A Tribute to Western MoviesThis daylong fes-tival for the movie buff features movie showings, memo-rabilia and celebrity guests. Page 12.

Sweet AdelinesGrand Mesa Cho-rus celebrates 50 years of music with a special concert on Sept. 13. Page 24.

The Happiest People are OlderIts true! Happiness reaches a peak around age 70, despite the aches of getting older. Page 10.

Now on the web at www.BeaconSeniorNews.com

Produced by the BEACONs Advertising Team

Massage your way to health

page 2

Alzheimers special section

page 8

New Alternative

Health section

Your Guide to a Healthy Mind & Body

Health &WellnessFALL 2014 Your heath

and wellness is sure to get a boost after reading this months insert.

SEPTEMBER 2014 Vol. 28 No. 9

Photo by Xxxx Xxxx.

Western Colorados Monthly Newspaper for Adults 50+. Over 32,851 Readers.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com EDITORIAL 3

Hook me up for free, partner!By Kevin K. VanGundy

There used to be a long-running commercial on local television where the head of United Cable, Tom Worster, would offer to waive the instal-lation fee for new subscribers and make a donation to the local Partners or-ganization in return. An older gentleman with a weathered complexion, an easy smile and a slightly graveled voice, Tom would end his com-mercial by asking viewers to call his office and say, Hook me up for free, partner!

Our town was smaller then, so small that you could actually meet Tom at his office if you wanted to, and homespun charitable events like the Partners-KJCT television auction were mandatory viewing in most homes. Nowadays, unless youre clever enough to invent the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has raised over 50 million dollars and is still climbing, fund-raising has gotten more challenging for the rela-tively small, local nonprofits like Partners.

What hasnt diminished is our need for the Part-ners Program. More young peo-ple need an adult mentor more than ever before. Yes, Partners can put your money to good use, but more importantly, there are young people right now, boys and girls, who could use an

adult mentor like you. Can you spend a few hours a week getting to know and helping guide a young person? If

not you, then who? And if not now, then when? Please call Joe Higgins today at 245-5555 and ask him when his next orien-tation meeting is.

Scary photos?Lets scare up

a good time next month. Please send us your Halloween photos for Octo-bers BEACON. They can be old photos of yourself, newer photos of your grand-kids, or recent pho-tos of your neighbors

gardening in the nude, but please in-clude a line or two with your photos about who is in the picture. Send to:

Email: Beacon@PendantPublishing.com

or

Mail: PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

Come enjoy Montrose-Delta BeaconFest, September 18

Were having a party and youre in-vited. The fourth annual Montrose-Delta BeaconFest Senior Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, Sep-tember 18 at the Montrose Pavil-ion, 1800 Pavil-ion Drive.

This years Montrose-Delta BeaconFest fea-tures an exciting lineup of live entertainment, free food, infor-mative seminars and booths

sponsored by over 60 senior-related businesses.

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Varicose veins of all sizes are the external manifestation of a larger, more extensive vein valve problem. The valves stop

working and blood flows the wrong way: down the leg, not up.

Treatment for both internal & external deformed veins requires internal (endo) laser, where the laser fiber is placed inside the abnormal veins to weld them closed, plus schlerotherapy (chemical treatment) done at the same time. Anything less will invite re-occurrences. All treatment is by local anesthesia and in our JCAHO Nationally Accredited, private in-office operating room. IV sedation can be added as an option.

Unlike treatment by others, Dr. Merkel offers a one stop, one treatment session to correct the entire system; not by repeated injections. And yes, some insurances do cover part of the treatment. Well check it out for you.

Phone: (970) 243-8250

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Be Prepared for the Unexpected! Attend our Free Estate Planning Workshops

Baird B. Brown Clara Brown Shaffer Jamie J. Roth Paul M. Smith

What to Do When Someone Dies September 10, 2014. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Have you lost a loved one recently? Do you have questions on how to administer their estate? Would you like to know how your own estate will be administered? It may not be as easy as you think!

Wills, Trusts & Powers of AttorneyThe Basics September 24, 2014. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Learn basic estate planning essentials includ-ing will and trust estate plans and using powers of attorney.

Registration is Required. The workshops will be held at our office at 1250 E. Sherwood Drive. Sign up by calling (970) 243-8250 or go to our website at

www.brownandbrownpc.com

So heres a great way to give money and get some

great bargains.

