BEACON - Montrose/Delta 032018

MARCH 2018

Vol. 4

No. 3

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

Create a Legacy and money 2018

time LOCAL guide to giving your

FREE INS IDE

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FAITH & FOOD

Sharing Ministries helps neighbors in need

2

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MARCH 2018

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MARCH 2018

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

3

Look at our community grow!

I

t’s exciting to see local organizations grow in the community. I’m talking about for-profit businesses and nonprofits alike, but our cover story about Sharing Ministries is an inspiring account of how community members responded to the food bank’s outreach efforts and pitched in to help one of the largest food banks in Colorado move into a facility that’s more fitting for them. This goes to show that a lot wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the efforts of long-time volunteers and community supporters.

I hear the Warrior Resource Center is expanding, too. I remember when this grassroots organization first started in Montrose—it’s amazing to see how far it has come and to hear the stories from area veterans who benefit from its services.

Create a Legacy I’m excited about this year’s Create a Legacy, your annual guide to giving locally, which you’ll find in this

month’s paper. This special section is packed with stories about volunteering and planned giving and features inspirational stories about people who have devoted their time and money to support local causes. Learn more about area nonprofits, their mission and how your gift of time, money or talents can impact future generations.

Celebrate age at BeaconFest on April 19 BeaconFest Boomer & Senior Fair is an annual event where our community comes together to celebrate age.

This year’s show will be Thursday, April 19, from 9 a.m-3 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center in downtown Grand Junction. BeaconFest features an exciting lineup of entertainment, free food, lively seminars and informational booths from local vendors displaying their senior-related products and talking about their services. Admission is free!

A few vendor booths remain Don’t miss this opportunity to personally market your products and services at the largest mature lifestyle show in Colorado. Call us at 2438829 for information about being a vendor at this year’s BeaconFest. ■

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4

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MARCH 2018

Sharing Ministries Food Bank’s 9,000-square-foot facility is a fitting space for one of the largest food banks in Colorado.

Sharing Ministries helps neighbors in need

By Joyce Corley

Faith and food

hat happens when a goal is reached and a dream is realized? What happens when you have accomplished the one thing you have worked towards for 20 years? Do you rest on your laurels and polish your medals?

If you’re Montrose’s Sharing Ministries Food Bank (SMFB), you keep going, setting even higher and loftier goals to help you meet the ongoing needs of your community.

SMFB currently serves more than 5,500 people each month. In 2017, the organization distributed over 900,000 pounds of food through 63,000 client visits. At least half of food recipients are over the age of 50.

Last May, SMFB welcomed the community into its new, 9,000-squarefoot, energy-efficient facility and demonstration kitchen. It was quite an accomplishment, but those who know the needs of the Western Slope communities SMFB serves realized it wasn’t time to take a break. It was a new beginning.

SMFB is one of the largest food banks in Colorado. It’s a faith-based, supplemental food program that distributes food to low-income families and nonprofit organizations throughout Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray and San Miguel counties.

The organization was established in 1996 by Pastor Frank Koenig and his wife, Mary.

SMFB is committed to sourcing the freshest food possible from local farmers and businesses, and also supports the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for adults age 60 and older. Oneda Doyal has been the executive director and manager of the warehouse since 2008.

“For the first 20 years, Sharing Ministries rented the old, 3,000-squarefoot railroad depot from Union Pacific on a month-to-month basis.

For the first few years it was adequate [but] for the past 10 years it has not met the needs of our community,”

W

Doyal said.

She added that the old facility had no restrooms, no administrative offices and no waiting room for clients.

Since SMFB receives no federal funding, for many years, the building or purchase of a larger, fully functioning warehouse and training facility seemed unattainable. But the community responded to the food bank’s outreach efforts whole-heartedly. Regular donors and business partners continued ongoing efforts to support the food bank. New and

The Green Cupboard in Montrose supports the mission of Sharing Ministries.

enthusiastic craftsmen, builders and laborers pitched in and helped make the building a reality. Vision, leadership and hard work were key in keeping everyone focused and dedicated.

Community efforts The organization’s funding is provided by generous donors and community members. A dedicated and diverse staff of volunteers helps keep the wheels turning.

In 2017, SMFB volunteers logged in over 19,000 hours. Drivers, stockers, boxers and administration are essential to the day-to-day operation.

SMFB also receives monetary

MARCH 2018

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

support from The Green Cupboard, a chic women’s boutique located at 443 E. Main St. in Montrose. Shoppers can browse an assortment of new jewelry, scarves, handbags and other items while supporting the mission of Sharing Ministries.

Feeding the hungry The new facility hums with positive activity and purpose. Bill McCurdy has volunteered two days a week at SMFB for more than four years, making deliveries and picking up donations.

Pastor Koenig befriended McCurdy’s mother when she went to live at Sunrise Creek, which is when he first learned about the organization.

“I initially came to volunteer as a thank you to Frank,” McCurdy said. “I’ve stayed because I see the tremendous good the food bank accomplishes.”

Neal Kelley has volunteered since 2007.

“I had recently retired, and soon realized that I really needed to go back to work and stay useful,” Kelley said.

“The Bible says ‘feed the hungry,’ and that’s what we do here at the food bank…Sharing Ministries is a shining light in the Montrose community.”

Dorothy Stewart, 74, is both a volunteer and food recipient. She lives on a limited income that comes solely from Social Security, and enthusiastically sings the praises of SMFB. “I rely on Sharing Ministries to supplement my food budget,” she said.

“Their food donations are essential to my wellbeing.”

Stewart also volunteers at Grace Community Church, and is able to bring food from Sharing Ministries to feed 25-100 children there each week.

“All the people who work at Sharing Ministries are wonderful. They help an enormous number of people and never turn anyone down,” said Stewart.

Doyal said SMFB is a powerful example of the community coming together to help our neighbors in their time of need.

“We rely entirely on generous financial donors and volunteers to keep our doors open,” she said. “I want to thank the community for coming together to help make this new and much-needed facility a reality.” ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier Graphic Designer......................... Chrissy Martin

Become a recipient The Sharing Ministries Food Bank is located at 49 N. First St. and is open from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9-11:30 a.m.

Thursday and from 9-11 a.m. on Friday. Applications and eligibility guidelines are available at www.sharingministries.com.

Become a volunteer or donor Food donations are always welcome, but monetary donations stretch further in helping the organization purchase food at a discount.

Visit www.sharingministries.com to see how to help this worthwhile endeavor. Call 240-8385 to arrange for a guided tour of the facility.

Office Manager............................ Stacey Splude Office Assistant........................ Olivia VanGundy Sales Assistant........................ Caroline Skinner Account Representative................... Sue Bowen Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative............. Valeree Seiferd Digital Media Manager......... Stephanie Summar Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy Delivery...............................................JR Milner

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

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2018 • All Rights Reserved

The food bank’s warehouse loading dock.

