Living Your Best Life After 50 in Western Colorado
JANUARY 2024
Jan Hart’s family legacy brings people together
8 Ways to Rein in Medical Bills and Save on Health Care Costs
SCAM ALERT: Western Slope Residents Targeted in Surge of Financial Scams
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LEAP provides energy assistance to lower home heating costs. LEAP proporciona asistencia de energía para bajar los gastos de calefacción.
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2501 Little Bookcliff Drive Grand Junction, CO 81501 PRIVATE REHABILITATION ROOMS | 24-HOUR SKILLED NURSING CARE | LONG AND SHORT TERM S T E L L A R S E N I O R L I V I N G I S F A M I LY O W N E D A N D O P E R A T E D
I N T HI S I S S U E
January 2024 | Volume 37 | Issue 1
Publisher Kevin K. VanGundy Founding Publisher Susan Capps Editor in Chief Cloie Sandlin Communications Coordinator Amber Whisman Graphic Designers Michael L. Madsen B. Bigler Customer Service Manager Stacey Splude Advertising Director Kevin K. VanGundy Advertising Executive Debra Romaniec
8 COVER STORY Music with Hart
Jan Hart is part of a lineage that has brought local musicians together for more than 50 years
10 Home Fitness Solutions for Outdoor Enthusiasts
When getting outside isn’t possible, these home exercise programs and equipment can simulate the experience of outdoor activities
12
Advertising Assistant Bethany Gill
Website BeaconSeniorNews.com Email
Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com BEACON Senior News celebrates age and empowers Western Colorado seniors with inspiring local stories and timely coverage of senior issues—all presented in a fun, engaging way that helps older adults live happier, healthier lives. The BEACON is published monthly and is distributed at more than 300 locations throughout Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 15th of the month. 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. © Copyright 2024 • All Rights Reserved
Recipe: Asian Peanut Slaw Leaning into a versatile ingredient like peanuts can take your next dinner gathering to the next level
16 B Your Best Self with B Vitamins
Get familiar with all the members of the B vitamin family—the unsung heroes behind energy, brain power and cell vitality
17 5 Ways to Keep Your Pet Enriched During Cold Weather
If you’re still on the lookout for a winter buddy, swing by your local shelter and find your perfect match!
22
Nourish Your Garden’s Hidden Heroes On the Cover
Jan Hart surrounded by a kaleidoscope of musical inspiration at his store on Grand Junction’s Main Street. Photo by Cloie Sandlin
Harvey Silverman shares nostalgic tales from his childhood where snow days transformed into valuable entrepre neurial lessons
28
Drive Towards Independence Take charge of your driving concerns. Discover how Family Health West’s driver rehab program gets seniors back on the road safely
Delivery Lauren VanGundy Brittney Bade Justin Bowen
P.O. Box 3895 Grand Junction, CO 81502 Phone: 970-243-8829
24 Economics By the Snow Shovelful
Explore various approaches to cultivating soil microbes and fostering their presence in your garden
30 Beat Those Winter Doldrums at the Broadmoor
Indulge in retail therapy, experience exquisite dining and find solace in the luxurious embrace of this five-star resort during its Colorado Appreciation Special
33 Are You Digitally Dependent?
Learn ways to reclaim control and reshape your relationship with tech
36 The Sisterhood of the Red Hats
Walk the red carpet with the fun ladies from the local Red Hat Society chapters at their May convention
40 MESA COUNTY 40 Calendar 42 Clubs 45 Question of the Month 46 Support Groups 48 MONTROSE & DELTA 48 Calendar 50 Clubs & Support Groups 53 Question of the Month 54 Fun & Games 56 Classifieds 58 Opinion: Worry Less, Live More
COLORADO’S FUNNEST BOOMER & SENIOR EXPO
™
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APRIL 18 | 9am- 3pm
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EDITOR'S COLUMN
The covert mission to capture Santa
A
s you read this, chances are you’ve already taken down your Christmas decorations and stored away your tree, possibly feeling a bit weary of all things Christmas until next year. However, indulge me as I share one last Christmas tale. There was a time when the idea of going undercover as a journalist intrigued me. Imagine my excitement when I seized the opportunity to do just that for last month’s cover story about Christmas at Cross Orchards. It started off just like any other assignment. Our writer, Colleen, pitched a fantastic story about Cross Orchards volunteers at Christmastime, featuring her stepfather, Gerald, who dresses up every year as Santa. I looped her in the conversation about arranging a photoshoot for the article, and shortly after, she called me with an interesting twist. “Here’s the thing…I wrote the article without letting Gerald know about it. We want him to discover it when he receives his BEACON in the mail and be pleasantly surprised.” So, how were we going to take photos of a man in a Santa suit without him knowing what it was for? “Mom will know what to do. I’ll call you back,” Colleen said. Given the proximity of Cross Orchards to our Grand Junction office, I hopped into my car and headed to the historic farm, wondering if Matt Darling, the museum’s curator, could help us. Colleen called back and told me that her mom, Mary (another Cross Orchards volunteer), was willing to tell any white lie to entice him to the farm for the photoshoot. I imagine that convincing Gerald, with his benevolent nature, to participate in a promotional shoot at the museum didn’t require much persuasion, even though we were interrupting his rest before his overnight shift as a truck driver.
LETTERS From Readers
Everything went off without a hitch! Gerald was a good sport, completely unsuspecting as he, Mary and I strolled around the farm with him donned in a Santa suit. Colleen and Mary both sent me updates, detailing Gerald’s surprise upon receiving the December issue. “The subterfuge worked!” Colleen exclaimed. Witnessing the positive impact our work has on local seniors and being a part of creating such memorable experiences for our readers truly makes my work meaningful. Reflecting on the 2023 issues with 2024 stretching before me, I am deeply grateful for the contributions of all the seniors who have written for us and graced the pages of the BEACON this year. As we look at planning stories for the new year, I’d love to hear from you! What do you love most about the BEACON? Which stories resonate with you? What topics would you like to see more of? Let me know: Cloie@Beacon SeniorNews.com.
THE RESULTS ARE IN The BEACON Best awards LOCAL LOVED represents an elite group 2024 of your most loved businesses who stand above the rest in terms of extraordinary customer service. This select group also includes some of your favorite activities and pastimes, slowing us to share your recommendations with fellow seniors. Did you vote for the BEACON Best? If so, we may be contacting you in the coming weeks if you won a gift card to one of your favorite businesses or hot spots on the Western Slope. Keep an eye out for your name in next month’s edition of the BEACON, alongside those local businesses that BEACON readers have deemed outstanding. ■ iorNews.c conSen om Bea
We won Phat Cat Swinger tickets from the BEACON. Everyone had so much fun and the band was GREAT! We love your magazine… and we love your contests. We should’ve signed up for all five concerts for $80! - Tom & Cindy R. Cloie: You’re in luck! Community Concerts is selling a mid-season package for the remaining three concerts for $60+ fees. Learn more on page 44 (Beacon Bits). BEACON wins BIG (December) Congratulations for winning so many awards. - Vic B. Editor’s Column: The joys of being a failure (December) Cloie, thanks for providing an actual response to my press release. I recently inherited the PR role for Grand Rivers Humane, and I’ve been firing these off and never know whether anyone actually gets them or reads them. I read your column and I agree with you on the term “foster failure”—we went through the same thing and I don’t consider it a failure at all. Good to hear you and Piper are getting along well. - Tony W. Christmas at Cross Orchards (December) Gerald (pictured as Santa on the cover) got the BEACON in the mail today! He was super surprised, so the subterfuge worked! Your designer did a beautiful job on the interior, too! - Colleen S. Forever Bound by Art (October) Mike, it was so very nice meeting you at Colorado West Performing Arts Center at the photo shoot for the October feature. You had shared a thought or two about how you envisioned the cover but I wasn’t prepared for the absolute blockbuster you came up with. It was so eye-catching and colorful and FUN! The layout and pictures were very pleasing. Thank you for all your effort. The magazine is first rate! - Katherine K.
We want to hear from you! Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com Cloie Sandlin, Editor in Chief Cloie@BeaconSeniorNews.com
@BeaconSeniorNews
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | EDITOR'S COLUMN | 7
Jan Hart’s family legacy brings people together By Diana Barnett an Hart, 76, is part of a lineage steeped in musical tradition. His ancestral connection to music can be traced back to his great-great-grandfather, born in Germany in 1802, who honed his craft as an apprentice at the Erard Piano Company, renowned for crafting instruments for iconic composers like Chopin and Liszt. Eventually, Hart’s grandfather ventured to the United States, where he helped construct the pipe organ for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City. The musical legacy was passed down through successive generations of the Hart family as they established their roots on a farm in Preston, Idaho. “My dad and my uncles were just a bunch of farm kids who disliked farm work, and their dad—my grandpa— knew it,” said Hart. “He told them that if they would each learn an instrument and practice, he would cut back on the farm work. Needless to say, they all got into music pretty heavily. Hart’s dad, Wendell, was an accomplished drummer and played Dixieland music alongside notable musicians like Nat King Cole and George Shearing. Following their service in World War II, Wendell and his four brothers returned home, channeling their shared passion into the founding of Hart Brothers Music.
BEATLE-HAIRED PIANIST
Growing up, Hart’s interests leaned more towards athletics than music. However, when a knee injury thwarted his athletic plans, Hart took it upon himself to learn
Jan Hart’s band “The Churchmen,” Salt Lake City circa 1963 (that’s Jan wearing the cool shades.)
the piano. “I even played in a band, The Churchmen, during the ’60s, sporting a Beatle haircut,” said Hart. Hart Brothers Music stores eventually expanded to Salt Lake City and Grand Junction. Back then, music stores were not exclusively dedicated to the sale of instruments, Hart recounted. He noted that, for several years, people could only buy televisions in music stores. The family business also played a key role in responding to the heightened demand during the home organ boom. “I remember coming over here, riding shotgun with my dad or uncle, delivering pianos,” said Hart. “It was kind of like selling encyclopedias and knocking on doors. We’d send fliers ahead of time to communities so people would know we were coming. Then once the pianos were sold, we’d come home.”
Jan Hart shows a Yamaha Electone to some interested kids back in the early 1970s. According to Hart, that’s how they discovered Western Colorado. Wendell and his brothers opened the Grand Junction store at Third and Main Streets in the early ’60s. The business found its footing in various locations, including Junct’n Square Pizza and the Teller Arms Mall, before making a permanent move to its current location at 417 Main. “My dad retired and I came here to our current location in 1972, and we’ve been here ever since,” said Hart.
DELIVERING MUSIC TO NEW HEIGHTS
Selling and delivering pianos has consistently been one facet of the business, which has given Hart many stories to share. “Several years ago, we sold a grand piano to a woman who lived in Crested Butte. She wanted the piano to reside on the third floor of her home, but we could not get the piano in the house,” he said. But she really wanted that piano! Just when they were about to turn around and bring the instrument back to the store, the woman contacted a man with a crane who owed her a favor. “He arrived and hoisted that piano up and onto the third floor,” said Hart, “and in a snowstorm!” A similar story unfolded during a delivery of a grand piano to a home in Ouray. “We knew the truck wouldn’t make it up the road with the piano, so a helicopter was hired to lift the piano, carry it there and put it down close to the front door,” he recalled. Delivering exceptional service has become a hallmark of Hart Music. The commitment to quality extends beyond standard offerings, with Hart’s team engaging in intriguing customization for customers. “We worked with an executive from Warner
Jan Hart with his son, Brent. Jan Hart can play many instruments, but the piano is his instrument of choice. Brothers during the Looney Tunes era who lived in Aspen,” Hart shared. “This man had always wanted a piano as a kid, and now he and his wife had decided to purchase a player piano. While we were waiting on the piano, we found someone in the community who knew all the theme songs from these characters and recorded them, which we added to the piano’s repertoire.
OUR REPUTATION HAS SPREAD BY WORD OF MOUTH, AND BROUGHT US BUSINESS FROM BIGNAME MUSICIANS WE HAVE BEEN THRILLED TO WORK WITH. This gentleman was quite surprised!” Hart attributes the success of his business to three fundamental principles: “You have to provide the highest-quality product at a fair price and be nice to people.” Recently, Johnny Phillips, a guitarist on tour with The Sounds of Silence, encountered a setback when his soundbar malfunctioned, posing a threat to the overall quality of the group’s performance at the Avalon Theatre. He connected with Hart and his sons, Brent and Aaron, who were able to help with the equipment, and the show went on successfully.
VISITS FROM MUSIC ROYALTY
The store’s reputation has spread far and wide, attracting business from big-name musicians. While on tour with Judy Collins, Stephen Stills, of Crosby, Stills and Nash, spent an entire afternoon in the store and left with a guitar purchase, adding to the store’s list of esteemed clientele. “We sold a lot of equipment to the Ever-
ly Brothers in the ’60s,” said Hart. “Later the store did business with Fleetwood Mac. Stevie Nicks bought a really nice grand piano. Jackson Browne and Jerry Wexler heard about us and purchased instruments, and of course, Joe Cocker, who lived near Crawford, was a regular.” The store wields a profound influence on multiple generations of musicians. Now branded J.B. Hart Music Co, the store’s Facebook page is replete with posts showcasing local music enthusiasts, spanning various ages and skill levels, who visit the store to explore beautiful instruments and experiment with their musical talents. One particularly heartwarming post gained national attention, featuring a young boy with Williams syndrome named Fallon. His parents made the journey from Montrose so Fallon could play his dream guitar—a vibrant blue Dean ML Dimebag Darrell Guitar. Touched by hearing Fallon play, a fellow customer was moved to purchase the guitar for Fallon, entrusting the Harts to present it to him on his next visit. After many unsuccessful attempts to connect with Fallon’s family, fate intervened several months later. It turned out the family had relocated to Texas, but were back in town to visit family during the holidays. Fallon and his family returned to the store, where he received his cherished guitar. Hart can be found working in the store nearly every day it’s open, alongside his sons Brent and Aaron. “I hope that what we do makes a difference for people,” he said. “We are now working with grandchildren of our original customers. Many have become good friends, and music has brought us together.” See more photos at: BeaconSeniorNews.com
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | COVER STORY | 9
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
ANYWHERE, By Kimberly Blaker
O
utdoor exercises like bicycling, hiking, running and walking are very popular for those who want to stay active. Being outdoors also offers added benefits, like interesting scenery and exposure to sunlight, which is essential for vitamin D synthesis. Unfortunately, getting outside to workout isn’t always possible or advised for everyone. For that reason, indoor home exercise equipment and programs have been developed to simulate outdoor activities.
PROBLEMS WITH OUTDOOR EXERCISE Exercising outdoors may not always be a feasible or safe option for a multitude of reasons. Living in an urban setting, time constraints for travel to natural environments, early or late workout preferences, concerns about personal safety, recovering from an injury or contending with adverse weather conditions can all limit the practicality of exercising outdoors. Being on the road, whether on a bicycle or your feet, also comes with increased risks, including: ■ Unsafe terrain: Streets may not have bike lanes or sidewalks. They may also have hazards like potholes, pebbles, debris, grates
or train tracks. Trails may be washed out or have uneven footing and other tripping hazards. ■ Accidents or crashes: Motorists and others on the road may be distracted or impaired. People also may not know or adhere to proper safety protocols or laws for bicyclists or pedestrians.
ANYTIME Popular brands of at-home exercise equipment include NordicTrack, ProForm, Peloton and Echelon. Many others are available as well at varying price points.
■ Animal attacks: Dog attacks are a risk for cyclists and runners or walkers. Exercising outdoors also exposes you to other animals that may pose a threat. ■ Injury or death: Head injury, from a small cut to traumatic brain injury, is the most common injury for outdoor cyclists. The highest rate of fatalities while bicycling outside is among adults aged 50-59. Also, outdoor exercise is often harder on your body, increasing the possibility of injury or strain. ■ Other safety concerns: When exercising outdoors, especially solo, there’s also increased concern of being a victim of violent crime. In a study by Wearsafe Labs, 34% of people said they feel afraid when working out alone outdoors, especially in the dark. When you wish you could get out on the road, there are ways to replicate the experience at home.
10 | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
STATIONARY BIKES Suppose you’re temporarily unable to bicycle outdoors because of an injury or weather or you just simply prefer a safer option. In that case, you can replicate the feeling of cycling outdoors with an indoor stationary bike. There are many options for indoor bicycles depending on your wants and needs. Costs vary depending on the type of bike and features and range from $200 and up into the $2,000s or higher for more advanced equipment. Upright bikes are the most
similar to outdoor bikes, offering a smaller seat above the pedals. They tend to be more lightweight and have a smaller footprint. You can adjust the resistance and even stand up to change up your workout. An air bike is a type of upright bike with a fan instead of electronic controls to add resistance and replicate the feeling of wind experienced when bicycling outdoors. Recumbent bikes are lower and more extended. The pedals are in front of the seat with a seat back to provide back support. It’s more laid back and suitable for a variety of fitness levels. It may be safer for those who are more out of shape, overweight, new to bicycling or a senior. Recumbent bikes do take up more space because of their design. Dual-action stationary bikes are combined with another type of exercise equipment like an elliptical or stair-climber to combine different types of exercise. Bike trainer stands like the BalanceFrom Bike Trainer Stand can temporarily convert an outdoor bicycle for indoor use when you can’t take it out on the road. This is a much less expensive option. Interactive bikes, such as those from Peloton or connected to apps like iFit, have a screen attached to incorporate a virtual aspect to your ride but tend to be more expensive.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
TREADMILLS & ELIPTICALS If you enjoy running, hiking or walking outdoors, treadmills and ellipticals are indoor options that can give you a similar experience. Treadmill costs vary significantly, depending on features and brands, from the low- to mid-hundreds. They can cost $2,500 or more for higher-end products. Ellipticals have a similar range, with many of the best products for at-home use ranging between $1,000 to $2,000. There are basic treadmill models that can fold up or fit into small spaces for walking and slow jogging. More advanced treadmills and ellipticals can better replicate outdoor changes in elevation. They can sync to actual trails and roads, automatically changing the machine’s elevation or resistance to match the outdoor environment.
IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS iFit is an interactive fitness program compatible with many different stationary bikes, treadmills and other indoor workout equipment from several companies. There are live and recorded workout videos. iFit
offers a large number of immersive experiences. Hence, you feel like you’re biking or trekking through far-off places around the globe or even on your own path traced on Google Maps. If you have compatible equipment, it can adjust your resistance, incline and speed to match the environment. Zwift is a virtual fitness adventure program on an app for a monthly fee. You create an avatar that travels through one of the virtual courses in France or Zwift’s own created world, Watopia. There are options for either running and walking or bicycling. You can earn badges and complete challenges to increase motivation. There are also community events where you complete routes with other users. Peloton offers an all-access membership app and their own stationary bikes and treadmills with screens for home-based workouts. There are both live and recorded classes with a trainer and scenic rides that let you virtually travel real-life destinations using recorded video. Bikes start at $1,895, treadmills at $2,495. Digital membership can be used without a Peloton machine or choose the all-access membership for those with a Peloton machine. So what if you want the virtual experience of being outdoors without the cost? Look for videos on YouTube or other streaming services that simulate the experience of bicycling, hiking, walking or running all around the world. ■
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When you choose Hilltop Senior Living Communities, your money stays right here in our community, supporting a nonprofit that has provided Western Colorado with compassionate and comprehensive human services for over 70 years.
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | 11
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MONTHLY SPECIALS!
Asian Peanut Slaw Recipe courtesy of Georgia Peanuts
Ingredients: 1
can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges
1/4 cup Asian sesame dressing 2
tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper Small Chicken Fried Steak
w/Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Vegetables
1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts
Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
w/Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Vegetables
Cheeseburger
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w/French Fries and a Soda
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Drain juice from mandarin oranges into mixing bowl and reserve oranges.
Offers good thru 1/31/2024
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bag (16 ounces) three-colored deli slaw mix chow mein noodles
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12 | RECIPES | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
In bowl with juice, add dressing, peanut butter and red pepper; whisk until well blended. Add peanuts, oranges and coleslaw mix; toss until thoroughly coated. Garnish with chow mein noodles before serving. ■
See more recipes at BeaconSeniorNews.com
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
Knotted emotions
Navigate grief your own way
Dear Laird: My mom taught me to crochet when I was 10. It’s been our thing ever since. All through her decline, we have crocheted together. Last week, however, she just stared at the yarn and couldn’t do it. She forgot how. It broke my heart. I have watched her slowly fail with sadness, but nothing like this. I am crushed. I can’t move forward. What is happening to me? Signed, Unraveling Dear Unraveling: Crocheting with your mother is a symbol of your closeness. It’s understandable that the recent unraveling of this shared activity has triggered your grief that you’ve tried to delay as long as you could. If you have other family members, they may not understand your grief. In the realm of caregiving, especially in the face of aging and chronic illness, many family members witness their loved ones gradually losing themselves. Sometimes the changes are subtle and in other cases, like yours, it all comes crashing down. Grief is a complex emotion, and in Western society, it often goes unrecognized until it confronts us head-on. We act as if life is a battle with death, leading us to believe: If only I could have given better care, maybe Mom would not have died so soon.
