BEACON-MESA COUNTY-May 2018

MESA COUNTY

MAY 2018

Volume: 31 | Issue: 5

Mesa County’s Magazine for Adults 50+. Over 32,500 Readers.

FROM US TO YOU

THE NEW BEACON VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR PAG E 6

BEACON readers chose Eric Wynn as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year

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A BIG BEACON Thank You! See if your photo made it into the BEACON.

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Old soldiers never die Memories of those who served should never be tucked away in a drawer.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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EDITORIAL COLUMN

Lookin’ good, eh?

What do you think of the BEACON’s new look?

It’s our hope that as the BEACON continues to grow and evolve, we will have greater opportunity to highlight stories and local people through better photography, and enhance your overall reading experience with cleaner and more elegant design.

I’ve been with the BEACON for nearly a decade. Looking back on old issues, it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and to think about all the people who helped us get here.

I’m thankful to have a direct connection to getting to know our readers and advertisers, and I’m blessed to work with such a talented staff and group of writers. I believe this issue is a testament to their passion for local seniors and carrying on the BEACON’s mission into the next decade.

Speaking of which, you can read more about the BEACON’s history and where we’re heading in this month’s cover story.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Each year, the BEACON honors dedicated Grand Valley volunteers who make our world a better place. Eric Wynn, the winner of this year’s Volunteer of the Year award, was chosen by BEACON readers who were inspired by his dedication to delivering hot meals to homebound seniors with Gray Gourmet and for making a difference for orphans in his home country of Myanmar.

BEACONFEST THANK YOU

The Grand Junction BeaconFest was a huge hit! Thank you to all our readers, sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, seminar speakers and door prize donors for making this year’s fair a success. See if your photo made it into the paper and which booths attendees chose for the Senior Choice Awards.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

My mom is one of my favorite people in the world. Where would we be without moms? Eileen O’Toole shares a moving story about her mother in honor of Mother’s Day.

BACK TO OUR NEW LOOK…

We’re still making changes, but please let us know how we’re doing.

Learn about Estate Planning and more at our Free Educational Workshops!

My Spouse No Longer Has Capacity or is Recently Deceased, What Should I Do? v Grand Junction: May 16th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

(Held in our office at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive)

What happens when your loved one loses capacity? What if your spouse needs care or needs to apply for Medicaid? What does this mean for the spouse still at home? If no planning for incapacity has been done, it will be difficult for family to pay the bills, handle health care, & other personal matters. We’ll discuss the important planning documents for this situation & what happens if you do not have them. In addition, learn what important documents have control & will determine what comes next when your spouse or loved one dies. Learn the necessary tools to have in place before you need them. Sign up today!

Registration is Required: Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250, or on our

website: www.brownandbrownpc.com by visiting the workshop calendar. There you can also view the full schedule with information for upcoming workshops in Grand Junction & in Montrose!

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

SUMMER TRAVEL

If you like the look of the BEACON now, then you’re in for a real treat next month with the publication of our annual guide to summer travel.

What are your favorite travel stories and vacation destinations?

Let us know!

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information.

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

(970) 241-7798 Cloie Sandlin Editor, BEACON Senior News

www.seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y

O W N E D

A N D

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM |

O P E R A T E D

B Y

H I L L T O P

MAY 2018 | EDITORIAL COLUMN | 3

COVER STORY

Bringing home the BEACON for over 30 years

By Cloie Sandlin “Aging isn’t fair—but it sure isn’t for sissies either.”

That’s one important lesson that resonates with Kevin VanGundy as he reflects on the past decade of being publisher of BEACON Senior News.

“It wasn’t until I got involved with the BEACON that I realized what an ageist society we live in,” he said.

“We celebrate youth constantly.

While youth is a cherished commodity, our readers have ‘been there, done that’ and are moving on to bigger and better things. Life isn’t over at retirement—far from it. It’s our job to show readers what other people are doing and how it’s also possible for them.”

In addition to being a channel for inspiration, the BEACON is a champion of aging, encouraging our readers—Western Slope residents age 50 and older—to defy the stigmas and embrace the knowledge and experiences that come with getting older.

“We’ve done stories about 90-yearolds jumping out of airplanes and new retirees summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro,” VanGundy said. “One of the craziest things we’ve done is when we published a story about seniors getting tattoos. We invited people to enter a contest where we paid for them to get

the BEACON logo tattooed on their bodies. We selected three winners at random and they actually did it.”

The response came as a surprise to VanGundy and the BEACON staff, but it was another lesson learned about working with seniors.

“You’re not going to get through old age without a sense of humor,” said VanGundy, noting the popularity of the publication’s monthly Laughing Matters column.

It’s more than the jokes and inspirational stories that put aging stereotypes to bed. It’s also the evident support of local organizations and initiatives, many of which are senior driven. Remember how funding for the Fruita Community Center started with a group of seniors knocking on doors and collecting cans? The same can be said about Montrose seniors who organize dining sites and deliver meals to homebound seniors.

As the voice of area boomers and seniors, it’s the BEACON’s job to recognize and celebrate these achievements and to highlight its audience’s valuable contributions to the workplace, economy, family and local programs.

“We try to share stories that inspire our readers and hopefully

give them ways to get involved,” VanGundy said. “They might not run a marathon, but maybe they’ll join the mall walking program. They might not be able to donate hundreds of hours working with kids in a classroom, but perhaps they can volunteer once a week. Sometimes people just need a push. They need guidance. They need a beacon.”

BEACON BEGINNINGS

When Susan Capps started the Senior Beacon in 1987, the publication was aptly named, its mission characterized by a beam of light guiding and shining on people age 50 and older in western Colorado.

“My goal was to encourage people not to feel like they were retired, but to feel like they were starting a whole new beginning to their life,” said Capps, who was looking for her own fresh start when she moved to the Grand Valley from Denver.

“I had two small children under the age of 5, and I was in a marriage that wasn’t working out. I was worried we wouldn’t survive here.”

Capps learned that Exxon had recently pulled out of the area, which upset the local economy and left a lot of homes empty. With the oil field business gone, the chamber of commerce set their sights on attracting another prosperous group of

residents to the valley: retirees.

“Since this area was being marketed as a senior community, it needed something that would project it as such,” Capps said. “I decided a publication that encouraged community would be a good thing.”

Capps’ Senior Beacon was one of a dozen or so in a network of franchises started by Gerry Bliese in Colorado Springs. Capps’ first issue, published in September 1987, promised to focus on readers 50 and older through “relevant news, cultural information, warmhearted and interesting stories, a smile…and moments of joy...”

Capps said support from advertisers and the senior community was evident from day one.

“It made me feel part of Grand Junction very quickly,” she said.

The paper flourished, quickly expanding into Delta and Montrose and eventually breaking off from the franchise that was under new ownership. About 10 years in, it became “Best Years Beacon” in an attempt to avoid using the word “senior,” then simply “The Beacon” once it was more established.

“My biggest accomplishment was that the paper came out every month,” Capps said, “and I was proud of it.”

But the paper’s success didn’t come without challenges.

“There were times that I worried about not having enough adver-

“I learned about canning, how to enjoy my time…how to cook, sew, travel and have fun.

I benefited all the time from their wisdom.”

-Susan Capps Left: Susan Capps’ first issue of the Senior Beacon, published in September 1987, promised to focus on readers 50 and older through “relevant news, cultural information, warmhearted and interesting stories, a smile…and moments of joy...”

Above: Capps and her husband, Jet.

4 | COVER STORY | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

COVER STORY

“Life isn’t over at retirement—far from it. It’s our job to show readers what other people are doing and how the same is possible for them.”

-Kevin Van Gundy Left: The April 2018 edition of the BEACON Senior Newspaper Right: BEACON Publisher Kevin VanGundy and his mother, Genevra, at BeaconFest.

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Managing Editor Cloie Sandlin Creative Director Melissa Trottier Graphic Design Chrissy Martin Office Manager Stacey Splude Office Assistant Olivia VanGundy

tising to support the issue.

There were times when I felt I was spending too much time on the paper and my kids were thinking I was just the family blur,” she said.

But Capps’ work with the BEACON and her roots in the senior community resulted in friendships that were more like family. “[Seniors] had so much to offer me personally,” she said, adding that there were always people who were like grandparents to her kids.

“I learned about canning, how to enjoy my time…how to cook, sew, travel and have fun. I benefited all the time from their wisdom.”

No matter what obstacles Capps encountered, the BEACON always provided—she even met her husband, Jet, through the paper.

“The paper was a complete blessing,” she said. “Those are the things that made it feel like the paper provided everything I ever needed.”

A NEW ERA

Capps devoted two decades of her life to seniors. She shaped the BEACON into a trusted resource for this growing demographic with stories about local people doing exceptional things, making a difference and living their golden years in ways they might never have imagined.

When the time came for Capps to make a fresh start once again, she

to break the BEACON in two, granting the Montrose/Delta area its own edition in 2015.

passed the torch.

“Susan was very passionate about working with seniors,” VanGundy said. “The more she talked about them, the more she sold me on buying the paper.”

VanGundy saw the potential for growth—not just in terms of engaging content and ad revenue— but also a growing need as Baby Boomers were becoming seniors and retiring on the Western Slope.

He bought the BEACON in May 2008—just before the recession hit.

“We grew, but those years were tough,” said VanGundy.

Again, the BEACON provided and persevered—not just the monthly newspaper, but also its ancillary products, such as the annual resource directory and BeaconFest Senior Fair.

“The most fun I have every year is at BeaconFest,” VanGundy said. “It’s a wild event and it gives our staff the opportunity to interact with a lot of our readers and advertisers.”

Montrose got its first taste of BeaconFest in 2011. Back then, the paper was bursting at the seams with stories and advertising from the three counties it enveloped.

Eventually, the decision was made

“We think of the Western Slope as one community, but it was hard providing sufficient coverage of all the amazing people and events in three different counties,” VanGundy said. “We have a great fan base—our readers like to write and call in and tell us how we’re doing.

We still get comments about how they miss the stories about Grand Junction or Montrose and Delta, but they can always subscribe or view them online.”

A BEACON TO GUIDE THE WAY The future is bright for the senior industry, which is great news for the BEACON and its readers.

“Baby Boomers are redefining retirement in America,” VanGundy said. “Not just from a business or social standpoint, but from a government standpoint. The diversity and number of services we’ll need as we age is impressive.”

Digital Media Manager Stephanie Summar Advertising Rep Sue Bowen Debra Romaniec Valeree Seiferd Proofreader Jan Weeks Delivery Cora Gentry Lauren VanGundy JR Milner

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

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

Display advertising rates are available upon request.

Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2018 • All Rights Reserved

No matter how you choose to age, the BEACON will be there every step of the way.

“It wouldn’t be without the talents of our wonderful staff, our faithful readers and loyal advertisers,” he said. “If you like what we’ve done with the BEACON in the last 30 years, wait until you see what’s in store for the next 10.” ■

Cover Photo: The BEACON staff,

from top: Sue Bowen, Stacey Splude, Genevra Shal, Debra Romaniec, Valeree Seiferd, Melissa Trottier, Cloie Sandlin, Olivia VanGundy and Kevin VanGundy.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | COVER STORY | 5

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

More than a meal: Eric Wynn

nourishes souls through volunteer work

By Cloie Sandlin

E

ach year, the BEACON Senior Newspaper honors the dedicated men and women of the Grand Valley who volunteer to make our world a better place. Our readers nominate individuals who contribute their time, skills and special talents to our community. All of these volunteers go beyond the call of duty and perform outstanding acts of service. We are grateful for every one of them.

In addition to recognizing these volunteers, we ask our readers to cast their votes for the BEACON Volunteer of the Year, an award that honors an individual who sets the standard for community service.

This year, our readers chose Eric Wynn—a friendly face to many seniors in the community who benefit from his kindness and dedication to St. Mary’s Hospital’s Gray Gourmet and Senior Companion programs.

A HEART FOR SERVICE

Wynn was nominated for the award

by Niki Yenter, Gray Gourmet’s Home Delivered Meals program coordinator.

“Eric must be related to the energizer bunny!” Yenter wrote in her nomination. “When there is a need, he jumps in to help with a heart for service to others.”

While the minimum commitment to volunteer with Gray Gourmet is one shift per week, Wynn, 82, volunteers five days a week and delivers food to homebound seniors and handicapped individuals throughout Orchard Mesa and Palisade.

A committed volunteer with Gray Gourmet since 2011, Wynn’s volunteer work is so meaningful that he

6 | MAY 2018 |

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always made time for it, even in addition to working several paid jobs.

“I like meeting people and helping them and seeing how their lives have changed,” he said.

Wynn has made many friends as a result of his volunteer work. His visits mean more to Gray Gourmet clients than just a hot meal. He nourishes their souls as well as their appetites with a smile and conversation.

He recalled a life-changing experience that occurred when he stopped to deliver meals to one local couple on his route.

“The wife opened the door and pulled me straight into the house— her husband had fallen out of his wheelchair and couldn’t get up,” he said.

The woman was too small and frail to lift him, but despite being short statured himself, Wynn didn’t let it deter him.

