January 2012 Vol. 26 No. 1

What’s InsideAdvice and Ideas ............................ 9Classifieds .................................... 36Crossword .................................... 25Delta/Montrose County ................ 30Finance ......................................... 22Gardening ..................................... 20Garfield County ............................. 34Laughing Matters ......................... 10Local Lore ..................................... 14Mesa County ................................. 26Parks & Recreation ....................... 19River City Singles.......................... 27Travel & Recreation ...................... 12

Golden ScholarsColorado Mesa Uni-versity provides learn-ing opportunities to seniors 60 and older. Read more inside.

Health and Wellness

Your health and wellness is sure to get a boost after reading this month’s special insert.

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 31,080 Readers.Guests at the recent Turner Classic Movies Film Cruise were able to meet their favorite film stars. Read more inside.

Local LoreFew towns in Colo-rado experienced successful bank rob-beries prior to 1900. Read more inside.

Now on the Web at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the Beacon’s

Advertising Team

Warning signs of

hearing losspage 11

Winter is for the dogs

(... and people too)page 2

Hyperbaric therapy

now available page 8

Perry racing in Granby, Colorado

with the six-dog team.

Your Guide to a Heal thy Mind & Body

Health &WellnessWinter 2012

Photo by Karen Jones.

Assess and refresh your life for the new year

2012 CheCk list�

Assess your home. Review personal records. De-clutter. Get fit and lose weight. Get involved. Volunteer. Read the BEACON.

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2 Editorial www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

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January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Editorial 3

Say goodbye to Fatty McButter PantsBy Kevin VanGundy

I started my college education at the University of Arizona as a pre-med

student. The first time I examined a human corpse, I was appalled at the disgusting sight of fat nestled amongst those amazing organs. I promised myself then that I would never allow myself to get fat.

Today, at 49, I am clinically obese. According to the doctor, I’m packing around an extra 40 pounds of fat on my 5’10” frame. Of course, friends and family say I look fine, but that’s part of the problem. Ac-cording to recent studies cited by Colorado’s Live Well program, we as a society, are losing our ability to see just how fat we have become.

However, our na-tion’s obesity prob-lem is not lost on the rest of the world. Fifty years ago, the defining adjective for Americans was “rich,” and in com-parison to the rest of the world, we were. Now, most foreign-ers see us as “fat,” and in comparison to them, we are.

Well, here’s one Fatty McButter Pants who is sick and tired of being tired and fat. I will learn to eat well this next year, I will walk over 10,000 steps a day and I will lose weight. How will you assess and refresh your life this new year? We’ve got a great story about that on the next page. Let me know what you decide to do.

RESOURCE DirectoryThe BEACON’S Senior RESOURCE

Directory for 2012 is now available. Our popular version of the “yellow pages” for Western Slope seniors is chock full of 1,500 listings of servic-es, products and hard to find tele-

phone numbers for the over 50 crowd. You can request a free copy by calling our office at 243-8829. It is also avail-able online at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com.

Health & WellnessThis month’s insert

focuses on your health and wellness. You have no choice but to age, but you can choose whether you age well or age poorly. You can start your journey to health and wellness by reading the sto-ries in this month’s BEACON.

Romance at any ageSeniors are a ro-

mantic bunch. With the kids up and gone they are inclined to spend more time and money dining out. Among seniors, chivalry is still alive and well. They enjoy flowers, fine wine and spoiling each other. Do you have a love story to share? Please call Cloie at 243-8829.

Would you like to advertise in our February newspa-

per? Email us at Beacon@Pendant Publishing.com. Or send us a letter at P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.

Happy New Year! ■

1. Paul Currier, husband of our Garfield County Editor Cheryl Currier, decides which gift to give a soldier.2. Mesa County Editor Cloie Sandlin and Graphic Designer Heidi Graf take a moment to express their holiday cheer.3. Salesperson Jeanette Kiphart gath-ers items for the goody bags to be sent to our troops.

Last month, the BEACON held its Christ-mas party at the Operation Interdepen-dence warehouse. We ate, we sang, we danced and we gave of ourselves by preparing goody bags for American troops. God bless us, everyone!

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Assess and refresh your life!By Sue Ronnenkamp

Change is the most power-ful law of nature. – E. Burke

Whether it’s January 1 or the day after another birthday, I think

it’s important to reassess our lives on a regular basis. No matter your age, taking stock at least once a year and planning ahead for the future are worth doing. Why? Because there is one thing constant in this world and that is change. Not only will changes continue to come into our lives, but we also change as we age. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Your personal belongings. Review all of your belongings from the items in your kitchen cabinet to the clothes in your closet. My rule of thumb: if I haven’t used or worn it in the past two years, it’s time to let it go. Items with high sentimental value are exempt from this rule as long as you don’t include everything in this category. Ask yourself if each of these things still has a useful pur-pose in your life. If not, think about passing the item on to some-one who can use it.

If you have items that are still in good condition, consider “recy-cling” your unwanted furniture, clothing and house wares at consignment stores such as The Clothes Closet, located at 1938 N. First St. #4 in Grand Junction. The Clothes Closet pays cash for quality consignments and someone else may find your dis-carded items useful.

“We consign furniture, home dé-cor, shoes, clothing and collectibles,” Owner Sue Bowen said. “If you need to make room for the new stuff, don’t throw it away, consign it.”

2. Other parts of your life. Take a look at the nonmaterial parts as well: your activities, your relationships, your responsibilities, and anything else that is filling up space in your life. Are there things you are holding on to for the wrong reasons? Is any-

thing holding you back from living your life fully? If you didn’t have to care for it, pay for it, carry it around, service it, or spend time doing it, would you have more freedom and time to do and be what you really want right now?

If you find anything that feels ready to be released, let

it go. Remember, just because something

once met your needs, or served you well,

doesn’t mean it has to be a part of your life

forever. Plus, every time you free yourself from the “been there,

done that” stuff, you open up space for the new to come in. This includes interests, relationships and even new directions.

3. Your time. Take stock of how you’re spending your time, and give serious thought to where you want to put your focus going forward. Maybe you’d like to learn Spanish, take piano lessons, start an exercise or strength training program, volunteer for a cause you care about, or create a legacy for your family. Bottom line, how do you want to use your time and energy in the coming year?

“Studies show only 12 percent of resolution makers are success-

ful,” Retired Senior Volunteer Program Volunteer Manager Ruth McCrea said. “It's not easy living up to some of the more popular reso-lutions. Consider adding one resolu-tion you can stick with: volunteer.”

McCrea suggested setting goals with a personal meaning and making it pub-lic, asking for sup-port from friends. By volunteering, you can learn something new and make friends in the

process of making a difference.4. Senior friendly/User friendly

home assessment. If you’re an older adult, I suggest that you check your home once a year (at least) for any needed modifications or changes. As you age, changes to your living en-vironment may be required to keep you functioning as fully as possible. Also ask yourself if your home still works for you and your current life-style. Different spaces do fit different phases of life.

Here are some examples to get you started: Is the interior lighting suf-ficient? Are support bars needed in the bathroom? Would closed caption-ing on your TV help with a hearing problem? Basically, check for any-

De-clutter by recycling your quality, unnecessary items at consignment stores. Other people may find them useful.

Volunteering is a great way to spend your time.

Need help refreshing your life?

There are many things you can do to assess and refresh your life for the new year. Doing them all at once can be overwhelming and some things may require an expert’s assistance. Here are some reliable experts that may be able to help you with the process:

Assess your home: Tile Meister - 244-8453

Review personal records: Brown & Brown, P.C. - 241-1144 Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory - 243-2450 Kain & Burke, P.C. - 241-2969 Martin Mortuary - 243-1538

De-clutter:The Clothes Closet - 243-9873

Get fit and lose weight: Crossroads Fitness Center - 242-8746

Get involved: Golden Scholars Program at Colorado Mesa University - 248-1555 Grand Junction Senior Theatre - 245-9145 Magic Circle Players (Montrose) - 249-7838

Volunteer: RSVP - 243-9839 Roice-Hurst Humane Society - 434-7337 Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado - 255-7263 Mesa Developmental Services - 256-8612

Read the BEACONOne-year subscrip-tions are only $15. Mail in the form on page 35, or call us at 243-8829.

For more contacts to help you assess and refresh your life, call our office at 243-8829 and we will send you our free RESOURCE Directory. Read more on page 23.

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Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Res uRceDirectOry

“It’s the yellow pages for Western Slope seniors.”

Res uRceDirectOry

2O12Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com CovEr Story 5

thing that’s a problem or issue for you, and then look for a possible solution that might help. With the growing aging population, more tools and assistance devices are being de-veloped to help older adults stay indepen-dent and active.

The Tile Meister, located at 611 First St., specializes in profes-sional tile installation, home modifications and remodels.

Co-owner Cheryl DiDonato said individu-als, especially seniors, should always consider safety. No matter how old you are, she recommends installing grab bars in the bathroom because they are one of the simplest and inex-pensive safety items, and are easy to install.

“We have modern grab bars so it doesn’t look like someone is handi-capped when people see their rest-rooms,” DiDonato said.

Her husband, Randy, is the only certified aging-in-place specialist in Grand Junction and is dedicated to keeping seniors living comfortably in their home for as long as possible.

“Remodeling your bathroom could save you money on hospital and nurs-ing facilities later on,” DiDonato said.

5. Your personal records. Next up, assess and get your personal records in order. This one is important because should anything happen to you in the coming year, those left behind will need to have access to your important papers—trusts, wills, insurance policies, bank books, car titles, income tax returns, marriage certificates and so on. Too often a person dies and this information is not easy to locate. This puts an addi-tional burden on the loved ones who are trying to deal with their grief, along with bearing the responsibility for personal and financial affairs.

Sandy Johnson, a certified pre-need consultant at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory, located at 2515 Patterson Road in Grand Junc-

tion, recommended gathering all of this information in one place and making it ac-cessible. Some people gather this information into folders and then distribute it to their children, so each has it all in one place.

If you’ve already done this, then the big job is behind you. Johnson recommends reviewing this informa-tion on an annual basis to see if any updates or changes are needed.

“Plans are made to be changed,” Johnson said. “Just because you have a plan, it doesn’t mean that it has to be set in stone. As your life changes, you’re going to have to change your plans.”

6. End-of-life issues. This is also a good time to review your will, dura-ble power of attorney for health care and financial matters, living will and other related end-of-life documents. I fully realize that contemplating your death isn’t easy to face. But depress-ing and scary as it can be, the reper-cussions of not planning and think-ing ahead to the end of your life can

be enormous. Doing this work allows you to consider your options, make informed decisions and communicate your wishes to those close to you.

Callahan-Edfast has a number of informative documents and check-

lists to help you prepare for end-of-life issues such as an individual estate record, which asks for a list of people to notify including family, friends, executor of the estate, attorneys and accountants. It also asks for funeral arrangement preferences, personal history, wills and probate informa-tion, assets and liabilities, social secu-rity, veterans benefits and more.

“Some people take months to an-swer these questions,” Johnson said. “They are tough questions, but it’s important because, for me, it’s about me and my family.”

Consulting with an attorney is rec-ommended. The attorneys at Brown & Brown, P.C. specialize in elder law; estate, trust and tax planning and more. Taking this step shows respect and consideration on your part for your family members and friends, and can leave you with a feeling of completeness and peace.

7. Remaining regrets and unre-alized dreams. There is an added benefit to thinking about end-of-life issues. It gives you an opportunity to identify any regrets you may have about your life while you still have time to release or correct them. Don’t forget about all the small steps you can take: forgiving and asking for for-giveness, thanking people, express-ing your love to family and friends, and saying good-bye with each parting—all things that can count big time for those on the receiving end.

Also, think about creating a “Buck-et List” (all the things you want to do before you kick the bucket) so you can fulfill your remaining dreams and wishes either directly or vicari-ously through someone else’s expe-rience. Don’t consider anything off limits. Go for the gold and dare to make these dreams come true.

Doing an annual life assessment not only gives you a chance to set your house in order and plan for the inevi-table, it allows you to keep your life fresh as you continue to open up to new opportunities and possibilities. Do this now and then schedule your own ritual for revisiting these issues once a year. Use this exercise as a reminder to live your precious life as fully and completely as possible. ■

“Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a

government without news-papers, or newspapers with-out a government, I should

not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”—Thomas Jefferson—

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Publisher ........................... Kevin VanGundyFounding Publisher .................. Susan CappsAssistant Editor ....................... Cloie SandlinOffice Manager .......................Genevra ShalGraphic Design ............................. Heidi GrafProduction/ Photographer ........ Karen JonesDelivery .......................................Al LeFebreAdvertising Sales ........................Sue BowenAdvertising Sales ................Jeanette KiphartAdvertising Assistant ..............Jamie BegalleMascot ..............................................Bogart

Delta-Montrose BureauAdvertising Sales ................... Virginia CarlileDelivery .........................................JR Milner

Garfield BureauEditor ......................................Cheryl Currier

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction,CO 81502970.243.8829 800.536.7516 faxWeb site: www.BeaconSeniorNews.comE-mail: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

The Beacon is published at the beginning of the month. Our goal is to inform and inspire the 50+ community in Delta, Garfield, Montrose and Mesa counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily con-stitute endorsement. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

© Copyright 2012 • All Rights Reserved

A home assessment can help with modifications as you age.

Taking care of end-of-life issues ensures your wishes are met and loved ones can rest easy.

6 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

By Melanie Wiseman

At 69, Patrick G. Metoyer said he has “always been a believer in

lifelong learning. The Golden Schol-ars Program at Colorado Mesa Univer-sity makes it easy to continue on that path.”

In that spirit, Metoyer was inspired to be a stu-dent at CMU through the Golden Scholars program. He has already taken advan-tage of two Documentary Photography classes and is looking

forward to Music Technology. “If you have the time, the price is

right” Metoyer said. The Golden Scholar program allows

persons 60 years of age or older to enroll in CMU courses for no credit at only $25 per credit hour. Course fees such as art supplies sometimes apply.

CMU Registrar Holly Teal said 34 Golden Scholars enrolled in the pro-gram during the fall semester, which is a record high. More are always wel-come. The program allows people to enjoy high quality learning without the stress of getting grades. Partici-pants can choose from any classes offered at the university including languages, arts, science, computer technology, history and more. The number of reasons people take the classes are as great as the variety of class options. Keeping up with mod-ern technology, learning a language to prepare for travel, developing a talent there wasn’t time for before are only a few.

Golden Scholars are given the same benefits as degree-seeking students. They receive a MAVcard and student ID number, which allows them to

access library services, and athletic and cultural events at student rates. Degree-seeking students have first dibs on classes. Golden Scholars are able to sign up the week before the semester begins. Classes for the spring semester at CMU begin on January 17. Golden Scholars can reg-ister beginning January 10.

Having a degree in education, Metoyer enjoyed teaching for 16 years. He moved to Grand Junction in 1985 to develop and expand his interests in visual arts, writing and performance. Life threw him a curve ball 17 years ago when he woke up and couldn’t move. When he got sick, he thought his life was over and was reconciled with that. He spent the next 12 years getting well and asked himself, “What am I going to do to show gratitude for being given a sec-ond chance?”

Golden Scholars experience lifelong learning

Patrick G. Metoyer has taken a variety of classes as a Golden Scholar at Colorado Mesa University.

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 7

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Developing talents in the arts has given Metoyer a sense of purpose and fulfillment, keeps him moving, and lets him give enjoyment to others, which is rewarding.

“I live for the good days,” Metoyer said.

Good days for Metoyer include ex-ploring his talents through the CMU Golden Scholar program. During his documentary photography class he had in the fall, he took 6,000 photos. He does all the assignments because he believes the assignments are part of learning. Metoyer believes “the more you invest the more you gain.” He is pleased to display the culmi-

nation of his recent class at Planet Wines downtown during the month of January.