Cover Photo: Sharing Ministries

Volunteer Sandy Longmore

Office Manager Vanessa Sibilia, right, and volunteers Linda Ochs, left, and Kari Escher, center, take a break from working in the warehouse.

6

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MARCH 2018

Taking care of the caregiver Story and photo by Jan Weeks

H

Support Groups Caring for Caregivers meets at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Call 240-3714 for location.

Family Caregiver Support meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at Montrose Memorial Hospital, and the second and fourth Wednesdays at PIC Partners. Call 275-2138.

Mending Hearts (grief support) meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 205 Stafford Lane in Delta and 1-2:30 p.m. at Montrose Center for Hope.

aving been a caregiver for my mother-in-law, my mother and my husband until they passed away, I know what a struggle it is to keep from falling apart.

The months of loving care I intended to provide became a slog peppered with guilt—I’d find myself hoping they would die to end their misery and mine. So how do caregivers stay sane?

The first step in taking care of yourself so you can take better care of others is learning to recognize burnout, said Terry Mizak, Caregiver Connections’ coordinator with HopeWest.

Symptoms of exhaustion in caregivers can include becoming anxious and fearful about not doing the job right, sleeplessness and forgoing their own nutritional needs—especially if they’re elderly—because they’re too tired to shop and cook or because they feel they don’t deserve to be well when their loved one is ill. Caregivers may also suffer physical deterioration, including headaches and ulcers, abandoning personal grooming or just not feeling quite right.

What can you do if you’re at the end of your tether? Mizak gave specif-

ic examples of the things that caregivers can do to make their lives less stressful.

Ask for and accept help

Friends and relatives usually want to help, but don’t know how.

“They won’t know unless you tell them,” Mizak said. “Make a list of things, small or large, and have it ready when someone asks, ‘How can I help?’ Can they make a meal? Pick up some milk? Change the sheets on the bed? Sit with your spouse while you run errands or take a walk?”

Isolation increases as the disease or disability progresses, and it’s one of the biggest foes of being able to give quality care. HopeWest patient and family support volunteers provide an antidote to that isolation. Volunteers sit with patients or bring therapy animals to provide a break from routine and enable patients to focus on something besides their illnesses.

“Human contact is really important,” said HopeWest Marketing and Communications Manager Callie Varra. “Just having a conversation with someone you’re not taking care of makes a huge difference.”

Female caretakers tend to be more resistant to allowing others to help,

believing they should take care of everything as “nurturers.” Men may also feel reluctance because they see themselves as “protectors,” but Mizak said they are more willing to let others deal with intimate personal care like bathing.

Forgive yourself “Nobody expects you to be perfect,” Mizak said, “so lose the expectation that you have to do everything yourself.”

Caregivers feel guilty sometimes if they’re not carrying all the responsibility for those whom they feel should be the priority. They see their own interests as selfish, but they should allow the person in their care to help, if possible.

“Let an Alzheimer’s patient fold the laundry,” Mizak said. “Be creative in coming up with things they can do.

Let them contribute.”

Can they set the table for meals?

Sort clothes to be washed? Put away the clean silverware? Perfection has no place in this situation, but empathy does.

Treat yourself kindly Caregivers too often lose their own identities in the service of their loved

MARCH 2018

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

7

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Terry Mizak, right, shares inforrmation about HopeWest’s caregiving resources with Callie Varra, left.

ones. They become an extension of the illness or disability, living only to support the other.

One caretaker Mizak worked with was so frazzled that she finally called for a volunteer to sit with her husband while she took a bubble bath.

“She stayed in the tub for two hours, refilling it as the water cooled, and read a book,” Mizak said. “Not having to worry about what he was getting up to allowed her to relax.”

Have an outlet ritual. Beat the bed with your tennis racquet or scream into your pillow. Find someone who will listen to you vent. Go for a walk. Have your coffee on the patio.

Listen to music. Go for a swim while someone else sits in for you. Find one bit of joy or something to appreciate each day.

Acknowledge your grief Anticipatory grief occurs when both the caregiver and the patient realize that the patient isn’t going to recover. Both have lost life as it was, and it will never be the same.

“It’s as hard for the patients as it is for the caregivers,” Mizak said.

When loved ones pass away, care-

givers often don’t know what to do with themselves. HopeWest’s Mending Hearts support group can help with that heartache.

Know your resources Mizak said she regularly refers to the BEACON Guide to point caregivers toward resources. They can also call 211 for a list of resources and contact information. Several for-profit agencies in the area offer respite, non-medical care and homemaking services.

It’s also important to understand payment options. Medicare will pay for in-home help only if it involves medical necessity, such as wound care or therapy. Medicaid has 12 free programs, including day care for dementia patients, homemaker services (such as cleaning, dishes and laundry), feeding and sitting with the patient to give caretakers time for errands or relaxation.

Care partners can take advantage of HopeWest’s programs without having a loved one registered in its hospice program. To learn more, call 248-8844. ■

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TALKING DIGITAL

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MARCH 2018

TALKING

DIGITAL

By Adam Cochran

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T

en years ago, I taught the monthly senior computer classes for the local parks and recreation department.

Lesson one was always the same: Your computer is a pair of pliers, not a wrench.

Of course, your computer is neither a pair of pliers, nor a wrench. However, like these items, your computer is a multi-use tool that has many practical uses.

Have you ever told a friend that you feel stupid around technology because it will do so many things that you will never learn how to do?

The answer to the first question is probably yes, while your answer to the second question is probably no. But, in premise, they are exactly the same question.

The secret to learning how to use your computer (or any other technology) is to stop thinking about it as a magic box of specific and complicated wonders. Start thinking of it like a pair of pliers.

When you need a pair of pliers, there’s no question that it’s the best tool for the job when you need to crimp the end of some wires, open a small paint bottle, or pinch your husband for groaning too often while you’re binge-watching Episode 13 of “Project Runway.”

Before you get frustrated with technology, ask yourself this next question: Do I really want or need to do all of the things that this piece of technology can do?

Instead of getting frustrated that you haven’t mastered the tech tool, break it down into small jobs. You will be more successful at learning if you focus on the job instead of the device.

Once you understand a computer’s basic functions, such as printing, saving, or finding files, you will discover that your desire to accomplish the larger task will overtake your fears.

What do you want to do? Genealogy research? Organize your photos? Track your health? Get in touch with family and past friends on Facebook? All of those things are excellent uses for technology. Best of all, once you learn them, the procedures are always the same.

The purpose of any tech tool is to make your life more enjoyable and efficient, not force you to become a tech wiz.

