Md beacon 122016 web

DECEMBER 2016

Vol. 2

No. 12

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

CO MI NG

SOON

A COLORADO CHRISTMAS

Sharing old-time traditions

Photo courtesy of Covered Bridge Ranch

DECEMBER 2016

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

T-I-M-E: It’s how seniors spell “love”

By Kevin K. Van Gundy

Be present when you’re present One thing I’ve learned during my time with the BEACON is that people want to be heard. Often, older people long to connect with someone.

For many of us who are still working and raising families, life has become super busy—rushing here and going there with little time for ourselves, let alone others. In addition, take into account the busyness of the holiday season and it becomes much easier to give a loved one a present instead of your presence.

2017 BEACON Guide Our staff has spent the last several months putting together our

Happy Holidays from Brown & Brown, P.C.

Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust, Tax & Long Term Care Planning Assistance

D

uring this season of generosity, the best present that you can give a senior is your presence. And I don’t mean the kind of crappy presence that some of my family and friends displayed at our recent Thanksgiving dinner. Of the 17 people present, more than one-third of them spent time engaged on their cell phone— several for more than an hour. And they weren’t all young people either.

With the stock market closed, I know that they didn’t have to confirm some million-dollar trade. None of them are first responders, and we had no news of a relative dying. When you visit someone, please, leave your cell phone in your car!

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Learn about Estate Planning at our Free Educational Workshop!

Avoid Being Unprepared & Overwhelmed: Understanding Long Term Care Planning

2017 BEACON Guide, which will be included in next month’s BEACON. Known for many years as the BEACON Senior Resource Directory, we decided to change the name as several other less-established publications sprang up and used that term to describe their sparse offerings. Plus, our resource directory has evolved into more of a guide to aging well in Montrose and Delta Counties. Look for yours in next month’s BEACON!

A big BEACON thank you!

Thank you for reading the BEACON Senior Newspaper. Did you know that we are the only growing print publication in Western Colorado?

In fact, the number of seniors living here is expected to double over the next 10 years. Please let our advertisers know that you appreciate them advertising with us and keeping the BEACON free for all. ■

Tell us what you love and you’ll love what you might win.

Go to the back cover of this month’s BEACON and tell us about your favorite local places.

Send in your nominations and you’ll be entered to win some prizes!

BEST L OCAL

LOVED

2017

Entries must be received by December 31, 2016.

v Montrose: December 12th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. v Grand Junction: December 14th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. v Delta: December 19th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Nearly 70% of people over the age of 65 will need long term care at some point during their lifetime. Don’t wait until there is a crisis to learn about your options! At this free workshop you’ll learn about payment sources including private pay, long term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more. At this workshop you’ll also receive a complimentary copy of our book “Understanding Long Term Care”, authored by attorneys in our office. Bring a friend, a family member, a loved one or your neighbor and they will also get a copy of the book! Sign up today!

Registration is Required for Workshops: Grand Junction office - 1250 E. Sherwood Dr. Montrose - Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, 300 N. Cascade Delta - 1501 E. 3rd St., Mesa Lakes room (Oncology Center) at Delta Hospital.

Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website: www.brownandbrownpc.com

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1317 Grand Ave., Suite 224B, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

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COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

A good, old-fashioned Colorado Christmas

By Carol McDermott

D

Natalie Riessen and her father, Gary, spread the holiday spirit with a good, old-fashioned Christmas at the Covered Bridge Ranch.

The gift shop featured handmade items from local artists, including ornaments, wooden toys and more.

o you yearn for an old-fashioned Christmas—the kind where you go out into the woods to select your tree, or create your own wreath?

How about sipping hot cider and toasting marshmallows over an open fire with family and friends?

Christmastime at the Covered Bridge Ranch in Montrose County, just west of the city, is the place where all of that is possible. The ranch is packed with activities for a traditional, rural Christmas.

“We want to recognize our agricultural roots and keep the traditions of an old-fashioned Christmas,” said Natalie Riessen, who manages the holiday events at the ranch. “We have holiday music, lots of antique wagons and sleighs that can be settings for family photos. We also have carriages and wagons. It’s all part of an old-fashioned Christmas, where the

Guests can create their own wreaths, selecting from a variety of bows, ribbons, pine cones and other decorations, at the ranch’s wreath decorating barn.

whole family can enjoy a real family adventure.”

For the young—and young at heart—there’s a petting zoo, which is home to Sterling, a miniature donkey; two mischievous Nubian goats named Patches and Oreo; lambs; alpacas; and two longhorn calves, Pumpkin and Ginger. Also on the grounds is a herd of Texas longhorn cattle and Sam, a Clydesdale horse.

In a nearby corral, a large Texas Longhorn steer shares space with other bulls. Pheasants raised on the ranch add to the ambiance.

If that weren’t enough, children will also enjoy climbing the Hay Bale Mountain.

The highlights of the ranch, however, are the trees. And this time of year, Christmas trees take center stage. The ranch raises 10 different species of conifer, and visitors can ride the tractor through one of seven fields to select

Visitors can ride the tractor through one of seven fields of conifer to select their perfect Christmas tree.

DECEMBER 2016

COVER STORY

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one. “[You] hand-select your tree, the kind of tree you want and the price you want to pay,” Riessen said. “We even have Charlie Brown-style trees.”

Riessen said the Scotch Pine and the Blue Spruce, Colorado’s state tree, are the most popular. Visitors also gravitate towards the Concolor Fir, an aromatic tree also known as the White Fir, which is native to the southwest part of the state.

When a tree is harvested, the ranch crew cuts a piece off the bottom and burns the Covered Bridge brand and year onto it to create an ornament for the buyer to remember their visit.

In addition to the traditional tree, folks can create their own wreaths at the Wreath Decorating Barn.

“We have all sorts of bows and ribbons, pine cones and other decorations people can select,” Riessen said.

“Then they watch as our crew affix them to the fresh fir branches.”

Near the barn is the concession cabin, where visitors can purchase hot

chocolate, hot cider, marshmallows, popcorn and other munchies.

“They can also purchase a s’mores kit, to make their toasted marshmallow into something more memorable,” Riessen said. “The marshmallows are free, and we have sticks and two outside fire pits for our guests to use.”

The Covered Bridge Ranch also has a gift shop, which features handmade items on consignment from local artists. These include wooden toys, quilted tree skirts, ornaments and other holiday gifts. This year the shop has ornaments from Baja, Mexico, and collectible, hand-painted Wilhelm Schweizer Pewter ornaments and Räuchermann Smokers, both imported from Germany. There are also books by select local authors.

The ranch was purchased in 1995

by Natalie’s father, Gary Riessen. He planted his first trees in 1997 and now farms 300 acres.