We tend to associate grief solely with death, but it permeates our lives whenever we experience significant losses—a beloved pet, a defining job, a dear friend who moves away. These losses evoke grief, as it has for you with your mom forgetting how to crochet. Grief is also accompanied with guilt and the feeling that we didn’t get to say a proper goodbye. We know Mom will die someday, but it won’t be today. So when it actually happens, we think it shouldn’t have happened yet. Each person deserves the time and space to grieve in their own way. Some may appear stoic on the surface, while others may take an extended period to process their grief. You had the special bond to sit together and enjoy being with each other. I know you will be sad for your loved one. Your grief, tied to the act of crocheting, is a natural response. With time, the memory of this shared activity may bring both sadness and joy. Reflect on the special bond you had, the joy of sitting together and the simple pleasure of each other’s company. Embrace the ebb and flow of emotions, allowing yourself the freedom to grieve and, in time, to find solace and even joy in the precious moments you shared. ■
CAREGIVER SUPPORT BY LAIRD LANDON, PhD
Send your questions to Laird in care of the BEACON, or email him at Laird@Family-Caregiver.org
Need a
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from caregiving for a loved one during the holiday season? Take advantage of our Respite Care Program The ADRC Respite Program helps provide a much needed break for caregivers by assisting to cover respite care costs. To apply, fill out the ADRC application online under FORMS, or call and speak to an Options Counselor today
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
My Diabetic Solutions
8 ways to rein in medical bills and save on health care costs
AT C O M PA S S M E D I C A L C E N T E R
Nearly 35 million Americans are living with diabetes and even more who are undiagnosed. My Diabetic Solutions at Compass Medical Center is the only provider on the Western Slope to offer groundbreaking treatments that can stabilize, and in some cases, even reverse the complications caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Our medical team focuses on metabolic, pre-diabetic and diabetic treatments for patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Some of these cuttingedge therapies and treatments include: Infusion therapy Nutrition Light therapy
Wound care Specialized orthotic fittings Physiologic Insulin Resensitization
About Physiologic Insulin Resensitization This treatment program has yielded significant results from patients suffering from neuropathy and other complications caused by diabetes. Many patients reported a significant improvement in their neuropathy as well as vast improvements in other complications and a reduction in the overall use of medication. This method has been used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and helps pre-diabetic patients improve insulin resistance and helps cells convert sugar into energy more readily. It can also help with: Neuropathy relief Restored energy Weight control Erectile function Retinopathy relief Reduced use of medications Blood sugar control
Mood and sleep improvement Hair and nail growth Reduced blood pressure Reduced symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s Accelerated stroke recovery Reduced fatty liver
Our holistic approach focuses on restoring mobility and creating positive outcomes for every patient rather than suppressing the symptoms so they can live to their fullest health potential.
There are ways to age gracefully with less pain and discomfort and more energy and vitality!
Start Creating the Life You Deserve! Call Now to Schedule an Appointment
By Karen Telleen-Lawton
I
remember my anxiety over 30 years ago when our young daughter suffered a major health issue. The doctors, the painful testing and the unknowns were all scary. What made it scarier was that our health insurance provider announced they would drop her from our plan. Even if you and your family have glided through life with miraculously good health, there likely comes a time when you face something other than “maintenance” health care costs. In your later working years or in retirement, it’s easy to become wary and fearful about costs that increase year after year. What can you do about your own medical costs? 1. PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH The most important cost-savings advice I have for you is to take care of your health. Whether you need to lose a few pounds, reduce caffeine or alcohol intake, reduce stress, get your body moving, or all of the above, tell yourself whatever motivational story you need to hear. Get your mind and body moving in the same direction. Even if your health status is beyond your control, good health habits will improve whatever prognoses you face. 2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR BENEFITS
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14 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
A good place to start would be the health benefits handbook from your employer or Medicare. Resist the temptation to consign them to the circular file or the bottomless pile. Your plan may be chock full of benefits that could save you money in the long run. It may also include discounts on health clubs, health advocates and so forth. Regular
health screenings can nip bigger problems in the bud. 3. CHOOSE IN-NETWORK PROVIDERS Check online or in your plan handbook to determine in-network providers approved by your insurance plan. When you make an appointment, check with the medical office to make sure they are still in network for your insurance. While you’re checking for in-network physicians, make sure you know which ambulance services and hospitals are in your network. This is the type of information we used to post by our landline phone in case of emergency. Now the common practice is to enter it on your phone. iPhone owners can use Apple’s preinstalled Health app. It’s as simple as clicking on Medical ID and filling in your emergency contact information. This setting can also be accessible when the screen is locked. There are free apps for non-iPhone users as well. 4. SAVE MONEY ON DRUGS If you take prescription drugs, talk to your physician about generic forms or similar drugs. Ask her or him whether they suggest any actions you may be able to take to improve your body’s health and reduce your subsequent need for medication. 5. REVIEW YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE Depending on your plan, you can alter your options annually during
HEALTH & WELLNESS
EVEN IF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE GLIDED THROUGH LIFE WITH MIRACULOUSLY GOOD HEALTH, THERE LIKELY COMES A TIME WHEN YOU FACE SOMETHING OTHER THAN “MAINTENANCE” HEALTH CARE COSTS.
open enrollment (some plans can be reviewed more frequently). The right health care plan for you and your family may change from year to year. For many Americans, including those who are self-employed, independent workers and employees of small companies, your best bet is often a high-deductible plan (HDHP). If you’re in good health, it can save you much more in premiums than your annual out-of-pocket costs. 6. ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS ONLINE Nevertheless, HDHPs can sometimes sway you in the wrong direction. I endured several months of discomfort because the prescription my physician had written would have cost me several thousand dollars per year. When I finally filled the order, I discovered it was much less expensive if I paid out of pocket using online sources. As always, make sure to check out the safety and efficacy of the source before ordering. 7. SET UP AN FSA OR HSA Another money-saving option is to set up an FSA (flexible spending account) or an HSA (health savings account). These are used to set aside pre-tax money for upcoming health costs. Each has different rules. Your employer may even contribute money to an account which may or may not have to claimed by year-end. 8. REVIEW MEDICAL BILLS FOR ACCURACY Medical bills are complicated, which is why you may be tempted to pay them without analyzing their accuracy first. The need to understand your bills doesn’t stop with an insurance provider. You wouldn’t do this with an automobile or home
remodeling bill, and it doesn’t work for medical bills either. Make whatever calls are necessary to make sure you understand the charges and follow up if you don’t think they’re accurate. If you have a major medical issue with lots of bills from lots of providers, you may consider hiring a medical bills reviewer. He or she will likely save you more than their fee. The whole issue of health care has ballooned into a tsunami in recent decades. Fortunately, some leaders have dug in to the pitfalls of our health care system and are finding solutions. A hotel workers union in Boston—reportedly one of the most expensive health care markets in the country—made news for negotiating to provide no-deductible health coverage with premiums costing a small fraction of the U.S. average. Generic drugs cost $1 and the most expensive specialty drugs are $12 per prescription. The union did this by contracting with the lesser known hospitals in the area. It was a hard sell initially, but the payoff was to keep premiums under control, putting more money into employees’ wallets. In 2019, six years after implementing the plan, the union was still paying less in medical costs per member than at the plan’s inception. Hats off to this union for saving their members tens of thousands of dollars. Hats off to my daughter whose strict adherence to a restricted diet and regular exercise has kept her in good health for 30 years. And hats off to each of you if you can rein in your own medical costs by paying attention to your health care plan. ■
ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?
When you retire, don’t lose health coverage Retire right with a Humana Medicare Advantage plan that fits your life Your local, licensed Humana sales agent can help you explore your options and see if you’re eligible to enroll in one of Humana’s affordable Medicare Advantage plans upon retirement. Get the benefits you want and need so you can focus on making your retirement what you want it to be—enjoying the things you love. From helping you find a doctor to assisting with unexpected barriers, Humana goes above and beyond to help you get the healthcare you need. That’s called human care.
Call a licensed Humana sales agent
Patti Zapf
970-301-8752 (TTY: 711)
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. pzapf@humana.com
A more human way to healthcare™ Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal Civil Rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ancestry, marital status or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 ，您可以 免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。
Y0040_GHHJWWVEN22_AD_M
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | 15
DEAR PHARMACIST
B-your best self
Understand the vital roles of each B vitamin
D
id you know that approximately 10-30% of older adults suffer from some degree of B vitamin deficiency? This deficiency could stem from inferior forms of B vitamins in their supplements, inadequate absorption into the mitochondria, hindered conversion and activation due to poor gut health or the absence of necessary cofactors. Regardless of the underlying cause, the outcome is the same: low B complex means compromised health. B vitamins play vital roles in energy production, brain function and cell metabolism. Let’s delve into the specific roles these essential nutrients play in the human body: B1 - Thiamine aids in glucose metabolism and is vital for nerve, muscle and heart function. Benfoti-
amine is a lab-made version of B1. B2 - Riboflavin is involved in energy production and is essential for growth. B3 - Niacin plays a supportive role in the optimal functioning of the digestive system, skin health and nerve function. B4 - Adenine is not typically found in B complex vitamins, however, it’s an essential component in the formation of genetic material. B5 - Pantothenic Acid is crucial for hormone and cholesterol production. B6 - Pyridoxine is vital for brain development and function. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or P5P, is the active form of vitamin B-6 and stands as an even better supplement. B7 - Biotin is key in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also plays a role in skin health and is often
associated with hair and nail growth. B9 - Folic acid is crucial for cell creation and emotional health. Folate or 5-MTHF is better. B12 - Cobalamin is crucial for red blood cell production and nervous system maintenance. Methyl B12 or adenosyl B12 is even better because it is the mitochondrial form. Deficiencies in these vitamins can manifest in different ways. For instance, a lack of B12 might lead to fatigue, pale skin and a swollen tongue, while B6 deficiency can result in itchy rashes and a weakened immune system. The risk of an imbalance with the B vitamin-family is real. Many individuals take a single B vitamin, overlooking the fact that it’s the whole group they should consider. Taking high doses of one B vita-
min, like folate, can and often does cause imbalances in others. Excessive folate, for instance, may mask a B12 deficiency, potentially giving rise to neurological problems, neuropathy and confusion. Maintaining equilibrium is critical, often best achieved through B complex supplements under medical guidance. A healthcare professional can help determine whether a B vitamin deficiency or another health issue is the root cause. Keep in mind that B complex supplements are sold in America without a prescription. Achieving better B vitamin status is also possible through a well-rounded diet consisting of meats and vegetables. I also created a supplement called Mito B Complex which is available on Amazon or my website. ■
DEAR PHARMACIST BY SUZY COHEN
For more articles and advice, sign up for Suzy’s newsletter at SuzyCohen.com
Path to Bladder Wellness:
Effective Behavioral Interventions for OAB*
Regain Control with Simple Behavioral Techniques for Overactive Bladder Struggling with an Overactive Bladder (OAB) can feel like a relentless challenge. But did you know that simple behavioral techniques can significantly ease your symptoms? At Urological Associates of Western Colorado, we specialize in empowering patients with practical, non-invasive solutions. Understanding Behavioral Techniques Behavioral techniques are rooted in adjusting daily habits to better manage bladder function. These methods are easy to integrate into a routine and can offer substantial relief, based on your particular urinary symptoms. All of these techniques can be individualized, by one of our skilled pelvic health physical therapists: 1. Scheduled Toilet Trips: Instead of waiting for the urge, visit the bathroom at set intervals. This proactive approach can help prevent urgency and accidents. 2. Diet Modification: Modifying diet can alleviate overactive bladder symptoms. Avoiding irritants like caffeine, acidic foods, and alcohol can reduce urinary leakage and discomfort. 3. Bladder Retraining: Gradually extend the time between toileting trips. This trains your bladder to hold urine for longer periods, reducing the frequency of urges. Benefits of Behavioral Techniques 1. Non-Invasive: These techniques don’t involve medication or surgery, making them a great starting point or complement to other treatments. 2. Empowering: You take an active role in managing your condition, boosting your independence. 3. Effective: Many patients report significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Start Your Journey Today At Urological Associates of Western Colorado, we blend diverse approaches to design a personalized plan for treating urinary leakage, often achieving results superior to medication or surgery. We also provide advanced treatments for those in need, while maintaining a personalized and thorough strategy for bladder care. Overcome your Overactive Bladder with manageable steps that can significantly affect your life. Dr. Nishiya played a key role in establishing the Pelvic Health and Wellness Center in 2007, where he focuses on female urologic issues.
970-243-3061
His specialties include urinary incontinence, recurrent bladder infections, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor disorders, and painful bladder syndromes. Additionally, he has significant experience in female reconstructive surgery, particularly utilizing robotic surgery with the DaVinci robot.
16 | HEALTH & WELLNESS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Proud Member of the Colorado Surgical Affiliates
2373 G Road, Ste. 200, Grand Junction, CO WesternColoradoUrology.com |
PET PERSPECTIVE
5 ways to keep your pet
enriched during cold weather
T
his time of year, you can find me huddled indoors, keeping busy with my “indoor hobbies” like baking or crafts, and counting the days until springtime arrives once again. While we keep ourselves entertained indoors, it’s important to remember that our pets still require enrichment, too! When sidewalks are icy and the sun sets at 5 p.m., it can be tough to get out for dog walks as often as we do in the summertime. Here are a few fun, enriching indoor activities you can share with your pet this winter.
keep toys novel without breaking the bank: keep your pet’s stash of toys out of reach, and rotate through a few different toys each week. By the time you re-introduce an old favorite, it’ll be just as exciting as if it were brand new!
DITCH THE BOWL
GO TO THE PET STORE
Use Ditch the Bowl training methods to keep your dog entertained. An easy way to do this is feeding your pet’s meal in a snuffle mat or other puzzle feeder. A snuffle mat is a pad of felt strips that you can hide kibble or treats in for a dog or cat to find, which you can easily make at home with a plastic bath mat and felt blanket. Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders are mentally stimulating, slow down your pet’s eating and let them express their foraging instincts.
LEARN NEW TRICKS What better way to bond with your pet than to learn new tricks together? Even cats can learn tricks such as high-five or spin! Now is a great time to help your pet master their basic obedience skills like sit, down, stay and recall—or learn a fun one like bringing you the TV remote!
ROTATE TOYS Break out those new toys from Santa Paws and add some novelty to your pet’s winter! Here’s a tip to
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
When you’re not up for a chilly walk outside, head to a pet store like Chow Down, J&M Aquatics, PetCo or PetSmart for a fun outing full of new sights, smells and friends. Some home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot are also pet-friendly and large enough to get a decent-sized walk in!
When: Tuesday, January 9 from 1:30PM-3:00PM
CenterWell Home Health will be present to discuss the dementia process, how to overcome challenges related to the disease and helpful tips on how to navigate the cognitive decline of a loved one. Open to any caregiver in the community, this group is an opportunity to share and learn with others experiencing a similar journey caring for a loved one with dementia. Caregivers may bring their loved one to participate in an activity.
QUALITY TIME Lastly, simply spending time together is probably one of your pet’s favorite activities. Snuggle up on the couch, groom their fur, play with toys and include them in your daily activities as much as possible. Time spent with our beloved pets is finite, so make it count and enjoy your furry friend’s precious companionship. If you don’t have a pet to spend the winter with, visit Roice-Hurst Humane Society to meet your match! Stop by our shelter at 362 28 Road in Grand Junction or our Delta Satellite Facility at 720 W. 4th St. in Delta. ■
PET PERSPECTIVE BY JENNA KRETSCHMAN
Where: Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s Care 622 28 1/4 Rd Grand Junction, CO 81505
Jenna is Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s Communications Coordinator. Contact her at Jenna@RHHumaneSociety.org
aspenridgealz.com | 622 28 ¼ Rd Grand Junction, CO 81505 | (970) 640-7416
Find the BEACON closest to you! BeaconSeniorNews.com/wc-locations
Spiritual but not religious? We’ve been waiting for you. Join us this Sunday at 9am.
Welcome home!
Livestream on Sunday at : vimeo.com/event/1232379 970-433-7799 / 730 25 Road, Grand Junction cslgj.org / facebook.com/cslgrandjunction BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | PETS | 17
THE FIVE STAGES OF LIFE Submitted by Emily Wood 1. To Grow Up 2. To Fill Out 3. To Slim Down 4. To Hold It In 5. To Heck With It
LET THERE BE PEACE
Submitted by Jenna Bass A wise elderly gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace. Then a new school year began. One afternoon, three young boys walked down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the man decided it was time
to take action. The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street. He stopped them and said, “You kids are a lot of fun. I used to do the same thing when I was your age. I’ll give you each a dollar if you’ll promise to come around every day and do your thing.” The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trashcans. After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again. But this time he looked sad. “This recession’s really putting a big dent in my income,” he told them. “From now on, I’ll only be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans.”
The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they accepted his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus. A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street. “Look,” he said, “I haven’t received my Social Security check yet, so I’m not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?” “A lousy quarter?” the drum leader exclaimed. “If you think we’re going to waste our time beating these cans around for a quarter, you’re nuts! No way, Mister. We quit!” And the old man enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest of his days.
YOU’RE A SENIOR
By Susan Ducept When people ask me if I have “devices” (as in electronic devices) I tell them, “No, I gave up smoking, drugs, drinking and binge eating a long time ago!”
TURNING THE TABLES
Submitted by M. L. Madsen An elderly man rear-ended a guy driving a very expensive European sports car. Enraged, the guy jumped out and confronted the old man, screaming, “Look what you did to my car! You’re going to give me $10,000 right now or I’m going to beat you to a pulp!” “I don’t have that kind of money,” the man said nervously. “Let me call my son who trains dolphins. He will know what to do.” “Dolphins!” the other driver huffed while rolling his eyes. The old man pulled out his phone and dialed his son. Just as his son answered, the irate man snatched the phone away from the old man. “So you’re a dolphin trainer, huh?” the furious man yelled. “Well, your old man here just rear-ended my car and I need ten grand right now or I’m going to beat you and your old man to a pulp!” “I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” the
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LAUGHING MATTERS son said calmly. A truck pulled up exactly 10 minutes later. A man hopped out and pulverized the bully, and left him in a heap on the side of the road. He walked over to his father and said, “For the last time, Dad, I train seals…Navy Seals. NOT dolphins!”
PUN AND GAMES
Submitted by Bob Breazeale Frank sent a get well card to his friend. He enclosed 10 puns, hoping that at least one would cheer him up. Unfortunately, no pun in 10 did. If you are an American when you enter a restroom and you’re an American when you leave a restroom, what are you while you’re in the restroom? European. Have you ever wondered why ants are only about 1/8-inch in height? It’s because Mother Nature has a no-taller-ants policy. How can you tell if your cat ate a duckling? By its down-in-the-mouth look.
PILLS, PILLS, PILLS: A POEM Submitted by Blake Burton A row of bottles on my shelf caused me to analyze myself.
One yellow pill I have to pop goes to my heart so it won’t stop. A little white one that I take goes to my hands so they won’t shake. The blue ones that I use a lot tell me I’m happy when I’m not. The purple pill goes to my brain and tells me that I have no pain. The capsules tell me not to wheeze or cough or choke or even sneeze. The red ones, smallest of them all, go to my blood so I won’t fall. The orange ones, very big and bright, prevent my leg cramps in the night. Such an array of brilliant pills help-
ing to cure all kinds of ills. But what I’d really like to know is what tells each one where to go!
NEW VIRUS
Submitted by Stuart Rivera There is a new virus. The code name is “work.” If you receive “work” from your colleagues, your boss, via e-mail, or anything else, do not touch “work” under any circumstances. This virus wipes out your private life completely. If you should happen to come in contact with this virus, put on your jacket and take two good friends and go straight to the nearest pub. Order three drinks and after repeating that task 14 times, you will find that “work” has been completely deleted from your brain. Forward this virus warning immediately to at least five friends. Should you realize that you do not have five friends, this means that you are already infected by this virus and “work” already controls your whole life.
LENGTHY SENTENCE
Submitted by Gwen Austin My buddy got arrested on drug charges and because it was his first offense, he thought he would get off lightly, but it turned out his lawyer was one of the worst in the state and ended up botching his case, so instead of getting a short term, he ended up getting 40 years without parole! Man, that sentence was way too long.
RAINY DAY
Submitted by Ian Mitchell After a prolonged drought when the rain came, all the animals were happy except the kangaroo. When the others asked him what the reason was for such sadness, the kangaroo revealed that the rain meant that all its kids would now be playing inside. ■
Help Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season Be tolerant and compassionate with yourself. Be with supportive and comforting people. Embrace your treasure of memories. Eliminate unnecessary stress.