“I don’t know where I got the strength, but somehow I was able to pick up a 200-pound man and put him on the bed,” he said.

Wynn loves working with seniors. He also volunteers at St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program, transporting clients to and from doctor’s ap-

pointments and helping them with tasks such as shopping, cleaning and putting away groceries.

His genuine compassion for people fuels his willingness to help anytime, anywhere.

“Anytime they call me, I go,” he said.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Wynn’s generosity is fostered by others who have shown kindness and supported him in his time of need.

He raises funds to support several causes in his hometown in Myanmar (present-day Burma) that are dear to his heart.

“Eric’s heart is so big that he has also raised money for a children’s orphanage and personally delivers school supplies to the kids,” Yenter wrote. “He personally raised enough money to give the orphanage so that they could purchase land for a garden.”

He also helped establish a food bank.

“I have a lot of friends in church,” he said. “I didn’t ask for it, but one day I told them I wanted to fly to Burma and what I planned to do. Almost everybody I know at the church gave me money and made it easier for me to do these things.”

BEACON SENIOR NEWS › Eric Wynn was nominated for the BEACON’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award by Niki Yenter, Gray Gourmet’s Home Delivered Meals program coordinator.

VOLUNTEERING FEELS GOOD

Wynn was shocked when he found out he had been nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

“I told [Niki] it must be a mistake,” he said with a laugh. “I’m just like all the drivers at Gray Gourmet. I’m sure a lot of them have been there longer than I have and done a lot of things I haven’t.”

But Wynn is dependable and eager to help however he can, whether it’s packing meals and loading them into vehicles or taking on an extra route.

“Even at my age, I never get sick,” he said. “I take no medications and no supplements.”

Wynn is humbled to be selected as the 2018 Volunteer of the Year. He said volunteering feels good.

Yenter said Wynn embodies the expression “actions speak louder than words.”

“If I live for somebody and am able to do something for them, no matter how small, it makes my life a little bit more exciting and more meaningful,” Wynn said.

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He also expressed the importance of Gray Gourmet in the community.

“Without Gray Gourmet, a lot of people would starve,” he said.

START VOLUNTEERING

Gray Gourmet is looking for additional delivery drivers and other volunteers. Volunteers receive training and mileage reimbursement.

For information, contact Yenter at 243-9844, ext. 5.

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“Eric [Wynn] is a great help and always has a smile for volunteers and customers alike. He is a wonderful part of the community and a wonderful man.” - Jack W, BEACON reader. ■

St. Mary’s Medical Center can help keep your body moving in the direction of direction ofyour yourdreams, dreams, dreams,whether whether whetherthat that that means means means sinking conquering soaking a hole-in-one in scenic every vistas or conquering climb or sinkingevery a hole-in-one. climb. It’sIt’swhy whywe’re we’re we’rehere here here— — —to to tohelp help helpyou youtake take take advantage of this beautiful place we call home. Our comprehensive St. Mary’s Medical Center can help keep your body moving in the

orthopedic orthopedic services servicesinclude includesurgical surgical revisions revisions to total to total jointjoint direction of direction ofyour yourdreams, dreams, dreams,whether whether whetherthat that that means means means sinking conquering soaking a hole-in-one in scenic every

replacements. Remember Remember that that the the sooner soonerwe wesee seeyou, you,the thesooner sooner vistas or conquering climb or sinkingevery a hole-in-one. climb. It’sIt’swhy whywe’re we’re we’rehere here here— — —to to tohelp help helpyou youtake take take

youadvantage can get back doing all thewe things that you of thistobeautiful place call home.

Ourlove. comprehensive orthopedic orthopedic services servicesinclude includesurgical surgical revisions revisions to total to total jointjoint replacements. Remember Remember that that the the sooner soonerwe wesee seeyou, you,the thesooner sooner you can get back to doing all the things that you love.

Learn more at stmarygj.org/ortho › 2018 Volunteer of the Year nominees. From left, top row: Tom Schroer, Ruthmary Allison, Kate Weissenburger and Dave Butler. Bottom row: Sue Schore, Loree Williams, Volunteer of the Year Eric Wynn and Terri Potente.

Learn more at stmarygj.org/ortho

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 |

7

RECIPES

A Sensationally Simple Side Dish When you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to complement any meal, look no further than this Fingerling Potato Salad. Made with nutrient-rich Wisconsin potatoes and topped with a lemon dressing, this simple potato side packs plenty of flavor.

Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Fingerling Potato Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 15 minutes, Servings: 6 1 1/2 pounds mixed Wisconsin fingerling potatoes 2 large lemons, divided 2 cups water 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds 3/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds 4 green onions, thinly sliced 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill 2 cups baby arugula

salt and pepper to taste

In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender when pierced with fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.

Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain lemons, then coarsely chop.

Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons juice. In small bowl, mix chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil.

Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper.

Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in large, shallow bowl.

Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently.

Serve lukewarm or at room temperature. ■

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628 26½ Road | Grand Junction, CO 81506

ASK THE OLD BAG

What’s a 13-year-old doing smooching?

Dear Old Bag: That person who wrote in last month—the one who was squeamish about retiring—has no idea what fun it can be.

I volunteer eight hours each week, work out at the gym five days a week, visit friends, take weekend trips, and last year, I went on an educational cruise. My work was also enjoyable, but now I can do things I never had time to do before. I love retirement, but to each his own. Signed, On the Move Dear On the Move: It sounds as if you are having a great retirement.

My reading tells me that many seniors who enjoy their jobs or who are short on finances are choosing to work longer. Sixty-five year olds are feeling younger, and some are not ready to retire. OB Dear Old Bag: A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to a movie at one of our local theaters. There were a couple of kids in front of us—boy and girl, who both looked about 13 years old. As the movie went on, they became more lovey-dovey—without going into detail, I can tell you they were not watching the movie! My maternal instincts kicked in and I had the biggest urge to tell them they were too young and this was not the place for that kind of behavior. My dear husband said, “It’s none of your business. That’s what the Old Bag would say.” What do you say? Signed, BB Dear BB: Tell your dear husband that he is right on. I only advocate making it your business if someone is in danger. (Although it might be dangerous, huh?) However, I once spoke to a theater worker who said should this kind of behavior become “over the top,” the offenders would be asked to leave. I do agree with your feelings. What is a 13-year-old doing smooching and why is she even on a date? Yikes! OB Dear Old Bag: My wife died six months ago after an illness that lasted for years. I loved her very much, but I prayed for her to die so she could be relieved of pain. Some of my family members and friends don’t understand why I’m not grieving. I’m happy for her, and I believe she’s in a better place. But I’m lonely and I feel like reaching out for female companionship. When I told my daughter, she was shocked and said, “Dad, you should wait at least a year.” What do you think of this business of waiting a year? Signed, LB Dear LB: You grieved for the long time your wife was ill, right? You loved her and cared for her, and now she is gone. Please do not let people tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. Do what’s right in your own mind. Stand tall and do as your heart tells you. Loneliness is a sad state. No other person knows what you have been through or how you feel. Those people who say you should wait a year are probably thinking of a different situation, where someone dies suddenly and the other person turns to the opposite sex because they can’t handle grief.

Sometimes those people make decisions for all the wrong reasons.

That is not your situation. Good luck to you. 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@cox.net

Is laughter really the best medicine?

A study at Loma Linda University looked at the memories and stress levels of 20 healthy older adults in their 60s and 70s.

One group was asked to sit silently for 20 minutes, without talking, reading or using their cellphones, while the other group watched funny videos.

Afterwards, saliva samples were taken and participants were given a short memory test.

Those who viewed the funny videos showed considerably lower levels of cortisol—the stress hormone—and had a 43.6% higher recall compared with the non-humor group a 20.3% higher recall.

A University of Maryland study found that humor can even protect against heart disease by increasing blood flow.

Humor and laughter can be integrated into a whole person wellness plan that can translate into improvements in your mind, body and spirit.

Improve your quality of life by laughing and interacting with friends. Exercise helps reduce stress, as does humor—so find out what makes you laugh and include it in your daily routine.

Personally, I love Tim Conway on the old “Carol Burnett Show.”

For me, laughter is the best medicine. Give me a call—I can make selling your home a fun experience.

Martha Newman

Senior Real Estate Specialist 970-260-8747 martha.l.newman@gmail.com.

focus on people

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WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | ASK THE OLD BAG |

9

HEALTHY GEEZER

Today’s ICDs do double duty as pacemakers

P

acemakers were the subject of last month’s column, including a list of potential hazards and objects to avoid if you have one. This column continues on the general topic of heart regulation with information about implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD).

WHAT’S AN ICD?

Like pacemakers, ICDs are battery-powered devices surgically implanted under one’s collarbone or abdomen to deliver electrical impulses to the heart. A pacemaker is generally used when the heart beats too slowly, and an ICD is used when the heart beats too quickly.

Most ICDs today also function as pacemakers, monitoring for abnormal rhythms and trying to correct them by sending electrical “reminders” via two flexible, insulated wires that run through a patient’s veins to

his or her heart. An ICD can reduce one’s risk of death from sudden cardiac death (SCD), better known as cardiac arrest, and have become standard treatment for survivors.

PACEMAKER VS. ICD According to the American College of Cardiology, ICDs are more effective in patients who are at high risk for SCD than pacemakers.

An ICD is about the size of a pocket watch. Most patients can’t feel electrical jogs from a pacemaker, but the impulses from an ICD can feel like a whack to the chest—similar to scenes from TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” or “ER,” where a doctor

uses electrified paddles to shock a troubled heart.

Like pacemakers, ICDs aren’t affected by normal household appliances, but patients with them should still avoid strong magnetic fields. Stay away from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, power machines, arc-welding equipment, high-voltage transformers and motor generator systems.

NEED AN ICD? WHAT TO EXPECT Surgery to implant an ICD can be performed with local anesthesia and a sedative, and usually requires a one- or two-day stay in the hospital.

Modern ICD devices have electronic memory that records the electrical patterns of the heart whenever an arrhythmia occurs.

With this information, an electrophysiologist can study the heart’s activity and ask the patient about other symptoms.

This record is also available for review during regular checkups by physicians who can monitor the frequency and severity of problems in the heart’s electrical conduction system that may lead to SCD or other serious heart disorders. ■

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

The Backbone of Good Health.

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10 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | MAY 2018 |

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DEAR PHARMACIST

Grow a new brain with these cool tips

W

ant to know how to grow a bunch of new brain cells and keep them healthy? Let me tell you some things about neurogenesis.

Neurogenesis is the science of spurring the growth of neurons in the brain.

Humans can grow as many as 700 new neurons a day, and scientists have found that several things actually help spur neurogenesis. The bigger challenge, however, is keeping your new neurons.

BRAIN FOOD

It’s true that what we eat impacts our mind to some degree. Avoid foods high in glutamate and MSG, and eat a clean, fresh diet consisting a lot of what I call “light foods”—plant-based salads and veggies that contain light from the photosynthesis process.

Some foods are particularly adept at growing new neurons in our brains and activate protective pathways to nurture them and keep them thriving. The most potent neuron-loving foods include: • Green tea, berries, citrus, apples and dark chocolate (due to flavonoids) • Blueberries (due to flavonoids and anthocyanin) • Red grapes (because the skin has resveratrol) • Wild-caught salmon and other fatty fish (due to the DHA fish oils) Research has also found that eating chewier foods as opposed to soft, mushy foods are helpful to neuronal growth. Think of that next time you have to decide between serving baked or mashed potatoes for dinner.

EXERCISE WITH VIDEO GAMES

Some well-designed trials show that intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and exercise—particularly that of classes like Body Pump and Zumba—promote the growth of new brain cells.

You should also be exercising your brain by engaging in puzzles, math problems and spatial video games.

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PROTEINS AND GENES

Nowadays, people are talking about enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a method of growing new brain cells. While that’s still important, some new research suggests that ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry, may be the thing that triggers the birth of new neurons in the first place. ■

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11

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Are you being heard?

IS YOUR JOINT REPLACEMENT

‘We are having friends over for cocktails at six.’ When you get hen I was in Army basic your hearing aids, that will be training in 1960 at Ft. the ruination of our relationOrd, California, I crawled too ship.” close to an artillery gun emWhile some hearing aids work placement during bivouac. The reasonably well, others leave a loud blast of the gun going off lot to be desired. Some generic made my ears ring for a couple hearing aids can help a person of days. hear normal conversations and My hearing returned to normal watch television. Other hearwithin a week, but I’ve noticed ing problems are so acute that it gradually fading over the last a person needs an individually 50 years. For about 10 years in programmed digital hearing aid. particular, I lived in a world It’s not uncommon for my where I could not hear daughter to say somewhat was being said thing to me when May is Better to me.

I’m not wearing Hearing Month About a year my hearing aids, before I got my Doesn’t that sound like and I’ll pretend to hearing aids, I a great time to get your hear her and mumwas working as hearing checked? ble something in associate editor for response. Then she’ll a magazine in Nalook at me and say, ples, Florida. I met Jill, an “Dad, you didn’t hear a word attractive woman from London, I said, did you?” at a popular lounge one evening.

