MDbeacon122017

DECEMBER 2017

Vol. 3

No. 12

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

COMING

SOON

THE FLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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DECEMBER 2017

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EDITORIAL

3

Keep holiday traditions alive

K

eeping holiday traditions alive can be difficult when your growing family is spread out across the country and everyone has their own busy agenda.

My family doesn’t practice many of the rituals we did when I was a kid, nor have they been passed down to younger generations. It’s been years since we even spent time together under one roof.

Life feels like it’s changing more quickly than ever these days, and maybe that’s why traditions are so important. They’re constant and unique to our families, providing a sense of security and identity.

I’m not saying that traditions can’t be modified to adapt to new interests, but if you don’t preserve your traditions, who will?

As this December issue of the BEACON reveals, there are no parameters for what your holiday traditions should look like as long as you encourage your nearest and dearest to participate. Enjoy stories about local family traditions, holiday activities and community events in this month’s issue.

Seniors want your presence The holiday season can be lonely for seniors with no friends or family nearby. Brighten someone’s day this month by volunteering at a local senior living facility or with a senior service organization. It’s a great way

to create new memories and keep someone else from feeling forgotten.

For ways to volunteer, contact Region 10 at 249-2436.

2018 BEACON Guide In next month’s issue, you’ll find a copy of the 2018 BEACON Guide, our annual publication designed to help you age well in Delta & Montrose counties. In addition to hundreds of listings of local, state and national resources and hard-to-find phone numbers, it features informative articles to help with the transitions you or a loved one may be going through.

If you need more free copies of this handy directory, call us at 243-8829.

Merry Christmas from the BEACON! ■

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COVER STORY

Top, right: Volunteers across Colorado coordinate to bring toys and food to veterans and their families.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Santa Claus!”

By Stephanie Summar

I “Everyone who’s flying in this airlift is doing so out of the goodness of their hearts because they’re paying for everything.”

DECEMBER 2017

t was Christmas Eve, 2014, but in this home, no one was celebrating.

The young family of a local Iraq War veteran, recently home from deployment, simply didn’t have the means this year.

A knock on the front door at midnight came as a surprise. Even more surprising was the visitor himself: Santa Claus stood in the doorway, a large bag of toys and food in hand.

And that’s how the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)—of which Santa was a member—and the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA) saved Christmas.

The two organizations have worked together for the past seven years to ensure veterans in need are able to celebrate the holiday season with toys and nonperishable food items.

Each December, the VFW identifies veterans in need of assistance, whether they’re homeless, wounded, recently returned to American soil, or in assisted living communities.

It collects donations in cities and towns across Colorado. CABA also assists with donation collection, then coordinates its members, aviation students and private pilots (all volunteers) for its annual Holiday Airlift, which delivers the gifts to veterans around the state.

“It’s definitely a complicated logistical thing,” said Kenn Kline, a CABA board member who coordinates the event on the Western Slope.

An Air Force veteran, Kline is also a member of the Montrose VFW. Alongside the Delta VFW, it has spearheaded donation delivery in western Colorado.

CABA’s mission as a grassroots nonprofit is to educate the public on the value of aviation and community airports. It’s hard to debate that point thanks to the good accomplished by the airlift, which connects community members to each other and communities themselves to other parts of the state.

“Living on the Western Slope,

how many things do we have that really connect the whole state of Colorado?” said Kline. “We’re kind of divided by rocks in the middle. Now you have this connection that takes aircraft and flies them around various locations in the state.”

A heavy load On December 7, CABA will host its annual holiday party in Centennial, Colorado. The cost of entry is a food or toy donation. Volunteers from the aviation industry collect and manifest the gifts.

Over the next few days, a hangar at Centennial Airport—provided for free by Signature Flight Support, which also performs logistical assistance—houses more donations.

Last year, the two organizations distributed approximately 8,000 pounds of food and toys to around 480 people, said CABA Communications Manager Mike Straka. This year, a partnership between the VFW and Front Range King Soopers stores has resulted in a collection that weighs

DECEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

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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 Graphic Design............................ Chrissy Martin Office Manager............................ Stacey Splude

nearly twice as much.

“Canned goods weigh a lot more than dry goods like cereal and pasta and beans. This year, we’re looking at about 60 percent of the food weight to be composed of dry goods, and about 40 percent will be made up of canned goods,” Straka said.

The toy donations are trickier to handle, since they won’t weigh the planes down as much but take up a lot of room.

“Try flying a Cessna 172 with a teddy bear that takes up the whole cabin,” Kline said.

On the morning of the airlift, dozens of volunteers load the donations on eight to 15 planes, some donated

by Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Aviation and Aeronautics, some belonging to CABA flight crews and some rented by private pilots.

“In some cases they own their own airplane. In some cases they don’t, which means they pay a rental fee for the airplane in addition to fuel costs,” Straka said. “Everyone who’s

flying in this airlift is doing so out of the goodness of their hearts because they’re paying for everything. People in the aviation industry are willing to do anything to help out whoever’s in need.”

Donations are divided among the aircraft according to how much each can carry, then the planes are assigned to Colorado cities where the VFW has identified a need. This year, the airlift will deliver goods to Alamosa, Pueblo, Las Animas, Burlington, Greeley, Montrose and possibly Durango or Cortez. The groups anticipate serving about 70 families this year, nearly 30 of which live in the Montrose and Delta areas.

Paying it forward Both Kline and Straka feel that the

airlift is a testament to the aviation industry’s level of commitment to the communities it serves. “[It’s] been a real positive in a world that otherwise has a lot of negatives you hear about,” Kline said.

The reactions the organizations have received say a lot about the group they’ve chosen to serve, as well.

“A young woman called me in 2012, the second year we were going to do this, and she said, ‘My husband and I benefited from what you did last year. Now I have a job and he has a job,’” Kline remembered. “She was calling about how she could now contribute. That’s what paying it forward means among veterans.” ■

Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative............. Valeree Seiferd Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

210 W. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 ph: 970.765.0477 fax: 800.536.7516 Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

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

This year’s airlift takes place on December 10.

Donation boxes are available in Montrose and Delta. Call the Montrose VFW at 249-4989 or the Delta post at 874-8172 to learn more.

To become involved with CABA, visit www.mycaba.org.

Cover Photo: Each Christmas, the

Approximately 15 planes line up at the Centennial Airport on the day of the airlift.

VFW/CABA Holiday Airlift delivers presents and food to veterans and their families who wouldn’t otherwise have anything.

