May beacon 2017

MAY 2017

Vol. 30 No. 5

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Mesa County’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.

Health Wellness

FREE INS IDE

SUMMER 2017

Road Hit the is great exercise,

Cycling easy on the joints and a fun way of exploring.

Your Guide to Health & Wellness

Visit us on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Volunteers are vital to the valley 2017 BEACON Volunteer of the Year nominees. From left, top row: Don Riggle, Carl Gallagher, John McKinney, George Decker. Second row: Tom Shoaf, Bill Stevens, Kay Fredette. Third row: Diane Dea, Becky Wiemer, Chris Segelken and Harry Segelken. Front row: Diana Mathis, Janie Hellstrom, Volunteer of the YearPhoto Pat Brinegar and Cynda Byers. courtesy of XXXXXXXXXX

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

Opening August 2017 Cappella of Grand Junction

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MAY 2017

EDITORIAL

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

I’m done with April showers. It’s time for sunny skies and pretty flowers. It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway into 2017, but it’s fine with me—May is my favorite month.

First, an introduction My name is Cloie and I’m the editor of the BEACON Senior Newspaper. I’ve lived in the Grand Valley for more than 13 years, attended Fruita schools and graduated from Colorado Mesa University. May marks my eighth anniversary at the BEACON. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with our talented writers and loyal advertisers, making connections with community organizations, meeting our readers and hearing their stories. To me, May also marks the beginning of summer… even if the season doesn’t officially start for almost two months. If you love warm weather as much as I do, I know you’ll enjoy this issue of the BEACON, along with our accompanying guide to Summer Health & Wellness.

Volunteer of the Year Each year, the BEACON honors dedicated Grand Valley volunteers who make our world a better place. Pat Brinegar, the winner of this year’s Volunteer of the Year award, was chosen by BEACON readers who were inspired by her dedication to teaching—even after retirement— and making a difference for first graders at Pomona Elementary. Her story begins on page 4.

BeaconFest recap The Grand Junction BeaconFest was a huge hit! Thank you to all our readers, sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, seminar speakers and door prize

donors for making this year’s fair a success. See if your photo made it into the paper and which booths attendees chose for the Senior Choice Awards on pages 10-11.

Happy Mother’s Day! Where would we be without moms? We have moving stories for moms and by moms, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Senior Law Day Spearheaded by the Area Agency on Aging and Colorado Legal Services, Senior Law Day returns on May 5 to provide information and advice on legal issues pertaining to seniors. There are even several Ask-a-Lawyer sessions throughout the day where you can visit one-on-one with an attorney. This year, the event has moved to the DoubleTree by Hilton on Horizon Drive. Turn to the center spread for details.

Looking ahead One year, we received a picture from a reader who took the BEACON with him on his trip to Ireland. It was perfect for the cover of our June insert, your guide to summer travel and area festivals—look for your 2017 edition in next month’s BEACON. Traveling can be stressful, but also opens doors to new experiences and results in funny stories. I certainly have some of my own. Do you? Send your stories, recommendations or photos to: Beacon@PendantPub lishing.com or call 243-8829.

Cloie Sandlin Editor, BEACON Senior News

Learn about Estate Planning and more at our Free Educational Workshops!

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Attorney Clara Brown Shaffer at Brown & Brown, P.C. was recently elected to be a Fellow of the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC)! With no less than 10 years’ of experience in the practice of estate planning, probate and trust law, lawyers are “elected to be Fellows based on their outstanding reputation, exceptional skill, and substantial contributions to the field.”(actec.org) Congratulations Clara! Don’t forget to look for us at Senior Law Day on May 5th! Clara will be presenting!

SPECIAL PROGRAM!

“Dementia caregivers are special people, but sometimes the demands on caregivers seem to require superhuman qualities.” (Program 3 of 3) Grand Junction: Wednesday, May 24th, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Presented by Tracy Waite and Debbie Kettler from Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. During this program, they will discuss healthy attitudes for stress relief so families will be better able to care for themselves and their loves ones. Sign up today! Registration is Required for Workshops: Grand Junction office - 1250 E. Sherwood Dr. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or on our website: www.brownandbrownpc.com View the full schedule of upcoming workshops & presentations on our website as well. Experienced & Compassionate Estate, Trust & Long Term Care Planning Attorneys

Phone: (970) 243-8250 1250 E. Sherwood Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501 1825 E. Main Street, Ste. C, Montrose, CO 81401

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Clara Brown Shaffer

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Shauna C. Clemmer

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COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

Teaching never gets old: Volunteer of

the Year Pat Brinegar shares love of teaching with daughter, students at Pomona Elementary By Carrie Kellerby

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ach year, the BEACON Senior Newspaper honors the dedicated men and women of the Grand Valley who volunteer to make our world a better place. Our readers nominate individuals who contribute their time, skills and special talents to our community. All of these volunteers go beyond the call of duty and perform outstanding acts of service. We are grateful for every one of them. In addition to recognizing these volunteers, we ask our readers to cast their votes for the BEACON Volunteer of the Year, an award that honors an individual who sets the standard for community service. This year, our readers chose Pat Brinegar, a retired elementary school teacher who, fueled by her love of teaching, continues to help out her daughter Allison McAtlin in her first-grade classroom at Pomona Elementary School.

A love for teaching

2017 Volunteer of the Year nominees with their nominators. Photos from top: Janie Hellstrom with nominator Melissa Hurni from Scenic Elementary School, Diana Mathis (right) with nominator Jeanie Morris with St. Mary’s Medical Center, Harry and Chris Segelken with nominator Laura Taylor (middle) with Roice-Hurst Humane Society, and Kay Fredette with nominator Peter Booth with Museums of Western Colorado.

When Brinegar was a young woman she dreamed of teaching home economics to girls in Sitka, Alaska. She got the idea during a presentation at her church that featured a slideshow of Sitka and the wonders (and needs) of Alaskan living. With this end in mind, she went off to the University of Nebraska to obtain her degree. After a run-in with college chemistry, however, she decided she might want to rethink her long-term plans. “Chemistry and I did not get along,” Brinegar said. She felt bad for abandoning those girls in Alaska, but she really didn’t want to spend two years of her life chained to the periodic table. She switched to speech therapy for a while, and finally found her true home in elementary education.

In 1958, Brinegar and her best friend moved from Hastings, Nebraska to Denver to teach for the yearly stipend of $3,200. Not long after, her then-fiancé, now husband, Dee Brinegar, joined her in Denver. They lived there for 10 years, but had friends in Grand Junction they visited quite often. “Every time we left to go back to Denver we would say that Grand Junction seemed like such a nice place to live,” Brinegar said. Brinegar’s husband, Dee, obtained his master’s degree and landed a job working for the biggest CPA firm in Denver, and was on the verge of a Pat Brinegar was nominated by her partnership when the daughter Allison McAtlin, who teaches first grade at Pomona Elem company sold and he entary, and was voted decided to look for a the BEACON’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year. new job. An opportutime. nity arose for a partnership in Grand For the next 15 years, except one Junction, and they jumped at it. that she spent at Appleton Elemen“We didn’t even sleep on it,” Brinegar said. “We put a ‘For Sale’ sign in tary, Brinegar taught third grade at our yard that afternoon.” They were Nisley Elementary under the princiready to move to the Western Slope. pal Ernie Lax, for whom she expressThat was 1968, and they’ve been es a sincere respect. She loved the here ever since. students at Nisley Elementary, and said she still runs into them around Like mother, like daughter town. She’s always delighted to see Brinegar taught for several years them, and has even gone to some in Denver before taking a break to of her third-grade students’ college start a family. When they moved to graduations. Grand Junction, the Brinegars had Her daughter Allison nominated two young children and a third on Brinegar for Volunteer of the Year. the way. Several years later, when the She followed in her mother’s footyoungest, Allison, started first grade, steps and also chose elementary edBrinegar was ready to go back to ucation as her profession. Eventually, teaching as a substitute. Years later, she ended up teaching first grade at when Allison went off to college, Brinegar returned to teaching full Pomona Elementary.

MAY 2017

COVER STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Six years ago there were some changes in the school district and classroom resources were stretched. Allison found herself with 31 students in her classroom, six of whom needed special attention of some kind. When her mother discovered the situation, she knew she had to lend her daughter a hand. Brinegar started going into the classroom three mornings a week to help with reading and writing. “The kids call her Mrs. B,” Allison said. “They love her, and she just connects with them.” She helps the students do make-up work and takes an advanced group once a week for reading. “But she does a lot of behind-thescenes work, too,” her daughter added. “She does things an outsider might not think is any big deal, but it makes a huge difference in the classroom. For example, she collates all the math worksheets at the beginning of the year, which saves lots of class time, and she takes home pencils and brings them back sharpened. It may not sound like much, but it’s huge.” Allison also commented on the connections her mother makes with many of the students. “She’ll check up on them, have lunch with them and just keep a relationship going, even after they’ve moved on from my class,” she said.

Making the classroom her second home While Allison now teaches a more manageable number of students, Brinegar continues to help in the classroom on a weekly basis. And she still loves the work. “I love working with the little children,” she said. “It’s just such a miracle to see the progress they make in the first grade.” Brinegar remembers when her daughter was getting her teaching degree and would shadow her in the classroom. “Sometimes I hear her say something exactly as I used to say it,” she said. “On the other hand, she sometimes corrects me, too. Things have changed over the years, and some things are just done differently. We

have a great rapport in the classroom, but as far as I’m concerned, she’s the boss.” For a retired lady, Brinegar is a busy woman. She’s in a bridge club, does water aerobics and is a member of not one, but two active book clubs. In addition, she has recently moved to a new house and is busy making it into a home. “I had originally wanted to do home economics when I went off to school because I was very domestic,”

she said. “Home has always mattered to me.” Brinegar has spent a good deal of her life making the classroom her second home. Being in the classroom with her daughter and helping children learn and thrive gives her purpose. “I look forward to going to school because it’s nice to feel like I am still accomplishing something,” Brinegar said. ■

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National & Regional Award-Winning Publication Publisher ..............................Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher....................... Susan Capps Editor............................................. Cloie Sandlin Editorial Assistant................ Stephanie Summar Creative Director........................Melissa Trottier Graphic Design.............................. Valerie Sears Graphic Design.............................. Karen Jones Office/Sales Assistant................. Stacey Splude Account Representative................... Sue Bowen

START VOLUNTEERING! Here’s a list of wonderful organizations and their contact information to help get you started.

Account Representative............... Trina Molacek Account Representative........... Debra Romaniec Account Representative............... Heidi Gofforth Proofreader...................................... Jan Weeks

RSVP, 243-9839 or rsvpgrandjunction.org

Delivery...........................................Cora Gentry

CASA of Mesa County, 242-4191 or email info@casamc.org

Delivery...............................................JR Milner

Partners, 245-5555 or www.mesapartners.org

Delivery ................................. Lauren VanGundy

Hilltop, 244-0659 or email Volunteers@htop.org

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 ph: 970.243.8829 fax: 800.536.7516

Gray Gourmet, 243-9844

Website: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com E-mail: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

HopeWest, 241-2212 or www.hopewestco.org Catholic Outreach, 241-3658 or www.catholicoutreach.org Habitat for Humanity, 263-0858 or www.hfhmesa.org Community Food Bank, 640-0336 or foodbankgj.org/how-to-volunteer

The BEACON is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication. © Copyright 2017 • All Rights Reserved

Museum of Western Colorado, 242-0971 or www.museumofwesternco.com Grand Junction Visitors Center, 256-4060 or www.visitgrandjunction.com Roice-Hurst Humane Society, 434-7337 or www.rhhumanesociety.com/volunteer.html Mesa County Animal Services, 255-5005 or www.animalservices.mesacounty.us John McConnell Math and Science Center, 254-1626 or www.mathandsciencecenter.org/support/volunteer Operation Interdependence, 523-4217 or www.oidelivers.org Grand Junction VA Medical Center, 245-1336 Mesa County Health Department, 248-6900 or health.mesacounty.us/volunteer/ Mesa County Libraries, 683-2432 or email volunteer@mcpld.org Mesa County Sherriff’s Department, 244-3500 or health.mesacounty.us/volunteer St. Mary’s Foster Grandparent Program, 298-9091 St. Mary’s Senior Companion Program, 298-9092

Cover Photo: 2017 Volunteer of the Year nominees stand outside Two Rivers Convention Center for a photo following a special ceremony honoring them at Grand Junction BeaconFest.

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FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Western Slope Adventurers has more than 400 members who take part in outdoor activities, such as day hikes, weekend camping trips and canyoneering expeditions.

Take a hike, go jump in a lake and other ways to enjoy the great outdoors By Amanda Arnold

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ime and time again, research has shown that exercise is good for both the body and mind. Regular exercise is especially important for seniors in order to stay as healthy as possible. And seniors in Western Colorado are in luck—with million-dollar views, our region offers the perfect outdoor gym for exercise and exploration. Doug Van Etten has enjoyed the great outdoors since he was Boy Scout. For 31 years, he and his wife Mary Hertert lived in the wilds of Anchorage, Alaska, where their weekends often included sea kayaking (the best in the world, according to Van Etten). Whales, sea lions and harbor seals were a common sight on the tundra, all before a backdrop of glaciers and dense coastal forests. Van Etten and Hertert moved to Fruita six years ago. They left one outdoor recreational paradise for another and now take advantage of the many opportunities within arm’s reach of the Grand Valley. They both love river rafting, hiking

Sue Joffrion, 61, took up scuba diving and now explores the ocean’s depths all over the world.

and the deep archeological history on the Colorado Plateau. The level of activity within the local senior community was also a perk. “We were amazed by the number of older people who were road biking, especially up the roads in Colorado National Monument,” Van Etten said. The couple is always ready to hit the road to explore wide open spaces and hidden canyons. When Van Etten and Hertert moved here, they started a group called Western Slope Adventurers to encourage others to join them. The organization has regular

outings and more than 400 members. Activities include day hikes on the Colorado National Monument’s Serpents Trail, weekend camping trips, canyoneering expeditions and more. While Van Etten doesn’t have exact data on the age range of participants, he said that at least 70 percent of the regular attendees are over 65. The most popular activity for seniors is hiking because special equipment isn’t required. All one really needs is a hat, hiking pole and a bottle of water. Many of the hikes are out and back, so one can hike in as far as he or she is comfortable.