Relax, focus on the routine processes, and remember that there’s no requirement to use the tool. Don’t let someone who knows more than you make you feel guilty for how you use your personal pair of pliers. ■

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

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

MARCH 2018

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG

9

ASK THE OLD BAG

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

Inch by inch, moving on is a cinch Dear Old Bag: I was widowed at the early age of 40. Now I’m 55, and I’ve finally joined a dating site. I mentioned on my profile that I only want to hear from men who are 50-60 years old, but I keep getting messages from 40-yearold guys who say they like older women. Not only is that hard for me to believe, but it seems to me that most guys want women half their age, and I don’t want to date men who are close in age to my children. Do you think there are men out there who really do like older women? Signed, Doubtful Dear Doubtful: Yes, I think there are men out there who like older women, and it has worked out well for them.

I see signs of this double standard changing, but I am like you—I do not want to date men close to the age of my oldest son. Be wary of scams, but other than that, what’s wrong with dating a man who’s younger than you? Let’s get rid of one more double standard! OB Dear Old Bag: I am 60 years old. My husband passed away two years ago.

He was everything to me, and I cannot move on. My friends tell me to get out and do things, but I cannot seem to do it. I go to church and have lunch once in a while with a friend, but that’s it.

How can people make themselves do something when their heart is not in it?

Help! Signed, AJ Dear AJ: Share your problem with your physician. You could be depressed and need medication. They have a saying in 12-step programs that I think is good advice for you:

“Fake it until you make it.” Your heart may not be in it the first time you join a group, an exercise program, a book club, or other things that are waiting for you, but if you keep going, you might enjoy them. In the words of Robert Schuller, “Inch by inch, it’s a cinch.” Good luck! OB Dear Old Bag: My husband and I married young—he had a successful career and was able to retire early at age 57. Now we’re both 59. He has done nothing but a little housework and a small garden since he retired. His career was extremely time consuming and he never made friends or developed any hobbies. Now when I suggest that he get involved with something, he says, “I’m retired.” While he was busy with his career, I became quite social. I hate leaving him all the time, but I don’t want to live like that. Any suggestions? Signed, Worried Dear Worried: I would be worried, too. Sitting is the new smoking—it’s bad for your health. After I retired the first time, I spent a year sleeping in.

Then I was bored and needed something to do. Maybe this will happen to him. Do not stop your social activities, but consider joining something that requires your spouse and take him along. Enlist the help of his physician. Western Colorado Community College has many continuing education courses, including those that help people plan for retirement. See the class schedule at www.coloradomesa. edu/wccc/community-education or call 255-2800. ■

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

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS Let there be peace Submitted by Caden Carry

An old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace until the new school year began.

my Social Security check yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?”

“A lousy quarter?” the drum leader exclaimed. “If you think we’re going to waste our time beating these cans around for a quarter, you’re nuts! No way. We quit!”

One afternoon, three young boys— full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm—came down his street, beating merrily on every trashcan they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until the man finally decided to take action.

And the old man enjoyed peace and

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street.

It’s harder for sexual harassment charges to stick.

Stopping them, he said, “You kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that.

In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. I’ll give you each a dollar if you’ll promise to come around every day and do your thing.”

People call at 9 a.m. and ask, “Did I wake you?”

The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trashcans.

You can eat dinner at 4 p.m.

After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again.

The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they accepted his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street.

“Look,” he said, “I haven’t received

Benefits of growing older Submitted by Terry Becci

In a hostage situation you’re likely to be released first.

Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.

There’s nothing left to learn the hard way.

Things you buy now won’t wear out.

You got cable for the weather channel.

You have a party and the neighbors don’t even realize it.

You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.

You quit trying to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks into the room.

You send money to PBS. You sing along with the elevator music.

Your joints are more accurate than the National Weather Service.

Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.

Submitted by Brant Hubert

Ol’ Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the hospital, near death.

The family called their preacher to stand with them.

As the preacher stood next to the bed, Fred’s condition appeared to deteriorate and he motioned frantically for something to write on.

The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note— then he died.

The preacher thought it best not to look at the note at that time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket.

He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t move.

Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond.

Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing.

Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three times.

The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind, and if he thought he was the only

At the funeral, he realized that he was wearing the same jacket he was wearing when Fred died. As he wrapped up his message, he said, “You know, Fred handed me a note just before he died. I haven’t looked at it, but knowing Fred, I’m sure there’s a word of inspiration there for us all.”

one pulling, he wouldn’t even try!”

He opened the note, and read, “Hey, you’re standing on my oxygen tube!”

“Sixteen,” the boy responded.

The horse that won’t work alone Submitted by William Borrego

A motorist drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy.

New math Submitted by Joseph Hunt

A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, “How many women can a man marry?”

His cousin was amazed at the boy’s quick reply.

“How do you know that?” he asked “Easy,” the little boy said. “Add it up, like the Bishop said: four better, four worse, four richer, four poorer.” ■

s U e k a M

Hahaha

“This recession’s really putting a big dent in my income,” he told them.

“From now on, I’ll only be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans.”

serenity for the rest of his days.

Last ‘writes’

MARCH 2018

! h g u a L

Send your JOKES to

Beacon@pendantpublishing.com or

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

MARCH 2018

11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

All dolled up: Barbie celebrates 59th birthday

By Randal C. Hill “It is very strange to have a doll named after you.”

Barbara Handler Segal recalled strangers coming up to her and saying, “So you’re the Barbie doll!”

At first, she said she would turn and walk away. But eventually, she learned to just stand and smile.

In a 1989 interview with People Magazine, Segal said, “Much of me is very proud that my folks invented the doll; I just wish I wasn’t attached to it.”

Her parents, Ruth and Elliot Handler started the company Mattel in 1945, which manufactured dollhouse furniture. While successful, the Handlers were always casting about for one special item that would make Mattel an iconic name in the toy world.

In the early 1950s, the Handlers noticed that Barbara enjoyed playing with dolls—not the run-of-themill, cherub-faced, infant variety, but shapely teenage paper dolls that came with fashionable cutout wardrobes. Inspired by this, Ruth told Elliot that Mattel should offer a three-dimensional doll designed as a young woman with an appeal to older girls. Elliot opined the idea would never fly.

On a 1956 trip to Switzerland, however, the Handlers serendipitously found a doll much like the one Ruth envisioned. “Lilli” was a German adult novelty toy that—unbeknownst to the Handlers—was based on a cartoon character who was a prostitute.

Back home, the couple spent three years developing a clean-cut counterpart to naughty Lilli, a doll that would proudly bear their daughter’s name. On Barbie’s “official” birthdate—March 9, 1959—the doll debuted at a New York toy convention.

On that day, Barbie’s real-life namesake was a shy 17-year-old attending high school in Los Angeles.