6

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

DECEMBER 2017

Gourd-geous: Local artists use a different canvas

By Colleen Welch & Arlyn Macdonald

I

n her book, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear,” author Elizabeth Gilbert encourages us to hunt for the jewels of creativity within us. Uncovering these jewels unleashes “big magic.” Two local artists found their magic in gourds.

Artist Marilyn Hammar creates beautiful works of art on an unusual canvas— gourds.

Instant inspiration Grand Junction artist Marilyn Hammar stepped back from her 30year career as a real estate broker in 2014. She joined an informal group of gourd artists, which met monthly.

Having worked with watercolors for years, Hammar took to painting decorative gourds instantly.

“Working with gourds was a natural for me,” she said.

Within three months of joining the group, she was teaching other members her techniques. While she still teaches when she can fit it in her schedule, these days her gourds are in high demand. Hammar is a fixture at farmers markets, festivals and art shows throughout western Colorado. She’s the sole craft vendor invited to Fruita’s Moon Farm during its annual fall festival, and often makes custom orders for clients.

Hammar works from her second-floor home

studio, surrounded by mature trees and growing gourds. A trailer on her property holds gourds waiting to be cleaned and ready to go. Their shapes inspire Hammar’s expert hand when she starts work on each one.

The lifelong artist Montrose artist Fran LeBlanc finds inspiration in the shapes and colors of the natural world. Her innate passion for the great outdoors shines through her art, whatever medium she uses—including gourds.

She’s been a ski bum, a beach bum, a dude ranch hand, a travel agent, a housekeeper, a bank teller and more, but one thing has remained consistent.

“I’ve been an artist all my life,” LeBlanc said. “Not until I retired did I seriously start painting and taking classes. I’m pretty much self-taught.”

A stained glass artist, LeBlanc’s outdoor scenes adorn medical offices and private homes. She’s also a painter.

When a friend in Phoenix gave LeBlanc two gourds painted like coyotes, she was inspired to explore Southwest art, particularly Mimbres designs.

She was in New Mexico with an archaeology group when she discovered yellow gourd vines growing on a fence along-

Fran LeBlanc painstakingly decorates one of her popular ornaments.

side the road. She asked the rancher if she could take a few and he insisted she take all of them.

LeBlanc makes holiday ornaments from small gourds and uses larger gourds to create other Southwest art pieces by carving, wood-burning or painting the outside, then decorating them with stones, beads or feathers.

The right materials Hammar grows about 100 gourds per season, which helps keep her prices low. She also orders gourds from farms in California and Arizo-

DECEMBER 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

na, where the climate and growing season produces them in large quantities and a range of shapes and sizes.

Both women have refined the task of transforming gourds from their raw field state to in-demand works of art for household display and gallery exhibits.

Gourds must be dried before painting, a process that usually takes six to eight months. (Dried gourds may also be purchased from a dealer.)

LeBlanc soaks dry gourds in water overnight, then carefully scrapes any mold off of their delicate skin with a dull knife. Hammar dries her gourds indoors to avoid mold buildup. They dry in the sun four to six hours before the next step can begin.

Using special tools, Hammar cleans out the seeds, usually making a hole in the base of each gourd. At this point in the process, LeBlanc drills a hole in the gourd where an ornament hanger will go.

Finally, the decorating can begin.

Hammar is adept at using a variety of inks, woodworking saws and carving tools.

When she needs a special color, she mixes

a variety of pigments to create her own.

LeBlanc uses acrylics to paint original designs on each gourd. When they dry, she sprays them with a clear, UV-resistant acrylic spray. The popular ornaments usually sell out, especially at holiday arts and crafts fairs such as the Ute Indian Museum’s annual show on December 2. But that’s not important to her.

“In selling my art, it’s not about the money,” she said. “It’s the actual creating and producing that I love.”

Her kiva gourd won several ribbons at the recent Montrose Visual Art Show.

Hammar enjoys sharing the creative process with others. She’s considering teaching a gourd art class to expose more people to the medium.

“Everyone is an artist in one way or another,” she said. “The best way to discover what we love is to try everything.”

See Hammar’s artwork at www.artisticcreations. biz or call 260-7988.

LeBlanc’s work is currently displayed at Art by the Park Gallery in Ridgway. Email her at livlots4@gmail.com. ■

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TALKING DIGITAL

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DECEMBER 2017

TALKING

DIGITAL

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he next time you read the BEACON Senior News, it will be 2018. I have two predictions about the coming year.

Prediction 1: Your January issue of the BEACON will be a hologram, read to you by a robot in your flying car.

Prediction 2: You will give or receive a technology gift this holiday season.

Unfortunately, this column has a word limit so I’ll only be expounding upon the second prediction.

Believe it or not, most people are a little embarrassed when they receive a new gadget. These gifts often represent investments of both time and money, and it can be difficult for the recipient to muster enough courage to ask, “What is this?”

My first recommendation is to ask as many questions as you need to about the gadget. Ask the giver to spend some time with you demonstrating what it does.

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If the gift giver isn’t around, you can learn almost everything you need to know by searching for videos about the device at www.YouTube.com. You’ll find videos on everything from taking it out of the box to explanations of each feature.

Be careful taking the device out of the box. I keep all of packaging for about two weeks, just in case I need to return a new gadget (or re-gift it).

a manual. If there isn’t one in the box, you will likely find it on the manufacturer’s website or on a CD/DVD in the box.

Once you find it, you may want to save it to a flash drive, then have any copy place print and bind it for you.

Before you begin setting up your new device (especially if it’s a TV or computer), set out all of its parts and pieces and take inventory. All computers use the same power and Internet cable, and you may love your current mouse and keyboard. There’s no point in stringing the same cables twice, so setup will go faster.

Adapting to a new device can be frustrating. Expect to spend a little time programming the gadget, and remember that it also needs some time to program you. Whether technology is involved or not, efficiency and improvement always require some change in routine and habit.

Give the device three months of sincere effort before giving it to your kids or stowing it in your sock drawer. A Fitbit can improve your health, an iPad can improve your digital aptitude and a smart TV or streaming media player may improve your media consumption experience.

You should not fear new technology.

New gadgets represent new opportunities to learn, access entertainment, meet new people and acquire new experiences.

The results are worth it. ■

Don’t expect the device to come with

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

DECEMBER 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

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ASK THE OLD BAG

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick ADVICE COLUMN FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD

You may have to kiss some more frogs Dear Old Bag: Help me understand.

Last month, you replied to Senior and Proud of It by saying that you look potential dates up on Facebook, “and if they have no friends or photos, they are scamming.” What if someone does not have a Facebook account?