“I’m a forester,” he said. “Trees have been my life.” ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Editorial Assistant................ Stephanie Summar Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier

The Covered Bridge Ranch is located at 17249 6250 Road, known to many as Dave Wood Road. The Christmas events run Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. until December 21. The ranch will also welcome Christmas visitors from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on December 19 and 20.

Hayrides are $7 per person, or free with the purchase of a tree.

Covered Bridge Ranch 240-0106 www.coveredbridgeranch.com.

Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Photography..............................Katherine Lopez Digital Media Manager............. Paige Slaughter Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative................ Sidney Jayne Account Representative..................Anna Hesse 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 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 2016 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: A traditional, old-fash-

Christmastime at the Covered Bridge Ranch features a full schedule of activities for a traditional, rural Christmas.

Kids sipping hot chocolate and apple cider at the ranch.

ioned Christmas wouldn’t be complete without horse-drawn carriages and sleighs at the Covered Bridge Ranch in Montrose.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

When Christmas collectibles take over

By Susan Elenz & Melinda Mawdsley

E

xtravagant lights, delectable dishes and manger scenes are items you’re sure to see on display this holiday season. But two local women put their own twist on traditional holiday décor with incredible collections guests have to see to believe.

Nutty for nutcrackers Delta native Karen Stone got her first nutcracker in high school 50 years ago, but it wasn’t until seeing the ballet that she was hooked.

Over the years, friends and family members gave her nutcrackers as gifts. Today, she owns an army of 590 nutcrackers.

During her working years as an

elementary school teacher, fellow teachers asked her to present her collection and “The Nutcracker” story to their classes.

By the time she moved to a new classroom Stone had collected about 100 nutcrackers. At Christmastime, she told her fourth grade students about her collection. When they asked to see them, she put up a display in her classroom and integrated “The Nutcracker” into the curricu-

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Karen Stone stands next to her nutcracker collection. Photo by Susan Elenz. lum. Students would choose which nutcracker to write about and read their reports to the class.

After she retired, Stone set up a permanent display of nutcrackers in all shapes and sizes in the den of her home.

“It’s great having space in my new home to display some of them all year instead of just Christmas,” she said.

Her most unique nutcracker is of Clara, the young heroine in the story, which was given to her by a fellow teacher. A favorite of many who view her collection is a large soldier that plays music from the ballet and opens up to display all the characters from the story.

Stone continues to do presentations on her collection, though her audience is mostly comprised of adults.

She tells them about the nutcracker’s German origins and how many Germans would keep them by their fireplaces to ward off evil with their sharp teeth. During World War II, American soldiers brought them home as souvenirs. She recently made presentations for the Red Hat Ladies of Delta and the Grand Mesa Campers of the Delta area.

Stone said if she ever feels the need to downsize, she would donate her collection to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth, Washington, or try to sell them. Until then, she will continue to share her collection with others.

Lily’s World A replica Durango Silverton train clickety-clacks along its tracks at the base of a homemade ski mountain molded from a creative combination of leftover boxes, a white tablecloth, artificial snow and lights.

In the small village at the mountain’s base, people gather at Grandmother’s house while skaters take turns on an outdoor rink.

These specific scenes—a mogul-filled ski mountain, a passenger train circling evergreens, a family party at Grandma’s and a skating rink—are only a few of the dozens assembled by Grand Junction’s Lily Fitch. More than 1,000 individual pieces go into her holiday display, which fills two walls and half a room.

She calls it “Lily’s World.”

For the past 25 years, Fitch has told a Christmas story through her display. Made up of Department 56 collectors’ items, it grows every year and takes nearly seven weeks to complete.

As she thinks about how to build the display annually, Fitch, 60, puts herself in these idyllic winter wonderland scenes, asking herself questions, such as: Where would the bakery go? Where would the Christmas carolers stand?

From the ski mountain and neighboring village, where the display always starts, the Christmas tale transitions into a golf course and crazy Christmas corner in homage to Clark Griswold’s character in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

DECEMBER 2016

FEATURE STORY

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

The

Guide

“Lily’s World” is made up of more than 1,000 pieces that fill up half a room.

From there, the display moves into the main town, which spans several blocks and bustles with businesses, a church, shoppers and even a fire station with tiny pieces of laundry drying on the roof.

An ocean harbor where replica cruise ships are anchored in a blue sea near a busy beach is next to the coastal town. Going on cruises is a favorite pastime of Lily and her husband, Bill, so it’s one of Lily’s favorite scenes in the display. In fact, Lily’s detailed work with the ocean scene garnered her an invitation to speak at a national collectors’ convention in Arizona next year.

The sheer size and intricate display makes Fitch a popular hostess for her friends.

Although Christmas consumes an entire room in the couple’s home from August through January, Fitch said her husband doesn’t mind.

In fact, she added the golf course and numerous classic cars parked around the display to honor his hobbies. His car club, the Grand Junction Knights, comes to visit the display, too.

“At least my hobbies are less expensive [than Bill’s],” Lily said.

At least for now.

Fitch has already purchased

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several new Department 56 pieces for next year. They’re stashed in a room, still in the box, because they were bought after the display was conceptualized.

“I already have ideas for next year,” she said with a smile. ■

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Lily Fitch and her Christmas village.

Photo by Melinda Mawdsley.

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8

HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

Avoid complex problems by getting your knees checked Jack Bradley, DC

J

ust like car tires need to be rotated and balanced to avoid excessive wear, the misalignment of your knees will cause abnormal wear of the joints, making you more prone to serious injury and ultimately affecting how you get around.

Knees are miraculously designed but they’re also complex. The four bones in each of your knees (tibia, fibula, distal femur and patella) form three joints (patella-femoral joint, tibiofemoral joint and tibiofibular joint), which work with tendons, ligaments, cartilage, meniscus, muscles, bursa, blood vessels and nerves.

When joints are misaligned, your knees may develop problems over time. It could be years before symptoms appear.

Each part of the knee is important to proper function, but they can also become stretched, torn, worn or damaged after sudden trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or experience cumulative micro-trauma from long-term wear and tear.

If your knees are hurting, immediate attention is required. A thorough

When joints are misaligned, your knees may develop problems over time. It could be years before symptoms appear.

Pain in the knees can be generated by pressure on certain nerves originating from a misalignment of the lower back. knee exam by your chiropractor is essential for identifying the cause and determining the proper course of treatment. Your chiropractor may find that the head of the femur is misaligned at the hip, placing a torque on the femur translating down to the knee. Foot and ankle dysfunctions will affect the tibia and fibula causing upward stress towards the bottom of the knee joint. Pain in the knees can be generated by pressure on certain nerves originating from a misalignment of the lower back.