Golden Scholars enjoy the univer-sity atmosphere where everyone around you is learning. It makes you feel young, keeps your mind active and teachers appreciate the maturity it brings to their classrooms. Young and old students can learn from each other’s experiences, creating a posi-tive experience for everyone.

If you would like to take advan-tage of the Golden Scholar program, contact the CMU Registrar’s Office at 248-1555 or visit www.coloradomesa.edu. ■

See Metoyer’s work on displayThroughout January, Metoyer will

exhibit 28 Watson Island Complex images that he produced while in Stevan Max-well’s documentary photography class at Colorado Mesa University. Planet Wines, located at 420 Main St., will host a wine tasting and public reception for Metoyer from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, January 6.

The lower-downtown Watson Island Complex north of the Colorado River is the subject of Metoyer’s yearlong project. His photographs feature a landscape in transition as efforts continue to eradicate nonnative species and reintroduce native plants to the areas bordering the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. Included among the images are photographs of a homeless site abandoned before crews clear-cut invasive species down to the Colorado River.

Metoyer pledged 20 percent of January sales of his photographs at Planet Wines

to be divided between Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley and the Western Colo-rado Botanical Gardens. Metoyer said that the discovery of the Watson Island homeless site was the motivation for his pledge.

“That site seemed to have been abandoned by a mother with one or more small children,” Metoyer said. “Their personal effects were loaded in two shopping carts and strewn around the riverbank just east of the island’s hiking path. Along with children’s books and a Tinkerbell comforter, there were bags of pet food, a library card, a house key, and much more. I expect that viewers of my images will share my emotional experi-ence and wonder what became of this family.”

For more information, contact Metoyer at 720-272-7394.

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8 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Vermont White Cheddar & Sage Pretzel Bites

Makes about 4 dozen

IN ELECTRIC MIxER BOWL fitted with paddle attach-ment, combine water, sugar, honey and yeast. Mix and let sit 5 minutes until top is slightly foamy. Stir in cheese and switch paddle for dough hook attach-ment. Mixture will be slightly lumpy.

WITH MIxER on slow, stir in 3 cups flour. Use mixer to knead dough for 3 minutes. Turn machine off and cover bowl. Rise for 1 hour.

HEAT oven to 450˚ F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

IN POT, bring water and baking soda to a boil. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. If sticky, add extra 1/2 cup flour and hand-knead until dough is soft.

PULL sections of dough off and roll into gum ball-sized bites. Line bites up on bak-ing sheet fairly close together. When finished, drop bites into boiling baking soda water a few at a time and cook until bites float to surface, about 25 seconds.

USING slotted spoon, remove bites. Place bites on baking sheets. Brush bites with egg wash, sprinkle with sea salt and bake until dark golden brown, about 12 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through.

Cheesecake LollipopsServes: 28 Preheat oven to 350°F.

IN LARGE MIxING BOWL, whip cream cheese and sugar until light, fluffy. Add flour, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest. Beat until completely smooth.

POUR mixture into 9-inch square baking pan; spread evenly. Bake 45 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely, approximately 1 hour. Once cool, cover pan tightly with foil. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

REMOVE cheesecake from refrigerator. Scoop out 28 balls (roughly 2 T in size) with measuring spoon. Place balls on baking sheet with wax paper, approximately 1 inch apart. Insert stick firmly in middle of each ball. Freeze 2 hours or overnight.

BEFORE SERVING, make ganache. In double boiler, heat chocolate chips, half-and-half over low heat, whisking until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

DIP lollipops into ganache until 3/4 of lollipop is covered. Return to baking sheet and harden. Serve immediately or freeze.

1 container Vermont White Cheddar and Sage Boursin Gourmet Spreadable Cheese1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon cold water3 c plus 1/2 cup all-purpose flour1 c warm water

1 T dark honey or molasses1 packet active dry yeast1/2 c baking soda1/2 c coarse sea salt1 T sugar4 c water

24 oz Cream Cheese Spread, cut into 1-in pieces1 c granulated sugar3 T all-purpose flour 3 large eggs1-1/2 t vanilla extract1 t lemon zest

Ganache:12 oz semisweet chocolate chips3/4 c half-and-half

Equipment:28 lollipop or Popsicle sticks

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January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com adviCE & idEaS 9

Advice Column for the Over 50 CrowdBy Gayle Lagman-Creswick

Dear Old Bag: It’s been almost a full year since I started looking for male company in friendship ads. I’ve arranged to meet 12-15 out of the 35-40 ads I answered. I used to think grown men had manners, re-spect and consideration. I shudder to think of the way social interaction has changed. When I meet a per-son for the first time, I expect some cleanliness and decency in their appearance. But it is a bit much to accept someone wearing clothes that look and smell like they have been worn for days, or dirty hair that looks like it hasn’t seen a comb or brush in a week. Is that too much to ask? I’ve had the urge to walk out and even considered being a no-show after seeing the unkempt, slovenly appearance of several. There was only one that made it past the first meeting for dinner and conversation. Please remind your readers that honesty and integrity are still the best policy. Tell us what you want or what you have to offer so we don’t have to waste time with someone who is truly not a match. Signed, Disappointed

Dear Disappointed: I was sur-prised at your description of the un-kempt men you have seen. I wonder if they dress down at the first meet-ing until they see if you are someone they want to impress? Either that or are they looking for someone to do their laundry and assist in grooming? However, one does not get a second chance to make a first impression! Don’t give up. I have two friends who met their husbands through friend-ship ads. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet your prince.

Dear Old Bag: I am a 60 year old father of five and a widower. Every day I ask myself how my wife and I went wrong in raising our children. A few years ago I met a wonderful

Ask the Old Bagwoman. My children will have nothing to do with my friend. In fact, when an event occurs that causes them to be in the same room, they are down right rude and hostile toward her. I am ashamed. If my

wife were alive, she would also be ashamed. My friend’s children are wonderful to me and seem very happy that their mother and I have a relationship. Where did I go wrong? I would like to marry this wonderful woman, but I do not want to subject her to my children’s hostility and rudeness. Signed, HELP

Dear HELP: Your situation is more common than any mature person could believe. I do not think you did anything wrong. When children become adults they make decisions about their behavior that are their own. Some are self-centered. Some want to control their parents. Some cannot understand how a parent could love again. Some feel any rela-tionship for their parent is a slap in the face for the deceased parent. My advice: Do not let them control your life. Write them a letter and explain that it is because of the love you felt for their mother that you are able to love again. Let them know that your desire is for a happy family and that you love them deeply but are not willing to forego the rest of your life. Let them know that you would be so proud if they could put aside their issues about this relationship, so that in your later years you could all enjoy together whatever time is left.

Dear Old Bag: I was a reader who did not like the name of your column—until I read your explana-tion in last month’s paper. Now when I see it, I smile, remembering from whence it came. Thanks for explaining. It brought to mind how many of us make up our minds about something without knowing the whole story! Signed, Amused

Questions to the Old Bag may be sent in care of this newspaper, or email lagmancreswick@cox.net ■

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10 laughing mattErS www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Laughing MattersCount your blessings Submitted by James Birdsill

A group of seniors were sitting around the table at a local donut shop talking about their ailments.

“My arms have gotten so weak I can hardly lift this cup of coffee,” one said.

“Yes, I know,” said another. “My cataracts are so bad, I can’t even see my coffee.”

“I couldn’t even mark an ‘X’ at elec-tion time, my hands are so crippled,” said a third.

“What? Speak up! What? I can’t hear you!”

“I can’t turn my head because of the arthritis in my neck,” said a fourth, to which several nodded weakly in agreement.

“My blood pressure pills make me so dizzy!” exclaimed another.

“I forget where I am and where I’m going,” said another.

“I guess that’s the price we pay for getting old,” winced an old man as he slowly shook his head.

The others nodded in agreement.“Well, count your blessings,” said

one woman, cheerfully. “Thank God we can all still drive.”

Mind your own business Submitted by Al Carley

A man is walking along a side-walk when he comes to a section of walk bordered by a tall wooden fence. Over the fence and out of sight is the exercise yard of a mental institution. The man hears multiple voices chanting from the other side of the fence.

“13,13,13,13...” Unable to contain his curiosity, he

stoops to peer through a knothole. Just as he begins to focus, something pokes his eye and the chants change to “14,14,14,14.”

Lil’ Bill Submitted by Renae Gustine

The math teacher saw that Bill wasn’t paying attention in class. She called on him and said, “Bill! What are 2 and 4 and 28 and 44?” Bill

quickly replied, “NBC, FOX, ESPN and the Cartoon Network.”

I love my grandkids Submitted by Jacque Stafford

She was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup under the watchful eyes of her young granddaughter, as she’d done many times before. After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, “But Grand-ma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper goodbye!” I will probably never put lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper goodbye…

Tom Brady goes to heaven Submitted by Mark McGee

After living a full life, Tom Brady died. When he got to heaven, God showed him around. They came to a modest little house with a Patriot’s flag in the window.

“This house is yours for eternity, Tom,” God said. “This is very special. Not everyone gets a house up here.”

Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.

On his way up the porch, he no-ticed another house just around the corner. It was a three story mansion with a blue and orange sidewalk, a 50-foot tall flag pole with a Florida Gator flag, a Denver Broncos towel in every window, and on the front door, a Tim Tebow jersey.

Tom looked at God and said, “God, I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro quar-terback, I hold many NFL records and I even won a few Superbowls.”

“What’s your point, Tom?” God asked.

“Well,” he said. “Why does Tim Tebow get a better house than me?”

God chuckled and said, “Tom, that’s not Tebow’s house. It’s mine.”

Nine words women use Submitted by Susan Capps

Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

Five minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour.

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Five minutes is only “five minutes” if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something and you should be on your toes. Argu-ments that begin with “nothing” usu-ally end in “fine.” (Refer to #1 for the meaning of “fine.”)

Go ahead: This is a dare, not per-mission. Don’t do it!

Loud sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer to #3 for the meaning of “nothing.”)

That’s okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. “That’s okay” means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not question or faint. Just say, “You’re welcome.” (This is true, un-less she says, “Thanks a lot.” This is pure sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say, “You’re wel-come.” That will bring on a “what-ever.” (Explanation in #7.)

Whatever: Is a woman’s way of saying, “Go to hell.”

Don’t worry about it. I got it: Another dangerous statement, mean-ing this is something that a woman has asked a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking, “What’s wrong?” (For the woman’s response, refer to #3.)

Spring cleaning Submitted by Charles Gross

An elderly couple was doing some spring cleaning while their six-year old grandson watched. They started in the garage, hauling out bicycles, spare tires and forgotten boxes of parts for cars they no longer owned. Then they tackled the storage shed, making piles in the yard for a rum-mage sale or the dump.

The man was becoming dismayed at the growing collection and finally

declared, “From now on, we’re not buying another thing unless we throw out something of equal size.”

The young boy’s eyes grew wide as he slid over to his grandmother and said, “I sure hope you don’t buy anything my size.”

Switching bodies Submitted by Kevin Ray

A man was tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed “Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in eight hours while my wife stays at home. I want her to know what I go through. Please allow her body to switch with mine for a day.”

God granted his wish. The next morning, the man awoke as a wom-an. He cooked breakfast for his mate, woke the kids, set out their school clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, picked up the dry cleaning, stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, drove home to put away the groceries, paid the bills and balanced the check book. He cleaned the cat’s litter box and bathed the dog. He made the beds, did the laundry, cleaned the house, picked the kids up from school. He set up the ironing board, he peeled pota-tos and washed vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper. After sup-per, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids and put them to bed. At 9 p.m. he was exhausted. Even though his daily chores weren’t finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.

The next morning, he knelt and said, “Lord, I don’t know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife being able to stay home all day. Please, let us trade back. Amen!’

The Lord replied, “My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were. But you’ll have to wait nine months. You got preg-nant last night.” ■

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106th National Western Stock ShowJanuary 7–224655 Humboldt St.Denver, Colorado303-297-1166www.nationalwestern.comThe National Western Stock Show is a 16-day show that serves as an enter-tainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season profes-sional rodeos, largest horse show and Colorado’s largest tradeshow. More than 15,000 head of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, alpacas, bison, yak, poultry and rabbits step foot on the grounds of the show each year. The show is noted for hosting the world’s only carload and pen cattle show, held in the historic Den-ver Union Stockyards. More than 350 vendors fill the nearly 100-acre show grounds with a variety of food and shopping opportunities. The show hosts 42 ticketed performances, among them are two Mexican Rodeo Extravaganzas, three PBR Denver Chute-Outs, 23 PRCA Rodeos, the Martin Luther King, Jr. African-Amer-ican Heritage Rodeo, the Gambler’s Choice Open Jumping Stake, two Wild West Shows, the RAM Invita-tional Freestyle Reining, the Grand Prix show jumping, two Super Dogs shows, two performances of “An Evening of Dancing Horses” and four National Western Draft Horse and Mule Shows. General admission tick-ets range from $7 to $12 for people age 12 and older. Tickets are available at King Soopers stores, at Coors Field and Rockies Dugout Stores or at the National Western Ticket Office. Tickets can also be obtained by calling 888-551-5004 or at www.NationalWestern.com.

Ullr FestJanuary 8-14Breckenridge, Colorado970-453-2918www.gobreck.comIn Norse mythology, Ullr was the winter god. He was the son of Sif and stepson of Thor. Ullr Fest is an

annual wacky winter festival like no other. Don’t be surprised to see horned Viking hats adorning the heads of skiers and snowboarders, Ullympic competitors flinging their frying pans for prizes, more than 12,000 enthusiasts filling the streets for the parade, crazy parade partici-pants skiing off jumps on Main Street or gliding around town in a hot tub. Featured events are a skating party, bonfire, Ullympics, comedy night, a parade, chili cook off and more.

Bring It On: The MusicalJanuary 10–21Denver Center for the Performing ArtsThe Buell TheatreDenver, Colorado303-893-4100www.bringitonmusical.com“Bring It On: The Musical” is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something—or someone—you really care about. “Bring It On: The Musical” unites some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway. This new musical comedy combines an exciting fresh sound, gravity-defying choreography, and a thrilling story to create a show worth cheering for. It’s guaranteed to be everything you wished for, nothing like you expect-ed, but exactly what you will love. Tickets start at $25. See website for times and ticket information.

Outlaw Snowdown Music FestivalJanuary 13-15Pagosa Springs Area Visitor Center402 San Juan St.Pagosa Springs, Colorado888-512-7469www.outlawsnowdown.comThe Outlaw Snowdown is more than a music festival. It’s a high-country congregation of folks looking to have a good time. With a line-up of artists that run the gamut from Red Dirt and Cowpunk to Americana

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and Outlaw, the one thing each act has in common is an amazing, live, country show. Ride Wolf Creek by day and howl at the moon by night. The Outlaw Snowdown is big fun in a small ski town. One-day tickets are $39. Three-day tickets are $99. See website for ticket package deals with The Springs and Wolf Creek Ski Area. Call or visit the website to purchase tickets.

2012 Antero Ice Fishing ContestJanuary 14Antero ReservoirPark County, Colorado719-748-0033www.antero-icefishing-contest.comGet your poles, your bait, and your sled if you have one, and head to the coolest fishing contest around. The 2012 Antero Reservoir Ice Fishing Contest is back and ready for you. Originally named for Bob Taylor, this year's contest has a new name, but the same excite-ment, adventure and great prizes. Admission is $20 per person in advance ($30 cash only on event day.) Call or visit their website to purchase tickets. Prizes include $500 first place, $200 second place, $100 third place and several wonder-ful door prizes. All proceeds beyond operating expenses go to Antero Reservoir for fishing related improvements.

