MD beacon 082016

AUGUST 2016

Vol. 2

™ Long-term care Planning

No. 8

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

2016

Medical Equipment

Medicare Aging in Place

FREE Assisted Living

Home Care

INS IDE

Senior Living Medical Services

Hospice

Bereavement

Nursing Home

Produced by the BEACON’s 2016 Advertising Team © copyright

Your Local Guide to Aging Well

com www.BeaconSeniorNews.

GUN DOG TRAINING

it’s for the birds

Photo courtesy of High Country Sporting Dogs

AUGUST 2016

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

BEACON readers save SHIP!

By Kevin K. VanGundy

T

ruth told, a whole bunch of people, including readers of the BEACON Senior Newspaper, have temporarily knocked some sense into our national leaders and SHIP, the program that serves to educate us about Medicare, will continue. I would have made that the headline, but the other one sounded so much better. Thank you for calling our elected leaders… and us.

from some of our esteemed local experts with an emphasis on non-traditional therapies. Have you tried BOOMER SENIOR FAIRPlease call us at any?

Did &they work?

243-8829 and tell us what you think.

Montrose-Delta BeaconFest on

Transitions in Aging This month’s special insert focuses on the continuum of care that you and I go through as we age—from buying medical equipment to retrofitting the home, and from home health care to moving to an assisted living facility. The options available can be confusing and expensive, but we’ll help you sort them out in this yearly guide to long-term care.

Alternative Health & Wellness In a recent study of today’s active, affluent and aging adults, a healthy mind and body were cited as the topic of most interest to them. Our September insert will focus on health and wellness information

September 15 A boomer and senior fair that’s fun! Our fifth annual BeaconFest at Over Pavilion a thousand visitors the Montrose on Thursday, Exhibitors September 15,50+ will not disappoint. A Keynote Speakers variety of vendors, interesting speakLive Musicentertainers & Door Prizes will ers and talented make for another great senior event FREE Admission, Entertainment, seminars, & food! that you won’t want to miss.

For more information, please email me at Kevin@Pendant 9 am - 2 pm, Publishing.com ■

September 15, 2016 Montrose Pavilion, Montrose FOR INFORMATION CALL 970-243-8829

Prohibition, the good ol’ days when men prided themselves on their brave acts of civil disobedience. I like to think that I would have had the courage to stand shoulder to shoulder with my thirsty brethren.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! MONTROSE-DELTA

APRIL 21, 15, 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 TwoPavilion Rivers Convention Center Montrose • 9:00 a.m.

- 2:00 p.m.

Downtown, Grand Junction • 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

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COVER STORY

On the hunt…

The upland game season starts in September for these hunting clubs and preserves. While both are membership clubs (members are given priority) hunts are also available for nonmembers.

Bring your own bird dog or they’ll provide one to work with you.

Black Canyon Wing and Clay 874-7195 2566 Last Chance Road, Delta, CO 81416 www.bcwandc.com

Broken Spoke Game Ranch 241-3949 8700 Reeder Mesa Road, Whitewater, CO 81527 www.brokenspokegameranch.com

To find a top gun dog, or for professional training and other services: High Country Sporting Dogs 417-9949 or 361-7455 www.highcountrysportingdogs.com

Photo courtesy of Black Canyon Wing and Clay

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2016

Gun dog training... it’s for the birds

By Cloie Sandlin

H

unting guide Rob Courtney has trained bird dogs (also called gun dogs) most of his life.

“When I was young, we almost always had a poodle,” Courtney, 47, said. “The best bird dog we ever had was a miniature poodle named Snoop.”

Snoop, a six-ish pound fluff ball with ribbons on her ears belonged to his little sister. Snoop surprised the family and fellow hunters with her instinctual drive and talent for the hunt.

“Once we found birds, it was all over,” he said. “She was a pretty incredible dog.”

But Courtney’s current 6-year-old English pointer, Grace, is also pretty impressive.

“All she wants to do is hunt,” Courtney said. “If I were to bring her in the house and get out her hunting collar, she would go absolutely nuts.”

Courtney has owned pointers and flushers, the two types of upland game hunting dogs. But for guiding hunts, he prefers to use pointers because of their stamina.

Pointers locate birds by finding their scent in the air. They stop, point and stick their tails straight up, signaling to the hunter they have found a bird. Courtney said a good pointer stands solid as a rock and doesn’t move until the hunter shoots or the dog is given the command to retrieve

Photos by Dirty Dog Phodography

it. Flushing dogs don’t hunt the wind—they hunt ground scent.

“Grace is a very good pointer, but he doesn’t want to brag,” Courtney’s wife, Rob Courtney with Grace and Lucy, and his wife Tracy holding Tracy, said.

Lucy, gun dog in training.

Upland game birds are gallithrough February. Then it gets a little formes, a biological order that incrazy again toward the end of March cludes pheasants, chukars, quail, because hunters are trying to get in grouse and turkeys—ground-feeding that last hunt,” Courtney said. birds known for having edible white Courtney has been guiding hunts meat.

During bird hunting season, Court- for BCWAC for 18 years. He got Grace ney and Grace spend their weekends as a pup from another area hunting club, and today she is what’s considguiding hunts at Black Canyon Wing ered a finished bird dog. and Clay (BCWAC), a membership “She does everything she’s suphunting club located just outside of posed to,” Courtney said.

Delta.

Grace has the instinctual advantage Due to a diminished wild bird popof a good hunting dog, being bred ulation, most upland game hunting from a long line of quality hunters. is done with liberated birds at clubs Like Snoop, Courtney said a dog like Black Canyon, where they raise doesn’t have to come from hunting their own birds and release them parents to be a phenomenal hunting onsite for hunters. dog, but it has a better chance if the Though Colorado’s small game hunting drive and instinct is in its season starts September 1 for some birds, and seasons may last for two to blood.

Grace’s abilities and energy are three months at a time, Black Canhoned through Courtney’s training, yon’s season begins mid September and lasts through the end of March. which he starts at a young age. He is “It’s pretty busy from late October currently training Grace’s adopted

AUGUST 2016

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

sister and the newest addition to the family, a 12-week-old English pointer named Lucy.

For Lucy, Courtney said at this stage in training, it’s all about fun.

“As soon as I see her become disinterested, we’re done,” he said. “Because as soon as you start trying to force a dog to do something, you take the spark right out of them.”

Courtney said hunting dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but he likes working with English pointers because of their bird drive and willingness to please—two qualities of great hunters.

But if you’re looking for a hunting dog and a house pet, English pointers aren’t for you.

“They are very high strung. They’re like the Energizer Bunny,” Courtney said, adding that Grace and Lucy are mainly outside dogs, and will run laps indoors if given the chance.

“They’re working dogs. That is their full focus in life,” Courtney said.

“Their place is out hunting. That’s where they really shine.”

Grooming the best of the best Labradors are the hunting breed of choice for father-son dog training professionals Brett and Robbie Arnold.

Robbie, 32, said that while he likes working with all breeds, Labradors are his favorite because of their trainability. “Labradors have drive,” he said. “They retrieve, they can flush a point—they do it all.”

