Issuu

June 2013 Senior

Vol. 27

Summer Traveler &Festivals

2013

Where are you going? page 4

Jeep tours may be the only way to get there

Photo courtesy of Crystal River Jeep Tours.

page 2

Produced by the BEACON’s Advertising Team

Your Guide to Summer Travel, Recreation & Festivals

No. 6

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 31,500 Readers.

Check out our guide to sweet summer travel and famously fun festivals inside.

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

What’s Inside Advice and Ideas............................. 9 Classifieds..................................... 44 Crossword..................................... 32 Delta/Montrose County................. 38 Faith............................................... 33 Gardening...................................... 20 Garfield County.............................. 42 Health & Wellness.......................... 10 Laughing Matters.......................... 16 Local Lore...................................... 24 Mesa County.................................. 34 Parks & Recreation........................ 22 Resource Directory........................ 30 River City Singles.......................... 35

Heaven on Wheels

H eaven on Wheels

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX For Phil and Linda XXXX Smith and other locals, traveling in their RV is home on the road. They said, “We don’t call this camping, we call it living.”

Ghost Towns Colorado has over 1,500 ghost towns. What caused these towns to die out? Read more on page 24.

Mountain stories Two local authors uncover the names and stories of mountains in the Uncompahgre. Read more on page 6.

Photo courtesy of Phil Photo and by Linda Heidi Smith. Graf

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June 2013

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June 2013

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Help! I just got my first senior discount By Kevin K. VanGundy

h, yes, the bittersweet moment of getting my first senior discount. Recently, I was at Kentucky Fried Chicken getting the family dinner for my “your turn to cook” night. As I was about to pay for my bucket of grilled chicken, the young man looked up to take my credit card and said, “Sir, you’ll be happy to know that we offer a 10 percent discount to seniors.”

letting us know which label, if any, you prefer (senior, boomer, etc.). If you feel passionately about one, then by all means, drop me a line at Kevin@PendantPublishing.com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Got game?

From bocce ball to swimming, track to quilting, dance to golf, and even a black jack tournament, the Western Colorado Now what Senior Games would has an event you do? for everyone. For a Next month, moment, I the BEACON thought about will publish protesting his a complete assumption. To my father, Eldon, left, and my uncle, Dean, right, and schedule of to all of the other fathers out there. “Happy Father’s Day!” “Me a events for this senior? Obvigrowing senior competition. The regously you need glasses, young man.” istration fee is nominal and it’s great Instead, I decided to accept his fun for everyone. kind offer by pocketing the buckBy the way, advertisers, if you’d like fifty in senior savings. I then took my to help sponsor this City of Grand bucket of chicken and my bruised Junction Parks and Recreation event, ego and walked out the door. or advertise in the BEACON’s special insert, give us a call at 243-8829. Shouldn’t “senior” mean “super”? Well, of course, I think seniors are August is our popular pets issue. just super! But my initial reaction Readers agree that August’s BEAupon being labeled a senior was to CON, which focuses on pets and shrink back in shock and awe. Why? their people, is our most popular In many foreign countries to be issue of the year. This year, we hope called a senior is a title of respect and to make this issue bigger and better reverence. America, however, is a with more photos of you and your very youth-dominated culture. pets. Please send your photos to us

What label fits you? This month, please visit our website, www.BeaconSeniorNews.com and take a poll (two clicks is all),

by July 20. Start sending them in today at Beacon@PendantPublishing. com or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502. ■

Editorial 3

4 Cover Story

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June 2013

Heaven on wheels By Melanie Wiseman

Bruce & Sharon Gallagher at Mt. McKinley.

Rallying the RVs Getting involved in an RV club is a great way to meet new people who love RV travel and can provide helpful tips for newbies on the road.

Good Sam RV Club If you’re interested in RVing closer to home and are looking for good fellowship, you might want to check into the Grand Junction chapter of the Good Sam RV Club. They take camping trips once a month, April through October, and enjoy local activities, games, have campfires and more. Call 523-5625 for more information.

Chinook RV Club Bruce and Sharon Gallagher of Rifle never pictured themselves as RVers, but were hooked after they bought their first RV, a Chinook Premier, and went on their first three-month trip to Alaska in 2010. Now Bruce, 62, and Sharon, 60, are active RVers, towing a trailer with two motor scooters, a two-person kayak and their bicycles. Their favorite trip to date was to Newfoundland in Canada. “We fell in love with the people, the culture and the food,” Bruce said. During their trip, they met the retired minister of the interior of Newfoundland and his son. They kept in touch with Bruce and Sharon during their trip via email and became online tour guides. The Gallaghers found it easy to make friends with other RVers when they joined a Chinook RV Club. The club members organize rallies, which often include activities like potlucks, game nights, day trips, tours and all kinds of sightseeing. For more information, call 360-828-2639 or visit www.chinookrv club.net/chinookwestclub.html

sk anyone who enjoys RVing to sum up their experiences in one word and you will most likely hear: relaxing, fun, adventure, journey, friendships, exciting, educational, recreational and even heaven. RVers Phil and Linda Smith, both 69, couldn’t agree more. In 2012, they spent nine and a half months, mid-April through December, traveling in their motor home, covering 22 states and five Canadian provinces. “You have to be creative with the space you have and remember that everything you need is available along the way,” Linda said. “Usually we’re packing for three seasons on our extended Phil and Linda Smith at a resort outside Niagara Falls, Canada. trips, but this time we had to pack for four seasons.” Linda said a number of travelers Phil said you can spend a lot of The Smiths have been married 38 have dogs that they bond with. money RVing, but you can also save a years and moved to Grand Junction Being among friends, even if they lot and have some great experiences, in 1993. are new ones, Linda said, “We have like spending time in forest service “We were thrilled to move to never felt in danger or at risk during campgrounds. Grand Junction, as it had been one our trips.” RVs aren’t known for their fuel efof our target retirement spots,” ficiency, but as Phil puts it, “It’s the Home away from home Linda said. angle of the ankle that determines Some RVers get homesick, but not the miles per gallon and we do Life on the road the Smiths. pretty well.” Camping has always been in their “I’m as excited to go on a motor blood. Linda even had a camper RV travel advice home trip as I am to get back home,” while she was single. Together, they “When in Rome, do what the RoLinda said. progressed from a tent to a slide-on mans do,” Phil said. “Eat what they Phil said they remodeled their mocamper over a truck bed to a travel eat. Talk to the locals.” tor home to feel like home. trailer to a fifth-wheel, then downLinda said the first thing they do “It’s the same as someone who has sized to a 38-foot motor home so they a cabin,” Phil said. “The cabin is also when arriving in a town is go to the could pull their Jeep. home. When we’re traveling we don’t local visitor center. “We didn’t own RVs, we used RVs,” think about making do in the motor “They’re the pros and they have the Phil said. cleanest bathrooms,” Phil said. home. It is home.” They started taking long-term RV The Smiths aim to stay flexible Technology helps the Smiths stay trips in 2000. while traveling. connected. “I can’t believe that people ask if “We’re pretty loosey goosey when “Our cabin goes wherever we we get sick of each other,” Linda said. land,” Linda said. “With Internet it comes to planning our trips,” Phil “He’s my best friend. Who else would and GPS, it’s so simple now. I don’t said. “We have literally loaded up I travel with?” know how we traveled without them the RV, pulled out of the driveway The Smiths treasure the many and sat at the first stop sign trying to before.” decide to turn right or left.” The Smiths cleared up the misconfriendships they make while travelOn their 2012 trip, the Smiths had ception that RVing is expensive and ing, not only other RVers, but locals a three-night reservation in Gran out of reach for the majority. from the various places they stay. Marais, Minnesota. They ended up “We started when we didn’t have “Eighty-five percent are like us: staying six weeks. There they discovenjoying life and making friends with much money,” Linda said. “We just ered the North Shore Folk School and other RVers along the way,” Phil said. went to the desert.”

June 2013

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enjoyed classes such as quilting and people who RV full-time, but they enjoy their lifestyle at home, which inwoodworking. cludes friends, volunteering, church “We may plan on an overnight and neighbors, and aren’t quite ready somewhere and end up staying for to give that up. days if something piques our interest,” Linda said. A new life of adventure Although the Smiths enjoy traveling Sharon Hancock, 68, and Jim Faulall over the U.S. and beyond its borhaber, 70, have a new life of advenders, they find as much joy in explor- tures ahead of them. Recently maring Colorado. One of their favorite ried in October, they gave up their locations is Creede, which has three apartment in April, bought an RV, theatres and great Jeep trails. and hit the road. “Jeeping remains our main recre“You can play it safe or you can get ation,” Linda said. out there and go for an adventure,” Once they stayed in Creede for a Faulhaber said. “Seeing new places, month, seeing six professional summeeting new people, and now to do mer stock shows. it with Sharon is really special.” During their 2012 trip, they visited Hancock said they want to migrate Prince Edward Island, where accordto warmer weather in the winter, but ing to Phil, you can eat lobster for plan to return to Grand Junction. three meals a day. The Graham Bell “We have no responsibilities, so Museum on Cape Britain, Nova Scotia why not?” Hancock said. “We plan was also a highlight. Traveling crosson coming back to Grand Junction country also allowed them to visit at least a couple times a year for a many friends from Friendship Force, grandkid fix.” Having fun should always remain a an international exchange program, top priority when RVing. of which they are active members. “We never lack for fun along the The only states they haven’t been way,” Phil said. “We flip a coin to see to will be checked off their list this who does the laundry and the other fall, when they explore Louisiana’s one cleans the motor home.” neighboring states, following a Phil fondly remembers one coin Friendship Force conference in New toss resulting in him doing laundry. Orleans. It would be a challenge to dampen the enthusiasm Monica and Bruce Peers, both in their 60s, have for RVing. “It’s sheer heaven,” Monica said. “It’s fun, relaxing and is a great way to explore and meet some of the nicest people. Each time we take a trip, we cross off another destination on our bucket list. Then we add one back on from ideas we have gotten from other people we met along the way.” For many years, the Peers owned an RV and used it as a rolling hotel. “Now, our RV is strictly a toy,” Monica said. “We usually head out twice a year for a couple months each The Gallaghers and their dog, Gatsby, at the Glass Chapel, time.” Palos Verde, California. The Peers know many

While at the Laundromat, he met a fellow RVer who summed up the RV experience in a way he’ll never forget. She said, “We don’t call this camping, we call it living.” ■

Sharon Hancock and Jim Faulhaber

Cover Story 5

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ........................ Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher................... Susan Capps Editor........................................ Cloie Sandlin Office Manager ..........................Lisa Moeller Office Assistant........................Genevra Shal Graphic Design.............................. Heidi Graf Production/ Photographer......... Karen Jones Delivery.....................................Anouk Olson Advertising Sales.........................Sue Bowen Delta-Montrose Bureau Assistant Editor...................Liesl Greathouse Advertising Sales.................... Virginia Carlile Delivery..........................................JR Milner Garfield Bureau Editor/ Advertising Sales..........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.

Bruce and Monica Peers riding a stagecoach in Barkersville, British Columbia.

Cover Photo

Bruce and Sharon Gallagher at Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick.

Phil and Linda Smith bought their current RV to be able to pull their Jeep along on their travels. They said riding their Jeep on the many trails they encounter is their main form of recreation.

6 Feature Story

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June 2013

Local authors tell the mountains’ stories ) ,152 44 ) in (12 a t n (13,1 ou k a M e e P s t hou ipice Cour Prec

By Liesl Greathouse

he mountains of southwestern Colorado are full of stories and three local authors are helping tell them.

Peaks of the Uncompahgre Jeff Burch and Don Paulson seek to uncover the reasons for the names of the local mountains in their book, “Peaks of the Uncompahgre.” Jeff Burch The book explains the official and local names of the mountains, their elevations, and the stories behind their names. It contains 10 two-page spread panoramas and lots of individual photographs of the mountains south of Montrose, with a total of 80 mountains featured. The authors described their book the best in their introduction: “We have not offered any information

r es s o as Fortr ,241) nown3,642 ) s k a o 3 n s 1 l w ( A ea k ( 1 y kno Peak ak 6) ocall ontrose ff Pe ershing P i l L 2,98 c d P M Re U3 U 4 (1

beyond this narrow focus. There are lots of guidebooks and now lots of websites for access to the mountains, and there are certainly lots of other books with pretty pictures. This book is the only one that allows the reader to learn the names, the elevations and the backgrounds of the mountains they see.” Burch, 64, was also the photographer for the book. He has always had an interest in the mountains. Having worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 33 years, Burch has lived in six states, finally settling in Colorado over 22 years ago. He likes to brag about the area. “I tell my friends that the San Juan Mountains are the best part of Colorado and our part of them is the most beautiful,” he said. Paulson, 69, was a

professor of chemistry at California State University in Los Angeles. In the 1970s, he and his wife visited Colorado and fell in love with Ouray. “Studying the history of the area around Ouray was my hobby for 40 years,” Paulson said. “My passion is the history of the railroads and mines.” In the 1990s, Paulson and his wife bought property outside of Ouray and Don Paulson Paulson began to work at the Ouray County Historical Museum, eventually becoming its curator. The book was first conceived when Paulson wrote a series of articles in a local newspaper about the history behind the names of the local mountains. Burch contacted him about creating a book combining Paulson’s history with his photographs and a partnership was formed. Burch and Paulson

split the work, with Burch taking all the photographs except one, doing the research on the peaks, and adding local anecdotes. Paulson wrote about all the stories on the mountains’ names. “By dividing the work, it allowed us to do what we each do best,” Burch said. Paulson’s favorite parts of the book are the the two-page panoramas. “It is really cool to stand on a hill and be able to compare the book’s pictures to the mountains themselves,” he said. The book is perfect for hikers, climbers, hunters, and anyone who loves the mountains or who loves history. As the authors say in their book, “It would be a treat for us to someday see you stopped along the roadside, looking up at the peaks

and pointing to the pages of this book.” For more information or to purchase a copy of “Peaks of the Uncompahgre,” visit www.coloradothirteen ers.com, the Montrose Walgreens, Hastings, or Columbine Copy Center.