I’m a retired executive who does not engage in social media…does that mean I’m a scammer? I date ladies with no intention of scamming them. It’s strange that you find it necessary to utilize social media to determine who is legitimate. I generally agree with your answers; however, perhaps you could have given a little more thought to this one. Respectfully, Confused Dear Confused: Perhaps I should have said, “If they have no friends or photos on Facebook, they might be scammers.” I am using the term “scam” to mean that some people are not who they say they are. Not being on Facebook does not make you a scammer. The most reliable way to check up on a date is to meet for coffee. When I’ve extended this invitation, I’ve sometimes heard excuses such as, “I don’t drive,” “I’ll be busy for the next month,” “I’ll be out of the country for a while,” etc. Sometimes I never hear from them again. I didn’t mean to put down dating sites. I have lots of fun meeting people, and some have become good friends. Thanks for writing and happy hunting! OB Dear Old Bag: My husband died four years ago—these have been the

longest, unhappiest years of my life.

We were so close and had so much fun together. He went suddenly, and I relive it several times a day. I can’t find any good reason to live. We didn’t have children, so now here I am with nothing but a comfortable financial arrangement. Is this all there is? Signed, AG

Dear AG: You need serious counseling, and you need it right away!

Please, make an appointment immediately. I suspect you didn’t have grief counseling after your husband died, or the chance to work through the grief.

Your grief would be normal immediately after losing a loved one—but not four years later! It’s good for couples to be close, but it’s also important for each to have their own friends and hobbies. Please get help. Let me know how you are doing. Thank you and bless you. OB Dear Old Bag: I have a good tale to tell about dating sites! I had been on a senior site for about a year and was about to get off when I received a note from a guy who lived near me and who wanted to meet for coffee. We met and had such a good time. We built a good friendship, then had a romantic courtship and now we are getting married. I, too, had been romantically scammed and it made me suspicious.

Then I met John and that all changed.

Tell your readers not to give up! You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince. Sincerely, Happy Dear Happy: So glad to hear your story! Good luck to both of you! OB ■

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

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10

LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS The talking dog

now I’m retired.”

Submitted by Willa Mercado

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

A man decides his son would love a dog for Christmas, and on his way home from work, he sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the back yard. The guy walks around the house and sees a mutt sitting there.

“You talk?” he asks.

“Yep,” the mutt replies.

The owner says “Ten dollars.”

The dog says, “Well, I discovered this gift at a pretty young age, and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about myself, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years. The jetting around really tired me out, though, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger.

I wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport doing undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there, and was awarded a batch of medals.

I had a wife, lots of puppies and

“From your enthusiasm, I take it you must be a close family member or friend,” says the patient rep.

The guy says he’ll buy him, then says, “This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him?”

The lady says, “I’m Sarah Jones in 302.

Dr. Smith never tells me anything!”

The owner replies, “He’s such a liar.”

Submitted by Carlos Collins

Home for the holidays Submitted by George Curran

An older woman calls Memorial Hospital.

“So, what’s your story?” the man asks.

“That’s wonderful!” exclaims the older woman. “Oh, that’s fantastic, darling! That’s wonderful news!”

“Hello, darling,” she says. “I’d like to talk with the person who gives the information regarding your patients.

I want to know if a patient is getting better, or doing like she’s expected, or is getting worse. And will she be home for the holidays?”

The staff member at Patient Information asks her what the patient’s name and room number are.

The woman says, “She’s Sarah Jones in Room 302.”

The patient representative says, “Oh, yes. Mrs. Jones is doing very well. In fact, she’s had two full meals, her blood pressure is fine, her blood work just came back normal, she’s going to be taken off her heart monitor in a couple of hours and if she continues to improve, Dr. Smith is going to send her home Tuesday at noon.”

Hahaha

s U e k a M

! h g u a L

Send your JOKES to

Beacon@pendantpublishing.com or

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Forgive your enemies One Sunday, a preacher discussed the importance of forgiving one’s enemies during a long sermon. At the end, he asked how many members of the congregation were willing to forgive their enemies. About half held up their hands. Not satisfied, he droned on for another 20 minutes and repeated his question. This time he received a response of about 80 percent. Still unsatisfied, he lectured for another 15 minutes and repeated his question.

Everyone’s mind was on Sunday dinner, so they all responded, except one elderly lady in the rear.

“Mrs. Jones, are you not willing to forgive your enemies?” the preacher asked.

“I don’t have any,” she replied.

“Mrs. Jones, that is very unusual. How old are you?”

“Ninety-three,” she said.

“Mrs. Jones, please tell the congregation how a person can live to be 93 and not have an enemy in the world.”

“It’s easy,” she said. “I outlived them all.”

The new mechanic Submitted by Cynthia Valdez

A gynecologist decided to change careers and become a mechanic. He found a local tech college, signed up for evening classes, attended diligently and learned all he could. When the time for the practical exam approached, the gynecologist prepared carefully for weeks, and completed the

DECEMBER 2017

exam with tremendous skill. When the results came back, he was surprised to find that he had obtained a mark of 150 percent. Fearing an error, he called the instructor.

“I don’t want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result,” he said, “but I wondered if there’s an error that needs adjusting.”

The instructor said, “During the exam, you took the engine apart perfectly, which was worth 50 percent of the total grade. You put the engine back together again perfectly, which is also worth 50 percent. I gave you an extra 50 percent because you did all of it through the muffler.”

Drastic measures Submitted by Gary Lis

A man calls his son before the holidays.

“I hate to tell you,” he says, “but we’ve got some troubles here in the house. Your mother and I can’t stand each other anymore and we’re getting a divorce. I’ve had it! I want to live out the rest of my years in peace.

I’m telling you now, so you and your sister don’t go into shock later when I move out.”

He hangs up, and the son immediately calls his sister and tells her the news.

The sister says, “I’ll handle this,” and calls her father.

“Don’t do anything until we get there!” she says. “We’ll be there on Sunday night.”

The father agrees to these terms.

Then he hangs up the phone and hollers to his wife.

“Okay, they’re coming for Christmas.

Now what are we going to tell them next Thanksgiving?” ■

DECEMBER 2017

11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A day that will live in infamy

By Jan Weeks

D

ecember 7, 1941—a day that will live in infamy, and in the memory of Kathleen Takaki Davis.

Davis was 10 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. She and her family kept abreast of the news on the radio from their home on Kauai, an island about 90 miles from Oahu.

“My sister was ironing and listening to the radio when she heard the news,” Davis, 86, said. “She called to us, and we listened to news flashes all day with disbelief.”