MAY 2017

The Serpents Trail is a favorite weekly hike for Fran Parker, who is in her early 60s. She enjoys it so much that she organizes regular fitness hikes on the trail with the Western Slope Outdoor Adventurers. “The nice thing about it is that it’s predictable, and a good workout. A lot of people go on Serpents Trail rather than the treadmill,” Fran said. Western Slope Adventurers participants are an outdoor-oriented group. Members have climbed mountains, rafted the Grand Canyon and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. Sue Joffrion, 61, hiked all 2,168 miles of the Appalachian Trail a couple of years ago. She’s often asked how she did it. People tell her that such a feat would be impossible for them. “It’s a matter of getting out there and doing the best you can,” Joffrion said. “If it doesn’t work, you’ve done your best, and that’s the best you can do.” Joffrion has always loved the outdoors and said staying inside can feel claustrophobic. After all, there’s nothing like fresh air and sunshine. Some of her favorite activities include hiking, biking, kayaking and cross-country skiing. However, her passion is scuba diving. “It’s a wonderful world down there with all of the creatures,” she said. “You feel weightless.” She took up scuba diving a couple of years ago and now travels the world to explore its ocean depths. She’s seen eels, turtles, colorful fish and sharks. Advancing age can be an asset when it comes to exploring

MAY 2017

FEATURE STORY

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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Western Slope Adventurers take a canyoneering class. Photos by Amanda Arnold. the outdoors. For Van Etten, it has encouraged him to take appropriate caution in his activities. Joffrion said age has not caused her to be more cautious—she isn’t afraid of much— but has made her decelerate a little. “Age made me slow down so I can enjoy the outdoors,” she said. “When I was young, I tried to push through it all. Now I can lie back and enjoy it more.” Exploring the outdoors is a new activity for Jude Solano, 70. She began hiking three years ago when she moved to Grand Junction from Florida. Now she’s an avid hiker who

nearly conquered Handies Peak—one of Colorado’s famous 14ers—when looming weather forced her to turn around just below the summit. She also enjoys regular hikes on Serpents Trail, Devil’s Kitchen, Riggs Hill and the Grand Mesa. Since Solano started hiking, she’s lost 70 pounds. Now she serves as the Silver Program Advisor at Crossroads Fitness, leading the way for senior fitness and getting participants outdoors. This summer, she’ll organize sunrise and moonlight hikes in the area. Everyone is welcome to join her hikes; last year, she welcomed a Grand Junction resident of 30 years who had never hiked Serpents Trail. Becoming a member of the Western Slope Adventurers is free. For more information, visit meetup.com/ WesternSlopeAdventurers. ■

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RECIPES

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MAY 2017

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Tuscan Grilled Chicken Wraps Recipe by: Michelle De La Cerda, www.thecompletesavorist.com

Ingredients: • 8 TortillaLand Flour Tortillas, cooked according to package directions,

• 3-4 oz fresh baby spinach, cleaned and dried.

• 1-22 oz pkg Tyson Grilled & Ready® Chicken strips, cooked according to package directions)

• 1/3 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing +/- according to taste

• 1-15 oz can (or similar) white beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/4-1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 3-5 oz sun-dried tomatoes (whole, strips, or diced)

Instructions: Cook the tortillas according to package directions and set aside. Start cooking the chicken strips according to package directions. Meanwhile, layer the tortillas with the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and white beans. As the chicken finishes cooking, add it to the tortilla on top of the other ingredients. Add the dressing over all the ingredients, as much or as little as desired. Generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Tightly fold the tortilla together. Serve and enjoy or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another day.

MAY 2017

ASK THE OLD BAG

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

ASK THE OLD BAG

Mary’s

Advice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

Homestyle Cooking

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick Dear Old Bag: I have a sister-in-law who’s a troublemaker. Before my brother married this woman (I will call her Marge), we all got along fine. This was a second marriage for both of them and Marge is in her 60s. My brothers are exceptionally close to each other, and the other sisters-in-law get along fine. But since Marge joined the family, things are beginning to change—and not for the better. I like all my sistersin-law and would like to have the same relationship with Marge. But all she does is tell me bad things about the other brothers’ wives. It’s petty stuff and it’s none of her business. I have tried to be polite, but it isn’t working. I also suspect that she is playing the other sisters-in-law against each other. Do you have any suggestions to change the course? Signed, Worried Dear Worried: It takes one rotten apple, doesn’t it? As the only woman in a family of men, I suggest you take her for lunch and as nicely as you can, tell her something like this: “Marge, we are so glad to have you join our family, and I am looking forward to a close relationship with you. You know Marge, for a big family, we all get along well. I love my brothers and my sisters-in-law, and I’m uncomfortable when anyone comes to me with stories about them. I’m sure you see how we value closeness and realize nothing is to be gained by anyone who badmouths them. None of us are perfect, but anyone who tries to come between any of us in this family will only lose respect. We hope you will be part of our closeness.” Then change the subject to save her embarrassment. Make a real effort to get to know her better. If she starts to talk about others, give her the time-out sign and change the subject. I suspect she is continuing a

lifetime of that habit, and it may take a bit to change it. Let me know how it goes. O.B. Dear Old Bag: I am a 70-year-old, healthy widower with a 55-year-old girlfriend. Sounds good, huh? Well, now I’m getting worried because we have passed the friend stage and romance is taking over. The only problem is that I believe that I am impotent and could not have a successful sexual relationship. I do not want to lose her. What do I do now? Signed, Too Old Dear Old: Notice I didn’t say, “Too old.” In this day and age of medical miracles, no man should be too old to perform unless health interferes. See your doctor or a urologist and pour your heart out to him or her. There are medications and injections to help you along. People seem to worry a long time before they consult their physician. I think it’s because in the old days, we didn’t talk about these things. This is a new day where we let it all hang out. Get moving! Thanks for writing. P.S. When I began writing this column more than nine years ago, I was taken aback when my very first question was a sex question! I thought to myself, Dr. Ruth, here I come. O.B. Dear Old Bag: Maybe you have covered this before, but I would like to get the word out to all your readers about “stuff.” I am talking about the stuff you have collected for a zillion years and no longer look at or use. We just finished the horrendous job of cleaning out our parents’ home, where they’d lived for 50 years. It took us months. Please do your kids a favor while you can and thin out those things! Your kids will love you for it. Signed, Off My Chest Dear Off My Chest: You just told them! Thank you. O.B. ■

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

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 Mesa County subscription  Montrose/Delta subscription

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

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www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

A BIG BEACON

K Y N O A U! H T GRAND JUNCTION

BeaconFest 2017 was a day of good fun and practical information for the boomers and seniors in our community. Thanks to our show sponsors, Hilltop Senior Life Options and KREX News Channel 5; our volunteers; entertainers; the 80+ local businesses who set up booths; and most importantly, you, our guests, the event was a tremendous success. More than 2,500 people walked through the doors of Two Rivers Convention Center, excited to immerse themselves in a day full of events and resources. Buffalo Wild Wings, Las Marias, Mountain Air Roasters and Einstein Bros. Bagels provided guests with delicious food and fueled them with

superior quality coffee throughout the day. bone tree, Danny Agajanian & The Hallelujah Band, King ‘n’ Trio, Javier de los Santos and Ron Koss hit the stage with great music, as did the Troy Douglas Band, who stepped in to fill a spot at the last minute. Beth Williams and Peggy Malone kicked off entertainment in the foyer with their interactive performances, accompanied by a bit of yodeling; James Cameron entranced audiences outside with his bagpipes and knowledge of his Scottish heritage; Storehouse Gospel Quartet and Marian Miller lit up the crowd with delightful melodies, and young Morgan Crouse captivated attendees with her guitar and powerful vocals.

2017 SENIOR CHOICE AWARD WINNERS!

Best overall booth: Las Marias

Friendliest people: Willy’s Wild Carvings (The Balloon Guy)

Best giveaways: Rib City

MAY 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Each seminar room hosted a spread of educational presentations, covering topics from downsizing, handling grief, computer help, estate planning, assistive medical technology, fraud prevention and more in an environment crafted especially for seniors, boomers and their families. As if the seminars, live entertainment and vendor booths weren’t enough, guests were thrilled by the chance to win door prizes every 30 minutes. We gave away a vacation package to Glenwood Springs, Century Casino gave a hotel stay and dinner for two, La-Z-Boy donated some living room furniture, and various restaurants donated gift cards for local cuisine. We want to thank all of the vendors who donated the wonderful gifts that made these drawings so exciting. As is true every year, this year’s BeaconFest wouldn’t have been the same without the friendly support of the 80+ vendors who set up booths. Each booth painted a picture of its own unique offerings to create a fair of local businesses that value being a part of our community. Thanks to all who attended! ■

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MAY 2017

Honor-bound: Local organization blankets veterans with love

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By Carrie Kellerby “These quilts are not charity blankets,” insisted Sue Shore. “They are tokens of honor given to those who have served our country.” Shore is the founding member of the Grand Valley Valor Quilters, a local guild representing the national Quilts of Valor (QOV) Foundation, whose mission is to “cover service Photo by Sophia Cohen. members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” while they talked, fingers flying over Since its formation in 2003, the the ribbons and papers of the bookfoundation has awarded more than marks. They were intent, but willing 158,000 quilts to deserving service to share some inspiring stories—most men and women. were about the recipients of these Shore learned about QOV in May lovely handmade quilts. 2015 when a close friend, who had The members all agree that one of served in the U.S. Navy, invited her to the things they hear repeatedly from attend a presentation at a Veterans of those awarded a quilt is that “there Foreign Wars Post given by the Westare others more deserving of the ern Slope coordinator of the QOV honor.” Foundation. Shore had retired from Honor is an important word to the her office job a few years earlier and guild members, who express their was looking for a meaningful way joy in honoring those who have to volunteer. The QOV Foundation sacrificed for their country and view fulfilled that wish. the quilt making itself as a work of She had no experience quilting honor. The quilts are awarded to men when she attended that first meeting and women who serve their country at the VFW, but she drove to Olathe and deserve to be blanketed with the several times a month to work with respect that such service commands. a guild there until she felt she could They are meant to bring comfort and start her own group. Within three remind the recipient of the safety and months, she had the local guild up care of home. Each is personalized and running. Since then, it has crewith the recipient’s name, service ated and presented 26 quilts, with rank and the date of the presentation. more in the works. Each quilt is given by a member of At an informal meeting at Shore’s the guild. home, a few guild members gathered The Grand Valley QOV chapter to put together bookmarks for an currently has 20 members, and new upcoming fundraiser. The book fair, members are welcome. Their ranks hosted by Barnes and Noble, helps include veteran quilters, but many them raise money for materials and joined without any quilting or sewing awareness for their cause. experience. They are willing to teach “It helps us get the word out about those who are willing to learn. the project,” said member Shar WeisMembers meet on the first and er. She said the book fair has brought third Saturday of each month at Ed new requests for quilts as well. Bozarth’s Community Room. For In addition to Shore and Weiser, more information, contact Shore at the bookmark-makers include Jacsues@bresnan.net. To request a quilt que Weimer, Wendy Spurr and Jinny for a deserving man or woman, visit Truzinski. The five of them worked www.qovf.org. ■

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The gift of my mother’s wedding rings By Amy Abbott

M

y mother’s hands intrigued me. While she had long, slender fingers, Mom’s hands were smaller than mine and much smaller than her mother’s. My dad gave her a small diamond engagement ring at Christmas 1954. She wore it until her death in 2012, and I don’t remember her ever removing it. She didn’t take her rings off to wash dishes or do laundry. Over the years, I photographed Mom’s hands. When my son was born, I snapped a picture of her left hand on the day-old infant. About 10 years ago we went to the symphony, and I photographed her hands holding the program. Dementia stole her reading comprehension. When the music started, she was transported into another world. When we were children, she used her left hand—the one with the rings—to conduct an unseen orchestra. I’m not much of a jewelry person. My wedding ring is a simple gold band that cost around $50. I do favor dangly earrings. I find them on Etsy or in antique shops on little back streets I’ve discovered on vacation. The day before a recent birthday, my dad gave me Mom’s wedding set. His gift was the result of a phone conversation: “I don’t know what I’m going to do with your mother’s wedding rings.” As the only daughter, I was incred-

ulous and said, “Well, Dad, I would like to have them.” The bands were soldered together 10 or 15 years ago to provide strength. I couldn’t get the set over my knuckle on either hand. Mom’s hands were significantly smaller than mine. I took them to our jeweler who sized them for my ring finger. The cost to have the ring increased was almost the cost of the engagement ring 63 years ago. The jeweler fixed it beautifully and even retained a few of the initials carved on the inside of the wedding ring. I’m wearing the set with the simple gold wedding band my husband gave me 32 years ago. In the few days I’ve worn the rings, I like pondering what they represent. I recognize that not everyone is blessed; life is fraught with complications that fray the knots we tie. While Mom’s wedding set accounts for a union that lasted just shy of 57 years, it also represented a union that weathered storms and hurt. My personal relationship with my mother also unraveled and knit together in life’s tangles. My gold wedding band represents an imperfect and loving union of almost 32 years. Together, these rings are reminders of the power of love, forgiveness and grace. ■

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Enjoy a day at the races without leaving town By Amanda Arnold

G

et ready for “the most exciting two minutes in sports” coming up on May 6, as 32 horses prepare to run for the roses at the 143rd Kentucky Derby. While nothing compares to the heart-thumping action and thunderous moments at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this premiere horse-racing event is celebrated by people across the country. And as a Louisville-area native, I’m here to give you the scoop on how you can celebrate like a true derby fan right here in Grand Junction.

