•
• 2013
Downtown Holiday events you can’t miss page 6
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Your Guide to a Happy Holiday
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2 Happy Holidays
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Christmas 2013
This holiday help veterans, military families heal with art caskets in this war,” Hoffman said. “They are saving lives, but a lot of ark Twain once said that souththem are coming back as amputees— erners were so impacted by the no limbs, just torsos. They are bringCivil War that they dated their lives ing them home wounded.” as “before the war, during the war Hoffman said the various panels’ and after the war.” only suggestions for recreational Over a century later, military therapy were sport activities. families can still relate. “What about the Many veterans struggle arts?” Hoffman asked. with the memories She was told that of combat stress and there weren’t many orsome have a harder ganizations offering art time than others. programs for veterans. Artist and military Hoffman knew somemom Wendy Hoffman thing had to change. wanted to help veter“The arts are a very ans and military famipowerful healing tool lies use art for healing. to recovery,” she said. “Once a person joins With the help of her any branch of the late husband, Jim, and armed forces, every her son, Dallas Hanfamily member is James Park, Tiger son, Hoffman created impacted for the rest Operation Revamp, a of their lives,” Hoffman, 60, said. nonprofit with the purpose to estab“My 27-year-old son went to Iraq for lish a variety of programs to assist two deployments. In 2010, he came the military, veterans and families. home 40 percent disabled with hearOne of those programs was the ing aids, and with both knees and a Veteran’s Art Center. shoulder injured.” After Jim’s death in December, In 2009, Hoffman joined the Blue Hanson took over Wildflower Tech Star Mothers, an organization made Creations, the family’s laser graphics up of mothers of military children. business, and bought the old Sentinel Hoffman attended a national symPrinting building at 307 S. 12th St. posium on behalf of the Blue Star to house the Veteran’s Art Center, Mothers and listened to concerned which opened in May. parents and panel experts discuss “This is flourishing beyond any the problems with returning veterans expectations I had,” transitioning to civilian life. Hoffman said. “When “They said they are I first sent out innot bringing home formation about the Veteran’s Art Center, Buddy L. Chadd, Prepares for War Buddy L. Chadd, Brothers in Wild By Brenda Evers
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Christmas 2013
Happy Holidays 3
Wood carving class. From left to right: Buddy Chadd, Bill Bailey, Tim Austin, Thomas O’Dell. we had 32 people who wanted to instruct or sign up for a class. Now we have over 400 participants and instructors onboard.” All classes are free to veterans and their families. They can work on projects or take classes. Each month, the Veteran’s Art Center will have a gallery showing, which will highlight a few artists and their work. Current workshops are woodcarving, photography, basketry, and pen and ink. Upcoming classes are stained glass, foundry, ceramics, clay and sculpture. The Veteran’s Art Center has a photography dark room with an enlarger, dryer, chemicals and paper. There is a special area for stained glass, a soundproof music room, and a woodworking shop equipped with power tools and a lathe. Perhaps one of the most unique classes they offer is papermaking. “I know how to teach papermaking, but this is part of a national project called the Combat Paper Karl Emerich, Bulldog
Project,” Hoffman said. “We have a chapter instructor coming from Reno to teach vets how to shred their old uniforms and turn them into paper. It’s a way to turn something bad into something good.” Almost all of the instructors are military vets from different wars or conflicts. “I’ve already got a World War II vet volunteering to teach the stained glass class,” Hoffman said. “He is over 70 years old.” Veterans suffering from the effects of war, or those battling with problems related to drugs and alcohol are at a higher risk of death. The Veteran’s Art Center is more than a gallery and a place to practice art. It helps veterans heal from the wounds of war. For more information on the Veteran’s Art Center or Operation Revamp, call 462-3126. ■ Buddy Chadd, Friends in Low Places
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4 Happy Holidays
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November 23-24 - Art Center’s Art and Craft Fair This Art Center’s 42nd annual Art and Craft Fair is open to the public from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday at 1803 N. Seventh St.
