Mesa County 072017

JULY 2017

Vol. 31

No. 7

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

Western Colorado SENIOR GAMES

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PAGES FOR ALL AGES Delivering words to the wise

Photo by Melanie Wiseman

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JULY 2017

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JULY 2017

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Goodness gracious, snakes alive!

T

www.museumofwesternco.org or his weekend, I will face my bigcall 858-7282. gest fear—and it’s big.

I’ll come face to face with TitaSend us your pet photos! noboa, a 48-foot long, 2,500-pound In last month’s column, I asked for snake that is the subject of the Muphotos of your pets for our August seums of Western Colorado’s newest issue. We’ve received great response, exhibit at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita. but we simply can’t get enough! Send “Titanoboa: Monster Snake” features stories and photos of your cuddly a full-scale model of Titanoboa cercreatures by July 15 to Beacon@ rejonensis, the biggest snake in the PendantPub lishing.com or P.O. Box world.

3895, Grand JuncSure, it’s not tion, CO 81502. around anymore, For someone who had years We’ll publish it… but for someone even if it’s a snake. who had years of of nightmares after seeing Transitions in aging nightmares after BEACON readers seeing the movie the movie “Anaconda,” the are facing some “Anaconda,” the thought of this prehistoric major decisions, thought of this preranging from planhistoric monstrosity monstrosity slithering free is ning their retireslithering free is abment and estates to solutely terrifying. absolutely terrifying. seeking the right This exhibition in-home care prowas brought to fessional or assisted the Grand Valley living community.

The options availthanks to the generosity of local able can be confusing and expensive. sponsors, and is presented by the We’ll help you sort them out in AuSmithsonian Institution. Don’t miss gust’s Transitions in Aging insert, our seeing Titanoboa before it leaves annual guide geared towards helping town on August 6. boomers and seniors navigate the The museum has a lot going on next chapters in their lives. Do you during the summer months, from lend a helping hand to seniors? We’d oral history programs and history love to include you! Give us a call at workshops to a summer concert series and educational exhibitions. The 243-8829. ■ Museum of the West’s “Women of Excellence: The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame” is also on my list of exhibits to see before it leaves following Labor Day weekend, and then there’s the Two Rivers Chautauqua in August. For more inforCloie Sandlin mation, visit Editor, BEACON Senior News Please excuse our error in June’s BEACON, as we printed the wrong information for the 2017 Colorado Lavender Festival. Mark your calendars for the Colorado Lavender Festival from July 7-9 at Veterans Memorial Park in Palisade.

For more information, visit www.coloradolavender.org.

EDITORIAL

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4

COVER STORY

Top left: Dorothy Hawkins, 96, shows off her stack of audiobooks, just delivered by Mesa County Libraries’ Words on Wheels program.

Top right: Ruth Banker, 92, lets library staff members choose several large-print books for her, which are delivered to her every other Friday.

“I used to haunt libraries, but have had too many falls.

Denise makes such a great effort to find good books for me.

This is such a wonderful program for people who can’t get out anymore.”

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JULY 2017

Library delivers words to the wise Story and photos by Melanie Wiseman

M

ystery. Adventure. Humor. History. Suspense. Travel. Entertainment. Knowledge. Community.

Friendships. Books with all of these exciting elements can be found at the Mesa County Libraries.

The library staff is dedicated to making sure everyone in our community has access to these books, no matter their age, ability or health.

So if patrons aren’t physically able to visit the nearest library location, the library will come to them.

Words on Wheels (WOW) has delivered books to residents from Palisade to Fruita since 1997. Five drivers make bi-weekly deliveries to 250 patrons at home and in retirement or assisted living facilities.

“I’m Words on Wheels’ biggest fan,” said patron Martha Braunig, 89. “I remember being an avid library user since before I could see over the checkout desk. I love to listen to books on tape about murder mysteries, adventure and strong woman roles.”

WOW enables the library to keep playing a huge role in her life, despite health issues that prevent her from driving. When Library Assistant Denise Okeson arrives with a delivery every

other Friday, the two friends immediately start chatting and laughing.

“I’m hugely reliant on my darling Denise and the wonderful books she brings me,” said Braunig.

Okeson said she works hard to make her deliveries a special experience for each person, and that’s part of the beauty of the WOW program.

“Words on Wheels is a well-used staple of Mesa County Libraries’ services,” said Austin Mullenix, head of the libraries’ public services department. “A great part of the program is that many of these people are homebound and don’t have a lot of contact with the community. It’s not uncommon for our drivers to establish meaningful relationships with these folks.”

How it works To get started in the WOW program, patrons simply place a call to the Central Library. Library staff will review services and eligibility, keep a record of each patron’s favorite authors, genres, likes and dislikes, and set up a delivery date. Readers don’t even have to be home for the delivery, as a canvas book bag can be left at the door.

WOW patrons can check out books

and audiobooks for four weeks at a time and DVDs for two weeks. Computer-savvy folks may place holds online, which are then flagged for delivery. Otherwise, giving a list to the driver or calling the library does the trick. Specific requests are honored depending on availability.

“The most popular resources range from audiobooks, to DVDs, to largeprint books,” said Mullenix. “There are no overdue fines for the Words on Wheels program. We really try to be compassionate with this community of patrons.”

WOW isn’t the only option available to readers. Mesa County residents who are unable to visit the library and live in outlying areas such as Glade Park and Mesa can use the Books by Mail service. Materials are mailed for free, along with a prepaid return envelope.

Patrons are also starting to use e-readers, which can make the text larger. Another free option, the Denver-based Colorado Talking Book Library, provides audiobooks, Braille and large-print books and magazines to Coloradans who are unable to read standard print material.

JULY 2017

COVER STORY

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

A rewarding experience It’s difficult to tell who gets more out of WOW—the patrons or the delivery staff.

“I get thanked over and over again by people,” said Okeson. “They can’t wait to see what’s in the bag, especially if I’ve picked them out. It’s like Christmas. There is a misconception that homebound people lead boring lives, but these people have very rich lives, deep thoughts, opinions and active minds.”

Okeson is amazed by how much WOW patrons can read. Every two weeks, she takes 16 books to one woman, who reads every single one.

“Our WOW patrons are voracious readers,” said Public Information Manager Bob Kretschman.

Okeson said she enjoys the hunt for the perfect books for patrons.

“Some give me a list and others say ‘Just pick something good. I trust your judgment,’” she said. “One Spanish-speaking patron leaves me candy if he likes what I’ve picked.”

Library Assistant Andy Hamilton has been a driver for five years and loves hearing patrons’ fascinating stories about World War II and their own lives.

WOW drivers from left: Denise Okeson, Austin Mullenix and Andy Hamilton.

“If you’re the only person someone sees in a day, being able to make them happy or chat with them is very rewarding,” said Hamilton. “I get the chance to build relationships and bond with people. They tell me how they depend on and appreciate this great service so much. It’s a service that I hope exists when I’m that age.”

“A wonderful service” “Patrons tell us they don’t know what they would do without this service, as reading means so much to them,” said Mullenix.

Legally blind, Dorothy Hawkins, 96, is a huge advocate for Words on Wheels.

“It’s a wonderful service,” said Hawkins. “I’m surprised at how many peo-

Martha Braunig, left, and Denise Okeson, right. ple don’t know about it. I prefer my audiobooks any day over television.”

Ruth Banker, 92, eagerly awaits Okeson’s visit every other Friday, with 10 new, large-print books in tow.

“I used to haunt libraries but have had too many falls,” she said. “Denise makes such a great effort to find good books for me. This is such a wonderful program for people who can’t get out anymore.”

The library staff agrees.

“Words on Wheels is one of those hidden gems that we provide,” said Kretschman.

For more information about Words on Wheels and eligibility, call 243-4442. ■

Delivery...............................................JR Milner

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

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

Cover Photo: Martha Braunig, left, and Library Assistant Denise Okeson, right, share a special bond that started with Mesa County Libraries’ Words on Wheels program.

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FEATURE STORY

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JULY 2017

To fulfill a promise she made to God, Betty Tanksley left for Uganda, Africa in 1989 and served as a pediatric nurse.

Betty the bounty hunter

By Pat Martin

W

hen you picture a bounty hunter, you probably think of someone like Duane “Dog” Chapman—a big bruiser of a guy kicking down doors and chasing fugitives from the law—not a little lady who stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 110 pounds. But bounty hunting is precisely what Grand Junction native Betty Tanksley, 75, did from 1998 to 2002.

It started with a promise Married at 17, Tanksley found herself the single mother of five at age 24. Determined to make it on her own, she made a vow to God that if she were given the strength and the means to give her kids a good education and raise them properly, she would dedicate her life to the service of others. While working two jobs and caring for her children, she enrolled in nursing school in Denver.

“I put my kids through Catholic

school and it was really hard being a single mom,” she said. “I made this promise that if the Spirit helped me get them all through school then I’d give back to the Spirit.”

Once her children were grown, Tanksley fulfilled her promise by serving as a pediatric nurse at the convent of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, and left for Uganda in 1989.

She worked in a clinic and provided health care to children in nearby villages. During her time there, she unknowingly met Mother Teresa, whose words ring true for her today: “The pain in your eyes is evidence of the love in your heart.”

In her early 50s, Tanksley returned to Colorado to work in Denver’s FivePoints Area, a neighborhood wracked with drugs, guns and violence. She said working there was more frightening than working in Africa, where

she was once shot at from a helicopter.

“I’ve had more guns pointed at my head than anyone should,” she said.

She wasn’t done with danger, though. Her next nursing assignment took her to Colombia, where she rode a burro from campo to campo providing medical care. She returned to Colorado in 1995.

“I didn’t want to be a nurse anymore,” she said. “It was just too dangerous. I got tired of guns, so I took a break.

That’s when I became a bail bondsman and a bounty hunter.”

A new career Tanksley’s oldest son had begun a bail bond business in Denver, where he collaborated on cases with Chapman before the television show “Dog the Bounty Hunter” launched him to fame. Tanksley joined the business in the late ’90s, working out of her home in Breckenridge. She chose to never carry a gun, but traveled with a

hammer under the seat of her car.

Like any profession, bounty hunting comes with its own lingo. Tanksley recalled her first “bust” of a man who had failed to show up for his court date.

As she approached the suspect’s home with two of her sons accompanying her, one of them turned to her and said, “You hit the door, and we’ll hit the sides.”

He meant that the men would stand on either side of the door as she knocked, but finding the door unlocked, she kicked it open and walked in. She handcuffed the man

JULY 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

and marched him outside.

Luckily, no one ever tried to assault Tanksley or hurt her as they were being arrested.

“That only happened when I was a nurse,” she said.

Her kids never showed concern for her new profession until she received an order from the FBI to stop pursuing one man because he was a terrorist.

“That’s kind of why I got out,” she said. “My son got very careful after that and I didn’t have the freedom anymore.”

She said bounty hunting allowed her to meet some really good people and have some memorable experiences.

“I think it got rid of my prejudice toward people who go to jail,” she said. “They’re just people that make mistakes. I met as nice of people coming out of that jail as I ever met coming out of church.”

One of her most satisfying arrests involved a man she apprehended in a motel. He was concerned about leaving his girlfriend behind because she had no money and nowhere to go.

Tanksley went back for her. She was using drugs and had just discovered she was pregnant. When her parents were called, they refused to have anything to do with her.

Tanksley took the distraught girl

Tanksley also served as a nurse in Israel, left, and Colombia, right.

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INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

to her home, where she lived for six months. Tanksley weaned her off drugs and provided her with counseling and a healthy diet. When she was seven months along in her pregnancy, she called her parents again and they were reunited. Eight months later, the girl reappeared at Tanksley’s door with a healthy baby girl in her arms and thanked her for everything she did.

After moving to Grand Junction, Tanksley stopped working as a bounty hunter in 2002 in order to care for her ailing parents, but she continued to help her son by performing surveillance of suspects.

“It wasn’t as fun to be a bail bondsman in Grand Junction because I dealt mostly with college kids who came on vacation and left on probation,” she said.

Tanksley returned to nursing and retired in March.

Now she’s planning to write a book about her adventures from the viewpoint of the Birkentstocks she wore everywhere she went. It’s titled “Sole to Soul.” ■

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JULY 2017

Spiced Roasted Potatoes Recipe by Michelle De La Cerda, www.thecompletesavorist.com

Ingredients:

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1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 tsp kosher salt

1 lb red potatoes, cubed

1/2 tsp paprika

1 lb golden potatoes, cubed

1/2 tsp granulated garlic

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp fennel seed

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 425° 2. Prep the potatoes, peeling the sweet and cleaning the red and golden.

