Mesa County BEACON 082017

AUGUST 2017

Vol. 31

™ Financial Planning

No. 8

Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

2017

Medical Equipment

Medicare Aging in Place

FREE Assisted Living

Home Care

INS IDE

Senior Living Medical Services

Hospice

Bereavement

Nursing Home

Produced by the BEACON’s 2017 Advertising Team © copyright

Your Local Guide to Aging Well

com www.BeaconSeniorNews.

E K A T K-9s T U O E A BIT E M I R OF C

Photo courtesy of XXXXXXXXXX

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AUGUST 2017

Need a new swamp cooler?

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AUGUST 2017

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

We all scream for ice cream (and because we’re scared of needles)

I

t’s the height of summer, and most of us are busy playing outside or traveling. That’s great news for us, but not for blood banks—according to the American Red Cross, the number of new donors typically declines by more than 30 percent in summer months. The demand for life-saving procedures, on the other hand, never takes a vacation.

Two weeks ago, a few staff members and I visited St. Mary’s Blood Center to donate. We were seen right away, and the process was quick and virtually painless. We even got free juice and cookies from a handsome phlebotomist who thought my coworker was going to faint. We tried to assure him that she’s always that pale, but who turns down free cookies? In August, the blood center is offering an even tastier incentive: free ice cream!

What are you waiting for? Go give blood! Then be sure to pick up next month’s BEACON for a story about how one family gives blood to honor one local man. Blood donors really are heroes.

Pricey parks passes

Transitions in Aging

Our sixth annual Montrose-Delta BeaconFest on September 21 promises to be a rollicking good time! A variety of vendors, interesting speakers and talented entertainers will spend the day at the Montrose Pavilion, making for a great event that you won’t want to miss. For more information, call 243-8829 or email Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Inside this month’s issue of the BEACON, you’ll find “Transitions in Aging,” our yearly guide to aging well. The aging journey comes with some major decisions, from retirement planning to finding a home that’s just the right fit. We’re here to help you sort through confusing and expensive options with help from local experts.

If all you wanted for your 62nd birthday was a National Park Service Senior Pass so you could spend your retirement years exploring our beautiful country, I hope your birthday comes before August 28. That’s when the cost of the Senior Pass increases from $10 to $80. The passes are good for a lifetime, but it’s quite a price change.

In addition to free admission to more than 2,000 parks and public lands, the Senior Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees for activities such as camping, swimming, boat launch and specialized interpretive services.

Is $80 outside your budget? Good news—there’s an alternative option.

If you’re 62 or older, you can buy annual passes for $20, then trade four annual passes in for a lifetime pass. If you qualify for a Senior Pass, but haven’t picked one up yet, now is the time to get yours at any federal recreation site.

September’s Montrose-Delta BeaconFest

We love (y)our pets!

Thanks to all who submitted pet photos for this month’s BEACON. See if your pet made their BEACON debut on page 22-23.

■

Cloie Sandlin Editor, BEACON Senior News

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

Protecting an Heir’s Inheritance for Future Generations v Grand

Junction: August 16th, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

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

At this free workshop, learn about different options and steps you can take now to protect your family and heirs against their creditors, and possible divorce conflict. Protect what is important to you for future generations. Sign up today! To read more about this workshop, and other upcoming presentations, please visit the Workshop Calendar on our website at www.brownandbrownpc.com/workshopcalendar Registration is Required for Workshops: Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250,

or by going to our website: www.brownandbrownpc.com, where you can also view the full schedule with location information for upcoming workshops & presentations.

Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Long Term Care Planning Attorneys

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1825 E. Main Street, Ste. C, Montrose, CO 81401

Baird B. Brown

u

Clara Brown Shaffer

Scan with your smartphone to visit our website! u

Shauna C. Clemmer

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4

COVER STORY

Watch K-9s in action

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A community’s best friend: K-9s take a bite out of crime

By Kathy Applebee “I am alive today because he is not,” said Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) Officer Geraldine Earthman.

Gero, her former four-legged partner, died in the line of duty in 2004 while the pair assisted in arresting a suspect with felony warrants.

As police surrounded the apartment, the suspect leaned out of a window, taking aim at the unsuspecting officers with a handgun. Gero’s barks alerted them to the danger.

The suspect opened fire and Gero moved to protect.

The bullets meant for Earthman hit him.

Earthman was able to return fire, wounding the suspect, who was taken into custody.

Gero’s heart stopped. Earthman’s was broken.

The Colorado Police Canine Association honored Gero’s heroism by creating the Gero Award. Since 2004, it is conferred annually to the law enforcement dog that goes above and beyond the line of duty.

The best job in the world

Officer Earthman’s current K-9 partner, Joker, will compete to retain his title as the hardest-hitting and -biting K-9 officer on the Western Slope at the Police K-9 Demonstration and Competition, held at Fruita’s Salt Wash Park at 10 a.m. on September 9.

The event will feature a number of K-9 teams and is open to the public.

Proceeds from fundraisers at the challenge will defray costs for retirement expenses for our four-legged protectors.

AUGUST 2017

Earthman knew the risks to her own safety when she moved from dispatch to patrol in 1990. She knew she wanted a K-9 partner, and she knew it would be a 24/7 commitment until one of them died.

“It’s not like SWAT,” explained Earthman, 54. “It’s not over when the rifles get locked up in the safe or the motorcycle is parked in the garage.

You never have a day off. But it’s the best job in the world, hands down.”

Each K-9 officer and handler must go through a rigorous, 520-hour basic training. Police dogs certified in tracking must be able to follow a scent over a variety of terrains, in the dark and independent of their handlers.

In extreme weather, their abilities can mean the difference between life and death for a missing child or

K-9 officer Joker practices taking down a criminal.

a medically or cognitively compromised adult.

GJPD Officer Trevor Hawkins works with a dog named Nero, whose specialty is tracking. This involves following a scent trail left on the surface of the ground, in adjacent brush or even lingering in the air.

It’s a tough job in the Grand Valley, where dry conditions and scorching heat can destroy scent quickly, and wind can divert the dog’s path.

“The longer you wait, the less scent there’ll be, especially in hot weather,” Hawkins said. “We’d prefer to respond and find the person has already returned home than to try to track with limited scent.”

“You gotta trust your dog” Building searches—especially large ones in warehouses, schools or churches—can be conducted much more quickly with a dog than by humans alone. K-9 officers can sniff

a locked door and move on if nothing suspicious is present, whereas human officers have to take the time to break down the door to verify the room is clear.

Nero is good at his job—really good. With obvious pride, Hawkins described a manhunt involving an armed suspect.

“Nero kept indicating something was in or near this canal,” he said.

Expecting it to be a false alert, Hawkins investigated. Nero was right on the mark. The suspect, who had thankfully left his gun in the car, was submerged in the inky waters. The police nabbed him when he came up for air.

“You gotta trust your dog,” said Hawkins.

In addition to tracking, Nero locates drug odors. He can identify four categories of illegal substances and is considered successful even if

AUGUST 2017

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

no actual drugs are found but the suspect admits to having used or kept them prior to the search.

During one search, Nero insisted something was present in a glove box. Officers searched to no avail. But when Hawkins examined the dashboard more closely, he discovered a secret compartment, and the driver’s drug stash, just where Nero had suspected it.

A new partner Earthman began working with law enforcement dogs in 1992, volunteering as a decoy for the Fruita Police Department’s patrol K-9, Omni.

Decoys hide so dogs can practice tracking, or wear bite suits that minimize bodily harm when a K-9 officer practices taking them down.

To be patrol certified, dogs must master all basic obedience commands, such as heel and sit, responding instantly. They must be able to detain or engage a suspect and return to the handler when called without hesitation. They must prove they can conduct building and area searches in a limited amount of time, accurately, even under difficult conditions.

When Fruita decided to sell Omni in order to acquire a dog for drug detection, Earthman jumped at the chance to buy him.

She completed the required 520 training hours on her own while working full time.

“I presented my paperwork to the boss and told him all we needed was a car,” she said.

Once on the force, law enforcement dogs work for peanuts—or kibble, in this case. And unlike a human partner, they never complain about what radio station they listen to or where they stop. The mere presence of a K-9 officer can halt a hostile encounter.

During one incident, a belligerent suspect ignored Hawkins’ verbal commands and rushed the patrol car. Nero exiting the back seat was enough to cause the perpetrator to hit the ground.

“They depend on you” K-9 officers regularly put their lives on the line.

In 2010, Earthman and another

dog, Oldo, tracked an armed suspect who had already fired one round then disappeared into the darkness.

Oldo hunted and engaged the suspect, who inflicted career-ending injuries on the mission-minded dog.

The suspect dumped the wounded Oldo into a canal and left him to drown. Officers were able to arrest the suspect and rescue the dog, rushing him to a veterinarian. Although his life was saved and he received the 2010 Gero Award, Oldo had to retire in a matter of months, disabled and in chronic pain.

Dogs work six or seven years before retiring, unless injury or death intervenes. At that point, the expenses for food, medical care and other needs becomes the financial responsibility of its human partner. Earthman takes that in stride.

The difficult part is dealing with grief, she said. Handlers form powerful emotional attachments to aging animals that may eventually need to be put down.

“That’s the hardest thing about having a dog. You might not want to let go, but you have to choose what’s best for them,” Earthman said. “They depend on you to make the right decisions for them.” ■

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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.............................. Valerie Sears Graphic Design............................ Chrissy Martin Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Office Manager............................ Stacey Splude Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative Montrose/Delta office.................. Heidi Gofforth Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

Officer Earthman and her current K-9 partner, Joker

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 2017 • All Rights Reserved

Cover Photo: GJPD Officer Geraldine

K-9 officers and their handlers go through a rigorous, 520-hour basic training.

To be patrol certified, dogs must master all obedience commands, be able to detain and engage a suspect and return to the handler when called.

Earthman’s work is risky, but to her, it’s the best job in the world. She and her K-9 partner, Joker, have each other’s backs as they make the community a safer place to live.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Kay Fredette has made some notable discoveries during her 31-year tenure as a volunteer at the Rabbit Valley, Mygatt-Moore fossil quarry.

Volunteers who play in the dirt “When you find a bone, you are the first human to lay eyes on something that is 152 million years old.”

By Melanie Wiseman “I don’t do manicures!” Kay Fredette said with a chuckle.

She’s far too rough on her hands for fancy nails. For 31 years, she’s worked as a volunteer at the Rabbit Valley, Mygatt-Moore fossil quarry.

You will find her there three days a week in the summer, on her hands and knees in the heat or carrying buckets of rocks.

When she’s not at the dig site, Fredette, 79, works in the lab at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita. In 2016, she volunteered 865 hours. She’s had her picture in various publications so many times, the staff members at the Museum of Western Colorado joke that she is more well known than

they are. Her story has never been told, however, until now.

Life as a dino digger “I was always interested in life sciences, but not necessarily dinosaurs,” said Fredette. “I went to the museum in 1986 thinking I might be a docent.

I had never even been to Dinosaur Journey, which at that time was in the old Penney’s building on Main Street.”

A volunteer position was available in the paleontology lab and they asked if she was interested.

“I said, ‘Sure, I’ll give it a try,’” Fredette said. “Now here I am in the quarry, working on real dinosaur bones with toothbrushes, dental picks, screwdrivers, air scribes and paint brushes.”

AUGUST 2017

Fredette had a basic knowledge of anatomy before volunteering, but would soon discover many dinosaur quirks—for example, some dinosaurs have three long sets of vertebrae in their neck, back and tail.

“It’s very exciting!” said Fredette.

“When you find a bone, you are the first human to lay eyes on something that is 152 million years old.”

She is now the Museums of Western Colorado’s volunteer laboratory supervisor. She directs the cleaning, preparation and identification of fossil specimens to be studied and exhibited. These skills take years of training to develop.

“Some find lab work boring, but not me,” Fredette said. “It’s the same eye-hand coordination as knitting or other hand work.”

She said some days out in the field are just about moving rock, but volunteers tell themselves they are moving rock to get at bones. This labor-intensive work has paid off with some noteworthy finds.

In 2010, the world’s largest apatosaurus femur was discovered in the Mygatt-Moore quarry. And it wasn’t found by a professional paleontologist—it was found by Fredette.

“I thought, ‘Oh no, another vertebra,’” said Fredette.

But it wasn’t just another vertebra.

“It was the longest and most complete femur ever found, weighed 2,400 pounds and took us four years to carefully uncover, cast and move to the lab,” she said.

After three more years of cleaning, it’s now ready for exhibit—that is, if they can find a large enough display case.

The Museums of Western Colorado said Fredette’s assistance is significant in making Dinosaur Journey into one of the leading paleontology museums in the nation.

“I would encourage people if they’re interested in being a volunteer,” said Fredette, who has no intention of quitting any time soon, “don’t be intimidated. It’s fun!”

AUGUST 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Sense of discovery Every hour Janice Shepherd spends volunteering for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a chance to go somewhere she hasn’t been before, and to challenge her sense of discovery.

The Grand Junction office manages nearly 1.3 million acres, so there’s a lot to discover.

“I like to approach every outing being aware of what’s around me,” said Shepherd, 59. “The things I discover are about history, and a connection to the land and people who came here first.”

In 2016, there were 27,000 volunteers for BLM-managed lands in the U.S. Shepherd was one of just seven to be honored with a “Making a Difference” national volunteer award.

She averages 500 volunteer hours per year, working in a variety of capacities.

“The people at the BLM are dedicated and knowledgeable about balancing resources for recreation, wildlife, habitat, oil and gas, grazing rights, et cetera, and I wanted to be a part of that,” said Shepherd. “The BLM has a small staff to manage so much land.

I can leverage that by bringing back information they can use.”

Shepherd considers herself the eyes and ears of the BLM. In 2010, the bureau was looking for public input on a new resource management plan. She helped staff members realize its inventory of roads and trails was inaccurate and stepped

up to help. She also got involved in archaeology field trips, documenting historic sites, such as camps of miners, cowboys and sheepherders.

“The learning possibilities out there are infinite,” said Shepherd.

“There’s always the potential for seeing something I haven’t seen before.

I’m always wondering what’s around the corner.”

