BEACON - November 2012

November 2012 Vol. 26 Veterans Veteran’s vision enhanced by blindness

page 2

Some gave all, but all gave some: the price of freedom remains high page 6

Many veterans such as Harvey Haats relinquished the pleasures of home to protect our freedom.

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No. 11

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 31,510 Readers.

Some gave all, but all gave some. Read their stories in this month's special insert.

What’s Inside Advice and Ideas............................. 9 Classifieds..................................... 40 Crossword..................................... 27 Delta/Montrose County................. 34 Finance.......................................... 22 Garfield County.............................. 38 Health & Wellness.......................... 10 Laughing Matters.......................... 16 Mesa County.................................. 30 Parks & Recreation........................ 20 Recipes............................................ 8 River City Singles.......................... 31 Travel & Recreation....................... 18

Local dentist Scott VanDusen inspires us with the real meaning of Thanksgiving

Catalina calling It's not too early to start planning next summer's travel plans. Read about this beautiful island off California's coast.

Steps to dancing From beginners to professionals, there's a place for you to dance in Grand Junction. Read where on page 6.

Photo courtesy of Scott VanDusen

> St. Mary’s received the Silver Medal of Honor from the US Department of Health and Human Services for its organ donation rate.

www.donoralliance.org Visit www.donoralliance.org for information about organ donation and how to become a donor.

St. Mary’s honored for role in saving lives through organ donation

Families often find comfort in knowing their loved one is helping others through organ donation. In 2011, 10 St. Mary’s patients became organ donors making 34 organ transplants possible.

Grand Junction, CO

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Senior Living

November 2012

November 2012

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Editorial 3

How much shall I give? More!

By Kevin K. VanGundy

A

Finally, thank you to our advertising salespeople and a heartfelt thank you to our loyal advertisers who literally “foot the bill” to publish the BEACON each month. Please show your gratitude to our advertisers by spending your money with them.

s a Christian, I was taught that I should tithe 10 percent of my income to charity. But that’s incorrect.

The Old Testament instructs Jews to tithe 10 percent of their income.

But I am not a Jew. As a follower of Jesus Christ, he instructs us on giving New computer column through the parable of the widow’s We all love our tech. Unfortunately mite (Mark 12:41-44). The story tells our tech doesn't always love us. With of a widow who gave all that she had. this in mind the BEACON has teamed In this month’s up with Daniel BEACON, we talk Ashurst of Alpine with local dentist Computer SoluScott VanDusen, tions to present who has donated a monthly Q&A his time and talarticle to answer ents to many chilyour tech quesdren around the tions. Since most globe (I can’t help new computers there). His dental are bought this skills would be of time of year his little use to these first column children, were it adresses the difnot for the finanferences between cial and logistical Macs and PCs. help of our local Holiday Gift Guide Rotary clubs (I BEACON Publisher Kevin VanGundy, left, Speaking of givcan help there). accepts an award from Bill Bowman, right, ing, December’s Also, in this on behalf of the North American Mature BEACON will month’s BEACON, Publishers Association. include our anwe have our nual Holiday Gift annual Salute to Guide. In a recent Veterans insert, featuring inspirationsurvey of BEACON readers, when al stories of servicemen and women asked what was at the top of their list who have given more than most, and of things to buy this holiday season, some who have literally given their the number one answer was “gifts for all. During this particularly charitable time of year, when asked, “How grandkids.” What will you be giving this Christmas? Would you like us to much shall I give?” The answer is feature your business in our guide? always, “More.”

Please give us a call at 243-8829.

Thank you staff. Thank you readers.

Thank you advertisers!

At a recent national awards dinner for publishers of senior related magazines and newspapers, your local BEACON staff was awarded several prestigious awards. I’d like to thank our staff of writers, editors and artists for their dedication to the stories we write each month. Of course, this would all be for nothing if it weren’t for you, dear readers, who take the time to read them. Thank you.

January is Health & Wellness We’re looking for qualified local professionals to write articles for our January insert on health and wellness. Sure, the BEACON gets plenty of submitted articles from national experts on this subject, but our newspaper is about you, the local reader, and our local experts. Think you’ve got what it takes? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com for our submission guidelines. ■

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4 Cover Story

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November 2012

It's hard leaving the children behind cap, letting masses of beautiful hair rand Junction cascade down her dentist Scott shoulders. A local VanDusen recently assistant told Vanreturned from a Dusen the girl had globe-spanning trip likely been abused to Africa as he parand was afraid to ticipated in his fifth let anyone touch adventure with Medher until the other icine Arm-in-Arm, children convinced a Rotary-sponsored her she was safe. humanitarian effort That’s when Vanto provide free denDusen really began tal care to orphans to understand what and poor children his friend saw in in rural areas of the the program. As world. The group of happy as he was four dentists and an to return home, he entourage of supwas already making port personnel flew plans for his next to Johannesburg, clinic. He couldn’t South Africa, then get over the warm continued by road feelings he had for to Zululand. They Over 450 children were treated and 3,000 procedures performed, from screening and the people he met spent several days exams to extractions and fillings. and the satisfaction performing dental It was intimidating to see a number of what he was doing for the kids. treatment in a remote clinic. Condiof soldiers with guns wandering When he left his second clinic in tions were rustic. A large single-room around the city.

Siberia, VanDusen had a bevy of new, schoolhouse, with no heat, no indoor “I started to wonder what was in somewhat overly generous friends, water or drains, and rudimentary store for us,” VanDusen said. and an understanding that you sanitary conditions was their homeVanDusen soon realized that unlike shouldn’t admire anything in someaway-from-home for the next several Russia’s politics, the residents were one’s home because you might just days. warm and generous, and willing to find it in your suitcase without your VanDusen got started with Medishare their folk songs and vodka on knowledge. cine Arm-in-Arm 30 years ago when the long drive to their destination.

VanDusen said he had a new feelhe had a practice in Iowa. A competiDuring the clinic, an angry young ing of excitement when he found out tor, and friend, went on a Medicine man with a baseball cap came in the destination of his fifth trip was Arm-in-Arm clinic trip after reading each day, but refused treatment. to Africa. VanDusen knew Africa had about it in the American Journal of Finally, on the last day, the man sat in its own set of issues, including the Dentistry. The friend asked VanDuthe chair, reached up and took off his harsh environment, compounded by sen to go twice. He declined, but the knowledge after a third that at least 50 request, Vanpercent of his Dusen finally young patients agreed. would be HIV As he stepped positive. off the plane “We have to on his first trip assume, even in Moscow, in the states, Russia, his that at least excitement was some of our tempered by patients have a how archaic Teaching the children how to brush teeth The kids' play time pumped water from under disease such as and rundown ground to a storage tower.

HIV or hepatithe airport was. with the help of a large stuffed dinosaur.

By Terri Benson

G Want to help? Send a prayer

By Barbara Ward Like VanDusen, Dr. Mary Vader, 54, from Montrose, also does charitable work through Rotary. She has also traveled with Doctors Without Borders and several church organizations. She completed her 25th year of mission work last year in the Philippines.

“We are part of a world community,” Vader said. “The people we serve don’t come to us feeling entitled and are profoundly grateful.”

Vader has worked with Rotaplast, a charitable organization sponsored by Rotary International, which provides surgery for children born with a cleft pallet disfiguration.

“We call that operation a four-hanky event,” Vader said. “The mother willingly gives her baby to people she has never met who are dressed in funny clothes. They take her disfigured baby away and come back presenting her with a now beautiful, normal-looking baby. To see the look on the mother’s face makes it all worthwhile.”

With some organizations, the doctors collect the needed supplies and pay their own way. Others use donated airline mileage to help and sometimes, foreign hosts provide the housing.

But you don’t have to be a doctor or be able to travel overseas to help.

“Community service can start at home,” Vader said. “Some groups are in need of medical supplies such as walkers, wheelchairs and canes.”

Vader said one of the most important things someone can do to help is to send their prayers.

“A group of us were in Venezuela during the uprising,” Vader said. “I am convinced the prayers sent in our behalf kept us safe.”

November 2012

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cold that everyone wore coats under tis,” VanDusen said. “We always use sterile technology, no matter what, to their disposable gowns and the chilprotect ourselves and all of our other dren had to be covered with blankets. The area hadn’t seen snow in 13 patients.” years, but during their time in Africa, Dentists and support personnel they got 3 inches of snow. that participate in the clinics pay their own way and often take extra suitcases of medicine and supplies at their own expense as well. Out-ofpocket costs per person run in the $3,000 to $5,000 range, not considering the loss of income to a growing practice.

“If I based the decision to participate on the actual costs of the trip, I’d never go,” VanDusen said. “That doesn’t even enter into the equation.”

Upon arriving in Africa, the group collected caches of equipment, which were then transported to the location of the clinic and painstakingly set up. A gas-powered air compressor was positioned outside the building with air lines and electrical cords running through a window to provide power for the dental stations, After the clinics, the children went back to which were set up for three patients their mud and metal huts. Many of whom at a time. Tables held records, utenwere orphans. sils, sterilization equipment, and disposable supplies. A large galvanized The clinic trips are set up by Robucket served to collect waste and tary. Full documentation is required water reservoirs were filled outside to participate, including copies of at the lone water spigot. Close-up degrees, licenses, current liability treatment light was provided by insurance, releases, special travel battery-powered head lamps worn insurance, immunizations, and Tourby the dentists. ist Visas. But all that planning and Screenings took place in a corner paperwork is no guarantee of smooth of the room as the children queued sailing, as VanDusen found out in outside, waiting their turn. Over 450 Russia. children were treated and 3,000 proHe said they had just set up their cedures performed, from screening clinic when a local official, who and exams to extractions and fillings. had been appointed between when They had to do without X-rays, since the documents were completed and they didn’t have a portable machine.

VanDusen said that since the water isn’t fluoridated, the children get next to nothing sweet to eat, so most of the problems were longterm lack of care issues rather than rampant cavities. Part of the support staff’s duties included teaching the children how to brush their teeth with the help of a large, green stuffed dinosaur. Each child received a toothbrush and toothpaste, and extras were left for replacements.

Being that it was winter in Africa, The team went on a photo safari and had some up-close visits with the local wildlife.

VanDusen said the weather was so

when they arrived, refused to let them stay because his name wasn’t on the documents. A flurry of phone calls resulted in the clinic moving to a neighboring jurisdiction that was happy to have them. Two truckloads of Russian soldiers helped VanDusen’s group unload and set up.

On-site, the clinic participants generally stay and eat in local Rotarians’ homes. The local Rotarians they stay with speak English, as do some of the children. But sometimes translators are necessary.

VanDusen said those who choose to travel with Medicine Arm-in-Arm must understand that they will often live without the comforts of home. In Africa, some of the accommodations included quaint, but upscale huts at a local physician’s game reserve.

After the clinics, which often lasted up to 12 hours each day, the children went back to their mud and metal huts. Most of the children were orphans and some huts housed two to six siblings. Outside of town, VanDusen found a cemetery where the many graves, according to the locals, contained those that were victims of AIDS. “Leaving the children behind [is hard],” VanDusen said. “They form very strong attachments with us. But breaking up the team is really hard, too. We work so closely together.”

The clinic groups generally take a few extra days to see the local sights.

In Africa, they went on a photo safari and had some up-close-and-personal visits with the local wildlife.

“By the time we leave, I feel like everyone we met is family,” VanDusen said. “They treat you the same way—warm, loving, happy. It’s very heartwarming.”

There are no age limits for those interested in traveling with the clinic team. For more information, call Dorothy Steinert at 805-682-6297.

For more information about Horizon Sunrise Rotary, call Ron Benjamin at 985-2176.

VanDusen’s office is located at 1301 N. Seventh St. in Grand Junction.

Contact him by calling 255-7070 or visit www.drscottvandusen.com. ■

Cover Story 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ............................ Kevin VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Office Manager ........................Genevra Shal Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production/ Photographer......... Karen Jones Delivery........................................Al LeFebre Advertising Sales.........................Sue Bowen Advertising Sales................. Linda Lovendahl Sales Assistant.................... Michelle Hooper Delta-Montrose Bureau Advertising Sales.................... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Garfield Bureau Editor.......................................Cheryl Currier P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 829  80 0. 536.7516 fax 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, Montrose and Garfield counties.

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Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2012 • All Rights Reserved

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6 Feature Story

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November 2012

There's no time to cry when you're dancing

By Terri Benson

I

t’s time to put on your dancing shoes and reap the benefits of dance, which include exercise, increased flexibility, honing your social skills, higher self-confidence, lower stress and, of course, romance.

There are several doors to dancing in the Grand Valley, including classes through Western Colorado Community College, social clubs like Levi's and Lace, and professional lessons from studios such as LaPuerta.

The WCCC classes have a maximum of 20 students and partners are required. The six-class ballroom dancing schedule includes waltz, polka, jitterbug/swing, salsa, foxtrot, and rumba. Instructor Jeanie Thomas takes you through the steps and each class contains a quick reminder of prior steps before Instructors at La Puerta Dance Studio have taught dancers of all ages. One 70-somegoing on to the new steps for thing couple took a first-place prize after only three months of practice. the evening. from back east, are new to ballroom taking second place at last year’s Thomas has decades of experidancing.

Joe said they started taking Western Colorado Senior Games doence teaching dance, starting with free Texas Two Step classes at a bar ing a rumba. her own dance studio while she was before going to a dude ranch years “I decided to try ballroom dancing in college and then her many years ago and ended up dancing seven because I thought it would be easier with the Grand Junction Parks and nights a week. They’ve won numeron my back,” Hawley said. “With Recreation Department as a dance ous country-dance contests and square dancing, you can be on your instructor. Up until mid-September, thought they’d try ballroom dancing. feet for a long time.” she and her husband, Chuck, worked CMU instructors Denise McGinnis My husband Rick and I are also together as a musical duo, but with and Don Carpenter are just friends, students.

He made the mistake, after his recent death, she was forced to but Carpenter wanted to take lessons 35 years of hemming and hawing, of carry on without him. and joked that McGinnis volunteered promising (in front of witnesses) that “You can’t cry when you’re dancto be his partner before he even had he’d take dance lessons. Now he’s the ing,” Thomas said. the chance to ask. one making sure we leave on time so It’s her mission to prove it to her Kira Reaume and Matt Coff, the we won’t be late for lessons. students. youngest couple in the class, are For more information on the WCCC Forty-something-year-olds Ricardo taking lessons for the fun of it.

Coff dance classes, log on to their website and Jeanie Gueretta laughed about added that he wants to be able to at www.coloradomesa.edu/wccc. wanting to do something together dance with his grandmother.