Even if your knees don’t hurt, I recommend a visit to your chiropractor for a knee wellness checkup. In the same way your dentist examines your teeth to help you prevent cavities, your chiropractor examines your knees and all other body joints as a routine part of preventive health care.

During most daily activities, the possibility of damage to the knee is greatly reduced when the biomechanics of the knee structure are aligned correctly, functioning the way they were designed. ■

Jack Bradley, DC, is a certified spinal decompression specialist and is the owner of Good News Chiropractic in Montrose.

DECEMBER 2016

ASK THE OLD BAG

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ASK THE OLD BAG Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I have read the “Old Bag’s Rules for Casual Dating.” I know some men who use it, but I have yet to meet a woman who likes it. We grew up in an age when your date paid for you, and it’s embarrassing to me to be asked to pay my own way. I sure wish you would amend your rules! Signed, Old Fashioned Dear Old Fashioned: These rules were born basically for two reasons: 1) Many women had written me that when they go out with a guy and he pays, he expects “benefits.” 2) Guys wrote to me saying they would like to date more but can’t afford it. So the rules for casual dating were born.

Concentrate on the word “casual”— and they are also optional! What does the Old Bag know about you and your dating buddies? At any rate, I don’t care what you do. It should be between you and your date. However, it’s nice to know the arrangement ahead of time. OB Dear Old Bag: First of all, I love your column. I have been reading the letters about people and their gay children and or grandchildren. What is wrong with you people? God created these kids of ours. I am a Christian, but I am smart enough to know the Bible is a book of stories written back before they knew what toilet paper was.

Your children and grandchildren are a mixture of the DNA of you and your husband. Did you ever stop to think it’s your fault, not theirs or God’s? Blame science. They are people for heaven’s sake! I have a gay daughter. God does not make junk! The love I have for my daughter outweighs any opinions I may have about her lifestyle. She is

no different than you and me. She is a human being and deserves love and respect like anyone else. What if it were you? Signed KM

Dear KM: Thank you for writing!

This topic has drawn lots of letters, both for and against acceptance of alternative lifestyles and sexual orientation. I am all for family unity, and that requires lots of acceptance and love in every family. If your attitude breaks up family unity, I say rethink what you want the results of your attitude to be. Do you want family unity or to create a situation where people do not speak to each other, or other more covert behaviors? OB Dear Old Bag: I have been following your column for some time and I know you always say, “Don’t give advice to your adult children unless they ask, and then only very carefully.” I agree with this advice, but we have a situation that I believe requires intervention from someone—perhaps me. My grandson is 15 years old and is way out of hand.

They say he has a bad temper. I think it’s far worse. He might be bipolar. I am afraid he is going to hurt someone if something is not done to help him. I read your book—you have had similar experiences with a family member.

What can I do? Signed, Helpless Dear Helpless: If you truly believe that someone is in danger, you need to try to intervene. I suggest you get help from a professional, who can guide you on this path, to talk to the child’s parents. I wish you the best in results. It’s sad to say that sometimes nothing will be done until a crisis occurs. OB ■

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

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10

LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Christmas stamps Submitted by Pat Jessup

A woman goes to the post office to buy stamps for her Christmas card envelopes. She says to the clerk, “May I have 70 Christmas stamps?”

The clerk says, “What denomination?”

The woman says, “Lord help us. Has it come to this? Give me nine Catholic, 12 Episcopalian, eight Methodist, nine Presbyterian, 10 Lutheran and 22 Baptists.”

Childbirth at 65 Submitted by Karen Jones

With all the new fertility technology, a 65-year-old woman was able to give birth. When she was discharged from the hospital, a friend came to visit.

“May I see the new baby?” the friend asked

“Not yet,” the woman said.

“I’ll make coffee and we can visit for a while first.”

Thirty minutes passed, then the friend asked, “May I see the new baby now?”

“No, not yet,” said the woman.

After another few minutes had elapsed, the friend asked again, “May I see the baby now?”

“No, not yet,” replied the woman.

Growing very impatient, her friend asked, “Well, when can I see the baby?”

“When he cries!” the new mother said.

“When he cries?” demanded her friend. “Why do I have to wait until he cries?”

“Because I forgot where I put him, okay?”

First date Submitted by Tami Durfee

After a first date, a young man takes the girl back to her home.

He decides to try for their first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her, “Darling, how about a goodnight kiss?”

Embarrassed, she replies, “Oh, I couldn’t do that. My parents will see us!”

“Oh come on! Who’s gonna see us at this hour?”

“No, please. I would just die of embarrassment if someone saw us.”

“Oh come on, there’s nobody around. They’re all sleeping!”

“No way. It’s just too risky!”

“Oh please, please! I like you so much!”

“No. I like you too, but I just can’t!”

“Please?”

Suddenly the porch light turns on

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DECEMBER 2016

and the girl’s sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice, the sister says, “Mom says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, she’ll come down herself and do it. But for crying out loud, tell him to take his hand off the intercom button.”

What was that again?

Submitted by Ron Beaslin

A retired man was driving along when a Highway Patrol car urgently pulled him over. The officer asked the old man if he realized his wife had fallen out of the car a mile back.

“Oh, thank God!” said the man. “I thought I was going deaf.”

The trophy wife Contributed by William Stanton

Bill, a 70-year-old and extremely wealthy widower, attended a holiday dinner with a breathtakingly beautiful 25-year-old woman on his arm. She was hanging on his every word. His

DECEMBER 2016

LAUGHING MATTERS 11

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friends at the dinner were aghast.

They finally cornered him and asked, “Bill, how did you get the trophy girlfriend?”

Bill replied, “Girlfriend? She’s my wife!”

you sleep with me tonight?”

The grandmother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug.

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“I can’t dear,” she said. “I have to sleep in your granddaddy’s room.”

A long silence was broken at last by

They were stunned. “So how did you persuade her to marry you?” they asked.

Bill said, “I lied about my age.”

“What do you mean? Did you tell her you’re only 50?”

Bill smiled and said, “No, I told her I’m 90.”

his shaky, little voice. “The big sissy.”

The pharmacist Submitted by Jimmy McCorkle

A lady walks into a drug store on Christmas Eve and tells the pharmacist she needs some cyanide. The pharmacist said, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?”

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Submitted by Dan Green

A husband and wife get ready for bed.

The wife stands in front of a full-length mirror taking a hard look at herself.

“You know,” she says, “I look in the mirror and I see an old woman. My face is all wrinkled, my boobs are barely above my waist, my bum is hanging out a mile. I’ve got fat legs and my arms are all flabby.”

She turns to her husband and says, “Tell me something positive to make me feel better about myself.”

He thinks about it for a bit and then says in a soft voice, “Well, there’s nothing wrong with your eyesight.”