The guide for tour guides

entire trip. In the book about Imogene Pass, he wrote about the Social Tunnel and included then-and-now photos, which compare sections of road from 100 years ago to how they look today. “I have arranged these guides to be as if you were on one of my tours, each section being a stop along the way,” Greathouse said. “Each stop has both GPS coordinates and an identifying photo to help you locate that stop. I include a variety of goodies, pertinent information, some cool photos, jokes and of course spiels, some mine, and some donated by fellow respected guides.” Greathouse gathered the photos and GPS coordinates for the book about Black Bear Pass all on a tour. “That was the most fun because I was actually in the mountains collecting information,” he explained. For the Imogene Pass book, he gathered all the information over a couple of trips. The two books are useful for people who are taking a vacation in the San Juan Mountains, in either their own vehicle or a rental Jeep. Greathouse hopes to write more guide books in the future, including ones about Engineer Pass and Yankee Boy Basin. For more information or to purchase a copy of “The Tour Guide’s Guide to Black Bear Pass” and “The Tour Guide’s Guide to Imogene Pass,” visit www.alpinepara dise.com or call 596-2158. ■

Feature story 7

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Clay Greathouse tells the stories of the people who lived and worked in the mountains in his two books, “The Tour Guide’s Guide to Black Bear Pass” and “The Tour Guide’s Guide to Imogene Pass.” Greathouse, 51, has worked as a four-wheel drive tour guide in the San Juan Mountains for over 25 years. Originally from Denver, he has worked in both Ouray and Telluride, driving a variety of vehicles from Jeeps to pinzgauers. “As my passion for Jeep tours grew, my interests and knowledge of the area grew as well,” he said. Greathouse started collecting information for his book seven years ago. “It seemed like a way for me to expand my passion for doing trips to another level,” Greathouse said. “I enjoy giving tours, but lots of people nowadays use their own vehicles or rent a Jeep to drive, so they do not use a tour guide. My books are the only way I can share my experience and knowledge with those people.” In his book about Black Bear Pass, he wrote about part of the road he enjoys most: the Star Steps, considered the most thrilling part of the

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June 2013

2013

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June 2013

Chipotle Maple Citrus

Watermelon Wings Watermelon Glaze: 2 c watermelon puree 1 T lemon zest 1/2 c maple syrup (can use light version) 1/2 t cinnamon 1/2 t ground chipotle pepper, or to taste Juice from 3 fresh lemons Chicken: Chicken wings or drumettes 2 c pineapple juice 1/2 c soy sauce 1 T minced fresh ginger 3 cloves minced fresh garlic

To prepare watermelon glaze, simmer ingredients together in a heavy saucepan for 20 min. or until sauce is thick. Makes 2 cups. Keep warm. To prepare chicken, place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag with rest of the ingredients and seal. Marinate at least 2 hrs. or up to 12. Grill until cooked and arrange on a warm platter. Pour the glaze over the chicken and serve immediately.

peanut butter-chocolate Serves: 10 2c 1-1/2 c 2 c 4 oz 2 c 1 t

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Line a 5-by-10-in. jumbo loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a 4-in. overhang on all sides. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and 1 c sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium-high, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add peanut butter, and whisk until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool to room temperature. In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 c sugar and 1/2 c water to a boil over mediumhigh, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add chocolate, and stir until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, whisk cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add half the peanut butter mixture and whisk until combined. With a rubber spatula, add half the remaining peanut butter mixture and gently fold 3 times (mixture will be rippled). Transfer half the cream mixture to loaf pan. Top with half the peanut butter mixture and 1/4 c chocolate mixture. Top with remaining cream mixture, then drizzle with remaining peanut butter mixture and 1/4 c chocolate mixture. With a skewer or thin-bladed knife, swirl mixtures together. Freeze until firm, about 5 hours (or up to 3 days). Let sit 20 minutes at room temperature before serving with extra chocolate sauce.

June 2013

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Advice & ideas 9

Ask the Old Bag Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd By Gayle LagmanCreswick Dear Old Bag: A girlfriend of mine had a recent visit from a male high school friend. (For them, high school was 57 years ago to be exact.) While they never dated, they were always friends. They both enjoyed their visit together. My friend has been divorced for eight years. Her friend from high school is married and his wife has been in a nursing home for the past four years. His wife has a deteriorating Alzheimer’s-like disease. She no longer recognizes him and needs total care. Members from both sides of the family have given him their blessings to move on with his life. He visits her every day and feeds her. Both he and my girlfriend are respectful of her and her condition. But I am not comfortable with the situation. Aren’t they committing adultery? How can they be happy with their relationship while living in sin? Signed, A friend who believes what she reads in the Bible Dear Friend: So many thoughts go through my head when reading your letter. 1) Why do you have to be comfortable with this situation? 2) Even if they are committing adultery, what is it to you? 3) Are they living in sin? I do not know and I do not care. I have all I can do to take care of my own shortcomings! 4) While I do not pretend to be a Bible scholar, I have a lot of Bible phrases that are programmed into me from my dear mother. One of them she used to use on me when I felt the need to be judgmental of another: “Judge not lest ye be judged.” I can’t tell you exactly where to find it, but since you are a Bible scholar, I am sure you know about it. Isn’t it lifting a load off you to know you don’t have to judge them? Pray for them. Pray for relief from pettiness. Somehow, it seems to me there is always room

for more love in this world. Other thoughts that come to mind are “Live and let live,” “Never judge a man unless you have walked a mile in his moccasins,” etc. Someday, we will come to a full understanding of life. Good luck. O.B. Dear Old Bag: My father has been in a nursing home for several years. He has dementia and has not recognized any of us for a couple years. My mother visits him regularly. I used to, but not any longer. He is getting excellent care and does not even know us. The problem is that my mother seems to be taking up with a man whose wife is in the home and in a similar shape as our father. I think this is wrong. After all, my father is still alive and she is cavorting right in his face, so to speak. I tried to talk to her about it and she just started crying. How do I deal with this? Signed, Worried daughter Dear Worried: First of all, please read my answer to the previous writer. That all applies to you as well. In addition, your mother is your mother, not your child. She has made jillions of decisions in her life. Many more than you have. Please be respectful of her decision to develop a relationship with someone who well understands the isolation and loneliness of losing a loved one to this horrible disease. Please give her your blessing and do not add to her unhappiness by chastising her. And may I chastise you for not visiting your father anymore? You said he does not know you, which is probably true, but do you know him? He is still your father. Just because he does not know you, it does not let you off the hook. You can still love him and help care for him. It is the right thing to do. Prayers and blessings your way. O.B. ■

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

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10 Health & wellness

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June 2013

The Healthy Geezer By Fred Cicetti

Q. I’ve noticed that I can’t drink a cup of regular coffee after midafternoon. It keeps me awake at night. I used to be able to drink coffee at dinnertime and it never bothered me. Is this another age thing? Yes. Sensitivity to caffeine—the pick-me-up in coffee—tends to increase as you get older. Children metabolize caffeine quicker than adults. About 90 percent of Americans consume caffeine daily. More than half of all American adults consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine every day, making it America’s most popular drug. Caffeine occurs naturally in many plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves and cocoa nuts. Therefore, it is found in a wide range of food products. Caffeine is added artificially to many others, including a variety of beverages. The most common sources of caffeine for Americans are coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and some over-the-counter medications. Here are some useful numbers to help you determine how much caffeine you take in:  A 6-ounce cup of coffee - 100 mg  A 6-ounce cup of tea - 70 mg  A 12-ounce can of cola - 50 mg  An ounce of chocolate - 6 mg  One tablet of Extra Strength Excedrin - 65 mg  One tablet of Anacin - 32 mg  One tablet of Maximum Strength NoDoz - 200 mg

19 Years of Serving You!

For most people, 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine a day isn’t harmful. But if you are sensitive to caffeine or the use of certain drugs, you may want to cut down or eliminate caffeine from your diet. Your caffeine consumption is worth discussing with your doctor.

Caffeine can cause restlessness, anxiety, irritability, muscle tremors, sleeplessness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea and abnormal heart rhythms. Some medicines and supplements interact negatively with caffeine. These include some antibiotics and bronchodilators. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether caffeine might affect the medicines you take. In the practice of medicine, caffeine is useful as a cardiac stimulant and also a mild diuretic. Caffeine is an addictive drug. It stimulates like amphetamines, cocaine and heroin. If you feel you have to have caffeine every day, then you are addicted to it. Eliminating caffeine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue. These symptoms usually pass after several days. Here are some tips if you want to chase away the caffeine monkey: • Read labels carefully for ingredients and keep track of the caffeine you consume. • Gradually reduce the amount of caffeine you take in. This will enable you to acclimate to less caffeine and reduce the effects of withdrawal. • Start drinking decaffeinated coffee, tea and soda. • Brew your tea for less time to cut down on caffeine. Or try herbal teas, which are caffeine-free. • Check the caffeine content in overthe-counter medications that you take. If you can, switch to caffeinefree forms of the medications you need. ■

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 2013

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Health & wellness 11

Stay safe in the sun S

ummer temperatures in Colorado are on the rise and it is important to keep sun safety tips in mind. “Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Western Chief Medical Oncologist Dr. Walter Quan, Jr. said. “With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, high mountain elevations and Coloradans’ love for the outdoors, sun safety is vital and can help residents reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.” Here are some precautions you can take to limit your sun exposure and the risk of developing melanoma.

the sun, follow these tips: • Cover your head and ears with broad-brimmed hats, which offer protection from the sun’s rays. • Wear tightly-woven clothing made of light colored fabrics.

Sun safety is vital and can help residents reduce their risk for developing skin cancer.

• Be aware of the amount of time spent in the sun. Perform outdoor activities before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to avoid high-risk hours. (Even one incidence of sunburn places people at risk for skin cancer in their lifetime.) • Avoid sun tanning. It will help your skin appear younger for longer. (When your tan fades, your skin tries to heal the damage caused by sun exposure. However, your skin never forgets what happens. Radiation damage is cumulative over the course of years.) • Teach your children and grandchildren to wear sunscreen at a young age. The higher the solar protection factor (SPF), the better. • Eat certain fruits and vegetables that contain immune-boosting ingredients and that are rich with nutrients. Citrus fruits contain antioxidants to protect cells from changes that lead to skin cancer. Eating three or four avocados per week can help reduce skin damage. Vitamin A, found in carrots, has been linked to a reduced risk of sunburn, which can reduce the risk of skin cancer. When you must venture out into

• Apply a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Avoiding dehydration is important when out in the sun. Signs of dehydration may include: dry mouth, thirst, fatigue or weakness, weak or cramped muscles, dizziness, headaches, forgetfulness, confusion and fever. To avoid dehydration: • Drink iced fluids before feeling thirsty. • Eat vegetables and fruits with a high fluid content. • Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine. ■

You may

have skin cancer if… (ABCDE) See your dermatologist if you notice any of these mole or skin changes: Your moles become Asymmetric Moles have Borders that are irregular or ragged If a mole is more than one Color or if you notice it has changed color, particularly if it has become black or dark. Moles have a Diameter of more than 6 mm

Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you have a loose denture or partial that you wish was more stable? Have you thought about dental implants but have questions or concerns? At Grand Dental we can help you solve any dental problem. All of your treatment will be done here, in our state of the art office, by Dr. Eric Benefield, who graduated #1 in his dental class in 2003. 1035 Grand Ave., Grand Junction, CO 81501 | (970) 243-8580 | www.mygranddental.com

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12 Health & wellness

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Funny as a heart attack By B. Elwin Sherman

know what you’re thinking: he wouldn’t DARE write a humor column about heart attacks! Well yes, he would, because if he didn’t, he’d have to hang up his humorist shoes. But first, a revelation: For my dedicated readers who aren’t aware of it, I’ve been a nurse for as long as I’ve been a humor columnist, and neither discipline has ever worked very well in my life without borrowing from the other. Try healing without humor. You can do it, but the result is like living with plastic plants. I’ve also worked with a few humorless healthcare professionals and that’s like spending your day watering plastic plants. When my wife suffered a heart attack, however, I do admit to not finding the funny in it right away. I reacted as any of us do when a loved one’s life is suddenly threatened and we must act to save them, then and there, and without benefit of script or rehearsal. I dialed information to ask for the phone number for 911. I lost control of all my bodily functions. I chased my head across the carpet after it fell off and rolled under the bed. I screamed “Help!” in every one of the world’s 6,800 known languages and sub-dialects. Oh, and I had my own heart attack and fell dead. The end. I did all those things, in my mind, and in less time than it took to type the “p” in panic. Then, back at reality, I called 911. I assessed her vital signs. I was calm, controlled and deliberate. I stayed with her and helped her breathe. I set everything in motion that ultimately saved her life. I intervened precisely and (except for that one “p” in panic microsecond) without hesitation. After I saw her off in the ambulance, I went back inside, retrieved most of my head, collected some of my bodily fluids, cleaned the carpet,

left the house and followed her in my car to the hospital with all the controlled nurse/humorist muse I could muster. For reasons known only to those goofy, reflexive coping mechanisms we all have, I first put a harmonica and a bar of baker’s chocolate in a tote bag. Somehow, it seemed like the vital contents for a post-heart attack emergency room survival kit. This brings us to a few rules for surviving your loved one’s heart attack. It’s a work in progress. If you think prayer will help, pray. If you think having a back-up harmonica song and some bittersweet chocolate at the ready will help, have them with you at all times. My grandma used to say, “Whatever flips your skirt.” Our coping methods are our own. You’ve now become a caregiver to your partner. Take care not to become a caretaker. Meet them where they are, not where you’d like them to be. This is a good general rule for doctors, nurses, politicians and stand-up comics. When the publisher for my new book heard the news, he wrote an encouraging note, adding this sage advice, based on his having gone through his spouse’s heart attack, “Don’t volunteer to do the dishes or you’ll be doing them forever.” I took this under advisement, and later invented Zen Dishwashing and Fry Pan Nirvana. Believe everything doctors tell you, and don’t believe anything doctors tell you. Settle somewhere in the middle. Don’t forget, as you devote yourself to your partner’s recovery and rehabilitation, to tend to your own basic needs. Find time to eat, sleep and bathe. Try not to do all these things at once (insert visual of a humorist standing up asleep in the shower and holding soggy toast). Life as you knew it is over. You now have a new life with your mate,

Try healing without humor. You can do it, but the result is like living with plastic plants.

June 2013 replete with new strategies for living, and restructured ways of sharing and communicating. Within weeks of their heart attack, you’ll also know the sodium and sugar content of every food on the shelves. In America, as you set out newly determined to find heart-healthy foods, pay close attention. You’re also now adding shopping and cooking to dishwashing and pot scrubbing. The only food I could find at the supermarket with no added salt and/or sugar (no wonder we’re all sick) was toilet paper. Anyone have a recipe for bathroom

Health & wellness 13

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com tissue tortellini soup? Lastly, never lose your sense of humor and do your very best to keep your recovering partner in play. I’ve invented a nursing diagnostic (I may patent it, so be careful). It’s called a “humding-oscopy.” Here’s how to perform it. Stand at your partner’s side and place one hand on her chest and one hand on her back. Rub her back gently for 10 seconds while chanting, “Heal, heal, heal, heal, heal” in your best basso profundo cartoon voice. Laugh together. Rest together. Repeat as needed. ■

Help save a life from cancer Volunteers needed for cancer research effort

rand Junction area residents have an unprecedented opportunity to participate in a historic study June 25-29 that has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations. Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3. CPS-3 will enroll a diverse population of up to half a million people across the United States and Puerto Rico and will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer. Those who wish to participate in the study can enroll at St. Mary’s Regional Cancer Center’s Advanced Medical Pavilion, 750 Wellington Ave., Entrance 22, in Grand Junction on one of four days: • Tuesday, June 25 from 7 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. • Wednesday, June 26 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. • Thursday, June 27 from 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. • Saturday, June 29 from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Appointments are required. To make an appointment or for a complete list of enrollment dates and times, visit www.cps3GrandJunction. org. To enroll in the volunteer study, individuals will be asked to read and sign an informed consent form, complete a brief survey, have their waist

circumference measured and give a small blood sample. The in-person enrollment process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. At home, individuals will complete a comprehensive survey packet that asks for information on lifestyle and other factors related to their health. Upon completion of this process, the society will continue to send periodic follow-up surveys to update participant information and annual newsletters with study updates and results. The follow-up surveys are expected to be sent every few years. “Many individuals diagnosed with cancer struggle to answer the question, ‘What caused my cancer?’ In many cases, we don’t know the answer,” CPS-3 Principal Investigator Dr. Alpa V. Patel said. “CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer.” The voluntary, long-term commitment by participants in this study is what will produce benefits for decades to come. “Taking an hour or so every few years to fill out a survey and potentially save someone from being diagnosed with cancer in the future is a commitment that thousands of volunteer participants have already made,” Patel said. To learn more, visit cancer.org/cps3 or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888. ■

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DRIP and drought By Marsha Kearns

hen you fly into the Grand Valley during the growing season and look down, the stark line between green and brown is striking. Where there is water from the river or irrigation canals, there is an abundance of green plant life. Where there is no water, the landscape is brown and tan, typical of a dry, highdesert environment. Drought is more than a temporary lack of precipitation. Rather, it is a prolonged period of deficiency in the water supply we all depend on for our daily water needs. “When looking at stream flows in our watershed, the drought of 2012 was the fourth worst drought on record for Ute Water,” Ute Water Conservancy External Affairs Manager Joseph Burtard said. “Ute’s snowpack in March 2013 was only at 90 percent of what we had in 2012. This means we will be facing two extreme back-to-back droughts.” Unlike with other commodities, increased demand for water does not create more supply. Our water supply depends on snowpack, which has been only a fraction of normal

for several years in a row. This means reservoirs are already low. “Reservoirs are the water bank we pull from as a backup for the supply from snowmelt,” Clifton Water District Assistant Manager David Reinertsen said. “When they get low, water is simply not available.” Already this year, the entire state of Colorado has been designated as being in an exceptional drought condition. Many areas are imposing strict enforcement of mandatory conservation measures. Drought monitoring recently became easier with the launch of www. coh2o.co, a portal into conditions around the state.