Not to mention that Labs are the ultimate pets. “His girl,” Stace, a 2-1/2 year-old Black Lab, is a companion and finished gun dog.

Robbie’s father, Brett, 55, started training dogs way before he started

High Country Sporting Dogs (HCSD) 25 years ago. Having always exhibited a special connection with dogs, Brett started training protection dogs in California in the ’80s and started hunting with his wife’s father, who owned a Labrador.

“To truly learn how to train dogs, you should train them all,” Robbie said.

Brett furthered his gift as a trainer by studying dog psychology and behavior, and started training all different breeds. He already had one gun dog and, after moving the family to Colorado, he started HCSD as a side business in 1991, training any client that came his way, from a kid with his dog Buddy to Grandma and Fifi.

Robbie followed in his father’s footsteps working with dogs from the time he was young and guiding his first hunt on a professional level at 17.

“From the time I was a kid, my dad was always my hero,” he said. “I always wanted to be just like him. I always liked working with dogs, too.”

The Arnolds built a reputation for themselves locally and nationally, and have greatly expanded HCSD’s services over the years to include gun dog training programs, AKC/UKC competitions and more. Most of their business comes from the Western Slope, and they provide services to everyday dog owners as well as highend hunters.

“We require a lot out of our dogs,” Robbie said. “Some of our competition dogs, which people also use to hunt, might have as much as $25,000 invested in them.”

HCSD contracts with local hunting clubs and ranches to provide experienced hunts with expert hunting

dogs. Especially for clients paying top dollar, dogs need to be top notch.

“When we go to the field, those dogs need to find birds,” Robbie said.

The Arnolds breed instincts, ability and drive to get the best top dogs they possibly can. Robbie said most amateur trainers will use the hunt to train the dog, where professionals understand the progression of learning.

“You want everything to be intense because you can’t put [the instinct] in them but you can hone it in,” he said.

“Give me the dog that is bonkers and will drive somebody nuts. Give me that dog to work with because that’s trainability, that’s drive to please, that’s everything we need. To see the dogs advance in such a short time is the coolest thing.”

Aside from having received professional training, Stace comes from high-end hunting dog bloodlines, her ancestors consisting of four hall of fame dogs, multiple master hunters and hunter retriever champions.

According to Robbie, dogs that are bred of the best don’t experience as much stress in training because they’ve already been bred to do what they’re being trained for. But regardless, training should start early before they learn bad habits and negative behaviors.

“A dog can make or break the hunt,” Robbie said. “That’s truly what upland hunting is about—to be out there with your dog, in nature, watching class dog work. If you shoot a couple birds, it’s a bonus.” ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Senior Graphic Designer............ Melissa Trottier Graphic Designer........................... Karen Jones Digital Media Manager............. Paige Slaughter Photography..............................Katherine Lopez Office Manager............................... Kim Latham Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Sales Assistant.............................Stacey Splude Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Cheerleader................................... Genevra Shal Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

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

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

Cover Photo: Father-son team and

Brett Arnold

dog training pros Brett and Robbie Arnold with High Country Sporting Dogs are serious about hunting and serious about training top-notch gun dogs.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2016

Not a dog or cat person?

A pig might be the pet for you!

By Arlyn Macdonald

O

scar and Olivia, two of the cutest miniature potbelly pigs, joined the household of retired Montrose schoolteacher and community volunteer Debbie Ferris five months ago.

At first, the dogs, Bear and Honey Bun, were a little leery of the noisy squealing additions, but now Honey Bun encourages the piglets to play by first touching their noses through the chain link fence surrounding the “pig condo” and dashing off along the fence line for a playful race.

People often mistake Oscar for his sister, Olivia, because he is the pinker of the two. They spend their nights snuggled in their comforter inside their condo until the sun comes up and it’s feeding time.

As soon as they hear Ferris, they come running out of the doggie door, off the porch and over to their feeding bowls, eagerly awaiting their next breakfast. As the day wears on and the weather Oscar, top, and Olivia, bottom, are miniature potbelly pigs.

warms up, they might root around in the nearest hole to find cool dirt to lay in or take a dip in their saucer swimming pool. They are always on the alert for anyone with snacks to share. Sometimes they just enjoy playing with Honey Bun. Bear, the other family dog, is getting on in years, so he just tolerates the little ones, giving them his stoic stares when they squeal.

Almost like a dog “Pigs are friendly and intelligent and they enjoy human contact,” said Ferris, who is passionate about having pigs as pets.

Oscar and Olivia are number seven and eight in the line of pigs Ferris has had over the years. She said these new piglets are not as tame as she would like them to be since she didn’t get them until they were already seven weeks old.

“They were already independent,” she said. “Many people with allergies are choosing pigs as pets because they don’t have dander and don’t shed. They can also be trained to use a doggie door, sit and do other

tricks.”

She is training Oscar and Olivia to walk on a leash, and checks their collars every day to make sure they haven’t grown too fat for the collars to fit properly.

Oscar is the smarter of the siblings.

He was the first pig to figure out how to use the doggie door installed in their pig condo. He has also learned to jump up and touch the bottom of his feeding bowl with his head before Ferris sets it down on the ground. Olivia is the alpha pig and has learned to sit. She leads Oscar inside to root around in their comforter when it’s naptime.

The yuppie’s puppies In the 1990s, potbellied pigs were popular household pets. They were referred to as the “yuppie’s puppies.”

From the standard size potbellied pigs of the ’90s to the miniature breeds of today, pig pets are more fun. Some miniature pigs will grow to be 100 pounds, while others will only reach 30. Standard potbellied pigs can grow to 300 pounds, as compared to average farm pigs, which

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Life’s Legacy in Stone

AUGUST 2016

FEATURE STORY

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can weigh from 700-1,000 pounds.

People who want to purchase a miniature pig should be aware that breeders and sellers don’t always tell the truth about the potential adult size and weight.

At 5 months old, Oscar and Olivia now weigh about 20 pounds each, and are free to grow to adult size, whatever weight that will be. Ferris keeps them on a strict feeding schedule to keep them healthy and prevent them from gaining too much weight too quickly. She feeds them Mazuri Pig Youth Food every four hours with vegetable and fruit snacks in between.

Before you get a pet pig Before making a decision about obtaining a pet pig, owners should research the breed, talk to other pig pet owners, have adequate facilities for the pig at all stages of growth, and provide proper food and medical care.

Oscar and Olivia are under the care of the San Juan Veterinary Clinic, 822 Spring Creek Road in Montrose, one of the few in the area that take pigs as patients.

“I used a small playpen when the pigs first came to live with me,” Ferris said. “It was still cold so I had to keep them in the warm house until they were big enough to start living outside.”

It wasn’t long before she had to put a cover on the playpen as both pigs tried to jump out to explore their world.

Not every pig has a “pig condo” to live in with their own doggie door and porch.

Ferris enlisted the help of two contractor friends to build the condo, which resembles a child’s playhouse.

Built in 1996, the condo has electricity, heat and cable—for the nights Ferris wants to curl up with a pig in the guesthouse.