Shamefacedly, I will confess We began dating and I moved and ask her to repeat herself. into her apartment shortly thereIt’s a bummer going through after. life unable to hear the dialogue Jill’s British accent and my in a movie or on the evening poor hearing led to some internews. If you find yourself asking esting conversations. I would be people to repeat something, you sunning myself at the pool and should probably visit a hearing she would come up to me and specialist and have your ears say something. checked. I’m still looking for a hearing aid that works perfectly.

“Sex?” I responded. “Isn’t it I wouldn’t want to miss those too early for sex?” cocktails because of a misheard She burst into laughter.

“No, dummy,” she said. “I said, word. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

The moldy truth

By Carrie Luger Slayback

I

hate wasting food. I’m chagrined watching my daughter’s family throw out expensive, organic fruits and vegetables forgotten in the back of their refrigerator.

Today, I tossed $4 worth of my favorite low-fat organic yogurt because I noticed clumps of green mold floating on the surface. Normally, I would have still eaten the yogurt, having carefully spooned out visible green fuzz, rinsed it the down the sink, then poured the remainder through a strainer, discarding smaller green colonies.

At the point of returning the yogurt to the refrigerator, doubt stopped me cold. “Should I eat this?” I asked myself.

Not according to Dr. Sabrina Stierwalt, who writes “Everyday Einstein” for ScientificAmerican.com. In one article, she described tens of thousands of species of colorful mold growing on eatable surfaces. What I couldn’t see in my yogurt were the stalks, which “extend much deeper into the food and even have a root or branch system, [harboring] invisible and potentially harmful bacteria.”

We know molds that produce Roquefort and Gorgonzola and cover Brie cheeses are safe to eat, but my yogurt and other foods with high moisture content can be invisibly contaminated below the surface, causing allergic responses that could lead to respiratory problems.

More serious gastrointestinal upsets come from mycotoxins, a poisonous substance produced by mold. People might experience nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and convulsions—even blindness and paralysis. Mycotoxins are found in grain and nut crops, but could be in grape juice and on celery, apples and other produce.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 25 percent of the world’s food crops are affected by mycotoxins, of which the most

notorious are “a atoxins.” A atoxin is a cancer-causing poison produced by certain fungi in or on foods and feeds. They are probably the best known and most intensively researched mycotoxins in the world and one of the greatest challenges to world food production.

Leaving the alarm bells behind, 100,000 species of mold are everywhere and everyone ingests them, usually without incident. The important takeaway from this article is how to protect yourself from eating visible or invisible mold spores.

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• Do not smell food with mold growth. Avoid taking spores into your respiratory tract.

• Mold can grow in the refrigerator.

Wipe down the inside monthly with a tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water.

We take pride in helping our patients walk out of our doors whenever possible.

• Don’t leave perishables out of the refrigerator more than three hours.

• Discard meats, casseroles, grains and pasta, soft cheese, yogurt, jams and jellies with visible mold.

Be wary of bread and baked goods, peanut butter, legumes, nuts, and soft fruits and vegetables, as they can have mold growth below the surface.

• Cut an inch around mold spots in firm fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and bell peppers.

My mom picked off the moldy spots of bread and ate it, and she lived to be 98. I’ve cut off the “bad parts” of peaches for years. English cucumbers sometimes mold on an end, which I cut off and slice the rest into the salad. Although I will change these practices, I’ve never fallen ill from my risky behavior.

But I will continue to grieve about food waste. Dr. Stierwalt wrote that we throw away 30 percent of all of the food produced in the U.S. each year. That’s not just a waste of food, but of water, energy and land used to produce it. ■

At Welbrook Grand Junction, we want your therapy stay with us to be as comfortable as possible, and have equipped our warm, home-like facility with amenities designed to pamper each guest.

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From our spacious suites to our fine dining experience, we expect you to be surprised and impressed at the level of comfort you can experience in our facility.

We take pride in helping our � patients walk out of our doors whenever possible. ™

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13

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Mom’s shoes T

By Eileen O’Toole

he bad times started with Mom’s shoes. Not for Mom, but for me. It was the second morning in a row that she had put her shoes on the wrong feet, and it made me really angry.

I retreated to my room, cursed and cried and yelled at my “psychiatrist”—a print of Christ with eyes that follow you around the room, handed down by my great-greatgrandmother. But advice wasn’t forthcoming. The psychiatrist only listens.

Mom came down with rheumatic fever when she was 6. In 1920, the doctor called it “growing pains,” a common diagnosis at the time since it affected the arm and leg joints.

The fever is caused by strep throat, and because she didn’t have antibiotics, it caused her to suffer from rheumatic heart disease and epilepsy throughout her life.

Her seizures, which she called “spells” and the doctors called “fits,” were always a mystery to me. I didn’t discover until high school they called it epilepsy. She lost her driver’s license after she had a seizure crossing the old Main Street bridge to the Redlands and ran into the railing.

Mom’s life was about responding to how these illnesses restricted her.

If she could not drive, she walked.

She would hitch a ride to town with a neighbor and walk wherever she needed to go. If she could not keep a job because of seizures, she applied for more and invented some of her own, gratefully keeping books for Father Bertrand at St. Joseph’s Parish and for two brothers who each owned a small business.

Through all of this, as well as a husband who drank and wasn’t dependable, she never seemed afraid.

Mom had a massive stroke at age 50.

She relearned how to walk, talk, type

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and calculate. In 1966, she needed open heart surgery.

There was no insurance that would cover her, nor was there Medicaid at the time. Her surgery was performed in Denver.

Mom bounced back from whatever struck her down. She once slipped on ice and hobbled around the St. Vincent DePaul store where she volunteered until I picked her up after work and took her to the hospital, where we discovered she had a broken pelvis. She spent a few weeks in a walker, then she was good as new, walking wherever she needed to go.

Mom always rallied, and it was easy to take that strength for granted. If I had to start putting on her shoes for her, what then?

Here I was taking care of her, working part-time and using up my savings because I didn’t want to put her in a nursing home. She had problems with dementia, she could no longer walk without a walker and she could barely talk.

But the shoes. The shoes were the moment things declined. They meant I had to begin bathing and dressing her. They made me angry because they meant she was dying, however slowly. I had become her legs and mind.

Mom died in 1995. I still grumble at my psychiatrist. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Seven concerts for $70 Community Concerts gears up for 74th season with an exciting lineup

SAFETY CAN BE BEAUTIFUL

By Cloie Sandlin

G

et your tickets for the best entertainment deal in town. Season tickets are already on sale for Community Concerts of the Grand Valley’s (CCGV) 74th season, which kicks off in September.

“We’re very proud of the fact that we’re providing worldclass entertainment to the Grand Valley for a very reasonable price,” said CCGV Co-president Bobbi Alpha.

Season ticket holders gain admission to seven quality concerts at Grand Junction High School for only $70— that’s $10 a concert!

Performers are part of a community concert circuit, which gives CCGV a break in paying for the travel and lodging.

In order to avoid competing with other local entertainment, CCGV sets itself apart by seeking out fresh acts and unique sounds to entertain audiences of all ages.

With a “good size” board made up of a diverse group of local residents, Alpha feels the lineups accurately represent the interests of concertgoers in the community.

“I think everyone on our board is just a true supporter of showing Grand Junction as much cool music as we can,” Alpha said.

CCGV brings more than just music to the valley. This year, it’s bringing an illusionist.

“We’ve never brought in a magician before, but his show looks fantastic,” Alpha said.

Another new attraction is that the last three concerts of the season are Sunday matinees.

“We do have requests for matinees because a lot of people in our group

SOAP DISH

The Glenn Miller Orchestra performed in CCGV ’s most recent season.

don’t want to drive at night,” Alpha said.

Season tickets are $70 for adults and $35 for students when purchased before July 1. Concerts are open seating and parking is free. Single show tickets are available in limited quantities and are $25 for adults and $15 for students.

Watch trailers for all the upcoming acts and purchase your season tickets at www.communityconcerts grandvalley.org or call 243-1979.

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15

LAUGHING MATTERS

LAUGHING MATTERS

OLD FASHIONED

Submitted by Beverly Duzenack My grandkids were over this morning for breakfast. We were all sitting at the table—they with their iPhones and tablets and me with my newspaper—when they started joking that I was old fashioned because I was reading the newspaper.

“Grandpa,” they said. “Everybody today uses a tablet like ours instead of the newspaper.”

I looked up from my paper.

“Let me see that!” I said.

I guarantee that fly never knew what hit him.

DEAD DUCK

Submitted by Beverly Duzenack A woman rushed into a veterinarian’s office with a limp duck in her hands.

As she laid her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and

listened to the bird’s chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and said, “I’m sorry.

Cuddles has passed away.”

The distressed woman wailed, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead,” the vet replied.

“How can you be so sure?” she protested. “You haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.”

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador. With Cuddles’ owner looking on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog on the head

and took it out of the room. A few minutes later, he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

flagged down a passing bus and climbed aboard. He sat down on the bus next to a little old lady, his pockets bulging with golf balls.

The lady looked quizzically at him and his bulging pockets. Finally, he explained, “It’s golf balls.”

She quickly replied, “Does it hurt as bad as tennis elbow?”

The vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but this duck is certifiably dead.”

THE THIRD WISH

He turned to his computer, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed the woman. The duck’s owner took the bill and cried, “$150? $150 just to tell me my duck is dead?!”

A man was sitting alone in his office one night when a genie popped up out of his ashtray and said, “And what will your third wish be?”

The vet shrugged, “If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it’s now $150.”

A GOLFER’S PROBLEM Submitted by Larry Anderson

A golfer whose car broke down

Submitted by Maynard Hesselbarth

The man looked at the genie and said, “Huh? How can I be getting a third wish when I haven’t had a first or second wish yet?”

“You have had two wishes already,” the genie said, “but your second wish was for me to put everything back the way it was before you made your first wish. Thus, you remember nothing because everything is the

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LAUGHING MATTERS way it was before you made any wishes. You have one wish left.”

“Okay,” said the man, “I don’t believe this, but what the heck. I wish I was irresistible to women.”

“Funny,” said the genie as it granted his wish and disappeared forever.

“That was your first wish, too.”

STOP SMOKING

Submitted by Sylvia Orvis

“She lives at the airport,” he said, “and when we want her we just go get her. Then when we’re done having her visit, we take her back to the airport.”

NEW MUSIC

The carefree lifestyle you want...

Submitted by Robert Ashton Singers of the ’60s are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate us aging Baby Boomers.

New releases include:

A man with a sore throat went to see the doctor.

The doctor examined him and said, “Do you smoke?”

He said, “No, I’ve never smoked in my life.”

The doctor said, “That’s a pity, giving up smoking would have really helped.”

Herman’s Hermits: “Mrs. Brown, You’ve got a Lovely Walker” Ringo Starr: “I Get By with a Little Help From Depends” Bee Gees: “How Can You Mend a Broken Hip?” Roberta Flack: “The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face” Johnny Nash: “I Can’t See Clearly Now”

BUBBA CALLS 911

Submitted by Angela Spinella Betty Jo passed away suddenly, and her husband, Bubba, called 911. The operator told Bubba that she would send someone out right away.

Paul Simon: “Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver” The Commodores: “Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom”

“Where do you live?” asked the operator.

Procol Harum: “A Whiter Shade of Hair”

“Down here at the end o’ Eucalyptus Drive,” said Bubba.

Leo Sayer: “You Make Me Feel Like Napping”

“Can you spell that for me?” asked the operator.

The Temptations: “Papa’s Got A Kidney Stone”

There was a long pause. Finally Bubba said, “How ‘bout if I drag her on over to Oak Street and you pick her up there?”

Abba: “Denture Queen”

GRANDMA’S HOUSE

Submitted by Jamie Shaffer A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived.

Helen Reddy: “I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore” Lesley Gore: “It’s My Hormones & I’ll Cry If I Want To” Willie Nelson: “On the Commode Again” ■

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17

ALIVE & DIGGING

Seven tips for creating a backyard paradise

M

ay carries us from spring into summer, offering warmer days, beautiful blooms, gentle and roaring winds, and late freezes. As we glide into the season of bounty, May asks us to hurry up and to slow down.

As you sink your feet deeper into your garden this month, consider these tricks and ideas to help you create your backyard paradise.

PATIENCE IS A GARDENER’S VIRTUE, TOO Gorgeous, warm days tempt us, but don’t plant your warm season crops too soon. Tomatoes, peppers and basil are especially sensitive to cold. While they may survive a few cold nights, it will take them longer to bounce back. Wait until Mother’s Day to transplant these garden favorites, and have a few sheets on hand to cover beds in case of late freezes.

PLANTING TOMATOES

Tomatoes send out roots from the lower part of their stems. Plant them deeply so they can send out more roots and sturdy themselves in the wind. Pinch off the lower leaves or lay the plant sideways below ground if your plant is especially tall, leaving about a third of the plant above ground.

Trellis tomatoes with twine as they grow taller. Planting a few tomato plants between stakes will make trellising them easier.

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SOWING CARROTS

Carrot seeds will appreciate a cool, damp and dark bed of soil during germination. Facilitate germination by laying down newspaper, burlap or a thin layer of grass clippings on top of your seeds.

