JUNE 2017
Vol. 3
No. 6
Montrose & Delta Counties’ Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 13,650 Readers.
Summer Travel & FeSTivalS
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RIDE THE ROCKIES RETURNS
Age is no barrier for some locals
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JUNE 2017
EDITORIAL
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Are you ready to ride? “You’re never too old” is a common expression heard within the senior newspaper industry. At the BEACON, it’s become a mantra of sorts, as we publish countless articles about seniors who can run—or ride—circles around me. They put any athletic ability I claim to have to utter shame. Montrose resident Judy Lokey is one such person. At 72 years old, she’s preparing for her 17th bicycle ride over the Rocky Mountains as part of the 32nd annual Ride the Rockies, which stops in Montrose on June 15. And the coolest part is that she’s not alone—the average age of a Ride the Rockies participant is 52 years old! This premier bicycling tour brings cyclists from all over the world to Colorado’s western slope to brave the elevation and the elements, while enjoying the spectacular scenery that our state has to offer.
Summer Travel & Festivals Speaking of scenery—maybe I’m biased, but I think we live in one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Isn’t it worth exploring? Our Summer Travel & Festivals insert is your guide to uncovering Colorado’s hidden gems, festivals big and small, exotic summer brews and Colorado wine country. Some of my favorite featured travel destinations are only a couple
The
hours away. Whether you go for the day or the week, don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and let us know what you find there.
Got game? The Western Colorado Senior Games gives you another reason to get active and enjoy the outdoors, and the 2017 games are right around the corner. Choose from more than 55 competitive events, ranging from pickleball to bocce ball, swimming to track and field, pinochle to cards, and golf to dance, then register using the official program in next month’s BEACON. The fee is nominal and it’s great fun for anyone age 50 or older.
Pets on parade I’m one of those people who constantly shares photos and videos of my dog, Skye, on social media, even if she’s doing the most mundane things. Pets are important to BEACON readers, which makes our August issue—centered on pets and their people—our most popular issue of the year. We want to hear about your furry (or scaly or feathered) friends! Tell us about your pet and send a photo by July 15 to Beacon@PendantPublishing. com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502. ■
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COVER STORY
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JUNE 2017
The wheel deal: Judy Lokey gets ready for her 17th Ride the Rockies By April Martinez
I
t’s hard to imagine an event that better showcases Colorado’s beauty than Ride the Rockies (RTR), an annual bicycle touring event that brings 2,000 cyclists, dozens of volunteers and numerous communities together On June 10, RTR returns for its 32nd year. For seven days, riders from 50 states and 17 countries will brave a beautiful and demanding route covering 447 miles. They’ll begin their trek in Alamosa and journey through more than 20 Colorado towns, until they coast down Monarch pass to cross the finish line in Salida on June 17. This summer’s ride passes through several Western Slope communities, including Montrose, Gunnison and Ridgway.
A varied route Since its inception in 1986, the ride has overnighted in 48 different Colorado towns. The tour regularly revisits communities, but the RTR team works diligently to create a unique and exciting route every time. “We consider several factors, including where we’ve been in the
Photos courtesy of Ride the Rockies
past, where we’d like to go in the future and what particular ride highlights different routes will offer, such as particular mountain passes to explore,” said tour director Renee Wheelock. This year marks the 10th time that Montrose has served as a host community, and the 11th time Gunnison has been involved. It’s Ridgway’s first year, and the small community will partner with neighboring Ouray to provide riders with the best experience possible. Each host community provides riders with entertainment, a camping location and an evening meal. Local groups, typically nonprofits, put together an enjoyable evening for the cyclists. Organizations join forces to serve the riders, and in turn earn money for their causes as riders purchase meals, beverages and souvenirs. Hosting a group of more than 2,000 people for one night brings in considerable revenue. Host communities also benefit when cyclists choose a warm hotel room over the provided camping sites or explore downtown shopping opportunities.
In the summer, 17-year Ride the Rockies veteran Judy Lokey, 72, rides about 200 miles a week. Photo by April Martinez. Wheelock and her small team are cycling enthusiasts themselves. She rode this summer’s route in early May and loved it. “After riding it, it certainly has its challenges, but in a good way,” she said. “You feel super accomplished after completing it. This part of the state is absolutely gorgeous, and it feels great to be out absorbing all of that on your bicycle. Every day I thought, ‘Wow, this day was my favorite!’ but then next day I would feel the exact same way.”
A ride for all ages It may be exhilarating, but a weeklong endurance ride can also seem daunting to older adults. Happily, senior riders are in good company: Wheelock noted that participants’ median age is 52. One of those expe-
rienced cyclists is Montrose resident Judy Lokey. Lokey, 72, is energetic, confident and community-minded. She proves that advancing age need not keep anyone from activities they enjoy. This is her 17th Ride the Rockies event, and she’s already looking forward to more rides in the future. She appreciates RTR for the good that it does in Colorado. Besides being a celebration of the state’s majestic cycling routes, RTR also supports charities that promote recreation and youth education. RTR offers a $5,000 grant to one nonprofit organization in each host community. This year’s local recipients include Montrose Recreation Foundation, Gunnison Trails, and Weehawken Creative Arts’ Ridgway
JUNE 2017
COVER STORY
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Area Mountain Bike School Program. “They really care about the towns,” Lokey said. “I love the altruistic attitude. Plus, they have really good rides every year.” Lokey took up biking in 1997 after all her children had graduated high school. When they were young, she only had time to jog. Once she started biking, she found it was much more fun. “[Biking] can really get you places,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wow, look where I can go!’” Lokey now rides about 200 miles a week. Although she only rides 100 miles a week during the colder months, she doesn’t let winter in Montrose slow her down. “Montrose doesn’t really get that much snow. There are very few days when I can’t get out and ride,” she said. In the rare event she can’t go outdoors, Lokey rides anyway, using an indoor exercise bike. Lokey also rides in Moab’s Skinny Tire Festival each spring, but for her, RTR outshines it because of Colorado’s amazing scenery. Lokey looks forward to seeing the RTR friends she’s made over the years. While some participants travel to other events like she does, there are some she only sees at RTR.
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A strong support system Smiling faces are welcome along the route. RTR riders may face summer snow, forest fires and anything in between. Even a confident rider like Lokey isn’t immune to these challenges. “One year, we hit snow. They actually stopped the ride at the top of a pass. That was pretty scary going up,” she recalled. Thankfully, RTR is prepared to keep riders safe. Organizers provide two ambulances and several riding medics. There are also seven Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles to assist the participants if things get rough. “Maybe [riders] have a mechanical issue, or they don’t want to try to make it up the hill,” said Wheelock. “A SAG will load up the bike and the person and offload them at the next aid station and let them keep riding.”
This year marks the 10th time that Montrose has served as a host community for Ride the Rockies. This summer’s ride passes through several Western Slope communities, including Montrose, Gunnison and Ridgway. The median age of a Ride the Rockies participant is 52. Lokey has only used a SAG once. “It got really cold, and I lost my hands. I was fine otherwise, but I just couldn’t feel anything. I couldn’t put on the brakes. It was hard to admit that I had to SAG, but it would have been a danger,” she explained. Lokey has so many pleasurable memories from her rides that it’s hard for her to pick a favorite. “One year, there were fires near Salida, so they re-routed us. It was just beautiful,” she recalled. “Estes Park is pretty impressive, and Grand Mesa is really tough.” She lights up when talking about
biking. “When you retire and you have the time, you might as well make the most of it. That’s what I’m trying to do,” she said. The RTR community welcomes new participants with open arms. Their website is full of helpful information about training, nutrition and logistics. In addition, Wheelock’s team quickly responds to individual needs and requests. She encouraged new riders to consider the event. “You can do it,” she said. “We’ve got plenty of support.” ■
Cover Photo: On June 10, Ride the Rockies returns for its 32nd year. For seven days, riders from 50 states and 17 countries will brave a beautiful and demanding route covering 447 miles.