3. Cube them to the desired size.

4. Toss them in a bowl or zip-seal bag.

5. F or a more even coating, mix all the spices together in a small bowl or in a mortar and pestle.

6. Add the olive oil to the potatoes and coat.

7. O nce the potatoes are coated, sprinkle the spices in, taking care to jostle the bag or stir the bowl while doing so.

8. A fter all the spices have been added, seal and mix so all the potatoes are coated in the spices.

9. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the cast-iron pan.

10. Bake for approximately 20 minutes for a smaller diced and up to 40 for a larger dice, flipping the potatoes halfway through.

11. Once done to desired tenderness and crispiness, serve and enjoy immediately.

JULY 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG

9 pm Late Night Potty Breaks!

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: A few months ago, a woman wrote in that her children seemed irritated when she talks, and she didn’t understand why. You advised her to put her cards on the table and ask them why they seemed irritated. I was having the same problem with my married kids, so I asked them. Gently, my son told me that when they ask me a question, I go into all kinds of unrelated detail. “When we ask you what time it is, you tell us how to make the clock,” he said. I was surprised and a little hurt, but I’m glad to know the truth. I asked my best friend to ask me questions and see if I could answer without going off subject—now I know what my son meant. Tell your readers to do the same. Signed, RM Dear RM: Thank you for writing. I’m sure everyone has someone in his or her life who talks too much. In fact, there’s a word for it: loquacious. It’s often difficult to tell someone this, and it’s always difficult to hear that we have a fault we weren’t aware of, but it gives us the opportunity to improve! Good luck. OB Dear Old Bag: I wrote to you a few years ago and told you that I refused to grow old. You gave me good advice, which I should have taken. Since then, I’ve had a tummy tuck, face lift and a few other minor uplifts. I bought a red convertible and found a younger man.

You said I reminded you of a hamster running around inside a ball, and to be

careful what I wish for. My guy and I lived it up for a couple years. He liked my money and I liked feeling young again. Then one day I came to my senses and realized I was bored with him and that life. I’m sort of okay now with my age, but I still think aging is for the birds. I wish I had listened then, but I guess I got it out of my system.

Signed, Happy Now

Dear Happy: I’m glad to hear from you. I’ve often wondered how you were doing. Thanks for letting me know. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t like to postpone aging. But remember, aging is what you make it! OB Dear Old Bag: I consider it a scam when women on dating sites misrepresent themselves. I’ve met some for coffee and have often found that there is little resemblance to the photo they publish. Why can’t people just be honest? They especially lie about their weight. Signed, Disappointed.

Dear Disappointed: I guess it goes both ways. I’ve had five coffees with men from a dating site and all but one looked like their photo. I’ve found that the most stretched statistic with men is height. Tell the truth, readers!

Remember, it will come out if and when you meet the person. By the way, if they don’t want to meet, they are probably lying about something.

Delete them! OB ■

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

The

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

Guide

Get your FREE copy! Call 243-8829

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THE HEALTHY GEEZER

Quality assisted living in a residential setting HOME AWAY FROM HOME We Provide For You • Medication monitoring • Home cooked dietitian approved meals • ADL assistance • Help with daily living activities • Daily housekeeping services • Individual and group activities Stop in for a tour and refreshments Mention the BEACON and recieve $500 off the administration fee.

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JULY 2017

Your guide to using the Heimlich maneuver

Healthy Geezer, By Fred Cicetti

Y

ou’ve heard of the Heimlich maneuver, but what you may not know is that this maneuver has saved more than 100,000 lives in the U.S. alone.

In 1974, Henry J. Heimlich, MD, published findings on what became his life-saving maneuver. I worked with a team on the initial program to educate the public about the maneuver and I had the pleasure of meeting Heimlich himself. A day after our group learned the technique, one of my co-workers saved a boy who was choking on an ice cube.

More than 3,000 people choke to death every year. Seniors and children under age 3 are the leading victims.

One of the main causes for choking among seniors is ill-fitting dentures that prevent them from chewing properly.

Young children swallow small objects that get lodged in their throats.

If you ever have to use the Heimlich maneuver on someone who is choking, here is a basic guide from the Heimlich Institute: For choking adults: From behind, wrap your arms around the victim’s waist. Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against the victim’s upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into their upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Do not squeeze the ribcage; confine the force of the thrust to your hands. Repeat until object is expelled.

For an unconscious victim: This method also works when the rescuer can’t reach around the victim.

Place the victim on his back. Facing

the victim, kneel astride his hips. With one of your hands on top of the other, place the heel of your bottom hand on the upper abdomen below the rib cage and above the navel. Use your bodyweight to press into the victim’s upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust.

Repeat until object is expelled. If the victim has not recovered, perform CPR. The victim should see a physician immediately after rescue. Don’t slap the victim’s back.

For choking infants: Lay the child face up on a firm surface and kneel or stand at her feet, or hold the infant on your lap facing away from you. Place the middle and index fingers of both your hands below the rib cage and above the navel. Press into the victim’s upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust; do not squeeze the rib cage.

Be very gentle. Repeat until object is expelled.

If the victim has not recovered, proceed with CPR. The victim should see a physician immediately after rescue.

For yourself: Make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist against your upper abdomen, below the ribcage and above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press into your upper abdomen with a quick upward thrust. Repeat until the object is expelled.

Alternatively, you can lean over a fixed horizontal object (table edge, chair, railing) and press your upper abdomen against the edge to produce a quick upward thrust. Repeat until object is expelled. See a physician immediately after rescue. ■

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS 11

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Acid blockers may lead to gluten sensitivity

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Dear Pharmacist

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JULY 2017

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By Suzy Cohen, RPH

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ach year, people with stomach acid swallow billions of pills to try to help alleviate the problem. I’m referring to acid blockers and antacids.

Medications in this category play a huge role in gluten-related illness due to their well-documented interference with the digestion of your food. Undigested food proteins like gluten can leak into your bloodstream and cause problems all over your body.

I think these medications are causing a lot of gluten sensitivity (not celiac, which is autoimmune). With acid blockers, how are you supposed to fully digest your meals without your stomach acid? You can’t.

When gluten breaks into smaller proteins (gliadin for example), it leaves your digestive tract through microscopic holes and gets into your bloodstream. Therein lies the problem. Your body makes antibodies to gliadin and attacks whatever tissue it has attached itself to. Your immune system is just doing its job, attacking the invader, but it’s your body that pays the price.

For years, we’ve heard anecdotally about people who test negative for celiac disease but whose symptoms dramatically improve when gluten (and preferably all grains) are eliminated. We are now starting to get some answers, because a separate condition called Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) has recently been officially identified.

Patients with NCGS will absolutely test negative for the autoimmune condition of celiac disease because they don’t have a classic allergy to wheat.

But people with NCGS experience all

the same unpleasant symptoms and respond favorably to a gluten-free diet.

NCGS is more common than celiac.

I’m sure you know that gluten sensitivity contributes to irritable bowel problems and obesity, as well as diarrhea and gas soon after eating. But there are other common symptoms you have probably not considered.

I recommend going six months off gluten (and preferably all grains) if you have any of the following: • Brain

fog. Perhaps you keep forgetting thoughts mid-sentence or have difficulties finding words. Cognitive dysfunction is extremely common among gluten-sensitive folks. problems. A painful rash called dermatitis herpetiformis is unique to celiac disease, but NCGS can also drive other common skin conditions, itchy unexplained rashes, rosacea and eczema.

Effective 7/1/17 Colorado Recreational Marijuana Special Sales Tax increases from 10% to 15% The recreational marijuana tax hike is part of a sweeping bill to address hospital budget cuts.

We want to keep our customers informed, Kush Gardens will have a slight price increase to overcome the new tax regulation.

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moods. Gluten can impact your neurotransmitters. Our brains are exquisitely sensitive to fluctuations in our environment and our body’s general health. The neurotransmitters serotonin and GABA are more prevalent in your gastrointestinal tract than in your brain. If your gut lining is damaged due to extended use or misuse of potent acid blockers, or gluten, then your brain chemicals are unbalanced. This leads to depression and anxiety.

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If you think you have problems with gluten, the simplest, most inexpensive thing to do is reconsider your antacids, and stop eating gluten for six months to see how you feel. ■

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

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JULY 2017

Drink up, water haters

By Wendell Fowler

D

o you prefer flavored water to slake your thirst? Many folks are repulsed by water—your body’s most important nutrient. Today, grocery store shelves moan and groan from the weight of flavor-enhanced water and juices. They might help us stay hydrated, but convenience has its cost.

Water is more than hydrogen and oxygen—it’s the source of all life.

Without fresh, clean, hydrating water and nutritious fresh fruit, we’d perish.

Read the label

You do have a choice!

Please choose Mountain Aire Medical Supply Providers for

Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and many others

Avoid artificial colors, chemicals, flavors and preservatives because there are already too many chemicals we’re exposed to on a daily basis.

Many flavored waters are little more than water with food dye and sugar.

This is a problem when people use them to rehydrate themselves after a hard workout or a scorching day.

Drinking two or more a day can add a bunch of sneaky sugar to your diet.

That’s not good if you want to lose weight, or if you have diabetes or a high risk for it.

Here’s what to look for on the ingredient label and avoid:

244-8983

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• Sugar • Artificial sweeteners sucralose and aspartame • Artificial colors, which are linked to ADHD, anxiety, migraines and cancer • Preservatives—potassium sorbate has been shown to cause changes in human DNA and stress the immune system.

• Sodium benzoate, which forms the carcinogen benzene when combined with citric acid • Propylene glycol (an ingredient used in antifreeze and to de-ice airplanes) • Plastic bottles—most still contain BPA that can leach out and contaminate the water. This disrupts the endocrine system by mimicking the female hormone estrogen. ■

Make your own

Folks are a bit hesitant to prepare fresh, infused waters but they are easy, healthy, refreshing and a whole lot more. Use any fresh fruit (except bananas and avocados), herbs and spices for a refreshing, nutritious beverage.

You’ll need: • 1-quart jars • Filtered water • A wooden spoon • Stevia (optional) • Fruit of choice 1. Choose a recipe or create your own combination. Collect all of the ingredients. (Here’s one refreshing combination: strawberry-lemon with basil. You’ll need half a cup of sliced strawberries; half a lemon, sliced; and a 1/4-cup of fresh basil leaves.)

2. Place the fruit, herbs and/or spices in the bottom of one of the glass jars and muddle with a wooden spoon.

(Mash up the fruit in the bottom of the jar to release the flavor-filled juices.)

3. Fill the jar with filtered water and taste it. (Use seltzer water for a fizzy treat.) If you’d like something a bit sweeter, try adding some stevia or raw honey.

4. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.

JULY 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

How to best cope with the summer heat S ummer can be hot, sticky and downright uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous if you are not prepared.

Cope with the heat this summer and stay healthy and safe with these helpful tips.

• Maintain your air conditioner.

The last thing you need is a broken air conditioner on a hot day. Regular maintenance of your unit can help ensure it will work all summer long. The easiest, and perhaps most important maintenance task you can perform yourself, is to clean or change the filter routinely. For more complicated tasks, you may wish to hire a professional technician. You’ll also want to be sure your car’s air conditioner is in good working order, particularly before a major road trip or heat wave.

• Stay informed with accurate weather information. Accurate weather information is one of the best ways to make informed decisions and be prepared for daily outdoor activities, family vacations and travel plans. The AccuWeather app can be a good go-to resource, not just for this summer, but yearround. It features AccuWeather MinuteCast, an exclusive minute-by-minute precipitation forecast for the next two hours specific to your exact GPS location. Plus, the app’s AccuWeather RealFeel feature lets you know how it actually feels outside so you can properly plan for outdoor summer activities and the day ahead—from what to pack

to what to wear. If you’re constantly on the go, don’t worry, because the app delivers severe weather notifications that can help keep you safe and better prepared for anything that comes your way.

• Know what to wear. During the summer, lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can make all the difference to your comfort. The less fabric you have actually touching your body, the cooler you will be.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. During periods of intense heat, stay indoors and, if at all possible, remain in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Spending time in air conditioning will help your body stay cooler once you go back out into the elements. Limit your outdoor activities to morning and evening hours when it’s cooler.

• Stay hydrated. Summer fun often means being outdoors, but listen to your body and take breaks to rest, rehydrate and cool off. Bring water or a sports drink with you when you are exercising, at the pool or even just making your way around town. Make sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can quickly dehydrate you.