“Constant conservation over time is the most appropriate response.”

Cooperation, not competition We have a dual water system in the Grand Valley—one for irrigation and one for the potable water we use for drinking, cooking and bathing. Our local suppliers of domestic water are the City of Grand Junction, Clifton Water District, Ute Water Conservancy District and the Town of Palisade. Following the drought of 2002, the four water suppliers and the Colora-

June 2013 A bird’s eye view of the Grand Valley.

do State University Extension created the Drought Response Information Project (DRIP). This group monitors the water situation and implements the necessary stages of drought response. Snowmelt from the north side of the Grand Mesa is used by Ute Water and Palisade. Grand Junction’s supply comes from the west side, above Kannah Creek. Clifton pulls from the Colorado River, which is fed by snowmelt higher upstream. If one supplier runs short on water, the others share, which is why you will hear a united message from them all. “Long-term, constant conservation over time is the most appropriate response to living in an arid environment,” Reinertsen said. “The response to extreme drought conditions will be immediate. Something must be done quickly and strongly to ensure supply, so all of us have the

basic amount we need for living.” Each water provider’s system is designed to serve its specific customers. Ute, Palisade, and Clifton have river irrigation, and much of Grand Junction uses domestic water for all its needs. When irrigation is cut back because of dwindling supply in the reservoirs, everyone turns to domestic water use. This puts a strain on all the water providers, because when one supplier experiences a shortage, the others step in to cover the loss. “The Grand Valley water providers and their governing bodies have taken a proactive role in managing our water supplies and storage,” Burtard said. “Had they not been so aggressive in their foresight, then we, like many other water providers across the state, would also be enforcing mandatory water restrictions. That’s not to say that mandatory water restrictions will not be coming down the pipeline as we move into the warmer months.”

Don’t overwater Overwatering outdoors is by far the biggest drain on our supply. Putting in new lawns and gardens during drought conditions is irresponsible. Instead, learn ways you can make the

June 2013 most of less water usage, inside and outside. “It’s not necessary to water your yard five days a week,” City of Grand Junction Water Services Manager Rick Brinkman said. “In fact, it’s detrimental to your lawn’s overall health. If you water your lawn properly two to three days a week, it has a much better chance of surviving any drastic cutbacks we may face.” Depending on the type of soil you have in your yard, it may not be able to efficiently absorb 15 to 20 minutes of watering all at once. The result is twofold: Excess water runs off and is wasted, and your lawn loses the deep-root conditioning that will keep your grass healthy even during the

Tips for maximum water conservation  Water turf areas deeply and infrequently.  Let your grass grow a bit longer than usual to retain moisture and need less water.  Reduce turf areas by installing planting beds of flowers and shrubs.  When replacing shrubs and plantings look for low-water drought-tolerant replacements.  Group plantings according to the plants’ water needs.  Water your plants only when needed, as overwatering can drown plants, even in our semi-arid environment.  Mulch planting beds to help cool the soil and retain moisture.  Adjust the lawn mower to a higher cut to lessen turf stress.  Routinely check the sprinkler system for leaks and broken spray heads.  Don’t run sprinklers on windy days, because much of the water evaporates before hitting the ground.  Learn how to shut off the automatic sprinkler system in the event of a malfunction or rainstorm.  Learn how to adjust your sprinkler system. Timers don’t know what’s happening with the weather.  Water less in the cool spring and fall and adjust your timer to suit.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com stress of drought. The CSU Extension office has a lot of great information on how to efficiently and effectively maintain your lawn in the Grand Valley. Learning how much water your soil type can accept, how much water your lawn needs in a week, and how much water you are actually putting on it will help you achieve a fabulous lawn without wasting water. Visit their website at www.ext.colostate.edu or call 244-1834 (Mesa County), 249-3935 (Montrose), 874-2195 (Delta), or 625-3969 (Garfield).

Waste not, want not “Water being wasted can stem from a lot of things,” Reinertsen said. “If you see water running down the street, hitting hard surfaces like sidewalks or roads, or bubbling up from the ground somewhere, please call us. It could be that someone is just unaware of the problem. It could be that there’s a leak in the system we need to fix.” DRIP will be putting out its message in a variety of ways, such as inserts in your water bills, warnings on billboards and suggested ways to save water. Read the information. Heed the warnings. Embrace the need to conserve. If we don’t do this, we will all pay a hefty and painful price. But if we do our part, we will all have enough water to meet our basic needs. “We are in an extreme drought,” Burtard said. “Water conservation goes beyond the mentality of turning off the water when you brush your teeth. Those elementary behaviors should have already been in place. Extreme drought means you are not watering your lawns, you are not filling swimming pools, you are not washing your cars in your driveway. Extreme drought means that you are changing out your water-consuming landscapes to something native to our semi-arid climate.” If you have questions or concerns about your own usage or if you see water being wasted, call your local supplier of domestic water. “We all need to remember we are out here together in the middle of the desert,” Brinkman said. “Making

sure we all have the water we need depends on our ability and willingness to help each other.” DRIP members are available to give presentations and spread valuable information about how to use water wisely. Learn more about their education efforts and options at www. thedripwebsite.com.

washing of surfaces and vehicles • Do not fill swimming pools • Turn off ornamental fountains inside and outside

Stage 2 - Steps for Mandatory Conservation

Stage 1 - Steps for Voluntary

• Require compliance with all steps in Stage 1

• Governmental entities reduce water use

• Eliminate fire hydrant use to only that required for public safety

• Serve water in restaurants only upon request

• Increase penalties for wasting water or violating restrictions

• Use low-flow showerheads and low-flush toilets

• Restrict landscape water usage to subsistence irrigation

• Reduce street cleaning and other outdoor

• No new landscaping allowed ■

Conservation

Tammy McCurry tammy@ironmaidenllc.com

970-216-8497

www.facebook.com/ironmaidenllc

www.ironmaidenllc.com 1979 Three Eagles Way, Loma, CO 81524

16 Laughing matters

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Laughing Matters Stolen truck

A couple’s feud

Submitted by Karen Jones Jim came running into the store and said to his buddy, “Alex, somebody just stole your pickup truck from the parking lot!” “Did you see who it was?” Alex asked. “I couldn’t tell,” Jim said. “But I got his license plate number!”

Submitted by Monica Kaiser A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led them to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, “Relatives of yours?” “Yep,” the wife replied. “In-laws.”

Dumping garbage Submitted by Pam Fix A police officer pulled up next to a guy unloading garbage out of his truck and into a ditch. “Why are you dumping garbage into this ditch?” the officer asked. “Don’t you see that sign right over your head?” “Yep,” the man replied. “That’s why I’m dumping it here. It says, ‘Fine for dumping garbage.’”

P R E M I E R

Home for eternity Submitted by Shelby Garson A forester and a lawyer were in car accidents on the same day and showed up at the pearly gates together. St. Peter greets them at the pearly gates and takes them to the homes where they will spend all of eternity. They get into St. Peter’s holy vehicle and head on down a gold road, which turns into a platinum road, which turns into a road paved with

S E N I O R

June 2013

diamonds, and then they see a mansion. St. Peter turns to the lawyer and says, “Here is your home for the rest of eternity. Enjoy!” Then St. Peter took the forester to his home, back down the diamond studded boulevard, down the platinum highway, down the street of gold, down an avenue of silver, along a stone alley and down an unpaved footpath to a shack. “Here you go,” St. Peter says. He goes to leave when the forester says, “Wait minute! How come the lawyer gets the big mansion and I get this shack?” “Foresters are a dime a dozen here,” St. Peter said. “We have never had a lawyer before.”

Smart kid Submitted by Donna Dixon A young boy enters a barbershop. The barber whispers to his customer, “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.” The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other,

L I V I N G

then calls the boy over and asks, “Which do you want?” The boy takes the quarters and leaves. “What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns.” As the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “May I ask you a question?” the customer asks the boy. The boy nods. “Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licks his cone and replies, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over.”

Smoking kills Submitted by Bob Breazeale Two old geezers are sitting on a park bench when the first one lights a cigar. In a very disgusted voice, the second one says, “How can you smoke those dirty, filthy, stinking things? They can kill you.” “Don’t I know it,” said the smoker. “Smoking killed my nephew last year.”

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June 2013 “Lung cancer?” asked the second guy. “No,” the smoker said. “He was walking across a busy street and he stopped to light up a cigarette and he got run over by a bus.”

Sacramental whiskey Submitted by Evelyn Clarke Haggarty ran a red light and plowed headlong into a car driven by Father Cogan. The auto turned over three times and the priest, thrown from the vehicle, lay stunned beside the road. Haggarty rushed over and said, “I’m terribly sorry, Father!” “Saints above!” said the shaken priest. “You almost killed me!” “Here,” Haggarty said. “I’ve got a little sacramental Jack Daniels. Take some and you’ll feel a lot better.” Father Cogan took a couple of large swigs and continued his tirade. “What were you thinkin’ about, man? You nearly launched me into eternity!” “I’m sorry, Father,” Haggarty said. “Take a few more sips. It’ll ease your nerves.” After the priest had almost finished the entire bottle, he said, “Why don’t you have a drink?” “No thanks, Your Reverence,” Haggarty said, “I’ll just sit here and wait for the police.”

Life after Mary Poppins Submitted by Bob Breazeale Have you ever wondered what happened to Mary Poppins after she got out of the movie business? Well, I found out. She moved to Los Angeles and opened a psychic shop. She became very adept at predicting people who had bad breath. In fact, she was so good at it that she became worldfamous. So she decided to change the sign over her shop to read: “SuperCalifornia-Mystic-Expert-Halitosis.”

Church squirrels Submitted by James Witt There were five houses of religion in a small town: a Presbyterian church, a Baptist church, a Methodist church, a Catholic church and a Jew-

Laughing matters 17

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com ish synagogue. Each was overrun by pesky squirrels. One day, the Presbyterian Church called a meeting to decide what to do about the squirrels. After much prayer and consideration, they determined that the squirrels were predestined to be there and they shouldn’t interfere with God’s divine will. In the Baptist Church, the squirrels had taken up habitation in the baptistery. The deacons met and decided to put a cover on the baptistery and drown the squirrels in it. The squirrels escaped somehow and there were twice as many there the next week. The members of the Methodist Church got together and decided that they were not in the position to harm any of God’s creation. So they humanely trapped the squirrels and set them free a few miles outside of town. Three days later, the squirrels were back. The Catholic Church came up with the best and most effective solution. They baptized the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now they only see them on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter. Not much was heard about the Jewish Synagogue, but they took one squirrel and had a short service with him called circumcision and they haven’t seen a squirrel on the property since.

Piano Masterworks and rarely heard gems

PAONIA: Lamborn Concert Hall, Fri. June 21, 7:30 pm MONTROSE: Pavilion, Sun. June 23, 3:00 pm GRAND JUNCTION: 1st United Methodist Church, Fri. June 28, 7:30 pm

In an evening of piano solo music dedicated to her late husband and musical partner cellist Tyme Mientka, Kathryn will present music by Rachmaninoff, Schumann, and Liszt, as well as a number of beautiful pieces the Mientka Duo performed, but now in solo piano version, such as the famous cello solo by Saint-Saens,"The Swan". A fascinating and unusual program! KATHRYN MIENTKA, PIANO “Award-winning artist- don’t miss this event!”