Tulips and Juleps Derby Party If you want to get out and mingle with other Derby lovers, you won’t want to miss the fourth annual Tulips and Juleps Derby Party from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. With the race on the big screen, Southern cuisine catered by Cowboy and the Rose, raffles, a silent auction and mint juleps—the signature beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby—this community

event is the closest you’ll get to the real thing in Mesa County. “It’s a great deal for us and a great event,” said STRiVE Development Vice President Douglas Sorter. “We have a huge amount of committee members who are very engaged and have been really instrumental making [the event] what it is.” Tulips and Juleps is the biggest fundraiser for STRiVE’s child and family services. Last year’s event brought in over 300 people and raised $34,000. This year, they hope to boost attendance to 400. Tulips and Juleps tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at strivecolorado.org/child-and-family-services or by calling 243-3702.

Feeling lucky?

MAY 2017

schedule on Derby Day with that of Churchill Downs, opening at 8:15 a.m. The winner of a hat contest will get a $50 voucher that can be cashed in or used for betting. Race programs will be available for $2 and mint juleps for $4.50. All ladies will get a free rose.

Celebrate anywhere Don’t feel like leaving the house? No problem. Bring the excitement of the Kentucky Derby home to you. Turn the channel to NBC prior to post time, which is 6:34 p.m. EST (4:34 for us). Invite some friends, put up some shade in the backyard and buy the ingredients for mint juleps, including a bottle of good bourbon. Consider making traditional derby food, such as beaten biscuits with country ham, burgoo (a stew made with a variety of meats and vegetables) and hot browns (an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich covered in Mornay sauce that’s baked or broiled until the bread is crisp).

For those interested in actually betting on the Kentucky Derby and the races held throughout the day, consider stopping by the off-track betting site at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 Patterson Road. Bank 8 coincides its

Bottom photos courtesy of The Kentucky Derby Museum. Photo (right) courtesy of STRiVE.

It’s all about the hats (and bowties) Ladies, wear a nice dress but remember, your outfit won’t be complete without a fine Kentucky Derby hat. Since these fancy hats aren’t as easy to find in Grand Junction, clients of STRiVE Colorado have created some stunning hats that are for sale at Uniquely Yours and The Palette downtown on Main Street. You can also choose from over 1,100 custom-made hats at Grand

MAY 2017

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Mint Julep Recipe INGREDIENTS 2 oz. Bourbon such as Woodford Reserve 1/2 oz. simple syrup 3 fresh mint leaves Crushed ice INSTRUCTIONS: Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass. Add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with ice and fresh mint.

Junction Western Wear, located at 2718 Highway 50. If you’re the creative type, you can even pick up supplies at a local craft store and make your own—just remember, flowers and ribbons make a great derby hat. The big fashion focus for men is the bowtie. Even if you’d never be caught dead wearing one before, it’s for the derby—live a little! No matter where you are, the Kentucky Derby is a fun day to celebrate. So get out there and go, baby, go!

A little bit of history Now a world-renowned affair, the Kentucky Derby started off as a small, regional event until the early part of the 20th century. Ronnie Dreistadt, manager of education services at the Kentucky Derby

Museum, explained that when the Kentucky Derby began in 1875, New York was the “pinnacle of American horse racing” until Louisville businessman Matt Winn took over as president of Churchill Downs in 1902. “The pivotal year was 1915, when a wealthy east coast businessman named Harry Payne Whitney won the derby with a filly named Regret,” Dreistadt said. “He claimed that he didn’t care if she never won another race—this was the one they wanted.” Since then, the Kentucky Derby has become the crème de la crème of horse racing. Back home in Louisville, derby-related events begin in March and most schools and businesses close for the Oaks Day (the Friday before the derby). ■

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LAUGHING MATTERS

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LAUGHING MATTERS New technology Submitted by Bob Breazeale

I hear that someone is making a new horror movie. It’s about cell phones taking over the world and controlling every aspect of life. They are going to call it “Planet of the Apps.”

Sweden Submitted by Betty Ruth

I’ve read that, by law, you have to turn your lights on when it’s raining in Sweden. How the hell am I supposed to know when it’s raining in Sweden?

In memoriam Submitted by Susan Capps

One Sunday morning, a priest noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of their church, staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and had small American flags mounted on both sides of it. The 7-year-old had been staring

at the plaque for some time, so the priest walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning, Alex.” “Good morning, Father,” Alex replied, still focused on the plaque. “Father, what is this?” The priest said, “Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.” Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, barely audible and in a voice that trembled with fear, little Alex asked, “Which service—the 9 o’clock or the 11 o’clock?”

The wedding ceremony Submitted by Joshua Barry

A beautiful bride walked down the aisle, smiling at her friends and family.

When she reached the altar, she smiled at her groom, then noticed he was standing with his golf bag and clubs at his side. “What are your golf clubs doing here?” she asked. “This isn’t going to take all day, is it?” he said.

Camels Submitted by Milton Cobb

MAY 2017

Sunday morning Submitted by Deborah Williams

One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church. “I’m not going,” he replied. “Why not?” she asked. “I’ll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, they don’t like me. Two, I don’t like them.”

Two U.S. tourists, a man and his wife, were traveling in the Middle East. An Arab approached the husband, saying, “I’ll give you 100 camels for your woman.”

His mother replied, “Well, I’ll give you two good reasons why you should go to church. One, you’re 59 years old. Two, you’re the pastor!”

After a long silence, the husband said, “She’s not for sale.”

Submitted by Geraldine Morrison

The indignant wife said, “What took you so long to answer?” Her husband replied, “I was trying to figure out how to get 100 camels back home.”

Look what you did. Carol and other seniors like her don’t have to face life alone. Your generous donations to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation helped fund programs like the Senior Companion Program, which provides seniors with support and friendship and allows them to live independent of a nursing home. Read her story at facebook.com/StMarysHospitalFoundation

The towel A woman was just finishing up a shower when the doorbell rang. Her husband was out in the yard, so she quickly wrapped herself in a towel and ran downstairs. When she opened the door, there stood Bob, their next-door neighbor.

MAY 2017

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Before she said a word, Bob said, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman dropped her towel and stood naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, he handed her $800 dollars and left. She wrapped herself back up in the towel and turned to find her husband coming in from the backyard. “Who was that?” he asked. “It was Bob from next door,” she replied. “Great!” her husband said. “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

The fire truck Submitted by Kelly Carter

One night outside a small town, a fire started inside the local chemical plant. In the blink of an eye, it exploded into massive flames. An alarm went out to all the fire departments for miles around. When the volunteer firefighters appeared on the scene, the chemical company president rushed to the fire chief and said, “All our secret formulas are in the vault in the center of the plant. They must be saved! I will give $50,000 to the fire department that brings them out intact.”

ments had to be called in as the situation became desperate. As the firemen arrived, the president shouted out that the offer was now $100,000 to the fire department that could bring out the company’s secret files.

Retirement living with the emphasis on living

In the distance, a lone siren was heard as a dilapidated old fire truck came into sight. It was the volunteer fire company of a nearby township, composed mainly of people over the age of 65. To everyone’s amazement, that little rundown fire engine roared right past all the newer, sleek engines. Without even slowing down, it drove straight into the middle of the inferno. Outside, the other firemen watched as the old timers jumped off right in the middle of the fire and fought it back on all sides. Within a short time, they had extinguished the fire and saved the secret formulas. The grateful chemical company president announced that for such a superhuman feat he was upping the reward to $200,000. He began to personally thank each of the brave firefighters. “What are you going to do with all that money?” he asked the fire chief. “Well,” said the old firefighter, “The first thing we’re going to do is fix the brakes on that damn truck!” ■

But the roaring flames held the firefighters off. Soon, more fire depart-

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HOME & GARDEN

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MAY 2017

Three Sisters: Companion planting and diversity in the garden Alive and Digging,

P

erhaps we can understand anything in terms of where it lies between two extremes: mechanized, fossil fuel-powered and monocropped industrial agriculture and wild, untamed Nature. (If the idea intrigues you, I highly recommend reading Michael Pollan’s “Second Nature.”)

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This isn’t a spectrum ranging from evil to godly; few things are so black and white. This is a spectrum of opportunity and inspiration. As home gardeners, we can draw insight from both extremes to create backyard systems we truly love. For Big Agriculture, on one end of the extreme, food is a commodity and financial efficiency rules. In Nature, on the other end, nature rules—and she’s in no hurry. All plants, animals, organic matter, microbes and fungi coexist. No hierarchy, just life evolving. Chances are, if you treat your backyard like an industrial agriculture operation, you probably won’t want to spend much time in it. Likewise, throw up your hands and let your home garden go wild, and you miss out on the joy and bounty that food-garden ecosystems produce. Luckily, most of us (small farmers included) experience life somewhere in between these two extremes.

A diverse garden ecosystem

By Paige Slaughter

From beetles and worms to bacteria and fungi, organisms interact with one another in soil. As they break down organic matter, their web of activity enhances the soil, filling it with pockets and pores that store water for plants. Healthy soil also captures carbon and recycles nutrients that feed plants, animals and humans. Diversity in the soil makes for a stronger, more dynamic soil food web that thrives from season to season. Above ground, similar concepts hold true. A variety of annuals and perennials, fruits, roots and greens creates a diverse habitat for a range of insects and critters. While it’s tempting to defend our gardens against all the bugs that nibble on the food we’re growing, they, too, contribute to a diverse garden ecosystem. Aphids attract ladybugs. Borage attracts bees. One toad eats thousands of grasshoppers, caterpillars and other bugs throughout the growing season. Invite beneficial critters into your garden with small ponds, safe spaces and blooms throughout the season—the possibilities are plenty. Permaculturist Geoff Lawton explained that interplanting your crops, mixing colors, shapes and aromas, confuses pests who want to snack. This slows them down, making them more prone to becoming lunch for a bird, toad or praying mantis.

There are as many approaches to gardening as there are gardeners. The way you understand and value diversity is going to be entirely unique. How exciting!

Finding ways to align biodiversity with your values is fun and beneficial for both you and all living things in your garden.

That said, knowledge is power. Here are a few biodiversity insights to mull over.

One of the most commonly known companion plantings has been practiced for thousands of years. The Three

Like sisters

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Sisters are maize, beans and squash. With origins in Mesoamerica, these crops have coevolved, and planting them together continues to be both a symbol of our connection to plants and a convenient and effective way to grow corn, squash and beans. Sweet corn, dent, flint or flour corn is the “big sister,” providing support for climbing pole beans. Beans are “nitrogen-fixers,” pulling nitrogen from the air into the soil, benefiting all three plants. Squash’s’ large leaves are a living mulch that keep the soil cool and moist and suppress weeds. Add more sisters like sunflowers, nasturtiums and bergamot to attract beneficial

insects and deter squash bugs. Companion gardening inherently increases diversity and brings more intention into the garden. Pairing certain vegetables, fruits and herbs together helps deter pests and protect plants. You can also extend your growing season and use your space more efficiently by planting and harvesting fast-growing plants while others take their time to grow. Enjoy this month of warm spring weather as your garden bursts into life. I’d love to hear how increased diversity and companion planting play out in your garden ecosystem. ■

MAY GARDEN CHECKLIST ❒ There are many ways to plant your Three Sisters. The general idea is to prepare a mound or flat area of soil. Sow corn kernels in the center of the mound. Plant pumpkin, winter or summer squash seeds around the perimeter of your mound, and add in aromatic flowers. After the corn is a few inches tall, plant a bean seed next to each corn plant.

❒ Plant peppers and tomatoes. Pull off some of the lower leaves to bury some of the stem to protect tall plant starts in the wind.

❒ Plant another succession of radishes, lettuce and dark greens. ❒ Plant flowers and herbs throughout the garden to attract beneficials. Dill, basil, oregano, sage and marigolds deter many unwanted bugs with their pleasant aromas. Carrots, dill, parsley and parsnip attract praying mantises, ladybugs and spiders that will love to eat the pesky insects in your garden beds.

❒ Prune perennials to encourage growth. ❒ Suppress weeds with mulch. ❒ Continue watering garlic through June while garlic is bulbing. Trim garlic scapes coming up from the center of the plant to enjoy as pesto or in stir fry. Doing so will also help increase bulb size. Send your questions and comments to Paige in care of the BEACON, or email paige@fruitionstudio.com.