Pigs with personality “All of my pigs had unique personalities,” she said.

She keeps “piggy baby books” for all her pigs to document their lives with stories and photographs.

Ferris hopes to train Oscar and Olivia to become therapy animals in nursing homes and assisted living centers.

Ferris and other area pet pig owners have talked about starting a Pet Pig Club to share stories, solutions to piggy problems, and how to help other pig pet owners. Pet pigs take as much or more care than dogs and cats, but Ferris said the rewards are well worth the effort. ■

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1100 East Main, Suite C • Montrose, CO 81401 Pet pigs take as much or more care than dogs and cats, but Debbie Ferris said the rewards are well worth the effort.

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BOOMER & SENIOR FAIR

AUGUST 2016

A world of quilting at the Black Canyon Quilt Show Story and photos by Carol McDermott

O

pening Day at the 21st Annual Black Canyon Quilt Show brought out hundreds to the Montrose Pavilion Event Center July 8-10. According to this year’s show chair Mary Ross, about 1,500 people attended. The show is a combined effort of the Columbine Quilters, San Juan Quilters and Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado. Below are some shots we captured at this year’s show.

Want to Quilt?

Columbine Quilters meets from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at the Meadowlark

Court Senior Apartments, 2378 Robins Way. For details, call President Cheryl Yergler at 462-3849.

Friendship Quilters of Western Colorado meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the fourth Thursdays of each month at Victory Baptist Church, 2890 N. Townsend Ave. For details, call President Robbie Turgeon at 901-7678.

San Juan Quilters meets from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month at Crossroads Victory Church, 515 S. Hillcrest Drive. For details, call President Sandy Engraff at 249-5491. ■

Alice Murphy points to her favorite T-shirt in the “Crawdad Feast” quilt

by Nancy Lamm, who designed the T-shirts for a group of friends that have met annually since 1984 at the Miramonte Reservoir. Alice is a member of that group.

Over a thousand visitors 50+ Exhibitors

Lucille LeClere admires Melody Maskus’ “Compass to the Orient.”

Keynote Speakers

“It truly is a mariner’s compass,” LeClere said. “It draws you closer.”

Live Music & Door Prizes FREE Admission, Entertainment, seminars, & food!

September 15, 2016 9 am - 2 pm,

Montrose Pavilion, Montrose FOR INFORMATION CALL 970-243-8829

Rosella Grasha was a quilter in the show’s Meet the Quilter program. She began quilting when her three kids were young and underfoot. Today she owns Legacies, a unique fiber-arts studio in Montrose. Her quilt is “Walking on Water with a Little Help from my Friends.”

AUGUST 2016

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I’m sure you’ve had your fill of replies to “Coward” but I couldn’t resist adding my thoughts. I understand Grandma’s uneasiness with her granddaughter’s gay wedding. If she doesn’t attend the wedding that’s fine, but will she also miss out on holiday gatherings with the couple present? What will she do when they have children? Will she shun the great-grandchildren and miss out on the joy they will bring? She needs to think bigger than just the wedding. Grandma must accept they didn’t choose their sexuality any more than they chose the color of their eyes. Please, Grandma, open your heart and welcome a new member of your family. Your granddaughter will love you more than you will ever know by being so forward thinking and accepting of her lifestyle. Signed, One Who Knows

that will correct them from treating me this way? They say they love me, but it hurts. Signed, Hurting Mom

Dear One: Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful letter. In my book, you are right on. To reiterate: Acceptance is the greater part of loving. OB

• As parents age, some children seem to think that they need to take on the role of parent—a role reversal—then they scold us when we say things they don’t feel are appropriate or correct.

Dear Old Bag: I love my grown children dearly, but I’m beginning to realize they are not as loving to me. I have many friends who have at least one child who yells at them and is really mean to them. Is it because we’re living so much longer and our children can’t deal with our age? I respected my parents and never treated them this way.

I’m only 73 and still have a long life ahead of me. How much abuse should I take from my children? They will yell at me and apologize the next day, but it’s still hurtful. I’m very independent and I keep busy. I don’t depend on them for everything. I’m invited to all their family functions, but if I say one word that doesn’t suit them, I get chewed out. Is there anything I can do or say

Dear Hurting Mom: I hurt for you, too! This situation is more widespread than most would believe. We hear about abuse in care facilities, but did you know that 80 percent of abuse occurs at home? To me, yelling or scolding your parents is a form of abuse. I have given a lot of thought to this, and here is my two cents as to why this occurs: • As you said, part is because they cannot deal with you aging. Just as some people cannot deal with death, some can’t deal with aging, especially if it occurs with some changes that the children are not used to associating with Mom or Dad.

• The other reason is that they love us and want us to stop that “growing old business.” Maybe if they yell at us, we will shape up and fly right. Then they feel horribly guilty the next day and apologize.

Now what should you do? I am a believer of putting your cards on the table. When they begin yelling or scolding you, I would simply say, “I feel hurt by your words. What is it that has you so upset at me?” Maybe you will get an honest answer. At any rate, you will have expressed your honest feelings to them. Good luck. I would love to hear from you again about how it goes. Thank you.

OB ■

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

ASK THE OLD BAG

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Colorado Senior Lobby Summer Social Live Streaming Event August 20, 2016 – Saturday, 8:30 – Noon

Region10 Office, Sneffels Conf. Room • 300 N. Cascade, Montrose, CO

All ages welcome to this free event! Bring a friend!

Panel hosted in Denver includes Congressional Delegates and Colorado Legislators.

Former Colorado Governor Roy R. Romer, Colorado’s 39th Governor is attending.

Socializing and refreshments are from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and program starts at 9:30.

We will be honoring 6 legislators with the “Serving our Seniors Award” and presenting a lifetime achievement award to Senator Pat Steadman.

The Colorado Senior Lobby business meeting will be from Noon to 12:30 pm Everyone is welcome to stay!

You do not have to be a member to attend and you do not have to be a senior!

ColoradoSeniorLobby.org

WHATEVER THE TIME OF YEAR

When you need us, we’ll be here for you.

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Trivia Submitted by Lewis Armbrust

Do you know why there are 239 beans in a bowl of bean soup?

Any more, and it would be too farty.

like the new store?”

She says, “It was unbelievable.”

He asks, “Did you get everything on your list?”

She replies, “Yep! Everything but

Shopping list

toilet paper.”

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

Served

A retired woman decides that she’ll try out the brand-new, upscale, yuppie, 21st-century grocery store. She goes into the produce department, which smells like fresh cut cantaloupe, so she buys one. The meat department smells like steak cooking, so she buys some steak. The dairy department smells like bacon and eggs cooking, so she buys some bacon and eggs. The breakfast department smells like fresh baked donuts, so she buys some.

She pays for everything and goes home.

Her husband asks, “So how do you

Submitted by Kevin Ray

It was mealtime during an airline flight.

“Would you like dinner?” the flight attendant asked John, seated in front.

“What are my choices?” John asked.

She replied, “Yes or no.”