First-version Barbie came dressed in a zebra-striped swimsuit The first Barbie doll was and posintroduced in both blonde sessed a and brunette in March 1959 . waterfall of blonde or brunette hair. She earned mixed reviews, with some critics grumbling that the voluptuous, long-limbed toy was too expensive ($3 at a time when the hourly minimum wage was $1) and, at 11 1/2 inches—the original Lilli size—too small in comparison to traditional dolls.

The main problem, though, was Barbie’s overt sexiness. Sears quickly declared her unfit for their store shelves. However, Barbie quickly flew off everyone else’s shelves and eventually became the best-selling doll in history, with worldwide sales of one billion units.

Barbie offered an extensive optional wardrobe and, later, morphed through numerous occupations and ethnicities. Along the way feminists often railed against her, labeling Barbie a vacuous bimbo and crying out that her proportional measurements (36-18-33) were unrealistic and potentially unhealthy for impressionable young girls who wanted to emulate her.

In 1961, Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, arrived in stores. In doll form, he was California beach cool, but the human Ken—named after Barbara’s real-life brother—once admitted to People, “I was a real nerd. I played the piano and went to movies with subtitles.”

Barbara married and had two children—one of them a daughter named Cheryl. There’s no doubt that Cheryl was raised with the usual delights of any typical well-off southern California girl—except for one.

Cheryl never owned a Barbie doll. ■

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MARC

I’m now a Co

Leaving storm-t for a new life a

By Vanessa Santiago

A

few months ago, I was sitting at my cousin’s house in Puerto Rico waiting for the second hurricane of the year. Irma left us without light, but María left us without light, water or a way out of our area for more than five days.

It was horrible to see things flying around and listen to the wind while it took things away. After the terrible natural disaster, I walked to my house, just a block from my cousin’s, to find my front door shattered, more than 6 inches of water inside my house and a broken fence. I was grateful only a small corner of my roof had flown away.

I was lucky. A week before María, I met Brian and Lorie Gregor, a wonderful couple from Fruita. We spent

five days driving around Puerto Rico together. They invited me to visit Colorado some time, and I thought I might go for Thanksgiving.

But when María hit, there was no water, light, food, gas, cash or communication. The news reported that it would take more than six months for life to return to some kind of normalcy. I thought about my situation. My family is mostly in Florida (not my favorite state—how can I live somewhere that believes solar panels should be illegal?). My mother passed away three years ago and I have no husband or children.

My choices were clear, so I left my job of 20 years as a lawyer and decided it was time to be a Colorado girl.

I called the Gregors and told them I would visit with a one-way ticket.

They were happy to have me and I

was grateful to have the option.

Trying to leave My cousin covered the hole that used to be my front door with some wood panels—not the best security system, but it was the one that was available. I left my house with one suitcase, unsure of what to expect but full of hope. The drive to the airport was awful; everything that was once green was now brown.

Debris was everywhere, the highway had only one lane, most of the street signs were on the ground and passing under a teetering lightpost was an act of faith.

My flight was delayed one week because the airport couldn’t communicate to get flights out. Due to mudslides and constant rain, I couldn’t return home. I cried a few

impotent tears but I was able to stay at a friend’s house. My comfort zone was non-existent.

Beauty in the chaos It turned out to be a good thing that I couldn’t leave because I soon received a message that a friend was sick. For being a lawyer, I am also a wonderful nurse. I took medicine to his house. He was stable for a while but his temperature rose to 105 degrees in the middle of the night.

I nervously drove my friend and his dad through dark streets to the hospital, breaking curfew.

Service there was worse than usual. They gave my friend medicine without knowing what he had because the lab was not working.

The hospital wasn’t safe, so I took him home and stayed some days with

H 2018

13

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olorado girl

torn Puerto Rico and adventures him. We didn’t eat or drink much because resources were finite. We waited eight hours in line for gas, and talked about our dreams while looking out his window at the stars, grateful we could dream in the chaos. We made the most of the situation, and even had fun. We embraced the resiliency that characterizes our people.

Coming to America When I was finally dropped off at the airport, the crowds were so large that it took me hours to get my luggage sent in. The airport’s glass walls and lack of electricity made it feel like a sauna—a sauna in which I spent seven hours waiting for my flight.

Hours later, I arrived in Chicago to be hugged by Red Cross volunteers and put on another plane to Denver.

We waited eight hours in line for gas and talked about our dreams...we embraced the resiliency that characterizes our people.

I left Puerto Rico in shorts because of the sauna atmosphere, and now I was freezing. A couple from Utah felt bad for me and lent me a jacket.

I arrived at the hotel at almost 1 a.m., but I was so tired that I couldn’t sleep. I listened to music, which I hadn’t done in more than two weeks.

I prayed for sanity.

At noon the next day, I arrived in Grand Junction and began my new life. My loving surrogate family gave me shelter.

Colorado versus Puerto Rico I have been in Colorado for a few

months now. I have a job, I am looking at cars to buy, and I love it. It has been a wonderful adventure so far. I have had to explain several times—to smart people—that I am an American citizen. It’s funny when people correct my pronunciation because my English is out of practice. I am bilingual and I try.

Puerto Rico is an American territory like Colorado once was. A great number of Puerto Ricans serve in the U.S. military. We pay federal taxes and Social Security. We have asked to be state 51 a few times. We can’t vote for the president and our Senate rep-

resentative has a voice but no vote.

Each year, billions of dollars worth of business done in Puerto Rico returns to the contiguous U.S. Due to the Jones Act, we can only buy products from the mainland—a $22.6 billion industry. U.S. corporations based in Puerto Rico pay very low taxes. The U.S. makes more money from Puerto Rico than what it sends in aid.

I have lost a lot these last few months, but I have gained a lot also. I am grateful to have always found great people to help me in my difficulties, and that there is so much kindness and empathy in my world. Let’s strive to live lives full of love and gratitude, and to pay it forward. ■

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Memoir and legacy:

writing for yourself and your loved ones

By Cecily Whiteside

A

s we look back over a lifetime of events and decisions, we often feel a plethora of emotions, from joy and

thankfulness to regret and sorrow. Life takes strange and convoluted turns, and where we end up may not be what we envisioned for ourselves in our younger days. To make sense of this, writing down key events may be the best way to tease out not only what we did, but who we became as a result. This is the heart of memoir.

What is a memoir?

There’s a difference between an autobiography, which is a chronological telling of events in a life, and memoir. Also called creative

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nonfiction, memoir opens up that life in a new and different way.

“Memoir is not just narrating my life,” said memoirist and teacher Rebecca Mullen, a member of the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum (WCWF). “It’s making meaning of that life. It’s using the things of my life to tell about my belief.”