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MAY 2017

Tomboy: Ghost town today, boom town yesteryear By Melanie Wiseman

O

ne late June morning, before the town of Telluride began rubbing the sleep from its eyes, I began a solo quest, trekking the challenging five miles toward the base of Imogene Pass to the once booming town of Tomboy. I had visited this precious piece of local Colorado history by vehicle in the past and was eager to reach it on foot. Standing anywhere in Telluride’s box canyon, elevation 8,750 feet, you can see the high San Juan mountain bowl that cradles the remains of the historic ghost town at an elevation of 11,509 feet. Tomboy is the second-highest ghost town in Colorado, and one of the highest in the United States. Whether you are a history buff, photographer, hiker, ATV or fourwheel driver, curious adventurer or simply appreciate amazing scenic views, Tomboy is a must-visit venture, certain not to disappoint. Tomboy Road takes off from the center of town and hugs the side of the valley like a shelf, following the contours of the rocky mountain walls. Enjoy many breathtaking waterfalls, raspberry bushes (help yourself) and wildlife including pika, marmots and birds that are all present along the way. I was rewarded with the view of a large herd of elk grazing in a mountain meadow high above Tomboy— quite a thrilling sight. The hike was just me, my boots and nature, except for two friendly four-wheel drive vehicles full of adventure enthusiasts whom I enjoyed visiting with. They cheered for me once I met up with them at the Tomboy site. Guided Jeep tours are available out of Telluride if you’d like to leave the driving to experts and learn about the town’s history and points of interest along the way. It also gives you the opportunity to take in the incredible scenery that leads up to Tomboy,

as switchbacks, cliffs and occasional falling rocks require the driver’s full attention. High country snowfall can limit access. July and August offer stunning blue skies and wild flowers, and September is spectacular as the aspens turn golden. Remember, afternoon showers are typical during the summer so it’s best to get an early start. After enjoying Tomboy, spend some time at the Telluride Museum Town Park, ride the free gondola to the Mountain Village or browse unique shops along Colorado Avenue.

A link to the past Tomboy is located in a mountainous region known as the Savage Basin, and the settlement’s original name was Savage Basin Camp. Eventually, the town changed its name to reflect nearby Tomboy Mine, which began producing gold ore in 1894. The mine sold for $2 million to the Rothschilds of London in 1897. With the depletion of ore, the mine and town went bust in 1928. Tomboy is one of the more impressive ghost town sites, and not only because of the dramatic drive or hike. It boasted modern facilities for the 900-some year-round residents that you wouldn’t expect in a late 1800s-era mining camp. In the days of the Wild West, Tomboy had a school, store, stable, tennis courts, a bowling alley, YMCA, restaurants, bars and a post office. Tomboy also had a “social tunnel” midway along the Tomboy Road, where miners would meet women from nearby Telluride. A stagecoach carrying passengers and mail would pass daily through Tomboy during the seasonal months. Brutal and unforgiving winter months have left these ruins true ghosts, a shadow of the past in this remote location. If you do visit, please do not help in the further destruction of these sites by carrying away any pieces of their history.

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Ghost towns you can drive to If you don’t have a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can still enjoy Colorado’s rich mining history. Many mining ghost towns are accessible by car. • Camp Bird Mine was established in 1896 near Ouray and was one of the richest and most famous mines in the world. • Red Mountain Town, located off Highway 550 between Ouray and Silverton is the site of the National Bell Mine. During its booming years, as many as 10,000 people lived in Red Mountain Town. • Ironton is located along the Million Dollar Highway at the north end of the Red Mountain Mining District. The mines made their money with silver and lead until gold was discovered in the late 1800s. The mines closed because of sulphuric acid in the water, which ate up the mining machinery. • Alta is located south of Telluride off Highway 62 and is known for the Gold King Mine, which produced gold, copper, silver and lead into the 1890s, then operated intermittently into the 1940s. The town’s three mills have burned down, but the town still has cabins, a boarding house and outhouse building still standing. Three scenic lakes sit a short distance up the road from the site. • Animas Forks was established near Silverton in 1875 and lured more

than 1,000 residents to town. Avalanches frequently destroyed buildings and isolated residents, but a number of buildings still stand. ■

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MAY 2017

Cemetery stories By Eileen O’Toole

T

he first recorded death in Grand Junction claimed a baby. In 1881, the mortality rate for babies was about 165 per 1,000. A short note in the “Grand Junction News,” the first newspaper, noted the death: “The first death in this place occurred last December, and was the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. J. Garland.” Baby Garland was buried in Hope Cemetery. The Orchard Mesa cemeteries didn’t exist until the 1890s, after the Fifth Street Bridge was built. George Crawford established Hope Cemetery between what is now Independent Avenue and Orchard Avenue along First Street. Six sections with lanes led to a stucco or brick chapel in the center. On December 29, 1883, “The Grand Junction News,” apparently giving the year in review, reported that on April 1, 1883: “Deputy Sheriff B. A. Scott and P. H. Gordon were drowned in attempting to cross [the] Grand River opposite the home of the latter at nine o’clock p.m. [Two men, unintelligible] who were also in the boat barely escaped. They, with others, were in pursuit of cattle thieves. The body of Scott was recovered in about a week and buried in the new Town Company cemetery—the second grave—that of a child of H. J. Garland, being the first. The body of Mr. Gordon was found in about a month and buried in the same place.” By 1887, as many as 40 people were buried in Hope Cemetery, at which time the Fairview Cemetery was established by Burroughs Hall on Fruitridge, near the intersection of what is now Patterson Road and 15th Street. Hope Cemetery’s groundwater had risen as a result of canal seeps and fell into disrepair. It was thought that all but 16 of the people buried there were moved by the time William Bannister purchased land on Orchard Mesa in 1893 to establish his cemetery. Bannister established Fairview 2

Families often expressed their sorrow over the death of a loved one with an empty chair, either in family photos or in cemeteries themselves. as the first Orchard Mesa cemetery. The last residents of Hope Cemetery were moved to Orchard Mesa in 1905. The first residents, Baby Garland, B. A. Scott and P. H. Gordon were buried in the new County Cemetery—Potters Field. At that time, furniture craftsmen and merchants were also undertakers. Hall opened the first furniture store in Grand Junction and also brought a hearse. Bannister, who also had a furniture store and was an undertaker, began his business after Hall moved to Denver. Due to the vastness of the land, many were buried without benefit of undertakers and cemeteries. These days it’s hard to believe how easy it was to die at the time. Streets were paved with mud and manure, and there were bacteria in the water. Dust, coal and wood smoke circulated inside and outside. A small cut could cause death from blood poisoning within days. Influenza, pneumonia, measles, mumps, dysentery— there were so many ailments. Not to mention the accidents—kicking horses, wagon crashes, drownings and fires. At the time, families often expressed their sorrow over the death of a loved one with an empty chair, either in family photos or in cemeteries themselves. It was a reminder of those who were not with them. There are many such chairs scattered throughout the cemeteries of the greater Grand Junction area, and many more unknown graves. From the Ross Cemetery, southeast of Fruita, to the Teller Institute/Indian School cemetery, to Collbran’s Cedar Crest and Clover cemeteries, the earth beneath our feet is full of memories. ■

Doors open.................... 7:30 am Sessions start................8:30 am

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• Consult one-on-one with a lawyer • Choose from more than 30 seminar presentations • Meet over 30 exhibitors and sponsors • Enjoy a delicious lunch; plus beverages all day long • Take home your very own Colorado Senior Law Handbook

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“You’re never too young, or too old, to start planning.” Thank you to our title sponsor:

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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD AND SILVER LEVEL EVENT SPONSORS

8:30-9:45 am

Time

PRESENTATIO Room

Topic

Presenter

Kokopelli

Wills & Trusts: You Can’t Take It With You

Lloyd Quesenberry, Esq.

Telluride

Grandparent Rights

Magistrate Stephanie Rubinstein

Gunnison

The Right to Die Law

Kelianne Chamberlain, Esq.

Centennial

Newly Diagnosed Dementia Patient Legal & Financial Planning

Teresa Black, Alzheimer’s Association

Colorado

Your Life. Your Legacy. Plan to Make it Right.

Nancy Adams, Martin Mortuary

Mesa

Hanging Up The Car Keys for Good

Officer Martin Donohue

Boardroom

ASK-A-LAWYER

Dan Fitzgerald, Esq. & Drew Moore, Esq.

Kokopelli

POAs/Living Wills/MOST: Make Your Decisions Now

Brian L. Burns, Esq. & Dyann Walt

Telluride

Medicare 201 – Beyond the Basics

Jean Waid, Mesa County RSVP

Gunnison

Veterans Benefits: What Your Country Can Do For You & Your Spouse

Timothy Johnson, Veterans Advocate

Centennial/ Mt. Garfield

Will Contests and How to Prevent Them

Kelianne Chamberlain, Esq

Colorado

Divorce Laws in Colorado

Magistrate Stephanie Rubinstein

Mesa

Special Needs Trusts/ABLE Act: Planning For a Disabled Heir

Drew Moore, Esq.

Boardroom

ASK-A-LAWYER

Lloyd Quesenberry, Esq. & Trudee Gurley, Esq.

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Long Term Care Insurance: Myths and Facts

Phyllis Hoffman & Scharee Atchison

Telluride

Titling Assets & Beneficiary Deeds: To Gift Or Not To Gift?

Chris Mahre, Esq.

Gunnison

Medicaid Planning: How to Pay for Long -Term Care

Clara Brown Shaffer, Esq.

Centennial/ Mt. Garfield

Making Your Money Last & What to Do When it Doesn’t

Doug Larson, Esq. & Penny Hardrick, NY Life

Colorado

Guardian/Conservator 101: When Is It Necessary?

Annie Murphy, Esq. & Barbara Butler, Esq.

Mesa

Landlord/Tenant Rights

Andrea E. Rosenberry, Esq.

Boardroom

ASK-A-LAWYER

Charles F. Reams, Esq. & Zachary Reams, Esq.

inar

ON SCHEDULE 2:00-2:50 pm

Break (10 minutes)

Kokopelli

I Don’t Want to Talk About It: End of Life Planning

Charles F. Reams, Esq. & Jeanie Hendricks

Telluride

Aging in Place: Your Home is Your Castle

Dave Norman/Christie Higgins

Gunnison

Medicaid Recapture: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

Brad R. Wright, Esq.

Centennial/ Mt. Garfield

Social Security

Valorie Castle/Rose Ann Bainbridge

Colorado

Elder Exploitation: Spotting the Signs of Abuse

Rob T. Zentner, Deputy District Attorney

Mesa

What If There is No Will: Colorado Has Written One For You

Clara Brown Shaffer, Esq.

Boardroom

ASK-A-LAWYER

Richard Lane, Esq. & Olivia Rossi, Esq.

For more information about our lineup of Senior Law Day presenters visit: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

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I Don’t Want to Talk About It –End of Life Planning - Part #2

Charles F. Reams, Esq. & Jeanie Hendricks

Telluride

Making the Decision: Finding a Nursing Home or Asst. Living: What are the differences? What type of care do they provide?

Marilyn Richardson & Robb Huff, Ombudsmen

Gunnison

The Truth About Reverse Mortgages & Housing Options for Seniors

Valerie Begalle, Cherry Creek Mortgage & Carol Gerber, CRS, SRES, Bray Real Estate

Centennial/ Mt. Garfield

So Now You Are a Caregiver: Being a Good Advocate

Sonny Shelton, RN

Colorado

Power Against Fraud

David Waite, Chief Deputy District Attorney

Mesa

Planning for Your Pets

Clara Brown Shaffer, Esq.

Boardroom

ASK-A-LAWYER

Robert Traylor, Esq. & William M Kane, Esq.

Entertainment Zac Grant Zac is a full-time musician in the Grand Valley, splitting his time between his solo project and his band Zolopht. When he isn’t touring the U.S. with Zolopht, he spends his time playing solo acoustic concerts around the Colorado region. He describes his music as acoustic roots, which blends a unique style of folk, reggae and rock alongside a soothing, yet powerful voice.

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MAY 2017

27

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The cycle of volunteering: Building powerful bonds By Callie Varra, HopeWest

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will never be forgotten. “It was a good feeling knowing that I could help my patient have better days,” Rhodes said. “Giving back is so important because there are so many people who are sick and lonely. When I got sick, my patient even came to see me.” His experiences as a patient have also been positive. “HopeWest amazes me and all they do for patients,” he said. Wiseman and Rhodes agreed that a great volunteer is simply a good listener who ensures that patients’ needs are heard. Many are surprised at the knowledge, new perspectives and rewarding relationships they have developed during their visits. “I walked into this thinking I wouldn’t gain anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ve gained a friend,” said Wiseman. Rhodes and Wiseman enjoy spending time together, going to lunch and for drives around the valley. They share stories about hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures. Rhodes credits his faith, friends and Wiseman for his ability to cope with his circumstances. “What surprises me most about Bill is that he is still a giver. He is always looking for ways to help others—it inspires me,” said Wiseman. “You inspire me, too,” Rhodes responded. ■

love for the outdoors isn’t the only thing Bill Rhodes and Dan Wiseman have in common. “Bill and I share lots of laughs,” said Wiseman, a HopeWest volunteer. “He has experienced so much in his travels and when we get together he remembers the good old days. It’s fun to look back with him.” Since Rhodes was admitted into the HopeWest hospice program, Wiseman has been visiting the assisted living facility where he resides. “Volunteers like Dan are important to me because he brings me happiness. Sometimes I’m down and he’ll show up just to talk,” said Rhodes. “Dan understands and makes life a little more cheerful.” Rhodes’ experience as a HopeWest patient is not his first with the hospice program. He too served as a volunteer, providing the same companionship to others that Wiseman now gives him. “I had the same patient for almost a year and he and I became good friends,” Rhodes said. “Much like Dan and I, he would talk to me about the past—his wife had heard these stories a million times, but they were new to me and that’s what made him happy.” During his time as a volunteer, he noticed that lending an ear to patients is helpful. They often express fears and concerns that they feel they can’t share with family members. It’s also important for volunteers to provide respite for caregivers who need rest and time to regroup. “When my patient’s wife told me how much I meant to him, it was an amazing feeling,” said Rhodes. He said volunteering was well worth the Both Dan Wiseman (left) and Bill Rhodes (right) have had experience, and the positive experiences volunteering at HopeWest. friendships he made

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28 FINANCE

focus on people

our residents

their lives

their families

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MAY 2017

It’s time for your “lazy money” to get more industrious

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veryone’s goal in the world of investing is a secure financial future. But it could be that your security, as well as your bottom line, is being victimized by the deadbeat of the financial world—“lazy” money.