2014 Partners/ KJCT Auction

Friday, September 56 p.m.-11 p.m. on KJCT TV 8

Come enjoy the areas largest senior fair...

Montrose-Delta

FREE ADMISSIONFREE entertainment, FREE seminars & info, FREE food

9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Montrose Pavilion, MontroseFOR INFORMATION CALL 243-8829

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand JunctionFOR INFORMATION CALL 243-8829

September 18, 2014

4 COVER STORY www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

Mesa County Partners mission is to make a difference in the lives of young people by helping them develop a positive self image, a sense of belonging and an acceptance of responsibility for their actions. The organization believes that having a positive role model in the life of a child helps him or her stay out of trouble and teaches them new skills they later need to become an independent and produc-tive member of society.

Do you have what it takes to be a senior partner with Mesa County Partners?1) Would you consider yourself to be a positive role model for a child?

2) Are you age 16 or older?

3) Can you commit to the program for one year?

4) Can you spend an average of three hours a week with your junior partner?

5) Can you pass a background check?

6) Do you know people that can vouch for you?

If you said yes to all of these questions, then give Partners a call at 245-5555.

A checklist to become a foster parent isnt as black and white as becoming a senior partner, but Ariel Clinical Servic-es believes that foster parents are the most important ingredient in helping a child heal from the negative effects of abuse and neglect. Children that have faced such issues need warmth and stability, and many BEACON readers have both.

If youre interested in becoming a foster parent or mentoring a child through Ariel, call 245-1616.

RelationshipsBy Cameron Jones

Children need someone they can trustsomeone they can count on to listen to them and to help them feel valued. Kids need an environment where they feel safe and have a strong sup-port system to help them make the right choices.

Be a positive role model

Mesa County Partners aims to ac-complish just that through its one-to-one mentoring pro-gram. Many young people face problems and societal pressures in their lives that may cause them to get into trouble or to become withdrawn, and Partners believes that a one-to-one relationship with a successfully coping adult can help a young person learn skills that will help him or her become an independent and produc-tive member of society.

Children involved in the Partners program range in age from 7 to 17. Partners used to work solely with juvenile offenders, but many of the kids in the program today just need a positive role model and friend. Adult mentors in the Partners program are called senior partners while the kids they help are called junior partners.

Partners encourages those inter-ested in becoming senior partners to attend an orientation to find out more about the program and to see if it is the right fit for them. A case manager oversees each partnership and leads the process of becoming a

senior partner. Applicants must pass a background check, and once they become a senior partner, they are able to read profiles of kids in need of a mentor to see who might be a good match for them.

Senior partners are expected to

spend at least three hours a week for a year with their junior partner. However, it is the organizations hope that it turns into a relationship that lasts much longer.

Vivian Rolland has developed such relationship with her junior partner.

I expected a trou-bled teen, she said.

But instead, Rol-lands junior partner turned out to be an introvert who just needed a friend.

Rolland first be-came interested in becoming a senior partner when she at-tended a Partners fun-

draiser auction six years ago. She said she was hesitant at first to become a senior partner because of the amount of time she was expected to spend with her junior partner.

What am I going to do with a child for three hours a week? she asked herself.

Now she and her junior partner do everything from skiing and ice-skat-ing to watching movies or visiting the library.

Rollands first junior partner didnt work out, but her current partner has become like one of the family.

It doesnt matter if you get a partner and it doesnt work the first time, she said. Youve got a kid whos got your name on him or her.

One-to-One Program Manager Blake Ammon said that many partner-ships are fostered at Partners events.

There are no limitations on the activities that senior partners and junior partners can do, as long as both parties are in agreement and

that last a lifetime

Vivian Rolland and her junior partner.

Vickie Dean, left, and Jordyn Stephenson, right, bond over playing the game Sorry! at Ariel Clinical Services office in Grand Junction.

September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com COVER STORY 5the junior partners parents approve.

Some senior partners have even taken their junior partners on vacation with them. Others have sat in on parent-teacher conferences.

Senior partners are not required to spend any money on their junior partners, as there are plenty of free activities around town. But some choose to give more than just their time after they have formed a relationship with their junior partner.

Rolland emphasized the impor-tance of the Partners program to our community. When they say it changes two lives, it certainly does, she said.

She also said that if it werent for Partners, she would never have tried certain activities again.

It keeps you young, she said. You find out that certain things are fun again.