The term “memoir” comes from the French word for memory. The scope is narrowed to a single moment or a short period in which something happened that changed you. As you contrast this against the rest of your life, you find that this moment is important. By reflecting on it, you can come to terms with paths taken or not taken. You can forgive yourself, and perhaps ask forgiveness of others. In this sense, your memoir may be for someone else’s benefit.

Mullen lives her life constantly noticing and marking changes.

“I’m writing about my marriage right now. I’m noticing snow. At one time, snow signified being buried.

Now I watch the snow fall and it’s quiet, peaceful,” she said. “I try to live my life, and then reflect. The power of memoir is in the fact that it’s the life we are telling ourselves.”

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When writing a memoir, either for yourself, your family, or a wider scope, it’s vital to remember that you’re writing for an audience. This is not a journal, and while it may be cathartic, neither is it therapy. You’re telling a story, albeit with purpose.

Essayist John Nizalowski recently wrote “Land of the Cinnamon Sun,” a series of personal stories that have a larger universal theme to which any reader can relate.

“I reach other people by finding in my experience what will be interesting to them, what will speak to them,” Nizalowski said. “When you write for yourself or your family in a private memoir, you are intrinsically interesting, simply by being who you are. The next step is deciding what should be

MARCH 2018

written down—what might be significant to my children or grandchildren.”

It’s also critical to determine how honest you intend to be. A memoir is designed to allow people to know you. You must speak to your weaknesses as well as your strengths.

While your intentions may have been honorable in every instance, as humans, everyone is bound to make mistakes. To own those mistakes is integral to portraying yourself as you truly are.

Richard Liversidge is writing stories from his youth for the sake of his children.

“I want them to know who I was then,” he said. “I’m coming to terms with my life choices. I feel peaceful and accepting of who I am, but I also want my children to know me as I know myself.”

A whitewashed memoir is worthless on all counts. The truth may hurt some feelings, but ultimately, your experiences belong to you. You may choose to change names or use other disguising techniques, but you must own your story and tell it honestly.

Perhaps the most critical factor of memoir is to keep a narrow focus.

Remember that autobiography, while a worthy form of storytelling, is not your purpose here. Only include those experiences that speak to this moment on this topic. Writing a series of essays is perhaps the most effective way to do this.

The glorious thing about memoir is that you don’t have to start at the beginning, and neither does your audience. You can start in the middle and jump around in time with careless disregard. Once the memoirist sloughs off the constraints of chronology, the story can delve into the deep and the meaningful.

Starting a memoir It may be daunting to get started on such a project, but in the immortal words of Mary Poppins, “Once begun is half done.”

You may find that the words roll off the pen with ease once the door to memory is open.

For more information, contact the WCWF at www.westerncolorado writers.org. ■

MARCH 2018

BUSINESS PROFILE 15

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Pearl’s Pet Lodge: the purr-fect

home away from home for your pet

By Kate Senn

C

indy Carter always dreamed of owning her own pet boarding facility. A passionate animal lover, she spent years drafting plans and researching ideas on how to improve conditions for feline and canine guests alike.

After years of owning and operating yoga studios in North Carolina and California, Carter and her husband, Paul, settled in Montrose in 2015 and brought Carter’s long-time dream to life when they opened Pearl’s Pet Lodge, a bed and biscuit inn, in 2017.

Now in full swing, this dog and cat boarding facility, located at 13989 6900 Road in Montrose, represents everything you could hope for when leaving your pet in someone else’s care. Clients in all shapes and furriness come and go with big, happy smiles.

Dogs can run and play at the facility’s 11,000 square-foot outdoor exercise area that splits in two: one side for large dogs and the other for small dogs—a big plus and rare accommodation for little dogs unaccustomed to their large canine relatives with their big, playful paws.

Most of Carter’s clients are local and bring their pets in for daycare or overnight boarding while they are away, but more are coming from Telluride and outside Montrose.

For dogs and cats living with siblings, Pearl’s Pet Lodge has eight suites that open to doubles, creating larger accommodations with plenty of space, so no families are split.

“Being away from home is stressful enough. I want to make this time for everyone as fun and enjoyable as possible,” Carter said.

To help with their pets’ getaway, Carter encourages pet parents to bring familiar items from home, including bedding or blankets, food, treats and toys.

Carter hopes to install a dog-washing station for owners who want to pick up a clean dog after boarding or daycare.

Cats are housed in a quiet room that’s appropriately distanced from the main kennel.

The lodge’s rates include time for exercise, feeding and administering medication, and on-site 24/7 attention from the Carters.

The Carters’ interactions with their guests go beyond heart-warming. The animals adore the happy-go-lucky couple and receive all the tender, loving care they could hope for. ■

To visit Pearl’s Pet Lodge or to book an appointment, call 250-8932, email cindy@pearlspetlodge.com, or visit www.pearlspetlodge.com.

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Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers 59 Greek letter 62 Blue 65 Auerbach and Buttons 66 Sovereign state began in 1937 67 Longest river in France 68 Robin’s -residence 69 Paper for the house 70 Single-celled micro-organism Down 1 Early -socialist presidential candidate Eugene 2 Popular cookie 3 Non-dancer at the dance 4 Ike’s W.W.II domain 5 More humble in status 6 Libyan hot spot 7 “Rag Mop” brothers 8 Matter for the courts 9 Flood 10 Say nay!

11 Port on the Mediter-ranean 12 Annoying facial -movements 13 Come to understand 18 Deuce -topper 19 School builder?

24 President Chester Arthur’s middle name

25 “The Seven Year ___” 26 Sinai streambeds 27 Notched irregularly 29 Strong frothy espresso 31 Dieter’s bane 32 Held title 33 Way around downtown 35 Country P.O. letters?

37 Vanilla of rap 40 Got one’s bearings 41 Big name in cartography 42 Sultanate on the Gulf 47 Put the cuffs on 49 Turned the field 50 Burned -rubber 53 Cochlea locale 55 Royal -kingdom 56 Capped joint 57 Tote board data 58 Like a bagatelle?

60 Daughter of Cronus 61 Bugged 62 Large -coffeepot 63 Giddyup!

64 “Me ___ !”

For the puzzle answers see page 23

Retirees have different needs in Real Estate

Across 1 Round peg in a round hole 6 Delhi streetwear 10 Decays 14 Poet’s inspiration 15 “I agree!”

16 Euclid’s lake 17 Latent 20 Impresario Hurok 21 Time frames 22 Parser’s parts 23 Traveler 25 Fateful March date 26 Jack Benny catchphrase 28 Where FDR met Stalin 30 Land of Esau’s descendants 34 In full voice 36 Play opener 38 See red?