With up-to-the-minute knowledge at your fingertips and the right preparation, you will be ready to cope with heat and all weather conditions the summer season brings. ■

HEALTH & WELLNESS 13

14

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JULY 2017

ne July 4 when I was 5, Myron Wolff performed an impossible but perfect flight of a tin can. He also probably saved my hearing.

Myron, about 15, touched the flame of a farmer’s match to a black pellet on the sidewalk. I liked fire, but when a puff of gray smoke leaped into the air, and the pellet crackled, growing ominously, snaking out, I jumped back.

“Never seen a black snake, have ya, kid?” asked Myron.

I shook my head, trembling with excitement as the snake expanded, a live black sausage, curling and crawling down the sidewalk.

“What about fireworks? You ever seen them?”

I shook my head. He dug into his pants pocket and pulled out a cherry bomb.

I glanced at the writhing black snake. The smell of magic hung in the air. If Myron had mumbled an incantation exhorting the sun to dim, I would have cricked back my head and waited for it to go black. He was a magician, a shaman, a sorcerer. He could do anything, and I wanted to be just like him.

“You’ll like this,” he said.

He placed the cherry bomb on the sidewalk and covered it with a Van Camp’s Pork and Beans can with a torn label. The fuse stuck out.

He lit the fuse. It flared and hissed, belching white smoke. He ran.

But I inched closer, squatting with my fingers against the warm rough surface of the sidewalk, my nose inches from the pungent flame. What was going to happen next? Suddenly

a shadow blotted out the sun. I was roughhoused backwards. I cried out, thinking a giant bird had swooped down to haul me away.

As I sprawled back in Myron’s arms—boom! The can took wing.

Like a stubby silver rocket, it shot up, arcing over a telephone pole. For an instant it hung in the sky, suspended from an invisible hook. Then it fell.

Landed. Clang. On top of the pole.

It trembled but stayed.

My eyes were as big as dinner plates.

“Damn!” Myron said admiringly.

For a few days I returned to stare at the telephone pole. In the cool shadows of a rustling cottonwood, the breeze ruffled my hair as I studied the can on the pole, replaying its silver flight. I imagined my cherry-bomb-powered cans soaring up and landing atop telephone poles all over town, until every one was capped with Van Camp’s Pork and Beans empties.

Then I’d turn my attention to the water tower; and finally blackbirds and sparrows, knocking them out of the skies, squawking furiously, tumbling in a hail of feathers. I was our town’s youngest artilleryman. I couldn’t wait for my very own cherry bombs.

Eventually, I learned that perfection is not so easily achieved, in fireworks or in life. But there is always hope.

On the Fourth of July, I occasionally cast a longing eye at the telephone pole at the corner, wondering how many cherry bombs it would take until I could duplicate Myron’s performance, hoisting a Van Camp’s Pork and Beans can up onto the top. ■

JULY 2017

Chicken soup for the book lover’s soul

By Bonnie McCune

S

15

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ummer often adds pounds to our bodies, probably due to our automatic consumption of “comfort food,” the nibbles we crave when we’re lazy, bored or feeling nostalgic.

Dishes like macaroni and cheese, chicken soup, apple pie, tomato soup and fried chicken are all comfort foods. But another activity accomplishes the same end without the calories—comfort books.

Books I read in childhood or adolescence, and sometimes a volume from adulthood that I’ve read over and over again function like an old friend. I greet them with a cry of recognition and close them with a sigh of satisfaction. Often they aren’t terribly complicated, and at least some of their characters are pleasant, interesting and good. Needless to say, they wrap up happily.

A number of my childhood favorites are now in the public domain, which means I can locate them as free ebooks. I recently reread “Heidi” and “Tarzan of the Apes” and made some new discoveries.

I still love the description of Grandfather toasting cheese over the fire in “Heidi,” but during my reread, descriptive passages of the mountains, flowers, snow and city jumped out as good writing. “Tarzan,” too, contained much more illustration than I recalled, as well as action and developments that moved so rapidly that they served as examples to improve my own writing.

The first book I learned to read on my own has become a comfort book.

I was so enamored of “The Backward Day,” the story of a little boy who gets up and puts his

clothes on backward and sits backward at the table and walks backward to school that my first grade teacher had me visit other classrooms and read it aloud. My daughter located a volume and gave it to me for Christmas.

I’d love to locate a copy of “The Wonderful Visit to the Mushroom Planet,” which I discovered in seventh grade and was the impetus for my fascination with science fiction.

Another sci-fi series, “The Vorkosigan Saga” by Lois McMaster Bujold, distracts me in times of political crisis and gives me a positive vision of the future.

Since I realized many of these oldies are available as free ebooks, I’ve downloaded more—“The Five Little Peppers,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Black Beauty,” to name a few. Search Amazon for titles of old favorites and add “free”—you can usually find them.

Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg. org) specializes in converting public domain books to ebooks, as do websites like www.freeclassicebooks. com and www.manybooks.net.

They provide an endless stream of mysteries, romances, history, philosophy and plays for your pleasure and comfort.

And don’t forget our libraries and local book stores. For some of us, there’s nothing better than having a physical book in our hands, breathing in the sweet scent of its pages.

Next time you need a summer read or a little emotional comfort, try an old favorite.

You’ll feel better, heart and soul, and you’ll add zero calories. ■

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Country song

Submitted by Bob Breazeale

I’m trying to compose a country-western song, but parts of it are harder than I thought. I haven’t written any music or lyrics (that’s the hard part), but I do have a theme and a title. It’s about a guy who asks his long-time girlfriend to marry him, but she turns him down.I’m going to call it, “I Gave Her The Ring, She Gave Me The Finger.”

Ice cream Submitted by Gary Robertson

Last time I went to my favorite 101 Flavors Ice Cream Stand, I saw a customer handing back a cone filled with hairy, brown ice cream.

“Vanilla?” asked the vendor. “I thought you said gorilla!”

Bragging rights Submitted by Dan Johnson

Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers.

The first boy says, “My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a poem and they give him $50.”

The second boy says, “That’s nothing.

My dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, calls it a song and they give him $100.”

The third boy says, “I got you both beat. My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!”

New cars Submitted by Carol Downing

Question: If the government put a red car in every garage in the US, what would this country end up being?

Answer: A red car-nation.

The business trip Submitted by Bob Breazeale

John has to fly back east on a business

trip. After checking in and going through security, he finds a seat in the waiting area and waits for his flight to be called.

He notices a guy sitting across from him, staring at him. John looks away, checks his watch, then his ticket and looks up to see this guy still staring at him. John looks away again and checks his carry-on bag, then looks up again. The guy is still staring at him.

“Hey, buddy,” John says. “Why are you staring at me?”

“Sorry,” the guy says. “I don’t mean to stare, but except for the mustache, you look exactly like my wife.”

John says, “But I don’t have a mustache.”

The anniversary Submitted by Carmela Walker

An elderly couple decides to celebrate their 50th anniversary by reliving their honeymoon. They reserved the same honeymoon suite in the same hotel at the same resort. They wake up in

JULY 2017

the morning and order a room service breakfast, which they begin to eat in the nude.

“Oh, Harold!” sighs the wife. “This is just like 50 years ago. My chest feels all warm and tingly!”

“Well, it ought to, Gladys,” says her husband. “One breast is in your oatmeal, and the other is in your coffee!”

Dance break Submitted by Gary Robertson

If a Latin dance instructor wants to take time off, what does he ask for?

A sambatical?

Party trick Submitted by Aurelia Sowers

Three mischievous old women were sitting on a bench outside a nursing home when an old man walked by.

One of the women yelled, “I bet we can tell exactly how old you are!”

“There ain’t no way you can guess exactly, you old fools,” the man replied.

“Sure we can!” said another woman.

JULY 2017

LAUGHING MATTERS 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“Just drop your undershorts and we can tell your exact age.”

A little embarrassed, he dropped his drawers. The women stared at him, asked him to turn around a couple of times and asked him to jump up and down for a little while.

Then they all said, “You’re 84 years old!”

“How in the world did you guess?” asked the man.

The ornery old women snickered and laughed. Slapping their knees and grinning from ear to ear, they all yelled in unison, “Because we were at your birthday party yesterday!”

Insider tip Submitted by Evelyn Houston

A new golfer showed up at a club, and he was incredible.

“Why, yes I do know you, Mr. Williams,” she said. “I’ve known you since you were a young boy and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment to me. You lie, cheat on your wife, manipulate people and talk badly about them behind their backs. You think you’re a rising big shot when you haven’t the sense to realize you will never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper-pusher. Yes, I know you quite well.”

The lawyer was stunned. He couldn’t even think for a few minutes. He slowly backed away, fearing the looks on the judge and jurors’ faces, not to mention the court reporter who had documented every word.

Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?”

Submitted by Jesse McGuire

“Why, yes, I do,” she said. “I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He’s lazy, bigoted and has a drinking problem. The man can’t keep a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the state. Besides, he cheated on his wife with three different women.”

During a trial in a small Colorado town, the local prosecuting attorney called his first witness to the stand. The witness was a proper, well-dressed elderly lady, well spoken and poised. She was sworn in on the Bible and asked to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help her God.

As she spoke, the defense attorney started slowly slipping down in his chair, staring at the floor. Gasps and laughter filled the courtroom, and the audience was on the verge of chaos.

The judge ordered the courtroom to silence, then called both counselors to the bench.

“Mrs. Jones, do you know me?” asked the prosecuting attorney.

In a very quiet voice, he said, “If either of you morons asks her if she knows me, you’re going to jail.” ■

“You’re spectacular!” said his caddy.

“You really know your way around the course. What’s your secret?”

The golfer replied, “The holes are numbered.”

The trial

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HOME & GARDEN

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Brassicas now!

Planting fall and winter crops to extend your harvest Alive and Digging,

W

e are blessed with a long growing season, which means we can play in the garden through fall.

Brassicas, which include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other hearty vegetables, will thrive as temperatures begin to cool. Starting them from seed this month will allow you to plant fresh starts in August. Fall’s cool nights will sweeten these mild veggies and encourage tighter flower heads (the part of the plant that we see in produce aisles, stripped of dense leaves).

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Pests aren’t eating your plants, but you’ll want to. Sliced into strips and simmered in salt water, brassica leaves soften. With a bit of olive oil and complimentary flavorings like garlic or mustard, the greens become a cozy fall dish. It’s shocking that these parts are so often thrown away.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

It’s still hot outside!

Starting brassicas from seed These loveable, cool-season crops germinate best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, so consider starting your seedlings indoors rather than outside in this midsummer heat. Fill a 50cell tray with soil and press your finger down into each cell to make a hole for the seed. Drop a seed into each hole and cover with soil.

Keep the tray moist until your seeds sprout, then water gently but thoroughly to encourage root growth.

After a month or so, your plant starts will be ready for action. When you lift a start out of its cell, its roots should

By Paige Slaughter

bring the soil up with it.

July is a special time in the garden. We are seeding and gathering, planting and harvesting. Planting brassicas now is symbolic of the flow of nature.

July is also a great time to start direct seeding root vegetables: turnips, radishes, rutabagas, carrots and beets.

Our fairly mild winters allow us to use our garden beds as root cellars to store these veggies until we’re ready to eat them. Just cover the shoulders with loose soil, leaving their green leaves uncovered, and harvest as needed until the ground freezes.

Seed brassicas now, imagining braised cabbage and roasted Brussels sprouts warming your stomach on a cool fall night. ■

GARDEN CHECKLIST ❒ Continue to trellis tall plants like peppers and tomatoes, pinching off suckers from indeterminate plants. ❒ Reseed tender herbs, as well as lettuce and green onions, for a tasty harvest. ❒ Harvest summer squash and cucumbers before they get too big. ❒ Water plants in the cool mornings, especially if using overhead watering systems. ❒ Direct sow root vegetables, bush beans, lettuce, spinach kale and chard. ❒ Deadhead annual flowers and spring-blooming perennials. ❒ Water perennials and your lawn deeply, not daily, to encourage healthier growth.

JULY 2017

HOME & GARDEN 19

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Let’s get growing with aquaponics kale, carrots, beets, spinach, lettuce, herbs, green beans, tomatoes and sweet potatoes, to name a few.

“All methods used are organic,” said Kenagy.

Growing a mission

Rick Kenagy teaches aquaponics concepts that are wowing expert gardeners and newbies alike.

Story and photo by Melanie Wiseman

affordable option.