Focus on healing… we’ve got everything else. ~ Established 1953 ~
Grand Junction MeMorial Gardens 2970 North Ave., Grand Junction
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Colorow Care Center IS THE ONLY EDEN ALTERNATIVE® CERTIFIED COMMUNITY ON THE WESTERN SLOPE.
We are dedicated to creating a quality of life for our Elders and their care partners.
Colorow is a skilled nursing facility that believes in healthy living, person-centered care and nontraditional approaches in meeting everyday needs. Our services include: Respite Care • Hospice Care • Short and Long Term Skilled Nursing Care Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation Care Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy 855 S. Hwy 50 Business Loop Olathe, CO 81425
970.323.5504
www.vivage.com/Colorow We Accept: Medicare • Medicaid • RMHMO • Private Pay • PACE • and More
5 Essential New Year’s Resolutions for Car Owners Start 2024 right by bringing your car in for a comprehensive inspection. Our technicians are ready to help ensure your car is in tip-top shape to begin the new year. REGULAR MAINTENANCE Check fuel levels and tire pressure, replace filters and rotate tires.
CHANGE A TIRE Learn how to change a tire, especially if you have a new driver in your family.
DRIVE SAFELY WASH & CLEAN Avoid distracted driving (don’t text Clean the interior and exterior on and drive) a regular basis JUMP-START Know how to jump-start your car from a dead battery
Happy New Year from all of us at Diamond G’s
970-249-6856 65790 Racine Rd. • Montrose, CO
www.DiamondGRepair.com 20 | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
helping the relative, claiming to Grand Junction be in immediate financial need. residents targeted To protect yourself from financial scams, consider the following in surge of financial precautions: scams 1. Educate yourself about common
T
he Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) continues to receive reports of local residents becoming targets of financial scams. These scams take various forms, such as phishing emails, fraudulent software updates and identity theft. Annually, millions of Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud, resulting in substantial financial losses. Scammers continuously enhance their tactics, working in teams and creating a sense of urgency. It’s imperative for individuals to remain vigilant and informed. GJPD presents the following tips on recognizing and safeguarding oneself against financial scams.
COMMON TYPES OF FINANCIAL SCAMS: 1. Tech support scams: Scammers pose as technical support representatives from legitimate companies, tricking victims into believing they have a computer issues. These scammers gain remote access to victims’ devices and sensitive information, extorting thousands of dollars. 2. Phishing scams: Scammers often use deceptive emails, messages or phone calls to trick victims into disclosing personal and financial information. 3. Warrant scams: Scammers claim to be a member of law enforcement or a government agency, threatening to arrest or prosecute victims unless they provide money. 4. Grandparent scams: Scammers pose as a relative or someone
scams and end all communication with the perpetrators. 2. Talk to your friends and family and warn them about the various scams. 3. Resist the pressure to act quickly. 4. Verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you. If it seems fishy, it probably is. 5. Be cautious with personal and financial information. Use strong and unique passwords. 6. NEVER give or send personally identifiable information, money, gift cards, checks or wire money to unverified people or businesses, even in person. Gift cards should only be purchased as gifts or utilized for their intended purpose when shopping. 7. Be careful what you download or open. Never open an email attachment from someone you don’t know and be wary of email attachments or computer popups. 8. Be cautious of people at your door claiming to technical support. It’s okay to send them away and verify the person is who they say they are. Call or visit the company yourself before taking a phone number from a person you haven’t verified. If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a financial scam, report it immediately to your banking institution and call GJPD at 970-549-5000. Citizens who fall victim to any financial scams may also report them to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. ■
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Ethical Wills:
For passing on values, not valuables By Alan Bergman
I
t’s truly remarkable how often, in my work as a personal historian, I have heard sentiments like, “I wish I had…” and “I should have...” These comments come from adult children who have lost one or both parents and now deeply regret not learning more about their parents’ lives when they had the opportunity. I share this woe, having never inquired about my dad’s experiences in battle during his U.S. Navy service in World War II or questioned why my great-grandmother got divorced in an era when such a decision was considered scandalous. That ship has long sailed. While we may have missed the chance to capture part of our parents’ history, we can still preserve a piece of ourselves for our loved ones.
THE ETHICAL WILL MAY BE THE PERFECT VEHICLE TO BEQUEATH YOUR LOVE, VALUES, WISDOM AND GUIDANCE. The ethical will serves as a tool to communicate our love and pass on our beliefs, life lessons, legacy, wishes and personal philosophy down to our children and grandchildren, a spouse or friends. Unlike a legal will, it doesn’t involve tangible assets and is not a legal document. The ethical will can take many forms. Also known as a legacy letter, it’s often created as a written document, but it can also be an audio or audio-visual file. Some draft it as a single sheet of paper, while others write the equivalent of a short book. The ethical will, at times, serves as the final chapter of the life stories I help author. The rule is there are no rules.
The ethical will reflects the voice of the heart and the sage wisdom gained from years of experience. Some examples of ethical will prompts include: • The most important things I learned from my parents • Why I fell in love with your mother/father • My world changed with your birth because… • The most valuable life lessons I can pass on • It is essential to always remember… • I am most grateful for and most proud of… • I would like to ask forgiveness from… • If you encounter difficult times, I hope you will…
Caring for the Whole Person We are a skilled nursing community offering person-centered rehabilitation. Dedicated to enhancing the lives of those we serve. Long-Term Care: Our residents are our number-one priority. We’re always looking for ways to make individuals feel at home and to help their families feel welcome. Our facility is staffed with licensed nurses 24/7, giving families peace of mind knowing that their loved one is well cared for. Hospice Care: We work closely with hospice organizations to provide residents with comfort and love in their time of need, including spiritual care and additional support for family members.
Skilled Rehabilitation: Our experienced therapists offer the highest level of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to help our residents attain their optimal functioning level. Afterwards, we’ll assist them in making the transition to long-term care or back home. Respite Care: For families taking care of a loved one, we offer respite care as availability allows. Whether you’re going on vacation or just needing a week of rest, we would be more than happy to care for your loved one.
• If I could live my life over… Surprisingly, for many of us, communicating these items via the ethical will is far easier than doing it verbally in person. The original ethical wills, said to date back some 800 years, were transmitted only orally. Notably, the ethical will does not necessarily need to be opened or shared following death. Since it has no legal ramifications, it can be viewed while the writer is very much alive and well. Some people update their ethical will on an annual basis. The ethical will may be the perfect vehicle to bequeath your love, values, wisdom, and guidance. Do not let this opportunity go unfulfilled. ■ Alan Bergman is a personal historian-biographer. He is a senior and the founder of Life Stories Preserved, LLC, and can be reached at AB@LifeStoriesPreserved.net
Call today and talk to one of our Professional Care Experts! 2425 Teller Avenue • Grand Junction, CO 970-243-3381 • EagleRidgePA.com
Have something to sell or a service to offer? List it in the BEACON Classifieds! Call Stacey at 970-243-8829 Kick off your 2024 RESOLUTION with help from Senior Real Estate Experts! We understand the unique challanges of moving when you are older. We will partner with you every step of the way and take care of the details so you don’t have to. Kristie Gerber, SRES
970-216-2541
kristiegerber@gmail.com
Carol Gerber, SRES
Over 20 years of working with Seniors! Each Keller Williams brokerage is independently owned and operated
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GROW WILD
Nourish your garden’s hidden heroes A guide to caring for soil microbes L
ike all living beings, bacteria and fungus need food, water and shelter. In last month’s Grow Wild article, we explored how microbes function in garden soil and how they benefit future gardens. This month, we’ll explore various approaches to cultivating soil microbes and fostering their presence in your garden.
bacteria, fungi and protozoa but also attracts beneficial insects for pollination and pest control. To maximize microbial benefits, rotate vegetable crops to different areas of the garden each year.
MAINTAINING OPTIMAL MOISTURE LEVELS IS CRUCIAL FOR BOTH SOIL MICROBES AND PLANTS.
Preserve the roots. Soil microbes thrive on decaying plant material. After harvest, make sure to cut down stems, branches and unused plant material and lay it on the surface of your garden, but leave the roots in the soil. Avoid uprooting plants entirely, as the roots preserve the microbial populations that have been nurtured throughout the growing season. Decaying roots are also a valuable food source for microbes under the soil unless the plant is diseased, in which case, they should get cut down and removed. Diversify your garden. A diverse array of crops serves as a crucial
credit: freepik.com
FEED THEM
food source for soil microbes, as each plant releases different sugars through its roots to feed a varied population of microbes. It’s wise to plant 12-15 different cover crop species to enhance microbe feedstock
diversity. Homeowners usually grow a variety of crops, including trees, shrubs, flowering plants and other landscaping. Research indicates that a garden surrounded by diverse vegetation not only supports more
Companion planting. Introducing a mix of plants such as legumes, mustards, radishes and even grains like wheat and barley throughout the garden also feeds the soil. Even if these plants don’t get eaten, leaving them in the soil at the end of the season adds valuable organic matter. Use natural fertilizers. Natural fertilizers such as kelp and bonemeal are nourishing for microbes and their intended crops. Chemically derived fertilizers can have detrimental effects on soil inhabitants. Additionally, many chemical fertilizers are salt-based, which can
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GROW WILD adversely impact the microbial environment.
WATER Assess irrigation. Allowing the soil to go bone dry can kill bacteria and other microorganisms, while flooding the soil makes it hard for them to breathe. Maintaining optimal moisture levels is crucial for both soil microbes and plants, with the preferred range being around 40-70%. Use moisture probes to assess your irrigation needs, or simply dig around plants with a small shovel. Ideally, the soil should exhibit enough moisture to form a ball when squeezed, without water visibly coming out. Mulching. Mulched soils retain moisture more effectively than bare ground. Plus, leaves and straw breaks down into organic matter and also becomes a food source for the microbes. Avoid soil compaction in the garden, as compacted soil limits water infiltration. Never walk in the garden after a heavy rain, and don’t leave equipment on the soil overnight in growing areas. The cultivation of a diverse array of crops, particularly those with thick or long roots like radishes, wheat or barley, helps create water channels as their decomposed roots leave spaces in the soil, further enhancing water absorption and soil aeration.
SHELTER Plant cover. Ensuring continuous plant cover in your garden is essential for fostering a thriving microbial community. After harvesting crops like carrots or beets, consider planting other short-season or cover crop varieties in their place, especially if you leave the tops in the garden. This practice also helps regulate soil temperatures. In
addition to mulch, plants provide shade, creating a favorable environment for microbes by preventing extremes in soil temperature. Do not disturb. Reducing the amount of soil disturbance benefits soil microbiology. Tilling the soil shreds up fungal networks and nematodes. Turning up soil exposes bacteria to UV rays, killing them. As microbial populations build and secrete glomalin, the soil will begin to cling together and create good soil structure that has porosity.
ADD MORE MICROBES Start a compost pile. The best source of microbes comes from homemade compost. Incorporating a variety of food waste and leaves into the compost pile yields a more biologically diverse product, providing nourishment for our soils and crops. Worm composting, or vermicomposting, contributes to the diversification of microbes. Unlike traditional compost, vermicompost doesn’t require turning and doesn’t generate heat, so it attracts more insects cycling nutrients and enhances the soil food web. Animal manure harbors microbes that won’t appear in traditional compost. Aged, weed-free manure can be added to the soil in the fall or early spring, ensuring it’s incorporated before plants go into the soil. Microbial inoculants. While purchasing microbial inoculants is an option, it’s also a gamble. Some may adapt and thrive in the local environment, while others may not survive. To ensure the success of local microbes, finding quality garden soil from a friend or a well-vegetated native area and adding it to the garden is a reliable approach. ■
GROW WILD BY BRYAN REED
Send your gardening questions to Bryan in care of the BEACON, or email him at BCReed@ColoradoMesa.edu
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Snowflakes to savings
Economic insights by the snow shovelful By Harvey Silverman
L
ike every other kid growing up in the Northeast in the 1950s, a snowstorm meant I was up early sitting by the radio, eagerly awaiting the “no school” announcements. However, there arrived a point when a snow day ceased to be solely be about sledding and snowball fights. At the age of 10, I became an entrepreneur and learned my first lessons about business and economics. My friend, Mike, whose yard backed up to mine on the next street over, and I decided that during the next big storm we would go out and make some money by
shoveling snow. At last, the storm came. Even better, it was on a weekday, which meant our dads went to work and left the shoveling for someone else. I called Mike, who was enthusiastic and ready to go. Following a quick breakfast, armed with a snow shovel and dreams of earning some cold cash, I traversed the deep snow in my backyard to reach Mike’s house. He was already outside shoveling the front walk of his next-door neighbor. I promptly joined him, the two of us shoveling away. Mike told me that after I called, he had wasted no time venturing out, ringing the neighbor’s doorbell and success-
THE SNOW WAS DEEP, THE DRIVEWAY LONG AND WIDE AND THE JOB DAUNTING, BUT THE ALLURE OF $5 PROVED IRRESISTIBLE!
fully securing our first job. As we shoveled, I asked Mike how much we were getting for the job. “Thirty-five cents,” he replied. Thirty-five cents? That was all? The job had to be worth twice that—at least 50 cents anyway! How do we split 35 cents, anyhow? Lesson #1: Establish a fair price and negotiate an agreement with your business associate.
After a short discussion, Mike was convinced that the initially quoted price might have been on the low side. We agreed that, in the future, we would ask for a more easily divisible figure. Fortunately, our close friendship prevented any rift. We continued to shovel away, proud of completing our first job. After producing a wide and
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BEACON SENIOR NEWS clear path, we eagerly approached the door to collect our pay. Mrs. O’Brien inspected our work and, impressed by our efforts, handed us a half dollar since we had done such a good job. She even requested that we return after the next storm. Lesson #2: Always do your best work. A happy customer is likely a repeat customer. We went door to door seeking our next job. After a couple of rejections, we were hired again, having learned the importance of determining our asking price in advance. We finished that job and received our pay. We remained enthusiastic and off we went to find our next job. However, the landscape had changed—other kids had joined the scene, actively seeking work. We had competition! Now we were in a race for business. Some of these kids were older, stronger and faster shovelers. Work became more difficult to get. Luckily, we were first on the street. Lesson #3: Start early. Be first with the product or service. Approaching a house with an already-shoveled front walk, a man came out the front door and asked if we were seeking shoveling work. We were a bit confused by this as his walk had been shoveled. He explained he had shoveled his front walk himself but had to leave by taxi for work and wanted his driveway shoveled so he could use his car tomorrow. “I’ll pay $5.” The snow was deep, the driveway long and wide and the job daunting, but the allure of $5 proved irresistible! And so, we began to shovel. And shovel. And shovel some more. As the initial fun waned, our energy dwindled and enthusiasm dimmed, the piles of snow grew larger, each shovelful becoming heavier. The driveway now seemed to stretch endlessly. We agreed this would be
the last job of the day. Finally, we reached the end. Exhausted, we headed back to the front door to collect our pay from the man’s wife when we heard an ominous sound in the distance— the city snowplow. Helplessly, we watched as it left a dense, high pile of snow along the curb in front of the driveway. We finished the job, collected our money and headed home, too tired to even split it up. We would do that tomorrow. Lesson #4: Have realistic expectations. Don’t take on a job you can’t finish. Anticipate unexpected difficulties. I spent the remainder of the day watching TV, reading comics and generally doing nothing. However, the next day after school, we met up and divided our earnings. I had $3! Three whole dollars. Lesson #5: There is nothing wrong with hard work, especially when you get paid for it.
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The snow blower diminished the demand for manual snow shovelers, and landscapers equip their trucks with plows to earn winter income. There is no longer a rush of kids out looking for shoveling jobs. Lesson #6: Markets change. After several decades, I reconnected with Mike. Both of us have led happy and successful lives. We reminisced about our shoveling exploits and our joyous childhood adventures. It was wonderful to see him again. Lesson #7: Friendship is priceless. ■
ST. MARY’S ST. MARY’S
Community Community Connections Connections St. Mary’s Community Connections is seeking St. Mary’s Community Connections seeking volunteers in our community to helpisolder adults volunteers in our community to help older adults who no longer drive, with friendship and support who grocery no longer drive, with friendship and support with shopping, medical appointments, withother grocery shopping, medical this appointments, and errands. By providing support for
Please contact Amber Creek, Volunteer Coordinator, at Please contact Amber Creek, 970-298-9092 or Volunteer Coordinator, at amber.creek@imail.org 970-298-9092 or amber.creek@imail.org
and or other errands. By providing this support two three hours once a week, you will helpfor with two or three their hoursability once to a week, you will help with maintaining live independently. maintaining their ability to live independently.
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | 25
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
A chicken in every pot, broth for every day By Allison St. Claire
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Otolaryngology Services • Airway Obstruction • Cosmetic Surgery Dr. Zhou is now • Ear Disorders accepting new and • Head and Neck Cancer • Hearing Loss existing patients. • Vertigo 970-245-2400 • Nasal Obstruction • Salivary Gland Disorders • Sinusitis and Nasal Polyps • Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea • Thyroid and Parathyroid Disorders • Voice and Swallowing Disorders
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or fifty years, the trusted experts at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, P.C., have been providing advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment services for a variety of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. We are fully equipped to address both acute and chronic issues, as well as allergy testing to identify the cause of persistent symptoms. We also use the latest in advanced diagnostic technologies. Our team customizes individual treatment plans to meet the needs of children and adults. Schedule a consultation on-line or call our office today to see how we can help you.
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26 | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
R
emember President Hoover’s famous slogan, “A chicken in every pot?” In the midst of these dark winter days, miserable flu season and the even darker times of a sluggish economy, a chicken in your pot and the healthful, delicious broth it creates is one of the brightest foods you can make. All you really need is a chicken or its carcass, and water. Hundreds of recipes call for chicken broth or stock. Only the ratio of bones and meat used differentiates them. I can’t think of a single vegetable or grain I cook that isn’t infinitely more flavorful and nutritious with some added chicken stock. There’s no need to buy store-bought, which is far more expensive and unhealthy. Unfortunately, homemade broth has been replaced with bouillon, which is perhaps the worst item on the market, as it is full of sodium and MSG. Some pre-made liquid broths also have added MSG and “natural flavorings” which are a negative for me. They are not cooked in the traditional way to gently extract the minerals, collagen and gelatin from real bones and have very little nutritional value. Plus, soup cans, as well as other food cans, are lined with an estrogen-like chemical called bisphenol (BPA) to help prevent rust. But this chemical doesn’t just sit there in the can lining. It breaks free and leaches out into the soup. That means you’re getting a secret burst of hormones with every spoonful. Mmm? Yuck!
START SIMPLE Use a whole chicken or parts, such as backs, necks, wings and especially feet. Yes, the feet are an extremely nutritious source of collagen! Every meat purchase does
at least double duty if you buy it bone-in. Meat closest to the bone is more flavorful, and bones make excellent soups and stocks. Really basic: Put chicken and a splash of vinegar (to help extract minerals from the bones) in a large pot and cover with water. Cook on the stove top at a low simmer, or uncovered in the oven at 170-180 degrees for 6 to 24 hours. Especially with factory-farmed chickens, you may want to quickly boil first to release scum that you will skim off. Stock 1.0: Add a large onion, chopped, at the beginning. Stock 2.0: Add vegetables. If you plan to toss mushy vegetables away or blend them as a base for soup and gravy thickeners, add two carrots, peeled and chopped, and three celery ribs, chopped, at the start. If you plan to include them in a bowl of chicken soup or casserole later, add during the last hour. Stock 3.0: If you like additional layers of flavor, at the start, add peppercorns for spiciness, garlic for added sweetness, two bay leaves for savory depth and parsley and/ or thyme at the very end for floral, herbal notes. Store broth in your refrigerator for several days, or save space by freezing it in an ice cube tray. Each cube would nicely flavor a couple of servings of cooked vegetables, provide a steaming cup of drinking broth, or provide a rich base for rice, quinoa, couscous, wild rice or other grain. ■
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Aging smarter: 4 tips for better brain health Dr. Greg Kaczmarczyk
W
e all have misplaced our keys or forgotten someone’s name more times than we probably want to admit. We tend to chalk up these momentary memory lapses to our busy schedules or even stress. As it turns out, occasional forgetfulness can be a normal and natural part of aging. However, these episodes of forgetfulness may also be a sign of a more serious problem with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s. The good news is there are some simple strategies you can implement that may help combat memory loss and keep your mind sharp, no matter your stage in life. 1. Exercise that brain We all have heard the adage “use it or lose it.” This is particularly prudent advice when it comes to keeping your memory and brain
function in the best shape possible. Examples of activities that may stimulate your brain include crossword puzzles, painting, reading or online brain games. 2. Maintain a healthy diet It is undeniable that a healthy diet can have wide-reaching benefits on a person’s physical health; it can also be a boon to cognitive health. Some research suggests that a healthy diet is associated with the brain’s ability to remember and potentially stave off dementia. To reap the benefits of brain-boosting foods, consistently reach for fruits and vegetables and include items that are high in mono- and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, nuts, avocados and olive oil. Try to stay away from foods high in trans and saturated fats, like cake, doughnuts and fatty cuts of beef.