Everything changes The naval station at Pearl Harbor wasn’t the only U.S. military installation attacked that fateful day. Schofield Barracks and what is now Wheeler Air Force Base were also struck.

While the bombing didn’t directly impact Davis and her family, a curfew immediately went into effect.

Windows were blacked out and everyone was issued a gas mask to guard against mustard gas. Residents

had to carry identity cards that listed their blood types and other information.

School resumed as usual on Monday morning, but it had changed.

“We carried our gas masks everywhere,” Davis said. “In school, we had drills overseen by U.S. military personnel who had set up temporary tents in the schoolyard.”

She recalled authorities searching her house, confiscating her father’s pistol and the Japanese swords he displayed—items that were never returned.

The family never felt any animosity from the GIs, and her family was never subject to prejudice from other cultures thanks to Kauai’s multicultural nature and her mother’s

generosity.

“My mother was good to them,” Davis said. “She cut their hair, sewed for them and did their laundry.” ■

Life with the GIs Davis’ father worked as a supervisor on a sugar plantation and her mother ran a general store, so when sugar and other goods were rationed, Davis’ family wasn’t affected as much as others.

U.S. infantry troops camped in a large grove of trees about a mile from her family’s store and spent a lot of money there.

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W HAPPY HOLIDAYS W

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A very Hoppy Christmas

By Thomas Truelson

T

V and movie cowboys were the heroes for young boys growing up in the 1940s.

I was one of them, as my imagination and daydreams were filled with tales of the Wild West. Back then, my hero was Hopalong Cassidy, a tall, older man with white hair who dressed all in black. He was from the Bar 20 ranch and rode high in the saddle upon a silver-smooth stallion named Topper.

Hopalong was a cowboy hero above all others. There was no wrong he couldn’t right, no injustice he couldn’t correct and no outlaw he couldn’t corral. He drank sarsaparilla and never kissed the heroine goodbye. He always rode into the sunset alone, his back to the town and his silver spurs shining—a farewell of fascination from which dreams are made.

To me, Hopalong Cassidy was larger than life. I wanted to be like him when I grew up.

Hopalong for Christmas A few weeks before Christmas, my parents took me to see Santa Claus at the magical toy department of Jordan Marsh in Boston.

I was in heaven. There were more toys than my eyes could see. My favorite was a huge display of Lionel trains that puffed white smoke and went over and under bridges on a set of tracks that went on forever.

But when it was my turn to talk to Santa, the trains were a distant memory.

With an all-knowing twinkle in his eyes, Santa asked me if I had been good.

“Yes I have, Santa,” I said with a voice that wasn’t sure but a face that hoped for the best.

“Well, then,” he said in a kind, gentle voice, “what would you like for Christmas?”

“What I want for Christmas is

everything that’s Hopalong Cassidy,” I replied.

Christmas Eve On Christmas Eve, my parents and I spent the night at my grandparents’ house. Before I went to bed, I left a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa on top on the fireplace mantel.

Once in bed, I was too nervous to fall asleep. I laid in bed with my eyes wide open, waiting to hear the sound of reindeer and jingle bells on the roof and Santa coming down the chimney.

Without warning, I fell asleep. The night passed in silence. When I woke, it was early morning, the moon and stars still bright in the sky.

I lay in bed wondering what happened since I fell asleep. Did Santa already come down the chimney? Was he now downstairs placing gifts under the tree? Or was he still on his way?

With my heart pounding and stomach turning in

excitement, I got out of bed and made my way downstairs.

When I reached the bottom, I had to make a decision—head right toward the Christmas tree in the living room, or left toward the fireplace to see if the milk and cookies remained.

I went left towards the fireplace.

The cookies and milk were gone.

There was a note on the empty plate but I didn’t stop to read it. Instead, I turned around and ran into the living room.

There, beneath the tree, were gifts galore. All were wrapped, except one. Standing among all the gifts and in front of the tree was a Hopalong Cassidy bicycle. The bike was small with training wheels and saddle bags, but to me, the bike was bigger than Topper.

I stood before the tree mesmerized, my eyes wide in disbelief. I walked slowly toward the bike, reached out my hand and touched it to make sure that it was really there.

Without touching another gift, I raced up the stairs and woke my parents and grandparents. Once we were all downstairs by the Christmas tree, I opened gift after gift. Santa gave me more than I asked for—more than I dreamed possible.

When everything was opened, Hopalong Cassidy was everywhere—a watch, radio, lamp, bedspread and rug, a cowboy suit with boots and hat, a pair of black holsters with pearl handle six-shooters and of course, my bike.

Oh, yes! The note Santa left on the empty plate of cookies that morning read, “Dear Tommy, a very Hoppy Christmas. Love, Santa.” ■

20

017

W HAPPY HOLIDAYS W 13

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Make a new tradition this Christmas

By Cindy Reardon

C

hristmas is more than a holiday.

It’s a spirit, a feeling, a melody, a smell—even a warm memory. There are many ways to make new Christmas traditions, creating memories that your loved ones will cherish.

A taste of home As a child, one of the things Eileen Hotaling looked forward to each Christmas was her grandmother’s date nut pinwheel cookies.

“I thought about those cookies for weeks before Christmas,” Hotaling said.

Years later, Hotaling joined the Army and was a stationed nurse in Vietnam. She never dreamed that her grandmother’s cookies would show up in a box wrapped in layers of tape. Hotaling and her fellow nurses took the cookies to the flight line and devoured the entire box right then and there.

“To this day, when I think of Grandma’s date nut pinwheel cookies, I think of the love she put into them and how good they made me feel,” she said.

Sharing yourself This year, make a point of being present, rather than focusing on presents.

Dottie Follman is a spry 96-year-old with noticeable dimples. Her early Christmases would be almost unrecognizable to children today.

“My dad worked up in Ophir at the

mines. He had a team of six horses and it was his job to load the sled with ore and drive it down a twisting, dangerous mountain. He got $3 a day,” Follman said, shaking her head at the thought. “Christmas back then wasn’t about presents. It was about getting a day off to celebrate another year of life and health. My feeling of contentment was out of this world when we were all able to be under one roof together. No school, no work for my dad or siblings, just warmth, food and rest.”

At the end of the day, Follman would warm flat irons on the stove, wrap them in cloth and put one by her feet and one on her back to keep warm.

“I’d snuggle into bed with a full belly while listening to the coyotes sing.

I thought I was in heaven,” she said.

Follman learned the basics are more than enough.

“Christmas is about sharing yourself with the people you care about,” she said.