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FEATURE STORY
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JUNE 2017
Finding magic on the Appalachian Trail By Melanie Wiseman
S
u Joffrion celebrated her 61st birthday in the middle of a life-changing, 2,185-mile journey on the Appalachian Trail. “One of the reasons I wanted to do this hike was my disenchantment with people. I wasn’t happy living in Baton Rouge with the skyrocketing gangs, crime and population,” said Joffrion, who moved to the Western Slope two years ago. “When I started the hike, I wasn’t looking for anything spiritual, but it certainly turned
out that way in the end. It restored my faith in humanity.” With a passion for adventure and the outdoors, but no backpacking and little camping experience, Joffrion admitted she had a lot to learn. “It took me a year and a half to prepare and plan,” she said. “I read everything there was out there about the trail.”
dren and an abusive husband, and one day told her family that she was going for “a walk.” In 1955, she was the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail solo. From February 22, 2014, through September 17, 2014, Joffrion followed in her footsteps.
Finding inspiration
“No one on the trail goes by their real name, but by a trail name,” said Joffrion. “Mine was ‘Dallas,’ after a fictional character in a book series I read.” She said that if she hadn’t picked her own name, fellow hikers probably would have called her “Falls-aLot.” “I fell a lot. All the time—in streams, on concrete, slick rock, scree, over roots and down steep slopes,” she said. “I got bruises and scrapes but no major injuries.” Joffrion even experienced “turtling,” falling backwards on her backpack with her arms and legs flailing. Although she completed the journey solo, she briefly hiked beside others with names like Peace Seeker, Red Leg, Left Turn, Cambodia, Plan B, Tank and Time-to-Eat. Her closest relationship was with the 19-yearold Money Maker, who was raising research funds for a rare disease he inherited. She said they made an
Benton MacKaye, a pioneer in preservation and recreation, conceived the idea for the Appalachian Trail in 1921. Starting with the trailhead at Georgia’s Springer Mountain, it runs through 14 states and five national parks, ending at Mount Katahdin in Maine. The trail is managed by the National Park Service with the help of many trail clubs and nonprofits. Since its completion in 1937, only 12,000 people have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. Joffrion is one of them. “The idea of long-distance hiking had always intrigued me, but I had too many responsibilities,” said Joffrion. Joffrion was motivated by long-distance hiker Cheryl Strayed and her book, “Wild,” which recounted her experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. A woman known as Grandma Gatewood served as another source of inspiration. Grandma Gatewood had 11 chil-
What’s in a name?
odd couple, but he was clumsy, too, and they reached the final marker in Maine together.
The journey “It was a real fun feeling, having my husband and dog drive away from the Georgia trailhead, and thinking, ‘Oh, I’ve really done it now!’” said Joffrion. “I was a little pudgy, and the next time they saw me I had lost 30 pounds.” Dehydrating most of her food, Joffrion had supporters send more than 20 re-supply boxes to her in small towns along the route. She fine tuned her backpack, whittling her load down from 50 pounds to just 35. White blazes on the trees marked the trail, but Joffrion still got lost a few times. On one such misadventure, a herd of cattle began following her before she turned around. She hiked in rain, snow, mud, wind and over challenging rocks. She hiked by Dismal Falls, Slaughter Creek and Blood Mountain. She opened one privy door only to have a snake fall out, and quickly headed for a bush. Time, dates and the day of the week meant nothing. The milestones Joffrion checked off weren’t miles at all, but state lines. Hiking an average of 12-14 miles a day (on her longest
JUNE 2017
FEATURE STORY
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• SELL BIG • BUY SMALL • ENJOY LIFE 2023 South Townsend Avenue • Montrose, CO 81401 It took almost seven months for Su Joffrion to hike all 2,185 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which spans from Georgia to Maine. jaunt, she hiked 22 miles), she went through 11 pairs of shoes. The trail became so technical at one point that it took her and Money Maker four hours to go one mile. “I ate like you could not believe,” said Joffrion. “You get ravenous.” She camped in a tent throughout most of the trip, but stayed in the occasional hostel or hotel to wait out weather, or for extra rest and a shower. Part of the trail went through a historical building, and another section wound through a zoo. The sunrises, scenery, nature and wildlife were breathtaking. “There were good days and bad days, but you just keep walking,” said Joffrion. “It becomes a mental challenge more than a physical challenge.”
Making friends Distinguishing a “through hiker” from a day hiker was fairly easy. Day hikers still had the smell of soap on them. Through hikers were pretty ripe. “The best part was that I made so many good friends that I’m still in touch with and will be friends with forever,” said Joffrion. “There was a true trail community, so I was never afraid. The young people out there were great. More than once, when I didn’t think I could hike to a destination, they said ‘I think you can,’ and I did.” Unexpected acts of kind-
ness along the hike are called “trail magic,” which extended from a bag of snacks or candy bars in a tree to a small-town spaghetti dinner to jugs of fresh water where it was scarce. The extraordinary people who extend helping hands to hikers are known as “trail angels.” Joffrion’s favorite trail magic moment was an amazing cultural exchange with four Mennonite women who had followed her journal postings online. They took her into their home for the night, fed her and did her laundry. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” said Joffrion, who now has her sights on the Colorado Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. “I would do it again in a heartbeat!” ■
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TALKING DIGITAL
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Filling Basic Needs for Our Area’s Most Vulnerable Older Adults
FOOD. SHELTER.
Is your cell service provider the best fit for you? Talking Digital, By Adam Cochran
I
bought my first cellphone in 2001, the same year I started my computer business. Since that time, I’ve upgraded my phone and changed my plan at least a dozen times. But I’ve always stayed with the same service provider.
SUPPORT.
I recently began shopping around to ensure that this provider was still the right fit for my family. We have four teenagers, and arming everyone with smartphones—namely iPhones—makes our lives much easier. They enable us to know where our kids are, coordinate schedules and share texts, photos and videos whenever we experience something interesting.
CONNECTIONS.
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I don’t make it a habit of trying to talk people into adopting any specific technology, but I’m always happy to help guide someone into a new realm of technology. Whether you’re brand new to cellphones or just looking for a change, the process of investing in a phone and committing to an agreement can be intimidating. There is not a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to cellphone companies or the devices themselves—the plans are extremely custom. Before you go shopping, you’ll want to consider a few things.
Questions to ask yourself: • Do I want a smartphone? (Do you need access to the internet, maps or the ability to send and receive photos?)
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• What is your monthly budget? • Do you travel? If so, do you occasionally leave North America?
Questions for the cellphone company:
• How much will the phone cost me each month? Most companies have ditched contracts, so you finance the phone at zero percent over two years (spending roughly $25 per month for a fancy phone). • How much will the plan cost me each month? This is the cost of service before the cost of the phone is tacked on. • Does the cost include data (internet)? If so, how much? (For reference, two gigabytes is not much). If you’re told it’s unlimited, ask for details. There is no such thing as a truly unlimited plan. • How much will be added to each bill for taxes and fees? These fees can sometimes be $30-$40. • What is the total cost that I will be billed for each month?
Know before you go
• There are only four cellphone companies: Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile. In the U.S., all other service providers are subsidiaries of these four. If you know the coverage and details of these four providers, you’ll know what you are in for with a smaller provider. • Almost all plans offer unlimited voice and text. All providers advertise unlimited data, but they often throttle the speed or charge extra if you use more than a certain number of gigabytes. • You’ll probably get the best answers at a corporate store, but you’ll get the most objective answers at a store that sells phones for all carriers like Best Buy and Walmart. This can make shopping quite maddening, but asking questions is key to finding the best deal. ■
JUNE 2017
ASK THE OLD BAG
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ASK THE OLD BAG
IN-HOME
Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd
APPOINTMENTS!