Levi's and Lace is a square dance that got them out of the house and Virginia Taylor and Custer Hawley, group and many of the members gave them a short break from their the oldest couple in the group, have have been dancing for over 60 years. three boys. They’re also taking a few danced at the Lincoln Park Barn and But don’t despair if you’re a beginclasses at LaPuerta Dance Studio, the Moose Lodge. They’ve done a lot ner. Caller Lamar Podbevsek says he’s located at 523 Main St. of square and round dancing, even Laura and Joe Revell, transplants taught newbies from the third grade

up to their 80s to dance in his 40-some-odd-years of calling.

This group meets every Friday at the Masonic Lodge, located at 2400 Consistory Court in Grand Junction, with an average of 30 people dancing. Both singles and couples are welcome. Costs of lessons vary, depending on the dance and type of instruction. They have several special events throughout the year, with big dances at many of the holidays.

“Square dancing requires remembering a lot of moves and calls, and is a good workout for your body and your mind,” member Rick Beauheim said.

If you want to join in on a “hoedown” call Podbevsek at 434-7122, check out their website at www. levilacegjco.wix.com/levi sandlacegjco or search for videos on YouTube.

David and Nealy Riley opened LaPuerta Dance Studio in 2009 in a former dance studio in the Sentinel Building. They have since moved into a 100-year-old restored ballroom on Main Street, upstairs in the Margery Building. The Rileys are also instructors and partner with students in ProAm competitions throughout the country. Both are also artists and their work adorns the walls of the studio. There are other instructors at the studio, all with strong dance resumes. David says they’ve taught dancers from age 14 to 77. One 70-something couple took a firstplace prize after only three months of practice.

Anna Walters has been dancing since she was 8 and started ballroom dancing four years ago. She dances at LaPuerta an average of three days a week and recently danced a Viennese waltz in a showcase with instructor Ryan Reynolds. Her friend, Penny

November 2012

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Feature story 7

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Each WCCC class contains a quick reminder of prior steps before going on to the new steps.

Lyons, started dancing six years ago, started dancing county and western but took about a year off. at the Moose and then moved into “It doesn’t matter how bad you ballroom. According to Eller, balldance, the Rileys and their staff make room dancers have a 78 percent you feel beautiful,” Lyons said. lower rate of Alzheimer’s disease, Lyons competes at the Colorado which is well worth the price of a Star Ball in Denver each year. pair of dance shoes.

Carol MacInnes had LaPuerta offers prinever danced before she vate and group classes, came to LaPuerta three is open to couples or years ago. singles, and has punch “Now I dance two or cards and discounts for three times a week,” she multiple lessons. For a said. small fee, or free if you She has competed in attend the Friday Group Denver three times and Lesson, you can attend is known as the “Queen the Friday evening Pracof Bling” after making a tice Party, a relaxed, dance costume from 17 social night of dancing. yards of pink fabric.

Student showcases are “It took five rotations held bi-annually, and for the dress to stop competitive training is Instructor Jeanie Thomas takes spinning after Carol offered for competitions her students through the steps. stopped dancing,” throughout the country.

Lyons said.

Classes are available in just about Kim Miller has been taking private every type of dance, including swing, classes once a week for 18 months. waltz, country, salsa, and contempo“Dance feeds me,” Miller said. “It rary styles. For information on class runs in my blood.” schedule, fees, and services, visit Miller’s father and daughter also www.lapuertadancestudio.com. dance at LaPuerta.

For you dancing fools ready for Jim Eller, who normally dances prime time, consider the Colorado with his partner, Mo Bloemsma, was Star Ball in Denver for a “Dancing stag on one particular Friday since With the Stars” type of competition. she was in Florida. He said he talked Held each year in June, the 2013 Bloemsma into starting dance beevent will be June 13-16. For more cause it was a lot of fun, good exerinformation, visit www.colorado cise, and challenged the mind. They starball.com. ■

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8 food fun

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

November 2012

�onte �risto Ham and Cranberry

M o n day - T h u r s day u n T i l 6 p M

Early DinE for c ho o se f rom

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10 dinners 4-6

Serves: 4 Cook Time: 10 minutes 3 eggs 1/3 c milk 1/2 t vanilla 1 t sugar Pinch nutmeg 1/2 c whole cranberry sauce 8 slices Smithfield Spiral Ham 2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

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COMBINE blueberry topping and remaining 2 t lemon juice and 1/2 t lemon peel in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH 45 seconds or until warm.

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TIP: To Toast Nuts: Place nuts in dry nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat, shaking pan until nuts are lightly browned. To avoid over browning remove from pan immediately.

November 2012

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Advice & ideas 9

Ask the Old Bag Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

By Gayle LagmanCreswick Dear Old Bag: I am a 68-year-old retired widow.

I had one son who recently died. He had no children. I have no close relatives. I feel like my life is over. I wake up in the morning and say, “Is this all there is?” I used to think my husband and I would retire and have 20 good years together. We had planned well and I am financially secure, but for what? For this? I suppose you are going to tell me to get off my bottom and do something.

Well, go ahead, tell me. I need something. Signed, It’s Over Dear Over: I was going to tell you to get off the pity potty, but on second thought, I am going to suggest you get into a grief support group.

Your son died recently and you need support for that. Grief is a strange thing. You cannot avoid it. You cannot skip it. It is so much better if you wade through it with others who are traveling the same path. After that, I am going to suggest you move into a second-stage retirement community.

You are a perfect candidate. You will benefit highly from the companionship, friendships, activities, programs, fitness venues, socials, etc.

After you live there for three months, please write me again. Most residents in your position tell me they felt like they had family again. Best wishes to you. Your life is not over. The best is yet to come. P.S. Be sure to shop around for the right community.

They each have their own personality. You will know when one feels right for you. O.B. Dear Old Bag: I was barely mak-

ing it before everything started going up, except my income. Now here I am. I am not even 70, a widower, and I do not have enough money to live the way I would like to...with eating out, golfing, going to concerts, etc.

I have a nice three-bedroom home and a decent car, which are both

paid for. What should a guy like me do? Signed, Out of Money Dear Money: You have many options as I see it. Investigate a reverse mortgage program, which would give you more income now while you need it. You could rent out one or two of your bedrooms to other seniors (if you do this, be sure to screen your renters carefully) or you could sell your home and move to a retirement community. Another option would be to get a part-time job.

Many people are now working into their 70s and even 80s. Good luck.

Let me know how it goes. O.B. Dear Old Bag: Here come the holidays again and I must face my daughters-in-law, who are always telling me they would love to do Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

I am 75 and they are in their 40s, so they have more energy than I do.

However, I’ve cooked holiday dinners since I was 16 years old, when my mother died. I do not want to let go of it. I have also eaten their food and it is not as good as mine. How do I ward off these well-meaning youngsters? Signed, Not Done Yet Dear Not Done: I understand not wanting to let go. As we grow older, there are many things we have to give up or lose. I suggest you do it a little at a time. Invite your daughtersin-law to assist you with the dinners this year. You choose your favorite, yummy dishes to prepare and assign them the others. It will be nice to have their help with cleanup too.

This year my grandchildren, who are mostly in their early 20s, informed me that they want to buy, prepare, cook and clean up Thanksgiving dinner this year. They want me to prepare the stuffing (my specialty).

I think it is a wonderful idea and I’m excited about it. Try it. You may like it. O.B. ■

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

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10 Health & wellness

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

November 2012

The Healthy Geezer

By Fred Cicetti

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Tell him he may be killing you with his secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke, is made up of the sidestream smoke from the end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, and the mainstream smoke that is exhaled.

Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke absorb the same 4,000 chemical compounds that smokers do. More than 60 of these compounds are known or suspected to cause cancer.

About 1 in 100 deaths worldwide is caused by secondhand smoke, which kills an estimated 600,000 people a year, according to World Health Organization researchers.

Each year in the U.S. alone, secondhand smoke is responsible for about 40,000 deaths from heart disease and about 3,000 lung cancer deaths.

Secondhand smoke causes increased cardiovascular risks by damaging blood vessels, decreasing your ability to exercise, and altering blood cholesterol levels.

Some research indicates that people exposed to a spouse’s cigarette smoke for several decades are about 20 percent more likely to have lung cancer. Those exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace or social settings for long periods of

time may increase their risk of lung cancer by about 25 percent.

Some of the components found in tobacco smoke that are known to cause cancer or are suspected to be carcinogenic include formaldehyde, arsenic, cadmium, benzene and ethylene oxide. Ammonia irritates lungs, carbon monoxide hampers breathing, methanol can be toxic when inhaled, and hydrogen cyanide interferes with respiration.

Throughout the world, governments are taking action against smoking in public places, both indoors and outdoors. Smoking is either banned or restricted on public transportation.

Several local communities have enacted nonsmokers’ rights laws, most of which are stricter than state laws.

Although air-conditioning may remove the visible smoke in your home, it can’t remove the particles that continue to circulate and are hazardous to your health, so don’t delude yourself that running the AC is the answer to secondhand smoke dangers.

Try to get your son to seek help in fighting his addiction to nicotine.

There are many programs available.

Call your doctor for some recommendations. Meanwhile, for your own health, you should insist that he not smoke in the house. ■

If you would like to read more columns, you can order a copy of “How to be a Healthy Geezer” at www.healthygeezer. com. If you have a question, write to fred@healthygeezer.com.

November 2012

Health & wellness 11

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

A season for good health

By Neil Wyrick

I

have been writing about seasons for a number of years now. Essentially, my articles have been about time and the passing of our years.

Then I thought on my health and the health of friends, and how so many are still alive and reasonably well—and why? And for some, why not? Since there are ways and means to improve the process of the health of mind, body and soul, here are a few I ascribe to.

In 2011, I fell and broke my hip and began rehabilitation. The positive note is that my body had been preparing for this moment for years.

Jogging enough miles to circumnavigate the globe had produced muscles that were better prepared for rehabilitation.

Even just walking around the blocks of my neighborhood helped (though a lesser degree of exercise would have provided the same advantage) because since I had used those muscles, their weakness would not abuse me.

Good health is never guaranteed, no matter how much good food you eat or how much you exercise. But no exercise will certainly have its effect, and that effect is not good.

Chasing after good health is not a one-dimensional adventure. It includes getting your shots. I always think, “I don’t want to waste the time. The chances are nothing will happen even if I don’t get the shots.”

I then call myself an idiot for having the thought and go get my shots.

Another warning: don’t fall for the idea that you can’t fall. I have been a good athlete and even at almost 82, was still well balanced and strong. I fell down my daughter’s stairs anyway. I joined a group of almost half a million who last year found out the law of gravity hadn’t been repealed.

I needed to prime my caution gene and watch where I was going.

I now pay more attention to throw rugs improperly placed and remind myself that, yes, they can throw even me. I have my pills not only encased

in a little seven-compartment pillbox that isolates them day by day, but I place the pill box on the kitchen bar where I will see it each mealtime.

I call it the “stumble reminder.” I stumble on it if I have forgotten and that reminds me.

I also do an annual review to make sure I don’t keep taking over-thecounter pills I may no longer need. I have friends and family who believe medications are part of a giant pharmaceutical conspiracy and believe cholesterol counting is a waste of money and time. They say they don’t feel bad and therefore can’t possibly have high blood pressure (which is indeed possible), and that dental checkups do more for the dentist’s bank account than for your teeth.

Wrong conclusion. I put off having some X-ray work done and ended up with two fewer teeth.

Pounds? In England they’re good.

The wrong kinds of pounds anywhere else are bad. I stay skinny. I miss my ice cream marathons, but I don’t want the bad health that being overweight and diabetic brings.

Did you wake up this morning with an overwhelming desire to have a colon examination? Of course not.

Which is why you haven’t had one and therefore have a better chance of having a doctor find colon cancer.

Procrastination can be deadly.

There is prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and common sense. The latter can help prevent the growth of the former.

Vitamins? The jury is still out on that one. I take them. I don’t want to be found guilty of passing a positive.

Smoking. This is not an article devoted to chastisement. It is devoted to truth, and the truth is that if you are a man and you smoke, you are in danger (five times more so than a woman) of abdominal aortic aneurysm. In plain and simple language, this is a bulge on a major blood vessel that shouldn’t be there.

I like being a reasonably healthy 83 year old. I would like to keep it that way. I don’t want to waste wisdom on foolishness. ■

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12 Health & wellness

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November 2012

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ith some men, losing their hair is nearly as important as losing their job.

Scientific studies indicate that after age 50, more than half of men lose some of their hair. Some men who have lost much or most of the hair on their heads grow mustaches or beards, seemingly to prove they can grow hair somewhere.

The sensitivity about baldness is the reason why $2 billion a year is doled out for surgical treatment for hair loss. That treatment involves taking hair from the back of the head and planting it in bald spots.

You’ve seen the promising TV commercials saying, “It’s your real hair.

You can wash it. Your significant other can run her hands through it.”

In these cases of hair replacement, typically, the operation has to be continually repeated. Hair follicles die.

Researchers are trying to find out how to make hair follicles—the tiny organs where hair lives—arise from the dead, like the Bible says Jesus raised Lazarus (John 38-53). But the researchers have only suspicions about waking these follicles.

Scientists have figured out what the life cycle of hair is. Follicles that produce hair do so for several years.

Then the single hair falls out. After some weeks or months, another hair grows out. But, for the balding, the follicle remains inactive.

Scientists who deal in hair’s mysteries think it’s a combination of cells and hormones. Or Vitamin D could be an important factor.

Thirty-five million men are victims of “male-pattern baldness.” Some women also have hair loss from time to time, but it usually grows back.

Current theory about hair loss seems to focus on hormones. A kind of hormone of which testosterone is included may well be the villain.

Testosterone declines as men age.

Another possible cause for balding is connected with heart disease. Anoth-

er possibility is an enlarged prostate, which usually occurs in men as we get old.

Present treatments to slow the loss of hair include Rogaine and Propecia. Rogaine is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. Rogaine is the brand name for minoxidil and is believed to revitalize shrunken follicles so they increase in size. How it works is said to be unproven. When used twice a day, the follicles may increase in size and the growing phase for the hair becomes longer. It is also believed that Rogaine increases the blood flow to the areas near the balding section, stimulating hair growth.

A 16-week study on men showed that 85 percent of patients experienced hair growth. A 48-week study on women showed that 60 percent of the women experienced hair growth after 32 weeks into the program. Research suggests side effects are mild —scalp itching and irritation.

As for Propecia, you need a prescription to buy it. Clinical studies showed 20 percent of men who took a 1-milligram dose of Propecia daily grew moderate to heavy growths of new hair after one year. Another 30 percent had some growth. Both drugs seem to work best for men who are losing hair on the top of their head rather than the receding hairline loss in the front.

Finally, there’s a special comb called HairMax. It works by enhancing the natural hair growth cycle through a process known as photobio stimulation. The light energy delivered by the HairMax purportedly “awakens” individual hair follicles.

