a tradition.

A cross was built and used every year at the top of the hill. Mason Mowry, with the help of some ESTABLISHING A CHURCH schoolboys, cut pinyon branches The women, sometimes rather to nail to the cross. Opal Boss, who pushy, worked with the men to was secretary-treasurer of the Sunbuild a two-room school with land day School, ordered white carnadonated by Redlands Realty. But tions and calla lilies. Her daughters, they also wanted a church. Some al- Betty and Clara, climbed the hill in ready attended established church- the early morning darkness to insert es in Grand Junction and Fruita, but the flowers in the pinyon covered the roads weren’t paved, the bridgcross. Mowry and the boys also put es often washed rocks on each side out and most didn’t of the trail to the have cars. They top and smoothed soon established a the path. After the community church, service, they celemeeting Sundays at brated with a giant the school. pot of coffee and As new people donuts. arrived, a formal The communiattitude shaped the ty wanted to buy Redlands Women’s Easter Hill for their Club with Robert’s church, but they lost Rules and all. By the option when the Cross on Easter Hill.

1935, the club conowner passed away. sisted of 68 women from virtually In the 1950s, they moved sunrise every family. They earned money services to the campground on the with quilting bees, potlucks, parties Monument, and built the Redlands and dances. Within the group and Community Church in 1961. individually, they sold whatever they THE END OF AN ERA made to bring in extra money.

During these years, the Redlands The creation of the church inWomen’s Club purchased the Grand spired Easter Sunrise services. The Junction Country Club, until the Monument’s red-orange morning Great Depression forced it to close. glow as a backdrop served as a They continued to run the club until particularly religious experience. the 1990s when it was converted to Sunrise services started around the Redlands Community Center.

1922-23 on the hill overlooking the Over the years the Women’s club school (what is now the Church of dwindled to a few older ladies. The the Nativity). It proved to be too last surviving member died at age much of a climb for older folks, so 92 in 2016. ■ it was moved to what is now Easter WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | LOCAL LORE |

17

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS THE DRUNK Submitted by Robert Velasquez A drunk goes into the bar and tells the bartender, “Dri...drrrri.....drinks on the house...on me. Bartender, you... you can have one, too. And…I will too.”

The bartender thanks him and says, “That will be $63.25.”

The drunks replies, “I....I don’t have any money!” The bartender grabs him, takes him outside, punches him in the gut and in the jaw.

A few minutes later, the drunk walks back into the bar, tells the bartender, “Drinks on the house, I’ll have one, too. But you don’t get one... you get mean when you drink!”

SUPERMARKET WOES Submitted by J. Hendricks A new supermarket opened near my house. It has an automatic

water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you approach the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and experience the scent of fresh hay.

When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck, and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.

The veggie department features the smell of fresh buttered corn.

I don’t buy toilet paper there any more.

LESSON LEARNED Submitted by Bob Breazeale The other day my 7-year-old grandson was making all kinds of weird faces in the mirror. I told him, “When I was a kid and made faces like that, my mother said my face would look that way permanently.”

He looked at me for a few sec-

18 | LAUGHING MATTERS | APRIL 2020 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

onds and said, “Well, you can’t say you weren’t warned.”

MISSING CAR KEYS Submitted by Barbara Wilson My car keys weren’t in my pockets.

Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the grocery store parking lot.

My husband has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in my car’s ignition. He’s always afraid that the car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized he was right.

The car was nowhere to be found! I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car and told them that it had been stolen.

Then I made the most difficult call of all... to my husband.

“I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen,” I said.

There was a moment of silence.

I thought the call had been disconnected, but then I heard his voice.

“Are you kidding me?” he barked.

“I dropped YOU off!”

Now it was my turn to be silent.

Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”

“I will,” he said. “As soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your damn car!”

LITTLE JOHNNY Submitted by Ginger Gagler Little Johnny is always being teased by the other neighborhood boys for being stupid. Their favorite joke is to offer Johnny his choice between a nickel and a dime. Little Johnny always takes the nickel.

One day, after he takes the nickel, a neighbor takes him aside and says, “Johnny, those boys are making fun of you. Don’t you know that a dime is worth more than a nickel,

LET’S STAY STRONG TOGETHER

LAUGHING MATTERS

even though the nickel’s bigger?”

Johnny grins and says, “Well, if I took the dime, they’d stop doing it, and so far I’ve made $20!”

SENIOR MEMES

to feel better. I finished my beer and noticed that everybody was staring at me.

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

Submitted by Jan Weeks

EASTER POETRY

“When I was young, I could climb mountains. These days I have to steady myself to fart.”

Submitted by Ralph Bickel

“You know you’re old when you go to bed at the time you used to go out.”

“I swear that if my memory was any worse, I could plan my own surprise party.”

“I finally did it! I bought a new pair of shoes with memory foam insoles. No more forgetting why I walked into the kitchen!”

My grandma talking to my mom about her new hearing aid: Grandma: “It’s the most expensive one you can buy. It cost me $4,000.”

Mom: “What kind is it?”

Grandma: “It’s 4:15 p.m.”

Employer: “We have a companywide 401K.” Me: “I don’t think I can run that far.”

FLATULENCE Submitted by Eugene Ramierez I was in the bar yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to pass gas.

The music was really loud, so I timed my farts with the beats.

After a couple of songs, I started

Children gobble Easter candy Robins eat whatever’s handy April, month of modest means survives on worms and jellybeans.

QUARANTINE HUMOR Submitted by Jan Weeks Be careful because people are going crazy from being in lockdown! Actually I've just been talking about this with the microwave and toaster while drinking coffee and all of us agreed that things are getting heated. I didn't mention anything to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything.

Certainly not to the fridge as he is acting cold and distant. In the end, the iron calmed me down as she said everything will be fine, no situation is too pressing. The vacuum was very unsympathetic. It told me to just suck it up, but the fan was more optimistic and hoped it would all soon blow over. The toilet looked a bit flushed when I asked its opinion and didn’t say anything but the doorknob told me to get a grip.

The front door said I was unhinged and so the curtains told me to... yes, you guessed it... pull myself together. ■

Our office is temporarily closed in respect of social separation, but we choose to be optimistic and focus on the future!

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s U e k a M

Laugh !

Send your JOKESto

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | LAUGHING MATTERS |

19

(Skyline Building behind WW Peppers)

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

-OR-

How to decipher journalism from hoax in the internet age

By Adam Cochran

O

ver the years, I have survived threats of nuclear war, several end-of-the-world predictions, and at least five plagues. Somehow, everyone I know even survived the Y2K meltdown. But my first survival story began in second grade.

A student reported to the class that the head of Procter and Gamble told the audience on the Phil Donahue Show that he worshiped Satan. If you bought any products with the company’s logo, you were supporting satanism.

Even worse, my friend expounded on how the products were cursed and the owner would soon be the victim of early violent death.

The student had two reliable sources: his mom and a typed mimeograph of the story.

I went home that night and checked the house.

Sure enough, our house contained satanism. My parents found me distressed and in tears.

After I explained our eternal

BEFORE YOU TRY TO DECIDE WHETHER A STORY IS TRUE OR ACCURATE, START BY TESTING WHETHER IT’S EVEN JOURNALISM. 20 | APRIL 2020 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

predicament, my parents counseled that I shouldn’t believe everything people say. Even if it’s on the news.

After that unholy incident, I was disoriented by the fact that I couldn’t believe everything in the news. However, I also felt empowered with the knowledge that the panic was the result of a hoax.

FACT VS. BIAS Hoaxes, exaggerated legends and political propaganda are likely as old as the written word.

Each advance in distributing information has only increased the proliferation of fallacies.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

1. Understand the purpose of genuine journalism. Journalism, news and media are not synonyms. Fundamentally, journalism is the objective pursuit of truth that is valuable to the public and ethically reporting the confirmed facts.

2. All reporting is biased. Believe it or not, this is often a good thing. See next point.

3. Journalism should be objective.

A good journalist must explore the insights of all parties involved. Bias allows the journalist to omit irrelevant details, but those decisions should not be influenced by a political or personal motive.

4. Journalists follow a code of ethics. True journalism considers the rights of all parties involved. Although covering a story may be perfectly legal, there are certain guidelines that the industry follows concerning reports on minors, private lives of individuals, pro-

tected classes and more.

5. Count the stories. This is a technique I learned while on my high school newspaper staff. If you track the number of right- and left-leaning stories reported by a given outlet for a week, you can almost always spot the organization’s political slant.

6. Your gut is not a reliable indicator of objective journalism.

The Uses and Gratification theory argues that people prefer to consume information they agree with. This also means they are more likely to believe information that they agree with. Therefore, if you read something that stirs you in a positive or negative way, at best, it’s written with an agenda in mind. Worst case scenario, it’s hoax propaganda designed to get you to act based on irrational emotional reflexes rather than objective thought. ■

The Voice of

Adults 50+ in

MARCH 2020

Mesa County

The Voice of

OOMgeEneRration gap OK, B bridge the

MONTROSE-DELTA

How to

Volunteer of the

Year voting is

d more about our

now open! Rea

ine! or go vote onl m Ballot inside, eniorNews.co www.BeaconS

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Adults 50+ in

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Y r love is music tooum y ears Musicia

inside!

way into their

ties: LOCAL ge ED LOVPar Clothing Exchan We asked, you 20 ng 20ifti answered! See inside for this It’s the new thr year’s

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lta Counties

MONTROSE-DELTA

for fact-checking the news

. . . e h t o t e b i r Subsc FEBRUARY 202 0

TIPS

stories being labeled as “mostly false” while left-leaning stories are more likely labeled “partly true.”

I would love to provide a list of trustworthy and objective fact-checking sites, but none of them are perfect. Instead, I would like to persuade readers to use technology to become savvier about fact-checking on their own.

If you aren’t willing to be wrong, then you’ll likely experience the Uses and Gratification Theory. This theory argues that people often only consume media that tells them what they already believe, or what gratifies them.

The best way to fact-check is to confront the fact that much of what you hear, see or read in the media is incomplete.

Determine if a a story is even journalism with the following tips.

Volume: 6 | Issue :2

The good news is that these same means of distribution (printing press, radio, TV, the internet, etc.) have also made it easier to debunk false information. But when the ability to distribute information becomes easier, the process of fact-checking falls more on the consumer.

While there are countless fact-checking websites, many of these sites are also slanted politically or are swayed by third parties (advertisers, corporate owners and political organizations). For example, Snopes.com is one of the more popular debunking websites. While Snopes typically does an acceptable job at researching the origins of questionable news stories, the site has a minor left-leaning slant. This has been measured by the number of partially accurate right-leaning

Top 16 tax aud it red flags to avo id

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21

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Navigating Transitions:

Aging gracefully with Susan Zanol

By Joyce E. Corley

H

er jobs were her passion.

But between Susan Zanol’s fun-loving personality and active retirement life, you might not have known retiring was a difficult transition for her.