3. Don’t shortchange your sleep The brain is constantly busy during waking hours, but while we sleep, it has a chance to relax and “detoxify” from the day. Scientists are learning that this process is critical to maintaining brain function, and in turn, helps keep the brain healthy and memory sharp. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep a night. Of course, everyone is different, and medications as well as underlying health conditions can impact sleep. Consult your medical provider if you are having trouble getting adequate sleep. 4. Get moving Regular physical activity can boost brain health. Most adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity weekly along with at least two non-consecutive days of strength training. But
set realistic fitness-related goals for where you are in life. Start with daily walking, or hit a nice bike trail. Always check with your physician before starting any exercise regimen.
BOTTOM LINE Always be mindful of changes as you age. If you notice abnormal or rapid changes in memory or forgetfulness, talk to your provider. There are many reasons for memory changes. For example, if you have had COVID-19 and are experiencing “brain fog,” it could be a post-COVID condition. Practicing some or all of these strategies might help keep you ahead of the aging curve. Remember, needing extra time is normal as we age, but you are still capable of learning new skills and forming new memories as you get older. ■
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | 27
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Driving towards independence
Family Health West’s driver rehab program gets seniors back on the road safely By Tabatha Stewart
L
ast year, Charles “Bud” Markos, 80, was facing an all-too familiar dilemma for many seniors—whether or not he could, or should, continue driving. Peripheral neuropathy had affected the lower part of his right leg, which left him with the inability to feel how hard he was pushing on the gas or brake pedal. The neuropathy had hindered his ability to drive for the better part of a year, and he had to rely on his wife Beverly to drive him everywhere. “Beverly was a real trooper,” said Markos. “It was an inconvenience, and it took away a lot of my independence and freedom. You don’t realize the importance of your freedom until it’s taken away.” At his wits end, Markos spoke with his primary care physician Dr. Joseph Salganik and shared his
concerns and frustrations about his diminishing driving skills. Like many seniors, Markos was afraid his doctor might recommend he stop driving for good. To his surprise, Dr. Salganik referred Markos to the Family Health West Driver Rehabilitation Program. There he met with Kaitlin Finch, an occupational therapist and certified driver rehabilitation specialist. Through a series of tests, Finch worked with Markos to determine the safest way for him to resume driving, and within a year he was
“YOU DON’T REALIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR FREEDOM UNTIL IT’S TAKEN AWAY.”
Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Breakthrough Treatment For Chronic Pain Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people every year. If you’re one of the many individuals struggling with chronic pain, you may have tried various treatments without success. However, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may be the solution you’ve been searching for. SCS is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of a small device, called a spinal cord stimulator, near the spinal cord. The device sends electrical impulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.
SCS is typically recommended for individuals who have tried other treatments for their chronic pain, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, without success. It’s a safe and effective option for treating chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, nerve pain (often shooting or burning sensations), failed back surgery syndrome, and inflammation of the spine. One of the major benefits of SCS is its ability to provide pain relief with few side effects. Unlike traditional pain management treatments, such as medication, SCS does not cause addiction or interfere with the patient’s daily activities. In fact, many patients report an improvement in their
28 | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
credit: www.freepik.com
quality of life after undergoing the procedure. The placement of the spinal cord stimulator is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes only a few hours. After the device is implanted, the patient will undergo a trial period to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. If the patient experiences significant pain relief, the device will be permanently implanted. If you’re struggling with chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation may be the solution you need to find relief. To learn more about this breakthrough treatment and determine if it’s right for you,
schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist at Family Health West Pain Specialists. At Family Health West Pain Specialists, we are dedicated to helping our patients find relief from chronic pain. Our team of experienced pain management specialists is here to help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards living a pain-free life. Visit fhwcare.org/pain or call 970.858.2239.
Find relief from chronic pain, call 970.858.2239.
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
“IT’S BETTER TO TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. DON’T WAIT UNTIL AN ACCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO TALK ABOUT IT. THEN IT’S TOO LATE.”
Bringing Health Care Home to You
back behind the wheel and driving his wife around. “I knew I needed to do something, and was afraid of not being able to drive again,” said Markos. “I didn’t know there was a program like this one that would help you adapt to new ways of driving and allow me to get my independence back.” The answer to Markos’ neuropathy was to adapt his car with hand controls, so it wasn’t necessary to use his feet to manipulate the pedals. Finch spent time in the car, with Markos driving, and taught him how to use the new adaptive equipment. “It took me five sessions behind the wheel, and I drove my car back from the garage,” said Markos. “Then I took Beverly for a ride around the block, and she was thrilled.”
we want to help them keep driving as long as they can. We make recommendations that most of the time make it safer for the driver to continue driving.” Some cases, such as traumatic brain injuries or amputations, are often referred to driving rehabilitation as part of a patient’s recovery and occupational therapy. UnfortuMedicaid/Medicare Certified | Local Not-For-Profit Since 2002 nately, according to Wohlgemuth, Nursing and Therapy Services not many senior citizens willingly Personal Care, Homemaking, IHSS talk to their doctors about their g Personal Safety Devices ervicin driving concerns. Now S elta, D Mesa, eld “Patients are afraid of whatServing their , Garfi ntrose nding o M Mesa, Garfield, u o r r doctor might say, and doctors are nd Su Pitkin, Eagle and a Areas afraid that an angry patient won’t Gunnison return,” Wohgemuth said. “They’re Counties both valid concerns, but in reality, www.summitwestcare.com talking about your concerns with your doctor could actually help you Grand Junction drive longer, and live a more independent life.”
DRIVER’S LIFELINE
Knowing when to ask your doctor for a referral to the Family Health West program can be uncertain, but according to Finch, it’s better to do it sooner than later. “Whether it’s the client themselves or family members who are concerned about them, it’s better to talk with your doctor sooner,” said Finch. “Don’t wait until an accident has happened to talk about it. Then it’s too late.” Finch recommends asking your doctor for a driving assessment if you are concerned about your driving skills, even if you have undergone cognitive testing. “Sometimes with the pencil and paper testing, people can do really well, or even do poorly,” said Finch. “But when you get behind the wheel with one of us beside you, we can get a real look at your driving ability.” For more information visit FHW. org/rehab or call 970-858-2147. ■
The Family Health West Driver Rehabilitation program is the only service of its kind on the Western Slope, and offers rehabilitation services to drivers with dozens of diagnoses. Drivers suffering from amputations, ADD, ADHD, MS, early stage dementia, stroke or diminishing vision can get referrals from their doctor to get training and support to continue driving. Jill Wohlgemuth began the original program, Shift to Independence, before selling the practice to Family Health West. She has been an occupational therapist for more than 20 years, and said there are less than 500 certified driver rehabilitation specialists in all of the U.S. and Canada. “Our role is not to take people’s driver’s licenses away from them, or force them into driving retirement,” said Wohlgemuth. “Rather,
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By Libby Kinder he holiday decorations have all been packed away, the company has returned home and the Christmas cookies are long gone. Then the winter doldrums can set in. What to do? Just a few hours away in Colorado Springs, we have a magical treasure right on our doorstep that offers a plethora of possibilities for play. So clear your schedule and head to the Broadmoor Hotel for a day trip or an overnight stay. “It’s about time that we treat ourselves to a little R & R!” declared Krista Heinicke, director of public relations at the Broadmoor. “Give yourself something to look forward to, the much-needed time away for yourself.” For a perfect day at the Broadmoor, start at Café Julie’s, located off the lobby of Broadmoor Main). This Parisian-style patisserie offers bakery goodies, homemade gelato, luxury chocolates and signature coffees.
After indulging in these culinary delights, it’s time to explore all the Broadmoor has to offer. Visit with the hotel concierge to review daily happenings and to grab a map of the premises.
STEP INTO TIMELESS ELEGANCE The historic artifacts, artwork, shops and restaurants at this five-star resort are second to none, and you won’t want to miss a thing. Check out over 100 years of splendor, including a 14-foot-high fountain adorned with seahorses and mermaids, a soaring marble staircase, cozy common areas and the ever-popular portrait gallery of former guests/celebrities.
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Take a free tour of El Pomar Foundation’s Penrose House at 1661 Mesa Ave. The impressive former home of the Broadmoor’s original “power couple,” Spencer and Julie Penrose, displays history and luxury. Informative tours are given one Saturday each month—a “seeing is believing” way to explore the legacy of the founders of the Broadmoor Hotel and to survey the lifestyle of wealthy Colorado Springs residents during the early 20th century. A visit here is a glimpse into a bygone era. A rare organ with 2,800 pipes hidden in the ceiling, an impressive art collection, original furnishings, a stunning crystal chandelier and the hidden wine cellar are just a few aspects of this incredible abode, with fascinating stories attached to each. “Not only are the house and grounds of the 1910 Mediterranean-style estate stunning, it’s also a place to learn the story of the couple whose legacy includes so many visionary and ambitious
destinations we treasure in the Pikes Peak Region,” said Erin Hannan, El Pomar Foundation’s vice-president of communications. For tour dates and reservations, call 719-577-7000. The Penrose Heritage Museum at 11 Lake Circle showcases the lives and legacy of the Penroses, who were both impressive entrepreneurs and philanthropists. “Visitors experience the history of the Pikes Peak region through an exceptional collection of carriages and race cars, as well as personal artifacts, historic photographs and restored films,” said Sarah Woods, associate vice-president of curation of archives. The race cars on display have all competed in the renowned Race to the Clouds, one of the oldest motorsport events in the U.S. A fun-filled scavenger hunt encourages visitors to tour the museum in its entirety to connect with the historical value of the exhibits. When the hunt is completed, a prize is available for the asking! The museum is a captivating way to spend an hour or two, and admission is always free. Visit ElPomar. org for additional information.
NATURE AND ADVENTURE! When you are ready for a welcome respite, head to Cheyenne Lake. Settle into a rocking chair in the sunshine under a bluebird sky to watch the antics of the resident waterfowl. Take a stroll on the paved path around the lake and drink in the incredible beauty of the mountain landscape. Simply breathing in the crisp mountain air in this
A TERRIFIC WAY TO FULLY EXPERIENCE THE BROADMOOR HOTEL IS DURING THE COLORADO APPRECIATION SPECIAL, AVAILABLE FROM JANUARY 1 TO FEBRUARY 29. setting is a balm for the soul. Are you looking for adventure? Broadmoor Outfitters offers a range of unforgettable experiences for all ages. My husband and I dared ourselves to complete the combo course zipline last summer—and what an adrenaline rush! Soaring over the forests, elevated far above the canyons and waterfalls of The Broadmoor Seven Falls, was the thrill of a lifetime. Staff tailor each activity to the participants and are kind and encouraging. Geocaching, bike tours, guided hikes and a course in falconry are a few of the other experiences available. Weigh your options at BroadmoorOutfitters.com. A ride up the Cog Railway is a quintessential Colorado experience. Gather your friends for a group rate and take the train to the tip-top of Pikes Peak. If it’s been years since you’ve been up there, it will look quite different now, with the completion of the stunning Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center in 2021. See CogRailway.com for tickets and pricing. A few other must-see destinations near the Broadmoor Hotel include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo.org), Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun (ElPomar.org) and the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame (WorldSkating Museum.org)—each a worthy sojourn for a firsttime or repeat visit.
LODGING DEAL FOR COLORADANS A terrific way to fully experience the Broadmoor Hotel is during the Colorado Appreciation Special, available from January 1 to February 29. The resort’s lowest lodging prices of the year are exclusively available to Colorado residents. It Includes complimentary green fees for golfers and outdoor tennis and pickleball court times. Though Colorado weather is notoriously fickle, winter days can be sunny and warm enough for an outdoor round. After you’ve worked up an appetite, find delicious and very reasonably priced three-course prix-fixe menus at several of the upscale restaurants as part of this special “Coloradans only” promotion. Find out more at Broadmoor.com/specialpackages/colorado-appreciation. Between all these activities, make time for some retail therapy! No visit to the Broadmoor is complete without a visit to its specialty shops, where the service is always personal and friendly. Boutiques offer apparel in all price ranges for men, women and children. Western and wildlife artwork, exquisite jewelry, fashionable footwear, home accessories and exotic stones and fossils are just some of the goods available. Peruse, ponder and purchase if there’s something you can’t live without. The fun is in the hunt! After your action-packed day, slide between the Broadmoor’s luxurious sheets or lay your head down on your own familiar fluffy pillow with a sigh of contentment. Push your mental reset button and bid farewell to the blues! ■
If you go... The Broadmoor Hotel 1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, CO For reservations: 855-634-7711 | Website: Broadmoor.com Sign up for the Broadmoor newsletter to stay in the know: Broadmoor.com/email-signup
FAITH
Service Times Service Times Celebration Celebration Service Service am Sunday 10:00 am10:00 Sunday Family Night Family Night 6:30 pm Wednesday 6:30 pm Wednesday
515 S. Dr. Hillcrest Dr. 515 S. Hillcrest Montrose, Montrose, CO 81401CO 81401 970-249-4319 970-249-4319
Where Passion here Passion for God and for God and for People meet…. mpassion Compassion for People meet….
Experience God's loveloveinina atraditional setting. Experience God's traditional setting. Sunday study: 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship: 10:15 a.m.
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Experience God's love in a traditional setting.
COME GROW WITH US IN CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP! We are… Family-oriented Inspirational Relational Sacred space The place for you
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E Niagra Rd.
He Wins By Will Sanborn
O
ur son attended the University of Oklahoma and is a huge OU fan (Boomer Sooner!). But since he works an overnight shift and sleeps during the day, he doesn’t always get to watch OU football live. Instead, he records the game to watch the next morning. I could hear him in his room one time moaning, groaning and grumping through the start of a game against West Virginia, as the Mountaineers took an early 7-0 lead. I happened to know that the Sooners had ended up winning the game 59-20, but he didn’t know that, as he had just started the replay. Of course he would find that out eventually, but in the meantime, it was worry, worry, grief and grumbling. I thought about telling him, but I didn’t want to spoil his fun. Ever feel that way with how things are going in your life? You’ve got financial stress, inflation rising; COVID, RSV and the flu rearing their ugly old heads; anger, hatred and division all around; crime, wars and any number of other conflicts around the world ready to boil over; elected officials who behave like middle schoolers; problems at home and work; and on and on it goes. Who knows where it will all end? What’s that old Woody Allen quote? “More than any other time in history, mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter
hopelessness. The other, to total extinction. Let us pray we have the wisdom to choose correctly.” You know what? The Bible has already given us the end of the story, and God wins. Jesus told his followers something once that confirms that: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That wasn’t spoken in some comfortable church setting with cushioned seats, nice music and lots of good friends around. Instead, it was the night before Jesus would be hung on a cross. It was the night before one of his disciples would betray him and most of the rest of his men would abandon him. The setting couldn’t have been more depressing, more terrifying. It was like the score was 500 to 0. But Jesus knew the end of the story. Three days later he would walk out of the tomb and bring to reality the promise that he had overcome the world. So when it all looks hopeless, how do you make it through? Humor writer Erma Bombeck gave one option: “When my kids were wild and unruly, I would use a nice, safe playpen. And when they were finished, I would climb back out.” Or you could put your trust in the one who said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” ■
TALKING DIGITAL
Are you digitally dependent?
How you can reclaim control and reshape your relationship with tech
O
ne of my primary goals for 2024 is to be more discerning in how I use social media and technology. My addiction to my phone became especially bad last year, prompting me to examine how my use of social media was impacting my moods. I realized that when I was happy, I wouldn’t touch my phone. However, when I was feeling down, social media was the perfect tool to confirm my biases. Regardless of how you feel, there is always a quote, platitude or stanza that can make you feel like you’re reading an affirmation or concrete universal truth in psychology or physics. An inaccurate absolute like, “You see beauty in people’s hearts, but the superficial world can’t see past your ugliness” somehow seems more valid when it’s presented in a Courier font over the top of a photograph with mist covering a vacant meadow. The challenge of living a connected life, whether through social media or the fact that we have to use internet-embedded technology for virtually every aspect of our lives, is that it encourages you to draw subjective conclusions from objective data. In the days of check writing and
using a check register to reconcile my bank statements, I recall keeping a “secret” buffer amount in my account in case I ever forgot to account for a check or a cash withdrawal. Today, we have debit cards and apps that allow us to monitor our account balances, expenditures and transfer funds seamlessly from anywhere. The ability to access information about ourselves and the world at any given moment can create a false sense of security when faced with impulsive buying opportunities. For example, when tempted by a $400 72-inch TV while grocery shopping, you can check your account balance on a smartphone to see if you have enough money. You realize you can afford the TV if you buy cheap starchy foods and avoid any emergency expenses. Another example involves using the fitness data on smartwatches. While some people may consult these metrics to alleviate guilt after an up-sized meal, the failure to consistently monitor their overall health renders these tools less effective than if you let your conscience guide your fitness and health. This year, I hope to use my brain, my emotions and my heart more
I REALIZED THAT WHEN I WAS HAPPY, I WOULDN’T TOUCH MY PHONE.
and technology less. There are many simple ways to cut down on your dependency on technology. Some of these steps can yield immediate benefits without a noticeable sense of sacrifice. Turn off push notifications for non-essential apps Alerts on your phone and devices can make anything feel like a crisis that demands your immediate attention. There’s no urgency in knowing the instant someone likes your post on Facebook. You don’t need real-time updates on package deliveries. Most people don’t even need to be immediately notified when they’ve received a new email. By turning off these notifications, you can regain control over your attention and reduce unnecessary distractions. Force yourself to take social media breaks All social media platforms allow you to deactivate your account temporarily without deleting it. This means that your entire social media world continues to exist whether you participate or not— and chances are, you won’t miss a
thing. Social media operates like a real-world soap opera: If you miss a month’s worth of episodes, you can catch up within the first 10 minutes of returning to it. Keep a paper journal There is something magical about keeping a paper journal. Unlike digital platforms that merely present facts, a paper journal provides an offline record for the information you choose to remember and document. While technology might serve as a factual archive of our lives, it falls short of deciphering the value found in the time, energy and purpose that can be gleaned from all that raw information. Increase your people time Go to church, volunteer for a non-profit, go on more dates, people watch and utilize the phone function of your smartphone to connect with friends for a casual chat or to share a joke. Technology should serve as a tool to make the mundane and difficult parts of life more enjoyable, not as a means to escape opportunities for improvement, connection or fulfilling genuine human needs. ■
TALKING DIGITAL BY ADAM COCHRAN
Send your technology questions to Adam in care of the BEACON, or email him at AdamC@TalkingDigital.org BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | TALKING DIGITAL | 33
BEACON SENIOR NEWS
Beware the 19th of January How to make realistic commitments in 2024 By Randal C. Hill
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o you make New Year’s resolutions? About half the folks in America do. But how many of us see our goals to completion? The answer is a surprising 8 percent. Before I offer some commitment guidelines that may help improve this single-digit success rate, let’s explore the history of formal intentions, dating back 4,000 years to the Babylonians. They observed a 12-day mid-March crop-planting ritual called Akitu. During this ceremony, citizens reaffirmed their commitments to their god, crowned a new king (or renewed their loyalty to the current one), settled debts and pledged to return borrowed farm equipment—a prudent practice in a predominantly agrarian society. Several millennia later, significant changes occurred when the reform-minded Roman Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar in 46 BC. The calendar officially designated January 1 as the commencement of the new year, thereby resetting long-established parameters. (January was named after the two-faced Roman god Janus, symbolizing the ability to look backward into the previous year and forward into the one about to unfold.) In America, early Christians viewed the onset of the new year as an opportunity for introspection, reviewing past mistakes and vowing to eradicate them in the future. Today, the focus of these resolutions has shifted, primarily centering on self-improvement, which might explain why they’re so hard to keep. The five most common resolutions include goals related to diet, weight loss and exercise; a commitment to reading more books; the pursuit of learning something new (such as a foreign language); saving
JANUARY
19
money and aspiring to be a kinder and more patient person. Another prevalent January commitment is to consume less alcohol, a pledge often made in reflection of indulgence during the holiday season. So, what exactly is a resolution? It represents a steadfast decision to do or abstain from a particular action, often aimed at finding a solution to challenges. Resolutions are not about grand, sweeping transformations; instead, they serve to address and correct one’s behavior. Do you have a personal list of resolutions for 2024? If so, consider these tips for making realistic commitments: 1. Refrain from using negative terms like “quitting” or “stopping” 2. Set aside sufficient time for reflection before creating resolutions 3. Keep things simple by choosing only one or two goals 4. Pick goals that truly contribute to your well-being 5. Opt for goals that are specific and measurable 6. Plan a month at a time 7. Share your goal with someone; it may help bolster your commitment 8. If you slip occasionally, don’t worry; however, if repeated, consider a less ambitious plan More than 90 percent of those setting resolutions don’t reach their desired goals. January 19 holds the dubious distinction as the most prevalent day for people to abandon their aspirations, cynically dubbed “Quitter’s Day” by some. You’ve been warned! ■
ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT
Life at Cappella: a new level of assisted living Story and photo by Tabatha Stewart
C
appella of Grand Junction is not an assisted living “facility,” but rather a community that provides its residents a comfortable, safe environment where they can thrive and live independently. Residents enjoy life-enriching activities and the opportunity to socialize with like-minded people. “We’re here to help our residents enjoy life to its fullest, with an emphasis on respect and dignity,” said Barbara Schumacher, move-in coordinator at Cappella. The community, located at 628 26½ Road, is beautifully decorated and includes a concierge, bistro, dining room and plenty of spaces carved out for socializing, playing games, reading or visiting guests. Cappella includes 66 apartments. Residents range in age from 70 to 103. Residents in assisted living can
Resident Melva Wilbanks, 85, and Cappella concierge Teresa Jackson, 66, enjoy the holiday decorations in the lobby of Cappella of Grand Junction receive various levels of care as necessary, but live independently in their own apartments. Memory care residents receive supervision and care 24 hours a day. All residents can receive help with medication management and activities of daily living, such as showering, grooming or getting rides to and from appointments.