What is lazy money? “Lazy money is money that just sits there, not really working for you the way it can and should,” said Alexander Joyce, president and CEO of ReJoyce Financial. “It’s money that can end up being eaten away by fees and taxes, not to mention the potential loss of any return on investment.” Joyce said that not long ago he encountered a good example of money that wasn’t being put to its best use. A widow in her 70s who was already struggling to get by was devastated when the homeowners’ association in her condo complex announced a substantial fee increase. She was in tears, worried that she would have to move because she didn’t know if she could make ends meet. A friend convinced her to let Joyce review her financial situation. “What I discovered was she had $300,000 in her portfolio and was never shown how to turn that into income,” he said. “That was lazy money. I was able to show her how she could have an extra $24,000 a year in income by making this money go to work for her.”

Be on the lookout Lazy money can affect people of all ages, but is especially burdensome for people at or near retirement who need their money to perform to its maximum potential. Otherwise, they could end up struggling to survive as the money disappears and they still have plenty of life ahead of them. If you want to put a little energy

into the lazy money in your life, Joyce suggested a few places to look: • Checking and savings accounts. When you’re in retirement, you want to be conservative with your investments—to a degree. Sometimes people keep higher than necessary balances in their checking accounts and savings accounts. They have quick access to that cash, which is great, but the money isn’t growing the way it could. • Old 401(k) plans. People often change jobs but are uncertain what to do with their 401(k). So they just leave it with their previous employer and “it sits there and does nothing,” Joyce said. “You could roll it into a traditional IRA and structure it in a different way to be either conservative or more aggressive.” Another option is to consolidate it into a 401(k) with your new employer. • Little-used options with current employer benefit plans. Sometimes it’s worth having a financial professional review how you’re investing in retirement plans offered by your current employer. Many employees assume they don’t have access to that money until they are 59 1/2, other than possibly to borrow from it, but sometimes they might. He reviewed the plan for one client—a woman in her 40s—and discovered she was allowed to take the company match portion of her 401(k) and contribute it to a separate IRA. “So many people don’t realize they even have lazy money and that there are opportunities to put that money to work,” Joyce said. “A good financial professional can help them determine whether their money is doing everything that it can.” ■

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MAY 2017

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Little becomes much:

$1.99

By Teresa Ambord

$3.99

Remembering those who served on Memorial Day N

o one in Uncle Bob’s hometown called him “Little Bob.” That would’ve been foolhardy. Even though he was short-statured, children and adults called him “Toughie” because he was solid, shrewd and determined to win. At age 21, with a new bride to support, Bob was not amused when the military drafted him. Always a fighter, he did his best to talk Uncle Sam out of it. But soon he was on his way to Korea. Assigned to an armored division with another guy named Bob, the sergeant took one look at the two of them and Toughie became Little Bob. Little Bob’s reluctance to be there never changed. Like many men of his generation, as long as he was there, he’d handle every task to the best of his ability. What he didn’t know, he figured out. But when they told him he was assigned to be a tank driver, he drew the line. Tank drivers were known to have short lives, and Little Bob had a bride waiting for him back home. He politely said, “No thanks.” The answer from above was less polite. “Drive the tank and we’ll make you a corporal. Don’t drive the tank, and we’ll send you back to the States, in chains, to Ft. Leavenworth.” With no real choice, Little Bob soon became a tank commander, assigned to a General Patton tank, which he dubbed “Rambler.” When Little Bob and a company of men were trapped inside a ravine under heavy fire, he knew they were as good as dead. So he took a chance, driving the tank like he’d driven a tractor back home. He backed up, plowed down the embankment, then turned the tank around, running at full throttle. The tank reared up in the air at a 90-degree angle, which should’ve caused it to topple back

into the ravine. But it didn’t. Later, Little Bob’s younger brother would tell the story of how on that same night their mother was startled awake. She woke up their dad, saying, “Bobby’s in trouble! We have to pray for him.” The tank didn’t make it out of the ravine in one piece, but Little Bob and his men did. For his service to our country, Little Bob was awarded two bronze stars and the United Nations Service medal. Eventually, he made it home to his bride. They had three children, and with the same determination he’d applied in battle, he went on to achieve enormous financial success in real estate development. I doubt he was ever called Little Bob again. We kids never knew about Uncle Bob’s war record or the medals he was awarded. He never talked about it. At family gatherings he’d sit quietly and listen while everyone else chattered endlessly. Maybe he was thinking of his next big project, or perhaps he was remembering the battlefields in Korea. It wasn’t until he died in 2011 and was buried with full military honors that we heard the stories and learned of the medals. That’s what men of his generation did. When there was a job to do, they did it to the best of their ability, even if it meant driving a tank like a tractor through heavy enemy fire. Like so many of his fellow soldiers, he risked his life for his country multiple times because the job was there and someone had to do it. Uncle Bob was small in height but big in spirit. As the song goes, “Little becomes much in the Master’s hands.” On Memorial Day, may God bless all the Little Bobs and the plain ol’ Bobs who fought and those who are still fighting to make us safer. We owe you. ■

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30 BUSINESS PROFILE

Quality assisted living in a residential setting

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MAY 2017

BeeHive Homes are better than home By Susan Elenz

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME We Provide For You • Medication monitoring • Home cooked dietitian approved meals • ADL assistance • Help with daily living activities • Daily housekeeping services • Individual and group activities Your private room comes complete with all furnishings and... • Three-quarter private bath • Emergency call system • Cable TV and phone hookups • 24-hour security

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2395 H Road • Grand Junction

ome assisted living facilities can kick you out for needing too much assistance. Who knew? I was in shock when I was told that my mom could not stay at a rehab facility or return to her assisted living apartment because she was too needy. Due to advanced rheumatoid arthritis, my mom needed help with all aspects of daily living. She lived with my husband and me for 10 years before we moved her to assisted living. She required constant care and supervision, and after several falls, I realized I did not have what it took to be the caregiver she needed. When we found out she couldn’t return to her assisted living community after two years there, I began looking for a better, comfortable, safe facility that could provide for her needs. A friend referred us to BeeHive Homes. Owner/manager Deena Gates and her son, Adam, BeeHive’s resident nurse, visited my mom at the rehab center and said they would be able to take care of her—which meant I could go back to being the daughter again. Upon walking through the facility’s door, I was pleased with the open concept of the living and dining areas, and the homey décor and feel of the place. The private rooms were spacious, clean, bright and cheery, with a private bath. Furniture was also available if she needed it. I visited a few more times and checked out a reference before committing—it was a great fit. I remember tearing up as I realized that I finally found a place that would take care of her for the rest of her life. Instead of complaining about her lack of abilities, they vowed to help

her with everything—and they kept their promise. Taking care of Mom was anything but easy. In fact, most of the time it was downright difficult and demanding. In addition to the arthritis, dementia clouded her brain, but the staff took her mood swings in stride and handled her behavior beautifully. Her caretakers were angels and saints all rolled into one. Founder Twayne Walker started BeeHive Homes in Idaho in 1987 to care for his mother in a homelike setting. BeeHive now has homes in 16 states—the Grand Junction location is the only one in Colorado so far. The local BeeHive is a family affair. Adam dreamed of running an assisted living facility, and his parents, Deena and Wendell Gates, worked in one of the BeeHive facilities after retirement and found that they thoroughly enjoyed working with the residents. When they were offered the opportunity to open one in Grand Junction, all three jumped on it. The facility is small, with only 15 residents, and everyone eats and socializes together. The Gates consider the residents part of the family. Every resident has a shadow box by the door, displaying photos and mementos from their life. The staff is accommodating and respects each individual’s needs. BeeHive’s brochure calls the facility “the next best thing to home.” In my opinion, this was my mom’s home. It’s better than the one I provided for her, and it’s affordable. What more could one ask for? BeeHive Homes is located at 2395 H Road in Grand Junction. To learn more, call 644-5920. ■

MAY 2017

Birds of a feather By Diana Barnett

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BEACON GUIDE HIGHLIGHT 31

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t’s been a long winter and we’re all eager to get outside. Good news— the Grand Valley Audubon Society has a plethora of opportunities to be outside, learn about birds in our area, see new parts of the valley and maybe even make some new friends. If you are new to birding, weekly spring bird walks may be a good starting place. Spring is the best time to observe birds because it’s breeding time and they are calling to attract a mate Each Wednesday and Saturday morning through mid-May, guide-led groups meet at the Redlands Safeway parking lot at 8 a.m. and stroll the Audubon Trail in search of the variety of birds that inhabit the giant cottonwood trees and live near the water. A couple of the trips meet at other locations, so check the website for the meeting place. Walks last two to three hours. All Audubon Society outings are led by volunteers, who are experienced birders excited to share their knowledge with members of the community. Volunteer Mike Henwood will lead several specialized birding outings throughout the spring. The trips are planned based on what’s happening in the bird world. In April, for example, participants traveled to the Utah/ Colorado state line to observe the Sagebrush Sparrows. “Because this is nesting time, they [were] singing in April to call for a mate,” Henwood explained. “If we

waited until June, we wouldn’t be able to see or hear them.” The majority of the trips he and the other volunteers facilitate involve observing owls. They plan many trips to see them because participant numbers must be kept low. Owls have a keen sense of hearing and excellent vision, and the slightest disturbance might prevent seeing one or hearing its call. “Owls are interesting even though they are difficult to study because most are nocturnal,” Henwood said. “Pygmy owls, for example, call late in the day or first thing in the morning because that is when they are most active. Others respond at night. The Flammulated Owl is migratory and doesn’t come back until May. Others winter on the Western Slope, and may move to a lower elevation for the winter. Generally, the bigger the bird, the longer it takes to raise its young. The Great Horned Owl, for example, will nest earlier.” Henwood and fellow volunteer Denise Vollmar offer the Boreal Owl Prowl in the spring. This rare owl is only found on the Grand Mesa in our region, so the group travels there in the evening. “The owl is not active until late evening or early morning, so we leave at 9 p.m. and sometimes stay after midnight. Our goal is to hear a call, and it is a very pretty one. To see one of these owls would be extremely lucky,” Vollmar said.

The Boreal owl is so rare that one participant is coming all the way from Texas to join the group and check it off his birding bucket list. The society has led this particular outing for the past five to six years. The volunteers suggest participants bring warm clothes (it was -15 degrees last year), a snack and maybe taking a nap beforehand. The later it is in the night, the better chance of hearing a call.

The Audubon Society has opportunities for individuals to volunteer. On May 15, it will host a cleanup day to work on the Audubon trail adjacent to Connected Lakes State Park. Additionally, community members can join in on May 19’s owl banding trip or help with bird counts. All Grand Valley Audubon Society events are posted on the group’s website: www.audubongv.org. Registration is required for most trips, and some have fees. ■

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32 FAITH MOVES

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MAY 2017

Motherhood was worth it By Lynn Gendusa

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Experience God's love in a traditional setting.

COME GROW WITH US IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP!

8:30 am Contemporary Praise Service 9:45 am Christian Education (all ages) 11:00 am Traditional Service with Choir

First United Methodist Church, 5th St. & White Ave. (downtown) 242-4850 www.fumcgj.org

oday is Mother’s Day. I am at my computer writing to you in the quiet hours of a May Sunday morning. I am happy about that. I am thankful for the hours to put my heart on paper rather than crying my heart out for a mom who is no longer here and for children who are far away. I am the happiest mom on the planet. I am grateful that God decided to give three children to this undeserving girl. When I was in high school I dreamed of a white house with the proverbial picket fence to hold my family of six children and a great husband. I would sew their clothes, prepare their meals and have hot cookies for them when they came home from school. I never saw myself as a career woman, or a woman who would celebrate some holidays without a gaggle of kids around. That was just not me. Then life happened. I did marry a great guy, had trouble having those six children and lived in an apartment for years. More years passed and life happened again. I was divorced and alone, with three children and work. Motherhood was not only a blessing but a hardship. I look back on those days and wonder how in the world I did it all. I would wake at 5:30, cook breakfast, get the children ready for school, then go off to work until dark. Back home, I would cook dinner, clean the house, wash the clothes and read a bedtime story or three. I struggled financially, had horrible child care, broke down a couple of times from sheer exhaustion, battled depression and prayed a lot. In

other words, I was one of thousands of women out there going through the same thing. We tried to do it all. It was virtually impossible to do it alone. My extended family lived in other states. My three little ones were my only constant lifeline to life. Would I do it all again? You bet! Was it hard? Yep! I was so busy providing I know I didn’t do it all correctly. I was by no means the best mother. I was selfish at times, I cried too much at times, and I know I yelled too many times. I disciplined too harshly or too leniently. I struggled the whole way, but there is one thing I did perfectly—I loved those children with every fiber of my being and they knew it. My children gave me the bold courage to try anything. They gave me energy when I thought I was depleted. They gave me laughter when my cheeks were drenched in tears. They gave me hope when all I had left was a prayer. They gave me friendship and companionship when I felt alone. They gave me honor as a human being. Even though I will not see my children this Mother’s Day, I look above my desk and am surrounded with photos of those that, along with God’s grace, gave me my finest hours. There is Corey in his baseball uniform at age 5, beaming with pride. Heather with her big blue eyes, staring down at me with a slight, sad smile at age 2. Amy, with her curly hair at age 1, being held in my arms and laughing because I am tickling her leg. There in the corner is my mother at age 86, holding her great-granddaughter. The loves of my life in snapshot moments of living. ■

MAY 2017

TALKING DIGITAL 33

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Spring cleaning for your digital spaces

A Great Place to Call Home!

