November 2023 - BEACON Senior News - Western Colorado

Living Your Best Life After 50 in Western Colorado

NOVEMBER 2023

Some give All

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Local couple goes above and beyond for VETERANS

Who are the 2024 BEACON Best? Vote for your favorite businesses inside!

Gifts that Keep on Giving: How to Maximize Your Donations Locally

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5 Things to Evaluate During Medicare Open Enrollment

2024

GOT MEDICARE? We can help!

If You Are: • •

• •

•

•

Ashley VanGundy Local Licensed Agent

Veteran with Medicare Reviewing current coverage to save $$$ Turning 65 soon New to the area & need to change plans Retiring soon & want to enroll in Medicare Losing coverage & need to start Medicare

We are Here to Help You!

Free Medicare Evaluations

Appointments available in our office, in your home or by telephone

CALL NOW!

(970) 712-8672 Serving All of Western Colorado!

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 7 organizations which offer 38 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all your options.

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A New Lease On a Less Leaky Life Incontinence at any age doesn’t have to be normal.

When you’re caught in the constant cycle of searching for the nearest restroom or waking up multiple times at night, daily life can start to revolve around your bladder. Overactive bladder (OAB) isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a significant disruption that can impact your confidence, social life, and overall wellbeing.

What is Overactive Bladder?

OAB is a condition where the bladder contracts more often than it should, leading to frequent urges to urinate. This can happen during the day, at night, or both. Many individuals with OAB often find themselves planning outings around bathroom locations or even avoiding social situations entirely.

Understanding the Causes While the exact cause is sometimes elusive, factors like aging, diet, certain medications, underlying medical conditions, and even urinary tract infections can contribute. But here’s the silver lining: understanding your triggers and seeking proper treatment can lead to effective management.

Break Free with Modern Solutions Thanks to advancements in medicine, there are a plethora of treatments available for OAB: 1. Behavioral Techniques: Bladder training and scheduled toilet trips can make a world of difference. Paired with pelvic floor exercises, these techniques fortify the muscles controlling the bladder.

2. Medication: Several prescription medications can help relax the bladder muscle, reducing the urgency and frequency of urination.

3. Innovative Therapies: For those who haven’t found relief with other treatments, Botox injections or neuromodulation devices might be the solution.

OVERACTIVE BLADDER longer. Call the Urological Associates of Western Colorado at (970) 243-3061 to consult with a specialist on the many treatment options available. Because you deserve a life unhindered by the constant call of nature. Reclaim your independence and live fully, confidently, and joyfully.

Reclaim Your Independence Imagine a life where you’re not constantly tethered to the restroom. A life where you can enjoy outings, movies, or even a full night’s sleep without interruption. With the right tools and support, it’s entirely possible. Don’t let OAB dictate your life any

970-243-3061 The Urological Associates of Western Colorado is fortunate to count Lauren Holmes, PA-C among our dedicated providers. Lauren has been dedicated to the Overactive Bladder clinic since joining the practice 5 years ago.

Proud Member of the Colorado Surgical Affiliates

2373 G Rd., #200, Grand Junction, CO Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm WesternColoradoUrology.com |

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I N T HI S I S S U E

November 2023 | Volume 36 | Issue 11

Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Communications Coordinator Amber Whisman Graphic Designers Michael L. Madsen B. Bigler

8 COVER STORY Some Give All

Local couple goes above and beyond for veterans, all while facing their own battle with cancer.

10

Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude

Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade Justin Bowen

P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829

13 When to Consider Hospice Care and the Costs of Delaying It

Email

14 Diabetes is At an All-Time High

The BEACON is published monthly and is distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

Display advertising rates are available upon request.

The secret language of postage stamps during World War II

28 ’Tis the Season for Tzedakah

While the name of this Jewish tradition loosely translates to “charity,” tzedakah is an obligation that goes beyond that

Fruita photographer offers a delightful old-timey gift for families to cherish

Website BeaconSeniorNews.com

BEACON Senior News celebrates age and empowers Western Colorado seniors with inspiring local stories and timely coverage of senior issues— all presented in a fun, engaging way that helps older adults live happier, healthier lives.

26 Censoring Love, but Not War

Tintype Memories

It can be hard to admit when a loved one needs hospice, but delaying the transition can increase costs and reduces quality of life

Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

These four growing systems make indoor gardening a breeze!

30

Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executive Debra Romaniec

22 Small Space, Big Green Dreams

November is National Diabetes Month.

Learn how to reduce your risk and know the symptoms

14 6 Tips to Stay Safe on Laxatives

Laxatives can provide much-needed relief for occasional constipation, but they should be used responsibly to avoid potential risks

© Copyright 2023 • All Rights Reserved

17

Walk in the Footsteps of Native Americans Explore cultures and customs at these must-visit heritage sites

35 5 Cool Tech Gifts to Give This Christmas

These gifts will likely fit someone on your list

38 5 Things to Check During Medicare Open Enrollment

Since Medicare plans change every year, it’s a good idea to make sure your coverage still meets your needs

40 SPAMming the Globe

How a canned meat went from war time rations to global icon

44 MESA COUNTY 44 Calendar

49 Question of the Month

You’ve Found a Stray Pet— Now What?

On the Cover

Len and Judy Ladue provide unwavering support to veterans through the VFW and Auxiliary.

Instead of taking a found pet to a shelter, follow these steps to help your new friend get back to their family more quickly

52 MONTROSE & DELTA 52 Calendar

57 Question of the Month 60 Classifieds 62 Opinion: The Internet Has Made Gambling Too Easy

No, gambling shouldn’t be illegal, but it shouldn’t be so darned easy

BEACON Readers Know BEST! OFFICIAL 2024 BALLOT

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2024

Photocopies will not be accepted.

BUSINESSES & SERVICES

FUN & ENTERTAINMENT

Best Resale/Thrift Store

Best Place to Volunteer

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Best Place to Buy Gifts

Best Local Festival

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Best Real Estate Agent

Best Local Band / Musician

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Best Beauty/Spa Service

Best Place to Meet People

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Best Auto Repair

Best Date Night Location

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Best Chiropractor

Best Restaurant for Lunch or Dinner

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Best Pet Service (Groomer, Veterinarian, etc.)

Best Happy Hour

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Best Hardware Store

Best Place to Take Grandkids

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Best Health Club

Best Local Cocktails

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Best Place to Grab A Beer

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Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: _____________ Zip:_____________ Phone:_______________________ Email: _______________________________________ No Would you like to receive email updates from the BEACON? Yes CONTEST RULES Entries limited to one per person and one vote per category. Entries must be printed clearly and include the voter’s name, address and phone number. All entries become the property of the BEACON Senior News who reserves the right to publish all nominations in a future issue. Entries must be received by December 31, 2023. Winners will be announced in the February 2024 issue of the BEACON.

Tell us who stands above the rest in our

2024 BEACON Best Awards It’s time to cast your votes and spread the word about the businesses and organizations that have earned your trust and loyalty with our 2024 BEACON Best Awards!

While good customer service can sometimes be hard to find, these coveted awards recognize that elite group of locales selected for their people, products and services that make your life easier.

Nominate your favorite people or places in 20 categories. By casting your ballot, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a gift card to one of your favorite local places.

Make sure to let your favorite businesses know you’re rooting for them, then pick up the February BEACON to find out who readers voted as…

THE BEACON BEST! Vote online at: BeaconSeniorNews.com/beacon-best Or mail your completed ballot to:

BEACON Senior News

P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502

EDITOR'S COLUMN

Celebrating Veterans Day and Thanksgiving with gratitude I ’ve always thought it appropriate that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving both fall within the same month. Among our many reasons to be thankful, our freedom should undoubtedly be at the top of the list.

This month, as we gather with our families and loved ones and reflect on everything we have to be thankful for, let’s not forget to express our appreciation for the brave men and women who have sacrificed and served to protect those freedoms.

Len Ladue, a Vietnam veteran featured in this month’s cover story, knows the meaning of sacrifice. That’s why he and his wife, Judy, give all they can to support our area’s veterans, even in the midst of their own battle with cancer.

When I asked Len and Judy how the community can get more involved in supporting veterans, they gave the following advice:

• Visit them consistently. Don’t just visit them once and pat yourself on the back. A single visit is important, but continuous support means even more.

• Volunteer. Whether it’s on your own or with an organization like the VFW or the VA hospital, volunteering your time makes a huge difference.

• Engage with them. Get to know them and their families, and keep an open mind to their experiences.

• Express your gratitude to a veteran not just during this month, but always. It is their sacrifice that has shielded many of us from the harrowing realities of war.

Be sure to explore the Veterans Day events featured in this month’s calendars and find resources for local veterans on our website: BeaconSeniorNews.com/some-give-all.

GIFT THE BEACON FOR CHRISTMAS Thanks to our advertisers, the BEACON is distributed free of charge throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. However, in spite of our expanding circulation, the latest issue can be hard to find because of the growing number of seniors in our area.

The best way to guarantee you receive your copy of the BEACON every month is to subscribe! For a limited time, you can gift the BEACON to a friend when you purchase a subscription for yourself. Turn to page 60 for details about this 2-for-1 deal.

A subscription also guarantees you won’t miss out on any senior-related news and events, including the release of our 2024 BEACON Guide. This annual resource directory includes hard-to-find contact information for clubs, medical centers, government agencies and more, which we verify annually.

Do you know of an organization we should include? Call us at 970-243-8829 or email Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

OUR READERS KNOW BEST One of the questions I’m asked most often by readers is: “Where do I go to meet people?”

We also receive calls from individuals seeking recommendations for the best beauty salons, top-rated restaurants, best real estate agent, etc. So tell us about the businesses you love and that have earned your trust by nominating them for the 2024 BEACON Best awards.

It’s easy to make your voice heard. Just fill out the ballot opposite this page and mail it in, or conveniently vote online at BeaconSenior News.com/beacon-best. Cast your vote by December 31 for a chance to win prizes and gift cards to some of the places you nominate.

Don’t forget to let these businesses know you’re cheering them on! ■

LETTERS From Readers I’m 93 but still pretty active even though I don’t drive. I enjoy the magazine and the puzzles. I just love it!

- Lillian B. I love the whole magazine! It’s wonderful.

- Rosa W. I like your paper. It doesn’t get political like the other one!

- Harlan Thank you for the link to the online calendar!

What a lovely tool!

- Anne Cloie: Thank you, Anne, for promoting your event and keeping local seniors active and engaged. Events submitted to us—either by email or through the website—by the 15th of the month will be considered for publication in the monthly magazine. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Forever Bound by Art (October) Thank you, thank you for the great coverage of Colorado West Performing Arts Company. We are very grateful.

- Dani M. Mrs. Emory’s Christmas (December 2022) Please re-run Jan Weeks’ article “Mrs. Emory’s Christmas” from last year. It’s the most wonderful story! I cut it out and read it at Christmas every year, and everyone cries.

- Kathy L. Cloie: It’s wonderful to hear that this story has become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. While I’m not sure we’ll run it again next month, here’s how readers can access it again: 1) Read the article at BeaconSeniorNews. com/mrs-emorys-christmas 2) If you can’t find it online, we can print it off and mail it to you. Just give us a call to request it.

We want to hear from you!

Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com

@BeaconSeniorNews

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | EDITOR'S COLUMN | 7

Some give All Local couple goes above and beyond for veterans

By Cloie Sandlin en and Judy Ladue embody the true spirit of service. This extraordinary couple, who are in their mid 70s, display a steadfast dedication to supporting Western Slope veterans, all while facing their own battle with cancer.

While this news might have discouraged most, it only strengthened their resolve to carry out their mission of serving our nation’s heroes and expressing a heartfelt appreciation for those who have risked or gave their lives for our freedom.

“Len has a rare blood cancer, and I lost my lung and some lymph nodes in January, but I’m not going to sit in a chair and let life pass me by,” Judy proclaimed.

Len currently serves as the commander of VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 3981 in Grand Junction, while Judy embraces her role in the VFW Auxiliary. Their unwavering support is an inspiration to many, particularly within the veteran community.

FINDING THEIR NICHE Len’s involvement with veterans began in 1969, when he enlisted in the Marines right out of high school.

“Both of my older brothers served in Vietnam, and my oldest brother was in the Marines, so I kind of just followed him,” he said.

He went to boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina, and subsequently completed several tours in Quantico, Virginia, before being deployed overseas to Vietnam.

Unlike his brother in the Army, who suffered injuries from shrapnel,

★★★★★★★★★★★★ Len was fortunate to return from the conflict unscathed.

“I was pretty lucky,” said Len. “I didn’t have to go out in the jungle very often.”

After returning to the states, Len was stationed at a naval shipyard in New Hampshire before the Marines sent him to a junior college in Kansas, where he would eventually meet Judy.

They married and she joined Len at Parris Island for about a year and a half before they decided to leave

the Marines and raise their family in Kansas.

Eager to give back to their community and support fellow veterans, Len and Judy played a pivotal role in launching a VFW post in their quaint Kansas town, with Len assuming the post of its inaugural commander. When they retired to Grand Junction in their mid 50s, they quickly got involved with a local post. However, their initial choice didn’t quite align with their aspirations, so Len went back to work and started volunteering.

“WE NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER, BUT WE’VE GOT A LOT OF WORK LEFT TO DO.” “I came home one day from doing some shopping and found he rearranged some kitchen cabinets, so I said, ‘Somebody needs to go to work!’” Judy said. “Maybe we retired too early and were trying to find our niche in Grand Junction. But when he joined the local VFW Post 3981, we found our niche and we took off.”

SERVICE & SUPPORT The VFW Auxiliary is a vital group of non-veteran volunteers that support the VFW in activities that benefit veterans and their families. According to Judy, the local chapter's primary project involves providing cofJudy and Len Ladue

fee and a light breakfast to veterans every Wednesday morning at Western Region One Source. Judy, along with other dedicated auxiliary members, enthusiastically welcome veterans to this vibrant gathering that's filled with laughter and hugs. This weekly event draws in some 100 veterans from every branch and era, some of whom travel from as far away as Gateway and Montrose, to connect with other veterans over family, shared life experiences and stories of their military service.

Among a sea of mature faces, a few younger veterans stand out, including members of the Student Veterans Association at Colorado Mesa University (CMU). The VFW demonstrates their support of student veterans by awarding two scholarships per year.

Additionally, Len and VFW members make sure the veterans’ lounge at CMU (named in Len’s honor) is well stocked with snacks to sustain them during study sessions.

The VFW also extends its support to veterans struggling with homelessness or those in need of essential supplies. At least twice a year, they host a Stand Down, where they provide clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, shoes, hygiene items and emergency supplies.

“We live in a very generous community,” said Judy. “We provide lunch, and even have a couple of salons that come in and give free haircuts.”

The post and auxiliary go the extra mile during the holiday season by preparing Christmas dinner for homebound veterans.

They also purchase holiday gifts for veteran families with children.

“We have a lot of grandparents who are raising grandchildren right now,” said Judy.

“We do a school supply drive, and [during Christmas] we try to buy a gift the chil-

Judy Ladue greets Air Force veterans Ed Loffredo and Lew Dowers at Veterans Coffee.

dren might like, and then a few extra stocking stuffers, and hats, gloves and things like that.”

When COVID hit, Len and Judy adhered to stay-at-home measures for several weeks, but their dedication eventually compelled them to check on their veteran neighbors. They traveled across Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties to distribute food, hygiene products and perform welfare checks for homebound veterans. In doing so, they were shocked to uncover some of their dire living situations.

“Some of them really lived in substandard homes or really old trailers with very few furnishings,” said Len. “You could tell they lived frugally and didn’t have a lot of financial resources.”

LEADING THE WAY Like numerous other organizations, the VFW depends on the recruitment of new members to ensure the continuity of its mission, which is to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans and to serve both veterans and the community for the years ahead.

“The membership has gone up and down over the years. As we get older, it’s much more challenging now to get younger veterans that are eligible to join the VFW,” said Len. “I’ve met a lot of good veterans, but when you’re in your mid 70s and they’re in their mid 20s, you don’t have a lot of things in common to go out and do. I love to hike, but I could never keep up with these younger men and women.”

However, on Veterans Day, Len is leading a group of veterans up Mount Garfield. That same week, they’re planning a stroll around Corn Lake

Judy and Len pose with fellow VFW members John Havens and Carl

VFW Post 3981 meets monthly on the first Wednesdays at the post hall, 503 ½ Florence Road, Grand Junction. For details, call Len at 970-778-8242 or email LenLadue @gmail.com.

To be eligible for membership in the VFW, individuals must be U.S. citizens who are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or have served with a honorable discharge status. Additionally, they must have served in a war, campaign or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.

Membership in the VFW auxiliary is open to both men and women who have a close relative who’s eligible for the VFW. so they can celebrate with veterans who rely on wheelchairs and walkers.

Len, Judy and their fellow VFW and Auxiliary members collaborate with the VA, Colorado National Guard, other VFW posts and veterans service organizations to ensure that veterans’ needs are not only met but that they also feel appreciated.

“We’re really proud of the men and women that belong to our VFW post and auxiliary,” said Len. “They really support the ideas and are very generous with their funding. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”

“We can enjoy what we have because of our veterans,” Judy added. “We never know what’s around the corner, but we’ve got a lot of work left to do. God’s not done with us yet.” ■

Veterans from all U.S. military branches are invited to gather for coffee from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road, Grand Junction.

Fruita photographer offers delightfully quirky gift to cherish for generations

By Heidi Pool

R

emember in the early ’70s when your mom bought a Polaroid Colorpack II instant camera, and you and your family members would huddle around her to watch the picture “bloom” in her outstretched hand? Back then, you may have thought instant photography was a newfangled thing.

But a similar process was actually patented in the U.S. more than 100 years prior.

First called “melainotype,” this style of photography, in which a photographic image is produced onto a thin sheet of metal, eventually came to be known as “tintype,” and it remained in vogue until the early 20th century.

In the Grand Valley, tintype photography is enjoying a comeback thanks to Vanessa (pronounced Vuh-nees-uh) Ford, the 55-year-old owner of Westslope Tintypes, who creates heirloom portraits with a cool retro vibe of people, animals, objects and oftentimes a combi-

nation of all three.