Rolland said that her junior partner plans to stay in contact with her well after she leaves the Partners pro-gram.

Partners doesnt expect adult men-tors to be anything but themselves, which makes all the difference in the life of a child.

There are kids in our community that need that chancethat positive influence they deserve, Ammon said.

Provide a home for a kid with no place to go

Ariel Clinical Services helps children by placing them in foster homes and also by functioning as an adoption agency. Without Ariel, some kids would have no place to go.

Ariels adoption program supervisor, Kathy McCoy, said her job is no walk in the park.

You see the worst of our

community, she said.

But she said that despite all the bad, she finds positiv-ity and satisfaction when kids are placed into safe homes and she is able to see them grow in a safe environment.

Ariel is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, families and adults. Ariel started out in 1994 in downtown Grand Junction. Today, they

also serve kids in Delta, Denver and Colorado Springs.

One challenge that Ariel currently faces is that there are not enough foster homes or people willing to be foster parents. A foster home is only allowed four kids and there are many Grand Valley kids still in need of a home.

McCoy said some people are afraid to become foster parents because of the stigma associated with it. The idea of bringing a child with possible behavioral issues into their home is frightening for some people, and stories that circulate about other peoples bad experiences with foster kids makes foster parenting seem more like a gamble than help for a child in need.

Ariel combats these stigmas by hav-ing case managers visit the home on

a weekly basis. Ariel is an advocate for supporting the parents as well as the child. They have programs and trained therapists available to advise and coach foster parents about how to manage a problematic child. They will also allow foster parents to read a childs file so they have a better un-derstanding of what to expect before they bring the child into their home.

McCoy said there is also a fear that biological parents will lash out at fos-ter parents or their family, but Ariel never gives out the foster parents information. Ariel will even pick up children from their foster home and take them to visit with their biologi-cal parents, then bring them back. McCoy said some foster parents are encouraged to meet the biological parents if it might motivate them to continue to work to get their kids back.

[Potential foster parents] are put through a rigorous screening process to ensure the children entrusted to them will be well cared for, McCoy said. They also receive a monthly stipend in order to help take care of the child/children.

McCoy said Ariel is also in need of mentors in their direct service pro-viders program. This is a part-time position, but mentors play a crucial role by being positive role models for children, equipping them with skills they will need to succeed in the community.

Ariel is a program that has blos-somed in a short time because it holds a firm belief in helping chil-

dren succeed by properly supporting and equipping the people who care for them. But it is more than just helping children in a tempo-rary home. Ariel also sup-ports and guides children so that they can reach their full potential for a bright future.

To volunteer with Partners, call 245-5555. To become a foster parent or mentor with Ariel, call McCoy at 245-1616.

Cover PhotoMesa County Partners of-fers group activities on a regular basis to help

adult mentors (senior partners) and their junior partners build relationships and have fun. Now, wouldnt it be a blast to go rafting with a kid that looks up to you?

Publisher ....................... Kevin K. VanGundyFounding Publisher .................. Susan CappsEditor ....................................... Cloie SandlinGraphic Design ............................. Heidi GrafProduction ............................... Karen JonesAccount Representative ..............Sue BowenAccount Representative ...........Sidney JayneProofreader ................................ Jan WeeksCheerleader .............................Genevra ShalDelivery ............................ Solomon Herrera

Delta-Montrose Bureau

Assistant Editor ..................Liesl Greathouse Account Representative ......... Virginia CarlileDelivery .........................................JR Milner

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Bogart .........................................................

P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502970.243.8829 800.536.7516 fax

Website: 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 Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Garfield counties.

Publication of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorse-ment. Columns are opinions of the writers, not necessarily the opin-ion of the publisher. Display advertising rates are available upon request. Deadline for advertising and announcements is the 20th of the month preceding publication.

Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

National & Regional Award-Winning Publication

Senior partner Rita and her junior partner Alexa.

Partnerships through Mesa County Partners spend a day at Spin City.

6 FEATURE STORY www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

By Melanie Wiseman

Family businesses are not for every-one. These Palisade farmers give us lessons on the importance of hard work, work ethic and the value of family that will last for generations.

Zs OrchardOrchard matriarch Carol Zadrozny

said, Growing things is part of my genes. I just love seeing things grow.

Its definitely in Carols genes, which she must have passed on to her children, as there are now four generations of her family involved in running Zs Orchard.