39 On the mat 43 Honshu shrine -center 44 Cartoon expletive 45 Hearth bit 46 “Leaving Las Vegas” girl 48 Inappro-priate 51 Prime minister Moro 52 Hoops great Willis 54 Bonanza dad 56 Sacred text of Islam 58 Oliver Twist’s request

MARCH 2018

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FUN & GAMES

16

5 7 1 3 7 8

3 4 8 1

2

2

7 1 9

7 6 3 4 9 8 5 2 9 7 1 8 1 1 5 8 3 4 2 4

Puzzle by websudoku.com

Crossword Puzzle

MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN 17

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Starting seeds and healthy habits

LET US Let Us KEEP KeepYOU YouMOBILE Mobile

Alive & Digging

By Paige Slaughter

W

e participate in Nature’s rhythm through gardening.

Rather than watch the seasons go by, observing weather changes and admiring transforming landscapes from a distance, we experience the ebb and flow. This relationship with the natural world helps us embody concepts and practices that make us feel good.

This simple shift is easily overlooked, but the concept of health and well being is immeasurably different from the lived experience of it. Embodiment allows us to enjoy the real-life benefits of a healthy lifestyle—the joy, excitement and ease of it.

Sowing seeds of wellness This month, we can sow seeds of wellness by planting a bed of dark leafy greens, which are full of calcium; iron; vitamins A, C and K; potassium and fiber. A bed of colorful carrots adds antioxidants while radishes add magnesium and vitamin B6. I like to direct sow seeds thick, then thin as sprouts emerge, harvesting baby greens along the way. Add a thin layer of grass clippings to keep the soil moist, and cover garden beds with a sheet on colder nights.

Sowing seeds is about more than facilitating actual germination. It’s about setting our own intentions for health and well being. It’s a delightfully true metaphor, as with each seed we

sow, we are setting a tangible intention for growth and transformation.

Such intentions are simple reflections of Nature, who always leans towards life and prosperity. Like Nature, we can participate in creating abundance and immerse ourselves in cycles rich with sustenance and love.

In the garden this time of year, we are surrounded by brand-new beginnings.

As buds emerge and bulbs send up new colors and aromas, we are reminded by Nature’s infinite beauty of our own access to endless possibilities.

Sowing seeds of wellness is about trusting Nature, life itself and our bodies. By setting tiny intentions for joy and feeling good, we are opening ourselves up to experience well being fully and truly—transforming the idea of health into the reality of feeling alive.

Back to embodiment As we move into this next season of gardening and growth, think about how we are embodying the concepts we value and the feelings we want to experience. As free-willed human spirits, we get to choose how we interact with life every day. By moving, fueling and being mindful of our bodies, we can bring ideas into the realm of lived experience and create the lives we want to live.

May the garden be a platform for you to do just that, each and every day. ■

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

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Spring Seminar Series at the Montrose Library Tuesday Evenings • March 14-April 24 • 6:30-8:30pm Learn about Gardening Resources, Plant Selection, Techniques, and much more!

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FUN AFTER 50

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

MARCH 19 The Montrose Connection Are you new to Montrose? Would you like to connect with like-minded people? Share ideas and network with others from 6:15-8 p.m. at the Montrose Community Recreation Center’s party rooms, 16350 Woodgate Road.

Seating is limited, so register by calling 249-7705 or visiting www.meetup. com/montrose-new-in-town-meetup

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Monday-Saturday, 10-6.

PAONIA PEACE PIPE 970-527- PIPE www.paoniapeacepipe.com 512 2nd Street, Paonia Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5.

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MARCH 1 Ouray Business Tours Learn about the distilling process from John Wood at KJ Wood Distillers, and tour Markus Van Meter Alpine Photography and Ouray Plaindealer. Meet at

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the Montrose Senior Center at 9 a.m.

Cost is $20; bring money for lunch.

MARCH 6 Snowshoeing on the Grand Mesa Dress in layers and wear sunscreen for snowshoeing. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent them from Cascade Bicycles. Locations are subject to change, and trip may be rescheduled, weather permitting. Meet at the Montrose Senior Center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $18; bring a sack lunch.

MARCH 17 Eckert Crane Days Every year, the Greater Sandhill Cranes migrate north to their nesting grounds, passing through Harts Basin on their journey. We will attempt to see them take flight, eat lunch and attend the educational presentation put on by the Black Canyon Audubon Society.

Meet at the Montrose Senior Center at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $20; bring money for lunch.

MARCH 27 Colorado River Walking & Bird Watching Take an easy hike along the Colorado River with the Audubon Society guide.

Meet at the Montrose Senior Center at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $23; bring a sack lunch.

EDUCATION Have lunch at noon and listen to educational presentations at 1 p.m. at the Montrose Senior Center. Cost for lunch is $5. Call 964-3419 the day before to make lunch reservations.

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MARCH 2018

MARCH 12 Don Paulson, Ouray Historical Museum, presents “How the names of the peaks around Ouray were chosen.”

MUSIC & DANCE MONDAYS Line dancing Line dance from 4-6 p.m. on the first, second and fourth Mondays of the month and 6-8 p.m. on the third Monday at the Montrose Senior Center. A $2 donation is requested.

MONDAYS Jam session/sing along Join us from 4-6 p.m. if you play an instrument and/or sing! Each person gets a turn to lead a song and others play along. Located in the Montrose Senior Center Crafts Room.

GAMES MARCH 19 Monday Night Out Enjoy a potluck, line dancing and games from 4-8 p.m. Bring a dish to share and $2 for paper goods and prizes. Feel free to participate in one or all activities. Rides are offered during the winter months. For more information or to schedule a ride, call Cindy at 252-4884.

MONTROSE CRIBBAGE CLUB Keep your mind sharp by playing Cribbage.

Attendance is free and all ages are welcome. New player? We’ll teach you.

Expert? We have players who will give you a challenge. Meet at the Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. Call 252-7243 for details.

DANCES MARCH 10 & 24 Saturday Night Dances Dance to live music from 7:30-11 p.m. at the Montrose Senior Center. Cost is $5. ■

MARCH 2018

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19

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Calendar

MARCH 3 Home of the Brave After four years of research, observation and interviews, award-winning journalist Donna Bryson chronicled the story of Welcome Home Montrose in her recently released book, “Home of the Brave.” Come meet Donna at her book talk and signing from 4-6 p.m. at the new Warrior Resource Center, 2 Hillcrest Plaza Way in Montrose.

MARCH 3 Dancing with the Stars Join us at the Montrose Pavilion for CASA’s third annual Dancing with the Stars event. Ten teams representing 10 local nonprofits will take the stage to support a great cause and provide some family fun! Come for the matinee at 2 p.m. or the evening performance at 7 p.m. Doors open an hour before show time. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.casa7jd.org. For more information, call 249-0337.