Talking Digital, By Adam Cochran

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ast month, Grand Junction celebrated one of its greatest holidays: Spring Cleanup. For two weeks in April, three-foot piles of trash are put on display for tourists and what we affectionately call “trash pirates”—people who troll pile to pile for another man’s treasure. While many in the community see the event as an eyesore, the practice has a positive impact on the community. The ritual allows individuals to get rid of waste and bulk and surrender unfinished projects. It’s sort of a trash jubilee. While spring cleaning our living spaces is a natural instinct, the same is not true of our digital spaces. How many unread emails do you have? Are your digital photos disorganized? Do you have a lot of unused programs installed? Of course you do. If the clutter from our digital lives were to suddenly manifest itself in the material world, most of us would be easy candidates for one of those reality shows about compulsive hoarding.

Back up your files • A backup is the second place you have files stored. This means saving a single copy of a file on a flash drive is not a backup. Which two places do you have all of your photos stored? If you can only think of one place, your photos aren’t backed up. • You can make as many backups of your files as you’d like, but at least one of them should be off-site. If your house burns down, would you lose all of your files? If so, then you should have an off-site backup. Save everything to a removable hard drive or flash drive, or sign up for a cloud service like iDrive or Carbonite that saves files on the internet. • Back up often. You don’t need to back up every day and you don’t need to back up every file on your computer. You only need to back up the files in your user folder (C:Users/ (your user name) on a PC or Hard Drive/Users/(your user name) on a Mac.)

It would be fantastic in the real world if we could make a duplicate copy of everything we ever touched or used.

• Don’t back up anything that is stored in the cloud. If you use Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail/Outlook online email, there is no need to back up your email or contacts. If you use Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud, you don’t need to back up anything in those locations because they are already backed up in the cloud.

While this seems like an obvious practice for life security, very few people backup their computer correctly. Then they refuse to organize or remove anything because they are afraid they might need it later, which leads to clutter.

Backing up your files can be time consuming, but it enables you to delete old files, organize photos or take on other digital spring cleaning projects with confidence because you know you won’t throw away anything important in the process. ■

I’d like to help you with the first step of cleaning up your computer: backing up your life.

Why back up?

Adam Cochran is a technology instructor at Colorado Mesa University. You can email your technology questions to Adam at adamc@talkingdigital.org.

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Moose on the Mesa By Melanie Wiseman

W

hen it comes to spotting wildlife, I’m known by many as “Eagle Eyes.” I frequent Grand Mesa four seasons a year, spotting bears, red foxes, elk, coyotes, deer, porcupines and a plethora of birds in their natural habitat. Moose, however, have evaded me, so I decided to research how to increase my viewing odds. I wanted to know how many moose are actually on the Mesa. Where are the best places to see them? Who keeps track of them and why were they brought back in the first place? I found my answers and then some.

Why moose?

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By pure coincidence, family physician Roger Shenkel and Bruce Bauerle, a biology professor who recently retired from Colorado Mesa University, met on a flight to Grand Junction in the early ’70s. Friendly conversation resulted in finding an unusual shared enthusiasm. “We thought there should be moose on the Mesa,” said Shenkel. “You can picture the big hairpin turn right before you climb up to Skyway, where there is a willow bough. We both agreed there should be a moose standing in there! That’s where it all started.” Fast-forward to the spring of 2001, when both their careers started to slow down. Shenkel and Bauerle approached Colorado Parks and Wildlife, agreeing to do the legwork necessary to bring moose to Grand Mesa, which involved proposing the idea to the National Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, ranchers and the public. “The exciting part was talking to the different stakeholders,” Shenkel said. “It was a real eye-opener for me. I never dreamed how many people were passionate about what happened with animals.” Parks and Wildlife took it from there. “We found there was huge public support for bringing in moose,” said

Stephanie Durno, wildlife biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “There is a demand for watchable wildlife, hunting, wildlife economic benefits and the potential for education. Colorado wildlife management is totally funded by sportsmen, primarily through hunting and fishing licenses. We receive zero state tax dollars.” By fall of 2001, Parks and Wildlife was working on a feasibility study, talking to the public and stakeholders and drumming up support. In the summer of 2002, a vegetative assessment was done to determine the number of moose Grand Mesa’s riparian habitat could support. As a result of the final report and more public meetings, officials agreed upon a moose population of up to 400. In January 2005, the first moose arrived on Grand Mesa.

Bringing moose to the Mesa “The moose were netted from helicopters,” said Durno. “This is a thousand times safer than drugging them.” Between January 2005 and May 2007, 35 bulls and 56 cows were released on Grand Mesa from three main sites. Moose were marked with ear tags and radio transmitters. Utah provided 86 of the moose; the other five came from various parts of Colorado. From 2005 to 2012, when the last collared moose died, they were monitored for location and range of movement, vegetation habitat, slope and aspect, cause of death and general health at the time of death. “In January 2014, 10 new collars were put on three bulls and seven cows to maintain a low level of monitoring and verify data from the radio telemetry,” said Durno. “We’ve found they are very mobile and have very few geographical boundaries. We’ve seen a lot of expansion into new areas. Swimming the Colorado River is no big deal at all.” With the rich habitat on Grand Mesa, the moose population has in-

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creased to over 500. “Our studies were based on riparian habitat, but over the years we found the Wasatch Front moose from Utah are behaving differently, eating primarily oak brush and aspen,” said

Durno. “Our plans need to be updated for the habitats that are being used. We’re crunching the numbers and should have a new plan in the fall.” ■

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Fun facts about Colorado moose • Records show low numbers of moose in Colorado and on Grand Mesa in the early 1900s. They were most likely extricated by commercial hunters, due to their low fear of humans and having very few predators. • Moose were reintroduced to Colorado in the 1970s. They were brought in from Wyoming to North Park and Creede. • Moose are the largest member of the deer family. • Moose usually live 10-15 years in the wild. • Moose breed in September and October. Calves are born mid-May through midJune. • Moose are typically solitary animals, but are occasionally seen in small groups. • Moose tend to live in riparian/wet habitats, but on Grand Mesa the majority are found in oak brush and aspen areas. • Moose are considered to be browsers, primarily eating the young fresh growth of twigs. • Moose do well in deep snow because of their long legs. In really deep snow they may stay within a 100- by 100-yard area. • Moose don’t have any natural predators in Colorado, though black bears and mountain lions will prey on the calves. • Colorado is one of the few places around the world where the moose population is increasing.

• Males are called bulls and average 800 pounds. Antlers are used during the rut season to fight for breeding rights. Antlers are shed each winter and new ones start to grow immediately. • Females are called cows and average 600 pounds. They do not have antlers, and have a white patch on their rump, making them easy to identify. • Cows generally only have one calf per year. Twinning is uncommon, but with the outstanding habitat on Grand Mesa, twinning rates average between 50 and 60 percent. • Grand Mesa statistics show a moose’s home range size averages 82 square miles. • Moose on Grand Mesa are generally found between elevations of 7,000– 9,000 feet. • The last Saturday in July is Moose Day at Grand Mesa Visitor Center. The event draws 1,000 people each year. • Where to see moose: Look in the oak brush and aspen rather than creek bottoms. Good moose-sighting spots include Forest Route 265 from Collbran to McClure Pass, Hwy. 65 from Powderhorn to County Line, Long Slough, Lake of the Woods and Flowing Park, Griffith and Water Dog Reservoirs.

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FUN AFTER 50

Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 254-3866 or visit www.gjparksandrec.org.

HEALTH

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 am–4 pm. Annual membership is $15.

Senior Recreation Center Monthly Calendar of Events MONDAY THURSDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm 5:30 pm

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

9:00 am Cribbage & Dominoes 10:00 am Dance w/Music (1st Thursday) 10:30 am Membership Meeting 12:00 pm Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 pm Dance

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

9:00 am Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 pm Gray Gourmet Lunch 1:30 pm Bingo

9:00 am 12:00 pm 12:30 pm 12:45 pm 1:00 pm

WEDNESDAY 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Ladies Pool & Cribbage Jack & Jill Pool Tourney Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) Gray Gourmet Lunch Pinochle & Canasta

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

SATURDAY 9:00 am Bridge 1:00 pm Bingo

To make Gray Gourmet lunch reservations, call 243-9844. Cost $3.50

MAY 11 & JUNE 29 Get Great in 8 This eight-week fitness challenge is designed with the 50+ crowd in mind. Learn how to use fitness equipment, get a personalized fitness workout and perform a baseline fitness test in the first class, then work out on your own over the next eight weeks according to your personalized routine. Then reassess your fitness level and receive a new personalized workout in the final class. Do you have a hard time staying motivated? Sign up with a friend and receive weekly motivational information via email to help keep you on track. Assessments and classes take place at the Canyon View Park Playground. Each participant receives a visor. Cost is $44. TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS Gentle Active Yoga This class is designed for an active beginner and above. Class is at 8-9 a.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or purchase a 10-punch pass for $50. MONDAY-FRIDAY Aqua Aerobics These aqua aerobic classes are for beginner or novice individuals. Class is 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Orchard Mesa Pool. Drop in for $4.50 or purchase a 12-punch pass for $46.50.

DANCE THURSDAYS Senior Dances with Live Music Dance from 8-10 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

SPORTS MAY 20 Pickleball Clinics Learn to play pickleball at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $15. Beginners’ Class: 9-11 a.m. Learn basic rules, equipment and play strategies. Intermediate Class: 1-3 p.m. Learn playing strategy, court communication and teamwork.

VOLUNTEER MAY 23 New volunteer opportunity! Downtown Ambassadors welcome visitors, answer questions and inform the police department of safety concerns. Volunteers are needed to work Memorial Day through Labor Day between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will be rewarded with downtown gift cards for hours worked. Training is May 23. Call Lorie at 254-3876.

SAVE THE DATE AUGUST 21-27 Western Colorado Senior Games With activities for the weekend warrior to the seasoned athlete, there’s something for everyone age 50 and older. Registration forms available at the Grand Junction Parks & Rec office.

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Club Activities Art Quilt Association (AQuA) meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Grand Junction. Location varies. Updates at www. theartquiltassociation.com. Blue Lodge Masons meets monthly at 10 a.m. the first Saturday at the Masonic Center. Call 245-5312 for details. Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at 2923 North Ave. Call 243-7874. Cribbage Lite meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at IHOP. Call 201-7823. Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 244 meets monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #3981. All former, retired and active sea service, U.S. Navy, Marines or Coast Guard are welcome. Call 434-0868 for details. Friendship Force meets monthly at 6:15 p.m. on the third Thursday at the Red Cross Training Center. Call 2604653 or visit www.thefriendshipforce. org for details. Golden K Kiwanis Club meets each Wednesday from 9-10 a.m. at the Redlands Community Center. Visit www.gjgoldenk.com to learn more.

lands United Methodist Church. Call 255-9419 or 523-3464 or visit www. grandmesachorus.org for details. Grand Valley Pets Alive meets monthly from 4:30-6 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Church of the Nativity. New volunteers welcome. Call 462-7557 for details. Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday and at 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 523-5965 for details. Grand Valley Woodturners meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church. Call 245-8817 or 856-3632. Help Heal Veterans’ Craft Center, 1670 North Ave., supplies hundreds of free therapeutic craft kits each week to military service members and veterans receiving medical care. Call 424-0499 for details. Knitting Club meets monthly from 6:30-8 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Call 623-1455 for details.

Grand Junction Chess Club meets from 6:30-11:30 p.m. every Monday in the Safeway Starbucks, 2901 F Road. If you don’t have a chess set, we loan sets out at no charge. For details, visit www.jctchess.com.

Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at The Commons of Hilltop and at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Museum of Western Colorado. Help sessions are at 1 p.m. on the first Friday at a library branch. Call 640-2388 for details.

Grand Junction Gem and Mineral Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at 2328 Monument Road. Email grandjunctionrockclub@gmail.com for details.

Mt. Garfield Daughters of the American Revolution meets at noon on May 13 at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade. The cost of the luncheon is $25. RSVP to Kathy at 858-1617.

Grand Junction Newcomers Club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. the second Wednesday at First Christian Church. Call 549-0439 for details.

Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month at A Taste of Heaven Catering. Call 424-4980 for details.

Grand Mesa Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, rehearses from 6:30-9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Red-

Talk of the Town Toastmasters meets at noon Thursdays downstairs at the Mesa County Public

Library Study Room B. Call 250-3969 for details. Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets monthly from 7-9 p.m. on the fourth Tuesdays at Western Colorado Community College. Visit www. thundermountaincameraclub.org. Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Masonic Center. Call 261-1670. Two River Sams/Good Sam RV Club will meet at noon on May 13. For location, call 523-5625. Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Norway, meets at 11:30 a.m. on May 8 at the Egg & I. The group will celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day. Call 245-5649 or 858-6702, or visit www.vestafjelllodge.org for details. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) #3981 meets monthly at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesdays for a family style dinner and meeting at the Post Hall, 503 ½ Florence Road in Grand Junction. Call 778-8242 for details.

