Issuu

june 2012 Senior

Vol. 26

Summer Traveler

2012

A world of travel options for singles

page 2

Summer festivals Music, food and fun page 8

This baby koala is at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia. Photo by Erik Veland.

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

lia. trip to Austra on her recent Alberta Smith

Your Guide to Summer Travel, Recreation & Festivals

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

No. 6

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

Sweet summer travel and famously fun festivals in this month’s insert.

What’s Inside

A dventure

Advice and Ideas............................. 9 Classifieds..................................... 40 Crossword..................................... 29 Delta/Montrose County................. 35 Finance.......................................... 26 Gardening...................................... 24 Garfield County.............................. 38 Health & Wellness.......................... 10 Kudos and Kvetch.......................... 42 Laughing Matters.......................... 16 Local Lore...................................... 20 Mesa County.................................. 30 Parks & Recreation........................ 22 River City Singles.......................... 31

at any age

This local group invites you to come along.

Local Lore Woolworth, Kresge’s, “five and dimes” were once all the rage. Read Part II of this story on page 20.

Women gone wild Cast and Blast is a chance for women of all ages to bond while taking out their frustrations with a shotgun.

Quilting as art This isn’t your traditional pioneer’s quilt. Instead, it’s a growing art form that’s catching on locally. Read more on page 27.

Jim Landis hikes Mee Canyon.

Photo courtesy of Western Slope Adventurers

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2012

Senior Living

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June 2012

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Editorial 3

Would you like to live to be 100? By Kevin VanGundy

care.) Will you engage a friend or family member? Hire a professional? Move to a facility? Whoever they end up being, or perhaps you are caring for someone else now, I advise you to attend the conference at 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 at Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction. Just $10 will get you a great lunch, and an assortment of seminars and activities designed to replenish the caregiver in you. I have been several times and have been impressed with the quality of the speakers brought to the event. If you are a caregiver or have an interest in caregiving, please attend.

e careful how you choose to answer. You may just get what you wish for. People are living longer than at any other point in modern history. While reaching the ripe old age of 100 isn’t the rarity that it once was, it still causes us “youngsters” to take notice. Mike Green, with Hilltop Senior Living Communities, recently asked us to interview the half dozen or so, 100+-year-old residents living with them for a series of articles that will appear in the BEACON starting this month. The interviews may surprise you. They did me. I asked one centeGot game? narian, “What’s it like From bocce ball to be 100 years old?” to swimming, track Having just reached to quilting, dance my 50th birthday last to golf, and even a month, I expected an black jack tournaanswer like, “Amazment, the Western Mildred Thomas recently celebrated ing!” or “I’m lucky to her 100th birthday at Mesa Manor in Colorado Senior be alive,” or “It’s been Grand Junction. Read more about her Games has an event a wonderful life!” Inand other local centenarians starting for everyone. Next stead, she answered, this month on page 34. month, the BEA“lonely.” CON will publish a I asked another woman how complete schedule of events for this she got to be 100. (Yes, gentlemen, growing senior competition. The regthere is a theme here. Most of the istration fee is nominal and it’s great people who live to be 100 years old fun for everyone. are women.) Again, in my naiveté, I By the way, advertisers, if you’d like expected an answer like, “I exercised to help sponsor this City of Grand regularly,” or “I never smoked or Junction Parks and Recreation event, drank.” Instead, she answered, or advertise in the BEACON’s special “I didn’t have a choice. It just insert, give us a call at 243-8829. happened.” Of course, not all of the answers August is our popular pets issue. that these centenarians gave were Readers agree that August’s so disquieting, but they did beg the BEACON, which focuses on pets and question, “Would you like to live to their people, is our most popular isbe 100?” sue of the year. (We cannot keep the papers in stock.) This year, we hope Caregivers Conference One of the primary factors that will to make this issue bigger and better with more photos of you and your decide how much you enjoy your pet. Start sending those photos today 90s will be your choice of caregivto Beacon@PendantPublishing.com. ers. Who will yours be? (Don’t kid yourself. You will need at least some ■

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4 Cover Story

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June 2012

Find adventure at any age with them, you will clearly see their energy and passion for the ife isn’t about waiting for the outdoors, and the desire to share storm to pass, it’s about learning it with others. The website and to dance in the rain. emails keep everyone current on Doug Loesch, 65, from Montrose activities. has this mantra hanging in his So what makes Western Slope Adhome and tries to live by it daily. In venturers so special? The list is exother words, stay active, meet new tensive. Ask any participant and the people, try new things and learn first thing they will tell you are the something new. close friendships that are created. “I have always worked,” Loesch “Friendships are based on shared said. “When you get older, it’s easy interests,” Hertert said. “Friendships to get sedentary. Western Slope Adform easily and are strong. Friendventurers has really helped me get ships are strong when you’re on an out and be active, more than just adventure. You need to count on mowing the lawn.” each other.” Laney Heath explored the Vernal Equinox Loesch now boasts a sub zero Western Slope Adventurers’ activicamping trip and looks forward to archaeoastronomy site on Cedar Mesa in Utah. ties connect you with people all year two whitewater rafting trips this Monument, they were hooked. They long, tying you together throughsummer. bought their own home bordering out the season changes. The group Doug Van Etten and Mary Hertert the McInnis Canyon National Conser- also has the tendency to get you started Western Slope Adventurers vation Area in Fruita. Van Etten and out doing adventures you probably just over a year ago. The group is Hertert were so anxious to move to wouldn’t be doing by yourself. part of www.meetup.com, a network the Grand Valley and meet people to The Western Slope Adventurers ofof groups around the world that help share outdoor adventures with, they fer opportunities for people to learn connect like-minded people to share started Western Slope Adventurers and practice skills to see if they like varied interests and activities. Westtwo months before moving here. an activity before investing in it. A ern Slope Adventurers’ shared inter“The success of this group is the person interested in repelling may ests revolve around the outdoors. dynamics of Doug and Mary,” Weststart by attending a knot tying clinic, Van Etten and Hertert, both 59 and ern Slope Adventurer Laney Heath, followed by simple repels, and movoriginally from California, met and 63, said. ing up to more difficult ones. married 20 years ago while working Loesch echoed that sentiment. “It’s building on your own personal in Anchorage, Alaska. While attend“Doug and Mary are amazingly skills,” Heath said. “People aren’t ing a conference in Las Vegas, Van ambitious,” he said. jumping into activities without trainEtten wanted to hike. He searched If you spend any amount of time ing, so you start a new sport with online using Google and more confidence. You have found a Meet Up group the support of other people to join on a hike. An avid who can mentor you. You outdoorsman, Van Etten need to be motivated and asked himself if Anchorwilling to learn. Each activage might have something ity offers the opportunity similar. They didn’t, so he to learn something new.” started his own group in Western Slope AdvenMarch 2007. By July of the turers is about inclusion, same year, there were 350 encouragement, learning, participants and the group growing and fun. When had 3,000 activities in the it comes to outdoor skills, first four years. fitness or social skills, they Looking for a new welcome you to bend and adventure, Van Etten and stretch your personal limHertert started travelits. You are encouraged to ing. After visiting friends exceed your own expectawhose backyard was Dennis Meyers rafts through Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River, a tions. Others in the group will help support you in the Colorado National class III-IV adventure. Doug Van Etten and Matt Tuten are behind him.

By Melanie Wiseman

L Hike’n Scramble. Ding-Dang Canyons, Utah

Looking for adventure? The Western Slope Adventurers welcome people of any age to join them on the many activities they offer each month. Whether you hike, bike, backpack, raft or camp in the summer, and ski, snowshoe or snowboard in the winter, they have an activity for you. Details can be found at www.western slopeadventurers.org. Here are some of their upcoming adventures: May 31-June 4 Spend the weekend rafting and camping on the Yampa River. June 6 Bring your camera on a photo outing to the Colorado River at Horsethief Canyon Wildlife Viewing. June 7 Get a jump on the summer backpacking season with the Backpacking Basics class offered by REI. June 9 Join the Audubon Society’s Cary Atwood for a morning bird identification walk up Devil’s Canyon. June 10 Hike Mt. Elbert, the tallest 14er in Colorado at 14,433 feet. June 11 Join in a monthly outdoor potluck and adventure at Corn Lake. Bring paddleboats, a bike, or your fly-fishing gear. June 16 The Moab Daily is a 13-mile section of the Colorado River. Bring or rent your own canoe, paddle raft or kayak. June 22 Car camp and hike the ruins or canyoneer at Cedar Mesa.

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Cover Story 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Maria Archuleta uses her canyoneering skills at Arches National Park. being successful. Western Slope Adventurers is well organized, yet spontaneous. Their activities vary in level of difficulty and scheduling based on their website calendar and the “Meet Ups” recommended by members. They literally offer something for everyone, no matter what skill level or activity interest. “We are not planning things, we are sharing things,” Hertert said. “These are not guided activities.” All members are invited to suggest outings and activities for the calendar, and are encouraged to get active. The variety of activities also makes Western Slope Adventurers unique. “It’s like going to a smorgasbord,” Loesch said. “You can pick and choose what you want to do. You meet so many people who like to do the same things you do, or they wouldn’t be there.” Western Slope Adventurers also draws people from Denver, Salt Lake City, Colorado Springs, Crested Butte, Delta, Montrose, Paonia, Hotchkiss, Rifle, Glenwood Springs and other areas. Activities do not necessarily always start in Grand Junction. Safety is the highest priority with the Western Slope Adventurers. They want you to be physically and mentally prepared as well as have the safest equipment. For example, everyone is required to wear helmets when rafting Westwater Canyon. Training clinics are important for safety. Members recently participated in a three-

Tracy Baron and friend cross country ski with their dogs on the Grand Mesa. day first aid class, knowing they are responsible for taking care of each other while on adventures. Summit Canyon Mountaineering in downtown Grand Junction has partnered with the group to provide canyoneering gear and skill orientations, and an introduction to 14ers class. Other partners who help with skill training and activities include REI, Museum of the West, KAFM Radio, Colorado Environmental Coalition and Colorado Canyons Association. Western Slope Adventurers are always looking for new partners to expand their training and adventure opportunities. The Western Slope Adventurers average 20 various activities each month and 340 people have visited the website in the past two months. They currently have 50-60 people who are active in at least one adventure per month, and 15-20 who are active more than once a month. Potlucks are a great way to get acquainted with Western Slope Adventurers on the second Monday of the month. These get-togethers average 50 people and include an outdoor activity or skill training in warmer weather, and a speaker or slideshow in the winter months. There is no age requirement to participate. If getting active in sharing hiking, backpacking, canyoneering, dog walks, wild flower identification, outdoor film festivals, photography, road and mountain biking, rafting and other water sports, skiing, snowboard-

Kathy Martin, Dave Guiness, top, and their friend, Earl, geocache off Little Park Road. ing, snowshoeing, winter camping, etc. with some great friends interests you, Western Slope Adventurers may be calling you to get involved. The variety of activities is as large as the imagination of the group’s participants. Van Etten referred to a recent outing he called “adventure with a twist.” Four Tuesday evenings, participants hiked the Colorado National Monument in sections from the west entrance to the east entrance, canyon by canyon, totaling 22 miles over the four evenings. Other outings have been camping and exploring Goblin Valley, Rattlesnake Arches, rafting Westwater and full moon hikes. Upcoming adventures include hiking 14ers, rafting the Green and Yampa Rivers and exploring Vernal area rock art. Another great tradition that began last year was to share Thanksgiving together on an adventure. Last year the group spent Thanksgiving in Canyonlands. This year, they’ll be exploring Capital Reef. Fifteen people have already signed up. There is no cost to be a member of Western Slope Adventurers. All that is required is a spirit of adventure, the motivation to learn new things and the desire to share your experiences with others. To learn more about Western Slope Adventurers, check out their website and calendar of events at www.westernslopeadventurers. org, or call Van Etten at 433-4312 or Hertert at 778-5985. ■

Publisher ............................ Kevin VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Office Manager ........................Genevra Shal Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production/ Photographer......... Karen Jones Delivery........................................Al LeFebre Advertising Sales......................... Val Begalle Advertising Sales.........................Sue Bowen Advertising Sales.................Jeanette Kiphart Advertising Assistant...............Jamie Begalle Mascot............................................... Bogart Delta-Montrose Bureau Advertising Sales.................... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Garfield Bureau Editor.......................................Cheryl Currier P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 970.24 3.8 829  80 0. 536.7516 fax Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@ PendantPublishing.com The Beacon is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2012 • All Rights Reserved

“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”



—Thomas Jefferson—

6 Feature Story

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2012

The River: Bring it on climbing out of this ooze, sprouting legs, and walking off. ere I am in the middle of a river. I was told this ooze is bottled and I’m somehow staying upright in sold as botanicals, as I was wiping a soft shell kayak on whitewater. I the sticky stuff off of me after fliphave to work hard to stay in the boat. ping a canoe upside down. It didn’t It is one of the most exhilarating seem like a beauty product when I feelings in the world. It’s just the rivwas getting it out of my hair. er and I. And the river is my teacher. What do I like best? The sounds of My guide. My friend. My mentor. the river. The way it rushes around Imagine this: It’s a beautiful day rocks, gurgles, splashes, hisses, and I’ve packed a lunch in a dry bag hums….the way it says to me in every on my boat. Some sweetie helped me voice, “Go with the flow, Susan. Go get my Subaru to the river take-out with the flow.” and I now have The river 10 miles of pure made me laugh. freedom ahead. I laughed harder Off I go. than I have in a Last summer, I long time. I was bought a yellow on the Roaring duckie. It is an inFork alone in my flatable kayak that duckie with six can hold hundreds other boats. This of pounds of gear, run of river is beme, and even a tween Carbondale friend. To Susan Capps, the river is a metaphor for and Glenwood One time this life. Like life, it always moves forward. Springs. There summer, I was were numerwith a friend on the Gunnison River. ous wave trains that day, which is It was her first time in a duckie. We where the water becomes white, somehow found the only hole in a very fast, and you are in a series of somewhat predictable river and I was small rapids. The goal is to stay in catapulted out of the boat. I grabbed your boat, and keep going forward. onto the side of the boat and said, “Hi It sounds simple. It is not. All day I Monica.” My friend from Brazil said, heard about being on alert for a rapid “Susan, what are you doing down called “Cemetery.” Finally, our group there?” I laughed so hard I started to approached this rapid one boat at swallow the river. a time. It was a long one. It lasted Why does the river mean so much about 20 minutes. Once in the rapid, to me? I’ll try to explain. I was not able to see how anyone else When you are lost in Italy, especial- was doing because the rapid was havly Venice, the Italians like to say to ing too much fun playing with me. you, “Avanti, sempre avanti.” It means I was being thrown about in the go forward, always forward. The river and somehow it struck me as river is a metaphor for life. It rushes, simply hilarious. Every time the river drops, gurgles, swishes, gets me bounced me, I found it extremely dirty or cleans me up, exhilarates, funny. I was laughing out loud. I kept frustrates, topples, laughs, plays with thinking, no matter what you throw me, toys with me, makes me laugh at me river, I will survive. Do it again. or makes me cry. Like life, it always I will be victorious. You can slam me, moves forward. Sempre avanti. but I will stay afloat. I will rise up The river is also teeming with life. and be filled with joy no matter what On the river, I’ve seen birds, fish, you do to me. plants, frogs, mountain goats, eagles, The river has taught me about life. algae, and sometimes even gooey Okay river, I am your student. primordial ooze. I can imagine a fish Bring it on. ■ By Susan Capps