The end result is said to be thicker hair. But you have to have something hairy on your head at the start.

I have one son who has been completely bald since he was about age 35. His older brother still has practically all of his hair. I still have some of my hair in my 80s. But none of us is concerned. We have more important things to worry about. ■

November 2012

Health & wellness 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Aerobic exercise for a healthier brain

By Edward A. Joseph

I

n “The Invisible Gorilla: How Our Intuitions Deceive Us,” authors Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons assert, “It might seem counterintuitive, but the best thing you can do to preserve and maintain mental abilities may have little to do with cognition at all.”

Like most seniors, I noticed a decline in my cognitive skills as I aged, especially when I broke the Medicare barrier. Some examples: my ability to pay attention, my slowness in retrieving information, and my difficulty in quickly switching from one task to another.

And like most seniors, I have been enticed to “exercise my brain” by a variety of entrepreneurs, including Mozart CD sellers, video game purveyors, and chess, crossword, and Sudoku publishers.

As Chabris and Simons noted, there have been scientific studies into the mental benefits of playing chess, listening to Mozart CDs and using certain software programs like Brain Age, Medal of Honor, Tetris, or Rise of Nations.

And a number of these studies show you can improve a specific skill, say your ability to pay attention, by “exercising your brain”—but it requires considerable time and effort and the specific skill enhanced is not necessarily transferable to other mental tasks.

For example, if you spend hours doing Sudoku puzzles you will get better at doing them, but where you put your car keys may still be a problem.

As we age some loss of cognitive functioning is inevitable, but Chabris and Simons emphasize that there

is one activity for which there is significant scientific evidence for a “healthier and younger” brain: aerobic exercise.

Doing an aerobic exercise, an activity that increases the heartbeat and the supply of oxygen to the body, for as little as 30 minutes three times a week can lead to clear improvement in doing mental tasks, especially in what are called executive functions like planning and multitasking.

In addition, Chabris and Simmons mention one study where seniors walking aerobically for 45 minutes three days a week actually preserved more gray matter in their frontal brain regions compared to another group of seniors that had only done stretching and toning exercises for the same amount of time.

After learning about the benefits of aerobic exercise for a healthier and younger brain, it was a “no brainer” that I should start doing something with my new knowledge. The thought of climbing mountains, running marathons, or speed racing on a bike, however, had me reaching for my Sudoku book. I decided on walking three days a week. I also added small “aerobic bursts” by going up stairs in a vigorous manner or occasionally jogging in place for a minute or two.

I still do Sudoku and crossword puzzles for enjoyment, but for my brain health, I have gone aerobic.

Walking vigorously on a regular basis has also improved my mood, and of course, it’s good for the heart.

Aerobic exercise for a better mood, healthier heart, and healthier brain: what’s not to like? After checking with your doctor that it is safe for you to do an aerobic exercise, get that heartbeat going and oxygen flowing. ■

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

November 2012

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By Marsha Kearns

F

eeling a bit overwhelmed by all the media frenzy about Medicare?

Don’t panic. Medicare is still there for you. Wondering how to decipher the information in the bulging envelope you received? Don’t worry. The Annual Notice of Change from your health and prescription drug plans is usually summarized in the top letter.

You don’t have to read through everything to see what’s changing.

Are you putting Medicare plan changes out of your mind because it’s easier to do nothing? You might lose out on a great opportunity to find a new health and/or prescription drug plan that will serve you better and save you money.

Every year, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period offers beneficiaries the freedom to change their minds and their Medicare plans between October 15 and December 7. Changes go into effect January 1 of the next year. Everyone should consider comparing plans, particularly Part D for prescription drugs.

Guidance through the Medicare maze The good news is you don’t have to navigate the muddy waters of Medicare by yourself. Call RSVP’s local Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and ask to speak with a Medicare navigator. “SHIP navigators are also seniors, and they are all volunteers who have gone through extensive Medicare training,� SHIP Manager Ruth McCrea, 64, said. “They do not endorse or sell any product or service. They are independent and focused only on helping you make an informed decision based on your needs.�

The navigators use special software and www.medicare.gov to get an estimate of the annual cost for your drugs for each of the prescription drug plans offered in Colorado. The estimate includes drug costs and premium costs, and considers the effect of each plan’s deductible. It can compare costs for preferred and

nonpreferred pharmacies.

Low-income beneficiaries may be eligible for help paying their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. The Money-Saving Medicare Program helps eligible people enroll in Extra Help for Part D (prescription drugs) and/or a Medicare Savings Program, which helps pay Part B (medical coverage) costs. If you’re currently in one of the programs and have a $0-premium plan, be sure to see whether it continues at $0 premium next year.

RSVP is now the Western Regional Center for the Senior Medicare Patrol, which is designed to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud. The region encompasses most Western Slope counties. “Everyone needs to be aware that Medicare fraud costs billions of dollars a year, putting the entire Medicare system at risk,� Western Regional SMP Coordinator Jeanne Fox, 74, said. “If you want to become part of the SMP solution and help save millions of dollars to preserve your Medicare, call an SMP program.

We can help.�

In Mesa County, call 243-9839. Outside Mesa County call 1-888-696-7213 to be connected to the nearest SHIP/ SMP office.

Why shop for new Medicare plans?

Plans change every year in one way or another. Your circumstances may also have changed. Maybe you’re taking different drugs now, so you need a different Part D plan. Maybe you want to have a private Medicare Advantage or Medicare Cost plan instead of Original Medicare or switch from your private plan back to Original Medicare. Maybe you want to consider Original Medicare and a Medigap supplement policy.

Just because your plans seem “good enough� doesn’t mean they’re still the best for you. “Look beyond the monthly premium to the plan’s deductible and copayment structure,� McCrea said.

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“Make sure the prescription drugs you take are on the plan’s formulary, which is their list of covered drugs.

Also, for each of your drugs, notice what tier it’s on and what your cost will be. Pay attention to whether any of your drugs is subject to a restriction, such as quantity limit, prior authorization, or step therapy.”

In addition, you’ll want to check to see if a plan has preferred pharmacies. These are pharmacies that have contracted with the plan to provide lower copays. Comparing plans can give you the peace of mind that you have chosen appropriately and well.

RSVP Colorado West serves the Delta and North Fork Area along with Cedaredge, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Director Sherry Faith said SHIP is one of their most requested services.

“Last year, we served 760 clients, helping them save an average of $200 per year,” Faith said. “RSVP also did 40 presentations funded by Colorado Health Foundation, Montrose County Foundation, Montrose Community Foundation and AeroCare.”

Resource directory highlight 15

Medicare enrollment events In addition to year-round SHIP assistance with Medicare issues, Mesa County RSVP sponsors three all-day events during Medicare’s enrollment period. This year, those days are November 8, November 28, and December 4. These are first-come, first-serve sessions open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

“Bring your plan information, your Medicare and other insurance cards, and all of your prescription drugs in their original containers so a navigator can help you compare and choose the Medicare health care and prescription drug plans that are right for you,” McCrea said.

The Mesa County SHIP office takes walk-ins from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays. Other days are by appointment only. Call 243-9839 for more information.

RSVP Colorado West requests that those with Medicare questions set up an appointment by calling 249-9639.

Garfield County residents can call 947-8462 to set up an appointment with High Country RSVP. ■

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16 Laughing matters

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Laughing Matters The pains of getting old Submitted by Tremaine Frigetto An old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly and painfully up onto a stool.

After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split.

“Crushed nuts?” the waitress asked kindly.

“No,” the old man replied.

“Arthritis.”

How to start a fight Submitted by Jacque Stafford When our lawn mower broke and wouldn’t run, my wife kept hinting to me that I should get it fixed. But somehow I always had something else to take care of first—the shed, the boat, making beer, etc. Finally, she thought of a clever way to make her point.

When I arrived home one day, I found her seated in the tall grass busily snipping away with a tiny pair of

P R E M I E R

sewing scissors. I watched silently for a short time and then went into the house. I was gone only a minute and when I came out again, I handed her a toothbrush.

“When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway,” I said.

And that’s how the fight started.

Dressing a child Submitted by Karen Jones A teacher was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn’t want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a glow.

“Teacher,” the little boy said.

“They’re on the wrong feet.”

Sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this

S E N I O R

November 2012

time, on the correct feet.

“These are not my boots,” the boy announced.

She bit her tongue rather than scold him. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off he said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My mom made me wear them.”

The teacher didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots onto his feet again.

Helping him with his coat, she asked, “Now where are your mittens?”

He said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots so I wouldn’t lose them.”

Senior drivers Submitted by Sonny Lange These are claimed to be real statements from insurance forms where car drivers tried to summarize accident details in as few words as possible. Such instances of faulty writing serve to confirm that incompetency

L I V I N G

can be highly entertaining.

Coming home I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.

The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intent.

I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.

In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.

I had been shopping for plants all day and was on my way home. As I reached an intersection, a hedge sprang up, obscuring my vision, and I did not see the other car.

I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.

I was on my way to the doctor with rear end trouble, when my universal joint gave way, causing me to have an accident.

My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.

As I approached the intersection, a sign suddenly appeared in a place where no sign had ever appeared before, making me unable to avoid the accident.

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November 2012 I told the police I was not injured, but upon removing my hair, I found that I had a fractured skull.

I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him.

I saw a slow-moving, sad-faced old gentleman as he bounced off the hood of my car.

The indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.

I was thrown from my car as it left the road, and was later found in a ditch by some stray cows.

A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.

I thought my window was down, but I found out it was up when I put my head through it.

To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.

The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.

The pedestrian had no idea which way to run, so I ran over him.

An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my car, then vanished.

A truck backed through my windshield into my wife’s face.

I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over the embankment.

I love my grandkids Submitted by Jacque Stafford “Write a sentence about a fireman on a piece of paper,” the teacher told her first grade class.

A small boy wrote, “The fireman came down the ladder pregnant.”

The teacher picked up the slips of paper. Upon reading them, she took the boy aside to correct him.

“Do you know what pregnant means?” she asked.

“Sure,” the boy said proudly and confidently. “It means carrying a child.”

A woman’s perfect breakfast Submitted by Gina Gonzalez She’s sitting at the table with her gourmet coffee. Her son is on the cover of the Wheaties box. Her daughter is on the cover of Business Week. Her boyfriend is on the cover

Laughing matters 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com of Playgirl and her husband is on the back of the milk carton.

Painting in the nude Submitted by Moe Frederick Ole was a gifted portrait artist. His fame grew and soon, people from all over the country were paying him to have their portraits done.

One day, a limousine pulled up in front of Ole’s house. Inside was a beautiful woman, who asked Ole if he would paint her in the nude.

This was the first time anyone had asked this of Ole and the woman said money was no object.

Not wanting to get in trouble with his wife, Ole went inside to confer with her. After a few minutes, he returned and said to the lady, “You betcha. I’ll paint you in the nude, but I’ll have to leave my socks on so I’ll have a place to wipe my brushes.”

How retired people kill time Submitted by Robert Cameron Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. For example, the other day my wife and I went into town and visited a shop.

When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and I said, “Come on, man. How about you give us senior citizens a break?”

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him an ass.

He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.

My wife called him another name.

He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield next to the first.

The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then, our bus arrived and we went home. We always look for cars with Obama 2012 stickers. We try to have a little fun each day now that we’re retired. It’s important at our age. ■ Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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Phone (970) 240-3020 Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

NEW TOURS FOR 2013

~ Hawaiian Cruise Holiday

Sail to Maui, Kauai, the Big Island and enjoy The Stars and Stripes tour of Honolulu

~ Southern Nights & Southern Lights The Golden Isles Spring visit to Savannah, Charleston, Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island and St. Augustine

APRIL MAY

~ Denver Spring Theatre Weekend

“Guys and Dolls” “Les Miserables” and “Sense and Sensibility – the Musical” AUGUST

~

Alaska Cruise & Tour

5 day tour explores Fairbanks, Denali, and Mt. McKinley plus 7-day Inside Passage cruise on Sapphire Princess All tours depart from Grand Junction Call for detailed flyers and pricing!

Terry Eakle

Escorting Custom Tours from Grand Junction Since 1985.

November 2012

Visit Catalina Island. It's like no other place on Earth.

By Sandra Scott

T

he Four Preps popularized Catalina Island in the 1950s with their hit song, "26 Miles." Today the island is still "26 miles across the sea" with "water all around it everywhere" and "Tropical trees and the salty air." The island has retained its charm with no highrise buildings and by limiting the number of cars. Islanders like to say, "It is like no other place on earth."

1. Strolling: The best way to get acquainted with Catalina is to walk along the waterfront from the ferry docks to the Casino. Take it slow. Get on island time. Look in the shops and check out the variety of places to eat.

There are places to rent bikes and golf carts to go farther afield.

2. Explore the island: To learn about Catalina Island, board the Catalina Island Adventure Tour bus. The guide shares many island incongruities that make the tour fascinating.

After passing by the house where Zane Grey lived while writing some of his novels, the tour heads out of the town of Avalon into the countryside. The Inside Adventure Tour has it all—history, nature, and fantastic

views, plus wild bison.

3. Casino tour: The Catalina Casino is the most prominent building on Santa Catalina Island and no visit to the island is complete without a tour of the casino. The word "casino" means gathering place, not a gambling site, so the best bet at Catalina’s no-gambling casino is the fascinating tour of the beautiful building, which was built at the behest of William Wrigley, Jr. in record time.

4. Ocean rafting: Viewing dolphins, seals, and bald eagles along the shore of Catalina Island has never been more fun. Set sail on a two-hour nature watching tour in a powered, inflatable raft. View the beautiful coastline while dozens of dolphins cavort nearby. Learn the difference between sea lions and harbor seals as the yellow inflatable raft cruises close to the rocky coastline.

5. Under the sea: Board the yellow submarine, the USS Nautilus, which is actually a semi-submersible boat, for an amazing underwater tour. A row of porthole windows along each side makes viewing easy.

When the vessel arrives in Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, the fish show

607 28 1/4 Road • Grand Junction, CO 81506 • 434-6494

Visitors wanting to soak up the sun can enjoy a stroll on Catalina Island's south beach. Catalina features lush forests of kelp in which to snorkle or SCUBA dive.

November 2012

Travel & Recreation 19

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The

Beacon would

like to invite you

on its first ever reader cruise

Catalina Casino, built by William Wrigley, Jr., is the most prominent building on Santa Catalina Island. Movies or dances are featured nightly. up—hundreds Memorial and of them includBotanical Garing the bright dens. orange Garibaldi 8. Beaches: fish. The NautiVisitors just lus is the perfect wanting to soak adventure for up the sun can those who want visit one of the to see the underseveral beaches sea world but right in town, don’t want to but the best get wet. beach is DesBison, bald eagles and mule deer reside in the 6. Water fun: canso Beach heart of Avalon.