Try a getaway In lieu of holiday presents, Sarah Combs’ extended family members spend Christmas together overseas and in different states, but never in each other’s homes.

“My feeling of contentment was out of this world when we were all able to be under one roof together.

No school, no work for my dad or siblings, just warmth, food and rest.”

“Travel takes the pressure off as far as buying presents, decorating and cooking,” said Combs.

Each family takes turns providing meals for two nights, and they share lodging. “[It’s] a fantastic way to spend time together while making new family stories around holidays,” she said.

Christmas bonfires Along the river in New Orleans, people traditionally build bonfires at Christmas. Lesley Hallenborg remem-

bers her mother holding her hand and walking up and down the riverbank to different pyramid-shaped fires, some more than 30 feet tall.

Each is built by friends, families and co-workers.

Hallenborg’s mother told her the fires lit the way for Papa Noel to find the homes of good girls and boys.

Christmas can be sharing food, family, travel or memories…or it can simply be a quiet reflection. May the spirit of Christmas be with you always. ■

“To this day, when I think of Grandma’s date nut pinwheel cookies, I think of the love she put into them and how good they made me feel.”

14

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Guiding lights: HopeWest celebrates the season and life

By Stephanie Summar

COMMUNITY

515 S. Hillcrest Dr. Montrose, CO 81401 970-249-4319

BEACON Senior Newspaper P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

DECEMBER 2017

I

t’s the time of year that we gather our nearest and dearest. It’s also a time of reflection, so it’s not surprising that in the final days of the year, many of us find ourselves thinking frequently about the loved ones we’ve lost.

Balancing the joy of the holidays, hope for the new year and bittersweet memories of the people with whom we can no longer celebrate can feel isolating during such a festive season. This year, however, many Western Slope residents have discovered they’re not alone. HopeWest, dedicated to supporting community members through loss, illuminated that at its first Light Up a Life event on November 28. “[Light Up a Life] is an opportunity to be with other people in the community so you’re not alone,” said HopeWest Vice President and Chief Development Officer Debbie Horwitz. “We’re honoring everyone’s grieving process.”

A celebration of the season and a moving tribute, Light up a Life is an expansion of the organization’s Remembrance Day that puts a greater emphasis on community connection.

“Historically, the people who came to Remembrance Day lost someone in the last year. We wanted to change the paradigm and open it up to the community,” Horwitz said.

The first event of the year was held at HopeWest’s Hospice Care Center Campus in Grand Junction. Similar events will take place in Montrose on December 7 and in Delta on Decem-

Light Up a Life will be held in Montrose on December 7 at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. at 5:30 p.m. The Delta event takes place on December 13 at the HopeWest office, 195 Stafford Lane, at 5:30 p.m.

ber 13. Participants have the option to support the organization and honor loved ones with a luminary dedicated to their memory. In Grand Junction, HopeWest’s campus illuminated with sparkling lights after a brief ceremony.

The lights and Christmas-themed illustrations will remain there throughout the holiday season, and Horwitz encourages community members to add the grounds to their holiday light tours.

“We want people to walk through and enjoy it,” she said. “It’s a very soothing environment.”

HopeWest also offers personalized, heart-shaped pewter ornaments.

These are engraved with the name of a loved one and can be sent anywhere with an accompanying card.

The season-long display is just one of HopeWest’s many gifts to the communities it serves. The organization offers hospice and palliative care, as well as counseling and social programs that support anyone, regardless of age or illness.

Everyone grieves differently, Horwitz said, and HopeWest honors each individual’s process. Events such as Light Up a Life enable community members to connect with each other so they’re not alone, but also enable the organization to connect with those who may need its support. ■

DECEMBER 2017

HOME & GARDEN 15

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5 books that might compete with your plant catalogs Alive & Digging

A

Flipping through plant catalogs is a hoot, and how-to gardening books are informative, but we can use this downtime to expand our understanding through books that dive into topics like permaculture, homesteading, herbal medicine and more. These are some of my favorites: “Second Nature: A Gardener’s Education” by Michael Pollan In “Second Nature,” Pollan explores his relationship with his garden and Nature, blurring the line between the two. He weaves personal experiences together with research in a collection of essays that reads like a journey. This book is transformational and inspiring.

“Paradise Lot: Two Plant Geeks, One-tenth of an Acre and the Making of an Edible Garden Oasis in the City”

by Eric Toensmeier and Jonathan Bates Toensmeier and Bates set out to transform a suburban backyard into a fertile food forest. The two communicate their interest in botany in a modest, familiar way, and the passion for their bountiful dream garden spills off the page. Full of practical information, “Paradise Lot” is sure to spark the imagination.

“The Resilient Farm and Homestead: An Innovative Permaculture and Whole Systems Design”

by Ben Falk

W I T H CB D

To Advertise Call

Valeree Seiferd

By Paige Slaughter

s gardeners, we play alongside Nature, taking turns sculpting the landscape and cultivating life. When winter comes around, we get cozy, curl up with warm drinks and greet her in thicker jackets—and through books.

AGE YOUR PAIN N A M

For Falk, regeneration and resilience are key to creating ecosystems that yield intergenerational value. Through his work at a research farm, Falk seeks real-life answers to that question by mimicking Nature and shares his findings with the world. Part manual, part manifesto, “The Resilient Farm” will empower you with hands-on skills, bigger ways of thinking and personal connection to the land.

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“Worms Eat My Garbage”

by Mary Appelhof Waste doesn’t exist in nature. We created it. “Worm woman” Mary Appelhof’s brief and insightful book is a guide to maintaining a home vermicomposting system—that is, turning food scraps into rich organic matter using worms. ”Worms” is a quick read, interesting even for those not sold on vermicompost (though she’s very convincing). She appreciates the fantastic abilities of the smallest creatures, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of life itself.

www.paoniapeacepipe.com 512 2nd Street, Paonia Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5.

For all your smoking needs, edibles also available.

The following recommendation comes from Margie Wilson with Grand Valley Books: “Xeriscape Plant Guide: 100 Water-Wise Plants for Gardens and Landscapes”

by Rob Proctor and Denver Water This guide offers many practical suggestions for beautiful alternatives to grass lawns. Use of native plants that require less maintenance and minimal water are presented in full color, along with references to a multitude of trees, perennials, annuals, vines, ground cover, native grasses and shade plants suitable for our climate. ■

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

IN-HOME

APPOINTMENTS! Lions Mane The

From wild to mild... & everything in between...