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Feature story 7

Women gone wild help keep those loops and flicks neat and flowing, instead, it increased hat do you get when you the odds of catching a blade of grass cross a bunch of women with or ending up with a pile of fly line fishing rods, bows and arrows, and about three feet from shore. Suffice shotguns? A whole lot of fun, some it to say the 300 recently stocked bug bites and sunburn. fish had no reason to fear the wild The Division of women. Wildlife regularly The next morning, sponsors Cast and the group headed up Blasts during the the hill to the shooting summer. Last sumrange. Detailed gun mer, they sponsored a safety instruction was women-only Cast and followed by volunteers Blast at Lone Cone being asked to step up State Wildlife Area. and shoot. There were One thing the 12 two shooters at a time, women had in comeach with an instrucmon was the desire to learn about outdoor tor. The hills rang with activities in a safe and hoots when there was fun environment. a hit. Each woman was A Cast and Blast is Dead Eye Diane Power, winner of the allowed to shoot until what the name imher arm gave out. “Hot Shot” Archery Award. plies: classes in fly While packing up fishing, shotgun use and sometimes to go home, the women talked about archery. Attendees came from all how much they learned and how over Colorado, including one woman much fun they had. The women’s from Alabama. ages ranged from 20s to “over 60.” Most Cast and Blasts only last one Many felt more confident and less day, but this was a weekend trip. dependent on others in the outdoors. Attendees brought sleeping bags, perCast and Blasts are sometimes sonal gear and a fishing license. Rods, women-only, youth-only and famarchery equipment and shotguns ily events. They include educational were provided for those who didn’t events, and waterfowl, pheasant, have their own. turkey, and big game hunts. There After breakfast Saturday, everyone are plans in the works for similar trooped to the archery range and events for men. The DOW’s end goal chose from a selection of compound is to increase the hunting population, bows. Wildlife Manager Kelly Crane a vital part of game management to and three other DOW employees prevent game overcrowding, disease assisted the fledgling archers by and crop damage. correcting stances, suggesting grips The next Cast and Blast is schedand explaining the different parts uled for Sunday, June 24 in the of the bows and their adjustments. Granby area and is a women-only Each woman was allowed as many event. No experience or equipment attempts as they wanted, rotating to is required. For more information different targets and using different including prices, call 725-6200 or bows and tensions. After receiving painful “string slaps,” several women visit www.wildlife.state.co.us to register. Spaces fill up quickly, so sported wrist guards. early registration is encouraged. After lunch, it was time for fly-fishMore Cast and Blasts are scheduled ing practice. Five DOW officers enfor July and August, but have not yet sured everyone received one-on-one been announced. Check the website attention. The anglers headed up to the nearby lake. A brisk breeze didn’t for details. ■

By Terri Benson

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June 2012

Grilled Salmon & Cucumber Radish Relish

Makes: 4 servings Cooking Time: 10 minutes Relish:

1/2 c diced cucumber 1/4 c julienne radish 2 T each lemon juice chopped scallion to taste chopped dill or parsley to taste Salt and pepper to taste In medium bowl, combine cucumber, radish, lemon juice, scallion and dill. Season with salt and pepper. Salmon: 4 8-oz salmon fillets 2 T lemon juice Salt and pepper 1 package (5.2 ounces) Boursin Shallot & Chive Preheat grill or broiler on high. Sprinkle salmon fillets with lemon juice, salt and pepper. Grill or broil about 8 minutes. Spoon about 3 tablespoons Boursin on top of each fillet; continue cooking for another 2 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and Boursin has softened. Serve with Cucumber Radish relish.

Wild Blueberry Serves 10

Cheesecake Tart

with Nut Crust

Crust: 3/4 c walnuts (or almonds, or pecans) 1/2 c sugar 1-1/2 c all-purpose flour 4 oz melted butter Filling: 3 large eggs 3/4 c sugar 12 oz cream cheese, softened 1-1/2 t vanilla 1 c frozen Wild Blueberries For crust: In bowl of food processor, grind nuts until the consistency of sawdust. Add sugar and pulse to mix. Add flour and mix thoroughly. Add the melted butter through the food chute and pulse until thoroughly blended. Place nut mixture in a 15-inch springform tart pan. Preheat oven to 300째F. For filling: Beat eggs until thick and lemon colored. Beat in the sugar, cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Pour over crust mixture. Sprinkle Wild Blueberries on top of cheese mixture. Place tart pan on baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Ask the Old Bag Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle LagmanCreswick

From the Old Bag: I received a letter from a man that’s too long to print. I am going to encapsulate it and hope I hit all the salient points. This man, I will call Sam, a widower, was on his way to his favorite restaurant during a rain storm and saw a man standing in the rain with a sign which read, “Need food, need work.” Sam opened the door and said, “Get in.” He took James (not his real name) to a fast food place and they enjoyed a burger together. Sam felt he could not leave James out in the rain, so he took him home and let him sleep in the basement. As they became acquainted, James shared that he was brought to the U.S. from Nigeria by an uncle and was here illegally. He said his uncle had other children and physically abused James. James, now 22, is homeless and illegal. For three months, James has helped out Sam, doing jobs around the house and yard. Now, Sam thinks it is time for James to go out and get a real job, but wonders how he could do that with no legality. Sam is also worried that he could get arrested for harboring an illegal. He is asking for my help. Dear Sam: First of all, I am glad you are alive. Many of us would like to do what you did, but could get killed or robbed in the process. I don’t believe you are in danger of getting arrested for harboring an illegal. They are mostly looking for illegals that break the law. Now, as for James, I do not know what to tell you. I hope he will not get upset when you tell him it is time to leave. Have you had a talk with James yet? It is better to approach these things gently and not surprise him with, “It is time to leave.” You could contact an immigration attorney and see if he qualifies

HEAR MY

BEST

for any type of refuge. I hate to sound so cruel to such a nice man who would take a homeless person in and treat him so well, but I have to say that sometimes we get ourselves into messes to which the only answer is like my mother used to say to me, “You got yourself into this mess and now you have to get yourself out of it.” Good luck, O.B. Dear Old Bag: I am a good and faithful son, but I am having trouble with my mother. She is a spunky 80-year-old widow who will not admit that she should not be driving. She plays bridge, goes to the senior center, is always going out to lunch with friends, etc. The problem is that she cannot see well enough to drive. She has a type of incurable eye condition where her peripheral vision is going away. She has had one auto accident and has had several near misses. When I approach her with not driving, she feels insulted and avoids me. How do I keep her from driving before she hurts herself or someone else? Signed, Son Dear Son: This is an ongoing problem in many families. I was able to get my husband to give up his car because he was mistaking green arrows for green lights, and he was afraid he would hurt someone else. Unfortunately, we live in cities where life and cars seem to be on the fast track. Here are a few suggestions, and maybe our readers have some more: 1) Learn all you can learn about alternate modes of transportation for elderly in your community. Give them to your mother to study on her own time. 2) Ask her primary doctor and her ophthalmologist for their help. 3) If you or she have the means, you may hire a driver for her. 4) Take care of this right away before another accident occurs. O.B. ■

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

Advice & ideas 9

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June 2012

The Healthy Geezer By Fred Cicetti

Q. I’m a geezer planning to have surgery in a few months. I wondered if I could donate blood to myself in advance? Yes, you could. This is called autologous blood donation and is done in the weeks before non-emergency surgery. The blood is stored until the operation. Autologous donation is most often employed in surgery on bones, blood vessels, the urinary tract, and the heart, when the likelihood of transfusion is high. This form of blood donation is good for the patient, but it’s beneficial to society, too. According to the National Blood Data Resource Center, people over the age of 69 require half of all whole blood and red blood cells transfused. Giving blood to yourself cuts down the demand for blood. Typically, each donated unit of blood, referred to as whole blood, is separated into multiple components, such as red blood cells, plasma, platelets and antihemophilic factor for transfusion to individuals with different needs. With an aging population and advances in medical treatments requiring blood transfusions, the demand for blood increases. On any given day, an average of 38,000 units of red blood cells are needed. Volunteers donate almost all of the blood transfused in the U.S. Using current screening and donation procedures, a growing number of blood banks have found blood donation by seniors to be safe and practical. If you’re a geezer, you can probably help the cause. To be eligible to donate blood,

a person must be in good health. In general, donors must weigh at least 110 pounds. Most blood banks have no upper age limit. Donors are screened for AIDS, hepatitis and other possible problems. Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their circulation and adult females have about nine pints. The donor’s body replenishes the fluid lost from donation in about 24 hours. The lost red blood cells are generally replaced in a few weeks. Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks. What is the most common blood type? The approximate distribution of blood types in the U.S. is as follows. Distribution may be different for specific racial and ethnic groups:

Giving blood to yourself through autologous blood donation cuts down the demand for blood.

O Rh-positive - 38 percent O Rh-negative - 7 percent A Rh-positive - 34 percent A Rh-negative - 6 percent B Rh-positive - 9 percent B Rh-negative - 2 percent AB Rh-positive - 3 percent AB Rh-negative - 1 percent In an emergency, anyone can receive type O red blood cells, and type AB individuals can receive red blood cells of any ABO type. Therefore, people with type O blood are known as “universal donors,” and those with type AB blood are known as “universal recipients.” ■

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

June 2012

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Health & wellness 11

Your thyroid: an owner’s manual By Sandra Gordon

eeling anxious, tired, depressed, bloated? Notice changes in your skin or hair? Gaining or losing weight for no reason? These could be signs your thyroid is on the fritz. Your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck, is one of your body’s most important glands. It produces two main thyroid hormones, known as T3 and T4, which travel in your bloodstream and affect every organ in your body. Tiny amounts of T3 and T4 make big things happen, such as how fast your heart beats and the rate you burn calories. You’re at higher risk for thyroid issues as you get older. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with a thyroid disorder than men. Thyroid trouble tends to run in families, too. Read on to learn more about two of the most common thyroid problems, what you can do if you think your thyroid may be acting up, and why you need to pay special attention to your thyroid if you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Thyroid trouble Hypothyroidism results when your thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. It’s an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies that essentially attack the thyroid, causing it to produce less thyroid hormones than your body needs to function properly. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, depression, irregular periods or excessive menstrual bleeding, pale, dry skin, increased sensitivity to cold, joint or muscle pain, muscle weakness, a hoarse voice and possibly high levels of LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. Graves’ disease is one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism. Like Hashimoto’s, it’s an autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the body pro-

duces antibodies that are mistakenly considered the same as the hormone that stimulates the thyroid. The end result? The thyroid produces more T3 and T4 than the body needs. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include unexplained weight loss, increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, trouble sleeping, trembling in your hands and fingers, increased sweating, muscle weakness, more frequent bowel movements, and less frequent menstrual periods with lighter than normal blood flow. Keep in mind that common symptoms of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, and trouble sleeping, can overlap with other conditions such as pregnancy and perimenopause.

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Testing, Testing Nonetheless, if you think you might have a thyroid disorder, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Diagnosing a thyroid disorder starts with testing the blood level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells your thyroid to make thyroid hormones. Further testing is necessary if your TSH levels aren’t in the normal range. If you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you’ll most likely be prescribed a synthetic pill form of T4, which is among the top five of all prescriptions written in the U.S. It has few side effects and you’ll likely need to be on it the rest of your life. When you take T4, your body converts some of it to T3. A synthetic form of T3 is also available. Some physicians prescribe a combination of T4 and T3 to replace what your body isn’t making. Avoid taking thyroid medication with calcium or iron supplements, which can interfere with absorption. With hyperthyroidism, you may be prescribed medicine to block your thyroid’s ability to make new thyroid hormones, surgery to remove the thyroid or beta-blockers, medication that alters the effects of thyroid hormones on your body by reducing your heart rate. ■

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June 2012

Test your sun safety IQ By Sandra Gordon

sing sunscreen is important during the summer. Long-time exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of skin cancer in people of any age. Seniors are more vulnerable because as you age, your skin grows thinner and more delicate. Extra precaution is needed to protect the skin. So how sun smart are you when it comes to the nitty-gritty of deciphering SPFs, picking the best sunscreen, or treating mild sunburn? I guarantee you’ll learn some new facts from this quiz that will help you keep your skin healthier this summer and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Find out whether you’re doing enough to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays.

1. Which are more harmful, the sun’s: A. UVA rays B. UVB rays Answer: A and B. UVA radiation contributes to skin cancer and early skin aging because it breaks down the skin’s collagen, leading to wrinkles. UVB rays primarily cause sunburn. But UVA and UVB rays are equally harmful because both types can cause skin cancer and are considered carcinogens. To safeguard your skin from both types of rays, zone in on the words “broad spectrum” at the sunscreen counter. According to the new Food and Drug Administration’s requirements effective this summer, which regulated the label lingo for over-the-counter sunscreen products and apply to cosmetics and moisturizers labeled with SPF values too, “broad spectrum” means the sunscreen has passed a standardized test indicating that it protects against UVA and UVB proportionally.

2. Which is better at protecting you from the sun: A. Waterproof sunscreen B. Sweatproof sunscreen C. Sunblock D. None of the above

Answer: D. No sunscreens are “waterproof,” “sweatproof” or can qualify as “sunblock.” You won’t get bogged down by those label terms anymore because they’ve been eliminated. That’s because all sunscreens eventually wash off and sunblock overstates a sunscreen’s effectiveness. You may see the words “water resistant,” which means that the sunscreen remains effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. If you’ll be sweating or swimming, definitely get a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with a sunprotection factor of 15 or higher.

3. You’re at highest risk for sunburn: A. at the beach B. at the pool C. on a hike in the mountains D. on city streets Answer: A, B and C. The beach, the pool, and the mountains are all serious sunburn spots. In or near the water, everyone gets a double whammy of ultraviolet radiation because of the harmful rays from above and those reflecting off the water. At high altitudes, the sun’s rays are also more dangerous because they’re more concentrated. The sun is less of a threat on city streets because some rays are absorbed by the buildings and the asphalt, but you can still get burned if you don’t wear sunscreen. Remember that you can also get burned through a car window or on a cloudy or hazy day if you’re not protected. “You can’t see or feel ultraviolet radiation, but it’s there and it can be powerful,” Professor of dermatology and surgery at the Yale School of Medicine David J. Leffell said.

4. True or false: You don’t need to reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating if the product you’re using is water resistant. Answer: False. “Water resistant sunscreen isn’t 100 percent waterresistant,” dermatologist Jim Chow said. The pool, the ocean, sweat,

June 2012 even drying yourself with a towel can wash or rub it off. Your best bet? Reapply water resistant sunscreen, or any sunscreen for that matter, every two hours. Read the label and reapply as directed.

5. True or false: A sunscreen with a SPF of 30 protects you twice as long as one with an SPF of 15. Answer: False. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks 96 to 97 percent of the sun’s rays, only 2 to 3 percent more than a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 does. Still, if you’re going to be in the sun for more than a couple of hours, opt for the higher number. “The extra 2 to 3 percent of protection can make a difference,” dermatologist and skin cancer specialist Kathleen Behr said. But more isn’t necessarily better.

According to the FDA, products with an SPF of more than 50 haven’t been shown to provide greater protection. That’s why you’ll see that the maximum SPF value on sunscreens is now just “50+.” For the best protection against the sun’s bad rays, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 50.

6. The best way to soothe mild sunburn is to: A. apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly B. take a bath, then put on moisturizer C. just leave your skin alone. It will heal faster by itself. Answer: B. The bath will cool you off, and a basic moisturizer (doctors like Lubriderm and Keri) helps replenish your dried out skin. To reduce inflammation, take ibuprofen within the first 48 hours. Stay out of

Health & wellness 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com the sun until your sunburn is healed.