Aren’t grandkids grand?

Submitted by Rhonda Godeski

One evening during a violent thunderstorm, a grandmother tucked her grandson into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked, with a tremor in his voice, “Grandma, will

Submitted by Michael Nolan

Two blondes went deep into the frozen woods searching for a Christmas tree.

After hours of subzero temperatures and a few close calls with hungry wolves, one blonde turned to the other and said, “I’m chopping down the next tree I see. I don’t care whether it’s decorated or not!” ■

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“Lord have mercy!” said the pharmacist. “I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband. That’s against the law!

They’ll throw both of us in jail and I’ll lose my license.”

The pharmacist looks at the picture and says, “Well now, you didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”

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DECEMB

Do you believe?

Then come aboard the Polar Express!

By Sandi Cameron

Who hasn’t read the epic-scale story of the Polar Express to his or her children or grandchildren or shared the movie with them? It’s such a classic, illustrating the most imaginative adventure for a child. The scenario is dreamlike and, yet, so very real...

T

he scenes at the beginning of the book show a boy of age 10 or so who is seriously questioning the existence of Santa Claus, although his younger sister is excited about his visit on Christmas Eve. The boy mumbles his disbelief and heads off to bed. However, he is awakened to the sound of a powerful, magical train that is on its way to the North Pole, and has stopped at a depot close to his home. He rubs his eyes, heads out the door to investigate, and is invited on board by the friendly train conductor. He is not so sure about the prospect, but eventually hops on board.

The book’s description states that the story is a “journey of self-discovery, showing the boy that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.”

During the course of the train ride, the boy meets and befriends other children, also attired in their pajamas. Each one is given a special golden ticket that eventually will need to be punched with

a word significant to the ticket holder, such as “believe,” which is what the boy receives. Many adventures await the young boy during this train ride as the locomotive travels at lightning speed through forests, mountains and a lake of ice until it eventually reaches the North Pole. This setting is filled with magical, mischievous toy-making elves, along with many traditional Christmas icons. After a number of events, Santa Claus gives the boy the First Gift of Christmas, a magical silver bell, and invites the boy to join him for his Christmas Eve worldwide gift delivery. When the boy arrives home after the return trip, he realizes his robe had a hole in its pocket, and he lost this treasured bell. Happily on Christmas morning, the special bell, found and returned by Santa, reminds the boy of his incredible adventure.

The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal winner of 1986, and has been a favorite of children since. It has been

a favorite of my grandchildren as well.

Five of them are ages 6-11, so my husband and I agreed that they were the perfect ages to enjoy the Durango-Silverton’s Narrow Gauge Polar Express experience. Utilizing their famous steam train, we decided that a special Christmas gift would be a weekend trip to ride the Polar Express in Durango last December.

Planning the experience For the first stage of this gift, I researched the schedules and fares online at www.durangotrain.com.

Coordinating times with family to determine the best weekend for all was a priority. Once we decided on the first weekend in December, I called the Durango office at 1-888-872-4607 to make reservations for seven.

I was surprised that so few tickets remained five weeks prior to the date but, thankfully, I was able to procure seven seats in coach class for 8:25 p.m. on a Saturday.

Although we had hoped for an upgraded deluxe car and an earlier time, we knew the children would still love the experience.

Our grandchildren excitedly anticipated the upcoming adventure for the next few weeks and we looked forward to our time together. When the date ar-

rived, we left Grand Junction one early morning with our Toyota Sienna full of passengers, young and young at heart.

When we arrived in Durango, we found our hotel, relaxed, ordered pizza and played in the wilderness area adjacent to our ground-floor room. It was perfect for releasing some pent-up energy. Then it was time to “get dressed” for the event. “You did bring pajamas, didn’t you?”

BER 2016

13

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All aboard!

As it neared 7:30, we drove to the train depot and visited the wonderful little gift shop with a wide array of Polar Express gifts. (I should have planned for a little more cash for each child, as the items were a bit more than dime store prices.)

As we stood by the tracks and watched the billow of steam covering the tracks from the chug-chug-chugging train, the children were wide-eyed in anticipation, eager to board the train. The conductor looked out and addressed a boy, who looked to be about 10 or so, separated from the crowd, “Well, you coming?”

The boy asked,

“Where?”

The conductor answered, “Why, to the North Pole, of course! This is the Polar Express! If I were you, I’d think of climbing on board.”

The children were excited to find seats close together and to await the evening’s events. Some of the highlights were the freshly made cookies and hot cocoa, the chefs and waiters who danced and led Christmas carol singing, and the reading of the Polar Express story.

Sandi Cameron and grandchildren (back to front, from left): Adora, Danika, Dana, Nathan and Isaiah enjoyed a memorable journey last year on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad’s version of the Polar Express.

When the train arrived at the North Pole, the children were able to view the elves and village decorations from the train. They also saw parts of the story acted out, including Santa giving the First Gift of Christmas to the young hero. Then Santa jumped on board, visited with each child, presenting them with a “magical” silver bell. After the most glorious trip, lasting 75 minutes or so, the children had the conductor punch their golden tickets with the personal, encouraging word that belonged uniquely to them.

Only a few, includ-

ing our youngest grandson, got the coveted “believe.”

After the train ride, we visited the depot museum (free with the train ticket) and took some fun photos.

Our three granddaughters and two grandsons slept well that night. After breakfast, we settled in for the long trip home. The remainder of the trip was rather quiet, as the children were still sleepy and recovering from their enchanted experience. A train ride is fascinating, but the Polar Express is in an entirely different league for amazing experiences for the whole family. ■

Plan your trip before January 3 Dates are added due to high demand.

Tickets start at $22 per child and $32 per adult.

For a schedule and more information, visit www.durangotrain.com or call 1-888-872-4607.

14

FAITH MOVES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2016

Look for the star

By Lynn Gendusa

A

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

970-249-3716 • montroseumc.org

few days before Christmas is when my home goes into complete Christmas mode.

I loved Christmas more than anyone other than my grandma. I would get so excited at Christmas that I couldn’t sleep. Believe it or not, I still don’t sleep much on Christmas Eve. I think it’s tradition.

On Christmas Eve I would lay awake and listen for Santa. I would often sneak down the stairs to see if he had come, and once I reached the bottom step, I would quickly run back to my room scared to death.

I was afraid he would be there and wouldn’t leave me anything because I was sneaking.

When I was back in my room I would press my nose against the cold windowpane and look across the sky to find the biggest star. I remember thinking that Jesus was born every Christmas, so I would search for the star and listen for the angels singing.

It was always a night filled with magic and wonder. It still is.