Despite the difficulties that come with life’s later years, Zanol has learned to maintain a positive attitude while aging.

WORLD-TRAVELER Zanol, 65, was born in Denver, although she considers Alamosa her hometown. Her first taste of international travel came when she was 14, when her family moved to Sydney, Australia, for two years before returning to Colorado for high school.

Zanol completed nearly 11 years on active duty in the Air Force and another 11 years as a reservist.

During her military service, Zanol spent time on temporary duty around the world. But sometimes her stations were less exotic than she expected, such as Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York.

“When I got my orders, I thought I was going to Italy until I saw New York,” she said. “That was after I bought travel books and an Italian language book.”

She was stationed in Kansas City, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas, Suwon Air Base in Korea, and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). She was also an instructor at The Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

While serving in the Air Force,

Susan Zanol holds a photo of her, taken when she was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Air Force. she reached the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Some exciting things she experienced was being selected to escort Colin Powell and Senator Patrick Moynihan, and briefing high-level leaders on the then-new ALCM weapon system and B1B Bomber.

“What I found super exciting was lying in the back of a KC-135 refueler aircraft face down beside the boom operator. It felt like I could touch the pilot in the aircraft below. I always waved and got a wave back,” said Zanol.

STAYING ACTIVE Zanol earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education, and a master’s degree in special education.

After her military service, Zanol

“PHYSICAL CHANGES SEEM TO COME MORE RAPIDLY THESE DAYS. WE ALL REMEMBER PUBERTY. THIS FEELS SIMILAR ONLY WITH DRY SKIN INSTEAD OF OILY, AND SHRINKING INSTEAD OF GROWING.” 22 | APRIL 2020 |

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS taught at East Middle School in Grand Junction for 21 years until she retired about eight years ago.

“I felt I was at the top of my game when I retired from both professions,” said Zanol. “That’s how I wanted to go out. It was time for others to carry the torch.”

When Zanol retired from teaching, she moved to Montrose because of its cooler summers.

“The views are amazing! Most people are still small-town friendly in Montrose,” said Zanol.

NEWLY ADJUSTING But after such an active career, retirement was still a difficult transition.

“I had a hard time adjusting. I didn’t know what to do with the expertise I used in jobs still in my head. My jobs were my passion,” Zanol admitted.

She never really developed hobbies before retiring, but tried volunteering with a couple of organizations. It wasn’t a good fit.

“It felt like work with the absence of pay, and I was often asked to perform tasks that the paid staff didn’t want to do,” she said. “I didn’t feel that my talents were utilized. I felt lost in retirement. There is only so much travel and house cleaning you can do.”

That is, until four years ago when she received the dreaded diagnosis: cancer.

AFTER SUCH AN ACTIVE CAREER, RETIREMENT WAS STILL A DIFFICULT TRANSITION. “It changed my priorities overnight. I appreciate each day now,” said Zanol.

AGING GRACEFULLY Today, Zanol enjoys walks, kayaking, Tai Chi, racquet sports, learning Spanish, reading, watching good movies, helping others and being an active citizen in the political process.

“I’m an active member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Free Thinkers of Montrose. I am very proud to be on the board of Bosom Buddies. I am in charge of advertising for Katmandu in Paonia, a cat fostering and rescue nonprofit. No cat left behind!” said Zanol.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, including members of a “very cool book club,” added Zanol.

With her new perspective on retirement, Zanol has been able to complete her bucket list.

“I am content, and comfortable in my sagging skin (thank you, VA Mental Health) and want to be known for being a decent person with integrity who always takes the time to help out where needed,” she said. “I never want to be too

old to be of assistance.”

When it comes to aging, Zanol is positive but honest.

“Physical changes seem to come more rapidly these days. We all remember puberty. This feels similar only with dry skin instead of oily, and shrinking instead of growing,” she said. “I have floaters the size of battleships. I seem to be adding parts like hearing aids and subtracting parts like breasts.”

She admits that growing old isn’t for sissies. But for Zanol, life still has many joys.

“I laugh easily at all sorts of things like animal antics, a good joke, good comedians, Saturday

Night Live, with friends about funny things in our past and at meetings when it is totally inappropriate to pop off a quip,” she said. “I mostly laugh at myself, especially when I can’t find things like my glasses when they’re in my hand.”

Her advice for aging gracefully?

Live with honor and integrity.

“I have loved, made plenty of mistakes and tried to always give back,” said Zanol. “I am honored to have been a part of the defense of this country and a part of educating young people. I hope that I, at a minimum, taught critical thinking skills and good citizenship with a bit of personal finance thrown in.” ■

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Since she retired, Zanol has been crossing things off her bucket list like schmoozing this goat at a farm in Paonia. But really—she hopes to

compete in the Hotchkiss Sheepdog Trials.

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23

ALIVE & DIGGING

Keep calm and garden on I

n times of adversity, confusion and chaos, we’re granted the opportunity to reflect. Of course, we have that opportunity every day. But when life jolts us, we have hardly a choice but to pause and remember what truly matters.

Connection. Community. Safety.

Food. The simplest elements of life stand out to us, and we see them as the essentials they are.

This is the same magic that takes place in the garden. Whenever we take a moment to be present—to notice life—the noise subsides, and we remember what it is to be alive.

CONNECTION THROUGH SOLITUDE Alive & Digging is in its fourth year of publication. Every month, when I think about what part of the garden I want to marvel about, I consider what might be happening in the garden by the time this column goes to print, and then by the time it reaches your hands. For the first time, as I write this particular column, I have no idea what will be happening then.

But I do know this: There are some things that always have meaning. Timeless things, like connecting

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with nature and being nurtured with fresh food.

If you find yourself in solitude, gift yourself moments of connection. Start plants from seed you’ve never before started, and as you notice sprouts becoming microscopically bigger each day, you’ll gift yourself the opportunity to feel connected.

Write a letter, or call a friend.

Find a local farmer who’s adapting to the current state of affairs by delivering fresh produce to doorsteps.

Maybe you have more time than ever to be in your garden. What a blessing.

FILL YOUR GARDEN WITH ABUNDANCE In my first-ever column, I shared with you a manifesto—an invitation for you to create a space in which you’d feel connected, to experiment and play, and to venture into the gardening universe humbly and vibrantly alive and digging.

The garden is, for so many of us, a portal into the untamed “natural” world. It connects us to a realm of ideas, processes and possibilities that we’re often distanced from in our daily lives.

ALIVE & DIGGING

YOUNG SWEET PEA SHOOTS TASTE WONDERFUL IN SALADS, SO THIS IS A COVER CROP THAT I’LL HARVEST AND EAT!

With daily life disrupted as it’s been, what better place is there to be than in the garden?

■

Poppies and pansies

Poppies add such beauty to the garden in spring, before it’s warm enough for many other flowers to come up. Sow a row of poppy seeds at the surface of the soil.

Poppies need light to germinate, so add just a thin layer of straw on top of the bed to hold in moisture and provide protection from frosts.

Pansies (from starts) are also cold-hardy and the flowers are edible.

Greens: arugula, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, spinach, Bok choy, chard ■

Spread seeds across the bed so that each section of soil is sprinkled with an even layer of seeds. We’ll thin the plants as they come up, harvesting microgreens, young leaves and eventually full-grown greens.

For this style of planting, a leaf lettuce might be easier to manage than a head lettuce. Cover seeds

with a thin layer of soil and a thin layer of straw to hold in moisture.

■

Carrots and beets

Mix a bit of sand into the section of soil where you’ll sow carrots and beets (unless your garden soil is mostly clay, in which case, skip the sand and add compost instead.)

Sprinkle these root veggie seeds, covering them with a thin layer of soil and then a 1-inch layer of straw.

I like to cover my carrot seeds with a layer of fabric to keep the soil really moist and create a darker environment, which encourages germination for carrots.

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start, so be diligent pulling weeds.

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Peas and buckwheat

These plantings are more about utilizing our space in spring while we wait for temperatures to warm.

Despite how hard we collectively cross our fingers, tomatoes go in the ground after Mother’s Day. Utilizing garden space means planting something in your tomato patch that will grow during the weeks and months leading up to that glorious day of tomato-planting.

ENTER: BUCKWHEAT Our thick bed of buckwheat will

suppress weeds, put out flowers for beneficial insects, and fix nitrogen in the soil—all while taking care of the space in our garden that will eventually hold tomatoes and peppers.

You can also plant peas in areas that will be used for warm-weather plants. I like to plant a larger area of peas for a few reasons: Young sweet pea shoots taste wonderful in salads, so this is a cover crop that I’ll harvest and eat! Later, I’ll use this space to plant corn, beans and squash: the three sisters.

The act of gardening is a simple one. And simplicity is what makes gardening so enchanting. May you venture into your garden universe and find everything you need. ■

Onions

Spacing will depend on the variety of onion you choose, so follow the spacing guidelines on your seed packets when planting. Sow onion seeds in rows and cover with soil, then straw. Onions are slow to

ALIVE & DIGGING

BY PAIGE SLAUGHTER Send your questions to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email her directly at paige@fruitionstudio.com

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | HOME & GARDEN |

25

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

How to paint your house’s exterior— from prep to finish

By Kimberly Blaker

D

oes your home’s exterior need a facelift? If so, it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. A bit of time and effort in prep work and a fresh coat of paint can restore your home’s curb appeal and make it look new once again. With the right tools and resources, you can paint your home yourself and save a bundle on the cost of labor.

HOW TO CHOOSE COLORS There are several considerations to choosing the right colors for your home. Your street or neighborhood will be affected by the color you choose.

• Take into account the colors of other homes on your street and those immediately surrounding yours.

• The architectural style of your house and its era also play a role in color selection. Is your house contemporary? Or is it a turnof-the-20th-century craftsman home? To determine the best colors for the era and style of your house, browse through books or online to see what’s appropriate and appealing.

• Are there any exterior elements

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that’ll be difficult, costly or unnecessary to change, such as the roof or driveway? If so, choose paint colors complementary to those existing elements.

• Consider visual effects. Determine whether your house would look better in a lighter or darker shade based on the landscape and its distance from the road • Use color and visual tools to choose shades that are complementary to each other for the primary color of your home: window trim, shutters, and doors; and the trim casing, roof casing, and railings. Many paint brands offer online color visualizers where you can upload a photo of your house to try out different paint colors and combinations virtually. Try www.sherwinwilliams.com/visualizer#/active Once you’ve decided on colors, buy a sample of each and try it out on a small area of your house to avoid a costly mistake. Color sample cards and online visualizers don’t tell the full story. You need to see the actual paint color on your real-life home to know how it will really look.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

PAINT TYPES

Before you begin painting, you’ll need to inspect the exterior of your house, make repairs and prep the surface. Look for and resolve the following issues:

most home improvement stores.

Next, fill any cracks and crevices between siding and trim panels with an exterior, paintable caulk. This will give your house a professional, cohesive appearance after you’ve painted.