By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I am a widow in my 60s and have no family nearby. I have a chronic pulmonary disease and I have a terrible fear of dying in a nursing home. It terrifies me so much that I lie awake at night thinking about it. I know you have experience in working with aging people. Please give me some advice on how to handle these fears. Signed, Worried Sick Dear Worried: Believe me when I say there are good nursing homes. If you have access to a computer, visit the website for your state’s department of health and look at the inspection reports for each licensed home. (If you’re looking at nursing homes in Colorado, visit www.colorado.gov/ pacific/cdphe/nursing-homes.) Face your fears head on by visiting the ones you’re interested in, and consider volunteering if you are able. There are many easy volunteer jobs, such as visiting with residents or reading to them. Think about moving to a retirement community that offers all levels of care. You will get to know other residents and they may become like family to you. So if the day comes when you need skilled care, you won’t be alone. In this type of community, the independent residents become the quality assurance department for their nursing home because they know that they or their loved one may someday need it, and they want to be sure it’s good! Thanks and good luck. OB Dear Old Bag: I am a 59-year-old widower and still working. I have enough money to retire, but I fear I’ll have nothing to do and no reason to get up in the morning. I have no children. I enjoy your common sense approach to things—I could certainly use some. Signed, JH
Dear JH: First of all, I can’t imagine not having anything to do. When I first retired, I took it easy for a couple months—I slept in, had lunch with friends, stayed up until midnight and did as little work as possible. I called that recovery time, and for me, it was necessary. Then I got busy. I signed up for classes, started volunteering and began writing my book. Now I’m so active that I have to make sure to save time for family. If you recall, you were probably never ready for the “next step” in your life. Were you ready for that first gray hair or baldness? Were you ready to become a widower? Were you scared when you first left home? I think it’s a good idea to make a plan before you jump into retirement. Please read my advice to the reader above, which may be good advice for you, too. OB
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Dear Old Bag: I am a 55-year-old daughter of a very cantankerous father. He has been this way all his life, and now that he’s 80, it’s getting worse. His health isn’t great and he calls my siblings and me for help. But when we try to help him, he gets nasty with us. We don’t feel equipped to handle him. Help, please! Signed, BW Dear BW: As you know by now, this is a complex problem! Your father may have had small strokes or is experiencing the onset of dementia. Sometimes it’s better to hire someone who isn’t related to him to help out. Be sure his doctor is aware of the problem and that your father has a checkup. He may do well with medication or other treatment. There are also classes for caregivers that may be able to help. Remember, you can’t deal with an irrational person in a rational way. If he argues that white is black, you may have to agree with him. Good luck! OB ■
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LAUGHING MATTERS
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LAUGHING MATTERS The coffee Submitted by Bob Breazeale
A captain is on the bridge of his ship and calls down to the galley for someone to bring him a cup of coffee. Soon a sailor arrives on the bridge and hands the captain a mug. The captain takes a sip, and then a bigger sip, and says, “That sure hits the spot.” Then he gets a kind of puzzled look on his face and says, “Wait a minute, sailor. Every other time I’ve ordered coffee, it has gotten up here half full. This cup was completely full. I want to know how you did that. I mean, when a man has to climb ladders and go through hatches some of the coffee is bound to spill.” The sailor turns red in the face and starts to stutter and stammer. The captain says, “I asked you a question and I want an answer.” The sailor says, “Well, sir, after I poured the coffee, I took as big a sip as I could and held it in my mouth until I got up here, and then I spit it back into your cup.”
He said, “Me too!” One day I entered Sex in a contest, but before the competition began, he ran away. Another contestant asked me why I was just standing there looking around. I told him that I had planned to have Sex in the contest. He told me that I should have sold my own tickets. “But you don’t understand,” I said. “I had hoped to have Sex on TV.” He called me a showoff. When my wife and I separated, we went to court to fight over custody of the dog. I said, “Your Honor, I had Sex before we got married.” The judge said, “Me too!” Then I told him that after I was married, Sex left me. He said, “Me too!” Last night, Sex ran off again. I spent hours looking around town for him. A cop came over to me and asked, “What are you doing in this alley at 4 a.m.?” I said, “I’m looking for Sex.” My case comes up on Friday.
Horse feathers
Submitted by Pat Craze
Submitted by Gary Robertson
Everybody who has a dog calls him Rover or Boy. I call mine Sex. This dog has been very embarrassing to me. When I went to City Hall to renew his dog license, I told the clerk I would like to have a license for Sex. He said, “I’d like to have one, too.” I said, “But this is a dog.” He said he didn’t care what she looked like. Then I said, “You don’t understand. I’ve had Sex since I was 9 years old.” He said I must have been quite a kid. When I got married and went on my honeymoon, I took the dog with me. I told the motel clerk that I wanted a room for my wife and me and a special room for Sex. He said that every room in the place was for sex. I said, “You don’t understand. Sex keeps me awake at night.”
“Grandpa,” said a little boy to his grandfather. “You’re always saying ‘horse feathers.’ What does that mean?” “Well, let me tell me what my grandfather told me,” his grandpa replied. “You know that birds have feathers?” “Yes.” “And birds are called fowl?” “Of course, Grandpa.” “And baby horses are either colts or fillies, but if you don’t know which they are, they are called foals?” “Yeah.” “You see our little colt out there? He’s been out in the corral lying in the mud and getting stinky dirty. Pretty foul, wouldn’t you say?” “Yes,” said the boy. “Well, there you have the answer to your question about where horse
Geology
feathers come from. Foul foals.”
Submitted by Gary Robertson
The hunting trip Submitted by Ted Boothroyd
A butcher, a taxidermist and a firefighter went out on a duck hunting trip. On arrival at their favorite duck blind, the butcher said, “Hey, y’all ain’t gonna believe what I taught my dog to do.” He took a pot shot at a duck and downed it. His dog immediately took to the water to retrieve it. Back on shore, the dog stripped it of all feathers, bit off the legs and head, and removed the gizzard, leaving it perfect for butchering. “Wow!” the men exclaimed. Then the taxidermist said, “Shoot, that’s nothin’. Watch this!” He immediately shot down another duck. His dog took off like a rocket and brought the duck back to shore, bit an access hole to remove the gut from the duck’s tummy, licked and fluffed all the feathers in preparation for a perfect taxidermy project. The firefighter snickered and said, “Hellfire, dudes, if you want a show, check this out.” He brings down his duck as his dog is already halfway out to get it. Back ashore, the dog devours both of the other ducks, makes sweet love to the other dogs, then jumps in the truck for a nap and takes the next four days off.
Anyone who has spent dark nights in Utah’s desert can relate to this quandary: Who do the hoodoo do when the hoodoo don’t do you?
Texting for seniors Submitted by Ralph Bickel
More and more seniors are texting and tweeting, so there appears to be a need for a Senior Texting Code. Be sure to pass this onto your children and grandchildren so they can understand your texts. ATD: At the doctors BFF: Best friend fainted BTW: Bring the wheelchair BYOT: Bring your own teeth CBM: Covered by Medicare CGU: Can’t get up CUATSC: See you at the senior center DWI: Driving while incontinent FWBB: Friend with beta blockers FWIW: Forgot where I was FYI: Found your insulin GHA: Got heartburn again FWIPMK: Forgot where I put my keys HGBM: Had good bowel movement IMHAO: Is my hearing aid on LMDO: Laughing my dentures out LOL: Living on Lipitor LWO: Lawrence Welk’s on OMMR: On my massage recliner TTYL: Talk to you louder WAITT: Who am I talking to? WWNO: Walker wheels need oil ■
s U e k a M
Hahaha
What not to name your dog
JUNE 2017
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JUNE 2017
SENIOR SCAMS 11
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Dirty tricks: How to protect yourself from scams By April Martinez
F
inancial scams against seniors are common and hard to prosecute. They affect thousands of older adults each year, and the problem is so prevalent that multiple organizations are working to raise awareness and stop scammers. Unfortunately, despite these attempts, the number of seniors affected by fraud is increasing. According to the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, the number of senior scams reported doubled from 2015 to 2016.