Kenagy has been managing the ick Kenagy gets up each day askCanyon View Vineyard Church Coming himself two questions: What munity Garden for eight years. Six am I going to grow today? Who am I years ago, he added an aquaponics going to teach to grow food today?

Kenagy, 56, understands the urgen- greenhouse and doubled the garden’s annual food production from 10,000 cy of these questions and it’s his paspounds a year to 20,000 pounds. sion to help create backyard farming “Our motto food and communities.

C oolloorrisaa‘Growing dyy C doo G rrd d aacommunity, H G H r h r h t o t o i one seed, one relationi wnn w wdays Although Kenagy farms 365w ship at a time,’” said Kenagy. “Aquaa year, he has little dirt under his ponics has been around a long time fingernails and no sore muscles but is fairly new in the U.S. It was our from stooping and pulling weeds. answer to how we could extend our The aquaponics concepts he teaches growing season year-round.” locally and nationwide are wowing Living on the Western Slope makes newcomers as well as those who locals especially aware of how prehave been gardening for years. cious water is. Aquaponics is one way Our food production future to better use water to grow food.

“I’ve made food production my mission, as growing food is going to be a What is aquaponics?

According to Kenagy, aquaponics necessity for everyone,” said Kenagy. is the marriage of aquaculture (rais“According to a UN report, by 2030 ing fish) and hydroponics (growing there will be nine billion people in plants without soil), and grows fish the world and we will have to proand plants together in one integrated duce 70 percent more food than we system. The fish create waste, which do right now to support them.” becomes fertilizer for the plants.

He believes the solution is more backyard gardens—more specifically, Plants take up the nutrients and filter aquaponics gardens. Rooftops, sheds, the water that returns to the fish.

Kenagy primarily raises koi and tilabasements, sides of buildings, warepia, but other types of fish, such as houses and greenhouses can all be bass and trout, can be used as well. used for aquaponics gardening.

Almost any variety of vegetable A one-time cost of a $200-700, can be grown this way—bok choy, depending on the size, makes it an

R

Welco me Spring

“When we started [at the community garden], we had no clue about aquaponics,” said Kenagy. “I studied, did research and went to seminars.

Our original goal of turning one dollar’s worth of seed into 200 pounds of food was all we thought we’d be.

Now we’re able to expand our goal, produce more food year-round and use the garden as a hands-on, community experience.”

Canyon View Vineyard’s garden has become an educational center for grade school children, seniors, veterans, Strive clients, R-5 and Colorado Mesa University students, a large group of community volunteers and more.

Kenagy recently started Waters Edge 365, a nonprofit dedicated to

being more intentional about agriculture community development and training. Living Hope Church on Orchard Mesa created its own community garden with his help.

He also started GroFresh 365, LLC, through which he is helping commercial and small-system aquaponics startups on the Western Slope and beyond.

He is developing three more large farm production facilities in the Grand Valley, and recently spent two weeks mentoring an aquaponics farm in Georgia for veteran therapy. He’s even talked to several corrections facilities that may start inmate aquaponics farming programs.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if communities came together to raise food?” said Kenagy. “We have to teach kids how to grow food. It’s their future.”

For more information, call Kenagy at 234-8572. ■

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A closeup of Ruth Ann Feild’s “Where Rivers Meet,” which hangs in the Mesa County Justice Center. This detailed quilt depicts the Grand Valley as seen from the Colorado National Monument. Photos by Cloie Sandlin.

Every picture tells a story:

Ruth Ann Feild inspires with fabric

By Amanda Arnold

R

uth Ann Feild moved to Grand Junction from Ohio in 1982, and fell in love with the town. She enjoys the Western Slope so much that she shares its stories and history through her favorite art medium—quilting.

“I’m kind of like a quilt historian and a map cartographer. I love maps—it’s probably because I get lost a lot,” Field said with a smile.

She also loves inspiring others to learn the craft.

“I want that next generation to carry on [quilting],” Feild said. “It’s not happening as it did in the past.”

Now through August 14, Feild is teaching and inspiring locals as the Artist in Residence at Mesa County Libraries’ 970West Studio, 502 Ouray Ave. She offers workshops and hosts open studio hours throughout the summer.

While there, Feild is working on a quilt that represents the national parks. She’s also piecing together a quilt with a map of Grand Junction, and the public is invited to initial their favorite spots in town.

“It’s such a fun space for an artist,” she said. “I’m really here to inspire and create, but I also want to teach along the way and share my expertise.”

Showing love through art Feild’s mother and grandmother taught her how to sew when she was a child. Throughout the years, she sewed aprons, clothing and dolls. But it became more than just a hobby.

“Having four kids, I needed an outlet,” she said. “I’d put them to bed and sew until two in the morning.”

Feild didn’t start quilting until the ’80s. The craft was a perfect fit for her because it provided the freedom to stray away from patterns and create curvy lines. Her style was more traditional in the beginning, but her creativity flourished as she took home awards for her work from shows and contests.

“I started doing larger and larger pieces,” she said. “I love doing things that are commemorative or a celebration of different events in life.”

Much of Feild’s work exhibits her love for the community and can be

JULY 2017

21

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

seen throughout the Grand Valley and beyond.

She worked with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra to collect local residents’ written memories of the Colorado National Monument on squares of fabric, which she turned into a quilt called “Monumental Memories” for the monument’s 100th anniversary. The quilt features stories from prominent community members such as Tillie and Pat Bishop, Senator Mark Udall, John McConnell and Colorado Mesa University President Tim Foster, as well as students from local elementary schools.

A piece called “Footprints on the Trail” is proudly displayed behind the checkout counter at the Central Library. The quilt tells the story of pioneers and explorers of the Old Spanish Trail. Visitors who look closely can find hidden pictures of toads and footprints in the sand.

“Where Rivers Meet,” a detailed quilt of the Grand Valley as seen from the Colorado National Monument, hangs in the Mesa County Justice Center. Feild said it was a fun piece to create, as it contains signatures of justice center and City of Grand Junction employees.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet displays one of her quilts in his Washington, DC office. “Colorado, Above All,” features all of the counties in golden embroidery. All 53 of Colorado’s fourteeners are represented

by tiny beads. Postcards scattered throughout the piece add character and indicate points of interest.

A close look at each of her quilts reveals another detail: her picture is hidden somewhere in each piece. In “Colorado, Above All,” for example, her picture is in one of the postcards.

Sewing outside the box Feild incorporates a variety of fabrics and techniques in her work, including beads, thread, textiles, flower pounding and more.

A retired nurse, Feild is eager to spend her days enriching her craft, working on new projects and sharing her work and techniques with others.

“I used to work up to 16-hour days Drive and now it’s Fall like IMember have all day to sew—and night,” she said. “I feel so inspired. The fabric and thread just talk to me.”

She starts each quilt by sketching, and she takes a lot of pictures. She Support makes also loves embellishments.

To all add the the Grand difference color, she will paint onfor the fabric or Valley’s only... aspect of quiltdye it. But her favorite ing is working the fabric itself.

Solar with Powered Commu“I would sew and manipnityrather Radio ulate fabric than do the dye. I love become a new member or renew a being able to use different fabrics and membership techniques,” she said. right here at home!

She loves weaving a story and engaging viewers.

“The little details are hidden, and they make you want to get into the piece,” said Feild. ■

OCTOBER 7th-14th

Explore Ruth Ann Feild’s work with the following classes: Kids Club: No-Sew Quilts

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July 19, 2-4 p.m.

Central Library Community Room

Grand Junction Farmers Market

July 20 The Grand Junction quilt will be available for the public to initial their favorite places.

“Monumental Memories”

June 27-October 2 On display at the Avalon Theatre Ruth Ann is at the 970West Studio each Monday from 9 a.m. to noon until August 14. The public is welcome to stop by and ask questions.

 Quiet 55+ Adult Community  New & Pre-Owned Homes  Free RV Storage  On-Site Manager  Resident Club House

22 TRAVEL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 2017

Actors at the Yorktown Battlefield in Yorktown, Virginia.

8 historic sites to learn about the Revolutionary War Story and photos by Sandra Scott

D

on’t wait for a national holiday to visit and learn about America’s fight for freedom. These historical sites are open year-round.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum Boston was a hotbed of rebellion.

The Sons of Liberty protested the British tea tax by tossing a shipment of tea into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum offers hour-long guided tours with multimedia exhibits, restored ships and live actors that bring the event to life. Visitors can reenact the historic occasion by tossing tea into Boston Harbor. Take a lunch break at Abigail’s Tea Room, where you can enjoy freshly baked goods and sample the five teas that were thrown overboard at the Boston Tea Party.

Minute Man National Historical Park Start at Boston’s Old North Church and follow the route of Paul Revere’s ride to Lexington and wander along Battle Road to Concord. The first skirmish of the American Revolution—“the shot heard around the world”—took place on Lexington Green on April 19, 1775.

Independence National Historical Park The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. It’s also where George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Walk the Freedom Trail to the many sites that were important during the Revolution, including the Liberty Bell and the home of Betsy

Ross, purported to be the designer of the American flag.

Washington Crossing Historic Park At the Visitor’s Center at Pennsylvania’s Washington Crossing Historic Park, visitors can view historic exhibits dealing with George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River and the defeat of the Hessians. It was one of the turning points in the war because it renewed hopes for a colonial victory. There are reenactments in December.

Saratoga National Historical Park The British devised a three-pronged plan to conquer New York, but generals Howe and St. Leger did not complete their portion of the plan, leaving “Gentleman” Johnny Burgoyne without support. A major

battle occurred in Saratoga where, on September 19, 1777, Burgoyne’s columns were unable to defeat General Horatio Gates’ army. The American victory convinced France to enter the war as an ally of the United States. Visitors to Saratoga National Historical Park can hike the 4 ½-mile Wilkinson Trail on the battlefield or climb Saratoga Monument, a 155foot stone pillar commemorating the American victory. Plan your visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day and take a free guided tour through the Schuyler House, the former home of American General Philip Schuyler, which was rebuilt after British soldiers burned it to the ground during the war. Follow the trail and read the informational signs through Victory Woods, which was the location of Burgoyne’s last encampment before he surrendered to the U.S. Army. It’s even handicap accessible.

Valley Forge National Historical Park A major low point for the colonial army was the 1777-78 winter in

JULY 2017

TRAVEL 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Valley Forge near Philadelphia.

More than 2,000 soldiers died as a result of too little to eat and inadequate clothing. Baron von Steuben, a former Prussian officer, arrived at the camp in February and began a training regimen for the army. By June 1778, when the soldiers marched out of Valley Forge, they were better trained and more confident. Tour the home of General Washington and his staff during the encampment, see artillery demonstrations, meet a Continental soldier and explore the area at Pennsylvania’s Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Cowpens National Battlefield Cowpens, a pastureland in South Carolina, was the site of General Daniel Morgan’s attack on Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton’s British Legion on January 17, 1781. Called a tactical masterpiece, Morgan’s battle plan began with militia sharpshooters who fired two volleys, then fell back behind the Continentals who next attacked, followed by the cavalry. In less than an hour, the British suffered nearly 1,000 casualties. Stop by the Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center and watch the 18-minute film, “Cowpens: A Battle Remembered,” which plays at the top of the hour.

You’re Invited

Travel Talk Coffee Break

by Terry Eakle

Clarion Inn • 755 Horizon Drive • Grand Junction, CO

Friday, July 14th ~ 10:00am

Announcing Three New Tours!

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum

Yorktown Battlefield On September 28, 1781, General Washington commanded 17,000 French and Continental troops in a siege against British General Cornwallis and 9,000 British troops at Yorktown, Virginia. The Marquis de Lafayette and 5,000 colonial troops blocked Cornwallis’ escape by land and the French navy blocked the British troops’ escape by sea, forcing Cornwallis to surrender on October 17, effectively ending the War for Independence. Explore the last major battle site of the Revolutionary War and don’t miss the Fifes and Drums of Yorktown performances on select dates May through December. ■

Terry Eakle

Escorting Custom Tours from Grand Junction Since 1985.

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

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Independence Hall in Philadelphia

24 LOCAL LORE

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JULY 2017

JULY 2017

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“I started doodling the name and I suggested it to Brad,” Becky said.

But neither was completely sold on it until Becky went to City Hall to apply for a liquor license. The clerk, an old friend, told her she couldn’t apply for a license without a business name.

When Becky told the clerk their list of names, she said, “My husband and I met at a place in Kansas City called the Blue Moon Bar & Grill. I love that name!”

Becky wrote “Blue Moon” on the application and the rest is history.