The wonder now is that I have been blessed with three children, one grandchild, two stepchildren, and a husband. I go to great lengths to keep the wonder of Christmas alive for them. I never told my children about Santa because I still believe he exists. And, I know for a fact there is a star out there that shines over all of us.

The star is the miracle. The hoopla that surrounds the holidays is chaotic and crazy, but the peace of Christmas resides in and around the birth of a baby ages ago. Christ is still among us and with us in all we do. He truly is the miracle.

I understand that now more than I ever have. In 2011 my daughter was diagnosed with cancer and after a year of treatments is back to her beautiful self. I know God was with her every step of the way and held me up when I felt like fall-

ing down.

Her sister gave up a life in Seattle to be closer to family after that. She now lives within a couple of miles from her niece and sister. That is love in precious form.

In 2014 while on a family vacation in Gulf Shores, Alabama, my son dove into the water and hit a sand bar. He thought he had hurt his shoulder, but we took him to a trauma center close by just to make sure. He kept twisting his neck trying to pop it back into place. He looked gray.

He had broken his neck. The doctor’s exact words were, “Son, you have an angel on your shoulder. You should be a quadriplegic right now.”

That was the day that the wonder of God walked right down the hall in a trauma center and touched my son, my heart and our lives.

My son now has a plate in his neck and is back to his beautiful self, just like his sister.

I don’t know why my children were spared and not others. I don’t know why some families never seem to have any catastrophes, but I know that one day, because I have faith, I will find out.

This Christmas you may be going through a tough time, or you may have lost someone that you love.

Your heart may be hurting and grief is clouding the joy of Christmas. You may be sick and suffering or feel desperately alone.

My belief is that you are never alone, never forgotten and never unloved. The baby born long ago came to us to tell us that very thing. “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Yes, there will be chaos and noise around my house as Christmas Eve nears. I will be exhausted, but I still won’t sleep. I will get up at some point, press my nose against the windowpane, find the brightest star in the sky, and say, “Thank you.” ■

DECEMBER 2016

15

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Pearl Harbor: the catalyst for a changing America

By Sandy Higgins “December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy…”

This poignant and unforgettable quote was the beginning of President Franklin Roosevelt’s call for war against Japan and ultimately the Axis Powers. Despite the attempts of the U.S. to remain neutral, Japan had forced the country into World War II. The surprise Japanese attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was meant to cripple America’s Pacific Fleet and prevent the U.S. from defending the South Pacific from Japanese invasion.

Moreover, the Axis Powers did not believe the U.S. capable of entering a two-front war; therefore, the attack would also prevent its interference in Europe. The Axis Powers underestimated the will and strength of Americans and the united front they would present following the attack.

On December 8, 1941, Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Con-

gress, calling for a Declaration of War against Japan for the unprovoked attack against the U.S. Congress approved with a single dissenting vote. Three days later, Congress also approved a Declaration of War on Germany and Italy.

The attack on Pearl Harbor impacted every U.S. citizen. Many young men were drafted and sent off to war, increasing the numbers and power of the U.S. military. A new workforce emerged as women who were once stay-at-home mothers now moved into heavy industrial work.

Children were left to help maintain the home by rationing, shopping and caring for siblings. The dynamics of American society changed in an instant without question or complaint, just a sense of patriotic duty.

The communication officer At the time of the attack, Sgt. George K. Lewis was 16 and working at a movie theater in Denver. His

“December 7, 1941— a date which will live in infamy…”

family had moved from Greeley after losing their ranch to the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression in 1934.

Like other Americans, George and his family were surprised to hear of the event.

“It was something you [could] hardly grasp—3,000 people losing their lives,” he said. “It changed life.

It’s a blow—you’re not expecting something like it.”

In 1941, George was not ready to join the military, and his parents refused to sign a waiver to allow him to join. In early 1943, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps’ cadet program, and in 1944, following the end of basic and civil service training, George was drafted into the U.S. Army.

“I said, ‘Well, a lot of money was spent on me to train me in communications. I guess that’s where I ought to go.’ So that’s what I did,” he said.

He served as a communications officer for the 112th Squadron, 56th Airways Communications System group, and landed in Naples, Italy. He moved throughout Italy for six weeks before moving into Liberia and other areas of North Africa.

He served in a support role and never saw combat, although he knew plenty of men who had seen combat and sadly never came home. He returned to the U.S. in 1946, married, had four daughters and settled in Craig.

Childhood duties In December 1941, Joyce Mabary-Higgins-Oliver was 10 years old and visiting her grandparents in ru-

ral Van Buren, Missouri. As the family gathered around the radio, news came in about the attack at Pearl Harbor. She and her younger brother, Robert, didn’t fully understand the impact the event would have on their lives, but they knew that life with their single mother in Jefferson City, Missouri, would change.

Her mother, Opal Lee, stepped up—as many women did—and took a job at Magic Chef manufacturing artillery shells. Although Magic Chef was a stove manufacturer, they halted production to support the war effort.

The work was tough. Many times, Opal Lee worked the third shift, leaving her children home to cook, clean and get themselves to school.

Responsibility for the household often fell to young Joyce, who would take the streetcar to stand in long lines to get the family’s ration stamps or necessities like stockings for her mother.

She doesn’t remember this as a hardship, just as an expectation.

She and her brother pulled a wagon through their neighborhood looking for tin cans to help the war effort, while her mother saved money to buy bonds.

A united front George, Joyce and their families were examples of the new normal following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Basic food staples such as sugar, butter, coffee and meat were in short supply, and families were encouraged to sacrifice for the greater good— supporting the American troops overseas.

Pearl Harbor was a catalyst of change for the U.S. In the face of an attack, American society changed without question, demonstrating its strong will and sense of duty. ■

LEFT: World War II Memorial at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction. Photo by Sandy Higgins.

RIGHT: Joyce Mabary-Higgins-Oliver was 10 years old when she heard of the attack on Pearl Harbor on the radio. Courtesy photo.

gs n n i sh atio i n ur ener F e G m y o r H ve E r Fo

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Across 1 Igor’s load 5 Kellogg-Briand and Warsaw 10 Mlle. La Douce 14 On the Marmara 15 Special Forces group 16 Novelist Uris 17 Former Senate majority leader 20 Texas leaguer?

21 Type of spray 22 Madison Ave. output 23 Lady with a title?

25 Wish undone 27 1863 Chancellorsville event 30 On the ball 33 Matador motivator 34 ___ the word 37 Pileup 39 Female representative?

43 Artist’s pigment 44 Cameo stone 45 Black-eyed item 46 Walks with one’s head up?

48 Be to come 51 Gov’t agency 52 One of a New Testament twelve 54 Ship pronoun

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FUN & GAMES 17

For the puzzle answers see page 23

FUN & GAMES

DECEMBER 2016

57 Drop a swatted fly, e.g.

59 Cuckoo houses 63 Home business of sorts 66 Entertainer Moffo 67 Reduced, as tension 68 One preparing for the prom 69 Rifle sight 70 Head lock?