The SilhouettesJanuary 21Opera Colorado695 South Colorado Blvd., Suite 20Denver, Colorado303-778-1500The Silhouettes, runners up on Sea-son 6 of “America’s Got Talent,” first debuted at Sport Accord 2009. The concept of shadow dancing to create iconic images was born to create a “Denver-centered” performance that showcased the city’s youth. Silhou-ettes captivate audiences worldwide. Their unique and inspiring perfor-mance has become the new form of entertainment and storytelling. The Silhouettes raise funds through

their performances to help homeless children find shelter, food and medi-cal care. Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000. Reserved tickets are $29.50-$49.50 plus applicable service charges. The show is open to all ages.

Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture ChampionshipsJanuary 24–February 5Breckenridge Resort Chamber150 W. Adams Ave.Breckenridge, Colorado877-864-0868www.gobreck.comThe 22nd annual International Snow

Sculpture Champion-ship has been giving snowmen self-esteem issues for 22 years. This free event welcomes visitors from beginning to end. Artists sculpt from 11 a.m. on Janu-ary 24 until 10 a.m. Jan-uary 28. Judging is at 10 a.m. on January 28. The awards ceremony is at 3:30 p.m. on Janu-

ary 29 and sculptures will remain standing (weather permitting), until the night of February 5. This year we have 15 teams from eleven countries. Within the U.S., we have teams from Alaska, Breckenridge, Loveland, Wisconsin and Vermont. Call or visit their website for more information.

Winter X GamesJanuary 26-29Aspen Chamber Resort AssociationButtermilk MountainAspen, Colorado970-925-1940www.aspenchamber.orgWinter X Games returns to Aspen. More than 200 of the world’s best athletes in skiing, snowboarding and snowmobile throw down in four action-packed days of competition for the most coveted medals in action sports. Winter X Games is free to the public so don’t miss your chance to witness legends and Olympians including Shaun White, Gretchen Ble-iler, Lindsey Jacobellis and others live at Buttermilk Mountain. Call or visit their website for more information. ■

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By Nick Thomas

There could be many reasons why some 2,000 people from across

the U.S., Canada and Europe would make their way to Miami on De-cember 8 in order to take a four day round-trip cruise to Cozumel, Mexi-co. But it wasn’t the golden beaches or sparkling blue waters that united this dedicated band of travelers; it was the onboard events and list of eminent guests.

While celebrity cruises are nothing new, this one truly was a classic. The inaugural Classic Cruise hosted by the cable chan-nel Turner Classic Movies brought to-gether thousands of film fans with their favorite Hollywood legends on the Celebrity Millen-nium cruise ship. Not surprisingly, this was a vacation that appealed to seniors and many passengers recalled attending film premieres in the ‘40s and ‘50s.

Celebrity shipmates included Er-nest Borgnine, Eva Marie Saint, Tippi Hedren, Director Norman Jewison, as well as TCM hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz. With the aver-age age of the four special guests be-ing around 87, it was clear the crowd appreciated their efforts to join the cruise. Each looked relaxed, healthy and genuinely pleased to be a part of this special event.

After boarding, there was the compulsory lifeboat drill. However, the crew demonstrating safety pro-cedures were forced to compete for the crowd’s attention when Ernest Borgnine appeared, and was mobbed by well-wishers trying to shake his hand. Had the signal to abandon ship come through then, I suspect many passengers would have preferred to rap their arms fondly around Ernie,

Hollywood hits the water: The 2011 Turner Classic Movies Film Cruise

rather than a lifejacket or a floatation device. (By the way, should you ever run into him one day, he does indeed prefer fans to call him Ernie rather than Mr. Borgnine.)

“Oh my goodness, I couldn’t have been treated better by the TCM folks or fans. I don’t know why, because I certainly don’t deserve it,” said a humble 94-year-old Borgnine, when I spoke with him later during the

cruise. “It’s one thing to like an actor, but the kind of love people have shown me is amaz-ing. I just want to be one of the gang on the ship!”

Borgnine was typical of all the celebrities. Far from retiring to their cabins and emerging only to fulfill their obliga-tions, they regularly roamed the decks, mingling with the

passengers, eating at the buffet, chat-ting and posing for photographs.

The first scheduled event was the Sail Away Party by the Rivera Pool. The crowds gathered around the small stage area and burst into applause when Robert Osborne appeared.

“We’re delighted that you are all here and hope you have a great time,” said a very relaxed looking Osborne, wearing a light blue jacket and tieless shirt, his white hair blowing in the brisk Gulf breeze.

Aside from snagging a much sought after celebrity snapshot, serious film enthusiasts were able to partake in a selection of scheduled events that TCM had planned: movie screenings, often preceded by introductions with the stars from the films; question and answer sessions with all the stars, and panel discussions with Osborne and Mankiewicz.

Surprise guests included veteran game show host Wink Martindale, who hosted movie trivia contests,

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com travEl & rECrEation 15

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and Chelsie Hightower and Louis Van Amstel from “Dancing with the Stars.” Okay, so they weren’t Fred and Ginger, but they did put on a dazzling dance display. When Ernie and Eva Marie came out on stage for a whirl around the dance floor with the youngsters, the crowd went wild.

Although the ship docked at Key West and Cozumel for passengers to go ashore and partake in the standard tourist attractions, these were merely an added bonus. The most anticipated events were the celebrity presentations prior to film screenings.

Eva Marie Saint talked about the making of “North by Northwest,” Ernest Borgnine discussed “The Poseidon Adventure” (the irony of the latter being shown on a cruise ship caused no end of chuckles among the passengers), Tippi He-dren spoke about “The Birds,” and Norman Jewison featured his film “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

While some of their stories had been told before in autobiographies or previous interviews, it hardly mattered to the devoted throngs of admirers who hung on every word and were thrilled just to be seated a few feet from some of their favorite film personalities.

TCM host Robert Osborne was delighted with the response.

“I’ve only been on one other cruise in my life, and that was years ago to Acapulco, so I’m really enjoy-ing this trip and being around so many film fans,” Osborne said, add-ing that TCM is seriously looking at another cruise for next year. Cabins (which went for around $800-$2,500 per person) sold out within 70 days for the inaugural cruise. Announcements for another cruise will be made on their website, www.tcm.com.

“Fans have been coming up to me throughout the cruise, talking about their favorite movies,” he added. “I love that, because it really means they love the channel and love the work that I do. I’m the one the view-ers see and they think I do it all, but TCM is obviously a team effort by many people.”

Shot of the stars and TCM reps during the sail away party. Photo courtesy of TCM.

Passengers greet Ernest Borgnine on the first evening of the TCM film cruise. Photo by Debby Thomas.

Robert Osborne, Eva Marie Saint and Tippi Hedren talk about the Hitchcock blondes. Photo by Debby Thomas.

Nick Thomas is author of the re-cently released book, “Raised by the Stars: Interviews with 29 Children of Hollywood Actors” and can be reached through his website www.raisedbythestars.com ■

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16 loCal lorE www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

By Sandi Cameron

One of the seven deadly sins is greed. When wed to any other,

such as anger, pride or even sloth, a medium for thievery results. Crime in western Colorado has a history and unfortunately, a presence.

Recent statistics relate a few hun-dred burglaries and robberies in the Grand Valley in 2010. Population increase and access to inexpensive weap-onry has impacted modern thuggery. As recent as August 31, a federal grand jury in Denver indicted two Grand Junction men for the May 27 armed robbery of the American National Bank in Rifle. In addition to the Rifle heist, the duo is charged with the June 24 robbery of Alpine Bank in Montrose and the July 29 robbery of the Surface Creek Bank in Cedar-edge. Stealing is certainly not a crime constrained to any particular time period, with historic accounts reveal-ing a number of local robberies.

Surprisingly, few towns in Colo-rado experienced a successful bank robbery prior to 1900. Nonetheless, those with criminal intent roamed western Colorado, looking for the op-portunity to “make it rich” through thievery. Cattle rustling was a com-mon form of crime during the 1880s, with rustlers often using Gateway’s nearby canyon walls as hideouts from the law.

Notorious outlaws Tom McCarty and Matt Warner partnered in Utah and Arizona for a while. McCarty eventually wandered into Cortez and Warner moved his herd of rustled horses into the White River country, near Meeker. Warner sold most of the horses to a man in Meeker who

paid him in hundred dollar bills. Cap Davis, a local boarding house pro-prietor, and a couple of thugs were interested in Warner’s bankroll, but he was prepared to protect it. After a horserace in Telluride in 1885, he met a young ore hauler by the name of Roy Cassidy, soon to be known as Butch. They became partners. After some successful horse races, Warner rejoined the McCarty brothers in

Cortez. McCarty, Warner and Cassidy raced horses togeth-er, but were ready for more action. Then the Denver and Rio Grande train was stopped November 3, 1887 just outside of Grand Junction. Despite careful planning, including blocking the track, the bandits came up empty-handed.

Then Cassidy, Warner and McCarty orchestrated the suc-cessful robbing of the

San Miguel Valley Bank of Telluride on June 24, 1889. This robbery is the first major crime attributed to Cas-sidy, who would go on to become a notorious bank and train robber, and become the leader of the “Wild Bunch” gang. The bandits, now with $20,750, made their way to their hideout. An article in the “Salt Lake Herald” stated, “It is more than probable that they will be captured before 24 hours.” They were not.

Robbers Roost in southwestern Utah was a popular outlaw hideout for over 30 years. The future Wild Bunch first used Robbers Roost after the 1889 Telluride bank robbery. At this natural fortress with numer-ous lookout points, fresh horses were corralled and large quantities of weapons were cached. Robbers Roost was never successfully pen-etrated by law enforcement, due to the rough terrain, maze of canyons

Robbery! Tom McCarty, Matt Warner and Butch Cassidy in western Colorado

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and intense weather, although it was largely abandoned in the early 1900s.

Warner, McCarty and Cassidy successfully escaped the posse after the Telluride heist, but Cassidy’s younger brother was captured when bringing supplies to the bandits. He was imprisoned for former crimes committed.

The gang traveled to Wyoming, where Cassidy decided to stay, while McCarty’s brother and nephew joined him in moving to the northwest. After settling in Washington, they were convicted of robbing a bank in Ro-slyn and paid a high price to get out of jail (their cache of $41,000 minus $500 the lawyer returned to them).

On September 7, 1893, less than two months after they were released, they held up the Farmers and Mer-chants Bank in Delta.

While the cashier and co-owner A.T. Blachey shouted for help, McCar-ty’s brother, Bill, scooped the money into a bag. Bill’s son and lookout, Fred, meanwhile yelled that a crowd was gathering. Blachey was killed and his assistant wounded. A local merchant killed Bill as he galloped down the street, and Fred was shot while trying to save his father. Mc-Carty escaped the posse that pursued him.

According to a Denver newspaper, much carnage ensued during the rob-bery of the Meeker Bank on October 16, 1896.

prior to 1900 and over the next few decades included the Peach Day Massacre where 3,400 sheep were killed near DeBeque, the killing of cattleman Charles Sieber by Joe Harris, and the slaying of Jeannette Mor-ris in a “Barbary Coast” shanty. After the 1920s, when crossing state lines was made easier and faster via the automobile, bank robberies began to soar in number. Even with the Cincinnati-made Diebold safes, which had metal doors several inches thick, robbers found creative means to break through. Still, most customers believed their deposits

were secure. Banks often left their vaults open during the day to allow customers a full view of the safe, creating an illusion of wealth and stability.

One crime of note prior to World War II was when, on Decem-ber 18, 1938, three masked and armed men, John Homutoff, Otis D. Slane and L.L. Sadler (owner of a lo-cal dance hall), forced their way into the Bilt-more Club, on the top floor of the Reed Build-ing in downtown Grand

Junction, to recover money lost in gambling. Within minutes, the club operator was shot in the face and died shortly after. All three men were convicted and served 20 years or so each in Cañon City for their crimes.

In 1939, a special Grand Jury con-vened; investigating local crimes, including several murders, local law enforcement, gambling and prostitution.

“Crime butchers innocence to secure a throne, and innocence struggles with all its might against the attempts of crime.” – Robespierre

Although historic perpetrators of crime are often idealized as glory-filled “adventure-seekers,” if crime could be eliminated in the Grand Val-ley, or anywhere else, for that matter, who wouldn’t choose to live in a fear-less, safe, equitable, honest environ-ment? Wouldn’t you prefer to trust

that your hard-earned savings are secure, to be used whenever you choose at your own personal discretion?

Parts of this article require acknowl-edgment and ap-preciation to Delta County Historical Society, the Museum of the West, Jeffrey D. Nichols-“Robbers’ Roost Outlaw Trail”-History Blazer/Aug. 1995, the Denver Post archives, and the Waterloo Daily Courier archives. ■

“The robbery was one of the most daring ever perpetrated in the West, occurring as it did in broad daylight and at a time when there were 20 or more people in plain sight. It is believed that one of the robbers is Thomas McCarty, who aided in rob-bing banks at Telluride and Delta. Jones and Smith fell to the ground, literally riddled with bullets. The dead men were removed to an un-dertaking establishment, where an inquest was held, rendering a verdict of justifiable homicide. The money ($700) was all recovered.” The article went on, “It is believed that the rob-bers were members of the McCarty gang that committed several daring train and bank robberies. It is also supposed that the man who robbed David H. Moffat, president of the First National bank of this city, of $21,000 in 1889, was a member of this gang.

In an attempt to rob the bank at Delta, Colo., about a year ago, John McCarty and his son were killed, but Tom McCarty escaped.”

Other newswor-thy crimes that were committed

The Wild Bunch, 1900. Left to Right: Standing, Bill Carver and Harvey Logan (“Kid Curry”). Seated, Harry Longbough (“the Sundance Kid”), Ben Kilpatrick (“the Tall Texan”), Robert Leroy Parker (“Butch Cassidy”). Photo by John Swartz.

After prison, Matt Warner became a respected lawman in Price, Utah.

Photos courtesy of the Museum of Western Colorado. Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand Junction, CO

April 19, 2012freeadmission

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

18 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Check out the Fruita Senior Center located inside the Fruita Commu-

nity Center, 324 N. Coulson St.

January 6 & 20Senior Social NightJoin us for an evening of free activi-ties starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Social takes place twice a month and activities vary. Call the Fruita Community Center at least one day in advance to register for a meal.

January 8Snowflake Senior DanceThe Fruita seniors are ready to do some toe tapping. The Snowflake Senior Dance is open to those 55+ and takes place from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Fruita Community Center. Come by yourself or with a partner. Join us for music, snacks and fun. Cost is $3. Please preregister.

January 11Task Force meetingThe meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center.

January 23Senior Mystery NightChoose a character and dress the part! Or help solve the mystery as a guest. Preregistration is required. Call the Fruita Community Center.

January 25AARP Driver SafetyThe AARP Driver Safety Program has helped over 13 million drivers learn safety strategies and adapt to changes related to aging. By passing the class, you may be eligible for an insurance premium discount. The class will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Fruita Senior Center. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Bring your driver’s license and AARP membership card if applicable.

Fruita Senior Center ActivitiesBeginning February 1AARP Tax Assistance program for seniorsAARP tax representatives will be available to assist with preparing taxes for seniors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at Alpine Bank, 125 N. Park Square in Fruita.

February 5Game Day PartyYou may not have tickets to the big-gest game of the season, but look on the bright side: you’ll be able to see all the action and the multimillion dollar commercials and root for your favorite team all in the comfort of the Fruita Senior Center. The event begins at 4 p.m. Cost is $2. Preregis-tration is required.

Senior Line Dance classHave fun while staying healthy! Meet other dancers and learn different techniques throughout each session. Dances are based on choreography line dancing. New participants are welcome! Cost is $40 per month. Class runs from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Senior Center

BuncoStick around after lunch and play Bunco at 1 p.m. on the third Thurs-day of the month in the Fruita Senior Center for free. Bring a wrapped White Elephant gift.