Before it was home to The Blue Moon, the building at 120 N. Seventh St. housed a clothing store, several restaurants and a parts store.

Photo courtesy of the Museums of Western Colorado, c 1938.

A loyal following

Photos by Bill Flanik and Cloie Sandlin

The Blue Moon has many loyal patrons who stop by for a mid-day drink or bring in their families for a meal. The Brehmers and staff have seen generations of customers grow up in the restaurant and bring in families of their own.

The Blue Moon still shines brightly after 30 years

By Sandy Higgins

T

he Blue Moon Bar & Grill is celebrating 30 years in business, having opened on July 20, 1986, which makes it one of the longest-operating businesses in downtown Grand Junction.

Owners Brad and Becky Brehmer met in 1972 while working at The Vault, a popular downtown bar and restaurant that was located on the lower level of the current Alpine Bank building.

They continued to work in the industry when they moved to Aspen, but they eventually returned to Grand Junction, opening their first restaurant, Pablo’s, on the east end of North Avenue. Pablo’s closed unexpectedly, but the Brehmers didn’t give up. Instead, they set their sights on a historic building at the corner of Seventh and Main Streets as the location for their next endeavor.

A checkered past In the early ’70s, the building

housed a clothing store called Red Hot Pants.

“I loved that place. You would walk in to get a pair of jeans and they’d give you a package of Red Hots,” said Western Slope native Hap Jordan.

In 1978, it became the T-Bone Restaurant and Bar, which had a reputation for being a wild hangout for oilfield workers, then 57’s, a ’50s-themed diner that went out of business during the oil bust in the ’80s. The building sat vacant for a couple of years until the Brehmers purchased it.

The couple had difficulty deciding on the perfect name for the restaurant, but inspiration struck when the song “Blue Moon” came on the radio.

The restaurant’s location at the corner of Seventh and Main has always made it a popular spot to enjoy downtown events from the patio, with a beer or cocktail in hand.

It was quite famous for its full moon parties, held on the Wednesday closest to the full moon. For 20 years, full moon parties kicked off at 5 p.m. with half-priced drinks and appetizers all night long and music from a local DJ. “We did those for 20 years. A lot of people had a rough day at work on Thursday,” Brad chuckled.

The restaurant was wall-to-wall with people in the hundreds.

“The line was down the block, and people would try and sneak in the back door,” said server Jo Dempsey.

Dempsey, 63, has worked for the Brehmers for 32 years. She started working at Pablo’s and came back to help them open the Blue Moon. She has watched customers from Pablo’s became regulars at The Blue Moon, and loves it when patrons ask specifically for her.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I also love to meet new people and hear their stories.”

Dempsey has worked the same shift for 30 years, and has trained countless servers, watching them become part of the Blue Moon family.

Once they leave, they often come back to visit.

Speaking of family, The Blue Moon has many loyal patrons who stop by for a mid-day drink or bring their families in for a meal. The Brehmers

LOCAL LORE 25

and staff have seen generations of customers grow up in the restaurant and bring in families of their own.

Vincent King and his wife Sandra Alexander moved to Grand Junction from Wichita, Kansas in 1991. With the Blue Moon within “crawling distance” from his home, it wasn’t long before he became a regular customer.

If Alexander couldn’t reach him at home, she knew where to find him.

These days, they can be found hanging out with the lunch crowd at the Blue Moon every Friday and Saturday, catching up on local affairs with Brad and the staff.

“We love the atmosphere, good drink selection and consistently good food and good service,” Alexander said.

One year, she recalled telling Brad about how they planned to spend their anniversary at the Blue Moon.

When they arrived, they were escorted to a table, decorated with a tablecloth, candles and china from the Brehmers’ home. Brad also made them a special, off-the-menu meal.

Staying power The restaurant’s menu has pretty much stayed the same over the years, keeping favorites but introducing new dishes through daily specials.

“We have a loyal clientele,” Brad said. “People like dishes that we’ve always been known for.”

Becky spends most of her time at Razzmatazz, the boutique on Main Street, which she opened in 1999.

She can still be found hostessing at the Blue Moon on holidays and sometimes during lunch. She still makes the Thursday lunch special, pastitsio.

Brad is a constant fixture during the lunch hour. He seats customers and loves talking local affairs and sports, especially football.

Grand Junction has seen its share of booms and busts, however, The Blue Moon remains a fixture of downtown Grand Junction. Even after 30 years, Brad and Becky have no plans of slowing down.

“Every day is like we opened just yesterday,” Brad said. “Year 31 is no different than year one.” ■

Owners Brad and Becky Brehmer celebrate The Blue Moon Bar & Grill’s 30th anniversary this month.

26 FAITH MOVES

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JULY 2017

Food, art, ministry:

The Redlands Farmers Market connects the community Photo by Valarie Sears

By Stephanie Summar

T

Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Excellence!

he Redlands Farmers Market is a market with a mission: to bring the community just a little closer together.

And if, at the end of an evening spent socializing with friends old and new, visitors wind up with an armful of fresh produce or a cute new pet, even better.

“This a community-focused event and it’s all about people coming and having a good time,” said organizer Nan McNees.

This is the third year that Redlands United Methodist Church (RUMC) has hosted the farmers market, and McNees’ first year at the helm. This summer, the church has made a number of changes to the market, all aimed at developing community connections.

McNees said the new approach was inspired by a recent article written

by Jeff Kuhr, PhD, executive director of Mesa County Public Health, identifying social connectedness as the number-one way to improve the community’s overall health.

“I think he hit the nail on the head,” McNees said.

In order to develop a farmers market that would attract all kinds, the church lowered the entry fee for ven-

dors considerably and reached out to a wide variety of sellers. Products available include produce, salmon, handcrafted spices, jams, jellies, home decor, essential oils, all-natural skin care, soaps, yard art, jewelry and more.

“It’s been affordable for some of the vendors who aren’t quite big enough to go to some of the large events,” McNees said.

New this year are adoptable dogs from Grand Rivers Humane, where McNees volunteers.

The farmers market, which runs from 5-8 p.m. every Wednesday through September 13, is a great place to get dinner (and maybe some dessert). There are a number of food vendors present, as well as ample seating for taking the time to connect with friends and neighbors.

When McNees said there’s something for everyone, she meant it—this family friendly event is perfect for the grandkids. While their caretakers shop, preschool through elementary school-aged children can learn a Bible story, do a craft and have a snack.

“We’re going to have a lot of fun and pull the community together a little bit, in our area and across town as well,” McNees said. ■

JULY 2017

TALKING DIGITAL 27

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The right fitness tracker for the long run

Talking Digital

By Adam Cochran

H

ave you been sleeping well?

How many hours did you get last night?

Do you get up and walk around at least once an hour?

Do you feel awkward reading a text message when your phone goes off in a meeting?

Do you fumble around with your media player when you should be paying attention to what you’re doing?

Perhaps you’ve noticed that more people are wearing bulky electronic bracelets or funky, digital watch-like devices. These are called fitness trackers and they monitor how many steps you’ve taken or when you’ve been sitting too long. They may even display your heart rate or tell you how well you sleep. Some fitness trackers even control your music player.

Whether you are a fitness junkie or a couch potato, you may be interested in what a fitness tracker can do for you.

What to look for The best fitness trackers connect wirelessly to an app on your smartphone that tracks and provides real-time reports on your activity.

Cheap trackers (under $100) generally provide basic activity monitoring, such as step counts and sleep patterns.

More expensive trackers add features such as a watch, heart rate monitor and GPS. Some devices also track types of activity, laps and calorie counts.

Most devices will vibrate when you are getting a text message or phone call. Some are equipped with screens that display caller information or a summary of the text message.

The top three brands There are dozens of fitness trackers

on the market, but only three major brands tend to dominate the positive user reviews: Fitbit, Garmin and Apple.

• The Apple Watch is no ordinary fitness tracker. It allows you to install apps, make phone calls and control your iPhone, but it offers enough health monitoring features to make it a serious—although expensive—fitness tracker. The latest basic model costs around $300, but they go up to $10,000 (seriously).

• Fitbit and Garmin make a number of affordable trackers. Read reviews before making a purchase. Essentially, the more you spend, the more features you get, but the accuracy of the data is about the same across all devices.

2017

e

HEAR IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE CONCERT SERIES

Connect other apps You may want to consider a fitness tracker that you can connect with other apps through your smartphone.

• MyFitnessPal is an app that lets you track your diet. If you want an extra 200 calories in your diet, your fitness tracker will report your walk or jog data and update your calorie budget in real time.

• Endomondo is an app that allows you to record your movement-based activity—runs, bike rides, swims, etc. It tracks laps and distance, and gives you real-time, audible updates through your headphones.

• Runkeeper records historical and real-time data about your runs.

It’s specifically designed for those interested in improving their running skills. ■

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Enjoy an evening of great music, great wine and great views while supporting great causes! All concert proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations.

Bring your friends and join us!

28 FINANCE

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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JULY 2017

Rental properties: good

investments that come with risk

By Nathaniel Sillin

M

aybe your financial house is in order. Your debt is manageable or paid off. You have an emergency fund and now you’re looking for ways to grow your wealth. Or perhaps you’re planning ahead by learning about different investment options. Have you considered becoming a landlord?

In between the extremes of easy, hands-off income and total ruin are the everyday concerns, benefits and risks that most landlords face.

Risky business Investment property mortgages tend to be a little more difficult and costly to secure than primary residence mortgages. It can also be harder to take cash out of investment properties—either with a cash-out refinance or a home equity line of credit. In other words, you might not have access to the money during an emergency.

Owning a rental property outright can be risky as well. Especially if you’re placing a significant amount of your savings in a single investment, the lack of diversification could put you in a precarious situation.

Those aren’t the only risks you could face when owning a rental.

You may also face: • Finding and keeping good tenants.

Landlords learn from experience that it’s worth leaving their rental empty for a month or two rather than pay for an eviction or expensive repairs later. You can pay for professional tenant screening reports or credit reports, and call applicants’ references before offering a lease.

• Covering your expenses. Between taxes, insurance, repairs, maintenance and mortgage payments, the monthly and one-off costs can quickly stack up. Some landlords lose money because their rental income doesn’t cover their ex-

penses, but they won’t be able to attract tenants if they raise it. If the housing and rental markets drop, you could be stuck losing money each month or selling the property at a loss.

• The time or cost of managing a rental property. Becoming a landlord is often far from a hands-off job. When the phone rings in the middle of the night because the roof is leaking, you’ll need to figure out how to solve the problem. You may be able to hire a property management company to take on this work for you, but they often charge about 8 to 12 percent of your rental income or a flat monthly fee.

Overcoming the obstacles Even with the risk involved, there are countless examples of successful landlords. Many find the experience so rewarding that they purchase additional investment properties.

Set yourself up for financial success. What separates the successful and sorrow-filled landlords? Luck certainly comes into play, but you can also take steps to get started on the right foot.

Try to determine a property’s capitalization rate, the estimated annual return, before making an offer.

To calculate the capitalization rate, divide the annual net income by the property’s purchase price.

Your net income will be your rental income, which you can approximate based on rental prices for similar properties, minus your costs, such as maintenance, upgrades, vacancies and emergencies. You may need to consult an accountant to understand how your new tax situation can affect your costs.

Cap rates tend to change depending on the area and type of property.

But regardless of what’s considered “good” in your area, you can use this formula to compare different investment opportunities. ■

JULY 2017

SENIOR SCAMS 29

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The devil to pay:

$

How overpayment scams work

By Megan Terlecky, Mesa County Sheriff’s Office

S

ellers beware—scammers are buying!

The latest scam in Mesa County targets people trying to sell their stuff through an ad in the paper, on Craigslist or even on Facebook.

How it works Scammers buy the item by sending a check, but the amount is usually hundreds of dollars more than the item costs.

Sellers are instructed to deposit the check, keep the appropriate amount and forward the remaining amount to a third party. In some cases, that third party is described as a friend, associate or moving company—all of whom “will be picking up the item soon.”

Oftentimes, scammers will say, “Keep an extra $200 or so for your inconvenience.”

Sounds too good to be true, right?

Correct! This is a scam!

The scam Sellers become victims when they deposit the too-good-to-be-true check in their account, then wire the “extra” money as instructed. The problem is that the check was fake. Once the bank processes it in a day or two, it bounces. Guess who is responsible for the money that was just wired to the scammer? That’s right—the seller

actually sends the scammer their own money.

To make matters worse, if the sellers don’t have the money in their account to cover the funds, they also inadvertently commit bank fraud.