Carol grew up on a farm in Delta. When she and her husband, Fritz, purchased 20 acres in Palisade 40 years ago, her parents were there to help them get started. Fritz died in a car accident, leaving Carol with three young children and an orchard. She was a full-time teacher as well.

Looking back I dont know how I did it, Carol, 71, said. I did consider selling the orchard. God has given me wonderful friends. I had a lot of support and encouragement.

Carol married Richard Skaer, now

71, also a teacher, and they have all five of their children involved plant-ing trees and being a part of the growing process.

Now our grandkids have grown up with it, too, Carol said. Our great-granddaughter, Hallie, whos 3, is the best helper. She even pulls weeds on occasion. Growing up on a farm, she is way into eating fruits and vegetables, and isnt into sugar.

All children and grandchildren in the Zadrozny and Skaer family are involved at some level. Marketing, canning in their commercial kitchen, planting and pruning, watering, bee-keeping, flower arranging, preparing and running farmers markets, and making products for their country store keep everyone busy.

I remember carrying baskets full of peaches around as a kid, Jennifer Zadrozny, 50, said. Now everything is from the tree to the box.

Zs Orchard started with peaches but has since added a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as perennials to its mix. Outside of their family, they only have one employee. Ev-erything is done by hand, without automation.

One of the rewards of our hard work is that if youre hungry, you just go out and get something, Carol said. We laugh at how we find half-eaten peaches everywhere.

Kendra (Zadrozny) Williams, 45, left the family farm for many years but always came back in the sum-mers. She started selling their pro-duce at Tellurides farmers market 26 years ago, right out of high school.

She was their youngest vendor and is the longest continuous vendor there, Carol said.

Kendra now ships peaches to a cus-tomer on Fifth Avenue in New York and others all over the U.S.

Were busy because people are more conscious of where food is coming from today and what theyre putting in their bodies, Kendra said. Every year, I overplant because I cant believe how much grows out of the seeds.

Carol admits she and Richard would like to relax more with a glass of wine.

Referring to Kendra and her hus-band, Ken, Carol said, This is their life now.

C & R FarmsWhat was once a dream and pas-

sion of Clare Talbotts has turned into a family affair. Clare, 69, and her husband Rob, 72, lived in Golden when they decided to buy 20 acres in Palisade in 1978. They now own 150 acres.

Work was slowing down for me at Coors, Rob said. We became week-end farmers, traveling with our kids to Palisade 45 weekends a year.

That lasted 16 years until Rob retired in 1994 and they moved to Palisade permanently.

Sometimes I feel like I took some things away from our kids during the traveling years, Clare said. But what they got was good common sense and life skills.

Their children, Donovan and Megan, now 45 and 42, got involved in helping out at a young age, even driving a tractor at 6 and 8 years old. Clare sold her daughter peaches when she was a teenager, and Me-gan set up stands and sold them at a profit, which became her college fund. When Donovan graduated from Golden High School, he immediately packed up and moved to the farm in Palisade.

Were our own bosses, Donovan said. You get a lot of practical expe-rience running your own orchard. I can fix anything.

Megan left home for 14 years to at-tend college, teach and start a family. Then she called and said she wanted to come home. Megan does all the marketing and sales for C & R Farms, Donovan is the agriculture guy, and his wife, Elizabeth, is the bookkeep-er. Ron designs the packing lines and Clare oversees the packing shed and pruning.

All three families live on properties adjacent to the farm and Clare also helps take care of the six grandchil-dren. The three oldest, Victoria, 14, and twins, Cobe and Caden, 12, are now helping out.

My kids like to be here, Megan said. Theyre learning things they wont learn in school.

By working on the farm I have a better work ethic, learn about ma-chinery and agriculture, and can be outside, Cobe said.

According to Caden, the best part of the farm is, I can eat right off the tree.

Clare said she is living the

Palisade farmers

Palisade farmers

share the fruits of their labor with future generations

Donovan, Victoria, Ron, Clare, Caden, Cobe and Megan.

Richard Skaer and Carol Zadrozny.

September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com FEATURE STORY 7

American dream. Its a great lifestyle, she said. I

love my trees, I love my peaches, and I go crazy if I lose any.

Megan said each family member has different roles.

We respect what everyones strengths are and thats what makes us successful, she said. At the end of the day were still family.

High Country Orchards & VineyardsAt 16, Keenan High knows his

peaches. After all, hes been doing tours and helping out with the family business since he was 9.