Sniffing Dog Submitted by Kevin Ray

A man had just settled into his window seat on the plane when another man sat down in the aisle seat and put his black Labrador retriever in the middle seat. The first man looked quizzically at the dog and asked why the dog was

allowed on the plane.

The second man explained that he was an agent from the Drug Enforcement Agency and that the dog was a sniffing dog.

“His name is Sniffer and he’s the best there is,” the agent said. “I’ll show you once we get airborne when I put him to work.”

The plane took off, and once it had leveled out, the agent said, “Watch this.”

He told Sniffer to search. Sniffer jumped down, walked along the aisle, and finally sat purposefully next to a woman for several seconds. Sniffer then returned to his seat and put one paw on the agent’s arm.

The agent said, “Good boy,” and then turned to the man and said, “That woman is in possession of marijuana.

I’m making a note of her seat number and the authorities will apprehend her when we land.”

“Gee, that is pretty good,” replied

AUGUST 2016

the man.

Once again, the agent sent Sniffer to search the aisles. The lab sniffed about, sat down beside a man for a few seconds, returned to his seat, and this time he placed two paws on the agent’s arm.

The agent said, “That man is carrying cocaine, so again, I’m making a note of his seat number for the police.”

“I like it!” said his seatmate.

The agent then told Sniffer to search again. Sniffer walked up and down the aisles for a little while, sat down for a moment, and then came racing back to the agent, jumped into the middle seat and proceeded to poop on the seat.

The man was really disgusted by this behavior and couldn’t figure out why a well-trained dog would behave like that.

So he asked the agent, “What’s going on?”

The agent nervously replied, “He just found a bomb.”

AUGUST 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Bob Hope on birthdays On turning 70: “I still chase women, but only downhill.”

On turning 80: “That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.”

On turning 90: “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.”

On turning 100: “I don’t feel old. In fact, I don’t feel anything until noon.

Then it’s time for my nap.”

Spiritual guidance If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains; if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles; if you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it; if you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any of their time;

his van. However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.

When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, “Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings.

I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh.”

Advice Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can’t eat it or play with it, then pee on it and walk away.

Comedian favorite “I was not a particularly small child. I was the one who always got picked to play Bethlehem in the school nativity.”

- Jo Brand “The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how much I play, I’ll never be as good as a wall.”

- Mitch Hedberg “A class system is something you use to discriminate against someone who looks like you.”

- Reginald D. Hunter

if you can take criticism and blame without resentment; if you can conquer tension without medical help; if you can relax without alcohol; if you can sleep without the aid of drugs; then you are probably the family dog!

Stolen art A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre. After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings, and made it safely back to

Dedicated to profoundly changing the way our community experiences serious illness and grief – one family at a time.

“The doc told me I had a dual personality. Then he lays an $82 bill on me, so I give him $41 and say, ‘Get the other $41 from the other guy.’”

- Jerry Lewis “My problem with the Grand Canyon is Americans are too proud of it for my liking. The Grand Canyon was like that when they found it! And it’s not like it was hard to find.” - Ed Byrne ■

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Send your JOKES to

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Just call us, 24 hours a day, seven-days a week.

Delta (970) 874-6823 | Montrose (970) 240-7734 HopeWestCO.org

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TRAVEL

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AUGUS

Magnificent

By Victor Block Towering mountains overlook dense forests and broad plains that are home to a wealth of wildlife. That safari-like setting is reason enough to visit the northwestern corner of Montana. Add a choice of enticing towns, Indian reservations and vestiges of authentic cowboy culture, and it’s no wonder that the area attracts a steady stream of visitors.

Dining and Moose Drool This region clings proudly and stubbornly to touches of its frontier past. Rustic roadside signs advertise equally rustic establishments like the Bison Inn Café and Hungry Horse Saloon.

Communities and geographic places are named after former Native American chiefs (Charlo, Arlee), legendary fur traders and explorers (Jocko Valley, Finley Point), wildlife (Hungry Horse and Whitefish) and natural elements (West Glacier, Columbia Falls). Many residents of

the region, as well as curious visitors, drown their thirst by quaffing a locally brewed beer named Moose Drool.

The area’s overall ambience may be encountered and appreciated at hangouts like the Old Timer Café, a nondescript eatery in St. Ignatius.

Its breakfast menu features chicken-fried steak accompanied by ample portions of eggs, biscuits and gravy.

Another favorite among locals is the “cow patty,” which is artery-clogging hash brown potatoes topped by ham, eggs and melted cheese, all buried beneath a pool of thick beef gravy.

Diners themselves provide an intimate introduction to the region’s lifestyle. During my visit, two Native Americans wearing ornately beaded shirts shared a table with a cowboy, resplendent in 10-gallon hat, leather vest and chaps. An elderly gentleman, obviously a regular, whispered and giggled with a waitress. Two bearded young men wore red jackets that sported the logo of their employer, “Robert Cattle Services – Bull Semen

Mont

Collection.”

Old West culture The down-home western flavor is evident everywhere. Ubiquitous boots, cowboy hats and country dancing hint at a Marlboro Man machismo. Adding to the interest is that this western setting melds comfortably with a strong Indian culture.

The Flathead Reservation runs about 60 miles north to south, from Flathead Lake to just above Missoula.

The Salish and Kootenai who live there are among 11 tribes that have or share reservations in Montana, together making up about 9 percent of the state’s population. This strong influence adds to the feeling of having been transported back in America’s past.

Museums and artifacts Museums large and small re-create and retell the history of Native Americans who roamed the region and still make it their home. The People’s Center in Polson exhibits clothing,

beadwork, cooking implements and other artifacts from the daily lives of the Salish, Pend d’Orielle and Kootenai tribes. At times, there are presentations of drumming, dance and other native traditions.

Other small but interesting collections are tucked away in restaurants, the back of stores and in hidden recesses of hotels. For example, old photographs of Indians grace the lobby walls of the Kwa’TaqNuk Best Western Resort on Flathead Lake, and a diorama on the lower level depicts a teepee village.

Pre-Columbian arrowheads, an eagle-handled dance stick, and a bird feather fan are among displays at the aptly named Miracle of America Museum in Polson. They share space with a jumble of more than 10,000 items that greet visitors to what has been called the Smithsonian of the West.

Among the eclectic collection of Americana are an old service station, schoolhouse and 19th-century

ST 2016

TRAVEL 13

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t

tana sod-roof log cabin. World War II tanks, Jeeps and an antiaircraft gun vie for space with antique motorcycles, presidential election memorabilia and early dishwashing machines.

As much as any such collection, the majestic mountain setting of western Montana itself is a kind of outdoor museum. The town of Bigfork, near the head of Flathead Lake, is a com-

munity of resorts and galleries. In windows of art studios that line the quiet streets, traditional Western cowboy art mingles comfortably with more contemporary creations.

Kalispell in the Flathead Valley got its name from the Native American words for “grassy land above the lake.” It’s home to close to three dozen artists.

Outdoor life Life of a different kind makes Glacier National Park a must-see part of any visit, and provides proof for the claim that Montana has more wildlife and fewer people than anywhere else in the continental 48 states.