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or the fourth consecutive year, Comfort Keepers, with the help of other Grand Valley organizations, will continue the holiday tradition of providing a hot meal and companionship for homebound seniors on Christmas Eve. Last year, several members of the BEACON staff and their families volunteered to help deliver meals for this event. Volunteers met at Grand Villa Assisted Living, where the kitchen and main hall were bustling with activity. They chose names of homebound seniors from several folders designated to a specific area of town, with information such as addresses and what they ordered for their meal. Volunteers filled the orders and set off in the falling snow to deliver meals to homebound seniors across the Grand Valley. “My family and I made an afternoon of it,” BEACON Publisher Kevin
till can’t find a gift for that special someone on your Christmas list? Arts and Craft Shows are a way to find something unique that they’ll love. Here are some that are coming to a venue near you.
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Christmas companionship and meals delivered to homebound seniors VanGundy said. “My children and I enjoyed visiting with the people we delivered food to. But more importantly, they enjoyed visiting with my children.” This year, Comfort Keepers was able to raise the funds and manpower needed to deliver a hot meal and volunteers for companionship to over 200 Grand Valley seniors located as far as Collbran. Meals will be delivered between 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. With the generosity of organizations such as Family Health West, Gray Gourmet, Grand Mesa Medical Supply, Edward Jones, Canyon View Vineyard Church and others, this program has turned a Christmas wish into reality. Volunteers are still needed to assist with delivering meals, donating food and being a companion. If you are a homebound senior wanting to participate or if you know of a homebound senior, contact Comfort Keepers at 241-8818. ■
Art and Crafts Fairs
c ho o se f rom
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Christmas 2013
November 23-24 - Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale Call ahead seating 243-5700 2870 North Avenue
This event is open to the public and takes place at the Moose Lodge, 567 25-1/2 Road. Saturday’s hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday’s hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
November 23 - Girl Scouts’ Christmas Craft Fair Support your local Girl Scouts and get some sweet treats and great gifts in the process. Fair is at 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Orchard Mesa Baptist Church, 2748 B 1/2 Road. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
November 24 - Alternative Christmas Fair You can certainly find some alternative gifts at this fair—and not just crafts. Stop by Lincoln Park Barn from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
December 7 - Lavender Christmas Craft Fair Find quality, handcrafted lavenderrelated items, and unique arts and crafts at the Lavender Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. Admission is free. ■
Christmas 2013
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Gifts that come from giving By Cloie Sandlin
A
re you tired of shopping to the ends of the earth to find that perfect gift for someone? What about finding a gift for that person who has everything? Would you like to give a gift that’s thoughtful but doesn’t take up space, wrapping paper or too much time? If that sounds appealing, you can probably find it at Grand Valley Peace and Justice’s Alternative Christmas Fair. This year’s fair will be from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, November 24, at Lincoln Park Barn in Grand Junction. The fair is an opportunity for community members to give meaningful gifts to the people they love, and for 30 international and 20 local nonprofits to raise funds for their cause. “It’s a great way to give a gift to someone who has everything,” Grand Valley Peace and Justice Executive Director Julie Mamo said. Attendees are given a shopping list as soon as they walk in the door. They walk around and spend some time learning about the many organizations and their causes. Then it comes time to make some decisions about whom they wish to give to. They fill out their shopping list and when they go to pay, they are given Christmas cards that correspond with the organizations they’re supporting. They can give the card to a loved one with a message that might read like this. “In your honor, I have made a donation to Roice-Hurst Humane Society for the purpose of helping provide food and shelter to a homeless pet. Merry Christmas!” “The fun part is making it personal to the people you care about,” Mamo said. Maybe you have a friend who’s an animal lover, but he or she can’t have one because their spouse is allergic to pets. A gift to Roice-Hurst might be the perfect gift for them. “It’s also a perfect way to teach young people to give,” Mamo said.