His older brother and sister have gone to school and have careers, which Keenan hopes to accomplish as well.

In the end, I think we all want to come back and live here, Keenan said. Its a much better life here. This is our parents dream, so theyre not forcing it on us, but theyd be happy to have us take it over. They just want us to enjoy our lives.

Theresa and Scott High, 58 and 59, spent years in Denver in wine distribution and still own a business there.

When Scott

proposed to me, he promised me a vineyard, Theresa said.

The Highs bought their first 15 acres in Palisade in 1999. Their prop-erty has grown to 126 acres filled with 25 varieties of peaches, lavender and a vineyard.

There is satisfaction from creating something from nothing, Scott said. A pride comes over me that I cant explain.

The Highs moved to Palisade permanently six years ago. Their son, Matthew, now 24, helped them through their first problems and operations. Matthew and his sister, Katie, 32, still help in the summer.

Keenan feels he owes a lot to his orchard experience.

I was very shy and bashful, Keen-an said. Now I can talk to anyone. I improved my communication skills, do marketing and problem solving and am line manager for 20 workers.

Keenan said he doesnt have to worry much when distinguishing between Theresa being his mom and his boss.

Bringing up concerns is healthy for the business, he said. They re-spect my opinion.

Theresa said, At the end of the day, Im still at home cooking dinner.

KREXTV.COM

Kendra and Ken of Zs Orchard work at the Grand Junction Farmers Market.

Keenan, Theresa and Scott High.

8 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

Ingredients:

3 c fresh strawberries, diced2 jalapeos, diced1/2 red onion, diced1/4 c fresh cilantro, chopped1 orange bell pepper, dicedSalt/pepper, to tasteJuice of 1 lime (about 1 T)

PREPARE the strawberries, jalapeos, onion, cilantro and bell peppers and add them to a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture and stir. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com ASK THE OLD BAG 9

By Gayle Lagman-Creswick

I ask myself: What makes me

different in my attitudes toward ag-ing? Why would The Old Bag not offend me? Then I answered myself. I believe it is because I grew up around old people. As a youngster I had seven or eight oldsters that I visited on my way home from school and I loved them.

Later in my life, I became an RN and director of nursing in a skilled nursing facility. I was asked how I felt about working with older people. I replied that I loved themand I did. For the next 40-plus years, I worked in retirement communities and my love for older persons grew.

I learned so much from them. One gentleman who had a doctorate in psychology always showed up when I was having a rough day to cheer me and provide me with an attitude ad-justment. Oh, the stories they shared with me. This was not a job. It was a lifetime education.

From them, I learned how to face adversity and death. I learned not to take myself so seriously, and to laugh and not be critical of others.

I met some old bags along the way who had lessons to teach me as well. So when an elderly woman called me an old bag, it shocked me. The les-son I learned from that was that we often judge people by how they look, without knowing them at all. I found that when I am not smiling, I could be mistaken for an old bag.

Then I woke up one day and I was old. It felt good. My bones didnt feel that good, but I relished the thought that I could be myself. I didnt feel I had to work hard on my makeup or my hair to please others. I felt free as the breeze. I had turned to gold! Old is not a bad word. Old means gold.

Dear Old Bag: I am in my 70s and I have a big family. The prob-lem is that they are beginning to treat me as if I dont have a brain

Ask the Old BagAdvice Column for the Over 50 Crowd

cell. They want to drive me wher-ever we are going. (I am a good and capable driver.) They always want to know where I am going. They dont think I should go out at night. They put new burglar alarms on my house, which I set off acciden-tally all the time. I love them, but I find myself resenting this overdo. Signed, Frustrated

Dear Frustrated: I think they love you very much. They probably read about the elderly being attacked, making them afraid for you. I think that gently asking them to give you a little breathing room would suf-fice. Tell them there may come a day when you want and need them to do those things, but right now you crave your independence. I receive many more letters complaining about children who never call, never come, and never pay attention than I do let-ters like yours! Good luck.

Dear Old Bag: I have been dat-ing a woman for over a year. My problem is that none of her three kids speak to her. When I ask her why, she says they all take after their fatherimpossible to get along with. While she may be telling the truth, I was raised to consider two sides to every story. Is this a red flag? Signed, Wondering

Dear Wondering: I would not jump into a permanent relationship just yet. It could be a red flag. Is she a widow or divorced? Do you ask her if she misses seeing her children? It is hard for me to digest that a mother would be estranged from all her chil-dren. You are right to wonder. Give it some more time. Dirty laundry has a way of showing up.