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ALL SEATS RESERVED

Grand Junction: Roper Music Montrose: Pavilion Paonia: Farm & Home

Call 241-4579 for more info

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Remember when

Marriage and romance Submitted by Kathy Forni A wife, being the romantic sort, sent her husband a text that read, “If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you!” The husband, typically nonromantic, replied, “I’m on the commode. Please advise.” ■ Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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June 2013

AARP helps increase senior funding and makes impact in 2013 legislative session S enior services in Colorado will get an additional $4 million for the first time in years, deregulation of telephone—including Internet phone and landline service—was stopped, voting for older adults will be easier, and biosimilars are going to need more than the word of two drug companies to prove they are safe for consumers. Those issues and more make up AARP Colorado’s accomplishments this 2013 legislative season. The session wrapped up May 8 and Advocacy Director Kelli Fritts and her band of more than 20 legislative advocates ended it with many wins to celebrate. “I don’t think I can convey how amazing this session has been for consumers,” AARP State Director Morie Smile said. “No one else was fighting some of these issues. I can’t thank our wonderful, dedicated and off-the-charts, smart advocate volunteers enough for the work they have done this year.” Among the battles won is the passage of Senate Bill 13-127. The bill called for additional funding of senior services, including Meals on Wheels, transportation and ombudsman services that help keep seniors in their homes and living independently. Gov. John Hickenlooper said he would give a one-time increase of $2 million toward such services. Sorely underfunded, any increase to the Older Coloradans Fund would be useful. But that wasn’t enough for AARP, especially after years of stagnant funding and budget cuts. “We put together a coalition, found sponsors to introduce SB 127, and we went for $12 million over three years for senior services,” Fritts said. “We didn’t get that much, but we did get $4 million.” That’s just the beginning. AARP Colorado will return next year to fight for another increase. Jean

Nofles, lead advocate on the bill, said the additional funding is a significant step forward in ensuring that these vital services will be available for all older Coloradans. “Senate bill 127 was a turning point for the members of the Colorado Legislature, in that they began to understand the need for Coloradans to support the senior population in the state and not push them over the edge toward Medicaid,” said Linda Worrell, AARP co-lead advocate on the bill. Another AARP Colorado accomplishment is the demise of House Bill 13-1255 and Senate Bill 13-287. These bills were designed to deregulate telephone service—take away any and all possible future local oversight of communications companies—and let consumers fend for themselves against big Telcos. AARP advocates said that wasn’t good enough. Fritts said the issue comes up every year and AARP was the only group registered in opposition of these bills. It was a dramatic session, in which HB 1255 passed with all “yes” votes in the House, but came to a halt in the Senate with the introduction of SB 287. This was an opportunity for AARP Colorado advocates to hit SB 287 hard in the Senate. Both bills died on the vine. Smile said she gives a lot of credit to AARP Executive Council Member and utility expert Steve Merrill. Merrill, who has an impressive background in the utility industry, was the lead advocate on both bills. “Overall, the legislation was not necessary and for the bills to fail, that’s good for the consumers,” Merrill said. The hardest-fought and sweetest win for AARP Colorado is the failure of House Bill 13-1121. Also known as the biosimilar bill, HB 1121 had dozens of lobbyists registered to rep-

June 2013 resent nearly 430 entities, either in support, opposition, or as monitors of this bill that would have allowed drug companies to release untested biosimilar drugs, which are similar to, but not the same as, regularly prescribed medication. Early on, AARP advocates were concerned about the safety of the drugs because they are not FDAapproved. AARP advocate, Dr. Shirley Leow, a retired PhRMA scientist, dug in and found cause for concern. “Killing the biosimilar bill was one of the greatest joys ever,” Fritts said. “It had so much support from leadership on both sides of the aisle and things got emotional, too, as some consumer groups backed the bill because they believed the sponsors who promised cheaper drugs.” Other great victories include the

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com failure of two PERA bills, the demise of a bill that sought to kill the health insurance exchange, the passage of Medicaid expansion, the creation of mandatory reporting for at-risk adults, and the Colorado breakthrough voters’ bill, which will allow voters to register just prior to voting, among other benefits. Although AARP Colorado pointed out the work of its lead volunteers on the most urgent bills of the 2013 session, all advocates made a difference, Smile said. “Every single person was instrumental in the success of the group this year, and our thanks go out to all our advocates, other volunteers who support them, and the AARP staff, both in-state and at the national level,” she said. ■

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Fruita woman named AARP state president

ARP Colorado recently named Terri Potente of Fruita as its state president. AARP state presidents are volunteers, who may serve up to six years and lead the organization’s Colorado executive council, as well as its volunteer corps. Prior to accepting her new post, Potente has been a member of the AARP Colorado Executive Council for five years. She has been instrumental in educating the public about Social Security and Medicare, she has addressed Colorado’s delegation in Congress, and has appeared as an AARP spokeswoman in a number of local and national media. “We are extremely pleased to have Terri as our new state president,” AARP State Director Morie Smile said. “Terri is a dynamo who is passionate about the issues that impact older adults. She is a true team player and extremely generous with her time.” Potente grew up in Ridgefield, New Jersey. She left The Port Authority of

New York and New Jersey after 26 years to join the Rockefeller Foundation in 1988. She traveled extensively to southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, visiting villages sponsored by the foundation. She was the foundation’s assistant to the president and liaison to the board of trustees, the Rockefeller family, and the political community. Potente left the foundation in 1999, married her husband, Ed Apanel, and moved to Fruita. In 2000, she joined Mesa County RSVP as recruitment manager and retired in 2006. She was then appointed to the RSVP Board of Directors and served as president for four years. She remains a member of the board. “I’m very interested in protecting the earned benefits of seniors and ensuring that Medicare and Social Security are kept strong for present and future generations,” Potente said. “AARP gives me the support I need to fight on behalf of seniors in my community and beyond.” ■

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20 Gardening

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June 2013

Garden Smarts By Kathy Kimbrough, Garden Scentsations

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Fest and one of the vendors was showing a Tower Garden. It looked very interesting, but does Q. I hear different answers it work? Alexis F., Grand Junction about this from my neighbors While I do not have first-hand all the time. At this time of year, knowledge of the Tower Garden®, what is the optimum time to waI did visit their website and found ter your lawn? How often should some interesting information. The you water it? Do the guidelines Tower Garden® is a state-of-the-art change as the summer goes on? vertical aeroponic growing system. Brittany S., Grand Junction Aeroponics is the The watering process of growneeds of our ing plants in an lawns as well as air or mist envithe rest of our ronment without landscapes do the use of soil. change with the The Tower Garseasons. Early in den® has a 20-galthe season and lon reservoir or going into fall, storage tank at our lawns need its base. This less water than reservoir stores during the heat the Tower Tonic® of the summer. nutrient solution As far as the and water. Inside optimum time the reservoir of day to water, is a small, lowthere is no better wattage submerstime than in the ible pump. The middle of the pump pushes the night! I know nutrient soluthis might sound tion up through crazy but here’s a small, central why: There is less hose and drips evaporation due through the cen- The Tower Garden® is convenient for patios or to hot temperatral “tower” using for people with little garden space. tures and suna special device light, and there is that evenly cascades the nutrient less chance of fungal diseases occursolution over the plant roots that are ring because you are not increasing exposed there. On the journey down the amount of time the grass is wet, the tower, the nutrient solution feeds as grass is naturally wet during the the plants’ roots and becomes highly night with the formation of dew. If oxygenated as gravity tumbles it back you cannot water between the hours down to the reservoir. of midnight and 6 a.m., then consider From this information, I assume it watering from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Yes, you would be convenient for people who will lose some water from evaporado not have enough space to plant tion but the dew on the grass will a garden in the ground or for those have dried by then, thereby reducing who cannot bend over to maintain a the risks of fungal diseases. traditional garden. Monica Cullinane How often you water will be de-

June 2013

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termined by the type has a great and much of soil you have. We longer explanation of Plant of the Month have two types how to water estabof soils in our lished lawns and area: heavy clay how to manage and sandy loam. your automated Heavy clay soils English Lavender (Lavandula angusti- irrigation system. hold the water folia) or true lavender has been grown Their website is and have poor for centuries around the world for good www.westerncol drainage while reason. It is beautiful, hardy, fragrant oradogardening. the sandy soils and very useful. It is also ideally suited org. Look under release the water to our hot, dry, high-desert climate in the Turf section. and drain too western Colorado. Lavender comes in Q. My lavender quickly. A quick many colors and sizes to suit any land- plants are slow test to see if you scape. The classic dark purple lavender to green up this need to water is very popular but don’t pass up the year and they your lawn can chance to try the violet, blue, pink or seem dead on be done with a white lavenders. Most English lavenders one side and long screwdriver. have a mature size of 2 feet high by 2 not the other. If you cannot feet wide. Plant your lavender in a loca- Is there someeasily push the tion with excellent drainage and full sun. thing wrong screwdriver into Lavender is a xeric or water-wise plant with them? the soil for more but needs regular watering to get estab- Should I cut than 2 inches, lished. Some great companion plants out the dead it’s time to water. are Agastache, purple coneflower, stems? Paula Ideally, your lawn Penstemon, yarrow and Artemesia. B., East Orshould be irrigated chard Mesa once a week. While It sounds like you you can water more have winter damage on frequently, watering deep your lavender plants. We have had and infrequently takes into account an exceptionally cold winter and the root system of trees and shrubs. spring this year, and it can take a toll If you have clay soils, however, you on lavender plants as well as other may have to water a couple of times woody shrubs. Most of the damage on your watering days with shorter probably occurred this spring when duration to be sure the water is abthe south side of your plants heated sorbed and not running off. Colorado up during the day and cooled down State University Extension’s website drastically during the night. The

extreme temperature change weakens the plants. Mulching your plants or covering them with a floating row cover will mitigate the temperature changes and eliminate the winter damage. When you cut out the dead branches the lavender plant should produce new buds and green up with the warm temperatures. It may look a little lopsided but it will recover and fill out over time.

Garden Checklist  Bring your houseplants outside and give them a good shower. Spray all of the foliage to remove dust collected over the winter and soak the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes. This dilutes any accumulated salts from fertilizers and tap water in the soil.  Cilantro is one of those herbs you can use in many Mexican dishes, from salsas to fajitas to pinto bean soup. To have fresh cilantro all season, you can do what is called succession planting. Plant a small amount of seed every three weeks or so. You will have new plants coming along as the older ones are fading out or bolting. Other fastgrowing crops are Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce and radishes.

Gardening 21

 Fertilize trees and shrubs now. This will give new growth time to harden before late fall cold. Fertilize roses once they are in full bloom.  To develop bushier plants and delay blooms until August, pinch back the tops of mums and asters when the stalks reach about 8 inches. Repeat each time they reach that height until mid-July. Remove the spent flowers or “dead-head” the perennials that have already bloomed. Many will bloom again later in the season. Rose blooms should be pruned back to a set of five leaflets.  Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and viburnums before they set their blooms for next year in early July.  Mulch tomatoes after the soil is thoroughly warm to conserve moisture and help prevent blossom end rot.  Mulch the whole vegetable garden with permeable fabric or organic material to maintain even soil moisture and inhibit weed growth. ■ Send your questions to Kathy at Beacon@PendantPublishing.com or mail them to the BEACON at P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

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22 Recreation

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Fun after 50

Offered by Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

o register for the following activities, visit www.gjcity.org/ recreation.aspx or call 254-3866. For a complete list of activities, pick up the Activity Guide at the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office, 1340 Gunnison Ave. or at the Senior Recreation Center, 550 Ouray Ave. June 13

Sego Canyon/Trail Through Time

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 $10.

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

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)

June 2013

No hiking is required to see rare pictographs left by the Archaic, Fremont and Ute peoples in Sego Canyon. Venture to a well-preserved ghost town and enjoy a picnic lunch. Take an interpretive stroll along a trail through a dinosaur quarry. The Trail Through Time is riddled with fossilized dinosaur bones and plant material. Van leaves at 8:30 a.m. from Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $25. July 25

Excursion of the Senses Tantalize your taste buds and scintillate your nostrils in this excursion of the senses. First stop will be High Country Orchards for a peach-packing tour and wine tasting at Colterris. Next, we will wander through the lavender fields of Sage Creations, where lavender bundles are $5. We end our day at the Palisade Brewing Company for a tour and outside seating at the base of the Bookcliffs. Bring money for lunch at the brewery. Cost of $20 includes transportation only. Meet at Lincoln Park Barn at 10 a.m. August 8

Montrose Museums The Montrose County Historical Museum has an extensive collection of farming and mining equipment. The Ute Indian Museum has the most complete collection of Ute Indian artifacts in the nation. For lunch, we will have a picnic. Cost of $35 includes all expenses. Meet at the Lincoln Park Barn at 9 a.m.

Senior sports • Pickleball is played most days at

about 10 a.m. at the tennis courts at Lincoln Park. In mid-June, the courts will be under construction, so pickleball will be played at Pine Ridge, located at Ridges Boulevard and Desert Trails Drive in The Ridges. • Senior softball is open to men and women ages 50 and older. For more information, call Carl at 255-6688. August 26-30

Western Colorado Senior Games The 12th annual Western Colorado Senior Games is for anyone 50 years and better as of August 26, 2013. Compete in track and field, swimming, pool, golf, 5K running or walking, bowling, cards, dance, horseshoes, bocce ball, pickleball and more! Registration forms are available at www.gjcity.org, the Parks and Recreation office, the Senior Recreation Center, and in July’s BEACON. Register by August 12. Cost is $19 to compete in many competitions.

Classes Beginning Line Dance Class is at 12:15 p.m. on Mondays, June 3-24, at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $12.

Gentle Yoga Class starts at 7:45 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, June 3 through July 18, at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $4 to drop in.

Introduction to Classical Drawing Discover your inner artist in this class held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 15 at Stone Cellar Studio. Cost is $75.

Estate Planning Workshop These free estate planning sessions are at 4:30 p.m. at Brown and Brown, PC, 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. Visit www.brownandbrownpc.com or call 243-8250 for details. • July 17 – Estate planning for baby boomers • August 12 – Estate planning for the elderly ■

June 2013

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Fruita Calendar June 7 & 8

June 13 & 27

Join the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for multiple observing sessions. Weather permitting, you will see planets, springtime galaxies, star-forming nebulae, and clusters. Telescopes will be set up. Meet in the Saddlehorn picnic area parking lot just after sunset. Cost is $10 for a vehicle pass through the Colorado National Monument or use your annual pass. For details, call 858-3617 or visit www.wcacastronomy.org.

Meet with other coupon-crazy shoppers to share clips and tips. This group meets at 10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the FCC Senior Center.

June 29-September 21

Bunco!

Star Party

Fruita Farmers Market

The Fruita Farmers Market takes place from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Saturday on the civic center lawn in the heart of downtown Fruita (weather and crops permitting). Admission is free! For more information, call 858-3894. July 4

Centennial Band Concert in the Park Come and enjoy the wide variety of selections performed by the Centennial Band at 7:30 p.m. at Fruita Civic Center Pavilion. This summer concert series features fun music, show tunes and other familiar favorites. Donâ€™t forget your lawn chair or blanket. Admission is free. For more information, call 260-0112.

Be coupon savvy

June 14 & 28

Social Night

Enjoy an evening with friends, a movie and popcorn starting at 5:30 p.m. There will be a potluck meal, so call the FCC to sign up to bring a dish. June 20 At 1 p.m., join in the fun and games. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift. Games take place in the FCC lunchroom. June 24

Mystery Night Dress the part and help solve the mystery at 5:30 p.m. A meal will be provided. Preregistration required. Fridays

Adventure Hikes The Grand Valley has no shortage of beautiful hiking trails. We will be hiking trails with a difficulty of easy to moderate every Friday morning. Meet at the FCC Senior Center at 8 a.m. to carpool. Cost is $3 per hike or $12 for the month. â–

Fruita Senior Center Activities All activities below are offered by Fruita Parks and Recreation. To register for any of the following activities, call the Fruita Community Center (FCC) at 858-0360, stop by 324 N. Coulson, or visit www.fruita.org. Events take place at the FCC unless otherwise noted. June 3 & 17

Food for Thought This group will discuss nutritional facts and will share recipes, menus and more that can help make mealtime more enjoyable. This group meets from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month.