And thanks to a coating of varnish (the final step in the process), these photographs will last some 200 years.

INSTANT NOSTALGIA Tucked away in a cozy corner of the Fruita Area Recreation Marketplace (FARM) at 160 S. Park Ave., Ford’s studio is both inviting and intimate.

One wall boasts a collection of classic cameras, including a vener-

A TINTYPE PORTRAIT IS A ONE-OF-A-KIND WAY TO PRESERVE A MOMENT IN TIME IN A MANNER THAT’S REMINISCENT OF THE PAST able Kodak Brownie she still uses occasionally.

Ford moved to Fruita 9 years ago and owned a breakfast food trailer.

When she decided to stop doing that, she fell back into her love of black-and-white analog photography.

“Tintype is sort of the ultimate black and white photographic process,” said Ford. “I’ve always loved history and old things, my mother would say, so I wanted to give this process a try.”

Although Ford says she can shoot a tintype photo with almost any camera, her pride and joy is a medium-format model from 1910

Vanessa Ford, owner and photographer of Westslope Tintypes.

10 | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

that she pairs with a more modern lens. This hefty, tripod-mounted beauty requires the use of a “dark cloth” to shroud the rear of the camera while the image is being shot, lending an old-timey feel to the photography session.

Ford employs the “wet plate” method of tintype photography, which requires some chemistry skills in addition to portrait artistry.

Although she purchases pre-made collodion (a liquid used to coat the plate and sensitize it to light), she concocts her own varnish with a mixture of tree sap, alcohol and lavender oil.

“Wet plate is definitely more involved and hands-on than dry plate, which is almost like shooting regular film,” she explained. “But with wet plate, you see the results in about 20 seconds. If you’re dissatisfied, you simply wipe off the plate, let it dry, clean it and start over.”

PATIENCE & PROPS Photographic sessions last approx-

imately 30 minutes, with the setup taking up more time than the actual developing process. While it’s fun to dress in fashions from a bygone era, it’s not required. Ford has a marvelous assortment of hats at the ready, and a neighbor artisan at the FARM has an extensive array of vintage clothing that clients are welcome to borrow for their sitting.

If you choose to wear your own clothes, you’ll want to avoid solid white or light blue, which Ford says will result in an unnaturally dark skin tone. You’ll also want to avoid wearing glasses with a UV coating, as they’ll look like sunglasses in the photo. And, because this photographic method produces a direct positive image, be aware that any lettering on your clothing will appear backwards.

For in-studio portraiture, Ford says as many people, animals and objects that can fit on her four-bythree-foot platform are welcome to participate in the process.

“If it’ll fit on the platform, bring it in,” she said.

One of her more memorable shoots was a group of four adults who came dressed like farmers,

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

and brought a pitchfork and rifle for props. They also carried in two little dogs and one supersized cat.

The walls in Ford’s studio extend only three quarters of the way to the ceiling, and “I was really worried the cat would bolt and jump over the wall, but fortunately it didn’t.”

Another memorable shoot was a portrait Ford calls “Girl with Chicken,” featuring her life partner, Megan Dunegan, and one of their pet chickens.

“I used a fairly slow lens, and Megan had to sit still with a chicken [that wanted to be anywhere else but there] for about 12 excruciating seconds,” said Ford.

The extra effort required for these two shoots paid off handsomely: both resulted in stunning portraits that perfectly capture the quaint nature of tintype photography.

QUIRKY & MEMORABLE Ford’s sessions aren’t limited to

in-studio portraiture. She also goes out on location.

The day after my visit she had an appointment scheduled at a local farm to photograph a horse. This portability factor accounts for the popularity of tintype photography during the Civil War, and later at outdoor fairs and carnivals.

Today, a tintype portrait is a oneof-a-kind way to preserve a moment in time in a manner that’s reminiscent of the past. It’s also a novel and meaningful entertainment element for parties, reunions and other gatherings.

And if you have an old photo or negative that needs restoration, Ford can do that too. She even offers pick-up and drop-off service to make it extra convenient.

For more information, and to schedule your tintype photo shoot, contact Ford at Westslope Tintypes: 970-6391509 or westslope tintypes.com. ■

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BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | 11

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Kielbasa and Veggie Kebabs Recipe courtesy of ColemanNatural.com.

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 4

wooden skewers

1

red onion

2

bell peppers

2

ears of corn, cut crosswise into 2-inch rounds

1

package Coleman Natural Polish Kielbasa, sliced thick

12 whole mushrooms 12 cherry tomatoes

Directions: Soak skewers in water 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Preheat grill to 300° F. Cut red onion, peppers and corn into bite-sized chunks.

Alternate placing kielbasa slices, onion, peppers, corn, mushrooms and tomatoes on skewers.

Grill, rotating every few minutes until veggies are tender, about 20 minutes. ■

See more recipes at BeaconSeniorNews.com 12 | RECIPES | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

When to consider hospice care and the costs of delaying it

L

ast month, I explored the relationship between palliative care and hospice care, emphasizing their shared commitment to improving a patient’s quality of life.

Palliative care is what family caregivers do to ensure the safety and comfort of a loved one, while hospice care is end-of-life care provided by professionals.

I discussed the fact that hospice provides palliative care, and that palliative care can be administered any time after a diagnosis.

IT OFTEN COMES AS A SURPRISE TO MANY THAT MEDICARE COVERS HOSPICE CARE. It can be hard to admit when a loved one needs hospice care.

However, when there’s no hope for recovery or cure, delaying the transition to comfort care may also increase the costs and pain brought about by chemo, radiation and surgery. This cruel delay reduces quality of life, even if it may prolong it.

In America, the average duration of a patient’s stay in hospice care is 76 days, which is considerably shorter than the six-month period typically offered by most hospice programs. As a result, many families wish that they had started hospice sooner.

When I counsel families, I’ll sometimes ask each person to imagine their failing loved one when they were 50. I ask, “If he or she could imagine themselves today, what would they want for their

care?” Most of us would ask for a comfortable end without financial burden and scary procedures.

Hospice professionals can provide care at home or in a facility.

Hospice focuses on pain management and addresses physical, emotional and spiritual concerns of the patient and their family, employing a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers.

After death, bereavement support is also available.

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DOES MEDICARE PAY FOR HOSPICE? It often comes as a surprise to many that Medicare covers hospice care. That’s because it relieves taxpayers of the burden of funding ineffective medical treatments.

When a patient receives hospice care for six months, Medicare saves 11% when compared to the average expenses associated with non-hospice medical care.

HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR HOSPICE? Medicare requires both a family physician and a hospice staff physician to confirm that a patient has a condition with a reasonable likelihood of death within six months.

What happens if a patient lives past the six-month period? Medicare requires periodic checks. If a patient is not getting worse, he or she may be terminated from hospice, but may be recertified later if he or she starts to decline. My wife was recertified for almost three years before she died. ■

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

BY LAIRD LANDON, PhD

Send your questions to Laird in care of the BEACON, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org

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BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | CAREGIVER SUPPORT | 13

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Diabetes is at an all-time high Reduce your risk and know the symptoms

By Kimberly Blaker

M

ore than a third of all American adults have diabetes or prediabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Diabetes dramatically increases your risk for serious complications.

It can be particularly problematic when combined with increased risks associated with aging. Being aware of the causes and symptoms of diabetes and knowing how to reduce your risk is crucial to your health.

DIABETES CAN BE PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC WHEN COMBINED WITH INCREASED RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AGING.

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CAUSES & RISK FACTORS Understanding the causes of a disease is essential to prevention.

However, researchers still don’t know the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes. Mayo Clinic explains that medical researchers believe it results from a combination of heredity and environmental factors.

These include exposure to a virus, low vitamin D consumption, or early exposure to cereal or cow’s milk.

These factors aren’t direct causes of the disease but they may play a role when combined with other genetic and unknown factors.

Mayo Clinic says with Type 2 diabetes, “your immune system— which normally fights harmful bacteria or viruses—attacks and destroys your insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.”

As a result, you’re left with little to no insulin. So sugar builds up in your bloodstream rather than going into your cells as it should.

The cause of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes isn’t fully under-

stood either. But medical researchers do know several factors play a role. These include: • family history • weight • race • age • inactivity • high blood pressure • polycystic ovary syndrome • abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Prevention all boils down to these five words, explains Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH): “Stay lean and stay active.” More specifically, HSPH recommends you: • Control your weight • Be active • Eliminate sugary drinks • Eat good fats and reduce bad fats • Eat whole grains rather than highly processed carbohydrates • Reduce or eliminate red and processed meat. Instead, eat fish, poultry and nuts • Drink alcohol in moderation only, one drink a day for women and two for men • Quit smoking

SYMPTOMS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several symptoms to watch for that could indicate either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Being aware of these is crucial, so you can seek early treatment and prevent a medical emergency such as diabetic shock. Symptoms include: • Heavy thirst • Frequent urination, particularly at night

HEALTH & WELLNESS • Excessive hunger • Tiredness • Dry skin • Unexplained weight loss • Blurred vision • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet • Recurrent infections • Slow-healing sores For Type 1 diabetes, additional symptoms that may be present include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. This form of diabetes typically develops between childhood and young adulthood, although it can have a later onset. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, may or may not show any symptoms.

CARE & TREATMENT People with Type 1 diabetes will require constant monitoring and insulin therapy for the rest of their lives. Insulin is administered via injection or an insulin pump. Another method of insulin delivery for those 14 years old and over is through an artificial pancreas in which blood sugar levels are monitored, and

insulin is automatically delivered as needed.

Those with Type 1 diabetes may require other medications as well.

These include aspirin, cholesterol-lowering medications and high blood pressure medications.

Diet and exercise, similar to the recommendations for preventing Type 2 diabetes, is also an essential part of the treatment for Type 1.

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes requires some monitoring of blood sugar levels. While some people with Type 2 need insulin or other medication to control it, many people can control the disease with diet and exercise alone. The good news for those with Type 2 diabetes is that with proper diet and an active lifestyle, the condition can go into remission.

While all factors that play a role in diabetes may not be within our control, most factors are, particularly for Type 2 diabetes. So leading a healthy lifestyle and making necessary changes to do so can substantially reduce your risk for the disease. ■

November is National Diabetes Month If you have diabetes, taking charge of your health may help you prevent other health problems. Here are some tips from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to help you manage your diabetes to stay healthy longer.

■ Manage your A1C blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ask your doctor what your goals should be, and stay informed about your A1C level.

■ Take care of your mental health.

A mental health counselor may help you find healthy ways to cope with stress.

■ Make lifestyle changes to slowly build healthy habits.

Take small steps to eat healthier, be more physically active and get enough sleep.

■ Take your medicines on time, even if you feel healthy.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for help if you have trouble managing your medicines.

■ Work closely with your primary care provider.

They can help you manage your diabetes and refer you to other health care professionals for related health problems.

Visit niddk.nih.gov for more information on preventing diabetes health problems.

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BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | 15

DEAR PHARMACIST

6 important tips to stay safe on laxatives

L

axatives are intended to stay in the gut, yet certain types can have indirect repercussions on the central nervous system if overused or abused.

One in particular, MiraLAX® (PEG 3350), is an osmotic laxative.

It draws water into the colon to soften stools, stimulate peristalsis and ultimately induce a bowel movement. Like all osmotic laxatives, MiraLAX has the potential to minimally alter electrolyte balance in the blood, though it’s rare when used according to the recommended instructions on the label.

MiraLAX is FDA-approved to treat constipation in adults only, and is only meant to be used for a week. In this short time frame, you should not experience any untoward effects.

However, overusing, misusing or abusing laxatives can lead to more harmful consequences. The FDA

has received reports of behavioral changes over the years, especially in children taking PEG 3350. However, the relationship between the two hasn’t been proven in a clinical trial, and the laxatives remain popular all over the world.

Impacting the water-to-mineral balance with laxatives—or any drug for that matter—may cause the following shifts. Part of the problem is that laxatives are flushing things out of you, including the good stuff!

Poor probiotic status in the long term causes low GABA and B12, which may lead to emotional problems and even more gut problems than you started with.

Laxatives also notoriously cause: • Hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood) • Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) • Hypermagnesemia (high mag-

16 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

nesium in the blood) • Gut problems, notably the destruction of healthy gut microflora Symptoms from these electrolyte imbalances may cause headaches, teary eyes, depression, anxiety, aggression, confusion, dizziness, muscle cramps and nausea.

When taking laxatives, prevent adverse reactions with these tips: 1. Follow instructions on the label and don’t exceed its recommended duration of use.

2. Stay hydrated by drinking water or Pedialyte®, which helps restore some balance to your potassium and other electrolytes.

3. Drink enough fluids each day in order to offset dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

4. Don’t combine laxatives.

5. Take a probiotic to restore gut flora.

6. Change your diet so you won’t be so reliant on laxatives.

Schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist to identify the underlying cause of your constipation, and consider consulting with an endocrinologist to evaluate the possibility of hypothyroidism, an often overlooked cause of chronic constipation. ■

DEAR PHARMACIST

BY SUZY COHEN

For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at SuzyCohen.com

PET PERSPECTIVE

You’ve found a stray pet.

Now what?

F irst, give yourself a pat on the back for helping a pet out of danger and hopefully back home with their loving family! Your initial instinct might be to take this pet directly to an animal shelter, but by heeding the following steps first, you may help your new friend get back to their family more quickly and save precious kennel space within your local shelter.

Upon finding a lost pet, first check for identification on their collar. Home may be just a phone call away! Walk the area and inquire with your neighbors. Chances are the pet is near home and someone will recognize them.

Make a found pet report with your local county shelter, like Mesa County Animal Services (970242-4646), Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Delta Satellite Facility (970-874-1078), or Montrose Animal Services (970-240-1487), as that’s likely the first place owners will call upon discovering their pet is missing.

Take the pet to any veterinary office or animal shelter to have them scanned for a microchip. A microchip is a tiny device implanted within a pet’s skin that, when scanned,

can reveal pet owners’ contact information and notify them that their pet has been found.

Post to local Lost & Found Pets groups on Facebook, including a photo of the pet and location they were found. It’s also wise to search these groups for missing pets matching your new buddy’s description.

If you still haven’t located the family, your next steps depend on the type of pet you’ve found and your own capacity to care for the pet.

IF YOU’VE FOUND A STRAY CAT If you’ve found a cat roaming around outdoors, chances are that cat knows exactly where they are and how to get home. In many cases, removing a cat from their familiar environment does more harm than good. Because cats can legally freely roam, animal shelters are generally unable to accept healthy adult cats found outdoors—but please do reach out if you’ve found a sick, injured or underage cat outdoors that clearly requires human intervention.

or be transferred to a partnering nonprofit shelter.

Mesa County Animal Services (MCAS) and Montrose Animal Services (MAS) are the animal law enforcement agencies in Mesa and Montrose counties, which means they are responsible for sheltering lost and found animals, investigating cruelty and neglect cases, enforcing animal-related laws and other important duties that keep local pets and people safe. MCAS is funded by tax dollars, while nonprofit shelters like Roice-Hurst Humane Society are funded by donations.

Like most county shelters, MCAS is almost always at capacity, which is why they work closely with nonprof-

it shelters to ensure all adoptable pets find loving homes. This is only possible thanks to inter-agency collaboration, community support and compassionate people who help lost pets find their way home before ever having to enter a shelter! ■

If you’ve found a pet and need guidance on your next steps, reach out to your local county shelter.

Mesa County Animal Services 970-242-4646

Roice-Hurst Humane Society 970-434-7337

Montrose Animal Services 970-240-1487

Roice Hurst- Delta Satellite 970-874-1078

IF YOU’VE FOUND A STRAY DOG If you’ve found a stray dog and are unable to hold onto them any longer, you can bring them to your local county shelter. Animal control works differently within different counties, but in Western Colorado, the process is the same: the dog will serve a five-day stray hold to allow their family time to reclaim them. After 5 days, the dog will usually enter an adoption program

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BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | PETS | 17

FOOTBALL SEASON

Submitted by Bob Breazeale A baby bronco is called to the witness stand because his parents have been accused of child abuse.

The judge asks the baby bronco, “Do you want to live with Papa Bronco?”

“No, because he beats me,” says the young horse.

“Do you want to live with Mama Bronco?” the judge asks.

“No, because she beats me too,” replies the baby bronco.

“Well, who do you want to live with then?” the judge asks.

The young horse replies, “I want to live with the Denver Broncos because they never beat anybody.”

KIDDY HEAVEN

Submitted by Elaine Day I volunteer at my church, leading

Sunday School. One day, I asked my students: “If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would I get into heaven?”

“No!” the children all answered.

“If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into heaven?”

Again, the answer was, “No!” “Well,” I continued, “then how can I get into heaven?”

A 5-year-old boy shouted, “You gotta be dead!”

SUBSTITUTE DRUG

Submitted by Abel Hall A pharmacist shows up to work one morning to find a guy holding onto an endcap looking to be in pretty rough shape. Just then, the stock

boy rounds the corner and the pharmacist asks him what’s going on.

The stock boy says the man came in for cough medicine, but he didn’t know where the cough medicine was, so he gave him a laxative.

“You can’t give a laxative for a cough—that won’t work!” the pharmacist cries out.

“Sure it does,” says the boy.

“Look at him. He won’t cough.”

INNER STRENGTH

Submitted by Ann Houston If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills, If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains, If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles, If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it, If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time, If you can overlook when people take things out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,

If you can take criticism and blame without resentment, If you can face the world without lies and deceit, If you can conquer tension without medical help, If you can relax without liquor, If you can sleep without the aid of drugs, If you can do all these things, then you are probably the family dog.

BUMPER STICKER

Submitted by Ginger Roberson The other day I went up to our local Christian bookstore and saw a “Honk if you love Jesus” bumper sticker. I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting. So I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper.

Boy, am I glad I did! What an uplifting experience that followed. I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and how good he

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18 | LAUGHING MATTERS | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

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LAUGHING MATTERS is, and I didn’t notice the light had changed. It’s a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he didn’t honk, I never would’ve noticed.

I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the guy behind started honking like crazy, and then he leaned out of his window and screamed: “For the love of God! Go! Jesus Christ…

GO!” What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus! Everyone started honking! I leaned out my window and started waving and smiling at all those loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to share in the love!