Jodi & K im

The Lions Mane

970.252.3732

22 North Uncompahgre Ave, Montrose

FUN & GAMES

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4 1 6 7 6 2 3 4 9 2 1 2 4 9 3 2 8 6 1 4 5 2 6 e by websudoku.com 8 Puzzl

9 2 4 7 1 2

FUN & GAMES

16

3 6

4 1 6 7 6 2 3 4 9 2 1 2 4 9 3 3 2 8 6 6 1 4 5 2 6 8 doku.com

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Puzzle by websu

A big BEACON thank you!

Christmas

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.

HAPPY

DECEMBER 2017

Retirees have different needs in Real Estate I have the education and real estate experience to serve as your trusted adviser through the unique financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating or selling your family home.

For the puzzle answers see page 23

Across 1 Typical reply to “Que pasa?”

5 Tall spars 10 Totalizes 14 Guinness of stage 15 Brass or bronze, e.g.

16 Passion 17 What a contested will might do?

19 Recital of events 20 Shakespearean stage device 21 Drenched in sauce 23 Three, in Milan 25 Per capita 26 James Cameron film 29 Engine parts 31 Mil. branch 34 Affirmative moves 35 Fencing ploy 37 Sergeant or corporal 38 “Jefferson in Paris” star 40 Deep matter?

41 Sacrificial stone 43 ___ as directed 44 Does 65, rather than 55 47 Grown grigs 48 “Mal de ___” 49 Wee ones 50 Legally binding command

FUN & GAMES 17

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FUN & GAMES

DECEMBER 2017

Personal, Professional, Property Brokers

Michelle Klippert

Senior Real Estate Specialist 500 E. Main Street, Montrose

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970.275.3016

michelleklippertrealtor@gmail.com

Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers 52 German border river 54 Lobby or novel ending 55 A cast of ___ 60 Cum laude start 64 Hindquarters 65 Will Rogers?

67 Wheelhouse direction 68 One starting a roast?

69 One of the Muppets 70 It’s in back of your house 71 Blows one’s horn 72 Line of stitches Down 1 Out-of-this-world org.?

2 Yodeler’s range?

3 Hero’s hangout 4 Crucial trial 5 ___-jongg 6 Hearty -libations 7 Like a long shot’s chances 8 Matador’s foe 9 Buddy, binary and block 10 Empire conquered by Cortés 11 One seeking Mr. Right?

12 Earnhart of NASCAR 13 Transport for Susan Butcher 18 Graceful seabird

22 “___ la vista, baby!”

24 It takes things to extremes 26 Per ___ 27 Like some lips or change 28 A nonproductive tenant?

29 Blubbers 30 “___ Lang Syne” 32 Dieter’s place?

33 From Oslo 36 Prepared some beds?

39 Colorado park 42 Teaches 45 Balcony barrier 46 ‘80’s “Star Wars” plan 51 She, in Rome 53 Took for a ride 55 Lazy Susan, e.g.

56 Polynesian dance 57 Hurler Hideo 58 Art trailer 59 Editor’s scribble 61 1,609 meters 62 “I Remember ___” 63 Niels Bohr’s concern 66 “___ Miserables”

Crossword Puzzle

18

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

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DECEMBER 2017

FUN AFTER 50

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

DECEMBER 18 The Montrose Connection Are you new to Montrose? Would you like to connect with like-minded people? Share ideas and network with others from 6:15-8 p.m. at the Montrose Community Recreation Center’s party rooms. Seating is limited, so register by calling 249-7705 or visiting www.montroserec.com.

TRIPS & TOURS

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DECEMBER 7 Historic Grand Junction Walking Tour Take a stroll through historic downtown Grand Junction and shop along the way. Meet at the senior center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $18. Bring money for lunch.

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DECEMBER 12 Radio and news stations tours Tour KAFM, Grand Junction’s only local community radio station powered by over 250 volunteers, and get behind the scenes at KJCT News 8 and KKCO 11 News. We will tour the stations, watch the live noon newscast and meet some of the on-air talent. Cost is $25. Bring money for lunch. Meet at the senior center at 8:15 a.m.

DECEMBER 16 “Shrek Junior” Enjoy the comedy “Shrek” live and onstage, presented by the Grand Junction Youth Theatre Project. We’ll eat lunch in Grand Junction before the production. Cost is $25. Bring money for lunch. Meet at the MRD Field House at 9:45 a.m.

DECEMBER 19 Holiday lights tour & dinner at Rib City Begin the evening with dinner at Rib City Grill, followed by a holiday lights

tour of Montrose. Cost is $25. Meet at the senior center at 4:30 p.m. If you’re unable to drive or don’t drive at night, we’ll pick you up—call Cindy at 2524884.

DECEMBER 31 High Desert Opera’s New Year’s Celebration See the greatest moments from 15 seasons of opera and musical theatre presented by High Desert Opera. Enjoy lunch in Grand Junction, followed by a concert that will highlight favorite musical and dance numbers from past productions, along with a few new surprises. Cost is $28. Meet at the MRD Field House at 10 a.m.

GOLDEN CIRCLE PROGRAMS For lunch reservations at the Montrose Pavilion Senior Center, call 964-3419.

Lunch is $5, except during $3 Lunch and Learn presentations, and is served at noon. All programs begin at 1 p.m.

Attendance without lunch is free.

DECEMBER 7 “How to Speak Geek: How to speak to tech support to get the right help” by John Lorimer DECEMBER 11 “The History of Fort Crawford with Pictures” by Ralph Wackley DECEMBER 18 “Ol’ Saint Nicholas: Stories for kids of all ages” with Allen Beck as Father Christmas

DANCES SATURDAYS Dances will be held on December 9 and 31 from 7:30-11 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. ■

DECEMBER 2017

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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Calendar

DECEMBER 4 Astronomy programs Learn about our galaxy in a portable planetarium at Delta Public Library from 3-6 p.m. The programs include “Journey to the Center of the Milky Way,” “Sunstruck,” “Space Shapes” and “Back to the Moon.” “Journey to the Center of the Milky Way” and “Back to the Moon” are geared towards grades 6 and up. The other programs are ideal for younger children. Telescopes will be available for attendees to use following the presentations.

DECEMBER 5 Derik Nelson and Family concert The Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association presents siblings Derik, Riana and Dalten Nelson in concert at the Delta County Performing Arts and Education Center from 7:30-9 p.m.

The trio performs a blend of pop and folk favorites, as well as original music, complemented by a state-of-the-art light and video show. Audiences will recognize Derik from the television show “Glee.”