Alzheimer’s Support GroupThe support group meets at noon on the last Wednesday of the month at the Fruita Senior Center. ■

Senior Recreation Center550 Ouray Avenue - 970 243-7408

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

Annual membership is $5.00.

Se n i o r re c re a ti o n ce n te r Mo n th ly ca le n d a r o f ev e n tS

Monday 9:00 a.m. Cribbage 10:30 a.m. Computer Classes 12:00 p.m. Gray Gourmet 1:00 p.m. Card Bingo 5:30 p.m. Singles Pinochle (1st & 3rd Monday)

Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Cribbage & Pool Tourney 12:00 p.m. Gray Gourmet 1:30 p.m. Bingo

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Ladies Pool, Card Social 9:30 a.m. Jack & Jill Pool Tourney 10:00 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Clinic (3rd Wed) 12:00 p.m. Gray Gourmet 1:00 p.m. Pinochle

Thursday 9:00 a.m. Canasta 9:00 a.m. Cleaning Crew (Last Thursday) 9:30 a.m. Bunco (3rd Thursday) 10:00 a.m. Band (1st Thursday) 12:00 p.m. Pokeno 8:00 p.m. Dance

Friday 9:00 a.m. Canasta, Painting Class & Pool Tourney 12:00 p.m. Gray Gourmet 12:30 p.m. Bible Study 12:45 p.m. Bridge

Saturday 8:00 a.m. Bridge Class 9:00 a.m. Bridge 1:30 p.m. Bingo

Sunday 1:00 p.m. Dance (1st & 3rd Sunday)

For more information or to register for these programs, visit www.fruita.org, or call the Fruita Community Center at 858-0360.

Did you know the Beacon has a Facebook page?

Like us! www.facebook.com/BeaconSeniorNews

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com rECrEation 19

By Melanie Wiseman

Zumba is a new fitness program taking the world by storm.

People across the Grand Valley have the fever too.

“It’s one of our classes that have a large older participation,” Crossroads Fitness Manager Patrick Goldsworthy said. “People don’t take it too serious-ly. They just go in and have fun.”

Zumba is a Latin-inspired, calorie burning dance fitness program. Since its inception in 2001, the Zumba program has grown to become the world’s largest dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages tak-ing weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries. Originating in Colom-bia, fitness instructor Alberto Perez used his own personal mix of Latin music versus a more traditional music to lead an aerobics class. His class loved it. They were energized and couldn’t stop smiling. Zumba was born. Perez brought the concept to Miami and Zumba began to spread to the masses.

“One of the best things about Zumba is that you are dancing and don’t need a partner,” Elite Dance Studio Owner Karen Blehm said. “My classes are consistently people over 60 years old. It is an amazing work-out. The music is what makes it fun and you don’t have to know how to dance.”

One of Blehm’s students, Sarah Moyer, 68, goes to Zumba four times a week. Moyer likes the combination of movement, dance and exercise Zumba offers.

“I get more exercise than regular dancing,” Moyer said.

Crossroads Fitness Zumba Instruc-tor Dawn Bloemen has a swimming background and never imagined herself teaching a dance-fitness class. She echoed the fact that you don’t

need to have a background in dance to enjoy Zumba.

“It’s basically follow the leader,” Bloemen said. “It’s all based on hav-ing fun and something different than traditional aerobics. There are modifi-cations for all moves.”

The number of calories each per-son burns per class varies. Depend-ing on your body parameters, you can burn 500-1,000 calories per hour of Zumba. She looks forward to get-ting certified in Aqua Zumba, which would bring a whole new meaning to “pool party.”

“People 50 plus want to be pushed,” Gold’s Gym Zumba Instruc-tor Trae Tripoli said. “Zumba is low impact, easy on the joints, the music is fun and it’s for those who love to dance.”

Nancy Weibel, 58, said she never feels intimidated when doing Zumba.

“It moves all your joints, loosens you up and is a good aerobic work-out,” Weibel said.

Zumba Gold is the largest growing class as it targets people 50 and older. Zumba Toning is gaining popular-ity as well as it combines toning and strength exercises with the cardio workouts. Lightweight toning sticks filled with sand are used in a maraca-like manner to enhance rhythm and toning as you dance.

Zumba is offered at many loca-tions throughout the Grand Valley including Crossroads Fitness, Elite Dance Studio, Gold’s Gym and the Lincoln Park Barn through the City of Grand Junction’s Park and Recreation Department. Schedules vary as well as the levels of classes offered. Many times the first class is offered free of charge, eliminating any excuse to not give it a try.

Catch the worldwide fever and join the millions who have gotten off their couches to join Zumba Fitness. No previous experience required. ■

Zumba fever at any age

By Lorie Gregor, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation

Zumba at Lincoln Park BarnZumba is a mental workout as well

as physical. Because you move your body in a wide variety of directions, it increases your range of motion and improves your coordination. The music alternates speed so you gain cardiovascular endurance through in-terval training. Your core gets stron-ger because you are using it in all of the moves. The best part is there are no rules! The dance movements are open to interpretation, so you can be as creative as you want.

Our instructor, Katie Leiting has been teaching Zumba for five years. She has taught all over Colorado and with all ages. She knows how to modify for your specific needs. Her 83-year-old grandma did Zumba in a chair.

Grand Junction Parks and Recre-ation offers the following classes at Lincoln Park Barn:

Fun after fiftyFree Zumba clinics

Come learn the footwork so you can have fun in a regular Zumba class. The free Zumba clinics take place at 3 p.m. on January 8, Febru-ary 12 and March 15.

Zumba BasicsA slower pace: perfect for begin-

ners. Takes place at 9 a.m. on Mon-days and Wednesdays.

ZumbaYour first class is free. Join us from

5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Winter Activity GuideThe Winter Activity Guide is avail-

able. Go online to www.gjcity.org and click on the “department” tab and choose “recreation” to view our guide. You can also call 254-3876 to request one to be mailed to you.

The Senior Rec Center has email!Email gjseniorcenter@gmail.com. ■

We’re on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

20 gardEning www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

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• Did you know that angels love animals just as much as we do and that animals can have guardian angels, too?

• Learn why distance healing is a great alternative for pets!

We will share with you what the animals want us to know about our planet and energy healing!

Each person that signs up will receive a free distance healing session for their pet!

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Grand Junction, ColoradoFebruary 11, 2012 • 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

The Garden GuruBy Curtis Swift, CSU Area Extension Agent

January is named for the Greek God Janus. He

was known for beginnings and transitions. Janus is also known as the keeper of gates, doors, and other entries that take you into another time or dimen-sion. Images of Janus have two faces: one looking to the past and the other to the future.

While we need to look to the past when thinking about our lives and landscapes, we need to focus on the future. What are we going to do next year when the gardening season be-gins? What should we do now to get a jump on next year’s season?

During the winter months, we hear from the neighborhood “armchair quarterback,” someone who is not actively involved and experiences the game from the sitting position. We also have “armchair gardeners,” who are involved in studying the garden catalogs or searching online for the plants they want to try in 2012.

This year marks the 150th anniver-sary of the Morrill Act, which estab-lished the “national vision for univer-sal access to higher education, the institutional capacity for the creation of new knowledge, cradle for nurtur-ing the human creative spirit and the engagement of higher education’s talent with the needs and aspirations of society,” Colorado State University Extension Director Lou Swanson said.

The Morrill Act established a land-grant college in every state. This act was first proposed in 1857, approved by Congress in 1859 and vetoed by President James Buchannan in 1861. On July 2, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln approved the act. These land-grant colleges were to teach military tactics, agriculture and engineering. This act granted each state a certain amount of federally controlled land to sell or use in the development of a state college. This was the start of the land-grant college system from which

Landscapes of the past and futureCSU had its humble start.

A second Morrill Act fo-cusing on the Confederacy passed in 1890. This act required each state to show that race was not an admis-sions criterion, or to desig-nate a separate land-grant

institution for ‘persons of color.’ This act helped finalize the development of the nation-wide system of land-grant colleges.

Beginning in 1874, Colorado’s land-grant college began the process of creating outreach and educational op-portunities for rural areas. This led to the establishment of the county agent system with the Mesa County office, which opened in 1912.

Things have changed from the early days when county agents made farm visits by horse and buggy. To-day, most of our visits are made via email and telephone. Since the agents in our office cover Mesa, Delta, Mon-trose and Ouray counties and service many others in Colorado, we are considered area extension agents. We do our utmost to provide information and education, and to encourage the application of research-based knowl-edge in response to local, state and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enter-prises and communities of Colorado.

The Smith-Lever Act, which pro-vides federal support for the exten-sion, was passed in 1914.

The cooperative effort of CSU, the local extension offices, the counties in which the offices are located, the other land-grant universities around the nation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide a continuous local and regional presence.

“The services we provide in ad-dressing the challenges of our day, distinguishes us from other institu-tions of public higher education,” Swanson said.

To take advantage of the informa-tion we provide, stop by our office at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. You can also visit us online at www.WesternSlopeGardening.org. ■

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 21

By Patricia Scholes

Some have said that Grand Junction has too few events where a person

can dress up. It’s true we have more casual living than those in big cities, but it’s also true that we have some exceptionally fine benefits living in western Colorado.

Every year the Grand Junction High School jazz bands put on an interac-tive performance designed to give you the best evening out. Interac-tive? Oh, yes! The Jazz Dinner Dance is more than a performance to sit, watch and enjoy. The dance lives up to its name. Not only will you enjoy finely catered cuisine, but you will also be able to dance to jazz from the ‘20s and ‘30s. You will also hear se-lections from the big band era as well as more contemporary jazz.

If you’re a jazz fan, this is your night. The dinner dance will be held at the Lincoln Park Barn, at 12th Street and North Avenue in Grand

Junction on February 4. The din-ner will start at 6 p.m. and will be catered by Olive Garden. The dance will take place at 7 p.m. and the eve-ning will conclude by 10 p.m.

Tickets for the dinner and dance are $15 and must be purchased in advance by calling Gretchen Schlech-ten at 241-2433. Tickets for the dance alone are $7 at the door.

Do you love jazz but have no inten-tion of dressing up? This is western Colorado, after all. Wear what you like. There is no dress expectation. Be casual. Be comfortable. Many

Dine and dance in one fine eveningfemales, however, will want to wear skirts that twirl with them when they fly through the dance steps.

Do you love jazz but hate dancing? Sit back and enjoy. You will not be disappointed. No date for the eve-ning? Again, no problem. If you enjoy fine food and music, you are wel-come to attend.

If you are attending with your chil-dren or grandchildren, don’t be sur-prised if your children seat and serve you. It’s part of the evening’s event. If you don’t have children or grandchil-dren attending, you might get served if you find yourself at a table sup-porting a student. Take a chance. It’s always nice to be pampered. Regard-less, all who love jazz are welcome to attend, even if you have no children or grandchildren performing. This is designed to be a fun evening out for the whole community.

This is a big benefit for the Grand Junction High School music depart-ment. There will be three bands

playing. Band C will be our freshmen beginners. Band B will include soph-omores and juniors. Band A, our top performers, will be mostly seniors.

Schlechten, the contact person for this event, has a senior who will be playing first chair trumpet in Band A. Her son A.J. has played for years. Al-though he likes many kinds of music, jazz is his favorite. He loves support-ing the music department this way and having the community join him.

Performing is the reward for all the hard work, even when no money is involved. What a wonderful way to hear a great concert, eat and dance to old favorites. See you there. ■

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GJHS senior A.J. Schlechten plays trumpet in jazz band and will be supporting the event.

22 FinanCE www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Kim Last, CFP®, CLTC

Long Term Care Specialist

(970) 257-1630244 N 7th Street

Suite DGrand Junction CO 81501

Test your knowledge of Long-Term Carebefore you or a loved one needs it.Q. My employer, or my spouse's employer,

offers group Long-Term Care (LTC)insurance. Is that the best, and leastexpensive, way for us to get coverage?

A. Speaking from experience, the answer is "notnecessarily." My husband and I found morecomprehensive insurance for less cost than than hisemployer's group plan by applying with a highly-ratedLTC insurance company. Shopping around for the bestcoverage is still a good idea, even if your employer offersa group plan, which can be limited in benefit options.

When it comes to Long-Term Care, what you don't knowcan hurt you! Call me to learn more and ask for your

free Shopper's Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance.

By Jason Alderman

Life insurance has no one-size- fits-all option. Singles with no

dependents often need little or no coverage. But it can be an important purchase for people whose families depend on their income to cover daily living costs, mortgage repay-ment, college, retirement or other major expenses.

According to Larry Davidman, owner of online insurance brokerage www.TermWorks.com, life insurance needs often change as family circum-stances evolve.

“Once you start a family, you’ll probably want to beef up coverage,” he said. “But after the kids are on their own, your house is paid-off and your retirement is well-funded, you may feel comfortable amending your coverage.”

In my family’s case, we bought term life insurance shortly after our son was born and added supplemen-tary policies when our daughter ar-rived. Our goal was twofold: Provide my wife at least 10 times my income if I should die, and help me cover childcare expenses should she go first.

Because our initial 10-year policies expire soon, we’ve been reexamin-ing our needs with Davidman’s help. If you’re also looking, here’s a brief overview of common life insurance options:

There are two broad categories of life insurance: term and cash value (permanent). Costs are based on such factors as your age, gender, overall health, family history, driving record, hazardous activities (like skydiving) and foreign travel habits.

Term life is the simplest and least expensive type, since it pays your beneficiaries only if you die while the policy is in force. Term periods usually range from five to 30 years. Premiums increase according to your age and overall health, but several other features can also affect the cost and benefits received.

Cash value products let you build cash value that grows tax-free and

that you can potentially borrow against (also tax free), subject to cer-tain limitations and based on product and design. The cost is significantly higher than a term policy with the same death benefits. Common variet-ies include:

• Whole Life, which provides lifetime pro-tection with locked-in, guaranteed premi-ums, death benefit and cash values. It’s usually the most expensive type.

• Universal life offers the same fixed investment performance as whole life, but greater flexibility in terms of premium payment schedules, duration of guaran-teed death benefit and accumulation of cash value.

• Variable universal life (adjustable life) lets you invest the cash-value portion in securities (stock funds, bond funds, money market, etc.), which have greater growth potential but also carry greater investment risk than fixed accounts. Poor fund performance can reduce the cash value and/or death benefit.

A few additional considerations:

• If your term insurance is expiring and you’re in poor health, ask about converting to permanent life. Premiums will be higher, but you won’t have to pass a medical exam.Interview several insurance agents to gauge their experience and ability to explain complex products. Then compare recom-mendations they give for your particular circumstances.

• Ask your broker for a breakdown of com-missions and administrative fees and ask your tax advisor about any tax implications.

• Don’t buy life insurance solely as an investment tool.

• Be completely truthful on your applica-tion. Lying about an underlying condition could cause the insurance company to alter your death benefit or rescind the entire policy.