River City Singles

Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets the first Tuesday of every month Colorado Mesa University’s Wubben Hall, room 161. Western Colorado Decorative Artists meet monthly on the second Saturday at 9 a.m. at First Congregational Church. Call 640-2751 for information. Western Slope Coin Club meets monthly at 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday at the VFW Post #1247. Get a free coin/currency evaluation at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.gjcoinshow.com. Western Slope Adventurers meet monthly at 6 p.m. on the second Monday for a potluck and speaker presentation in the Garden Room at the Commons at Hilltop. Call 4334312 for details.  Not Going Quietly meets from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Two Rivers Center for Spiritual Living Grand Junction. This group is intended to create a space of empowerment, grace, community and wisdom for those age 60+. Call 433-7799. ■

MAY 2017 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!” Calling all singles over 50! Meet new friends and play games at Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) in the Hideaway Lounge at the Travelodge, 718 Horizon Drive. You’re sure to find people who are young at heart with like interests. Membership in RCS is only $20 per year. Tuesdays at 9 a.m. - Early Start Breakfast at Denny’s on Horizon Drive. Visitors welcome. Call Debbie at 245-4995 for details. Sundays at 12:30 p.m. - Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road. RSVP to Bob at 263-8462. Wednesday, May 3 at 9 a.m. – Moab area rock art/auto tour. Bring lunch and a drink. Meet at Safeway on Horizon Drive. Call Rex at 250-3075. Saturday, May 6 at noon - Arrive any time after noon for lunch, pool and other games at Bank 8 Billiards. Make a fancy Derby hat and compete for prizes. Derby race begins at 4 p.m. For details, call Mary at 255-7370. Wednesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. - Tour Rocky Mountain Gun Club, 535 31 Road. Bring your gun to practice shooting or watch other people. Cost is $15 to shoot your own gun. RSVP to Arlyn at 245-2227. Wednesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. - Game day at Mary’s. Play pinochle, Rummikub, Dominoes, Hand and Foot, and more. RSVP to Mary at 242-0630.

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Mesa County Calendar MAY 4 Bingo in Fruita Play Bingo following Senior Potluck at the Fruita Community Center. The potluck begins at noon, Bingo begins at 1p.m. Bring a white elephant gift.

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MAY 5 Senior Law Day See pages 23-26 for schedule. “Healing Without Strings” Morgan Crouse and the Grand Junction High School Chamber Choir, along with the Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Chorus, perform a cappella music at the Avalon Theatre to benefit Basecamp 40, Warriors In The Wild, the GJHS Chamber Choir and the District 51 Music Program. Tickets are $15$25 and may be purchased at www. monumentalevents.com or by calling 800-626-8497. MAY 6 Quilt exhibit Sunset Slope Quilters will be exhibiting quilts starting at 9 a.m. at Barnes and Noble. The quilting group will be giving away door prizes at the event. Spring on the farm Bring the family and enjoy the beautiful Cross Orchards Historic Site with its blooming flowers, animals and historical demonstrations from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Soak up the area’s rich agricultural heritage at this favorite annual event. Palisade Brews and Cruise Festival Join in the fun at the fourth annual Brews and Cruise Festival from noon to 5 p.m. at Palisade’s Veterans Memorial Park. Enjoy vendors, food, brew samples, local wine and live entertainment. Admission will be charged for general public and for brewery tasting. Learn more at www.palisadebrewscruise. com. Tulips and Juleps This Kentucky Derby party, held at the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, benefits STRiVE’s support of services for children with developmental or intellec-

tual disabilities. Admission is $35. The event lasts from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are available at www.strivecolorado.org.

Community tree planting Volunteer at this year’s Community Tree Planting event at Las Colonias Amphitheater. The community will plant more than 100 trees at the park. Pack gloves and a shovel and prepare to get dirty. Pancakes and donuts start at 8 a.m., with instruction and planting to follow. You can even name your tree. For details, call Randy Coleman at 254-3821. Book Signing The Legends of the Grand Valley Sculpture Project invites you to attend a book sale and signing of “The Legends Behind the Legends of the Grand Valley: A Walking Tour of History” at Grand Valley Books, 350 Main St. from 1:30-3 p.m. For more information, call Grand Valley Books at 424-5437. MAY 12 Grand Valley Beer Fest This beer tasting event offers brews from more than 70 breweries, as well as a small selection of wine. Designated drivers receive free admission. The festival lasts from 5-9 p.m. in Colorado Mesa University’s University Center. Admission is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Call 248-1503 for more information. Friends of St. Mary’s Plant Sale Browse bedding plants, flowers, veggies, hanging baskets and more for purchase from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. in the main lobby at St. Mary’s Hospital. For more information, call Judy at 4344829. All plants are from Orchard Mesa Greenhouse. MAY 12-14 Dog agility trials Starting at 8 a.m. and running Friday through Sunday at the Mesa County Fairgrounds Lion’s Park Complex, this free, three-day competitive event includes competitors from all over the Rocky Mountain region.

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MAY 13 Fruita History Fair The Fruita Historic Preservation Board hosts the fifth annual Fruita History Fair at Cavalcade from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The free event includes displays of historic artifacts and photographs, covering Grand Valley history. Enjoy a then-andnow photograph display, a slide show, activities for children, period music and more. The Fruita Civic Center’s Lower Valley Heritage Room will also be open. Attendees are encouraged to bring historic artifacts, photographs and postcards to be identified. MAY 14 Refuse to Be a Victim seminar This award-winning crime prevention and personal safety seminar will be presented by Pureland Security for free in honor of Mother’s Day from 3-6 p.m. near the Grand Junction Airport. Preregistration is required. To register, contact Suzanne Masterson at 2703203 or suzanne@realstreamline.com.

Lions Club Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast Treat Mom to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast sponsored by the Orchard Mesa Lions Club from 7-11:30 a.m. at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Cost is $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Bring your used eye glasses. MAY 15 U.S.-China relations after Trump The World Affairs Council of Western Colorado presents a program on contemporary relations between the United States and China by Robert Daly, PhD, thought by many to be one of the most articulate and concise interpreters of modern China to the western world. Presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. in Colorado Mesa University’s Meyer Ballroom. Admission is free for WACWC members and $10 for nonmembers. MAY 20 Night sky viewing session Western Colorado Astronomy Club

holds a free public night sky viewing session starting after sundown at the Colorado National Monument’s Saddlehorn picnic area. The night’s viewing will include spiral galaxies, Mars and Jupiter.

MAY 22 Writing critique group class “How to Start a Critique Group,” with award-winning writer and journalist Jan Weeks, covers the types of writing critique groups, what they do, how to comment effectively, scheduling and submissions. This class is taught at Western Colorado Community College from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact 255.2800, or cec@coloradomesa.edu. MAY 24 Dementia Caregivers Find books for all ages at this book sale from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in the main lobby at St. Mary’s Hospital. For more information, call Judy at 434-4829.

MAY 27 Night sky viewing session Western Colorado Astronomy Club holds a free public night sky viewing session starting after sundown at Highline Lake State Park. The night’s viewing will include the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. MAY 28 Cancer patient fundraiser Support Plateau Valley cancer patients at a nonprofit fundraising event in the Collbran Auditorium at noon. There will be a live butterfly release, a social history tour, refreshments, horse-drawn wagon rides and demonstrations. To learn more, contact Joyce Chicos at 250-5188. JUNE 3 Glade Park Cowboy Poetry Festival The sixth annual Glade Park Cowboy Poetry Festival features cowboy poets and musicians from 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10. Event happens rain or shine. For more information, call 341-0775. ■

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Mesa County develops job search networking program The Mesa County Workforce Center is starting a new job search networking group for people age 50 and older. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of the month beginning on May 2 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Workforce Center, room 150. It will cover topics such as avoiding mistakes made by job seekers in their 50s, strategies for job seeking, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, volunteer opportunities and more.

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Mother’s Day Art for Advocacy fundraiser any make or model Great Old Broads for Wilderness hosts Monday-Friday 95 gas its Mother’s Day Art for Advocacy engine 7:30-5:30 synthetic oils slightly higher Fundraiser on May 14, from noon to Saturday 4 p.m. at Fox Fire Farms Winery in Ig95 diesel 8:00-5:00 engine nacio, Colorado. The event celebrates family, friends and Mother Earth, and No appointment necessary features art, local wine and music, raffle prizes, carriage rides and more. 2728 Railroad Ave • 970-625-1680 • www.columbineford.com Several artists have donated creations inspired by nature that will be auctioned off in silent and live auctions to benefit the organization’s work to preserve America’s wild public lands. New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Mirrors New Windows • Window Repairs • Window Glass Tickets are $35. Adults will receive a TableMirrors Tops • Insulated & Tub Enclosures • TableGlass TopsShower • Insulated Glass complimentary glass of wine, a comRescreens & New Screens Shower & Tub Enclosures • Rescreens & New Screens memorative wine glass, bus transporSame day service on most autoglass tation to and from Ignacio (departing Same day service on most autoglass from Durango) and a raffle ticket. Tickets may be purchased at www. The Brokerage greatoldbroads.org/mothers-day. For 970-243-4507 more information, contact Lauren 00 E. Main • Grand Junction • Open 8am - 5pm• M-F & Junction 8am - Noon Sat. • All Credit Cards Accepted 2200 E. Main Grand Berutich at 385-9577. Open 8 am - 5 pm, M-F & 8 am - Noon, Sat. • All Credit Cards Accepted Oil chAnge SeRvice

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Sweet Adelines Chorus grows The Grand Mesa Sweet Adelines Chorus recently welcomed one new and one returning member. Diane Herbst was a Grand Mesa Chorus member from 1997 until 2009 and returned in 2017, lending her rich voice to the lead part. She’s happy to renew old friendships and make new ones, and the chorus is happy to have her back. Vicki Tromburg joined Grand Mesa Chorus in February. She’s been a singer for the majority of her life in various choirs and church worship teams. Tromburg loves music and is excited about learning Barbershop harmony. Giving Clubs have awarded over $200,000 to local nonprofits The Giving Club and Guys’ Giving Club are finishing up their second and third years, respectively, having raised more than $200,000 to benefit Mesa County nonprofits and the people and causes these organizations serve. Both the all-women Giving Club and its counterpart Guys’ Giving Club benefit the vital projects and ongoing services of Mesa County’s nonprofit organizations. Members utilize a simple nominating process to consider three organizations for receipt of donations, with the full membership voting to determine one agency to receive all contributions. Club members pledge to make four $100 tax-deductible contributions each year. The next gathering of the Giving Club is scheduled for May 1 at Sprin-

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ghill Suites. Guys’ Giving Club will meet May 2 at the same location. The newly instated Montrose Giving Club meets at The Bridges Golf & Country Club on May 1. Additional information and membership applications are available at www.gjgivingclub.org. Community Hospital designated Level III Trauma Center Community Hospital was recently designated as a Level III Trauma Center by the Trauma Division of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This enables the hospital to treat patients with a higher acuity level and receive ambulance transports from Level IV Trauma Centers throughout the region. There are five trauma levels, Level I being the highest (research hospital) and Level V being the lowest, providing initial evaluation, stabilization and diagnostic capabilities and preparing patients for transfer to higher levels of care. Cappella hires executive and sales directors Cappella of Grand Junction, a new Assisted Living and Memory Support community opening in September 2017 has announced the hiring of Sarah Winnefeld as Executive Director and Chris Connery as Sales and Marketing Director. Winnefeld has more than 17 years’ experience in Colorado as a leader in senior living. Connery has more than 25 years of sales, marketing, public relations and business development experience. Cappella of Grand Junction is located at 628 26 ½ Road and is managed by Cappella Living Solutions, a Denver-based senior living organization with more than 45 years of operational excellence in Colorado. For more information, visit www.cappellagrandjunction.org or call 847-5444. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Mesa County RSVP connects individuals 55 and older to volunteer positions in any of our member agencies. For a list of volunteer opportunities and to register, call 243-9839. • Mesa County Spellbinders is looking for volunteers to learn a

few story-telling skills and make a difference in children’s lives. Spellbinders tell stories to students in kindergarten through fifth grade once a month during the school year. To join, call 462-7346. • Colorado Canyons Hospital & Medical Center is looking for a volunteer to assist with the Activities Department on Saturdays. Duties include engaging with patients by playing games, reading and doing puzzles, and bringing snacks to patient rooms. To apply, visit www. fhw.org/volunteer or call 858-2211. SUPPORT GROUPS • Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Grand Junction groups meets from 2-3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Miller Homestead at HopeWest. Call 248-8844. • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support groups for family members of adults who have a serious mental illness and connection groups for adults living with a mental illness. Groups meet at various times and locations in Mesa County. For additional information, please visit www.NAMIWS. org or call 462-3989. • Western Slope Visionaries, a low-vision support group, meets from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 241-0315. • MS Breakfast Group meets monthly at 9 a.m. on the first Tuesdays at Village Inn on Horizon Drive. Call 241-8975. • MS Arts & Crafts group meets at 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of the month at the National MS Society’s local office, 521 Rood Ave. Pieces are available for purchase and proceeds will go to the NMSS. The class is for anyone living with MS, and family members, friends or caregivers of people with MS. Call 241-8975. • Neuropathy (Peripheral-Idiopathic) meets the first Tuesday of the month from 1–2 p.m. at Church of the Nativity, across from Redlands Middle School. ■

S E R V I N G

G R A N D

J U N C T I O N

&

M O N T R O S E

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

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

(970) 241-7798

www.seniordaybreak.org L O C A L L Y

O W N E D

A N D

O P E R A T E D

B Y

H I L L T O P

42 FUN & GAMES

Remember when

you cared enough about a cause to go out and march for it.

Remember when

it took more than a few seconds to heat up a cold cup of coffee.