What happens to the money?

The money is likely not to be located or reimbursed after being sent off.

The checks are usually cashed and the money forwarded immediately, because the scammers threaten the victims by claiming they are stealing if the instructions aren’t followed quickly. The reality is that scammers are trying to get the money before the victims realize the check is fake.

Don’t fall victim • When selling or buying items online or on Craigslist, purchase locally.

• Meet in a public location during the daytime and use cash.

• When purchasing items, pay the exact amount owed.

• Know that when wiring money, even to a specific address or location, those funds can be accessed at any wire store around the world.

Just because the wire was sent to an address in Los Angeles, for example, doesn’t mean the scammer didn’t pick up the funds in Southeast Asia. ■

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30 BUSINESS PROFILE

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JULY 2017

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he Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently reported that between 2012 and 2014, there were 640 drivers involved in a fatal crash. Among them, people age 65 and older represented 65 percent of drivers involved and 73 percent of drivers at fault.

The Fit to Drive campaign is a collaborative effort by Grand Valley Transit (GVT), All Points Transit (APT) and Durango’s Road Runner Stage Lines to encourage older adults to consider new transportation methods.

“We’re trying to make drivers aware of their increased risk behind the wheel and to raise awareness of public transportation options that all people can use,” said GVT Transportation Planner Elizabeth Collins.

The campaign, funded by the CDOT Safety Grant, directs audience members to www.fittodrive.org, where they can learn the signs that it’s time to stop driving a personal automobile and how to stay mobile with public transportation.

“Many aging adults have never ridden a public bus because they’ve grown up with the personal automobile,” Collins said. “We’re really interested in seeing that demographic increase in our ridership and promoting the various discounts that transit agencies on the Western Slope have available for people age 65 years and older.”

The three agencies work together to make public transportation attractive to seniors by offering discounted passes and reduced rates during certain hours of the week.

“You can get all over the Western Slope of Colorado on public transit,” Collins said. “It’s not the same agency, but we try to make it seamless from community to community.”

Public transportation is easy and convenient. It can cost less than maintaining a personal automobile, and is perfect for those who primarily travel around town or who are uncomfortable driving at night.

For more information about GVT, call 256-RIDE (7433) or visit gvt.mesacounty.us. To catch a ride in Montrose, Delta, Ouray and San Miguel counties, contact APT at 249-0128 or visit www.allpointstransit.com. For Road Runner Stage Lines in Durango, call 553-0389. ■

Get a free ride pass at a training program offered by GVT.

Saturday, July 29 9:30-11:30 a.m.

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RSVP to 464-5602

JULY 2017

Critique groups make your writing stronger

By Jan Weeks

W

BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ith self-publishing’s rise in popularity, many writers rush to get their books into print without taking time to make sure their product is the best it can be.

Writers’ critique groups help ensure that writers connect with their readers effectively, and there are many critique groups in the area to help writers improve.

The Colorado West Writers’ Workshop has been around the Grand Valley for 30 years and was started

by James Van Pelt, an English teacher at Fruita Monument High School.

Though Van Pelt has retired from the group, it’s still going strong. The membership has shifted and changed through the years, yet the primary goal remains the same: to help other writers become the best they can be via positive yet knowledgeable feedback, and through that to become published authors.

A writing teacher myself, I’ve been facilitating the group for the last several years and can credit the feedback I’ve received with allowing me to be both traditionally and self-published. My mystery novel, “Season of Evil, Season of Dreams,” would not have been picked up by a publisher if the group, which included a retired law enforcement person, hadn’t told me what needed to improve.

Even though I’ve self-published books, I want them to be good, not just slapped together. I rely on the group to make sure I’m meeting that goal.

“Although I haven’t had fiction published, I have one novel ready to send out,” said Virginia Jensen, another long-time member and published author of three books on beading techniques. “Its completion depended on those friends and critiquers who helped me see how I was not saying what I thought I was, what I missed, how I could have said it better, how

I could improve character, plot, description, atmosphere and so on.”

John Garner has been in the group for only a few months, yet he has already found the feedback to be invaluable.

“Creativity has never been a problem for me,” he said. “And now the group offers me structure, camaraderie and timely feedback on grammar, tips on setting, and spots errors I didn’t see.”

A working group The Colorado West Writers Workshop is just that—a workshop. It’s not the place for novice writers to learn to write.

Prospective members submit a sample of their writing and each member gives input as to whether the writer will be a good fit for the group.

The writing sample should show ability, but doesn’t have to be perfect.

“I don’t think very many people are ‘born’ writers,” said former critique group member Terri Benson, who has been traditionally published.

“You need to work at your craft and hone it. Critique groups can speed that up and save you a lot of grief.”

It’s a fun-loving group, but we focus on the work, not on socializing— until break time, that is.

Marie-Louise Hausermann belonged to the group for seven months, until other demands forced her to quit. Yet her time there taught her a lot about writing, like how hard it is to critique effectively.

“What was most valuable and liberating was the realization I could do away with unnecessary backstory and that every sentence, every paragraph should in some way propel the story forward. I would never attempt to approach an agent or publisher without first exposing my writing to the critical eye of a critique group.”

For more information about Colorado West Writers’ Workshop, contact Jan Weeks at 255-6679. ■

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Dementia and Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Information.

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and secure while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home.

We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The fairest of the fair

By Jan Weeks

Crafty quilts

here are some retired folks who just want to sit in a recliner with the remote after spending more than 40 years working. The seniors whose work is displayed each year at the Mesa County Fair are not among that group.

Donna Hobson has made stunning quilts for almost half her life, and she’s taken a slew of ribbons home from the local fair.

“I can’t just sit,” she said. “I have to do something with my hands.”

That energy has enabled her to create more than 70 quilts over the years.

She started out with simple patchwork squares, but eventually tackled one with 1,600 variously sized pieces, all cut with scissors.

She used to follow patterns she found in books and online, but now she would rather invent her own motifs.

These days Hobson’s favorite subjects are picture quilts, such as one featuring squares

T

Proud produce Jim Witt, a retired high school German teacher, has exhibited his produce for the last three years and has the blue ribbons to prove it. His tomatoes and volunteer sunflowers bring home the blue without breaking a sweat.

“I go online and check the rules and procedures, [and] follow them starting when the plants come up,” Witt said.

He was inspired to enter produce into the contest while volunteering for a shift in the exhibit hall, something he continues to do each year.

Donna Hobson with one of her quilts.

with boats, beaches and landmarks around San Diego, where one of her sons lives. She’s also sewn a Colorado quilt that features mountains, trout, streams, pine trees and flowers. In 1999, she made one she calls “Dawn of a New Day” to celebrate the millennium.

“It’s my peace quilt,” she said, voicing her hope for the world during trying times.

Hobson also enjoys making smaller pieces, such as holiday-themed table runners and wall hangings.

Her Southwest quilts feature stylized images of kachinas and other local themes.

Fine photography Photographer Bill Holstein has exhibited his work at the fair seven or eight times.

Holstein has exhibited in several galleries.

His Red Chair series shows a child’s bright red rocking chair in

JULY 2017

different settings, including perched in a sunlit snowdrift outside a house almost buried by a storm.

He’s accumulated many ribbons at the fair for his work. Winning is nice, of course, but the ribbons aren’t his main motivation.

“The best part is the being able to show your work to other people and knowing that they enjoy [it],” he said. ■

Show your stuff Do you can jams or decorate cakes?

Do you sew or paint watercolors?

If you have something to share, the Mesa County Fair will create a category to exhibit your work. The fair uses a Danish judging system, meaning entries are judged against the standard, not other items being exhibited.

To enter your work at the

2017 Mesa County Fair,

call 255-7107

or visit www.mesacountyfair.com for details. Preregistration deadline for Open Class entries is July 18.

JULY 2017

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The Center at Foresight: centered on recovery

By Cloie Sandlin

B

usiness is booming in the Grand Valley—that’s evident by the new businesses popping up in north Grand Junction.

One of these sleek new buildings is The Center at Foresight, the valley’s newest skilled nursing facility, designed to help patients recovering from injury or illness reach their highest level of independence and wellness.

The center is packed with all the amenities patients need to feel more than comfortable, including 54 private rooms, chef-prepared gourmet meals, a therapy garden, a salon and a gymnasium for physical and occupational therapies. It can be a temporary home away from home for patients who require physical rehabilitation and/or complex nursing care.

A patient typically stays at the center for about two to three weeks, but may stay up to 100 days with insurance or Medicare coverage. But a 100day stay won’t be necessary for most patients, said Clinical Liaison Amanda Gibson, especially with the center’s physician-driven care plan and dedicated approach to patient care.

“Providing outstanding patient care is a priority for us, and we have a team that really wants that and has a

About 200 people showed up at The Center at Foresight’s grand opening to meet the staff, visit with former patients and tour the facility. passion for it,” Gibson said.

At The Center at Foresight’s June 1 grand opening and ribbon cutting, staff members proudly showed off the new building.

Gibson estimated that about 200 people showed up to meet the staff, visit with former patients and tour the state-of-the-art facility.

“A lot of planning went into it and we ended up getting really great response,” she said. “A lot of people came and enjoyed themselves.”

The Center at Foresight is locally owned, empowering the administration and staff to focus on providing world-class care to patients on the Western Slope.

Stop by 606 E. Foresight Circle for a tour. For more information, call 985-7900 or visit www.centeratforesight.com. ■

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.

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

www.centeratforesight.com

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A man with a mountain to climb

By Stephanie Summar

L

ast year, at 74, Nick Isenberg started a new career as a stand-up comedian.

By his 75th birthday in June, Isenberg did something even more extraordinary: He climbed Glenwood Springs’ Iron Mountain 500 times.

Blind.

His quest kicked off nine years ago, when he was a sighted 66 year-old sim-

ply looking for a new way to exercise.

“I hiked up and took the gondola down. I just did it once to see if I could do it,” Isenberg said.

The next summer, he climbed the three-mile Transfer Trail, the road up Iron Mountain, 19 more times. The year after that, he hiked it a whopping 29 times. And the summer after that, a heart attack left him legally blind.

“I was the second-most premature baby to live when I was born in 1942.

I was 90 days premature, weighed 2 pounds, 11-3/4 ounces and was in an incubator for 10 weeks,” Isenberg said.

“The doctor said [to my parents], ‘Give him a name so you can bury him.’”

He lived, but oxygen pressure in the incubator resulted in a lifetime of vision troubles. He’s now suffering the end-stage consequences, and his vision degenerates a little more each day.

Nevertheless, Isenberg was back on Iron Mountain the summer after his heart attack. While having coffee with a friend one day, he realized something.

“Gee, if I did this 15 times by June 10, I’d make it to 70 climbs by the time

“

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I’m 70,” he said to his friend. “Let’s see if I can do it.”

He did. By his 73rd birthday, Isenberg had hiked it 300 times; by his 74th birthday, he’d hit 400 and was on target to hit 500 climbs by the time he turned 75.

“I was really hustling. On July 4, I did it six times in one day,” he said. “Two days later, some plumbers left the trap door open at the bottom of my apartment stairs and I fell and broke my arm, messed up my rotator cuff and my vision deteriorated further.”

Determined not to put off his goal, he had a friend guide him up the mountain twice more that summer, his arm still broken. By the end of the season, Isenberg had hiked Transfer Trail 452 times. To reach 500 climbs, he had to summit the mountain 48 more times between March, when the snow melted, and his June 10 birthday.

It wasn’t easy—he had to work around bad weather conditions and a challenging course. In fact, he’s hiked to Mt. Everest’s base camp before and said that Iron Mountain is a more difficult climb. Despite the odds, he made it, thanks to a network of volunteers that rallied around his cause.

JULY 2017

“I met a guy at the bus stop, and he said he’d help me, and then he was telling a friend about it and he said he’d help me, too,” said Isenberg. “I think I have 11 people helping me. Two guys did it two or three times in a day.”

His partners hike a few feet ahead of him with a rope tied around both their waists to prevent Isenberg from falling off a cliff (there are seven along the trail) or getting lost.

“Last year, I could see enough that I wouldn’t fall off a cliff, but I got lost six times,” he said.

Isenberg has no plans to climb Iron Mountain 1,000 times by his 80th birthday. Instead, he’d like to return to making documentaries, something his career as a reporter prepared him for.

His next project gives viewers permission to remain active as they age.

Isenberg said his role model for growing older is Julian Vogt, a cross-country skier who lived to be nearly 104 and was active to the end.