SQUASH MOUNDS

Save space in your garden by planting winter squashes and melons on a mound of soil. You can even form the inner base of the mound with small logs sticks and cover them with compost and soil. The wood will break down over time. Add nasturtium and marigolds to your squash mounds to deter squash bugs.

FAST-GROWING VEGGIES AND MORE Radishes are wonderful in the garden because of their fast-growing cycle. Sow them between young, slower-growing crops and then harvest them when those crops need space. You can also use lettuce mixes and other greens in this way. Not only do radishes and greens help slow down weeds and retain moisture in the soil, they also provide you with another harvest to enjoy.

As the weather warms, sow seeds of fast-growing and heat-sensitive plants every three weeks. Planting crops such as lettuce, green onion

BEACON SENIOR NEWS and cilantro throughout the season, rather than all at once provides you with an ongoing harvest and more tender vegetables.

protect more sensitive plants during their first few days.

IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING

As organisms in soil break down organic matter, they create pockets and pores within the soil that store water for plants. Adding leaves and amendments like compost and worm castings helps improve the health of your soil and enhance the diversity within it, which makes for a stronger, more dynamic soil food web.

Hot days and cool nights make for tasty fruits and vegetables. But young plants are quite sensitive to our high desert sun. Try to transplant plant starts in the early morning or late evening, and give plants a deep watering right after to help them settle into their new home.

Consider using a shade cloth to

ORGANIC MATTER MATTERS

Join us at the FCC Summer Barn Dances: May 26th & July 14th

Cook-Offs:

May 9th & July 25th

Picnics & Hikes:

July 20th & Aug. 10th

Walking & Hiking Clubs: Every Friday

Colorado River Raft Trips:

GARDEN CHECKLIST ❑ Interplant crops to create a diverse garden ecosystem. A tried and true combination is the Three Sisters—corn, squash and beans. Prepare a mound or flat area of soil. Sow corn kernels in the center of the mound. Plant pumpkin, winter or summer squash seeds around the perimeter of your mound, and add in aromatic flowers. After the corn is a few inches tall, plant a bean seed next to each corn plant.

❑

Plant peppers and tomatoes after Mother’s Day. When planting tomatoes, remove some of the lower leaves and bury some of the stem to protect tall plant starts in the wind.

❑

Plant a succession of radishes, lettuce, dark greens, cilantro and green onions.

❑

Plant flowers and herbs throughout the garden to attract beneficial insects. Dill, basil, oregano, sage and marigolds, among other beloved herbs and flowers, deter many unwanted bugs with their lovely aromas. Carrots, dill, parsley and parsnip attract praying mantises, ladybugs and spiders, which love to eat pesky insects.

❑ ❑

Prune perennials to encourage growth.

❑

Suppress weeds with mulch and green manure, low-growing cover crops or vegetables.

Continue to water garlic through June while it’s bulbing. Trim garlic scapes coming up from the center of the plant to enjoy as pesto or in stir-fry.

ALIVE & DIGGING

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

June 7th & 21st

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19

TRAVEL

Life on the edge

By Melanie Wiseman

J

ose Iglesias has brought many people to tears—tears of joy, that is.

A world-class mountaineer, he literally guides people to reach new heights and accomplish things they never thought possible.

MOUNTAIN WARRIOR

Iglesias, 57, has called Grand Junction home since 1994, but he’s called the world his playground since he began mountaineering at age 12. He’s been guiding and climbing professionally since 1983, with countless successful climbs in the Himalayas, the Andes and throughout Africa, Europe and North America.

He still guides internationally, but now prefers adventures closer to home through his business, Summit Ridge Guides.

Iglesias is one of a few elite

mountain guides fully certified through the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association.

Certification is a six-year process of demonstrating knowledge in rock climbing, ice climbing, backcountry skiing, alpine climbing and canyoneering. Iglesias said just six people in the U.S. and approximately 100 in Europe have been certified.

“Mountaineering is like being a warrior,” said Iglesias. “You have to know your surroundings and respect them. Compared to the mountains, we are the smallest thing, and you are in trouble if you don’t respect them.”

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climbing with Iglesias, who speaks four languages, is an emergency medical technician, a member of the Powderhorn Mountain Resort Ski Patrol, and the co-founder and director of Mesa County Search and Rescue’s technical team. He also teaches technical rescue for the Grand Junction Fire Department, the National Guard and Green Berets.

But there’s nowhere he would

rather be than outside, climbing.

He believes indoor climbing at a gym doesn’t compare to the outdoors, where climbers face varied terrain, exposure, water, ice and weather.

“You can sit inside and look at a picture of a beautiful mountain

November 29 – December 3, 2017 - OZARK MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS !

Seven Branson Holiday Shows: Shoji Tabuchi, Lennons & Osmonds, BEACON SENIOR NEWS Left: Jose Iglesias guides Branson Belle people to reach new Showboat, Presleys’ Country Christmas…and more! heights through mounA Jolly Good Way to begin theABOUT Holiday Season!

ALL TRAVEL taineering and climbing.

PRESENTS: “SIX-0” May 25 – June 6, 2018 - ALASKA HAWAII CRUISE / TOUR TERRY & LONNIE EAKLE ASNational THEY CELEBRATE Wonder at Alaska’s beauty on a 4 night visit toJOIN Fairbanks, Denali Park, THEIR 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2019 and Mt McKinley then Sail-away for 7 daysJanuary down4-14, the2019 Inside Passage on the Briner’s wife, Jody, visiting Glacier Bay, Cruise the HawaiianJuneau Islands aboard Norwegian stunning “Coral Princess” Skagway, & Ketchikan.

69, recently climbed Middle and right: Tom Steffens climbing Independence Monument.

Unaweep Canyon with Iglesias.

Call “It was thrilling,” said Jody. “I did something I never thought I could. scene or It was very safe, and is you can be out there in the picvery doable for the normal active ture,” said Iglesias. “Challenging person.” yourself and the feeling of being in Tom Steffens is an Air Force nature is amazing. I love teaching veteran and surgeon with the VA people and taking them to beautiMedical Center. When he and ful places.”

Escorting Custom Tours Iglesias climbed Independence from Grand Junction Monument in 2015, it had been 40 A LIFE-CHANGING HOBBY Since 1985. years since his last climb.

Iglesias leads climbers of all “It was a fantastic experience,” ages and abilities. Among this said Steffens, 64. “Jose is a mongroup is George Briner, who sumkey/mountain goat hybrid! He is mited Independence Monument very calm, reassuring and profeswith him at age 75. sional..”

“Climbing can be life-changBriner echoes this sentiment. ing,” said Briner. “I was a smoker “Jose is an incredibly good and had two open heart surgeries.

In my mid-50s, I made a value and man...an encourager who makes lifestyle change and started climb- you feel confident,” he said. “He takes every precaution so the ing all the Colorado fourteeners. climb is safe.”

I’ve done all 54, many more than

Terry Eakle

once. I’ve also climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa.”

His hobby gives him a sense of strength.

“Climbing gives you self confidence and sticktoitiveness that you can [use to] meet new challenges,” Briner said.

Now 83, he’ll climb Independence Monument with Iglesias for a second time this summer. But not all climbers need to keep up with Briner.

“One great thing about climbing is you can choose your pace, your level,” said Iglesias. “You don’t have to be a master. It’s about your level of confidence. I can do pitch and incline scoping, and customize a climb for the physical and comfort level of each client.

Climbing is about enjoying the challenge. It’s not meant to make you suffer.”

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751 Horizon Court, Suite 249 Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 434-6494

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(Skyline Building behind WW Peppers)

(Skyline Building behind WW Peppers)

WHAT’S NEXT?

Iglesias loves life in Colorado, but misses Europe’s mountain club culture, where mountaineers socialize with other climbers and plan trips together. In the U.S., most climbing connections are made through social media. Iglesias would like to change that.

He also wants to start working more closely with veterans and trauma patients. He recently took a group from Grand Junction, including three veterans, to do the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt in the European Alps.

“Focusing on something like climbing gives you a good distraction,” Iglesias said. “It keeps your brain busy and lets you be part of a fun group of people.”

Contact Iglesias by calling 2162953 or emailing info@summit ridgeguides.com. ■

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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Bike for the Cure of Huntington’s disease

By Charlotte Reicks

2018 is a milestone year for Marie Nemec and me— two bicycling grandmas about to venture on our 20th long-distance bicycle ride, alongside three other riders, for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s (HDSA) annual convention on June 7-9 in Los Angeles.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the HDSA and the 100th birthday celebration of its founder, Marjorie Guthrie, who started this now worldwide organization after her husband, famed folk musician Woody Guthrie, died from Huntington’s disease (HD).

WHAT IS HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE?

HD is a neurological disease resulting from a defective gene passed from parent to child at birth—they have a 50 percent chance of inheriting it. The gene remains dormant and can activate at various ages. The symptoms are gradual and progressive, usually starting with changes in memory, emotions, erratic behaviors, inability to reason, anger and depression. The patient eventually loses the ability to walk, talk and swallow, and becomes totally dependent on others for care. There is no cure.

There have been breakthroughs in research, with a recent announcement of a drug that may potentially lower the levels of the mutant protein in the cerebrospinal fluid. HDSA said, “This is the most progress of a treatment for the root causes of HD that has ever been made.”

BIKE FOR THE CURE

Marie founded Bike for the Cure in 1997 when she met Carmen Leal, an author self-publishing “Faces of Huntington’s,” a collection of stories, essays, poems and quotes of people somehow affected by HD. Leal’s husband had HD, and that year, she invited Marie to meet her at the HDSA convention in Denver. There,

Marie learned more about the disease and the struggles of those affected by it, and was motivated to take action and raise funds for HD research and family support.

In 1999, she and I bicycled across America, raising funds for the cause.

Marie has traveled on all 20 rides for HD, but I am no stranger of bicycling for charity. Bike for the Cure has raised $718,100 to date.

On this year’s ride, we’ll be joined

by Heather Farmer of Grand Junction, and sisters Mary Ann Taylor of Truckee, California, and Sherri Kole of Lewiston, Idaho, on our 11-day ride, which starts in San Francisco on May 28. We travel over the Golden Gate Bridge to Half Moon Bay, then continue mostly on Highway 1 down the Pacific coast for 500 miles to Los Angeles.

Marie and I are familiar with this stretch, as it was part of our 2001 trip from Canada to Mexico, which spanned over 2,000 miles. Those were the days!

A few things have changed over the years. For one, we used to carry our gear ourselves, but with me in my 80s and Marie in her 70s, our gear is now transported via van, and our daily distances have been reduced from 70-79 to 30-60 miles.

Charlotte Reicks, Heather Farmer and Marie Nemec get ready for their next ride to raise funds for Huntington’s disease research. this trek without them.

Being that there are no towns or churches along Big Sur, the 90-mile stretch through the Santa Lucia mountains, we reached out to a few lodges who gratefully donated a free overnight stay in a yurt (a more comfortable modern lodging option that’s kind of a cross between a tent and a cabin) to all five cyclists.

We’ll also be traveling by van for safety’s sake, since some stretches of Highway 1 were destroyed by mudslides in 2017, necessitating a detour on a steep and narrow two-lane mountain road.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

But what hasn’t changed is the kindness and generosity of churches and their members who host us overnight—we wouldn’t be able to make

The public is invited to a free breakfast send off at Sherwood Park from 9-10:30 a.m. on May 19 for the three Grand Junction bicyclists. If

you’d like to help local and national HD families by contributing to this year’s ride, donate at www.hdsa.org/ bikeforthecure, or email Marie at ronnemec@gmail.com. You can also purchase ride T-shirts ($20 for short sleeves or $25 for long sleeves). For ride updates and more information, visit www.bikeforthecure.org.

The Western Slope Huntington’s Support Group currently supports 10 HD families on the Western Slope.

Members meet monthly at 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church. ■

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 |

23

A BIG B

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

K N A TH GRAND JUNCT

B

eaconFest 2018 was a day of good fun and practical information for the boomers and seniors in our community. Thanks to our show sponsors, Hilltop Senior Life Options and KREX News Channel 5; our volunteers; entertainers; the 80+ local businesses who set up booths; and most importantly, you, our guests, the event was a tremendous success.

More than 2,500 people walked through the doors of Two Rivers Convention Center, excited to immerse themselves in a day full of events and resources.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Rib City Grill, Starvin’ Arvin’s and Costa Vida provided guests with delicious food throughout the day.

Young Morgan Crouse welcomed

attendees to the show, captivating them with her guitar and powerful vocals. Danny Agajanian & The Hallelujah Band, Swing City Combo, King ‘n’ Trio, Javier de los Santos and Ron Koss also hit the stage with great music. Canyon Grand kicked off entertainment in the foyer with their sweet barbershop harmonies.

Fiddle Power’s 8-year-old fiddle player Clementine and her father, Tyson, had the audience clapping and singing, and Peggy Malone delighted crowds with her interactive performance. The audience also welcomed harpist Robin Freed, who lit up the foyer with her enchanting melodies.