To learn more about the different types of life insurance available, read the Buyer’s Guide posted on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website, www.naic.org. ■

Life Insurance 101BURIAL VAULT vs. GRAVE LINER

Richard W. Lewis, Funeral Director

Many people unfamiliar with details surrounding a traditional, full-service funeral may not be aware that certain cemeteries require some type of outer burial container that prevents the grave from sinking in the future. Burial vaults and grave liners are designed to protect the casket from heavy equipment used by the cemetery, as well as to keep the ground from sinking in as the casket decomposes. While there is no state law that requires the usage of a burial vault or grave liner, it can be a requirement of the individual cemetery. Two of our local cemeteries – Memorial Gardens Cemetery and Orchard Mesa Cemetery – currently have this requirement, and more and more cemeteries are following this trend all the time. A burial vault is made of high-strength concrete and lined with metal or durable plastic. A vault fully encloses a casket and inhibits the elements entering the vault. The vault protects the casket from several factors, such as: the weight of the ground on top of it to prevent future sinking, heavy machinery the cemetery uses for maintenance, and in most cases, ground water. Vaults may be customized with inscriptions or even family images. As strong as a burial vault may be, it is not designed to prevent the eventual decomposition of the casket and its contents. Grave liners are unlined and unsealed, and are generally less expensive than burial vaults. A grave liner is made of reinforced concrete, which is porous by nature and may allow ground water to seep in. A liner is designed mainly to stabilize the ground around the grave and prevent sinking as the casket decomposes. Martin Mortuary, your local Dignity Memorial® provider, is here to help you make the decisions that best meet your needs. Our staff of dedicated professionals will walk you through every step of arranging your loved one’s funeral or cremation services. Please feel free to visit our mortuary at 550 North Avenue, and if a question arises, do not hesitate to contact us at 970-243-1538, or visit our website: www.MartinMortuary.com.

Martin Mortuary now provides the security of cremation and burial insurance policies.

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com rESourCE dirECtory highlight 23

2O12 PMS 660

C 90M 50Y 0K 0

C 0M 25Y 100K 0

PMS 123

Now on the Web at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Res uRceDirectOry

“It’s the yellow pages for Western Slope seniors.”

Res uRceDirectOry

2O12Now on the Web at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

“It’s our yellow pages for seniors”

New 2012 EditionAvailable FREE around town!

2012 yellow pages for Western Slope seniors now availableBy Cloie Sandlin

January has arrived and the 2012 BEACON Senior RESOURCE

Directory is here! The BEACON’s annual RESOURCE

Directory is a trusted and valuable tool for Western Slope seniors, their families and those that assist them. It is also our most requested publi-cation. Our directory contains over 1,500 listings and hard-to-find con-tact information for clubs, support groups, genealogy resources, senior housing, health care information, social services, free health screen-ings, financial assistance, bridge clubs, dance parlors, insurance advisors and more. Each number is personally verified and lovingly typed into our extensive database. Though geared for seniors, many households keep the RESOURCE Directory throughout the year.

Bigger and betterWith every year, the RESOURCE

Directory gets bigger and better. Our 2012 edition is divided into three sections that represent the Western Slope. Our Mesa County section has 733 listings, our Delta-Montrose section has 477 listings and our Garfield County section has 320 listings. If you can’t find a service or product in your particu-lar area, try looking in one of the other counties. It’s not uncommon for Western Slope seniors to live in one place, shop in another, or even visit a doctor in another county.

Got Internet?For even more convenience, our

website, www.BeaconSeniorNews.com, hosts a virtual format of the print edition, for those seniors and their family members who live out of the area. It is senior friendly and can be turned page-by-page with just a click of your mouse. You can search for keywords, zoom in and out and click on our advertisers’ links to be automatically directed to their individual websites.

Monthly highlightsEvery month, the BEACON high-

lights a local club or organization listed in our RESOURCE Directory. It’s a great way for readers to be-come better involved with orga-nizations in the community. (This month, the RESOURCE Directory is what we are highlighting.)

Get your free RESOURCE DirectoryWe widely distribute the

RESOURCE Directory in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield coun-ties. It can also be found at numer-ous doctors’ offices, senior centers, hospitals and many other senior agencies. It is also inserted in this issue of the BEACON. But if for some reason you have not received your RESOURCE Directory or want more, give us a call at 970-243-8829 and we will mail them to you. Business-es are also able to call and request them in bulk and we will deliver them personally, with a smile. ■

635 Main St.Grand Junction970-254-8556

435 E Main St.Montrose

970-252-3648www.hospicewco.com

Proceeds support the mission of Hospice & Palliative Care

of Western Colorado

Storewide Clearance!50% OFFall merchandise

January 2-7, 2012(some exceptions apply)

In the Spirit of GREEN . . .Join us in reusing and repurposing!

Do you have gently worn apparel that you no longer wear? Do you have lovely furniture that you no longer need?

Heirlooms for Hospice welcomes your donationsMonday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Open Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

24 faith moves www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

By Karen Jones

Bethel Assembly of God, located at 2945 Orchard Ave. in Grand Junc-

tion, is a family oriented church that emphasizes ministering to all ages. Our mission is to reach out to our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to present a message that all age groups can relate to. In 2011, we held many different programs that we hope say, “We care.”

We held our second Back to School Giveaway, donating school sup-plies and groceries to over 250 area children and their families. We look forward to increasing that number next year.

We provided a free pancake break-fast to 100 people in our neighbor-hood. Our fall coat drive gave 70 new coats to school children who had none. Through food drives, love cupboards and even Wednesday din-ners, we have ministered to over 500 families in a given year.

But we’re not done yet. We want to do more and with a growing church, we can. Our congregation has grown so much in the past year, that we needed an associate pastor to help with the load.

We are so excited about what God

is doing at Bethel, that we want to share it with as many people as we can. We also have a dynamic Youth Group: a boy’s ministry called Royal Rangers and a girl’s ministry called MPact girls. We have a children’s church program that uses puppets, mime, video and live skits to teach boys and girls about the love of Jesus.

Yearlong activities include a pine-wood derby, vacation bible school, a men’s fishing trip, a women’s retreat, an annual barbecue and many seasonal events.

Check out our website www.gjbethel.org to keep up with events and schedules. You can listen to past sermons, read the pastor and associate pastor’s notes, leave prayer requests, or blog us just to say “Hi.”

We’d like to invite you to come see for yourself just how much fun and excitement you can have at church.

We are confident that you will love our praise and worship so much that you will tell your friends and they will come and love it too. We want to invite you to get to know us. Our pastors, David and Carol Huslig, have been at Bethel for over 31 years and personally extend a welcome to you and your family to come worship with us each Sunday. ■

Reaching out to those reaching up

Church members made pancakes and bacon for the breakfast that served over 100 people.

Neighbors gather at the Back to School Giveaway, left. Bethel’s annual barbecue picnic, right.

Reaching Out to Those Reaching UpBethel Assembly of God Church

Join us in a friendly atmosphere, a lovingcongregation and anointed Praise and Worship. We are a family oriented church that focuses on

reaching the whole person: ages 2 to 92 and beyond.Visit our website: www.gjbethel.orgfor information about our ministries

and to listen to past services.2945 Orchard Avenue • Grand Junction

970-243-8247Pastors David and Carol Huslig - Serving over 30 years

SUNDAY9:30 - Sunday School

10:45 - Worship Service6:00 - Evening Worship

WEDNESDAY7:00 - Bible Study

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

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Sunday worship services: Relaxed Celebrative 8:30 a.m.

Traditional inspiring 9:45 & 11:10 a.m.

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

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

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Crossword puzzle 25

Crossword PuzzleAcross1 Musical symbol5 Child or Puck, e.g.9 Deity worshiped as

“The Destroyer”14 The 29th state15 Blast furnace sound16 Exhibit supporter17 Form an opinion18 Something to grow on19 American novelist Cather20 Shadow23 Asset for Tina Turner24 Kind of duck25 Cautiously28 Unusually intelligent30 Muscat’s milieu34 TV’s “___ Smith and Jones”35 Basket-maker’s willow37 Elton John song38 Shadow41 ATC’s point42 Explosives ingredient43 Encumbrances44 John Reed film bio46 Coach Shula47 William Kidd, for one48 Hand wringer’s feeling50 Direction from Eden?51 Shadow58 Independently59 Musical McEntire60 Watch part62 Ointment63 “I second that!”64 Cloudy65 Completely unfamiliar66 Indicates yes, in a way67 Your family is part of one

Down1 Massenet’s “Le ___”2 Juilliard cofounder3 Large jug4 Hereditary5 Rocky6 First word in magic7 Dodge City lawman8 Ukulele feature9 Made a dress10 Coiffure11 Presque ___, Maine12 The Sail (southern constellation)13 Controversial pesticide21 Wrestling hold

22 Eagles’ hit “___ California”25 Thin cracker26 Mervyn Peake novel “Titus ___”27 Got one’s goat28 Gray29 Marina feature31 She was jilted by Jason32 Secret one33 From Bergen35 Preminger or Graham36 Dog topper39 Dentist’s request40 Like some alibis?45 Deviate47 Praiseful songs49 Time and again50 Slackened51 What Castro calls home?52 1995 hurricane53 West African republic54 Mediterranean port55 Temp’s pad56 Get closer to57 Knock for a loop61 Salinger’s grain

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26 mesa County www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Mesa County CalendarCompiled by Cloie Sandlin

January 4Weight loss surgery options at St. Mary’sIf you are considering weight loss surgery, attend a free education session presented by the staff of St. Mary’s Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Center and a trained weight loss surgeon. St. Mary’s is the only surgical weight loss program in western Colorado to offer all surgical options: gastric band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. Learn how the different types of

surgery work, who qualifies and how St. Mary’s will support you as you change your life. Family and friends are welcome. The class is from noon to 1:30 p.m. in room 3 on the fifth floor of the Saccomanno Education Center. Take parking garage Level 3 walkway to the hospital’s main lobby. Space is limited. Call 298-6400 to register.

January 6An evening of ScarlattiJohn Richard Ahern will perform Domenico Scarlatti’s work on harpsi-chord. This free concert takes place

at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 522 White Ave. in Grand Junction. For more informa-tion, call 433-3316.

January 6Transitions, Transients, Transformation photography exhibitThroughout January, local artist Patrick G. Metoyer will exhibit 28 Watson Island Complex images, which he produced while taking a documentary photography class as a Golden Scholar at Colorado Mesa University at Planet Wines, located at 420 Main St. in Grand Junction. An opening reception and wine tast-ing will be held from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. on January 6 at Planet Wines. Read the story starting on page 6 of this month’s BEACON for more information.

January 7High Desert Opera presents “Camelot”This fully staged musical production by the High Desert Opera takes place at 7 p.m. at the Avalon Theater, 645 Main St. Senior priced tickets range from $10-$35. To purchase tickets, call 523-9605. You can also purchase them at Roper Music or online at www.highdesertopera.org.

January 9Grand Junction Senior Theatre auditionsAuditions for the Grand Junction Se-nior Theatre production of “The USO Starlight Show” will be held from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 3940 27-1/2 Road. Auditions are open to any interested

individuals 50 years and older. Sing-ers, dancers, actors and other volun-teers are needed. For more informa-tion, call Diana at 245-9145 or Linda at 242-9245.

January 13Irish ThunderCeltic band FEAST returns with an explosive all-new program with champion Celtic dancers and lots of surprises! Virtuoso temperaments and symphonic textures character-ize the awesome sound of FEAST. A virtual wall of gorgeous string sound, sensuous harp sonorities, gutsy percussion, dazzling costumes and dances will make this an incredible evening to remember for the whole family. Tickets range from $26-$36 in advance and $29-$39 at the door for adults. Tickets are available at Roper Music. Get your tickets early, as the show sells out every year! Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Avalon The-atre. You can also purchase tickets at www.junctionconcerts.com.

January 13-14Colorado Choreographers ShowcaseThe Aspen Dance Connection pres-ents the 34th annual statewide juried choreographers showcase. Winning choreographers are from Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins and Grand Junc-tion and feature modern, jazz, hip-hop and break dancing. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Moss Performing Arts Center at Colorado Mesa Univer-sity. Admission is $20 for adults and can be purchased at the Grand Junc-tion Symphony office in the down-town Alpine Bank Building. For more information, call 243-6787.

Western Slope Concert Series presents Celtic band FEAST and STRICTLY IRISH Champion Dance Duo in an all-new show

www.JunctionConcerts.comTICKET OUTLETS: online at

www.JunctionConcerts.com

TICKETS, Montrose & Grand Junction:Adults: $26/$31/$36 in advance,$29/$34/$39 at the door.Kids: $16/$21/$26. All seats reserved.Glenwood Springs: general admission.Adults: $19 in advance,$22 at the door.Kids $9.

no extra charge for online e-tickets!Grand Junction: Roper Music

Montrose: PavilionPaonia: Farm & Home

Call 970-241-4579 for more info.

Montrose PavilionThursday, Jan. 12, 7:30 PM

Avalon TheatreFriday, Jan. 13, 7:30 PM

Saturday, Jan. 14, 7:30 PM

GRAND JUNCTIONGlenwood Springs High School,

Jeannie Miller AuditoriumSunday, Jan. 15, 3:00 PM

Celtic band FEAST Champion Irish dancers

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January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com mesa County 27

January 14Dances at La Puerta BallroomBring the family to La Puerta Ball-room, located at 523 1/2 Main St. in Grand Junction, for a full day of dancing. A family dance will be from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost is $12 per family, $5 for adults and $3 for kids. There will also be a Community Contra Dance with a new dancer’s workshop at 7 p.m. and a dance from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and $4 for kids age 10-17. Live Celtic music will be performed by Fifth Reel and guest fiddlers. Come with or without a partner. Casual dress. For more information, call 243-6736 or email kaniart@bresnan.net.

January 17Grand Mesa Chorus Guest NightAll over the globe, Sweet Adelines International choruses are joining together to teach the world to sing. Women of all ages who enjoy sing-ing are invited to Grand Mesa Chorus Global Guest Night at 6:30 p.m. at Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. For more informa-tion, call 255-9419, or visit www.grandmesachorus.org.

January 21Grand Junction RockestraThe Grand Junction Rockestra is a professional, symphonic rock and roll orchestra complete with a rock band rhythm section and three or four singers. Rockestra is an extension of and a complimentary group to the Grand Junction Symphony Orches-tra, which raises funds for the GJSO and for the Colorado Mesa University Music Department. Rockestra per-forms classic rock and roll from the 60s through the 90s including music by Kansas, Styx, Foreigner, Def Lep-pard, Journey, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith and more. Cost is $25. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Moss Performing Arts Center at CMU. For more infor-mation, call 243-6787.

January 23Taste of the Grand ValleyThe Home Loan Taste of the Grand Valley is a food festival featuring local restaurants, catering companies and food products. Exhibitors provide

samples of their food and/or bever-age from their booth and participants enjoy an evening of tasting and fun, all while supporting United Way of Mesa County. The event takes place from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main St.

January 26Poetry ReadingThis poetry reading features Doug Cox, T.J. Gerlach, Jerry Moorman and Robyn Rose at Planet Earth and the Four Directions Gallery, located at 524 Colorado Ave. For more informa-tion, call 256-9630. Reading starts at 7 p.m.

January 28-29Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Sprints on the Grand MesaRace site is near the intersection of Hwy 65 and Land End Road. Look for signs at the race site entrance. For more information, call 856-4153 or visit www.rmsdc.com. ■

River City Singles January 2012 Activity Schedule

“Young-at-heart adults getting together for fun and friendship!”

Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) meets in the atrium at The Clarion Inn, 755 Horizon Dr. every Friday. Social begins at 5 p.m. The first FAC meeting of the month is our business meeting. The second meeting of the month is Birthday Recognition Day for our members. Contact Jim Spiegel at 424-2545 for details.

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

Tuesdays at 5 p.m. – Taco Tuesday in Bailey’s Lounge at the Grand Vista Hotel, located at Crossroads Boulevard and Horizon Drive. Contact Brenda Leisten at 241-9997.

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

January 4 – Boston’s, 2404 F RoadJanuary 11 – Texas Roadhouse, 2870 North Ave.January 18 – Applebee’s, 711 Horizon DriveJanuary 25 – Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St.

Saturday Morning Bike Rides will resume in the spring.

Sundays at noon – It’s Bowling Sunday at Orchard Mesa Lanes, 295 27 Road, followed by card games. RSVP by 11 a.m. to Jim Sanders. Call 257-1174.

Saturday, January 7 – Meet at Bank 8 Billiards, 2460 F Road at noon for lunch and/or a friendly game of pool.