The Granny scam Carol Vela, of Eckert, has been targeted by three scammers over the last few years. A scammer once called her claiming to be her grandson, George. The caller said he was hospitalized in Florida after an accident and begged Vela to send money to help him get back home. He said he didn’t want his parents to know what happened, and encouraged Vela
not to speak to anyone else before sending money. This is known as a Granny scam. Scammers find family data online and use it to convince their victims that a loved one is in need. The senate committee found that it’s the sixth most common scam affecting older adults. “It’s upsetting when you get a call saying something bad has happened,” Vela said. “You want to help, but you need to stop and think first. [Scammers] pick on people our age because they feel like we’re going to be vulnerable if one of our family members is in trouble.” Thankfully, Vela listened to her instincts and followed two scam-stopping tactics. First, she refused to make a decision right away. She told the caller she’d have to round up the money. Second, she checked the facts. She called her daughter and found that George was in town at work, not in a Florida hospital.
No excuse for elder abuse On June 28, Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, the Montrose Police Department (MPD), Adult Protective Services from Montrose and Delta counties, and the BEACON present “No Excuse for Elder Abuse,” a community event designed to raise the awareness of abuse and exploitation of older adults in western Colorado. This free event is open to the public at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose. Seniors are targeted by scam artists who know how trusting most elders are and what will earn their trust. Exploitation is often a crime within families—misuse of trust; neglect; or physical, sexual and financial abuse may be occurring within your own network. Many cases of elder abuse or exploitation are never reported because of the fear of retribution or shame. “It’s sad that our region is seeing a huge increase in family members abusing their loved ones in ways to gain financially,” said Eva Veitch, program director of Region 10. “This cannot continue! We want to make sure that seniors are protected and not exploited by people they once thought were trustworthy.” Knowledge is power You can help put an end to elder abuse and exploitation. This event will teach you what to look for, how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you suspect something. Experts in citizen protection will present stories from our community in which elders were victimized, and the MPD will address their efforts to combat elder abuse and exploitation. For more information, call Madison Fowler at Region 10 at 765-3125. Session I runs from 9-11:30 a.m.; session II runs from 1:30-4 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
Vela also suggested asking the caller trick questions that they couldn’t answer through online stalking. “Like if George didn’t have a son, I could have said, ‘Oh, is your son there with you?’ and the answer would have let me know if it was really George,” she said.
Find help Seniors need to act defensively to ward off scams. Thankfully, organizations like AARP have resources to help. AARP Foundation ElderWatch Colorado was created after a study by the attorney general brought the issue of senior fraud to light. Volunteers operate a fraud reporting hotline. To date, it has received more than 20,000 calls. Help make a difference by reporting scams to agencies like ElderWatch and the Special Committee on Aging. They work to educate seniors on fraud prevention and effect change.
Stay vigilant Scammers attack regularly by phone, by mail and online. Seniors must be on alert to the possibility of scams in order to avoid them. Vela sympathized with seniors who fall victim to scams. She said that she understood how easily someone could believe a loved one was in trouble or that they were the winner of a large monetary prize. Instead, Vela put her own spin on some good old fashioned advice, and she follows it. “If it sounds too good to be true,” she said, “be very, very suspicious.” ■
Report a scam or learn more ElderWatch’s reporting hotline:
1-800-222-4444, opt. 2 US Senate Special Committee on Aging hotline:
1-855-303-9470
12
LOCAL LORE
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JUNE 2017
Faith, fellowship and fun: 100 years of Christian camping on the Grand Mesa By Kevin K. VanGundy
N
ot much today is the same as it was 100 years ago. But at the Grand Mesa Christian Camp, three things have stayed constant for over a century: God’s love for His children, the beauty of the Grand Mesa and the perpetually cute chipmunks. (Thus the chipmunk in the camp’s 100-year celebration logo.) “I attended Grand Mesa Camp in the mid-1960s,” said Montrose resident Connie Pittenger. “I went to be closer to God through nature. Being at 10,000 feet, a person just feels closer to God physically. Looking at God’s wonderful creation from that vantage point gives you a special
sense of awe.” At camp, my son and his girlfriend found an orphaned chipmunk and nursed it back to health. Perhaps it was this bonding experience that led them to getting married several years later. I wonder if they’ll send their kids to camp. They’re certainly not the first match made on the Mesa. Harry Talbott met his wife, Bonnie, there, at a young age. “I was 16 years old and thought that I better get a good wife before they were all taken,” he said.
Fond memories I went to camp every summer as a child. It was the highlight of my
Youth Camp, 1958
year. Each of those summers I grew closer to God. By the time I was in high school, I started to bring my friends—some even invited Jesus Christ into their lives to be their lord and savior. But it wasn’t all just church. We had plenty of fun engaging in water fights on the lake and flour wars (my kids tell me that now it’s a color war), and pranks like capturing frogs at the lily pond and setting them loose during chapel. One time, a friend and I snuck into the dean’s room late at night, snatched his clothes off the floor and hoisted his clothes up the flagpole for the next morning’s flag ceremony. My children have fond memories of Grand Mesa Christian Camp, too. “Camp has always been a special time of the year,” said my daughter, Olivia. “It’s a chance to refocus on what’s really important in life: God and having fellowship with others. When you’re up at church camp, it’s all about living life to the fullest and celebrating the one who created it.”
A building spree
Youth Camp, 1958
It’s hard to imagine that anything I have laid my hand to do in this life will still be standing 100 years from now. I doubt the folks who first pitched their tents on the shores of Baron Lake in 1917 had any reason to believe their efforts would be carried on by future generations leading to this 100-year celebration. But that’s the beauty of life—it’s hard to predict the future. In the late ’20s, tents gave way to some rudimentary buildings, starting with a mess hall and then sleeping quarters for the girls. Early on, drinking water was hauled in by truck and a hand pump was used to siphon water from the lake for showers. Back then, you could register for a week’s camp for just $1 and each meal was a reasonable 35 cents. Margaret Haldane and her husband, William, maintained a family cabin
near Baron Lake for years and had always thought of it as the most special of places. Her bequest, made midway in the last century, made it possible to build the camp’s most special place: Christ’s Chapel. It’s there on bended knee that many have prayed to their creator, and on bended knee that men have proposed to their wives. Indeed, Christ’s Chapel has become a popular wedding venue. Soon after the chapel was dedicated, McQuery Hall—a spacious new dining room and kitchen—was built. (Although the original was later damaged by a heavy snow, it has subsequently been rebuilt.) The following years saw a dozen girls’ and boys’ cabins added, as well as an administrative hall, a community building, a caretaker’s lodge and a much-needed maintenance shed. Today, the camp can house 150 happy campers.
The future While the campers are happy in the here and now, all is not rosy for the camp itself. It takes a tremendous amount of time and money just to keep up with the maintenance needs of the camp, and although its high school groups are mostly full, its grade school camps are running below half capacity. Parents just aren’t sending their kids to camp like they used to. Grandparents can help. Today’s Grand Mesa Christian Association is ran by a board of trustees made up of Methodist and Baptist volunteers. During summer, each denomination holds a series of camps, although you don’t need to be a member to attend. For more information on sending your grandkids to Baptist camp, contact Dawn Currier
JUNE 2017
LOCAL LORE 13
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You’re invited to join a celebration
100 years in the making
Saturday JULY 8, 2017
Christ’s Chapel
Open House
10:00 A.M. to Campfire Come enjoy chapel service at 10:00 A.M. Have a hamburger and a look around Visit the Memory Cabin and see camp photos of when you attended.
6269 Old Grand Mesa Road Cedaredge, CO at 487-3032 or visit www.grandmesa baptistcamp.org. For Methodist camp call Anna Marie Gorman at 261-1360 or visit www.grandmesa camp.com. The camp welcomes volunteers and financial donations. Scholarships enable students to attend camp, contributions to the camp’s endowment fund are invested, and the interest generated helps cover the costs of programs. The Permanent Improvement Fund is dedicated to the construction of new cabins and buildings, and to the upkeep of existing buildings.