“A little girl who came to the fair last year broke open her piggy bank and had $5.92. She went through the booths very carefully, divvyed up her money and spent it on the projects she loved.” Mamo said the fair expects to bring in anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 for nonprofits. “It’s part of understanding community,” she said. “Whether you’re giving to a local nonprofit where the money stays locally or are giving to an international nonprofit, we are all in this together and it’s important we help where we can.” Mamo said a person may never come in contact with the child in Africa who benefited from the vaccine they provided, but it’s important to know that they made a difference. “It can really make them see the world in a different way,” Mamo said. “It can make them see Christmas in a different way.” The Alternative Christmas Fair is a welcoming environment full of handdecorated Christmas trees, festive music, scrumptious snacks, holiday cheer and generous giving. The local fair is one of the top five of about 400 fairs across the nation that work through a national organization called Alternative Gifts International. The Foundation for Cultural Exchange is a locally run nonprofit that has attended the fair since 2004. The FCE promotes cultural understanding and mutual support between the Grand Valley and the community of El Espino, El Salvador. “One of the things the fair gives us is the opportunity to talk to our supporters,” FCE President Anna Stout said. “It puts us in a room with likeminded people and organizations, which is a wonderful experience.” Can’t make it to the fair? No problem. Through December 16, you can fill out your shopping list online at www.gvpeacejustice.org or call Mamo at 243-0136. ■
Happy Holidays 5
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6 Happy Holidays
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com By Cloie Sandlin
I
’m no fan of the cold, but I love the holidays and I can’t think of anything better than spending my favorite time of year strolling up and down Main Street, with the trees sparking with lights, the stores filled with cheer, and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate from a local café in hand. If you’re anything like me, these downtown events are sure to warm you with the holiday spirit, no matter how cold it is outside.
Happy Holidays from Bogart and the beacon
November 15
Wells Fargo Tree Lighting Catch the spirit of the holidays in downtown Grand Junction, starting with the Wells Fargo Tree Lighting at 5 p.m., which takes place in front of Wells Fargo Bank at Fourth and Main Streets. Special entertainment kicks off the magical evening as crowds gather to see the streets of downtown light up with holiday lights and décor. Santa arrives to visit with the grandkids and the holiday season begins.
Artisan Bakery & Cafe 6th & Main 970.241.2740 gjmainstreetbagels.com
Where great food, great coffee & great people meet!
Christmas 2013
Downtown fo December 7
Lavender Christmas Craft Fair Find quality, handcrafted lavender-related items, and unique arts and crafts at the Lavender Christmas Craft Fair from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. This event is hosted by the Lavender Association of Western Colorado and the Colorado State University Extension. Admission is free. For more information, call 244-1834. December 7
Winter Festival & Parade of Lights The 30th annual Winter Festival takes place on the sidewalks of Main Street between Third and Seventh Streets. Nonprofit organizations sell holiday goodies from 11 a.m. until the start of the annual Parade of
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or the Holidays Lights at 5 p.m. The 30th annual Parade of Lights is the biggest parade of the year. Thousands of people line Main Street as more than 100 lighted entries and floats enchant viewers. December 13
Chocolate Walk Experience downtown Grand Junction’s holiday charm during a walking tour of beautiful Main Street, featuring your choice of either a tour of Art on the Corner or a history tour. Cost is $10, which includes a special commemorative mug filled with Enstrom’s hot chocolate. The tour will start at Enstrom Candies, 701 Colorado Ave., at 5:30 p.m. and will be guided by the Downtown Development Authority and the Museum of Western Colorado staff. To guarantee you will receive a mug commemorating the event, register
Le Rouge
by Thursday, November 7, by calling Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 254-3866. December 13
R es tauR a n t & P i a no B a R
Spirit of Christmas Walk The 18th annual Spirit of Christmas Walk will be this year’s largest event with the most varied collection of entertainers on the western slope. From 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. enjoy 300+ entertainers roving and performing on downtown’s beautiful Main Street and inside the unique retail shops of downtown Grand Junction. Entertainers include musicians, fire dancers, barbershop quartets, choirs, jazz bands, clowns, poets, hula dancers, theater groups, dance groups and more. Of course, Santa will be there and free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available. Businesses will be open until 9 p.m. and will serve complimentary hot drinks and treats. Carolers will be popping in and out of shops as you enjoy downtown shopping. Admission is free. For more information, call 241-2740. ■