Home

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Fruita 23

24 Local lore

Ghost towns

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June 2013

of Western Colorado

“The gold is there, ‘most anywhere You can take it out rich, with an iron crowbar, And where it is thick, with a shovel and pick, You can pick it out in lumps as big as a brick.” -William N. Byers in “The Rocky Mountain News,” 1859 PART 2 By Sandi Cameron

ocated on the upper Crystal River in Gunnison County, between Marble and Crested Butte, Crystal is an excellent four-wheel drive destination. One of the most iconic photos for tourism in Colorado is of the Crystal Mill, actually a powerhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Crystal was mined as early as the 1860s and had as many as 400 residents. It boasted two newspapers, a men’s club, a pool hall, two hotels and a barbershop. Although little gold was discovered, a variety of other ores were mined. After the 1893 silver crash, the town’s population dwindled and the mine closed in 1917, when mining operations ceased. Some buildings remain and a few families still reside in Crystal during the summer months. Gilman was founded in 1886 dur-

ing the Silver Boom and centered around Eagle Mine, where the richest deposits of Eagle County were located. Within three years, the town site had a population of 300, a newspaper and a schoolhouse. Situated north of Tennessee Pass, some of the buildings can still be seen along U.S. Highway 24. A number of mining operations sprouted along Battle Mountain during these early days of mining. The mining camp of Belden, located at the base of the cliff, was reached by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad by 1899. After its early silver production, zinc became the mainstay for much of Gilman’s history until the 1980s and the closing of the mines. The Ginn Company purchased the sites and is building a private ski resort, with accompanying home sites. Independence was the first town in the Roaring Fork Valley when gold was struck on Independence

Crystal Mill. Photo from the Library of Congress. 1893

Day in 1879, and is now part of the National Register of Historic Places. In 1881, investors from Leadville built a stamping mill and a sawmill in this tent city. Soon it became an overnight stop for the stage line from Leadville. Within two years, the town had 500 citizens and boasted its own newspaper, three saloons, 24 retail stores and seven restaurants. The mines produced $190,000 during this time period. With the railroad coming through nearby Aspen, the new county seat, Independence slowly lost its population. After a couple of severe winters, the remaining residents made their way down to Aspen. Independence was a ghost town by 1912. The 17-acre town site has 26 full or partial buildings with another nine near the former mill. One restored cabin contains interpretive exhibits for visitors. Ironton, south of Ouray, still has many of its original buildings. Built

2013

Crystal Mill. Photo by John Fowler.

as a major transportation junction between Red Mountain and Ouray, it also had a few mines. Its peak population was over 1,000, with two trains arriving daily from Silverton. The water in the mines contained sulfuric acid, which destroyed the metal machinery used in the mines, which eventually led to their closure. Guston, built near Ironton, had the only church in the Red Mountain District for several years. Miners chipped in to build the church, and it was founded in the 1880s, due to zinc and lead deposits discovered. Guston served the Guston-Robinson mines, the Yankee Girl, and the GeneseeVanderbilt mine. Guston’s population declined after the Silver Panic. Oro City in the California Gulch, saw the richest placer gold strike in the Pikes Peak region. Ten tons of gold were mined in just seven years. After a significant find in early 1860, the town grew to 10,000 within

months. The first summer resulted in $2 million worth of gold between Oro City and nearby Iowa Gulch. Although silver was mined in the next decade, most prospectors moved the short distance to Leadville. By 1890, only 220 citizens remained. Red Mountain Town, north of Silverton, was one of the most fabulous towns during the golden years of the San Juans. Each of the nearby camps rivaled the other, leading miners to bloodshed. Red Mountain Town had a population at one point of 10,000. Men from the East and from Europe invested huge sums into the region and were richly rewarded. An estimated $30 million in gold, silver, lead, zinc and copper have been taken from the mines. Several fires between 1892 and 1895 destroyed much of the town. The panic of 1893 caused some of the mines to close and by 1899, only 12 people resided there.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Sneffels had a population of 2,000 in the mid-1880s. Revenue Tunnel cost $600,000 and was built to alleviate mining problems. Ruby City was a small mining camp near Sneffels. The road to Ouray was treacherous and narrow, with a number of rockslides and deaths recorded. Rico, in Dolores County, is still a mining center for silver, gold, uranium, tin, copper and lead. By 1879 there were 30 businesses and a population of 600. Profits soared after 1891 when Otto Mears’ railroad reached Rico. A small gas station and a number of old buildings remain. Tin Cup is located in Gunnison County. In 1859, gold was first panned in Willow Creek. By 1878, the discovery of lode deposits caused the growth of newly named Virginia City (a name which lasted only four years) to approximately 1,500 residents. Considered a Wild West town, at least two marshals were killed prior to 1890. By 1918, few people remained. Uravan, a major yellowcake (uranium) town in Montrose County, was a tent city to many miners and their families, particularly during the latter 1930s. It was established by U.S. Vanadium Corp. to extract the vanadium ore in the region. Uravan provided a portion of the uranium needed for the Manhattan Project, necessary for creating the first atomic bomb. The U.S. Atomic Energy Act of 1946 created the Atomic Energy Commission, manipulating the price of uranium. Some 12 million tons of radioactive waste raised radon levels and the town was evacuated in the 1980s. After a $120 million cleanup project, completed in 2001, all that remains is an interpretive sign. The Museum of The West offers special tours, such as the Red Mountain Ghost Town Tour on August 8 at a cost of $80 to members and $85 to nonmembers. Participants will travel in open-air Jeeps to various sites such as Red Mountain City, Guston and Ironton. On September 12, a tour is scheduled to Leadville, which will include close-by ghost towns. Find out more by calling the museum at 242-0971 or visit www.museumof westernco.com. ■

Local lore 25

Sneffels, 1890. Photo courtesy of the Denver Library.

Oxen harnessed to covered wagons rest on a dirt street in Rico, circa 1890. Photo courtesy of the Denver Library.

The Hotel at Independence, circa 1870-1900. Photo courtesy of the Denver Library. With thanks for research facts to Robert L. Brown’s “Colorado Ghost Towns,” Ouray Chamber Resort Association, www.ghosttowns.com, “The Daily Sentinel,” and the Museum of the West.

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June 2013

Report elder abuse By Cameron Jones

lder abuse is a growing but underreported problem in our nation. Until recently, Colorado was one of three states that did not require mandatory reporting of suspected elder abuse. But Senate Bill 111 now requires mandatory reporting of suspected abuse for those who are age 70 and older. Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. By raising awareness and educating caregivers and nursing home/assisted living facility staff, we can keep elder abuse from being an invisible problem. There are seven types of abuse: physical, sexual, financial, psychological, abandonment, neglect and selfneglect. Abuse is defined as acts by a caregiver or a person of trust that causes or can cause harm to an elder who is vulnerable. It is common that the perpetrator of the abuse is one of the victim’s children or spouse, who may also be their caregiver. The victim is often hesitant to report what is happening to them because they do not want to get their family in trouble or have to move to a different facility. Elders with dementia and cognitive impairment are at a greater risk of abuse because they often cannot give reliable testimony. There are two common forms of abuse seen in the Grand Valley. The first is self-neglect. Mesa County Department of Human Services Supervisor Heather Jones said forty percent of abuse cases reported last year were because of self-neglect. But this type of abuse is difficult to stop. “Many adults are competent and are just making poor decisions,” Jones said. “We have to respect their right to self-determination.” The second most common type of abuse is psychological abuse, which is mainly seen in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The staff member may use threats to control the resident. The resident may also fear retaliation if they report the abuse. There are a number of reasons why elder abuse occurs, but the main reason is caregiver burnout. When

a caregiver does not get respite and does not have access to helpful resources, they can easily resort to lashing out against the person or persons in their care. Those who work in facilities can get burnt out because of job stress. Support groups are available for caregivers to help deal with the stress. There is training available by the state to help combat the problem of elder abuse in facilities. Robb Huff is a Mesa County Ombudsman. Part of his job entails training facility staff. Huff said a good way to avoid burnout is by developing coping strategies for employees to not overact or take it personal. Knowing that loved ones may be vulnerable to abuse causes concern for their safety. “Be an active loved one,” Jones said. “Be involved. People who tend to be abused do not have loved ones involved in their care.” For elders who do not have family available, it is important that they find someone they can trust. “We are the village taking care of our elders,” Huff said. It is said that we live in an ageist society, which is why elder abuse does not receive a lot of attention. But the quality of life should be preserved to the end of life. ■

Report elder abuse!

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, don’t wait to report it. Here are some resources:

Mesa County: Adult Protection Services - 248-2888 Long-Term Care Ombudsman - 243-7940

Delta & Montrose counties: Delta County Adult Protection Services 874-2030 Montrose County Adult Protection Services - 252-5000 Long-Term Care Ombudsman - 527-7055

Garfield County: Department of Human Services’ abuse hotline - 945-9193 Long-Term Care Ombudsman - 243-7940

June 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

You can be a food and drink VIP By Terri Benson

o you love dining out and sampling the best there is in local cuisine? Do you wish to know the secret to your favorite dishes? Have you ever wanted to have your wine chosen by the chef to complement that dish? Well, now you can. Kathy Giancanelli, assisted by Ron Rehberg, has set up a Meet Up website for local “foodies” called Taste of the Valley. This loose group of about 100 meets each month at a different restaurant, where they’re treated like VIPs. Since the group’s inception in August, they’ve met at local restaurants, wineries, liquor shops, pubs and even members’ homes. Each time, the hosts treat the attendees to one-of-a-kind appetizers, pairings with wine or liquor, special tours, and more. Giancanelli attends culinary walks in Denver and Las Vegas. She knew that with so many fabulous restaurants in Grand Junction, having a local group of dining enthusiasts would be a great way to showcase local restaurants and their chefs, and for attendees to sample their fares. It’s free to become a member of Taste of the Valley. Prices for each event are set by Giancanelli after consulting with the venue. Since the group doesn’t make anything off of the events and the venues are pricing at a discount, members can expect to pay $15 to $50 per person. “What we get is easily worth two to three times what we pay,” Giancanelli said. Taste of the Valley events have included a pub crawl, a cigar and scotch pairing, a Valentine’s Day

party with chocolate and/or wineinfused appetizers, a Cinco de Mayo tequila sampling, and more. Experts and chefs describe the food, drink and cigars, and educate attendees on why they pair them the way they do and why the flavors are enhanced. The food is usually not on the regular menu, and presentations can be over the top, Rehberg said. Taste of the Valley events are usually held on the second Saturday of the month at 2 p.m.-6 p.m., which is when restaurants aren’t as busy. Cigar events take place outdoors. “Membership is pretty evenly split between couples and singles, and we get a lot of girls’ (and guys’) night out groups,” Giancanelli said. Locals in their 20s to their 70s attend the events. “It’s a pretty eclectic group,” Rehberg said. “It’s a great way to socialize and meet new people from all walks of life.” Dress suits the occasion, from casual clothes on the pub crawls to more formal attire for events such as the one on Valentine’s Day. Most events are limited to 25 to 50 attendees, depending on the venue. The group has already had to host three different wine and cheese tastings at a local liquor store due to high demand. “We’re always on the lookout for new places to go,” Giancanelli said. If you’re interested in joining the group or have a venue to suggest, visit www.meetup.com/A-Taste-of-theValley/ or call Giancanelli at 216-6922 or Rehberg at 719-686-3700. You must RSVP in advance for events. ■

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June 2013

An unlikely hero stands paws and whiskers above the rest

“The Legend of Dynamite George: The Mining Pack Rat” By Patti G. Hoff, Brass Frog Bookworks

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he batteries of the miner’s lamps were fading, as was their hope of survival. The air was getting more toxic and the water was rising to dangerous levels in the tunnel. Nearly 900 feet below the surface, a handful of trapped miners fought to survive. It was the worst nightmare imaginable as family members and townspeople gathered outside the mine entrance hoping for a miracle. They watched helplessly as mine inspectors barked into their radios and scurried around while organizing a search and rescue. No one would believe in this life and death moment that a thieving little packrat named Dynamite George would become the unlikely hero of the day. Only that morning he had been the bane of them all. Grand Junction author Carroll Bennett spent many years in her career working with miners. She served as a field technician during a study conducted in four Rocky Mountain states, involving lung cancer in mine workers. This experience and the people she met inspired her amazing story: “The Legend of Dynamite George: The Mining Pack Rat.” It was during this time in her career, in the Great Basin of Wyoming,

Local author Carroll Bennett with her pet guinea pigs. The idea for “The Legend of Dynamite George” took form when she met a demolition expert in a uranium mine, who had a pet pack rat named George.

that she met the real Dynamite George. Bennett gives the reader a glimpse into the life of a miner, and an appreciation of the contribution they make through her charming, delightfully told imaginary tale set in the western U.S. It is an educational and fun story about family love, friendship, and a little animal with the heart of a lion. No one can read this without falling in love with the humble pack rat. This is a must read for all ages. “The Legend of Dynamite George: The Mining Pack Rat” can be purchased by calling the author at 2454799, at the Grand Junction Hastings, or online at www.dynamitegeorge. com. ■

June 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ask the computer guy 29

What can I do to make sure my computer keeps running smoothly? Ask the Computer Guy By Daniel Ashurst, Owner, Alpine Computer Solutions

I grew up on a farm in Cedaredge and maintenance on the equipment was one of my first lessons from my dad. Dad was a pro at showing me where to find the grease zirks and how to tell when you had given enough grease. Similarly, I have a knack for helping people keep up with the maintenance on a computer. The issue is that most people don’t believe or don’t know there is any need for maintenance, and it shows when they bring their computer into our shop. Here are some maintenance tips on how to keep your computer running as long as possible and hopefully help you avoid unnecessary computer repairs. Q. I like using my laptop computer while lying on my bed. Usually, I rest it on a pillow or on my bed. Is this a problem? One of the most damaging practices that a laptop owner can inflict on their computer is to use it on a surface that is soft and fluffy, which can block the cooling fan intake. Subsequently, some of those fibers from the pillow or blanket lodge themselves in the cooling system and plug the system. This causes overheating and the computer’s life will certainly be cut short. Q. Should I still have the cooling fans checked even if I’ve been careful with my laptop? Yes. Just the nature of fan and heatsink-style cooling dictates that lint and dust will be introduced. Every computer, desktop and laptop needs a cooling fan cleanout with regularity. Q. What about the health of Windows? What maintenance is there to be done in Windows? Microsoft has built within Windows several tools that are very helpful for

keeping your computer tuned up and working efficiently. Disk Cleanup is a tool that is found by clicking on “Computer” or “My Computer,” and then right clicking on “Local Disk C:” Choose “Properties” and the “Disk Cleanup” option is in the lower right of the screen. There are a couple of cautions with this tool I can help you with, but basically, you can remove almost anything that comes up under this tool. Q. What about virus protection and malware/spyware protection? “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” is very apropos to this area of the computer. My favorite combination for a home user is Avast antivirus (free edition) and Malwarebytes (free edition) loaded together. Avast is the active tool for keeping things out and Malwarebytes is the tool that is great for removing stubborn or hidden threats. Sometimes neither tool is enough, but for that, we offer a virus removal service at Alpine Computer Solutions. Q. How can I remove the dust from my computer and lengthen the life of my computer? We offer a free service to seniors and minimal expense to anyone else, where we blow out any computer brought to our shop. Our staff is trained on how to safely blow out a computer. If you wish to get a quick tutorial on how it’s done, just ask. As always, I welcome any feedback or questions. Take advantage of this beautiful spring weather and bring your computer into Alpine Computer Solutions for a spring-cleaning this week. ■ Email your questions to Daniel Ashurst with Alpine Computer Solutions at solutions@alpinepc.com or mail them to the BEACON at P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502. For professional assistance, call Daniel at 234-1011 or Alpine Computer Solutions at 257-1011.