“Camp has been a special place for several generations of both sides of my family,” said Illene Roggensack of Grand Junction. “When my mom passed away 13 years ago, an endowed scholarship was set up to make sure other families can send their kids without concern for financial circumstance. My sisters and I are now living our childhood fantasies by being camp cooks! So continues our love for and commitment to the camp and the way that God’s beauty and love manifest there.” ■
For info call: 242-5645 or 249-4308
What are your grandkids
doing this summer? r registe! today a andmes www.grtcamp.org baptis
Left to Right: Campers Olivia VanGundy, Kaleb Bandimere and Emily Talbott
Consider a camp that is all about making new friends, being outdoors, and connecting with God.
Camps for all ages! Family Camp..................June 16-18 The Alpine Zone High School........................ June 18-24 The Ascent Middle School ...................June 24-29 The Trailhead Elementary School ........June 29-July 2
ALL CHRISTIANS WELCOME!
14
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JUNE 2017
Senior harpists play heaven’s music By Arlyn Macdonald
W
Harps & Hammers Studio Free Introductory harp class, harps provided! June 15 @ 2-3 pm. Studio located at Precedence Music 513 E Main Street, Montrose Robin Freed 275-8996
hich instrument produces the most therapeutic and relaxing sounds to touch the human soul? For a growing number of students in Robin Freed’s Harps & Hammers music studio, it’s unquestionably the harp. For the past two years, these harpists have met faithfully each Wednesday afternoon to learn the basics and create angelic music together. The oldest student is 84 years old; the youngest is 8.
The learning process Freed said that when students are first learning to play, simply plucking the strings sounds beautiful. Truly learning to play, however, takes patience, time and practice. Learning to tune the harp is a lesson in itself. Freed has been playing and teaching harp for 14 years and inspiring area enthusiasts at her studio in Montrose for three years. She encourages her students to play both by ear and with written music to develop their intuitive musical skills. Carlin Knight has been playing her Celtic harp with the Wednesday group for two years. “It’s like a dream to have a harp,” she said. “I sing and play piano but harp music fills my soul.” She takes lessons in the summer and spends her winters in Arizona, and she always takes her harp with her. It was built by Freed’s husband, Dennis, who built most of the students’ Celtic harps out of maple, cherry or mahogany wood. Traditional to Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Celtic harps are triangular and strung with nylon strings. The number of strings depends on the size of the harp, which varies from lap-sized to the full-sized floor harp often played in orchestras. Most have levers at the top, enabling the harpist to sharpen the strings to play in different keys. Floor and orchestra harps have pedals for the same purpose.
“I sing and play piano but harp music fills my soul.” Nyla Storch has also been playing the harp for two years. She found switching from piano to harp more difficult because it feels like her hand positions are reversed between the instruments. She occasionally plays for her church and other special occasions, and said it keeps her mind sharp. “Playing the harp is very peaceful and rewarding, and it’s fun to know ladies in my same age group,” she said.
A relaxing pastime Pang Cooper began playing nine months ago. She was introduced to the harp while taking her daughter to music lessons at Montrose’s Precedence Music Academy, where the Harps & Hammers studio is located. Freed invited her to try the harp. She’s the proud owner of the first Celtic harp built by Freed’s husband. “The harp is a wonderful instrument, good for your mind and heart,” said JoAnn Gesualdi, a beginner from Olathe. Freed is offering beginner harp classes this summer along with hammer dulcimer, organ and piano lessons. “It’s never too late to learn,” Gesualdi said. For more information, call 275-8996 or email Freed at robin freed@harpsandhammers.com. ■
Enjoy a performance The harp ensemble’s next performance will be on June 10, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., during the Montrose Botanic Garden’s 2017 Garden Tour.
JUNE 2017
Summer’s on her way: playing with heat and inviting shade Alive and Digging,
M
HOME & GARDEN 15
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By Paige Slaughter
y grandmother recently asked me over the phone, “Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through this year?” She’s in California, where season-to-season changes are discreet. Lucky for us, we know it’s June because we feel it. We played in snow and cozied up under blankets as the New Year rang in. We breathed the dry air of early spring, then gratefully noticed the subtle humidity that came in May.
That said, we know it’s June because we’re bracing ourselves for the intense heat of another high-desert summer, which means days on the river, weekends on the Mesa and afternoons in air-conditioned movie theaters. Grab your friends and family, and head to where it’s cool. But let’s not forget about our leafier loved ones.
Inviting shade Some plants enjoy full sun, even our mid-summer full sun. Hyssop, lavender and yarrow, with their beautiful blooms, will soak up the sun and invite beneficials into the garden. Tomatoes, corn and squash thrive in full sun, and fruit trees love our hot days and cool summer nights. But some plants are happier in partial shade. Leafy greens, tender herbs and brassicas will appreciate some shade during these weeks of intense heat. A bit of shade slows broccoli’s flowering and encourages tighter heads, as is the case with cabbage and cauliflower. Salad greens will
scorch and bolt quickly in our hot summer sun, and cool season greens like spinach and kale thrive in partial shade.
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Annual crops including peas, beans, leeks and onions—as well as many annual and perennial herbs—don’t mind a bit of shade. We can utilize plants like these to create a robust garden with varying degrees of light, moisture and warmth. Inviting shade into the garden creates a dynamic garden ecosystem that’s welcoming to delicate and cool-season crops, and beneficial critters and humans alike.
Succession plantings and little ponds One other way to work with the heat of the summer is to plant tender herbs and greens in succession. Mark your calendar to direct sow every two to three weeks. Lettuce, cilantro, green onions, spinach, dill and basil become bitter in the heat. Direct sowing these throughout the summer will lend to tastier, continual harvests. Finally, remember our insect-eating friends as the weather heats up. Make toad houses out of broken pots, rocks, straw or wood logs—anything that will keep toads moist and cool during the heat of the day. They’ll especially love a water source, as will birds, bees and other garden visitors. Dig out a small hole that you can fill with irrigation water or clean gray water. Our clay soil does a decent job of holding water long enough for critters to enjoy it. ■
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JUNE GARDEN CHECKLIST ❒ Invite shade using trellises; sheer fabrics; tall annual plants; new trees and shrubs; hanging baskets; canopies; climbing vines, cucumbers and mini melons; hops and pole beans
❒ Direct sow succession plants: lettuce, cilantro, green onions, spinach, dill and basil
❒ Direct sow beans, beets, carrots, corn, peas and radish ❒ Direct sow or transplant celery, cucumber, melons, okra, onion, parsnip, potatoes, pumpkins, summer squash, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard and herbs
❒ Hardneck garlic plants will be sending up scapes this month, up from the center of the plant. Harvest the scapes when they’re curly to use in stir-fries and pesto. Cutting the scapes will help the bulbs to grow bigger.
❒ Bring houseplants outside for a good soak and sunshine.
❒ Deadhead annuals.
Send your questions and comments to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email paige@fruitionstudio.com.