71 Org. since 1960 Down 1 Second City sound 2 Exploits 3 Advance ending 4 Repeat after me 5 Associate 6 Turn away from sin 7 Chest material 8 Sale sights 9 Vilifies jam?

10 Dock worker’s org.

11 “The Ballad of John McEntire” singer 12 It may be contentious or cheerful 13 Dance if they’re in your pants 18 Distressful sound, as heard in a kennel 19 Coop crowd 24 Jules Verne character 26 New currency

27 Greets with courtesy 28 “A Lesson From ___” (Athol Fugard) 29 Wiggle a carrot in front of 30 Grayish 31 Oyster shade 32 City near the Ruhr and Rhine 35 Certain saucers 36 Rockies abbr.

38 Froth on beer 40 Graces partner 41 Ill feeling 42 Take one’s leave 47 Object of attack 49 Diner’s card 50 Magical word 52 Aplomb 53 Beach birds 54 Line crosser 55 Make a point?

56 Sicilian hot spot 58 Raise 60 “That’s one small ___…”

61 Genealogical diagram 62 Harmony 64 Drop in the ocean 65 Driller’s deg.?

Crossword Puzzle

Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers

18

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

Montrose/Delta Calendar DECEMBER 1 Home for the Holidays craft fair The Homestead at Montrose Assisted Living Community hosts this craft fair at 1819 Pavilion Dr. from 1-7 p.m. Enjoy crafts, gifts, holiday music, a Santa storyteller and refreshments. For more information, call 252-9359 DECEMBER 1-7 Angel Boxes food collection The Homestead at Montrose Assisted Living Community is accepting non-perishable food donations through December 7. Boxes will be filled and taken to

area needy families or individuals for the holidays during the week of December 12. Drop offs will be accepted from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1819 Pavilion Drive. Call 252-9359 for more information.

DECEMBER 9 Santa comes to Montrose Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Timberline Bank from 4-6 p.m. and enjoy beautiful downtown Montrose’s holiday atmosphere. Bring the grandkids for a photograph with Santa.

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DECEMBER 10 Moors & McCumber and The 3Tinkers Welcome Moors & McCumber and the 3Tinkers to the stage in exchange for an incredible night of unique music!

Tickets are $15 prior to the show, $20 at the door, and kids 12 and under are free! Doors open at 6:30 and show starts at 7 p.m. Concert takes place at Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226-228 Grand Ave. in Paonia.

DECEMBER 11 La Dolce Vita benefit concert Savor the ultimate pairings of dessert wine, luscious treats and sweet music as David Alderdice and Susan Ellinger collaborate in a special concert to benefit the 2016-17 Blue Sage concert series. Tickets are $25 and available at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts Box Office by calling 527-7243 or visiting www.bluesage.org.

DECEMBER 11 Christmas music with the Montrose Community Band The Montrose Community Band presents “Merry Christmas to All.” Get ready for Christmas with a heart-warming selection of Christmas songs at the Montrose Pavilion from 3-5 p.m.

Admission is free.

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DECEMBER 14 Eagle Head Cane presentations Honor our local veterans with the last Eagle Head Cane presentation of 2016.

Join us at 2 p.m. at the Hopkins Field Airport in Nucla as eagle head canes made by local woodworkers are presented to area veterans. Presentations are open to the community and are a great way to show your support. If you would like to nominate a veteran you know that lives in the Montrose and surrounding areas, stop by the Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. to pick up an application.

DECEMBER 16-18 Holiday Hustle Makers Market Find locally designed, handmade gifts at this artisan pop-up market featuring more than 40 local makers. The mar-

DECEMBER 2016

ket is located in Montrose’s historic KP Building, 33 S. Cascade Ave. Friday’s market runs from 4-8 p.m. and includes a chili war and live music. The market is also open on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

DECEMBER 28 Ari Hest: an intimate holiday concert Ari Hest is a New York City-based singer/songwriter who recently completed an album with singer Judy Collins.

Seats for this special holiday concert are limited. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $22 for VIP, which includes an after-show meet and greet with the artist. Concert is at 7:45 p.m. at Healthy Rhythm Art Gallery, 68 S. Grand Ave. in Montrose. Call 323-370-6284 or visit www.healthyrhythmcommunityartgallery.bigcartel.com to RSVP. DECEMBER 31 Masquerade Ball The countdown to the New Year begins as Elsewhere Studios presents the third annual Masquerade Ball fundraiser from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Edesia Warehouse. 395 Clark Ave. in Paonia. Strut your stuff, dressed to the nines in your finest steampunk costume. Enjoy live music, DJs, a fire performance and more. Drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast round out the evening. It’s definitely the place to be to bid adieu to 2016. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, and may be purchased at Backcountry Bistro or The Cirque Cyclery or online at www. elsewherestudios.org.

DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 7 Cross-country Ski Clinic Did you get new cross-country skis over the holidays? Do you want to learn a new skill or start a winter fitness program? Come to Black Canyon to learn the basics of cross country skiing. This two-hour clinic will cover simple striding and gliding and traveling in variable terrain and snow conditions. You must provide your own ski equipment. Class is at 11 a.m. Meet at the South Rim Visitor Center. Reservations required.

Call 249-1914, ext. 423. ■

DECEMBER 2016

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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We are stronger together

By Eva Veitch, Region 10

A

t the risk of sounding like the politician who was not elected this year, we are stronger together! This was the mantra of the Region 10 Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) long before we heard it from Hillary Clinton. Our ADRC, under the umbrella of Region 10 Community Living Services, has more than 40 members and is still growing. These dedicated community partners work with us to ensure that disabled and older adults have the opportunity to remain in their homes and achieve the highest possible level of independence.

ADRC serves Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Highly skilled options counselors are available to help our consumers navigate public assistance programs, health care options and the many other services and supports available in our area.

This time of year I find myself feeling especially thankful for this amazing group of professionals. I am grateful for the staff of Community Living Services, our contractors, vendors and dedicated volunteers. We are incredibly blessed to have a strong support system for disabled and older adults in Region 10.

When they talk about the best places to retire, our six counties should certainly

make the top 10.

The Center for Mental Health grows every year and nonprofit organizations such as Sharing Ministries, the Abrams Connection and the Community Dental Clinic have all expanded to better meet the needs of our growing population of low-income residents and those with the greatest need.