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Happy Holidays 7
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8 Happy Holidays
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‘Tis the season for tzedakah By Laverne H. Bardy
S
omething nice happens every year just about the time that leaves and temperatures begin to fall, and garden centers switch their sales from strawberries and sweet corn to pumpkins and apples. For women, it manifests itself in a sudden impulse to bake apple and pumpkin pies, and to begin knitting mittens and afghans. Men hurry outdoors to cover deck furniture, chop firewood and rake leaves, and find themselves actually enjoying it. 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 fun-filled activi-
ties, disquieting facts and disturbing images cast dark shadows over our hearts. They appear as stories on front pages of newspapers—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 and Razor scooters, and pray only for warm coats and shoes with soles. We read these stories and are deeply moved, so we write checks and are motivated to 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, believ-
ing that we have fulfilled our duty as spiritual, religious, and caring human beings. There is a tradition in Judaism called “tzedakah,” which very loosely translated means charity. But while charity involves decision, tzedakah does not—it is 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. It attempts to get people to, once again, stand with dignity. Even the indigents who are sustained by charity are 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 occur-
Christmas 2013 rence. 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 farmer, a “gentleman farmer,” as he humbly referred to himself, who worked hard and died at the age of 42, 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.
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Christmas 2013 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 strangers on the road—people who looked down and out—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 grew up and 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
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com was simply a part of everyday living. In today’s complex, dot com 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 selfinvolved. In many Jewish homes, you will find a tzedakah box, which is a kind of piggy bank. All end-of-theday 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 for families or individuals in need of assistance. It’s so easy to do and it’s an invaluable example to set for our children. 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. ■
Happy Holidays 9
elebrate Christmas in Church C IKJIKKJIKJIKJIKKJIKJIKJIKKJI
E
ven if you already have a church to call your own, these churches invite you to celebrate and worship with them this holiday season at their usual worship services or at these special holiday events.
First United Methodist Church
522 White Ave., Grand Junction 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org
author Rebekah Simon Peter. Workshop at 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday. • December 13 - Sing along to your favorite carols at “Ceremony of Lessons and Carols.” This free Christmas concert is presented by the Chancel Choir at 7 p.m. • December 22 - Christmas Music Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Christmas Eve Services
3940 27-1/2 Road, Grand Junction 242-1923 www.firstpresgj.org
• Family Friendly - 4 p.m.
Christmas Eve Services
• Traditional Candlelight - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. (Communion at 9 p.m.)
• Children’s service (with puppets) 2:30 p.m.
• December 6-7 - “Seeing Christmas Through Jewish Eyes” workshop by
• Candlelight Family Service - 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Worship services from 9 a.m.10:30 a.m. Sundays
10 Happy Holidays
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Christmas 2013
Going on a holiday treasure hunt By Melanie Wiseman
W
ho doesn’t love a good deal, especially around the holidays? And when that deal comes with overthe-top customer service, it’s even better. “It’s not just about the sale,” said Judi Reimer, owner of Consign Design on Main Street. She said it’s more about the passion for what she does, recycling and repurposing, and most importantly, helping customers find exactly what they need. Ten years ago, Reimer opened Consign Design at her husband’s suggestion since she always complained about not being able to find eclectic furnishings in Grand Junction. “Originally the store was something for me to do,” Reimer, 76, said. “Now it’s what can I do for anyone who walks in the door.” She encourages customers to think outside the box when looking for
furnishings. “When you walk in the door and you smile, that item’s for you,” she said. Consign Design has a nice assortment of previously loved and unique furnishings that can’t be found anywhere else. “I love what I do and the people who come here,” Reimer said. “Closing the store would change my life physically and mentally.”