There must have been a man from the coast back there because I heard him yelling something about a sunny beach. I saw another guy waving in a funny way with his middle finger stuck up in the air. I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that meant.

He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.

Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii, so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign right back.

My grandson burst out laughing.

Why, even he was enjoying this spiritual experience!

A couple of people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the light had changed. So, grinning, I waved at all my brothers and sisters, and drove on through the intersection.

I noticed I was the only car that got through the intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had to leave them. So I slowed the car down, leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time as I drove away.

Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!

DIFFICULT TO SAY WHEN DRUNK Submitted by Tomas Harmon Difficult to say: • Indubitably • Innovative • Preliminary • Proliferation • Cinnamon

Very difficult to say: • Specificity • British constitution • Passive aggressive disorder • Loquacious transubstantiate Downright impossible to say: • Nope, no more booze for me.

• Sorry, but you’re not really my type • Good evening, officer, isn’t it lovely out tonight?

• Oh, I just couldn’t. No one wants to hear me sing.

TIPS FOR LADIES

Submitted by Lionel Vega Learn to work the toilet seat.

You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

se habla espaÑol

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Sunday sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides.

Let it be.

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Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work!

Just say it!

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Anything we said six months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after seven days.

If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

And, whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials. ■

Where will your next adventure take you? Let us help!

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Have something to sell or a service to offer?

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Call Stacey at 970-243-8829 BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | LAUGHING MATTERS | 19

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

We are YOUR Senior Real Estate Specialists!

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By Jan Weeks Editor’s note: Jan Weeks has been a loyal BEACON contributor for more than 13 years. Follow her threepart series as this widowed septuagenarian writes about uprooting, navigating change and preparing for an even better next chapter.

Go to BeaconSeniorNews. com to read Part 1 in the July issue and Part 2 in the September issue.

F

og crept over the hill, golden with sunrise, and Tony Bennett’s most famous lyrics echoed in memory.

A month into my new adventure, I feel that I’m really here in California.

I miss my old home, of course, and the friends I’ve known for decades, the restaurants and workplaces where I spent so much time off and on since 1959.

I didn’t fully realize how much a move would require: finding a local bank, switching my Medicare plan to

Fraud Sharks Get More Cunning By The Day! If you believe you have been subjected to Medicare fraud or want to learn how to recognize the signs of Medicare fraud, our State Certified Medicare Counselors can help!

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970-243-9839 x1 This project was supported in part by grant #90MPPG0033, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services

20 | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

BEACON SENIOR NEWS BEFORE I LEFT GRAND JUNCTION, PEOPLE SAID, “NOW YOU CAN FINALLY RETIRE.” NEWS FLASH: WRITERS AND EDITORS NEVER RETIRE, AS YOU CAN TELL BY THIS ARTICLE AND ONES THAT WILL FOLLOW. Marin County, trying to find out when my mail would be forwarded and studying the California driver’s test booklet. Yet I’ve managed to deal with all that and more. As I said when I started packing up the old homestead in Grand Junction, “One shelf, one drawer at a time.”

I didn’t neglect the search for other essentials either. I have a library card, and I know the routes to two indy bookstores, four garden centers and mom-and-pop Scotty’s Market. Lo Coco’s turns out piping pizzas that demand you leave no bite untasted.

My sister Joyce, who I moved in with, isn’t a gardener. Other than a couple who comes to mow, trim and rake leaves, nothing’s been done to the yard for several years.

It’s quite a change from my large lot on the Redlands, which took me 20 years to turn into a peaceful, fruitful garden. So when Joyce gave me permission to do what I want outside, I put on my gloves, grabbed the shovel and went to work.

Spinach, green onions and flatleaf parsley sprout in the single raised bed, and five hours of hard labor turned a neglected, root-bound corner into a shade garden of ferns, coleus and columbines. Milkweed, the varieties that monarch butter-

Weeks and her sister, Joyce, enjoy life together at home and at the beach. flies feed on, have moved from their now-defunct garden to pots for the winter. Bags of compost and manure wait to be dug into soil as solid as an innocent man’s alibi, where I visualize future flower beds.

Joyce and I have fun, too. We have Sunday breakfast with friends in Bogie’s Café, where a portrait of Humphrey looks toward an out-ofshot Ingrid from “Casablanca.” We take long walks (five or six miles, easy) through the neighborhood where we pet dogs and chat with folks. We hike in redwoods and wetlands, and cook and critique new dishes as we move toward more plant-based nutrition.

And the beach! Tide pools of sea anemones and tiny crabs, the whisper of foam as it spreads over the sand, the immensity of ocean where the next land is Japan. Tides changing with the moon, and negative ions filling me with serenity. The feeling of eternity, knowing that the breakers will continue to curl and crash long after this moment.

Before I left Grand Junction, people said, “Now you can finally retire.” News flash: writers and editors never retire, as you can tell by this article and ones that will follow at some point. My court reporters email me transcripts to proofread almost daily, and manuscripts from

clients in Grand Junction arrive via USPS. And so life goes on, changed but still the same.

As fall creeps over the landscape, tinting leaves with scarlet and ochre and gold, the nights stretch from cool to chilled as the year wanes. Autumn has arrived in my life, too, sooner than I ever dreamed it would, turning my hair from auburn to silver and joints from supple to stiff. Yet spring shelters in my soul, eager to explore the next bend in the path, the next act of the play, the yet-to-be discovered adventures ahead, as I unpack my new life one shelf, one drawer a time. ■

Let’s Be Thankful Together!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we welcome the opportunity to thank our clients, volunteers and community partners for your support and trust in us.

ishes Best W and Happy g Thanksgivin

from all of us at

970-248-2746 www.mcadrc.org

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | 21

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22 | HOME & GARDEN | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Explore the plant possibilities with indoor garden systems

J

ust because we’re putting the garden to bed doesn’t mean we have to stop gardening.

Thanks to technological advancements available to any home gardener, we can grow plants and produce indoors year round.

There are four main growing systems for gardening indoors: soil-based, hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics. While the size of these systems can vary, it’s advisable to stick with a system that fits your available space and level of expertise.

SOIL-BASED The easiest way to transition your garden indoors is to grow crops in soil-based pots.

Invest in quality potting soil from a local garden center. Cheap soil from the big box stores lacks the nutrients needed to keep plants full and happy. While it’s possible to use soil from your outdoor garden, you may introduce unwanted pests such as pill bugs and earwigs, so it’s best to stick with bagged soil.

Indoor plants and a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, kale, chard, carrot, mint, parsley and Asian greens, thrive in low-light conditions. Positioning the pots in front of a south-facing window sounds easy enough, however, most home windows have a UV coating that limits photosynthesis.

Gone are the days of expensive, energy-guzzling grow lights.

Affordable full-spectrum LED options are now widely accessible.

Many come equipped with dimmer controls, allowing you to adjust the light intensity to suit different plant varieties. Some even have builtin timers that recreate summer daylengths so you can grow tomatoes, peppers and flowers entirely indoors.

Container plants deplete nutrients in a matter of weeks, so be sure to replenish the soil with compost (particularly worm compost) on a regular basis. After two or three months of growing, consider applying liquid fertilizer, as it is more easily absorbed by the plant’s roots.

GROW WILD

EXPERT TIP Like most of my gardening supplies, I exclusively buy grow lighting from local suppliers.

Online retailers not only struggle to effectively explain the distinctions in light features, they’re also not good at helping you troubleshoot once you get your system going.

One of my favorite places to shop in Grand Junction is Desert Bloom Hydroponics, 445 Pitkin Ave. This local shop offers a number of indoor gardening resources, along with a “consignment corner” with gently used options.

HYDROPONICS Hydroponic gardening is the technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. Plants generally grow faster and take up less space

because they can be grown closer together.

Opting for a hydroponic kit is generally the most budget-friendly choice. Each kit includes its own pump, which periodically supplies water and nutrients to plants before draining into a reservoir to be used again later, so plant roots remain consistently moist without becoming oversaturated.

Kits are available in various sizes.

Some are designed for cultivating small vegetable plants, culinary herbs or cut flowers, while larger bucket systems are ideal for growing crops like cucumbers or strawberries. For even greater efficiency, vertical rain tower systems can significantly increase your output by allowing you to stack plants three or four rows high.

AEROPONICS Aeroponics is another soilless

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Vertical hydroponic tower system. separate tanks for the plants and for the fish. You can start a small aquaponics system with goldfish, then adapt it for a larger fish that can be eaten, such as tilapia or catfish. ■ Don’t Miss

AQUAPONICS Aquaponics is the most creative approach to indoor gardening, as it combines raising fish along with your plants. The exchange is simple: Fish waste in the water provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants purify the water for the fish.

Most aquaponic systems are larger in size because they involve

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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C

ongratulations to those who are planning to cook Thanksgiving dinner. You’re brave to tackle this particular feast—it’s a tough one!

It’s no longer enough to produce a golden-brown bird worthy of a Norman Rockwell painting. Today you need at least a half-dozen “sides.” Moreover, it’s considered a sin today to open a can. For contemporary chefs, it’s all about fresh-sourced. (Hint: It has nothing to do with cans.)

As someone who has cooked decades of holiday dinners, I have some helpful advice. Consider it my gift to you.

The secret of a successful holiday feast lies in doing everything in advance.

I boil and mash the potatoes three days before the holiday. The

day before that, I make a fruit mold, and later, the old standby pigs-inblankets.

The next day, I stuff the (cooled) cornmeal stuffing into my fridge. Ditto the peas. As for the gravy—the pièce de resistance—it is made the year before.

Yes, you read that right. The tall plastic container sitting in my freezer is labeled “turkey gravy 2022.”

I’ve learned the hard way. For years I was up to my elbows in turkey necks and giblets, struggling to make gravy on Thanksgiving Day. If it’s done right, it’s not easy.

For one thing, you can’t begin until the turkey is cooked. Then you locate the designated turkey mover to transfer the big bird to a platter.

In my house, this person always grabs the holiday potholders to grip the dripping bird. With the turkey held high, they cross the kitchen to the platter sitting next to the sink.

Why they don’t simply move the platter to the stove is an issue that’s loudly debated every year.

Next, I’ll wipe up the trail of grease before the dog gets it and drain off the fat. The pan’s remain-

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

UNLESS YOU HAVE A KITCHEN STAFF LIKE TV CHEF RACHAEL RAY, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO PRODUCE GOOD GRAVY IN REAL TIME. IT CERTAINLY WAS FOR ME UNTIL I DISCOVERED THE JOY OF MAKING GRAVY AFTER EVERYONE IS GONE. ing crusty brown bits are what gives gravy its flavor. If you don’t care about that, open a can and be done with it. For those traditionalists, stir in a little flour to create what’s called a roux (not that anyone asks).

Next, pour in the turkey stock (which I make days before), using the neck and assorted organs found in a frozen bag inside the bird. Whisk until the mixture thickens. Remember, you’re doing this in a big roasting pan on top of the stove. It will be messy, but that’s the least of your problems.

It’s usually at this crucial point— stirring the gravy to thicken—that a late guest will arrive full of cheer.

This is not a good scenario for those with ADD, as they’re already nearing the meltdown stage.

Nonetheless, if you find yourself dealing with lumpy gravy, there’s not much you can do outside of tossing your apron and abandoning the kitchen. Making last-minute gravy is a test of anyone’s sanity.

Before I wised up and embraced

the year-old frozen-gravy, I dealt with that nightmare: lumps that wouldn’t go away. In the midst of it all, hungry guests appeared in the kitchen, asking, “Is there anything I can do?” which really means, “For God’s sake! When are we gonna eat?”

One Thanksgiving I was desperately squeezing lumpy gravy through a strainer. The end result was a thick, grayish-brown sludge— albeit with smaller lumps.

Basically, gravy at Thanksgiving is like cake at a wedding: people expect it. You might say gravy is the reason for the season. And unless you have a kitchen staff like TV chef Rachael Ray, it’s impossible to produce good gravy in real time. It certainly was for me until I discovered the joy of making gravy after everyone is gone.

There you are: the sink full of dishes, the dog eating leftovers, the house blessedly quiet. There’s no rush; you’ve got all night to make that gravy. Then, put it away for a year and forget about it. ■

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19 So. Junction | Montrose, CO Phelanies.com | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | 25

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Censoring war, but not love

The secret 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 homes, families 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 the sender placed the stamp on the envelope told the guy or gal receiving the letter the secrets of the 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 World War II was larger than anyone can now imagine. Everyone wrote letters.

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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Thanks Our Veterans for Their Service Year Round with a

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 best kept 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 the 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-hand 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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BEACON SENIOR NEWS INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE

’Tis the season for

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28 | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

omething nice happens every year just about the time that leaves and temperatures begin to fall. The crisp air is filled with the scent of burning leaves and the promise of good things to come.

Happy feelings escalate as vacant lots start displaying Christmas trees and Santa’s knee becomes every youngster’s desired destination. Trips to the mall are frequent, hearts beat faster than usual and our love for mankind intensifies.

Somewhere in the midst of these joyful feelings and funfilled activities, disquieting facts and disturbing images cast dark shadows over our hearts.

They appear as stories on front pages of newspapers, on TV and circulating social media— stories that describe the plight of the homeless, which include appeals for charitable holiday donations. They surface in photographs portraying despair in the eyes of children who look older than their years with vacant expressions in their eyes and no hope in their hearts. These children know better than to dream of Barbie dolls, sporting equipment and video games, and pray only for warm coats and shoes with soles.

We read these stories and are deeply moved, so we write checks and pull children’s name tags from huge mall Christmas trees and buy them gifts. Doing these charitable deeds during the holiday season

mollifies our desire to bring a degree of happiness into the lives of those less blessed than we are. We walk away feeling righteous, believing that we have fulfilled our duty as spiritual, religious and caring human beings.

There is a tradition in Judaism called tzedakah, (pronounced seh-duh-kuh) which very loosely translated means charity.

But while charity involves decision, tzedakah does not: it’s an obligation. Charity is something we decide to give to the unfortunate to offset their adversities. Tzedakah goes beyond giving something to tide people over. Even the indigents who are sustained by charity are

I SMILE TODAY BECAUSE I NOW RECOGNIZE THAT WE WERE NOT EVEN REMOTELY WEALTHY. BUT MY FATHER SAID THAT WE WERE FORTUNATE, AND THAT’S WHAT MY BROTHER AND I BELIEVED.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS compelled to give tzedakah, so that the act of receiving does not leave them without dignity.

I grew up in a spiritual Jewish family where doing for others was not simply a once-a-year holiday occurrence. There wasn’t a day when my father didn’t remind us to share our good fortune with others. He made it clear that doing for others was not a choice we were free to contemplate. It was something we were required to do as naturally as we were expected to draw our next breath.

I smile today because I now recognize that we were not even remotely wealthy. My father was a

THERE WASN’T A DAY WHEN MY FATHER DIDN’T REMIND US TO SHARE OUR GOOD FORTUNE WITH OTHERS. HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT DOING FOR OTHERS WAS NOT A CHOICE WE WERE FREE TO CONTEMPLATE. farmer—a “gentleman farmer” as he humbly referred to himself— who worked hard and died young, never to see the fruits of his labor.

There were many weeks when we went without meat, fish or chicken because we couldn’t afford it.

Instead, we lived on whatever the land produced—that and Kraft macaroni and cheese.

But my father said that we were fortunate, and that’s what my brother and I believed.

Growing up, it was not unusual to find a tattered vagrant sitting at our breakfast table. My father, who regularly preached to us about

the dangers of hitchhiking, would pick up down-and-out strangers on the road, bring them home and give them a cot to sleep on in our basement.

In the morning, Mother would prepare them a large, hot breakfast and a bagged lunch. Then my father would slip a $5 bill into their hand— which was a great deal of money for us back in the early ’50s—and drive them to some reasonable destination.

When my brother moved to Manhattan, he regularly filled large shopping bags with peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish sandwiches, apples, oranges and bananas, and walked the streets handing out food to the homeless. As a teenager, I traveled by bus to a neighboring town where I worked summers in an orphanage, without pay.

In our family, doing for others was not viewed as something special. It was simply a part of everyday living.

In today’s complex world of two-paycheck families, high-interest credit card payments, endless carpooling, interminable supermarket lines and time-consuming high-tech communication devices, we barely have time to do for ourselves, much less think about doing for others.

But there is a simple way to teach our children that we are not solely self-involved.

In many Jewish homes, you will find a tzedakah box, which is a kind of piggy bank. All end-of-the day loose change from family members’ purses and pockets is placed in this bank. When the bank is full, its contents are donated to a synagogue, a church or a trusted charity. Even in today’s near-cashless world, it’s so easy to do and it’s an invaluable example to set for our children and grandchildren.

Maintaining the spirit of tzedakah throughout the entire year not only has the power to enrich the lives of impoverished recipients, but it enhances and intensifies the quality of each contributor’s life as well. ■

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If you love Grand Junction and you enjoy helping people, stop by the Grand Junction Visitor Center (Monday-Friday) or call Matthew Hart at 970-256-4054 for more information.

740 Horizon Drive Grand Junction, CO 81506

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | 29

WALK in the footsteps of

Native American history S

everal travelers clamber aboard an amphibious vehicle for a trip through shady swamplands, eager to catch glimpses of bison, panthers and other four-legged denizens. Not far away, people watch in awe as a daring wrestler pulls an alligator out of the water and grapples it to the ground. Later on, these adventurers are immersed in local time-honored customs encompassing dances, food and rituals.

These folks are enjoying one of the most intriguing and often

underappreciated tourism opportunities in the nation. They’re visiting the Seminole Indian Reservation in Florida, tucked away deep within the Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. Diverse environments, customs and cultures await those who pay a visit to these Native American enclaves. The federal government recognizes 574 American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities.

Designated reservations house a significant portion of the approximately five million indigenous

Explore cultures and customs at these must-visit heritage sites

By Victor Block

people in the country.

Spread across the nation, these sanctuaries allow visitors to delve into the rich customs and cultures of indigenous peoples and to recapture colorful chapters of America’s past. While these places are well worth a visit any time of year, they hold special significance in November, as it marks American Indian Heritage Month.