7. True or false: Most sunscreens have a shelf life of: A. 1 year B. 5 years C. depends on the brand Answer: A. Even if the product that’s been hanging around in your medicine cabinet has a later expiration date on the bottle, it’s best to replace your sunscreen every summer to be sure it’s as effective as possible.

8. The very best way to protect yourself from the sun’s burning rays is by: A. wearing a brimmed hat and other clothing that will block out the sun B. staying in the shade C. using a broad spectrum sunscreen D. all of the above Answer: D. All of the above. “Sunscreen is only one component,” Behr said. Try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest. If that’s unrealistic, take frequent shade breaks. At the beach, wear a hat, and try to cover up with shirt or a beach towel at least part of the day.

9. It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen: A. 30 minutes before going out in the sun B. 10 minutes before going out in the sun C. as soon as you get outside Answer: A. Because sunscreen needs plenty of time to penetrate the skin, apply a generous amount of sunscreen about half an hour before going outside. Some people can burn very quickly, especially under the summer’s intense rays. Worse, you can’t necessarily tell when you’re getting fried. Often, a sunburn doesn’t show up until that night or the next morning. Even if your skin does start to look pink while you’re in the sun, the damage is already done. ■

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Site stewards protect history By Marsha Kearns

wo men walk to a small rise in the expanse of low, scrub-covered lands in the southeastern Utah desert. They check their map of the district, which may or may not be entirely accurate. They are there to monitor cultural resources within a national historic landmark encompassing 2,200 acres that holds over 100 known ruins from a community of ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi). Larry Boyce, 71, and Jim Kearns, 58, are site stewards for the Utah Site Steward Program, funded by the Bureau of Land Management. There

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are also site steward programs in Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. The programs are a private-public partnership designed to help protect cultural resources likely to be subject to high visitation rates, making them prime areas for vandalism, pot hunting, erosion, or overuse by livestock. “If each visitor takes just one shard of pottery, soon the land will be barren of the remnants of these ancient civilizations and future visitors, and BLM archaeologists will be deprived of the opportunity to experience a time long past and learn from these artifacts,” Boyce said.

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The people who used to inhabit the Four Corners area lived there for hundreds of years. This extended community is important historically because it establishes a critical link between the Basketmaker people, who are identified primarily for their use of baskets, and the Puebloans. These indications suggest they were the same evolving culture. “I’m not superstitious, but as a long-time student of anthropology, in particular, the ways in which the human mind has been shaped by ancient civilizations, I get a strong emotional sense of connection while walking among the ruins of this early culture,” Boyce said. The BLM and National Park Service are not adequately funded to provide oversight of the thousands of ancient ruins in San Juan County, Utah, alone, so they depend heavily on the volunteer services of site stewards. The volunteers typically visit their assigned sites two or three times a year and report back any changes or intrusions to the BLM. Site stewards are the eyes and ears of the BLM, performing educational duties by informing visitors of the sensitive nature of the sites they are charged to monitor. The curator at the Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding told Boyce about a national historic landmark established in 1964, which they had tried to get designated as a district, and she asked him to look into it. In the process, Boyce learned that the

June 2012 area had been designated a national historic landmark district in 1985. Nobody had been notified. He saw the value of protecting this area, talked to the site steward coordinator, and opted into the program. He then enlisted the help of his friend, Kearns. The two have been tag-teaming the 2,200-acre area since 2010. “I’m interested in history, and being a site steward provides me a direct connection to a culture that inhabited the southwest before the Europeans,” Kearns said. “In perspective, these ancient cultures lasted for thousands of years. Europeans looked upon this land as uninhabitable. It’s fun and exciting to discover how wrong they were.” There is an ongoing need for site stewards. Site stewards are provided training, professional advice from BLM and archaeologists, and workshops on basic archaeology. “It’s fun to speculate the reasons people chose this inhospitable area to live,” Kearns said. “Were they protecting their water supply, the springs and seeps that aren’t readily apparent? Was it a last gasp attempt at surviving before they had to give up the land and leave? We may never know for sure.” For information on the Utah Site Steward program, email sandydant@ aol.com. To learn about site stewardship in Grand Junction, visit www. voc.org/grandjunction, where you can sign up for the next training in November. ■

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Site stewards explore sites and find surprises like this small cliff dwelling, which Boyce (left) and Kearns (right) found in a hidden canyon below one of their large mesa-top ruins.

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God’s creations Submitted by Robert Breazeale The last two things God created were man and woman. Now, it seems to me that the human race is determined to ruin all of God’s creations that came before. A friend of mine told me that he had it figured out. “I don’t think God created everything in six days and then rested on the seventh,” he said. “I think he rested for six days and then pulled an all-nighter.”

Please call Fran at Beef Taco Salad 243-9844 for nu- Marinated Carrots trition questions or Orange Wedges for nutrition counseling services.

Beef Lasagna Snap Beans Spinach Mandarin Salad Fruit Compote Italian Bread

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RESERVATION & CANCELLATIONS required at least a business day in advance. If you have not received your meal by 12:45 p.m., call 243-9844 ext.. 1. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

June 2012

Giving up golf Submitted by Terry Campbell At 90 years old, Arthur played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago. One day he arrived home looking downcast. “That’s it,” he told his wife. “I’m giving up golf. My eyesight has gotten so bad that once I hit the ball, I can’t see where it went.” His wife sympathized with him and said, “Why don’t you take my brother with you and give it one more try?” “That’s no good,” Arthur said. “Your brother is 103. He can’t help.” “He may be 103 years old,” his wife said. “But his eyesight is perfect.” The next day, Arthur headed off to the golf course with his brotherin-law. He teed up, took an almighty swing, and squinted down the fairway. He turned to his brother-in-law. “Did you see the ball?” Arthur asked. “Of course I did,” Arthur’s brotherin-law said. “I have perfect eyesight.” “Where did it go?” Arthur asked. “Can’t remember.”

Let me get you a fork Submitted by Jeanette Kiphart An elderly lady answered a knock on the door one day and was confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner. “Good morning,” the young man said. “If I could take up a couple minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in highpowered vacuum cleaners.” “Go away,” the woman said. “I’m broke and haven’t got any money.”

She proceeded to close the door, but quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed it wide open. “Don’t be too hasty,” he said. “Not until you have at least seen my demonstration.” With that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet. “Now, if this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, madam, I will personally eat the remainder,” he said. The old lady stepped back and said, “Well let me get you a fork because they cut off my electricity this morning.”

Secrets to a happy marriage Submitted by Karen Jones An elderly woman was sipping on a glass of wine while sitting on the patio with her husband. “I love you so much,” she said. “I don’t know how I could ever live without you.” “Is that you or the wine talking?” her husband asked. “It’s me,” she replied, “talking to the wine.”

I love my grandkids Submitted by Jacque Stafford A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather’s word processor. She told him she was writing a story. “What’s it about?” he asked. “I don’t know,” she said. “I can’t read yet.”

A prosperous business Submitted by Charlene Lampe Two young businessmen were sitting down for a break in their soonto-be new store, located in a shopping mall. The store wasn’t ready yet, having only a few shelves and display racks set up. One man said to the other, “I’ll bet that any minute now, some senior is going to walk by, put his face to the

June 2012

Laughing matters 17

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window, and ask what we’re selling.” A moment later, a curious senior gentleman walked up to the window, looked around intensely and rapped on the glass. In a loud voice he asked, “What are you selling here?” One of the men snickered and replied, “We’re selling ass-holes.” “You must be doing well,” the old timer said. “Only two left.”

Where babies come from Submitted by Lily Flanagan One day, 6-year-old Annie came home from her first family planning lesson at school. “How did it go?” her mother asked. “I almost died of shame!” Annie replied. “John, from over the road, said that storks bring babies. Sally, from next door, said you buy babies at the orphanage. Eric, in my class, said you can buy babies at the hospital.” Her mother laughed and said, “That’s no reason to be ashamed.”

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“No,” Annie said. “But I can’t tell them that we were so poor that Daddy had to make me himself!”

Dead mule Submitted by Greg Austin Curtis and Leroy saw an ad in the local newspaper and bought a mule for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day. The next morning, the farmer drove up and said, “Sorry fellas, I have some bad news. The mule died last night.” “Well, just give us our money back,” they said. “I can’t do that,” the farmer said. “I already spent it.” “Just bring us the dead mule,” they said. “What in the world are you going to do with a dead mule?” the farmer asked. “We’re going to raffle him off,” Curtis said. “You can’t raffle off a dead mule,”

S E N I O R

the farmer said. “We shore can,” Leroy said. “We don’t hafta tell nobody he’s dead.” A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis and Leroy at the grocery store. He asked, “What’d you fellas ever do with that dead mule?” “We raffled him off like we said we was gonna do,” Leroy said. “Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer $2 a piece and made a profit of $898.” “My lord,” the farmer said. “Didn’t anyone complain?” “Well, the feller who won got upset,” Leroy said. “So we gave him his $2 back.” Curtis and Leroy now work for the government. They’re overseeing the Economic Recovery Program.

An unusual funeral Submitted by Kevin Ray A man was leaving a convenience store with his morning coffee when he noticed a most unusual funeral procession approaching the nearby cemetery. A black hearse was followed by a second, about 50 feet

L I V I N G

behind the first. Behind the second hearse was a solitary man walking a dog on a leash. Behind him, a short distance back, were about 200 men walking single file. The man couldn’t stand the curiosity. He respectfully approached the man walking the dog and said, “I am so sorry for your loss. This may be a bad time to disturb you, but I’ve never seen a funeral like this. Whose funeral is it?” “My wife’s,” the man replied. “What happened to her?” “She yelled at me and my dog attacked and killed her.” “But who is in the second hearse?” “My mother-in-law,” the man said. “She was trying to help my wife when the dog turned on her.” A very poignant and touching moment of brotherhood and silence passed between the two men. “Can I borrow the dog?” “Get in line.” ■ Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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Rock shelters of prehistoric man the floor. Artifacts recovered showed it was inhabited by Basketmaker II rchaeologists have found evipeoples, the first post-archaic culturdence suggesting that the first al period of ancient Pueblo people. humans reached the western contiThere was evidence of corn, squash, nent by way of a broad land bridge acorns, nuts, berries and small mambetween Alaska and Siberia. It is also mals. Over 100 different kinds of believed that the Asiatic migrants artifacts were recovered including who reached stone beads, America 12,000 wooden gaming to 15,000 years balls, cordage of ago spread rapfiber, skin pouchidly across North es, feathers and America. These basketry pieces, primitive stone indicating a fairly aged humans rich culture. adapted to whatThe most ever lands they unique find was a chose to occupy. sheathed “dagDuring the ger” in a deco1940s, Clarrated sheath. The ence T. Hurst of sheath is a holWestern State low bone about College in Gun- Karen Schafer and her friend, Debbie Spor, in 5 inches long. nison conducted Tabeguache II. The outside is archaeological decorated with 105 notches cut parinvestigations in Tabeguache Caves I allel to each other. The dagger is of and II near Nucla. a thorn like material about 4 inches In 1990, I was part of a group of long fastened to a leather thong by archaeology students that assisted yucca cord that is wrapped around in measuring and cataloging Hurst’s collection of artifacts recovered from it. Timbers in the cave had charred butts indicating they were felled by those caves. The collections are now fire. Several fire pits were discovered curated at the museum on the Westat different layers as the floor of the ern State College campus. cave was excavated down. Twenty years later I reside near The second cave lies at the base of Nucla and have the opportunity to a big U bend in Tabeguache Creek. visit Tabeguache Caves whenever It is 116 feet across and 76 feet deep I choose. The first rock shelter is with south exposure. It nestles in approximately 10 miles northeast of Nucla and the second is approximate- Dakota sandstone. The cave walls and ceiling are covered with ancient ly 10 miles northwest. Tabeguache smoke deposits. (pronounced tab-a-watch) canyon is Recovery of artifacts indicated an a rugged and beautiful place. Perpenearly Basketmaker I, an intermediate dicular red sandstone walls tower nomadic people. The Tabeguache II over 300 feet in some places. The first cave is located at the head cave floor was also excavated down 4 feet. The very deepest layer showed of a steep gully on the south side of signs of pre-Basketmaker peoples, the canyon not visible from Indian which were called the Tabeguache. Trail. It is screened by trees and It was in the fourth layer that the last brush. The shelter is 125 feet across of 14 fireplaces was found. Archaeand has an overhang of 40 feet. The cave was excavated down 4 feet into ologists called it a “kitchen,” as it is

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complete with fireplace, seed grinder and ceremonial pot hole. A new projectile point was discovered in one of the levels. The only one even remotely like it was excavated in the Great Salt Lake region. The deepest layer of Tabeguache II showed evidence of pre-Basketmaker Other artifacts peoples, which were called the Tabeguache. found were it is high. I have visited the second hammer stones, scrapers, projectile several times. A person can drive a points, large quantities of yucca, Jeep or truck to the creek, then hike cordage, gaming pieces, arrow forea short distance to the cave. It is a shafts, stone knives scrapers, dart fairly easy climb up the mountain. points, sandstone beads, choppers Sitting in the wide open mouth and bundles of feathers. One bundle had 81 tail feathers from several blue of the cave, I have a grand view of the canyon below. Silence is broken grouse. Also unearthed were nine only by an occasional hawk cry or small pot holes filled with ash. After coyote call. If I listen carefully to the much discussion the consensus was that they were ceremonial fireplaces. pinyon-cedar breezes that spin and curl around me, I hear the laughter of I have not been to the first cave. children, the murmuring of women The degree of difficulty getting to grinding corn, Co voices of the lor ad elders speaking o Turner-Look Riv er and whispers of ancient life. Grand Junction Luster Cave Roth Cave For more Little Park information on Glade Park the artifacts in Alva and Taylor Sites the museum at Western State College, call KEY the archaeology Archaeological Site Modern City department at General Location for Multiple Gateway 943-2015. ■ Sites Coombs Cave Locality Ri

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20 Local lore

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Thawing out for Summer 2012!

The local five and dimes Part 2 By Sandi Cameron

T Wonderworks Exhibit Company

June

2 9 14 16 25-29 29 & 30

summer CAlendAr

ZOOriffic Arts & Crafts Fair Cross Orchards HeRiTAge DAy Marble & Redstone Trip Ute Legends Trip Cross Orchards Kid’s Camp DiNOsAUR DAys

July

Don't forget we have Dinosaur expeditions, too - but too many to list! see details on our website!

9-13 Cross Orchards Kid’s Camp 14 Canyon Pintado Rock Art Trip 21 independence & Aspen Trip 21-24 River History & Rock Art Trip 27-28 Mountain Tops & Alpine Meadows 30-8/3 Cross Orchards Kid’s Camp

www.museumofwesternco.org

August 2 3-4 18 24-25

Devil’s Canyon Full Moon Hike Cambrian Trilobites of Utah’s House Range Natural History of Fly Fishing Climbing a 14er(s)

september

14 & 15 TwO RiveRs CHAUTAUqUA

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Proceeds support the mission of Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado 3090 North 12th Street • Grand Junction, Colorado www.spoonsbistroandbakery.com

June 2012

he Woolworth’s buyers were quick to recognize the potential of character products linked to the movies. Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney in 1928, appeared on bendy toys by 1929. Shortly after, the motif appeared on sweet wrappers and jigsaw puzzles. Of all the characters in the movies in the 1930s, Snow White was favored. Special window displays were created and in many of the larger branches, a salesgirl became Snow White for the day. Shoppers eagerly bought goods that featured the animated characters that they had seen on the silver screen. Also, sheet music sold included popular numbers from favorite movies.