Visitors who beyond the want to get wet Casino. It is the can go diving private beach in the Casino that is open to Underwater Park the public. and snorkeling 9. Dining: in Lover’s Cove.

From shoreline Try Snuba—a restaurants in combination Avalon to the of diving and restaurant at snorkeling. Plus Airport in the there is fishing, Sky, diners will kayaking, jet enjoy excellent The USS Nautilus is the perfect adventure for skiing and seafood with an those who want to see the undersea world with- incredible view. parasailing.

7. Land fun: out getting wet.

10. The facts: The newest adventure is ziplining Most visitors arrive by boat—ferry from the mountain to the sea. Or or cruise ship—but flights are also hike all or part of the 37-mile Transavailable.

Catalina Trail. Explore the area with Check on package deals offered by a GPS multimedia device or take the ferry companies or call 800-626a guided ghost tour. Go mountain 1496. For more information, log on to biking or golfing. Visit the Wrigley www.visitcatalinaisland.com. ■

ALASKA July 2 - July 9, 2013

7 day Alaska Cruise from Seattle, WA Departs from: Seattle, WA Aboard the: Carnival Miracle Ports of Call: • Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord Skagway • Juneau • Ketchikan • Victoria, BC, Canada Cruise includes: • 7 night cruise aboard the Carnival Miracle, including 21 meals • All Port Taxes, Government fees • Cancellation/ Travel Insurance

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1,903.24 Double 3,542.24 Single

Deposit: • $350 Deposit confirms space • Credit cards accepted • Deposit due Dec. 13, 2012 Final Payment Due: • April 18, 2013

Call Cindy, Sharon or Roberta with All About Travel: 970-434-6494

20 Recreation

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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Connect with Colorado’s classical music community and experience memorable performances of classical greats.

Senior Recreation Center

Frosty the Snowman, a puppet show and a candy cane hunt will be among the events starting at 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Park Barn.

November 6

Get in the holiday spirit while you relax and enjoy the hidden gems of the community’s best light display. Enjoy hot chocolate and goodies. Meet at the Lincoln Park Barn at 6 p.m. Cost is $5. Must be age 50 or older.

Annual membership is $5.00.

S e n i o r R e c re a ti o n C e n te r M o n t h ly C a le n d a r

This class covers cell phone basics such as storing contacts, managing voicemail, speed dialing and more.

Class begins at 10 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave. Cost is $10.

Ev e n ts

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

Tuesday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Bingo

Wednesday

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

Ladies Pool, Card Social Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Pinochle

Thursday

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Canasta Cleaning Crew (Last Thursday) Bunco (3rd Thursday) Band (1st Thursday) Pokeno Dance

Friday

9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

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

Saturday

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Bridge Class Bridge Bingo

Sunday

1:00 p.m.

Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday)

Holiday light tour

Fruita Senior Center activities

Meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. Cost is $5, which includes lunch.

November 13

November 9

Smart Phones, iPads and You of

December 5

To register for any of the following activities, call the Fruita Community Center at 858-0360 or visit www. fruita.org. Events take place at the FCC unless otherwise noted.

Independence Monument Hike

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older.

The center is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

G

et your friends together and sign up for one or more of these fun activities offered by the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department. To register, call 254-3866 or visit www.gjcity.org.

November 9

550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

Monday

Fun after 50

Cell Phone Basics class

Online at www.cpr.org

November 2012

Take advantage of some of the advanced features of your smart phone.

Learn how to change settings, change ringtones and use apps. Class begins at 10 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave. Cost is $10.

November 15

Senior Thanksgiving Party The seniors at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave., will take part in a Thanksgiving Party featuring dancing and a meal. Cost is $3 for those that preregister and $5 at the door.

November 20

Advanced Smart Phone and iPad Learn how to use your smart phone or iPad to send and receive email, browse the web, and use web-based applications like Facebook. Class begins at 10 a.m. at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave. Cost is $10.

November 21

Garden Talk

Bring your gardening questions to the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens at noon for Master Gardener Margie Frey. Cost is $5.

December 1

Candy Cane Hunt Come enjoy free holiday fun for the entire family! Crafts, cookies, cocoa,

Sides Cook-off Bring your homemade Thanksgiving side dish to be judged for prizes. You can also come for a public tasting at 5 p.m. and help in the judging.

Entrants pick up a registration form at the FCC. November 12

AARP Driver Safety Course The Fruita Senior Center (inside the FCC) will host the AARP Driver Safety Course from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Veterans and their spouses, widows, widowers, dependents and children can take this class for free during the month of November. Preregister by calling 858-0360.

November 14

Senior Task Force Meeting Senior Task Force meets at 1 p.m.

November 16

Senior Social Night Spend the evening participating in free activities with other seniors. Call in advance to register for a potluck item to bring. Social begins at 5:30 p.m.

November 26

Mystery Night

Dress the part, collect the clues, and solve this month’s mystery at 5:30 p.m.

The mystery is called “Death of a Vampire.” Snacks provided. Register

by November 19. Cost is $10. ■

November 2012

Editor’s note: Did you know that the State Demographer’s Office projects that approximately 1 out of every 8,000 people in Colorado today will live to be 100 years old? There are approximately 650 centenarians in Colorado and in 2020, there will be about 1,100 Coloradans 100 years or older. In the following months, the BEACON will feature interviews of area centenarians. These centenarians have their own secrets and advice to a long and happy life. daughter, and my niece. I made tons of doll clothes, my daughter’s wedding dress, Christmas stockings for all the family, and curtains for every house I ever lived in. I spent many enjoyable hours sewing.

By Marsha Kearns What do you think is the secret to a long life?

I got a good start in life being born in Missouri, where the water and air were clean and there was good, growing farmland.

Also, my faith helps me. I just take what comes and go on.

My favorite song is “Que Sera, Sera.”

Whatever will be, will be.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

name

Mildred Thomas

(Mildred Ellen Goswick Pangborn Thomas)

age

What advice would you give others?

If you sell your house, keep the washer and dryer.

We did that once and I had to make do with a wringer washing machine and no dryer for seven years.

What’s not so 100 good about living date of birth so long?

Losing all your May 14, 1912 friends. I have one good friend left. residence: What moment She’s four months Mesa Manor in your life gave older than me. We you the greatest were neighbors and happiness? worked together for I was really happy when my husband many years. I haven’t seen her in three came home alive from World War II. years. I miss her.

What do you miss the most?

I miss my family members who have passed away. I’ve lost my parents, two husbands, a son, a sister and brotherin-law, a brother and sister-in-law, a niece, and a nephew.

What invention or change has affected your life the most?

I think the electric sewing machine. I got my Singer Sewing Machine in 1951.

I sewed all the time for myself, my

What do you wish when you blow out the candles on your birthday cake?

I just hope they all blow out.

Do you know someone with an interesting story who's 100 years old or older?

Drop us a line at Beacon@Pendant Publishing.com.

21

It’s wonderful to visit at Thanksgiving, but who is there when you can’t be?

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November 2012

Money-saving open enrollment tips

By Jason Alderman

O

ver the next few weeks, millions of Americans will receive their 2013 open enrollment materials. Although it’s tempting to simply check “same as last year,” that can be a costly mistake—especially if your employer is offering different benefit plans next year, or your family or income situation has changed.

Plus, an important feature of health care flexible spending accounts, which many people use to reduce their tax bite, is changing next year.

Here’s what to look for when reviewing your benefit options: Many benefit plans, especially medical, change coverage details from year to year. If you’re offered more than one plan, compare features side by side (including plans offered by your spouse’s employer) to ensure you’re choosing the best alternative.

Common changes include: • Dropping or replacing unpopular or overly expensive plans • Increased monthly premiums for employee and/or dependent coverage • Increased deductible and/or copayment amounts for doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospitalization, dental or vision benefits, etc.

• Revised drug formularies • Doctors and hospitals sometimes withdraw from a plan’s preferred provider network • Raising maximum yearly out-ofpocket expense limits If offered by your employer, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can significantly offset the financial impact of medical and dependent care by letting you pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses on a pre-tax basis… that is, before federal, state and Social Security taxes are deducted from your paycheck. This reduces your taxable income and therefore, your taxes.

You can use a health care FSA to pay for IRS-allowed medical expenses not covered by your medical, dental or vision plans. Check IRS Publica-

tion 502 at www.irs.gov for allowable expenses. Dependent care FSAs let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible expenses related to care for your child, spouse, parent or other dependent incapable of self-care.

Here’s how FSAs work: say you earn $42,000 a year. If you contribute $1,000 to a health care FSA and $3,000 for dependent care, your taxable income would be reduced to $38,000. Your resulting net income, after taxes, would be roughly $1,600 more than if you had paid for those expenses on an after-tax basis.

Keep in mind these FSA restrictions: • Important: Effective January 1, 2013, employee contributions to health care FSAs are now limited to $2,500 a year. However, if your spouse has FSAs at work, you still may contribute up to $2,500 to each account.

• The dependent care FSA limit remains unchanged at $5,000.

• Health care and dependent care account contributions are not interchangeable.

• Estimate planned expenses carefully because you must forfeit unused account balances. Some employers offer a grace period of up to 2-1/2 months after the end of the plan year to incur expenses, but that’s not mandatory, so review your enrollment materials.

• Outside of open enrollment, you can only make mid-year FSA changes after a major life or family status change, such as marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or dependent, birth or adoption of a child, or a dependent passing the eligibility age. If one of those situations occurs mid-year, refigure your FSAs accordingly for maximum savings.

• You must re-enroll in FSAs each year. Amounts don’t carry over from year to year.

Also remember that if you marry, divorce, or gain or lose dependents, it could impact the type and cost of your coverage options. ■

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

23

The language of postage stamps during World War II

By Marjorie Waterfield

I

n the early 1940s, war raged throughout the world. Millions of young men were gone from their home, family and sweethearts.

Against the backdrop of those years of loneliness people fell in love, often by mail. The letters crisscrossed the globe from country to country, year after year, often heavily censored.

For a time they were even microfilmed and reduced in size to what was called V-Mail. They could stop millions of young men and women from revealing military secrets or directly mentioning the war but they could not censor love—it always found a way.

One way young lovers could reveal their feelings without actually writing it in so many words was the “language of the postage stamps.”

The way you placed the stamp on the envelope told your guy or gal receiving the letter the secrets of your heart. Mothers, fathers and little sisters could take your letter to the corner mailbox without realizing the message right before their eyes.

Letter writing during the war was larger than anyone can now imagine.

Everyone wrote letters. Many high school girls wrote to as many as 20 or 30 servicemen. Most of them were family, neighbors, schoolmates and

sweethearts, but often they were to complete strangers. It did not seem strange to write to “a girlfriend’s brother” or to her own brother’s “foxhole buddy who didn’t get much mail.” It was a pastime for many girls who sat home alone on Saturday nights because all the young men were gone fighting the war.

I am not sure how the language of the postage stamps became popular, but by 1943 it was known throughout the country. The U.S. Post Office required the 3-cent stamps on letters to be placed on the upper right hand corner of the envelope, but there were no restrictions as to how the stamp was placed there. Even with the requirement, they were not too fussy about the placement, as long as there was a stamp on the envelope.

Considering the difficulty of communications during the early 1940s, the accuracy with which letters were received to and from both theaters of war was amazing. The language of the stamps may have been the bestkept secret, as no military censorship was ever imposed on the lovely little postage stamp.

If you find old letters in a shoebox or a trunk written to servicemen from 1942-1945, take a close look at them to see if the envelopes reveal any long-forgotten secrets. ■

The language of postage Stamps:

 Left corner or upside down meant: “You are mine.”  Same corner crosswise told the recipient: “My heart belongs to another.”  Same corner straight up and down meant: “Goodbye, sweetheart.”  Right corner upside down said: “Write no more.”  In the top center told him: “Yes.”  On the bottom center told him: “No.”  Right and corner at right angle asked: “Do you love me?”  Right corner sideways sadly said: “I miss you.”  Bottom corner at left: “I seek your acquaintance.”  On the line with surname expressed: “I accept your love.”  The same line upside down meant: “I am engaged.”  At right angle on surname line confessed: “I long to see you.”  In the middle at right edge begged: “Write immediately.” ♥ Just over the surname was the most prized of all. It simply meant, “I love you.”

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24

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

November 2012

America’s first woman soldier

By Richard Bauman

T

here are numerous myths about people who served in the American Revolutionary War. One being that Molly Pitcher was the only woman to have fought alongside men during that conflict.

But that’s not true. In fact, “Molly Pitcher” didn’t exist.

One woman, Deborah Sampson, served in the Continental Army. For two years, she impersonated a man so she could be a soldier.

Sampson was born in Plympton, Massachusetts on December 17, 1760. She learned spinning, weaving and cooking during her service to the Thomas family. She also learned hunting from the boys and learned to be proficient with a musket.

Sampson wanted to fight the British when the revolution broke out, but women weren’t allowed in the army. But if only men could be in the army, she would become a “man.”

She secretly bought men’s clothes and wore them when she could. She taught herself to walk, talk and act like a man. She was tall for a woman at 5 foot 7 inches, and was strong.

One morning she cut her hair, donned her male garb and walked to the next town to enlist in the Continental Army. She enlisted as Robert Shurtlieff, the name of her mother’s first-born child who had died when he was 8 years old.

There was no physical examination and nobody looked closely at the new recruit. She was accepted as a smock-faced boy, one too young to grow a beard. She tightly bound her breasts to look more like a male.

Although teased by other soldiers for not having to shave, she performed her duties as well as any other soldier and was readily accepted as a man.

Sampson served with her regiment at West Point, New York, and was wounded in the leg during a battle near Tarrytown. Rather than risk revealing her gender, she treated the wound herself. After participating in

several more battles, she was wounded a second time—a sword to the head. A third wound, a musket ball to her shoulder, was her undoing.

She was hospitalized and contracted what was called brain fever, and was sent to a hospital in Philadelphia.

There, the attending physician, Dr. Binney, discovered her gender.

Instead of reporting her immediately, he took her to his own home where she would receive better and private care. When she was out of danger, Binney notified her commanding officer, who then ordered Private Shurtlieff to carry a letter to General Washington.

At Washington’s headquarters, Sampson, still in uniform, met Washington. He gently told her to give up soldiering and gave her an honorable discharge and some money so she could get home.

In 1784, she married Benjamin Gannett, a farmer, and became a housewife and mother. When Washington became president, he invited Sampson to the nation’s capital.

There, Congress recognized her service to her country, and passed a special bill giving her a pension and some land. She died at age 66.