Staff, or care partners, help with the smallest details, such as help getting the TV remote to work. Rent within the community includes three meals a day, with daily specials, as well as additional meals if the specials are not to residents’ liking. Weekly housecleaning and laundry service are also included, as well as internet, 100 television channels and resident activities. “We offer support whenever it is needed, but we want residents to do as much for themselves as they can, for as long as they can,” said Schumacher. Melva Willbanks, 85, said she loves living in a wonderful community with people she has come to know as family. “I love being in a group of people my age,” said Willbanks. “And there’s no cooking or cleaning that I have to do. The food is good, but not as good as my own cooking.”
Ruth Miller, 87, has lived at Cappella for two years and is an official resident ambassador, welcoming new residents to the community. “I love it here,” said Miller. “It’s my home. Everyone is so friendly and outgoing. It’s a wonderful place.” Cappella allows pets, although the resident must be able to take care of the animal themselves. They also offer respite care, where a resident can come live for a short period of time while their family members or caregivers are not available. Schumacher said many family members or potential residents reach out to her when they are first beginning to explore the opportunities of assisted living, and Cappella offers free tours or consultations. To learn more, visit Cappella GrandJunction.com or call 970822-7070. ■
ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY SUPPORT
I bring my gifts, experiences, and passions to build the community I envision for myself and my neighbors. I am Cappella of Grand Junction.
SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! 970.464.8322 A Neighborhood of
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BEACON GUIDE FEATURE
red hats
The sisterhood 50,000 BEACON FANS of the
CAN’T BE WRONG!
BEACON Senior News is THE VOICE of Boomers and Seniors in Western Colorado! IN PRINT Monthly Magazine
Walk the red carpet with some of the funnest ladies around
Living Your Best Life After 50 in Western Colorado
By Colleen M. Story
Resource Directory
Your Guide to Aging Well in Mesa, Delta & Montrose Counties
AT EVENTS
Colorado’s Funnest Boomer & Senior Expo! Grand Junction
Montrose & Delta
April 18, 2024 Sept. 12, 2024
H
ave you seen those senior ladies with their red hats flitting about town? Stop and talk to one, and here’s what she might say: “When I’m an old woman, I’ll wear purple…or pink, or blue, or fuchsia or lime green. I’ll throw on my 1920s flapper dress and parade down Main Street, twirling my umbrella. I’ll visit the chrome buffalo sculpture in downtown Grand Junction, and plop my red hat with the big boa feather on his head just to give him a little style.” “Later, I’ll slip on my best silk dress to go out for lunch with my friends, and top it off with a flashy tiara because I’m a queen. I’ll wave to the people who can’t help but stare. It may be my outfit that attracts them, but it’s my joyful smile
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that draws them near.” “Who are you?” they ask, “and why are you having so much fun?” “I’m a member of the Red Hat Society, which means I’ve permitted myself to get a little outrageous now and then. I’ve worked hard all my life, and I deserve it! My mature lady friends, won’t you join me?”
WHY THE RED HATS? The Red Hat Society is a worldwide membership group that encourages women in their quest to get the most out of life. Former IT Tech and current Red Hat Queen Kathy Guerrie believes wholeheartedly in this credo. “I remember the very first time I ever dressed in red and purple and went out with our group,” she said. “We all met at Starbucks that
BEACON GUIDE FEATURE morning and I was the first one to get there. I was embarrassed to even get out of the car until somebody else showed up with red and purple on. Since then, it doesn’t bother me one bit!” There’s a story behind those colors. It starts with British poet and children’s author Jenny Joseph, who penned the poem, “Warning” in 1961. It served as the inspiration for the Red Hat Society, as it begins: “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat
“They have to dress in red hat colors every time they come to an event,” Guerrie explained, “but other than that, there are no rules!”
PAINTING THE TOWN Guerrie and fellow Red Hat Queen Leslie Kiesler encourage all ladies on the Western Slope to attend the Red Hat Convention in May 2024. “You know how you felt when you went to your prom?” Kiesler asked. “How you were all dressed up and just felt really beautiful?”
“YOUR MOM USED TO TELL YOU THAT YOU COULDN’T BE LOUD AND CRAZY AND PARTY AND DRESS WEIRD AND ALL THAT KIND OF STUFF. WELL, IF YOU’RE A RED HATTER, YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!”
getting together and having some time to “forget all our pains and problems for a while and just enjoy life,” Guerrie said. Ladies commonly meet at local restaurants, but can also be found playing miniature golf, painting, axe throwing, making gift baskets and any other fun thing they can think of. “All of us are about the same place in our lives,” Guerrie said, “and it’s a way for everyone to get out and do things. Your mom used to tell you that you couldn’t be loud and crazy and party and dress weird and all that kind of stuff. Well, if you’re a red hatter, you can do whatever you want!” ■
EXPERIENCED.
Walk the Red Carpet on May 16-19, 2024
Register for the Red Hat Convention at Two Rivers Convention Center by March 1 Cost for the convention is $275, with an optional wine tour and tea party for a small fee. Membership in the Red Hat Society is $29 per year. Call Guerrie at 970-773-4956 or go to WesternColoradoRedHatters. com for details.
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Leslie Kiesler
that doesn’t go.” The poem warns the reader that if they expect an “old” woman to act a certain way, they’d better revisit those expectations! “Everybody is so attracted to what we’re doing and the fact that we’re having fun and laughing and giggling,” Guerrie said, “We can be outside of a restaurant on Main Street, and even the young teenagers will be sitting there watching us like, what in the world are these old ladies doing? A couple of us have just gone up and put our arms around the girls’ shoulders and said, ‘You can do this too! You can be a pink hatter and join in all this fun!’” “Red hatters,” as they’re called, are 50 years and older, but younger women who join are called “pink hatters” as their colors are pink and lavender. The rules for belonging to the group?
Lily Fitch
• Civil Litigation • Immigration
That’s what you can expect at the convention. This ladies-only event will take place at Two Rivers Convention Center May 16-19. Attendees will enjoy a jewelry-making class, a vendor area for shopping, dress-up opportunities, gourmet evening meals with entertainment and more. Best of all, it’s a chance to have fun and establish lasting friendships. “You have a group of sisters like none other,” Kiesler said. Outside of the convention, the three Red Hat chapters that are currently active in the Grand Junction area (there’s also a small group in Paonia) meet regularly for fun and to support the community. Donating to assisted living centers in the area, to the women’s shelter, to troops overseas and the Center for Children are just a few of the activities they’ve been involved in. Above all, the groups are about
For over 30 years, Burke, Holguin, & Smith, P.C., formerly Kain & Burke P.C., has specialized in providing quality legal representation to clients throughout the Western Slope. When you want personal attention, experienced representation, and the right solution to your unique problem, call for an appointment today.
970-241-2969 Colorado-Legal.com 2779 Crossroads Blvd. Grand Junction, CO 81506
Michael P. Burke, Andrew Smith, Stephanie R. Holguin
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | BEACON GUIDE FEATURE | 37
MONEY & SCAMS
Fortitude for financial resolutions By Karen Telleen-Lawton
I
f your New Year’s resolutions involve reining in spending, and you manage to uphold them well into the winter, consider yourself positively angelic. This article serves as your ticket to transforming from financial fret to savvy strategist and steering you toward your money goals. Budget. Living “within your means” means not allowing credit cards to blur the gap between
your income and expenses. I have occasionally directed clients to cash their paycheck, pension or Social Security checks and divvy it up into envelopes labeled with their monthly fixed expenses. Try this for a few months, and see how it helps your brain connect the dots between what’s coming in and what’s going out. Here’s a tip: One envelope should be a contribution towards bills that recur less than once a
Deliver Comfort this
New Year
You can help us continue to provide nutritional, home delivered meals to older adults in Western Colorado. Last year, we prepared close to 50,000 meals and the need continues to grow. Donations can be made year round. Give once or give every month. Please help your most vulnerable, older adult neighbors who are experiencing food and nutrition hardships.
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month, such as property tax and insurance. Pay off debt. Can you imagine initiating retirement with a clean slate? Paying off debt is a great way to start retirement. Whether or not you begin with the envelope system, make “debt retirement” one of your monthly budget items. You can continue to nurture a savings habit regardless of your retirement status—whether you’re already retired or still actively working. Cultivating a savings habit is equally crucial in both scenarios. Save for emergencies. Even low inflation can wreak havoc on a budget. Make sure you have an emergency fund to cover several months of expenses, in case your income is delayed or halted. Recent research out of University of Colorado Boulder shows that an emergency fund of just $2,500 can mean “muddling through versus falling off a cliff.”
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If you don’t have such a fund, direct your bank to move regular amounts to your savings account each month until it’s at least $2,500. This small safety net can protect you from borrowing on your credit cards at an exorbitant rate; therefore, it comes even before paying off credit card debt. Invest. Upon retiring, it’s tempting for some to put everything in cash and bonds. However, most of us can’t afford this over the long term. Inflation often eats away more than fixed income returns, making it essential to consider maintaining or increasing purchasing power through stocks and diverse investments. Crafting a well-balanced asset allocation is crucial, requiring a discerning evaluation of your goals and risk tolerance. Increase your income. If you and your partner have very differ-
MONEY & SCAMS ent goals and tolerances, you’ll have to find a way to compromise. For instance, design your budget so that your basic expenses are more than covered by your fixed income (from basic salary, Social Security or pensions). Income above this amount can be allotted towards variable expenses, goals and desirables. If your budget is teetering on the edge of affordability, keep up or develop marketable skills. No matter how small a community you live in, you can take online courses. Many career-oriented courses are free. Try classes through Stanford University or Coursera.org. Manage your personal risk. Just because you retire doesn’t mean you’re immune to risk. Mitigate personal risk through prudent actions and consider insurance for unforeseeable catastrophes. An effective strategy involves maximizing the value of your Social Security. Stay in the workforce until you accumulate 35 years of work history, and if feasible, delay collecting benefits until age 70. Waiting allows your benefit to increase, coupled with any declared cost of living increases, from your Full Retirement Age to age 70. This approach ensures a more robust and stable financial foundation during your retirement years. Get your affairs in order. As we age, the likelihood of accidents or health issues interfering with our ability to conclude our affairs increases. It’s crucial to proactively address this reality by creating
a comprehensive will and estate plan. Take the time to connect with individuals with whom you have unfinished business. Cultivate a life network. Choose healthy relationships with people who support your best self. Express your gratitude when this happens. Dare to seek help when you feel overwhelmed. Signs that you may need a financial partner include: • Paying only the minimum on your credit card or using one credit card to pay off another • Shrinking cash accounts • Piles of overdue bills • Delaying needed maintenance, whether on yourself, your car or home. If these are happening to you, a fee-only planner can keep you from making big mistakes. Alternatively, check out these sources: • National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) • Financial Counseling Association of America (fcaa.org) • Financial Planning Association (financialplanningassociation. org) • “You and Your Money,” a personal finance book by Stanford professor emeritus Henry E. Riggs • Budgeting software • Personal goal setting Regardless of your current circumstances, celebrate your achievements by taking the first step to turn things around. Make 2024 the year of positive change. ■
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MeSa County
CALENDAR
January 1
January 5
Participate in a lively bingo night at Base Camp Beer Works. Enjoy a themed and eclectic playlist paired with fun and challenging clues to fill your bingo card, with chances to win prizes in each round! 6:30 p.m. | 2575 Highway 6 & 50 | Free | basecampbeerworks.com | 970-462-7411
Afroman, the iconic rapper known for hits like “Because I Got High” and “Colt 45,” is set to ignite the stage at Mesa Theater with his infectious beats and witty lyrics. 8 p.m. | 538 Main St. | $25 | mesatheater.com | 970-773-1775
Musical Bingo
January 3 New-to-Medicare 101
Learn when and how to sign up for Medicare, what Part A and Part B cover, how to choose the best health and drug plan and more in this free seminar at Mesa County RSVP SHIP. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 422 White Ave. | Free | mesacountyrsvp.org | 970-243-9839
Afroman
January 6 & 17
Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic
Is your dog or cat up-to-date on their vaccines? If not, sign up to reserve your spot at Roice-Hurst Humane Society’s low-cost clinic. Appointment slots are limited, and prepayment of the exam fee is required to hold your place. Various Times | 632 28 Road | $16+ | rhhumanesociety.org | 970-4347337
January 6
teaches a method that is simple and easy to understand in this nine-week class at the Art Center. All skill levels are welcome! 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 1803 N. 7th St. | $207 (non-members) | gjartcenter. org | 970-243-7337
January 9
Lecture Series: Laws, Plumbing and Snow
Join Hannah Holm, associate director for policy at American Rivers, for a virtual lecture and discussion of the forces that shape flows on the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers. A link to join will be sent before the event. 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | coloradocanyonsassociation.org | 970-263-7902
January 11
Cinderella Ballet
January 5
First Friday at Angelo’s Pottery
Paint pottery at your own pace while enjoying wine and beer. Must RSVP online. Prices vary depending on pottery choice. 6-8:30 p.m. | 2478 Patterson Rd. | Various prices | gjangelos.com | 970-243-0886
As the curtain rises, witness the enchanting tale of Cinderella unfold through the artistry of Dance Works’ talented performers. Immerse yourself in a world of graceful movements and captivating storytelling for all ages in this timeless classic children’s ballet at CMU’s Robinson Theatre. 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. | 1100 North Ave. | $20-25 | danceworksgj.com | 970-243-5954
January 8
Oil Painting
This class is open to anyone interested in learning how to create a beautiful oil painting. Instructor Dan Loge
January 11
Nature’s Geometry: Succulents
Join the Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society for a free presentation at the Unitarian Universalist Church, featuring photographer and naturalist Russel Ray. After the presentation, there will be a pictorial celebration of the Fibonacci sequence in the world of cacti and succulents. 6:30 p.m. | 536 Ouray Ave. | Free | chinlecactusclub.org
January 13
Nothin’ But the Blues
Shayna Steele has contributed her talent to prominent artists like Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti. With a presence in both television and film, Steele has lent her voice to soundtracks for productions like Hairspray, the Bourne Identity and Sex and the City 2. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Steele showcase her electrifying vocals, backed by an orchestra of world-class musicians at the Avalon Theatre. 7:30-9 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $17-$50 | gjso.org | 970-243-6787
January 13 Learn to Curl/Practice
Discover the exhilarating sport of curling in this fun introductory class at the River City Sportsplex. See why curling is perfect for seniors, as no bending or running is required. 1-3 p.m. | 2515 Riverside Pkwy | $15 | rivercitysportplex.com | 970-242-7465
Krimm-Hjelmstad Duo
Enjoy an enchanting night of music with the collaboration of renowned violist, Andrew Krimm, and esteemed pianist, Dr. Robert Hjelmstad at CMU’s Moss Performing Arts Center. 3-5 p.m. | 1100 North Ave. | $17 | westernslopeconcertseries.org | 970-234-5661
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iorNews.com nSen aco Be
2024
WHO WON THE 2024 BEACON BEST AWARDS? Find out in February!
This special issue highlights the locales you love the most.
40 | CALENDAR | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
CALENDAR
January 13
Cavalcade Variety Show
Watch performances by local guest musicians, listen to local poets and more at the Cavalcade in Fruita. 7:30 p.m. | 201 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita | $5-$10 | cavalcadefruita.com | 970-260-5413
January 15
MLK Celebratory March
Join Black Citizens and Friends in their annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebratory march starting at Grand Junction City Hall. The march will take place on sidewalks and adhere to all traffic laws. 3 p.m. | 250 N. 5th St. | Free | black citizensandfriends.com
January 15-18
January 18
To Stick or Not to Stick Curling League To Stick or Not to Stick curling league for seniors and night workers plays every Thursday at the River City Sportsplex starting January 18. See why curling is perfect for seniors, as no bending or running is required. 1-3 p.m. | 2515 Riverside Pkwy. | $15 | rivercitysportplex.com | 970-242-7465
January 19
Josh Turner
Listen to the deep bass voice of Grammy Award-nominated country artist Josh Turner as he performs his greatest hits, including “Your Man” and “Long Black Train” at the Avalon Theatre. 8 p.m. | 645 Main St. | $70+ | avalon theatregj.com | 970-263-5757
January 19
Film Screening: “Docked”
VinCO Conference & Tradeshow
VinCO is the region’s premier grape growing and winemaking conference, bringing together top experts in enology, viticulture and business. Enjoy networking, education, wine tastings and an interactive trade show. Register online and check the schedule for workshop times. Various times | 159 Main St. | $50-$250 | winecolorado.org | 970-464-0111
Catch an exclusive screening of “Docked,” a film that examines the plight of sheepherders working on the western range of the Rocky Mountains. Screening takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Church. 5:30 p.m. | 536 Ouray Ave. | $10 | grandvalleyuu.org | 970-257-0772
January 20
GJ Rockestra featuring Peach Street Revival
Experience an electrifying concert at CMU’s Robinson Theatre as Grand Junction’s only professional symphonic rock ‘n’ roll orchestra, with guests Peach Street Revival, brings to life timeless hits from legendary
Where will your next adventure take you? Let us help! Susan & Sean Forehand Dream Vacations
(970) 812-4096 LGStravel.com Your local travel advisor sforehand@dreamvacations.com
artists like Rush, Guns N’ Roses, Heart, Van Halen, Pink Floyd and many more. 7:30 p.m. | 1100 North Ave | $25-$45 | coloradomesa.universitytickets. com | 800-410-6287
Times best-selling author Adam Carolla for an evening of comedy at Mesa Theatre. The show is for ages 18 and up. 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | 538 Main St. | $35 | mesatheater.com | 970-773-1775
January 24
January 27
Mania: ABBA Tribute
Enjoy a night of ABBA’s greatest hits at Mesa Theater as Mania: The ABBA Tribute recreates the magic of ABBA’s music in all its glory, featuring stunning costumes, energetic choreography and impeccable musicianship. 7:30 p.m. | 538 Main St. | $35-$38 | mesatheater.com | 970-773-1775
January 25
Palisade History Talk: The Historic Crissey House This history talk at the Ordinary Fellow Winery by JoAnn Rasmussen will cover the rehabilitation and restoration of the historic 115-year-old Crissey House. Rasmussen will share stories about living in and rehabilitating the property on the National Register of Historic Places, what it means to be an amateur archaeologist in your own home and more. 6 p.m. | 202 Peach Ave., Palisade | Free | historicpalisade.org | 970-464-2177
Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class
This class at Hampton Inn meets the state of Colorado requirements to apply for and obtain your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CWP). Ages 21 and up are welcome to sign up for this event. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 205 Main St. | $70 | focusedfire-training.com | 886-3829111
January 28 Wedding Expo
Looking to renew your vows or celebrate your love with friends? Head over to the Grand Junction Convention Center for the biggest wedding show in Western Colorado! 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 159 Main St. | Free | grandjunctionconvention center.com | 970-263-5700 ■
January 26
Adam Carolla Comedy Sho
Join comedian, actor, radio personality, television host and New York
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MeSa County
CLUBS
American Association of University Women programs advocate for women and girls. 2nd Saturday | 11:30 a.m. | 970-241-9684
Colorado West Quilters’ Guild meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2452522
Art Quilt Association meets at Redlands Community Center. 3rd Saturdays | 9:30-11 a.m. | theartquiltassociation.com
Commemorative Air Force, Rocky Mountain Wing, honors military aviation at air shows and its museum at 780 Heritage Way, Gate 10. Call ahead. 2nd Saturday | 10 a.m. | 970-2560693 | rmwcaf.org
Bookcliff Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at First Baptist Church, 720 Grand Ave. Tuesdays | 7-9 p.m. | 970-257-7664 Bookcliff Duplicate Bridge Club plays at 636 31 Road. Call ahead. Fridays | 12:30 p.m. | 970-244-9989 Chatfield Country Kickers meets for square and round dancing at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road. 1st & 3rd Saturdays | 7-10 p.m. | 970-434-0868 Chinle Cactus Club meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 536 Ouray Ave. 2nd Thursdays | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | chinlecactusclub.org Citizens’ Climate Lobby advocates for climate change solutions. 970-250-4832 | grandjunction@ citizensclimatelobby.org Clifton Book Club discusses book selections at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road. 2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | mesa countylibraries.org Colorado Archaeological Society meets monthly. Call for location. 4th Wednesday | 4:30 p.m. | 970-250-7402
Fleet Reserve Association meets at VFW #3981, 503 Florence Road. Former, retired and active sea service, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard welcome. 2nd Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 970-434-0868
Community Bible Study meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, starting September 7. Thursdays | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | 303263-4391 | grandjunction.cbsclass. org Crafting Club meets at Clifton Library, 590 32 Road. 3rd Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | 970-434-6936 Cribbage Lite plays at IHOP near Mesa Mall, 2420 Hwy 6 & 50. Tuesdays | 5:30 p.m. | 970-201-7823 Daughters of the American Revolution, Mount Garfield Chapter, celebrates patriotism and champions education. Club meets monthly. 970-250-7401 Desert Vista Garden Club is open to all women. Call for location. 1st Wednesday | 1 p.m. | 303-6531941 Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Desert West Chapter, meets at Appleton Christian Church. 1st Tuesdays | 9:30 a.m. | 970-858-2002 Explorer’s Bible Study, open to all
WE DO APPRAISALS!