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Call 243-8829 Turn to page 23 for your puzzle answers Across 1 French 101 verb 5 Dey TV series 10 Fly like Lindy 14 Perjured oneself 15 Open-air rooms 16 “The Lost Boys” star Corey 17 “___ Wonderful Life” 18 Ohm or Solti 19 Pistolet, e.g. 20 It can be over your head 21 Garden-variety Canadian sprinter? 23 Always the same 25 ___-Day vitamins 26 Says “yes” without saying a word 27 Place for sports writers 31 “Baa Baa Black Sheep” writer Gregory ___ Boyington 33 Senate assistants 34 Naval off. 35 Top cards 36 Bygone Renault auto 37 Cruising to Hawaii 38 Parseghian of Notre Dame 39 Late astronomer Carl 40 Good buddies with handles
41 Ornamental ribbons 43 Playwright Bogosian 44 River to the Gulf of Finland 45 It’s on the level 48 Garden-variety talk show hostess? 52 D-Day troop carrier 53 Moistened clay 54 Winner by ___ margin 55 He loved Lucy 56 Singer Lane 57 “___ say more?” 58 Evangelist Roberts 59 Wedding wear 60 Altos and tenors 61 F.D.R.’s park Down 1 Yale’s Yale 2 Certain -missile 3 Garden-variety tombstone inscription? 4 Writer LeShan 5 Some brews 6 Mr. T’s worn outfit? 7 Scientologist Hubbard 8 Noted nickname in hoops 9 Former Jeep model 10 Journalist Alexander, et al. 11 Dinghy directors 12 It can move a star
13 Serious sign 21 Type of builder 22 Pianist Myra 24 Beau Brummells 27 Type sizes 28 Garden-variety pay rate? 29 River to the Baltic 30 Present time 31 Early late-night personality 32 Bat head? 33 Arm of the Mediter-ranean 36 Certain Baltic natives 37 Somewhat 39 Culinary potpourri 40 Robert with the blues 42 Canine coat? 43 Fragrant resins 45 A deadly sin 46 Syrian leader 47 Of value 48 Norwegian saint 49 1995 earthquake site 50 Physics Nobelist Isidor 51 Emulate a Mr. Universe contestant 55 Play-___
For the puzzle answers see page 23
Your guide to aging well in Mesa, Montrose & Delta Counties
JUNE 2017
FUN & GAMES
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Crossword Puzzle
JUNE 2017
BUSINESS PROFILE 17
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Beauty and splendor at Camelot Gardens By April Martinez
C
amelot Gardens is a beautiful fiveacre garden center and gift shop located at 16612 S. Townsend Ave. in Montrose. Although owner Sheree Warner is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in health care administration, for the past two decades, she’s devoted herself to nursing green growing things and mastering the health of a small business.
Promise, hope and wonder The center’s idealistic name came from a place of nostalgia. “I grew up in the era of the Kennedys. It was a time of promise, hope and wonder. That’s what I wanted my business to be,” Warner said. The center truly feels like Camelot. Beauty is everywhere, and each plant is well-tended. Nurturing all the plants is a full-time job for Warner and her staff, and their dedication shows in each plant, which is burst-
ing with gorgeous color and vitality. The center offers a wide variety of products, including annuals, perennials, trees both large and small, shrubs, houseplants, approximately 100 different herbs, edible flowers, fairy gardens and supplies, soils and soil treatments, outdoor furniture and creative gifts.
Quality over quantity Success hasn’t always come easily to Camelot. Warner has responded to challenges posed by the influx of chain stores and the economic downturn by focusing on quality. “We’ve had to change our way of thinking and the products we buy and sell,” Warner said. In order to help her customers be successful, Warner and her staff assist gardeners with varying levels of experience. Customers can bring in the leaf or a photo of a plant that’s failing for Camelot’s plant doctors to diagnose and prescribe treatment. Camelot’s staff has done extensive research on organic products as well. “[Growing organically] seems to be a direction the general public is going,” Warner said. “Almost 99 percent of the plants we grow here are grown organically, and my staff has researched the very best and most effective organic products—pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers—so we can advise people about what will work.” This is Warner’s favorite time of year at Camelot Owner Sheree Warner has devoted herself to providing quality plants and products to her customers for over 20 years.
because she believes that the beauty of flowers and nature brings happiness to people. “I had a lady the other day come in and say, ‘I just had to come and see some flowers!’ She was down, and [coming here] cheered her up.” Warner said. Perhaps Warner is still in the health care business after all. Camelot Gardens is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about their
products or services, call 249-6109. There’s a special 10 percent senior discount every Tuesday. ■
CAMELOT GARDENS
16612 S. TOWNSEND AVENUE, MONTROSE, 249-6109
HERB HOUSE PLANTS GIFT CARDS OUTDOOR LIVING SOILS & FERTILIZER GIFT SHOPPE
Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, +Annuals From Spring To Fall
Locally Owned and Locally Grown Varieties www.CamelotGardens.com
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JUNE 2017
Montrose/Delta Calendar JUNE 3 Writing workshop Nationally published writer Alissa Johnson presents “The Clear, Focused Writer” at the Weehawken Creative Arts Center in Ridgway. This workshop runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and identifies the ways writers make things harder than they need to be and provides shifts in thinking to help you write more and better. Registration is $80. More info at www.weehawken arts.org. Rock, gem, mineral show The Delta County Rock, Gem and Mineral Show will be held from 9 a.m.5 p.m. at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Featured items include lighted mineral and specimen displays, gold panning, a fluorescent mineral display and educational displays for children. There will also be door prizes, grab bags, a silent auction and a wheel of rocks. Vendors will have gemstones, jewelry, mineral specimens, cabochons, slabs, fossils and many other types of rocks for sale and on display.This event is free to the public. Square dancing Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club hosts a dance from 7-9 p.m. in the Aerobics Room of the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The dance features guest caller Jim Hawkins. This is a regular dance with no special theme. Dancing is Mainstream with Plus tips. Round dances, if offered, are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share during the evening! For more informtion, call 8564187 or 773-4495. JUNE 4 Sunday Serenade Enjoy a mixed ensemble concert featuring the Park Avenue Strings from 3-4 p.m. Join a lively hour of traditional folk and Celtic songs. Instruments include the hammered dulcimer, autoharps, guitars, mandolins, banjo, upright bass and harmonicas. This free event will be held at the Precedence
Arts Center, 509 E. Main St., in Montrose. For more information, call Robin Freed at 275-8996.
JUNE 5 Citizens’ Climate Lobby The nonprofit, non-partisan Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room behind Montrose City Hall. This national network’s purpose is to educate and influence legislators to pay attention to environment. JUNE 10 Golf for the Troops Support the troops with a round of golf at The Bridges of Montrose. Registration and check-in start at 7:30 a.m. The shotgun start is at 9 a.m. The cost is $100 per golfer or $400 for a team. The day includes lunch and awards. Register online at www.bit.ly/2qxfizh. Call Mike Trickey at 596-4361 for more information. 2017 Garden Tour Montrose Botanic Gardens presents a self-guided garden tour from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., featuring five home gardens and the botanic gardens. The event features live music, plein air artists and refreshments. Tickets are $15 per person or $10 for members. They’re available in advance at Camelot Gardens and San Juan Gardens, or on the day of the tour until noon at the botanic gardens. Memberships are available on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit the Montrose Botanical Society. Call 765-2237 or visit www.montrosegardens.org for more details. Barbecue and barn dance Support the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans and the Warrior Resource Center and enjoy a fun night of food catered by Camp Robber, music by Narrow Gauge and auction items you won’t want to miss. All proceeds benefit local veterans and their families. The dance is held from 5:30 -10 p.m. at Antler Ridge, 72005 Kinikin Road. Tickets are available at www.bit.ly/2qstb3e.
JUNE 2017
MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 19
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JUNE 11 Amateur sculpting contest Artists from across the Western Slope sculpt five pounds of clay in two hours at the fifth annual Michael McCullough Amateur Sculpting Contest, which runs from 1-3 p.m. The public is invited to silently observe the contest. The awards ceremony begins at 4 p.m. The contest will be held at the historic Fire DepARTment building at the Weehawken Creative Arts Center. Registration is $30 in advance or $35 day-of. More info at at www.weehawkenarts.org. JUNE 12 & 19 Who can you trust? Avoid elder exploitation workshop With millions of cases of elder abuse and exploitation happening each year, it’s important to know how to avoid it and what to do if you suspect it. In this free workshop, learn how having a good estate plan can help prevent financial exploitations and what you can do if someone is taking advantage of you or a relative. Workshops take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on June 12 at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Ave. in Montrose, and 4:30-5:30 p.m. on June 19 at Delta Oncology Center, 1501 E. Third St. Registration is required. Call 243-8250 or visit www.brownand brownpc.com. JUNE 13 Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) meeting This month’s meeting is at 9:30 a.m. at the Delta Oncology Center, 1501 E. Third St. JUNE 15 Free harp class The Precedence Music Academy, 513 E. Main St., Montrose, and Robin Freed present a free introductory harp class. Try out several types of harps. This is a hands-on experience in a fun, casual atmosphere and includes the history of harps and how they work. Call 2758996 for more details. JUNE 17 Square dancing Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance
Club hosts a dance from 7-9 p.m. in the Aerobics Room of the Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The dance features regular club caller Naaman Moorehouse. This is a regular dance with no special theme. Dancing is Mainstream with Plus tips. Round dances, if offered, are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share during the evening! For more information, call 856-4187 or 773-4495.