“You can get stronger and healthier as you get older,” Isenberg said. “At 66, I had to stop and keep catching my breath. It was easier to climb as many times as I did last year than it was once at 66.” ■

Come join us for the 6th annual

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JULY 2017

The cure for grumpy old folks

By Lynn Walker Gendusa

T

35

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

he phone rang early one morning about 20 years ago, waking me from a sound sleep.

“Lynn, it’s your mother,” said the voice on the other end.

I sprang off the bed, readying myself for some bad news.

“Your dad is in the car heading to Atlanta,” she stated emphatically, as if she were a bit miffed.

My parents lived in Crystal River, Florida, which was about an eighthour drive from my then-home in Atlanta. Why was my 80-year-old father driving alone to see me?

“Your dad,” she said (he was mine now—she wasn’t claiming him), “got it in his head that he wanted to go to Copperhill, Tennessee, to see if he could find his old friends.”

“Didn’t Dad live there when he was 13?” I asked, now fully awake.

“I told him the idea was crazy and that he shouldn’t go, but you know how he is! He left at 5 a.m.”

I did know how he was because I’m just like him. Once a Walker gets an idea, you can’t stop us. We’re like freight trains on rocket fuel.

When I arrived home from work that evening, there was Dad sitting at the kitchen table.

“What the heck are you doing, Daddy?” I laughed.

“I am going to spend the night here and go to Copperhill and find my old friends tomorrow. I want to see if some are still there.”

He was on the road by 6 a.m. to drive two hours north. But when I arrived home from work late that same afternoon, Daddy was sitting at the kitchen table again.

Shocked, I said, “Dad, what are you doing back here? Did you find your friends? Are you ok?”

“Yep, I found a few,” he said as he stared at the table, looking a bit dejected.

“Well, why didn’t you stay for a day or two?”

“Oh heck, Lynn! Those people are old!” he exclaimed.

I laughed so hard I thought I was

going to collapse.

He was the same chronological age as they were, but mentally Dad was still 13. He never saw himself as old or grumpy. His physical ailments never deterred him from being who he always was. His spirit roared and laughed all the way to heaven’s door.

People have always said, “Laughter is the best medicine.” I believe that to be true. I was raised with a bunch of folks who believed that God gave us laughter to help us through the tears and keep us kicking.

How many times have you run across grumpy old folks? They worry about getting to the doctor on time, or are scared to death of dying. How many times have you seen relatively healthy older people sit down and refuse to get up?

My Tennessee grandmother always complained about those who did.

“Shoot, don’t they know they’re gonna die? Why worry about it? They ought to enjoy the livin’ till they can’t no more! Why, down at the senior citizens’ club, they gave up bowlin’ because they thought they were too old! I’m so mad at ’em I could spit!

Shoot, I’m the oldest one and I want to bowl!”

She stayed young her entire 97 years.

I recall the laughter at family reunions. My older relatives laughed until their bellies shook and their cheeks turned red. Now that I am in official senior territory, along with a bunch of other baby boomers, we have to keep on laughing. We have to think of ourselves as young, vital, important, and really cackle out loud.

I have told my children if I become grumpy, just slap me silly. I don’t want to leave this earth with a frown.

I want to leave with a laugh. None of us should be so afraid of dying that we lose the art of living well.

We must never think of ourselves as “done.”

Sometimes we have to dig deep to find joy and hope again. Nevertheless, it is our job to never give up, never give in and never becomegrumpy and old. ■

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Discover Together

36 FUN AFTER 50

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 2017

Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

FUN AFTER 50

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

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SPECIAL EVENTS JULY 4 Fireworks Enjoy fireworks from Suplizio Field with the purchase of a Grand Junction Rockies game ticket or bring your family to Lincoln Park to enjoy the show. Fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.

JULY 14 Movies in the Park Bring your kids for this free movie at Lincoln Park. July’s movie is “Pirates of the Caribbean.” Gates open at 7:30 p.m.

HEALTH JULY 13 Get Great in 8 This eight-week fitness challenge is designed with the 50+ crowd in mind.

Learn how to use fitness equipment, get a personalized fitness workout and perform a baseline fitness test in the first class, then work out on your own over the next eight weeks according to your personalized routine. Then reassess your fitness level and receive a new personalized workout in the final class. Assessments and classes take place at the Canyon View Park Playground. Each participant receives a visor. Cost is $44.

MONDAY-FRIDAY Aqua Aerobics Class is designed for beginner or novice individuals and takes place 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.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga 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.

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

MONDAYS Line Dance Learn the basics of line dance, and slowly build on those steps to try more challenging dances. Class is from 12:15-2 p.m. Mondays, July 10-31, at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $9.

SPORTS AUGUST 21-27 Western Colorado Senior Games 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. Find your registration form and guide to the Western Colorado Senior Games in this issue of the BEACON, or call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office at 254-3866.

JULY 22-23 Open Pickleball Tournament Registration deadline is at 5 p.m. July 7. Games take place at the Lincoln Park and Pineridge Courts. For more information and a registration form, call 254-3866.

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

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

TUESDAY 9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am

12:00 pm 1:00 pm

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. $3.50

JULY 2017

MESA COUNTY 37

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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.

Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at the Red Cross Training Center. Call 260-4653 or visit www.thefriend shipforce.org 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.

Grand Junction Chess Club meets from 6:30-11:30 p.m. every Monday in the Safeway Starbucks, 2901 F Road. If you don’t have a chess set, we loan sets out at no charge. For details, visit www.jctchess.com.

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 grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com for details.

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

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

Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses from 6:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Redlands United Methodist Church.

Call 255-9419 or 523-3464 or visit www.grandmesachorus.org 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.

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.

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.

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.

Not Going Quietly meets from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at

Two Rivers 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.

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.

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. thundermountaincameraclub.org.

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

Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club meets at noon on July 22. For location, call 523-5625.

Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway meets at 11:30 a.m. on July 10 at The Egg & I. For meeting details, call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjel lodge.org.

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.

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.

Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.gjcoinshow. com. ■

RIVER CITY SINGLES

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship” Calling all singles over 50!

Come meet new friends and join us at 5 p.m. Fridays at the Travelodge on Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests.

Fridays at 5 p.m. - Meet new friends and play games at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Drive.

You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests.

Membership in RCS is only $20 per year.

Tuesdays at 9:30 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 at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road.

Call Bob at 263-8462.

Monday, July 10 at 2 p.m. - Miniature Golf at Bananas Fun Park, 2469 Riverside Pkwy. Cost is $8. Cocktails or dinner to follow. Call Linda at 640-0980.

Tuesday, July 11 at 9 a.m. - Horseback Riding at Rimrock Adventures in Fruita, 927 Hwy 340. Cost is $35 per hour. Call John at 241-3171 or Ellie at 261-8690.

Tuesday, July 18 at 6 p.m. - Rimrock Rodeo in Fruita. Meet at Sutherland’s parkinglot at 6 p.m. to carpool. Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. Call Penny at 712-7588.

Saturday, July 29 at 4 p.m. - Super Game Day at Mary’s. Play games like Mexican Train, Hand & Foot, Pinochle, Rummikub, Dominoes, Hearts, Farkle, Pitch, etc. Bring a potluck dish to share. Call Joan at 778-2057.

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38 MESA COUNTY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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JULY 2017

Mesa County Calendar JULY 4–10 Grand Junction Rockies gamesCheer on the Grand Junction Rockies as they take on Orem on Independence Day at 6 p.m., then enjoy fireworks after the game. The series against Orem continues July 5-7. On July 8-10, the Rockies play Ogden. Games start at 6:40 p.m. each day except on July 9, when it begins at 5 p.m.

students will explore and create paintings with cold wax and oil paint. No experience necessary. Walk away with at least two finished paintings. All supplies provided. Classes are from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and taught by Dianna Fritzler. Cost is $155.

JULY 11 Wine, orchard and farm tour Starting at the Fruita Community CenJULY 7 ter, travel around the Grand Valley to Hiking Petite Plateau various wineries, orchards and farms.

Hike Petite Plateau with the Fruita Experience an abundance of tastes, Fossils Hiking Club. Meet at the Fruita smells and wares to bring home with Community Center’s Senior Center at 7 you. The group will enjoy a picnic lunch a.m. Bring a lunch and water, and wear at Palisade’s River Park. This event is appropriate clothing. The cost is $15. for adults aged 55 and older. The cost is $35. For more information, call the community center at 858-0360.

JULY 11, 18 & 25 “The American West as Living Space” workshop This three-part series at the Mesa County Libraries Central Library will explore the West through a series of readings and discussions with history and English professors at Colorado Mesa University. The focus will be on works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and journalism, with expert facilitators JULY 7-9 at each session. These free workshops Colorado Lavender Festival take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Participants are asked to attend all three Lavender lovers flock to Western sessions.

Colorado for this festival. Tour JULY 13 farms, learn how to use lavender Mental Health Summit in cooking and baking, sip Veterans Affairs health care providers lavender-infused beverages and and key community stakeholders will sample an assortment of lavender learn to enhance veteran access to goodies. On Saturday, Palisade’s mental health services and to address Veterans Memorial Park will be the mental health care needs of veterfull of vendors showcasing goods, ans and their families. This event is held live music, food and workshops. at the Mesa County Workforce Center.

LEARN MORE AT Registration is free and opens at 11:30 www.coloradolavender.org a.m.; the conference begins at 12:30 p.m.

JULY 10-13 Cold Wax Painting workshop During this stress-free workshop divided into three three-hour sessions,

CMU Alumni Association meeting Join the Colorado Mesa University Alumni Association and CMU President Tim Foster from 4-6 p.m. in the Mey-

JULY 2017

MESA COUNTY 39

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

er Ballroom for updates on university happenings. After the meeting, there will be a social and refreshments with live music from Will Whalen. Parking is free in the University Center Parking Garage. Learn more and RSVP at www. supportingcmu.org/events

strikes put you out? Tickets are $29.99 and available at www.cateringatasteof heaven.com.

JULY 19-21 Travel to Lake City Adults 55 and older can join the Fruita Community Center for a trip to Hinsdale County. Explore one of the most-photographed areas in the Colorado Rockies with a scenic drive over Cinnamon Pass and a peaceful picnic among the wildflowers. The cost is $324. For more information, call the community center at 858-0360.

JULY 25-29 Mesa County Fair Come enjoy this annual celebration of the county, its residents, community and history. The fair features family-oriented entertainment and showcases local products and services. Visit www. mesacountyfair.com for the full schedule of events.

“Chilled by the River” Chilled by the River is a laid-back, outdoor gathering offering beautiful scenery along Grand Junction’s riverJULY 15 front. The evening will feature music Night sky viewing

by Head for the Hills, a complimentary Western Colorado Astronomy Club will adult beverage for those over 21, food hold a free public night sky viewing truck options and lawn games at the session starting after sundown at Colo- Las Colonias Park amphitheater. Gates rado National Monument’s Saddlehorn open at 6 p.m. Proceeds benefit United Picnic Area. See the Great Globular Way of Mesa County; tickets are availCluster in Hercules and double stars. able at www.monumentalevents.com.

JULY 27 Centennial Band concert JULY 21-23 Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy Grand Junction Local Jam a free Grand Junction Centennial Band Grand Junction Local Jam is a showconcert at Spring Valley II Park, 2899 case of the best live music Grand Beechwood St., at 7 p.m.

Junction has to offer. For three days, 34 bands perform on two stages. Advance JULY 28 Hilltop Bash general admission tickets are $12.50 The Hilltop Bash features Wé McDonper day, or $25 for a three-day pass, ald, a 2016 finalist on NBC’s “The and can be purchased by calling 800Voice,” along with the Diamond Em626-8497. This rain or shine event runs pire Band. All proceeds benefit Hilltop Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from Community Resources. Tickets for this 12-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m.

Avalon Theatre event start at $30 and at Edgewater Brewery. are available at www.monumentalevents.com. The concert begins at 7:30 JULY 22 “Take Me Out at the Ballgame” p.m.

Mesa Murder Mysteries presents “Take JULY 29

Me Out at the Ball Game,” an audiChristmas in July book signing ence-interactive, mystery dinner theater Local author Jan Weeks will be signing at A Taste of Heaven Catering. A jilted the latest edition of her short story fiance, a Vegas game fixer, a mad collection, “A Christmas Tale and Other mama bear and a JUCO all-star make Stories,” from 1-3 p.m. during Grand for an interesting lineup on the baseValley Books’ Christmas in July event. ball diamond and at the police station.