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30 resource directory highlight

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Local Lions Clubs want new members, but they need you! By Carla Johnson

N 2013 Ew E AVA DITION ILAB LE

June 2013

members have raised more than $346 million for this initiative. SightFirst targets the major causes of blindness: cataract, trachoma, river blindness, childhood blindness, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. The 6-West Region of Lions Club International encompasses Clifton, Fruitvale, Orchard Mesa and the Redlands. Annette Silver, a new member who was enlisted to chair the Membership Committee, had nothing but praise for her comrades. “Lions is a great thing,” Silver said.

n 1925, Helen Keller challenged members at the Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, to be “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” To this day, the world’s largest service club organization strives to eradicate blindness by conducting vision screenings, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease through the SightFirst Program. Russ Bergquist, a member of the Redlands Lions Club since 1991, described how SightFirst has reached the Western Slope. “We take cameras into the schools to perform eye exams on preschool and kindergarten-age children,” he said. “If we detect a problem, we refer them to area doctors.” The Lions Club goes the extra mile for indigent famiMembers of Grand Valley Lions Clubs look for new members at the lies. 2013 Grand Junction BeaconFest. “If they can’t “It’s good for the community and afford eyeglasses, we supply them,” the family. We donated little trees to Bergquist said. “Then, to put those glasses to good use, the Lions pay for fourth graders to plant for Arbor Day. We got letters from the kids, thanknewspapers to be delivered to classing us for the trees.” rooms for instructional purposes.” Lions Club has a visible presence Bob Frederick, an Orchard Mesa throughout the region, from the Club member for 30 years, said he scholarships offered to Colorado has developed a genuine appreciation Mesa University students to the panfor the SightFirst Program. “The Lions did an eye exam on one cake breakfast served on Mother’s of my grandkids in St. Louis,” he said. Day. Local Lions serve free breakfast to participants in the annual Relay for “They saw that he had what’s called a ‘lazy eye’ and now he’s getting help Life and display thousands of small American flags on patriotic holidays. for that.” “Lions has a reputation for helping Through SightFirst, Lions are people,” Bergquist said. restoring sight and preventing Jim Johns, a 15-year member of the blindness on a global scale. Overall,

June 2013 Redlands Lions Club, said the Lions have a simple motto: We serve. “We’re in it for the fellowship and to give back to the community,” Johns said. “We go to Wingate and Broadway elementary schools and teach the kids about folding and proper handling of flags. We also give them little flags of their own.” Each club creates different committees that organize different community projects. “We host JUCO (Junior College Baseball World Series) teams every year,” Bergquist said. “We adopt the kids. We adopt the parents. We get them where they need to be during their stay. We put on a feed for them at a big picnic and make them feel welcome.” Orchard Mesa Lions Club member Mike Bussey calculated his 39-year membership by benchmarking it off his 40th wedding anniversary. “When I first joined, it was for men only, but spouses are an integral part of the Lions Club,” Bussey said. “It’s been a family affair all these years. My boys were batboys for JUCO and my entire family built floats together for the Lions Club parades. I’ve been blessed and my family’s been blessed. Lions Club has shown that we can make a difference.” Lions Club International boasts a membership of 1.35 million in over 46,000 clubs that serve in 207 countries. However, local leaders are concerned that existing members are aging and the next generation has not yet caught the vision for volunteerism. “We would love to get younger people into the clubs,” Bergquist said. “We know that finding time is an obstacle, but we don’t demand that you do everything. Just do what you can.” Another concern is that Western Slope charters may be dissolved if membership falls below a prescribed number, in accordance with Lions Club International bylaws. The 6-West Membership Committee is actively promoting Lionism in order to ensure that local clubs stay active in local service projects. “We need so many members to form a district,” Bergquist said. “We

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com are currently about 11 or 12 below that figure.” Bergquist said that seniors typically have more time to devote to civic activities, but adults of any age are urged to participate in clubs and projects that fit best into their particular schedules. Bussey stressed that Lions clubs work around the availability of the members. “I know of a guy that works in the school district,” he said. “He can’t make the meetings, but he always shows up for the projects.” Bussey said the Orchard Mesa club touches lives through the Food Bank of the Rockies. “A lady came up to me and said that a member of our club had given her daughter a teddy bear when the little girl was dying of cancer,” Bussey said. “She said her daughter cherished that teddy bear so much that she was buried with it. She hugged me and said, ‘Thank you!’” Grand Valley Lions also stepped in when another local charity hit a bump in the road. “When the chips were down and the community was about to lose Toys for Tots, the Lions got together and made it a club project,” Bussey said. “They kept it going for a year until the Marines were able to pick it up again.” Bussey said he appreciates the integrity of the Lions organization. “When we raise funds for a project, 100 percent of the funds raised go to that project,” he said. Silver said the Lions are very welcoming. She encourages would-be members to attend different clubs to find the one that suits their scheduling needs and project preferences. Silver said the best thing about increasing membership is the direct effect is has on improving the quality of life in your own hometown. “The more members a club has, the more it can do,” she said. Whatever the motivation—friendship, humanitarianism, or a little of both—Lions Club International offers an array of options to communityminded citizens. Contact Silver at annette.silver1@gmail.com or call 424-4980 for more information. ■

resource directory highlight 31

32 Crossword puzzle SALUTING THE MILITARY Richard W. Lewis, Funeral Director

As the story goes, General Butterfield was not pleased with the call for “Extinguish Lights”, feeling that the call was too formal to signal the day’s end. With help from the brigade bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton, they wrote Taps to honor the men in his camp at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, following the Seven Days battle. These battles took place during the Peninsular Campaign of 1862. The new call, sounded that night in July, 1862, and soon spread to other units of the Union Army. It was reportedly also used by the Confederate troops as well. Taps was made the official bugle call after the war. It is not clear how or why Taps became associated with funerals. However, its earliest official reference for use at military funeral ceremonies is found in the US Army Infantry Drill Regulations for 1891. Martin Mortuary and the Dignity Memorial Network are proud to partner with the three leading Veterans Service Organizations (The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars) to bring significant savings and benefits to members in good standing. Our professional and caring staff is always available for your assistance and guidance, whether in handling the funeral service for a loved one, prearranging your own personal funeral or cremation needs, or just answering questions that you have always had but didn’t feel comfortable asking. 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, or visit our website: MartinsMortuary.com. Call today for an appointment to discuss your VA Benefits and receive a no-obligation estimate and free Veteran’s Planning Guide.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2013

Crossword Puzzle Across 1 Welfare of sorts 5 Low-voiced singers 10 Result of hunger or jealousy, perhaps 14 Jingler 15 Blow up?

16 Diamond Head bash 17 Energy converters 19 ___ mater 20 Ingress 21 Fragrant, poisonous

shrub 23 Word with for, white

or one-day 26 Newsstand offering 27 One with a flower

fetish 31 Prosperous one 35 Stratford-___-Avon 36 ___ Day and the Knights 38 Penumbra 39 Man the bar 40 ___ Ark 42 Washington notes 43 Lock of hair 45 Support on stage? 46 Knucklehead 47 “At The ___ Core” (Edgar Rice Burroughs novel) 49 Fit of rage 51 Late-night attack on the fridge 53 Tarry 54 Duly appointed agent 58 Pipsqueak 62 Spring 63 Great voids 66 Arhus resident 67 “___ Grows in Brooklyn” 68 Medical suffix 69 Iowa State city 70 Chicago political name 71 Tin can flaw

Down 1 Basilica section 2 Kook 3 What a driven snow will do 4 Betsy’s banner 5 British TV 6 Ginger adjunct 7 Fly alone 8 La ___ (French explorer) 9 Thing-in-___ 10 Trendy eatery 11 Word in an annually-sung song 12 It may be given 13 Cluster bean 18 Actor O’Neal 22 Start of a phrase of regret 24 Jungle monarch 25 Prohibit, legally

27 Neighbor of Helena 28 Passion of a noted phantom 29 Laser printer supply 30 Papal triple crown 32 It gets going with a good paddling 33 Between two intimate people 34 Peevish 37 Cash-and-carry sites 41 Canine of kiddie literature 44 Casually catch flies 48 “The Cherokee Kid” star 50 Trodden way 52 Southwest alternative 54 Farr’s co-worker 55 Sewer’s union? 56 Clearheaded 57 Sandwich notable? 59 Or ___! 60 Trigger puller? 61 Secretive attention getter 64 Fair mark 65 Anthem author

June 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

faith moves 33

One man’s calling to father the fatherless This dream would recur every year, breathing he Bible states purpose into his that God’s heart. definition of pure Mathias’ destiny religion is looking was to build a safe after orphans and place for Uganda’s widows in their street children, distress. Using where they would James 1:27 as their have food, clean guide, Mathias and water, an educaJolene Mulumba tion and the opare taking that portunity to learn simple formula of about the same mercy to Uganda God who reached through an orga- Mathias Mulumba’s calling was to provide for out to Mathias. children in Uganda. nization called Mathias and Jolene married in 2008 Father to the Fatherless. and together, began the work of turn“I grew up as a missionary kid in ing a childhood vision into reality. In Africa,” Jolene said. “I went to college June 2011, Father to the Fatherless [in the U.S.] to study civil engineerwas granted 501(c)(3) status. ing, but my heart was still in Africa.” Through gifts and donations, a At 23, Jolene went to Uganda as an large house on 83 acres in Uganda intern with Engineering Ministries was purchased. Jolene will be busy International. There, she met a man this summer working on the master with an extraordinary story. plan for a shelter, school, church, “In 2004, I worked for three hospital, and an apartment building months designing and master for single moms and their kids. planning orphanages, clinics and “We aren’t sure if we will stay schools,” she said. “Mathias was 19 at after the project is finished,” Jolene the time.” said. “We want the house to be run Mathias was the fifth child in a by nationals. The ‘white influence’ family of eight siblings. turns Ugandans into beggars. When “His parents couldn’t afford to care a white person is around, Ugandans for all of their kids, so they shipped back down from ownership.” the older ones off to live with an Kathy Cserni, 60, is secretary/treaaunt,” she said. “She had money, but surer for the Grand Junction headMathias was treated like a slave.” quarters of Father to the Fatherless. After enduring daily beatings, She caught the Mulumbas’ compas10-year-old Mathias ran away and sion for orphans because of her own survived on the streets of Kampala by childhood experience in foster care. begging and going through garbage. Aside from the need for funding, “He was rescued by missionaries Cserni said the organization needs from Europe who ran a boarding committed board members and house and school,” Jolene said. volunteers to run the office at Eighth The missionaries helped Mathias Street and Rood Avenue. get sponsorships for education and Anyone interested in contributing got him through high school. to the next Father to the Fatherless “On the night before he ran away fundraiser is invited to the Father’s from his aunt, Mathias had a dream Day Run for the Fatherless at 10 a.m. that he was taking care of little kids June 15 at Sherwood Park’s south in a big house,” Jolene said. “A voice shelter. For details, contact Mathias at told him, ‘This is what you are going 366-8191 or visit www.father2thefa therless.org. ■ to do for me.’”

By Carla Johnson

Reaching Out to Those Reaching Up

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

970-243-8247

Pastors David and Carol Huslig - Serving over 30 years

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

34 Mesa county

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2013

Mesa County Calendar Compiled by Cloie Sandlin June 6-8

Cowboy Action Shooting Championships Top competitors from Colorado and the surrounding area are expected to attend this championship event held by the Thunder Mountain Shootists. The championship will host over 100 shooters and will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the William Jarvis Shooting Complex, 3220 Reeder Mesa in Whitewater. One of the unique aspects of this event is that each participant is required to adopt a shooting alias based on a real or fictional late 19th century character and dress appropriately. Old West firearms are used in the competition and competitors are timed as they move about the course reenacting an Old West scenario. The competition is free for spectators. Spectators should bring eye and ear protection. Participants range in age from 12 to 72. For more

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information, call 523-7299 or visit www.thundermountainshootists. com. June 7 & 8

Star Party

Join the Western Colorado Astronomy Club for multiple observing sessions. Weather permitting, you will see planets, springtime galaxies, star forming-nebulae, and clusters. Telescopes will be set up. Meet in the Saddlehorn picnic area parking lot just after sunset. Cost is $10 for a vehicle pass through the Colorado National Monument or use your annual pass. For more information, call 858-3617 or visit www.wcacastrono my.org. June 8

Local authors’ book signing Meet Colorado authors of exciting new books that range from adult and children’s fiction to local history and spiritual awareness. Authors will have books available for purchase and local children’s author James Bray will be ready to sign copies of his new release, “Sleepy Head Goes to Outer Space.” This event takes place from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 2451 Patterson Road. Admission is free. June 8

Heritage Day This blast back to the past features bee keeping, spinning, blacksmithing, gold panning, woodcarving, flint napping, woodworking, trains and more. Heritage Day takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Cross Orchards Historic Site, 3073 F Road. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3.50 for kids age 3 to 12, or $15 for an immediate family. For more information, call 242-0971. June 8

Grill Your Ace Off Associates at the local Ace Hardware, 569 32 Road in Clifton, will be facing off in a fierce grilling competition from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. as a fundraiser for Latimer House. The public will get to sample creations for $1 each.

Mary Melcher is one volunteer who was nominated for the BEACON’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year award. Unable to make it to BeaconFest, Ms. Neil’s class of first graders at Tope Elementary presented handmade cards and her award to her. It’s a great way to check out the latest in grilling, sample food and collect great recipes while helping an important community cause at the same time. For more information, call 523-0445. June 13

Changing Landscapes of Science lecture This month’s topic is Mars exploration. Lecture will be at 7 p.m. at the Whitman Educational Center, 248 S. Fourth St. Cost is $5 for members of the Museum of Western Colorado or the John McConnell Math and Science Center and is $10 for nonmembers. For more information, call 242-0971. June 13

Downtown Farmers Market Over 100 artisans, musicians and food vendors with fresh produce and fruits will be at the downtown Farmers Market held along Main Street in Grand Junction. This event takes place from 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. every Thursday. Admission is free. For more information, call 245-9697. June 14

Kiwanis Pancake Day Enjoy all-you-can-eat breakfast or lunch featuring pancakes, eggs, ham, coffee and juice from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center. There

will also be live entertainment, a silent auction and cake walk for kids. Cost is $5 for adults. Proceeds are donated to local nonprofits that help children. For more information, call 216-1707 or visit www.Kiwanis-GJ. org. June 14-16

Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival The Palisade Bluegrass & Roots Music Festival is held on the banks of the Colorado River in Riverbend Park in Palisade, making it an ideal location for a weekend music festival. Local wines, microbrews, food and artisans are ready to help make this the perfect weekend. Music acts include Devil Makes Three, James Reams & The Barnstormers, Justin Townes Earle, Waiting on Trial and more. Bring your lawn chairs and sunscreen. Tickets start at $25. For more information, call 925-1663 or visit www.palisademusic.com. June 15

Casino Night This fundraiser is for Dream Catcher Therapy Center and End of the Trail Horse Rescue/Sanctuary as they work to expand their services to the Grand Valley area. This event will take place from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. at Country Inns of America, 718 Hori-

June 2013 zon Drive, and will also include a live and silent auction, cash bar, food, live music, dancing and more. Cost is $25. For more information, call 323-5400. June 20 & 21

Canning workshop Colorado State University Extension will be hosting a two-day, hands-on canning workshop from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days at the Central Orchard Mesa Community Church, 298 34 Road. The first day will cover canning basics and water bath canning procedures. The second day will cover pickling and pressure canning procedures. Cost is $50 for both days (includes a food preservation cookbook) or $25 for one day (cookbook not included). Preregistration is required. Call 244-1834 to register. June 20 & 21

Grand Junction Rockies Home Game The Grand Junction Rockies play their first home game of the season vs. Ogden at Suplizio Field. Each night, the game starts at 7:05 p.m. Cost is $10. June 20-23