A TAPESTRY OF CULTURES

Powwows are opportunities for Indigenous people to socialize and honor their culture through song, dance, crafts and storytelling 30 | TRAVEL | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Members of Montana’s Blackfeet tribe are believed to be so named because of the color of their moccasins. Their rich history is showcased through historical sites and a museum, while the magnificent landscape is enhanced by eight large lakes and Glacier National Park.

The Navajo Nation, which sprawls across three southwestern states, is the largest Native American reserve, covering an area about the size of West Virginia. It encompasses Monument Valley, a region of sandstone buttes sacred to the Navajo people, and other magnificent handiworks of Mother Nature.

Other attractions are smaller in size but are no less interesting. The Blackwater Draw is a stream channel that runs from New Mexico to Texas. Early people visited the area to hunt for bison, wolves and other animals whose remains have been excavated in archaeological digs.

Visit the museum in Portales, New Mexico, to learn about some of the earliest New World inhabitants that hunted and camped along the waterway.

Ancient petroglyphs are the

Young dancer at a powwow. attraction at the Judaculla Rock in North Carolina. Sacred to the Cherokee, this boulder is decorated by some 1,550 carvings that have been dated back to 200 to 1400 AD. The etchings include stick-like figures, ring designs and claw-like imprints.

Sculpted impressions indicate where extractions were made to fashion bowls and pipes.

By far the most momentous Native American site is Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Its 600 cliff dwellings and other structures comprise the largest archaeological preserve in the United States.

Beginning around 7500 BC, Mesa Verde, which translates to “Garden Table Mountain” in Spanish, was a seasonal habitat for Puebloan Indians who sustained themselves by hunting, gathering and subsistence farming. Around the end of the 12th century AD, they began to construct the first

TRAVEL because they hunted on lakes and rivers. A descendant of Native American royalty, Keya Birdsbill introduces travelers to the tribe’s history and lifestyle through her company, Water People Tours.

If you’re planning to visit a Native

American reservation, check first to learn if it welcomes guests, and what rules or restrictions are in place. Remember that you are a guest in the tribal nation’s homeland, so enter it with respect and a quest for learning. ■

LINKS: See a list of Native American tribes at usa.gov/tribes

A skilled Navajo weaver crafts a beautiful rug, weaving generations of heritage into every thread. cliff dwellings, but abandoned the region shortly thereafter.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES A popular time to engage in Native American culture is during powwows throughout the year. These gatherings provide opportunities for Indigenous people to socialize and honor their culture through song, dance, crafts and storytelling.

Local guides and tour operators provide a convenient and interactive way for travelers to experience Native American culture.

Redwood Yurok Canoe Tours introduces tourists to the Yurok, California’s largest tribe, by cruising

MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK IN SOUTHERN COLORADO COMPRISES THE LARGEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRESERVE IN THE UNITED STATES. in dugout canoes through remote spots along the Klamath River. The waterway’s abundant fish population has been a major food source for the tribe for centuries.

The Kootenai in Idaho, Washington, Montana and Canada are known as “the water people”

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

Fun math and money board games to play with grandkids

By Kimberly Blaker “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” - Diane Ackerman

L

ooking for some fun games to play when grandkids come to visit that also serve a purpose?

Math is one of kids’ least-loved subjects because it’s often an unpleasant experience of boring lessons, memorization and testing that isn’t always conducive to learning authentic information and understanding important concepts.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The following board games make learning math and money concepts more fun from preschool to high school. They’re also a fun way to spend quality time with grandkids.

HI HO! CHERRY-O (Ages 3-6) is an excellent game for young children to naturally practice counting, addition and subtraction skills. The concept is simple as each player spins to see how many fruit pieces to pick or remove from their basket.

FEED THE WOOZLE (Ages 3+) is a game for practicing preschool skills, including counting up to 12 during silly and cooperative play.

It offers three different play levels to challenge growing children as they work together to feed the Woozle.

SUM SWAMP (Ages 5+) helps players become more fluent in addition and subtraction as they try to safely cross the swamp.

Special spaces like evens, odds and numbers add an extra challenge.

CLOUD HOPPERS (Ages 6+) works on subtraction practice, starting at 50 then counting down, as players embark on a quest to help their alien get down to the ground.

BUY IT RIGHT (Ages 6+) is a shopping game where players buy, sell and set prices for items using fake money that mimics real coins and cash. Players practice counting out change and learn the value of money during play, with different levels of difficulty possible.

MATHOLOGICAL LIAR (Ages 6+) is a detective game where players solve mysteries using math.

Each player gets a suspect card and must determine if the math in their alibi is correct.

There are boxes for each grade level, from 2-6.

32 | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

THREE STICKS (Ages 8+) is a geometry game that operates in a similar way to Scrabble. Players take turns trying to create shapes on a board while using only two sticks of various lengths during each turn.

MONSTER SOCK FACTORY (Ages 8+, but can be adapted for younger players) is a game to introduce and practice multiplication and division concepts. Players try to determine how many socks to pack and ship from the factory for monsters with different numbers of legs.

MONOPOLY (Ages 8+) deals with money and economic concepts.

You buy properties, pay rent and manage your money as each player tries to take control. There are countless versions of this game to match a range of ages and interests.

THE GAME OF LIFE (Ages 8+) teaches how the choices we make affect our finances and life, while surprises can affect even the most well-thought-out plans.

Players use practical math skills while learning about life-long economic impacts, helping kids think about their financial futures.

MANAGING MY ALLOWANCE (Ages 8+) teaches players about money management and budgeting. Players make choices about how to spend or save the money they earn. The game uses play cash for players to handle as they count out changes to their total and try to save money for college.

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ZEUS ON THE LOOSE (Ages 8+) is a fast-paced math game using number cards to climb Mount Olympus and catch Zeus by getting the number total to a multiple of 10. Players use strategy, addition, and subtraction while managing other gods and goddesses’ effects along the way.

PROOF! (Ages 9+) is a game that works for a wide range of ages and abilities, depending on the players, to support mental math practice. The dealer lays down nine cards while players look at the cards to create an equation out of at least three available cards. It can be made more or less challenging with variations on the basic game and can even be played solo.

Get vaccinated.

THE STOCK EXCHANGE GAME (Ages 10+) teaches players about the stock market and related concepts during strategy-based play with three play levels for varying difficulty. The game uses play money and stock coins along with extras like world event cards that affect results.

PRIME CLIMB (Ages 10+)uses prime numbers, factorization, multiplication, and division along with strategy. Players roll the dice, move, and draw cards while navigating around other players to get both of their pawns to exactly 101. ■

GAME TRIVIA: THE ORIGINS OF MONOPOLY

T

Protect yourself by adding annual vaccines to your checklist and we’ll make it your easiest to-do.

Connecting Older Individuals and People with Disabilities with Vaccines The Center for Independence is working with community partners across our 12-county service area in western Colorado to facilitate access to vaccines. If you need assistance to get vaccinated let us know how we can help.

In partnership with:

Contact Jennifer Shook for more information: 970-241-0315, ext 328 or visit www.cfigj.org This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)) through USAging as part of a financial assistance award to USAging totaling $74,999,835 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by USAging, ACL/ HHS or the U.S. Government.

1123

he idea of Monopoly as a game was originated by Lizzie Maggie of Brentwood, Maryland to illustrate the potential exploitation of tenants by greedy landlords. Maggie’s game was published in 1906 and called “The Landlord’s Game.”

In 1934, Charles Darrow created an enhanced version based on Maggie’s game, which he presented to executives at Parker Brothers, an American-based toy and game manufacturer. He was initially rejected, but after selling 5,000 homemade copies of the game, Parker Brothers reversed their decision and bought the game in 1935.

Since then, the game has been played by over one billion people, has local licenses in 111 countries and is available in 43 languages.

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FAITH

“You can’t choose family…” But Jesus did

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od wanted to make us part of his family, and so his son made himself a part of our family.

God didn’t start over with a new lump of clay from some untainted world in another universe to fashion Jesus’ human body and soul. He didn’t merely speak his human body into existence. Jesus chose to be born of a human woman. He drew the genetic material for his flesh and bones from Mary’s.

Maybe when they stood next to each other, you could see her eyes in his. Maybe that chin or that nose was her father’s—his grandpa’s.

The blood flowing through his veins was the blood of generations of Jewish kings and patriarchs before them, and this world’s first citizens before them. Somewhere, his family tree intersects with ours. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.

Yet, he is not ashamed to call us brothers. There is an old saying that you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family. Jesus did. What’s even more amazing is that he chose his family in spite of all the baggage our human race has to offer.

Have you ever done genealogical work, hoping to find that you’re descended from some hero you can be proud to claim as your ancestor? Of course, the opposite is true as well. There’s always the risk that some lowlife, criminal or thug made a contribution to who you are today.

We also feel shame when a living relative does something to disgrace

our family’s name or create a public spectacle.

But not Jesus. He knew what he was getting into when he joined humanity and became our sacred sibling. He knew about the murderers, adulterers and perverts.

He knew about the liars, cheaters and thieves. He knew about the self-righteous, the smug and the snobs. He knew about the backstabbers, the unscrupulous and the hypocrites. He knew about us all.

He knew that he would be accused of the same shortcomings that ran in the family. He joined it just the same.

Jesus loved us too much to pity us from afar. He became our brother so that he could be accused of all the family sins. Then he suffered not only their shame, but their punishment as well. At the cross, he cleared the family name forever. He has cleared your name forever, and he is not ashamed to be called your brother.

Can we imagine a greater glory, this side of heaven, than to claim Jesus Christ as our own flesh and blood? ■ Nourish your faith in between Sundays by reading more of John’s writings at BitsOfBread.org.

TALKING DIGITAL

Tech the halls: 5 cool tech gifts to give this Christmas

G

ift-giving is one of my favorite things. Finding the right gift is a challenging puzzle with a significant purpose. But my empathy and habit of overthinking makes the whole process ridiculously complex. I have a hard time just settling for something that someone needs or might like. I try to find the thing that will somehow fill a void in the person’s soul.

With Christmas being only a few weeks away, I’m going to share my gift-giving superpower insights on current technology that will likely fit someone on your list. None of these are paid endorsements; they are simply items that I’ve had experience with, and/or I have given as gifts that have been appreciated by friends and family. And for you procrastinators, I’ve also indicated whether the items are online only!

Aura digital picture frame ($100).

Aura picture frames are high-resolution picture frames that are connected to WIFI. Using a free smartphone app for iPhone or Aura Carver 10.1" frame

Android, family and friends can upload photos and short videos from anywhere to the frame owner’s Aura account.

A digital microscope ($70-$200, online-only). These are a great gift for a coin collector, crafter or someone who simply loves cool gadgets. Digital microscopes are a microscope, digital camera and monitor all in one portable device that can also connect to a laptop, television or smartphone.

Most digital microscopes can view three-dimensional objects without a need for slides. They are also very light sensitive and have builtin illumination.

Stand-alone GPS ($75-200) - All smartphones have a built-in GPS and there are a number of GPS apps available. However, if you know someone who travels a lot or gets lost easily, a stand-alone GPS is an excellent gift.

Unlike the one in your smartphone, standalone GPS devices from companies like Garmin and TomTom don’t require any data service. All of the street maps are built in. Occasionally, the maps are outdated, but all manufacturers allow updates to be added for free for at least a few years after purchase.

There are also GPS devices made specifically for hikers, off-road enthusiasts and boaters. The features and prices vary, but they can be a

lifesaver for those with wanderlust or no sense of direction.

Shokz bone conduction headphones ($75-200). Unlike in-ear headphones, Shokz headphones wrap over your ears and rest on the bones and skin of your temples. The sound is created through vibrations. The quality is good, but these headphones aren’t designed to drown out the world. They’re actually designed to keep you aware of the world.

Shokz OPENRUN PRO

I love wearing Shokz while I explore locations on foot. I can hear the sounds of a strange city, talk to others on the street and still hear the navigation prompts from my GPS or listen to music and podcasts. It might sound uncomfortable or strange, but your head doesn’t notice the difference.

Folding digital piano ($100-$200, online only). If you have a piano

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player or aspiring musician on your list, folding pianos are a cool gadget that most people have never heard of.

There are a number of models and manufacturers, but the one model that is always included on the best review lists is the Eastar EP-10.

There are a few smaller models, but most folding musical keyboards have a full set of 88 keys. They’re designed for portability, storage, practice and situations that don’t require a grand piano or studio keyboard sound.

All folding keyboards double as a midi controller for composing music on a computer, and most also connect to smartphones and tablets for learning to play, composing or displaying sheet music.

I recommend you research before purchasing because some folding keyboards are more durable or offer more features and better sound. But no matter what model you choose, the cool factor of pulling a full-size piano keyboard out of a carrying case that is smaller, lighter and thinner than a guitar is pretty cool. ■

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

CELEBRATING VETERANS

Sometimes we all need a little help caring for a loved one.

America’s first woman soldier

By Richard Bauman

T

Hilltop’s Senior Daybreak is a unique day program that keeps seniors with memory loss safe and active while providing their caregivers the flexibility and support they need to care for their loved ones at home. We also offer valuable information and support groups specifically designed for those caring for someone affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s.

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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. Her mother faced financial difficulties after her father never return from a sea voyage, leading her to arrange for Sampson and her siblings to become indentured servants in other households. She learned spinning, weaving and cooking during her service. 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. She secretly bought men’s clothes and taught herself to walk, talk and act like a man.

She was tall for a woman at 5-feet7-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 smockfaced 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,

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Painting by artist Alfred Wordsworth Thompson, depicting Col. William Smallwood leading the Maryland Regiment out of Annapolis during the Revolutionary War.

BEACON SENIOR NEWS

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

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? She was really Mary Hays,

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Philadelphia. There, the attending physician discovered her gender. Instead of reporting her immediately, he took her to his own home where she would receive private care.

When she was out of danger, Dr. Binney notified her commanding officer, who then ordered Private Shurtlieff to carry a letter to General Washington.

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

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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. ■

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

5 things to check during Medicare Open Enrollment Courtesy of National Council on Aging

M

edicare’s Open Enrollment Period starts October 15 and goes through December 7 every year. Since Medicare plans change each year, it’s a good idea to make sure your coverage still meets your needs. And unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, this is the only time you can join or switch health (Medicare Advantage) and prescription drug (Part D) plans for the coming year.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a recent natural disaster, your open enrollment may extend to December 31. If you want to request an extended enrollment period, call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact your health insurance company or drug plan directly.

In the meantime, here are five things you should check right now during Medicare Open Enrollment to evaluate whether the plan you’re in or the plan you’re looking to join is the right one for you.

1. Check your mailbox. You may have tried ignoring the marketing mail from plans in your area, but make sure you don’t overlook anything that comes from Medicare or Social Security.

For example, if your plan decided not to renew its contract with Medicare or continue to serve your area, you should receive a notice in October and will get another reminder in November to select a new option.

If you’re receiving Extra Help to pay for your prescriptions, you may receive information about your continued eligibility for this benefit, changes in copayments at the pharmacy or a notice about selecting a new plan if your plan is being terminated at the end of the year.

If you’re currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should’ve received an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) from your plan in September. Be sure to

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UNLESS YOU QUALIFY FOR A SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD, THIS IS THE ONLY TIME YOU CAN JOIN OR SWITCH HEALTH (MEDICARE ADVANTAGE) AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG (PART D) PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR. read the ANOC closely, as it outlines any changes to your costs and coverage in the coming year.

2. Check with your doctors and specialists.

Medicare Advantage plans may limit members to using specific providers. If you want to continue seeing your doctor and any specialists, check that they are still in your Medicare plan’s network. Medicare Advantage

plans are required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to keep their online provider directories updated. People with Original Medicare usually only need to ensure their providers are still accepting Medicare assignment.

3. Check the drug formulary.

Each Medicare plan that covers prescription drugs has its own formulary, or list of covered

NAVIGATING MEDICARE?

We Can Help!

When I need to review my Medicare plan, I always call SHIP for free, unbiased advice and assistance.

Annual Open Enrollment is right around the corner! Our counselors are available to meet with you via appointment or through one of our walk-in days. To schedule an appointment, call 970-243-9839, ext. 1, and leave your name and phone number.

Or you may meet with one of our counselors on the following walk-in days from 9am-2pm without an appointment.

(SHIP is open year round for Medicare assistance)

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

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NOVEMBER

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DECEMBER

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This project was supported in part by Grant Number 90SAPG0060 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C., 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.

38 | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

BEACON SENIOR NEWS medications. In addition, most formularies have tiers that affect how much you pay for your drugs at the pharmacy. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time to check: • Whether the prescriptions you take are on the plan’s formulary • What tier they fall under (and therefore what your copayment is) • Whether the plan places any restrictions on how you can get your medication, such as quantity limits or prior authorization from your provider 4. Check with your pharmacy.

Some plans have negotiated with specific pharmacies to offer discounts to plan members who fill their prescriptions there. If you have a preferred pharmacy, or like to receive your medications by mail, be sure to compare how much you’ll pay for those options when shopping for plans.

5. Check how much Medicare will cost you in 2024.

While CMS has indicated that on average, Medicare health and drug plan premiums will increase slightly in 2024, you should look beyond premiums to determine actual out-of-pocket costs. Be sure to check for the deductible, copayments and whether you may fall into the Part D coverage gap (or “donut hole”).■

Medicare terminology from My Medicare Matters® Glossary • Initial Enrollment Period

(IEP) - The period three months before, the month of, and the three months after a person initially becomes eligible for Medicare. For example, if a person initially becomes eligible for Medicare because they are turning 65, their initial enrollment period is the three months before their birthday, the month of their birthday, and the three months after their 65th birthday.

• Lifetime reserve days - Under Medicare Part A, a person has 90 days of covered hospital care per benefit period. They will not be eligible for another benefit period until they have been out of the hospital for 60 days. After a person exceeds their 90-day covered period they will have to use their lifetime reserve days. These are 60 total days that can be used once in a person’s lifetime.

• Long-term care hospital -

These are acute care hospitals that provide extended stay services, usually for people coming from intensive care units or other critical care hospitals.

See more helpful Medicare terms in next month’s BEACON.