Dear Old Bag: Last year, against the advice of our friends, we asked Dad to come and live with us. He wasnt able to stay alone for long periods. He had lived alone for about seven years. Things went well at first, but he seems to have changed. He was neat and now he is terribly messy. He used to be

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

a quiet guy, and now he wants to monopolize conversations. We just grin and bear it. What else can we do? Signed, No Good Deed

Dear No Good Deed: The change in your fathers behavior should not be ignored. You need to tell his doctor and take him for a checkup. He could have brain chang-

es, small strokes, medication reac-tions, depression or any number of things. Also, it would be good if you could take him to visit friends of his in assisted living so he can see how wonderful these places can be.

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ways, but one interesting point is the effect of technology. While Facebook and other social media are good for empowering far-flung groups to orga-nize for a purpose, they tend to make people feel lonelier because everyone else seems so happy. The panelists agreed that a meaningful life, which can be achieved deliberately, is a bet-ter goal and often results in happi-ness as a derivative.

Returning home, I found an online article declaring Den-mark to be the happi-est country on Earth. This was based on research published by economists in the World Happiness Report, co-edited by University of British Columbia econom-ics professor John

Helliwell. He wrote, Six factors explain

three-quarters of differences in life evaluations across hundreds of coun-tries and over the years.

The happiest countries have in common high scores in three gov-ernment-level measures: a large GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy at birth, and a lack of corruption in leadership. The other three factors play out on a more personal con-trol level: a sense of social support, freedom to make life choices and a culture of generosity.

Among the evidence the research-ers named in rating Denmark the highest was their support for parents, and health care as a civil right and source of social support. Gender equality is prioritized, biking is com-mon as transportation, and Danes

By Karen Telleen-Lawton

Remember the Chinese finger trapthe little woven-bamboo tube where you stick your index fin-gers in each end and then try to pull them out? The only way to extricate them is to stop pulling, whereby they come out easily.

Happiness is one of those elusive conditions that reminds me of that puzzle. It tops our list of desires, but I wonder if happiness is attainable through effort, especially as age sometimes bring us aches both physi-cal and of the heart.

A campus-wide roundtable at my recent college re-union featured Katie Couric and a panel of experts discussing the new sci-ence of happiness and well being. Their collective research about what truly makes people happy included some interesting points, such as the finding that each age group defines happiness differently.

(Drumroll) The happiest people are middle aged and older! While younger age groups define happiness in terms of excitement and satisfac-tion, 50-year-olds define happiness as balance. As we age, this definition morphs to alignment, meaning, sa-voring, and finally contentment. Hap-piness reaches a peak around age 70 and can plateau there for nearly the rest of lifewith some concession to those aches and pains, I suppose.

The panelists agreed that happiness is elusive if you are trying to attain it. This has been measured in many

The happiest people are older

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feel a responsibility to one another. Forty percent of Danes do volunteer work, and close to 90 percent voted in the last election. Their culture also manages to put a positive spin on its harsh environment.

The U.S. ranked 17th in happiness of the 156 countries surveyed. Im not sure how to feel about that. Thats almost in the top 10 percent, but of course we like to consider ourselves the absolute top of everything. In fact, the authors noted that the U.S. and many Western European nations ranked higher than predicted.

University of Illinois Benjamin Radcliff comments on our no. 17 showing in a book published in 2013 called The Political Economy of Hu-man Happiness: How Voters Choices Determine the Quality of Life.

Radcliff concludes, Americans are happy, just not as happy as they could be Our decades-long debate over Social Security and Medicare is now joined by a messy debate over Obamacare. Underlying them all is

the fact that the pursuit of happiness is established as one of Americas founding principles. What were re-ally arguing about is how much to pay for it.

Nevertheless, if scoring 17th makes you a little sad, you just may be able to improve your own personal happi-ness score. Having recently read Dr. David Burns Feeling Good, a classic self-help book first published in 1980, I am convinced happiness is largely a state of mind.

Burns exercises help readers rec-ognize and control negative thoughts that lead to mood swings. Burns outlines several tools for rewiring the little voice in your head that overdra-matizes the bad and under-rewards the good in your life. Just working through these exercises tends to release my brain to better enjoy the process of life. Like releasing your fingers by reducing the tension on the bamboo trap, wise elders learn to release the need to control. In the process, we may find elusive happi-ness.