MARCH 5 “Saving Snow” documentary The Citizens’ Climate Change Lobby presents a free screening of this timely new documentary about the decline of winter, which views climate change through the eyes of skiers, resort business people and local activists. Film starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Montrose Library, 320 S. Second St. MARCH 7 Montrose County Historical Society presentation Journalist Bob Cox presents on “The History of the Montrose Elks Lodge: In honor of the Elks 150th anniversary” from 7-9 p.m. at the Montrose County Fairgrounds in the Pioneer Room, 1001 N. Second St. For more information, call 249-2085.

MARCH 17 HopeWest Gala The theme of HopeWest’s gala is “Celebrating the Past…Illuminating the Future.” Enjoy dinner and dancing, and place your bid at a silent auction in

the Montrose Pavilion’s ballroom from 6:30-11:30 p.m. For more information, call 240-7734 or visit www.hopewestco.org.

MARCH 18 Montrose Community Band concert Saddle up and join the Montrose Community Band for a fun western concert at the Montrose Pavilion. Concert will take place at 3 p.m. Dust off your boots and come ride off into the sunset. For more information, visit www. montroseband.com or call 596-1188.

MARCH 19 The Basics of Medicaid Learn about the basics of Medicaid and other long-term care planning ideas, including eligibility, spouse protections, five-year look back, and planning for individuals and couples. This seminar, presented by the Law Office of Brown & Brown, PC, is free and open to public. Seminar will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Homestead at Montrose’s activity room, 1819 Pavilion Drive in Montrose. For more information, call 275-1220.

MARCH 24 Altrusa Spring Luncheon Come to Altrusa’s 30th annual spring luncheon fundraiser. This year’s theme is “A Broadway Melody.” Enjoy shopping, a catered lunch, a live auction, door prizes and a fashion show. The fundraiser takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased by calling Molly at 765-7666.

MARCH 25 Valley Symphony Chorus Concert Get ready to revel in the rhythms of the ’60s and ’70s with our Valley Symphony Chorus. Concert takes place from 3-5 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion.

Tickets are $17 for adults and $16 for seniors, and can be purchased at www. valleysymphony.net. ■

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20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES

Beacon Bits

• April 3: Climate

Gardening seminar series kicks off March 13 This eight-session series covers many important aspects of gardening in the Uncompahgre Valley. Each session will concentrate on a different topic, including seeds, plants, soils, water and managing different types of plant and animal life in your garden. Time will be available for questions and discussion.

Participants may attend the entire series or only those sessions that are of special interest to them.

Seminars will be from 6:30-8 p.m. every Tuesday, March 13 through April 24. All sessions will take place at the Montrose Library Meeting Room.

• March 20: Species and variety selection

trose. Call Francie at 252-2814.

techniques

Warrior Resource Center relocates to new building The Warrior Resource Center will be purchasing a new building at 2 Hillcrest Plaza Drive in Montrose through the USDA Community Facilities Loan Program and they need your help in raising $100,000 by March 31. The new facility will provide expanded space for affiliate program training, conference rooms, offices, storage, recreation, computers and more. There will also be a museum containing military memorabilia for visitors and school groups. Support the troops at home by donating today. To donate, visit www.whafv.org or call 765-2210.

• March 13: Introduction

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

• April 10: Soils in your garden • April 17: The carbon of it all • April 24: Dealing with unplanned situations • May 1: Trees

Powerful Tools for Caregivers This six-week educational program is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. Whether it’s helping a parent, spouse, friend or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country, this is the class for you. Classes are from 1-3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from March 14 through April 18. Classes are located at Region 10 in Montrose. Suggested donation is $25. Registration is required. Call Sandy at 765-3131.

Volunteer Opportunities • Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors. Drivers are background checked and need to provide references. Call 249-8804.

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

Call 240-3400.

Support Groups • Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group, meets from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Community Connections, 645 S. Fifth St. in Mon-

• March 27: Garden types and

Rosemont BAPTIST CHURCH

Turning Montrose Around

S Townsend Ave E Niagara Rd

RosemontBaptist.org

FAMILY Sunday

FELLOWSHIP

Bible Study (all ages) 9:15 am Worship Service 10:45 am

Wednesday

AWANA

3:30 pm

COMMUNITY 1598 E Niagara Rd Montrose, CO 81401 Office: 970.249.4887

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

Call Danielle at 200-7163.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Mending Hearts is a grief support group in Delta and Montrose.

The Delta group meets from 2-3:30

MARCH 2018

p.m. Wednesdays at 205 Stafford Lane. The Montrose group meets from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Montrose Center for Hope, 725 S. Fourth St.

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

• Al-Anon Cedaredge meets at 8 p.m. Thursdays at Wick Hall behind First Baptist Church, 370 W. Main St. Call Mary at 856-6123 or Jim at 874-7855.

• Al-Anon Hotchkiss meets at 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Hotchkiss Methodist Church, 285 N. Second St. Call Elsie at 210-8090 or Marjorie at 433-1856.

• Al-Anon Paonia meets at 7 p.m.

Wednesdays at Paonia United Methodist Church. Call Lisa at 395-3608, Chris at 527-3366 or Marjorie at 433-1856.

• Women’s Al-Anon Montrose meets at 3:30 p.m. Sundays at All Saints Anglican Church, 2057 S. Townsend. Call Jessi at 596-7924.

• Newcomers Al-Anon/Alateen Montrose meets at 7 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara Road. Call Lisa Marie at 9648849 or Karis at 275-4107 • Al-Anon Montrose meets at noon on Thursdays at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara Road. Call Marian at 703-517-0552 or Lucy at 596-9919. ■

Sunday Serenades Music at Montrose Regional Library Join us for musical entertainment, refreshments will be served

Sunday, March 18, 12:00 p.m.

Shelley Warren, Flute, Elise Helmke Anderson, Harp

970-249-9656

320 South 2nd Street, Montrose CO 81401

MARCH 2018

MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Clubs & Activities

Colorow Care Center

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus is looking for anyone wanting to sing four-part in an a cappella barbershop music style. Practices are from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Olathe United Methodist Church, 518 Hersum Ave. Call 216-3800.

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

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

The club is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For meeting time and location, call 249-6051.

Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances monthly from 7:30-11 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays at the Montrose Pavilion. Dancers of all ages are welcome. Bring a snack to share.

Cost is $5. Call 252-7172.

Crafternoon members knit and crochet projects from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first, second and third Wednesdays of the month in the Montrose library meeting room to donate to various charities. Supplies are provided, but yarn donations are always welcome.

Experienced crafters are on hand to help beginners. Call 964-2546.

Montrose Women’s Club meets for monthly luncheons at noon on the third Monday, September through May. All Montrose area women are invited to attend. For location, call 275-3336.

Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts a dance from 7-9 p.m. on March 3 at Garnet Mesa Elementary School, 600 A St. in Delta. Come early for a “plus workshop” at 6:30 p.m.