So what’s the story about Molly Pitcher, so often declared our first woman soldier? She was really Mary Hays, who tagged along with her husband when he served in the Continental Army at the battle of Monmouth, Pennsylvania on June 28, 1778. It’s claimed she continuously brought pitchers of water to the men in her husband’s company, thus earning the nickname “Molly Pitcher.”

When her husband collapsed, either wounded or overcome by the heat, she supposedly took his place in the gun crew and continued firing his cannon.

Sampson may have passed away into obscurity, but the name Private Robert Shurtlieff, No. 40066, is forever on the rolls of the army that helped create a nation. ■

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

25

Every barn quilt tells a story grandfather were both in the military, but Hood was influenced priver time, quilts have been used marily by an uncle and cousin, whom to symbolize freedom, tradiboth served in the Air Force. Daniels tions, and culture. Quilting has also said ever since the fourth grade, the become a popular pastime for many USAF was where he wanted to be.

Western Slope residents. Some Hood is currently in the Middle people choose to quilt using fabric, East and should be back in the U.S. but others choose to quilt with more before the end of the year. Daniels unconventional materials such as hopes to see her son back in Grand wooden blocks.

Junction though he is stationed at Many people use this method to Andrews Air Force Base in Andrews, create barn quilts. Barn quilts are Maryland. His last visit home was in often made from wooden, handMarch. painted quilt squares resembling “I am super proud of the career he traditional quilting patterns, and are has chosen, but of course it’s scary often placed on barns or other buildto have a kid in the military with the ings of historical significance. Barn world what it is,” Daniels said. quilting is believed to have originated Daniels’ barn quilt, located at 2867 in the East Coast, but the activity has C 1/2 Road in Grand Junction, was become popular in several states. painted by a There are local friend three quilt named Verda. blocks in Grand The two got Junction and together and they are being looked through added to the an old quilt American Quilt encyclopedia.

Barn Trail, The pattern which contains Daniels chose the locations was in black of quilt barns and white, but across the she chose to country. color it in red, Suzanne white and blue.

Daniels’ barn She named it quilt block is “A Century of more than just Progress.” a pretty design The “Quilt of on a red barn. a Century” is The patriotic another barn quilt reprequilt located at sents her son’s the Museum of service in the the West, 462 U.S. Air Force.

Ute Ave., and Her son, Lance “The Colorado Hood, 23, has Suzanne Daniels’ barn quilt is more than just a pretty Quilt” is design. It represents her son’s service in the U.S. Air served in the located on U.S. Air Force Force. the Swanson since gradubuilding at Cross Orchards Historic ating from Central High School in Site, 3073 F Road.

2007.

See them for yourself! For more Hood serves as a specialist in Seinformation about American Quilt curity Forces, formerly known as the Barns, visit www.americanquiltbarns. military police. Daniels’ father and com. ■

By Michelle Hooper

O

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26 faith moves

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

November 2012

Will Thanksgiving fill a void in your life?

By Denton Harris

I

Reaching Out to Those Reaching Up

Bethel Assembly of God Church Join us in a friendly atmosphere, a loving congregation and anointed Praise and Worship.

We are a family oriented church that focuses on reaching the whole person: ages 2 to 92 and beyond.

Visit our website: www.gjbethel.org for information about our ministries and to listen to past services.

2945 Orchard Avenue • Grand Junction

970-243-8247

Pastors David and Carol Huslig - Serving over 30 years

SUNDAY 9:30 - Sunday School 10:45 - Worship Service 6:00 - Evening Worship WEDNESDAY 7:00 - Bible Study MPact Girls Royal Rangers

t began in 1621, this celebration of Thanksgiving.

The Pilgrims came ashore from the Mayflower on December 21, 1620. That winter was cruel and heartbreaking, with much tragedy.

Only half of them survived. But God blessed the survivors the next summer with a huge harvest of a strange grain called corn, grown from seeds supplied by the natives. They also had barley and plenty of meat. Four men were sent by Governor William Bradford to hunt and they returned with enough wild turkeys to last a week. Fishermen brought cod and bass. Indians donated five deer.

Ninety Indians, with their chief, Massasoit, feasted with the pilgrims for three days.

Almost 400 years have passed since that time and we now live in a society that would scare those ragged Pilgrims and Indians half to death if they suddenly were to become part of our lives.

Airplanes, rockets, television, computers, cell phones and all the other paraphernalia that are part of our complex society would overwhelm them. But beyond these things, what would they see?

Would they see people like they were in 1621? Would they see people with different color skins, lifestyles and attitudes break bread together, look at the heavens and thank their great creator?

Would these Pilgrims and Native Americans understand our hesitation in 2012—almost four centuries later—to accept fellow human beings in spite of our differences?

Sure, on this Thanksgiving holiday we’ll donate to the poor and maybe attend church. Then we’ll go home to a warm house, TV, a family gathering, a huge meal, and give thanks.

But we’ll give little thought that we who comprise just 5 percent of the world population now consume over 40 percent of its resources.

Perhaps this Thanksgiving we might really realize how fortunate we are. Fortunate to have been born in this country, to be part of a world exploding with gadgets that make life more comfortable, worship without interference in whatever form we choose, have freedom to vote, and to expand our ideas.

Yet, in this nation we call Utopia, there is a void. A void in our society and a void in each of us. Somehow we are missing that indescribable feeling of doing what God taught us through Christ we should do. That is to love and worship Him, but also do what He commands—feed the hungry, help the helpless, seek humility, and love our neighbor.

Hopefully, each of us this 2012 Thanksgiving will set aside our differences and misunderstandings, erasing that old devil ego. May we pledge to start here and now being what God commands: “That which you do unto the smallest of them you do unto me.”

A smile, a handshake, a hug or pat on the back, a little praise, food and money when necessary, but most of all encouragement that can touch the lives of those crying for help.

Is this really too much to ask?

We can make this Thanksgiving better than ever before if we open our hearts to Him and to all mankind. Let’s reach out and light a candle in the hearts of our friends, those less fortunate, those who beg for recognition and even for the bare necessities of life.

We can bring incomparable riches into our lives—riches far more valuable than material things if we simply do this.

And Thanksgiving 2012 can and should be one always remembered... perhaps even one we can look back and say, “That was the one that changed my life as I tried to change others’!”

If we can do that, I am sure God will smile and say, “Well done, my children.” ■

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Crossword Puzzle

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

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

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

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

48 Be to come 51 Gov’t agency 52 One of a New Testament twelve 54 Ship pronoun 57 Drop a swatted fly, e.g.

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

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

10 Dockworker’s org.

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

Crossword puzzle 27

SHOULDERING RESPONSIBILITY

Richard W. Lewis, Funeral Director

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

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

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

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

Anyone who has postponed the task of planning ahead for his or her own funeral should know that preplanning benefits surviving family members most of all. A funeral allows friends and family, the opportunity to mourn, support each other and pay tribute to the life of the deceased.

A formal or informal ceremony or ritual prior to burial, a funeral service often provides a sense of closure to family and friends. Amidst this supportive atmosphere, mourners can begin the grieving process and move forward. Anticipating and planning for this meaningful event is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our families.

No one wants to think about their death any sooner than they must, but planning your funeral services in advance is a responsible, caring act that can reduce stress for your grieving loved ones. It’s easy to understand how making decisions now about your final arrangements can help assure those left behind that your wishes are being honored.

When you prearrange your funeral services, you’ll help alleviate your family’s burden of making difficult decisions at what will be an already difficult time.

With your wishes recorded, they won’t be left to guess what you would have wanted. By communicating exactly which merchandise and services you want, you can keep your family from purchasing unnecessary additions to your services.

If you choose to fund your prearranged funeral plans, you can lock in today’s prices for products and services that likely will be more expensive in the future.

It is important to work with a funeral professional to understand your options.

Whether you simply want to ensure that your wishes are carried out, or you want to protect your family from making difficult decisions at a time of loss, planning your final arrangements in advance is an important responsibility, and one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones.

Martin Mortuary is your local Dignity Memorial® provider. We have been serving families in the Grand Valley since 1917. Please feel free to visit our mortuary at 550 North Avenue, and if a question arises, do not hesitate to contact us at 970-243-1538 to set up an appointment, or visit our website: www.MartinMortuary.com.

Whether you desire cremation or burial, Martin Mortuary now provides the security of insurance funded funeral prearrangements.

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November 2012

Support the Art Center and find the perfect gift delicious homemade pies and other baked goods. These generous volunor 41 years, teers will also the Art Censell scrumptious ter’s annual Fine food and beverArt and Craft ages from the Fair has been a kitchen such holiday tradition as chili, sandfor many Grand wiches, salad, Valley residents. and the popuThis year’s fair lar Kingman will be held Nochicken cassevember 16-18. role. The guild You don’t The Art Center’s Fine Art and Craft Fair has been a want to miss the holiday tradition for many Grand Valley residents. participates and sponsors the wide array of event along with The Bank of Colohandmade arts and crafts on display rado, Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, and at this year’s fair. Glass artist Karen FCI Constructors.

Kiefer of Rainbow Artistry has been The guild will also be hosting the working the Holiday Craft Fair for 30 “Not So Starving Artists” sale, where years and said it is the only craft fair you can purchase wonderful artwork she participates in. at amazing prices. All sales from the For Kiefer, no year is the same.

“Not So Starving Artists” benefit the Every year she meets new artists. guild, which in turn supports the Art She does mostly large-scale commisCenter. sion stained glass windows, but she Art Center members are invited said the fair is so fun that she enjoys to join us for the Members’ Preview getting out of her basement studio. from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Kiefer is one of 41 juried vendors at November 16. The fair is open to the the 2012 Fine Art and Craft Fair. public from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on SaturThe joy of the holiday handmade day, November 17, and 10 a.m.hunt is what the fair is about. There 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 18. are gifts for all ages and budgets.

Come early for the best selection Nothing stays in a home longer than a handmade clay bowl, a handcrafted and remember that all of your purchases will help support the Art wooden wine stopper or a handCenter and its fine exhibition and painted silk throw. They are unique and will be handed down for genera- educational programming throughtions. This event is the second largest out the year.

The Art Center is located at 1803 fundraiser for the Art Center and is great for artists, and for gift givers N. Seventh St. in Grand Junction. For and receivers alike. more information, call 243-7337 ext.

The Art Center Guild will also sell 2 or visit www.gjartcenter.org. ■

By Camille Silverman

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Stained glass, jewelry and ceramics can be found at the Fine Art and Craft Fair.

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

What is the right computer for me: Mac or PC?

By Daniel Ashurst, Owner, Alpine Computer Solutions

The technology world travels at such a breakneck speed that it is often difficult to stand on the advice that was once delivered to us. The issues years ago may not even be on the radar today. In future articles, I will answer some of your submitted questions regarding computers and technology.

Q. I have heard that the learning curve on a Mac computer is really difficult. Is this true?

A. No. That is a common concern among those who are contemplating the “big switch.” The skills of using the mouse and keyboard are very similar in each case. Someone who hasn’t used a computer at all would most likely be able to pick up either computer and learn the basics in about the same amount of time.

Q. Is it true that you can’t get certain programs for a Mac, but the PC has everything?

A. No. Again, years ago this was more of an issue. But today there are a multitude of options to go either way. One notable exception is the QuickBooks financial software. It does not translate well on a Mac computer. Most of my clients that use QuickBooks use a PC for that task.

Q. Is it true that a Mac can’t get a virus? Isn’t the maintenance much

less on a Mac than a PC? A. Macs can still get viruses, however, in the five years of owning and operating a Mac computer and performing service work for my clients who own Macs, I have had one incident of a virus on a Mac, and it took 10 minutes to remove. But PCs seem to get infected every week, year after year. Yes, the maintenance on a Mac is significantly less.

Q. Isn’t a Mac a lot more expensive?

A. Not necessarily. The overall quality of a Mac computer usually means it is going to outlast its PC counterpart. But yes, the initial investment can be slightly higher. However, with a three to five year cost comparison, including service and repair as part of product cost, it levels the playing field quite nicely.

Q. Do you only push people to buy a Mac computer based on this information?

A. No. We have customers whose work and play dictates that they use a PC. With our expert help, we mitigate the service costs with customers who are willing to follow our advice. ■ To get your computer questions answered, email your questions to Beacon@PendantPublishing.com and I will address them each month. If I can be of professional assistance, call me at 257-1011.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Visit us on the web Updated daily  Search past issues  Take our poll  Play sudoku & more 

ask the computer guy 29

30 Mesa county

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Mesa County Calendar Compiled by Cloie Sandlin November 2

Altius String Quartet concert The Western Slope Concert Series presents the Altius String Quartet at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. The quartet is composed of award-winning musicians. Tickets start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door and are available online at www.junctioncon certs.com, Roper Music, or by calling 241-4579.

November 3

Happy Birthday Ula! Come say Happy 59th Birthday to Ula Kirkman, renowned accordion player, at 2 p.m. at the Atrium, 3260 N. 12th St. She will entertain and there will be cake. The public is welcome.

RSVP to 256-0006.

November 3

Siberian Virtuosi concert Making their debut tour of the U.S.,

November 2012

more information, call 858-7724 or 858-3490.

November 9

November 8

There is something for everyone at the Counseling and Education Center’s eighth annual multimedia arts and crafts sale. Interact with the artists, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and enter the drawing for door prizes. Bring your Christmas list and check it off as your pursue the beautiful and unique handcrafted items from local and foreign artists.

The show takes place from 4 p.m.8 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 790 26 1/2 Road in Grand Junction. Tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased at the Counseling and Education Center, 2708 Patterson Road. All proceeds benefit the CEC.

the Siberian Virtuosi is an awardwinning ensemble of musicians brought to Grand Junction by the Mesa County Concert Association.

The concert takes place at the Grand Junction High School auditorium, 1400 N. Fifth St. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and can be purchased at the door. For more information about their season tickets (which are only $50), visit www.mesacountyconcertassociation. org or call 243-1979.

Christian Women’s Network Luncheon

November 3

November 8 & 28

Church holiday fundraiser in Fruita

Free Medicare counseling

The Fruita United Methodist Church, 405 E. Aspen, is hosting a Navajo taco fundraiser with a cookie walk and craft bazaar. Tacos will be served from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m. The cookie walk and craft bazaar will take place from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The meal includes a beverage and dessert. Cost is $9. For

RSVP, located in the US Bank Building at 422 White Ave., is offering morning and afternoon sessions to help seniors choose the Medicare options and plan that’s right for them.

Morning sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions are from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call 243-9839 or read more on page 14.

All ladies are invited to a luncheon at 12:15 p.m. at the Clarion Inn, 755 Horizon Drive. Julie Kleinrath of Woven Designs will be with us and show us some of her beautiful baskets. Join us in “Basket Weaving 101” just in time for celebrating the holidays. Music will be provided. Guest speaker Celeste Strid will relate life from an artist’s perspective. RSVP by November 3 to 858-7120 or email rapparsons@bresnan.net.