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12 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

Remember your favorite western moviesBy Liesl Greathouse

Fans of history and western films will enjoy movie showings, tours, presentations and more at the Tribute to Western Movies Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on September 27 at the Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose.

This festival is in its fifth year and will feature artifacts, presentations and activities related to over 40 mov-ies that were filmed in Colorado from 1927-2013. Lobby cards and movie posters of Colorado films will be displayed, and there will be showings of The Great K&A Train Robbery and The Gold Rush, along with the premiere of Rocky Mountain PBS Colorado Experience: The Manassa Mauler.

Stunt actors Kaye Wade and Chuck Hicks are among the honored guests that will speak at the event. There will also be mock gunfights, souve-nirs, strollers in period dress, food, kids activities, a working blacksmith,

horses, period cooking and live music by Denver-based country/rock band Jones & Raine.

The museum will also be open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, with a $5 discounted admission rate. The museum is made up of 25 original buildings that house over 500,000 original relics and items of historical significance. Knowledge-able volunteers will help guests relive the history of the regions past.

Retired historical archaeologist, Richard Fike, 74, founded the mu-seum in 1997. The significance of Colorados beautiful scenery in the filming of many western movies such as True Grit led him to create this event, which pays homage to west-ern films.

People dont realize that movies like How the West was Won and The Sheepman were filmed at least partially in the Montrose adobes, he said. The Black Canyon was also used in two movies. So many won-

derful movies were filmed here and we want to focus on them.

Fike tries to incorporate some-thing new into the event each year.

Last year, we focused on Butch Cassidy, with Butch Cassidys grandnephew here to talk about a book he wrote about him, he said. We want to tell the story about the movies and events, as movies were sometimes based on real people.

True Grit has also been featured at the event previously.

Volunteers are needed for the event. With just two hours of work, volunteers can get into the event for free. Food and craft vendor applica-tions are still available.

Many movie stars from westerns are no longer with us today, but Fike is looking for anyone who has ever been associated with a western movie, regardless of whether or not it was filmed in Colorado. Fike said that even if someone was just a water boy or an extra, they will be celebrities at this special annual event.

This event gives seniors an oppor-tunity to enjoy and delve deeper into the history of the movies they grew up with.

Westerns were so popular in the 50s-60s, and they do not film movies now like they did then, Fike said. [Tribute to Western Movies Day] caters to those who went to

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7:30 am Audubon walk with John James Audubon (Brian Fox Ellis) on the Audubon Riverfront trail. Meet at the west end of the Redlands Albertsons parking lot.9:00 am Coffee with the Chautauquans at Barnes & Noble Saturday afternoon (Cross Orchards Barn) 11:00 am* Rosa Parks presentation ~ Becky StoneNoon Young Chautauqua performances1:00 pm Alexander Hamilton presentation ~ Hal Bidlack2:00 pm Young Chautauqua performances3:00 pm Jane Addams presentation ~ Annette Baldwin4:00 pm Young Chautauqua performances

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the theaters to see the movies. Older generations remember those movies and want to see them again to refresh their memories.

The museums regular operating hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with each tour be-ing two hours full of history and fun. For more information, call 240-3400.

Admission to Tribute to Western Movies Day is $10 for adults and $5 for school-age children or $25 for an immediate family.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 13

and breaks her hip. Who are you going to call when Dad needs some-one to be with him? Or maybe Mom lives alone but she has a dog. Who is going to check on the dog? Have conversations with people who are trustworthy and who can be called on at a moments notice. Maybe they can have a key to the house so they can check on Mom if she doesnt an-swer the phone. If theres no one you trust, you may need to call a profes-sional who can step in during these kinds of emergencies.

Let your loved one know that you need this information in order to bet-ter protect their wishes and main-tain their home while they are in the hospital. If they say, Mabel (the neighbor) will take care of things, acknowledge it as her wish, but have a conversation with Mabel to be sure she agrees to it and has the ability to follow through.

By Paula McCormick, Elder Quest

Last month, I explained the chal-lenges of long-distance caregiving. This month, I am going to tell you what to include in an emergency toolbox so that when, not if, you get that emergency call, you will be pre-pared to step into action and provide care for your loved ones, even at a distance.