BUY SELL APPRAISE ★
women, meets at Redlands Community Church, 2327 S. Broadway. Wednesdays | 9:30-11:15 a.m. | 970-260-0880
★
AMERICAN EAGLE COINS Lewis Miller, Jr.
Amerecoins@aol.com | 970-640-3765 | 136 N. 7th St., Ste. E | Grand Jct., CO 42 | CLUBS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Grand Junction Petroleum & Mining Club meets at Grand Junction Convention Center. 3rd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | grandjunctionpmc.com Grand Junction Stamp Club meets at White Star Electric, 803 Winters Ave. 2nd Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-986-1502 Grand Junction Symphony Guild meets at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 271/2 Road. 4th Friday | 9:30 a.m. | sheri@mei. net Grand Junction Toastmasters promotes communication and leadership skills. Tuesdays at 6:45 a.m. | Thursdays at 12 p.m. | 970-241-1900
Friendship Force promotes travel and cultural understanding through home stays. Club meets at New Covenant Baptist Church, 3196 F Road. 3rd Saturday | 2 p.m. | 214-5362250 | ffwcolo.com Grand Junction Brush & Palette meets at The Art Center, 1803 N. 7th St. 3rd Thursday | 1 p.m. | brushand paletteclub.org Grand Junction Gem & Mineral Club meets at 2328 Monument Road. 2nd Thursday & 4th Thursday | 7 p.m. | grandjunctionrockclub.org Grand Junction Modeleers flying club meets at 427 Sherman Drive. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | gjmodeleers. com
Grand Slam Bridge Club plays at Redlands Community Center. Beginners welcome. Mondays | 12:15 p.m. | 970-2168807 | sharon7nt@gmail.com Grand Valley Kennel Club meets at Pawsitive Directions, 571 32 Road, Clifton. 3rd Monday | 6:30 p.m. | grand valleykennelclub.org | 970-256-1938 Grand Valley Pets Alive reduces the homeless population of dogs and cats. Volunteers meet at Church of the Nativity, 2175 Broadway. 3rd Wednesday | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-462-7554 | grandvalleypets alive.org Grand Valley Valor Quilters meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50.
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
3rd Monday | 9:30 a.m. | 970-2700804 | valorquilters@gmail.com
2nd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 303-5494398 | mesacountygenealogy.org
Grand Valley Woodcarvers meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Meets first four Wednesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-257-1549
Mesa Fiber Arts Guild meets monthly at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 4th Saturday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | mesafiberartsguild.org
Grand Valley Woodturners meets at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. 2nd Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-245-8817 or 970-856-3632
Military Officers Association of America meets quarterly at DoubleTree by Hilton, 743 Horizon Dr. 970-241-8714
Great Old Broads for Wilderness inspires activism to preserve and protect wilderness and wild lands. 970-986-8129 | marymccutchan4@ gmail.com Guitar Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. Mondays | 6 p.m. | revkevgj@gmail. com | 970-778-5473 Guys’ Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Tuesday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-3617478 or 970-270-6184 Humanists Doing Good focuses on good deeds and establishing community for the nonreligious. View activities on Facebook or MeetUp.com meetup.com/humanists-doing-good | jessebond008@gmail.com Kiwanis Club of Grand Junction meets at the Warehouse, 2565 American Way. Thursdays | 12 p.m. | 970-260-8664 Knights of Columbus #1062 meets at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 230 N. 3rd St. 2nd Thursday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-270-6162 Knights of Columbus #13621 meets at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 790 261/2 Road. 1st Tuesday | 7 p.m. | 970-640-3263 Masonic Mesa Lodge #55 AF & AM meets at 2400 Consistory Ct. 1st Thursday | 6 p.m. | 970-245-2277 | mesa55@masonicfamilygj.org Mesa County Genealogical Society meets at Koinonia Church. Call to confirm meeting time.
Native American Cultural Program meets at First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave. 2nd Wednesdays | 3:30 p.m. | 970433-4763 Newcomers Club welcomes locals both old and new with friendship and fun activities at Grand Valley Event Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. 2nd Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. | 419450-9438 | gjnewcomers@gmail. com Not Going Quietly, a space of empowerment and grace for adults 60+, meets at Koinonia, 730 25 Road. 2nd & 4th Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-433-7799 | cslgj.org Orchard Mesa Lions Club meets at the Eagles Lodge, 1674 Hwy 50. 1st & 3rd Monday | 7 p.m. | 970-208-7228 Questers, Grand Mesa Peaches, hosts speakers on collecting and restoring antiques. 970-256-9580 Red Hat Society: Feeling Good and Having Fun meets for fun activities throughout the month. Contact Lily to sign up for newsletter. 970-250-6966 | Lfitch50@gmail. com | westerncoloradoredhatters. com River City Singles, for adults over 50, meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 25 1/2 Road, on Fridays at 4:30 p.m. They also meet for breakfast and activities throughout the month. Call for schedule or show up at the weekly meetings. Fridays | 4:30 p.m. | 970-261-2232
Rotary Club of Grand Junction meets at Bookcliff Country Club, 2730 G Road. Wednesdays | 12-1:15 p.m. | 970-234-5030 Socially Active Single Seniors is a simple way to make new friends and have fun. Membership is only $20 per year. Meetup.com/socially-activesingle-seniors-grand-junction Sons of Norway, Vestafjell Lodge, meets for food and fun at Picture Ranch Clubhouse, 3251 E Road. 3rd Saturdays | 1 p.m. | 970-2605381 | vestafjelllodge.org Stand for the Constitution, an organization that works to defend and uphold the Constitution, meets at Appleton Christian Church, 2510 I-70 Frontage Road. Mondays | 6 p.m. | acelliott3082@ gmail.com Sunset Slope Quilters meets at American Lutheran Church, 631 261/2 Road. 2nd Wednesday | 9 a.m. | 612-2373491 | sunsetslopequilters.com Sweet Adelines, Grand Mesa A Capella Chorus, rehearses at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Mondays | 6:30-9 p.m. | 970-245-1837 | grandmesaacappella.com Thunder Mountain Camera Club meets at Western Colorado Community College, Building B. 4th Tuesday | 7 p.m. | thunder mountaincameraclub.org Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets at Grand Valley Events Center, 2400 Consistory Ct. Thursdays | 6 p.m. | 970-261-1670 Veterans Coffee Club meets at Western Region One Source, 482 28 Road. Wednesdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-257-3760
Veterans of Foreign Wars #1247 Auxiliary meets at 1404 Ute Ave. 3rd Sunday | 2 p.m. | 970-242-9940 Veterans of Foreign Wars #3981 meets at 503 Florence Road. 1st Wednesday | 5:30 p.m. | 970-778-8242 Women’s Giving Club meets at Springhill Suites, 236 Main St. 1st Monday in February, May, August, November | 5:15 p.m. | 970-260-6140 Western Colorado Amateur Radio Club meets at First Christian Church, 1326 N. 1st St. 2nd Saturday | 9:30 a.m. | w0rrz.org Western Colorado Astronomy Club meets at the Central Library, 443 N. 6th St. 1st Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-201-2865 | wcacastronomy.org Western Colorado Artists Guild meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-640-2751 Western Slope Coin Club meets at VFW #1247, 1404 Ute Ave. 4th Tuesday | 6:30 p.m. | 970-640-3765 Western Slope Model Yacht Club meets at Canyon View Park. Saturdays (April-October) | 10 a.m. | 303-503-3978 Western Slope Pickleball Club meets regularly. Call for details. 970-241-8561 | westernslope pickleballclub.com Wheels West Car Club meets at the Moose Lodge, 567 251/2 Road. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | www.wheels westcarclub.org Writer Chicks Coffee Club, a ladies-only writers club, meets at Main Street Bagels, 559 Main St. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. | melody jones@melodyjonesauthor.com ■
LIST YOUR CLUB FOR FREE! Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com • 970-243-8829 BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | CLUBS | 43
MeSa County 3 concerts for $60!
Community Concerts of the Grand Valley offers mid-season package. Buy the last three concerts of the season for one low price of $60! This deal includes reserved seats at the Avalon Theatre for The Suits (March 14), ABBAFAB (April 4) and 7000 Miles of Broadway (May 9). This is a perfect gift for loved ones, or even yourself! Call 970-263-5757 for details or visit the Avalon Box Office at 645 Main St., Grand Junction from 12-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday to
BEACON BITS
purchase tickets. If available, single show tickets will be on sale for $35 plus box office fees three weeks before the concert.
File your taxes for free
AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax filing services from IRS-certified volunteer preparers. Volunteers accurately prepare and electronically file your 2023 federal and state returns at no cost. Services are provided by appointment only and will be offered from February 1 to April 15 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Starting January 18, visit
Respect. Understanding. Sensitivity. Excellent Compassion and Care An All-Inclusive Senior Living Alternative • 24-Hour Monitoring of Health and Well-Being • Medication Administration • Assistance with Dressing, Grooming and Bathing • Regular Exercise Programs • Restaurant-Style Dining Room • Regularly Scheduled Music, Entertainment, Special Events and Outings • Religious services • We can customize a program to include the additional assistance necessary to promote and maintain independence To experience our residence please call us and schedule a complimentary lunch anytime
Duo has stepped up to fill the void and will be taking the stage inThe esteemed law firm formerly known as Kain & Burke P.C. is understead. With their remarkable skills going a significant transformation and rebranding. Now named Burke, and captivating music style, the Holguin and Smith, P.C., the change coincides with the new year, symKrimm-Hjelmstad Duo promises bolizing renewal and providing an opportunity to update the commuto deliver a fantastic program that nity on the firm’s exceptional attorneys, services and staff. Situated in Grand Junction, Burke, Holguin & Smith is a leading legal entity offering a wide range of services, including family, business, criminal, estate planning, real estate, civil litigation and immigration services. The decision to change the name follows a notable loss in December 2022 with the passing of the firm’s beloved founding partner, William H. Kain III. Despite this, the firm remains committed to honoring Kain’s legacy and emphasizing the contributions of its current team. The new name reflects the dedication and expertise of the existing partners, Michael Burke, Stephanie Holguin and Andy Smith. Explore more about Burke, Holguin & Smith and their legal services at Colorado-Legal.com, or call 970-241-2969.
Kain & Burke P.C. transforms into Burke, Holguin and Smith
cotaxaide.org/appt to schedule. Call-in scheduling is available starting January 22. In-person appointments will take place at 422 White Ave. Go to facebook.com/GJAARPTaxAide or call 970-589-3789 for more information.
Learn to Curl on January 11
Discover the exhilarating sport of curling in this fun introductory class from 1-3 p.m. January 11 at River City Sportplex, 2515 Riverside Pkwy. Sign up for $15. No bending or running is required. Stick or Not to Stick curling league for seniors plays every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. starting January 18. For more information, call 970-242-7465 or email tim_debmenger@hotmail.com.
Western Slope Concert Series announces new artists for January concert
AFFORDABLE
ASSISTED
LIVING
970-241-8899 | 565 28¼ Road | Grand Junction TheResidenceAtGrandMesa.com | 44 | BEACON BITS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
will leave the audience enthralled and transcendent. See this month’s Calendar page for details. Or visit westernslopeconcertseries.org
Due to an injury in the group, the Reverie Harp Trio will no longer be performing in Grand Junction and Montrose in January. However, Western Slope Concert Series is thrilled to announce that the incredibly talented Krimm-Hjelmstad
The team at Aspen Ridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Center recently expressed their gratitude to Grand Junction emergency responders through a gesture of appreciation—a cinnamon bun drive-thru. This heartfelt initiative served as a symbol of thanks for the ongoing support and hospitality provided by the emergency responders.
The Art Center announces Winter Adult Art Classes The Art Center (TAC) presents a diverse series of adult classes for the community, covering art forms such as oil painting, mixed media, pottery, sculpting and wheel throwing at various skill levels. Renowned artists like Dan Logé, Ashtonn Means, Robbie Breaux, Gary Andrews, Carole Langan, Matthew Jones and Terry Shepherd will serve as instructors. Additionally, an art history appreciation class led by TAC Curator Matthew Jones offers the chance to explore East Asian Art History while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. With most classes spanning nine sessions, early enrollment is recommend-
Junior Service League awards $30,000 to local nonprofits
The Junior Service League of Grand Junction (JSL) brought holiday cheer to 11 Mesa County nonprofits by awarding $30,000 in grants. These funds support family and children services, children’s arts and recreation opportunities. JSL members celebrated the impact of their efforts at the Grant Recipient Reception, emphasizing the joy of contributing to community. JSL awarded funds to: Wingate Elementary PTO, D51 Career Center HOSA, Colorado Discover Ability, Orchard Mesa Baptist Church Food Bank, Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, Colorado Canyons Association, Kids Aid, Reverent Rhythms, Clifton Christian Church Food Bank, Riverside Education Center and Steppin’ It Up, Inc. Over its history, JSL has given over $1.1 million in grants to local nonprofits and continues its commitment to volunteerism and fundraising. Don’t
ed. For details on dates, costs and registration, visit gjartcenter. org/classes or contact Matthew Jones at 970-243-7337, ext. 2, or mjones@gjartcenter.org.
Question
OF THE
Month
By Cloie Sandlin
What was your most recent Google search? Debbie Hatch “I was looking up how mule deer live through the winter and their life cycle. We have a lot of them in the valley and they live in our neighborhood. Those guys just stare at me and get so close to our cat they practically touch noses.”
Sharyl Peterson miss the chance to support their largest fundraising event, Viva El Vino, on April 27, 2024, at the Wine Country Inn in Palisade. For details, visit jslgj.com
“We make cookies for all of our neighbors, so I was looking up some new, exotic recipe. Somebody gave me a box of afterdinner mints and I wanted to see if I could find a recipe using those.”
Use caution when sending checks in the mail
If you write checks for bills, charity, birthdays or other reasons and mail them from your home mailbox or even from a blue collection box, you may want to rethink this practice. The United States Postal Service (USPS) reported increased fraud in 2023. Criminals steal letters directly from home mailboxes and even use stolen “arrow keys” to open the USPS’s public collection boxes. Then checks are chemically “washed” of the original writing, with a new recipient’s name and amount filled in. The USPS recommends going inside your local post office to send mail securely, sending it at your workplace or handing it directly to a postal carrier. ■
Jim Kortich “I am from Hotchkiss, so I was looking up directions to Enstrom in Grand Junction to do a little shopping.”
Ken Bingham “I searched for who had COVID tests because my wife has COVID. She’s pretty sick but she’ll pull out. We might just have to put Christmas off a few days.”
SEND NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS TO Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | BEACON BITS | 45
SUPPORT GROUPS CALENDAR
MeSa Montrose County & Delta A Course in Miracles, a spiritual self-study program, meets virtually. Call for Zoom link. Tuesdays | 10:30 a.m. | 801-369-8995
Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Alzheimer’s Association, 2232 N. 7th St. 4th Wednesday | 1-2 p.m. | 970-714-2875
Adult Children of Alcoholics meets twice weekly at New Life Church, 1350 N. 7th St. Wednesdays 10:15-11:30 a.m. | Sundays 4-5 p.m. | 970-201-2446
Dementia Support Group meets at Aspen Ridge, 622 281/4 Road. 2nd Tuesday | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970-640-7416
Alzheimer’s Association’s Persons with Dementia group meets virtually. Contact for Zoom link. 2nd Tuesday | 10-11 a.m. | 970-714-2875 Art of Mindfulness, a meditation group for veterans, meets at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 970-2573760 Compassionate Friends offers friendship to bereaved families at Messiah Lutheran Church, 840 N. 11th St. 1st Tuesday | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-434-3822
Gamblers Anonymous meets at The Meeting Hall. Tuesdays | 7-8 p.m. | 917-363-3719 Guitars for Vets provides a welcoming space for veterans to play together at Western Region One Source. An extra guitar is available to use during sessions. Tuesdays | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | 970257-3760 Head & Neck Cancer Support Group meets at Colorado West Otolaryngologists, 2515 Foresight Circle. 1st Tuesday | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-245-2400 Hearing Loss of America meets at Center for Independence, 740
Gunnison Ave. 2nd Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | 970-241-0315 ext. 29 HEARTBEAT/Survivors After Suicide meets at First Congregational Church, 1425 N. 5th St. 3rd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | 970-778-9274 Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Support Group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Monday | 4-5 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Loss of Spouse Potlucks are open to all who’ve experienced the loss of a spouse/partner. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share in a meal together at Brown’s Funeral & Cremation, 904 N. 7th St. Registration is required. 3rd Wednesday | 6 p.m. | 720-7489908 MACHO Men cancer support group meets at the VA Medical Center. 1st Thursday | 2 p.m. | 970-298-2351 Memory Café, for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, meets at Cappella, 628 26 1/2 Road. 1st Tuesday | 4:30-6 p.m. | 970-822-7070 Mending Hearts is for any adult who has experienced the death of a loved one. Call for location. Thursdays | 2-3:30 p.m. | 970-257-2390 National Alliance on Mental Illness meets at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1210 17 1/2 Road in Fruita. 4th Tuesday | 6-7:30 p.m. | NAMI WS.org | 970-462-3989
Be a part of the COMMUNITY difference! Be a part of the COMMUNITY difference!
New Volunteer Opportunities at the NEW New Volunteer Opportunities at the NEW James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center James Pulsipher Regional Cancer Center and Monument View Medical Plaza! and Monument View Medical Plaza!
Join the Community Hospital Volunteer Team Join the Volunteer Team andCommunity give back toHospital YOUR community! and give back to YOUR community! Greet patients and visitors patients andappointments visitors EscortGreet patients to their patients shuttle to theirparking appointments GolfEscort cart courtesy lot pick up Golf cart courtesy shuttle parking lot pick up Please call (970) 644-3541 or visit Please call (970) 644-3541 or www.YourCommunityHospital.com tovisit learn more! www.YourCommunityHospital.com to learn more! 46 | SUPPORT GROUPS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones meets in the conference room at Freedom Institute, 930 Main St. Thursdays | 6:30-8 p.m. | 970-2162232 | tammytway@gmail.com Overeaters Anonymous for people with compulsive eating and food behaviors, meets at Unity Church, 2793 Skyline Ct., Unit C. Saturdays | 9-10 a.m. | 970-250-8435 R.A.N.G.E., for veterans with trau-
matic brain injuries/memory issues, meets at Western Region One Source. Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-257-3760 Reformers Unanimous, a faithbased recovery program, meets at Landmark Baptist Church, 1600 Ute Ave. Transportation may be available. Fridays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-200-2510 S.M.A.R.T. Addiction Recovery meets via Zoom. Call for details. 801-369-8995 | smartrecovery.org St. Mary’s Stroke Support Group meets virtually and in person. 3rd Friday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970-298-1980 Tai Chi for Veterans meets at Western Region One Source. Wednesdays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-257-3760 Thyroid Support Group meets at Grand Valley Wellness, 605 28 1/4 Road 4th Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | 970-263-2661 TOPS for weight loss meets at Grace Point Church, 606 28 1/4 Road. Wednesdays | 9 a.m. | 970-523-0241 TOPS 209 for weight loss meets at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Road. Thursdays | 5:30 p.m. | 720-278-8537 TOPS 458 for weight loss meets at Community of Christ Church, 2880 B ½ Road. Tuesdays | 1 p.m. | 970-628-4981 or 970-852-5880 Veteran Spouses Grief and Loss ladies-only meets at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Pkwy. Wednesdays | 9-10:30 a.m. | 970-263-8986 Vets for Vets support group meets at Western Region One Source. Fridays | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-2573760 Woman to Woman cancer support group meets in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Reflection Room. 3rd Thursday | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | 970-298-2351 ■
LIST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP FOR FREE!
Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com • 970-243-8829
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Center Activities SPORTS Indoor Drop-In Pickleball
Registration is required for all activities. To register for programs, call 970-858-0360 or visit Fruita.org/parksrec/page/seniors
MUSIC & ART Jam Sessions with Mike
Come play, listen and learn, but most of all, come to have a good time with fellow musicians. No registration required. 5:30 p.m. | Jan. 9 & 23 | Free
Brilliant Brushes Painting Class
Learn new techniques in this step-by-step painting class. Register by Jan. 17 2 p.m. | Jan. 19 | $15
CRAFTS Crafts with Debbie
Learn how to make your own bath salts and hand salves. Register by January 5. 2 p.m. | Jan. 9 | $15
FOOD Meals on Wheels
Call 970-298-9844 to reserve your meal by 4 p.m. the previous business day. 12 p.m. | Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Senior Potluck
Bring a shareable dish or dine for just $3! Reservation required. RSVP by noon the Monday before. 12 p.m. | Jan. 11 & 25 | $3
Soup & Stars
Enjoy an afternoon movie and soup at the Senior Center. 1 p.m. | Jan. 18 | $5
Food for Thought
Reminisce about your favorite soups and stews, and bring your favorite dish or recipe to share. 1 p.m. | Jan. 29 | Free
HIKES & TRIPS Thrift Store Explore & Lunch
Indulge in a shopping spree at several fantastic local thrift stores in the area, followed by a delightful lunch at a location we’ll choose together. Bring money for lunch and shopping. Dress warm. 10 a.m. | Jan. 10 | $20
Hike: Highline State Park Explore various guided walking or hiking tour options, with trails ranging from 1 to 3.3 miles. You can also opt to stay at the Visitor Center and marvel at captivating photography featuring some of the park’s vibrant birdlife. 12:30 p.m. | Jan. 16 | $5
Painting & Pottery at Angelo’s
After the painting session, the pottery will undergo firing and can be picked up about a week later. Paint can stain clothing, so dress appropriately. Cost includes transportation, a two-hour room rental fee, and a pottery piece valued at $30 or less. 1 p.m. | Jan. 24 | $60
GAMES Play pinochle, board games and more all month long at the Senior Center.
To register for these programs, call the Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Department at 970-254-3866 or visit GJParksAndRec.org
SPECIAL EVENTS Vegetable Garden Planning
Unlock the secrets of successful vegetable gardening through insights into soil enhancement, strategic crop timing, companion planting and effective plant care. Bring a sample bag of your soil and a drawing outlining your garden space with square footage, allowing instructors to provide tailored recommendations to reach your gardening goals. 1-2:30 p.m. January 26 | 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. January 28 | Lincoln Park Barn | $12
Discover why pickleball is the fastest-growing sport among seniors. Stay warm indoors and play at the Bookcliff Activity Center. Begins January 7. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays | 4-7 p.m. Saturdays | 540 29 ¼ Road | $7 drop in, $50 for 10-punch pass
Senior Recreation Center activities 550 Ouray Ave., Grand Junct. 970-243-7408 Open to adults 50 and older 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Cribbage & Games 12:00 p.m. Canasta 1:00 p.m. Card Bingo
FITNESS 10-punch passes are $60 and interchangeable for Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi or Yoga in the Park.
Gentle Yoga
Develop flexibility of mind and body in this gentle yoga class designed tailored for active beginners and above. 8-9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Fridays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8
Line Dancing
Learn the steps to popular line dances. Each session unveils step-by-step instruction so you can practice each move at a gradual, slower pace. No partner required. Save money when you register for the whole session (January 8-February 12). 12:15-2 p.m. Mondays | 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $6 drop in, $24 session
TUESDAY 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Games 9:30 a.m. Pool 1:00 p.m. Pinochle Call 970-243-7408 before 9 a.m. to play Pinochle
THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Games 12:00 p.m. Pokeno 1:00 p.m. Rummikub
Tai Chi
Slow, circular movements, breath control and deep relaxation techniques converge to help reduce stress, anxiety and sleep difficulties. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesdays | 9-10 a.m. Thursdays | Lincoln Park Barn | $8
SPLASH Aqua Aerobics
Moderate intensity activities in the water. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays | Orchard Mesa Pool | $5
Pinochle (DD) Pool Tournament & Games Bingo
FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:45 p.m.
Pool Tournament & Games Canasta Bridge
SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Games 1:00 p.m. Bingo
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | FUN AFTER 50 | 47
Montrose & Delta January 4
CALENDAR
January 10
January 11
1-4 p.m. | 602 N. Nevada Ave., Montrose | $7 | 970-596-4252
Connect with others while enhancing your health and fitness through dance in this online class, hosted by AARP. The class features a wide range of inspiring music and can be enjoyed in sitting or standing positions. AARP membership is not required, but attendees must be signed into an AARP.org account or create an account to register. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Virtual | Free | local.aarp.org
Experience a night of high-energy roots music featuring soul-stirring harmonies, fiddle, upright bass, mandolin and guitar at the Sherbino in Ridgway. 8 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $15 | sherbino.org | 970-318-0892
January 14
Online Dance Workout Class
Valley Symphony Barn Raising Learn about the Valley Symphony Association’s future needs to ensure all generations have access to live orchestral and choral music. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks and voice your opinion at this informative discussion hosted by Valley Symphony Association at Delta County Performing Arts Center. 7-8:30 p.m. | 822 Grand Ave., Delta | Free | valleysymphony. net | 970-765-8323
January 6
Comedy at The Bridges
Laugh the night away with a dynamic night of comedy at The Bridges Golf and Country Club, featuring standup by two talented comedians. 8-9:30 p.m. | 2500 Bridges Ave., Montrose | $15 | 970-249-2886
January 9
Veteran’s Coffee at The Sherbino
January 11
Pet Portraits at Mosaic
Send in a photo of your pet in advance and get it transferred onto a canvas. In class, paint your pet with demonstration and step-bystep instructions. Snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided. Preregistration is required. 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 21 N. Cascade Ave., Montrose | $40-$45 | kathrynrburke.com
Stillhouse Junkies
January 13
The Ordinary Two & the Western Slope Whistle Pigs
Kicking off the Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center spring concert series, this alternative folk and jazz show combines expert guitar work with sweet vocal harmonies. 7 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $25 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195
January 13 & 27 Square Dancing
Join the Black Canyon Twirlers Club at the Montrose Lions Clubhouse for square dancing and an hour of workshopping.
January 12-27 A Walk in the Woods
Enjoy coffee, donuts and engaging conversations with fellow veterans. Gain valuable insights as Mike Trickey and April Heard with Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans share information on navigating the VA, housing, job opportunities, VA benefits and more. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | Free | whav.org | 970-7652210
Inspired by a real incident in 1982, this production follows two arms negotiators—one Soviet, one American—as they leave the negotiation table to take a walk in the woods. Witness the forging of a friendship under stressful, highstakes circumstances, and in the context of profound cultural differences in this play by Magic Circle Players. See website for times.
Various times | 420 S. 12th St., Montrose | $10-$15 | magiccircle players.com | 970-249-7838
Need a ride?
Krimm-Hjelmstad Duo
Experience an enchanting night of music with the collaboration of renowned violist, Andrew Krimm, and esteemed pianist, Dr. Robert Hjelmstad at the Montrose Pavilion. 3-5 p.m. | 1800 Pavilion Dr., Montrose | $17 | westernslopeconcertseries.org | 970-234-5661
January 16
Open Mic Night
Showcase your talent in anintimate and supportive setting at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center! Play instruments, sing, perform comedy, read poetry and more! Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m. 5:55-8 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $5 | gmaec.org | 970-8569195
January 18
Ari Hest Live at Healthy Rhythm
Experience an intimate performance by Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter Ari Hest at the Healthy Rhythm Art Gallery in Montrose. Many of Ari's songs have appeared on TV and film, including “The Path,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” “Private Practice” and “Army Wives.” To mark 20 years of making music, Ari released a retrospective album entitled “I Remember When” in December of 2021. 7:30 p.m. | 33 N. Uncompahgre Ave., Montrose | $25 | healthyrhythm.net | 323-270-6284
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970-249-0128 970-874-7334 970-240-4698 48 | CALENDAR | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
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CALENDAR MAGIC CIRCLE PLAYERS
January 18 Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Learn the ins and outs of protecting your identity and personal information online in this virtual event with AARP. Explore tips for safe browsing, how to recognize online scams and explore scenarios where it’s unsafe to share your personal information online. AARP membership is not required. Attendees must be signed into an AARP.org account or create an account to register for this event. 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | local.aarp.org
January 18
Literary Living Room: Peter Waldor
Enjoy an evening showcasing Peter Waldor, poet and author of 24 books, including award-winning works like "Door to a Noisy Room" and "Who Touches Everything." 7:30 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | $10 | sherbino.org | 970-318-0892
The MAGIC of Live Theatre
five featured regions of Colorado in this educational film screening at the Sherbino in Ridgway. A community conversation will take place following the screening. 7 p.m. | 604 Clinton St., Ridgway | Free | sherbino.org | 970-318-0892
SINCE 1959
Lee Blessing
January 25
Alcohol Ink & Pen Collage
Drink wine and have fun with alcohol ink at Mosaic! Wear something you don’t mind getting ink on. Snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided. Preregistration is required. 5:30-7:30 p.m. | 21 N. Cascade Ave., Montrose | $40-$45 | kathrynrburke.com
January 27
Mollie O’Brien & Rick Moore Concert
Watch vocalist Mollie O’Brien and guitarist Rick Moore reinvent and interpret popular songs from various artists in this fun, boundary-defying concert at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center. 7 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $25 | gmaec.org | 970-856-9195
January 30
Directed by Scott Pollak
JANUARY 2024
FRIDAYS JANUARY 12 • 19 • 26 @ 7:30PM SATURDAYS JANUARY 13 • 20 • 27 @ 7:30PM SUNDAYS JANUARY 14 • 21 @ 2PM A WALK IN THE WOODS is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, Servicing the Dramatists Paly Service collection (www.dramatists.com)
COME
MagicCirclePlayers.com • 420 S. 12th • Montrose, CO • 970-249-7838 • mcp@montrose.net
It’s that time again!
Our
January 20
of the
Watercolor Class
Learn a variety of techniques to create a snow-covered landscape painting at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center’s New Art Garage. Step-by-step demonstration and individual instruction will be provided. Students of all levels are welcome. Painters should supply their own painting materials. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 195 W. Main St., Cedaredge | $60 | gmaec.org | 970856-9195
January 24
Film: The Five States of Colorado
Learn about the history, culture, concerns and needs of each of the
Play WITH US
ONLY DURING JANUARY!
20% OFF EVERYTHING! 50+ Snowshoeing on Grand Mesa
Snowshoe on the groomed County Line trails on the Grand Mesa and have lunch at the lodge. Bring money for lunch or a sack lunch. Sign up with Montrose Senior Center. 9:15 a.m. | $21 | montroserec. com | 970-252-4884
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(970) 249-4430
1568 N Townsend Ave. • Montrose, CO Visit Us Online for More Information EnglandFence.com • BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | CALENDAR | 49
Montrose & Delta
CLUBS
Alpine Photography Club meets in room 100 at Colorado Mesa University in Montrose. 2nd Tuesday | 7-9 p.m. | apcmontroseco@gmail.com
Golden Circle of Friends meets at Montrose Senior Center. Bring lunch and socialize. Tuesdays & Fridays | 12 p.m. | 970-252-4888
Black Canyon Barbershop Chorus welcomes men of all ages to sing at Olathe United Methodist Church. Thursdays | 7-8:30 p.m. | 970-2101793
Grand Mesa Dance Club offers free dance lessons at Pioneer Town’s Stolte Shed in Cedaredge. The lessons cover various dance styles, including country two-step and swing. 3-5 p.m. | Mondays | 970-708-8333
Black Canyon Woodcarvers meets at Montrose Senior Center. Thursdays | 1-3 p.m. | 970-323-5860 Citizen’s Climate Lobby meets at the Montrose Public Safety Complex, 434 S. First St. 2nd Monday | 5 p.m. | 970-765-9095 | chapmanjanet@yahoo.com Crafternoon members knit and crochet projects at Montrose Regional Library to donate to charities. Thursdays | 11 a.m-1 p.m. | 970-249-9656 Crafty Chatty members work on craft projects at the Montrose Senior Center. Bring your own materials. Tuesdays | 9:45-11:30 a.m. | 970-249-7198 Columbine Quilters gather monthly at 4 Hilcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1st Saturday | 9 a.m. | 970-4623849 | paulalakecity@gmail.com Delta Hub-Wheelers Square Dance Club seeks new dancers! 970-773-4495 | deltawriter47@ gmail.com Digging Your Roots Genealogy Group meets at Cedaredge Library. Last Friday | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970-399-7674 | deltalibraries.org Friendship Quilters meets at Montrose County Events Center. 4th Thursday | 9 a.m. | 970-4174842 Fore-Kin Trails Genealogical Society can help you research your family history at the Montrose Genealogy Center. Wednesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m. | 970-240-1755 Gold Prospectors of America meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Thursday | 7 p.m. | 970-5969184 | wcgpaa.org
Montrose Area Woodturners meets at 17800 6400 Road. 2nd Saturday | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | 970209-0981 | aheadaviation@outlook. com Montrose Amateur Radio Club meets at Olathe Community Center. 3rd Friday | 7 p.m. | 970-417-6142 Montrose Family Search Center offers free genealogy help at 1521 Hillcrest Drive. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | 970-249-4739 | Montrose Historical Society meets at Montrose Events Center. 1st Wednesday | 7 p.m. | 970-2492085 | montrosehistory.org Montrose Elks hosts Bingo at the Elks Lodge. Tuesdays | 6:30 p.m. | 970-249-4852 Montrose Library Book Club meets in the library meeting room. 1st Saturday | 9-10 a.m. | 970-2499656 | lmclean@montroselibrary.org Montrose Model Aircraft Association fly remote-control planes every weekend. Beginners welcome. mmaa-modelairplanes.org | 970-7650599 | mmaaflyer@gmail.com Montrose Newcomers & Neighbors meets at the Montrose Senior Center, September through May. 1st Wednesdays | 10 a.m. | bethcav25@gmail.com Montrose Pavilion Dance Club hosts dances at the Montrose Pavilion. All ages welcome. 2nd & 4th Saturdays | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | $10 | sanjuandanceclub@ gmail.com Montrose Woman’s Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse August through May. Bring lunch.
50 | CLUBS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
SUPPORT GROUPS HopeWest Bereavement Book Club members heal through discussions about death and grief from various literature at Delta Library, 211 W. 6th St. 3rd Thursday | 2-4 p.m. | 970-8749630 | deltalibraries.org Caregivers Support Group meets at Montrose United Methodist Church, 19 S. Park Ave. 2nd & 4th Mondays | 1-2 p.m. | 970-240-3714 Caregiver Support Group Montrose meets at US Bank. 1 & 3 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Tuesdays | 970-275-2138 Caregiver Support Group Delta meets at Delta County Memorial Hospital, meeting room A. 1 p.m. | 1st & 3rd Fridays | 970275-2138 Caregiver Support Group Virtual meets on Zoom. For link, contact Laird@Family-Caregiver.org. 10:30-11:30 a.m. | 2nd & 4th Fridays | 970-275-2138 COVID-19 Grief Group meets at Touch of Care, 1100 E. Main St., Montrose. 2nd & Last Tuesday | 12 p.m. | 970-787-9988 Dementia Caregivers Delta meets at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way. Thursdays | 1:30-3 p.m. | 970510-0724 Dementia Caregivers Cedareddge meets at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W. Main St. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 1:303 p.m. | 970-510-0724 3rd Mondays | 11:30 a.m. | 970-9018743 Morningstar Therapy Dogs is a non-profit club promoting therapy dog programs and visits in Montrose. 2nd Tuesday | 6 p.m. | 970-5969343 | morningstartherapydogs.
Dementia Caregivers Hotchkiss meets at Town Hall, 276 Main St. 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 1:303 p.m. | 970-510-0724 Delta Diabetes Support Group meets at Grand Mesa Oncology’s Crag Crest room, 1501 E. 3rd St. 2nd Tuesdays | 2:30-3:30 p.m. Essential Tremor Support Group meets bimonthly at Montrose Regional Health’s conference room, 800 S. 3rd St. Call 405-205-9397 GriefShare is a safe place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief in this 13-week group that starts August 1 at Rosemont Baptist Church, 1598 E. Niagara Road, Montrose. Tuesdays | 6-8 p.m. | 970-249-4887 Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Montrose Regional Health, 800 S. 3rd St. Last Monday | 1-2:30 p.m. | 970252-2996 Stroke Support Group meets at Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. 1 p.m. | 2nd & 4th Thursdays | 970-765-2210 TOPS for weight loss meets at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta. Thursdays | 8:30 a.m. | 303-9154863 Veterans Coffee Cedaredge meets at The Pondy, 220 W. Main St. 3rd Tuesday | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Veterans Coffee Montrose meets at the Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way. Thursdays | 8-10 a.m. | 970-7562210 | whafv.orgv weebly.com Uncompahgre Treasure Club meets at Lions Park Clubhouse in Montrose. 7 p.m. | 2nd Monday | 970-258-1955 | uncompahgretreasureclub.com ■
LIST YOUR CLUB FOR FREE! Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com • 970-243-8829
FUN AFTER 50
Senior Center Activities
TRIPS & TOURS
Body Blitz
Cross-train with this quick-paced muscle conditioning class. 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays | 9 a.m. Thursdays
Most trips meet at the Senior Center. Get on the waiting list if a tour is full in case another is scheduled.
Pioneer Town Museum Tour To register for programs, call 970-252-4884 or visit MontroseRec.com
EDUCATION Square Dance Demonstration
Watch a square dance demonstration by the Black Canyon Twirlers. After the performance, come forward to learn a few simple beginning square dance moves. 1 p.m. | Jan. 8 | Free
Gray Wolf Reintroduction
Join Ryan Sedgeley from the Endangered Species Coalition for an enlightening presentation that covers the intricacies of wolf reintroduction and how to coexist with wolves and other wildlife. 1 p.m. | Jan. 22 | Free
MUSIC & DANCE New Horizons Band - Info Meeting
The New Horizons Band provides an entry point to making music for seniors with no prior music experience. Participants must provide their own instruments and supplies; however, help finding a suitable instrument is available. 9:30 a.m. | Jan. 24
Step into the past at Pioneer Town in Cedaredge. Wander along the rustic wooden boardwalks, where 25 meticulously preserved buildings span 6 acres. Explore attractions, including an Indian museum, blacksmith shop, doll and toy house, train depot, chapel, gift shop and the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway Welcome Center. Bring money for lunch. 9:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Jan. 11 | $27
Visit Main Street in Grand Junction
Beat the winter doldrums with a day on the town! Immerse yourself in the charm of downtown Grand Junction with shopping, restaurants, art tours and more. Meet at the Field House; bring money for lunch. 7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Jan. 16 | $21
Phelanies
Enjoy hand crafted cocktails, appetizers and good company at this Montrose speakeasy. Cost includes transportation and appetizers. Bring money for drinks. 4:45 p.m. | Jan. 25 | $15
Pea Green Saturday Night
Body Bar To register for programs, call 970-874-0923 or visit CityofDelta.net/parksrecgolf
GAMES Pinochle
12:30-3:30 p.m. | Tuesdays | $15
Tuesday Needlers
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Tuesdays
FITNESS Movement Medicine
Work your body hard, but in a gentle way! This non-impact classes uses various equipment to improve connective tissue and posture, restore neurological stability and balance, and enhance flexibility, strength and coordination. 6 a.m. | Tuesdays
Tuesdays Dance Fit
Burn energy, shake stress and show off your dance moves! 4:30 p.m. | Thursdays
Listen to live music and see a short comedy routine in Pea Green! Bring a snack to share if you’d like. Meet at the Field House. This trip repeats February 24 and March 23. 5:15-9:45 p.m. | Jan. 27 | $30
Pilates
Engage both body and mind as you learn lively moves and enhance your memory through square dance. No prior experience is needed, and no partner is required. 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Mondays | Jan. 22-April 15 (no class Feb. 19) | $50
50+ Snowshoeing
Circuit training for seniors with flexibility exercises. 9 a.m. | Monday through Friday
Jam Session/Sing-Along
Tai Chi for Health & Energy
Modern Square Dance
Each person gets a turn to lead a song while others play instruments or sing along. Spectators are encouraged to attend. 3:45-5:45 p.m. | Mondays | Free
Snowshoe at Grand Mesa County Line followed by lunch at the lodge. Bring money for lunch, or bring a sack lunch. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Jan. 30 | $21
FITNESS Tai Chi brings peace to the body, using controlled movements, weight transference, mental resistance and quietness of mind. 10-10:30 a.m. | Mondays | Donation
Get an entire body workout using a weighted fitness bar. 6 a.m. | Wednesdays
POOL FITNESS Aqua Movers
Jump start your week with a mid- to high-intensity cardio and strength training water class. 5:30 p.m. | Thursdays
Pool Power
Workout in shallow water to focus and tone problem areas. 9:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Body & Health
Enjoy a combination of aerobic and full-body workout in the pool. 10:30 a.m. | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Light-n-Lively
Build endurance and strength, designed for beginners. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays and Thursdays
Low-impact movements that improve flexibility, muscular strength and endurance. 12 p.m. Mondays | 9 a.m. Fridays
Senior Circuit
Move It or Lose It
Use simple hand weights to help increase flexibility, balance and bone strength. 9 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Silver Sneakers Classic
Strengthen muscles and increase range of movement. 10 a.m. | Tuesdays & Thursdays
Full Body Cardio
A full-body workout with water jogging, river running, jumping jacks and lunges. 5:30 p.m. | Tuesdays
Silver Sneakers Splash
A fun shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement. Suitable for non-swimmers. 8:30 a.m. | Mondays & Wednesdays
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | FUN AFTER 50 | 51
Montrose & Delta
BEACON BITS
New Dementia Awareness/Support Groups in Delta, Cedaredge and Hotchkiss
Discover new ASEDD (Awareness Support and Education about Dementia) support groups providing relief and support for caregivers and their loved ones. Join a community where you can share your stories and learn from others facing similar challenges. The groups meet at various locations and times. For details, call 970-510-0724.