Have a HeArt for the Community

November 9 & 10

Horn O’ Plenty Holiday Bazaar Crossroads United Methodist Women are hosting their annual Horn O’ Plenty Holiday Bazaar at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road. They will be selling Christmas items, crafts and baked goods from

November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Mesa county 31

4 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday. Admission is free, but there will be a charge for lunch from 11 a.m.11:30 p.m. Saturday. We will also have our popular Cookie Walk on Saturday. Proceeds benefit women and children’s causes locally and globally.

For more information, call 242-0577.

seminar and find out what you can do about your joint pain. The seminar takes place from 11 a.m. to noon at St. Mary’s Saccomanno Education Center on the fifth floor. Call 2982380 to register or for more information.

November 10

Shine a Light on Lung Cancer

This year’s parade will start at 2 p.m. and is held on Main Street in down town Grand Junction. This is Colorado’s third largest Veterans Day Parade and one of the largest parades in the region. The parade will feature many individual and club participants, marching bands, active duty military, and veteran associations. To participate in the parade, call Rick at 245-6454 before November 6.

St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center hosts this event from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Advanced Medicine Pavilion at St. Mary’s Hospital, 750 Wellington Ave. in Grand Junction. The event will feature a ceremony recognizing those lost to lung cancer. A lung cancer survivor will share her personal experiences and information on smoking cessation classes will be available. For more information, call 298-2351.

November 10

November 17

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. – Join us for Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive.

Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

Here’s a delicious way to help the local Veterans Golden Age Games Team travel to the national competition in May. The End Zone Sports Pub, 152 S. Mesa St. in Fruita, is going all out with a wonderful spaghetti dinner including meatballs, salad, garlic bread, coffee or tea, and even dessert. Spaghetti will be served from 2 p.m.4 p.m. for $12. Children age 4-12 are only $6. In addition, the Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus’ Spare Parts Quartet will provide entertainment and door prizes will be given away.

For more information, call 242-6175.

Wednesdays at 5 p.m. – Dine out at the following locations every week. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

November 7 - Texas Roadhouse, 2870 North Ave. November 14 - Chili’s, 584 24 1/2 Road November 21 – No dinner November 28 - Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St. Sundays at noon – It’s Bowling Sunday followed by card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462.

November 23

Thursday, November 29 –Meet at the Red Canyon Grille at Redlands Mesa Golf Club, 2325 W. Ridges Blvd., at 11:30 a.m. After lunch, enjoy golf games with pointers from an instructor. Prizes will be awarded for those that hit their targets or the longest drive. RSVP to John Delehanty at 241-3171.

Veterans Day Parade

Fur Ball

Community Cat Care is hosting a fundraiser to continue trapping, neutering and returning feral cats. The Fur Ball is an event with live entertainment by the Little Instigators and the High Desert Belly Dancers. There will also be a live and silent auction.

The Fur Ball will be held at Two Rivers Winery, 2078 Broadway, from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at City Market, Atlas Conoco, by calling 245-5675, or at www.GJcommunitycatcare.org.

November 11

Holiday quilt show and party The Art Quilt Association is participating in a free holiday event at Meadowlark Gardens, 2259 Broadway in Grand Junction. The event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. There will be wine tasting, food and music. Quilts will be for sale along with many holiday decorations. AQuA members will be present to talk about the quilts. For more information, call 241-6003.

November 12

Joint pain seminar Do you suffer from hip, knee, or shoulder pain? Attend a free one-hour

November 13

Spaghetti dinner supports vets

Come dance at the Fall Ball Dance to your favorite ‘40s-‘70s tunes—a mix of big band, country, Latin, polka, pop hits and more—at the Fall Ball II from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. at A Taste of Heaven Catering (the old Furr’s Cafeteria building) at 2817 North Ave. Beverages and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Admission is $10 for singles or $15 for couples. Request songs ahead of time by emailing Zentco@gvii.net. For more information, call 243-9400 or 260-0112. ■

If you have an event or photo you would like to have appear in the Beacon, send it to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

River City Singles

November 2012 Activity Schedule

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

Friday Afternoon Club meets at 5 p.m. Fridays in the lounge at The Doubletree Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is our business meeting and the second is Birthday Recognition Day for our members. Call Jim Spiegel at 424-2545 for details.

Saturdays at 9 a.m. – As part of the Saturday Morning Bike Ride, meet at Albertsons on the Redlands for an easy ride along the Colorado River Trail. Call John Delehanty at 241-3171 for details.

Saturday, November 3 – Join friends at noon for lunch and a pool tournament at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 F Road. Prizes will be awarded. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, call Mary Wynn at 255-7370 or Jim Spiegel at 424-2545.

32 Mesa county

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Mesa County Beacon Bits Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Voting resources for election

Weight loss surgery seminar

To help people vote informed, Kids Voting has prepared nonpartisan resources for students and adults alike, including videotaped interviews with candidates running for House District 55 and a voting guide at www.kidsvotingmc.org. If you’d like to volunteer or donate, contact Martha at 245-3414 or martha.graf@ d51schools.org.

If you are considering weight loss surgery, attend a free education session presented by the staff of St. Mary’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center and a trained weight loss surgeon. Seminars take place at St. Mary’s Life Center’s Grand Mesa Room. Use Entrance 40. Space is limited. Call 298-6400 to register.

• Wednesday, November 7 – noon to 1:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 14 – 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Veterans food drive Donations of canned and nonperishable food items will help feed local veterans and their families during the holidays. Donations will be accepted through December 3 and can be dropped off at the Grand Junction Vet Center at 2472 F Road, Unit 16 in Grand Junction. For more information, call 245-4156.

National Home Care Month Western Colorado home care agencies are proud and valued partners in the health care community, helping individuals with acute and chronic care needs stay at home, in comfort and among family. The contributions they and other home care agencies across the country make to health care are celebrated in November, during National Home Care Month.

“Without home care, there are so many people who would fall through the cracks and would end up in the

hospital or a nursing home,” Home Care of the Grand Valley registered nurse Shaunalee Fruit said. “We get to spend more time with the patients than nurses and doctors in the hospital and often are able to develop a special, trusting relationship that supports their wellbeing.”

Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839.

• Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley is always in need of volunteers. Call 256-9424 for details.

• Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. To find out more about delivering meals, call Marsha at 243-9844, ext. 5. Volunteers are also needed to work at one of our senior dining sites one day per week. For more information, call Sheli at 243-9844, ext. 2.

• Alpine Hospice needs volunteers to help patients tell their life story.

Training is provided. Volunteer office

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November 2012 support positions are also available.

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• St. Mary’s Foster Grandparent Program needs volunteers to help tutor and mentor school children that are at risk for developmental delays.

Call Tanya at 263-9091.

• St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program needs volunteers to provide companionship and assistance to a senior in need. Call Tamara at 263-9092.

Club activities • Western Slope Coin Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway.

Know the real value of your coins and currency with a free evaluation before the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or 245-4141 for details, or visit www.gjcoinshow.com.

• Talk of the Town Toastmasters invite you to join their weekly Thursday meetings from noon to 1 p.m. at the Business Incubator, 2591 Legacy Way. Call 244-1625 for details.

• Grand Valley Knights are a group of auto enthusiasts that meet every Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Spoon’s Bistro and Bakery, 3090 N. 12th St. with their sport and classic vehicles. For details, call 462-6762 or visit www.grandvalleyknights.com.

• Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will celebrate Veterans Day and Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. November 11 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road. Please bring a side dish to accompany the potluck.

For details, call Barb at 245-5649 or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org.

• Two River Sams Chapter Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon on November 10. For location, call 248-9846 or 261-8817.

• Knights of Columbus hosts bingo at 7 p.m. on the second Friday of the month at 412 32 Road in Clifton. The first pack is $10. Half of the proceeds are paid out as prizes. The other half goes to KOC’s scholarship fund. Call 434-4037 for details.

• Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Cross Orchards, 3073 F Road, and at the Museum of Western Colorado,

November 2012 462 Ute Ave., at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month. A help session is at 1 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at one of the Mesa County libraries. Bring a lunch. For details, call 245-5312.

• Mesa County Republican Women meet at noon the second Monday of each month at Two Rivers Convention Center. Lunch is $15 per person.

RSVP to 248-0815.

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. every Thursday at New Life Church, 1350 N. Seventh St. Call 261-1670 for details.

• Happy Feet Rounds meets at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court, on Sundays for a variety of dancing including waltz, rumba, chacha and more. Beginners are welcome from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and intermediate dancers are welcome from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Call 243-5858 for details.

• Grand Valley Woodcarvers Club meets from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965 for details.

• Levi’s & Lace Square Dance Club hosts square dances from 7 p.m.9:30 p.m. every Friday at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court. Call 216-8503 or 434-6541 for details.

• Art Jewelers Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Grandview Apart-

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com ments on the corner of First Street and Independent Avenue. Call 243-1220 for details.

• MACHO Men, a cancer support group, meets at 5 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Oncology Conference Room and the fourth Wednesday at St. Mary’s Java City Café. Call 298-2351 or 858-1301 for details.

• Breast Friends, a breast cancer support group, meets at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Oncology Conference Room. Call 298-2351 for details.

• Stamp Collectors meet the second Wednesday at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave. at 7 p.m. For details, call 986-1502.

• Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles has potlucks on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27-1/2 Road. They have dinner on the third Wednesday of the month and have monthly outings. Call 434-5277 for details.

• Hearing Loss Association of America has free monthly education meetings from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave. For details, call 241-2592 or visit www.hearingloss colorado.org.

• Thunder Mountain Camera Club will host its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. November 27 at the River of Alliance Church, 701 24-1/2 Road.

Call 260-7488 for details. ■

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Mesa county 33

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34 Delta/ Montrose counties

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Tobler DenTal

General & Family Dentistry Now accepting new patients.

November 2012

Delta/Montrose Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse November 3

Fall Craft and Boutique Show The Fall Craft and Boutique Show will feature local crafters and vendors from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. For more information, call 210-6619.

November 3 & 4

“Your Hometown Dentist”

Altius String Quartet in Paonia and Montrose

Dr. Tobler and family

140 S. Uncompahgre Ave.

(behind the Montrose Police Dept. between S. 1st and S. 2nd)

Call now for an appointment

249-1733

Dental Care for Your overall HealtH

Quality Care with a compassionate touch Paonia Care and rehabilitation Center 1625 Meadowbrook blvd • Paonia, Co Hospice • Respite Care • 24 Hour Skilled Nursing Care • Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy • Medicare/Medicaid Certified Transportation to & from Appointments • Respiratory Services Available as Needed • Dedicated Rooms for Rehabilitations and Recoveries • Long Term Care and Private Rooms Available • Basic Cable Service Provided to our Clients • All Qualified Insurances Accepted Medicare • Medicaid • HMO • Private • PACE • UMWA • Hospice Respite Care • VA We Accept MC & Visa Credit Cards

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The Altius String Quartet is composed of four award-winning musicians. Enjoy the great string quartet opus 59 #2 by Beethoven, the hauntingly beautiful “Adagio for Strings”

by Barber, and Schumann’s exciting piano quintet. They will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lamborn Concert Hall, 15521 Black Bridge Road in Paonia, and at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Ticket prices start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door. For more information, call 241-0741.

November 9

Sorry! Wrong Chimney!

The play “Sorry! Wrong Chimney!” opens at the Magic Circle Theatre, 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose. See their ad on page 36 for more information or call 249‑7838 for tickets.

November 17

Holiday Bazaar fundraiser The residents at San Juan Apartments are hosting their second annual Holiday Bazaar from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the San Juan Apartments, 1650 Church St. in Montrose. Local crafters and

home-based businesses will be present. For information, call 252-3431.

November 17

This Is Your Life, Mrs. Claus!

The Del-Rose Chorus of Sweet Adelines International presents a barbershop-style Christmas show at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road in Delta. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. and a show at 7 p.m. Tickets for adults are $10 in advance and $12 at the door, and $8 in advance and $10 at the door for seniors. Tickets are available at Drost Chocolate in Eckert, Finishing Touch in Delta, and DeVinny Jewelers in Montrose. For more information, call 256-9763.

November 19

San Juan Weavers Guild Show The San Juan Weavers Guild Show and Sale takes place from 9 a.m.5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose.

Participating weavers, basketmakers, spinners and other fiber artisans present a large inventory of handcrafted gifts, household items, clothing and accessories. Admission is free.

November 22

Thanksgiving Day community dinner Montrose Community Dinners, Inc. will be hosting their annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner at Friendship Hall, 1001 N. Second St. in Montrose. The opening ceremony starts at 11:15 a.m. with the food being served from noon to 3 p.m. No cost or reservations required. For more information, call 964-4462. ■

MONTROSE ORAL SURGERY AND DENTAL IMPLANT SPECIALISTS • Specialist Implant Surgeons with Advanced Training • Most experienced implant team in our area • Implants for denture stability & implants for individual tooth replacement • Do your surgery asleep or awake • We work with your general dentist • Conventional, Mini & Orthodontic Implants Craig T. Cayo D.D.S., Dorcha W. Boisen D.D.S.

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November 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/ Montrose counties 35

Get involved with the magic of theatre in Montrose

By Liesl Greathouse

T

he Magic Circle Players Community Theatre, located at 420 S. 12th St. in Montrose is the second longest continuously running theatre in Colorado, currently in its 53rd season.

When MCP started in 1959, the group did not have its own building, so the actors performed wherever they could, from the high school gym to the Montrose Armory. In 1978, they were able to raise the funds to build their own building, which seats 227 people.

Merrilee Robertson, 69, and her husband Ron, 72, have been involved with the theatre for many years. Merrilee directed around 15 plays and Ron was an assistant director or co-director for five.

“My kids spent a lot of time at the theatre growing up,” Merrilee said. “It is a good place for fun, family and fellowship.”

The theatre is deeply involved with the community.

They host a summer drama camp, allowing children in third grade and up to learn fun drama skills. They also visit area schools, putting on 30-minute plays for the students.

“We firmly believe that the children’s theatre is important for kids who may never have the opportunity to see a live play,” Merrilee said.

The travel shows the theatre does for schools are made up entirely of seniors.

“In the plays, we even have seniors

play dragons,” Ron said.

The theatre is a volunteer organization, with Theatre Manager Lisa Rediger as the only paid employee.

“I tell the actors that their ‘pay’ is to hopefully have a standing ovation and the spotlight while on stage, and by getting the pleasure of entertaining the audience,” Merrilee said.

To act in a play, anyone can walk in and audition. Auditions are advertised and the theatre always loves seeing new faces.

“Some of our best actors were people who walked in off the street with no previous acting experience,” Ron said. “But they just wanted to try out.”

The plays need actors of all ages.