Choose a primer with a vinyl sealer, so both the sealer and paint adhere better. If you’re adding a fresh coat of the same color paint, a sealer isn’t necessary.

Also, gather your paint and the tools you’ll need, including sturdy ladders, sprayers, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, plastic sheeting and painter’s tape.

Finally, just before priming or painting, tape off edges including trim, windows, doors and hardware to protect them from paint. Even with tape, paint tends to bleed through. So run a putty knife along the edge of the tape, to ensure it is flush and adheres. If you’re using a paint sprayer, also tape up plastic sheeting to cover doors, windows, fixtures and anything you want to protect.

• Flaking paint (remove by scraping, sanding or with a wire brush)

HOW TO PAINT

The best all-around paints are those that say “100 percent acrylic latex” on the label.

Accordng to an article on www. thisoldhouse.com, author Thomas Baker explained that 100 percent acrylic resin “remains flexible, breathable, and colorfast far longer than paints made with vinyl resins or acrylic blends.” Still, even among 100 percent acrylics, quality varies.

So it’s worth comparing coverage rates, dry-film thicknesses, and proportion of ingredients.

For certain surfaces, however, oil-based paints are better because of their smoothness, hardness, gloss and resistance to dirt. Doors, trim, railings, wrought iron and elements that get touched hold up better with oil-based.

PREP WORK

• Rust on iron details (scrub with a wire brush then apply a rust-inhibitive primer) • Chalky residue (efflorescence) on aluminum siding, trim, and soffit (lightly power wash siding, scrub it with a cleaning agent and brushes or pads, then rinse) • Mold and mildew (clean light mold with bleach; replace extensively damaged elements) • Deteriorated or missing caulk in window sills and doors (remove deteriorated caulk and apply fresh high-quality, paintable exterior caulk) • Rotted wood (remove or cut it out and replace) After you’ve completed your inspection and cleaned or repaired any problems, wash the exterior to remove dust and debris. You can use a hose, bucket and rags, or rent a power washer, available through

Paint sprayers offer the most coverage in the shortest amount of time. Brushes and rollers are better for precision and control.

1) Begin by applying the primer, which can be sprayed, rolled or brushed on. Make sure it covers rusty nails, sap or other similar problems to prevent bleed-through.

2) After waiting for the recommended time for the primer to dry, you’re ready to apply color. You can spray the siding then roll or brush the trim and doors. Another option is to spray large areas that require minimal taping off and use brushes and rollers on the front of the house and in other areas where there’s a lot of detail. Alternatively, you may decide not to deal with spraying at all.

3) Carefully follow the instructions on the paint cans to ensure the paint properly adheres and provides lasting coverage. ■ WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 |

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D E L U ED

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JUNCTION

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Enjoy the area’s largest boomer and senior fair!

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FOR A TOUR

TALKING DIGITAL

Top websites for surviving COVID-19

M

any of you are reading this column from your homes this month. Maybe you’re reading it on the BEACON’s website for the first time.

Along with reading your news online, you have begun doing things that you’ve avoided for years.

You’ve joined Facebook or other social media. You’ve started banking online, and even learned to use that little camera at the top of your computer screen.

Just like how 911 led to an increase in the adoption of computers into homes, no doubt COVID-19 will have an even greater impact on how we all use technology.

Here’s a hodgepodge list of technology resources and tips useful during times like this:

HOMESCHOOLING KhanAcademy.org - This website is fantastic for teaching anyone STEM courses. It’s free and it’s complete enough that most schools accept completion of a Khan Academy course as a substitute for the same course offered by the institution.

Khan Academy is also introducing humanities courses, and the catalog is expanding constantly.

Crash Course (www.YouTube. com/user/crashcourse) - A lot of teachers don’t like Crash Course videos because they present weeks’ worth of classroom lecture material in 20 minutes. Even worse, students remember the video material better. My daughter was once told that she wouldn’t be so bored in class if she wasn’t watching the Crash Course videos at home.

a website that allows you to search for citable facts. Best of all, it will solve almost any complex equation and it will show the steps taken to solve the problem.

NEWS News.google.com - No single news outlet is completely reliable and accurate 100 percent of the time. However, you can browse the headlines quickly from a variety of sources. The site also allows you to search the world’s headline via the power of Google.

can afford to subscribe to a service, it will likely provide a more reliable, better experience.

Hangouts.google.com is a group video, audio and chat service that is free from Google. It’s probably the easiest to implement, but it is also more unstable due to its high demand.

Skype.com is free, but more reliable if you pay into one of its plans.

If you are looking for a profession-

al solution for larger meetings, I recommend Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Microsoft Teams is great for educational or professional use and is a more enhanced version of Skype.

Zoom.us is an excellent group video, audio and chat platform.

Best of all, meetings of 40 minutes or less are free for more than three people. There is no time limit for gatherings of less than three people. ■

FACT CHECKING My article on page 20 discusses the importance of being a responsible news consumer and how to detect ethical and objective journalism. If you choose to use a fact-checking resource, I recommend using several as each tends to have a political or social slant to it: Allsides.com, Politifact.com, Factcheck.org, APnews.com/APFactCheck and Snopes.com.

MEDICAL I suggest that you follow medical advice that you read online as closely as you follow investment advice from a guy at the bar who’s on his third beer at 3 p.m. No matter how good the advice sounds, you always want to verify it with someone you trust.

WORKING FROM HOME & VIDEO CHATTING Many online meeting platforms will be stressed during this time. If you

www.Wolframalpha.org - Your grandkids are gonna love this! It’s

TALKING DIGITAL

BY ADAM COCHRAN Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him directly at adamc@talkingdigital.org WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | TALKING DIGITAL |

29

TRAVEL

Eco-tourism in

New Zealand

Travel this remote island while supporting the environment

By Lauren Berg

F

Top: A cove along the Abel Tasman Coastal Trak, a wilderness reserve at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island.

Bottom: Dusky dolphins are one of the many marine animals to be seen in New Zealand.

30 | TRAVEL | APRIL 2020 |

or many people, retirement means traveling.

But is there a way to travel the world without adding a bunch of fossil fuels into the atmosphere?

Don’t let a warming planet paralyze you from enjoying your retirement. Simply choose an environmental-friendly destination like New Zealand!

roundtrip flight from Denver to Auckland, New Zealand, creates around four tons of CO2 emissions, which is the equivalent of about four fullgrown trees. If just four people on your flights purchased one tree, that would help offset the carbon footprint of your trip. Any little bit you contribute counts!

TREES FOR TRAVELERS

EXOTIC WILDLIFE TOURS

New Zealand is known for being exceptionally environmentally conscious. As a tourist destination that usually requires visitors to hop on a plane to get there, New Zealanders came up with a solution: Trees for Travellers.

This nonprofit allows you to purchase native trees to be planted in the coastal town of Kaikoura, which is also known for its incredible marine wildlife. Using online tools, visitors calculate the number of fossil fuels burned on their flight there, and how many trees they need to buy to offset their carbon footprint.

Trees cost between $20-40 New Zealand dollars (NZD), which is $11.60-23.20 in US dollars. A

New Zealand is also known for its ecological tourism. Eco-tourism displays the country’s incredible natural beauty and wildlife while making sure a portion of the profits goes to conserving the environment. This is especially important because around 71 percent of the island’s plants and animals are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they aren’t found anywhere else in the world.

Ocean-based examples of ecotourism include Whale Watch and Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura on the South Island.

With Whale Watch, you can enjoy a short ride out from shore to see whales (if you don’t see one, your money is refunded) as well as pods

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TRAVEL of dolphins, seals, albatross, penguins and any other wildlife that happens to be around. However, with Dolphin Encounter (and Seal Encounter) you can get in the water and swim alongside the wild pods of dusky dolphins.

Viewing and swimming next to these incredible marine mammals creates an unforgettable experience, while also supporting the very environment these creatures need to survive. Whale Watch is committed to using renewable energy resources as well as energy-efficient vehicles and vessels. Proceeds also go toward rebuilding native habitats in the area.

In addition to marine and bird wildlife, New Zealand hosts various sheep farm tours, tours of glowworm caves and other scenic walks all around the country. Eco-tours can be found on travel websites, enabling you to support the environment wherever your travel itinerary brings you.

AN ECO-FRIENDLY CITY The capital of Wellington is known for its coffee culture, its walkable Cuba Street featuring weekly Friday Night Markets, and—surprisingly—a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Venture north of the city to Zealandia: a 500plus acre bird sanctuary home to unique native birds and reptiles that otherwise would struggle to survive against introduced predators like stoats. Bird enthusiasts may want to dedicate an

GLAMPING, HUT-STYLE

The Tui bird is a common sight in Wellington’s Zealandia. entire day to walking the easy trails that lead to bird feeders, alongside tranquil streams and to beautiful vistas overlooking the park. Best of all, your visit helps support the sanctuary and fund other restoration projects.

If your stay in Wellington is accompanied by rain, a good indoor activity is New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, located downtown.

Entry is free, but if you wish to donate, your money will go to supporting cultural and educational programs.

If you enjoy backpacking and want to stay a night or two in the national parks, New Zealand’s hut system is a good alternative to tent camping.

Enjoy luxurious backpacking huts like the Heaphy Hut off the west coast’s Heaphy track, or Angelus Hut nestled next to a lake in the scenic Nelson Lakes region.

Backcountry huts fit anywhere from eight to 32 people. The bigger huts are generally nicer— including heating, lighting, cooking stations with sinks and flush toilets—but will generally require booking ahead of time, especially during holidays or peak season. There are also homesteads and lodges that include fully equipped kitchens, showers and private rooms. Book accommodations at www.doc.govt.nz.

If you want to do some light backpacking where you only need to bring a sleeping bag, food and some cooking utensils, New Zealand has many great walks where that can happen.

One of my favorites is the Abel Tasman Coastal Track at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a perfect way to explore the incredible countryside without burning any fossil fuels!

To find more eco-tourism adventures even outside of New Zealand, check out the book, “Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime,” which details nearly 100 different environmental-friendly tours and destinations. ■

The author, Lauren Berg, left, and a friend backpacking the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

The Rob Roy Glacier is one of many iconic New Zealand destinations.

A backcountry hut WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | TRAVEL |

31

FINANCE

Save money while saving the planet

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By Karen Telleen-Lawton

I

’ve prided myself on how little my family tosses into the trash compared to our recycling bin, following the rules on the lid. We pack cloth grocery bags, reuse and recycle plastic bags, and often remember to bring our own reusable plastic containers for restaurant leftovers.

Our pantry contains more glass than plastic food containers, and we use bar soap to spare the earth yet one more source of plastic.

I figure it’s a win-win: I save money buying less packaging material, and the earth is saved a little plastic.