PreventT2 diabetes prevention class
Openings are available for Mountain View Therapy’s next evidencebased diabetes prevention class, which takes place in early 2024. The class helps participants lose weight by making small changes to their diet and getting 30 minutes of physical activity. The program connects participants with trained lifestyle coaches who help them learn new skills, set and meet new goals, and stay motivated. Participants experience fun and engaging
• Cedaredge Group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at Grand Mesa Arts & Events Center, 195 W Main Street, Cedaredge. • Delta Group meets at 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Crossroads Senior Living, 1380 Aspen Way, Delta. • Hotchkiss Group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at Hotchkiss Town Hall, 276 W. Main St., Hotchkiss. discussions and receive support from peers. Individuals with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or higher, along with either a high-risk result on the prediabetes risk test or a blood test result showing they have prediabetes, are eligible to participate. Class meets once a week for approximately six months, followed by a six-month period of meeting one to two times per month, to help ensure lifestyle improvements are maintained. For more information, visit montrosehealth.com/ preventT2 or call 970-240-7369.
Use caution when sending checks in the mail
If you write checks for bills, charity, birthdays or other reasons and mail them from your home mailbox or even from a blue collection box for safety, you may want to rethink this practice. The United States Postal Service (USPS) reported increased fraud in 2023. Criminals steal letters directly from home mailboxes and even use stolen universal “arrow keys” to open the USPS’s public collection boxes. Then checks are chemically “washed” of the original writing, with a new recipient’s name and amount filled in. The USPS rec-
ommends going inside your local post office to send mail securely, sending it at your workplace for those who are still employed or handing it directly to a postal carrier. And don’t let mail stay in your mailbox any longer than necessary. Although Western Colorado has not been singled out as a target, it’s wise to exercise caution.
Colorado-themed PBS television series informs and entertains
Do you wish you knew more about this amazing state in which you live? Rocky Mountain PBS offers an original award-winning history
Western Slope Concert Series announces new artists for January concert Due to an injury in the group, the Reverie Harp Trio will no longer be performing in Grand Junction and Montrose in January. However, Western Slope Concert Series is thrilled to announce that the incredibly talented KrimmHjelmstad Duo has stepped up to fill the void and will be taking the stage instead. With their remarkable skills and captivating music style, the Krimm-Hjelmstad Duo promises to deliver a fantastic
program that will leave the audience enthralled and transcendent. See this month’s Calendar page for details. Or visit westernslopeconcertseries.org
nds e i Fr F r u r o Y Fr From at Home of the “No Crap on Tap!” 846 E. Main St. | Montrose, CO HorseflyBrewing.com |
52 | BEACON BITS | JANUARY 2024 | BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM
Available from our website, Facebook page or ask a server at Horsefly. It’s also printed on your receipt at Horsefly.
19 So. Junction | Montrose, CO Phelanies.com |
P.C. transforms into Burke, Holguin and Smith The esteemed law firm formerly known as Kain & Burke P.C. is undergoing a significant transformation and rebranding. Now named Burke, Holguin and Smith, P.C., the change coincides with the new year, symbolizing renewal and providing an opportunity to update the community on the firm’s exceptional attorneys, services and staff. Situated in Grand Junction, Burke, Holguin & Smith is a leading legal entity offering a wide range of services, including family, business, criminal, estate planning, real estate, civil litigation and immigration services. The decision to change the name follows a notable loss in December 2022 with the passing of the firm’s beloved founding partner, William H.
Kain III. Despite this, the firm remains committed to honoring Kain’s legacy and emphasizing the contributions of its current team. The new name reflects the dedication and expertise of the existing partners, Michael Burke, Stephanie Holguin and Andy Smith. Explore more about Burke, Holguin & Smith and their legal services at Colorado-Legal. com, or call 970-241-2969.
series, “Colorado Experience,” that explores the people, events and places that have shaped the Centennial State. Past episodes covered Jewish pioneers, Ben Nighthorse Campbell, women of the Santa Fe Trail, the Sand Dunes, Western American art and Colorado’s Cold War. Currently in its 10th season, “Colorado Experience” airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Rocky Mountain PBS (channel 8). Check online for a complete schedule of upcoming episodes. Every episode is available for streaming. If you have a good idea for a future episode, Rocky Mountain PBS welcomes your feedback online. For more information, visit RMPBS.org.
to a heart attack or stroke. Yet this puts them at an increased risk of major bleeding that might outweigh the benefits. Anemia affects 30% of those 75 and older. It can bring on fatigue, memory and cognition problems. A study of 18,000 older adults over five years had half taking an aspirin and the other half, a placebo. Those who took aspirin were 20% more likely to be anemic. Aspirin makes it harder for blood to clot because it keeps platelets from sticking together. With this protective barrier damaged, it’s easier for small amounts of blood to leak out, eventually causing anemia. Those who take aspirin and have anemia risk factors, such as inflammatory diseases like arthritis or chronic renal insufficiency, should ask for their hemoglobin levels to be tested to prevent anemia from developing and escalating. ■
A daily aspirin may lead to anemia
More than 40% of adults 60 and over take an aspirin each day to prevent blood clots that may lead
Question
OF THE
Month
By Linda Munson-Haley
What was your most recent Google search?
Anna Tewes “It’s the end of the year and I am always looking for tax deductions.”
Steve Johannsen “The last thing that I searched for was the Rolling Stones’ tour dates next year. They are one band in my bucket list. On June 20, they are playing in Denver.”
SEND NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS TO Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com
Maura Leslie “The last thing that I looked up online was about the sandhill cranes coming back to Delta. There are so many kinds of cranes! Who knew? In the hills around Delta and Eckert, you can hear them because they sound like geese with COVID. If you haven’t seen them, then it’s worth your while.”
Dave Hibl “‘Vernal’ is my recent online search. Online, Vernal is one of several unincorporated ‘neighborhoods’ between Montrose and Ridgway. Offline, a 1923 map of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad shows Vernal to be one of eight ‘stations’ between Montrose and Ridgway. The stations had no freight or ticketing service, so I concluded that Vernal might have originated as a stock-watering stop that evolved into a railroad station by 1923.”
BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | BEACON BITS | 53
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FUN & GAMES
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Come Home to Crossroads Retirement the way it should be
Crossroads at Delta’s 8 acre campus sits atop a bluff with a stunning view of the Grand Mesa. Move here at any stage of life 55+, and enjoy our campus as you enter a new chapter of your life.
crossroadsalc.org | 970.683.8044 ACROSS
1. Yokel 5. Young goat 8. Tibetan priest 12. Musical drama 14. Ancient Andean 15. Colored part of the eye
16. Data 17. Come off as 18. Feels off 19. Type of melon 21. Individual 23. Caustic substance 24. Aardvark snack 25. Sigmoid shape 26. Wide street 30. Welcome 32. Brit’s half-note 33. Power 37. Neutral shades 38. Big parties 39. Arena shouts 40. ___ in Seattle 42. ... but I could be wrong
43. Satirical dialogue 44. Jubilant 45. Sugar suffix 48. Hung. neighbor 49. Claiborne of fashion
50. Mild breeze 52. A book in which
records are kept
57. Olive genus 58. Afghanistan neighbor
60. Currency unit
in Nigeria 61. Not e’en once 62. Parks oneself 63. Big 64. In ___ (actually) 65. Ground breaker 66. Group of individual facts
DOWN
1. ___ Hashanah 2. ___ no good 3. Pinto or lima 4. Art Deco master 5. Had the answer 6. Diamonds, in slang 7. Humidity 8. Perjurer 9. Come up 10. “Amadeus” director Forman
11. Orgs. 13. Institution for mentally ill
14. So that’s it
20. Recolor 22. French summers 24. Sign of spring 26. Tsp. and tbsp. 27. Pill bottle 28. Feminizing suffix 29. Japanese-American 30. Bold 31. Loiter 33. Hammer parts 34. Second start? 35. ___ En-lai 36. Ballpark figs. 38. Thrive 41. Evangelist’s
Crossroads at Delta | 1380 Aspen Way | Delta, CO 81416
SUDOKU
suggestion 42. Flowing gently 44. Dance 45. Form of oxygen 46. Tennis’s Monica 47. Fencing blades 49. Part of an eye or camera 51. Fabled runner-up 52. Appraise, charge per unit 53. Reddish-brown gem 54. ___ yellow ribbon... 55. Q.E.D. part 56. ___-tat 59. Ipanema’s city
Turn to next spread for puzzle answers BEACONSENIORNEWS.COM | JANUARY 2024 | FUN & GAMES | 55
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MEDICAL MARIJUANA DOCTOR DAYS IN MONTROSE AND GRAND JUNCTION. Got pain? Find out if medical marijuana is right for you. Doctor evaluation and education on cannabis use in a professional HIPAA-compliant setting. Call for appointment times and days. 720-443-2420 or visit healthychoicesunltd.com.
CLASSES FREE WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTION. Because “NO MEANS NO!” Simple and effective methods to escape assault taught by a nationally certified black belt instructor with 4 decades of experience. Call Bob (no texts please) 970-261-2445. Leave your name and number and I’ll return your call.
FOR RENT Apartment for rent, Redlands, available January 1, 2024. 750sf, 1BR, 1BA, full kitchen, W/D, ample storage & garage. No pets, no smoking. Utilities paid. $1100/mo. Call Jack 970-270-4300, LM.
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SERVICES ABSTRACT WINDOWS LLC, 970-312ABSTRACT WINDOWS LLC, 970-3124717 Need your windows cleaned? 4717 your windows cleaned? give usNeed a call or text. Residential give us a call or text. Residential and Commercial Window Cleaning. and Commercial Window Cleaning. Serving Mesa County. Quality Work. Serving Mesa County. Work. Reasonable Rates. FreeQuality Estimates. Reasonable FreeSenior Estimates. Licensed andRates. Insured. and Licensed and Insured. Senior and Veteran Discounts Available. Veteran Discounts Available. SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE. SENIOR COMPUTER ASSISTANCE. $40/hr. Senior consultant (with over $40/hr. Senior consultant over 30 years’ experience) will (with help guide 30 experience) help guide youyears’ through frustratingwill computer you frustrating computer and through cell phone issues. Call Dave to and cell phone issues. Call Dave to schedule. 970-902-3768 schedule. 970-902-3768
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Puzzle Answers
MESA COUNTY MESA COUNTY ADRC - SOS: Provide rides to home-
ADRC SOS: Provide rides to homebound -seniors. Apply at htop.org/ bound seniors. at htop.org/ volunteer or callApply 970-248-2746. volunteer or call 970-248-2746. A Little Help: Help older adults with A Littleprojects. Help: Help older adults with home Apply at alittlehelp. home projects. Apply at alittlehelp. org/volunteering; call 970-404-1923. org/volunteering; call 970-404-1923. Ariel Clinical Services: Be a host Ariel Services: Be a host homeClinical for adults with intellectual home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Call 970-245-1616. disabilities. Call 970-245-1616. Community Hospital: Support the Community Hospital: Support the hospital in varying positions. Contact hospital in varyingor positions. Contact codell@gjhosp.org 970-644-3541. codell@gjhosp.org or 970-644-3541. Food Bank of the Rockies has Food Bankshifts of the Rockies has volunteer available. Contact volunteer shifts available. Contact foodbankrockies.org/westernfoodbankrockies.org/westernslope-volunteer or 970-464-1138. slope-volunteer or 970-464-1138. Grand Junction Visitor Center: WelGrand Junction Visitor Center: Welcome guests to the Grand Junction come guests to the Grand Junction area. Contact matthewh@gjcity.org area. Contact matthewh@gjcity.org or 970-256-4054. or 970-256-4054. Hilltop’s Senior Life Options: Help Hilltop’s Options: Help enrich theSenior lives ofLife senior residents. enrich the lives of senior residents. Apply at htop.org/volunteer or call Apply at htop.org/volunteer or call 970-244-0659. 970-244-0659. HopeWest: Volunteers provide comHopeWest: Volunteers provide compassionate patient support, adminispassionate patientorsupport, trative assistance can helpadminisat Heirtrative assistance orVisit can hopewestco. help at Heirlooms for Hospice. looms for Hospice. hopewestco. org/volunteer or callVisit 866-310-8900. org/volunteer or call 866-310-8900. Lower Valley Heritage Room: Help Lower Valley Room: Help preserve FruitaHeritage history. Call 970-858preserve 3868. Fruita history. Call 970-8583868. Master Gardeners: Teach landscape Master Gardeners: landscape and gardening at CSUTeach Extension. and gardening at CSU Extension. Apply at tra.extension.colostate.edu Apply tra.extension.colostate.edu or call at 970-244-1834. or call 970-244-1834. Meals on Wheels: Deliver lunch to Meals on Wheels: lunch to at homebound seniorsDeliver or serve lunch homebound seniors serve lunch at local dining sites. Callor970-298-9844. local dining sites. Call 970-298-9844. Mesa County RSVP connects individMesa County RSVP connects uals 55+ to volunteer positionsindividin its uals 55+ to volunteer positions in posiits member agencies. View available member View available positions andagencies. apply at mesacountyrsvp. tions at mesacountyrsvp. org orand callapply 970-243-9839. org or call 970-243-9839. Operation Interdependence: Hand Operation Hand write notes Interdependence: for deployed U.S. military write notes for deployed military men and women. ContactU.S. carley@ men and women. Contact carley@ oidelivers.org or 970-523-4217. oidelivers.org or 970-523-4217. Palisade Historical Society: Share Palisade Historical Share Palisade history and Society: work on commitPalisade and work on committees. Callhistory 970-464-2177. tees. Call 970-464-2177. Roice-Hurst Humane Society: Walk Roice-Hurst Society: Walk dogs, socializeHumane cats, transport pets, dogs, socialize cats, pets,at help with events andtransport more. Apply help with events and more. Apply at rhhumanesociety.org/volunteer. rhhumanesociety.org/volunteer.
MONTROSE/DELTA MONTROSE/DELTA Montrose Library: Sort donated
Montrose Library: books and run bookSort sales.donated Apply at books and run book sales. Apply ator montroselibrary.org/support-mrld montroselibrary.org/support-mrld or call 970-249-9656. call 970-249-9656. Golden Circle Seniors: Help seniors Golden Circle Seniors: Help seniors at the Montrose Senior Center. Call at the Montrose Senior Center. Call 970-252-4888. 970-252-4888. Morningstar Therapy Dogs: RegMorningstar Therapy Dogs: istered dog handlers and theirRegpets istered dog handlers and their pets visit nursing and retirement homes, visit nursing retirement homes, hospitals andand schools. Call 970-596hospitals and schools. 9343 to learn more. Call 970-5969343 to learn more. Museum of the Mountain West Museum of thetour Mountain seeks volunteer guides,West cleaners, seeks volunteer tour guides, cleaners, maintenance, light construction and maintenance, light construction and more. Call 970-240-3400. more. Call 970-240-3400.
Region 10 - RSVP connects individRegion RSVP connects individuals age10 55-and older to volunteer uals age 55 older volunteer positions inand Delta and to Montrose positions Delta and Montrose counties. in Contact jwalker@region10. counties. Contact jwalker@region10. net or 970-765-3147. net or 970-765-3147. Region 10 - SHIP Help other seniors Region - SHIP Help otherprovided. seniors navigate10 Medicare. Training navigate Medicare. Training provided. Contact jwalker@region10.net or Contact jwalker@region10.net or 970-765-3147. 970-765-3147. Senior CommUnity Meals: Help Senior Help sort andCommUnity deliver mealsMeals: to homebound sort andCall deliver meals to homebound seniors. 970-874-7661. seniors. Call 970-874-7661. Sharing Ministries Food Bank: Greet Sharing Ministries Bank: Greet clients, pick up/dropFood off food, stock clients, up/drop offoffice food,and stock shelves pick and help in the at shelves help in the office and at events. and Apply at sharingministries. events. Apply at sharingministries. com/help/volunteer or 970-240-8385. com/help/volunteer or 970-240-8385. Time Bank of the Rockies helps peoTime Bank of the Rockies helps people through a system of exchanged ple through a system of exchanged services. Apply at timebankofthe services. Apply at timebankofthe rockies.com/membership.html or call rockies.com/membership.html or call 970-209-6886. 970-209-6886. Valley Symphony Association: Valley Symphony Association: Support local musicians who bring Support local musicians who bring classical music to life. Contact info@ classical music to life.orContact info@ valleysymphony.net 970-765-8323. valleysymphony.net or 970-765-8323. Welcome Home Alliance: Support Welcome Home Support local veterans. SeeAlliance: current needs at local veterans. See currentorneeds at whafv.org/volunteer.html call 970whafv.org/volunteer.html or call 970765-2210. 765-2210.
Send Volunteer Opportunities to: Send Volunteer Opportunities to:
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OPINION
Worry less, live more By Amy Laundrie
A
recent article on winter research on Isle Royale brought back a flood of memories. Years ago, I embarked on a hiking adventure on the Lake Superior island with a group organized by Eagle River’s Trees for Tomorrow. We began our journey at Copper Harbor, Michigan, where we boarded the ferry, referred to as “the barf barge.” I’d heard stories about people experiencing motion sickness during the three-hour ride across the rolling waters of the lake, and it concerned me. While a handful of passengers did turn slightly green and hurried to the side of the boat, the majority of us sailed through the experience without any issues. I worried about my ability to carry 30 pounds on my back for days of hiking. Fortunately, the day
before our trek, I’d loaded my borrowed pack and followed the steps to put it on properly. Seeing me, an instructor adjusted various straps, and finally said, “This will never work. You wouldn’t last five minutes.” Ultimately, she lent me one of her old backpacks, which got me through our journey. After hearing horror stories from two friends and considering we were hiking in August, I also worried about being invaded by black flies. As it turned out, I found myself swatting at pesky mosquitoes and had several itchy welts, but we managed to avoid the invasion of the vicious, biting flies. I worried that I’d accidentally drink unfiltered water, get giardia and become violently ill. One day, while working with a partner to filter water, I absentmindedly dipped my water bottle into the lake.
Fortunately, my partner caught the mistake, and I had the chance to sterilize the bottle. I worried about not being able to sleep on the hard ground, but the sheer exhaustion after a day of hiking meant that I fell right to sleep. The one night I had trouble sleeping, I left the woods and walked to the shoreline where the stars illuminated the sky so brilliantly and abundantly that it seemed possible to reach out and grab a handful. I’d never seen a night sky like that and doubt I ever will again. I worried about running out of food, or that one of the island’s pesky foxes would grab our food bag. One fox tried, but an alert hiker tussled it away from him. While my worst worries never materialized, there were plenty of mishaps. One hiker sprained his ankle so badly a ranger had to transport him back to the ferry so he could seek medical help. We hikers also worried about encountering dangerous wildlife,
and one frightening early morning episode did materialize. I’d gotten up before the rest of the group and went to brush my teeth at the forest’s edge. Mid-brush, I spotted a large brown figure amidst the dense foliage and a sizable muzzle came into view, followed by a complete set of antlers and piercing brown eyes locking onto mine. I feared the bull moose might initiate a charge. I worried that my mangled body would be found by my campmates, and that I wouldn’t live to tell about this amazing moment. But the moose simply turned his head and wove back through the heavy brush. I watched, fascinated, until he disappeared from sight. In the grand scheme of things, most of our worries never materialize. As we step into the new year, I’m in favor of worrying less and devoting more time to reminiscing about locking eyes with an awe-inspiring bull moose and gazing up at the star-filled night sky of Isle Royale. ■
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