Thursday, January 19 - Dinner and a Movie. Meet at Enzo’s Pizzeria, 584 24-1/2 Road at 5:30 p.m. and attend a movie afterwards. RSVP to Judie at 639-2197 by the day before or sign-up at the FAC. Movie is to be decided.

Thursday, January 26 – Restaurant Rove, Enjoy dinner with friends at 5:30 p.m. Meet at La Bamba’s, located at 546 Main St. in Grand Junction. RSVP to John Delehanty at 241-3171 or Mary Lu Griffith at 241-0280.

For those who like to downhill ski on Mondays and Thursdays during Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s ski season, contact John Delehanty at 241-3171. Let him know if you would like to carpool or meet him at Powderhorn.

28 mesa County www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Grand Valley Health Fair Early Blood DrawsThe 2012 Grand Valley Health Fair is offering the opportunity to get an early blood draw for the popular low cost blood chemistry screenings. You must make an appointment for one of five days in February if you wish to take advantage of the Early Blood Draw. To make your appointments or for more information, go to www.mesahealth.org or call 211 from a landline. Cell phones call 1-888-217-1215 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. January 30 through February 1 or while appoint-ments last. You will then receive your results to take with you to the Grand Valley Health Fair in March. This is a wonderful cost savings way to take charge of your health by learning more about it.

E-reader workshops at Mesa County LibrariesLearn the basics of using an e-reader at one of the workshops offered in January by Mesa County Libraries. Library staff will show you how to access and borrow library e-books on your device. This introductory-level workshop is demonstration only, but you may bring your e-reader. The workshops are free. Preregister by calling 243-4442. Workshops at the Central Library do not require preregisteration. The workshops are scheduled for:•Monday, January 2, 6 p.m., Central Library Program Room, 530

Mesa County Beacon BitsGrand Ave., Grand Junction•Monday, January 9, 2 p.m., Fruita Branch, 324 N. Coulson St. •Tuesday, January 10, 6 p.m., Clifton Branch, 590 32 Road •Friday, January 27, 10 a.m., Orchard Mesa Branch, 230 Lynwood•Monday, January 30, Central Library Program Room, 530 Grand Ave., Grand Junction

Applications available for Master Gardener ProgramColorado State University Exten-sion is accepting applications for the 2012 Master Gardener Program. The training course begins from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18 and continues every Wednesday through March 28. Class sessions cover plant science, soils, irrigation, fertilizations and more. Apprentice Master Gar-deners commit to a minimum of 50 hours during the spring and summer months, assisting at the Extension of-fices and participating in other horti-cultural projects. Work schedules are flexible and a variety of projects are available. Registration fee is $125 for apprentices, or $425 for those who prefer no return commitment. Visit www.westernslopegardening.com or contact Susan Rose at 244-1841 or susan.rose@colostate.edu to receive an application.

St. Mary’s L.I.F.E. programSt. Mary’s L.I.F.E. program offers pro-fessional support to help participants accomplish weight management goals with energy and fun. Learn

strategies to manage weight with exercise, nutrition education and healthy behavior changes. The cost is $187. Access to the pool and gym at St. Mary’s Life Center is included. The next L.I.F.E. program will take place January 17 through April 3. Register by January 13. For more information and to register, call 298-6080.

Volunteer opportunities•RSVP connects individuals 55+ to volunteer positions in any of our 90+ member agencies. For a complete list of volunteer opportunities, visit www.rsvpgrandjunction.org or call 243-9839.•Mesa County Libraries needs volunteers and has a wide range of volunteer opportunities. For more information, call Wendy at 683-2421.•Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley is a nonprofit organization providing housing, compassionate services, and safe shelter for individu-als and families. It is always in need of community volunteers. If you are interested, please call 256-9424.• GriefShare: Healing from grief through Christ is held every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Fellowship Church, 765 24 Road. For more infor-mation, contact Vicci at 434-9473.•Gray Gourmet needs several adult volunteers to deliver a weekday lunch to homebound seniors in the Grand Valley. To find out more about delivering meals to homebound se-niors, call 243-9844 ext. 5. Volunteers are also needed to work (on call) to serve lunch at one of our senior din-ing sites in Grand Junction one day per week. For more information, call Sheli Apodaca at 243-9844.

Go Red for Women LuncheonThe American Heart Association sponsors the Go Red for Women campaign to increase awareness of women’s risk of heart disease. St. Mary’s Hospital wants you to know more so you can reduce your risk. So put on a red dress for free education and screenings from 10:30 a.m.-noon, along with a luncheon for only $10 starting at noon. Choose from two days to attend: February 9 or 10 on the fifth floor of the Saccamanno Education Center. Seating is limited

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January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com mesa County 29

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O.I. packing meetingsOperation Interdependence is a civilian to military delivery system that provides over 2,500 comfort packages to service personnel every month. If you would like to show your support for the troops, attend packing meetings, or contact Karon Carley at 523-4217 or email carley@oidelivers.org. Packing meetings are held at their warehouse. Call Carley for directions. January packing meet-ings will be:•9a.m.onJanuary3,7,19and21•7p.m.onJanuary11and25

Club activities•The Western Slope Coin Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Redlands Community Center, 2463 Broadway. For more information, call 241-1770 or 242-3716.•The Grand Valley Knights are a group of auto enthusiasts that meet every Saturday from 8 a.m.–10 a.m. at Spoon’s Bistro and Bakery, 3090 N. 12th St. with their sport and classic vehicles. Their website is www.grandvalleyknights.com. They encourage visitors to join them for coffee and breakfast. Proceeds from Spoon’s help support Hospice. For more information, call 462-6762.•Vestafjell Lodge, Sons of Nor-way will meet at 2 p.m. on January 8 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3133 F Road. Wear your Norwegian sweater. This month’s program is “Tips on Making Lefse.” Bring a side dish to accompany chili and soup. Guests are welcome. For more information, call 245-5649 or 249-8691, or visit www.vestafjell lodge.com.

•The Two River Sams Chapter Good Sam RV Club will meet at 11:30 a.m. on January 14. For location, call 248-9846 or 261-8817.•The Mesa County Genealogi-cal Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Cross Orchards, 3073 F Road. They also meet at the Museum of Western Colorado, 462 Ute Ave. at noon on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Bring a brown bag lunch. For more information, call 245-5312.•Mesa County Republican Wom-en meet the second Monday of each month at Two Rivers Convention Center at noon. Lunch is $15 per person. RSVP to 248-0815. •The Two Rivers Cribbage Club meets from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. every Thursday at New Life Church, 1350 N. Seventh St. For more information, call 261-1670.•Happy Feet Rounds meets at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consis-tory Court on Sundays for a variety of dancing including waltz, rumba, cha-cha and more. Beginners are welcome from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. and intermediate dancers are welcome from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call 243-5858.•The Grand Valley Woodcarvers Club meets from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Redlands United Methodist Church, 527 Village Way. Carvers and wood artisans of all skill levels are welcome. For more information, call 245-8817 or 523-5965. •Levis & Lace Square Dance Club hosts square dances from 7 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. every Friday night at the Masonic Lodge, 2400 Consistory Court in Grand Junction. For more information, call 986-8801 or 434-6541. ■

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30 delta/ montrose Counties www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

January 4League of Women Voters meetingThe League of Women Voters of Montrose and Delta County’s January meeting will be titled, “Are ballots public records?” The meeting will take place at noon at the Montrose Regional Library Community Room, located at 320 S. Second St. Montrose County Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder Bill Mast and Delta Clerk and Recorder Ann Eddins will be speaking.

January 7“Shine the Light” Memory Walk“Shine the Light” is a walk to honor Melinda Yager, whose death earlier this year brought the issue of domes-tic violence to the community’s atten-tion. The public is invited to partici-pate. The walk begins at 4 p.m. with participants meeting at the corner of Fifth and Main Streets in Delta. The walk will end at Bill Heddles Recre-ation Center, where a presentation and refreshments will be provided. For more information, call 874-6995.

January 12Irish ThunderCeltic band FEAST returns with an explosive all-new program with champion Celtic dancers and lots of surprises! Virtuoso temperaments and symphonic textures character-

ize the awesome sound of FEAST. A virtual wall of gorgeous string sound, sensuous harp sonorities, gutsy percussion, dazzling costumes and dances will make this an incredible evening to remember for the whole family. Tickets range from $26-$36 in advance and $29-$39 at the door for adults. Tickets are available at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive or online at www.junctioncon certs.com. Get your tickets early, as the show sells out every year! Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Call 241-4579 for more information.

January 14Winter Rim RompThis challenging and scenic course is perfect for the Winter Rim Romp 8K or 5K Snowshoe race and adventure hike. There will be prizes, brews, food and more. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Black Can-yon National Park. Cost is $30 until January 12. Cost is $35 afterwards. All proceeds benefit the Montrose Community Foundation. For more information, call 249-5000.

January 14Band of HeathensIf you’ve never seen these Austin boys, don’t miss Band of Heathens from 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m. at the Turn of the Century Saloon, located at 121 N. Fourth St. in Montrose. Tickets are

$20 and are available at Stu-dio Ten Eleven Hair Design and Riddled Raven. Opener is Cyrus James.

January 20Jackie Greene in concertBlue Sky Music presents the ninth an-nual benefit for Hospice and Palliative Care

Delta/Montrose Calendar

Special for our out-of-town guests:

Lodging• 15% discount at Econo Lodge, 2100 E. Main, 240-8000

• 15% discount at Holiday Inn Express, 1391 S. Townsend, 240-1800

• “Great Discounts”, Western Motel, 1200 E. Main, 240-4233

Dining • Simmer Food and Wine, 320 E. Main, 252-1152, 10% off the purchase of one bottle of wine

• Ice Cream: Cold Stone Creamery, 1541 Oxbow Drive, 252-8041 - BOGO ice cream and shakes

Just show your MCP ticket!420 South 12th Street, Montrose www.magiccircleplayers.com

January 13-28, 2012

Whose Life is it anyWay?by Brian Clark

249-7838Call for additional performance dates.

Montrose resident Edward Painter and his neighbor, 5-year-old Teah Howe, ride Painter’s two horses, Buddy and Pepper, around town.

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com delta/ montrose Counties 31

of Western Colorado, and KVNF featuring Jackie Greene. Donny Morales and Slide Show will open. Show starts at 8 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Cost is $25. Tickets can be purchased at Around the Corner Art Gallery. For more information, call 275-4183.

January 21Community Evening DancesEveryone can join the fun for danc-es from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. Music will be provided by North Fork Country. Coffee and lemonade will be provided. Cost is $4 at the door.

Please bring a snack to share. For more information, call 874-0923.

January 21Joy of PaintingEver wanted to learn how to paint? Sign up for a class at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Barb McDonald is a Bob Ross-trained and certified in-structor and will show you how easy and fun painting can be. The class includes materials and you’ll have a finished painting by the end of the day. Register two days prior to the class. The class will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $70. Call 874-0923 to register. ■

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My childhood memories of visiting Grampa Pete’s farm in

Nebraska flicker like the glow of a warm fire on a cold winter evening.

I loved jumping off the tops of hay-stacks and searching for odd treasures in the corners of the old red barn. Grampa never failed to invite us to pile into the back of his pickup when he drove out to pasture to check on his cattle. He always had some mangy no-name pup that appreciated my attention. And I fell asleep at night with the faint sound of the windmill pumping a rhythmic lullaby.

Grampa was an ornery sort. He was only half kidding when he threatened to kick a lung out of any grandkid that dared play with his felt western hat. I learned to stay well out of range, as he liked to snap my rear end with a flick of his fingertips, which smarted like a bee sting. As I limped away he would chuckle at the hitch in my git-along.

On Sundays we visited the little Wesleyan Church in town. My fam-ily’s presence dramatically enhanced the Sunday school statistics, which were proudly recorded on the at-tendance board at the front of the sanctuary.

My sister and I scrambled to sit on either side of Grampa for the church service. We could count on two things: a droning sermon from the pastor with the bun on top of her head, and the goodies Grampa fished

Fingernail clippers and Black Jack gumout of his pockets at just the right intervals.

Curiously, Grampa never offered us Black Jack gum until we went to church. I didn’t care for the licorice taste, but the entertainment value far exceeded the need to tickle my taste buds. I chewed the pungent stick until it was soft and pliable and then placed it strategically over my two front teeth. Then I leaned forward to flash a “toothless” grin at my sister, which produced muffled snorts for the rest of the service.

Meanwhile, Grampa would settle in for the duration with his trusty fingernail clippers. I never noticed him perform his ritual manicure until he sat in the little church with the high ceiling and wooden floors. This acoustical combination ensured that each clip resounded with an echo throughout the sanctuary, drawing sniffs of consternation from the other hair-netted bun ladies perched stiffly in the creaky, wooden pews.

Grampa Pete was not an outwardly religious man. I never heard him ut-ter an “Amen” or a well-timed “Praise the Lord” in that little white church in Oshkosh. I like to think that some-how above the din of his fingernail clippers and the giggles of his visiting granddaughters, Grampa heard the Gospel message and put his trust in the Lord.

I can’t bear the thought of spend-ing eternity without his Black Jack gum. ■

32 delta/ montrose Counties www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Compiled by Cloie Sandlin

Free homemaking services for seniorsNobody should have to choose between a clean, safe home envi-ronment and their own safety. Yet, for many seniors, maintaining inde-pendence in their own homes can mean performing tasks that present physical challenges and possible dangers. That’s why the Region 10 Area Agency on Aging teamed up with Touch of Care to provide free homemaking services to those 60+ in Delta, Montrose and Ouray counties. Eligibility for homemaker services is determined during the completion of a comprehensive, but brief assess-ment. There is no charge for eligible older adults, but a suggested donation amount is gratefully accepted. For more information, call Touch of Care at 249-6080 in Montrose and 874-6115 in Delta.

Delta/Montrose AARP Driver SafetyKeep up on newer traffic laws while saving money on car insurance. Membership in AARP is not required. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required for both classes.

•Delta: January 16, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Cen-ter, 530 Gunnison Drive. Preregister by calling John at 856-6924.

•Montrose: January 12, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Montrose County Health and Human Services, 1845 S. Townsend Ave. Preregister by calling Amy at 252-3431.

DELTA SENIOR ACTIVITIES

FreshStart to help smokers quitDelta County Memorial Hospital is offering the tobacco cessation class series “FreshStart” beginning from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10. Come to these positive support group sessions, facilitated by an

Delta-Montrose Beacon Bitsinstructor. Over the course of four weeks, the instructor will work with you to develop a plan for tobacco cessation. This program is designed by the American Cancer Society and provides information on strategies for tobacco cessation, how to handle cravings, stress management, health living and more. The class is free, but you must preregister by calling 874-2412.

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

• Adult Flag Football LeagueRegister your team for the City of Delta’s Spring 5 on 5 Adult Flag Football League before February 12. The season will begin in late Febru-ary with games played at Conflu-ence Community Fields on Thursday nights through the end of April. A 10 game season with a season end single elimination tournament is included with the $225 team fee. Each player is also required to pay a $20 player fee and sign a roster to be eligible to play. The City will provide the flags and game balls.

• Guitar lessonsLearn hand position, picking, strum-ming and chords on the guitar. Class is designed as an introduction for those with no guitar experience, or for those who are self-taught and would like to improve their tech-nique. Please bring your own guitar to class (no amplifiers please.) The class is offered 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, January 21 through February 18. Registration fee of $85 includes book and CD. Register by 5 p.m. on January 18. Classes will be held at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

• Cribbage TournamentEveryone is welcome to the annual City of Delta Cribbage Tournament

836 S. townSend, montroSenext to eldorado bakery

249-2118

mon - fri 8am - 8 pm|Sat 8am - 4 pm

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Minor Injuries & illnessColds, Flu, & Allergies

Sports, DOT & employment physicals. Lacerations & Fracture Care

Terry S. Wade D.O.Barbara Budagher P.A.-C

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Phone: 243-8829 Mail: P.O. Box 3895 Fax: 1-800-536-7516 Grand Junction, CO 81502

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from 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on February 19, but register early! All ages are wel-come. Cost is $10 per person or $5 per person for doubles. Call 874-0923 to register.