When Shepherd finds something, she does research, learns more and then researches some more. At one site, she found a dated sardine can, which led to her learning that in 1900, 200 million cans of sardines were consumed in the U.S. because of their ease of transport and high protein value.

Shepherd is an avid traveler and hiker who completed an inventory of climbing sites within the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. She regularly contributes to trail maintenance, construction and restoration projects, as well as annual National Public Lands Day cleanups.

“Janice stands out because she takes time to see where her efforts would help us the most,” said Alissa Leavitt-Reynolds, Grand Junction BLM field office archaeologist. “She asks herself how her work will be meaningful to our goals. She also has an intense attention to detail and processes, and is great on projects with kids.”

Mesa County is a better place because of Shepherd’s energy and passion for public land stewardship. ■

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RECIPES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

Specializing in Helping Seniors Downsize and Relocate Carol Gerber

Senior Real Estate Specialist Cell: 970.234.2037 Office: 970.242.3647 carolgerber@brayandco.com www.carol.brayandcosearch.com

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Tuscan Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe by Michelle De La Cerda, www.thecompletesavorist.com

Ingredients: 8 TortillaLand Flour Tortillas 1-22 oz pkg Tyson Grilled & Ready® Chicken strips 1-15 oz can (or similar) white beans, rinsed and drained 3-5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (whole, strips or diced)

3-4 oz fresh baby spinach, cleaned and dried 1/3 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing +/- according to taste 1/4-1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions: 1. Cook the tortillas according to package directions and set aside.

2. Start cooking the chicken strips according to package directions.

3. Meanwhile, layer the tortillas with the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and white beans.

4. As the chicken finishes cooking, add it to the tortilla on top of the other ingredients.

5. Add the dressing over all the ingredients, as much or as little as desired.

6. Generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

7. Tightly fold the tortilla together.

8. Serve and enjoy, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another day.

AUGUST 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Advice Column

ASK THE

OLD BAG

e

2017

HEAR IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE CONCERT SERIES

for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I am a 65-year-old widower. After several years of loneliness and lousy cooking, I have decided to move into an independent retirement community. My friends are constantly chiding me, telling me that I’m not “ready for that.” I tell them they don’t know what they’re talking about.

Where else can an old guy like me get meals, housekeeping, exercise, friendship, entertainment and be free to travel without worrying about my house?

My friends have some mistaken idea that you go to a place like that when you need care. Wrong. If you wait until you need care, you have waited too long. You can’t get in! They need to know that one’s life can change in a heartbeat. My wife died of a heart attack at age 60. I wish you would tell them, please. Signed, MC Dear MC: Years ago, I spoke to a gerontology class at a university about retirement communities and all they offer. After class, the professor, a woman who was about 50 years old, said to me, “If they had those places for young people like me, I would move there in a minute. I would love to have a meal when I get home without cooking it, a ride to the symphony so I wouldn’t have to fight traffic, have my apartment cleaned and all that other stuff.” I think there’s a certain mindset as we grow older that causes us to stay away from retirement places. It’s almost as if people think they will catch something—like old age. Congrats to you for being a free thinker! Happy landings. OB Dear Old Bag: My husband and I just returned from our granddaughter’s wedding in another state. It was a

Hazel Miller Band Saturday, auguSt 5 $20 advance / $25 at door Benefits Mesa County Partners

Sponsored by Bank of the West

r. Carlos Nakai Quartet “destination wedding,” which is what they call it when the bride and groom choose a lovely, expensive place to get married and the family is obligated to go and spend a fortune to witness this blessed event. We were surprised that our daughter and son-in-law allowed it. Of course, my husband opened his mouth and expressed his opinion to them, which has created hard feelings. What do you think of destination weddings, and do you think my husband was out of line to say something?

Signed, Old Fashioned

Dear Old Fashioned: I have been to and enjoyed one destination wedding.

It was beautiful, lots of fun, and expensive for all concerned. My advice is 1) It’s an invitation, not a demand.

If it’s too expensive for you, don’t go.

2) If you have read my column for a while, you know I stand firm on some things. One of them is to never criticize or advise your married children or grandchildren—unless you want to damage the relationship. If they ask for your advice, give it very carefully.

You are through raising children. Just enjoy them and keep your opinions to yourself. That’s what I would do.

I have slipped up a few times and regretted it every time! OB ■

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Dinner, wine, soda, and bottled water offered for sale NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES PERMITTED (COMPLIMENTARY WATER AVAILABLE)

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10

THE HEALTHY GEEZER

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

The skinny on the fat in your blood

Come join us for the 6th annual

Healthy Geezer

By Fred Cicetti

Y

October 18-21, 2017

our doctor says your triglycerides are elevated. You know that doesn’t sound good…but you’re not sure what it means. Here’s the skinny on the fat in your blood: triglycerides.

2017 LINE UP!

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www.moabseniorgames.com • Call 435.260.0161 for more information

What is a triglyceride, anyway?

Calories you take in but don’t burn immediately are converted to triglycerides to supply you with energy later. They’re important to maintaining good health.

If triglycerides get out of control, however, your heart could be at risk. People with high levels usually have lower HDL cholesterol (that’s the good kind) and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

A normal triglyceride level is less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

The level is borderline high if it’s 150199 mg/dL; high if it’s 200-499 mg/dL and very high if it’s 500 mg/dL or more.

Your triglyceride level can be too high if you consistently consume more calories than you need. Other causes of elevated triglycerides—called hypertriglyceridemia—include diabetes, an underactive thyroid, kidney disease and drugs such as beta-blockers, some diuretics, estrogen, tamoxifen, steroids and birth control pills.

Hypertriglyceridemia can run in families. While high triglycerides don’t usually present noticeable symptoms, people with a family history may have visible fatty deposits under the skin.

Services provided by

Elevated triglycerides are often part of a group of conditions called metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is the combination of high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess weight, low HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. This

syndrome increases your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

It’s not too late to change The primary remedy for too many triglycerides is changing your habits.

To get your triglycerides down: •

Get off the recliner and exercise.

Cut your caloric intake across the board. You must reduce your consumption of not just fat, but carbohydrates and proteins, too. People with high triglycerides may have to limit their intake of carbohydrates to no more than 45-50 percent of total calories.

•

Avoid saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. A good starting point is to stay away from foods that come from animals, such as meat, dairy and eggs.

But there are plant-based foods that are bad for you, too, including oils from coconuts, cotton seeds and palm kernels.

•

Eat oily fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna and salmon, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

•

A small amount of alcohol can generate a big increase in triglyceride levels.

Cut down as much as you can.

•

Quit smoking. Smoking doesn’t just cause respiratory diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema. It kills you in so many ways.

•

If changing your habits is insufficient to bring your level of triglycerides down, there are medications that can be prescribed, including fenofibrate, gemfibrozil and nicotinic acids. ■

No one cares for you like Family.

Send your general health questions to the Healthy Geezer in care of the BEACON, or email fred@healthygeezer.com.

AUGUST 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Burn fat with five thermogenic foods

Dear Pha r

macist

By Suzy Cohen, RPH

T

he fastest way to lose weight is to exercise more and shrink your portions at each meal, but there are some shortcuts you can take.

One of them is thyroid hormone, because it turns on your fat-burning pathways. Another shortcut is to eat and drink more of the foods and beverages that increase calorie burning, or thermogenesis.

Here are the specific items I think can help. Try integrating what you like on a daily basis.

Green tea Organic green tea is easy to drink once or twice daily, iced or hot. The flavor doesn’t matter, but if you put sugar in it, you’re defeating the purpose. Even if you keep your regular diet steady, you could lose as much as 2.9 pounds over 12 weeks by consuming this beverage, according to a 2013 article from the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” The researchers theorize a combination of caffeine and polyphenols produce a thermogenic effect.

Hot peppers I love spicy food! It helps you burn calories due to the heat-forming compound called capsaicin. Taken internally in the form of spice, it can turn on thermogenesis. So next time you eat hot chili or salsa and feel yourself starting to get hot under the collar, remind yourself that you’re not being socially awkward—you’re being metabolically upgraded!

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Cinnamon Cinnamon is thought to help balance blood sugar, another shortcut to losing weight. Cinnamon is also thermogenic.

Sprinkle it over a bowl of fresh berries with a splash of milk or cream, put some on top of your morning oatmeal, or add it to a protein shake or smoothie. Cinnamon is great on top of coffee, too.

Apple cider vinegar In 2009, researchers found that acetic acid, the main ingredient in apple cider vinegar, promotes the production of fat-burning enzymes in the livers of mice. Don’t drink it straight because it is very acidic and can damage your tooth enamel and esophagus. Use it to make salad dressing or dilute a teaspoon in a cup of water and boom… down the hatch!

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Coconut oil Coconut oil’s molecular structure makes it uniquely able to bypass the digestive process (where its calories could be stored as fat) and go straight to the liver, where it can be used for fuel. So coconut oil isn’t thermogenic because it increases calorie burning, per se, but rather because it doesn’t contribute to fat, and can replace other fats in your diet.

In addition to being thermogenic, these five foods are extremely healthy for you in so many ways. Integrating them into your diet is a wonderful idea just for the health of it. ■

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12

HEALTH & WELLNESS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

Test your supplement smarts

By Sandra Gordon

A stroke couldn’t stop her from helping others heal.

Sharon cared for stroke patients earlier in life, as a Registered Nurse. So, when she had a stroke, she knew she needed to get help fast. Her stroke team immediately began treatment.

Thanks to the personal encouragement and comprehensive therapy she received, Sharon regained the ability to drive, walk and speak. Today, she’s connecting with other stroke survivors, teaching Sunday school, and caring for her community in other rewarding ways.

Find out how our 24/7 stroke program helps you recover to your full potential. Visit stmarygj.org/stroke.

V

itamin and mineral supplements are big business. Americans collectively spend roughly $34 billion on them annually. Still, vitamin and mineral misinformation is rampant.

How supplement smart are you?

We guarantee that you’ll learn some new facts from our quiz that will enhance your supplement savvy— and help you get more from a multi. _______________________________

gle-nutrient supplements can do more harm than good. According to Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, omega-3 fish oil capsules or antioxidants, such as vitamins C, vitamin A and selenium may even be harmful and increase the risk of certain cancers. _______________________________

TRUE OR FALSE: There’s no over-thecounter formula that can sizzle up your sex life.

ANSWER: False.

TRUE OR FALSE: A daily multivitamin There’s at least one supplement will turn a bad diet into a healthy one. that might: ArginMax for Women, ANSWER: False. a nutritional supplement that conA multivitamin can help, but it tains ginseng, ginkgo and damaina won’t fix you completely. Americans extracts (Chinese herbs) as well as should take a multivitamin primarily L-Arginine (an amino acid), multivitabecause our diets are so poor, said mins and minerals.

Dr. Jeffrey Blumberg, senior scientist “It’s the only dietary supplement I in the antioxidants research laboraknow of that has undergone a doutory at the Jean Mayer USDA Human ble-blind, placebo-controlled study,” Nutrition Research Center on Aging said Dr. Beverly Whipple, a certified at Tufts University in Boston. sexuality educator and co-author of We eat less than half the number “The G Spot and Other Discoveries of recommended daily servings of About Human Sexuality.” fruit and one of our favorite vegetaThe study, published in the “Jourbles is nutritionally barren iceberg nal of Sex & Marital Therapy,” found lettuce. But taking a multivitamin that 74 percent of participants who isn’t a cure-all if, say, breakfast is a were receiving the supplement latte and lunch is chicken fingers and reported improved satisfaction with stolen bites of your grandkid’s mactheir overall sex life, compared to 37 aroni and cheese. Eating well is still percent in the placebo group after your most effective means of warding four weeks. off chronic diseases like cancer and It’s estimated that at least 40 perheart disease. cent of women between 18 and 59 in “Food provides a full package of the U.S. report some form of sexual disease-protective fiber and phytodysfunction, such as loss of libido or chemicals, complex carbohydrates difficulty in achieving orgasm. If you for energy and muscle-building decide to try ArginMax for Women, protein,” said Dr. John. B. Allred, protell your doctor before you’re prefessor emeritus of nutrition at Ohio scribed any other medication, includState University. ing birth control pills.

If you decide to take a multivi“Herbs are medicines and intertamin, look for one that provides act with other medication, perroughly 100 percent of the daily haps negatively,” Whipple said. value for vitamins A, C, D and E, _______________________________ thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin, TRUE OR FALSE: You should take a “carbvitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, smart” vitamin if you’re on a low-carb pantothenic acid and zinc. diet.

If you’re over 65, talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin D3 ANSWER: False. supplement.

You don’t need a designated vitaKeep in mind that some sinmin for low-carb diets; a good mul-

AUGUST 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

TRUE OR FALSE: Taking “beauty supple-

ments” can promote healthier, younger looking skin.

ANSWER: False.

You’re better off with a broad-spectrum sunblock. Although it’s well-documented in scientific studies that topical vitamin products, such as Retin-A, a derivative of vitamin A, and forms of vitamins C and E can help foster more youthful-looking skin, the jury’s still out on whether taking a vitamin supplement can impact the skin from the inside out.

The sun is really what ages us the most. Smoking is another culprit. _______________________________ TRUE OR FALSE: The best time to take a

multivitamin is on an empty stomach.

ANSWER: False.

For maximum absorption, it’s best to wash it down with a meal.

“Our bodies are designed to absorb nutrients with food,” said Blumberg.

“Taking a multivitamin when you’re eating makes good use of the natural function.”

It also helps avoid the potential for nausea. Moreover, you’ll be more likely to remember your multivitamin if you have it with the same meal every day. _______________________________ TRUE OR FALSE: A multivitamin doesn’t

give you energy.

ANSWER: True.

“Multivitamins don’t provide energy because they don’t contain calories,” said Allred.

If you’re feeling sluggish, tweak your diet. Increase your consumption of fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, beans and lean protein.

Both provide longer-lasting energy than sugary snacks or coffee. If that doesn’t work, see your doctor. A medical condition may be to blame. _______________________________ TRUE OR FALSE: The more vitamins and minerals you get, the healthier you’ll be.

ANSWER: False.