Dances are mainstream plus tips. Bring refreshments to share. Celebrate our 50th anniversary with us on April 7 from 7-9 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Call Zee at 835-3771 or Nikki at 835-8666.

Local, professional, patient-centered care in a community upholding the highest standards of excellence.

Colorow is a skilled nursing facility that believes in healthy living, person-centered care and nontraditional approaches in meeting everyday needs.

Montrose Elks Bingo takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Montrose Elks Lodge, 801 S. Hillcrest Dr.

855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425

970.323.5504

www.vivage.com/Colorow

San Juan Dance Club meets from 6:45-9:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Lions Clubhouse in Montrose. Call 708-8333.

Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway meets at 1 p.m. on March 10 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Grand Junction. Call 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

Western Slope 4 Wheelers meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 209-5326. ■

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MONTROSE &

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5th Annual Caregiver Summit Join us June 7th at the Montrose Pavilion

Celebrate and support community

This event is for those who have made the

caregivers in the Region 10 counties of

commitment to care for others!

Montrose, Delta, San Miguel, Gunnison,

Keynote Speaker Lori La Bey.

Hinsdale, and Ouray

Lori has been endorsed by Maria Shriver, Oprah and Dr. Oz.

The Summit allows Caregivers the opportunity to connect with peers and gain information. The Retreat offers those in need of supervision to be cared for while their caregivers enjoy the main event.

To register call Madison at 765-3125. To volunteer call Valarie at 249-7202

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Montrose Elks Bingo Progressive Jackpots - Game 6 valued at $10,000! For a great time filled with smiles and laughter, be sure to join us to play Bingo at Montrose Elks Lodge every Tuesday evening.

“Early Bird” begins at 6:30; main Bingo session starts at 7. (Open to the public.)

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EVENTS

MARCH 2018

Where Passion for God and Compassion for People meet….

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

MARCH 2018

kvetch \ kfech  [This article is in response to “Ketamine therapy: a promising option for treating depression and pain” in January’s BEACON] “Ketamine is a drug approved for use as an anesthetic by the FDA, but not specifically for treatment of pain and depression. There is some concern from medical providers that there are no regulations for using the drug in the manner advertised. The ketamine clinics offer treatments that are not often covered by insurance and patients may have to pay out of pocket.

Since many seniors read the BEACON and rely on the information, I think this would be a service to advise readers to research this drug and consult their own physician before trying this treatment, as well as presenting some of the concerns of the medical community readily available on the internet.”

- Jan L.

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 16

2 5 6 1 4 3 7 9 8

1 7 9 8 6 5 4 2 3

8 3 4 7 9 2 5 1 6

3 8 5 6 2 4 1 7 9

4 1 7 3 8 9 6 5 2

6 9 2 5 1 7 3 8 4

KUDOS & KVETCH 23

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

9 2 3 4 5 1 8 6 7

5 4 8 2 7 6 9 3 1

7 6 1 9 3 8 2 4 5

Puzzle by websudoku.com

I can’t flip my mattress!

kudos \ ku·dos

By Sally Breslin

 “I just got the email with the GJ cover—the Jensens are some of our closest friends! Crazy! What a great cover! Can’t wait to see the Browns in Montrose—I saw them at our small group gathering on Wednesday evening and they were warning everyone not to give me their phone numbers because you might end up plastered in the paper!”

- Bruce & Cheryl C.

I

know a few people who make a habit of flipping their mattresses on a monthly basis to avoid the inevitable and much-dreaded mattress sinkhole for as long as possible. I, however, have never flipped my mattress. Not even once.

That’s because it weighs about 900 pounds.

I purchased it six years ago when I finally decided to splurge on a good mattress and box spring—something that might last a little longer than baseball season. No more cheap fabric that would tear if my pajama buttons rubbed against it. No more metal springs popping up like jackin-the-box clowns and impaling my spleen.

No more unfamiliar brands with names like “Snores Galore.” No, this time, I wanted nothing less than a recognizable, high-quality mattress.

I found it at the first furniture store I visited. It was solid with a built-in puffy top like a giant pillow. Even better, it was on sale for half price.

At the clerk’s insistence, I stretched out on top of it. It had been so long since I’d slept on anything that didn’t resemble a topographical map of the Himalayas that I’d forgotten what a level mattress felt like. It was heavenly. I actually could feel my back muscles writing me a thank-you note.

“And watch this!” the clerk said.

He sat down hard on the other side of the bed and bounced a few times.

“Feel anything?” he asked.

I didn’t feel a thing. My side of the bed never moved, not even a smidgen. I was sold.

“I’ll take it!” I shouted as I whipped out my credit card.

“Great!” he said. “Will you be taking it with you today? If not, you have 48 hours to pick it up.”

It turned out he had conveniently forgotten to mention that discounted items are strictly cash and carry until after I’d fallen in love with the darn mattress. I could picture myself lugging it on my back out to the car, then hoisting it onto the roof and strapping it down.

“Well, I guess I won’t take it then,” I sighed.

The clerk couldn’t have cared less.

He’d already rushed off to assist another customer—presumably someone who owned an 18-wheeler.

In the end, I spent nearly $2,000 on a famous memory foam mattress that weighed about as much as a cruise ship. I had to buy a new bed frame just to support it. The foam is made to conform to the exact shape of the sleeper’s body, and when you lie down your body sinks into it like it’s quicksand.

Time passed and I learned to love the mattress, especially since it contained nothing that could squeak or poke me. The only problem is its weight. Just lifting the edges whenever I change the sheets is enough to herniate some essential body part.

On the plus side, this mattress will prevent me from ever gaining weight. I’m afraid if I get any heavier, I’ll sink so far into the foam that it will swallow me completely.

So if I ever go missing…please check my mattress. ■

 “I have been very remiss in thanking you and the BEACON for Melanie’s article on the bucket list (“Time to scratch things off the itch list” in January’s BEACON). I have had many positive comments from friends and neighbors. Thank you for giving space for the article and photos. I think Melanie did an excellent job.”

- Mike Perry Cloie: “Hi Mike! You’re very welcome! Melanie did an awesome job.

Thanks for taking the time to share stories of your adventures with us and for collecting those amazing photos. I’m glad you enjoyed it. P.S. It’s nice to see you in All About Travel’s ads as well.”  “I just picked up your BEACON Guide for aging well in Mesa County.

What a wonderful booklet! Lots of contacts and phone numbers. It’s been a real asset to us new people who recently moved to the Grand Valley.”

- Drew R.

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April 19, 2018

September 20, 2018

NCTION GRAND JU

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ment, seminars, food FREE admission, entertain

April 19, 2018 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.

on Center, Grand Juncti Two Rivers Convention tion call 243-8829 For informa

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