How to get started when choosing your Medicare plan during Open Enrollment If you’re confused about Medicare and need a place to start learning about your coverage options, you can compare plans by: • Using the Medicare Plan Finder online at: medicare.gov/plancompare/#/?year=2024&lang=en • Calling 1-800-MEDICARE • Speaking to a licensed Medicare enrollment specialist or contacting your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is federally funded to provide free, objective assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

In Mesa County, call 970-243-9839, ext. 1 In Montrose and Delta, call 970-765-3129

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BEACON SENIOR NEWS

SPAMming the globe How a canned meat went from war rations to global icon

By Randal C. Hill

D

uring World War II, American soldiers stationed overseas coined various definitions and nicknames for SPAM. Some called it “ham that didn’t pass its physical” while others sneered that it was “meatloaf without basic training.”

Another bandied moniker was “special Army meat.”

SPAM’s parent company, Hormel Foods, estimates that 150 million pounds of the “mystery meat” were shipped overseas between 1941 and 1945. Despite complaints from the troops, who were sometimes served the ubiquitous product up to three times a day, historian Rachel Laudan justified its value during wartime: “Having the sort of food that

can survive in the tropical heat and be kept on a shelf for weeks and months was a huge boon,” she said.

SPAM was developed during the Great Depression when Jay Hormel, the company’s president, wanted to offer a budget-friendly product— cheap to make and cheap to buy— that could also rid the company of a

SPAM is frequently enjoyed wrapped in seaweed and rice.

surplus of stored pork shoulder.

In 1937, during a New Year’s Eve party, Hormel held a competition to name the new product. The winning name was spontaneously coined

by Ken Daigneau, a New York radio actor. He received a prize of $100, a substantial amount considering the federal minimum wage at the time was 25 cents per hour.

SPAM continues to possess an element of mystery until you examine the label, revealing that it is, in fact, a combination of six ingredients: precooked pork, water, salt, potato, sugar and sodium nitrate. And like most processed meats, concerns have consistently arisen regarding

its nutritional value because of its high content of fat, sodium and preservatives.

Following the war years, SPAM came to be seen as a convenient protein source and a tasty side dish around the world. By the 1960s, it had achieved widespread popularity in kitchens, with some people mixing it into their morning eggs and lunchtime sandwiches. It’s become a gourmet delicacy across Asia, and its biggest consumer (after America) is South Korea, where it is considered a luxury.

In the U.S., SPAM is particularly renowned in Hawaii, where approximately 1.5 million residents consume up to seven million cans annually. It is frequently enjoyed wrapped in seaweed and rice.

Unfortunately, SPAM now shares its name with annoying, unwanted ads and messages online. This has led to a joke about a computer operator who once warned, “If you get an email from me about canned meat, don’t open it. It’s SPAM.” ■

ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY SUPPORT

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His life, well lived.

His grit and character have sustained his community and will strengthen future generations. Explore new opportunities for him to thrive in the coming season.

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MONEY & SCAMS

Operation: Protect Veterans

Veteran scams to watch out for

By Karen Telleen-Lawton

W

hile the existence of veteran benefits isn’t a military secret, they can change throughout a veteran’s lifetime. This means that, as a veteran, you can arrive at seniorhood without a clear picture of what is available. As a result, you may not receive all the benefits you could, or you may be vulnerable to scammers who prey on military families.

Some benefits, such as commissary privileges, disappear when you stop active duty but reappear upon retirement or disability. With age or disability come other services, such as Aid and Attendance, which may cover some costs for caregivers, nursing homes and even long-term care.

Military benefits can also cover illnesses or injuries related to your military service. Even veterans who become ill after service-related exposure to contaminants can apply for medical and disability coverage.

Surviving spouses and dependents may even be eligible for tax-free payments of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

Disabled vets may qualify for life insurance and help with burial costs.

The best thing vets can do is to assume they may be eligible for these resources and apply. Spouses and dependents may qualify, too.

The military community is loyal to one another, which can lead to unwarranted trust when you believe you are dealing with another vet.

Unfortunately, military families and veterans are twice as likely to become victims of scammers, according to a 2018 study by AARP. The best way to improve this statistic is to make veterans twice as likely to report scams, whether or not they fall victim to one.

Some of the more popular scams include “secret” VA bene-

fits, benefits buyouts and VA loan scams.

In benefit buyout scams, criminals posing as veterans contact you to offer cash in exchange for any future benefits you may be entitled to. They may claim you can get more benefits by investing with them. They may even offer you a contact phone number or website that’s similar to an official one.

Perhaps they offer medical services they claim are covered by the VA. But if they are reaching out to you without you first contacting them, it’s likely they’re not legitimate.

Benefit schemes aren’t the only scams. Anyone “phishing” for your personal records is up to no good.

They may try to charge you for your records or ask you personal information that will allow them to access your records and benefits.

Again, if you didn’t solicit the contact yourself from official sources, do not bite.

It’s difficult because they can be convincing. Scammers seem like nice people and may offer you great deals on a car, a loan or a place to live. They may even offer you a job or encourage you to take college courses through the VA bill. Because there are many VA benefits, these may sound like something legitimate. But always double-check their information with official websites before giving out personal details.

How do you avoid falling prey to swindlers? Deal only with legitimate organizations. If you’re not sure if an organization is legit, take their name and contact information down so that you can get back to them when you are not feeling pressured.

Report suspicious phone calls, emails or mailings by calling the Colorado Attorney General’s office at 720-508-6000. ■

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Local community foundations maximize donations to build stronger communities

By Jan Weeks

’Tis

the season when toys, candies and the latest gadgets fill store shelves, waiting to be wrapped and nestled under the tree. And wonder how the heck you’re going to pay the credit card bills when they arrive in January, when most of the toys have been lost or broken, the gadgets relegated to garage shelves or kitchen cupboards, and goodies have done nothing but expand waistlines.

It’s nice to know there’s another way your gifts can help many others without any of the above side effects, plus a nice tax benefit, either while you’re living or as a legacy after your passing.

There are two main ways to support community nonprofits.

1. Endowment funds allow those

with long-range plans for their money, real estate, stocks and bonds and retirement funds.

Endowment funds are invested for growth, with a portion on the income accessible for making grants available.

2. Non-endowed funds allow peo-

ple to simplify their annual giving to nonprofits or to become more familiar with the donation process. The full balance is available for grantmaking at any time to support favorite causes.

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Western Colorado Community Foundation and Center for Philanthropy (WCCF) has provided grants, scholarships and tax benefits to donors for over a quarter century. Located at 128 N. 5th St. in

42 | BEACON GUIDE FEATURE | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Grand Junction, the foundation distributes funds to myriad recipients in seven counties on the Western Slope, including Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

According to Kristin Lynch, WCCF’s director of development and legacy giving and a chartered advisor in philanthropy, “Donors who want to have an active role in planning their giving but aren’t sure how to go about it are welcome to meet with us to discuss what and how they want to give.”

Lynch estimated that after 20 years, the interest from an endowment comes close to 100% of the original gift, and then keeps on giving in perpetuity.

She and members of WCCF’s donor relations team work with more complex, complicated funds and help donors identify and articulate their intentions.

“We help them think through what they really want to do, from general to specific. No donation is too small, and every one is appreciated,” said Lynch.

Funds have been distributed for hunger relief, conservation and outdoor education programs, affordable housing and shelter for the unhoused, and youth diversion programs for at-risk kids.

Tedi Gillespie, WCCF’s director of grants and community outreach, distributes funds that have been designated for particular reasons, like scholarships and community outreach such as after-school programs for underprivileged students. The Lunch Lizard mobile

BEACON GUIDE FEATURE food truck supports student nutrition during the summer by distributing lunches in neighborhoods.

Montrose Community Foundation (MCF) also helps donors make the most of their money, providing scholarships and other support.

Director Diane Bridges said, “We offer a number of different ways to help nonprofits through endowment funds, donor advised funds and fiscal sponsorships to name a few.”

The foundation also manages community impact funds which go directly into the community during the fund cycle, plus emergency funding for a major disaster in the city or surrounding areas.

“We do offer impact grants that are for local non-profits. Our grant cycle starts October 1 and ends December 1 with the funds distributed after the first of the year,” she said.

According to their 2021-2022 an-

The foundation also offers ongoing training classes in topics relevant to nonprofit organizations, such as financial management, board training, fundraising, advocacy and strategic planning.

Scholarships, both partial and full ride, make up part of both foundations’ mission. Some are very specific and donor directed, like support for potential teachers taking classes at a specific university. Others offer money to students who meet the application criteria, without specifying a specific institution or field of study. And some pay for what is not Our beautiful and comfortable covered by othermemory grants and scholOur beautiful and comfortable memory credit: Western Colorado Community Foundation arships students may receive. ■ care community is committed to being

A Season to Be Thankful A Season to Be Thankful A Season to Be Thankful nual report, MCF supported funds that benefited Magic Circle Theatre, Community Options’ Memory Maker program, a new playground for children at Haven House, medical equipment at Montrose Regional Health and more.

care community committed to being Our beautiful andiscomfortable memory a leader in providing quality personal a services leader into providing quality personal care community is committed to being residents and families, A Season to Be Thankful services andinfamilies, abecoming leader into providing quality personal aresidents true partner care for becoming a true partner in care for services to residents andmemory families, Ourwhose beautiful and comfortable those lives are influenced by those whose lives are influenced care community is committed to being by becoming a trueand partner in care for Alzheimer’s dementia. a leader in providing quality personal Alzheimer’s and dementia. those services whosetolives areand influenced by residents families, becoming a trueand partner in care for Alzheimer’s dementia. those whose lives are influenced by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Ways to give

Donations to WCCF ad MCF programs can be made in person, by mail or online. Learn more about giving to Western Colorado Community Foundation at Wc-Cf.org, or call 970-243-3767.

Give to Montrose Community Foundation online at MontroseCF.org or call 970-249-3900.

•

• • • • • • •

Cash – The simplest and most common way to gift. Make an online donation to WCCF or MCF and mail your gift along with the fund destination in the memo line.

Stock, Bonds & Mutual Funds Real Estate Life insurance Life income gifts Retirement accounts Bequests Vehicles

Colorado Gives Day is December 5

Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy through giving. Hundreds of Colorado nonprofits big and small participate, and anyone can donate. The only stipulation is that your giving must be done online at ColoradoGives.org through December 5. You can even schedule a donation so you don’t forget

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MeSa County November 1 New-to-Medicare 101: Introduction to Medicare

RSVP SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project) will hold an educational seminar on the first Wednesday of every month. Learn when and how to sign up, what Part A and Part B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more.

Call to reserve your seat.

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Suite 090 | Free | mesacounty rsvp.org | 970-243-9839, ext. 1

November 2

Menopause and Beyond: Rejuvenation

Women seeking relief from hot flashes and more can visit The Orange Door Yoga studio to learn about the ancient medical system from India, Ayurveda—a natural and holistic means to physical and mental health. Includes a discussion of menopausal concerns, suggested remedies and a Q&A. 6-8 p.m. | 1227 N. 23rd St. #105 | $20 | orangedoorgj.org | 970-623-7883

November 2

Sound Healing Gong Bath

Unwind at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley with chanting, meditation and a 45-minute gong bath with Jere Friedman, where participants lie on the floor and take a deep inner journey.

6:30 p.m. | 536 Ouray Ave. | $20 suggested | grandvalleyuu.org | 970-257-0772

November 3-4

Western Slope Cowboy Gathering

Wrangle the family and head to the Grand Valley Event Center for great cowboy entertainment! The best cowboy poets and Western singers from across the country will keep you spellbound. Day performances before 5 p.m. are free.

12-9 p.m. | 2400 Consistory Court | $15-$25 | westernslopecowboy gathering.com

CALENDAR

November 3, 8 & 13 SHIP Walk-In Day

Certified SHIP counselors will see you at the RSVP office to help you review your Medicare Part D coverage or your Medicare Advantage plan to make sure you have the best coverage in 2024. Walk in or call to schedule an appointment.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. | 422 White Ave., Suite 90 | Free | mesacountyrsvp.org |970-243-9839

November 4

Beginning Felting (Bracelet Cuffs)

No experience necessary! Reserve a spot and learn the fundamentals of wet felting at Confluence Studios. Make a cuff bracelet and build a foundation for more advanced felting workshops. All materials are provided, but bring buttons to embellish your cuff.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 660 White Ave. | $125-$130 | imconfluencestudios. com | 970-314-2584

November 4

Glade Park Craft & Vendor Fair Shop jewelry, leather, art, soap, toys and more by artisans and entrepreneurs from Glade Park.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 101 S. 16 1/2 Road, Glade Park | Free | 970-270-2197

November 4

“Madagascar Jr. the Musical” “Move It, move It!” Go on a transatlantic musical adventure based on the hit movie at Grand Junction High School! Crack-alackin’ friends Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip Hippo and plotting penguins escape the zoo and take an unexpected journey to King Julien’s Madagascar.

2 & 7 p.m. | 1400 N. 5th St. | $5+ | theatreprojectgj.com | 970-2607706

44 | CALENDAR | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

November 4

Foundations for Cultural Exchange Fundraiser

This cultural experience honors El Espino, El Salvador (Grand Junction’s sister city) by raising funds for the life-changing scholarship program, highlighting this year’s graduates and recounting the recent delegation. It’s a fundraiser, Salvadoran art auction, graduation party and authentic Salvadoran meal in one—at the Art Center!

6 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St. | Free | fceel salvador.org | 970-433-2897

November 7

Silent Auction and Fundraiser

Join the Western Colorado Writers Forum at The Art Center for an unforgettable evening, with The Bard himself, William Shakespeare, opening the festivities! Enjoy delicious Pablo’s Pizza, writer trivia with prizes, Joke Junction Comedy, a photo booth for silly snaps, Table o’ Books with used book deals and guitarist Jake Johnson’s entertainment.

Please RSVP. 6-7:30 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St. | Free | westerncoloradowriters.org | 970-822-7373

November 7

DIY Herbal Remedies with Bryan Reed

Learn to make your own herbal tinctures and salves at the Central Library with the BEACON’s own Grow Wild columnist and CMU professor, Bryan Reed! Explore herbal treatments, explore growing your own medicinal herbs and learn to make your own tinctures, salves and teas.

For educational purposes only (not medical advice).

6 p.m. | 443 N. 6th St. | Free | mesacountylibraries.com | 970-243-4442

November 11 V E TE RANS T H A N K

DAY

Y O U

F O R

Y O U R

S E R V I C E

Veterans Day Parade

Support those who have selflessly served our country at the 31st annual Veterans Parade, on Main Street between 8th and 2nd Streets.

2 p.m. | Main St. | Free | downtowngj.org

November 11 Tintypes & Beer!

Strike a pose at the Copper Club Brewery and take home a tintype portrait! These positive photos are made in-camera directly on metal. See the process happen 1850s-style, before film. Just choose your time and click on the button to sign up.

3-7 p.m. | 153 N. Mulberry St., Fruita | $55 | bit.ly/tintypes-andbeer | 970-639-1509

November 10-12 Native American Market Days

Celebrate Native Amercan diversity at the Grand Junction Convention Center with the Danza Azteca Dance Troupe, world champion hoop dancers and Native American artists selling jewelry, blankets and more.

12-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat- 159 Main St. | $5, free for veterans urday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday | and kids | 435-671-3430

CALENDAR

November 16

Cross Orchards’ 1918 Model TT and Early Trucks

Come out to the Palisade Historical Society’s talk at The Ordinary Fellow Winery. Matt Darling will speak about early trucks and the impact of the Model T, the vintage orchard hoopies at Cross Orchards and keeping the Model TT that’s there in tiptop shape. Feel free to bring food.

The tasting room opens at noon.

6 p.m. | 202 Peach Ave., Palisade | Free | historicpalisade.org | 970-464-2177

November 18

VFW Craft Fair

Support local artists and members of our military at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1247. Take in the work by local artists and shop for Christmas gifts for the whole family. Exhibitor space is limited. Registration forms available from the bartender at Post 1247.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 1404 Ute Ave. | Free | 970-242-9940

Nov. 18th | 3pm & 7pm | CMU Love Recital Hall With Special Guests:

TICKETS Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15 2023 Scholarship Winner Matthew Kimminau Seniors (65+) & Steppin’ Up! Quartet Canyon Grand Quartet Students (13-18). . . . $12 Children (12 & Under) . . $10 Somethin’s Cookin’ David Kenworthy Infants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Charge Quartet +$2 at the Door

November 18

For Ticket Info, Call 970-241-5438 (Press 1) Tickets Available from Chorus Members, Roper Music GJ, or online at:

November 16

GrandMesaAcappella.com |

Mountainfilm on Tour

Heart-stopping excitement awaits— watch Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival clips at the Avalon Theater!

There’s a silent auction and music too. A donation is encouraged to support Western Colorado Alliance’s work to build healthy, just and self-reliant communities.

7 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $15 suggested donation | mountainfim.org | 970-256-7650

November 18 Christmas Out West

Grand Mesa A Capella/Sweet Adeline’s Chorus Fall Show at CMU’s Love Recital Hall has a Western theme! It promises great comedy and joyful music this holiday season. Purchase tickets online, from any chorus member or at the door for $2 extra.

3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | 1221 N. 12th St. | $12 seniors, $10 kids 12 and under | grandmesaacappella.com | 970-241-5438

Scan for Tickets

This Season

Downtown Tree Lighting

Catch the spirit of the holidays, courtesy of Enstrom Candies!

With a wave of Santa’s hand and a sprinkling of magic dust from the Wells Fargo rooftop, he lights the tree at 4th and Main and all the lights on Main Street simultaneously, then visits with the kids.

5-7 p.m. | 4th and Main Streets | Free | downtowngj.org

With 100+ locally owned retail shops and restaurants located in Downtown Grand Junction, there’s something for everyone on your list this season!

November 25

Craft Fair & Book Festival

Get a jump on your Christmas shopping or treat yourself! Find great reads by local authors and creative handcrafted items at the Grand Junction Convention Center. Authors, reserve your space by November 6.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 159 Main St. | Free | gjsentinel.com | 970-242-5050 ■

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MeSa County

CLUBS

American Association of University Women programs advocate for women and girls.

2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-241-9684

Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522

Art Quilt Association meets at Redlands Community Center.

3rd Saturdays | 9:30-11 a.m. | theartquiltassociation.com

Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing, honors military aviation at air shows and its museum at 780 Heritage Way, Gate 10. Call ahead.