Pianos were common in homes and families often had sing-alongs after visiting the cinema. In its early years, Woolworth’s rarely advertised. Occasionally handbills were produced to support a store opening and there were rare press advertisements to support big product launches like gold rings, Woolco Cotton and Lorraine Hairnets. But that was the limit. F. W. Woolworth believed that nice window displays were sufficient advertising. After a period of wage dispute in the 1930s, the managers gave in to workers’ demands, but cut the work force and changed the design of the store to allow customers to have more self-help opportunities to cut overhead costs. Most people made trips to the five and dime for birthday, shower and Christmas gifts. During World

June 2012

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Local lore 21

Denver had the world’s largest Woolworth’s store, in October of 1963.

earn $28 for a 40-hour week, plus tips. This Woolworth’s had a well-guarded back door in an effort to restrict petty thieves. With a strip of four pictures for a quarter, the photo booth was of great interest to young couples and close friends. The various departments enticed all ages, including the sections for ‘45 records, make-up, fabric, tools, candy and toys. It was a perfect location for a child The Woolworth’s building in New York City nearing to spend his or her weekly alcompletion, July 1, 1912. It was the world’s tallest lowance (along with the local building with 57 stories. theater, of course). War II, Woolworths’ richly illustrated Woolworth’s had become the largmagazine carried the theme “Let est department store chain in the Christmas be merry and bright…for world by 1979, its 100th anniversary, all.” It suggested ways to brighten according to the Guinness Book of one’s home with candles and decora- World Records. F. W. Woolworth paid tions from the five and ten. By 1940, $13.5 million a number of items had reached $1, in 1913 to build a price significantly higher than the the world’s original nickel or dime. tallest buildAlong with the expected merchaning, 57 stories dise at Grand Junction’s Woolworth’s, high, in New a lunch counter was available. The York City. The corporation originally incorporated steel-framed lunch counters because of the sucSymes Buildcess of the counters in the first Briting in Denver, ish store in Liverpool. In 1929, Woolat 16th Street worth’s announced that it had served and Champa, 90 million lunches that year alone. was built in The dining section in Grand Junc1906 and until tion also contained a number of the 1970s, was booths where patrons could order home to one banana splits or malted milks for 25 of the largest cents, sandwiches for 50 cents, pie Woolworth’s for 15 cents a slice, or large Cocastores in the Colas for 10 cents. Waitresses could world.

All in all, the five and dimes were popular with all members of the family and an easy stop on Main Street America, missed now by many who fondly remember the icecold malted milk and baked ham and cheese three-decker sandwich, savored while shopping with a friend. Is there room for that 15-cent slice of apple pie? The dime store bargains weren’t hay, but as Yogi Berra so aptly quoted, “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.” With appreciation for research material to the online Woolworth’s Museum, Museum of the West, and Karen Plunkett-Powell. ■

ABOVE: “It was a lucky April shower, It was a most convenient door; I found a Million Dollar Baby, at the Five and Ten Cent store.” - Composed by Billy Rose

LEFT: An elaborate dime store window display for Whistle Orange Soda, “the food drink.” Washington, D.C., circa 1921. “Whistle Bottling Works. Woolworth window.” National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

22 Recreation

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Fun after fifty

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Senior Recreation Center 550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

The Senior Recreation Center offers activities for seniors age 50 and older. The center is open Monday - Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Annual membership is $5.00.

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

June 2012

Ev e n ts

Monday

9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday

9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

Cribbage & Pool Tourney Gray Gourmet Bingo

Wednesday

9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

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

Thursday

9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

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

Friday

9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:45 p.m.

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

Saturday

8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

Bridge Class Bridge Bingo

Sunday

1:00 p.m.

Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday)

By Lorie Gregor, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

et your friends together and sign up for one or more of these fantastic day trips. To register for these trips, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjcity.org. July 7

Lavender Festival Enjoy the many creations, edibles, and crafts made with lavender at the second annual Lavender Festival in Palisade. Lunch will be on your own at one of the many quaint cafés downtown. We will visit Sage Creations Organic Farm, where you can pick your own lavender for $5 a bundle. To finish off the day, we will go for wine tasting and a tour of Carlson Vineyards. The van leaves at 10 a.m. from the Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $20. July 10

Colorado National Monument Bus Tour Feast your eyes on the incredible scenery and learn hidden secrets about the Colorado National Monument. This ranger guided bus tour goes gate to gate and follows the 23mile historic Rim Rock Drive. There will be a few stops at the various lookouts along the way. The school bus departs from the Lincoln Park Barn at 8 a.m. Bring a sack lunch for a picnic on the Monument. Cost is $10. Registration deadline is July 6.

Fruita Senior Center activities To register for any of the following trips, call the Fruita Community Center at 858-0360 or visit www. fruita.org. June 9

Adventure Hike Take a hike with us and meet other local hiking enthusiasts. These halfday hikes are offered once a month. Be equipped with good hiking shoes, water and sack lunch. Meet at the Fruita Community Center at 7 a.m. Cost is $5.

June 10

Senior dance The theme is “Wish Upon a Star.” Dance and Father’s Day celebration is 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $3. June 15

Grand Junction Museum Tours This tour includes the Allen Unique Auto Museum, Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, and the Historic Downtown Walking Tour. Wear good shoes. Takes place 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Cost is $25. Dinner is on your own. June 23

Moab Daily Take a day trip to Arches National Park to experience the geologic sandstone arches. We’ll stop to observe Indian petroglyphs. Wear good shoes. Meet at the Fruita Community Center at 7 a.m. Cost is $40. June 25

Mystery Night Dress the part, collect the clues, and solve the mystery. Snacks provided. Takes place at the Fruita Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $10. Register by June 18. July 15

“Cats” at the Avalon There is no pussy-footing around when it comes to the longest running musical in Broadway history. Join us for a matinee at 1 p.m. and dinner in downtown Grand Junction. Meet at the Fruita Community Center. Cost is $35. July 28

Ouray Day Trip Take a walking tour of 19th century Victorian homes and buildings in Ouray. Visit Box Canyon Waterfall and Park. Wear good shoes, as there will be walking involved. Meet at the Fruita Community Center at 8 a.m. Cost is $40.

Writers’ support group A network for novice writers meet at 10:30 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month at the Fruita Library, 324 N. Coulson St. Call 858-7604 for more information. ■

June 2012

Housing Resources can help Benoit said. “It was hard to choose because they had many nice choices.” re you worried about living At the time, being in a wheel chair safely and independently at was a possibility for Benoit, so they home? Do you need to make modifications to your home, but can’t afford widened the doorways in her home. They also repaired loose transition it? There may be help. boards and installed a handicap acHousing Resources of Western cessible shower with grab bars. Colorado’s Housing Rehabilitation “I had a tub, but I couldn’t get in it program provides low and moderwithout slipping,” Benoit said. “My ate income homeowners the means new shower has made a world of difto repair and upgrade their homes ference.” The patio in the backyard through a low to no interest loan was made of rickety wooden boards, program. Improvements and repairs which were replaced with concrete. can be made to plumbing, electrical, A sliding screen door windows, roofing, was also installed. handicap accessible “I spend a lot of modifications, fountime on my patio,” dation and siding. All improvements must Benoit said. “It’s my be attached to the little paradise.” house. Benoit said the “The program usuprocess took about ally has a waiting list,” 2-3 months. She Program Coordinator said the way Hunter Jani Hunter said. “But oversaw the project we’re having a hard was comforting. “She time finding eligible Benoit had many improvements made, does a really good job including having her doorways widened. people because we explaining things,” have to secure the deed of trust. To Benoit said. “When you get to be my do that, they must have equity in age, its hard to tell who’s trustwortheir home. Seniors are really good at thy. It’s nice to have someone see the protecting their equity. After we do whole process through.” our work, they have to have at least 5 The loans taken out to pay for the percent equity.” project are secured by a promissory Annette Benoit is a senior that note and deed of trust. Loan interest enlisted the program’s help last sumrates range from 0-3 percent. mer. Benoit, 76, originally contacted “They give you a reasonable price Housing Resource’s Weatherization to pay each month,” Benoit said. program to see if she was eligible for “They really work with your budget.” an energy and weatherization audit. Hunter said payments are based During the audit, she was told about on what the client can pay, not the the Housing Rehabilitation program. “It was hard for me to get around at amount of money they borrow. Payhome,” Benoit said. “I was concerned ments, interest rates and terms can be renegotiated if the income of the about safety, and like many seniors, I client changes. All loans must be paid want to stay in my home longer.” in full when the property is sold, Benoit has lived in her home since given away, or inherited. 2006. Once approved for the pro“It’s an excellent program for gram, Hunter came to inspect her seniors,” Benoit said. “There’s somehome for needed repairs. thing special about staying at home.” Hunter oversees the entire proTo apply, or for more information cess. Once repairs are discussed, she on Housing Resources of Western brings together a pool of contractors for the client to choose from. Colorado and the Housing Rehabilita“All of the contractors were great,” tion program, call 773-9739. ■

By Cloie Sandlin

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Sometimes the Grass iS Greener!

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24 gardening Over 65 years combined experience!

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2012

Gardening made easy

bend over as far and may be able to garden on a stool or sitting in a chair. There’s also the possibility of three season gardening. Soil in a raised bed will warm up earlier, allowing you to grow your spring crops earlier. You can construct a simple plastic covering, which will allow you to extend your gardening into the fall. The biggest drawback is cost. You will need to consider the cost of building materials and soil to fill your raised bed. It is best to start your garden with a mixture of sterilized soil and compost. Because you are doing a form of intensive gardening, you will need to add compost regularly to ensure the garden’s fertility. Not all plants are suitable for a raised bed. Plants that require a large growing space will overtake a raised bed. Another issue with raised bed gardening is watering. You will have great drainage, but your raised bed will dry out quicker than a conventional garden bed. Adjust your watering practices. Mulching your plants adds to the organic health of the soil and keeps moisture from drying out. Another possibility is installing a drip irrigation system that allows you to target water directly to your plants. Raised bed gardening is a wonderful way to continue to enjoy gardening as a senior. It means less hard chores like weeding and soil cultivation, and more of the great benefits of gardening like fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers. ■

a raised bed using modular cement blocks or any untreated lumber. ardening provides many health Avoid treated lumber because the and recreation benefits as well chemicals will leach out into the soil as a sense of accomplishment for and poison your plants. seniors. A raised bed allows seniors One of the benthe opportunity to efits of raised bed continue gardening gardening is the on a manageable ability to control scale in almost any the quality of your setting. soil. It allows you Location is the to design a soil first consideration mix that will be when building a most beneficial to raised bed. Most your plants. Convegetables need six sult your local garto eight hours of den supply store sunlight each day. for advice. Another Many flowers and benefit is the lack early spring plants of compaction to can be grown in your soil by foot partial shade. A traffic in your garraised bed is a den. This means a semi-permanent great environment landscape feature, for your plants to so a thoughtful Cheryl Currier takes care of her raised bed thrive. Raised beds plan, which takes gardens at her home in Rifle. allow you to grow into consideration plants closer together, which means what you would like to grow and where to build the raised garden, will you will need less fertilizer. You will also have fewer problems with greatly increase your success. weeds. Depending on the height The easiest way to build a raised you build your raised bed and where bed is to purchase a kit sold by various garden retailers. These kits come you locate it, access to your garden can be adjusted so working in your in a variety of shapes and sizes, are garden will be much easier on your simple to put together, and made of suitable materials. You can also build back and joints. You will not have to

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June 2012

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gardening 25

Create interest in your home with curb appeal By Kathy Kimbrough, Garden Scentsations re you thinking about selling your home in the near future? Here’s a test for you. Go outside, stand in the street and look at your home. What is the first thing you see? Look at everything on the lot—the landscaping, driveway, roof, exterior house paint, the front porch, etc. Would you Before consider buying your house if you drove by it today? Visualize your home and property from the buyer’s point of view. Today’s buyers often do a lot of house hunting prior to hiring a Realtor. They are looking for certain neighborhood qualities, or the perfect location for their family and lifestyle. If they see out of control landscaping or the exterior of the home looking shabby or dirty, they just might drive by and look somewhere else. If a homeowner doesn’t keep the exterior of their home in good condition, the buyers may assume they don’t keep the inside in good condition either. Even if your home is in their price range and is located in the right neighborhood, they may feel there are too many repairs or renovations needed on the outside to even consider looking at the inside. Savvy sellers often “stage” the inside of their homes to increase buyers’ interest. Staging means removing clutter, painting rooms in neutral tones and cleaning everything. Staging on the outside is as important as staging on the inside. With an effective curb appeal makeover, you can: • increase your showings • eliminate price reductions • get top dollar • close quicker with less conditions

Here, you can see what some colorful shrubs and flowers can do to liven up a front entryway.

AFTER In this competitive market, every day on the market costs you time and money. A curb appeal makeover could be what you need to get your property noticed and sold quickly for top dollar. Also, most curb appeal makeovers cost substantially less than the average price reduction. A few simple things will make your property exterior and landscape get noticed, be market ready and bring top dollar to the closing table. • Clean, clean, clean. Power wash the driveway, hose down the exterior of the house, and clean windows • Remove any children’s toys, lawn equipment, and building materials. Store them in a shed or garage. • Repair anything that needs it. Check the doorbell, porch light, screen door, mailbox, steps, etc. • Paint the front door, using a beautiful, contrasting color from the body of your house. • Trim any oversized shrubs or trees. • If your landscape is bare or minimal, add a new tree and a few shrubs. • Maintain the lawn by fertilizing, watering and mowing on a regular basis. • Get control of the weeds in the lawn and around the rest of your property.

A curb appeal makeover could be what you need to get your property noticed and sold quickly for top dollar.

• Plant some cheerful, colorful annuals for season long color and interest. • Place several plant-filled pots around the front porch or along the sidewalk leading to the front door. These are just a few things you can do to improve your curb appeal. Walk around your property and see what else might need to be done.

View your property like a buyer and you’ll be surprised at what you see. For more information on improving your curb appeal and for your other gardening needs, contact Kathy Kimbrough, owner of Garden Scentsations, at 255-1312 or 216-0643. You can also visit www.gardenscent sations.blogspot.com or email kkimbro49@yahoo.com. ■

Celebrating 10 Years!

26 Finance

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com WRITING AN OBITUARY

Richard W. Lewis, Funeral Director

When you make your funeral prearrangements, you may want to give consideration to your obituary. While some individuals opt to write their own obituaries, others chose to simply leave some guidelines for the eventual writer. There are also those who prefer that no obituary be written or simply have no preference about it at all. We can offer several tools to assist you in preparing this last tribute to your loved one or for yourself in advance of need. There are two types of publications, death notices and obituaries. A death notice is simply a brief notice of a personâ€™s passing, immediate next of kin, and any planned services. An obituary details a personâ€™s life and generally includes time and date of death, biographical information, education and work information, hobbies, a list of those who preceded the individual in death, a list of survivors, funeral or memorial service times and location memorial contributions. Death notices are generally printed at no charge by local newspapers as a community service and the length of the notice is limited. Additionally, death notices are run as space is available rather than on a for obituaries based on the number of words or lines requested. There is also an additional charge to include a photo. Most newspapers require payment for an obituary before scheduling it for printing. families chose not to publish obituaries in newspapers. The internet has opened up a new manner of the services of Martin Mortuary, we will publish an obituary on our website at no charge. We can also place a single photo or photo gallery online along with an online guest book where family and friends who live out of town may leave their condolences. Here at Martin Mortuary, your local Dignity MemorialÂŽ provider, we do our very best to provide our families with as many options as possible so needs. We have been serving families in the Grand Valley and surrounding areas since 1917. Please feel free to visit our mortuary at 550 North Avenue, and if a question arises, do not hesitate to contact us at 970-243-1538 to set up an appointment, or visit our website: www.MartinMortuary.com. Whether you desire cremation or burial, Martin Mortuary now provides the security of insurance funded funeral prearrangements.