Country Jam The largest country party of the year takes place only 30 minutes outside of Grand Junction. This year’s Country Jam features entertainment by Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, Western Underground, Kid Rock, Uncle Kracker, Rascal Flatts and more. There will be regional and local bands performing on the side stages in the bar area. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, there are vendors, food and rides for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets for single and four-day general admission, reserved, VIP and sky box seats are available. Call 1-800-780-0JAM (526) or visit www.countryjam.com for more information. June 20 & 27

Centennial Band Concert in the Park Come and enjoy the wide variety of selections performed by the Centennial Band at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Park, 1827 N. 26th St. on June 20 and at Sherwood Park on June 27. This summer concert series features fun music, show tunes and other familiar favorites. Don’t forget your lawn chair or blanket. Admission is free. For more information, call 260-0112. June 21

Downtown walking tour Meet at the Museum of the West, 462 Ute Ave. at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $5 and preregistration is not required. For more information, call 242-0971. June 28

Solo piano concert The Western Slope Concert Series presents Kathryn Mientka on piano at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. In an evening of solo piano music dedicated to her late husband and cellist, Tyme, Kathryn will present music by Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Faure, Grieg, Saint-Saens, Gershwin and Schumann. This fascinating program will include numerous pieces that she performed with Tyme, now in a solo piano version. Tickets are available online at www.junctionconcerts. com, at Roper Music or call 241-4579. Tickets for adults start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door. July 4

Independence Day Parade The annual Fourth of July parade on Main Street in downtown Grand Junction starts at 10 a.m. July 4

River City Singles

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

June 2013 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!” Friday Afternoon Club meets at 5 p.m. Fridays in the lounge at The Doubletree Hotel, 743 Horizon Drive. The first FAC meeting of the month is our business meeting. Call Jim Spiegel at 424-2545 for details. NOTE: The June 14 FAC meeting will be held at Chesty Richardson’s home, 1068 22 Road. There will be a pig roast, potluck and BYOB. RCS will furnish the pig and members are asked to bring side dishes, desserts and chairs. Starts at 5 p.m. RSVP to Chesty at 778-5544. On Friday, June 21, RCS will hold the election for new executive team members for 2013-2014 at the FAC. All positions are open (except for the treasurer position) and nominees have been selected. Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - Join us for Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details. Visitors are welcome. Wednesdays at 5 p.m. - Dine out weekly at the following locations. Visitors are welcome. Call Debbie Grose at 245-4995 for details. June 5 - Blue Moon, 120 N. Seventh St. June 12 - Red Robin, 2530 Rimrock Ave. June 19 - Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St. June 26 - Zen Garden, 2886 North Ave. Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - It’s Bowling Sunday followed by card games at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462. Saturdays at 9 a.m. - Meet at Albertson’s on the Redlands at 10 a.m. every Saturday for a leisurely ride along the Colorado River Trail. RSVP to Bob Lewis at 263-8462. Saturday, June 22 – Ed Haynes is hosting a day trip over John Brown Pass, stopping for lunch in the Gateway area. Meet at the City Market on Orchard Mesa at 10 a.m. to carpool. RSVP to Ed at 241-1609 or sign up at the FAC.

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Fireworks Spectacular Hopefully Colorado wildfires won’t ruin this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show at Lincoln Park. General admission is $5 and tickets can be purchased at City Market stores and at the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation office. Premium seats are $10 and can only be purchased at the parks and recreation office. Gates open at 7:15 p.m., live entertainment at 8 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. For more information, call 254-3866. ■

Mesa county 35

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36 Mesa county

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Mesa County Beacon Bits Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Central Library closed June 1-19 for move The Mesa County Central Library will be closed June 1-19 while library materials are moved to the newly expanded building at Fifth Street and Grand Avenue. A grand reopening celebration is planned for Thursday, June 20 at the Fifth and Grand location. During the closure, library patrons are encouraged to use the library’s branch locations. E-resources will remain available at www.mesa countylibraries.org. Books checked

out from the Central Library in May will be due in July. Book drops are available at branch locations, including the First Street location, even when the rest of the library is closed. The move back to Fifth and Grand marks the final stage to expand and improve the Central Library. The project has added approximately 9,000 square feet of space to the building and has improved the existing facility. Features include more natural light inside, a new fiction area, a new Regional History Room, a large community room for programs and events, several new small-group

study rooms, outdoor patios, and a creation studio for audio and video production. For more information, visit www.mesacountylibraries.org or call 243-4442.

Weight loss surgery options If you are considering weight loss surgery, attend a free education session presented by the staff of St. Mary’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center. Learn how the different types of surgery work, who qualifies, and how St. Mary’s will support you as you change your life. Family and friends are welcome. Classes take place in the Grand Mesa Room at St. Mary’s Life Center, 2686 Patterson Road. Call 298-6400 to register. • June 12, noon to 1:30 p.m. • June 26, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. • June 20, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. (at the Holiday Inn Express in Montrose)

Living with Diabetes education series St. Mary’s Living with Diabetes series teaches people of all ages with diabetes to use self-care techniques and current technology to manage their condition. This four-week class meets 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on all Tuesdays in June. Call 298-2582 for more information and to schedule an appointment with a diabetes educator prior to the class. A physician referral is required.

Support groups

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970-263-4433

• Mending Hearts Support Group is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. This group meets from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. every Thursday at the Miller Homestead, 3090 N. 12th St. This is a free service provided by Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado. Call Paul at 683-3202 for more information.

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• Caregiver Connections is a support group open to all caregivers. This group meets from 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Miller Homestead, 3090 N. 12th St. This is a free service provided by Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado. Call Terry at 260-8931 for more information.

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• MACHO Men, a cancer support group, meets at 5 p.m. on the second

Black Carriage Furniture now has lift chairs!

June 2013 Wednesday of the month at St. Mary’s Hospital’s Java City Café. Call 2982351 for details. • St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets at 1 p.m. on June 21 at Sherwood Park’s south shelter for its annual summer potluck. Bring a dish to share. The group regularly meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on the third Friday of each month in the Grand Mesa Room of St. Mary’s Life Center, 2686 Patterson Road. Call 298-1929 for more information. • GriefShare is a nondenominational Christ-based support group for those mourning the death of a loved one. Choose from two different times: 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Mondays or 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For details, call Vicci Hofmann at 778-1599.

Volunteer opportunities • RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839. • Mesa County SOS (Serving Our Seniors) needs volunteer drivers to give seniors rides to grocery shopping, pharmacy and medical visits once a week. Must be 25 or older and pass background check. SOS will reimburse for mileage. Call 248-2746. • Hospice & Palliative Care is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions. Call Diane at 257-2378. • Operation Interdependence needs volunteers to write notes for the troops, help collect products and pack civilian rations. Call 523-4217. • Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. Volunteers are also needed to work at one of our senior dining sites one day per week. Call 243-9844. • Harden Hospice needs volunteers to help patients tell their life stories. Training is provided. Call 210-5912 for details. • St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program needs volunteers to provide companionship and assistance to a senior in need. Call Tamara at 263-9092.

June 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Mesa county 37

and fourth Wednesdays at the Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965. • Levis & Lace Square Dance Club hosts square dances from 7 p.m.9:30 p.m. every Friday at the Masonic Lodge. Call 216-8503 or 434-6541. • Art Jewelers’ Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Grandview Apartments, 1501 N. First St. Call 243-1220. • Stamp Collectors meet the second Wednesday at White Star Electric at 7 p.m. Call 986-1502. • Western Slope Non-Smoking Singles has potlucks on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church. They have dinner on the third Wednesday of the month and have monthly outings. Call 434-5277. The Western Colorado Chapter of Friendship Force International (FFI) hosted nine visitors from the Vogtland FFI club in eastern Germany. With help from the local German/American club, they spent eight days showcasing the area, touring Arches National Park, Moab, Glenwood Caverns and more. Here, their German guests are seen resting after a hike at Arches National Park. Friendship Force meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at Community Hospital.

Club activities

the Business Incubator. Call 244-1625.

• Friendship Force meets at 6:15 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Community Hospital’s lower conference room. For details, call 260-4653 or visit www.friend shipforce.org

• Grand Valley Knights are a group of auto enthusiasts that meet every Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. at Spoons Bistro and Bakery with their sport and classic vehicles. Call 462-6762 or visit www.grandvalley knights.com.

• Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway will celebrate their 23rd anniversary at 2 p.m. June 9 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road. There will be a presentation on Norwegian coins and lodge scrapbooks will be on display. Please bring a potluck dish to share. Guests are welcome. For location and details, call 245-5649 or 242-3396 or visit www. vestafjelllodge.org. • Western Slope Coin Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the VFW Post 1247, 1404 Ute Ave. Get a free coin/ currency evaluation before the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call 241-1770 or visit ww.gjcoinshow.com. • Talk of the Town Toastmasters invite you to join their weekly Thursday meetings from noon to 1 p.m. at

• Two River Sams Chapter Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon on June 8. For location, call 523-5625. • Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month (bring a lunch) at the Museum of Western Colorado. A help session is at 1 p.m. on the first Friday of the month at one of the Mesa County libraries. Call 245-5312. • Mesa County Republican Women meet from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 7 at Two Rivers Convention Center. Colorado House Representative Jared Wright will speak. Lunch is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. RSVP to 434-9378.

• Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. every Thursday at the Masonic Lodge. Call 261-1670. • Happy Feet Rounds meets at the Masonic Lodge 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. Call 243-5858. • 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

• Mesa Fiberarts Guild meets at noon the first Wednesday of the month at First Presbyterian Church, and at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of the month at the City Clerk’s Office break room. Visit www.mesafiber artsguild.org or call 245-9469. • Blue Lodge Masons meet at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Masonic Lodge. Call 245-5312. • Grand Mesa Back Country Horsemen meet at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. For location and details, call 242-8860. • Grand Junction Christian Women’s Network meets at 12:15 p.m. for a luncheon at The Clarion Inn on June 13. Cost is $14. The speaker will be Rachael Crabb. RSVP by June 8 by calling 424-0464. ■

38 Delta/ Montrose counties

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June 2013

Save a horse, help a veteran, transform a child By Pat Martin

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

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ou’ve heard of a win-win situation, but how about a winwin-win? This is the “Trifecta Win,” which is also the name of the casino night fundraiser on June 15 to benefit the proposed expansion of Dream Catcher Therapy Center (DCTC) and End of the Trail Horse Rescue/ Sanctuary into the Grand Valley. For the past 14 years, these two nonprofit or- Veteran Dustin Orth and Joey Dwyer sitting on “War Horse.” ganizations, headed up by Kathy Hamm, have Equine-assisted therapy is a colprovided equine-assisted therapy and laborative effort between a licensed horse rescue in the Olathe, Delta, therapist, a horse professional and Montrose, San Miguel and Gunnison the client. The focus is not riding or areas. The tremendous success of horsemanship, but activities to help these services has generated a vithe client solve problems, build confision to expand and fully serve Mesa dence, engage in teamwork and build County with therapeutic riding, hiprelationships, as well as learn verbal potherapy and equine-assisted psyand non-verbal communication. chotherapy. Many veterans, troubled DCTC is actively working to prochildren and those with disabilities cure horse property in the Fruita/ are in need of DCTC’s services, and rescued horses can come to their aid. Loma area and hopes to begin offering their services this summer. DCTC The need for a local therapy prois collaborating with some of the gram for Hamm’s Down syndrome daughter led to the creation of DCTC major organizations in Mesa County and local businesses to facilitate this in Olathe, which hires specially trained therapists who employ hippo- expansion. The Trifecta will be from 6 p.m.therapy, which uses horses to address 10 p.m. on June 15 at Country Inns, neurological impairments to help 718 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction. both children and adults. Besides casino games, there will be As far back as the 1600s, the food, a cash bar, a live band, dancing, physical and emotional benefits of and live and silent auctions. Tickets equine-assisted therapy have been recognized as beneficial. The motion are $25 and are available at the door or online at www.dctc.org. Citizen of a horse stimulates and tones the support is more important than ever muscles of the rider, while the relaas DCTC continues to help horses tionship with the animal promotes a and people at their Olathe facility, sense of empowerment and accomwhile they work to gather funds for plishment. Hippotherapy combines the new facility in Mesa County. physical, occupational and speech For more information, call therapies with the movement of 323-5400 or 209-8268, or visit the horse to obtain specific therapy www.dctc.org. ■ goals.

June 2013

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Delta/Montrose Calendar Compiled by Liesl Greathouse June 4

Are you new to Medicare? This free program is scheduled from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Montrose Public Library, 320 S. Second St. No advance reservations are required. RSVP Colorado West representatives will help those attending understand more about Medicare and the available benefits. For more information, call 249-9639. June 5

Ignite Montrose! Presenting a subject of their choice, eight presenters have exactly five minutes and 20 slides to teach something, enlighten us or to simply inspire. Trivia and prizes, too! This session of Ignite Montrose will begin at 7 p.m. at Two Rascals Brewing Company, 147 N. First St. in Montrose. For more information, contact Heather at hezeilman@gmail.com. June 6-9

Crawford Pioneer Days The 35th annual Pioneer Days celebration will be held in Crawford at 10 a.m. Featured events include the hilarious outhouse races, craft and food booths, two melodrama performances, a horseshoe tournament, live entertainment and games for kids of all ages. For more information, call 921-4000. June 7 & 8

Colorful Colorado Car, Truck & Rod Show Cars will gather on South First Street at 5 p.m. Friday and will take a cruise to area senior residences at 6 p.m. Saturday’s car show will be from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Columbine Middle School’s field. In addition to great vehicles, there will be music, prizes, a silent auction, food vendors and more. This year’s show will raise money for the Welcome Home Montrose Warrior Resource Center. Admission is free for spectators. Cruise to the Star Drive-In on Saturday night for a movie. For more information, call 249-6051.

June 8

Tribute to Western Movies Day The Museum of the Mountain West’s Tribute to Western Movies Day features “Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid.” There will also be live music, gun fights, kid’s activities, food, crafts, displays and more from 9 a.m.4 p.m. at the museum, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and East Miami Road, approximately two miles east of Montrose. Bill Betenson, the great-grandnephew of Butch Cassidy, will share stories at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, call 240-3400. June 9

Sons of Norway meeting Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway, will celebrate their 23rd anniversary at 2 p.m. at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road in Grand Junction. John Lynch will present a program on Norwegian coins and Vestafjell Lodge scrapbooks will be on display. Please bring a dish to share for the potluck dinner. An anniversary cake will be provided. Guests are invited to join the celebration and learn more about Scandinavian history, tradition and culture. For more information, call 245-5649. June 9

Birding Hotchkiss Wetlands Break out your binoculars and bird books, and enjoy a morning exploring beautiful restored wetlands in Hotchkiss from 9 a.m. to noon. Black Canyon Regional Land Trust and Black Canyon Audubon Society are partnering to host a guided birding outing on conserved land in celebration of Colorado Land Conservation Appreciation Week. This free event is open to birders of all ages and experience levels. For more information and to RSVP, call 303-501-3472. June 11-17

No Barriers Week Local veterans will join 30 wounded warriors from across the country as part of this event, organized and coordinated by Welcome Home

Montrose volunteers, whose guiding vision is for Montrose to become a “no barriers” city on behalf of all veterans who visit, vacation or live here, no matter their physical abilities. For more information or to get involved, call 765-2210. June 15

Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus “Our Favorite Girls” The Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus will present its annual show, “Our Favorite Girls,” at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. The show is in two parts, with entertainment by the Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus followed by guest quartet, Blue Steele, and the Del Rose Chorus. There will also be a cast party after the show for $7.50, food included. Show tickets are $15 at the door or $10 in advance and can be purchased at the Pavilion box office or from chorus members. To reserve tickets, call the Pavilion at 249-7015. To arrange for an advance ticket and for more information, call 596-3196. June 22

Rocky Mountain Regatta Enjoy boat races, a live auction, silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, wine and more at this fundraiser for the Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia to take place at Azura Cellars. Event takes place from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are $35 and available through the Blue Sage Gallery. To purchase tickets, call 527-7243. June 22

Run/Walk/Bike for Parkinson’s Research This fundraiser for Parkinson’s research, hosted by the Last Monday of the Month Support Group, begins at 8 a.m. at Confluence Park in Delta. Proceeds will benefit the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and a new local foundation focusing on Parkinson’s support for Western Slope residents. Cost is $25 for adults. For more information, call 252-2996.