You can get too much of a good thing. According to a report in the “Journal of the American Dietetic Association,” if you’re eating highly fortified foods (like some cereals, energy bars and vitamin waters) in conjunction with multivitamins, you can easily consume 300 percent of the RDA (recommended dietary allowances) for many known nutrients, raising the rare possibility of toxicity. Symptoms can vary from mild nausea to severe nerve damage. More likely is the development of a nutrient imbalance, a problem because most vitamins and minerals work in concert with one another. To be safe, make sure you keep track of how much you’re consuming.

Keep in mind, supplements aren’t tightly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so you can’t always trust that label or know what you’re buying. The label may not state the amount of certain nutrients, or worse, list contaminants such as lead or other heavy metals.

Consumer Lab, an independent testing organization that publishes an “approved quality” list of more than 500 supplements for subscribers, recently tested over 60 multivitamins and found that 32 percent contained defects, such as too little or too much of claimed amounts of vitamins.

Name brands such as One-A-Day, Nature’s Bounty and Nature Made typically measure up. ■

Th

tivitamin will do the job. This is especially true if your diet dips below 1,400 calories per day, an amount that won’t meet your needs for essential vitamins and minerals.

“Smart-carb supplements are just another marketing ploy to get the attention and money of low-carb dieters,” said Dr. Fred Pescatore, author of “The Hamptons Diet.”

They can also be double the cost per tablet of regular multivitamins. Save your money and go with a regular multivitamin such as One-A-Day Women’s tablets or Life Force by Source Naturals. _______________________________

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

Meet your new therapist, Mr. Ed A client bonds with Suede, one of 11 equine partners at Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning Center.

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lue skies framed calm stables as Jay D. Muller and I walked up to meet the horses at Reimer’s Rainbow Ranch, home of the Grand Valley Equine Assisted Learning Center (GVEALC). They were quiet, munching on their breakfast before their workday began.

The center, located at 979 25 Road, aims to provide learning opportunities using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing. The volunteers and horses create an atmosphere of healing. Watching a session is like watching a village come together to help friends in need.

The healing touch The GVEALC staff includes licensed therapists who offer hippotherapy— therapy with help from a horse—to individuals with disabilities, assisting with motor skills, occupational and physical therapy and even speech.

The horses’ movement helps develop clients’ sensory, neuromotor and

cognitive systems.

GVEALC also offers equine assisted psychotherapy. Interacting with horses has many physiological benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and heart rates, as well as psychological benefits including reduced feelings of stress, anger and anxiety.

Nikki Goodenough, a licensed equine assisted counselor, looks at the emotional responses of the horses to better know the emotional well being of the rider.

“Any change in the horse’s environment causes the horse to change its behavior, and that creates opportunities for healing,” Goodenough said.

“Likewise, as the client calms down, the horse will also calm itself down [in] a mutual exchange of energies.”

She often works with veterans, some of whom suffer from serious post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“The folks with PTSD gain a bond with the horse, which they sometimes have trouble gaining with other

AUGUST 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

people. The behavior of the horse acts like a monitor for the emotions of the rider,” she said.

January Johnston, licensed in hippotherapy, explained how her work has helped clients with disabilities.

“Part of the reason why this works is that while clients are just trying to remain balanced and strong on the horse, they also work with fine motor skills: throwing, catching, playing games,” said Johnston.

She finds recent research in this growing field exciting, and it certainly seems to be effective. One session of equine-assisted therapy can result in advancements that would take three months in a clinical setting.

A labor of love Muller and his wife, Suzanne, have backgrounds in special education.

They saw an opportunity to match kids with horses who could help.

“It was a labor of love to get to this point,” Muller said.

Things have grown since the couple worked with their first client in April 2015. The center started with just two horses. Now there are 11.

But even that’s not enough, as the center requires a diverse group to fit each client’s needs. Eventually, the Mullers hope to place the Grand Valley at the forefront of equestrian therapy research.

To get there, the center relies on its volunteers. Each session requires supervision, a lead horse-walker, a second horse-walker and an alternate.

There are also volunteers who clean pens and take care of the horses.

There’s no need to be a “horse person” to volunteer, either, as there are plenty of jobs to go around. Everyone’s goal is to make the center a safe and immersive environment for both the clients and the horses.

“A volunteer typically begins by working with the horses specifically,” said Sabine Will, one of the center’s volunteers. “This gains a level of trust with the horses and it helps immensely for both the horse and the volunteer to be on the same page during the session.”

Once volunteers have developed a strong skill set and confidence level,

they begin to work with clients—an unforgettable feeling that keeps them coming back for more. In fact, the volunteers’ love for the horses is only second to their love and compassion for the center’s clients.

Muller is deeply grateful for the work the volunteers put in and the help donors provide. The mission continues to gain momentum because of donations like a ramp to help clients mount the horses and the property itself, which was lent to the center by owner Marlo Reimer.

The real stars Though many people come together to make everything possible, the horses are the true stars of the show.

Each has its own story.

One horse, named Suede, is a retired reiner—horses trained to complete a pattern of spins, circles and fast stops. Muller believes therapy is a much more appropriate line of work for Suede and many of the other horses at the center.

Each goes through a probationary period that involves training and simulation sessions with the volunteers. The counselors make a point of learning each horse’s temperament.

This helps them pair horses and clients, who must be able to bond emotionally.

A horse named Diego was donated to the program just months ago by Kirt Trathen, who now works as his handler during sessions.

Diego has laid-back days and busier days, Trathen said, but they both seem to find working with the center rewarding.

Want to get involved?

GVEALC is always looking for volunteers and currently has two openings on its Board of Directors. These positions are vital in helping raise funds that are crucial for the facility’s success, as well as that of the people it provides services for.

For more information, call 216-8723 or visit www.gvequine assistedlearningcenter.org. ■

15

16

LAUGHING MATTERS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

LAUGHING MATTERS Working dogs

Submitted by Ron Wagers

What do you call a dog that works in a lawyer's office?

AND PUFFERBELLY RESTAURANT

"Yes," whispered the small voice.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

"May I talk with him?"

My mistake

To the boss’ surprise, the small voice whispered, "No."

• • • •

The light turned yellow, just in front of a driver. He did the right thing and stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating driver behind him was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. Midrant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

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He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, giving the guy in front of you the finger and cursing him. I noticed the ‘What would Jesus do?’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so I naturally assumed you had stolen the car."

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"Is your daddy home?" he asked.

A para-beagle.

Submitted by Helen Curtis

new items at, , starvin arvin s

Someone picked up the phone, and he heard a child whisper, "Hello?"

Submitted by Matthew Lee

A boss called one of his employees, who worked from home, about an urgent problem with one of the main computers at their company.

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your mommy there?"

"Yes," came the answer.

"May I talk with her?"

Again, the small voice whispered, "No." "Is anybody else there?" asked the boss.

"Yes" whispered the child, "a policeman."

Wondering what a cop would be doing there, the boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?"

"No, he's busy," whispered the child.

"Busy doing what?" asked the boss.

"Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the firemen," came the whispered answer.

The boss was growing concerned, and then he heard what sounded like a helicopter through the earpiece on the phone. "What’s that noise?"

"A hello-copper" answered the whispering voice.

"What is going on there?" asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed voice, the child whispered, "The search team just landed the hello-copper."

Alarmed, concerned and more than a little frustrated, the boss asked, "What are they searching for?"

With a muffled giggle, the young voice replied, "Me." –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The magician and the parrot Submitted by Constance Porter

A magician worked on a cruise ship.

AUGUST 2017

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The audience was different each week so the magician did the same tricks over and over again. There was only one problem—the captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the magician did every trick.

Once he understood, he started shouting in the middle of the show: "Look, it's not the same hat!" or "Look, he's hiding the flowers under the table!" or "Hey, why are all the cards the ace of spades?"

The magician was furious but couldn't do anything. It was, after all, the captain's parrot.

Then one stormy night on the Pacific, the ship sank, drowning everyone but the magician and the parrot, who floated together on a piece of wood in the middle of the sea. They stared at each other with hatred but did not utter a word. This went on for a day, then two days, then three days.

Finally, on the fourth day, the parrot couldn’t hold back any longer and said, "Okay, I give up. Where's the ship?"

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Gun control Submitted by Boen Chambers

I got my concealed weapon permit yesterday and went over to Cabela’s to get a small 9 mm for home protection.

When I was ready to pay for the gun and bullets, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing me."

Making a mental note to complain to the NRA about gun control wackos run-

ning amok, I did just as she instructed.

When the shrieking and alarms finally died down, I realized she was referring to how I placed my credit card in the card reader. I've been asked to shop elsewhere in the future. They need to make instructions to seniors a little clearer. I still don't think I looked that bad.

––––– ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Three wishes Submitted by Ted Boothroyd

A sales rep, an administrative clerk and their manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp.

They rub it and a genie comes out.

The genie says, "I'll give each of you just one wish."

"Me first! Me first!" says the administrative clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world."

Puff! She's gone.

"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep.

"I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of piña coladas and the love of my life."

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18

HOME & GARDEN

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

Celebrate August with local produce

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Alive and Digging, By Paige Slaughter

B

etween farmers markets, local farm stands and backyard gardens, our area is bursting with fresh produce. There’s nothing like some Olathe sweet corn, a sun-ripened heirloom tomato, or a juicy Palisade peach.

Not only is locally grown produce the tastiest, it’s also the healthiest. It’s easy to forget that grocery store produce has traveled hundreds of miles to get here and loses much of its nutritional value within just a few days of being harvested.

For me, taste and nutrition are reasons enough to gravitate towards local produce. Caring for our planet and supporting the local economy are also huge factors. But there’s another reason to participate in our local growing season: money in your pocket.

• Support local growers by visiting farmers markets. Talk to different vendors to learn about how they’re growing their food. Some casual digging might lead you to discover someone who’s putting your values into practice.

• Reap (and share) your bounty! For us gardeners, mid-summer is a joyous time. We get to reap the fruits of our labor, brag to our friends about all we’ve grown, swap stories and produce with other garden dwellers and share bountiful harvests with our loved ones. Giving homegrown produce is deeply rewarding. Visit www.growanotherrow.org to learn more about how you can participate in sharing.

tunities to preserve harvests so that you can enjoy them all year.

• Drying and dehydrating: The simplest and most hands-off approach to food preservation, drying produce is easy and effective. Air dry tender herbs by bundling and hanging them in a cool, dark place with a bit of air flow. You can spread a thin layer of herbs, edible flowers or chili peppers in a basket and lay cheesecloth over the top to keep dust away. Slice fruits and dry them in a dehydrator. Store dried produce in jars to use in dishes.

• Canning: You only need a few tools and a recipe to get started canning.

Be warned: This is one of the more time-consuming techniques.

• Fermentation: Let food and liquid sit in a jar on the counter, and wait.

There are many types of fermentation leading to fantastic eats like kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles, wines and spirits.

Fermented products are full of probiotics that benefit your gut.

Whichever preservation methods you choose to explore, do some research beforehand. You may discover a new favorite food and pastime all at once! ■

GARDEN CHECKLIST ❒ Deadhead flowers to encourage

new growth ❒ Order bulbs for fall planting ❒ Prune hedges for the last time (so

as not to encourage new growth too late in the season)

• Preserve the harvest to enjoy all year long.

❒ Cure onions in a warm, dry place

Preserving abundance

❒ Plant brassica starts and di-

Even the hungriest of us can only eat so many peaches. Consider these oppor-

before storing rect-sow fast-growing crops like spinach and radishes

AUGUST 2017

The bat and the blind dog

By Marti Healy

I

19

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

t was dark, lumpy and crumpled-looking. At first, I thought it was a faded camellia blossom—a regular gift from my cat, Tuppence. But just before I reached down to scoop it up off the bedroom floor, I took a

closer look. I saw its little head and body and wings pulled in protectively to its sides. It was a bat.

Sensing my nearness, the little bat suddenly broke his silence and began asking for help. He clicked over and over again, desperately trying to communicate with me, letting me know he was frightened and confused, lost and exhausted and wanted nothing more than to be returned to the outdoors. Even Tuppence, who was watching and listening intently, didn’t try to harm him or upset him any more than he already was.

Using a garden glove and an empty glass, I carried him out into the night and nestled him down on a thick bed of ivy, not far from where a bat house is nailed to a gnarly old magnolia tree. I trusted his calls would bring others to his assistance. Bats do that.

They watch out for each other, helping the injured and ill among them.

As I expected, by morning the bat

was nowhere to be seen.

I was particularly intrigued by this creature’s instinctive method of communication due to a ritual I had recently observed taking place between my elderly dog, Indy, and a neighborhood dog down the street.

Indy and I often walk past the house where the other dog lives—an Australian Shepherd—who has appointed himself the fence police.

When he sees someone approaching on foot, the Aussie barks with his loudest voice, stirring up as much dust and attitude as possible.

He used to startle me, even when I saw him coming. But Indy remained nonplused. He simply ignored the confrontation the first few times.

Then he decided to do something about it.

Indy began “talking” softly to the Aussie, establishing a non-threatening presence. He stood quietly close to the fence, allowing the neighbor dog to sniff him from head to tail. He gave him a leisurely, unedited version of his story—his health, his age, his

personality, his history. I just held up my end of the leash and kept quiet.

Indy notably kept his own face turned away from the other dog.

Finally, he politely left his signature and walked to the other side of the street.

Indy repeated his story to the dog two days in a row, and the Aussie hasn’t barked at us since. Now he comes to the fence whenever we pass by to watch and listen intently, but never aggressively. Indy continues to speak to him wisely with an open heart and peaceful energy.

Tolstoy said, “All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to town.”

Perhaps this observation applies to our lives as well as our fiction.

Perhaps we are all strangers, and all on a journey, like a bat who inexplicably finds himself inside a house, or a dog who blindly trespasses onto a strange lawn. We tell our stories in the best way we can. And we trust there is someone who wants to listen. ■

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AUGUST 2017

Small-scale fun:

10 unique one-topic museums across the U.S.

By Sandra Scott

T

here are museums dedicated to all manner of people and things. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. claims to be the world’s largest museum complex. It would take years to see everything. At the other end of the spectrum, there are small, unique museums dedicated to one item. Most were started by someone with a passion for the topic and can be viewed within an hour. They are fascinating nonetheless and worth the visit if you’re traveling nearby.