Each seminar room hosted a spread of educational presentations that covered Medicare, identity theft, estate planning, medical treatment

2018 SENIOR CHO

Best Overall Booth: Bourget Massage & Wellness

24 | MAY 2018 |

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Booth with the Friendliest

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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and technologies, reverse mortgages, senior housing options and more in an environment crafted especially for seniors, boomers and their families.

People hung around in anticipation of playing a part in the murder mystery whodunit hosted by Mesa Murder Mysteries. Some participants helped solve the crime by interrogating suspects, while others relished the comedy and drama of the interactive experience.

As if the seminars, live entertainment and vendor booths weren’t enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30 minutes.

Our grand prize was a trip for two, including airfare and a three-night stay, at Wendover Casinos. We also

gave away several other casino and hotel stays, a vacation package to Glenwood Springs, restaurant gift cards, several rounds of golf, free oil changes, art and furniture items from La-Z-Boy and Bassett Furniture, bowling and movie passes, and more!

We want to thank all of the vendors who donated the wonderful gifts that made these drawings so exciting.

As is true every year, this year’s BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of the 80+ vendors who set up booths.

Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of our community. Thanks to all who attended! ■

OICE AWARD WINNERS!

t People: Rib City Grill

Booth with the Best Giveaways: Larchwood Inns WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 |

25

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Bringing Health Care Home to You Now Serving Garfield, Pitk in, Eagle and Gunnison Counties

A loving legacy of care: Home Care of the Grand Valley CEO Sue Brown retires

By Sharon Sullivan

Nursing and Therapy Services Personal Care, Homemaking and IHSS

g Celebratin k ee W es Nurs y 12 May 6-Ma

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Spring Day on the Farm May 5 • 9 am-4 pm

Cross Orchards Historic Site 3073 F Road, Grand Junction

Experience spring on an early 20th century working farm with woodworking, woodstove baking, blacksmithing. The Frontier Belles and Wheels West Car Club will also be here! $5/Adults; $4/Seniors; $3.50/Kids (3-12);$15/Family groups Free to members!

Sponsored in part by:

Opens may 18!

Museums of Western Colorado

Dinosaur Journey museum 550 Jurassic Ct., Fruita Presented by:

museumofwesternco.org

26 | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

970.242.0971

With a passion for nursing and home health care, in 2002, Sue Brown founded Home Care of the Grand Valley (HCGV), a nonprofit agency where home care professionals help people regain their health and wellness and remain safe and independent at home. Brown retired in April as CEO of the home health agency she has led for the past 16 years..

DESTINED FOR NURSING

As a child growing up in Cisco, Utah, Brown always knew she wanted to become a nurse. When she was 14, her family moved to Grand Junction where she became a Candy Striper volunteer at St. Mary’s Hospital. She later earned an associate’s degree in nursing from then-Mesa College, where she became particularly interested in home health care.

At age 20, Brown was the youngest nurse that Presbyterian Hospital in Denver had ever hired. She also worked at Boulder Community Hospital and Kaiser, as well as St. Joseph Hospital, where she directed Women’s and Children’s Services.

During the mid-1990s she was asked to develop a home health program for a private Denver company.

Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Regis University in Denver, and later a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

After Brown and her late husband, Paul, returned to Grand Junction, she became director of medical-surgical nursing staff at St. Mary’s.

When St. Mary’s decided to end its own home health program, a group of Grand Junction nonprofit leaders recruited Brown to start HCGV. “We needed an agency to care for

babies who came out of NICU, and for people in post-op, and those with more complex home health issues,” Brown said.

EXCELLENCE IN CARE

HCGV serves clients in five Western Slope counties. The majority of patients are 65 and older and acutely ill, therefore they receive rehab home health patient care and self-care teaching. Many are also in need of personal and medical support and long-term in-home assistance.

“More people want to stay home,” Brown said. “In many cases, it’s more affordable and more comfortable.”

Brown said the HCGV staff is excellent and they care for patients like family.

“They have a heart for what they’re doing,” she said.

WHAT’S NEXT?

With a daughter, son-in-law, three grandsons and a new great-grandson, Brown wants to spend more time with family.

“I’m really fortunate that I’ve done work that I love for my whole life,” she said of her 53-year nursing career. “The work is so satisfying; there are so many needs out there.”

For more information about HCGV, call 263-0202 or visit the main office at 1131 N. 21 St. in Grand Junction. ■

Buying a new computer should be more like dating than marriage

By Adam Cochran

C

omputers are constantly evolving, but in 20 years, my advice for buying a new computer or tech gadget hasn’t changed much.

It’s quite possible that people assume dialing my number is like a Magic 8-Ball for computer questions.

They ask a question and the answer magically appears on their phone.

The funny thing is the sender rarely identifies him/herself, but I receive these questions so frequently that I rarely inquire about it.

Rather than publish my cell number, read on for my evergreen answer to a frequently asked question: “I need a new computer. What should I buy?”

I stopped thinking about brand, gigahertz, terabytes, RAM and processors a long time ago. Now, I generally classify the elements of a computer in four categories: response speed, thinking speed, storage and pleasantness.

If you’re in the market for a new computer, you’re probably searching for one that’s more responsive when you’re playing games or opening programs, or less laggy when you’re editing photos or movies. Or, perhaps, you need one with more storage for photos and music, or offers amenities you don’t currently have, such as support for a 4K monitor.

My advice for buying a computer can be broken down into three parts: 1. Brand doesn’t matter. Almost all computers you buy off the shelf

contain motherboards, RAM, processors and hard drives made by the same manufacturers. A $600 Dell is going to be virtually identical component-wise to a $600 Lenovo.

2. Almost all computers offer more storage than you will need.

Additional hard drive space is very cheap, so don’t buy a new computer because your old one is getting full.

3. Buy ’em cheap and buy ’em often. Spending more money on a cutting-edge computer will not future-proof your computer.

Most computers don’t go obsolete because of age, they go obsolete because technology takes a shift that previous-generation computers can’t keep up with. HDMI, USB-C, DisplayPort, etc. are recent examples of technology that was adopted suddenly and changed the game for everything that was currently on the shelf.

Buying a computer or other tech device should be more like dating than marriage. Rather than buy a more expensive computer you hope will last, buy a lower-end model and plan on replacing it sooner. This advice also applies to tablets, smartphones and most other gadgets.

The purpose of buying a new gadget is to teach you everything you need in the next gadget. In five years, you’ll be shopping for a replacement, so don’t overthink the bells and whistles. Get a machine that will do the job for the price you want to pay and don’t look back. ■

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ARE YOU FEEDING YOUR BACKYARD BIRDS THE RIGHT SEED? Make sure your feed has a variety of seeds. At Mesa Feed Mart, we make our own blends on-site. We are aware that offering nutritional and energy-producing bird seed is key to backyard bird feed. The following ingredients help us provide the best blend for your backyard birds: • Sunflower seeds - Both black oil and hulled chips, popular and nutritious, appeal to most birds because of its high oil content.

• Safflower - With its somewhat bitter taste and high oil content, songbirds of medium to large size like it, but other wildlife do not.

• Nyjer - Small birds, such as finches, favor this oil-rich, high-fat and high-protein seed.

• Millet - A tasty food source for small birds that is high in starch, protein, fiber and fat.

• Milo, cracked corn and wheat do not provide nutritional value but are used as cost savers and should be used sparingly.

We’ll help keep your birds happy and healthy with nutritious bird seed blends made right here.

Stop in today!

TALKING DIGITAL

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

Mesa Feed Mart

242-7762 • 520 S. 9th St., Grand Junction www.mesafeedmart.com WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | TALKING DIGITAL |

27

FINANCE

Can you still deduct home mortgage interest with the new tax laws?

By Teresa Ambord

The tax rules have changed, but when it comes to deducting your home mortgage interest, they’re still generous (unless you have an enormous mortgage). Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), you can deduct interest on up to $750,000 worth of mortgage debt that you incurred to buy or improve a first or second home in 2018 through 2025.

Suppose you are married, but file separate tax returns. You’re each entitled to claim 50 percent of the

interest incurred on up to $375,000 of home purchase debt.

How did the TCJA change the deductibility of interest on existing mortgages?

If your mortgage was taken out before December 16, 2017, the TCJA does not affect the deductibility of interest on home purchase debt up to $1 million. The same is true if you had a binding contract in effect before that date, as long as the home purchase closes by April 1, 2018.

Also, if you took out a home mort-

Long-Term Stay Rooms Available

Giving to those who have served our country offers great returns Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Rifle is the best-kept secret on the Western Slope. Our skilled nursing facility offers a unique experience, bringing camaraderie back into the lives of our nation’s heroes. Each veteran who walks through our doors has a past only few can imagine. Here, they have the opportunity to come together once again, linking arms and sharing stories seldom understood.

We recognize the need for our veterans to share their most intimate stories of patriotism. With caring hearts, we offer comfort and understanding.

Our veterans regain those lost moments buried in time and embrace a safe place to open closed doors to those who can appreciate their experience. Despite what memory loss may have taken away, their war stories remain well intact.

If you are a veteran, veteran spouse or a Gold Star family member, let us assist you.

It’s a gift to spend time engaging in the lives of our veterans. When needed, we bring laughter for healing, emotion for care and our hearts for those whose lives were changed when they gave their lives for our freedom.

We provide long-term 24-hour nursing care and short-term rehabilitation.

If you are a veteran who is 70-100 percent service connected disabled, your long-term stay may be paid in full.

gage prior to December 16, 2017, then refinanced it between then and 2025, the $1 million limit still applies (to the extent the initial balance of the new loan doesn’t exceed the principal balance of the old loan at the time of refinancing).

What about interest on a home equity loan?

The TCJA generally eliminates this deduction. Previously, individuals could deduct interest on up to $100,000 of home equity debt.

While interest on new home equity loans are not universally deductible, there is an exception if you take out up to $100,000 in home equity debt for the purpose of buying or improving a first or second home.

That debt can be treated as additional home purchase debt, provided the total home purchase debt does not exceed $750,000 on new loans and $1 million on grandfathered

ShortStay Care &Lo g errn Ca. e ShortStay Care &Lo g errn Ca. e

Mesa Manor Center Phone:N.970-243-7211 2901 12th Street Grand Junction, CO 81506 Phone: 970-243-7211

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On the other hand, if the same taxpayer uses the home equity loan proceeds for other purposes, such as to pay off credit card debt or to buy a car, it doesn’t qualify as home purchase debt, and is not deductible.

■

We know you’re eager to get back home to the daily activities and routines you enjoy. With our ShortStay services, staff members are focused on your speedy recovery.

Grand Junction, CO 81506 Mesa Manor Center

28 | FINANCE | MAY 2018 |

Here’s an example to help explain: An unmarried taxpayer takes out an $800,000 first mortgage to buy a home on December 1, 2017, which means his loan is grandfathered in, and the mortgage interest is deductible. In 2018, he takes out a home equity loan of $75,000 to improve his home. The total of both loans equals $875,000, which is well below the grandfathered limit of $1 million. That means the combined loans are treated as home purchase debt, and the interest is deductible, assuming the proceeds of the home equity loan are used to substantially improve the home.

The road to recovery now has a fast lane.

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loans, and the proceeds of the new loan are used only to substantially improve the home.

Genesis Careline: 866-745-CARE Genesis www.genesishcc.com Careline: 866-745-CARE www.genesishcc.com

SENIOR SCAMS

New Medicare cards:

Fr i d a y May 4 2018

They’re real, but beware of scams

By Teresa Ambord

K

eeping track of the latest scams is a lot like playing Whack-a-mole—by the time we learn what to watch out for in one scam, these scoundrels have already developed several more ways to steal from you. Here are a few of them:

NEW MEDICARE CARDS

It’s true that Medicare and Social Security recipients will soon receive new Medicare cards in the mail, but there are scams to watch out for.

There are several versions of this scam, but they usually start with a phone call from someone claiming to represent Medicare or Social Security. The caller may ask you to verify or provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number, saying you’re due for an upgrade of your benefits or information must be updated before a new card can be issued. According to other versions, the caller may tell you there’s a fee for your new card. Callers may be aggressive, calling several times a day, and possibly threaten you with adverse action or say your benefits will be affected if you don’t cooperate.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will never call you with a request for personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.

Don’t engage callers in conversation—just hang up and report your experience to the FBI at 763-5698000 or www.fbi.gov. The operators of this scam are engaged in criminal activity, and getting the word out helps prevent others from falling victim.

To find out when your new card is likely to arrive, visit www.medicare. gov/newcard.

ONLINE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DEALS

Ordering medications online can be a good, legitimate way to pay less for prescription drugs, but it could also be a scam.

Pharmacist Ira Katz said prescription drugs are controlled because they’re dangerous. When you buy drugs from unknown sources, they may not have the same strength you’ve been prescribed, they could be outdated—or worse—they could be placebos.

This isn’t to say that all online drug sites are bad. Here’s a list of sites with ongoing deals, where you should be able to buy prescription drugs online with confidence. Some require membership and some have income limits.

• Publix.com - 14-day supply of select antibiotics for FREE • Walmart.com and Target.com - 30-day supply of select generic drugs for $4 or a 90-day supply for $10 • NeedyMeds.org - Free drug discount card accepted at over 60,000 pharmacies • Lilly.com - Seniors with income of less than $18,000 a year as singles or $24,000 as couples may qualify for a LillyAnswers discount card and a 30-day supply of certain drugs. You can use the card at CVS, Longs and Walmart pharmacies. Call 1-877-RX-LILLY to apply.