2nd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 970-2560693 | rmwcaf.org

Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664 Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead.

Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989 Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road.

1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868 Chinle Cactus Club meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 536 Ouray Ave. 2nd Thursdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | chinlecactusclub.org Citizens’ Climate Lobby advocates for climate change solutions.

970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org Clifton Book Club discusses book selections at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | mesa countylibraries.org Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. Call for location.

4th Wednesday | 4:30 p.m. | 970-250-7402

Community Bible Study meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, starting September 7.

Thursdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 303263-4391 | grandjunction.cbsclass. org Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road.

3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-434-6936 Cribbage Lite plays at IHOP near Mesa Mall, 2420 Hwy 6 & 50.

Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823 Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, celebrates patriotism and champions education. Club meets monthly.

970-250-7401 Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. Call for location.

1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941 Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Desert West Chapter, meets at Appleton Christian Church.

1st Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | 970-858-2002 Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all

Spiritual but not religious?

We’ve been waiting for you. Join us this Sunday at 9am.

Welcome home!

women, meets at Redlands Community Church, 2327 S. Broadway.

Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880 Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road.

Former, retired and active sea service, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome.

2nd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-434-0868 Friendship Force promotes travel and cultural understanding through home stays. Club meets at New Covenant Baptist Church, 3196 F Road.

3rd Saturday | 2 p.m. | 214-5362250 | ffwcolo.com Grand Junction Brush & Palette meets at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St. 3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | brushand paletteclub.org Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road.

2nd Thursday & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. | grandjunctionrockclub.org Grand Junction Modeleers flying club meets at 427 Sherman Drive.

2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | gjmodeleers. com Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center.

3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionpmc.com Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-986-1502

Grand Junction Symphony Guild meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 271/2 Road.

4th Friday | 9:30 a.m. | sheri@mei. net Grand Junction Toastmasters promotes communication and leadership skills.

Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. | Thursdays at 12 p.m. | 970-241-1900 Grand Slam Bridge Club plays at Redlands Community Center. Beginners welcome.

Mondays | 12:15 p.m. | 970-2168807 | sharon7nt@gmail.com Grand Valley Kennel Club meets at Pawsitive Directions, 571 32 Road, Clifton.

3rd Monday | 6:30 p.m. | grand valleykennelclub.org | 970-256-1938 Grand Valley Pets Alive reduces the homeless population of dogs and cats. Volunteers meet at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway.

3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-462-7554 | grandvalleypets alive.org Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2700804 | valorquilters@gmail.com Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Wednesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-2458817 or 970-257-1549 Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. 2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817

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Livestream on Sunday at : vimeo.com/event/1232379 970-433-7799 / 730 25 Road, Grand Junction cslgj.org / facebook.com/cslgrandjunction 46 | CLUBS | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

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CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

or 970-856-3632 Great Old Broads for Wilderness inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands.

970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com Guitar Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473 Guys’ Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-3617478 or 970-270-6184 Humanists Doing Good focuses on good deeds and establishing community for the nonreligious. View activities on Facebook or MeetUp.com meetup.com/humanists-doing-good | jessebond008@gmail.com Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at the Warehouse, 2565 American Way. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664 Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 230 N. 3rd St. 2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-270-6162 Knights of Columbus #13621 meets at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 790 261/2 Road.

1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-640-3263 Masonic Mesa Lodge #55 AF & AM meets at 2400 Consistory Ct. 1st Thursday | 6 p.m. | 970-245-2277 | mesa55@masonicfamilygj.org Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at Koinonia Church. Call to confirm meeting time.

2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 303-549-4398 | mesacountygenealogy.org Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 4th Saturday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | mesafiberartsguild.org Military Officers Association of America meets quarterly at DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. 970-241-8714

Native American Cultural Program meets at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. 2nd Tuesdays | 3:30 p.m. | 970-433-4763 Newcomers Club welcomes locals both old and new with friendship and fun activities at Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 419450-9438 | gjnewcomers@gmail. com Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road.

2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | cslgj.org Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.

1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-208-7228 Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques.

970-256-9580 River City Singles meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, with fun activities for singles over 50.

Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 970-261-2232 Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road.

Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970-234-5030 SOS: Singles Over 65 is a gender-balanced social club for single seniors! Meet new friends! Join online. meetup.com/singles-over-65 Sunset Slope Quilters meets at American Lutheran Church, 631 261/2 Road.

2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | 612-2373491 | sunsetslopequilters.com Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-2451837 | grandmesaacappella.com Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B.

4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | thunder mountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Valley Events Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. Thursdays | 6 p.m. | 970-261-1670 Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760 Veterans of Foreign Wars #1247 Auxiliary meets at 1404 Ute Ave. 3rd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 970-242-9940 Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 503 Florence Road.

1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242 Women’s Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Monday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-260-6140 Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | w0rrz.org Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library,

443 N. 6th St. 1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-201-2865 | wcacastronomy.org Western Colorado Artists Guild meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-640-2751 Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247, 1404 Ute Ave. 4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-640-3765 Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park.

Saturdays (April-October) | 10 a.m. | 303-503-3978 Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Call for details.

970-241-8561 | westernslope pickleballclub.com Wheels West Car Club meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 251/2 Road.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www.wheels westcarclub.org Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a ladies-only writers club, meets at Main Street Bagels, 559 Main St. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com ■

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MeSa County

BEACON BITS

Wreaths Across America seeking sponsorships Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach your grandchildren the value of freedom by participating in Patriot Guard Riders’ Wreaths Across America campaign. On December 16-17, volunteers place holiday wreaths at 3,500 gravesites at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and 1,200 graves at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. One wreath costs $17, and donations are tax-deductible. Checks can be made payable to Wreaths Across America and mailed to Patriot Guard Riders, 616 Lodgepole St.,

and provide their input at engagegj. org. All information collected will be provided to the architects for inclusion.

AARP Driver Safety Course in Grand Junction and Fruita

Grand Junction, CO 81504. The last day to send donations is November 24. The public is invited to a wreath-hanging ceremony at 10 a.m. on December 16 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. For more information, call 970-2501174.

City seeks public input on Community Recreation Center The City of Grand Junction is actively seeking feedback and ideas from community members, ensuring that the design of the new

Community Recreation Center reflects the diverse needs and desires of the community. Community members who missed the recent public design forum are encouraged to review the presentation

Become a safe and more confident driver, plus save money on insurance after taking the course in Fruita from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on November 18 and Grand Junction from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on November 30. Cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for nonmembers. Registration is required. Call 970-433-0384 to register for the Fruita class and 970-319-0137 to register for the Grand Junction class.

Storytelling training for Spellbinders

Have you ever heard someone tell a story and found yourself so caught up in it because you’ve been transported there yourself? Now you can learn how to be a successful storyteller and help school-aged children develop literacy skills and engendering a love of stories and imagination. Oral storytelling is

the traditional art of presenting a story without the use of a book.

Spellbinders will teach you all about stories and how to choose, learn and present. Once trained, they’ll help you adopt an elementary-aged classroom to tell your stories to.

For more information on this free training, visit spellbinders.org or email info@spellbinders.org.

Financial help available for pet spay and neuter services Grand Valley Pets Alive (GVPA) has been awarded two grants by the Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund and the Trutta Fund for Veteran Support. The Colorado Pet Overpopulation Fund grant will assist with the cost of spaying and neutering pet cats and dogs owned by citizens of Mesa County who are income qualified.

The Trutta Fund grant administered by Western

Local author Jill Burkey publishes poetry book with Lithic Press

ST. MARY’S ST. MARY’S

Community Community Connections Connections St. Mary’s Community Connections is seeking St. Mary’s Community Connections seeking volunteers in our community to helpisolder adults volunteers in our community to help older adults who no longer drive, with friendship and support who grocery no longer drive, with friendship and support with shopping, medical appointments, withother grocery shopping, medical this appointments, and errands.

By providing support for

Please contact Amber Creek, Volunteer Coordinator, at Please contact Amber Creek, 970-298-9092 or Volunteer Coordinator, at amber.creek@imail.org 970-298-9092 or amber.creek@imail.org

and or other errands.

By providing this support two three hours once a week, you will helpfor with two or three their hoursability once to a week, you will help with maintaining live independently. maintaining their ability to live independently.

48 | BEACON BITS | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

Jill Burkey’s first book of poetry, “The Two Hearts Inside Us,” was recently published by Lithic Press in Fruita.

The book features 16 of her poems, including her Mark Fischer Poetry Prize winning poem “Beginning Mind.” All poems were written over the span of 20 years. Burkey’s poems explore spiritual ideas, family and the landscape of the Western Slope. As a writer-in-residence for Colorado Humanities’ Writers in the Schools program,

Burkey taught poetry and writing to hundreds of elementary and high school students on the Western Slope. Burkey strives to write poetry that is accessible to people who don’t think they like poetry. The book is available at Lithic Bookstore, 138 S. Park Square in Fruita, and Out West Books, 533 Main St. in downtown Grand Junction.

Signed copies of Burkey’s book can also be found at jillburkey. com.

Community Hospital’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program certified by industry leader Community Hospital’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program has been certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and is the only program in Grand Junction to hold the certification.

Known as the gold standard for cardiovascular rehabilitation programs, this certification demonstrates the high quality of care and engagement that Community Hospital staff provides to patients. The program is designed to help people with cardiovascular and

pulmonary problems recover faster and live healthier with exercise, education, counseling and support. The certification process requires extensive documentation of the program’s practices.

Each program’s application is reviewed by the AACVPR Program Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors. To learn more about Community Hospital’s cardiovascular rehabilitation program, visit yourcommunityhospital.com or call 970-242-0920.

Colorado Community Foundation will support the program Pets for Vets, which pays a significant portion of the spay and neuter costs for companion animals owned by military veterans and active-duty service members. If adopting a pet that has previously been spayed or neutered from a non-profit shelter in Colorado, up to $100 in adoption fees can be awarded. To see if you qualify for either program, contact GVPA at 970-462-7554

lion Americans have Alzheimer’s, and the Alzheimer’s Association provides education and support to those facing dementia while advancing critical research toward methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure. There’s still time to help the local chapter reach their goal before the end of the year. Fundraising season ends on December 30 and the awards cutoff deadline is November 14. Go to act.alz.org/westslope to donate.

Help local Alzheimer’s Association reach 2023 fundraising goal

Medicare Walk-in Thursdays

Alzheimer’s Association of Western Colorado successfully raised 76% of their $84,000 goal to date after the Grand Junction Walk to End Alzheimer’s in October. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 6 mil-

Do you have questions about your Medicare bills? Get free unbiased help from State-Certified Medicare Counselors from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. every Thursday. No appointment necessary! Mesa County RSVP is located inside US Bank at 422 White Ave., Suite 090, Grand Junction.

For details, call 970-243-9839 or visit mesacountyrsvp.org. ■

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Question

OF THE

Month

By Cloie Sandlin

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

David Wallace “Barbecued monkey meat. When I was in the Navy, we’d pull into Bay City in the Philippines. There were a couple of vendors in town selling food. We’d come back drunk and hungry at 2 in the morning and have to grab something to eat on the way back to the ship.”

Dan Luenberger “The worm at the bottom of a tequila bottle!”

Flora Luenberger “I’ve had tacos de lengua but it’s a Hispanic tradition in my family.

I don’t think it’s weird, but my husband does.”

Lee Starkel “I was in the Navy and we were in Cartagena, Colombia, and we couldn’t read the menu. We saw a plate go by with meat, potatoes and gravy, and we’re like, ‘We’ll have that!’ When we couldn’t hardly bite through it, we asked, ‘What is it?’ But the guy couldn’t understand, so we’re like, ‘Moo?’ and he’s like, ‘No, ‘eee-eee’.’ It was monkey!

I also ate sheep’s brain in Turkey.”

Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACON BITS | 49

SUPPORT GROUPS CALENDAR

MeSa Montrose County & Delta A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-study program, meets virtually.

Call for Zoom link.

Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 801-369-8995 Adult Children of Alcoholics meets twice weekly at New Life Church, 1350 N. 7th St. Wednesdays 10:15-11:30 a.m. | Sundays 4-5 p.m. | 970-201-2446 Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia group meets virtually. Contact for Zoom link.

2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 Caregiver Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 28 1/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416 Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church, 840 N. 11th St. 1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822 Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association, 2232 N. 7th St. 4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970-714-2875 Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 281/4 Road.

2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416 Gamblers Anonymous meets at The Meeting Hall.

Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719 Guitars 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. |

970-257-3760

Fridays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-200-2510

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 2515 Foresight Circle.

1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-245-2400

S.M.A.R.T. Addiction Recovery meets via Zoom. Call for details.

801-369-8995 | smartrecovery.org St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets virtually and in person.

3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-298-1980

Healing Hands Hour meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

Thursdays | 12-1 p.m. | 970-298- 2351 Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence, 740 Gunnison Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29 HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-778-9274 Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Loss of Spouse Potlucks are open to all who’ve experienced the loss of a spouse/partner. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share in a meal together at Brown’s Funeral & Cremation, 904 N. 7th St. Registration is required to ensure there’s enough food for all.

3rd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | 720-7489908 MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center, 2121 North Ave. 1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Memory Café, a welcoming place for people with Alzheimer’s or

dementia, meets at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road.

1st Tuesday | 4:30-6 p.m. | 970-822-7070 Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location.

Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-2390 Mens Health Group for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

1st Mondays | 9:30-11 a.m. | 970- 257-3760 Moms Group for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

1st and 4th Tuesdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760 National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road in Fruita.

4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | www.

NAMIWS.org | 970-462-3989 Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets in the downstairs conference room at the Freedom Institute, 930 Main St. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 | tammytway@gmail.com

Tai Chi for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-257-3760 Thyroid Support Group meets at Grand Valley Wellness, 605 281/4 Road 4th Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 970-263-2661 TOPS for weight loss meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 1/4 Road.

Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241 TOPS 209 for weight loss meets at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road.

Thursdays | 5:30 p.m. | 720-2788537 TOPS 458 for weight loss meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road.

Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981 | 970-852-5880 Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only meets at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy.

Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986 Vets 4 Vets meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road.

Fridays | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-257-3760

Overeaters Anonymous for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church, 2793 Skyline Ct., Unit C. Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435

Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room.

3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351

Reformers Unanimous, a faithbased recovery program for all ages, meets at Landmark Baptist Church, 1600 Ute Ave. Transportation may be available.

Women Veterans Tai Chi meets at Western Region One Source.

Fridays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760 ■

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FUN AFTER 50

Senior Center Activities Senior Recreation Center activities 550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct.

970-243-7408

Registration is required for all activities.

To register for programs, call 970-858-0360 or visit Fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors

To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit GJParksAndRec.org

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPECIAL EVENTS

HIKES & TRIPS

Veteran Book Signing

Hiking 101

Holiday Light Tour for 50+

Learn more about our 55+ hiking groups and listen to a guest speaker from Colorado Canyons Association.

10 a.m. | Nov. 6 | Free

Enjoy hot chocolate and holiday goodies at Lincoln Park Barn, then board the bus for a festive tour of the best holiday lights in the city.

Register early as this event fills up quickly.

5:15-8:15 p.m. | December 6 | Lincoln Park Barn | $8

Hike: Holey Bucket

Chocolate Walk

Meet with author Debbie Maulding and have her autograph one of her books highlighting the stories of local veterans.

1 p.m. | Nov. 16 | $10

Smart Phone Help

Bring your smart phone and get one-on-one support from Mesa County Libraries.

1 p.m. | Nov. 16 | $10

ART Brilliant Brushes Painting Class

Learn new techniques in this step-by-step painting class. Register by Nov. 10.

2 p.m. | Nov. 17 | $10

FOOD Meals on Wheels

Call 970-298-9844 to reserve your meal by 4 p.m. the previous business day.

12 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays

Senior Potluck

Wear your red, white and blue and bring a shareable dish for this special veteran-themed potluck. If you don’t prefer to bring a dish, you can participate by contributing just $3! RSVP by noon the Monday before.

12 p.m. | Nov. 16 | $3

Food for Thought

Learn about food that can be used in skincare, and bring your favorite recipe to share.

1 p.m. | Nov. 27 | Free

Bring a snack, water bottle and good walking shoes on this moderate 3-mile roundtrip hike near Little Park Road. Meet at the Senior Center and follow each other to the trailhead.

9 a.m. | Nov. 7 | $5

Museum of the West & Pufferbelly

Explore the Wild West though exhibits at the Museum of the West. After exploring, head over to Pufferbelly Restaurant for lunch.

9:30 a.m. | Nov. 8 | $35

Hike: Canyon Rim Trail

Head out on this easy 1-mile trail with outstanding views/ Meet at the Senior Center and follow each other to the trailhead.

9:30 a.m. | Nov. 21 | $5

EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum

Explore EUREKA’s engaging hands-on math and science exhibits followed by lunch at Fiesta Guadalajara.

10 a.m. | Nov. 29 | $35

GAMES Play pinochle, board games and more all month long at the Senior Center.

Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Choose from two guided downtown walking tours: Art on the Corner or Grand Junction History. Register early and receive a mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate.

5:30 p.m. | Dec. 8 | 701 Colorado Ave. | $12

Santa Cause 5K Run or Walk

Take a jolly jog with your whole family dressed as Santa! Proceeds help fund inclusive playground equipment. Register early to guarantee Santa suits or race T-shirts, and get a free 1K race entry with every paid 5K entry. Race starts at Las Colonias Amphitheater. Discounted fee when you register before 5 p.m. December 6.

10:15 a.m. | Dec. 9 | $30 ($40 day of)

FITNESS 10-punch passes are $60 and interchangeable for Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi or Yoga in the Park.

Gentle Yoga

Develop flexibility of mind and body.

8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8

MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Cribbage & Games 12:00 p.m. Canasta 1:00 p.m. Card Bingo

TUESDAY 8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

Pinochle (DD) Pool Tournament & Games Bingo

WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. Pool 1:00 p.m. Pinochle Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle

THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Games 12:00 p.m. Pokeno 1:00 p.m. Rummikub

FRIDAY 9:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

Pool Tournament & Games Canasta Bridge

SATURDAY

Tai Chi

Slow movements, breath control and relaxation techniques help reduce stress and anxiety.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. Thursdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8

9:00 a.m. Games 1:00 p.m. Bingo

SPLASH Aqua Aerobics

Moderate intensity activities in the water.