JUNE 24 Handbell concert The Wesley Handbell Ringers of Salt Lake City’s Christ United Methodist Church perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church. This is a free concert, although donations are accepted. Contact the church with questions Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. JUNE 24-25 Mixed Media Alchemy Lauren Mantecon presents a fast-paced workshop at the Weehawken Creative Arts Center designed to inspire artists to work with a variety of mediums and
techniques. Registration is $225. More info at www.weehawkenarts.org.
JUNE 28 No excuse for elder abuse Region 10 Area Agency on Aging, the Montrose Police Department (MPD), Adult Protective Services from Montrose and Delta counties, and the BEACON present this community event designed to raise awareness of abuse and exploitation of older adults in western Colorado. This free event will teach you what to look for, how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you suspect something. Experts in citizen protection will present stories from our community in which elders were victimized, and the MPD will address their efforts to combat elder abuse and exploitation. Session I runs from 9-11:30 a.m.; session II runs from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 765-3125. ■
Clubs & Activities Black Canyon Camera Club meets monthly from 11 a.m. to noon on the second Tuesday at the First Church of God, 1102 Howard St. in Delta. Stay from noon to 1 p.m. for a workshop. Visit www.blackcanyoncameraclub. org or call 399-3674 for details. Black Canyon Classics Car Club meets monthly on the first Tuesday. The club is open to all ages interested in classic cars, street rods, trucks and other vehicles. For meeting time and location, call 249-6051.
PRESENTS
LIVE MUSIC BY 4 LOCAL BANDS SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2017 4:00-8:00 PM RIVER BOTTOM PARK
MONTROSE
Proceeds to benefit the PACE Therapeutic Recreation Outdoor Adventure Program – connecting older adults with the great outdoors!
Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Friday at the Olathe Community Center. Call 417-6142. Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion from 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Enjoy great music and refreshments. Dancers of all ages are welcome. Bring a snack to share. Cost is $5. Call 252-7172. San Juan Dance Club meets at the Lion’s Club House in Montrose every Thursday from 6:45-8 p.m. Enjoy two hours of fun and free dance. Call Ron at 708-8333 for more information. Western Slope 4 Wheelers Meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesdays at the Montrose Rod & Gun Club’s indoor range, 1211 6450 Road in Montrose. Call 275-0754.
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Questions? Contact Us at 970.252.0522
20 MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES
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JUNE 2017
Ranger-led programs begin at Black Canyon of the Gunnison Summer brings daily walks and talks to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. For more details, inquire at the South Rim Visitor Center. • Rock Stomp Geology Walk: How did the Black Canyon form? What kind of rock is here? Take an hourlong tour of this dizzying chasm daily at 10 a.m. • Solar Viewing: Don’t wait until dark to see a star! Get up close and personal with our local star and safely observe solar prominences and flares through a solar telescope. This event depends on the weather, and times and days vary. • Night Sky Viewing and Full Moon Hikes: Rangers and local astronomers lead evening astronomy programs every Wednesday and Friday. Full moon hikes are offered in June, July and August. • Ranger Talk at Chasm View: Join a park ranger for a 20-minute talk exploring more of the Black Canyon, from plants and animals to its history. Meet at Chasm View Overlook at 2 p.m. daily. • Geology Talk at Pulpit Rock: Want to learn canyon geology in 20 minutes? Meet a ranger at Pulpit Rock Overlook at 11 a.m. daily. • East Portal Walk: Examine the fascinating cultural and natural history of the East Portal area on this 90minute guided walk. Meet at East Portal Ranger Station at 10:30 a.m. daily except Monday. • Wilderness Walk: Explore the Oak Flat Trail on the edge of the Black Canyon Wilderness Rangers will examine the many aspects that make the wilderness wild. Bring water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. This is a two-hour hike. Meet at 2:30 p.m. daily except Thursday. • Evening programs: Learn more about the park at an illustrated program. Meet at the South Rim Campground Amphitheater at 9 p.m. daily. Topics are posted at the South Rim Visitor Center and South Rim Campground. Astronomy talks are
presented on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Programs last 45 minutes.
Ouray Hot Springs pool renovation nears completion The historic Ouray Hot Springs Pool celebrates its 90th anniversary this July and is completing a multi-million dollar renovation that began in October 2016. The renovation maintained the historic oval shape of the pool but added many changes and upgrades to make the Ouray Hot Springs Pool enjoyable for generations to come. Additions include a family friendly shallow section with expanded seating, a hot section, shaded pool areas, two terraced pools with panoramic views, an activity pool for summer fun, eight lap lanes, two slides, enhanced deck lighting and heated walkways, new in-water lighting, a new filtration system and enhanced access. The main shallow pool and the hot soaking pool are open now. Additional pools will be opened as they are completed. The full opening of all facilities is expected by the end of June. Daily admission is $18 for adults and $14 for seniors. Concert series returns for sixth year The Ouray Mountain Air Music concert series, a free outdoor concert series in Fellin Park, features a great lineup of nationally recognized musicians from across the country. Each concert features a different genre of music, all chosen to surprise and delight. The remaining 2017 lineup is as follows: • June 8, 6-9 p.m: The Outer Vibe with The 14-ers • June 15, 6-9 p.m: The Roosevelts with Woodshed Red • June 22, 6-9 p.m: Afrolicious with Tight Thump • June 29, 6-9 p.m: The Grisly Hand with WE DREAM DAWN As in prior years, the concerts are free and are family and pet-friendly. Each week a local nonprofit organization will benefit from alcohol sales. Additional nonprofit groups will be fundraising by selling food and running entertainment for the kids. After the main show ends, the opening bands will perform again
JUNE 2017
MONTROSE/DELTA COUNTIES 21
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at O’Brien’s Pub and Grill from 9:30-11 p.m.
Garden club plants donated trees The Friends and Flower Garden Club appreciates the generous donation of a Ukrainian Maple tree and a Juniper Pine tree from John and Ron Romatzke of Arbor Acres Farm. These trees were planted in the Orchard City Town Park in memory of Bobbie De Leau and Zoe Weiss. Soon, a plaque will be placed by each tree in their memory. The club also thanks David Boyd from the Parks Department of Orchard City for planting the trees and for their future care. Members hope everyone who visits the park will take notice and enjoy the trees and their shade. The Friends and Flower Garden Club is a small group of women from Delta, Cedaredge and Orchard City who meet monthly at a member’s house. At meetings, members may enjoy a presentation or an outing, and, social time with dessert, coffee or tea. They also plant and maintain gardens at Horizons each summer. Volunteer opportunities Mothers of Preschoolers is seeking some special volunteers to rock babies, play, sing and spoil little ones for two mornings a month. This gives their mamas time to refuel and to be encouraged. Contact Maria at 509-619-3062 or MontroseMOPS@gmail.com if you can help support this vital ministry to young moms. Volunteer drivers needed to deliver meals to low-income and frail seniors. Drivers are background checked and need to provide references. Contact Betty Hayes at 249-8804. The Museum of the Mountain West
seeks volunteers to be trained as tour guides, landscapers/groundskeepers, light construction, building maintenance and janitorial. Please contact Rich or April at 240-3400 to set up a time for an interview.