That 1.1 million-acre refuge is home to an array of what a ranger referred to as “watch-

able wildlife,” and it didn’t take long to understand why.

I spotted a bear cub cavorting in a meadow, digging, scraping and rolling about. A snow-white mountain goat appeared, preening as if posing for pictures. Several prong-horned antelope played a spirited game of tag, and a small herd of elk grazed in the distance. The guide also pointed to signs that one of several wolf packs, which roam the park, had recently passed by.

Man-made attractions also vie for attention. For example, the town of St. Ignatius (population about 900) is the site of a mission of the same name, which was founded by Jesuits in 1854 for the Flathead Indians. Visitors may view the mission church, which was built in 1891, and two

small cabins that were the original homes of resident Jesuits and Providence nuns.

Fifty-eight murals on the church walls and ceilings depict saints and scenes from the Old and New Testaments. They were painted in the early 20th century by Brother Joseph Carignano, an Italian Jesuit who served as both cook and handyman at the mission.

A small tepee perched on a side alter, hymns sung by a tribal chorus and other unique touches are reminders that this is Indian country. It’s a place where visitors have opportunities to immerse themselves in both history and present-day life, not to mention some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent handiwork. ■

Thinking about visiting Montana?

Miracle of America Museum

For more information, call the Montana Office of Tourism at 800-847-4868 or go to www.visitmt.com.

FUN & GAMES

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Across 1 The old gray one 5 Book classification 9 Take a powder 14 Field of study 15 “Now ___ me down …”

16 One-named singer 17 Behind closed doors 19 Put to the grindstone 20 Whitney Houston’s cousin 22 Attacks 23 Skill of the masters 24 James Arness’ brother 31 Nav. officer 34 Fidelity 35 Be in store for 36 Swedish export 38 Conduct ance unit 39 Trigo nometry function 40 Journalist Stewart 42 You can get down here 45 “Solaris” author Stanislaw 46 Francis Ford Coppola’s nephew 48 ___ Kan (pet foods name) 49 Physicist Fermi 54 Martin Sheen’s acting son 58 “Cosmos” creator 60 Honduras neighbor

61 1975 Pulitzer critic 62 Bony prefix 63 ___’acte 64 School grades 65 The R in CD-ROM 66 Something to do Down 1 Hotel force 2 Legendary golfer’s nickname 3 Transplant the fern 4 Isn’t just given 5 Rosy was one 6 What there oughta be 7 Pro ___ 8 Ogling one 9 Astronaut Wally 10 Native Alabamans 11 File’s partner 12 “You ___” (Lionel Richie hit) 13 “The ___ Squad” 18 Not suitable 21 Move one’s tail?

25 Heavy reading?

26 Code of conduct 27 Classic TV’s Morgenstern 28 Colorado ski resort 29 German article 30 It may get tongue-tied 31 Strong ___ ox 32 Surrealist Salvador

33 Opposite of fem.

37 Certain placeholder 41 Gripes 43 Discharged 44 French income 47 Word before spice or star 50 Convened again 51 Marla’s predecessor 52 Cornishmen 53 Mountain range of Arkansas 54 Hungarian city or river 55 Frankenstein flunky 56 Any of three English rivers 57 “I could ___ horse!”

58 Sch. for ministers 59 One-time hoop gp.

For the puzzle answers see page 23

Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers

AUGUST 2016

FUN & GAMES

14

Crossword Puzzle

AUGUST 2016

HOME & GARDEN 15

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How can I improve the health and look of my landscape?

Garden Smarts, By Kathy Kimbrough Q. Planning my garden is over-

whelming. I love the early spring bulbs, but I’m not sure when to plant them. I see many beautiful flowers in the summer but I forget about them. When I walk around my yard, I’m not sure what to plant where. Can you recommend a place to start or a plan of action for creating a landscape that’s interesting all year long?

Great landscapes happen over time and involve year-round planning. I like to make notes of when certain plants are blooming or look their best. I go on garden tours or view public gardens, such as the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens or the Montrose Botanic Gardens, and the CSU Extension Arboretum on Orchard Mesa. Take pictures of landscapes you see around town and collect your ideas on Pinterest. Show the garden center clerk your pictures and they can guide you to those plants.

Local garden center staff and the CSU Extension staff can also give you ideas on what to plant and when. Review catalogs and garden websites, and make

changes to your hardscape. Consider hiring a garden designer, as they can give you a fresh perspective of your landscape and show you ways to get the most from it all year long.

Q. Some of my purple coneflowers

are green and some are deformed, but all of them are much smaller than they should be. What is going on and what can I do about it?

It sounds like your coneflowers may be infected with aster yellows. Chlorosis, yellowing of the leaves while the veins remain green, is a major symptom.

Stunted, twisted growth and oddly distorted flowers are also common symptoms. Leafhoppers spread the disease when they suck the sap of infected plants. Affected flowers should be pulled up and discarded immediately to stop the spread of the disease. Control weeds such as dandelions, plantains and thistles, which may carry it. Cover vegetables with floating row covers. Find less susceptible plants such as verbena, salvia, nicotiana, geranium, cockscomb and impatiens to avoid future problems.

PLANT OF THE MONTH—

Amethyst Falls Oregano (Origanum Amethyst Falls) Ornamental oregano is a long-blooming perennial with aromatic foliage and beautiful flowers that resemble hops. Its mature size is 15 inches tall and 18 inches wide, and it blooms from late summer through mid-fall. It is well suited for containers and rock gardens—just be sure to plant it in a container that can overwinter outside without cracking. It’s a lowmaintenance, non-edible, water-wise plant that prefers good drainage and full sun.

Divide every three to four years and trim off old stems in spring when new growth appears. Deadheading during the season extends the flowering period.

Q. What should I do to prepare my roses for winter? I have hybrid teas, floribundas and climbers.

You should start planning the hardening off process for your roses, trees and shrubs. Gradually reduce your watering and stop fertilizing by the end of August. This will help them go into dormancy at a safe pace and keep them from being stressed all winter long. The climbers and hybrid teas are the most sensitive to winter temperatures. Clean up dead leaves from around the base of the roses to eliminate a winter home for insects or diseases. Leave the serious pruning until spring. Consider mulching the crown of your roses with dirt, bark mulch or straw for winter protection.

Water during the winter if there is not sufficient snow, which is most of the time. Once a month is plenty to keep the roots from dehydrating and the leaves from desiccating. ■

GARDEN CHECKLIST:  If needed, divide spring-

blooming perennials like peonies and iris.  Plant spinach. Harvest tender

leaves for salads in the fall, and overwinter for early spring greens.  Harvest onions when 80

percent of the tops have fallen over.  Fertilize lawns between now

and mid-September, using one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.  Reduce watering of trees and

shrubs to prepare them for winter.  If spring-flowering bulbs are

crowded or need relocated, do it now. Let them dry a few days in a cool shady spot. Choose the best ones to re-plant.