• Adult Soccer LeagueThe City of Delta is going to try to have an adult soccer league in the spring on Saturday afternoons. If you have a team that would be interested in participating, call Whitnee at 874-0923 by February 1. If there are enough interested teams, games will start in March.

• Adult Volleyball LeagueRegister your team for the City of Del-ta’s Spring 4 on 4 Volleyball League before the deadline of February 12. The season will begin February 22 with games played at Bill Heddles Recreation Center on Wednesday nights with a season end tournament on April 25. The team fee is $60 and each player is also required to pay a $20 player fee and sign a roster to be eligible to play. The City will provide the game balls and nets.

• Wiffle Ball LeagueBe sure not to miss this year’s new wiffle ball league. Teams will play 4 on 4 with wiffle balls and bats just like when you were kids. The season will be eight games for a team fee of only $100. Register until Febru-ary 19 for the season that will begin in March and go until the end of April. The games will be on Monday evenings at Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

• Tae Kwon DoBill Heddles offers Tae Kwon Do from 6:45 p.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The class focuses on flex-ibility, agility and strength. It’s great for all ages. The cost is $30 for eight classes or a $5 drop-in fee.

MONTROSE SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Stroke Support GroupThe Montrose Memorial Hospital Stroke Support Group meets twice a month at the hospital’s Acute Rehab Unit from 11 a.m. to noon. Stroke sur-vivors, family members and caregiv-ers are all encouraged to attend. For

more information and meeting days, call Tim Ramsey at 318-2028.

Montrose Recreation District activitiesThe Montrose Recreation District has the following activities scheduled for seniors 50+ in January. Register one week ahead. Events take place at the Montrose Pavilion, or transportation departs from the Montrose Pavilion. Please arrive at each event at least 15 minutes early. For more information on any of the following activities, call 252-4884.

•January 3, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. We will travel to Mesa Mall, Kmart and Kohl’s in Grand Junction. We will stop at the shopping center with Michael’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Ross and Sportsman’s Warehouse. You pick the stores you want to shop in. Cost is $20. Transportation provided. Bring money for lunch.

• January 5, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ouray Ice Festival is a premier international gathering of ice climb-ers. We will watch the climbers com-pete and observe activities of the day. Following the ice festival, we tour the historic Western Hotel in Ouray. We will have lunch in Ouray. Cost is $18, plus money for lunch.

• January 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Few recreational activities are as easy to learn and are as much fun as snowshoeing! If you haven’t been snowshoeing before, don’t worry. The beauty of snowshoeing is sim-plicity. Just strap on a pair of snow-shoes to your favorite snow boots and start walking! We take frequent rests. Snowshoes and poles provided by Jeans Westerner. Cost is $16 with your own snowshoes and $20 if we provide them. Bring a sack lunch. Please register early. Call for location and more information.

Monday Night ExcitementMonday night is the only night that the Montrose Senior Center is open at the Pavilion. Activities include bil-liards, pinochle, Mexican Train and line dancing. The senior center is open from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Line dancing costs $2.

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Senior’s Night OutEvery third Monday of the month is Senior’s Night Out. Join us for excel-lent food, company, games and danc-ing. The night starts off with bingo at 4 p.m., a potluck at 5 p.m. and an ice cream social at 5:45 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. Games such as pi-nochle, Mexican Train, hand and foot and billiards will be available for play starting at 6 p.m. Attendees will also have an opportunity to line dance at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $2.

PilatesPilates has moved to Wednesdays in January. No need to register, as the class is free. Class time will be from 9 a.m.-9:30 a.m. and takes place at the Senior Center Craft Room.

Mixed Media PaintingPaint together, socialize and learn new skills from other talented artists in our area. Bring your own materi-als. Class takes place from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at 2378 Robins Way. Admission is free.

PickleballPickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It is played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net, but is mounted two inches lower. It is easy for begin-ners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced game. Join in the fun from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and/or 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Mondays at the MRD’s Apex and Omni Room. Cost is $5. ■

E-mail: Beacon@pendantpublishing.comWebsite: www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

34 Garfield County www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Compiled by Cheryl Currier

January 9Wildlife walksJoin the Rock Bottom Ranch staff on an evening wildlife walk. Get a chance to see beavers swimming in the pond, elk grazing in the mead-ows and hear the hoot of a great horned owl all under a full moon. Tea and hot chocolate will warm you up following the walk. Admission is free. Call 927-6760 for reservations. Meet at the nature center, 2001 Hooks Spur Road in Basalt, just before 6 p.m.

January 10Tips, Topic and Talks in ParachuteJanuary’s “Tips, Topics and Talks” will be held at the Grand Valley Fire Protection District Fire Station #1, located at 0124 Stone Quarry Road at 10 a.m. Fire Chief David Blair will welcome the group, and staff will demonstrate the correct use of home and car fire extinguishers. Anthony Howe will explain the Vial of Life program. A Vial of Life will alert ambulance crew of health and per-sonal information in an emergency. Everyone will take home a brochure

Garfield County Calendar explaining how and where to display this information. Light refreshments and a tour of the 2-year-old facility will round out a morning. For more information, call 285-9119.

January 21Town to Town TourRoaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers is hosting the fourth annual Town to Town Tour beginning at 10 a.m. This long-distance, noncompetitive Nordic event starts at the Rio Grand Plaza in Aspen and finishes in downtown Basalt with an end-of-tour party. Par-ticipants can either cross-country ski or snowshoe the 19 mile Rio Grande Trail with alternate starts at Woody Creek or Old Snowmass. Refresh-ments are served along the way. All levels are encouraged to participate. Registration is $30 for individuals and $50 for families before the event. On the day of the event, registra-tion jumps up to $40 and $65. Go to www.rfov.org to register, or call 927-8214.

January 21Winter landscape paintingWhat better way to capture the essence of a pristine winter scene than at Coulter Guest Ranch in Rifle? Dean Bowlby will be your mentor. Bring your oils and painting panels. Transportation to the ranch is pro-vided as well as lunch by a cozy fire. Cost is $50. The class is from 9 a.m. -3:30 p.m. Register at Colorado Moun-tain College West Garfield Campus, www.coloradomtn.edu/register, or call 625-1871.

January 21-22Ice Fishing Tournament at Rifle GapThe 14th annual Rifle Gap Ice Fish-ing Tournament will be held from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday at the Rifle Gap Reservoir. Registration is $35 before January 6 and jumps to $50 after. Spaces fill up quickly at this popular event so register early. Call 625-2085.

January 22Basic Internet Workshop at Glen-wood Springs LibraryMeet at the Glenwood Springs Library, located at 413 Ninth St. at 2 p.m. to learn basic Internet skills. Participants will learn how to use a search engine, save pages in a list of favorites, download graphics and more. Call the library to register, 945-5958.

January 27Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little RockColorado Mountain College at the West Garfield Campus in Rifle will host a screening of “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” at 7 p.m. in the Clough Auditorium. As a black woman who was a feminist, Daisy Bates refused to accept her assigned place by society. This film tells the story of her life and public support of the Little Rock Nine, the first black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas which culminated in a con-stitutional crisis. A short discussion and reception following. This event is free. For more information, visit www.coloradomtn.edu/register, or call 625-1871. ■

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Mature people love romance. They enjoy a good meal. They still give flowers. And they have the time to get away. In fact, our area’s over fifty crowd spends 26% more money on dining, 54% more on drinking and 60% more on travel than any other group. Shouldn’t you be romancing them?Advertising Deadline: January 20, 2012Publication Date: January 30, 2012

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Got a booth? If you’re planning to participate in the area’s largest senior fair, it only makes sense to make the most of your investment by placing your ad in our BeaconFest Program. Not only do we insert the program into our April newspaper, but we also give the program away to each attendee. (You can’t print flyers for this cheap.)Advertising Deadline: March 20, 2012Publication Date: April 4, 2012 Bringing You

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January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Garfield County 35

Compiled by Cheryl Currier

Ashcroft Snowshoe TourThe Aspen Center for Environmental Studies is offering snowshoe tours to the historic ghost town of Ashcroft. On this half-day snowshoe tour in the pristine Castle Creek Valley, natural-ists will share expertise on tracking animals, observing birds and study-ing the delicate sub-alpine commu-nity. Tours include spectacular views, a gourmet lunch at the Pine Creek Cookhouse, snowshoe rental and Ashcroft trail pass. Ashcroft Tours are offered seven days a week at 10:30 a.m. Reservations are necessary. Cost is $100. Call 925-5756 for reserva-tions and more information.

Fitness Challenge at the Glenwood Springs Community CenterMake serious progress on your fitness goals by taking the fitness challenge offered by the Community Center in Glenwood Springs starting January 1. This program will motivate you to improve your personal fitness level, awareness and knowledge through various exciting activities. Call 381-6301 for more information.

Meet your weight loss goalsStart the year off right by creating a personalized exercise and eating plan that is right for you. The first class will meet on January 18 and will include a tour of the Rifle Fitness Center. The other three classes will be taught by the Changing Lifestyles staff at the Grand River Hospital and Medical Center. Record your intake, do your own nutrition analysis using the MyPlate website, decide what needs improvement and then make your own food plan. Register at the Colorado Mountain College West Garfield Campus in Rifle by visiting www.coloradomtn.edu/register or call 625-1871.

Inkle loom weaving in CarbondaleLearn simple weaving at the Carbon-dale Center for the Arts and Humani-

ties, 520 S. Third St. Inkle looms are small looms that allow one to weave long narrow strips of fabric. The weavings are suitable for belts, guitar straps, or can be sewn together to create bags or other large objects. The classes will cover warping the loom, designing for the Inkle loom, weaving and finishing techniques. Each student will complete one piece. The looms and materials will be provided. Classes are scheduled from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. for January 16, 23 and 30. Cost is $60. Call 963-1680 for more information.

Genealogy Series at CMC Colorado Mountain College at the West Garfield Campus in Rifle will be offering a spring series of classes on genealogy. The first class will be held on February 1 and will focus on organizing research materials and documents found on your journey to find your ancestors. Several different organization systems will be pre-sented. The class takes place from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. You must register for the classes at CMC or online at colora-domtn.edu/register. Each class costs $20 or you can register for all the classes for $90. Classes are scheduled through April 4.

Rifle Veterans Home receives national awardThe Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home in Rifle has received a national “Excellence in Action” award. This award is given to the top 10 percent of all long-term care facilities that participated in a series of surveys administered by an independent research firm in Lincoln, Nebraska. Rifle’s home was the only state veterans home and one of only nine nursing homes in Colorado to receive the award. The Colorado State Vet-erans Nursing Home in Rifle serves veterans, their spouses and gold star parents, offering long-term care, and short-term care rehabilitation, secure memory care and more. For more information, call 625-0842 or 800-828-4580. ■

Garfield County Beacon Bits

Garfield County Seniors are readingthe BEACON.Shouldn’t your ad be here?

Call Jeanette Kiphart for ad rates.243-8829

Subscribe to theBeaconAUGUst 2010 Vol. 32 No. 8

Photo by Karen Jones.

What’s Inside

Advice and Ideas .......................... 13

Classifieds .................................... 30

Crossword .................................... 19

Delta/Montrose County ................ 27

Fruita ............................................18

Health & Wellness ......................... 10

Laughing Matters ......................... 14

Local Lore ....................................... 8

Mesa County ................................. 22

River City Singles.......................... 23

Theater & Arts .............................. 26

Local LoreThis old yellow farm-

house once stood on

the banks of Lake

Lenore. Read more

about it’s history

inside.

Long-Term CareWhat everyone

needs to know

about long-term

care Read more

in this month’s

insert.

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

Martial Arts for

seniors is a great

new concept.

See story on

page 10.

Pets and their peopleFrom horses to

turtles, take a look at

our reader submitted

photos.

Now on the Web at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the Beacon’s

Advertising Team

Medicare Madness

Targets Home Medical

Equipment Users page 7

A Continuum of Care

at Family Health West

(even a Beauty Parlor)

page 2

Key Questions

to ask a nursing home

page 6

Long-Term Care

Your Guide to Senior Housing & Long Term Care

Adoptable LoveArielle Alstatt, Mesa County Animal

Services officer, cuddling Little Joe, a

young pit-mix male waiting for adoption.

See our cover story on page 4.

september 2010 Vol. 24 No. 9

Photo by Karen Jones.

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

Western Colorado’s Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 28,350 Readers.Learning how to operate firearms cor-rectly can save lives. Olathe resident, Ron Avery can aim you in the right direction. Read more inside.

River LessonsSusan Capps, de-scribes experiences and lessons learned from our beautiful Colorado rivers.

Local LoreFrom peddling pickles in a wheelbarrow to creating a successful factory, read more about the Kuner-Emp-son factory inside.

Health & WellnessWhat everyone needs to know about your health Read more in this month’s insert.Now on the Web at

www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the Beacon’s

Advertising Team

Health foods that aren’t

page 11

Real Men Give Blood

page 6

A Bright Futurefor Senior Daybreakpage 3

Your Guide to a Heal thy Mind & Body

Health &Wellness

Life Tastes Good Here!

Rita Baughman, right, of Taylor Produce helps Brenda St. John select fresh Palisade Peaches.

july 2010 Vol. 31 No. 7

Photo by Karen Jones.

What’s InsideAdvice and Ideas .......................... 19Classifieds .................................... 34Crossword .................................... 22Delta/Montrose County ................ 31Health & Wellness ......................... 10Laughing Matters ......................... 14Local Lore ..................................... 20Mesa County ................................. 26River City Singles.......................... 28Theater & Arts .............................. 30

Lake Lenore and the surrounding Lakeside Community have made their mark in history. Read more on page 20

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

Faux Food!What started as a hobby for this local artist turned into a full-time business. Read about Jeannie Martin and other local artists starting on page 4.

Seniors can play rough too. Readmore on page 9.

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

See this month’s insert for complete details and registration form!

August 30-September 3, Lincoln ParkSenior Games

western colorado

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the Beacon’s

Advertising Team

Aug. 30-Sept. 3

Parks & recreation

Senior Games

Produced by the Beacon’s

Advertising Team

Now on the Web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Your Guide to the Western Colorado Senior Games

western colorado

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Newsubscription 1year$15.00 Renewsubscription 2years$25.00

Mail form with check to:TheBeacon,P.O.Box3895,GrandJunction,CO81502

36 Classifieds www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Real Estate for Rent

Nellie Bechtel Senior Apartments 55 and older, no smoking or pets. 3032 N. 15th St. Call 245-1712 for appointment.

Real Estate for Sale

LIQUOR STORE for Sale Turn key operation – All goes. Asking $325K. Naturita, CO. 865-2545.

3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home and lot in 55+ park. Great yard, patio, workshop. Extra clean. 3195 F Road #47. Move-in ready! Must see inside. Priced to sell at $89,000. Call 261-2194.

Home Care

PASCO/SW, INC.Skilled and unskilled homemaking and/or

personal care. Skilled nursing, specialize in wound care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, CNA, social work, pre-op, post-op services. PASCO/SW carriers certification for Mi, children’s hospice and Tbi waivers.

Please call for courtesy evaluation of your home care needs.

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Cortez (970)565-6833; Durango (970) 247-1211; Montrose (970)

240-1771; Toll Free (877) 685-6833www.pascosw.com

Home Services

Reliable Estate Sales Are you in the midst of a stressful relocation or passing of a loved one? Let us handle the burden of personal property liquidation from start to finish. Contact Mark Bluhm at 260-2327, cash4@bresnan.net or www.reliableestatesales.net.