PEZ Museum Burlingame, California 650-347-2301 www.burlingamepezmuseum.com If a person has a passion, it’s only natural that he wants to share it. Gary Doss opened a museum in 1995 to share his love of PEZ Candy. He claims to have one of every PEZ dispenser ever sold. He has more than 900 of them, plus many more PEZ-related items. He also sells PEZ products.

Triangle Tattoo & Museum Fort Bragg, California 707-964-8814 www.triangletattoo.com

The museum was founded in 1986 by tattoo artists Mr. G. and Madame Chinchilla. There are samples of tattoos from around the world, including images of the Maori of New Zealand with traditional Moko tattoos. “Tattoos Without Consent” is a thought-provoking display of tattoos from Germany, China and Russia.

The Kregel Windmill Factory Museum Nebraska City, Nebraska 402-873-1078 www.kregelwindmillfactory museum.org On the prairie where there was no reliable surface water, windmills made living and farming possible. The Kregel Windmill Company, preserved in its 1939 condition, is complete with all the furnishings and tools. The factory-turned-museum has touch screens to facilitate the self-guided tour.

Museum of American Speed Lincoln, Nebraska 402-323-3166 www.museumof americanspeed.com

Speedy Bill and Joyce Smith’s lifetime love of all things associated with racing has become a museum with thousands of items related to racing. There are rare and unique items in displays and dioramas that offer a step into the past.

AUGUST 2017

TRAVEL 21

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INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

SPAM Museum Austin, Minnesota 507-437-5100 www.spam.com/museum

Dubbed “The Guggenham,” the SPAM Museum is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of spiced pork artifacts. Today the product is known worldwide in a large part to its distribution by American soldiers to hungry civilians during World War II.

Hot Springs is a small town with a big attraction—the thermal water that attracted the rich, famous and infamous. It’s only right that a place where the gangsters of the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s went for a little rest and relaxation should have a museum with a gallery dedicated to the likes of Al Capone.

We’ve taken the art of aging gracefully to a whole new level

The Gangster Museum of America Hot Springs, Arkansas 501-318-1717 www.tgmoa.com

Uncle Remus Museum Eatonton, Georgia 706-485-6856 www.uncleremusmuseum.org The museum, housed in a log cabin, strives to educate visitors about the life and work of Joel Chandler Harris, who preserved the African American tales of Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Fox he heard as a boy while working at Turnwold Plantation. Uncle Remus was a composite character drawn from several local slaves who shared the stories with him.

Jell-O Museum LeRoy, New York 585-768-7433 www.jellogallery.org

The story of Jell-O points out the importance of marketing. Well-trained salesmen in “spanking rigs, drawn by beautiful horses” introduced Jell-O to homemakers at fairs, country gatherings, and church socials as a way to make dessert preparation easier. It became “America’s Most Famous Dessert.” Visit its website for some yummy Jell-O recipes, including Grown-Up Cranberry Jell-O, Ginger Ale Salad and Neapolitan Jell-O.

Small museums often work in tandem with a similar venture. Such is the case of the Open Hand Theater’s Museum of International Masks and Puppets in Syracuse. It’s home to a collection of masks and puppets from all over the world and hosts performances. The 12-foot stilt puppets are amazing.

Museum of International Masks and Puppets Syracuse, New York 315-476-0466 www.openhandtheater.org

Hilltop’s premier senior communities offer a world of gracious living, personalized care and unsurpassed amenities. n Luxurious apartments featuring great views, spacious floorplans, and paid utilities n Quality restaurant-style dining n Lushly landscaped outdoor spaces and walking trails n Social activities and trips

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Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum Oswego, New York 315-342-3003 www.safehaven museum.com

This museum and education center is dedicated to keeping alive the stories of the 982 Jewish refugees from World War II who entered the U.S. as “guests” of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

These refugees were housed in a concentrated compound at Fort Ontario from August 1944 until February 1946. ■

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AUGUST 2017

L.L. Frank—you lucky dog!

This extra-special pooch is Little Lucky Frank. Three years ago, L.L. Frank was found by a Realtor who was getting a vacant house ready to show. The Realtor found him in a cardboard box, inside a closet in the basement of the empty home. He was rushed to a nearby vet, who nursed him back to health.

Around that time, Kim Carney had lost her third senior rescue pet and had chosen a cute little dog to visit at a shelter nearby.

But when she offered her hand, the dog bit her.

“I was so bummed, I started crying,” she wrote. “As I was dabbing my tears, I saw a little black-and-white blur coming towards me. L.L. Frank jumped up in my lap. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile and he pawed at me as if to say, ‘I’m the one you’re supposed to rescue! I adopt you!’”

L.L. Frank and Carney moved to Grand Junction last November to help care for her mother at Mantey Heights Rehabilitation and Care Centre. Every day, he goes to Mantey Heights to greet his fan club. Everyone knows him by name and faces light up when they see Frank trotting down the hall. Frank enjoys visiting, napping in the sun and sharing ice cream with his fans.

In spite of a horrific beginning, he has a loyal, loving heart.

“Think of how much better the world would be if we all modeled ourselves after the inspiring spirit of L.L. Frank,” Carney wrote. “Special thanks to Mantey Heights for allowing precious little fur angels like Frank to visit the facility. What a positive impact it has made on the lives of their residents.” ■ Photo credits: L.L. Frank, submitted by Kim Carney Prissy, submitted by Susan Rawlins Abby, submitted by Melanie Wiseman Iggy & Piper, submitted by Stephanie & Ken Johnston Twinkle, submitted by Rhonda Conradson Sniggles, submitted by Kathy Applebee Maya, submitted by Ron Baker Maddie, submitted by Wendy Olson Deuce, submitted by Beverly Davis Hershey, submitted by CJ Reigle Molly, submitted by Jean Brewer Ridley, submitted by Hannah Maclean

Prissy is cuddly and the purr-fe ct companion.

Bonham Abby meets a beaver at .

Reservoir, Grand Mesa

Iggy and Piper hike at Mc Innis Canyon.

AUGUST 2017

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9 pm Late Night Potty Breaks!

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Twinkle relaxes at home

Deuce has no idea how that slipper got from the bedroom to the dining room.

Sniggles is exhausted after her first outing at the dog park. dappled Dachshund is Hershey the chocolaterless. small, stubborn and fea

You love your pets, but you may not love all their behaviors.

Our Animal Behavior Counselors can help with* Chewing • Escaping • Jumping • Barking • Potty training Litterbox problems • Fearfulness & Aggression and more!

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Let us help you develop a deeper bond with your pet by learning about their needs and instincts.

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Can’t get enough of these cute pets?

More photos from BEACON readers (and staff) at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Call 434-7337

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*First consult is free; cost is $10 per consult thereafter. Consultations are free to adopted pets and their owners for 6 months following adoption date.

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AUGUS

The 1945 Grumman TBM Avenger is the first airplane in Colorado to receive a historic designation by History Colorado.

Charlie Huff flew to Grand Junction from Crawford for the CAF Open House in the Kitfox plane he built himself.

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

Photo by Cloie Sandlin

History takes flight:

The Commemorative Air Force keeps the past alive

By Melanie Wiseman & Cloie Sandlin

H

eritage Way is a most appropriate address for one of the bestkept historical secrets in the Grand Valley. Located at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, just east of the terminal, visitors will find a dedicated group of volunteers keeping aviation history alive as part of the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) Rocky Mountain Wing.

Since its formation in 1981, Rocky Mountain Wing members maintain a museum filled with interactive exhibits and artifacts from World

War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, including magazines, photographs, autographed items, uniforms, artwork and other memorabilia. Most items have stories, which are passionately told by the museum’s curator and CAF member, Dorothy Dutton.

The local wing also houses and operates two planes as symbols of America’s heritage: The 1946 Piper J3 Cub, the smallest World War II

aircraft, and the 1945 Grumman TBM Avenger.

“These are not museum pieces, per se, like you would normally see roped off,” said Wing Commander Kent Taylor. “These are real airplanes that you can touch, hear and smell.”

The TBM Avenger, the largest single-engine World War II-era torpedo bomber, was recently designated “historic property” by History Colorado. It’s the first airplane in Colorado to receive such a designation and only the second in the nation.

“We are proud to fly and display this aircraft, which is now an even more valuable asset to the Western Slope and surrounding areas,” said Taylor. “This historic designation will open doors to our organization for future expansion and educational efforts that will benefit Grand Junction and the entire Intermountain West.”

Saving our heritage

Photo by Cloie Sandlin

The Commemorative Air Force began in 1957, when a small group of ex-service pilots in Texas decided to do something about the high number of stripped and abandoned World

War II aircraft. The mission was, and remains, to educate American generations about the valuable contributions military aviation played in ensuring our nation’s freedom.

During the second World War, approximately 300,000 aircraft were produced. Just 15 years later, almost none remained. One by one, planes have been salvaged and rehabilitated into working aircraft. Today, the CAF has 13,000 members nationally and owns and operates the largest collection of military aircraft, a fleet of 170 airplanes representing 60 various models.

Though the CAF’s American Airpower Museum retains ownership of the airplanes, more than 80 wings and squadrons have been assigned the responsibility of maintaining the aircraft.

“We’re the stewards,” Taylor said.

“We’re responsible for restoration, maintenance, upkeep, flying, etc.”

When it comes to funding, the Rocky Mountain Wing is self-sufficient, receiving no financial support from the organization’s headquarters.

They must be fiscally responsible, as restoring and caring for aircraft is not easy, nor cheap.

“We’ve spent about $300,000 and a lot of years and man hours getting the TBM in the shape that it’s in,” Taylor said.

The group is in fundraising mode

ST 2017

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A 1946 Piper J3 Cub, the smallest World War II aircraft, is maintained by members of the CAF Rocky Mountain Wing.

Visit the CAF Rocky Mountain Wing Museum Located at 780 Heritage Way, the museum is open most Saturdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. but appointments are recommended.

To schedule a visit, call 256-0693.

To schedule a ride on the 1945 Grumman TBM Avenger or 1946 Piper J3 Cub, call 970-921-3700.

To join CAF Rocky Mountain Wing, call 303-668-4420 or visit www.rockymountainCAF.org.

To join the Ninety-Nines, call Sharon Delay at 243-8928.

CourtestyPhoto

after some landing gear collapsed in Arizona three years ago, damaging the plane.

But rather than whine about paying off their debts, Taylor said that wing members are using this as an opportunity to think big.

“Rather than just focusing on how to pay off our debts, let’s focus on moving into a bigger hangar, bigger museum and think about having more airplanes and more exhibits.

That’s where we’re headed,” he said.

Honoring those who served The Rocky Mountain Wing celebrated the TBM Avenger’s new designation with a special open house in April, which attracted veterans, area pilots and community members, inviting them to view—and touch—this incredible piece of history.

Philip Wilmot, 94, attended the open house with great enthusiasm.

After earning his pilot’s license in 1942, he served in the Naval Air Force, flying a Corsair in the Pacific.

“I was in Iwo Jima, Okinawa and on the first big carrier to hit air strikes on Japan,” said Wilmot. “I shot down one enemy Japanese plane, although every fighter pilot wants to shoot down five, which makes you an ace.”

Wilmot loves flying to such a high degree that he built a tandem RV-4 over the course of 11 years as a younger man. To this day, he still flies at least once a week.

“It’s so beautiful when you can fly over the mountains like an eagle,” said Wilmot.

With a twinkle in his eye, Wilmot said flying is the second most thrilling thing a man or woman will ever do. Because of his age, he doesn’t talk about the first thing anymore.

“A spiritual thing” Charlie Huff, 75, can remember looking up at planes in the sky and knowing that was his future when he was just 2 years old. He only wanted one thing each Christmas—toy airplanes.

He was in the Armed Services for three years, first at the Air Force Academy and then in the Army Aviation Program as a mechanic.

After leaving the service he obtained his pilot and instructor licenses, and flew commercially 36 years. The morning of the CAF open house, Huff flew to Grand Junction from Crawford in the Kitfox plane he built himself.

“For me, flying is almost a spiritual thing,” said Huff. “After 25,500 hours of flying time, it still never gets old.”

The CAF is significant to Huff because it keeps an appreciation for the planes and the people who flew them alive. Most members of the CAF are not ex-military or pilots—just people who love keeping aviation history and want to see it thrive.

The Ninety-Nines Adrenaline was emanating from pilots Sharon Delay, Judy Allerheiligen and Vonda Burch, who also attended the CAF celebration. Their stories vary, but they share a love for flying and are members of an international organization of more than 1,000 women pilots called the Ninety-Nines. This nonprofit was established in 1929 and is still going strong today.

Delay, 80, was in the Navy and always wanted to fly.

“I was assigned to Pensacola, Florida, where the Blue Angels were, and that just whetted my appetite even more.” she said.

Delay said flying is an expensive pastime and takes a lot of discretionary income, so many people get their licenses at age 50 or 60.

“I always had a fascination with flying. I think I inherited that gene from my father who owned a Piper Cub,” said Allerheiligen, 68, who got her license in Grand Junction. “Flying gives you such a sense of accomplishment. There’s an extra art to flying at altitude.”

Burch, 73, got her pilot’s license for both land and water in Lake Havasu.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but flying was the most challenging and most fulfilling.” ■

Check out the planes at these upcoming events August 19 Glenwood Springs Airport Open House

Explore the CAF’s Cub and several other exhibits at this airshow.

September 16-17 Montrose Tribute to Aviation

Tour the Cub and the TBM at this free, public event. Meet the pilots and learn more about aviation through information booths. There will be both military and civilian static aircraft displays. For information, call 249-3203 or visit www. tributetoaviation.com

September 23 Telluride Festival of Cars and Colors

Vintage War Birds are on display at this festival. This static display will be at the Telluride Regional Airport from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

September 30-October 1 West Star Aviation Grand Junction Air Show

Western Colorado welcomes back one of the most exciting air shows in Colorado.

This two-day event featured performances by a variety of talented aviators along with many additional military and non-military aircraft and static displays. The theme for the 2017 air show is “Colorado Proud.”