But my pride took a major hit when our local trash hauler and recycler’s new recycling rules came out recently. Forget the little numbers in the triangle on plastic containers. Plastics are no longer recycled, except for caps-on empty beverage bottles, rigid plastic greater than six inches, empty laundry detergent bottles, plastic flower pots, trays and toys, and large plastic tubs and buckets.

PLASTIC OCEANS Apparently the recycling story we told ourselves for decades was not really working, at least not anymore. Evidence has been piling up

literally for years about gyres of ocean garbage. It was back in 1997 that these gyres, composed mostly of microplastics, were first discovered.

China and other Asian countries are no longer willing to take our recycling or garbage.

Since 45 percent of the garbage gyre is said to originate from Asia, it seems likely that we paid to ship our trash halfway across the world, and it’s slowly making its way back.

Actually, it’s long since arrived.

Scripps oceanographer Jennifer Brandon and her co-authors recently analyzed a core of sediment excavated from a mile off the U.S. West Coast.

Since the 1940s, the quantity of microplastic in each sediment layer has doubled every 15 years.

Brandon’s core sample doesn’t try to analyze the plastics’ origin, but other studies indicate that 80 percent of microplastics in the ocean gyres comes from landbased activities: tipped or animal-raided trash cans, streets and landfills. The trash may not have been littered originally, but has since blown or strewn into rivers, sewers or the ocean. The other 20 percent are ship-based items that were thrown or lost overboard.

FINANCE Despite efforts so far, it’s still arriving from points far and near. Texans Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara began an international clean-up day over 30 years ago, based on work they’d done for the Ocean Conservancy. Last fall’s Annual International Coastal Cleanup Day involved over a million volunteers covering 22,301 miles to gather 23,333,816 pounds of trash. The top trash item is always cigarette butts, with over 5 million butts picked up in the 2019 clean up.

THE PROBLEM WITH RECYCLING All this hit home for me when I had to toss no. 1 and no. 2 plastic food containers into the trash. My kitchen trash was full, but I still had one more day before the weekly trash collection. I called the recycling company about the new rules.

In American cities and towns all over the country, new rules reflect what trash haulers can sell now for reuse in making recycled consumer products. That is, if they can’t make money on recycling, then it’s trash.

Which is logical.

Part of the problem with recycling is food contamination and the difficulty of separating mixed articles like wax-coated cardboard.

An important factor is that products made from recycled materials are not as strong and thus can’t be re-recycled.

I’ve come to the realization that much of what we thought we were sparing from landfill, we weren’t.

Handwringing aside, what are we to do?

REUSING PACKAGING SAVES MONEY On an individual level, the solution is straightforward: Make less trash.

We need to provide our own reusable containers as much as possible for groceries, restaurant take-out, and all purchases. When we toss something into the trash, we need to consider that it might end up in the ocean. The good news is that reducing and reusing packaging also saves us money.

Finally, we need to demand more (i.e. less plastic) from businesses.

If consumers demand it, businesses will rethink ways to package and will devise ways to reduce plastics in products and packaging.

It’s not just the packaging, however. The market system, in its zeal to increase demand, works against the environment by encouraging ever-increasing consumption. Governments instead need to incentivize products that are environmental “goods” and penalize products that add to the waste stream. This not only reduces the strain on the environment but also saves businesses money.

Here are a few advertising slogans to get us started: • “Buy in bulk from bins.”

• “Brag about bringing bags.”

• “No package? No problem.” ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | FINANCE |

33

BUSINESS PROFILE

Feel at home on the range

Have fun, shoot safe at Rocky Mountain Gun Club

By Linda Booker

R

ocky Mountain Gun Club (RMGC) is Western Colorado’s largest, most advanced public indoor shooting facility. Located at 545 31 Road in Grand Junction, the locally owned club opened five years ago, filling a need for local law enforcement and community members wanting to hone their shooting and archery skills.

With over 46,000 square feet, RMGC has 14 pistol lanes, a second bay with six tactical lanes for rifles, and a bay with 18 archery lanes. Upstairs are classrooms that qualified instructors use for training and educational courses for members and nonmembers, and a tactical simulator for training law enforcement officers and anyone who wants to sharpen their skills without actually shooting guns.

Rocky Mountain Gun Club members enjoy the club's numerous amenities and benefits, including classes and special events, and 46,000 square feet of pistol, rifle and archery lanes.

“Our main focus is to be a safe facility,” said General Manager Sabra O’ Crotty. “There’s more to the club than meets the eye.”

BEYOND THE RANGE The club offers a large selection of rental equipment, and has 6,000

square feet of retail space for a Firearms Pro Shop and a separate Archery Pro shop with top-of-theline merchandise. Instructors are also on hand to help newcomers determine what equipment is right for them. Shoppers can also see what’s available online at www. shop.rmgcgj.com.

RMGC’s Shoot House is used by law enforcement officers for active shooter training scenarios. It also doubles as a fun party idea for grandkids using Nerf guns.

MEMBER PERKS Non-members can enjoy many of the club’s amenities at reasonable rates. Range fees start at just $15.

But by becoming members, the club’s frequent users receive exclusive member benefits. Members pay no lane fees and can expect to get discounts on retail merchandise, training and gunsmith services. They also have access to the lounge, classroom space, patio and tactical simulator.

Apart from enjoying personal use of the range, members can entertain visiting family and friends at a reduced rate or with guest passes.

CALLING ALL LADIES! The club is very senior-friendly, attracting many boomer members.

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“Fifty percent of the membership are seniors,” said RMGC Event Coordinator Terre Fry. Shooting sports are becoming more and more popular with the ladies. Frye said the percentage of women club members increased from 3 percent to 19 percent in 2019! This is partly due to the exclusive benefits offered to ladies, such as ladies-only Concealed Carry training and several ladies-only events with $5 range fees, free gun rental and target with the purchase of ammunition.

Stop by for a tour or call 5237642. Find a list of upcoming classes and events at www.rmgcgj. com. ■

Black Canyon Astronomical Society

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT

These stargazers are out to preserve the night sky

By Joyce E. Corley

L

uckily, we live in an area that’s beautiful both by day and night!

With the help of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society, Montrose and Delta residents work together to preserve the night’s natural beauty and ensure its celestial bodies remain accessible to the public.

Bryan Cashion has been a member of the star-gazing group for the past 11 years. As club president, his goal is to grow membership and to support the society’s mission of uniting public interest with information about astronomy—the natural science that studies celestial objects, space and the physical universe—and encouraging the preservation of dark skies.

COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY Most of the group’s outreach efforts focus on observing the sky.

The club partners with the National Park Service and utilizes Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for the majority of their events, which are open to the public. Cashion advises people to bring their own telescopes during outings.

“The telescope you buy really depends on what you want to see and use it for,” said Cashion. “Newer telescopes with new technological features are not necessarily lighter.”

DID YOU KNOW? Most of Black Canyon Astronomical Society’s outreach efforts focus on observing the night sky at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

Cashion encourages newbies to attend an event, and consult with club members about which telescope might be right for them.

Good telescopes can weigh anywhere from 20-40 pounds or more.

“I consider myself to be in pretty good shape, and I recently felt the need to downsize my own telescope,” Cashion said.

GO OUTSIDE AND LOOK UP! All citizens can support the efforts to preserve the night sky by making sure home lighting is aligned with the objectives of the Dark Sky Concept, which encourages people to reduce their home’s light pollution.

The astronomical society meets monthly January through October

in both Montrose and Delta. The club, founded 20 years ago, boasted around 60 members in 2019.

Annual memberships cost $15 for individuals and $25 for families.

Members receive weekly astronomy news updates and a subscription to an astronomy magazine. The club also accepts donations to support the group’s efforts and mission, which includes equipment.

Events are listed online at www. blackcanyonastronomy.com.

To really find out if you are interested in astronomy, Cashion’s advice comes from Jack Horkheimer, former host of “Star Gazer” on PBS: “Go outside and look up!”

For details, contact the club at 497-2644. ■

In 2015, the Black Canyon Astronomical Society worked alongside the National Park Service in its effort to designate the park as an International Dark Sky Place (DSP). These parks are lands possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage and/or public enjoyment.

Further efforts recently gained the same status for Norwood, and similar efforts are underway in Ridgway and Paonia. Other nearby DSPs include Great Sand Dunes National Park; Westcliffe & Silver Cliff, Colorado; Hovenweep, New Mexico and Dinosaur National Monument, Utah.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT |

35

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

For the love of

dogs They’re more emotional than science gave them credit

By Kimberly Blaker

F

or all the dog owners and lovers out there, we get to know our pets well. Despite our canine’s inability to talk, we often understand their emotions based on their body language. Scientists now confirm what dog owners have suspected all along: Dogs experience a wider range of emotions than once thought.

DOGS FEEL LOVE The dog brain is substantially smaller than the human brain when accounting for body size, so it isn’t as complex as our brain. Yet, MRI studies reveal dogs’ brains aren’t much different from humans. MRIs have shown the same sections of both the human and dog brain light up based on various types of stimuli, according to a board-certified neurologist, Dr. J.P. McCue, at New York City’s Animal Medical Center.

It’s also been found that dogs produce oxytocin, the neurotransmitter and hormone that creates the emotion of love in humans. In fact, research reveals that when our dogs stare into our eyes, it

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activates oxytocin, creating a bond similar to that between a mother and infant.

David Grimm reports on the research of this phenomenon in his article, “How dogs stole our hearts,” in www.sciencemag.org. In an experiment by Takefumi Kikusui, an animal behaviorist, dogs and their owners gazed into each other’s eyes. Their gaze ranged from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The researchers found in those dogs and owners who stared longer, the oxytocin levels rose 130 percent and 300 percent, respectively. This adds to the growing body of research that supports dogs can feel love and attachment.

Just like in humans, dogs’ brains develop as they grow. In humans, the brain reaches full development around age 25. But dogs’ brains are fully developed around the age of 6 months. At this point, dogs’ emotional development is equivalent to a 2 ¹/₂-year-old human, according to researchers.

To gain perspective on what that means in regards to dogs’ range of emotions, Stanley Coren charts the

BEACON SENIOR NEWS emotions of a 2 ¹/₂-year-old child in “What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?”

These include joy, love and affection, contentment, excitement, shyness and suspicion, fear, disgust, distress and anger. At that age, however, children don’t experience feelings that require self-consciousness, such as pride, shame, guilt and contempt.

HOW TO READ YOUR DOG’S FEELINGS Here are some of the ways dogs express different emotions.

Joy. Dogs often express this when a family member comes home, or a familiar guest comes to visit. Dogs often run and jump, wag their tails and lavish kisses. They also express joy when playing by barking or giving a playful bow.

Love and affection. When dogs are feeling affectionate, they might nudge you with their nose, make loving eye contact (as opposed to the threatening eye contact of an unknown dog), or softly groan and sigh while lying next to you.

Some dogs will lean their bodies up against you while sitting or standing. They also express their love through kissing, jumping and rolling onto their backs with a wagging tail.