DECEMBER 6 Stress reduction through mindfulness This free introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction will be held at the Montrose Regional Library from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in learning more about an eight-week course on the sub-

ject. Review the evidence-based course format, discuss benefits and risks and practice mindfulness. There will be an opportunity to register for the course.

All are welcome. Learn more at www. nicholemoorman.offeringtree.com.

Citizens' Climate Lobby meeting Join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby for an update on its progress within the community and a report on its visit to Solar Energy International. The group meets from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Montrose Library meeting room. For more information, contact 240-9146.

Historical Society presentation The Montrose County Historical Society presents a program by Dave and Greg Fishering on the Storm King Distilling Company and the future of the Fruit Growers building. This will be held at the Montrose County Fairgrounds at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. For more information, call 249-2085.

DECEMBER 9 Holiday hayride Paonia’s horse-drawn Holiday Hayride runs from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and starts at Lizzy's Market on Grand Avenue before winding past the town hall and library.

Take a roundtrip ride to a holiday book sale and puppet show.

DECEMBER 9-10 Highlights from “The Nutcracker” Talented local dancers from Ouray, Montrose, Cedaredge, Paonia and beyond usher in the holiday season at the Montrose Pavilion in Weehawken

Dance’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The show features more than 200 dancers performing highlights from Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. Performances are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 9 and 2 p.m. on December 10. Senior tickets are $13 and are available at www.weehawken arts.org.

Christmas square dancing The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts a Christmas dance from 7-9 p.m. at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center with special guest caller Kathy Racine. Dances are mainstream with "plus" tips. Bring refreshments to share.

Coming from out of town? Call Zee at 835-3771 to verify details.

DECEMBER 12 ADRC meeting The next meeting for the Aging and Disability Resource Center will be from 9:30–11 a.m. at Montrose Health and Human Services, 1845 South Townsend Ave.

DECEMBER 17 Christmas concert Join the Montrose Community Band at 3 p.m. in the Montrose Pavilion Auditorium for a free concert featuring selections of Christmas music celebrating the birth of Christ. For more information, visit www.montroseband. com or call 596-1188.

DECEMBER 15 Toy drive deadline Cherry Creek Radio and Alpine Bank sponsor the Toy & Family Memories Drive for Montrose County. Please donate unwrapped toys for children from newborn to age 14 by December 15. Cash donations will be used to purchase additional toys and gift certificates. Drop off toys at Montrose Alpine Bank locations during business hours or Montrose Recreation Center.

DECEMBER 16 Winter storytelling at the Ute Indian Museum Winter storytelling is the heart of Native American cultures. From 10 a.m. to noon, listen to the Ute Indian Museum education director share stories and values while constructing your own story, then paint it on a tipi. Call 249-3098 to reserve your spot. There is a $10 materials fee.

Give the gift of comfort and joy with a

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DECEMBER 31 Telluride Torchlight Parade Watch the slopes light up as skiers glide gracefully down Telluride Resort’s mountain, torches in hand. After a long night of delivering presents, Santa will stop by to take a little break. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.telluride.com. ■

20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

Beacon Bits

Montrose Regional Library celebrates election The Montrose Regional Library election committee celebrated the outcome of this year’s mill levy vote at the library on November 15. Executive Director Paul Paladino discussed plans for the first Friday and Saturday the library will be open, expected early in 2018, and other exciting changes as a result of the win. The election committee members are Caroline Evans, Casey Corrigan Reichmann, Micheline Heckler, Kim Floyde, Kirsten Segar, Pam Baer, Tom Baird, Anne Cable, Cheryl Gibson, Jonathan Heath, Mike Monell, Paul Paladino, Emily Schneider, Dave Segal, Ken Dolezol, Clay Goldberg, LeeAnn Riddoch, Tania Hajjar, Diane Winger, Robin and Jon Flom, Judy Lokey, Christine Cheff, Suzi King and Karen Nicholson.

Free health screenings in Delta County How healthy is your heart? If you live in Delta County and are un- or under-insured, you qualify for a free health screening at the Delta Public Library every Monday and Tuesday in December. It takes a finger poke, a few drops of blood and 20-30 minutes of your time. Receive your completely confidential results immediately. A copy will be taken to your primary care physician if you request it. Information on improving your health based on your results will also be provided. The screening shows cholesterol, glucose levels, blood pressure and a global heart health score. A1Cs are also available. Monday screenings take place from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesday screenings take place from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Contact Justine Forster, community health worker for Delta County, with questions or to see if you qualify: 812-6026.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com checked and need to provide references. Call 249-8804.

• The Museum of the Mountain West seeks volunteers to be trained as tour guides, landscapers/groundskeepers, light construction, building maintenance and janitorial. Call 240-3400.

Support Groups • Al-Anon and Alateen Delta meets at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. Fifth St. Call Elizabeth at 874-9832 or Shirley at 323-5067.

• Al-Anon Montrose meets at noon Thursdays at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara. Call Lucy at 596-9919.

• Al-Anon and Alateen Montrose meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara.

Call Karis at 275-4107 or Lisa Marie at 964-8849.

• Al-Anon for Women, Montrose meets at 3:30 p.m. Sundays at All Saints Anglican Church, 2057 S. Townsend Ave. Call Peggy at 964-4970.

• Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group, meets from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Community Connections, 645 S. Fifth St. in Montrose. Call Francie at 252-2814.

• Cardiac Support Group meets monthly from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday at Montrose Memorial Hospital in Conference Room A. • Caring for Caregivers Delta meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the second Tuesday at Delta Partners.

Call Danielle at 200-7163.

• Caring for Caregivers Montrose meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the fourth Tuesday at Montrose PACE. Call Danielle at 200-7163.

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group meets monthly from 4-5 p.m. on the last Monday at Horizons Health Care and Retirement Community. Call 275-4220.

• Diabetes Support meets monthly at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday at Montrose Memorial Hospital. Call 2407280.

DECEMBER 2017

• Emotion Management meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Friday at The Center for Mental Health.

Call 252-3201.

• Family Caregiver Support Group meets monthly from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays at Montrose Memorial Hospital. Call 275-2138.

• Low-Vision Support Group meets monthly on the first and third Wednesdays at the Center for Independence. Call 249-3785 for times.

• Parkinson’s Support Group meets monthly at 2 p.m. on the last Monday (except in December) in the first floor conference room of Montrose Memorial Hospital. Call Ashley at 252-2996.

• Stroke and Brain Injury Support meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Thursdays at Montrose Memorial Hospital. Call 252-2550.

• Montrose Survivors—Loss to Suicide meets monthly from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday at The Center for Mental Health.