General admission tickets are available, along with a limited number of VIP tickets, at www.gjairshow.com. For more information, call 242-6663.

26 FAITH MOVES

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

AUGUST 2017

All roses, no thorns: One woman’s ministry of cheer Story and photo by Melanie Wiseman

V

ENRICHING AND AFFORDABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS 50 AND OVER NEW DIMENSIONS’

2017 Fall Term starts soon!

View the class list online starting September 11.

Registration is September 18-22.

NO COMPUTER? Assisted registration takes place September 14 from 2-4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 536 Ouray.

Visit www.newdimensionsgj.org or call 970-314-9911 or 970-270-8425.

isits with Trish Alden often have a familiar beginning. When she hands people a rose bouquet, they plunge their faces into the palette of colors and fragrances. They inhale and emerge with a satisfied, “Ahhhhhh.”

There’s a reason that Alden, 80, is often called “The Rose Lady.”

Each year, she delivers thousands of roses to friends, neighbors, HopeWest employees and anyone needing a smile or pick-me-up. She waits excitedly for the first roses in her yard to bloom each spring.

“It always makes my heart happy to give people my roses,” said Alden.

“Giving is what God has given me to do. Seeing all my roses reminds me of how they’re going to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Alden has known serious illness and difficult times. She understands what it means to have someone reach out with simple acts of kindness. She was a teacher for 30 years and made a point to be aware of the feelings of each child and the need for extending special care.

When she moved to Grand Junction in 2005, Alden didn’t know anyone in town besides her daughter’s family. That changed quickly.

On the south side of her house was a tangle of five large cedar trees. Her

son, who was visiting, replaced them with eight rose bushes for her to enjoy. She now has 50 bushes, each a different variety. Alden grows peach, magenta, coral, yellow, pink, orange, lavender and red, ranging from petite tea roses to grand roses the size of an adult’s hand.

“I knew if I had more roses, I could give them away,” she said. “From the very beginning, I started giving them to my immediate neighbors, then to people I would meet on my walks around the neighborhood.”

She’s on a first-name basis with almost everyone now and has supported many through illnesses, family challenges and life’s ups and downs.

She offers to pray with them or tells them she’ll keep them in her prayers.

Before her roses bloom, the Rose Lady receives emails from HopeWest employees asking when she’ll come by. They know she’ll bring them roses every other week, but her friendship is what they miss most.

“It takes me three hours to prep the roses and another couple hours to hand them out and talk to the people at HopeWest. I’m very careful not to miss anyone,” she said.

Alden said she has never thought of herself as special. She feels humbled to be able to serve people and make them feel a little better. ■

AUGUST 2017

TALKING DIGITAL 27

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Know thy enemy— a glossary of online bad guys

Talking Digital

By Adam Cochran

I

n third grade, my friends and I found a dartboard by the shallow irrigation ditch where we spent all summer keeping cool.

After we grew tired of throwing the darts into the dartboard, the grass, the walls, etc., we realized that if you throw a dart high into the air, it makes a spark when it hits the pavement. This provided hours of fun—until a dart came back down and stuck neatly into my friend’s little brother’s head, that is. He lived, and we learned a lesson about having siblings nearby when we did stuff like that.

Tools, toys and technology all have something in common: They can all be dangerous if misused. Education can prevent you from becoming a victim of the misuse of technology.

One of the biggest problems to overcome is that negative tech terms are often incorrectly used interchangeably.

Here, we’ll define some common terms that are important to know.

Clickbait Friends on Facebook love sharing articles with headlines like, “15 reasons why you shouldn’t drink water. I did No. 5 this morning!” These stories are written to get you to click on them, because when you do, the site where the story is posted makes money from its advertisers. Clicking on these won’t hurt your computer—it’s just sensationalism for profit.

Hacker This is a person or group of people who gain remote access to a computer system. It may be done to control the system or to access information stored on the computer.

Hoax A hoax doesn’t hurt your computer at all, it’s just a lie perpetuated by internet users. It can be dangerous to fall for a hoax, but it’s usually just a waste of time and better to ignore. Nobody’s giving away 15 RVs on Facebook and the government isn’t going to tax email.

Malware Any type of bad software falls under the malware category. Viruses, ransomware, extortionware, adware and bloatware are all varieties of malware.

Ransomware This type of malware scrambles all the document and image files on your computer, making it inaccessible until you pay the criminals who created the program whatever money they demand. Hospitals and schools are the most common targets of ransomware.

Scam A scam is a method used by bad guys to get you to send them money. Scams can be very simple hoaxes that con people out of their money, or complex tricks that fool you into thinking you’re giving money to a good cause.

Virus There are very few virus-like programs that can take over your computer without your permission and spread to others. Most malware today tricks you into installing it yourself. Before you install an update or agree to download a program, examine it closely. It might be a new type of virus that antivirus programs. ■

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

WESTERN VOICES Two Rivers Chautauqua

August 18-19

The Avalon Theatre

645 Main St., Gr and Junction

Georgia O’Keeffe ~ Nan Colton Laura Ingalls Wilder ~ Karen Vuranch Mark Twain ~ George Frein The Legendary ladies A Young Chautauquans from Local Schools $5/Adults; Free/Children 13 years & under; $20/Family pass up to 6 Tickets: Box Office—970.812.1292, Noon-8 pm, Monday-Friday monumentalevents.com/events/18-aug-2017-two-rivers-chautauqua Lois and Edward Gardner

More information and schedule: museumofwesternco.org | 970.242.0971

Discover Together

Senior Homecare by Angels

28 FINANCE

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AUGUST 2017

How to save money while welcoming a new pet to your home

By Nathaniel Sillin

W

hether it’s a dog, cat or something else altogether, many people have pets that are more than just animals—they’re part of the family.

To provide the best care for a pet, you’ll want to be able to afford their needs, including basics like food and health care. With this in mind, think carefully and review your budget before deciding to welcome an animal into your family.

Choose a pet that you can afford.

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Everyone who I talk to about HopeWest has had a positive experience. When I first walked into Heirlooms 12 years ago and read the brochures, I was amazed by all HopeWest does and wanted to be a part of it.”

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HopeWest Heirlooms Volunteer

Make a difference,

become a HopeWest volunteer.

Call (970)257-2378 today.

HopeWestCO.org

While the initial cost of adopting or buying a pet is relatively small compared to the long-term expenses, the type of pet you choose does matter.

You might visit the pound and fall in love with a dog or cat. What can you do? The heart wants what the heart wants. Research is a must if you want to take cost-saving measures. Larger animal breeds may be more expensive to care for, partially because they eat more food. And if you’re taking in a dog, you’ll want to consider the cost of training, which could set you back several hundred dollars.

can still ask for recommendations. For example, brushing your dog’s teeth (with special toothpaste) can help prevent teeth and gum problems.

Consider pet insurance.

When a pet is part of the family, you’ll do anything to help him or her. You may want to have an insurance policy to help cover emergencies that you might not be able to afford otherwise.

This is particularly true if you have a high-risk breed, a pet that tends to escape or you live in an area with other potentially aggressive animals.

Before buying a policy, read up on how pet insurance works. There can be important differences between pet and human policies.

Save money on nutritious food.

Once you bring a pet home, it’s your responsibility to provide for them. You can ask your vet for food recommendations (and free samples) based on the pet’s type and age. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has general nutrition tips for dogs and cats, including age-based diet recommendations.

Once you’ve found the right food, you may be able to get a discount by Lifespan is another consideration. signing up for a subscription delivery Hamsters, gerbils and some types service online. Or, if you don’t mind of fish may only live a couple of years. A pet turtle, on the other hand, the workout, consider buying in bulk at a warehouse club. could live several decades.

Another responsibility pet owners Keep your pet healthy and happy.

take on is making sure their pet is Health care can be one of the most expensive aspects of pet owner- looked after while they’re away.

The least expensive option may be ship. As with humans, it’s often best to find a neighbor or friend who also to invest in preventive care rather has a pet and exchange free pet-sitthan treat emergencies. ting services.

Follow your pet’s recommended Otherwise, you can look for a vaccination schedule and treatments, well-reviewed doggy day care center spay or neuter cats and dogs, and or boarding service. You could try visit the vet at least once a year for a one of the several apps that connect checkup. Finding and dealing with you with someone who can feed, health problems early on can be less walk or play with your pet. If you’re expensive and you may be able to away for several days, apps can also prevent serious problems and imhelp you find someone who will prove your pet’s quality of life.

Some types of preventive care don’t spend the night or take your pet to require a visit to the vet, although you their home. ■

AUGUST 2017

SENIOR SCAMS 29

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

House call: Scammers target Medicare recipients

By Megan Terlecky, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office

I

f you have Medicare, scammers are targeting you!

The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is getting reports of scammers contacting people in the Grand Valley pretending to call on behalf of Medicare. Don’t fall for it! Representatives from Medicare will never call you—the U.S. government’s preferred form of communication is by mail.

How it works This scam begins when someone calls a potential victim asking if they have received new Medicare information. Once the scammer establishes that the person they’ve called does, in fact, have Medicare, they’ll try to make an appointment to come to the victim’s house to explain benefits.

At first, the callers may not try to sell anything, or ask for any information that could make their story sound less real. It’s not real, though. It’s a scam. They’re looking for your address and any other personal information they can get their hands on.

The scam Victims give their home addresses to the caller for the so-called “appointment.” With that information, scammers may try to steal your mail for your Social Security checks, or try to rob you.

In the past, the MCSO has seen cases where thieves pretend to be salesman or handymen to get inside homes to look around. They take jewelry or prescription pills when the owner is not looking, or come back

later to burglarize the house.

In the case of the Medicare scam, the perpetrators may not even be in this country and may call back to cancel the fake appointment. But now that they have the victim’s trust, they’ll try to get personal information over the phone. Victims are more willing to give up information to someone they were planning to meet in person.

Protect yourself Fall Member Drive

OCTOBER

Typically, scammers will only try to get information over the phone. The fact that these scam artists are asking to come to your house is particularly alarming. Scammers Support makes all the are getting smarter, working difference forevery the Grand angle to fool as Valley’s only... many people Solar Powered Commuas they can to nity Radio make a buck. become a new member or renew a membership But you can right here atoutsmart home! them by keeping the following in mind: • Remember that Medicare will never call and ask for personal information. If you get a similar call, hang up immediately.

• Legitimate Medicare drug plans will not ask for payment over the phone or via the internet—they must send a bill by mail.

• Also remember that no one can come to your house uninvited. If someone tries to do so, call 911.

• Never feel pressured to make a decision over the phone—any real company will give you time to think over a purchase.

If you have questions about Medicare, call Medicare directly at 1-800633-4227. If you have questions, call MCSO at 244-3500. We’re happy to let you know if a call you received is a scam going around the community. ■

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AUGUST 2017

Surgical Associates of Western Colorado: a cut above the rest

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o one wants to undergo surgery, particularly those of us who grew up in an era when almost any operation left behind unsightly scars, a lot of pain and days in the hospital.

Fortunately, surgical techniques have come a long way since then.

Many operations—such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair and stomach and bowel diagnostics—can be done with minimally invasive techniques. Surgical Associates of Western Colorado specializes in handling a variety of conditions using procedures that treat problems with the smallest incisions possible, using the most modern methods.

According to the practice’s office manager, Kristy Hale, staff members are committed to providing compassionate care for every patient.

“Patients come to us in pain, and we work to fix the problem,” she said.

The highly-trained medical team listens carefully to patients, giving them input on choosing the best treatment. All the doctors have specific areas of expertise.

Brad Baldwin, DO, grew up fascinated by taking things apart to find out how they work, then putting them back together. It led to him undertaking medical training and an internship at Missouri’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Now he specializes in treating painful and ugly varicose veins, which may signal problems with circulation.

He also treats spider veins, a milder form of this issue.

His Kirksville schoolmate, Andrew Morse, DO, focuses on helping

morbidly obese patients lose weight via bariatric surgery, which involves reducing the size of the stomach by removing part of it, bypassing the stomach so food goes directly to the intestines or inserting a band that restricts the stomach. These techniques are used only for those whose weight poses a real threat to their lives.

Daniela Schupp, MD, concentrates on women who exhibit signs of breast cancer and who require lumpectomies or mastectomies. Her undergraduate work and medical training was done at the University of Heidelberg, and she interned at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver.

Hale said that the most requested surgeries are gallbladder removal and hernia repair. Surgical Associates of Western Colorado also provides that dreaded health procedure—the colonoscopy—with the least intrusion possible.

Those facing surgical procedures would be hard-pressed to find a better place to do it. Advances in medical technology allow all the doctors to perform some procedures in the office, reducing anxiety, expense and recovery time. As private practitioners, they also have the independence to provide the best treatment for each patient, integrating medical expertise, patient values and proven data into the decision making process.

For more information about Surgical Associates of Western Colorado, visit www.surgwest.com or call 2439340. The practice is located at 2373 G Road, Suite 280, in the Canyon View Medical Plaza at the east end of Community Hospital. ■

AUGUST 2017

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A world of good: The Western Slope goes global

By Stephanie Summar

S

ometimes it’s difficult to understand how events in one part of the world can affect the Western Slope. That’s where the World Affairs Council of Western Colorado (WACWC) comes in.

WACWC is the brainchild of Grand Junction City Councilman Bennett Boeschenstein, former State Department Officer Duane Butcher and Colorado Mesa University Political Science Professor Tim Casey. Affiliated with the World Affairs Council of America, the local chapter aims to expand the conversation around international issues in our area.

“We felt that a lot of the groups in Grand Junction just weren’t creating a venue for this, and [that] it was really important to do so in western Colorado in particular because people can get very isolated out here,” said Casey, president of WACWC’s volunteer board.

It quickly became clear that locals felt the same way. After the council was established in 2014, its membership surged. There are currently about 150 members.

“Really big turnouts at some of our early events gave us encouragement that we were on the right track,” Casey said.

Since it began, the organization has facilitated approximately 30 public events, designed to inform the community, expand its cultural horizons and even inspire.