• TheMedicineProgram.com - Individuals without health insurance and who make less than $60,000 annually can apply online or call 573-996-7300.

• TheAssistanceFund.org - This nonprofit program can help you pay for medication in dire situations, regardless of insurance. ■

Generously sponsored by

1803 N 7th Street • g jar tcenter.org • 243-7337

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CALL 970-243-4442 FOR MORE INFORMATION WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | SENIOR SCAMS |

29

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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We are excited to be hosting our 5th Annual Golf Tourney!

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30 | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

S P O N S O R S

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT

Try your luck at horseshoes Story and photo by Kathy Applebee

W

hat outdoor activity is inexpensive and portable, requires no particular athletic prowess and can be played almost anywhere?

Horseshoes—and there’s one local group willing to teach you the ropes.

For those unfamiliar with this centuries-old game, players pitch horseshoes at metal stakes placed 40 feet apart. The closest shoe to the stake that is within six inches scores one point and a ringer is worth three. Pitching both shoes closer than an opponent’s scores two points.

Members of the 30-year-old Grand Valley Horseshoe Pitching Club (GVHPC) meet weekly at Canyon View Park for friendly competition, recreation and socialization.

Interim President Al Baumgartle, 75, said horseshoes is a fairly laid back sport. The local competition tends to be friendly, and it’s gentle exercise, with some bending and stretching, making it a great activity for seniors.

“It gets me outside, and the people I meet in horseshoes are playing for the fun of it,” he said.

“Sure, everyone likes to win, but most people just want to have a good time.”

A veteran pitcher for 22 years, Baumgartle travels for compe-

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

Location is everything

tition and has played against pitchers of all ages. He recalled last year’s World Horseshoe Pitching Championship in St. George, Utah, where he competed against a 91-year-old man.

“He beat me, but he was such a nice guy that I didn’t really mind,” Baumgartle laughed.

The club is also trying to encourage younger people to take up the activity.

Maurice Drake has played horseshoes for over 20 years. He likes the exercise—he said he can easily walk over a half-mile on the days he plays and walks even more during league play.

“I throw about 160 shoes a day, which means I walk the 40 feet between posts 80 times,” he said.

The club meets at 5 p.m. Thursdays at the clay pits on the east side of Canyon View Park. Membership is only $5 per year. Players bring their own horseshoes and pay just $4 per week, which goes toward maintaining the pits.

Local leagues are 100 percent handicapped, which gives anyone—not just the lucky—the opportunity to win.

“With a handicapped system, the newer players actually have a better chance of winning since they improve more quickly than experienced players,” said Jeff McDonald, the club’s late president and secretary. ■

Hilltop’s senior communities offer gracious living, personalized care, and unsurpassed amenities in a tranquil neighborhood all your own. n Luxurious apartments with great views, spacious floorplans,and paid utilities

n 24-hour emergency response

n Restaurant-style dining n Beautiful outdoor spaces and walking trails

n Customized wellness program helps you “Stay Fit for Life!”

n Social activities and trips

n Temporary assisted stays

The Commons • (970) 243-3333

The Fountains • (970) 243-8800

625 27 1/2 Road • TheCommonsGJ.org

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n Flexible care options to meet your current and future needs

Learn the rules of the game and how to keep score at a four-week, non-sanctioned league hosted by GVHPC. This league is a great opportunity to receive coaching and test your skills. Newbies can also test various types of horseshoes before purchasing.

For details, call Baumgartle at 314-4694.

GVHPC members Maurice Dra ke, Al Baumgartle and Jeff MacDonald

When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, you are supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 65 years. Best of all, your money stays right here in our community bringing vital services to those who need them most.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT |

31

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Old soldiers never die

By Lynn Walker Gendusa

The war in Vietnam was raging by the time I graduated high school in 1965. Back then if college was not your destination, you were likely traveling to battle.

That’s how it happened for my brother, John and me. I went off to college while he headed into the dark waters of North Vietnam.

By August, the destroyer he was on, the USS Pritchett, was nowhere to be found. The Navy didn’t explain its whereabouts or mission.

After almost a year, my mother received a letter from President Lyndon Johnson that said the USS Pritchett had been on a secret mission, traveling further into North Vietnamese waters than any ship had ventured before. Everyone on board was safe and on their way home.

It was a difficult time for our country—protest, anger, death and politics mixed in a boiling pot, spilling over into divisiveness and apathy. For some young men, their lifelong goal was to serve their country. Many gave their lives for that dream—way too many.

The survivors came home to no fanfare or parades. They returned scarred, mentally and physically, to a world that forgot to say “thank you” to the soldier who wanted only to protect and serve.

My brother arrived home in late 1966 after serving over four years in the Navy. He never discussed Vietnam, but his love for his comrades never wavered.

After he was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1994, John traveled to a gathering of his old shipmates on the USS Pritchett, which is where he found the inspiration to write a history of the destroyer and present it to the US Navy. He left this earth long before we were ready for their commissions with us to be over.

32 | MAY 2018 |

During his service, John sent me a Vietnamese doll in traditional dress with a straw hat that hung by a strap down her back. She moved with me wherever I went in life, usually winding up safely tucked away in a dresser drawer.

Stored next to her was a POW/ MIA bracelet I wore for many years.

During the war, many wore these bracelets that bore the name, rank and date of a soldier who had gone missing as a way to honor them— mine was for a warrior named Major Robert Dyczkowski.

When the soldier was found or set free, you were supposed to break the metal. For me, it symbolized the fact that the soldier was no longer bound by shackles or life.

Now and then I would wonder about the major and hope that somewhere, someday, they would find this Air Force pilot and bring him home.

When I married in 2005, my husband wanted me to hire someone to help me clean our house. I found Violet, who came to the U.S. from Poland. She speaks perfect English, and I have loved her as part of our family for years.

One day, right before she was to arrive, my husband and I decided to create a wall of art in our dining room.

Most of the paintings were his and had previously hung on various walls throughout the house. We loved the new art collection, but there was a tall, narrow space that needed filled.

I ran upstairs and got the doll and bracelet.

“David, why can’t we put these together in a shadowbox and display

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

The Vietnamese doll displayed in a shadow box with the POW/MIA bracelet wrapped around her waist.

them here?” I said pointing to the odd space. “I always wanted to take these out of the drawer, and now we have the opportunity to showcase them.”

brought home. He is my husband’s uncle. He was promoted posthumously to colonel and is one of the last Americans from Vietnam to be buried in Arlington.”

After I picked up the shadowbox from the art framer, I hung it immediately. It was perfect. Both items were now in an honorable place.

We looked at each other, then stared at the doll. From Poland to America to Vietnam to Georgia to my dining room. Tears fell down my cheeks. I felt as if two fallen soldiers stood with us, looking at these two women utterly aghast at the curious, mysterious junctions where lives meet and why. Suddenly, it seemed as if the war was finally over. Peace had found two soldiers.

Violet came the following Thursday.

She was dusting in the dining room and admiring the gallery while I was getting ready for work.

“Lynn!” she shouted.

I ran to her. She was holding the feather duster in the air as if frozen while staring at the shadowbox.

She could hardly speak, so I explained to her what the bracelet meant.

“No, no, you are not going to believe this! That is Robert Dyczkowski! He was found in 2001 and

Memories of war and those that served should never be tucked away in a drawer. On this Memorial Day, we need to remember that old soldiers never die, nor do they fade away. They should always live on in the hearts and minds of those they served and forever be honored. ■

BEACON SENIOR NEWS COUPON

Healing heroes through art “I try to enjoy life and help others enjoy it, too.

The Veterans Art Center has been a major help to me in learning and being even more creative.” - Max Bardell

Monday through Saturday Open a.m.-6 p.m.

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I love to draw, paint, woodwork, make knives, and repair or build things. In school, I was always drawing and doodling. I’ve spent my life repairing cars andfacilities machin- and more. ery. As a kid, I remember taking studiotospace apartmore old lawnmowers see whatfor art activities, upgraded made them tick. parking for better access to and from the building,

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I’ve been told I’m talented and creative. I try to enjoy life and help others enjoy it, too. The Veterans Art Center has been a major help to me in learning and being even more creative. I also play guitar, banjo and a little mandolin, and write poems and songs. I’ve recently begun putting together a gospel album.

ARE YOU READY FOR SUMMER?

Not all wounds are physical. Join Max and other veterans for camaraderie and creative expression at the Veterans Art Center. Workshops, tutoring, music lessons, studio space, dark room and more—all FREE for veterans and their families.

Sign up by calling Veterans Art Center 462-3126 307 S. 12th St. • Grand Junction • operationrevamp.org

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33

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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Happy 90th Birthday

John F. Aragon, Dad & Grandpa God bless you with many years and hopefully more years to come. We love you!

- Aragon daughters and sons, grandkids and great-grandkids John Aragon grew up with his grandparents in Austin, Colorado.

He married young and moved to Grand Junction, which he’s called home for decades.

His fondest memories are of spending time with his wife and children when he had a day off from his two jobs. He remembers shopping at S. H. Kress’, Woolworth’s, Montgomery Wards and JC Penney down on Main Street, going to the movies at the two drive-ins in town, spending time at the pool in Lincoln Park and going to Dairy Queen for ice cream. He would also pile the family in the station wagon and take road trips to visit family in Delta. Even though money was tight, taking care of his family and spending time with them was a priority.

“It’d be nice to have a lot of money, but money can’t buy happiness,” he said.

In the days before JUCO, Aragon played baseball at Lincoln Park. He also sang and played guitar in a band on the weekends.

“I still try playing my guitar even though my arthritis bothers me,” he said.

Aragon spent many years in construction, but retired from the City of Grand Junction after

being a groundskeeper for Orchard Mesa Cemetery. He loves gardening and is quick to offer his help to friends and family with their yards. He also volunteers at the soup kitchen.

“No matter what job I had, I took pride in my work,” he said. “I just try to keep busy—as long as my heart is still ticking, I’ll keep going.”

Aragon lives with his dog, Rosita, who he said is his eyes and ears. He has children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who live in the area and visit regularly.

Aragon turned 90 on March 8.

With the exception of his arthritis, he’s in pretty good health.

Good genes and longevity run in his family—his mother lived to be 95 and his grandmother lived to be 103.

“As you get older, you’re supposed to be wiser,” he said, “but instead, you suffer with aches and pains and arthritis, and you lose your hearing and vision. But you need to enjoy life and thank God every day for every breath given. That’s what turning 90 is all about. I thank God for this journey of life.” ■

FUN AFTER 50

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue

970-243-7408

FUN AFTER 50

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

MAY 25

Friday Food Trucks Come out for great food, live entertainment and craft beer at 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn.

HEALTH MAY 31-JULY 19

Get Great In 8 This eight-week fitness challenge is designed with the 50+ crowd in mind. Get instructions on how to use the equipment at Canyon View Park, get a personalized fitness workout and perform a baseline fitness test at the first meeting on May 31. Over the next eight weeks, work out on your own according to your personalized routine with weekly emailed motivational tips to help keep you on track. Reassess your fitness level in the last class and receive a new personalized workout. Sign up with a friend to keep you motivated and accountable, and have more fun doing partner exercises.

Each participant receives a visor. Cost is $44.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS

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

MONDAY-FRIDAY

Aqua Aerobics These classes are for beginner or novice individuals, and incorporate noodles, hand paddles, water weights and more. Class is from 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.

DANCE THURSDAYS

Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

SPORTS MAY 26

Beginning Pickleball Clinics Learn basic rules, equipment and play strategies from 1-3 p.m. at Pineridge Park. Cost is $15.

ART JUNE 16

Take Part in Art Explore the many creative organizations, guilds, clubs and societies that you can be a part of in the Grand Valley. There will be information, demonstrations and live performances from 9 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Park Barn. This event is free.

AUGUST 20-26

Western Colorado Senior Games Choose from over 60 events to compete in. Registration forms are now available at www.gjparksandrec.org or by calling 254-3866.

VOLUNTEER Be a Trail Host!

Spend time outside and have fun assisting folks on the Riverfront Trail. Monthly training takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on the first Wednesdays through October.

Join anytime. To apply, call Lorie

at 254-3876.

Downtown Ambassador applications due May 17 Downtown Ambassadors welcome visitors, answer questions about the downtown area and inform the police of safety concerns. Applications are being accepted for this program, which runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call Lorie at 254-3876 to apply. ■

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–4 pm.

Annual membership is $15.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events

MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

TUESDAY

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

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

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

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

Cost $3.50

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | FUN AFTER 50 |

35

BEACON BITS

CALENDAR MAY 1

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Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist

The Nelons in concert Enjoy tight family harmonies and Southern Gospel classics with a stunning performance by the Nelons, brought to you by Community Concerts of the Grand Valley, at 7:30 p.m. at Grand Junction High School.

The Nelons have received three Grammy nominations and six Dove Awards. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. For more information or for ticket availability, call 243-1979.