Antiques, Appraisals, Estate Sales With over 30 years in the antique, appraisal and estate sale business, Great American Estate Sales is the valley’s leader in appraisals and estate liquidation. Settling an estate, moving into a smaller home or just simplifying your lifestyle? Great American Estate Sales can provide a worry-free and quick solution. Free consultation. 242-2443.

Professional Tile Installer Insured and bonded. You purchase tile, I provide everything else. Special discounts. Call Bill for a free estimate. 245-3344.

Tub-to-Shower Conversion Convert your tub into a safe, accessible shower in just one day! We also do complete bathroom remodels. The Tile Meister, 244-8453.

Winter’s Here Take care of broken or dead limbs over houses, garages, etc. Insured, licensed. timely and professional service. Over 30 years experience. A Cut Above Tree Services. 200-3740.

Accessibility Services Grab bars. Walk in tubs/showers. Licensed plumber/handyman. “Serving Western Colorado since 1989.” Free estimates. Compare and save! 985-1403.

Small Favors Senior Services Senior companionship, shopping, errands, medical appointments, cooking, organizing. Experienced caregiver, First Aid/CPR certified. Seniors are my passion! Call Brenda 623-0649.

Bill The Builder Handyman Finish carpentry – decks and fencing, light electrical, garages, painting, kitchen updates, doors and windows. Senior discounts. Call for estimates 261-7071.

For all of your plumbing, heating, cooling and HVAC needs. Call Western Colorado Plumbing & Heating. In business since 1982. 241-4436 or 640-7433.

Miscellaneous Services

PROFESSIONAL SEAMSTRESS Any sewing project from lightweight to heavyweight materials. Save that old, favorite garment. Recycle, reuse, renew. 640-8589.

Pheasant Hunting! 1,200 private acres. wildpheasant@yahoo.com. 241-3949. BrokenSpokeRanch.com.

Pat and Wayne’s Ceramics and Porcelain Dolls Greenware, bisque supplies. Teaching classes. Open 1:30 p.m.– 5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Evenings and Saturdays by appointment. 677 24-1/2 Rd. 434-8951 or 778-8075.

Help Wanted

sales person wantedThe BEACON Senior Newspaper

is growing and we’re looking for a sales person to grow with us.

Send your letter and resume to beacon@pendantpublishing.com

Wanted to Buy

BUYING COINS AND CURRENCY U.S. Silver Dollars, 90% Silver, Eagles, Krugerrands, Maple Leafs, Gold and Silver Bars, Proof Sets, Mint Sets, Currency, Collections, Hoards, Accumulations of any size. Call 242-5374.

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

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

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cash check credit card # ............................................................... name on card ................................................................ exp. date ..................................... cvc ........................

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fax: 800 536-7516 email: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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

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

January 2012 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com Classifieds 37

CASH Paid for old Stuff. Wind up men’s wrist/pocket watches. Gold and silver jewelry. Pocket/hunting knives, antique firearms, fishing gear, toys, BB guns, old Colorado bottles, old motorcycles, radios and amp, railroad, military, mining items. www.cash4oldstuff.net. Mark 260-2327.

Burial Plots

Grand Junction Memorial Gardens Two side-by-side cemetery lots. Garden of Christus. For additional information please contact cali2bound@yahoo.com or call 702-647-1128.

Located 2 Blocks East of St. Mary’s Hospital off Wellington Ave. • 2501 Little Bookcliff Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Contact Admissions at 970-245-1211 After Hours 970-361-1630

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RESERVATION & CANCELLATIONS required at least a business day in advance Call Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 243-9844, ext. #1

ADVANCE Call Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 243-9844, ext. #5

If you have not received your meal by 12:45 p.m., please call number above.Client donation notices delivered monthly.

monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday

2CLOSED

3Salisbury steak w/ gravyParsley potatoesBrussels sproutsFruited cottage cheese

4Tuna salad sand-wich 5 Way vegetablesMandarin fruit mold

5Bbq pork ribBaked potatoColeslawPineapple slices w/ cherry

6Chili rellenoChuckwagon vegetables w/ toppingSpinachCitrus surprise w/ whip topping

9Spaghetti & meatballsItalian veggiesSpinach saladCitrus fruit mixItalian bread

10Egg & sausage bake3-Bean saladPeas & carrotsOrange wedgesOat bran muffin

11Beef tater-tot cas-serolePerfection veg-etable moldLima beansSaucy fruit salad

12Clam chowderSteamed carrotsBroccoli, walnut & raisin saladPineapple tidbits w/cherriesCrackers

13Chicken fricasseeBrussels sproutsChuckwagon vegetablesApricots

16Spinach cheese squaresParslied potatoesIsland vegetablesPeaches w/ cher-ries

17Pork roast w/ gravySweet potatoes5 Way vegetablesMandarin orangesDinner roll

18Turkey tetrazziniItalian vegetable & bean blendJellied beet saladApplesauce

19Chicken parme-sanIsland vegetablesKidney beansCitrus surpriseItalian bread

20Beef chili & beansRed cabbage tossBlushing pearsCornbread

23Sloppy joe3 Bean saladFrench onion bake Pineapple fruit Mold w/ topping

24Meatloaf & gravy w/ ketchupMashed potatoesGarden veg-etablesFruit mix

25Chef salad w/ toppingCalifornia veg-etablesPineapple slices w/ cherries Crackers

26Chicken pot pieSteamed spinachTossed salad w/ toppingApplesauce berry mold

27Roast turkey w/ gravyGreat northern beansBroccoliFruited cottage cheese

30Baked potato w/ broccoli, cheeseTossed saladBlushing pears

31Honey bbq chickenSpinachColeslawFruit salad

Meal Menu January 2012 243-9844, ext. 1 monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday

 

Please call Fran at 243-9844 for nu-trition questions or for nutrition coun-seling services.

38 kvetCh www.BeaconSeniorNews.com January 2012

Thank you for holding the line on BEACON advertising rates. We’re happy to support such an excellent publica-tion. -Robin Avery, CEO, Care Support, Inc.

Instead of occupying Wall Street, which provides investment to American companies that then provide jobs to American workers, let’s occupy Wal-Mart, which ships our jobs to China to make the cheap crap they sell. -Mildred R., Grand Junction

I want to thank the BEACON for their help with Operation Interdependence. We certainly appreciate your help. -Karon Carley, State Manager, Operation Interdependence

Just got an XM Radio for Christmas and I love it. Why would anyone want to listen to the canned, corporate garbage that pretends to be local radio? -Jennifer S., Grand Junction

What’s going on in the church parking lot at 30 Road and Patterson? There’s a large pole going up that looks to be the base to a tacky billboard. Say it isn’t so! -Harold F., Grand Junction

Congratulations Kevin on your award from River City Singles and for the BEA-CON being honored by the North Ameri-can Mature Publishers Association. Best wishes for your continued success. -Dick Caldwell, Grand Junction

Tim Tebow may not win a Super Bowl here on Earth, but he’s already won the Super Bowl of life by inviting Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. -Darren W., Montrose

kvetch \ kfechBy Jerry E. Lewis

I’m not sure if you know it or not, but about half of everything on the

Internet is true. The problem, espe-cially for seniors, is figuring out which is the true half. If you’re like me, you’ve got plenty of crackpot friends and relatives that believe a race of lizard people live under the streets of Los Angeles, or that, President Obama is an illegal alien, or just a regular alien. I forget which. For these folks and, unfortunately, many others like them, they haven’t gotten an email yet that wasn’t true. So, they continue to invest their retirement funds in Ni-geria, buy their medicines in Mexico, and pass around emails like the one below regarding Social Security.

(Editor’s note: No spelling, gram-mar, or punctuation has been changed to protect the illiterate.)

KEEP PASSING THIS AROUND UNTIL EVERY ONE HAS READ IT.....SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

THE ONLY THING WRONG WITH THIS CALCULATION IS THEY FOR-GOT TO FIGURE IN THE PEOPLE WHO DIED BEFORE THEY COL-LECTED THEIR SOCIAL SECURI-TY!!!! WHERE DID THAT MONEY GO?????????????

This was sent to me, I am for-warding it because it does touch a nerve in me.

Remember, not only did you con-tribute to Social Security but your employer did too. It totaled 15% of your income before taxes. If you av-eraged only $30K over your work-ing life, that’s close to $220,500.

If you calculate the future value of $4,500 per year (yours & your employer’s contribution) at a simple 5% (less than what the govt. pays on the money that it borrows), after 49 years of working you’d have $892,919.98.

If you took out only 3% per year, you’d receive $26,787.60 per year and it would last better than 30 years (until you’re 95 if you retire at age 65) and that’s with no inter-est paid on that final amount on

deposit! If you bought an annu-ity and it paid 4% per year, you’d have a lifetime income of $2,976.40 per month. The folks in Washing-ton have pulled off a bigger Ponzi scheme than Bernie Madhoff ever.

Entitlement my ass, I paid cash for my social security insurance!!!! Just because they borrowed the money, doesn’t make my benefits some kind of charity or handout!! Congressional benefits ---- free healthcare, outrageous retirement packages, 67 paid holidays, three weeks paid vacation, unlimited paid sick days, now that’s welfare, and they have the nerve to call my social security retirement entitle-ments? We’re “broke” and can’t help our own Seniors, Veterans, Or-phans, Homeless

In the last months we have pro-vided aid to Haiti, Chile , and Turkey. And now Pakistan ......home of bin Laden. Literally, BILLIONS of DOLLARS!!! Our retired seniors living on a ‘fixed income’ receive no aid nor do they get any breaks while our government and religious organizations pour Hundreds of Billions of $$$$$$’s and Tons of Food to Foreign Countries! They call Social Security and Medicare an entitlement even though most of us have been paying for it all our working lives and now when it’s time for us to collect, the govern-ment is running out of money. Why did the government borrow from it in the first place? Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave ‘US’ the same support they give to other countries.

There’s a lot wrong with this tirade. But here are just a few facts to repu-diate the unenlightened.

Faulty ASSumptions. The moron who wrote this garbage asks you to remember that you and your em-ployer have contributed 15 percent of your wages to Social Security. Wrong. In 1950, the rate was 3 percent. In 1960, the rate was 6 percent. In 1970, the combined rate was 8.4 percent. Today it’s 12.4 percent. Were you to use these actual figures, it would

Keep passing this crap around make a huge difference in the au-thor’s results.

Second, Social Security isn’t a bank account. The money you have paid in isn’t yours. It’s retirement insurance for people that have not responsibly planned for their own retirement. Imagine going to your health insur-ance company and asking for your premiums back? (With interest!) Where did the money go? It went to pay the medical bills of those that were sick.

The author boasts a risk free 5 per-cent rate of return. Where? I’d like some of that.

Broke seniors? America’s seniors are the wealthiest group of retirees in human history. They currently control 70 percent of the total net worth of all U.S. households.

Finally, when you factor in today’s retirees’ contributions, add a reason-able rate of return and account for in-flation, you’ll find that they generally get back two to five times what they deserve. Social Security is a system that is overly generous to its recipi-ents and unfair to our children. ■

Wanna pitch a fit? Write us at

Beacon@PendantPublishing.com.

Buying for CASH!Coins & Coin Collections

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Paying $12 per gram and up for Scrap Gold!

Open: Monday-Friday, 10-5

North Avenue Coins 1005 North 12th Street, Suite 211

Grand Junction, CO 81501

970.261.8368

Serving families in the Grand Valley for over 100 years.

New Beginnings

With the year of 2011 closed and the opening of 2012 will we, once again, make promises to ourselves, look to the future and say, ‘This year is going to be different’? Maybe we should just say, ‘This year is going to be.

Let it be a year of knowing the path you are walking is the right one for you at the moment. If it’s not the right path, change direction slowly and deliberately and make better choices for yourself. Let it be a year of learning how to make a difference. Let it be a year of making a difference in someone else’s life. And let it be.

Perhaps, instead of promises made to ourselves and disappointment when those promises are just too difficult to keep, we should make this a year of living in the moment and knowing we are moving forward the best we can.

Change happens every second. Some for good, some not so good, but whatever the changes are, they take us down the path of life. We learn all kinds of beautiful lessons during our journey and, as we get older, we look back and realize that many of those lessons made us stronger, better people. If we can let go and live, this can be a wonderful year of new beginnings.

“Life is precious. Don’t waste it.”

2515 Patterson Road • Grand Junction, CO 81505

970.243.2450 info@cemgj.com www.callahan-edfast.com

St. Mary’s women in red (above, left to right): Cathy Roberts, RN, director of Cardiac and Vascular Services; Jessica Silva, cardiac catheterization lab technologist; Colleen Flack, RN, cardiac nurse; and Michelle Shiao, RN, clinic nurse manager, Coronary Care;

(below, left to right): Maria Anderson, MD, cardiologist, and Sara Pereira, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon.

NothiNg is moreatteNtioN gettiNgthaN a womaNiN red.

©2007, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. Go Red and Go Red For Women are trademarks of AHA.

The Red Dress Design is a trademark of U.S. DHHS.

You are invited . . .

go red for women Luncheon Thursday, February 9, 2012 or

Friday, February 10, 2012presented by St. Mary’s Hospital Cardiac and Vascular Services

10:30 AM–NooN Free education and screenings:

•American Heart Association cardiac risk factor assessment•Peripheral vascular disease symptoms and risk factors•Blood pressure•Stroke symptoms and risk factors•Nutrition education and heart healthy recipes•Exercise

St. Mary’s provides the only complete cardiac program in western Colorado: diagnostic and interventional procedures, minimally invasive surgery, open-heart surgery, heart monitoring, and cardiac rehabilitation.

NooNHeart Healthy lunch featuring:

•Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Chips •Sesame Chicken Salad with oriental Dressing –or– oriental Veggie Salad (vegetarian)•Cherries with Ricotta & Toasted Almonds •Cost: $10

Presentation: “Women and heart disease: Are we at risk?”

•Sara Pereira, MD, St. Mary’s cardiothoracic surgeon•Maria Anderson, MD, cardiologist

LoCATIoNSaccomanno Education CenterSt. Mary’s Hospital, Fifth Floor2635 North 7th Street, Grand Junction, Co•Park in garage and use the third level walkway to the hospital.

The American Heart Association sponsors the Go Red for Women campaign and Wear Red Day

to increase awareness of women’s risk of heart disease. According to the American Heart

Association, 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing

heart disease. But why a red dress logo? Because you can’t ignore a woman in red!

St. Mary’s wants you to know more, so you can do more to reduce your risk. So put on your

red dress (or sweater or suit), baby, and join us.

✁

LUNCH CHoICE: ❑ Sesame Chicken Salad ❑ oriental Veggie Salad

I AM PAYING BY:❑ Check payable to: St. Mary’s Hospital – Go Red❑ Credit card

Name as it appears on card:

______________________________________________________

Card number: _________________________________________

Expiration date: _______________________________________

Reservations with credit card payment can also be faxed to 970-298-7033.

I WoULD LIkE To ATTEND oN: ❑ Thurs., Feb. 9 ❑ Fri., Feb. 10

Name: _____________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _________ ZIP Code: ___________

Email (for reservation confirmation): ______________________________________

Daytime phone: ____________________________________________________

Please reserve _____ spots at the Go Red for Women luncheon at $10 each.

Total: $______________ ❑ I/we will take advantage of the free screenings.

Reservation Form Seating is limited. Reserve early.

Deadline is February 3, 2012.

SEND RESERVATIoN FoRM AND PAYMENT To:

St. Mary’s Hospital Go Red Education Luncheon

P.o. Box 1628Grand Junction, Co 81502

QUESTIONS: 970-298-7454Email: GoRedForWomen@stmarygj.org