Shyness, suspicion, fear. These emotions are often quite evident.

Dogs might flatten their ears, avoid eye contact, tuck their tail under, cower, pant or shake. They can also have dilated glassy eyes. Pacing, hiding, whining, barking, sneering,

nipping, or submissive urination can also be signs of fear or shyness.

Distress. When dogs are depressed, they can experience changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns and reduced activity levels. Emotionally distressed dogs also show this in their posture with downcast eyes and a low bent neck. They might also lick or shed excessively.

Anger. If your dog has ever ignored you or given you the cold shoulder, there’s a good chance he/ she is mad at you. But if you’re doing something that makes your dog particularly angry, the signs may be more prominent. Your dog might take a rigid posture, bark loudly in your direction, or make sharp or short barks. This is a warning to stop whatever you’re doing that’s making your dog angry. If your dog begins growling, repeatedly howling with a rising pitch or showing teeth, it’s prepared to attack.

WHAT ABOUT HACKLES? People often think raised hackles indicate a dog is angry or showing aggression. Sometimes that’s the case. But raised hackles are an involuntary reaction and most often caused by a host of other emotions.

These include excitement, arousal, fear, shyness, defensiveness or being startled. That said, dogs can bite out of fear, not just anger. The best way to know the meaning behind the raised hackles is to look at other body languages that indicate what the dog is feeling. ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 |

37

FAITH

Bringing light to the

Amazon

Local pastor uplifts villagers in Peru with God’s Word

By Pastor Jim Hale

J

uan, the tribal pastor, wouldn’t look me in the eye. He was uncomfortable, and in cultural deference, he didn’t want to seem too bold.

The midday heat made it difficult to stay awake as I squatted on a small bamboo bench in the dirtfloor, thatch-roofed home of the local pastor. I was told they hadn’t had a visitor in many years, and now that this giant gringo was sitting in his house, he was probably wondering what I was doing there.

AN ALASKAN IN PERU I didn’t speak the language well and had no idea how to begin.

The Amazonian atmosphere was oppressive, the environment totally foreign to an Alaskan boy turned Coloradan. Praying for wisdom and guidance, the thought came to me to simply ask how he came to know Jesus.

His face came up, his eyes brightened and he began to recount his story of being an imprisoned, violent drunk having it out with God Thanks to our advertisers, we get to provide in his cell. He and God both won as YOU with the BEACON for FREE! Juan finally surrendered his life to Tell our supporters that you saw them in your favorite senior news source. his creator. He experienced a new life as he came to know he was on earth for a reason.

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Author Jim Hale with fellow pastor, Juan, and his wife, Rosa, in Peru.

After he was released, he began to serve others in the community, becoming a pastor soon after. By then, he was shepherding a small church in a backwater town far from anything resembling civilization. As he shared, we found common meaning, purpose and hope. He began to call me his “hermanito” or little brother, though my 6-foot, 5-inch frame dwarfed his just over 5 feet stature.

I asked Juan what he wanted to do with his life. What was his vision?

FAITH

TO VISIT THESE REDEEMED VILLAGES IS TO EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY. All he wanted was a boat and a case of Bibles to share the life of God with the villagers along the rivers.

A boat would cost money and Bibles would need to be purchased.

Because he lived in a subsistence economy with few resources, he would need help. At that moment, I felt that one of the highest and best purposes for my life would be to help Juan fulfill his dream.

20 YEARS LATER...

In the last 20 years since that fateful day, Juan and his wife Rosa have evangelized, preached, taught, pastored and built churches.

As one of over 200 pastors, the Peruvian mission Juan works with is now hundreds of churches and two Bible schools which create a life-changing force for good in not just the Peruvian Amazon, but also in Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay.

At 66, I’m still returning to equip ministers for the work in the jungle.

That’s why my grandson Jason and I returned this time.

The people of the jungle receive the good news of forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ with great openness and joy. Life and light come in new ways, hope becomes tangible as lives change, marriages and families are healed and whole villages restored. God’s love, truth and influence are spreading so quickly that many leaders need to be trained.

We came to train pastors and leaders in what is called a mobile school. Gathering leaders from the surrounding villages, we paid their way in and back, fed them and housed them for two weeks while they received training from myself and the Peruvian-run mission Bible school leaders. Experiencing God

through worship, fellowship, teaching and prayer, the students received training in identity, integrity, love, truth, communication and purpose.

AMAZON OUTREACH Amazon Outreach, a US-based support organization, sends teams each year to further the work.

Churches are being established in some of the most remote places imaginable. Church buildings are being built, clean-water wells are being drilled and Bibles given to hungry hearts. Kids and adults receive school supplies and reading glasses with thankfulness and joy.

Medical teams minister to the physical needs of the people.

Winning the trust of the people through love in action allows tribal leaders to open their hearts and villages to the message of salvation.

Many donate land to build churches and encourage their people to receive and serve the Lord. Drunkenness and violence are defeated, and peace comes to marriages and families, affecting the whole society. To visit these redeemed villages is to experience the beauty of righteousness, peace and joy.

The best part of all this is the life of Christ, the love of God and the light that shines in the darkness.

Without the hope that Jesus brings, many are trapped in drunkenness, drugs, darkness and despondency.

But, like my hermanito, when the love of God fills their hearts, the big questions of life are answered and deep, abundant life begins to flow.

Why would anyone want to step into a foreign and sometimes threatening environment with a case of Bibles and a message of hope? Because every man, woman and child on this planet deserves to know that they are loved, that their life has meaning, that there is a purpose for their lives and a place in Heaven for them when this life is over. You do, too. ■ Anyone wanting to be a part of this continuing effort can contact Jim Hale at jimhaleSLCF@aol.com.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | FAITH |

39

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

20 albums turning 50 in 2020

By Deborah Brosseau

A

significant year in music is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2020. Best-selling 1970 album releases illustrated changing times, with heavy metallers sharing the charts with hippies, R&B crossing over to pop charts, and female artists earning positions in the Top 10.

The albums listed below are some of the chart-toppers from 1970. Not only will they bring you back to that transformative year, but they continue to hold up today as great listens.

AFTER THE GOLD RUSH – NEIL YOUNG

The final studio album from one of folk’s greatest duos also provided its two most famous songs, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Cecilia.” It won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

CHICAGO – CHICAGO While this was the band’s second record, it was the first to use the recognizable cursive logo. A double album with highlights “25 or 6 to 4” and “Make Me Smile,” Chicago was quickly certified Gold.

CURTIS – CURTIS MAYFIELD

Mostly recorded in his Laurel Canyon basement studio, Neil Young enlisted Crazy Horse and CSN&Y musicians as well as the young musical genius, Nils Lofgren, to create some edge around Young’s poetic lyrics.

Soul singer Curtis Mayfield debuted in 1970 with this self-titled album. Unlike his work with the Impressions, this collection delivered some funk and tackled socio-political issues of the day.

AMERICAN BEAUTY – GRATEFUL DEAD

German avant-garde artist Nico added more fans to her cult following with the release of Desertshore. Produced by The Velvet Underground’s John Cale, the album included “Janitor of Lunacy,” a tribute to the late Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones).

One of the Dead’s most beloved albums, American Beauty exemplified the Americana genre with its blend of country, folk and rock. It also included songs written by Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and Ron McKernan, not just Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter.

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BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER – SIMON & GARFUNKEL

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DESERTSHORE – NICO

DIANA ROSS – DIANA ROSS In 1970, Diana Ross started her solo career with the release of her self-titled debut. It was a best-seller and chart-topper with the songs “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

FUN HOUSE – THE STOOGES While folk and R&B were having their moment, heavy metal and punk rock were just getting started. Iggy Pop and The Stooges’ second album was integral to creating a foundation in the U.S. for the latter with seven propulsive tracks.

GET YER YA-YAS OUT! – THE ROLLING STONES The Stones’ live album was recorded at Madison Square Garden (except for one track in Baltimore) and debuted Mick Taylor on guitar. The title was pulled from a Blind Boy Fuller song of the same name that was an invitation to get one’s butt out the door.

LADIES OF THE CANYON – JONI MITCHELL Laurel Canyon in Hollywood was the music epicenter of the late 1960s and early ’70s, and Joni Mitchell was its leading lady. “Ladies of the Canyon” celebrated the female energy and intention of the folk movement with songs like “Big Yellow Taxi.”

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

LET IT BE – THE BEATLES In a year that also saw solo releases from John, Paul and George, the Beatles released their final studio album. While critics were largely unimpressed at the time, the title track alone now stands as a legacy track.

THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD – DAVID BOWIE The third studio album from David Bowie, “The Man Who Sold the World,” is considered the beginning of his classic period. His lyrics explore faith, international conflict and technology while the music moved into a harder rock than in previous releases.

MOONDANCE – VAN MORRISON Considered one of the greatest albums of all time, Moondance blended Irish folk, jazz and R&B (including a horn section) the sound that Morrison would ultimately become known for.

MORRISON HOTEL – THE DOORS Reeling from Jim Morrison’s obscenity arrests, a flop last album and long stays in the studio, the band went back to rock ‘n roll basics on Morrison Hotel. With a solid blues infusion and a deep dive into dark lyrics, the band had a much-needed hit record.

PARANOID – BLACK SABBATH Black Sabbath’s second studio album includes the band’s most famous songs, like the title track and “Iron Man.” Paranoid is considered one of the most influential works in heavy metal.

SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED – STEVIE WONDER Topping both the pop and R&B charts, Stevie Wonder’s 12th studio album was the first on which he received producer credit. In addition to the hit title track, Stevie’s cover of the Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out” earned a Grammy Award.

SPIRIT IN THE DARK – ARETHA FRANKLIN With chart-topping hits “Don’t Play that Song (You Lied)” and “Spirit in the Dark,” Aretha’s 17th album is still considered one of her best.

Supporting the Queen of Soul in the studio were two Kings: Carole and B.B.

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STARSAILOR – TIM BUCKLEY Leaving his traditional folk sound way behind, Tim Buckley turned toward the experimental in “Starsailor,” which alienated some while exciting a whole new audience with its psychedelic, jazzy influences.

SWEET BABY JAMES – JAMES TAYLOR Recorded with an all-star band featuring Carole King and Randy Meisner, James Taylor’s second album put his slow-building career as a singer-songwriter on the fast track with hits “Fire and Rain” and “Country Road.”

WOODSTOCK: MUSIC FROM THE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK AND MORE It took nearly a year to get a collection of highlights from the legendary Woodstock Music Festival to market. The triple album highlights include Jimi Hendrix performing “Star-Spangled Banner” and Jefferson Airplane’s “Volunteers.” ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 |

41

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus H ere are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help you keep scammers at bay:

• Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.

• Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-thecounter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)—online or in

42 | APRIL 2020 |

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DON’T LET ANYONE RUSH YOU INTO MAKING A DONATION. IF SOMEONE WANTS DONATIONS IN CASH, BY GIFT CARD, OR BY WIRING MONEY, DON’T DO IT.

stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.

• Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before

you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources.

• Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS • Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

• Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.

• Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit www.cdc.gov • Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

The FTC and FDA have jointly

issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat or prevent the Coronavirus. The companies’ products include teas, essential oils, and colloidal silver.

The FTC says the companies have no evidence to back up their claims as required by law. The FDA says there are no approved vaccines, drugs or investigational products currently available to treat or prevent the virus.

“There already is a high level of anxiety over the potential spread of coronavirus,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “What we don’t need...are companies preying on consumers by promoting products with fraudulent prevention and treatment claims. We’re prepared to take enforcement actions against companies that continue to market this type of scam.”

File a consumer complaint at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (3824357). ■

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43

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Two big happy families

Adopted woman finds sister, birth family at age 68 With help from her son, Adam (center), adoptee Marti Beckman (left) learned she had a biological sister, Janice (right), who lived just hours away in St. George, Utah.

By Melanie Wiseman

M

arti Beckman always knew she was adopted, but even with wonderful parents and two close siblings, she couldn’t help but wonder where she came from.

“The story my parents always told me was they were window shopping in Denver when they saw me in the window and brought me home,” said Beckman, 71.

Being that Colorado adoption records prior to 1950 were sealed, she’d learned to accept living with unanswered questions. That is, until her son and daughter-in-law gave her a Christmas gift on her 68th birthday that would change her life.

BEGINNING THE SEARCH Beckman’s son, Adam, and his wife, both Denver attorneys, anticipated

44 | APRIL 2020 |

the change in law that unsealed those records on January 1, 2016.

The knowledge that Beckman now had the legal right to seek records of her biological parents set the wheels in motion. Adam filed pa-

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

perwork with the juvenile court system, and after months of waiting, they were told to apply for adoption paperwork in Pueblo where Beckman was adopted. There they received copies of birth records for

Baby Lynn Ann Simpson.

“My biological parents cared enough to name me before putting me up for adoption,” said Beckman.

Previously sealed documents painted pictures of her mother and father. Kathryn Zauhar, then 28, was a Dawson, New Mexico teacher living with her parents. Details revealed a 5-foot 5-inch tall woman with hazel eyes and dark brown hair who enjoyed outdoor sports and had a friendly smile.

Her father, James Simpson, was 25, a World War II Marine and Denver draftsman with blue eyes, black

hair, good health, and a high school education.

Under the care of Denver Catholic Charities, Kathryn gave birth to “baby girl Simpson.” She specifically requested her sister, Anna, was the only relative to know of the birth.

Kathryn, James and Anna all took the secret with them when they died.

Six weeks later, baby girl Simpson was adopted by John and Josephine Crum, who renamed her Martha “Marti” Josephine.

THE LONG-LOST SISTER The biggest lead came when Adam found James’ obituary stating he was survived by a daughter in St. George, Utah.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I had a sister,” said Beckman.

Her name was Janice.

On September 2, 2016, Adam wrote Janice telling her she had a biological sister who lived in Grand Junction and would like to meet her.

“Janice called me the day after she got the letter,” said Beckman.

“She was in shock, always thinking she was an only child. She recognized her mom’s handwriting on the consent for adoption forms so she knew it was legit.”

A few weeks later, Beckman rang the doorbell of Janice’s home in St. George. The family resemblance was instantly apparent.

“My husband said, ‘She has little ears like you!’” said Beckman.

Janice got out photo albums, giving Beckman the first glimpses of her parents and extended family.

“Janice said her mother lived with [her and her husband] during her final years and that right before she died, she always sensed there was something she needed to tell her but never did,” said Beckman.

“Staying silent about the adoption was especially strange with Janice having two adopted children and her mom being there during the process.”

Beckman learned that her biological parents (Janice said they

were known as Jim and Kay) ended up getting married a year after her adoption, had Janice five years later and settled into their long life together in Santa Fe. Considering what life was like at the time, Beckman wasn’t surprised she was kept a secret.

“It was a different day then, and they were from conservative Catholic families. Everything was pretty hush, hush,” said Beckman.

MEETING FAMILY Beckman is certain she and Janice would be great friends if they weren’t sisters.

“We have a lot in common,” said Beckman. “We’re both huge bookworms, and Janice worked for a nonprofit women’s shelter and as a child’s advocate for the state of Utah, while I’m a victim’s advocate for the Grand Junction Police Department.”

Janice told Beckman their dad was a big jokester and the life of the party. Their mom was much more reserved.

“I’m more like Jim and Janice is more like Kay,” said Beckman.

“Janice said ‘I think Dad would have been tickled pink to meet you.

Mom, not so much because of her conservative ways.’”

Their father died about 10 years ago, and Kay died shortly before Adam began the search.

Just months later, Beckman was introduced to 35 new relatives at a family reunion weekend in New Mexico. Bright red T-shirts listed the family names present with a special shout out: “Welcome, Marti.”

In 2018, Janice was introduced to Beckman’s friends at a party in her Grand Junction neighborhood, and her sister, Nancy.

Beckman never thought she would find the answer to her parents. Janice still can’t believe she never knew she had a sister.

But they don’t dwell much on the past. Instead, they choose to move forward into the future, cherishing their newfound sisterhood. ■

Question Month OF THE

Compiled by Melanie Wiseman

When did you take a big risk and it paid off?

Twila Unfug “I was a stay-at-home mom.

When my kids got older I applied for a position as Director of Admissions at a small Psychiatric hospital in Denver and got the job! It was a great 20-year career.”

John Parker “When I had my own business there were plenty of risks there.

At 81 I’m not inclined to take big risks as long as I see an open door with easy access.”

Grace Powders “When I married my husband.

We were both nearly 40 and neither one of us had been married before and were very set in our ways. We’ve been married 32 years now.”

Cliff Gallagher “Moving here from New Jersey.

I wanted to live where there were less people, got a packet of information from the Chamber in 1995 and that was it. No regrets.”

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 |

45

CALENDAR Mesa County

April 23

April 25

Learn about the ins and outs of downsizing from Dani Wright of Hummel Real Estate at Capella of Grand Junction from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Luncheon and refreshments will be served at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road. Call 822-7070 with questions.

Meet at Long Family Memorial Park in Grand Junction at 8 a.m. for the third annual walk for Down Syndrome. The walk starts at 9 a.m., followed by live music by DJ Ryan Griz, games and crafts, and team awards.

The Art of Downsizing

Editor’s Note: Some of the following events may be postponed or rescheduled as a result of COVID-19. Please check with event organizers beforehand.

April 11

Easter Egg Hunt Drive-through

Grab the grandkids and head over to the Cross Orchards Historic Site for a modified Easter egg hunt starting at 10 a.m. Drive thru 24acre grounds and pick up a bag of Easter prizes and candy at a safe social distance! We will have age-appropriate car lanes. The Easter bunny and other fun Easter characters will be on the grounds to wish kids a happy holiday. Admission fee to the museum will be waived. Call 434-9814 for details.

April 24

Old Fossil Golf Classic

Step Up Western Slope

April 25

At Home Canvas Paint

The Old Fossil Golf Tournament is an annual fundraiser presented jointly by Museums of Western Colorado and Family Health West and has been played at the Adobe Creek National Golf Course since 2010. The tournament will start at 9 a.m. Cost is $100 per person.

Call Family Health West Foundation with questions: 858-2132.

No need to leave your house to enjoy a painting workshop with Angelo’s Pottery Studio. Simply visit the Facebook event (or call 2430886) to decide which canvas you would like delivered, register online or by phone, and the pre-sketched canvas and paints will be dropped right at your doorstop!

April 25

Food & Wine Pairing

You are invited to Shiras Winery

April 14

Dan Miller’s Cowboy Revue

Redlands Mesa Women’s Open Grab your golf gear and head over to the Golf Clubs at Redlands Mesa for the 14th annual Redlands Mesa Women’s Open! Cost is $185 (including lunch on Sunday). Shotgun start for 2 Lady Best Ball is 1 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. Same Partner Best Ball Eclectic shotgun start Sunday. Please also bring a package of diapers to donate to Diaper Drive for Hope of the Grand Valley.

For details, call 263-9270.

Starting March 24

DIY kit with Redeemed

Creative Studio Enjoy sign and art painting with all the tools and materials provided at your own home! Each participant will be able to choose their design, stain and paint colors through the website www.redeemedcreativestudio.com.

10% Off Service & Parts Extra $250 dollars off -OR-

46 | CALENDAR | APRIL 2020 |

April 25-26

Montrose/Delta

Fans of western music, you’re in luck. Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Revue will swing the audience at the Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s sixth event. This world-famous ensemble plays and sings country, western, country western and Americana music with the best of them. See them live at the Grand Junction High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual event tickets can be purchased for $25 for adults if seats are available. For more information, visit www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or call 243-1979.

Thank You For Your Vote

from 6-8 p.m. for a beautiful evening filled with delicious food and wine. You’ll be served four different wines paired with a variety of small plated food throughout the evening. Festivities begin in the wine bar located inside the Zesty Moose Marketplace. Cost is $55 per person; photo ID required. Sign up and reserve your seat today at www. thezestymoose.com/events or call 270-6263.

NewwithHONDA coupon 242-1572

741 N. 1st St. Grand Jct.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Expires: April 30, 2020

Starting in April

Blue Easel Boutique in Delta

Enjoy Blue Easel Gallery’s art during the coronavirus crisis: 1. Each day they will highlight a new item of the day for your at-home shopping pleasure. Staff will also offer curbside pickup of all items purchased.

2. Blue Easel will be transitioning to smaller art classes. If you are already signed up for a class and don’t feel comfortable attending, you will be moved to a later class.

3. They are working on online art classes, for those interested in creating in the comfort of your home.

If you are signed up for any Blue Easel art classes, call 541-4763 to talk about your options.

April 24

Hard Pressed concert

performance Enjoy the musical talents of Hard Pressed in the Listening Room at TADA Your Art Space, 459 Main St., Delta, starting at 6 p.m. “Hard Pressed” is a marriage of two lives— of a fiddle and a banjo—of rich, honest and pure harmonies, both in life and in song. Their material, both original and traditional, is transcended by the delivery of their rich, heartfelt vocals which pull the listener into their music. Suggested donation is $10, which goes directly to the artists. For details, call 209-5293.

April 25

Murder Mystery Dinner

Enjoy a night of mystery in the Wild West starting at 6

p.m. at the Graystone Restaurant, 21565 North Road, Eckert. Enjoy a delicious dinner while solving the mystery of the murder at the Deadwood Saloon. Cost is $50 per person, which covers dinner.

Advance registration is required at www.blueeaselgallery.com or call 541-4763.