16

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AUGUST 2016

Museum extends hours, learning with Sunday History Series

By Liesl Greathouse

W Montrose United Methodist Church 19 S. Park Ave., Montrose, CO

970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org

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hen work schedules, travel plans and other summer activities get in the way of summer learning, finding the extra time to visit a museum, take a class, attend a lecture or peruse books at the library during business hours isn’t always so easy.

Staff members at the Montrose County Historical Museum haven’t allowed Western Slope residents to get away with that excuse—not with its Sunday History Series in full swing.

According to Museum Coordinator Sally Johnson, this new event was created because “We felt that a lot of families can’t get into the museum when they are available to. People are normally working during the week and are busy on Saturday, but are looking for something to do on Sunday.”

The museum is open for its Sunday History Series one Sunday each month during the summer. The series started in May with a lecture teaching people how to take care of their family treasures. In June, it featured local authors who had written historical books about the area, and in July there was a family Pioneer Day with an array of educational activities.

Cost is $5 per event.

The events have been well attended and Johnson is looking forward to the next two remaining events of the year.

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Come to the museum from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, August 14, to get started researching the history of your property or family with the help of the Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society.

“People forget that the museum is a great starting point for research,” Johnson said. “We want to show them [the resources] we have and all the local resources that are available.”

Johnson hopes that attendees will also learn the personal stories behind what they might be researching.

“We have a lot of pioneer families with their stories in our files that include personal notes by family members,” she said. “We have the personal stories people are looking for—more here than people will find on the computer.”

Be a history detective From 3 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, “We are bringing out some archive photos that have not been public for years,” Johnson said.

“We will teach [attendees] how to date photos using things like buildings and cars. People will also learn steps to take care of their photos.”

Some of those photos will be from the Walker Collection, which were donated to the museum by Main Street Photography in Montrose.

This collection of approximately 300 photos has not been seen in person in 20-40 years.

Johnson hopes that the series will help people rediscover what the museum brings to the community.

“This museum is your community’s history,” Johnson said. “I can go through town and ask people, ‘When was the last time you were at the museum?’ and they will answer, ‘We have a museum?’ or say, ‘I haven’t been to the museum in years.’ We want to remind people that this history is your connection to the community. Come visit your museum.

You’ll always learn something.”

The Montrose County Historical Museum is located at 21 N. Rio Grande Ave. If you would like to visit them outside the Sunday History Series, they are open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday.

For details, call 249-2085 or visit www.montrosehistory.org. ■

AUGUST 2016

Chairs for chair-ity:

Local fundraiser calls for artists

By Liesl Greathouse

A

17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

rtists in the community are coming together to repurpose chairs into unique pieces of art to sell at Montrose Center for the Arts’ (MCA) Chair-ity fundraiser on September 3.

“We wanted to give the whole community an opportunity to participate,” MCA Board Vice President Linda Balas, 64, said. “We also wanted to give artists money back for their work.”

Artists of all experience levels are encouraged to think outside the box when decorating or repurposing a chair using any medium. The artists set the price of their chair and receive 60 percent of the sale. Twenty percent goes to the Montrose Farmers Market and 20 percent remains with MCA. “So far we have had 30 to 40 people commit to doing a chair, and who knows what the final number will be the day of the event,” Balas said. “Chow Down Pet Supplies in Montrose is doing a chair for animals and the local Roller Derby team will

be doing a chair based around that theme.”

The fundraiser takes place at the Montrose Farmers Market at Centennial Plaza from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Artists drop off their chairs at 8 a.m. and can return after the event to see if their chairs sold.

It’s only $10 for non-MCA members to enter a chair, and free for members. Preregistration is required.

MCA was formed a year ago to fill the void in the art community, which was left when two local art galleries, Around the Corner Art Gallery and A+Y Designs, closed.

“We hope to build an art center,” Balas said. “This event will help get our name out there, as people are still learning about us. The community feels the need for it and artists now only have a few places where they can show their work. We hope this event will spur people to make this all happen and provide an opportunity for artists.”

Talking with people about the MCA is Balas’ favorite part of her work with the organization.

“I love talking about it with the community and meeting new folks,” she said. “I really believe in collaboration. There is not a lot you can do on your own.”

Jennifer Tate, owner of Painted Wall in Montrose, is offering milk paint classes for people who want to use that medium with their chairs for the fundraiser. Classes are from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on August 4, 18 and 25, and September 1.

Cost is $35 per class, with special discounts available. Call 219-7260 for more information.

An artist herself, Balas is creating a chair for the fundraiser using wool felting.

“My favorite part of art is that it allows me the independence I like, the freedom I enjoy and allows me the opportunity to meet so many different types of folks,” she said. “I believe everyone has the chance to be creative if they have the opportunity.”

For details and to register for the Chair-ity fundraiser, call 249-1350. ■

ABOVE: Chair in progress by Jennifer Tate.

BOTTOM LEFT: Finished chair awaiting the Chair-ity Fundraiser by Loretta Casler.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Chair in progress by Linda Balas.

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18

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

Education & Support through REGION 10

Events will be held at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose, unless stated otherwise. Registration is required, but all sessions are free.

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) meetings This six-county collaboration of businesses, community members and caregivers serve and work with the aging and disabled populations. Anyone serving these populations is encouraged to join monthly meetings alternating between Delta and Montrose. Next meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on August 9 at Grand Mesa Oncology Center in Delta. Call 765-3127 for details.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Kinship Connections Support Group is for individuals raising children who are not their own. Group meets from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at Region 10. Call 765-3127 for details.

• Caregiver Support & Networking Group is a safe, supported, resource-filled and confidential environment for caregivers to learn from one another about the challenges and rewards of caring for loved ones with dementia, illness or disability. Groups meet from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday and third Thursday of the month at Region 10. Call 7653123 for details.

EDUCATION Application Assistance Clinics Region 10, Senior CommUnity Care, PACE and The Center for Independence are hosting free clinics in Delta and Montrose to assist seniors or persons with a disability to apply for benefits, help fill out applications, and explain what their benefit letters mean. No appointment needed.

• Montrose – 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on second and fourth Tuesdays at Region 10.

Call 765-3123.

• Delta – 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on first and third Tuesdays at 145 W. Fourth St. Call 399-3615.

• West End/San Miguel County – 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Location varies.

Call 428-4047.

AUGUST 4 Getting a dementia diagnosis Dr. Seth Kareus will talk about his work as a neurologist, including what neurologists look for, tests performed and conditions that are commonly treated. Seminar takes place at 12:45 p.m. at Montrose Senior Center. Lunch is served at noon for $5. Reservations required. Call 765-3123 to register for the presentation.

AUGUST 9 How to access VA benefits Are you a veteran? Do you need assistance in your home, hearing aids or financial help? VSO officer Brian Ayers will present strategies for understanding the qualifications for veteran benefits and how to access them. Class is

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JUNE 2016

Montrose/Delta Clubs & Activities Alpine Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 9 in the St. Paul room at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1855 St. Mary’s Dr. in Montrose. There will be a photography presentations and photo sharing. Email apcmontroseco@ gmail.com for details.