If someone doesn’t want to act, they can help backstage with costumes, sets, or ushering.

Don’t miss MCP’s upcoming performance of the comedy “Sorry! Wrong Chimney!” in November. Laughter is sure to ring throughout the theatre with this rollicking tale of hilarious Christmas entertainment.

Evening performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on November 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24. There will be two Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on November 11 and 18.

For more information about volunteering with the theatre or to get tickets, call 249‑7838, visit www. magiccircleplayers.com, or stop by the theatre. ■

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36 Delta/ Montrose counties

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Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Events for veterans The Warrior Resource Center, 11 South Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans in November. If you have not previously registered with the Warrior Resource Center as a veteran, please bring a form of military ID with you.

For more information, see their story on page 37 or call 765-2210.

• Join us and other veterans for coffee from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thursday. The event is open to all veterans of any conflict or area.

• A spouses’ luncheon is held for all military spouses from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on November 13. Please RSVP to Emily or Susan at 765-2210 by November 12.

Downtown historic walks A historic walk of downtown Montrose will be held at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the

month, starting at the Montrose County Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande. Cost is $5 and space is limited. To RSVP, call 249-2085.

Stroke Support Group The Montrose Memorial Hospital Stroke Support Group meets twice a month at the hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit from 11 a.m. to noon. Stroke survivors, family members and caregivers are all encouraged to attend. For more information and meeting days, call Tim Ramsey at 318-2028.

Volunteer opportunities • Montrose Community Dinners is seeking volunteers to help with their annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

Volunteers can help with cooking, serving, assisting people with special needs, security, door attendants, and more. The dinner will be from noon to 3 p.m. on November 22 at Friendship Hall, 1001 N. Second St. Calls are accepted from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday, until November 20.

For more information, call 964-4462.

• Alpine Hospice in Montrose is seeking volunteers to help their patients tell their life stories. Share some laughter, hold a hand, and be there when you’re needed most. For more information, call 275-6064.

Free Medicare counseling RSVP Colorado West is offering free

Medicare counseling for seniors.

RSVP’s counselors are trained on the updates and changes to Medicare, so seniors may benefit from reviewing their plan with a counselor. Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period runs October 15–December 7. To schedule an appointment, call 249-9639.

Naturita’s historic Uranium Drive-In sign restored In May, the town of Naturita organized a plan to restore the old Uranium Drive-In movie sign. An online fundraising campaign raised $10,000 to restore the sign. Local businesses donated gifts, time and material to move the sign to its new location at Blondie’s Drive-In & Cafe. The town recently hosted a ceremony and barbecue lunch to showcase the sign and to thank all who contributed.

AARP Driver Safety salutes veterans in November Veterans and their families can take an AARP Driver Safety Course for free in November. Save money on insurance and stay updated on driving laws. Not a veteran? Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Pre-registration required. For more information, visit www.aarp. org/driversafety. There are three classes offered in November.

• Montrose – 8:30 a.m., November 8 and 14 at Montrose County Health and Human Services. Call 252-3431 to register.

November 2012 • Delta – 8 a.m., November 19 at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Call 856-6924 to register.

Delta Senior Activities The following activities are offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. To register for any of the following activities or for a full list, call 874-0923.

• November 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

All ages are invited to participate in the annual Amateur Chess Tournament. The tournament will consist of six rounds with each game lasting one hour. Registrations will be taken up until the morning of the event.

Registration fee is $10, which covers awards and snacks.

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in November. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on any of the following activities, call 2524884.

• November 6, 9:30 a.m.

Join us for a leisurely, 11-mile fall bike ride on the west half of the Town Loop. This ride is free but you must call Cindy at 252-4884 to register and get directions to the starting location.

• November 8, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join us for the Western State College Area and Neversink Hike in Gunnison. This is rated as an easy, 4-5 mile round trip hike. Cost is $18.

• November 17, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Local artists, crafts people and non profits fill Memorial Hall with booths of holiday gifts and other wonderful things at the Hotchkiss Crafts Fair.

Cost is $18 (bring money for lunch).

• November 27, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Do your holiday shopping in Grand Junction. We will travel to Mesa Mall, Kmart and Kohl’s. We will also stop at the shopping center with Michael’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. You pick the stores you want to shop in!

Transportation provided. Cost is $20 (bring money for lunch). ■

November 2012

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Welcome Home Montrose rior Resource Center from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thurselcome Home Monday. A spouses luncheon trose is a veteranswill be held for all military based, nonprofit organizaspouses from 11:30 a.m.tion working to create a 1 p.m. on November 13. no-barriers community Those interested in attendwhere wounded veterans ing must call 765-2210 by thrive.

November 12.

The Warrior Resource Welcome Home MonCenter, located at 11 South trose’s Business Sticker ProPark Ave. in Montrose, is gram provides discounts to the headquarters of the organization and was cre- The WRC held a cane cer- local veterans. Businesses ated to address all aspects emony for vets in October. that register with the Warrior Resource Center gets of veterans’ lives, includa sticker to put in their window, ading family, recreation, employment vertising that they offer a discount to and medical care. veterans. To get a discount, a veteran Jared Bolhuis, 25, is the co-execuneeds a special dog tag that shows tive director of the Warrior Resource they registered for the program. To Center and a veteran himself. sign up, they need to bring in the “I was in Washington, D.C. helping proper paperwork to the Warrior teach veterans whitewater kayaking Resource Center. for recreational therapy,” Bolhuis “The entire process helps to make said. “CBS did a special about it, certain that only actual veterans get featuring me and a veteran I was a discount, so that local businesses teaching.” do not get taken advantage of,” Smith Montrose resident Melanie Kline said. saw the CBS special and contacted A list of participating businesses Bolhuis about doing something can be found online at www.wel similar in Montrose. She founded Welcome Home Montrose to help get comehomemontrose.org/participat the community more involved in sup- ing-businesses-date Volunteers are important to Welporting veterans. come Home Montrose and Smith said Welcome Home Montrose sets out to help veterans of all areas, conflicts they are always looking for more.

Volunteers can work directly with and branches of service. Over 100 veterans, manage phone calls, and veterans have registered with the more. Many volunteers are veterans Warrior Resource Center, with more themselves. added regularly. Veterans from every “We would not be here without conflict can access the multitude of the support of the community, so the resources the center provides.

“Veterans who have been out of the more volunteers the better,” Smith said. “The ways to help are limitless.” military for 45 plus years are comVolunteers can sign up online at ing in to get the help they need or www.welcomehomemontrose.org/ to take advantage of veteran benefits volunteer-sign-form or in person. and services,” Co-Executive Director “We want veterans to be able to Emily Smith said. come here and live any life they want The Warrior Resource Center to, to the fullest extent possible, works with the Grand Junction Vet so they can make the most of their Center to help make registering for lives,” Smith said. veterans benefits easier.

To learn more about Welcome Coffee Thursday has become a Home Montrose, visit their website or popular activity, where veterans of all ages can interact with other veter- drop by the Warrior Resource Center, or call 765-2210. ■ ans over a cup of coffee at the War-

Delta/ Montrose counties 37

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By Liesl Greathouse

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Give a pet a home! Ado pt a furry frien d from Roice-Hurst .

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Advice and Classifie Ideas ..................... ds Crosswo ............................ .......... 9 rd ........... 36 Delta/Montr............................ ........... 35 Faith Mov ose County ....... ....... es Fruita ....... ............................ ..... 32 Garfield ............................ ........... 7 County....... ............ 22 Health & ..............

Well ...........3 Kvetch ....... ness ..............

4 .......

Laughing ............................ ...... 10 Mat ........... 38 Local Lore ters .............. .......

Mesa Cou ............................ ....... 14 ............ 20 nty..............

River City Singles ............................. 28 Travel & ..............

Recreatio n .............. ....... 29 ........... 16

Some frie nds have sca les

Read abo ut how this small rept ile made an impact on one Montrose coup le’s lives.

Local Lor

e

The library has had many face s and has been man y places.

Read mor e about its 110-yea r history inside this issue.

Long-Term Care Long-Term Care

Family moments such as Pirate Day at Eagle Ridge of the Grand Valley impact quality of life more than anything else. With a staff like this to care for you, long-term care may not seem so bad afterall.

Produced by the Beacon’s Advertising Team

Your Guide to Senior Housing & Long Term Care

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

What ever yone needs to know about long -term

care. Rea d more in this mon th’s special inse rt.

Birds of a

Garfield County Calendar Compiled by Cheryl Currier November 7

Publishing a book in today’s market Do you have a book idea you’ve been dying to write down? Join Misheel Chuluun, local author of “Write a How-to Book in Seven Days” (authored under pen name Sam Sterling), at 6 p.m. at the New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main St. She will talk about what aspiring authors can expect to face in the publishing industry. For details, call 984-2346.

November 8

Playing With Scraps

feather

Come wit h and their us as we take a exotic bir pets. From everyd closer look at loc ds above. al people ay “pound puppies” to the

And receive a free massage belt.

Photo by Heid

Mail form with check to: The Beacon, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

i Graf

a FREE

$

49

ValuE

name

The Glenwood Sewing Center, 822 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs, will host a quilting class from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. that will give you ideas of what to do with your scraps. Cost is $43, plus supplies.

Call 945-5900 to register.

November 8

AARP Driver Safety

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 New subscription  Renew subscription

cvc

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Garfield County Seniors are reading the BEACON. Shouldn’t your ad be here?

Call Linda Lovendahl for ad rates.

243-8829

November 2012

The AARP Driver Safety Class will take place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way. This class is for drivers over 50. Most Colorado insurance companies will offer discounts to those who complete the course.

Veterans and immediate family members can take the class for free in November. Call 285-9870 or visit www.aarp.com/driversafety for details. Cost for AARP members is $12, and nonmembers are $14. Payment accepted in checks only. For more information, call 285-9870.

November 15

Growing and cooking with herbs The farmers at Eagle Springs Farm will teach you how to grow, harvest, dry, store and cook with herbs. They will also share recipes for holiday cooking. Each participant will take home their own herb plant. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. Cost is $15 and is limited to 12 participants. Register online at www.coloradomtn.edu/register, call

625-1871 or drop by Colorado Mountain College’s Rifle Campus, 3695 Airport Road, and pick up a form.

November 15

Grow Your Money Today’s financial climate has more choices and challenges than we may be able to keep up with. Senior Vice President of Alpine Bank Dan Niedbalski will present the latest ways to grow our money. The program takes place from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way. Call 285-9870 for details.

November 18

Dress up your holiday table Using two gorgeous fabrics and clever piecing, you can dress up your holiday table in this one-day class with Kathleen Molitor. The class will be held from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Glenwood Sewing Center, 822 Grand Ave. in Glenwood Springs. Cost is $43, plus supplies.

November 20

Tips and Talks on Tuesdays Join your friends at Parachute’s Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave., for Pamper Yourself Day. Come at 10 a.m. for hand dips and chair massages, then make holiday gift bags and listen to holiday music. Refreshments of cider, donuts, cheese and crackers will top off the morning.

November 29

Introduction to Cross-stitching Have you ever wanted to cross-stitch?

Melissa Colasinski will demonstrate the basics and each attendee will be given a starter pack to get the ball rolling. The class is at 6 p.m. at the Silt Branch Library, 680 Home Ave. This class is free. Call 876-5500 to reserve your place.

December 1

Lights Fantastic Parade Get into the holiday spirit at the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s parade of lights from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. in downtown Carbondale. Dress warmly! ■

November 2012

Garfield County Beacon Bits Compiled by Cheryl Currier

Alzheimer’s Support Groups

Free folk concert

• Parachute – A support group meets from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. on the last Monday of the month at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 N. Parachute Ave. Call 285-9892 for more information.

• Rifle – A support group will meet from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16 at the Colorado State Veterans Home conference room, 851 E. Fifth St. Call Jessica at 6250842 or Ray at 593-8911 for more information.

• Glenwood Springs – A support group meets from 5 p.m.-6 p.m. the last Wednesday of the month at Alpine Hospice, 1517 Blake Ave. in Glenwood Springs. Call Andrea at 471-9312 for more information.

Dana and Susan Robinson, an acoustic duo from Asheville, North Carolina will perform a blend of old-time mountain music at Garfield County Libraries this November. Their songwriting is oriented to the American landscape. All performances are free and take place at 7 p.m. The schedule is as follows: • November 7 – Glenwood Springs Branch, 413 Ninth St. • November 8 – Rifle Branch, 207 East Ave. • November 13 – Silt Branch, 680 Home Ave.

Club Activities • The Scrabble Club meets from 5:30 p.m.–8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, 413 Ninth St. Beginners and experts alike are encouraged to join.

Scrabble boards, scoring materials and dictionaries are provided. The club is free. For more information, call 945-5958.

• The Digital Camera Club is an informal gathering of people interested in all aspects of digital photography, from beginner to seasoned professional. The next meeting is at 7 p.m. November 14 at the New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main St. Bring your cameras, questions, and photos in any form.

If they are on a disc or memory stick, we can project them onto a large screen for all to see. For more information, call 984-2346.

Support groups Grief and loss support group Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs hosts a support group to assist those who are bereaved. The group meets twice monthly from 5:30 p.m.7 p.m. at the hospital’s Connie Delaney Medical Library on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Call Cindy Webb at 384-7582 or Marti Duprey at 618-3043 for more information.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Reading of “Ludlow” by David Mason This year, Colorado Mountain College’s Common Reader selection is “Ludlow” by Colorado Poet Laureate David Mason. Mason will speak at the Rifle Campus, 3695 Airport Road, at 7 p.m. on November 5, and at 7 p.m. at the Spring Valley Campus in Glenwood Springs on November 6.

“Ludlow” is a novel in verse that tells the story of the Ludlow Massacre in southern Colorado on April 20, 1914.

This event is free and open to the public.

Opening reception for the art of Jack Roberts Colorado Mountain College’s Rifle Campus, 3695 Airport Road, will feature the paintings of artist Jack Roberts from November 30 through January 25. The public is invited to an opening reception and narration of the exhibition presented by Gary Miller, Roberts’ son. The reception will be from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Rifle Campus. Roberts worked as an illustrator depicting the history and spirit of western life in his own distinctive style. His studio was located one mile south of Redstone. Call 625-1871 for more information. ■

W AT E R DAMA G E

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Winter 2012

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Insured. 261-7071.

Sometimes You Just Can’t Do It All I am a Personal Assistant/Caregiver offering services abroad including:  Transportation for Appointments/Errands  Assistance with Bills/Administrative Work  Housekeeping and More!

Bonded and insured.

Serving Montrose & Surrounding Area.

Call Linda at 249-8535.

Real Estate for Rent Nellie Bechtel Senior Apartments 55 and older, no smoking or pets.