June 2012

Avoid rude rental car surprises By Jason Alderman

â€™m usually a pretty savvy traveler, but a recent car rental mishap reminded me that even when you take every precaution, things can still go awry. While planning a family vacation to Panama, I searched online for rental cars. One lower-cost rental car agency Iâ€™d never used before offered a significantly lower rate than the others. Ignoring the little voice in my head, I decided to try them. Long story short: Although our flight was only one hour late, when I arrived bleary-eyed at the counter, I was told that my car had already been given away, but I could upgrade to the next level for twice the price. After getting the runaround from the companyâ€™s U.S.-based customer service department and learning that everyone elseâ€™s rates had climbed equally high, I was basically stuck. That experience taught me three lessons: A reservation isnâ€™t necessarily a guarantee; when traveling abroad, use trusted vendorsâ€”especially if it sounds too good to be true; and do better due diligence by researching travel columnists and message boards for rental tips, possible pitfalls and customer complaints. Several car rental methods are available: â€˘ Book directly from a rental agency (usually cheaper online than by phone). â€˘ Comparison shop at websites like Priceline, Orbitz or Hotwire (although, Iâ€™ll now be wary of buying a â€œblindâ€? rental where you donâ€™t learn the carrierâ€™s name until after you pay). â€˘ As part of a package including airfare and lodging. I usually open several browser tabs to compare rentals side by side. Rates change constantly, so todayâ€™s price may be much lower (or higher) than tomorrowâ€™s. Other tips: â€˘ Book the best deal you can now and check back for lower rates. â€˘ Incorporate additional fees and taxes into your comparison. Some-

times they donâ€™t all show up until the â€œTotalâ€? page. â€˘ Look for discount codes from membership organizations like AAA, AARP and airline frequent flyer programs. â€˘ Consider picking up your car at a non-airport location where rates are usually, but not always, much lower. Other decision-making factors include: â€˘ Airport shuttle convenience. â€˘ Fees for exceeding mileage allowances, alternate location return, late returns, or additional drivers. â€˘ Fuel refilling charges â€“ you may do better refilling the car yourself. Use a website/phone app like GasBuddy to find cheaper gas in the area. â€˘ Surcharge for drivers under 25. Rental agencies offer their own collision, liability, theft and other insurance coverage. Conventional wisdom says to avoid this route if your own insurance plans or benefits available from your credit card provide similar coverage. However, before automatically rejecting agency coverage, ask your insurance company and credit card issuer whether you are fully covered. Consider factors that may exclude coverage such as: â€˘ Renting longer than 30 days. â€˘ Certain models are excluded. â€˘ Travel outside specified service areas. â€˘ Whether or not you carry comprehensive and collision coverage on your own car. â€˘ Violating rental agreement terms (reckless driving, unauthorized drivers, etc.). Before you take possession, thoroughly inspect the car for any preexisting damage and note it on your contract, otherwise you could receive a hefty bill for someone elseâ€™s minor scratches and dents. Conduct a thorough walkthrough when you return the car. Bottom line: Donâ€™t gamble your precious vacation on simply finding the cheapest deal. Sometimes you get what you pay for. â–

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Quilting 27

Creating color on a quilted canvas fabric or thinned acrylic paint, similar to watercolor on canvas. The uilting has been a skill and picture is then thread painted and expression of creativity that has machine quilted to accentuate the been passed down for generations. design. But creativity can go one step farther Art quilts can be as small as a postwith quilt art, where artists utilize card or as large as 50 inches by 60 traditional quilting techniques and inches. They can be sold in the same exhibit quilts for their artistic imagway as any fine art—through art ery, rather than functionality. shows and online. Schafer has exhibEldrid Schafer of Clifton is an active ited her work in most AQuA shows in member of the Art Quilt Associathe last five years and some indepention (AQuA), a Grand Junction-based dently throughout the U.S. During a group comprised of artists from all show, jurors over Colorado look at despecializing sign, balance, in quilts as art the technique rather than used, quality bed coverings. of work and Growing up if the design in Parshall, is true to the Colorado, show’s theme. Schafer spent Schafer much of her has received time outdoors. several juror Saddling her mentions for horse early her quilts. in the mornHer piece, ings, she “Reflecting,” would spend was among some days the juror’s top alone in the picks for the mountains. recent Denver She developed National Quilt a great apFestival. preciation for She continnature, which ues to explore is usually the new and inspiration for Eldrid Schafer is an artist who specializes in quilts as art varied techrather than bed coverings. her pieces. niques and is Also a watercolor artist, Schafer’s currently working on quilts for a jueye for color is exhibited in her quilt ried exhibit in the World Quilt Show art. She dyes all of her fabric to fit in New Hampshire August 16-19 and the theme of the show she enters. the Pennsylvania National Quilt She looks for the picture in the dyed Extravaganza September 13-16. fabric by moving a picture frame AQuA sponsors instructors from slowly across until she finds a picture around the world to bring their quilt within the fabric. art techniques to the Grand Valley. “It tells me what to do and I allow Classes for this summer are full, but it to lead me where it may,” Schafer for future classes or more informasaid. tion, visit www.theartquiltassocia She finishes by adding detail with tion.com. ■ By Karen Schafer

This story sponsored by Quilter’s Corner, Inc., 421 Colorado Ave. Call them at 255-8838 421 Colorado Avenue (970) 255-8838

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28 faith moves

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Living in the eyes of God

Reaching Out to Those Reaching Up

Bethel Assembly of God Church Join us in a friendly atmosphere, a loving congregation and anointed Praise and Worship. We are a family oriented church that focuses on reaching the whole person: ages 2 to 92 and beyond. Visit our website: www.gjbethel.org for information about our ministries and to listen to past services. 2945 Orchard Avenue • Grand Junction

970-243-8247

Pastors David and Carol Huslig - Serving over 30 years

In 2006, Kastellic and a group of women from her church went to ow would you feel after losing Ghana to dedicate an orphanage your husband after a long life they sponsored. Upon their arrival, together, being on your own, and they found that it was just the bare then almost becoming blind? Self foundation. The children lived in pity? Anger towards God? Many of us something similar to an apartment would wonder what we had done to complex. The women could not walk deserve that. But through all of life’s around without an escort for their troubles, Montrose resident Barbara own safety. Kastellic realized that God was going “We prayed for the children, we to use her for something bigger. prayed for ourselves, we prayed for Kastellic went to church on her our own safety,” Kastellic said. own as a child. There never was a After her husband died, God defining moment when she came to helped Kastellic learn to live alone Christ, befor the first cause he was time. It bealways there. came more of “My journey a challenge was always to when she lost Him, not reher sight. As a ally Him comteenager, she ing to me,” became blind she said. in her right When Kaseye and in Detellic married, cember 2007, she still went her good eye to church alone because Despite the danger involved, Barbara Kastellic traveled to lost its focus. Even after surGhana with her church to help build an orphanage. she was a gery, she was Methodist visually dependent on other people. and her husband was a “renegade “I figured that this was as bad as Catholic.” Her husband worked for it was going to get, so I had to learn the National Park Service and at one how I was going to live like this,” time, they lived on a houseboat at Kastellic said. Glen Canyon and then in the Things are better now because Everglades. “[In the Everglades] it was 50 miles her left eye has healed, but she will always be blind in her right eye. on water then 15 miles by vehicle to Despite these troubles, Kastellic retown, so we were unable to attend a cently returned from dedicating the formal church,” Kastellic said. “But finished orphanage in Ghana. [at Glen Canyon], seeing the wildThroughout her life, Kastellic life and hearing the coyotes howl, discovered these three major lessons: you could really feel God’s presence Your life’s decisions are a sermon there.” At a young age, Kastellic worked as to the world. “Do as I say, not as I a schoolteacher. She was stressed be- do” does not work. You have to ask cause of her inexperience, but prayer yourself if you walk the walk or just helped her get through it. She discov- talk the talk. “I wake up each morning and just ered that after teaching all day, the cheapest form of therapy was joining say ‘God, let me be a blessing to someone, in some way, today,’” her church choir. Kastellic said. “It was my time with God,” KastelHas God given you a story to lic said. “No paperwork, no problems share? Drop us a line at Beacon@ with kids or parents to worry about. PendantPublishing.com. ■ Only singing to God.” By Liesl Greathouse

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

Who says aging people don’t deal with change? “My health, housing, doctors and even my friends are all changing!”

What I want is a nice stable place to worship and maybe meet some friends who will support me in all of these changes. First United Methodist Church - a rich tradition downtown for more than 125 years. Beautiful stained glass, warm friendly people, and a loving God who doesn’t change! First United Methodist Church

Sunday worship services: Relaxed Celebrative 8:30 a.m. Traditional inspiring 9:45 & 11:10 a.m.

June 2012

Located at 5th & White (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org

June 2012

Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 “___ A Lady” 5 Floppy -contents 9 Thin, crisp biscuit 14 Chew the fat 15 Employs 16 Lose ground? 17 Freeze beginning 18 Excellent, in the rap studio 19 Cursor -targets 20 Attractive 23 A Billy Blanks’ -target 24 Start a new paragraph 25 One place to start your day 27 Noted Giant slugger 28 Relating to idyllic country life 32 Confuse 35 Like a weekend athlete on Monday 36 Vagrant 37 Lance or Midori 38 Jean Simmons role in “Hamlet” 41 “The ramparts” lead-in 42 “___ Lake” (E.L. Doctorow) 44 Mercury, for example 45 Civilian clothes 47 Consigns 49 Pied Piper devotee 50 Rational 51 Vacation destination 54 Word before aside, down, or on 56 It may help stir the -batter 60 Researcher’s bacteria 62 Poverty 63 Division word 64 Ingredients in lotions 65 “May I get you anything ___?” 66 Yemen port 67 Soothe, as hurt feelings 68 Fortune teller 69 Where a leaf joins a stem Down 1 Party -animal? 2 Gia Lam Airport location 3 He sang a tribute to Diana 4 “Twenty-three ___” 5 Company that discovered nylon 6 “___ in the Dark” 7 Hard wood source 8 Piedmont wine city 9 Barbell 10 Bow-shaped line 11 Leaving no opportunity for error 12 Ms. Ferber 13 Take a nap

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Crossword puzzle 29

WORLD WAR III NEVER HAPPENED BECAUSE THE

URANIUM MILLER, MINERS & HAULERS KEPT THE COLD WAR COLD.

21 Release 22 Japanese-American 26 Aah’s -partner 28 Bishop and Pope, e.g. 29 One of the Guthries 30 Criminally assist 31 Petty or Singer of the cinema 32 Peevishness 33 School on the Thames River 34 Place to rest one’s tootsies 35 Not ajar 39 Bullfighters’ entrance march 40 Gather, as details 43 Heston’s grp. 46 Impossibly ideal 48 Imprudent 49 Melt down, as fat 51 Actress Della 52 Part of a sonata 53 Packed heat 54 Mendel studied them 55 1995 NCAA basketball champs 57 “The Defiant ___” (1958) 58 Remove print 59 Amount in an Agatha Christie title 61 Russian physicist Landau

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30 Mesa county

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Mesa County Calendar America (CCFA) hosts their fourth annual walk in Grand Junction. Join us at 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Longs Family Memorial Park, 3117 Patterson Road. Pets are welcome and a variety of games, activities, booths, exhibits, live music and food will be there. The CCFA’s goal is to raise money to provide research grants, offer education and support options for individuals and their families who are battling these chronic illnesses on the Western Slope. For more information, call 260-5226.

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin June 2

BPOE Elks Open House Tour the BPOE Elks Lodge, at Fourth Street and Ute Avenue, and enjoy a pasta dinner with live music and raffles from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. There will also be a cash bar with drink specials. For more information, call Terri at 243-0675. June 2

Take Steps Community Walk The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of

Subscribe to Vol. 32

AUGUst 2010

No. 8

Western Colorado’s Month

ly Newspaper for Adults 50+.

the Beacon

Over 28,350 Readers.

Martial Arts for seniors is a great new concept. See story on page 10.

september 2010

What’s Inside .......... 13 Advice and Ideas ................ .... 30 Classifieds ................................ .... 19 Crossword ................................ 27 Delta/Montrose County ................ 18 ............ ................ Fruita ................ ......... 10 ................ Wellness & Health ......... 14 Laughing Matters ................ ....... 8 Local Lore ................................ . 22 Mesa County................................ ...... 23 River City Singles.................... .............. 26 Theater & Arts ................

Adoptable Love

Learning how to operate firearms correctly can save lives. Olathe resident, Ron Avery can aim you in the right direction. Animal Arielle Alstatt, Mesa County more inside. a Joe, Read Services officer, cuddling Little for adoption. young pit-mix male waiting page 4. See our cover story on What’s Inside

Local Lore

This old yellow farmhouse once stood on the banks of Lake Lenore. Read more about it’s history inside.

Local Lore From peddling pickles in a wheelbarrow to creating a successful factory, read more about the Kuner-Empson factory inside.

From horses to turtles, take a look at our reader submitted photos.

Long-Term Care e rm Car Long-Te

page 2

Key Questions nursing to ask a home 6 page

Madness

Medicare Medical Home t Users Targets page 7 Equipmen

Beacon’s by the Produced Team Advertising

to Senior Your Guide

Housing

Term Care & Long

at the Web Now on www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

Advice and Ideas ............................ 9 Classifieds .................................... 30 Crossword .................................... 26 Delta/Montrose County ................ 27 Fruita ............................................ 17 Laughing Matters ......................... 14 Local Lore ..................................... 10 Mesa County................................. 22 Parks & Recreation ....................... 16 River City Singles.......................... 23 Travel & Recreation ...................... 12

Pets and their people

of Care West A Continuum Health Parlor) at Family Beauty (even a

Vol. 24 No. 9

River Lessons

july 2010

No. 7

Seniors can play rough too. Read more on page 9.

Western Colorado ’s Monthly Newspap

er for Adults 50+

Good Here!

. Over 28,3 50 Rea

Rita Baughman, right, of Taylor Produce helps Brenda St. John select What’s fresh Palisade Ins ide Peaches. Advice and Ideas .......................... 19 Classifieds ........... ......................... 34 Crossword ........... ......................... 22 Delta/Montrose County ................ 31 Health & Wellness ......................... 10 Laughing Matter s ......................... 14 Local Lore ........... .......................... 20 Mesa County........... ...................... 26 River City Singles .......................... 28 Theater & Arts ........... ................... 30

Susan Capps, describes experiences and lessons learned from our beautiful Colorado rivers.

What everyone needs to know about long-term care Read more in this month’s insert.

Vol. 31

Life Tastes

Faux Food ! What start

ed as local artist turne a hobby for this business. Rea d into a full-time d Martin and othe about Jeannie r starting on page local artists 4.

Lake Lenore and the surrounding Lakesid e Community have made their mark in Jones. by Karen Photohistory . Read more on page 20

Health & Wellness ess Health &Welln Health foods that aren’t page 11

Real Men Give Blood page 6 A Bright Future for Senior Daybreak page 3

the Beacon’s Produced by Team Advertising

& Bod y a H eal t hy Mind Your Guid e to

at Now on the Web www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

The artists of the Grand Valley Woodcarvers create masterpieces out of simple blocks of wood. Read more on page 6

What everyone needs to know about your health Read more in this month’s insert.