In an effort to provide extra support to caregivers and the homebound, we have developed a companion program that serves a dual purpose. The volunteer companions are carefully screened and provided with training and ongoing support. They are also offered a small stipend for their service, making them feel valued and giving them a sense of purpose. For volunteers with very low incomes, some extra cash in their wallet is a huge relief. The people they serve get a break from their daily routine and an opportunity to develop new friendships.

This holiday season, I hope you will consider what you can do to help in your community. Donations to help nonprofits help others are always appreciated, but so is your time. If every adult in Region 10 would reach out to someone in need just a few hours a month, many of our problems would be solved. Call 765-3127 for more information about how you can help. ■

REGION 10 Education & Activities

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 month’s meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on December 13. It features “The Dementia Experience,” sponsored

by Colorow Care Center in Olathe, and provides a first-hand experience of what it’s like for someone with dementia, vision and hearing impairments. RSVP to Amy Rowan at 765-3123 or arowan@region10.net.

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

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

Call 765-3123.

EDUCATION Long-term care planning seminars Learn about payment sources and more from the Law Offices of Brown & Brown and Region 10. Seminars take place at 4:30 p.m. in Delta and Montrose. Seminar is free but registration is required. Call 765-3123 to register.

• Montrose - December 12 at Region 10 • Delta - December 19 at Grand Mesa Oncology

December 20 Time Bank of the Rockies presentation For every hour you spend providing support to another Time Bank member you earn a time credit to be used to receive a service from another.

Learn more at this presentation from 5:30-7 p.m. at Region 10. Bring your laptop. For details and to register, call 209-6886.

20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

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DECEMBER 2016

Montrose/Delta Beacon Bits Garden of Lights at the Botanic Gardens Visit the Garden of Lights at the Montrose Botanic Gardens from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on December 9-10, December 1618 and December 26-27. Enjoy illuminated garden paths and displays, horsedrawn wagon rides, music-activated light shows and the new Community Tunnel of Lights. Visit www.montrose gardens.org for more information Montrose senior activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activity scheduled for seniors 50 and older. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr., or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. For more information, call 249-7705.

• Holiday Lights and Dinner at Trattoria di Sophia 5–7:30 p.m., December 14 The evening begins with an Italian dinner at Trattoria di Sophia, followed by a viewing of the holiday lights around Montrose. If you are not able to drive, or do not drive at night, you can arrange to be picked up. Cost is $26, including dinner.

Blizzard Boxes for the homebound Senior CommUnity Meals, a program of Volunteers of America, is assembling emergency “blizzard boxes” to distribute to their homebound older adult clients. The emergency food boxes will contain enough food for five meals in the event a storm hits the Montrose, Delta and San Miguel counties service areas. They include such nonperishable items as individual cans of chili, spaghetti, ravioli, tuna, fruit cups, juice boxes, packs of peanuts, sunflower seeds and crackers. Over the past year, approximately 75,000 hot and frozen meals have been provided through Senior CommUnity Meals to the senior citizens of Delta, Montrose and San Miguel counties. The program serves lunches at seven community meal sites from Olathe to Paonia to Norwood and Nucla and delivers meals to seniors’

homes utilizing a network of staff and volunteers covering approximately 4,600 square miles. Senior CommUnity Meals is principally funded by the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging. For more information on Senior CommUnity Meals or to make a donation to support the blizzard boxes project, visit www.seniorcommunitymeals.org or call 835-2670.

Montrose Recreation District offers Silver Sneakers classes Beginning December 6, the Montrose Recreation District will offer Silver Sneakers classes at the MRD Aquatic Center Apex and Omni rooms. To sign up for Silver Sneakers and for more information, call 249-7705.

Silver Sneaker Classic Class starts at noon, Tuesdays, December 6-27 and January 3-24 Silver Sneaker Cardio Fit Class starts at noon, Thursdays December 8-29 and January 5-26

Advent events at the United Methodist Church of Montrose • December 1-24: Daily Advent Prayer The sanctuary is open for prayer and contemplation from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

• December 7: Music at Noon - Robin Freed and harp ensemble. Bring a brown bag lunch and a friend.

• December 8: Taize Worship - Share a contemplative worship time with meditation and musical litanies at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.

• December 11: Third Sunday in Advent Worship - “Waiting for Christmas, Waiting for Christ” advent wreath candle lighting. Services at 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

• December 11: Hodge Podge Christmas Pageant - Share the Christmas story told by children at 9:45 a.m.

• December 11: Dr. Ronda Parker and Bethany Ward - Share in the musical talents of these two remarkable women at 3 p.m.

• December 14: Music at Noon - Dr. Ronda Parker and Bethany Ward.

Bring a brown bag lunch and a friend.

DECEMBER 2016

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

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• December 16: “A Christmas Concert” - Share the celebration of the Christmas miracle in gospel and song with the Storehouse Gospel Quartet at 7 p.m.

• December 18: “Jesus: What’s in a Name?” advent wreath candle lighting; special seasonal music. Services at 8:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

• December 21: Music at Noon - Debra Turner, vocals. Bring a brown bag lunch and a friend.

• December 24: Christmas Eve - Hear the Christmas story told for children at 4 p.m.’s “Wiggler Worship.”

Services at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. include the sermon “Best Gift EVER.” Carols, scripture and closing candlelight.

• December 25: Christmas Day “Unto Us a Child Is Born!” Christmas carols. Service at 10:30 a.m.

• January 1: New Year’s Day “WORSHIP: More Than Fans in the Stands.” Christmas carols. Service at 10:30 a.m. ■

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

blue. The December 17 dance has a Christmas theme. Mainstream square dance with Plus calls and round dance cues between tips begin at 7 p.m.

Bring snacks for all to enjoy during intermission. For more information, call Helen at 856-4187.

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

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

Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Friday at the Olathe Community Center.

Call 417-6142.

Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will host dances December 3 and 17 in the aerobics room at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer St. in Delta.

The December 3 dance will have a Pearl Harbor theme. Dancers are encouraged to wear red, white and

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. Dancers of all ages are welcome. Bring a snack to share. Cost is $5. Call 252-7172.

Montrose Women’s Club meets for monthly luncheons at noon on the third Monday, September through May. All Montrose area women are invited

$5

to attend. For location and more information, call Lexy Stevenson at 275-3336.

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@hot mail.com.

Would you like to include your club in the BEACON? Send your info to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com by the 20th of the month.

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Delta Area Chamber of Commerce Would like to wish everyone a

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EVENTS

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE Young Living Essential Oils display and handmade, cozy, comfy, warm quilts for sale. Friday and Saturday, December 16 and 17 from 8:30-5.