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Medicare 101 seminar Are you new to Medicare? Learn when and how you sign up, what Parts A and B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more at this free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon at Mesa County RSVP, located in the basement of US Bank on 422 White Ave. Seating is limited.

Call 243-9839 to reserve your seat.

MAY 4

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Fire and Brimstone historical walking tour Learn about triumphs and tragedies in Palisade’s unique history. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Cost is $5. Proceeds benefit the Palisade Historical Society. Meet at the kiosk across Klug Avenue from the Palisade Post Office at 10 a.m. To register or for details, call 464-5602.

MAY 4

Art Center’s Fine Art Auction May the fourth be with you! The Art Center will host a Star Wars-themed art auction at 5 p.m. Themed drinks and food will be provided. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Star Wars character. For more information, call 243-7337.

MAY 5

Spring Day on the Farm Experience spring in the early 20th century at Cross Orchards with woodworking, woodstove baking

and blacksmithing activities from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a performance from the Frontier Belle’s Side Saddle Equestrian Group and peach demonstrations from the Palisade Historical Society. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3.50 for kids age 3-12. Family and group rates are $12, and Museum of the West members are free. Call 261-7839.

MAY 4 & 5

Brews and Cruise Festival Cruise on over to the Brews & Cruise festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Palisade Veterans Memorial Park.

There will be vendors, food, brew samples, local wine for sampling and live entertainment. Advance general admission tickets are $25; VIP tickets are $55. To purchase tickets, visit www.palisadebrewscruise.com.

MAY 10

AARP Driver Safety Class Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The Commons will host the AARP Driver Safety class from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Preregistration required. To register, call 312-4967.

MAY 11

Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital Plant Sale Give Mom a beautiful plant for Mother’s Day from the Friends of St. Mary’s Plant Sale at the hospital from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. or while supplies last. Net proceeds benefit the St. Mary’s Fund.

MAY 12

Mustang Safari Friends of the Mustangs hosts a daylong guided tour in the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range to view wild horses. Space is limited. To register, call 216-9571.

MAY 12

Piano/Voice Concert Michelle Baker presents a piano and

BEACON BITS vocal concert from 2-3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Call 644-5651.

Guests will also have the opportunity to sign cards for the troops.

MAY 12 & 13

MAY 19

71st Gem & Mineral Show The Grand Junction Gem & Minerals Club presents one of the largest shows in the area—the 71st Gem and Mineral Show at Two Rivers Convention Center. Enjoy interactive exhibits, displays and demonstrations, and a silent auction. Show hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $5, and $4 for seniors and military.

For more information, visit www. grandjunctionrockclub.org.

MAY 15

Music in the Grapevines Enjoy a picnic dinner, wine and live music by Stray Grass at Two Rivers Winery and Chateau. Gates open at 6 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs. Wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15.

Proceeds benefit The Art Center.

MAY 16

Around the World with One Carry-on Jan Weeks shows you how to travel light, safe and cheap with practical advice for your next adventure. This class takes place from 6-8:30 p.m. at Western Colorado Community College. For cost and information, call 255-2600 or visit www.coloradomesa.edu/wccc/community-education.

MAY 17

Oral History: “A Briefly Complete History of Aspen” This oral history presentation, hosted by the Mesa County Historical Society, is an original play that’s humorous and factual, covering 140 years of history in 45 minutes.

It begins at noon at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. Call 260-5226 or email priscilla. mangnall@gmail.com.

MAY 19

Hug a Vet Hug a vet and support Operation Interdependence from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Randy’s Southside Diner in Clifton.

“Karaoke Killer” mystery dinner This mystery dinner theater hosted

by Mesa Murder Mystery starts at 6:15 a.m. at Garfield’s. Audience members will have the chance to strut their best karaoke vocals solo or with the cast. Cost is $30. Tickets are available at www.garfieldsrest aurantgj.com/events.

MAY 19

Employment Readiness Boot Camp Learn valuable skills needed for your resume, job searching or perfecting your interview skills from 9 a.m. to noon at Western Colorado Community College. Call 255-2800.

MAY 19

“Keep ’Em Flying” Hangar Dance This ’40s style USO dance takes place at 780 Heritage Way at the Grand Junction Airport. Doors open at 5:30 for vets and families, and dance lessons begin at 6 p.m. with live music at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $20 for individuals and $35 for couples. Tickets are available at grandjunctionswing.ticketleap.com.

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Voter Education and Registration

Of Interest to Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Tuesday, May 8 • 8-11:30 a.m.

Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave.

MAY 26

OI Yard Sale Operation Interdependence will be hosting a yard sale from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2944 I-70 Business Loop.

Proceeds benefit OI.

MAY 27

Cancer Fund Butterfly Release This event includes lunch and a ceremonial release of live butterflies from noon to 4 p.m. at the Collbran Auditorium. To RSVP or to order a butterfly in honor a loved one, email jrsjackrussells@aol.com.

MAY 28

Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast Breakfast will be from 8-10 a.m. at the Collbran Auditorium. After breakfast, attend a military honor ceremony at the National Women’s Memorial across the street. ■

This event will help voters get ready to cast their ballots by explaining the voting process and highlighting issues of importance to seniors and persons with disabilities. Olivia Pilcher with the Disability Law Center will give a presentation titled, “Voting Rights and Registration.” Volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Mesa County will be on hand to assist attendees with voter registration. A free breakfast will be served.

On July 12, Center for Independence is hosting a Candidates Forum from 8-11 a.m., followed by informal one-on-one time with candidates. This is an opportunity to ask candidates questions pertaining to issues of seniors and persons with disabilities.

A free breakfast will be served from 8-9 a.m. Both events are non-partisan.

TO REGISTER, CALL:

241-0315

or visit www.cfigj.org.

Center for Independence 740 Gunnison Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | BEACON BITS |

37

BEACON BITS

BEACON BITS

HopeWest celebrates 25th anniversary

New Legacy Quartet, southern gospel group tour

HopeWest is celebrating the past while illuminating the future as it celebrates 25 years. Thanks to supporters, volunteers, board members, advocates and visionaries, HopeWest has been able to offer years of kind care for loved ones in the community. HopeWest now supports more than 2,500 patients and 1,500 individuals coping with grief with services available in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco counties.

Groundbreaking Southern gospel vocal group New Legacy Quartet will be presenting several concerts in our area this spring as part of their “I’ll Stand” tour. Formerly the Blackwood Legacy, they are best known for their intricate harmonies, true Southern sound, and their homespun humor. Concerts are at 6:30 p.m. on May 5 at Crossroads United Methodist Church and 10:30 a.m. May 6 at the Palisade Church of the Nazarene. Admission

is free. Seating is limited, so come early. The mission of the New Legacy Project is to bring attention to U.S. veterans and their families for their sacrifice. For more information, visit www.newlegacyproject. com or sign up for a free download of their latest single, “God of the Empty Grave.”

are sponsored by Martin Mortuary and Dignity Memorial’s Homeless Veterans Burial Program, a cooperative effort among Dignity Memorial providers, the Veteran Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders, Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard and Veterans Memorial Bell.

AARP Driver Safety Courses

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley Season Passes on Sale

Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws at the AARP Driver Safety course, offered three times in April. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. Call for location and to register.

May 10 -9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Call Frank at 312-4967.

Live from Nashville!

May 15 - 1-5 p.m.

Call Phil at 314-7408.

May 18 - 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Call Tom at 319-0137.

KicKin’ it with camp hope May 25 at 7:00 PM

Formerly the Blackwood Legacy. Led by Gospel Music

Hall of Fame Member, Rick Price, inducted with the legendary Blackwood

Brothers.

Admission is free!

SAT—MAY 5—6:30 PM Crossroads United Methodist Church 599 30 Rd—Grand Junction

Dance to the high kickin’ country boys of Leveraction Bid to win at our silent auction Drinks and snacks are available Hear the stories and testimonials about the difference that Camp Hope is making in the lives of children that come to camp.

General Admission: $25.00

SUN—MAY—10:30 AM

VIP Tickets- $350.00 for a table of ten Travelodge Grand Junction 718 Horizon Dr

SUN—MAY—6 PM

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Avalon Theatre Box Office or over the phone by calling

Palisade Church of the Nazarene 3595 Front St—Palisade

Rocky Mountain Baptist Church 4199 W Centennial Pkwy-­‐-­‐ Rifle

ALL AGES WELCOME

970-614-8497

NewLegacyProject.com

38 | BEACON BITS | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Mike the Headless Chicken 5K registration

Celebrate the 20th annual Mike the Headless Chicken Festival on June 1 and 2 with a disc golf tournament, wing and Peeps eating contest, live music, delicious food, artisan booths, and a 5K walk/ run that starts at 9 a.m. on June 2. Early registration for the 5K is $25. Preregister online at www. miketheheadlesschicken5k.com or in person at the Fruita Community Center by Monday, May 28.

Grand Junction veteran receives military funeral through Martin Mortuary and Homeless Veterans Burial Program

A Grand Junction veteran was laid to rest at a funeral with full military honors on April 18 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. Michael William Bergman served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972 and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Air Force Medal 900-3. The funeral and burial

In its 74th year, Community Concerts of the Grand Valley is now selling tickets for the 2018-19 season, offering seven concerts that feature renowned musicians, singers and an illusionist. Tickets for the entire season, prior to July 1, are $70 for adults and $35 for students.

After July 1, the cost is $80 for adults and $40 for students. Preview concerts and purchase tickets at www.communityconcertsgrandvalley.org or call 243-1979, for more information.

Sunset Slope Quilters May activities

Julie Silber, an internationally known quilt appraiser with 35 years of experience, will present a lecture and trunk show of historic quilts as part of Sunset Slope Quilters Guild’s monthly meeting on May 9 at American Lutheran Church.

Visitors must pay a $10 fee.

On May 10, Sunset Slope Quilters will host a workshop at the Clarion Hotel from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop is open to nonmembers and costs $62, which includes lunch.

For reservations or information, call 263-4473.

Redlands Lions Club distribute flags for Armed Forces Day The Redlands Lions Club members and volunteers will be placing flags out for Armed Forces Day on May 19. Flags will be places early in the morning in several Redlands area neighborhoods and businesses and removed late in the afternoon. The Redlands Lion’s Club flag service honors nine holidays throughout

BEACON BITS the year and displays over 700 flags.

If you are interested in subscribing to this service or volunteering to help, call 270-4658.

Attorney Brad Wright establishes Wright Legal Services

After nearly 11 years as a partner in the law firm of Griff, Larson, Laiche & Wright (GLLW), Brad R. Wright is establishing his own Colorado office of Wright Legal Services, PLLC, after the retirement of two of GLLW’s partners. Wright Legal Services is a regional law firm with offices in Idaho, California and now Colorado. Its will continue to focus on business, commercial and estate planning matters. Visit Brad at his new office at 1048 Independent Ave., Suite B210, in Grand Junction.

For more information, contact him at 270-1213 or email bwright@ gllblaw.com.

located on the second floor of the Museum of the West. Submitted photos will be displayed in an exhibit between October and December.

The museum will accept entries only with background information.

For more information, call 2423960 or visit www.museumofwesternco.org.

City of Fruita receives AARP’s Livable Communities Award Designation

The City of Fruita recently received AARP’s Livable Communities Award Designation. Bob Murphy, State Director of AARP Colorado, presented the award to Fruita Mayor Lorie Buck. The Livable Community Project is attempting to encourage towns and cities throughout the U.S. to find ways to make their communities more responsive to the needs of its aging residents. ■

Museum to Host Historic Photo Contest

To coincide with National Historic Preservation Month, the Museum of the West and the Loyd Files Research Library ask the community to submit their best local photographs to the historic photo contest. Photos will be accepted on Fridays after 2 p.m. between May 4 and August 3, or by appointment at the Loyd Files Research Library,

RIVER CITY SINGLES “Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship.”

Annual membership is $20.

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Calling all singles over 50!

Meet new friends at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Drive. Call Beverly at 210-2722 for details.

Artisan Bakery & Cafe 6th & Main  970.241.2740

gjmainstreetbagels.com

Where great food, great coffee & great people meet!

Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive.

Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Saturday, May 5 at 1 p.m. - Kentucky Derby Day celebration at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Hat contest winner announced at 3 p.m.

Race starts at 4 p.m. Contact Mary at 255-7370 for details.

Friday, May 11 at 7:45 a.m. - Tour Capco, Inc. RSVP to Cheryl at 523-1604.

Wednesday, May 16 at 2 p.m. - Game Day at Mary’s. RSVP to 242-0630.

Bring a snack.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 | BEACON BITS |

39

BEACON BITS

SUPPORT GROUPS $ 150 OFF

Any Lift Chair Many Fabrics to Choose From Made in USA. Lifetime Guarantee.

Breast Friends, a breast cancer support group, meets monthly from 5-6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in St. Mary’s Reflection Room.

Caregiver Connections meets from 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest.

Call 260-8931.

COPD Support Group meets monthly at 1 p.m. on the fourth Friday at 581 Grand Valley Dr. in Grand Junction. Call 317-7556 or email Jimcampbell3@aol.com.

GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group

for those mourning the death of a loved one. This group meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. For location and details, call 628-1453.

HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the third Tuesday at First Congregational Church. Call 9854551 or 241-4349.

Help Heal Veterans’ Craft Center, 2500 North Ave., supplies hundreds of free therapeutic craft kits each week to military service members and veterans receiving medical care. Call 424-0499.

Job Searching after 50 network-

ing group meets from 8:30-10 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month at Mesa County Workforce Center, room 154. You must be registered as a job seeker ar www.connectingcolorado.com. Call 248-7560 for details.

Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets monthly from 4-5 p.m. on the third Monday in St. Mary’s Reflection Room.

Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. This group meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 2488844.

MS and Men, a support group for men living with MS, meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the third Thursday at The Artful Cup. Call 241-8975.

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

Narcotics Anonymous. Have a drug problem? Need help? Contact the NA 24-hour help line at 2011133.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and connection groups for adults living with a mental illness.

Groups meet at various times and locations in Mesa County. For details, visit www.NAMIWS.org or call 462-3989.

Explore our many selections,

Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group meets monthly from 1-2 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway. Call 245-9606.

styles, and unique decorating items either online at www.blackcarriagefurniture.com or visit our showroom for the real wood experience!

Tinnitus Support Group meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Community Hospital, 2351 G Road, legacy room 1. Call 589-0305.

Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets monthly from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Center for Independence. Transportation is available. Call 241-0315. ■

2580 US Hwy. 6&50 Grand Junction (Next to Chrysler-Dodge) Mon–Sat, 10–6

970 263-4433 40 | BEACON BITS | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

BEACON BITS

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874.

Cribbage Lite meets at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at IHOP. Call 201-7823.

Cups Club meets at 2 p.m.

Wednesdays at The Artful Cup. Meet people through cards and games or talk and tea. Call 6834909.

Daughters of the American Revolution Mount Garfield Chapter meets at noon on May 12 at Wine Country Inn. Call 596-4870.

Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at First Baptist Church. Call 2604653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org.

Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses from 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Crossroads United Methodist Church. Call 255-9419 or 523-3464 or visit www. grandmesachorus.org.

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity. Call 462-7554.

Guys’ Giving Club meets quarterly at the Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. in Grand Junction. Members donate $100 at each meeting and are invited to nominate a local charity to receive the evening’s total contributions. The next meeting is at 5:15 p.m. May 1. For details, call 243-8829 or 270-6184.

Mall Walking group meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday in the Food Court at

Mesa Mall. Coffee and a light breakfast is provided.

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday at the Whitman Education Center. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388.

Not Going Quietly meets monthly from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays at Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction. Call 433-7799.

Sunset Slope Quilters meet monthly on the second Wednesdays at American Lutheran Church.

Membership is $25 per year.

Visitors are welcome and are only charged $10 if there is a national speaker. Call 263-4473.

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets from 7-9 p.m. on May 22 at Western Colorado Community College, in Building B, room 171. Visit www.thundermountaincameraclub. org or call 216-9311.

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets Thursdays at the Masonic Center.

Call 261-1670.

Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club meets at noon on May 10. For location, call 523-5625.

Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway meets at 11:30 a.m. on May 14 at the Egg & I. Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday at the Civil Patrol Hangar, 2868 Aviators Way. Visit www.w0rrz.org.

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

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Across 1 Bang shut 5 Army fort 10 Beach fiddler 14 Island dance 15 Come up again 16 Bury a bone 17 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 18 Sleep disorder 19 It may be dragged and dropped 20 Attackman’s equipment 23 “Super ___” (Rick James hit) 24 Spanish kin 25 Belief 28 “Married With Children” actress 32 Supreme Court name 34 “Now I see!”

37 Texas river 39 Go ballistic 40 It whacks the birdie 44 The “A” of Thomas A. Edison 45 “60 Minutes” star 46 She wears a wool coat 47 Excellent, to a Brit 50 Frighten

52 Long, long time 53 Puppy bite 55 Minds 59 Ball striker 64 Song from “Turandot” 66 Excessive 67 Tighten skates 68 Word with chair or nut 69 Short jackets 70 Cuzco native 71 Shaving gel 72 Edith Evans and Agatha Christie 73 Cheese from Holland Down 1 Record holder?

2 Like some calendars 3 Dilbert’s colleague 4 Shorts material 5 Swimsuit issues?

6 Pro agents 7 Bad marks for a teen?

8 “Be my ___!”

9 On the house 10 Trendy 11 Talk-show host 12 “Without further ___…”

13 Kingsley in “Gandhi” 21 Congo sighting 22 Olympic org.

26 Tendon

27 Lusterless finish 29 Col.’s superior 30 Does “Hamlet” 31 Pillages 33 Pass path 34 Put down 35 Hunting call 36 Giving a loan 38 Prepare green beans 41 Traveler’s check?

42 Frat letter 43 Hawaiian salutation 48 Numero ___ 49 Excited, as one’s curiosity 51 Martin of “ER” 54 ___ Arenas (Chilean seaport) 56 Spiral-horned antelope 57 Bing Crosby’s record label 58 Cook clams 60 Road ___ 61 Ancient Dead Sea region 62 Make a piano “sing” 63 Pigpen 64 Blow away 65 Drive away

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43

CLASSIFIEDS

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1BD Apartment One bedroom furnished apartment for rent for single adult. No smoking, No drinking, No pets. Utilities paid. $650/mo. First and last, plus $500 deposit for cleaning. 261-1273.

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CHOOSE A CATEGORY

❒ Classes ❒ For Sale ❒ Help Wanted



❒ Real Estate for Rent ❒ Real Estate for Sale ❒ Services

PAY FOR IT

❒ Mesa County ........................................ $29 ❒ Montrose/Delta Counties ........................$29 ❒ Both publications........................................$49

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Monthly Rental Charming guest house on acreage near Palisade. 1 bedroom, yard, skylights, views, antiques, fully equipped kitchen, all utilities included, plus cable and Wi-Fi, month-to-month, pets considered, must see! Jackie 464-5751. $1,600 all inclusive.

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Chart storage shelves Selling 3 gently used Hon 500 series chart storage shelves for physician, dentist or counselor office. 5 shelves that fit 8.5 x 11 files. Keys included. $350 OBO ($950 new). 201-3945.

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44 | CLASSIFIEDS | MAY 2018 |

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HELP WANTED Sales Clerk Part-time sales clerk. Plumbing knowledge a must. Apply in person Peachtree True Value, 2963 North Ave. Pay DOE.

SALES PERSON WANTED

The BEACON Senior Newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

HOME SERVICES The Window Cleaning Company Quality work at a fair price. Free estimates. 245-2993/261-0131.

Custom Draperies, Blinds and Solar Shades Floor coverings and design services.

Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040.

Computer Lady, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, Internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction.

Dependable, reasonable, qualified.

255-1216.

Wednesday, May 16 from 9:00-11:00 A.M. at the GVT downtown transfer facility in Grand Junction. This FREE program will enable any individual interested in riding GVT to gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to utilize GVT services. To help make trainees comfortable with the bus, we are offering a FREE 11-Ride fixed-route pass to any individual who completes the travel training program; call GVT to RSVP. Future rides are at a 50% discount for people age 65 years and over.

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QUESTIONS? Call us, 970 243-8829

1996 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide, 77,000 miles. Nice bike, runs good. New tires and battery, Arlen Ness electronic ignition, intercom system, tour pack w/ backrest. $5,900 obo. 216-2077.

Learn to Ride Grand Valley Transit!

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GJ - Thursdays, 5/10, 5/24 Rifle - Wednesdays, 5/9, 5/23 Montrose - Call for appointment Wendy Zaharko, MD, 970-319-0652, z@alumni.princeton.edu. Your local Western Slope cannabis physician since 2009.

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

EVENTS

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

Remodeling and Foundation Repair.

Three generations of quality construction, additions and remodels.

Residential/insured. References and free consultations provided. Tom Peters: 261-4303, tompetersconstruction.com.

ROOFING Don Fowler Roofing, LLC. Over 30 years’ experience. Licensed and insured. All types of roofs and repairs, including wind damage. Honest, reliable and fair prices. Call 623-1045.

Scene Clearly, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

SERVICES Spring Rototilling Best pricing and service in the valley.

Top quality equipment and results.

We also hill and furrow. Sizes from flower beds to one acre. Call for estimates and scheduling. Sam’s Tilling 970-697-6031

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45

KUDOS & KVETCH

kudos \ ku • dos  “Thank you so much [for inviting Mesa Murder Mysteries to BeaconFest]. The cast said things went well but one family never did find where we were. Maybe next year you guys could have seeing eye dogs? Thank you for the opportunity. Get some well-deserved rest.”

–Kathy Applebee, Mesa Murder Mysteries

 “I went to my first BeaconFest with my cousin, Kathleen, who was

born and raised here. Congratulations. What an awesome event.”

–Elizabeth W., Grand Junction

 “Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed that article, ‘Let the joy

of spring into your life and closet.’ (April issue) It was great! Looking forward to your ‘new look.’”

–Carol McBride, Montrose

 “Melanie, thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story of Brian

[Davis] and his life (“Lessons on living from a life cut short” in April BEACON). He did so much for others; we loved having him at the library. In addition to tutoring and teaching classes, he was our U.S. representative at Culture Fest each year, often asking people to answer citizenship questions before giving them a slice of apple pie or a cookie. He personified a life well lived and will be missed.”

–Jennifer Murrell, Mesa County Libraries

 “Karin, thanks for your insight into the war years in Sweden (“World

War II memories: a glimpse of war from Sweden” in November 2017 issue). The VASA Lodges here in the U.S. collected rations of coffee and had it distributed to elderly care homes from 1941 to 1943. My great aunt, Lotta, was a recipient of such coffee and I have enjoyed reading ‘thank you’ letters sent on their behalf.”

–Roy S.

 “You just ran an article I wrote in your latest BEACON paper: ‘Let

the joy of spring into your life and closet.’ You did a great job! The way you used the photos and the happy way you presented the story about four happy girls was just as it should be. I wish all senior publications would brighten up and present uplifting stories. I see so many of my fellow seniors sit down, give up, and wonder when their funeral is to take place! Drives me a bit crazy!”

–Lynn Walker Gendusa

 “I do get calls from our club meeting notice in the BEACON,

and several people have joined over the last couple of years.

We are HUGE fans! Thanks for all your help.”

–Stella, Mesa County Genealogical Society

Answers from page 43

Sort through your bookkeeping clutter

By Elizabeth J. Wheeler

J

ust got my taxes done—what a relief. I hate this yearly chore.

Frankly, I was a little peeved with myself when I went looking for a document in one of my desk drawers and came across information from 2008, and checkbooks with the address of my home I sold in 2010. Good grief.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I’ve moved twice since then and I’ve done a lot of cleaning out with each transition. However, bookkeeping materials can be hidden from potential buyers by stuffing them in drawers, and are not nearly as hard to move as an old bookcase.

Consequently, my desk needs serious attention!

I’ve had several dear friends die unexpectedly in the last year, and their family members have told me how hard it’s been taking care of their loved one’s many financial requirements and collecting all the necessary information. Most couples think they have to sort through these things together and haven’t gotten them done because one of them keeps putting it off—but it doesn’t have to be done together.

Having gone through this same experience with my mother’s stuff many years ago, I want this miserable, tedious job to be as easy as possible for my loved ones. They shouldn’t have to deal with archaic checkbooks in the way of the important stuff!

I got rid of those obsolete materi-

46 | KUDOS & KVETCH | MAY 2018 |

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

als immediately, instead of putting them back in the drawer to review them again “in the near future.” I ripped them up and tossed them in the recycling bin. I felt like I had just cleaned house.

But I’m not done yet. I still have other drawers to go through, but I’ve found that doing a little bit at a time on a set schedule is the best way for me to whittle away this unpleasant task. Another thing I’ve implemented moving forward is to only keep essential stuff in the first place.

After I check the mail, I go through it on my porch and separate it into two piles—keepers and “chuckers.” I immediately take the chucker pile to the recycling bin so it doesn’t even enter my house.

Then there’s email. A month or so ago, I had about 1,400 emails. I’ve pruned that number down to less than 400 and organize them into folders for receipts, golf, dog training, friends and family.

Going through email also made me think to give each of my daughters a list of all my passwords. They already have a list of bank accounts, investments, pensions and contact information for my financial planner, and several years ago, I added their names to my safe deposit box. I’ve also gone over my will and durable power of attorney with them.

As I slowly work my way through this clutter, I promise myself a treat when my daily goal is met. It’s amazing how an ice cream cone can motivate me. ■

Rhythms for africa

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

BENEF It Concert featuring

Hazel Miller

accompanied by Dana Marsh on keyboard & Rich Lamb on bass

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 Two Rivers Winery & Chateau •- 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction

Reception & Silent Auction begins at 6:00 p.m.

Concert Begins 7:00 p.m.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of music under the stars.

General Admission $30 Register online at HopeWestCO.org – click on “Events” or pay at the door.

Concert will take place come rain or shine.

All proceeds support the Africa Partnership sister hospice in Ilembula, Tanzania – providing medical, nutritional and material supplies.

WWW.BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | MAY 2018 |

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