Speakers have included Nader Hashemi, who discussed the growth of the Islamic State group; Keith Luse, executive director of the National Committee on North Korea; and Rob Buckley, a former Peace Corps member who taught massage therapy to Nepal’s Untouchable caste—providing a valuable skill to a group Casey said “the world has kicked into the corner of a far corner.”

“Some of [the events] rely on local

talent because we have some people in the valley that have expertise in certain fields,” he said. “In the early days it was really just the three of us working with the network we had to draw in speakers.”

Sometimes the board draws on its own expertise. For example, Casey partnered with fellow CMU faculty and WACWC member Bill Flanik to give a talk on the rise of Vladimir Putin.

Audience members are drawn to council events based on their individual interests. For example, discussions related to health care around the world typically attract more medical professionals. Every event inspires a sense of connectedness.

“It serves the need of a lot of people in this community who have lived abroad, or really enjoyed traveling abroad,” said Casey. “It allows them to feel that they’re not as isolated. They go to these talks and see a room full of people who are also interested in these questions.

I think there are a lot of spillover conversations that carry out into the community.”

More than conversation, WACWC has inspired action, connecting Western Slope audiences with people making a difference around the world.

“People who are filmmakers get in contact with somebody else who has an interest in Russia or whatever it may be, and then they start talking, and before you know it, there’s some collaborative project,” Casey said.

On September 16, Gregory Young, PhD, whose research inspired “The Hunt for Red October,” will discuss the future of democracy in Turkey.

The event takes place at 6 p.m. on the CMU campus.

WACWC events are open to the public for a fee of $10. Membership dues are $35 per year. For more information, visit www.wacwc.org. ■

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AUGUST 2017

Super Master Mike Ruspil competes in the 2016 Train to Hunt National Championships.

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here’s the game, and then there’s real life.

Outside observers would never consider Train to Hunt competitions games, of course. Games are supposed to be fun, and the elite hunter-athletes running up and down Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s steep runs in the July heat were not having fun. In fact, most of them were cursing.

“Smile,” their fellow participants yelled from the sidelines. “It makes it hurt less!”

Believe it or not, overcoming the brutal physical challenges at Train to Hunt’s national competition really is fun for the bow hunters who participate. It means they’ll be more than ready for the real-world challenges they’ll face during the hunting season.

“Honestly, when I finish this thing, I’ll say that it was fun,” said Chris Denham, 54, an outdoor industry celebrity and a member of Train to Hunt’s Super Master class—hunters age 50 and up. “When you’re in the middle of it, you’re like, ‘This is stupid. Why did I do this? This hurts, this is no fun. I’m never doing this again.’ But as soon as you’re done with it, you’re looking forward to the next one.”

Train to Hunt is a national organization dedicated to improving the performance of hunters through intense, CrossFit-like exercise programs designed to simulate conditions faced in archery hunting. It offers seminars on fitness, nutrition and hunting, and hosts Train to Hunt Challenges across the country each spring and summer.

During the 2017 national com-

AUGUST 2017

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“If you go one day, you’re able to go the next day. Your body’s used to the beating and so your ability to recover is just better.” petition, male and female regional qualifiers from across the U.S. ran up and down the mountain with heavily weighted packs, shot targets along a difficult course and faced a number of athletic obstacles. Ultimately, it’s as mentally challenging as it is physical, said Mike Ruspil, 59, a Super Master who played a vital role in bringing Train to Hunt to the Grand Valley and coordinating the event, but who did not compete this year.

Super Masters are in some ways better prepared for the competition than their younger counterparts.

They know that the challenges are about more than winning— they’re about fellowship.

“That’s what’s cool about the Super Masters,” said Denham.

“We call it the Yoda class.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all competed in stuff at different points in our lives. So even though we’re all here to win, if someone goes down out there, I guarantee one of the Super Master guys is going to stop and do whatever it takes to get him off the mountain.”

A sense of community pervades Train to Hunt events. For these hunter-athletes, first place comes second to survival in the real world’s harsh conditions. They train to improve their own hunting, but also so they won’t fail a comrade in need during an actual hunt.

“There have been times when one of the most beautiful sights I could see is two little blips coming towards me on the GPS screen and knowing the boys are coming and it’s going to be okay,” Ruspil said.

In the case of the Super Masters, they also train because it keeps them healthy.

“I don’t know how much faster I am because I train, but I recover faster,” said Denham. “If you go one day, you’re able to go the next day. Your body’s used to the beating and so your ability to recover is just better.”

Both he and Ruspil have found that the training—as intense as it is— keeps them in better condition than many of their contemporaries.

“I call it finding your crucible. You have to find that one thing in life that motivates you to get into better shape,” Denham said.

Train to Hunt is a unique competition. Athletes may be strong and quick, but it doesn’t mean anything if they’re not accurate.

“You can’t outrun bad shooting,” said Ruspil.

That’s another area in which the Super Masters excel—they may not be at their physical peak, but they’ve been shooting for decades.

“Two years ago, the old guys were actually the most competitive group,” said one younger hunter. “They were crushing everyone on the mountain.”

Ruspil laughed.

“We’re just glad to still be on the mountain,” he said.

Not all the qualifying Super Masters attended the national competition. Several of them had the chance to go on hunts they’d waited to attend for years. After months of preparation for the event—intense workouts, sleep monitoring, diet tracking and more—the goal had changed.

They were no longer training for a game. They were training for the real world. ■

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AUGUST 2017

Empty nest reality is much less glum than the myth

Y

ou’re supposed to feel weepy, forsaken and bereft.

And maybe you do. Sometimes. But many parents are realizing that they also feel exhilarated, freer and, yes, sexier, when their kids leave home and go out on their own.

“It might be an empty nest, but there’s no ‘syndrome,’” said Lynda Cheldelin Fell, an emotional healing expert and creator of the “Grief Diaries” series of books.

At least, not in the negative sense.

“There’s no malady about it,” she said. “It’s more like a club whose members are secretly celebrating having more quality time alone, with their friends and with their spouse.”

Magazines and TV doctors still tend to focus on “coping” with this midlife transition, and the identity crisis they say could lead to depression, alcoholism and divorce. But research reveals an empty nest can actually reduce stress and family conflicts. A 2008 study found that parents mostly felt pride and relief that they’d done their job and prepared their kids to live independently.

Fell said she and her husband dreaded the day when their youngest child went off to college.

“We had 29 years to prepare for empty nest syndrome, but the symptoms we experienced were far different from what we expected,” she said.

Here are some of the things Fell said you can look forward to: • No more arguments over who holds the TV remote, and every light in the house is turned off when no one is in the room. Your phone charger is where you left

it—charging your phone.

• The receipt from your weekly trip to the grocery store is less than two feet long. (And, yes, you read that right: You only have to go to the market once a week.)

• The bathroom vanity is devoid of the many tools required for youngadult beauty: no more blow dryers, makeup and acne medications to move aside so you can brush your teeth. Your things are in the linen closet where they belong—lids on and cords coiled. And the drain is no longer clogged with hair.

• You get in the car and there’s gas in the tank. The driver’s seat and mirrors are always where you like them. And there are no mysterious new scratches or dents.

• Meals are what you want, when you want and where you want. No more planning around your child’s band practice—just the symphony concert you’re attending with friends.

• Pretty much every bill you have will go down and all that extra money can be spent in any way you wish. New furniture. Paris. Or paying off all the bills you’ve run up over the past 20 or so years.

When researchers at the University of California-Berkley tracked 123 women for 18 years, from their early 40s to their 60s, they found that empty nesters reported greater satisfaction with their partners than did mothers with children at home.

“My husband and I felt like we were two teenagers left home alone,” Fell said. “All that apprehension and dread about the empty nest was for nothing.” ■

AUGUST 2017

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Preparing for the senior games: One athlete’s trials and tribulations W

By Jan Weeks

hen I decided to write an article about the Western Colorado Senior Games, my editor thought it was a great idea. A senior moment had made me forget that I abandoned my athleticism somewhere back in 1968. She sent me the entry form, and I made up my mind to try at least five of the activities. The things I do for a story!

Killer cribbage My first foray involved the Grand Junction Senior Center, a cribbage board and a well-used deck of cards.

I used to be pretty good at the game.

I remembered I had to make card combinations of 15, and that there was some strange thing called knobs that involved jacks. Nevertheless, I figured I couldn’t embarrass myself too badly.

I sat down with Joe Hoey, president of the senior center, and Jerry “Killer” Churchmann, the resident expert. He slaughtered me. Twice.

There’s only so much humiliation a woman can take.

Strenuous swimming After my incredible defeat, I thought maybe swimming would wash the disgrace away.

I headed for the gym, donned my suit and strode to the pool deck, humming “Chariots of Fire.” Stepping confidently into the water, I struck out for the far end of the far-from-

Olympic-sized pool. I made it… barely. Clinging to the side, I tried to breathe normally. Five minutes later I headed back. And forth. And back.

And forth. Eighteen laps later, I had set a record in sheer determination if not speed.

Competition swimming obviously wasn’t my cuppa. I slunk to the steam room, where eucalyptus-scented vapors revived me enough to shower and move on to the next great adventure.

Trying track and field Stocker Stadium’s track was fairly empty as I tied my Merrells, hitched up my shorts and headed out in the inside lane. I was stepping right along—even breaking into a jog at times—thinking that with a little practice, the 100-yard dash might be my event.

Then a young woman pushing a stroller, tan and lithe in her running shorts and tank top that had “serious” written all over it, came up behind me. Her 3-year-old waved happily as they hurtled past. That would have been okay if he’d actually been in the stroller, but he was running beside Mom. Another dream bit the dust.

Punishing pickleball I went back to the registration form, looking for something I could do without embarrassing or maiming myself—or anyone else.

Bocce ball? Can’t pronounce it,

probably can’t play it. Golf? Only when I get too old for sex or fly fishing. Basketball? Being five foot and a whisper, I’d need a ladder to get anywhere near the rim. Bowling?

My all-time high score of 23 leads me to believe that only disgrace can come from a visit to the local bowling alley, unless beer is included in the entry fee. Horseshoes? With my luck they’ll still be attached to the horse.

Pickleball sounded intriguing, so off I went to Lincoln Park, where I meet George Gerson, who’s been playing the sport for eight years and is one of the movers and shakers in the Western Slope Pickleball Club.

“It’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.,” he explained to me and several other novices as he handed out paddles that looked like oversized Ping-Pong paddles and Whiffle-type spheres about the size of tennis balls. Then he launched into a detailed talk about rules and terminology. Kitchens? Serves? I needed lunch!

Three others and I started hitting the ball back and forth. Well, they hit it. I missed it entirely, smacked it into the net or lobbed it over the fence. Fortunately, a passing golfer used a sand wedge to lob it back.

Eventually, I found my stride—or serve—and at the end of the hour, I was actually enjoying myself.

Ballroom dancing I’m good at.

Good enough to win? Maybe not.

Good enough to strut my stuff?

Definitely. Now all I need is a partner over 50, and I bet I can find one.

Let the games begin! ■

Western Colorado SENIOR GAMES

August 21-27 Registration Deadline: August 4, 2017

Your Guide to the Western Colorado Senior Games Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Visit us on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Get ready for the Western Colorado Senior Games on August 21-27. Call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office at 254-3866 to register.

Contact the Western Slope Pickleball Club at www.westernslope pickleballclub.com. Club membership is $35 per year and includes discounts on equipment.

The Grand Junction Senior Recreation Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday-Saturday. Call 243-7408 or email gjseniorcenter@gmail.com for schedules and special events.

36 FUN AFTER 50

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AUGUST 2017

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–4 pm Annual membership is $15.

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

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events

FUN AFTER 50

Presented By

Family Health West

MONDAY

AUGUST 11 Movies in the Park: “Moana” Bring your kids for this free movie at Lincoln Park. August’s movie is Disney’s“Moana.” Gates open at 7:30 p.m.

September 22-24 Civic Center Park Music, acts, rides vendors and more

HEALTH

AUGUST 19 Chrome & Brews Car Show Join 96.1 KSTR and the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department for the Chrome Brews and Car Show at Lincoln Park. Call 254-2100 for details.

AUGUST 21-27 Western Colorado Senior Games for athletes 50+ Be healthy and active by competing in your choice of over 55 different events.

With activities designed for the weekend warrior to the seasoned athlete, there’s something for everyone age 50 and older. To register, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office at 254-3866.

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

MONDAY-FRIDAY Aqua Aerobics These aqua aerobic classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.

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

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

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

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AUGUST 2017

MESA COUNTY 37

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Mesa County Club Activities Art Quilt Association (AQuA) meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Grand Junction.

Location varies. Updates at www. theartquiltassociation.com.

Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312 for details.

Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874.

Cribbage Lite meets at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at IHOP. Call 201-7823.

Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome.

Call 434-0868 for details.

Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets monthly on the third Thursday. Visit www.grandjunction pmc.com for details.

Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity. New volunteers welcome.

Call 462-7557 for details.

Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965 for details.

Grand Valley Woodturners meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632.

Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at the First Baptist Church. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce.org for details.

Help Heal Veterans’ Craft Center, 1670 North Ave., supplies hundreds of free therapeutic craft kits each week to military service members and veterans receiving medical care. Call 424-0499 for details.

Golden K Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday from 9-10 a.m. at the Redlands Community Center. Visit www.gjgoldenk.com to learn more.

Knitting Club meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Call 623-1455 for details.

Grand Junction Chess Club hosts the Housing Resources Summer Chess Tournament at 2601 Belford Ave. on August 5-6. Registration is $20 (cash only) and begins at 8 a.m. on August 5. Players must have USCF membership to participate. Winners receive cash prizes. Sets and clocks will not be provided. To register and learn more, call Rick Lovato at 243-1073.

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Museum of Western Colorado.

Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388 for details.

Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunction rockclub@gmail.com for details.

Mesa County Republican Women will meet on August 7 at the Two Rivers Convention Center with guest speaker Walker Stapleton, Colorado’s State Treasurer. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and costs $15.00/person, meeting begins at 12 p.m. RSVP to 5498570 or www.mesacountyrepublican women@gmail.com.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday at First Christian Church. Call 549-0439 for details.

Not Going Quietly meets from 1:303:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction. This group is intended to create a space of empowerment, grace, community and wisdom for individuals age 60 and older. Call 433-7799.

Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets Thursdays at the Masonic Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. Call 261-1670 for details.

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at A Taste of Heaven Catering. Call 424-4980 for details.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays for a family style dinner and meeting at the Post Hall, 503 ½ Florence Road in Grand Junction. Call 778-8242 for details.

Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays downstairs at the Mesa County Public Library Study Room B. Call 250-3969 for details.

Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the third Tuesday at Western Colorado Community College. Visit www.thun dermountaincameraclub.org.

River City Singles

Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon. on August 12. For location, call 523-5625.

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets the first Tuesday of every month Colorado Mesa University’s Wubben Hall, room 161.

Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247.

Visit www.gjcoinshow.com. ■

AUGUST 2017 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!”

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

Meet new friends at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests. Membership in RCS is only $20 per year. Call Beverly at 242-5616 for details.

Tuesdays at 9 a.m.- Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details.

Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road.

RSVP to Bob at 263-8462.

Tuesdays Golf at Adobe Creek National Golf Course has been canceled due to the hot weather. It will continue at a date to be decided. Contact Barbara at 640-0967 for details.

August 4 at dusk - Watch “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” as part of Glade Park’s Movies Under the Stars. Meet in the Travelodge parking lot at 6 p.m. immediately after the FAC meeting to carpool. Bring a chair and a jacket/blanket. Food and drinks are not allowed but can be purchased. RSVP to Carol at 623-2082.

August 8 at 6 p.m. - Watch a GJ Rockies baseball game at Suplizio Field. Meet Chuck at the main gate at 6 p.m. to pick up your tickets. Tickets are $9—$8 if at least 10 people attend. RSVP to Chuck at 242-5252 or pay in advance at the August 4 FAC. August 16 at 2 p.m. - Game Day with Mary. RSVP to 242-0630. Bring a snack.

August 19 at 6:15 p.m. - Join Lolee at the Avalon Theatre for Chautauqua performances. Admission is $5 at the door. RSVP to Lolee at 523-5510 or sign up at FAC.

38 MESA COUNTY

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Calendar AUGUST 1 Free admission to state parks Colorado Parks and Wildlife will celebrate Colorado Day by offering free entrance at all 42 state parks, an annual tradition. Park entrance fees are waived, but activities like fishing and camping will still require a valid license and permit.

Writers’ workshop Examine how writers think about writing, identify the top three ways they make it harder than it needs to be and cover the shifts in thinking that make writers feel confident and be more productive. Alissa Johnson is a nationally published award winning writer and associate editor at the Crested Butte News. The workshop will last from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Central Library.

Admission is free, but registration is requested. Register at www.mesacoun tylibraries.org.

AUGUST 4 Meet John Otto Reserve a seat in the KAFM Radio Room to hear a performer acting as John Otto, who dedicated his life to protect, celebrate and promote the Colorado National Monument. The evening will begin with a wax museum presented by Young Chautauquans, who will recreate different historical characters. There is a suggested donation of $5. For reservations, call 242-0971.

AUGUST 5 “Newsies” at Regal Canyon View The Tony Award-winning musical “Newsies” comes straight from Broadway to the Regal Canyon View Theater.

This is an inspiring musical based on a true story. The show begins at 12:55 p.m.

USAF Falconaires performance The U.S. Air Force Academy Band, the Falconaires, performs a free concert at the Las Colonias Amphitheater.

The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a

AUGUST 2017

performance by the Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra.

AUGUST 5-6 Chess tournament Join the Grand Junction Chess Club for the Housing Resources Summer Chess Tournament at 2601 Belford Ave. Registration begins at 8 a.m. on August 5, and round one begins at 10 a.m. All games are United States Chess Federation-rated and players must have USCF membership to participate. The entry fee is $20; cash only. Winners receive cash prizes. Sets and clocks will not be provided. To register and learn more, call Rick Lovato at 243-1073.

AUGUST 11 Roice-Hurst Party for Paws The fifth annual Party for Paws takes place at the DoubleTree Hotel at 6 p.m.

Enjoy dinner, a presentation on the amazing accomplishments of some of our best friends and a silent auction.

This year’s theme is “Paws-Abilities.”

Mesa County Search and Rescue will attend, along with members of its K-9 Unit. Tickets are $65 per person. All proceeds benefit Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Visit www.rhhumanesociety. org to buy tickets.

AUGUST 12 Tour of the Valley This classic ride offers views of the entire Grand Valley. Set your own pace, pick your favorite route and enjoy beautiful Western Colorado. All rides are supported by aid/rest stations featuring snacks and fresh fruit. Proceeds stay in the Grand Valley and support local organizations. Learn more at www. yourcommunityhospital.com.

Radio Daze at Edgewater Brewery Support KAFM community radio and experience Kannah Creek Brewery’s specially brewed 300 Watt Ale and loads of live music with Thomassina Russell and Friends, Bicycle Annie, Zach Grant and Lincoln Pants Band. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling 241-8801, ext. 0, stopping by KAFM in person or at www.kafmradio. org/50172.

AUGUST 2017

MESA COUNTY 39

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com dish to share. Call the community center at 858-0360 for more information.

R. Carlos Nakai Quartet in concert The R. Carlos Nakai Quartet performs at the final concert of the Hear it Through the Grapevine season at Grande River Vineyards. Of Navajo-Ute heritage, R. Carlos Nakai is the world’s premier performer of the Native American flute. The quartet incorporates traditional native music, modern jazz, urban rhythms and world percussion.

AUGUST 18 Hike the Uncompahgre Plateau Fruita Fossils Hiking Club will meet at the Fruita Community Center Senior Center at 7 a.m. to hike the Uncompahgre Plateau. The cost is $15. Bring a lunch, water and wear appropriate clothing.

AUGUST 18-19 Palisade Peach Festival Celebrate perfect peaches at Palisade’s Riverbend Park. Enjoy carnival rides and an abundance of peach-infused foods, plus cooking demos and a peach-eating contest. Visit www.palisadepeach fest.com for more information.

AUGUST 19 Chrome and Brews Car Show From 10 a.m.- 3p.m., enjoy local beers and classic cars at Lincoln Park. To learn more or to register a car, visit www. chromeandbrews.com.

Summer Barn Dance Saddle up and ride on out to the Fruita Community Center for live music with Bill Bartley, a country potluck dinner and a good time! This is a 55+ event.

The cost is $5; please bring a covered

AUGUST 21-27 Western Colorado Senior Games Compete in track and field, swimming, pickleball, golf, billiards, basketball, cards, dance, bowling and so much more. Register by August 4 to participate. The registration form is available at the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office in Lincoln Park, the Senior Recreation Center and in last month’s issue of the BEACON. AUGUST 23 Vega State Park Picnic At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Vega State Park’s high mountain lake sits in a beautiful mountain meadow on the northeast edge of Grand Mesa National Forest in Western Colorado. Join the Fruita Community Center for this special 55+ event. The cost is $35. Call the community center at 858-0360 for more information.

AUGUST 24 Author talk by Terry Pickens Local writer Terry Pickens will speak at Crystal Books at 6 p.m. Pickens will give the audience a free notebook and pencil to get started on writing their own stories. She will also read from her book, “There’s A Lot I Forgot About Babies: The Grammy Diaries.”

AUGUST 25 Aging Leadership Round-up Region 11 Area Agency on Aging will host a leadership round-up for those interested in recent and upcoming legislation related to aging. Register by calling 244-8400.

AUGUST 31 Book signing by Connie Martinez Local writer Connie Martinez, author of “Mom’s Believe It Or Not Recipe Book and A Bit of Family History,” will sign copies at Crystal Books during the Downtown Farmers Market. She will be speaking briefly about the book and her life growing up in western Colorado. ■

Flower Extraordinaire “Flowers year round from the best in town” • Valley wide delivery • Out of town delivery

Crystal Garner - Your floral expert 2981 Hwy 50, Grand Junction

970-216-6764

FlowerExtraordinaire@gmail.com

Palisade Dental 125 West 3rd Street, Palisade, CO 81526

Brian E. Day, D.M.D., P.C. • 464-5123 Hours 8am -5 pm Mon-Thurs

GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

*Crown & Bridge*Implants placed & restored*Dentures* Partials & Repairs *State of the Art oral cancer screening*tooth colored fillings*root canals *Gentle and thorough cleanings Most insurance, credit cards and Care credit accepted New patients and emergencies welcome

We Cater To Cowards

40 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

BEACON Bits Museum welcomes new education and volunteer coordinator Carly Jones recently joined the Museums of Western Colorado staff team as Education and Volunteer Coordinator. Jones will work with District 51 and other school districts to synchronize academic curriculum with the experiential opportunities provided at the museums. She will also coordinate volunteers at the three facilities and paleontological excavation sites. Jones is a Montrose native with a bachelors degree from the University of Wyoming and a master’s degree from the University of Glasgow.

Sweet Adelines updates Tammy Schler is retiring after 16 years as director and 33 years as a member of the Grand Mesa Sweet Adelines Chorus. She will return to the chorus as a singing member af-

ter some time off. Assistant Director Colette Mayers will become Director. Jenn Strasser will join the directing team as Assistant Director. The chorus is also inviting local women to sing in its fall show in November.

Membership is not required. Rehearsals will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., starting August 8, at the Redlands United Methodist Church. Contact Shirley at 2559419 for more information.

Giving Clubs seek new members The Mesa County Giving Club and Guys’ Giving Club want to grow membership to have a greater community impact. The women’s club meets on August 7; the men’s club meets on August 1. For more infomation about how the clubs give back to the community, visit www. gjgivingclub.com.

Grand Junction High School Reunion The 55th reunion for Grand Junction High School’s Class of 1962 will be held September 21–24, 2017. For more information, please call Joyce at 242-5482.

Trips, tours and dino digs Museums of Western Colorado annually hosts a series of trips and tours which provides an intriguing lineup of local, regional and even international experiences. A few slots remain in 2017. Locally, Dino Digs allow enthusiasts to become paleontologists for a day in the Fruita area.

To see the schedule or book an outing, contact the museum at 2420971, extension 2212, or visit www. dinodigs.org or www.museumof westernco.org.

HopeWest receives national award HopeWest was named a recipient of the 2017 Hospice Honors award

AUGUST 2017

for the second consecutive year, and was the only hospice in Colorado to receive “elite” status. This national award recognizes hospices that continuously provide the best patient and caregiver experience as measured from the caregiver’s point of view. HopeWest scored above the national average on 100 percent of 58 survey questions—qualifying the organization for elite status for the first time.

Free museum admission during “Cool Summer Nights” Museum of the West offers free admission from 5-8 p.m. during the Downtown Farmers Market.

Each free night will include a complimentary history book and feature a special activity, with tours and talks at 6 p.m. There is no limit to the number of free visits or special programs that may be attended. For information, contact Museum of the West at 242-0971, extension 2212.

The Center at Foresight is a short-term rehabilitation and nursing facility that helps patients reach their highest level of independence and wellness through physical, occupational and speech therapy. Our highly qualified and caring staff provide therapy and/or complex nursing care in a beautiful, resort-like atmosphere. With the most advanced equipment and amenities, our physician-driven care plan is designed to maximize the quality of care for each patient.

State of the Art Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Services

Physical Rehabilitation / Therapeutic Technologies, Services, and Amenities / Medical Services / Private Suites including private bathroom / Salon / Fine Dining

606 East Foresight Circle, Grand Junction, CO, 81505 / P: 970-985-7900

www.centeratforesight.com

AUGUST 2017

MESA COUNTY 41

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Senior Scholar Project training helps local children succeed The Mesa County RSVP Senior Scholar Project connects volunteers with local schools to help improve students’ academic skills. No teaching experience is necessary.

Senior Scholar Project training for the 2017-18 school year is August 18 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Call Diane Barger at 243-9839, ext. 5, for more information.

Financial assistance for spaying and neutering pets The Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund (CPOF) has awarded Grand Valley Pets Alive (GVPA) a $2,000 grant to assist with the cost of spaying/ neutering Mesa County pets. Immunizations and other veterinary procedures cannot be covered under the CPOF grant. Please contact GVPA at 462-7554 to see if you qualify. GVPA is an all-volunteer nonprofit founded to reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs in Mesa County through spaying and neutering. Visit www.facebook.com/grandvalleypets alive to learn more.

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

• Mesa County Spellbinders is looking for volunteers to learn a few storytelling skills and make a difference in children’s lives. Spellbinders tell stories to students in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. To join, call 462-7346.

• Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center is looking for a volunteer to assist with the Activities Department on Saturdays.

Duties include engaging with patients by playing games, reading and doing puzzles, and bringing snacks to patient rooms. To apply, visit www.fhw.org/volunteer or call 858-2211.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction groups meets from 2-3:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 248-8844.

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

Groups meet at various times and locations in Mesa County. For additional information, please visit www.NAMIWS.org or call 4623989.

• Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315.

• MACHO Men cancer support group meets monthly at 5-6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 298-2351 for details.

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

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

• GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. This no-cost group meets from 1-3 p.m. Mondays.

For location and details, call Vicci at 628-1453.

• Neuropathy (Peripheral-Idiopathic) meets the first Tuesday of the month from 1-2 p.m. at Church of the Nativity, across from Redlands Middle School.

• Men’s Prostate Cancer support group meets at the Mesa County Library every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. For information, call 769-0668.

• COPD Sufferers meets at 581 Grand Valley Dr. on the fourth Friday of the month at 1 p.m.

Contact Jim Campbell at Jimcamp bell3@aol.com or 317-7556.

• Breast Friends: Breast Cancer Support Group meets the third Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Reflection Room. This group helps women with breast cancer cope with their diagnosis by sharing concerns while taking a problem solving approach.

• Caregiver Connections meets Tuesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Miller Homestead, 3090 N. 12th St. Explore ways to learn from others facing similar challenges. Call Terry at 260-8931.

• Tinnitus Support Group meets the second Saturday of every month from 1-2 p.m. in suite 503 at St. Mary’s Physician Office Building, entrance 3. For information, call Elaine at 589-0305. ■

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42 FUN & GAMES

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FUN & GAMES

AUGUST 2017

WESTERN SLOPE DENTAL CENTER BRANDON S. BERGUIN, D.D.S. WILLIAM J. BERGUIN, D.D.S.