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

MAY 2017

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

FUN & GAMES

MAY 2017

- Mini Implants to Stabilize Dentures and Partials - 0% Financing Options - Open Fridays - Laughing Gas Available For Relaxation - Friendly, Kind, Experienced Staff - Find Courage And Trust - We’re Here To Help

For the puzzle answers see page 46

ACROSS  1 Group of like-minded voters  5 Ulan ___, Mongolia 10 A comet, to the -superstitious 14 Succotash bean 15 Where the action is 16 Tabula ___ (blank slate) 17 Translucent Apple 18 Hyper 19 Catch sight of 20 1972 movie 23 Field pass? 24 Born, on the society page 25 Car ad letters 28 Carriage return key, nowadays 32 Try again, as a court case 34 Incomparable ending 37 Musk-secreting mammal 39 Bart’s schoolteacher Krabappel 40 1993 movie 44 Overhead projection? 45 Punch -spiker 46 Computer keyboard key 47 One-named folk singer 50 “___ to the people!” 52 9 of 9/30

FUN & GAMES 43

Turn to page 46 for your puzzle answers 53 Eyeball 55 Some antiques 59 1986 movie 64 Lens type 66 Louisiana feature 67 Speck in the ocean 68 Tolstoy’s Karenina 69 Ridiculous 70 “Pygmalion” author 71 Theater or party add-on 72 Like a -certain attraction 73 Billboard listings DOWN  1 Spots on a radar screen  2 Word at the express checkout aisle  3 Man from Muscat  4 Laugh like the Wicked Witch  5 Cry like a baby  6 Song in ‘’Summer-time’’  7 Prison -sentence  8 “There’s ___ every crowd!”  9 Original “Saturday Night Live” star 10 Three-part cookie 11 Newspapers, radio, tv, etc.

12 Debatable power, for short 13 House call? 21 Process stolen goods 22 “___ whiz!” 26 Group of experts 27 Join plants 29 Up to, -informally 30 Really, really bad 31 Newscaster’s summary 33 “Love ___ Madly” 34 Ideology 35 What umbrellas provide 36 Bell’s ringer? 38 Crunchy sandwich 41 Start for shot or belly 42 Like Roosevelt’s Deal 43 Mark indicating a short vowel 48 Pull along 49 Lawrence’s peninsula 51 Salad -ingredient 54 X, for one 56 Japanese menu item 57 Brilliant achievement 58 Distorts, as data 60 First name in bridge 61 Pair 62 Concern of a musician or bodybuilder 63 Colored 64 Half of a stitch 65 Lennon’s widow

Crossword Puzzle

44 CLASSIFIEDS

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

To Place a Classified Ad... 4 EASY STEPS!



WRITE YOUR AD

YARD SALE

96 Unit Complex- Nellie Bechtel 3032 N. 15th St. Saturday, May 6 from 8am-2pm. Stroll through the park and do all your shopping at once! FOR RENT

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR RENT: 1BR/1BA All Utilities and Trash Paid For By Landlord, Grand Junction, $795/Month plus $795/ Security Deposit, Ground Level, Air Conditioner, Shared Washer Dryer, Quiet Neighbors. Call 9AM-5PM John 812-3796.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________



REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

CHOOSE A CATEGORY

❒ Classes ❒ For Sale ❒ Help Wanted



❒ Real Estate for Rent ❒ Real Estate for Sale ❒ Services

6 W. Ridge Court, Parachute $174,900 4BD, 3BA, 2440 SF townhome. Spacious rooms, 2 gas fireplaces, skylights & vaulted ceilings. Centrally located. Chris Pinson—Weichert, Realtors® Heiden Homes Realty 2751642

❒ Other

PAY FOR IT

❒ Mesa County ......................................................... $29 ❒ Montrose/Delta Counties ...........................................$29 ❒ Both publications...........................................................$49

See your ad online.

$49 value for FREE!

FOR SALE

Priced for 30 words or less. Additional Words $1 each.

Aluminum Boat (rowing or motor); 14’ long, 60” wide, bow 30”. Lightweight 170lbs. $200. Call 858-0541 after May 6.

Start running my ad in the month of __________________ for _____ months. Deadline: 20th of the preceding month

❒ cash



❒ check ❒

# ____________________________________ name on card ___________________________________ exp. date ____________ cvc ______ zip ____________ credit card

For Sale: 4-wheeled walker $50; 4-wheeled small scooter $500; Electric adjustable twin bed with memory foam mattress $500; wine-colored small lift chair $400; most items used less than 6 mo. Call 589-9379 or 2600493.

SEND IT IN

Mail: BEACON, P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502 Fax: 1 800-536-7516 Email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

__________________________________________________

address city

HOME SERVICES

________________________________________________

________________________

telephone number

state _____ zip________________

Custom Draperies, Blinds and Solar Shades Floor coverings and design services Interior Monologues, Inc. 234-0040

__________________________________________

QUESTIONS? Call us, 970 243-8829 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com



name

THE WINDOW CLEANING COMPANY. Quality work at a fair price. Free estimates. 245-2993 / 261-0131.

MAY 2017

SCENE CLEARLY, LLC Window cleaners specializing in making your day a little brighter! Grand Junction area. Call Frank Cordova at 242-1264. COMPUTER LADY, LLC In-home repair. 15 years serving Mesa County. Windows, internet, Wi-Fi, Android, tablets, Netflix, Roku. Virus removal, installation and instruction. Dependable, reasonable, qualified. 255-1216. ANTIQUES, APPRAISALS, ESTATE SALES With over 40 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 216-0048. DO LITTLE SERVICES, LLC Helping seniors, singles or anyone maintain home/property with swamp coolers, garden tilling, leaf, yard, chimney, gutter cleaning and general repairs. Free estimates. Jeff 773-6337. REMODELING & FOUNDATION REPAIR. Three generations of quality construction, additions and remodels. Residential/insured. References and free consultations provided.Tom Peters: 261-4303, tompetersconstruction.com. HAIR ON WHEELS, service at your door. Hair services: perms, cuts, color and styles for men and women. We’re here to serve you! Grandson does yard work and extra jobs. Melody: 201-0267. SERVICES

Personal Assistance Help with cleaning, window washing, yard work, running errands, shopping, cooking, appointments. Nice, friendly, caring, honest, reliable European woman available to help you! Please call for pricing 270-1577.

CLASSIFIEDS 45

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TRAVEL

WANTED TO BUY

USED BOOKS BUY, SELL OR TRADE Gently used books on hundreds of subjects. Westerns, romance, mysteries, suspense, kids, young adult, inspirational and many others. Large print. Special orders. 242-3911.Twice Upon a Time Bookshop, 2885 North Ave., Ste. B. Located in front of North Ave. Walmart and next to Subway. 10-6 Mon-Sat, 11-4 Sunday. **Bring this ad in for $10 Trade Credit**

HELP WANTED

sales person wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is growing and we’re looking for a mature, loving sales person to grow with us. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

esa Lion dM sC r a h l 38th Annual c MOTHER’S DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST

ub

$AVE MONEY ON TRAVEL! Travel Club membership offering discount cruises, travel packages and decreased condo rates. Checkout www. coconutclubvacations.com. Member # cc1546ue, password #1115.Travel agents at 855-259-1155. Call Susan at 462-1115 before booking a trip so I can call the organization with pre-approval. Free to BEACON readers to use this membership.

VENDORS WANTED A Robin’s Nest is looking for antique and collectible vendors.This is a great time to earn extra income from your hobby. Space is limited. Stop by 602 Main St. GJ, for an application to join our family of over 90 vendors.

Or

MAY 2017

Sunday May 14, 2017 7am - 11:30am Mesa County Fairgrounds All You Can Eat $7 in advance $8 at the doors / Kids under 7 and active military - Free

Palisade Dental 125 West 3rd Street, Palisade, CO 81526

writers wanted The Beacon Senior newspaper is looking for writers in Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Brian E. Day, D.M.D., P.C. • 464-5123 Hours 8am -5 pm Mon-Thurs

GENERAL AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY

*Crown & Bridge*Implants placed & restored*Dentures* Partials & Repairs *State of the Art oral cancer screening*tooth colored fillings*root canals *Gentle and thorough cleanings Most insurance, credit cards and Care credit accepted New patients and emergencies welcome

We Cater To Cowards

Services provided by

46 KUDOS & KVETCH

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Eau de shopping mall:

the pungent powers of perfume By Anne Ashley

I

FUN & GAMES Game answers from page 43

lost track of how many times I’ve been approached by a salesperson in a department store asking if I would like to sample the latest wonder fragrance created for both men and women. I can still recall the first time I was made aware of the pungent powers of perfume. My paternal aunt was quite the gal in her day. Her visits never came often enough, as far as I was concerned. She was the only person on the planet who could irritate our ultra-strict father and not be threatened with a spanking for it. On one occasion, she reproached her younger brother for not relaying information of some sort soon enough, causing me to practically choke on my bubble gum when her reprimand was accompanied by a swat to the back of his head. She could wear her high-heeled shoes in the house when the rest of us were threatened with execution for so much as stepping inside with our PF Flyers still on our feet. She drank beer from a bottle—despite the fact that, according to the coven of women in attendance, no lady worth her talcum powder drank from a bottle (let alone drank beer)— without earning a ruinous reputation. On one of her rare appearances my aunt leaned over to kiss my cheek and I became mesmerized by the waft of perfume she left behind as she passed. I remember this particular occasion well because it was also the first time I’d heard the word “floozy.” Evidently—also according to the coven of my other female relatives— overpowering fragrances were reserved for certain types of women. I further deduced from the endless tch-tching going on that bangles, perfume and low-cut, figure-hugging floral dresses were unacceptable attire in certain company. I instantly and reluctantly accepted that I would incur the wrath of Satan’s sisters if

I so much as hinted that I wanted perfume for my 12th birthday. My reason for being so drawn to my aunt was probably because she was such a rebel. No one put her in her place—well, not without having paid an extremely and embarrassing high price for their efforts. She wore what she wanted, where she wanted—regardless of whether it was a church gathering or a family picnic. Thereafter, fragrance became my inspiration and my motivation to grow up. I associated perfume with independence, individuality and boldness. I couldn’t wait to be old enough to disregard the advice of my elders and bathe in whatever it was my aunt was bathing in. As a youngster, I assumed that all adults sought some kind of higher authority’s permission before being allowed to waft scent all hither and yon. As an adult, I searched high and low to find a scent that I felt conveyed my particular brand of wife-mommy sassiness. It was a near obsession to find the right one. When I finally found what I considered to be the right combination of me plus the me I desired to be, I was never without it. Even as a grandmother I still wear the same scent today— although now it’s less about being wife-mommy sassy and more about being companion-superfluous stubborn. Fast-forward to the modern fragrances offered. Today’s young women are left with nothing more than a unisex choice, a non-denominational imposter—a $2 ersatz in a $25 bottle. Gone is the floral or spicy, musky or zesty scent of a woman. In its place is a weird fusion of confusion. Despite my aunt risking her reputation on tight clothes, baubles, bangles and perfume so potent it made your eyes water, I’d take that any day before I settled on the up-to-the-minute variety of eau de shopping mall. ■

MAY 2017

kudos \ ku·dos

 “Tell Melanie (Wiseman) that this old fart said that her article (“A bigger canvas: Lee Bowerman paints the Western Slope” in April’s BEACON) was the best damn article ever written about me. Thank you.” - Lee Bowerman  “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for putting on BeaconFest. My girlfriends and I attend every year. We had so much fun!” - Dolores D.  “Thank you to Einstein’s for serving me my morning bagel and coffee at BeaconFest. I usually go there in the mornings but had to skip it to go to the fair. I walked in and what do ya know, there they were!” - Anonymous  “This is the fourth or fifth BeaconFest that I have gone to. I don’t know how you do it, but each year it gets better. I really liked that little lady who sang in the foyer. Thanks for showing us old folks a good time.” - John A.  “I like everything at BeaconFest but the lack of seating. Thankfully, the man at the Black Carriage booth let me try out some of his fancy recliners. I think he could have rented out time in them. Please get more chairs.” - Anonymous Kevin: “At about $2.75 per chair, you can understand my reluctance to add to the several hundred that we already rent, but dog gone it, you’re worth it! I’ll do it!”  “As a veteran I was very happy to see their (VA Medical Center and The Vet Center) presence at BeaconFest this year.”- Jim T. Kevin: “Yes, I agree! Both the VA Medical Center and The Vet Center are usually represented at BeaconFest. But this year, The Vet Center brought their big mobile unit, which was set-up outside. I want to thank FCI Constructors for making that possible.” Wanna give a shout out? Pass out a compliment? Write us at:

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

Rhythms for africa BENEF It Concert featuring

Hazel Miller

accompanied by Dana Marsh on keyboard & Rich Lamb on bass Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Reception 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Concert Begins 7:00 p.m. Two Rivers Winery and Chateau • 2087 Broadway, Grand Junction Bring a chair and listen to the moving and powerful voice of Ms. Hazel Miller, accompanied by Dana Marsh on keyboard and Rich Lamb on bass. Spectacular silent auction items, food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Individual Tickets $30

Purchase tickets in advance at HopeWestCO.org or HopeWest office locations in Grand Junction, Delta and Montrose. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Simba (Lion) Level $500 includes 8 Concert Tickets Tembo (Elephant) Level $250 includes 4 Concert Tickets Twiga (Giraffe) Level $100 includes 2 Concert Tickets Call (970) 263-2186 to become a sponsor.

All proceeds will go directly to Ilembula Palliative Care in Tanzania to Furnish the new patient care building and provide medical and nutritional support.

For more information or questions call Mary at (970) 683-4927 or Jacquie at (970) 263-2186.

gs n n i sh atio i n ur ener F e G m y o r H ve E r Fo

Past Award Winner

America’s Best Furniture Store

Lily & Rose 4 Generations Serving Colorado

308 Main St., Delta, CO (corner of 3rd and Main)

970.874.4491

Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.