Black Canyon Camera Club meets monthly at 11 a.m. to noon on the second Tuesdays. Stay from noon to 1 p.m. for a workshop. Meet at the First Church of God, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Visit www.blackcanyoncamera club.org for details.

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

The club is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For meeting time and location, call 240-1881.

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call Ken at 596-5111.

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

The Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion

from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

Enjoy great music, snacks and refreshments. Dancers of all ages are welcome. Admission is $5 per person. Call 252-7172.

Montrose Amateur Radio Club monthly meetings are at 7 p.m. on the third Fridays at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142.

Black Canyon Audubon Society members are committed to the conservation of natural resources through birding, conservation and educational activities. For dates and times of meetings, call 249-6761, ext. 14.

Black Canyon Twirlers Square Dance Club members dance mainstream and plus and welcomes all visitors. Monthly meetings are 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays at the Lions Clubhouse, 602 N. Nevada Ave. in Montrose. Call 596-4252.

Delta Hubwheelers dances start at 7:15 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center’s Aerobics Room. All dances are mainstream with plus tips, and one round dance between tips. Potluck dinner starts at 6 p.m. Re-rounds/instructions begin at 6:30 p.m.

Call 856-3735. ■

from 11 a.m. to noon at Grand Mesa Oncology Center in Delta. Call 399-3615 to register.

AUGUST 16 Time Bank of the Rockies Volunteer Presentation For every hour you spend providing support to another member, you earn a time credit to be used to receive a service from another Time Bank member, not necessarily the same person you provide assistance to. The goal is to build healthier communities based on mutual respect for everyone’s efforts, talents and skills. Learn more about the time bank from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at Region 10.

Bring a laptop if possible. Call 209-6886.

AUGUST 16 Double Up Food Bucks Colorado Participants in SNAP could receive $20 in Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables at the Montrose Farmers Market using your Quest card. Abbie Brewer will talk about the new program that may help increase your food budget at noon at Region 10. Call 765-3123. .■

JUNE 2016

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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Montrose/Delta Calendar AUGUST 3-5 “Texture, Color, Feeling” art workshop Montrose Center for the Arts is hosting artist Jan Sitts for a three-day abstract painting workshop from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Cobble Creek Clubhouse. Cost is $300. Call 901-4204 for more information.

AUGUST 5 Ouray County Historical Museum guided tour Led by curator Don Paulson, this tour begins at 9 a.m. at the Ouray County Historical Museum, 420 Sixth Ave. in Ouray. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Call 325-4576 to register.

AUGUST 5-7 West Elks wine trail The wineries of the West Elks Wine Country invite you to a special weekend of wine tours, premium wine tasting and winemakers’ dinners during the eighth annual West Elks Wine Trail. Set your own route for a fun and relaxing day or weekend, and come home with delicious wine and memories. Enjoy food pairings and beautiful sceneries. Commemorative recipe cards and complimentary wine glasses included.

Visit www.westelksava.com for more information.

AUGUST 6 Guided tour of Ouray’s Main Street This guided walking tour of historic Main Street in Ouray begins at 3 p.m. Meet at the Ouray County Historical Museum, 420 Sixth Ave. in Ouray. Cost is $10 per person. Call 325-4576 to register.

AUGUST 6 Olathe Sweet Corn Festival Enjoy free and tasty Olathe-sweet sweet corn at the 25th annual Olathe Sweet Corn Festival from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at Olathe Community Park. The festival celebrates 25 years of commitment to promoting local agriculture and area nonprofits. Admission is $10.

For information, call 425-223-9787 or visit www.olathesweetcornfest.com.

AUGUST 6-13 Delta County Fair & Rodeo New events abound at this year’s Delta County Fair and Rodeo! Don’t miss Farm to Fiddle, a special event celebrating the music and food in Delta County. There will also be an outdoor expo and poker run. Country music acts Redhead Express and Ned LeDoux (son of the late Chris LeDoux) take the stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 12. Visit www.deltacountyfair.com for a full list of events and ticket information.

AUGUST 9 & 26 Historic Legends and True Tales walking tour These walking tours tell the unknown stories of Montrose. Tour starts at 7 p.m. at the Montrose County Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande. Discover what hidden stories happened behind the closed doors of our historical downtown buildings. Uncover the locations of jails, saloons, speakeasys, and more. Cost is $5. Call 249-2085 to RSVP and for more information.

AUGUST 14 Research your history at the Museum In partnership with the Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society, learn how to use the Montrose County Historical Museum to start researching your family history. Class takes place from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. at the museum, 21 N. Rio Grande.

Cost is $5. This is the fourth event of the museum’s Sunday History Series (see story page 16). Call 249-2085 for more information.

AUGUST 20 Make a Tufa Pot in the Gardens Tri-River Extension Area Horticulture Agent Susan Honea will help participants make a lightweight, molded concrete Tufa pot at the Montrose Botanic Garden from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. These make great backdrops for small plants.

Cost includes materials, and is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

Preregister by August 13 at www.mon trosegardens.org.

AUGUST 19-21 Montrose Days The 35th annual Montrose Days celebration begins Friday evening with bingo and live music at Lions Park.

Enjoy a full day of events on Saturday at the United Methodist Church, Veterans Memorial Park, Lions Park and Center Avenue. The parade is at 1 p.m.

Sunday. Find the full schedule of events and more details at www.montrose dayscelebration.yolasite.com. ■

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

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20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES Denver Theater Trip August 31, 2016 – 2 nights Phantom of the Opera & Footloose - The Musical

TRAVEL SLIDE PRESENTATION Tuesday, September 20, 2016 10:00AM - Montrose

Timberline Bank, 1561 Oxbow Drive 2:00 PM - Grand Junction Old Chicago, 120 North Avenue

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October 6, 2016 – 8 Days Featuring: Boston, Woodstock & Stowe, Vermont, Lake Winnipesaukee, Booth Bay Harbor & a fresh lobster dinner. Beautiful fall foliage, and more!!

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Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

JUNE 2016

Montrose/Delta Beacon Bits Montrose Memorial Hospital unveils LEAD program Leadership, Exploration and Development (LEAD) gives you a behindthe-scenes look at medicine and gives participants an opportunity to understand the impact of health care on our community. Participants will gain insight into medical and technological advances through access to areas of Montrose Memorial Hospital not commonly available to the public. In addition, there will be opportunities to network with members of the medical community from a variety of specialties.

By the end of the program, participants will obtain a working knowledge of the health care needs of our community and how Montrose Memorial Hospital is meeting those needs. The LEAD program meets once a month from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for nine months. For participation information, call Jenni Sopsic at 252-2744.