Photo by Karen Jones. western colorado

Senior Games

western colorado

Aug. 30-Sept. 3

Parks & recreation

Produced by the Beacon’s Team Advertising

Colorado Senior Games Your Guide to the Western

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Photo by Karen

August 30-Septe

S enior Gam es

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insert for complet

mber 3, Lincoln

e details and regi

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

 New subscription  Renew subscription

There will be off-road vehicles, ATVs, vendors, awards and prizes at the Grand Mesa Jeep Club’s 50th anniversary Off-road Show and Swap Meet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. For more information, call 858-1394 or visit www.gmjc.org. June 2 & 3

Garden Tour Take a self-guided tour of the garden treasures of Palisade from 9 a.m.3 p.m. The tour benefits the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Volunteers will be available to answer plant questions. Tickets are $10 and are available at City Market and the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens gift shop. They can also be purchased at the door for $12. For more information, call 245-3288. June 9

Survivors’ Celebration Dinner Cancer survivors and a sidekick are invited to a feast fit for a superhero at

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June 2012 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Central High School’s gym, 550 Warrior Way in Grand Junction. Chat with physicians and staff of St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center, considered heroes by many. Swap super adventures with friends old and new. For more information, see their ad on the back cover of the BEACON. For reservations, call 298-2351. June 9

Writers’ workshop Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ founding member, Kay Bergstrom, will be presenting a workshop called, “How to... Renovate Your Novel” at the upcoming workshop from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. in Grand Junction. This workshop will help you start research and development, build the framework with a plot, and use characterization to create a memorable and unique novel. Cost is $70. Call 497-6452 or visit www. rmfw.org for details. June 14

Senior Homestead Exemption Town Hall Meeting Discuss senior exemption issues in an open town hall meeting with County Assessor Barb Brewer and staff. The meeting takes place from 3 p.m.5 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the old Mesa County Courthouse, 544 Rood Avenue. Use the Sixth Street entrance. For more information, call 244-1610.

FREE Fluorescent Bulb Disposal Open Thurs.- Sat. 8am-4:30pm For more information call

256-9543 Hazardous Waste Collection Facility 3071 U.S. Highway 50 www.mesacounty.us/swm

June 2012 June 15

Family concert in the park Grand Junction Christian Women’s Network invites you to a free family concert at Reed Park in Fruita. From 7 p.m.-9 p.m., enjoy music by Stacy Mathers, a Patsy Cline sound-alike, and hear an inspirational speech by Shari Cobb titled, “Finding Joy in Your Trash Can.” Bring your own chair. For more information, call 858-1044 or 255-8113. June 16

Rocker Ball This event features the popular Grand Junction Rockestra, which presents classic rock ‘n roll with a symphonic twist. Compete in the costume contest dressed as your favorite rocker. The event starts at 6 p.m. and features a rock ‘n roll inspired dinner and dancing to your favorite tunes from great rock artists of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Bid on incredible memorabilia signed by popular rock artists in our silent auction. Cost is $70 per person and takes place at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St. For more information, call 243-6787 or visit www. gjsymphony.org. June 17

Kart Racing for Heroes Kart Racing for Heroes gives us an opportunity to say thank you to the people who protect us every day. Come watch the racing competition between Grand Junction firemen, police, National Guard, and first responders at Grand Junction Motor Speedway, 3002 N. I-70 Frontage Road. There will be a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Racing begins at 8 a.m. This event is free and there will be prize drawings. For more information, call 303-242-2929. June 19

NRA’s Refuse to be a Victim Seminar Come to this free crime prevention seminar from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Blue Star Industries, 2350 G Road in Grand Junction. This seminar provides information on cultivating a positive

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com self-defense philosophy and offers many safety strategy options. This is not a firearms based course. Seating is limited, so call 270-3203 for more information. June 23

Saddlehorn Star Viewing Join the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for a tour of the night sky. Weather permitting, you will see planets, constellations, star forming nebulae, and clusters. Meet in the Saddlehorn Picnic Area parking lot, near the Colorado National Monument’s Visitor Center, just after sunset. Telescopes will be available. For more information, call 858-3617 ext. 300.

3251 E Road • Clifton, CO

Mesa county 31

• Relocate to a Quiet Adult Park • New Homes for Sale and Vacant Lots Available • Incentives for New Move-ins Call Meg at 970-434-6800 email: meg@pictureranchllc.com

River City Singles

June 2012 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!” Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) meets at 5 p.m. Fridays in the lounge at The Doubletree Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is our business meeting and the second is Birthday Recognition Day for our members. Call Jim Spiegel at 424-2545 for details.

June 23-27

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. – Join us for Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details.

See the Grand Junction Rockies play baseball as part of the Junior College World Series. Single day tickets are $12 and single night games are $15. General admission passes, which include 19 games, cost $25 for seniors. For game times and other information, visit www.jucogj.org.

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

June 27

Sundays at noon – It’s Bowling Sunday followed by card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Jim Sanders at 257-1174.

President of the Lavender Association of Western Colorado Kathy Kimbrough will speak about the benefits and usefulness of lavender from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Central Library’s Programming Room, 530 Grand Ave. This seminar is free. For more information, call 243-4442.

Saturdays at 9 a.m. – As part of the Saturday Morning Bike Ride, meet at Albertson’s on the Redlands for an easy ride along the Colorado River Trail. Call Jim Sanders at 2571174 for details.

JUCO World Series

Love of Lavender

June 30

Dinosaur Days Everyone’s favorite dinosaurs are coming to Dinosaur Days. From 9 a.m. to noon, the event takes place at the Fruita Paleontological Area, where you can take easy hikes to see real dinosaur fossils on nearby trails, and rangers from the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management will answer questions. Explore Dinosaur Journey Museum from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Activities are free, but museum admission rates may apply. Call 589-8112 for details. ■

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

June 6 – Naggy McGee’s, 359 Colorado Ave. June 13 – Hana Sushi & Hibachi (formerly Dragon Wall), 2839 North Ave. June 20 – Fiesta Guadalajara, 710 North Ave. June 27 – Old Chicago, 120 North Ave.

Wednesdays at 9 a.m. – Wednesday Golf at Adobe Creek Golf Course, 876 18 1/2 Road in Fruita. RSVP by Monday by calling the golf course at 858-0521. For details, call Lynn Klein at 245-6224 or Fran Deaver at 248-9211. Monday, June 4 – Full Moon Vampire Hike on Serpentine Trail. Meet at Albertson’s in the Redlands at 7:30 p.m. RSVP to John Delehanty at 241-3171 or sign-up at the FAC. Vampire teeth provided. Sunday, June 10 – Vista Vineyard’s concert season begins. Located at 3587 G Road in Palisade, David Starr and Roy Martin will be performing for a small audience in a relaxed atmosphere. Meet at the DoubleTree parking lot at 5:30 p.m. BYOB. A small donation is requested at the concert. Contact John Delehanty at 241-3171 for details. Riders share fuel cost. Tuesday, June 12 – Join in a fun game of bocce ball or ladder ball. BYOB and bring a potluck item to share at Vista Vineyards at 3587 G Road in Palisade. Meet at the DoubleTree parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Contact John Delehanty at 241-3171 for details. Riders share fuel cost. Saturday, June 16 – Ed Haynes planned a day trip to Dinosaur for a museum tour and lunch in Vernal. Meet at the Safeway on Horizon Drive at 8 a.m. to carpool. Bring your water and plan for an all-day affair. Riders share fuel cost. For more information, contact Ed at 243-1609. Thursday, June 28 – Restaurant Rove. Enjoy dinner with friends. Meet at Le Rouge, 317 Main St. at 5:30 p.m. RSVP to John Delehanty at 241-3171 or Mary Lu Graham at 241-0280.

32 Mesa county

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Mesa County Beacon Bits to anyone else in need. Call 242-1923 for more information.

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Personal care provider training Hilltop and the Mesa County Workforce Center is offering a five-day training course which is open to community members interested in becoming Personal Care Providers. People who successfully complete this program will receive a certificate, a Qualified Medication Administration Personnel Certificate, and a CPT/First Aide certificate. Training is offered on an ongoing basis at the Mesa County Workforce Center, 2897 North Ave. Training may be free for qualified individuals. For more information, visit the Mesa County Workforce Center.

Quilts available to those in need Quilts made by local quilters during ShareFest are laundered and available to be taken to people who are ill or

Community Food Bank thanks community As the result of the annual USPS Stamp Out Hunger food drive, the Community Food Bank was the grateful recipient of 12,550 pounds of canned foods and dry goods. We are sorting and shelving over six tons of food! We have served over 131,000 meals in the past 11 months. Thank you. The Community Food Bank is blessed to be operating in this charitable community.

St. Mary’s June events Learn how the different types of weight loss surgeries work and who qualifies. Class is offered 5:30 p.m.7 p.m. June 6, and noon to 1:30 p.m. June 13. All classes are in the Grand Mesa Room of St. Mary’s Life Center. Space is limited. Call 298-6900 to register.

Senior Daybreak changed both our lives A safe and stimulating day care program for seniors... a break for the caregiver. n Socialization and stimulation for seniors who are frail or affected by Alzheimers and dementia n Activities customized to individual interests and abilities n Nutritious snacks and noon meal

(970) 241-7798

www.seniordaybreak.org

L O C A L LY

O W N E D

A N D

O P E R A T E D

B Y

H I L LT O P

• Free Joint Pain Seminar - Learn about causes and latest treatments for joint pain, including medications, nutrition and exercise. Seminar is at 11 a.m. to noon on June 11 at St. Mary’s Orthopedics Conference Room (eighth floor). Call 298-2380 to register. • Free Back Pain Seminar - Learn about spine anatomy basics, common causes and treatment options for back pain. Seminar is at 2 p.m.3:30 p.m. on June 28 at St. Mary’s Life Center, Entrance 40, Grand Mesa Room (second floor). No registration required.

Need Medicare help? RSVP offers free Senior Health Insurance Program counseling to help seniors make informed decisions about their Medicare health coverage and drug plans. No selling, just telling. Knowing your options will help you make the best choice. Extra help for limited-income people also available for paying premiums, drugs, and other Medicare costs. Call 243-9839 to make an appointment. Or walk in

June 2012 9 a.m. to noon, Thursdays only, at the U.S. Bank Building’s lower level at 422 White Ave. in Grand Junction.

Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in any of our 90+ member agencies. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.rsvpgrandjunction.org or call 243-9839. • Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley is a nonprofit organization providing housing, compassionate services, and safe shelter for individuals and families. It is always in need of community volunteers. If you are interested, please call 256-9424. • GriefShare: Healing from grief through Christ is held every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 765 24 Road. For more information, contact Vicci at 434-9473. • Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. To find out more about delivering meals to homebound seniors, call Marsha at 243-9844 ext. 5. Volunteers are also needed to work (on call) to serve lunch at one of our senior dining sites in Grand Junction one day per week. For more information, call Sheli at 243-9844. • Alpine Hospice needs volunteers to help patients tell their life story. It’s a rewarding opportunity to offer support, listen and be a friend to someone facing end-of-life issues. Training is provided. Volunteer office support positions are also available. Contact Sandy at 210-5912 for details. • St. Mary’s Foster Grandparent Program needs volunteers to help tutor and mentor school children that are at-risk for developmental delays. For more information, see page 4 in this month’s BEACON, or call Tanya at 263-9091. • Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to collect notes for the troops at the Glade Park Fire Department’s Movies Under the Stars event. For more information, call 523-4217.

June 2012

Club activities • Friendship Force of Western Colorado is a nonprofit travel adventure group. Their monthly meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. June 14 at the Community Room at Community Hospital. For more information, call 260-4653 or visit www.ffwcolo.com. • The Western Slope Coin Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway. For more information, call 241-1770 or 242-3716. • The Talk of the Town Toastmasters invite you to join their weekly Thursday lunch hour club meetings from noon to 1 p.m. at the Business Incubator, 2591 Legacy Way (B-3/4 Road). For more information, call 244-1625. • The Grand Valley Knights are a group of auto enthusiasts that meet every Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Spoon’s Bistro and Bakery, 3090 N. 12th St. with their sport and classic vehicles. For more information, call 462-6762 or visit www.grandvalley knights.com. • Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will celebrate the lodge’s 22nd anniversary at 2 p.m. June 10 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road in Grand Junction. Call 2455649 or 249-8691 for more information. Visit www.vestafjelllodge.com. • The Two River Sams Chapter Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon on June 23. For location, call 248-9846 or 261-8817. • The Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Cross Orchards, 3073 F Road, and at the Museum of Western Colorado, 462 Ute Ave. at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month. They also host a help session at 1 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at one of the Mesa County libraries. Bring a lunch. For more information, call 245-5312. • Mesa County Republican Women meet the second Monday of each month at Two Rivers Convention Center at noon. Lunch is $15 per person. RSVP to 248-0815.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com • The Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. every Thursday at New Life Church, 1350 N. Seventh St. For more information, call 261-1670. • Happy Feet Rounds meets at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court on Sundays for a variety of dancing including waltz, rumba, cha-cha and more. Beginners are welcome from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and intermediate dancers are welcome from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call 243-5858. • The Grand Valley Woodcarvers Club meets from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Carvers and wood artisans of all skill levels are welcome. For more information, call 245-8817 or 523-5965. • Levis & Lace Square Dance Club hosts square dances from 7 p.m.9:30 p.m. every Friday night at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court in Grand Junction. For more information, call 986-8801 or 434-6541. • The Art Jewelers Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Grandview Apartments on the northwest corner of First Street and Independence Avenue. Learn how easy and fun it is to make your own jewelry. For more information, call 243-1220. • MACHO Men, a breast cancer support group, meets at 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the coffee shop at St. Mary’s Hospital. Look for Entrance 25. For more information, call 298-2351 or 858-1301. • Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles has meetings on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Times vary, so call Flora at 243-1813. • The Palisade Masonic Lodge is the only daylight lodge in the Grand Valley. They meet at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at the corner of Fifth and Kluge Avenue. All Masons are invited to attend. For more information, call 245-5312. ■

Mesa county 33

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June 2012

RETIREMENT LIVING

YOUR WAY

Editor’s note: Did you know that the State Demographer’s Office projects that approximately one out of every 8,000 people in Colorado today will live to be 100 years old? There are approximately 650 centenarians in Colorado and in 2020, there will be about 1,100 Coloradans 100 years or older. Over the next couple of months, the BEACON will feature interviews of area centenarians. These centenarians have their own secrets and advice to a long and happy life. have to turn your back on some things.

By Marsha Kearns

What do you think is the secret to a long life? I guess I just lived a good, clean life, with no smoking or drinking or carousing around.

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What’s good about living so long? I had a good marriage for 42 years and then a good second marriage. What’s not so good about living so long? Time goes so terribly fast, but I can’t complain. I just enjoy life.

name

Fern Hofman-Comstock

age

100

date of birth

December 5, 1911

residence:

The Fountains at Hilltop

What do you love about your life now? I keep busy. I have good friends and a good life, and it’s a joy. What do you miss the most? I lost my older son and he was such an energetic man who loved life. What invention or change has affected your life the most? The changes that affected my life most were the death of my son and my husband. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? That life is what you make it. You just

What advice would you give others? Don’t smoke. Parents should take part in their kids’ growing up so they know what life is. Kids should wake up and live like they should, with respect…and they should dress better. What moment in your life gave you the greatest happiness? I’ve lived a good and happy life all along. My parents and my kids are to blame for that.