8:30-9:30 a.m. Mon, Wed, Fri | 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Tues & Thurs | Orchard Mesa Pool | $5

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | FUN AFTER 50 | 51

Montrose & Delta

CALENDAR

9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday | 1001 N. 2nd St., Montrose | Free | 970-531-2438

November 1

November 5

Mountainfilm on Tour

Veterans Resource Tour & Town Hall

Veterans, come to the Montrose County Event Center to get connected with a variety of services, such as the PACT ACT, Healthcare enrollment and VA benefits, from 12-4 p.m. The town hall meeting at 4:15-5:15 p.m. is an opportunity to get up to speed on VA-specific topics, followed by a Q&A. 12-5:15 p.m. | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | Free | 970-914-2410

November 3

Live Jazz at Montrose Art Center

Step into a world where art and music intertwine as you wander through captivating artworks while the enchanting melodies of Mixed Bag Jazz fill the air. It’s a captivating fusion of creativity and music that will ignite your senses.

4:30-7 p.m. | 11 S. Park Ave., Montrose | 970-787-9428

November 3-4

Holiday Crafts & Bazaar

Shop ’til you drop at Montrose Event Center’s Friendship Hall, with a multitude of crafts and gifts. You just might win one of the hourly door prizes!

Heart-stopping excitement awaits— watch Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival clips at the Montrose Pavilion!

This event is brought to you by The Sherbino and Weehawken Creative Arts. Buy discounted advance tickets online.

6 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | $18-$20 | sherbino.org | 970-318-0892

November 10 Chili Cookoff

Chow down on a warm bowl of hearty chili at the Ridgway Fire Department! Be a judge, make your best chili or just show up hungry.

Musicians D & G Railroad will serve up Rocky Mountain soul-acousticfunk with the chili. Contestants pay $35. Call to register.

5-9 p.m. | 521 N. Railroad, Ridgway | $13, free to military | 256-476-3882

Claus awaits.

1:30-4:30 p.m. | 1970 S. Main St., Delta | Free | familiesplus.net | 970-527-4576

November 11

Live at the Candle Factory: Cousin Curtiss

It’s a “2023 EP” album release party at the Candle Factory with Cousin Curtiss! He spreads his positive energy through his award-winning “rootstomp” music—a blues-bluegrass mashup with rapid-fire guitar, incendiary harmonica and a thunderous kick.

7-9:30 p.m. | 1842 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose | $15+ | bluecorncafe montrose.com | 970-626-3501

November 11

Taste of the Holidays

Dessert before dinner? Sure! You’re invited to The Grove in Delta for the Roll Out the Dough baking contest and holiday party. It’ll put the fun in fundraiser for Families Plus, which helps over 80 children in Delta County thrive. Tickets for sampling delectable homemade treats are just $1. A silent auction of themed baskets, door prizes, cocoa/cider bar, carriage rides, cookie decorating for kids and visits with Santa and Mrs.

November 11 & 25

Saturday Night Dances

Dance the night away at the Senior Center in the Montrose Pavilion!

Ghost River Band plays on the 11th and Lane Road on the 25th. Twostep, triple-step, waltz, cha-cha, line dances, swing…there’s something for everyone, with a snack break at 9 p.m.

7-10:30 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | $10 | montrosepavilion. org | 970-252-4889

November 12

November 11&12 VSA’s “Classic Drama: Feel the Music”

These stirring compositions performed by the Valley Symphony Association will touch your soul.

Experience the full range of human emotions in this special performance at the Montrose Pavilion.

6:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m.

Sunday | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | $25 adults, $5 students | valleysymphony.net | 970-765-8323

Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus Pre-Concert

Get a preview of “Christmas Out West” at Eckert Presbyterian Church. Donations are gratefully accepted to help with production costs for this non-profit chorus. The actual concert is at 3 and 7 p.m. at CMU’s Love Recital Hall in Grand Junction on November 18.

3-4:30 p.m. | 13025 Highway 65, Eckert | Free | grandmesa acappella.com | 970-241-5438

Need a ride?

All Points Transit can help!

Now Providing Medicaid Rides!

Local & Regional Service to Montrose & Grand Junction

Serving communities throughout Montrose, Delta, San Miguel & Ouray Counties Montrose, San Miguel, & Ouray Counties

Delta County

DAV Scheduling

970-249-0128 970-874-7334 970-240-4698 52 | CALENDAR | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

www.AllPointsTransit.org

CALENDAR

MAGIC CIRCLE PLAYERS MAGIC CIRCLE

Medicare Monday

Enrolling in Medicare and keeping up with its changing policies and guidelines can be overwhelming.

Medicare experts with Colorado Gerontological Society help you make sense of it all in this free presentation at the Ute Indian Museum.

9:30 a.m. | 17253 Chipeta Road, Montrose | Free | senioranswers. org | 303-333-3482

November 17-18

Happy New Merry Thanks Mas

It’s the biggest all-occasion shopping event of the year! The Montrose Event Center hosts vendors from all over at their indoor arena plus giveaways, Santa Land, fashion shows, crafts, performers and more.

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday | 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose | Free | 970-765-0913

November 17-26

Start Christmas shopping early! This annual bazaar put on by the women of Montrose United Methodist Church includes craft vendors, a bake shop, fresh Georgia pecans and a delicious luncheon for $8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

8 a.m.-3 p.m. | 19 S. Park Ave., Montrose | Free | montroseumc.org | 970-249-3716

October 24 Tree Lighting

Jingle all the way to the Historic County Courthouse for cocoa, cookies, caroling and the countdown to Montrose’s Christmas tree lighting! Then catch a carriage ride to Santa’s cabin for festive family fun and activities.

5:30 p.m. | 320 S. 1st St., Montrose | Free | visitmontrose.com | 970-497-8558

The Magic Circle Players present the story of a successful writer who has hit a dry spell. When he receives a potential Broadway hit script, everything changes…and changes again. You’ll be spellbound by this longest running comedy-thriller in Broadway’s history until the final curtain!

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $20 seniors, $17 kids | magiccircleplayers.com | 970-249-7838

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MagicCirclePlayers.com MagicCirclePlayers.com • 420 S. 12th • Montrose, • 420 CO •S. 970-249-7838 12th • •Montrose, mcp@montrose.netCO • 970Ma

November 24-25

Basement Boutique Craft Show

Support local artisans and find great handmade gifts at the Montrose Pavilion Event Center! Please consider bringing donations of canned goods to support Sharing Ministries Food Bank.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose | Free | 757-237-9144

“Deathtrap”

SINCE 1959

Down Home Country Bazaar

DEATHTRAP DEATHTR

November 25

Bill Heddles’ Holiday Craft Fair Get ready for a festive extravaganza like no other at Delta’s Bill Heddles Recreation Center! With over 70 vendors, this holiday market promises something for everyone. From delightful holiday gifts to stunning crafts, captivating art, home decor and a world of creative treasures, you’re sure to find the perfect presents and decorations for the season.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. | 531 N. Palmer St., Delta | Free | 970-874-09230 ■

SUBMIT AND SEE MORE EVENTS AT:

SEE MORE EVENTS AT: BeaconSeniorNews.com BeaconSeniorNews.com

CHRISTMAS

BY

October 13

The MAGIC The of Live MAGIC Theatre of

November 18

CANDLELIGHT ’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

12.15.23 & 12.16.23 FRI 7PM

MONTROSE PAVILION

1800 E Pavilion Pl, Montrose, CO

SAT 6:30PM

Beloved classic poem read by the S E AS O N 5 2 l 2 0 23- 2 0 2 4 I n p a r tn e rs h ip w ith

The David Mize Family

STUDENTS: $5 l ADULTS: $25 ValleySymphony.net

&

Concer t Par t ne r

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | CALENDAR | 53

Montrose & Delta Alpine Photography Club meets in room 100 at Colorado Mesa University in Montrose.

2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at Olathe United Methodist Church.

Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-2101793 Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center.

Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860 Citizen’s Climate Lobby advocates for climate change solutions and meets at Montrose Regional Library.

970-765-9095 | chapmanjanet@ yahoo.com Crafternoon members knit and crochet projects at Montrose Regional Library to donate to charities.

Thursdays | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | 970-249-9656 Crafty Chatty members work on craft projects at the Montrose Senior Center. Bring your own materials.

Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 a.m. | 970-249-7198 Columbine Quilters gather monthly at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose.

1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers!

970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library.

Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | deltalibraries.org Friendship Quilters meets at Montrose County Events Center.

4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842 Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Genealogy Center.

Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755 Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center.

CLUBS

3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-5969184 | wcgpaa.org Golden Circle of Friends meets at Montrose Senior Center. Bring lunch and socialize.

Tuesdays & Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888 Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 17800 6400 Road.

2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970209-0981 | aheadaviation@outlook. com Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center.

3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142 Montrose Family Search Center offers free genealogy help at 1521 Hillcrest Drive.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | 970-249-4739 | Montrose Historical Society meets at Montrose Events Center.

1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | montrosehistory.org Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge.

Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852 Montrose Library Book Club meets in the library meeting room.

1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | 970-2499656 | lmclean@montroselibrary.org Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970-7650599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com Montrose Newcomers & Neighbors meets at the Montrose Senior Center, September through May. 1st Wednesdays | 10 a.m. | bethcav25@gmail.com Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion. All ages welcome.

2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | $10 | sanjuandanceclub@ gmail.com Montrose Woman’s Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse August through May. Bring lunch.

3rd Mondays | 11:30 a.m. | 970-9018743 Morningstar Therapy Dogs is a

54 | CLUBS | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

SUPPORT GROUPS HopeWest Bereavement Book Club members heal through discussions about death and grief from various literature at Delta Library, 211 W. 6th St. 3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | deltalibraries.org Caregivers Support Group meets at Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. 2nd & 4th Mondays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-240-3714 Caregiver Support Group Montrose meets at US Bank.

1 & 3 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 970-275-2138 Caregiver Support Group Delta meets at Delta County Memorial Hospital, meeting room A. 1 p.m. | 1st & 3rd Fridays | 970275-2138 Caregiver Support Group Virtual meets on Zoom. For link, contact Laird@Family-Caregiver.org.

10:30-11:30 a.m. | 2nd & 4th Fridays | 970-275-2138 COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care, 1100 E. Main St., Montrose.

2nd & Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988 Dementia Caregivers Delta meets at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way. Thursdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970510-0724 Dementia Caregivers Cedareddge meets at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 1:303 p.m. | 970-510-0724 non-profit club promoting therapy dog programs and visits in Montrose.

2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-5969343 | morningstartherapydogs. weebly.com

Dementia Caregivers Hotchkiss meets at Town Hall, 276 Main St. 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:303 p.m. | 970-510-0724 Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room, 1501 E. 3rd St. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Montrose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St. Call 405-205-9397 GriefShare is a safe place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief in this 13-week group that starts August 1 at Rosemont Baptist Church, 1598 E. Niagara Road, Montrose.

Tuesdays | 6-8 p.m. | 970-2494887 Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Montrose Regional Health, 800 S. 3rd St. Last Monday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970252-2996 Stroke Support Group meets at Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose.

1 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 970-765-2210 Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way. Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-7562210 | whafv.orgv

Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse in Montrose.

7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-258-1955 | uncompahgretreasureclub.com ■

LIST YOUR CLUB FOR FREE! Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com • 970-243-8829

FUN AFTER 50

Senior Center Activities Silver Sneakers Classic

Monument. Bring a sack lunch.

7:45 a.m.-3 p.m. | Nov. 11 | $21

Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Blue Sage Center for the Arts & Elsewhere Studios

To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit MontroseRec.com

EDUCATION Presentations are free. Call to reserve a seat.

Chautauqua Performance: Eleanor Roosevelt

See Susan Frontczak portray Eleanor Roosevelt as part of the Blue Sage’s Arts Engage Series.

1 p.m. | Nov. 9

Treating Joint Pain

Dr. Ryan Albrecht discussesthe intricacies of joint pain and treatment options.

1 p.m. | Nov. 13

History of Utes in Southwest Colorado

Kate Burke delves into the background of the Ute people, the oldest residents of Colorado, who arrived as much as 2,000 years ago. Bob Stollsteimer shares the story of the Utes from the perspective of his great grandfather.

1 p.m. | Nov. 27

TRIPS & TOURS Most trips meet at the Senior Center. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case another is scheduled.

Hotchkiss Business Tours

Tour Third Bowl Ice Cream, ShadeScapes (an international outdoor umbrella and furnishings company) and Big B’s Hard Cider. Bring money for lunch.

8:15 a.m.-3 p.m. | Nov. 7 | $21

Hike: Devils Kitchen & Old Gordon Trails

Take a gradual ascent to a natural opening with huge upright boulders along Devils Kitchen and Old Gordon Trail on the Colorado National

Enjoy the drive to Paonia, where creativity knows no bounds. Learn about Elsewhere’s residency program which embraces visual artists, writers, poets, musicians, scientists and educators. Explore the vibrant cultural hub that is The Blue Sage Center for the Arts and its classes, live music, talks and gallery exhibits.

Bring money for lunch.

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Nov. 16 | $35

FITNESS Tai Chi for Health & Energy

Tai Chi brings peace to the body, using controlled movements, weight transference, mental resistance and quietness of mind.

10-10:30 a.m. | Mondays | Donation

ART & MUSIC Ceramics & Crafters

Bring your own piece to work on or purchase one from us. Paints, finishing sprays and glazes provided to ceramicists, plus we’ll fire it for you.

12-3 p.m. | Wednesdays | $15 for four months (ceramics), $25 for four months (crafters) | 970-4244451 (ceramics), 818-262-3272 (crafters)

Open Line Dancing

Learn steps with formal instruction.

3:30-4:30 p.m. (beginners), 4:305:45 p.m. (improvers) | Mondays | $2

Jam Session/Sing-Along

Each person gets a turn to lead a song while others play instruments or sing along. Spectators are encouraged to attend.

3:45-5:45 p.m. | Mondays | Free

GAMES Play games at the Senior Center all month long. Call for schedule.

Body Blitz

To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf

GAMES Pinochle

12:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15

Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class.

9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m.

Thursdays

Body Bar

Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar.

6 a.m. | Wednesdays

POOL FITNESS

Tuesday Needlers

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays

FITNESS Movement Medicine

Work your body hard, but in a gentle way! This non-impact classes uses various equipment to improve connective tissue and posture, restore neurological stability and balance, and enhance flexibility, strength and coordination.

6 a.m. | Tuesdays

Tuesdays Dance Fit

Burn energy, shake stress and show off your dance moves!

4:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Pilates

Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance.

12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays

Senior Circuit

Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises.

9 a.m. | Monday through Friday

Yoga Fusion

This vinyasa-style class blends yoga, Pilates and barre.

4:30 p.m. | Wednesdays

Healthy Body Strong Bones Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength.

9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays 9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays

Aqua Movers

Jump start your week with a mid- to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class.

5:30 p.m. | Thursdays

Pool Power

Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas.

9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Body & Health

Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool.

10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Light-n-Lively

Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners.

10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays

Full Body Cardio

A full-body workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges.

5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays

Silver Sneakers Splash

A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers.

8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays

BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | FUN AFTER 50 | 55

Montrose & Delta Montrose Center for Arts announces new gallery coordinator

Montrose Center for Arts (MCA) recently announced Susan Jesuroga as their new gallery coordinator.

Jesuroga has always been interested in art since borrowing her brothers learn-to-draw book at a young age. These days, she can be found painting watercolors, taking photos and incorporating acrylic inks into her paintings. In her new role, Jesuroga will be responsible for the planning of MCA shows, engaging artists to hang their works in the MCA gallery and promoting MCA. Community members are encouraged to stop by MCA at 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose to welcome Jesuroga and enjoy the revolving artwork displayed there. MCA is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

BEACON BITS

Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association hosts upcoming concerts

to everyone, uniquely connecting with audiences like no other through his music, speaking and fun concerts.

Celebrate 75 years of the DeltaMontrose Community Concert Association (DMCCA) by attending one of their upcoming concerts!

Single admission tickets are available at the door and are $25 for adults and $5 for students. Season tickets are also available at $55 for adults, $25 for students and $120 for families. To learn more, visit deltamontroseconcerts.com or contact Bob Brown at 970-8354480. The remaining dates in this month’s concert series:

• Charlie Albright - 7 p.m., Thursday, December 7, 2023

Internationally award-winning pianist, composer and improviser Charlie Albright brings music

• Empire Trio – 3 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024

Empire Trio is a classical crossover ensemble featuring the voice of soprano Erin Shields, baritone Adam Cannedy and piano and violin by David Shenton. Empire Trio breathes new life into familiar toe-tapping favorites with their unique and innovative arrangements.

• DIVAS3 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, 2024

A celebration of the biggest hits by the greatest divas in music history! This vibrant show spans four decades and covers the 1960s through the 1990s with hits by Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Celine Dion, Whitney

Houston, Cher, ABBA, Dolly Parton and more. DIVAS3 features unique 3-part arrangements blended with solid vocals.

• Branden & James, with special guest Eittle Passero – 7 p.m., Sunday, April 28, 2024 Branden & James is a duo composed of vocalist Branden James and background vocalist and cellist James Clark.

Since forming their duo, they have been touring all around the world with their classically inspired pop songs.

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( Formerly San Juan Living Center)

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Most Insurance Accepted Medicare, Medicaid and Commercial

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Holiday craft shows in Delta and Montrose

Shop ’til you drop at these holiday craft shows in Delta and Montrose, and start checking off gifts for everyone on your Christmas list!

• November 3-4 - Holiday Crafts & Bazaar

Show is from 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Montrose Event Center’s Friendship Hall.

• November 17-18 - Happy New Merry Thanks Mas

Show is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 1036 N. 7th St., Montrose.

• November 18 - Down Home Country Bazaar Show is from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave., Montrose.

• November 24-25 - Basement Boutique Craft Show

Please consider bringing donations of canned goods to support Sharing Ministries Food Bank.

Show is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive.