April 25

Fly-Fishing Film Tour

The 14th annual Fly-Fishing Film Tour is hitting the road and headed to your backyard with a fresh catch of new films. Featuring exclusive shorts from friends coast to coast and beyond, from saltwater to fresh, this year’s film is geared to get you stoked for another incredible season on the water. Head over to the Montrose Pavilion at 7 p.m.

Tickets cost $17. For more information visit www.montrosepavilion. org/calendar or call 249-7015.

April 30

Classic Nashville Roadshow

Venture out to the Delta County Performing Art Center, 822 Grand Ave., to enjoy your favorite classic hits. Starting at 7 p.m., Jason Petty and Katie Deal will take you on a journey down memory lane while honoring the world’s most beloved country greats such as Golden Ring, Jackson, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and more. Tickets are $21. For details, call 921-4142 or visit www. deltamontroseconcerts.com. ■

See more events at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | CALENDAR |

47

BEACON BITS Grand Junction BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair rescheduled for Wednesday, August 19 In an abundance of precaution and to protect the health and welfare of older adults as it relates to the transmission of COVID-19 (coronavirus), BEACON Senior News has rescheduled its 20th annual BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair. The new date is Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at Grand Junction Convention Center (formerly Two Rivers Convention Center) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Volunteer of the Year nominees will be honored at the rescheduled show. Volunteer of the Year voting has been extended through July 31.

For questions, concerns or more information, call 243-8829 or email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19 with these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people in high-risk populations—including older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions—help mitigate the risk of transmission by taking everyday precautions: • Avoid close contact with people who are sick • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing

48 | BEACON BITS | APRIL 2020 |

your nose, coughing, sneezing, or having been in a public place.

• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places—elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.

• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

• Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones) • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.

For details, visit www.cdc.gov.

Tax payment deadline extended to July 15 The Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) announced it will extend the income tax pay-

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

ment deadline by 90 days to July 15, 2020. This payment extension applies to any qualifying income tax payment, regardless of the amount, without penalty or interest for the 2019 tax year. Estimated payments due on April 15 and June 15, 2020 may also be paid any time on or before July 15 without penalty.

To help keep the public informed, CDOR has set up a COVID-19 page where updates and changes related to taxes, deadline extensions, services and penalties will be posted: www.Colorado.gov/Tax/COVID-19updates.

Crossroads Fitness posts workouts online While Crossroads Fitness is closed, so many of the gym’s talented staff have come up with virtual classes and home workouts. Go to www. crossroadsfitness.com for new workout options and positivity to stay engaged.

Colorado ranked third for most prepared for COVID-19 Colorado ranks third-most prepared for disasters and public health emergencies such as the coronavirus, according to a recent report by health care analysts at QuoteWizard. They evaluated the Trust for America’s Health’s 2020 report and ranked each state based on the following factors; paid time off, public health funding, water security, seasonal flu vaccinations,

patient safety, and hospital preparedness program rates. View the full report at: www.quotewizard. com/news/posts/states-preparedfor-health-and-natural-disasters.

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation facilities closed Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus), Grand Junction’s park and recreation has closed all facilities and cancelled all programs and events.

This includes the Avalon Theatre, Las Colonias, the visitor’s center, all park restroom facilities, as well as sport events. For more information or questions, contact gjparksand rec@gjcity.org or 254-3866.

Mesa County Libraries closed Through at least April 6, all branches of the Mesa County Libraries will be closed. If you have items checked out please keep them until after the library reopens. You will not be fined or billed for them. The libraries also offer a wide range of online resources, such as eBooks and audiobooks, films, language learning and much more, which can be accessed online at www.mesa countylibraries.org/downloads.

WiFi will still be available and can be accessed outside buildings.

St. Mary’s visitor restrictions Due to COVID-19 heightened state of caution, additional visitor restrictions are being implemented at St. Mary’s Medical Center. The follow-

BEACON BITS

ing people are not allowed in the hospital at this time: • People with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches.

• Children under the age of 18 are NOT allowed to enter the hospital.

• Visitors are limited to two adults per patient, per visit.

• Please do not bring gifts from outside the hospital.

For details, go to the Mesa County Health Department website at www.health.mesacounty.us.

Montrose Memorial Hospital visitation and entry restrictions All individuals seeking to enter Montrose Memorial Hospital (MMH) and clinic sites will be checked at the front entrance area to ensure patient safety. To reduce the risk of exposing others to COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, individuals presenting respiratory symptoms are asked not to present to the hospital’s Emergency Department unless you need immediate emergency medical care.

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 should call a medical care provider to determine if they meet testing criteria and to explore how to obtain care and testing. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, aches and fever. Children under the age of 18 are not allowed in patient care areas. For questions relating to COVID-19, contact the Montrose County Health Information Line at 252-4545.

Montrose Memorial Hospital cancels non-essential surgeries Montrose Memorial Hospital (MMH) will be canceling non-urgent elective surgeries until further notice to help conserve supplies that may be needed in the fight against COVID-19.

Drivers’ licenses renewed online Starting March 11, 2020, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allowed residents 65 years old and older to renew their driver license credential online. There are a small number of customers who may have additional restrictions because they have renewed online twice before. DMV will work with these customers on an individual basis to renew their credential without visiting an office. All Coloradans are encouraged to take advantage of the DMV’s 35 online services before visiting a DMV office: www.mydmv. colorado.gov.

Check Facebook alerts for COVID-19 updates Facebook Local Alerts is a tool that state and local governments, law enforcement, and now public health agencies can utilize to communicate important information quickly to their communities, including updates regarding COVID-19. When these agencies mark posts as “Local Alerts,” people living within that geographical area will receive push notifications alerting them to the post, greatly extending the reach.

Montrose Memorial Hospital named in Top 100 rural and community hospitals Montrose Memorial Hospital (MMH) announced it has once again been named one of the Top 100 rural and community hospitals in the US by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. It is the only hospital in Colorado with this recognition for five consecutive years. Based entirely on publicly available data, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Only five hospitals in Colorado made the 2020 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital list.

More news on next page...

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

49

BEACON BITS Foster a COVID companion!

Roice-Hurst Humane Society still open, looking for fosters As of March 17, 2020, Roice-Hurst Humane Society (RHHS) will continue to be open during regular hours. Staff is asking the public to limit visits to those necessary for essential services—adoption, scheduled pet relinquishments, veterinary care for foster pets, and dropping off crucial supply donations. All RHHS events through mid-May have been canceled, including off-site adoption events. RHHS is looking for foster homes for current shelter pets to free up space and resources to meet the coming demands of our community. If you have space in your home, fill out the foster form at www.rhhumanesociety.org or call 434-7337.

KAFM announces new Executive Director KAFM 88.1 Community Radio in Grand Junction is pleased to announce that Cyrene Jagger has joined the station as executive director. Jagger brings to KAFM an extensive background in the radio and music industries, having served at several stations in California and Colorado. In addition to her radio experience, she was general manager at McTrax International, a record label and multi-media firm. Prior to becoming general manager, she was a publicity and tour manager for many successful tours in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Germany and Japan. Welcome her by emailing her at cyrene@kafmradio.org.

50 | BEACON BITS | APRIL 2020 |

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Powderhorn closed for season Powderhorn Mountain Resort suspended all winter operations

starting March 15, 2020. This is an extraordinary set of circumstances, and while staff regrets not being able to finish the season as planned, they are committed to being a part of the solution to the coronavirus crisis. For unused season passes and other concerns, email ski@ powderhorn.com.

Grand Junction: Doctor of Nurse Practice offering house visits Kathleen Wilson, DNP, is a doctor of nurse practice with a specialty in adult and geriatric primary care.

For those too vulnerable to enter the public, she will come to their homes for medical attention.She can be reached at 236-1001 or www.ReGenClinicGJ.com.

Assistance for employees and employers during shutdowns The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)

announced assistance for workers and employers during temporary closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers who have a reduction in hours/wages may file an unemployment claim at www. coloradoui.gov. If you are laid off due to business closures related to COVID-19, you can receive unemployment benefits, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements. A list of resources and FAQs on how to file is available at www. colorado.gov/cdle under “Coronavirus Information and Resources.”

The CDLE also encourages all employers to utilize paid leave and telework options for employees before utilizing temporary layoffs or alternatives such as CDLE’s Work Share Program. For more information, visit colorado.gov/cdle.

Rescheduled/canceled events

BEACON BITS

in Montrose & Delta due to COVID-19 • The Delta Kiwanis Texas Holdem Event has been postponed until May 16. Contact the Delta Kiwanis Club at 874-4871 for details.

• Delta Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Expo has been rescheduled to May 29-30. Call 874-8616 with questions.

• Delta Hubwheeler’s April 14 anniversary dance has been canceled.

• Valley Symphony Association’s “Salutes & Tributes,” originally scheduled for April 26, has been postponed.

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

• Grand Junction Visitor Center seeks volunteers to welcome visitors to the Grand Valley as a tourism ambassador. Flexible schedule, and a whole lot of fun!

Contact Kerry Graves at 2564054 or kerryg@gjcity.org.

• MOPS Kids is looking for volunteers at the Canyon View Vineyard Church to watch children for several hours a month during MOPS meetings. Call or text 5496637 for details.

• Palisade Historical Society welcomes volunteers who would like to share the history of Palisade, and/or work on various committees and projects. To volunteer or for more information, email pbwalker630@acsol.net.

• Foster Grandparents are needed in school classrooms throughout Mesa County. Applicants must be 55+ and may

be eligible for a tax-free stipend.

Background check required. Call 298-9091.

MONTROSE & DELTA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Sharing Ministries Food Bank seeks dedicated volunteers for three hours, one day a week.

Some lifting involved. Inquire at 49 N. First St. in Montrose. Call 240-8385.

• Senior CommUnity Meals needs volunteer delivery drivers and dining room helpers to help elderly citizens in Delta and Montrose counties. For details, visit www.seniorcommunitymeals.org or call 874-7662.

• Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors. Drivers are subject to background checks and must provide references.

• Friends of Montrose Library seeks volunteers to serve on its board of directors. Meetings are held once a month. For details, call 846-5287.

• Partners Mentoring Youth seeks adults who enjoy art and would like to mentor aspiring young artists. Volunteers are asked to make a six-month commitment.

They receive support from case managers and art workshops.

Call 249-1116 or visit www.partners-west.org to apply.

• Delta County Memorial Hospital seeks volunteers for a variety of positions. Call Barbara at 2502105 for details.

• Foster Grandparents are needed in school classrooms throughout Delta County. Applicants must be 55+ and may be eligible for a tax-free stipend.