Chapel of the Cross Summer Concert Series Performances are at 4 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Chapel of the Cross in Pioneer Town, 315 SW Third St. in Cedaredge. Admission is by donation. This year’s lineup is: • August 4 - Erick Stuckey (guitar, mandolin and vocals) • August 7 - John and Candice McCoy (classical guitar and flute) • August 11 - Emilee Isaman (vocals) • August 14 - House Blend (jazz combo) • August 18 - Paul Rosin (gospel vocals) • August 21 - The Elderly Brothers (guitar and standards vocals) • August 25 - Torch and Jazz (guitar, keyboards and vocals) • August 28 - Open mic night

Pickin’ In the Park Summer Concert Series We’re featuring some of the very best national and international acts at Paonia Town Park. Shows start at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and go well into the evening. Good times and dancing guaranteed. Bring a picnic or enjoy some of the local flavors provided by a different vendor each week. This year’s lineup is: • August 4 – Tim O’Brien and Betse & Clarke • August 11 – Colin Lake and Stray Grass • August 18 – Mingo Fishtrap and Gabrielle Louise • August 25 – Paper Bird and Richie & Rosie

Long-term care planning seminar Do you have questions about the options for long-term care? You’re not alone! Join the attorneys of Brown & Brown, PC at this free workshop, where they will cover the contents of “Understanding Long-Term Care,” a book authored by attorneys in the firm, and will answer questions and address concerns. Linger after the workshop and have an attorney sign your copy.

Seminars are from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the locations below. Registration is required. Call 243-8250 or visit www. brownandbrownpc.com to register.

• August 8 - Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, 300 N. Cascade Dr., Montrose • August 15 - Grand Mesa Oncology Center at Delta County Memorial Hospital, 1501 E. Third St., Delta

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50 and older. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the

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Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr., or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early.

For more information on the following activities, call 252-4884.

• Winery Tours & Palisade Peach Festival - 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

August 19 or 20. Enjoy wine tours and tasting at Maison la Belle Vie Winery, Red Fox Cellars and Grande River Vineyards. We’ll also stop by the Palisade Peach Festival, where you can enjoy delicious peach products, including pies, ice cream, preserves, salsas and more. Cost is $24. Meet at the Aquatic Center.

• Telluride Chamber Music Festival - 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, August 21. Get ready for a fantastic afternoon of dining and music. This trip includes transportation to Telluride. Bring money for lunch in town followed by the 43rd annual Telluride Chamber Music Concert. Cost is $40.

Meet at the Aquatic Center. y – FREE

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• Red Mountain #3 - 7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. August 25. San Juan Scenic Jeep Tours is our guide to the top of Silverton Caldera. Enjoy the 360-degree view from the top and look down on Corkscrew Pass and Black Bear Pass, and see the remains of the Red Mountain Mining District. Cost is $75. Bring a sack lunch.

• Hike: Owl Creek Pass - 7:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. August 4. Cost is $18.

Bring a sack lunch.

• Intro to Pickleball Clinics - August 6. Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines the elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. This game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced competitive game for experienced players. Learn the rules of the game, how to keep the score, court positioning and paddle techniques. Cost is $10. Call to register. ■

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

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MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES $AVE MONEY ON TRAVEL~! Travel Club membership offering discount cruises, travel packages, and decreased condo rates.

Checkout www.coconutclubvacations.com. Member # cc1546ue, password #1115. Travel agents at 855-259-1155. Call Susan at 970462-1115 before booking a trip so I can call the organization with pre-approval. Free to BEACON readers to use this membership.

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kudos \ ku·dos  “Melanie, thanks to your great article in the July BEACON (“Sail away from stress: Local vets find relaxation from model yacht sailing”), I now have a new hobby.”

- Bob V.  “I greatly enjoyed your article on your family travels in the ’57 Chevy Nomad (“Traveling in the magical, marvelous station wagon” by Jan Weeks in June’s BEACON). I like your writing style and the expressive delivery. Your story brought back several memories of similar travels I made a long time ago.

Once again, thanks for sharing your memories with those of us who read the BEACON.” - John W. Miller

I’m going crazy from the heat

Site #3 - “Focus on aspects of your

By Jody Lebel

I

have two words to describe recent summers on the Western Slope: Stupid hot.

What’s going on? I used to love summertime. It’s a time of lazing around and swinging on hammocks.

It’s a time of pool parties and cold watermelon. It’s a time where folks are relaxed, amorous and free spirited. Right?

Wrong. The truth is that extreme heat causes sun poisoning, burned shoulders and looser earwax. Hot weather makes us irritable, violent and depressed. In other words, the heat makes you crazy. I decided to do a little online research on how to keep cool and deal with the heat.

Here’s what I found:

Site 1 - “The Egyptian method”

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 14

involves dampening a towel in cool water and using it as a blanket. They recommend laying the damp sheets on top of a dry towel to avoid soaking the mattress. Are they out of their minds?

Has no one ever heard of mold?

Site #2 - This site urged people to practice common sense in the heat. I agree you need to stay hydrated but every drop of water I

drink gathers its buddies and wakes me up at 3 a.m. for a trip to the loo.

life you can control, and realize that eventually, it will cool down.” Duh. That’s their big advice? Wait until winter?

Site #4 - This site discussed how hot weather tests our tempers and leads to increases in aggression and violence. It stated there are more crimes reported during summer than other months and that August is actually the peak month for homicides, largely due to the prevalence of heat waves. So what I gather from this one is if you don’t want to be riddled with bullets standing in line for ice cream, stay home stretched out in your recliner.

Site #5 - “Summer is a good time to hold a yard sale and clear up the clutter.” Not sure what displaying your pathetic junk on little tables scattered about your front lawn has to do with keeping cool, but I decided to play along.

My garage sale sign read, “Garage sale today from 9 a.m. until 90 degrees.”

So I stopped an hour and a half later.

Whether or not it was actually 90 degrees at 10 a.m., it sure as hell felt like it.

kvetch \ kfech  “I will renew my subscription for two years as I want to be sure I get my BEACON. However, I am unhappy as my BEACON usually arrives at least a week to 10 days into each month. Once it was the 15th before it arrived. By then it’s too late for some information to be useful.”– Shirley V. Kevin: “I’m sorry. Our goal is to have your BEACON to you by the 5th of the month.”

 “My fellow elders, I plead with you to give away your stuff before you pass.

My neighbor and friend passed, and I watched her grown children fight over her meager possessions. Best to have given that crap away and left them with only fond memories.”

- Dorothy W., Montrose  “Is it true that most of the food served at the Olive Garden is not actually prepared on site? It’s just heated and served? What kind of scam is that?”

- Vic R.

Site #6 - “Summer is a good time to take car rides.” I learned two things: The seat belt makes a great branding iron, and I really only need one finger to turn the steering wheel.

Site #7 - This site advised me to exercise in the morning or evening rather than the middle of the day to avoid the heat. What a bunch of hoo-haw.

All gyms are air-conditioned. We have a great little walking path where I live, but in this kind of heat, I’m afraid I’ll keel over and cook to death right there on the sidewalk.

I give up. I spent all afternoon searching for some good advice on how to beat the heat, or at least how to cope with it, but the truth is none of the sites had a cure-all answer. I guess I’ll just sit on the couch and read a book or watch Netflix. ■

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This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact a licensed Humana sales agent at 1-800-372-2348 (TTY: 711). <Esta información está disponible gratuitamente en otros idiomas. Póngase en contacto con un agente de ventas certificado de Humana al 1-800-304-3596 (TTY: 711).> Y0040_GHHJEXNENTE16 Approved

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