3032 N. 15th St. Call 245-1712 for appointment.

VILLA SERENA One level Tuscany-inspired townhome. Premier central GJ location. Gated community, private drives, serene neighborhood. Two bedrooms, two baths, two-car garage. Soaring ceilings, sun-filled rooms, open concept, private patio. $1390/month. 274-3996.

November 2012

Real Estate for Sale Hickory Crest 55+ Community in Columbia, MD. 1 bedroom, den, 1.5 bath, wood floors. Close to Lorian/Hospital $320,000. LongnandFoster Realtors 410-730-9573/410-7303456. Ann Detraglia.

Miscellaneous Services Pheasant Hunting BrokenSpokeRanch.com. wildpheasant@yahoo.com. 241-3949.

PATTON’S HANDYMAN and LAWN SERVICE Professional, reliable, low rates, free estimates, senior discounts. I will beat anyone’s current price and provide better service! Insured and references available. Call Jeff 208-5929.

Affordable Actions Moving Services “We take care of what you treasure.”

Specializing in loading and unloading rental trucks. Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. Contact us at 812-7243 or castin365@yahoo. com.

Computer Lady – In home PC Repair Services Friendly, affordable, easy to understand. Computer not-soliterate my specialty! Cleanups, virus removal, setups, upgrades, instruction, wireless and more.

Call Mindy at 255-1216 or 261-3120.

Home Care HOME HEALTH CARE Let me take care of your loved ones in their home. Will handle all appointments, errands and social events. Also, light housekeeping, including laundry. I do it all! Great references. Nicole 596-8364.

Need a helping hand?

Compassionate and experienced caregiver. Licensed hairstylist. I can help with cleaning, ironing, transportation, haircuts, errands and more. Call Rachel at 970-401-1179.

Grand Junction and Fruita area.

November 2012

Help Wanted

PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

www.pascosw.com

We pay CASH for Diabetic Test Strips Most types, unopened, unexpired.

Up to $10 per box. Call 433-7110.

Wanted to Buy BUYING COINS AND CURRENCY U.S. Silver Dollars, 90% Silver, Eagles, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Gold and Silver Bars, Proof Sets, Mint Sets, Currency, Collections, Hoards, Accumulations of any size. Call 242-5374.

CASH Paid for old Stuff Wind up men’s wrist/pocket watches.

Gold and silver jewelry. Pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amp, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff. net. Mark 260-2327.

Buying old clothing Costume jewelry, purses, sewing patterns and perfumes (pre-1970s).

Call Linda 234-4736 or 1-800-5727670.

Buying BOOKS Nonfiction, history, nature, westerns, religion, antique, reference, etc. Also buying stamp collections. Call Frank at 241-7778. Will pick up.

Local stamp collector Offering to buy or appraise your stamp collection at no charge. Please call 986-1502.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a Garfield county sales person to grow with us.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Part-time editor needed for Delta-Montrose area. Also, writers for Mesa, Delta-Montrose, and Garfield counties. Please send your resume to the BEACON Senior Newspaper at beacon@pendantpublishing.com.

Buying for CASH! Coins & Coin Collections Gold & Silver Coins Old Currency Foreign Coins & Currency Pocket Watches Sterling silver Gold & Silver Jewelry Antiques Guns and Ammunition Military Items Cowboy Spurs Native American Items Check with US before you sell!

We Have Over 37 Years Experience Buying and Selling Professionally.

Work Wanted Responsible, ethical, efficient Can assist with personal finance, office work, cooking, house cleaning, yard maintenance, farm/ranch chores, animal care in exchange for place to park/live in 4-season trailer.

314-4767.

Paying $14 per gram and up for Scrap Gold!

Classifieds 41 Long-term Assisted Living Come be a part of our family

We offer affordable assisted living with a very personal touch. We will care for you or your loved ones for as long as you want.

With over 30 years experience, we want to treat you like family.

Your house would be this recently remodeled 1,600 square feet charmer with all-new wheelchair accessible features.

Our home is only 100 feet from this one, so we can care for your needs quickly and efficiently. You would have complete access to your beautiful yard with caretaker.

Open: Monday-Friday, 10-5

North Avenue Coins

1005 North 12th Street, Suite 211 Grand Junction, CO 81501

970.261.8368

Lock In A Secure Stream Of Income With A Charitable Gift Annuity.

Fixed income for life

■

Support for your community

■

Relief from taxes

■

Income now or later

■

Let our charitable gift planner show you and your advisors the many tax-wise giving options available through The Salvation Army.

We will assist you with all doctor visits, shopping, house-keeping, cooking, bathing and dressing.

Since 1865

ONE-LIFE RATES

Age

Rate

55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90+

5.3% 5.5% 5.7% 6.1% 6.7% 7.6% 8.9% 10.5%

We have purposely left the home unfurnished for you to move your belongings into. We'll even help you move.

Two-life rates available.

Rates subject to change.

For information call 801-323-5827 or return coupon.

Name(s) Address City, State, Zip Age(s) Phone ( ) E-mail The Salvation Army Stephen Bradford, Planned Giving Director P.O. Box 2970, Salt Lake City, UT 84110 Toll Free: (801) 323-5827 E-mail: stephen.bradford@usw.salvationarmy.org Visit: www.salgift.org

We have put a lot of work, love and prayers into this home and we hope you will give us a call.

242-7077

We want to talk to you,

BSN ACGA6 ©2011 The Salvation Army

Sondra & Max Hastings Kimbry Smith

42 Kudos & kvetch

kudos \ ku·dos  “Thanks again for the fabulous (I never use that word, but it was fabulous!) luncheon on Sunday afternoon.

It was such a treat to meet the faces behind the bylines and to receive recognition for contributing to a successful year at the BEACON. I feel especially proud at sharing in the award that was given for last year’s Salute to Veterans insert, as it represents a true team effort. Writing is mostly a solitary pursuit, but the fact that, together, we can create something bigger than ourselves is truly exciting.” - Carla J., Grand Junction  “I’ve read a lot of publications and I must say your paper has so many wonderful and informative articles. I especially enjoyed the one by Patti Hoff on the power of language. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!” - Dot G.  “I wanted to thank you for the story about me and my travels in October’s BEACON. The layout is beautiful. I am absolutely flabbergasted. I am going to take a copy to my mom when I go visit her in Texas, as I believe she is the root of my travel bug. Please tell Melanie and the rest of the BEACON staff thank you.” - Terry E., Greeley Kevin: You’re welcome! I enjoyed reading your story. You are my new hero. I want to be like you when I grow up.

Wanna give a shout out?

Pass out a compliment?

Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Think past the sales pitch, please

By Patti G. Hoff

D

oes marketing ever feel like an all-out assault on your mind and senses? Ads, billboards, and magazines all vie for your attention. The electronic age struck with e-marketing, banner ads, pop-ups, and viral marketing—all attempting to hook you with bold images that draw the eye, capture you with the ubiquitous “FREE” stamped across the copy, or offer valuable information you simply cannot live without. Now the imagery of ads has become downloadable in the form of entertaining apps that you can revisit, and electronic billboards that hold a half-dozen ads instead of only one. The decibel level of television commercials rises and shrieks out at you for your attention.

Just as fascinating as the imagery, jingles and slogans used in marketing, is the psychology of marketing itself. It is amazing to think that people actually believe that a certain brand of soap or lotion will preserve the suppleness of youth, or somehow turn back the hands of time. Consumers accept on faith that hemorrhoids will only respond to a medication developed by a doctor who is also a hemorrhoid sufferer. Without ever leaving home, a person is counseled on how to keep one’s pet healthy, what car to drive, which pill to take and the best Internet location to snag a mate. In complete blissful ignorance, through the power of marketing we are made to feel sexy, guilty, smart, inadequate, afraid, or discover we have had an empty space in our existence that can only be filled with some product or service. We are easily convinced that with the mere purchase or use of some product we will immediately appear smarter and more attractive to others.

What power but marketing could convince us of the vast amounts of rewards to be gleaned by running up our credit card balances? Who wouldn’t want to be one of those lucky women who have had an “organic” experience with a bottle of shampoo? Most of us are encouraged

and consoled by the marketer’s assurance that anyone’s bottom can be warm, dry and comfortable.

The endless stream of data and sound bites forms a collage reflecting the attitudes and whims of society.

While marketing is a necessary part of attracting customers, it makes one wonder at what point human beings ceased to think past the sales pitch. It’s easy to say “if you’re dumb enough to swallow the hook, don’t feel insulted that you got reeled in.”

Reassuring you of your “intelligence” for making the right purchasing decisions is all part of the game.

I harbor a certain amount of disdain for the marketers that attempt to outwit and manipulate me. As I assess what is ladled out by the purveyors of marketing I feel that my intelligence is the butt of some advertising joke as they cast their nets upon the sea of the simple minded.

Surely I am immune from being lured into these traps. But then there is that sick moment of realization. I’ve been had! There is the gut-wrenching knowledge that has managed to seep into my brain. The gods of marketing have warned me, probably just in the nick of time, that the world is filled with germs—germs waiting to take down humanity like a bunch of renegade aliens. But I need not worry because I do my part as a soldier in this unseen battle. I sheepishly peer into the dark recesses of my purse. A sigh of relief escapes me as I spot what I’m looking for. My antibacterial hand cleaner waits there like a secret weapon to fend off the danger—maybe even death itself. As I snatch it up and slather it across my hands there is a flash, a moment of realization, and I am suddenly deeply humbled.

Publisher’s note: We do not have an ad in this issue of the BEACON selling soap, but if we did, I’m convinced that it would indeed turn back the hands of time. Rest assured that if and when I am someday elected president, I too promise to put a chicken in every pot. ■

November 2012

kvetch \ kfech  “I had to laugh when I saw the article in the Daily Sentinel’s Senior Fair insert with the title ‘Granny Get Your Gun.’ I can’t believe they used exactly the same title [as the title of the BEACON’s cover story printed in the July 2011 issue.] It’s pretty much the same story. Maybe you guys should start sending their editor a copy of your paper so he can see how often they’re being scooped.” - Terri B., Grand Junction  “If the polls are any indication, Barack Obama’s promise of a ‘green economy’ will come true when Colorado legalizes the sale and distribution of marijuana.” - Harvey W, Grand Junction  “I hope your readers will debate whether the following wording should be adopted by our state legislature and perhaps even be included by them in our state constitution: ‘Unfunded spending mandates by state or local governments may not be imposed unless first approved by a vote of the affected publics or their elected representatives.’” - Steve H., Grand Junction  “I read your article about soft drinks in the October issue of the BEACON. I don’t like how Diet Coke is pictured right in the middle of all those other soft drinks. I have been drinking Diet Coke for 60 years and the can says zero calories. I know it’s freedom of the press, but your writer needs to check his facts.

I think there needs to be a retraction in next month’s issue.” - Geraldine L., Fruita  “Thank you Delta County Commissioners for upholding the right of the ‘chicken farmers’ to destroy our neighborhood. What a chicken s*** move that was.” - Jeremy R., Delta

Wanna pitch a fit? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Serving families in the Grand Valley for over 100 years.

Thanks and Giving We are approaching that wonderful fall time of year when the colors abound, the skies are the bluest of the year and we get ready to celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving. We think about all the things for which we are thankful and for the blessings that we have. We marvel at how lucky we are to be alive and have our health. And, of course, we feast!

While we are being thankful for all our blessings, it is a good idea to bestow a few blessings on others who may not be so fortunate. This is the giving part. It isn’t always about giving money. As a matter of fact, that’s probably the last part of giving that has importance. It’s about giving of yourself to others. Time is one of the most precious of gifts and sacrificing your time to help others is a great gift.

Sharing your talents with others and helping them to find a new interest in life is another way to give.

Take the time to think about how many ways you can give and then just start.

Whether it’s teaching someone to do something new, spending time with a person who has no family around or volunteering to feed someone, you will make a difference in your life and theirs.

Sometimes a smile and simple hello can make someone’s day.

May you all have a wonderful holiday and reap great blessings from being thankful and giving. “Life is precious, don’t waste it!”

2515 Patterson Road • Grand Junction, CO 81505

970.243.2450

info@cemgj.com www.callahan-edfast.com

Do you suffer from hip, knee or shoulder pain?

If robotic surgery sounds a bit, well, mechanical, we assure you it’s a very human activity

I

n 2006 St. Mary’s started Patients go home sooner and “Nearly 1,300 the region’s first robotic procedures have been heal quicker. surgery program with The surgeon sits at performed with the the purchase of the da a console directing the assistance of this ® Vinci Surgical System. action of robotic arms. amazing tool that The program has grown The technology replicates allows surgeons to into the largest and most the surgeon’s movements operate using less comprehensive robotic while providing a invasive methods.” surgery program in western high-resolution, threeColorado. Since then, nearly 1,300 dimensional image of the surgical procedures have been performed with area. Robotic surgery systems are used the assistance of this amazing tool that primarily for urologic and gynecologic allows surgeons to operate using less procedures, but they have the potential invasive methods, smaller incisions for use in many kinds of minimally and less blood loss than open surgery. invasive surgery. n

This year St. Mary’s invested in the newest version of the robotic system, the da Vinci Si Surgical System with enhanced views and greater agility. The robot’s new imaging system called Firefly distinguishes between normal tissue and cancer tissue allowing surgeons to identify and remove cancer cells with great precision.

About a dozen St. Mary’s surgeons are now using the da Vinci, and more will soon be joining their ranks following training.

Sure, a robotic surgical system is a great big piece of technology, but St. Mary’s Robotic Surgery Program is really a team of specially trained and experienced surgeons and operating room staff using the best tools available to take care of you and your family.

Attend a free, one-hour seminar and find out what you can do about your joint pain.

Learn about some of the causes and latest treatments including information on medications, nutrition, and exercise.

Call 298-2380 to register or for more Monday, November 12 information.

11:00 am–Noon St. Mary’s Hospital Saccomanno Education Center, Fifth Floor > Please use our parking garage.

Weight loss surgery and follow-up care Learn how weight loss surgery works and who qualifies.

Presented by St. Mary’s bariatric-trained surgeon.

Call 298-6400 to register.

GRAND JUNCTION Wed., Nov. 7, Noon–1:30 pm Wed., Nov. 14, 5:30-7:00 pm RIFLE Thurs., Nov. 15, 5:30–7:00 pm “I wanted to get healthy for my family. Dr. Hanly said weight loss surgery was a process and we would go at a pace that was comfortable for me.

Now I’m well on my way to my goal.”

-Tamara Vliek, Grand Junction

“We’re here for life.”

970-298-CARE (2273)

2635 N. 7th Street Grand Junction, CO 81501 ABOVE RIGHT: Urologist Mark Nishiya, MD, performs minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy procedures at St. Mary’s using the da Vinci Surgical System.

www.stmarygj.org An Affiliate of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System