Background check required. Call 298-9091. ■

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

51

FUN & GAMES

52 | FUN & GAMES | APRIL 2020 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

FUN & GAMES

CROSSWORD

See more puzzles at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com ACROSS

1. Yokel 5. Young goat 8. Tibetan priest 12. Musical drama 14. Ancient Andean 15. Coloured part

of the eye 16. Data 17. Come off as 18. Feels off 19. Type of melon 21. Individual 23. Caustic substance 24. Aardvark snack 25. Sigmoid shape 26. Wide street 30. Welcome 32. Brit’s half-note 33. Power 37. Neutral shades 38. Big parties 39. Arena shouts 40. ___ in Seattle 42. ... but I could

be wrong 43. Satirical dialogue 44. Jubilant 45. Sugar suffix 48. Hung. neighbor 49. Claiborne of fashion 50. Mild breeze

52. A book in which

records are kept 57. Olive genus 58. Afghanistan neighbor 60. Currency unit

in Nigeria 61. Not e’en once 62. Parks oneself 63. Big 64. In ___ (actually) 65. Ground breaker 66. Group of

individual facts

DOWN

1. ___ Hashanah 2. ___ no good 3. Pinto or lima 4. Art Deco master 5. Had the answer 6. Diamonds,

in slang 7. Humidity 8. Perjurer 9. Come up 10. “Amadeus”

director Forman 11. Orgs.

13. Institution for

mentally ill 14. So that’s it 20. Recolor 22. French summers

24. Sign of spring 26. Tsp. and tbsp.

27. Pill bottle 28. Feminizing suffix 29. Japanese American

30. Bold 31. Loiter 33. Hammer parts 34. Second start?

35. ___ En-lai 36. Ballpark figs.

38. Thrive 41. Evangelist’s

SUDOKU

suggestion

42. Flowing gently 44. Dance 45. Form of oxygen 46. Tennis’s Monica 47. Fencing blades 49. Part of an eye

or camera

per unit

51. Fabled runner-up 52. Appraise, charge 53. Reddish-brown gem

54. ___ yellow ribbon...

55. Q.E.D. part 56. ___-tat 59. Ipanema’s city

Turn to page 58 for your puzzle answers WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | FUN & GAMES |

53

FUN & GAMES

O W I N D I A N A T N O M N E W Y O R K

WORD SEARCH D W A S O P A T O K A D H T U O S N N S

A N E W N P E M S R K W Y O M I N G E T

R R A A O I I N N A T O S E N N I M B T

O H K L S S A A N E W H A M P S H I R E

L H O A S S D A N S V V C M I E I H A S

O U A O N I I N W C Y A E A N A N A S U

C N U D R S E I A A I L D R R I N W K H

A R C O I S A D F U S N V A M O C A A C

I G R I F L L O E U E I S N A I M L A K A S I S O N K U H A T I R H A S C I H A T N R N T O T I L N S I I T N I N A S S

O N R B D E N O A A K D E E G N A Y E A

E N A I N R O F I L A C X R O T K N W M

G L W I A H Z N A K T A I C N C O H M N

A E A I L L I N O I S V S O U M A N E N

R M L A Y G R T C N T I G T H X T H X I

FIND THE HIDDEN 50 AMERICAN STATES S W E S R N A U H S W E N A G I H C I M

O W D I A L T Y E S R E J W E N O K C V

L N V O M A Y W R O K A M O H A L K O I

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri

Montana Nebraska Nevada New hampshire New jersey New mexico New york North carolina North dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode island South carolina South dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Colorow Care Center We are a skilled nursing facility staffed with local compassionate professionals. Our non-traditional person-centered planned care approach helps our residents achieve their desired goals: to live a meaningful and purpose-filled life.

Come See and Feel the Difference

855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425

970.323.5504

www.vivage.com/Colorow

We Accept: • Medicare • Medicaid • RMHMO • Private Pay • PACE • And More

54 | FUN & GAMES | APRIL 2020 |

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FUN & GAMES

IT'S RIDDLE TIME!

These riddles are perfect to collectively solve over video-chat with grandkids or on phone calls with friends.

1. Q: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

2. Q: What two things can you never eat for breakfast?

3. Q Why do bees hum?

4. Q: I have wings and I have a tail, across the sky is where I sail.

Yet I have no ears, eyes or mouth, and I bob randomly from north to south. What am I? 5. Q: Mr. Blue lives in the blue house, Mr. Yellow lives in the yellow house, and Mr. Black lives in the black house. Who lives In the white house?

6. Q: What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?

7. Q: How is Europe like a frying pan?

8. Q: If an electric train is going east at 60 miles an hour and there is a strong westerly wind, which way does the smoke from the train drift?

FREE Senior Care Packages Sunday, April 5th & 19th from 1 - 3 PM Drive-thru at The VAULT • 2755 North Ave.

Packages include: Hand sanitizer, tissue, toilet paper, disinfectant, BEACON Senior News, and other goodies.

(While supplies last. One bag per household. Seniors only, please.)

If you are a shut in and cannot come to us, please call 970-712-8672 to request delivery.

9. Q: What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it?

970

10. Q: What is as light as a feather, but even the world’s strongest man can’t hold it for more than a minute?

MEDICARE

ASHLEY VANGUNDY

See answers at the bottom of this page.

www.970insurance.com

MARTY CROWE

RIDDLE ANSWERS 1. The letter M.; 2. Lunch and dinner!; 3. Because they don’t know the words; 4. A kite; 5. The President; 6. A towel; 7. It has Greece at the bottom; 8. Electric trains don’t have smoke; 9. Silence; 10. His breath WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | FUN & GAMES |

55

CLASSIFIEDS HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR A SERVICE TO OFFER? List it here—pricing starts at just $29 per month!

Call Stacey at 243-8829, ext.102, to reserve your space in next month’s issue.

HELP WANTED Registered Republican?

Help Bob Prescott. He is a successful businessman with an outsider’s vision for County Commissioner. He needs your vote and your support: www. votebobprescott.com. 549-7832.

GARDEN SERVICES Be Self Reliant; Plant a garden Lawn and Garden Service. Tiling, Aeration, Sprinklers, Pumps and Fences. Sam’s Tilling and Maintenance 697-6031.

HOME SERVICES The Cleaning Lady Spring cleaning, downsizing & reorganizing. Get a fresh start and de-clutter your home! Weekly, biweekly, monthly or just a onetime shot. Linda K. 720-841-7505 or 263-7364.

Scene Clearly, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter!

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

Tree Removal Special B-N Trees will remove almost any tree or stump on your property.

Winter Special 15% off!

Call Bill 430-1970.

Window and House Cleaning Get a start on your spring cleaning with Blue Ribbon Cleaning Services. 361-0531. Ryan and Michele Allowitz. 35 years’ experience and insured.

Custom Draperies, Blind and Solar Shades Floor coverings and design services. Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040.

Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the Valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution.

Free consultation. 216-0048.

SERVICES My Phone Friend, LLC Smartphone/Tablets assistance and lessons. 623-2121. www.myphonefriendllc.com Computer Lady, LLC In-home repair. 18 years serving Mesa County. Windows, internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. Remote services available. www.CompLady.com or 255-1216.

In-home toenail care JQ Foot Care will provide in-home toenail care. This includes cleansing of feet, inspection, nails trimmed, filed and lotion applied with massage. $35 for session. Education to promote foot health. 250-7454

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Love the BEACON? Visit us online!

Our award-winning website has: More fascinating stories!

More great photos!

More exciting events!

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 56 | CLASSIFIEDS | APRIL 2020 |

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Pat's Hair Salon & Ceramics All Hair Salon Services Available

Great Prices on Perms Senior Discounts

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN DOLL MAKING CLASSES & SUPPLIES

778-8075

HEALTH & WELLNESS Medical Marijuana Doctor Days in Montrose and Grand Junction Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit www.healthychoicesunltd.com

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED TO BUY

FOR SALE

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

Kids Saddle Kids saddle for sale, too big for a mini-pony. $200. Text 901-9364 for more info. Delta, CO.

COUPON

Buy One Entree with purchase of 2 drinks

Get One Entree of equal or lesser value at 1/2 price

Orde To G r o!

639 -956 2

Pellet Stove Older pellet stove; works but needs fan motor replaced. Stove and pipe $75. Text 901-9364. Delta, CO. 2430 Patterson Rd., Unit A Grand Junction

639-9562

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | APRIL 2020 | CLASSIFIEDS |

57

KUDOS & KVETCH

Financing a spaceship economy

The earth’s resources are not infinite

By Karen Telleen-Lawton

W

illiam Nordhaus first predicted the economic toll of climate change more than 50 years ago. Is it too late to start following his advice?

FORSEEING A TRANSITION

Tell ‘em where you found ‘em!

Thanks to our advertisers, we get to provide YOU with the BEACON for FREE!

Tell our supporters that you saw them in your favorite senior news source.

Answers from page 53

58 | KUDOS & KVETCH | APRIL 2020 |

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Starting in the 1970s, Nordhaus argued for the transition from a “cowboy economy” to a “spaceship economy.” A cowboy economy uses the environment as a sinkhole because the earth’s resources are viewed as seemingly infinite.

In contrast, a spaceship economy carefully manages inflows and outflows like natural resources and trash. While most economists were (and still are) satisfied with using unconstrained economic growth, Nordhaus understood the downside of planning for endless growth on a finite planet.

Nordhaus’ dire predictions weren’t without solutions. In the 1990s, he posited that rising C02 concentrations would start to melt polar ice caps. As an answer, he developed an economic and scientific model that demonstrated a small but increasing tax on carbon could spare us climate change at little to no cost. His 2018 Nobel prize in economics is a small consolation for ignoring his advice for decades.

Recently, financial communities are waking up to the dire threats of climate change, pollution and the depletion of resources. Jeremy Grantham, financial asset manager of Boston-based GMO, published a paper postulating that humans are losing the race for survival.

“Now we watch these predictions coming true and ignore the data, or pretend to. So, as the world starts to burn up, we twiddle our thumbs and talk about ‘just another heatwave!’”

Grantham sees the crux of the problem to be the difficulty of focusing on long-term problems when we’re constantly faced with more immediate ones.

TAKING ACTION Short-sightedness may be a reasonable explanation for society’s inept responses so far. But many individuals have taken action on their own, which when multiplied, can make a significant impact. This includes eating local food, avoiding food waste, eco-friendly travel, making our homes more energy-efficient and reducing our over-consumption of unnecessary things.

However, personal responsibility won’t be enough. Our economy’s health is strictly tied to our ecology’s health, meaning we now need public responses on a large scale.

Governmental policy imperatives include carbon fees, investments in renewable energy and efficiency incentives and protections.

What can you do to help move your community to action? How can we move voters to choose representatives who will prioritize a spaceship economy? Your individual public response will depend on your particular time and talents, such as through word, art or advocacy.

Maybe you can be the senior inspiration to walk alongside 16-yearold activist Greta Thunberg. She took a solar-powered boat from her home in Sweden to the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City last September, stating, “This is all wrong. I shouldn’t be up here.

I should be back in school, on the other side of the ocean.”

We are past due for a transition from a cowboy to a spaceship economy. As seniors, we cannot afford to do less than what will make us proud to tell our grandchildren. ■

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