For details, call 424-5437. ■ Can you sort out this mess before three

focus on people

our residents

their lives

their families

40 MESA COUNTY

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JULY 2017

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Trees planted for each new Arbor Day Foundation member Anyone can help plant trees in high-need national forests by joining the Arbor Day Foundation in July.

Through the Replanting Our National Forests campaign, the Arbor Day Foundation will honor each new member by planting 10 trees in forests that have been devastated by wildfires, insects and disease. The foundation has worked with the U.S. Forest Service for more than 25 years to plant trees in our national forests, which provide habitat for wildlife, keep the air clean and help ensure safe drinking water for more than 180 million Americans. To join the foundation, send a $10 membership contribution to Replanting Our National Forests, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410 or visit www. arborday.org/july.

F.A.R.M. Market returns to Cross Orchards Farm and Ranch Market, or F.A.R.M. Market, will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Wednesday and Saturday through October at Cross Orchards, 3073 Patterson Road.

F.A.R.M. Market is run by farmers and ranchers in the area with the goal of bringing high-quality, fresh produce and meat to residents of the Grand Valley. For more information contact Peter Booth at 2420971, ext. 2204, or Kerry Cook at 434-1747 or kcookgj@hotmail.com.

Primary Care Partners welcomes new dietician Heather Burchall, MS, RDN, is Primary Care Partners’ new registered dietitian nutritionist. She counsels patients on nutrition-related conditions and has a special interest in chronic disease prevention. Burchall is currently pursuing certification as a diabetes educator. She is replacing Vanessa Carter, RD, CDE, who was Primary Care Partner’s registered dietitian and certified diabetes

educator for 11 years. Carter joined Appleton Clinics at the end of June.

Free cholesterol screening for blood donors In summer, there are fewer blood donations than usual, but hospitals maintain the same demand for lifesaving transfusions. To keep donations steady, the St. Mary’s Blood Center is offering free cholesterol screenings to all who donate blood in July. Visit the Blood Center on the second floor of St. Mary’s Advanced Medicine Pavilion, or donate at any of our donor coach blood drives.

The donor center at 750 Wellington Ave. is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 298-2555.

Community concert tickets on sale now!

Community Concerts of the Grand Valley is now selling tickets for the 2017-2018 season. The lineup of seven concerts features a potpourri of internationally acclaimed musicians, singers, dancers and theater groups. The season includes “Sweet Dreams” (a musical journey of Patsy Cline hits), Paul McDermand (performing vibrant Latin music and serene sounds), “Rocky Mountain Christmas” (John Denver’s special Christmas music) and the Lezginka Dance Company (fiery folk dancers performing dances of their native Dagestan). Tickets for the entire season are $70 for adults and $35 for students. Visit www.community concertsgrandvalley.org to see concert previews and purchase tickets.

Or call 243-1979 for details.

Marillac changes its name After 29 years, Marillac Clinic is changing its name to MarillacHealth to better reflect the type of organization it is: a comprehensive health care provider that serves all ages regardless of ability to pay. Marillac

JULY 2017

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has provided primary health care services to residents of Mesa County for 29 years. As of 2015, it is now one of the nation’s 1,400 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers. It offers the full scope of primary medical, dental, optical and behavioral health services. Marillac Health serves more than 10,000 patients annually, welcoming the uninsured and underinsured, homeless persons and migrant farmworkers, persons on Medicaid, Medicare and some private insurance plans.

Grand Valley Oncology announces clinical trials Grand Valley Oncology, with the support of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, will offer a range of clinical trials for its patients. Bringing clinical trials to the region could help identify better ways to treat, detect and prevent cancer. Theresa Werner, MD, medical director of HCI’s Clinical Trials Office, said the partnership is possible because Grand Valley Oncology meets the high care standards required for conducting trials. In just over two years, Community Hospital’s oncology program has become a highly sought-after, full-service cancer center, attracting patients from all over the region. To learn more about the services offered through Grand Valley Oncology, call 254-3180 or visit www.grandvalleyoncology.com.

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.

• 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 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.

• COPD Sufferers: A new group has formed for get-togethers and information sharing at 581 Grand Valley Dr., usually on the fourth Friday in the month, at 1 p.m. Please contact Ruth Kinnett at Ruthkk97@gmail.com or Jim Campbell at Jimcampbell3@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.

• Yoga for Life meets Tuesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Life Center Aerobics Room. Gentle classes practice basic yoga stretches are designed for cancer patients of all abilities. ■

MESA COUNTY 41

42 FUN & GAMES

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

FUN & GAMES

9 2 4 7 1 2 3 6

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

9 2 4 7 1 2

Puzzle by websu

Remember when Remember when

itit took seconds took longer longer than three seconds to someone. to send send aa message message to someone.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

JULY 2017

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FUN & GAMES

JULY 2017

- Mini Implants to Stabilize Dentures and Partials - 0% Financing Options - Open Fridays - Laughing Gas Available For Relaxation - Friendly, Kind, Experienced Staff - Find Courage And Trust - We’re Here To Help

For the puzzle answers see page 46

Across 1 Says more 5 Respond 10 Canton’s Starr 14 Father 15 Diamond flaw?

16 Large part of the globe 17 A man in Jeopardy 18 Transistor predecessor 20 Nebraska river 22 Surreptitious types 23 Farm equipment pioneer 25 S.C. time 26 Laser gun sound effect 29 Buck’s pride 31 Nothing more than 33 Sci-fi vehicle 34 Listlessness 36 Pastoral 37 Trample underfoot 39 Serves beer after beer 41 Like old records 42 Finger or toe 44 Bathing, body, and birthday 46 Rummy game 47 Imitates 49 Redcaps 51 Turn state’s evidence 52 Head of thick, stringy hair 54 Pageant headgear 55 “The Color Purple” star

FUN & GAMES 43

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers 57 Ascot relative 60 Impossible to miss 64 Fodder structure 65 Type of edition 66 First name in beauty 67 School in Britain 68 Mine finds 69 Name in chicken 70 Colors Down 1 Immediately!

2 Pickle flavoring 3 Type of battleship 4 Singing group, perhaps 5 Deeply respectful 6 Seaver’s stat 7 Three-point lines, e.g.

8 Two-door 9 Platitude 10 Swings for the fences 11 Tempe Univ.

12 Make fun of 13 South Korea’s Roh ___ Woo 19 Poet’s concern 21 BBC receiver 24 Sea eagles 26 A space case?

27 “Jagged Little Pill” singer Morissette 28 Egyptian gateway 29 Toto hit 30 First light 32 Coke’s partner

33 Fresh milk container?

35 Born fool 38 Dossier info 40 Wounded 43 Sweeten the deal 45 Luminary 48 Frappé relative 50 Rubbed out 53 Buddy-buddy 55 Individuals 56 Dome toppers?

58 Moisturizer ingredient 59 Cargo weights 60 Arafat’s org.

61 Something in the water 62 Mineral suffix 63 Modernist, for short

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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’95 Ford Eddie Bauer Bronco: 5.8L, V8, 4 speed automatic w/ overdrive, 4x4 self-locking hubs, fiberglass chrome continental kit. White w/ tan top, electric everything w/ all options, 98,000 miles, excellent condition. $12,550 cash. 242-8640 or 361-1806.

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CLOCK REPAIR In-home service, 35 years’ experience, free estimates. Art’s Clock Shop. 270-7619.

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ESTATE SALES MASTERS “More Than An Estate Sale.” Free consultation, on-site 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.

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

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THE WINDOW CLEANING COMPANY. Quality work at a fair price. Free estimates. 245-2993/261-0131.

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name

JULY 2017

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter!

Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264.

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 & FOUNDATION REPAIR. Three generations of quality construction, additions and remodels. Residential/insured. References and free consultations provided. Tom Peters: 261-4303, tompetersconstruction.com.

HAIR ON WHEELS, service at your door. Hair services: perms, cuts, color and styles for men and women. We’re here to serve you! Melody: 201-0267.

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!”

JULY 2017

CLASSIFIEDS 45

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CLEANING LADY Competitive rates, reliable transportation, will travel. Weekly/ Biweekly/Monthly CLEANING, Real Estate Prep, Downsizing, Deep & Light Cleaning, Re-organizing. Just call to see how I may help you, Linda 263-7364 or 720-841-7505.

TRAVEL

$AVE MONEY ON TRAVEL! Travel Club membership offering discount cruises, travel packages and decreased condo rates. Checkout www.coconutclubvacations.com. Member # cc1546ue, password #1115.

Travel agents at 855-259-1155.

Call Susan at 462-1115 before booking a trip so I can call the organization with pre-approval.

Free to BEACON readers to use this membership.

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.

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

The

Guide

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• A comprehensive directory of resources organizations and businesses for the over-50 crowd.

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Email: Beacon@pendantpublishing.com or • Call: 970-243-8829

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

kudos \ ku·dos

 “I have had people in groups I’ve attended say how much they LOVE the paper when they heard I was with the BEACON. I beamed at being a part of something the community enjoys so much.”- Kathy Applebee

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The Colorado National Monument should be a national park

 “I picked up the Montrose BEACON yesterday and saw a picture of my recently deceased husband on the front cover. I wanted to let you know that I thought it was beautiful and it made me smile. My kids and grandkids were really excited to see it online also!”

- Maria Jackson  “The BEACON made a gigantic error on the festival page. Where do we go from here? On a more positive note, love the big picture, the article and the ad.”- Paula Rohr, 2017 Colorado Lavender Festival Director Kevin: “Ouch! I am so sorry. We are so meticulous at the BEACON that we fret over misplaced commas. Alas, we are human and subject to err.

Again, I am sorry. Please forgive us.”

BEACON READERS! Please attend the Colorado Lavender Festival from July 7-9 in Palisade. For more information, visit www.coloradolavender.org.  “My grandpa attended your BeaconFest and had his picture taken at the front door. After receiving a few beads [which were being handed out], he said, ‘[I] need more than that. I have more great grandchildren.’ His picture made your publication and he is thrilled beyond words—he is famous and thinks that is his best picture taken of him! He will be turning 90 in August and we would love to use it for the party announcement. His name is Bill Rogers and it was in your May 2017 publication on page 11—blue shirt WWII veteran hat.”

- Chellie McCourt, Bill’s granddaughter

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kvetch \ kfech  “Our group used to ride our ATVs out in the desert north of I-70. But with all the new houses and their new fences, it’s becoming less and less fun. What gives? I thought these were public lands.”

- Terry M.  “Whatever happened to the Montrose Chamber? Did they go out of business? That’s ironic.”

- Marcy H.

By Susan Elenz

M

esa County is not thriving like the rest of the state. The economy needs a spark, and it doesn’t help to whine about the loss of energy jobs. Instead, we must take advantage of the assets we already have to raise tax revenue. Changing the status of the Colorado National Monument to a national park is the spark we need.

A national monument is different than a national park. National parks protect areas that are scenic, inspirational, educational and recreational.

National monuments are supposed to protect one specific object or area of interest. The Colorado National Monument’s name makes people think there is only one object of interest here, which couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The monument is 32 square miles of plateaus and canyons, with rugged rock formations that have been sculpted by erosion for more than a million years. Its beauty impressed park custodian John Otto so much that he fought for national park status. His dream was only partially realized when the area received its monument status in 1911.

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, national park visitors need transportation, places to stay and dining options, which all support businesses and provide jobs in local communities.

Headwaters Economics, a nonprofit research group, says the economic benefits go beyond tourism. The value lies in the ability of the national park to attract and retain people, entrepreneurs, businesses and retirees. The National Park’s Economic Impact study shows the relationship between visitor spending and increased jobs and incomes for the surrounding region.

The area deserves recognition. Rim Rock Drive is an engineering marvel.

The canyons are home to a wide range of wildlife, plants and trails that make it a magical, sensory place. Recreational activities are varied and available, just like at other national parks.

The recent attention focused on Bears Ears National Monument in Utah makes it clear that now is the time to make this change. If a U.S. president has the power to revoke a national monument’s designation, this regional treasure could be in danger of not being preserved for the benefit of the community and visitors. If we’re going to preserve the area for generations to come, we need to encourage Congress to make it a national park—without delay.

It’s time to honor the history of the Utes, Otto and the hard work of the laborers who built Rim Rock Drive.

It’s time to preserve this special area as a national park. Write or call your federal officials with your feelings about it. ■

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FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43

JULY 2017

47

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EXCEPTIONAL CARE Two great locations

“The Five Star Difference” ■

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Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy

Skilled nursing care 24/7 ■ Respite care & short-term stays ■

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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.

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