Delta/ Montrose counties 39 June 22

AARP Driver Safety Class Get updated on new driving laws and learn defensive driving techniques from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 285 N. Second St. in Hotchkiss. Advance registration required. Cost is $12 for AARP members and nonmembers are $14. Insurance discount available. To register, call 527-5199. June 22-23

Black Canyon Horse Races The Black Canyon Horse Races are a regional event that attracts both horsemen and spectators from across Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. The races start at 1 p.m. both days. There are usually between six or eight horses running in a race with up to eight races per day. The event will be at the Montrose County Fairgrounds, 1001 N. Second St., and costs $5 per person. For more information, call 964-2180. June 29

Montrose Botanic Gardens Summer Garden Tour There will be approximately five properties on the tour throughout the Montrose area, including our very own botanic garden. The tour takes place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. A map will be given out with directions to the gardens and information on each garden. For more information, call 417-1524. June 30

Montrose Community Band Patriotic Concert Each year, the Montrose Community Band celebrates Independence Day, veterans and active military personnel with their annual Patriotic Concert. Selections include traditional marches, songs celebrating American heritage and the “Armed Forces Salute.” This concert is proudly sponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Krebs. Concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive. For more information, call 596-1188. ■

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

40 Delta/ Montrose counties

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

June 2013

Delta/Montrose Beacon Bits Compiled by Liesl Greathouse

Events for veterans

Dr. Dan

Hatch

• Implants • Extractions • Tooth Colored Fillings • Crowns (Caps) & Veneers • Dentures • Root Canals• Wisdom Teeth • Periodontal Surgeries (Gum Grafts) • Tooth Whitening (Bleaching) • Nitrous (Laughing Gas)

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(970) 249-4301

1127 East Main Street • Montrose, Colorado 81401 mon

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

There when you need them the most Minor Injuries & illness Colds, Flu, & Allergies Sports, DOT & employment physicals. Lacerations & Fracture Care Terry S. Wade D.O. Barbara Budagher P.A.-C Chris Palsley P.A.-C 836 S. townSend, montroSe next to eldorado bakery

249-2118

• The Warrior Resource Center, 11 S. Park Ave. in Montrose, has the following events scheduled for veterans in June. If you have not previously registered with the Warrior Resource Center as a veteran, please bring a form of military ID with you. For more information, call 765-2210. • All veterans are invited for coffee from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. every Thursday. • All military spouses (of any branch or era) are invited for coffee from 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m. on Thursdays. • The public is invited to eagle head cane presentations at 1 p.m. the first Thursday of every month. Beautiful eagle head canes, created by Black Canyon Wood Carvers and Wood Workers Guild of Western Colorado, are presented to veterans.

Delta walking events • First Saturday Street Fair Come down to Third Street, between Main Street and Palmer Street, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 1, July 6, August 10, September 7 and October 12 and enjoy entertainment, kids activities, food, crafts, bags, cookware, health and beauty supplies, and more.

Montrose walking events • Downtown historic walks - Historic walks of downtown Montrose are at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, starting at the Montrose County Historical Museum, 21 N. Rio Grande. Cost is $5. Space is limited. To RSVP, call 249-2085. • First Friday Stroll - On the first Friday of each month, from 5:30 p.m.8 p.m., stroll along downtown Montrose and see artist demonstrations, enjoy free wine tastings and more. • ReneWest Interactive Art Crawl - On the third Thursday of each month, starting at 5 p.m., stroll along the West Main arts district in Montrose for fine art, fun activities, drinks, drama, music and special discounts at local businesses.

• Main In Motion - This 12-week summer festival takes place from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. every Thursday, from June 6 through August 22, on Main Street in Montrose. Enjoy entertainment, shopping and activities for all ages.

AARP Driver Safety Course Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, and learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule, contact John Loring at 856-6924 or 424-1778.

Support groups • Veterans PTSD support group This PTSD support group is open to combat veterans (not providers) and takes place at 10 a.m. on Thursdays at the Montrose Workforce Center, 504 N. First St. Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 as verification of eligibility of services from the Vet Center. For more information, call 245-4156. • Stroke support group - Montrose Memorial Hospital’s stroke support group meets twice a month at the hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit from 11 a.m. to noon. Stroke survivors, family members and caregivers are all encouraged to attend. For more information and meeting days, call Tim Ramsey at 318-2028. • Mending Hearts Support Group - This support group is open to adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. • Delta group meets from 6 p.m.7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 195 Stafford Lane. Call 8746823. • Montrose group meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Mondays and 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays at the Bosom Buddies Room, 645 S. Fifth St. Call 252-2520. • Cedaredge group meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Cedaredge Public Library, 180 S.W. Sixth Ave. • Hotchkiss group meets from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Mondays at First Baptist Church, 203 W. Main St.

June 2013

Volunteer opportunities • Harden Hospice in Montrose is seeking volunteers to help their patients tell their life stories. Share some laughter, hold a hand, and be there when you’re needed most. For more information, call 275-6064. • Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado in Delta and Montrose is seeking volunteers for a variety of positions with an immediate need for Patient and Family Support Volunteers to visit with a patient, share hobbies and stories, read, run errands, relieve the caregiver for a small amount of time, and provide transportation. In Delta, call 8746823. In Montrose, call 252-2642.

Delta Hospital’s new MRI Delta County Memorial Hospital is investing $1.2 million in a new General Electric Optima MR450W MRI, which was installed with a crane into a newly remodeled Radiology Department room on May 14. The MRI is much newer technology than the previous model and will produce the highest quality of images, especially with the use of the dedicated coils that will come with the new system. It is also the newest MRI on the Western Slope. The remodeled MRI scan room at DCMH has large windows with more natural lighting to help patients feel more comfortable when an MRI imaging study is requested by their physician. A physician referral is needed in order for patients to get an MRI imaging study. For more information, call the Radiology Department at 874-2214.

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Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days Western Slope nonprofits will have a unique opportunity to connect with over 30 Colorado foundations at the 2013 Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days conference on June 17-19 in Ouray. The conference provides a powerful opportunity for the state’s most influential funders to come to Ouray for workshops and collaborative events focused on the needs of Western Slope communities. For more information and to register, call 708-1059.

Plein air artist competition Paint Paonia is a plein air painting event held annually during Paonia’s Cherry Days. During June 28 through July 5, participants will spend one day capturing Paonia and the surrounding areas on canvas. Cash awards of over $600 are awarded for first, second and third place and the Paonia Chamber award for Best of Show. The works are then featured in a silent auction during Cherry Days festivities at the Blue Sage. Artists can register for the competition online at www.bluesage.org. Cost is $20. Register prior to check-in and receive a $5 discount. For more information, call 527-7243.

third Saturday of each month. Cost is $4 per person. Bring a snack to share.

Montrose Senior Activities The Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in June. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on any of the following activities, call 252-4884. • Taste of Ouray - This event features tantalizing and delicious samplings of local cuisine, brews and wine, demonstrations and competitions. Attendees exchange $1 tasting tickets for sweet and savory samples, and vote for their favorites. This trip takes place from 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on June 6. Cost is $15 but bring extra money for tasting tickets. • Horseback Riding at Bach’lers Stables - This local stable is owned and operated by a genuine cowboy.

All rides are personalized. This trip is from 8:15 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 13. Cost is $50 and includes guide gratuity. • Ironton Park Hike - Relatively flat hiking at a 9,800-foot elevation. View the old buildings at Ironton ghost town. Trip is 9:15 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 20. Cost is $18. • Sky Ute Casino and Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum - Gamers and nongamers alike will enjoy this trip to Ignacio from 6:45 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on June 26. You will also receive half-price lunch at the buffet. The Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum is an architectural masterpiece that includes galleries, a library, store and an outdoor experience. Museum tour is optional. Register early, as space is limited to 45 participants. Cost is $45, which includes transportation and a light snack. Bring money for lunch and gambling. • Grand Junction Rockies Baseball Game - Spend an afternoon at the ballpark from 2:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on June 30. Game starts at 4 p.m. against the Orem Owlz. Cost is $29. ■

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Delta Senior Activities The following activities are offered at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 530 Gunnison River Drive in Delta. To register for any of the following activities or for a full list, call 874-0923. • Community Evening Dances - Held from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. on the

Delta/ Montrose counties 41

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Garfield County Calendar Compiled by Cheryl Currier June 8

How-To Festival The first How-To Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Parachute Branch Library, 244 Grand Valley Way. This festival brings the community together to learn and have a great time—all for free. We’ll showcase hobbyists, business leaders and entrepreneurs who want to share their talents and knowledge. For more information, call 285-9870.

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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

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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

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

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The fifth annual Caregivers Conference will be held at Glenwood Springs High School, 1521 Grand Ave., from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be a variety of workshops available to benefit the caregiver. To register, call 945-9191 ext. 3061. June 21-23

Photo by Karen Jones. western colorado

ders.

Spend a morning on the Roaring Fork River and experience the river first-hand while learning about local water issues and conservation efforts from ambassadors from Roaring Fork Conservancy. The float will take place from Carbondale to Glenwood Springs. Meet at Veltus Park in Glenwood Springs at 8 a.m. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Register at www.roaringfork.org or call 927-1290.

Caregivers Conference

Rita Baughman, right, of Taylor Produce helps Brenda St. John select What’s fresh Palisade Ins ide Peaches.

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

June 2013

Strawberry Days Strawberry Days in Glenwood Springs has been entertaining generations for more than 100 years. The festival features a FamilyFest area with interactive, entertaining and creative experiences for the grandkids. There will be an arts and crafts fair, a food court, an old-fashioned carnival, a parade down Main Street, the crowning of Miss Strawberry Days, and a full entertainment lineup.

Of course, there will still be free strawberries and ice cream on Saturday. For details, call 945-6589 or visit www.strawberrydaysfestival.com. June 22

Reiki and Massage Therapy 101 If you are interested in finding ways to improve your energy, then this class is for you. Local Reiki Master and massage therapist Betts Williams will discuss energy, how it feels, how to get in touch with it and how to use it for healing. Come away with a new sense of peace and knowledge of how to help yourself and others. This free class will be held in the Silt Branch Library’s community room, 680 Home Ave., at 1 p.m. For more information, call 876-5500. June 29

Learn how to plant a terrarium Have you ever wanted to grow a terrarium? Learn to put together a beautiful container full of plants at 1 p.m. at the New Castle Branch Library, 402 W. Main St. Bring your own container and we will provide plants and soil. For more information, call 984-2346. July 2

Firefly & Rare Orchid Walk Join Roaring Fork Conservancy and tour fireflies, unique orchids and thermal wetlands at Filoha Meadows, just outside Redstone. Meet at Filoha Meadows at 7 p.m. Dress appropriately. The tour will happen, rain or shine. Register at www.roaringfork. org or call 927-1290. July 4

Freedom Festival Celebrate the Fourth of July at the family-friendly Freedom Festival at Apple Tree Park in New Castle. A carnival and water games for the grandkids start at noon. There will be music, dances and talent shows in the evening. For more information, call 984-2247. ■

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

June 2013

Garfield County Beacon Bits Compiled by Cheryl Currier

Rifle First Fridays First Friday is a free public event in downtown Rifle from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Downtown businesses and organizations open their doors to community members and visitors. There will be music, artists, improv performances, a car show in the vacant lot on Second Street and Railroad, and restaurant deals. Look for participating merchants identified with a green balloon. First Fridays will be held each month, rain or shine, throughout the summer. The first of Rifle First Fridays will take place on June 7.

Pet therapy training Therapy dogs offer comfort and joy to those who need it. Grand River Hospital’s Pet Therapy program hosts a training for therapy dog hopefuls and their owners. Dogs must bring vaccine records and must do well around other dogs. The training sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. on June 6, 13 and 20 at the E. Dene Moore Care Center, 701 E. Fifth Ave. in Rifle. Class size is limited to 10 and preregistration is required. To register, call Kaaren Peck at 625-6423.

Summer Concerts • Music on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns - Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park presents the fifth season of this popular concert series. Starting at 4 p.m. on concert nights, get a free ride on the tram for a canned food donation to Lift-Up. Concerts are free and start at 6 p.m. The next concert takes place June 8 with Night Plane performing. For a full schedule, visit www.glenwood caverns.com or call 800-530-1635. • Centennial Park in Rifle - The City of Rifle sponsors 10 free concerts at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. The series opens June 23 with Ivory Drive, an alternative/indie band from Boulder. Fifth Reel from Grand Junction will perform on June 30, playing Scottish, Irish and American old-time music. Food and craft

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vendors will have items for purchase. A special patriotic concert featuring the Symphony in the Valley will be held July 3. For more information, visit www.rifleco.org or call 665-6570. • Summer of Music in Glenwood Springs - The Glenwood Springs Arts Council sponsors a series of free concerts on Wednesday evenings at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. All concerts will be held, rain or shine. Concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. The first concert will be held June 26, featuring Flash Cadillac, followed by Will Campa on July 3. For a complete schedule, visit www. glenwoodarts.org or call 945-2414.

Honey Don’t in concert Honey Don’t is a musical duo made up of Bill Powers and Shelly Gray from Paonia. They will be performing the following old-time, bluegrass concerts for free in Garfield County. • June 17, 6 p.m. at New Castle Branch Library • June 18, 6 p.m. at Rifle Branch Library • June 19, 7 p.m. at Glenwood Springs Branch Library

Find resources at the Valley Senior Center in Parachute The Valley Senior Center, 540 N. Parachute Ave., is a one-stop resource center of free booklets and leaflets that meet the specific needs of seniors. Come by around noon on Wednesdays and help yourself. There is information on Meals on Wheels, traveler transportation, fire and home safety, identity theft, Garfield County emergency contacts, health and nutrition, hospice and living options, government programs and more. Be sure to pick up the new Valley Senior Center leaflet and the monthly “Connections” newsletter.

Play bridge Play party bridge at 12:45 p.m. on Mondays and play duplicate bridge at 12:45 p.m. on Wednesdays or 10:45 a.m. Saturdays at the Grand Valley Recreation Center. ■

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