SUPPORT GROUPS • Kinship Connections Support Group is for individuals raising children that are not their own. Group meets monthly from 6-8 p.m. on the first Thursdays at Region 10. Call 765-3127. • Caregiver Support & Networking Group meets on the first Wednesday and the third Thursday monthly from 1:30–2:30 p.m. at Region 10. Call 765-3123. Al-Anon and Alateen Delta meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. Fifth St. Contact Elizabeth at 874- 9832 or Shirley at 323- 5067. Al-Anon Montrose meets Thursdays at 12 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara. Contact Lucy at 5969919. Al-Anon and Alateen MontroseMeets Mondays at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara. Contact Karis at 275-4107 or Lisa Marie at 964-8849. Al-Anon for Women, Montrose meets Sundays at 3:30 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, 2057 S. Townsend Ave. Contact Peggy at 964- 4970. ■
Simplify your life by Downsizing! BOB MCHUGH - Broker Associate 970-683-9540 rmchugh.cbdistinctive.com
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FUN AFTER 50
Activities offered by the Montrose Recreation District To register for these programs, call the Montrose Recreation District at 249-7705 or visit www.montroserec.com. JUNE 19 Montrose Retiree Group Are you new to retirement? Do you consider yourself an active senior? Share ideas and network with others facing the same dilemma from 6:158 p.m. on the third Monday of the month at the Montrose Senior Center. Space is limited, so register early.
TRIPS & TOURS Trips depart from the Montrose Senior Center. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the activity’s start time noted below. JUNE 6 Ute Mountain Casino–Towaoc Ute Mountain Gold Club Members earn free play, meals and other special offers. Meet at the Community Recreation Center at 6:30 a.m. The event will last until 7:30 p.m. and costs $45. Bring additional money for lunch and gaming. JUNE 13 Summer hike on Baldy Round-trip, this hike is about five miles with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. Wear good hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen and bring ample water. The cost is $18. Bring a sack lunch. Meet at the Senior Center at 8 a.m. Hike will last until 3 p.m. JUNE 20 Montrose Business Tours Get to know your local Montrose businesses! We’ll tour Ross Reels, Kinikin Processing and Cherry Creek Media. We will have lunch in Kinikin’s sandwich shop. Cost is $15; bring money for lunch. Meet at 9:30 a.m. We will return by 2:30 p.m. JUNE 29 Raft trip on Lower Taylor River This is an in-between Class II+ trip. This two-hour trip is perfect for those not quite ready for a full-
blown whitewater trip but who want more than a calm float trip. Meet at the Senior Center at 6:45 a.m. We will return around 3 p.m. Cost is $69; bring a sack lunch.
GAMES JUNE 19 Monday Night Out Enjoy a potluck, line dancing and games from 4-8 p.m. Bring a dish to share and $2 for paper goods and prizes. For details, call 252-4884. THURSDAYS Montrose Cribbage Club Keep your mind sharp by playing Cribbage. Attendance is free and all ages are welcome. New player? We’ll teach you. Expert? We have players who will give you a challenge. Meet at the Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. Call 252-7243 for details.
MUSIC & DANCE MONDAYS Line dancing Line dance from 4-6 p.m. on the first, second and fourth Mondays of the month and 5-7 p.m. on the third Monday at the Montrose Senior Center. A $2 donation is requested. MONDAYS Jam session/sing along Join us from 4-6 p.m. if you play an instrument and/or sing! Each person gets a turn to choose and lead a song and others play along.
WRITING MONTROSE WRITER’S GROUP This group meets monthly from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Senior Center dining room. Published and non- published writers are welcome. Call Kate Burke at 729-1188 for details.
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Montrose Elks Bingo is the destination to get away, relax, and laugh with old friends or make new ones. Join us at the lodge every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at 801 South Hillcrest, Montrose. It’s a wonderful way to spend the evening having fun!
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VENDORS WANTED A Robin’s Nest is looking for antique and collectible vendors. This is a great time to earn extra income from your hobby. Space is limited. Stop by 602 Main St. GJ, for an application to join our family of over 90 vendors.
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kudos \ ku·dos “Thank you SO MUCH! Your publication is well respected and appreciated in the Montrose area!” - Norval S. “As a new reader of the BEACON, ‘Where have you been all my life?’ I love the stories!”- Jeanette R.
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FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43
Automobile travel trumps airplane travel By John C. Liburdi
I
t’s now common knowledge that traveling relatively short distances by airplane these days has become an expensive and arduous experience— maybe even horrific for victims of airline overbooking! On the other hand, the automobile has evolved to the point where it now makes darn good sense to drive a few hundred miles instead of taking a short-duration flight. The cost of flying has become exorbitant. Ticket prices keep rising for no apparent reason. Cleverly invented fees are added for things like checked baggage and window seats, and you often have to take an expensive taxi to the airport or pay for parking while you’re gone. Travel by car costs less by far: gas is pretty cheap, new cars get great gas mileage, most interstate highways have no tolls, and my car’s trunk holds a ton of luggage. Flight safety is obviously a serious concern. The skies are increasingly more crowded, and yet, most of our nation’s air traffic control systems are outdated. Commercial airliners now have air marshals on board to keep maniacs and terrorists in check. On the other hand, my new car has blind spot warning, lane-keeping assist and an automatic braking system for collision avoidance. Plus, I only allow nice people in my car—thus, I feel pretty safe and secure when I drive. Flying is hardly convenient. You have to leave home at least two hours prior to flight departure time. Airline personnel have largely vanished from the airport terminal sopassengers must struggle with computers to get
boarding passes and baggage stickers. Then there’s the long line at the security checkpoint and a stop at an overcrowded airport snack bar to preclude in-flight starvation. Boarding the plane is an agonizingly slow process. But in my car, I’m already halfway to my destination, even after a quick stop for fast food. Comfort is another big consideration. More plane seats are being squeezed into a given size plane, hardly leaving any legroom. Ear pressure at high altitudes is painful, and you have to climb over adjacent passengers and then stand in line to use the lavatory. In a car, there’s plenty of legroom and timely rest area potty breaks. Since I don’t have to remove my shoes at an airport security checkpoint, I’m not embarrassed about the hole in my sock. I sometimes utter profanity when I’m frustrated, which is perfectly acceptable in the privacy of my car. I also have complete privacy during intimate conversations on my car’s hands-free cell phone system. Once I’m at my destination, I’ve already got my luggage and have my own car to use—no long waits at baggage claim and no rip-off rental car contracts. My attitude about flying changd for the worse when Trans World Airlines and Pan Am went away. Back when air travel was a pleasant luxury, attractive young stewardesses would smile and say, “Fly me” as they gracefully served my gourmet meal with real china, glassware and silverware. Now that’s all changed. ■
kvetch \ kfech “I had fun at BeaconFest, but while I was going around and looking at all the booths, I thought to myself, ‘All they want to do is take care of me.’ That’s great, but I’d like to see more fun booths with ways for seniors to get involved and go on trips and such.”- Yvonne P. Kevin: I understand and I feel your pain. I’m glad there are businesses out there to help me care for my parents, but like you, I’ve got a whole lot of living to do in the decades to come. (As do my parents.)Publishing a senior newspaper, I run head-on into the stereotypes that our society has about older people. One doesn’t simply dry up and blow away when they turn 60. I was reminded it of it again after reading this month’s feature story about Su Joffrion, who celebrated her 61st birthday while hiking the Appalachian Trail—all 2,185 miles of it. If you’d like to see more diverse advertisers in the BEACON or at BeaconFest (like we do), please tell them the next time you shop there. Let them know that “senior” is not a four-letter word, and we’ll do our best to keep finding and writing about the best of getting older. “What will be the name of the new town forming in the desert north of Grand Junction? Garfield? North Clifton? Broken Dreams?” - Steve A.
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