• November 25 - Bill Heddles’ Holiday Craft Fair

Show is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at 531 N. Palmer St., Delta

Montrose County Veteran Resource Tour and Town Hall

VA Western Colorado Health Care System will host a Veterans Resource Tour and Town Hall on November 1. The Veteran Resource Tour is from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. and the Town Hall is from 4:15 -5:15 p.m. The Veteran Resource Tour connects veterans with a variety of services and resources provided by the VA, such as the PACT ACT, healthcare enrollment, VA benefits and other veteran organizations.

Town Hall meetings are an opportunity for VA leadership to provide updates on VA-specific topics and engage in a Q&A session with veterans and other stakeholders.

Both events will be at the Montrose County Event Center at 1036 N. 7th Street.

Montrose Senior Center hosts Saturday Night Dances

Dance the night away from 7-10:30 p.m. at the Senior Center in the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. Ghost River Band plays on November 11 and Lane Road on November 25. Two-step, triplestep, waltz, cha-cha, line dances, swing…there’s something for everyone, with a snack break at 9 p.m.

Cost is just $10. For more information, visit montrosepavilion.org or call 970-252-4889.

OF THE

Month

By Linda Munson-Haley

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Barb Krebs “When I was a kid, my dad tried cactus.

He also killed a porcupine that was eating the wires in our engine while we were camping. He then cooked it and I tasted some. It tasted like eating a piece of pine pitch. Needless to say, I didn’t eat much.”

Mary Swetkoff “When I was in Catholic schools, the nuns were very strict. Being the shortest and youngest in my classes, I always had to sit in the front. If you didn’t pay attention, there was the threat of the sister using the ruler on your knuckles. I guess I took my anxieties out on my pencil erasers! I always cleaned the sides of the eraser on a clean piece of paper first, but there was nowhere to spit them out.”

Dave Batten “I went to Scotland in my 20s. Before I left the states, I heard about how horrible haggis is. It’s essentially just sausage made out of sheep intestines.

I found it tolerable.”

Valley Symphony Association’s fall orchestra concert The Valley Symphony Association is kicking off its 52nd concert series this November with a showcase of music during their fall orchestra concert “Classic Drama: Feel the Music.” Experience an evening of masterpieces from remarkable composers.

Performances will take place at

Question

the Montrose Pavilion on Saturday November 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday November 12 at 3 p.m. For more information, visit valleysymphony.net. ■

SEND NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS TO Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

Cynthia Harwood “I just got back from Scotland where I had a traditional breakfast that included blood (black) pudding. It’s sausage made from blood drained from slaughtered animals. I tried just a bite of it and it’s not my cup of tea.”

FUN & GAMES

Have you made a list and checked it twice?

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58 | FUN & GAMES | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

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FUN & GAMES

CROSSWORD Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care

Come Home to Crossroads Retirement the way it should be

Crossroads at Delta’s 8 acre campus sits atop a bluff with a stunning view of the Grand Mesa. Move here at any stage of life 55+, and enjoy our campus as you enter a new chapter of your life.

crossroadsalc.org | 970.683.8044 ACROSS 1. Take ___ view of 5. Pays attention to 10. Overhang 14. Gaucho’s weapon 15. Violinist Zimbalist 16. Pre-owned 17. Speech problem 18. Start of a Dickens title

19. ___ avis 20. Charms 22. Pen name 24. Find the sum of 25. Gratuity 26. Reptile 29. Off-road wheels, for short

32. Seeps 36. Mozart’s “___

kleine Nachtmusik” 37. Home of Odysseus 39. ___ Speedwagon 40. Like afterschool activities 43. ___ good deed 44. Nutlet 45. Branta sandvicensis 46. Fishhook line 48. PBS benefactor 49. Languishes with longing

50. Not at home 52. Gun the engine 53. Four-time Indy 500

winner 57. Newspaper 61. Marionette maker Tony 62. Commandment verb 64. Outback hoppers 65. “Splendor in the Grass” screenwriter 66. Conical native American tent 67. Sun. speeches 68. Antiquing agent 69. Satisfies 70. This, in Tijuana

DOWN

1. Up to it 2. Slay 3. Ingrid’s “Casablaca” role

4. Cartographer 5. Got wind of 6. Newts 7. Chapter in history 8. Oscar ___ Renta 9. Refine metal 10. The continent 11. Slippery ___ eel

12. Extremely 13. Dutch export 21. Keats creation 23. Purple bloomer 26. Sows 27. Agnew’s old boss 28. Architectural piers 29. Take ___ for the

Crossroads at Delta | 1380 Aspen Way | Delta, CO 81416

SUDOKU

worse

30. Trio 31. Hindu social class 33. Senator Specter 34. “The Family Circus” cartoonist Bil

35. Sensitive spots 37. Very cold 38. Ltd., in Paris 41. Great grade 42. Cosmos 47. Lengthier 49. Dispenser candy 51. Lab work 52. Taxes, e.g.

53. Land east of the Urals 54. Singer k.d.

55. Impulse to act 56. Perlman of “Cheers” 57. Open delight 58. Water testers 59. Civil wrong 60. Canadian gas brand 63. Quick on the uptake

Turn to next spread for puzzle answers BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | FUN & GAMES | 59

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

To place your classified, call:

To place your classified, call -243-8829 970

970-243-8829

or submit online at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

or submit online: BeaconSeniorNews.com

Private Party $29 | Commercial $49 |

30 words or less per ad

CLASSES

CRAFT SALE

HELP WANTED

FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.

Holiday Craft Sale- November 11th, from 9am-4pm. FREE Admission.

Chili and cake will be available for $5.

1700 Odelle Rd., Montrose.

RATES

List it.

Sell it.

Done.

FOR RENT Beautiful 2BD 1BA single-family home in lovely Redlands neighborhood.

Includes all appliances, electric fireplace, 2 wall-mounted TVs, hot tub, 2-car garage and gorgeous views.

Bath has 2 sinks & some utilities are paid. $2,000/mo + damage deposit.

970-462-6330.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Place the items you’re selling in front of the audience that’s buying.

970-243-8829, x102

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR DAYS IN MONTROSE AND GRAND JUNCTION. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you.

Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days.

720-443-2420 or visit www. healthychoicesunltd.com.

+$1 per word

HELP WANTED

MUST LOVE DOGS. Are you interested in helping a rescue make a difference? Do you love Weimaraners?

Do you have free time? Retired?

Looking for a hobby, or a fun reason to get involved? Grey Ghost Weimaraner Rescue could use your help with a variety of responsibilities and would welcome your talent and skills. i.e., Assistant Director, Administrative tasks, Phone calls, Database, Fundraising, Event Planning, no task is too big or small and most can be done remotely! If you’re interested in helping us and learning more, please email us at admin@greyghostrescue. org or leave a message at 719357-9047, include your phone number. We will call you & answer any questions you have before you fill out the volunteer application. ww.greyghostrescue.org.

Give the Gift of the YES! I want to subscribe.

BEACON

1 YEAR - $24.00

Deadline is the

15th of Each Month RETIRED/NEED EXTRA INCOME Part-time medical delivery position available. Shift starts at 3:00 am.

Weekend call every 4th week. Good driving record required. Flexibility and dependability essential. Call for details 970-254-2897.

FREELANCE WRITERS WANTED! Please send your letter and resume to: Contact@BeaconSeniorNews. com. No phone calls please.

REAL ESTATE We buy houses, any condition, any situation. 970-316-2488.

SERVICES ABSTRACT WINDOWS LLC, 970-3124717 Need your windows cleaned? give us a call or text. Residential and Commercial Window Cleaning.

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VOLUNTEERS WANTED SERVICES

SERVICES

Pat's Hair Salon

KIM’S CONVENIENT MOBILE NOTARY Because not everyone is mobile. After hours, weekends, and holidays call for more info 970-201-5293

Shampoo Sets, Blow Drys, Hair Cuts Great Prices on Perms Senior Discounts

970-778-8075

THE CLEANING LADY, LLC. Family coming for the Holidays? Let me handle the cleaning while you handle the fun!

Downsizing, reorganizing & cleaning of home’s, RV’s, Airbnb’s, etc. Linda K. 720-841-7505 or 970-263-7364.

YOUR PIECE OF EARTH LANDSCAPING, LLC. No need to get on that ladder yourself, let us do it for you. Scheduling holiday decorations now. Fall cleanups and snow removal.

Home remodels, handyman services & more. 970-340-3411 www. loveyourpieceofearth.com SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE. $40/hr. Senior consultant (with over 30 years’ experience) will help guide you through frustrating computer and cell phone issues. Call Dave to schedule.

970-902-3768

Carpet • Hardwood Floors Tile & Grout • Linoleum Upholstery • Area Rugs Auto, Boat & RV Proudly Serving Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and Garfield Counties Since 2003

970-523-1800 www.StanleySteemer.com

10 ACRES HANDYMAN SERVICES. Home Improvements, Remodeling, Fencing, Flooring, Carpentry, Hauling, Land Clearing, Painting, Landscaping, and Much More!

Licensed & Insured. Senior Discount Available. 970-312-5650 SENIOR BEAUTY SPECIAL. First-time clients receive $10 off single service, $15 off cut and color packages.

Regan’s Regal Beauty, 2500 North Ave., #2, Grand Junction. Call Regan to schedule: 719-425-0543 KETTLE ELECTRIC New construction, remodeling, inspections, and troubleshooting. Reasonable prices.

970-241-4825.

Puzzle Answers

MESA COUNTY

MONTROSE/DELTA

ADRC - SOS: Provide rides to homebound seniors. Apply at htop.org/ volunteer or call 970-248-2746.

Montrose Library: Sort donated books and run book sales. Apply at montroselibrary.org/support-mrld or call 970-249-9656.

A Little Help: Help older adults with home projects. Apply at alittlehelp. org/volunteering; call 970-404-1923.

Ariel Clinical Services: Be a host home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Call 970-245-1616.

Community Hospital: Support the hospital in varying positions. Contact codell@gjhosp.org or 970-644-3541.

Food Bank of the Rockies has volunteer shifts available. Contact foodbankrockies.org/westernslope-volunteer or 970-464-1138.

Golden Circle Seniors: Help seniors at the Montrose Senior Center. Call 970-252-4888.

Morningstar Therapy Dogs: Registered dog handlers and their pets visit nursing and retirement homes, hospitals and schools. Call 970-5969343 to learn more.

Museum of the Mountain West: Tour guides bring the past to life for visitors. Contact 970-240-3400.

Grand Junction Visitor Center: Welcome guests to the Grand Junction area. Contact matthewh@gjcity.org or 970-256-4054.

Region 10 - RSVP connects individuals age 55 and older to volunteer positions in Delta and Montrose counties. Contact jwalker@region10. net or 970-765-3147.

Hilltop’s Senior Life Options: Help enrich the lives of senior residents.

Apply at htop.org/volunteer or call 970-244-0659.

Region 10 - SHIP Help other seniors navigate Medicare. Training provided.

Contact jwalker@region10.net or 970-765-3147.

Lower Valley Heritage Room: Help preserve Fruita history. Call 970-8583868.

Master Gardeners: Teach landscape and gardening at CSU Extension.

Apply at tra.extension.colostate.edu or call 970-244-1834.

Meals on Wheels: Deliver lunch to homebound seniors or serve lunch at local dining sites. Call 970-298-9844.

Senior CommUnity Meals: Help sort and deliver meals to homebound seniors. Call 970-874-7661.

Sharing Ministries Food Bank: Greet clients, pick up/drop off food, stock shelves and help in the office and at events. Apply at sharingministries. com/help/volunteer or 970-240-8385.

Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in its member agencies. View available positions and apply at mesacountyrsvp. org or call 970-243-9839.

Operation Interdependence: Hand write notes for deployed U.S. military men and women. Contact carley@ oidelivers.org or 970-523-4217.

Palisade Historical Society: Share Palisade history and work on committees. Call 970-464-2177.

Time Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged services. Apply at timebankofthe rockies.com/membership.html or call 970-209-6886.

Red Cliffs PAC (formerly Mesa Manor) is looking for volunteers in the activities department. Email john. bruington@redcliffs-pa.com

Valley Symphony Association: Support local musicians who bring classical music to life. Contact info@ valleysymphony.net or 970-765-8323.

Roice-Hurst Humane Society: Walk dogs, socialize cats, transport pets, help with events and more. Apply at rhhumanesociety.org/volunteer.

Welcome Home Alliance: Support local veterans. See current needs at whafv.org/volunteer.html or call 970765-2210.

Send Volunteer Opportunities to:

Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com

OPINION

An attitude of gratitude benefits us all When considering how Thanksgiving relates to wellness, we can’t overlook the fact that the very name of the holiday lends itself to reflecting on all we have to be grateful for.

There is a growing body of research devoted to gratitude and its benefit on the human experience. As one of the six dimensions of aging well, gratitude correlates with increased social connection, better sleep, decreased blood pressure, increased energy and improved stress responses, among others.

Gratitude encourages us to focus on what we have, rather than what we do not have. The more we practice having an attitude of gratitude regardless of what is going on in our lives, the easier it becomes to find the gifts hidden within our difficulties.

Complimenting others, making a list of what we are grateful for, volunteering in the community, doing random acts of kindness, and even just smiling are all simple and practical ways that we can all work gratitude into our daily lives.

Here at SHIP, we are truly grateful for the opportunity to help our neighbors navigate the murky waters of Medicare.

Our state-certified counselors are retired senior volunteers who can attest to the benefits of giving back to their community. Call us today at 970-2439839, ext 1 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.

By Arthur Vidro

I GRATITUDE TURNS WHAT WE HAVE INTO ENOUGH HEALTH BENEFITS OF GRATITUDE IMPROVE SLEEP DECREASE BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASE ENERGY REDUCE STRESS & DEPRESSION

This project was supported, in part by Grant Number 90SHPH0015, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Find the BEACON closest to you!

BeaconSeniorNews.com/wc-locations

HAVE LAW

The internet has made gambling too easy

WILL TRAVEL

Still procrastinating?

Despite what you may think, no estate is too small for proper planning.

ESTATE PLANNING | WILLS & TRUSTS | FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION I will tailor a plan to meet your needs and budget, and then come to you!

Charles Kline, PC CharlesKlineLaw.com 970-856-1067 62 | OPINION | NOVEMBER 2023 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM

nternet gambling set a new monthly record last July for the state of New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey—as in Atlantic City.

It used to be you had to go there in person to gamble. Now you can stay home and gamble via the internet.

Some people call this progress.

But I have my doubts as to the benefits of internet gambling.

First, it means fewer jobs. Card dealers, croupiers, waiters and waitresses, hotel staff, parking attendants, nearby shopkeepers and countless others have been cut out of the gambling equation.

And it’s bad for the gamblers.

Back when you had to show up in person to gamble, it required effort and usually some expense to get yourself to the casinos. But no more! Now you type your credit card or bank account number into your home computer and gamble away in your bathrobe.

This is a case where our technology has made things so efficient that it is failing us.

I’ve done some gambling myself, but always in person. My wife and I went to Las Vegas for a convention in 2003. While there in the casinos, I won back the plane fare. In the 1980s, a cousin got married in Lake Tahoe. They had casinos too. My winnings covered the hotel stay.

Sometimes I tagged along with my father to a business called OffTrack Betting (OTB). Though private gambling parlors were illegal, OTB was run by the state, letting you bet on horse races throughout the country. The state took a nice chunk of change from the revenue generated.

OTB made it possible for gamblers to bet on races where before they would have to go to the racetrack in person (or to a bookie,

whose business was illegal).

One summer weekday at OTB, when I was 13, all the gamblers except my father started shielding their faces. I asked him why they were doing that. He pointed to an ABC television news crew and explained the Eyewitness News team had decided to drop in to do a feature story and film the proceedings.

“But these people are hiding their faces,” I repeated.

“Sure they are,” said my father.

“Because they’re not supposed to be here. They told their bosses or wives they’d be somewhere else, and if their picture shows up, they’ll be in trouble.”

“And you?” I asked.

“I’m unemployed and divorced, so I didn’t have to lie,” he replied.

Thanks to internet gambling, we no longer have to shield our faces from the TV cameras at gambling establishments.

In my youth, the National Football League (NFL) commissioner suspended two players indefinitely for having wagered on NFL games.

(The suspensions were lifted after one year.) But now the NFL is facilitating internet gambling on pro football games—for a piece of the action, of course.

Nearly 40 years ago, for a criminal justice course in college, I wrote a paper titled “Let’s Decriminalize Gambling.” And so we have.

But now, I fear, the pendulum has swung too far.

Outlawing gambling wouldn’t be legal and wouldn’t work. It would be repeating the mistakes of Prohibition.

No, gambling shouldn’t be illegal.

But it shouldn’t be so darned easy. ■ Arthur Vidro worked for a decade in the stock industry, and he’s been cautious with money ever since a dollar was worth a dollar.

Experience the STELLAR Difference!

This space is dedicated to the men and women who have served, or are serving, in the United States military.

STELLAR Senior Living salutes you!

• Rehabilitation to return home after hospitalization • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy • 24/7 Skilled Nursing Care • Memory Care – Alzheimer’s & Dementia • Veterans Benefits Accepted • Life Enrichment Team focusing on your: Intellectual, Social, Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Well-Being

970-245-1211

2501 Little Bookcliff Drive | Grand Junction | StellarLiving.com S T E L L A R S E N I O R L I V I N G I S FA M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D

Celebrating each life, beautifully and affordably.

Dedicated to providing personal, compassionate care and attention

MARTIN

CALLAHAN-EDFAST

MORTUARY & CREMATORY GRAND JUNCTION

MORTUARY & CREMATORY GRAND JUNCTION

970-243-1538

970-243-2450

TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

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Let Humana help you get Medicare-ready!

For your transition to Medicare, talk to Humana

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Medicare basics and beyond

n about Speak withOriginal your local, licensed Medicare, sales agent. You can learnavailable about Original Medicare, available vantage, through the federal which government, you and about can Medicare get Advantage, from which you private can get from private companies, such as Humana.

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A more human way to healthcare™

ubsidiaries At Humana, it is comply important you arewith treated fairly. applicable Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries Federal comply with Civil applicable Rights Federal Civil Rights e, disability, laws and do not discriminate sex, on sexual the basis of race, orientation, color, national origin, age, disability, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender gender, gender not speak identity, ancestry, English, marital status or religion. language English: ATTENTION: assistance If you do not speak English, services, language assistance free services, free of charge,A are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

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