What do you wish you had done differently? I can’t think of anything. There is so much in life to enjoy, and I enjoy people and even my own company. What do you think is your greatest achievement? What are you most proud of? I’m a sociable person who likes to have a good time with other people. What do you wish when you blow out the candles on your birthday cake? I wish for good health for the time I have left. ■

June 2012

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/ Montrose counties 35

Delta-Montrose Calendar Compiled by Jamie Begalle June 1

Delta Libraries’ 100th birthday celebration Enjoy a downtown lunch at the library for local businesses from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. There will be a family fun carnival from 1:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. and a special presentation by Ann Lincoln called, “I Dreamed I was a Genie” from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Cake and ice cream will be served after the show. For more information, call 874-9630.

share stories and we will have guest speaker Jim Pettingill share historical facts and stories. There will also be a wide variety of family activities, vendors, and live music. Event is 9 a.m.4 p.m. at the Museum of the Mountain West, 68169 Miami Road in Montrose. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call 249-4162. June 10

Ride the Rockies cyclists visit Delta

The show will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive. There will be lighted mineral and specimen displays, gold panning, demonstrations and more. Vendors will have gemstones, jewelry and more for sale and on display. The event is free. For more information, call 856-3861.

Welcome over 2,000 bicyclists as they stop at the Delta County Fairgrounds during the Ride the Rockies Tour, featuring five scenic mountain passes, two national parks, one century option and 24,937 vertical feet over the course of six days and 442 miles. Cyclists begin their journey in Gunnison and ascend McClure Pass, Independence Pass, Fremont Pass, Ute Pass and Milner Pass before crossing the finish line at Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins. Enjoy a cold beverage and listen to the stories from the day’s ride.

June 8

June 16

June 2

Delta County Rock, Gem and Mineral Show

4-H Barbecue BBQ beef or pork with all the fixin’s will be served at the Montrose 4-H Club’s annual barbecue from 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds, 1001 N. Second St. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are available from club members, the Montrose extension office, or at the door. June 9

Tribute to Western Movies Day This year’s Tribute to Western Movies Day will focus on the Marlow family. The movie, “The Sons of Katie Elder,” starring John Wayne as George Marlow, will be featured. We have invited members of the Marlow family to

Quality Care with a compassionate touch

Chipeta Day & Woven Spirit Program Starting at 8 a.m. there will be a 3-mile walk following the bike path behind the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Road in Montrose. There will be Ute storytelling by Lucinda Cloud from the Southern Ute Tribe and descendant of Susan, sister of Chief Ouray. Join Char Kroger, a Navajo and education curator from the Navajo Tribal Museum in Window Rock, Arizona for Navajo rugs and storytelling. Lastly, Kroger will host a fry bread making class for $20, with all materials provided, but reservations are required. Bring a large bowl and take home the recipe and your own dough to cook. The event is free to attend. For more information, call 249-3098. ■

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

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

970-527-4837 www.PCrC.web.officelive.com

36 Delta/ Montrose counties

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Tobler DenTal

General & Family Dentistry Now accepting new patients.

Delta-Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

AARP Driver Safety Course Keep up on newer traffic laws while saving money on insurance. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. June’s classes are: • Montrose - 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., June 14 at Montrose County Health and Human Services, 1845 S. Townsend Ave. Preregistration required. Call Amy at 252-3431.

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June 2012

• Delta - 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., June 18 at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. Preregistration required. Call LaFawn or Bob at 527-5199.

Montrose Memorial Hospital wins national award for cleanliness Avatar International, an industry leader in healthcare quality improvement services, awarded Montrose Memorial Hospital with Avatar’s 2011 HCAHPS Best Performer-Clean Composite for medium sized hospitals. All hospitals that administered the HCAHPS survey for 12 consecutive months were eligible for top performer. HCAHPS scores are available at www.HospitalCompare.hhs.gov.

Main in Motion Main in Motion is a free, 12-week summer festival, which takes place at 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings, starting June 7 through August 23 on Main Street in Montrose. Celebrating its 11th year, Main in Motion offers entertainment and activities for the whole family, including musicians, artists, food vendors, dance performances, a farmers market, and nonprofit activities. Proceeds from special activities go toward promoting the event. For more information, call 249-2886.

Stroke Support Group The Montrose Memorial Hospital Stroke Support Group meets twice a month at the hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit from 11 a.m. to noon. Stroke survivors, family members and caregiv-

ers are all encouraged to attend. For more information and meeting days, call Tim Ramsey at 318-2028.

Montrose Medical Alliance donates to the San Juan Healthcare Foundation The Montrose Medical Alliance recently donated $750 to the San Juan Healthcare Foundation for the Caring Friends Fund. The donated funds were raised through MMA’s annual holiday auctions and other fundraisers. The Caring Friends Fund provides items and services to help patients and their families at Montrose Memorial Hospital. The donated money helps provide services that are beyond the patient’s medical needs, but are just as important, such as massages, manicures, video game consoles for hospitalized children, gas cards, grocery cards, medication assistance, and more. For more information on the Caring Friends Fund, call 240-7397.

Black Canyon Audubon Society special meeting Since 2001, Special Monitoring Projects Coordinator for Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory Jason Beason has studied the Black Swifts and will address the Black Canyon Audubon Society at their annual dinner at 6 p.m. June 14 at the Bridges in Montrose. The public is welcome. For tickets and more information, call 252-0918.

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

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

Gentle float trip Enjoy a gentle float trip from Escalante

June 2012 Canyon to Dominguez Canyon. Hike to Indian petroglyphs and swim in the waterfalls if river conditions permit. Choose from seven Saturday dates for this trip, offered biweekly, starting June 2 through August 25. Each trip will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Escalante Bridge on the Gunnison River and will return around 4 p.m. Register three days prior to your trip. Cost is $80 per person. • June 14 & 15, time to be decided. Join us on a trip to Moab and a Canyonlands by Night boat tour. Travel by bus down the scenic byway and stop for a picnic lunch at the famous Dewey Bridge. Visit the Red Cliffs Lodge Movie Museum and enjoy a Dutch oven buffet dinner on the Colorado River, and then tour the canyon on a flat riverboat. Fee is $200 per person, which covers transportation, a picnic lunch, dinner, boat tour and motel. Register by June 6. • June 16, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Bill Heddles Recreation Center’s community evening dances are for everyone. Cost is $4 at the door. Please bring a snack to share. Ula Kirkman will provide the music.

Montrose Senior Activities Montrose Recreation District activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in June. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on any of the following activities, call 252-4884. • June 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Join us for a day in Silverton. The Victorian Society presents this rare chance to immerse yourself in the 19th century and enjoy activities common to that era. A tentative list of activities includes a ladies hat making class, a poker tournament at the Silverton Brewery, greeting the trains and Victorian high tea. Participate in activities, or shop. Cost is $25. • June 5, 6:45 a.m.-8 p.m. Join us on a trip to the Northern Edge Navajo Casino, a brand new casino in Farmington, New Mexico that opened in January. This $71 million casino boasts 750 slot machines, six poker tables, 10 table games, restaurant, food court, gift shop and players club. Cost is $48. • June 7, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The hike to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs is rated difficult. Participants must be moderately fit, and have good hiking boots and poles. Cost is $23. • June 26, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. Raft the Uncompahgre. Private access to sections of the river provides a unique and remote experience for paddlers. Total ride is 9 miles. Cost is $65. ■ mon

- fri 8am - 8 pm|Sat 8am - 4 pm Sun noon - 4 pm

Delta/ Montrose counties 37

Montrose-Delta Senior Fair

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September 20, 2012 • 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • Montrose Pavilion, Montrose, CO

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Garfield County Calendar By Cheryl Currier June 4

Community performance Camp Chair Productions is hosting an evening of performances at the Cardiff School, 4018 Sky Ranch Drive in Glenwood Springs. Social hour will start at 6 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “How Things Grow.” This will be an evening of spontaneous laughter, music, storytelling, poetry, testimonials and more. To find out more, or if you’re an entertainer wanting to schedule a performance, call Jack Green at 618-0911 or email jackg23@earthlink.net. June 7

90 Books in 90 Minutes Need something to read this summer? Staff members at the Parachute Branch Library have prepared this fast-paced, book-a-minute presentation. Arm yourself, as you will leave

with a pile of books. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and will be held in the community room at the Parachute Branch Library. Call 285-9870 for more information. June 9

Dean Bowlby art retreat Colorado Mountain College is sponsoring one-day retreat with artist Dean Bowlby. Set up your art supplies and capture the beauty of spruce trees and gurgling water at Spruce Picnic Area located along Rifle Creek in the Rifle Ranger District (just past Rifle Mountain City Park). Bowlby will demonstrate techniques and then provide individual instruction and tutoring. He will use oil on panel/canvas, but all artistic media are welcome. Please bring your own art supplies, a sack lunch and folding chair. Cost is $45. You will meet at a central location at 9 a.m. The retreat runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Register by downloading a form at www.colora-

Do you hate m!sspelled words , m!ssing punctuat!on marks + bad grammer as much ass we do?

Here’s your chance to become a defender of the English language Simply read the

, red pen in hand, and point out our slup-ips, I mean slip-ups, to us. Send in your entries by the end of the month to: Newspaper PO Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502

CONGRATULATIONS to Patrick Metoyer, the winner of a gift certificate to Texas Roadhouse.

Each mistake you catch will count as one entry. At the end of the month, we’ll draw from the entries and one lucky, eagle eyed, reader will win a gift certificate, T-shirt, cash or something else of value.

domtn.edu/register, in person or via fax or mail. Submit the form to the Rifle campus. Call 625-1871 for more information. June 9

Music on the Mountain Night Plane will be in concert at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, as part of their Music on the Mountain concert series. Guests will be able to ride the tram with a donation of at least one can of food for the LIFT-up food pantry. The “Can-fora-Tram” rides begin at 4 p.m. Night Plane will perform from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The concert series will continue in August and September. Call 800530-1635 for more information or visit www.glenwoodcaverns.com June 14

Hilltop summer music The Bookcliffs Council on the Arts and Humanities will welcome the No Joes to their outdoor concert series. The No Joes are a talented group of young musicians from Carbondale. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own chair to 1100 E. 16th St. in Rifle. The concert is free with donations accepted. Other concerts are scheduled for July 12 and August 9. June 16

Rifle museum tour Colorado Mountain College is partnering with the Rifle Historical Museum for a unique look at Rifle’s past. Step back in time and learn about the Rifle community in the early days. Wander through displays, where guides will share the history surrounding them. A slideshow of the history of Rifle will be presented and the tour will end with an old fashioned ice cream social. The tour is noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $15. Register by downloading a form at www. coloradomtn.edu/register, in person or via fax or mail. Submit the form to the Rifle campus. Call 625-1871 for more information.

June 2012 June 20

Caregivers Conference A free conference for caregivers will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Glenwood Springs High School, 1521 Grand Ave. The conference will feature nationally renowned guest speaker, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dr. Jason Schillerstorm, who will speak at 9:30 a.m. on “Understanding the Aging Brain.” Lunch will be provided. Register by June 8 by contacting Sherry Rogstad at 468-0295 ext. 104 or email srogstad@nwccog.org. June 30

Cooking from Your Vegetable Garden Do you ever search for new ideas on what to do with your garden veggies? Learn fun ways to use vegetables from the garden, including some that may be new to you. Learn which of your vegetables can be eaten raw and which should be cooked. The class is 9 a.m. to noon at the Colorado Mountain College campus in Rifle, 3695 Airport Road. Cost is $25. Register by downloading a form at www.coloradomtn.edu/register, in person or via fax or mail. Submit the form to the Rifle campus. Call 625-1871 for more information. July 2

Filoha Meadows Firefly and Rare Orchid Walk Fireflies, uniquely rare orchids, and thermal wetlands are only part of what makes Filoha Meadows special. Join Roaring Fork Conservancy staff and plant ecologist Lisa Tasker to tour areas of the meadows closed to public access. The walk will be held from 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Filoha Meadows is located between Carbondale and Redstone by the Crystal River. Please dress appropriately, as this free tour will take place rain or shine. Registration is required. For more information, call 927-1290. ■

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

June 2012

Garfield County Beacon Bits By Cheryl Currier

Valley Senior Center summer schedule The Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute St. in Parachute will suspend some of its regular activities during the summer so everyone can have a change of pace to enjoy leisure and summer plans. The center will resume its regular schedule in September. Wednesday noon lunches will continue throughout the summer. Bingo nights will continue every first and third Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Pinochle and Tips and Talks on Tuesdays will not meet in June, July and August. For more information, call 285-7216.

Grief workshop series Alpine Hospice, 1517 Blake Ave. in Glenwood Springs, is hosting a fourweek series of workshops to learn and understand the grief process as well as address the concerns that arise from loss. Learn a new tool each week to help you move through your grief journey. The workshops will be held starting June 7 and are from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. These workshops are free and open to the public. For more information, call 945-1475 or email auliano@alpinehospicecare. com.

Glenwood Market The 2012 Glenwood Market opens Tuesday, June 12 and will run every Tuesday evening through September 25. The market is open from 4 p.m. to dusk. It features farmers and ranchers selling local produce, local chefs giving cooking demonstrations, food vendors, arts and crafts, and other special events. The market is located on Ninth Street between Grand and Cooper Avenue. Parking is available in the lot between the Springs Theater and the Bank of Colorado, right across the street.

Carbondale Wild West Rodeo The rodeo in Carbondale kicks off the season Thursday, June 7 and runs every Thursday evening to August 23. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The rodeo is

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

held at the Gus Darien Riding Arena, County Road 100 (Catherine Store Road) in Carbondale. Admission is $10 for adults and $30 for a carload (six people or less.) It’s a small time rodeo with big time fun.

Party at the Pavilion in Silt The concert series at the Silt Stoney Ridge Pavilion, 648 N. Seventh St. continues June 9 with a line up of young musicians. Gates open at 3 p.m. Featured local talent will include Guilt by Association and Reno Divorce. Red Tide Rising will take the stage at 5 p.m. Black Pacific plays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Silt Town Hall. Funds will help support building a skate park in Silt. Concerts continue in July and August. Visit www.townofsilt.org for more information, or call 876-2353.

Attention

BEACON Advertisers

Talbott Enterprises will be hosting their annual Fourth of July celebration at Apple Tree Park in New Castle. Festivities begin with a flag raising at noon. Games are scheduled for children in the afternoon. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. featuring Western Slope Stompers, Rodz for God, the New Hope Worship Band, Nicole Hope and special guest Danny Oertli. Fireworks will begin promptly at 9:30 p.m. Volunteers to help chaperone the afternoon games are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 984-2943.

Barbecue in Parachute Everyone is welcome at the annual Fourth of July barbecue at the Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave. The barbecue starts at noon. Feast on grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and brats, along with homemade salads, hot dishes and desserts provided by members. Why not leave the shopping and cooking to the seniors this year, and enjoy the patriotic holiday among old and new friends? Tickets are $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers and must be purchased by June 27. For more information, call Jeanette at 285-9512. ■

S enior Games

western color ado

Aug . 29-Sept. 2 Parks & recreation

Beacon’s Produced by the Advertising Team

o Senior Games Wester n Colorad Your Guide to the

at Now on the Web s.com www.BeaconSeniorNew

Got Game?—Help us and the Grand Junction Parks Department get the word out about this summer’s annual Western Colorado Senior Games. Show your support for active aging by advertising in our special (center-spread, pull-out) section of the July BeaCon, which will have a comprehensive listing of events and registration. Advertising Deadline: June 20, 2012 Publication Date: July 2, 2012

The “continuum-of-care” that one goes through as they age can be a confusing and expensive process. BeaCon readers know that first hand. as a sponsor of this important publication, you can show our readers how you can best help them and their loved ones navigate the aging process. after all, “getting old isn’t for sissies.” Advertising Deadline: July 20, 2012 Publication Date: July 30, 2012

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Garfield county 39

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

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Your Guid e to a H eal t hy Mind & Bod y

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

In a recent study of today’s active, affluent and aging adults, a healthy mind and body was cited as the topic of most interest to them. Because of our readers’ keen interest in health and wellness we have committed to publish this special insert three times a year (Jan., May, Sept.) with ads and articles created around you and your business. Advertising Deadline: august 20, 2012 Publication Date: august 27, 2012

Call for information 970

243-8829

Garfield County Seniors are reading the BEACON. Shouldn’t your ad be here? Call Jeanette Kiphart for ad rates.