new and used books, and will call customers when something comes in that they were looking for. It’s a less expensive way to shop, as trade credit gives customers an addiMargie Wilson and Frank Cooley’s book hobby became a full-time job. tional 50 percent off the already marked-down price ers or bookshelves.” A new passion for old books on used books. The Habitat ReStore sells used and Margie Wilson, 60, and Frank They offer places to sit down, new merchandise at 50-70 percent Cooley, 53, also opened their two relax and browse. They can find out off full retail. Inventory changes daily consignment bookstores based on of print or hard to find books and and includes housewares, furniture, a passion. authors. Seniors often find children’s appliances, books, hardware, buildThe former lives of this married books they remember from their ing supplies and more. couple as travel agent and chemist early years and are able to share them “It’s like a game,” thrift store shopwere turned around when Cooley with their grandchildren. per Marilee Langfitt, 62, said. “You inherited his great-grandfather’s rare can find tremendous values. The key One person’s trash, a thrifty book collection of some 2,000 titles. with secondhand stores is going on a They started selling them on eBay. shopper’s treasure regular basis and snatching up new “What started as a hobby turned No one understands how a local inventory before someone else does.” into full-time jobs for both of us,” thrift store can help support the loLancaster said on Tuesdays, customWilson said. “We worked at it part cal community better than Habitat ers 55 and older receive 15 percent time for five years before quitting our ReStore Manager Barb Lancaster, 66. off their total purchase. jobs and going full time.” The Habitat ReStore, 2936 North Ave., “I don’t think people realize that In 2007, they purchased Twice operates completely on donations. there is a lot of life and use left in Upon A Time Bookshop, 2885 North “Proceeds from the store pay all things people donate,” Lancaster said. Ave., which contains all used, mostly administrative costs for Habitat for “Plus, you can save money.” paperback books. In 2010, they Humanity of Mesa County, and all Lancaster said that they couldn’t opened Grand Valley Books, 350 extra funds go toward building safe, make the ReStore work if it weren’t Main St. Grand Valley Books handles decent, affordable homes for people for volunteers. 90 percent used books and features in need in our community,” Lancaster “They are the heart of Habitat for more regional, ansaid. “The ReStore Humanity,” she said. “The majority of tique, Old West and allows all grants and our core volunteers are over 50. Our history books in its all dollar donations oldest is 88.” mix. to go directly toward Lancaster said she has no desire to “Communities welbuilding homes.” retire. come bookstores,” Lancaster said she “It doesn’t feel like working,” she Wilson said. “We has always been a said. “I’ll be here until they have become dear friends thrift store shopper. to carry me out of here. My staff is with our customers “It’s how I relax,” and take good care she said. “Sometimes great. They make me look good. It’s been very rewarding for me and I feel of them. Our cusyou don’t know you tomers trust us to need it until you see like we are really making a difference.” For thrifty holiday gifts and décor, treat them fairly.” it. I like taking someand maybe some DIY project ideas, For Wilson and thing and using it for shop some of the many local secCooley, thrifty pricsomething it wasn’t ondhand stores. Finding treasure is ing doesn’t mean intended for. For half the fun. The other half is seeing lack of customer example, entertainsomeone’s eyes light up when they service. They can ment centers make special order both open a gift that’s one of a kind. ■ great closet organizJudi Reimer loves unique furnishings.
Christmas 2013
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Happy Holidays 11
Stocking stuffers you can afford DIGITAL CONFUSION? By Hap E. Jordan
B
onus gift cards - Many
restaurants this time of year will give you a small bonus gift card of $5 or $10 when you buy a larger gift card. Use the card with the larger dollar amount to pay for your meal and give the smaller ones away. Happy Meal toys - The ubiquitous McDonald’s Happy Meal is the perfect sized meal for us seniors. The toys are usually top-notch and make great stocking stuffers. A stray cat - If your neighborhood is anything like mine, there are lots of unclaimed cats running around. Lure a little kitty over with a handful of tuna fish, scoop ‘em up, slap a bow on their butt and throw them in the house. Best of all, after the newness wears off with the grandkids, the cat will likely run off to others.