23066 6875 Rd. Montrose, CO. 801803-9952

❒ Real Estate for Rent/Sale ❒ Other

DECEMBER 2016

WANTED TO BUY USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 970-242-3911. Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10–6 Mon–Sat, 11–4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Custom Engraved:

Home appointments available

• Headstones • Stone Signs • Address Rocks • Sandblasting • River Rocks • Gifts & More

970-323-6658

Please call for an appointment

www.facebook.com/ MorrisMonument

morrismonument.com

1630 South Main Street, Delta

Life’s Legacy in Stone

DECEMBER 2016

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

kudos \ ku·dos

 “I enjoy your online version of the BEACON. It appears you have updated the format and, of course, the colors are more vivid. Nice!”

- Sandi C.  “My subscription expired in August.

I am not going to renew. Please stop sending me the BEACON. Thank you.”

- Marilynn A.

Kevin: “I’m sorry that you’re not renewing. What do you think about the BEACON?”

Marilynn: “I love the BEACON and read the entire publication. But now that I’m about retired, I figure I’m able to pick up my copy at your many newsstands. I ordered the subscription when I was putting too many hours in at work to see anything outside of getting in and out of a store quickly.”

Kevin: “Thank you. I understand and I feel better now. Remember, dear readers, that it’s our advertisers that keep the BEACON free. Please thank them.”

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 17

How to be more generous in a me-first world A

mericans like to think of themselves as generous people, and often, the numbers back that up. A recent report revealed they gave a record $373.3 billion to charity in 2015.

But as impressive as that seems, most people still struggle with the stingier side of human nature, putting their own material wants first and considering charitable giving only as an afterthought, according to John Cortines and Greg Baumer, co-authors of the book “God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School.”

“We don’t need to point fingers at those greedy people over there on Wall Street or wherever,” Cortines said. “Greed lurks in all of us. The question is: What are we going to do about it?”

A legacy of generosity The good news, Cortines and Baumer said, is that while greed is a widespread human characteristic, so is generosity. Reflecting on their lifelong journey, they took a hard look at Biblical passages while at Harvard and became convinced that their own hearts were full of greed and needed to change.

“Take your pick of a worldview and it encourages sharing with others,” Baumer said. “Eastern faiths, Abrahamic faiths—it doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to this topic. Virtually all of humanity values generosity.”

Valuing generosity is one thing.

Making it a significant part of your lifestyle is something else. Cortines and Baumer said mindsets about money can be broken down into three groups: spenders, who pursue the greatest amount of consumption right now without much thought of tomorrow; savers, who limit their consumption to accumulate wealth;

and servants, who limit both consumption and wealth building, so they can give the most money possible to help others.

“That last group, unfortunately, is the rarest,” Cortines said.

Becoming more generous Here are some steps people can take to become more generous.

• Make giving a priority. In any endeavor, how well you do depends on how much of a priority you make the goal. It’s tough to be generous if the amount you give is based on what’s left over after you’ve satisfied your own wants.

Cortines and Baumer give right off the top, before setting the rest of their monthly budgets. (They give away 12-18 percent of their gross incomes.)

• Talk about your finances. In our culture we talk about almost everything, but are strangely silent about personal finances. Sharing your financial life with a trusted friend can help you gain perspective. Cortines and Baumer fully divulge their finances to close friends, soliciting advice and encouragement.

• Set financial finish lines. While it’s important to take care of yourself and your family, it helps to come up with a cutoff point where there is no further need for more spending or more wealth accumulation.

Both authors have publicly committed to live a middle class life, regardless of their earnings. Getting more money should increase our standard of giving, not our standard of living, they said.

“You can always find ways to justify more spending and more accumulation of wealth,” Baumer said. “But at some point you should ask yourself, ‘How much is enough?’”■

kvetch \ kfech  “Would you give a message to the publisher for me? Would you tell him to quit trashing Trump? Tell him to do what he’s good at—writing articles.

But tell him he needs to stay out of politics. Our country doesn’t need this right now. I’m sick of it, and so is my neighbor.” - Anonymous Kevin: “For the record, I never trashed Donald Trump. He did a fine job of doing that himself. But thank you for saying that I’m a good writer.”  “While reading the November BEACON (which pays homage to veterans) I was disappointed that no one remembered any veterans from Korea or Vietnam. I would like to recognize two brothers who were in Vietnam at the same time in the early ’70s—Gary Lake was in the Army and Phil Lake in the Marines. They served their time and were honorably discharged. I think of the terrible waste of lives still going on today with two endless wars and how it affects our young people. I pray those wars end soon. Thanks for allowing me to remember my nephews in this way.”

- Romaine Webb Kevin: “Thank you writing, and thank you for reading the BEACON. We’re interested in honoring all veterans. We just don’t get many stories from the Korean conflict and only occasionally from Vietnam.

We’d love to write about them and not just for our November issue.”

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

OFFICIAL BALLOT Photocopies will not be accepted

BEST

Best Antique Store___________________________________________ Best Bike Shop______________________________________________ Best Clothing Store__________________________________________ Best Shoe Store_____________________________________________

L OCAL

LOVED

2017 Share the LOVE!

Help the BEACON determine the best and most loved hotspots for boomers and seniors in Montrose & Delta Counties.

Nominate your favorite locales in the following categories and return this page to the BEACON by December 31 to be entered to win a prize.

We will give away three $50 gift certificates to the most loved locales nominated on the ballot.

The winners will be announced in a special insert in the February BEACON. Mail your ballot to: The BEACON, PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Best Place to Buy Gifts________________________________________ Best Liquor Store____________________________________________ Best Second Hand Store______________________________________ Best Optical Store___________________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store_________________________________________ Best Financial Planner________________________________________ Best Auto Dealership_________________________________________ Best Auto Repair____________________________________________ Best Tire Store______________________________________________ Best Carpet Cleaner_________________________________________ Best Garden Nursery_________________________________________ Best Heating and Cooling Service______________________________ Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service____________________________

or drop off your ballot at: The BEACON, 524 30 Road, Suite 4, Grand Junction, CO 81504

Best Plumber_______________________________________________

CONTEST RULES:

Best Place for Lunch_________________________________________

• • • •

One entry per person. One vote per category.

Entries must be clearly printed.

Entries must include voter’s name, address and phone number.

Entries become property of the BEACON, which reserves the right to publish nominations in an upcoming issue.

• Entries must be received by December 31. Winners will be published in the February BEACON.

Best Place for Breakfast_______________________________________

Best Place for Dinner_________________________________________ Best Date Night Location_____________________________________ Best Coffee Shop____________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________

Best Place to Get a Stiff Drink_________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

Best Winery________________________________________________

City:____________________________State:_______ Zip:____________

Best Hiking Trail_____________________________________________

Phone:______________________________________________________

Best Place to Take the Grandkids_______________________________

Email:_______________________________________________________

Best Place to Golf____________________________________________