243-8829

40 classifieds

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Home Services Professional Tile Installer Insured and bonded. You purchase tile, I provide everything else. Special discounts. Call Bill for a free estimate. 245-3344. Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 30 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 242-2443.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Convert your tub into a safe, accessible shower in just one day! We also do complete bathroom remodels. The Tile Meister, 244-8453. Reliable Estate Sales Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net. Neat And Tidy Window Cleaning Special! Free standard window cleaning (limit 10) with scheduled home cleaning. Licensed and insured. Major credit cards accepted. 314-4083.

To Place a Classified Ad... 3 easy steps!  Write your ad: ....................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................

June 2012

Accessibility Services Grab bars. Walk in tubs/showers. Licensed plumber/handyman. “Serving Western Colorado since 1989.” Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403. SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264. DRYWALL REPAIR & PAINTING Hang, tape, finish, texture and paint. Room additions and remodels. 40 years experience. References available. Senior discounts. 589-6732.

Avoid costly lAwsuits Slab-jacking can raise sunken concrete. (usually costs 50% less than replacement) FREE estimates

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Mays ConstruCtion

970-245-0834

........................................................................................................................... deadline :

 Wanted to Buy  Real Estate for Sale  Real Estate for Rent

20th of the preceding month

 Classes  Services  Personals

 Events  Work Wanted  For Sale  Help Wanted  Other ..........................................

This ad runs....................months. Starting month.........................

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 credit card # ............................................................... name on card ................................................................ exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

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beacon, po box 3895, Grand Junction, Co 81502 fax: 800 536-7516 email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

name .....................................................................................................................

Lawn and Garden Services A Cut Above Tree Services Proper pruning, storm damage, tree removal. Licensed and insured. Free estimates. Family owned and operated. 200-3740. Master Gardener AAA Lawn Care, serving the GJ area for a decade. Sprinkler repairs, landscaping, and lawn maintenance. Call for spring clean up. 234-1607. LAWN MAINTENANCE Weekly mowing and trimming. Sprinkler upkeep. Starting as low as $30 a week. Free estimates. Please call Scott with CS Lawn Solutions 986-9003.

address .................................................................................................................

Miscellaneous Services

city............................................................ state .................. zip .............................

Pure-Beginner Gun Classes New to guns? You just found friendly, small, professional classes. Men and women certified instructors. 270-3203 or purelandsecurity. strategyresourceinternational.com

telephone number .....................................................................

queStionS? Call Genevra or Jamie M-TH 9am-4pm, 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

PATTON’S HANDYMAN and LAWN SERVICE Professional, reliable, low rates, free estimates, senior discounts. I will beat anyone’s current price and provide better service! Insured and references available. Call Jeff 208-5929. Affordable Actions Moving Services “We take care of what you treasure.” Specializing in loading and unloading rental trucks. Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau. Contact us at 812-7243 or castin365@yahoo. com.

Wanted to Buy BUYING COINS AND CURRENCY U.S. Silver Dollars, 90% Silver, Eagles, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Gold and Silver Bars, Proof Sets, Mint Sets, Currency, Collections, Hoards, Accumulations of any size. Call 242-5374. CASH Paid for old Stuff Wind up men’s wrist/pocket watches. Gold and silver jewelry. Pocket/ hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amp, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff. net. Mark 260-2327. Buying old clothing Costume jewelry, purses, sewing patterns and perfumes (pre-1970s). Call Linda 234-4736 or 1-800-572-7670. Buying BOOKS Non-fiction, history, nature, westerns, religion, antique, reference, etc. Also buying stamp collections. Call Frank at 241-7778. Will pick up.

For Sale MANTIS Deluxe Tiller NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 888-703-2715. Four plots at Memorial Gardens All four $3,800/$1,000 each. Plus half transfer. Please call 242-2774.

June 2012 Grand Junction Memorial Gardens Two side-by-side cemetery plots. Garden of Christus. For additional information please contact cali2bound@yahoo.com or call 702-647-1128. Golf clubs Operation Interdependence was donated a used starter set of golf clubs, bag and 250 practice balls. Good for anyone of any age wanting to learn to play golf. For a donation of $80, you will receive the clubs, bag and balls, plus a tax deduction letter. For more information or to see, call Karon at 523-4217. Victoria 10 Scooter Three years old, garaged and not used for the last 18 months. $1,500. Pride Silver Star hitch lift for scooter. $1,500. Both for $2,500. New two wheel walker $75. Please call 242-2774 for more information.

Personals Grand Junction Gentleman Healthy, active, retired gentleman in Grand Junction who lives fully and capable of loving fully. Looking for similar lady 70s to 80s. Please call Jay at 241-1226.

Miscellaneous Wanted: Used Wheelchairs Joni and Friends Ministry restores wheelchairs, delivers to third world countries. Will accept wheelchair parts, walkers, and canes. Please contact Connie Roberts for pick-up. 812-5024.

Help Wanted

sales person wanted The BEACON Senior Newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Foster Home Caregiver The Grand Junction VA Medical Center is looking for foster caregivers who are willing to accept veterans into their own homes and provide room and board, 24 hour-a-day supervision, and assistance with daily personal and medical care. Formal or informal caretaking experience needed. Financial reimbursement is provided directly by the veteran and may range from $1,500-$3,000 a month per veteran.

Please contact 970-263-2854. Real Estate for Rent Nellie Bechtel Senior Apartments 55 and older, no smoking or pets. 3032 N. 15th St. Call 245-1712 for appointment.

Classifieds 41

Come Grow Old With Us! Very unique opportunity!

Whether you yourself are looking into assisted living, or you are looking for your parents, we are looking for you. We have a darling, 1,600 sq. ft., country home just 100 feet from our own back door. We have been in the caretaking business for 30 years, caring for the elderly and disabled. If you know a young at heart couple or single person who still loves beautiful country living, tinkering around with gardening and flowers, then this is the place for them. The definition of assisted living to us means, assisting you with dressing, bathing, transportation, laundry, light housekeeping and one meal per day. We will have a trained CNA on the premises during the day, who will come when you need her, then she will get out of your space so you won’t be bothered. For night time concerns or emergencies we are only 100 feet away. If this is something you might want to look into please call me at 242-7077. ----Sondra and Max Hastings

Fountain Greens Condo 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, washer/dryer, attached garage, no pets or smoking. Available June, for $995/month. Please call 256-1649 or 523-6974.

Real Estate for Sale COUNTRY QUIET, CITY CLOSE Immaculate 1,232 sq. ft. ranch style home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Quality built in 1999, like new condition. Priced at $44,900. For more information and to see inside this beautiful home, call 683-0024.

Home Care PASCO/SW, INC.

Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers. Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs. Serving: Archuleta, Delta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970) 240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833

www.pascosw.com

We pay CASH for Diabetic Test Strips Most types, unopened, unexpired. Up to $10 per box. Call 433-7110.

NEED GLASS REPAIR? No Job Too Small New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Mirrors • Table Tops • Insulated Glass Shower & Tub Enclosures • Rescreens & New Screens

Same day service on most autoglass

The

Glass Brokerage 970-243-4507

2200 E. Main • Grand Junction • Open 8am - 5pm M-F & 8am - Noon Sat. • All Credit Cards Accepted

H a ppy Father’s Day June 17

42 Kudos & kvetch

kudos \ ku·dos  “I just got through reading the BEACON. I enjoy it so much. I like the jokes the best, but I’m moving out of town and need to cancel my subscription.” - Charlotte I., Grand Junction

Kevin: Thank you! No need to cancel, as we can change your address and no need to worry, as we have many subscribers who live all over the United States.  “On behalf of the ShareFest churches, thank you so much for your support of ShareFest 2012. We live in such a caring and giving community, and having the BEACON Senior Newspaper be such a giving business is a blessing to us all. Thank you again.” - Debe Colby, Director of Outreach Ministries at First Presbyterian Church

Kevin: Debe, we are happy to help. I’d like to thank you and the other ShareFest volunteers for demonstrating Christ’s love here on Earth.  “Where did all of the good writers from the Grand Junction Free Press end up at…the BEACON? My husband and I love your paper!” - Lynn L., Grand Junction Kevin: I wish. I appreciate your roundabout way of complimenting our writers. I love our paper, too. Actually, when the Free Press laid off most of its staff, they simply moved away. However, one of their best writers, Steve Beauregard, now writes a weekly column for the Daily Sentinel.  “I try to pick up the BEACON at the beginning of each month. I read it and if there is nothing that I want to cut out, I take it back and put it in your rack so someone else can read it. Better than tossing it in my recycle box.” - Chris L., Montrose

Kevin: Thanks Chris! Because of readers like you, we are able to keep our paper free to read and keep advertising rates as low as possible. Can you imagine if the government would do that? Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Medicare’s future: Concern? Yes. Panic? No. By Ron Pollack

here’s been a lot of scaremongering lately about the future of the Medicare program. Is Medicare really going broke? How serious is the Medicare “crisis?” Here are some facts to help you decide. First, you should understand that this is all a bit like the boy who keeps crying, “wolf.” The Medicare trust fund, which covers hospitalization and which is financed by the Medicare payroll taxes we all pay during our working years, was previously predicted to run short of funds in 1972. And in 1993. And in 2003. It never went broke, of course, because each time, Congress made small adjustments to the program to resolve the problem. Now, the latest report from the Medicare trustees has projected that the trust fund will run short in 2024. So yes, there is reason for concern about Medicare’s future, but no cause for panic. This report is like the maintenance reminder light on your dashboard, not a red alarm bell. Just because you need to change the oil in your car, it doesn’t mean you need to junk it. Similarly, this new projection doesn’t require a radical transformation of Medicare. Once again, Congress could make small adjustments that would extend the life of the program— adjustments like a modest increase in the payroll tax, for example. All they need is the political will. Second, you may have heard the news that the House of Representatives passed a budget plan that would transform Medicare into a voucher program (supporters call it “premium

support”). Under the House plan, everyone born after 1957 would no longer get a guaranteed set of Medicare benefits. Instead, they’d get a voucher to purchase insurance. If that voucher was insufficient to purchase good coverage, they would have to pay the difference out of their own pockets. At the same time, the House-passed budget would repeal the health care law, thereby making prescription drugs and preventive care more expensive for today’s seniors. And, because the health care law extended the life of the Medicare trust fund from 2017 to the mid2020s, Medicare’s finances would actually be worse off, not better. But whatever you think of this proposal, it’s unlikely to become law any time soon. It probably couldn’t get enough votes to pass in the Senate and, if it did, President Obama would certainly veto it. Third, the people who tell you we have to destroy Medicare in order to save it are people who have never supported the program. The proposal they are pushing, whether they admit it’s a voucher or insist on calling it “premium support,” is a way to put an end to the Medicare program as we have known, and depended on, it. The voucher was brought up last year, too—and it was defeated last year. There’s no question we can and should make Medicare fiscally stronger for today’s seniors and future generations. But that requires an honest conversation about priorities—and an end to fearmongering, to scaring seniors simply to promote a radical ideological agenda. ■

June 2012

kvetch \ kfech  “When will the powers that be realize that we seniors are tired of our taxes continually going up? Don’t they realize that if a tax is a percentage, it goes up automatically with inflation?” - Adam M., Grand Junction

 “To all of the idiots who believe that the Mayans predicted the end of the world, get a clue. They just ran out of their own time to finish the project. In the meantime, you’re hoarding food, stockpiling weapons and creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that’s going to end up hurting the rest of us.” - Jason S., Grand Junction

 “Why are television execs bringing back that whack job Charlie Sheen this fall season? There are so many other (sane) actors and actresses that deserve a chance. I’m disgusted.” - Brenda T., Parachute

Kevin: The answer, Brenda, is greed. But it will only work if we watch it.  “I don’t appreciate our downtown churches packing up and moving to the suburbs. Shouldn’t they grow where God planted them?” - Brandon M., Grand Junction

 “I dislike diesel vehicles letting out their black exhaust fumes onto my clean white car. There should be a law against this.” -G. G., Grand Junction

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

Serving families in the Grand Valley for over 100 years.

Travel and Recreation As our long overdue summer season approaches, we begin to look for places to travel and have fun. We at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary are celebrating over 100 years in business. We have cared about and for the families of Western Colorado during the past century and will carry on with the same dedication and service in our second century. We hope that you will travel with safety and care in mind at all times. NO DRINKING and DRIVING and NO TEXTING and DRIVING at the same time. Use a hands free phone or better yet, none at all. Take a real vacation and forget about talking about everything that’s going on at home. Remember the “good old days” when a vacation meant that you relaxed and enjoyed being far away from it all! Have fun and relax. “Life is precious, don’t waste it!”

2515 Patterson Road • Grand Junction, CO 81505

970.243.2450

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

Survivors’ Celebration Dinner

Saturday, June 9, 5-7 pm Central High School Gym 550 Warrior Way

EXTRA 9 9 A.M.

FINAL

Call 298-2351 for dinner reservation for survivor and caregiver.

FINAL

2635 N. 7TH STREET • GRAND JUNCTION, CO • 970-298-2273

Super suits and capes optional. Cancer survivors and a sidekick are invited to a feast fit for a superhero. Chat with the physicians and staff of St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center, considered heroes by many. Swap super adventures with friends old and new. And assume the pose: hands on hips, head held high, cape (optional) snapping in the wind, gazing intently into the future, because you are a survivor!

Newstropolis Tribune

A.M.

TO THE RESCUE!

No one suspects the suburb-dwelling Parrs are really a family of superheroes. But not even the government’s super secret National Supers Agency and Superhero Relocation Program can keep the Incredibles from saving the world from the evil likes of Bomb Voyage and Syndrome. On June 15 and 16, the Incredibles are back, joining “supers” of various powers at the American Cancer Society’s Superheroes Relay for Life, celebrating courageous cancer survivors and offering hope for a cure.

SUPER TEAMWORK SUPER SUPPORT Every superhero has his or her “talents.” St. Mary’s Cancer Center has formed quite a talented team, too—medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, a gynecologic oncologist, hematologists, pathologists, nurses, pharmacists and technologists. Patients benefit from the expertise of all these specialists and the latest in technology, surgery, and medicine.

With super talents that run the gamut—incredible strength, incredible speed, incredible stretchability—the Incredibles are, well, you know. The services to support patients and families of St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center are pretty incredible, too. Medical, emotional, and spiritual support surround patients and families like a hug from Elastigirl during treatment and long after, including a cancer survivorship program in association with the LIVESTRONGTM Survivorship Center of Excellence Network of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

EVER VIGILANT

ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL & REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Standing Up to Cancer American Cancer Society’s

Relay for Life June 15-16, 2012 June 15, 6:00 pm Opening Ceremonies and Survivors’ Lap Long Family Memorial Park 3117 F Road (near Central High School) Grand Junction, Colorado Go to www.relayforlife.org for details and to register.

The superhero, crime-fighting business never stands still— more devious and dastardly villains, new and improved super suits, the next generation of heroes with never-before-seen powers. Cancer care and St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center never stop advancing either. An affiliation with University of Colorado Cancer Center gives St. Mary’s patients access to cancer clinical trials which test tomorrow’s medications and treatments. Clinical trial participants contribute to medical advances and may receive the latest cancer treatments before they are widely available.