414 28 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81501

241-3483

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

For the puzzle answers see page 46

Across 1 Welfare of sorts 5 Low-voiced singers 10 Result of hunger or jealousy, perhaps 14 Jingler 15 Blow up?

16 Diamond Head bash 17 Energy converters 19 ___ mater 20 Ingress 21 Fragrant, poisonous shrub 23 Word with for, white or one-day 26 Newsstand offering 27 One with a flower fetish 31 Prosperous one 35 Stratford-___-Avon 36 ___ Day and the Knights 38 Penumbra 39 Man the bar 40 ___ Ark 42 Washington notes 43 Lock of hair 45 Support on stage?

46 Knucklehead 47 “At The ___ Core” (Edgar Rice Burroughs novel) 49 Fit of rage 51 Late-night attack on

FUN & GAMES 43

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

FUN & GAMES

AUGUST 2017

Brandon S. Berguin D.D.S.

DENTURES, CROWNS, VENEERS, BRIDGES, FILLINGS, ROOT CANALS, EXTRACTIONS, IMPLANTS • ALL FEES QUOTED BEFORE TREATMENT • INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED • DENTURE REPAIRS & RELINES • EMERGENCIES WELCOME • NO INTEREST PAYMENT PLANS

William J. Berguin D.D.S.

Quality, Comfortable Dental Care In Our State of the Art Facility

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers the fridge 53 Tarry 54 Duly appointed agent 58 Pipsqueak 62 Spring 63 Great voids 66 Arhus resident 67 “___ Grows in Brooklyn” 68 Medical suffix 69 Iowa State city 70 Chicago political name 71 Tin can flaw Down 1 Basilica section 2 Kook 3 What a driven snow will do 4 Betsy’s banner 5 British TV 6 Ginger adjunct 7 Fly alone 8 La ___ (French explorer) 9 Thing-in-___ 10 Trendy eatery 11 Word in an annually-sung song 12 It may be given 13 Cluster bean 18 Actor O’Neal 22 Start of a phrase of regret

24 Jungle monarch 25 Prohibit, legally 27 Neighbor of Helena 28 Passion of a noted phantom 29 Laser printer supply 30 Papal triple crown 32 It gets going with a good paddling 33 Between two intimate people 34 Peevish 37 Cash-and-carry sites 41 Canine of kiddie literature 44 Casually catch flies 48 “The Cherokee Kid” star 50 Trodden way 52 Southwest alternative 54 Farr’s co-worker 55 Sewer’s union?

56 Clearheaded 57 Sandwich notable?

59 Or ___!

60 Trigger puller?

61 Secretive attention getter 64 Fair mark 65 Anthem author

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

To Place a Classified Ad...

4 EASY STEPS!



WRITE YOUR AD

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

AUGUST 2017

EVENTS

Do you have constant ringing in your ears? Tinnitus Support Group meets second Saturday every month, 1-2pm, Suite 503 of St. Mary’s Physician Office Building, Entrance 3. For information, call Elaine: 589-0305.

FOR RENT

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

REDLANDS DUPLEX FOR RENT: Perfect for seniors! Sunny, large 2BD 1BA 1 car garage, W/D hookup, beautiful fenced yard, lawn maintenance included, monument views in quiet, mostly senior neighborhood. Small pet? 1year $850 + $850. 241-4129.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________



❒ Classes ❒ For Sale ❒ Help Wanted



IDEAL FOR RETIREE! City location near Lincoln Park. 1BD 1BA duplex, clean, new kitchen flooring, yard work done, W/D hookups. Small pet? $650 + $650, 1 year, background and credit check. 241-4129 Ken

CHOOSE A CATEGORY ❒ Real Estate for Rent ❒ Real Estate for Sale ❒ Services

❒ Other

PAY FOR IT

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

See your ad online.

FOR SALE

$49 value for FREE!

ANTIQUE FURNITURE: Breakfront secretary bookcase desk made by Schmitt A. Henry Company, late 1800s. Perfect condition with original glass and hardware, $700 obo. China closet made by Mechanics Furniture Company; four shelves with original curved glass, perfect condition. $700 obo. Call 242-9166.

Priced for 30 words or less. Additional Words $1 each.

Start running my ad in the month of __________________ for _____ months.

Deadline: 20th of the preceding month

❒ cash



❒ check ❒

# ____________________________________ name on card ___________________________________ exp. date ____________ cvc ______ zip ____________ credit card

ESTATE CAR SALE: 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 5 speed, 40mpg, new engine.

1990 Chevy Jamboree motorhome, 23 feet. 2008 Prius, new motor, 48mpg.

1995 Luxury Econovan with captain’s chairs,TV, bench couch folds into bed, all electric, new tires, like new. 2002 Grand Am, automatic, 68,000 miles, very clean. Call Rick Lovato 243-1073.

SEND IT IN

Mail: BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 Fax: 1 800-536-7516 Email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

__________________________________________________

address city

________________________________________________

________________________

telephone number

state _____ zip________________

__________________________________________

TWIN SIZE DAY BED mattress, box spring and frame for sale; including bed skirt, spread, and decorator pillows. All for $300 you pick up and take. 628-1217

QUESTIONS? Call us, 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com



name

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO BILL ROGERS (Dad, Grandpa, Papa Bill, Uncle Bill) Wishing you a very happy 90th birthday on August 12.

With love from your family and friends!

HELP WANTED

BEACON Salesperson Needed Service Directory Display Ad BEACON Freelance Writers Needed Service Directory Display Ad HOME SERVICES

ESTATE SALES MASTERS “More Than An Estate Sale.” Free consultation, onsite estate sales. We sell your items online, too.

Online auctions and home inspections. 250-7539. www.estatesalesmasters.com. 2460 I-70 Business Loop, A1, Grand Junction, CO 81501.

CUSTOM DRAPERIES, BLINDS, AND SOLAR SHADES Floor coverings and design services Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040 THE WINDOW CLEANING COMPANY. Quality work at a fair price. Free estimates. 245-2993/261-0131.

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

AUGUST 2017

CLASSIFIEDS 45

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

COMPUTER LADY, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. 255-1216.

ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048.

REMODELING AND FOUNDATION REPAIR. Three generations of quality construction, additions and remodels.

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

SERVICES

HOME CARE PROVIDER Licensed CNA offering companionship, guidance, healthy cooking, light housekeeping, help with shopping, errands, exercise and fun activities.

Great references. Brenda 623-0649.

“Caregiving is my passion!”

CLEANING LADY Competitive rates, reliable transportation, will travel.

Weekly/biweekly/monthly cleaning, real estate prep, downsizing, deep and light cleaning, reorganizing.

Just call to see how I may help you.

Linda, 263-7364 or 720-841-7505.

TRAVEL

NEED GLASSREPAIR? REPAIR? No JobJob Too Too SmallSmal NEED GLASS No

$AVE MONEY ON TRAVEL! Travel New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Mirrors New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Club membership offering discount TableMirrors Tops • Insulated Glass Shower & Tub Enclosures • Table Tops • Insulated Glass cruises, travel packages and deRescreens & •New Screens & New Screens Shower & Tub Enclosures Rescreens creased condo rates. Checkout www.

Same dayservice service on on most coconutclubvacations.com. Member Same day mostautoglass autoglass # cc1546ue, password #1115.Travel agents at 855-259-1155. Call Susan The Brokerage at 462-1115 before booking a trip so I 970-243-4507 970-243-4507 can call the organization with pre-ap2200 E. Main • Grand Junction • Open 8am - 5pm• M-F & Junction 8am - Noon Sat. • All Credit Cards Accep 2200 E. Main Grand proval. Free to BEACON readers to Open 8 am - 5 pm, M-F & 8 am - Noon, Sat. • All Credit Cards Accepted use this membership.

Glass

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. 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** VENDORS WANTED A Robin’s Nest is looking for antique and collectible vendors.This is a great time to earn extra income from your hobby. Space is limited. Stop by 602 Main St. GJ, for an application to join our family of over 90 vendors.

Enjoy FRESH Palisade Peaches, delivered to your front door!

Visit us online to order peaches today, or to find the closest stand near you.

www.PalisadeProduce.com

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

kudos \ ku·dos  “I am the person who started this new support group for peripheral neuropathy. We had several persons attend our second meeting who specifically said they saw the information in the BEACON. Many thanks!”- Harriett C. “Thank you for your contributions to the Museums of Western Colorado and our Discover Together campaign. We sincerely appreciate your opinions toward our efforts. The museums rely on partnerships and goodwill of our local leaders. Again, thank you for your part in sustaining and promoting Museum of the West, Dinosaur Journey and Cross Orchards as vital institutions in Mesa County.” - Dawn S., CMU Intern, Museums of Western Colorado  “Hi BEACON! We really like your publication! We are seniors, recently moved to Cedaredge. Many thanks!”

- Bruce & Cheryl C.  “Regarding your story in last month’s paper, ‘The Blue Moon still shines brightly after 30 years,’ the Brehmers are a wonderful family, and The Blue Moon is a tradition of greatness due to them more than anything else.” - Jeremy C. Kevin: “Amen, brother. I used to shop at Red Hot Pants before it became The Blue Moon, and I first met Brad when he was at Pablo’s on North Avenue. It’s good to see good people succeed and it’s good people who make a good community.”

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The Bacon-ating of America I

By Arlyn Macdonald

t’s one thing to savor that aroma and taste of crispy bacon slices alongside two eggs sunny-side up, or nestling across a slice of cold ripe tomato on a bed of crunchy lettuce in a BLT, or to order a Cobb salad knowing a generous helping of crispy bacon will be included.

It’s quite another to find your local diner serving a maple bacon ice-cream sundae or discover your deep-dish pizza now comes with a crispy bacon wrap around the edges.

Bacon is becoming the new specialty food for America.

We’ve gone from bacon bits to everything bacon!

Bacon mania has hit America. Ebenezer Cooke warned us in 1708 that the mania was coming in his poem, “The Sot Weed Factor,” complaining that the food in America was all “bacon-infused.” And he was right. More than 300 years later, bacon is still a top-selling food.

Sales climbed 9.5 percent in 2013, with more than $4 billion spent on bacon in the U.S. With the increase of sales, culinary experts have expanded their recipes to include even more bacon.

Bacon is the side and back cuts of pork. In the U.S. and Canada, it usually comes from the pork belly.

Bacon can be smoked, broiled, fried, baked or grilled. As a food, it’s both versatile and flavorful.

So versatile, in fact, that restaurants now serve bacon cheddar tater tots, those kid-favorites now doused in cheese and liberally sprinkled with bacon bits for the adult palate. They serve bacon egg muffins, where the egg is cooked in a bacon-lined muffin tin. There are bacon-wrapped hot dogs with cheese and a fried egg in the bun. Bacon is wrapped around steak, shrimp, chicken, pork chops, mushrooms and asparagus, and put in sandwiches along with baconnaise (bacon-flavored mayonnaise) and honey jalapeño bacon.

In a recent survey compiled

by Smithfield, 65 percent of all Americans would support bacon as their national food. And for those who don’t eat pork, bacon can also be made from beef, lamb, chicken, goat or turkey.

Dip your favorite bacon slices in chocolate for an additional treat.

For those who don’t like bacon, there’s something for you—a bacon cake, made without bacon, that looks like bacon strips.

What happened to bacon bits with sour cream on baked potatoes, or bacon bits floating in creamy cheddar potato soup? Now we have bacon in appetizers, entrees and desserts. Precooked bacon is now sold for families with little time to cook.

Bacon mania is truly booming.

I worry I’m getting it. That bacon ice cream sounds pretty good on a hot summer’s day. ■

AUGUST 2017

kvetch \ kfech  “I seem to remember a few years ago that a dead body was discovered lying in a ditch out west of town. Even after being discovered, it laid there for hours while the City of Grand Junction argued with Mesa County about who’s jurisdiction the dead man was in. Criminals are no respecter of jurisdictions.

Why not combine the police department with the sheriff’s department? Or would that be too efficient?” - Hap J. Kevin: “I haven’t heard that argument since some hapless candidate for county commissioner brought it up over a decade ago. But I like it!”  “It appears that the U.S. Senate is hell-bent for leather to reduce Medicaid reimbursements for nursing homes.

Where do they expect us to go? Donald Trump’s Soylent Green factory?”

- Anonymous

FUN & GAMES

BBQ Chicken Bacon Swiss Quesadillas Recipe by Michelle De La Cerda, www.thecompletesavorist.com

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 chicken; shredded

1. Shred rotisserie chicken 2. Add the bbq sauce to the chicken until the desired wetness is reached.

3. Have all the ingredients in their respective bowls.

4. Layer remaining ingredients 5. Heat a skillet on medium to medium-high heat.

6. Add the shell, assembled or not, to the hot pan/skillet.

7. When the cheese looks melted, flip the quesadilla.

8. Allow the tortilla to brown and the cheese to melt.

9. Serve with more pico de gallo and sour cream.

3/4

cup bbq sauce

1/ 2

pound crumbled bacon

8 oz grated Smoked Swiss 1 cup pico de gallo 1 avocado; cubed finely Salt/Pepper to taste 8 flour tortillas

Game answers from page 43

47

AUGUST 2017

Cappella of Grand Junction Opens September 2017 Experience Assisted Living and Memory Support in a way the Grand Valley never has before‌at an elevated level.

Together Life Sings

A state-of-the-art community featuring gracious, one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Our Information Center is now open!

Call for your private appointment to learn more.

Make Your Reservations Today!

Visit CappellaGrandJunction.com or call us at 970.847.5444 Cappella of Grand Junction, 628 26 ½ Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506

EXCEPTIONAL CARE Two great locations

“The Five Star Difference” ■

■ ■ ■ ■

Rehabilitation to return home after hospitalization

Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Skilled nursing care 24/7

Respite care & short-term stays

Memory care-Alzheimer’s & Dementia

LifeStyle 360 Activities Program focusing on your:

Intellectual, social, physical, emotional & spiritual well being

Exceptional Care —Two great locations

970-242-7356 2825 Patterson Road Grand Junction

970-245-1211 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive Grand Junction