Call 252-3228. ■

Volunteer Opportunities • Mothers of Preschoolers is seeking volunteers to rock babies, play, sing and spoil little ones for two mornings a month to give their mamas time to refuel and be encouraged. Call 509-6193062 or MontroseMOPS@gmail.com.

• Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors. Drivers are background

The Montrose Regional Library election committee celebrates the outcome of November’s election.

DECEMBER 2017

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Clubs & 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.

Call 399-3674 or visit www.blackcan yoncameraclub.org.

Black Canyon Classics Car Club meets monthly on the first Tuesday. The club is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For meeting time and location, call 249-6051.

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

Montrose Elks Bingo takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Montrose Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr. Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances monthly from 7:30-11 p.m. on

the second and fourth Saturdays at the Montrose Pavilion. 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 to attend. For location, call 275-3336.

San Juan Dance Club meets from 6:45-8 p.m. Thursdays at the Lions Clubhouse in Montrose. Call 708-8333.

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

Wild Bunch 4x4 Club meets at Flower Motor in Montrose.

For dates and times, email desertrat27@ hotmail.com. ■

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

Join us at the lodge every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at 801 South Hillcrest, Montrose. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening having fun!

DECEMBER 2017

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kudos \ ku·dos  “We subscribe to the BEACON and thoroughly enjoy it. Sitting in the waiting room of my dad’s eye doctor, I picked up a BEACON Guide. Can I get one for Delta County mailed to me? That’s where my dad lives now.”- Kelley L. Cloie: “We’d love to. In fact, we’re getting ready to publish our 2018 Delta-Montrose edition, which will be distributed in the next few weeks. If you don’t find a copy of our Mesa County guide in this issue of the BEACON, call us at 970-243-8829.”

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FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 17

A raise in Social Security for 2018: Rejoice or regret?

By Teresa Ambord

I

f you’re collecting Social Security (SS), you’ll see a whopping 2 percent raise in 2018.

It’s underwhelming, yes, but it’s nearly seven times what SS recipients got last year when the cost of living allowance (COLA) increase was 0.3 percent. So if your SS check in 2017 was $1,500, your 2018 benefit should rise to $1,530.

Other SS-related figures will also adjust in 2018. For people who are still working, the maximum earnings subject to SS taxes will rise from the current level of $127,200 to a new high of $128,700. That means that among the estimated 175 million people working in this country, an additional 12 million will pay more.

How work affects your SS benefits If you’re still working and collecting SS benefits before the year of full retirement age, you will lose $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above $17,040. In 2017, the number was $16,920.

Getting close to retirement age?

For the months before you reach your full retirement age, you can earn $45,360 per year before losing benefits. After that, you lose $1 of benefits for every $3 earned in 2018.

In 2017, the amount you could earn was $44,880.

Once you reach full retirement age, there is no benefit loss for any amount of income.

Buying power According to a report by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), the news about buying power for SS beneficiaries is not good. Since 2000, beneficiaries have lost roughly 30 percent of buying power.

Rising prices affect

seniors differently than the general population, since housing, medical costs, and prescription drugs represent such a large part of their spending. The miniscule COLA increase in 2017 only exacerbated the problem.

“When costs climb more rapidly than benefits, retirees must spend down retirement savings more quickly than expected, and those without savings or other retirement income are either going into debt, or going without,” said Mary Johnson, TSCL’s SS policy analyst and author of the study.

The study noted that the projected loss of buying power is the biggest since 2011, when there was no COLA at all and seniors lost a whopping 8 percent of buying power.

The study analyzed the cost of 39 key items between 2000 and 2017, chosen because they are typical of costs that SS recipients must bear.

This is similar to the analysis the government does when determining the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly.

“This study illustrates why Congress should enact legislation to provide a more fair and adequate COLA,” Johnson said. “To put it in perspective, for every $100 worth of expenses seniors could afford in 2000, they can afford just $70 today.”

Since most of America’s 57 million senior and disabled citizens depend on SS for at least half of their total income (one-third depend on it for 90 percent of their income), seniors and those who love them should ask Congress to pass more realistic COLAs going forward. ■

kvetch \ kfech  “Across America, managers of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurants are struggling to drum up business. Only now are they realizing that all they had to do was relocate to Grand Junction, Colorado. But, like the rest of you, I recently stood in line for an hour to taste the Grand Valley’s newest culinary delight. I could have saved both time and money had I stopped over at City Market’s deli and picked up some fried chicken and a bottle of hot sauce.” - Vern S.  “Shame on Grand Junction and Scott McInnis. [I] hope he never needs the service of Gray Gourmet or any help when he is older. What comes around goes around!”

- Jeanne C.  “I had to comment on Eileen W’s [comment in November’s BEACON] on seeing a picture of a dead bear and how horrible it was. If seeing dead animals offends people, I would suggest they never drive the freeways or the mountain highways. More animals get hit by drivers than [get killed by hunters]. No one likes to see that but it is a part of life in mountain country, and those of us who have lived here a long time understand that. Having personally hit a large buck deer, it is a shattering experience to kill an animal and even worse to have your car demolished. Living in the mountains will always present us with these unpleasant experiences and we just have to live with it.”

- Beverly D.

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MONTROSE-DELTA

BEST L OCAL

LOVED

2018

OFFICIAL BALLOT Photocopies will not be accepted

Best Antique Store___________________________________________ Best Bike Shop______________________________________________ Best Clothing Store__________________________________________ Best Shoe Store_____________________________________________ Best Place to Buy Gifts________________________________________ Best Liquor Store____________________________________________ Best Second Hand Store______________________________________ Best Optical Store___________________________________________ Best Pet Supply Store_________________________________________ Best Financial Planner________________________________________

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

• • • •

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 Auto Dealership_________________________________________ Best Auto Repair____________________________________________ Best Tire Store______________________________________________ Best Carpet Cleaner_________________________________________ Best Garden Nursery_________________________________________ Best Heating and Cooling Service______________________________ Best Landscaping/Lawn Care Service____________________________ Best Plumber_______________________________________________ Best Place for Breakfast_______________________________________ Best Place for Lunch_________________________________________ Best Place for Dinner_________________________________________ Best Date Night Location_____________________________________ Best Coffee Shop____________________________________________

Name:______________________________________________________

Best Winery________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________

Best Hiking Trail_____________________________________________

City:____________________________State:_______ Zip:____________ Phone:______________________________________________________ Email:_______________________________________________________

Best Place to Take the Grandkids_______________________________ Best Place to Golf____________________________________________