Blood donor movie passes - Next time you
give blood, ask for a movie pass as your reward. They make an easy stocking stuffer, as the choice of the movie is up to who you give it to. If your blood bank doesn’t offer movie passes, then grab a handful of cookies and a juice box or two.
Lottery scratch tickets - Who knows? It could be worthless. It could be worth a fortune. Either way, the anticipation of watching your family members’ faces as they realize they didn’t win is worth at least a dollar. But be careful, they might actually win the big prize and then it will be you who’s crying, “Why didn’t I keep that one?” Shooters - Remember the lil’ bottles of alcohol they used to give away on airplanes? While those days are gone, they now sell those lil’ liquors for just a buck or two at your local liquor store. Instant party! Legos - If in doubt, buy a small set of Legos. Universally loved, a set of Lego building blocks will keep the young and old busy for hours. For extra amusement, yours, not theirs, mix them with MEGA blocks, as the two different sets are not compatible. Finally, a lump of coal - Used for decades for the miserly and wicked alike, coal is plentiful and cheaply obtained. And really, who hasn’t been naughty at least once in the last year? ■
12 Happy Holidays
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
Christmas 2013
Love candlelight? By Barbara Newell
C
andles came into existence over 5,000 years ago. Even though the origin is not a known fact, it is believed that the ancient Romans developed the first wicked candle. From that point and throughout the Middle Ages, colonial times and up to the present, the candle has changed but still symbolizes celebrations. Types and sizes of candles vary greatly. Tapers, also called dinner candles, are secured at the base in a candleholder. You will find sizes from 6 inches to 18 inches. Pillar candles are usually at least 3 inches in diameter and have one or more wicks. They come in many shapes besides round. This type of candle should be burned on a base that is heat resistant. Container and jar candles are those which have the wax poured into a metal container, a ceramic container or a jar. These containers are made to endure the heat from the burning candle. Votive candles are small and cylindrical. They are placed in a small container, usually glass, to hold the melted wax. Then there is the tea candle, measuring only about 1 inch and is presented in a metal holder. During the holidays we see many luminarias placed outside. They are votive candles set in sand in a small lunch-size bag and are a beautiful illumination in the dark. Gel candles are mainly made from gelled mineral oils or synthetic hydrocarbons and poured into a container to hold the shape. These are called soft gel. Hard-set gel candles have their own consistency and can be used as freestanding candles. Uniquely shaped candles, which include multi-dimensional and decorative artwork, are popular, too. The smallest candles would be birthday candles. (No need to explain this one.) No matter how often you decide to have
candlelight, remember, the beauty comes from fire. So you must be smart and safe when using candles. Some useful information: 0 Candles should burn for one hour for each inch of diameter. If you burn the candle for less time, the candle core will burn down the middle and the burn time is shortened. So you should burn a candle 3 inches in diameter for approximately three hours at a time. 0 Candle color will fade if left in the sunlight for a long period of time. 0 If you refrigerate pillar or taper candles, they will burn more slowly and evenly. To prevent wicks from absorbing moisture, first wrap the candles in either foil or plastic wrap. 0 Use a candlesnuffer to extinguish the flame. This will prevent hot wax from being blown onto furniture. If you do not have a candlesnuffer, simply hold your fingers in front of the flame and blow. 0 If your candle is in a jar or container, do not burn if the container is cracked or even chipped. Breakage may happen and you could have a fire. Do not burn the candle all the way down to the bottom. Stop short by at least half an inch. 0 Handle the container with care. It will be hot. Do not replace the cap until all has completely cooled. If you have problems with burning candles, the list below will help: 0 Clean soot from inside the container with glass cleaner and a paper towel. Use water to rinse and dry thoroughly. 0 If your wick is off center, while burning, simply move it into place with a knife. 0 Run very hot water over candleholders to remove wax. 0 If wax is on washable fabric, scrape off the wax and run boiling water through the material. (Read fabric dos and don’ts first.) 0 On solid objects, wax may be removed by chilling the object and popping the wax off. â–