Of course, your toolbox can be in the form of a kit, file folder, bin or whatever container you prefer.

The first thing youll need in your toolbox is:

1) The names and phone numbers of friends, neighbors, doctors and pharmacists

These numbers are important because maybe Mom is taking care of Dad, who has dementia, and she has a fall in the middle of the night

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14 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

6 life lessons from a local centenarianBy Melanie Wiseman

Vena Metcalfe was born on Au-gust 18, 1914. Thats right. This spirited, wise, talented and beautiful woman just turned 100 years old.

I just got my first gray hairs six months ago, Vena said.

If you knew her life story, you would expect her to have hair as white as snow. Through the challeng-es, joys and sorrows along the way, Vena has learned many life lessons.

Vena was born and raised in the small farming community of San Augustine, Texas. She was the third of six children. In the middle of World War II, at 26, she found herself in Los Angeles as a single mom of two daughters. She focused on her daughters over the next 20 years, seeing them through college before remar-rying. She worked two jobs and went to school to earn her teaching certificate, then her degree. Do-ing whatever it took to make ends meet, Vena worked at a factory that made B-17s, taught school, flipped burg-ers and was a food and program coordinator at a senior center. She found a passion in her volunteer work with multiple sclerosis patients and was recognized for her service in the late 1950s.

Faith: Put God firstVenas faith in God runs deep. Her

Bible is never far from her side. I try to let the Word speak to me

about my values, Vena said. Obey

and put God first and he will be there for us. We have a choice to have faith, trust and believe.

A terrible car accident in 1965 nearly took Venas life.

I would not be here if it wasnt for my faith, Vena said. The doctor didnt give me a chance to live. My heart stopped and the doctor said, Shes gone. I felt myself going away and prayed that I was ready to go but I still had a lot left to do. I came back and told the doctor, Im not going anywhere.

Vena said the biggest change shes seen over the last century is soci-etys rejection of God.

In the old testa-ment, people always got in trouble when they took God out of their lives, Vena said.

Family: Work hard and accept other opinions

Next to your faith in the Lord Jesus, family is the most important thing, Vena said. Disagreements shouldnt cause ani-mosity. Accept differ-ent opinions.

Out of financial necessity, Venas girls learned the value of hard work early on.

I taught them to be grown up when they werent, she said. They have kept their work ethic throughout

their lives. If they have one penny, they make two.

Vena has written poems to her great-grandchildren, letting them know what a blessing theyve been and how precious they are.

I feel led to serve as an example, Vena said.

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Vena in her 40s on the night she received an award for her volun-teer work with MS patients.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 15Equality: Accept others

Vena witnessed extensive prejudice against black Americans during her hospital work in the 50s and 60s. She was not afraid to speak her mind, telling the other staff, Their blood is as red as mine and they have the same God as I have.

Volunteering: Do it with joyEven if you only have an hour a

week, please volunteer and do it with joy, Vena said. Every little bit is a change for the better and leaves a good feeling. I learned how to smile when my own heart was breaking.

Health: Be kind to yourselfA health screening revealed that

Vena had rheumatic fever as a child that went undiagnosed.

I exercised more and ate right after that, Vena said. Be kind to yourself and get plenty of rest.

Her diet primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and lean meat.

Keep your mind active, she said. Reading is important. Use your tal-ents. For me, its painting. Most of my paintings reflect past experiences.

Regrets: Dont let anger affect youI regret making snap judgments at

times, Vena said. I would also not let anger separate me from someone for so long. I would not have waited so long to make amends.

Venas mobility keeps her pretty close to home these days. But she sur-rounds herself with her paintings and family photos.

I do a lot of reminiscing, Vena said. Ive lived a hard life, but a happy life.

POEMS BY VENA METCALFE My Garden of Love

I have a garden in my heart The flowers are big and small The ones I love the very best Are my friends one and all.

In the corner of my garden, deep inside Grows a flower rare That longs to blossom wide And spread its fragrance fair.

I tend my garden with loving care Lest creepy things crawl inside Like unforgiveness that choke and kill I tend my garden with love and pride.

Long-suffering blooms so sweetly there

Forgiveness and forget flourish too If I tend my garden of love with care And remember to pray for you.

Love and joy are difficult to grow But if I take time and remember to pray And temperance in my garden I sow I will grow peace in my garden today.

Long-suffering too is so pretty Growing beside temptations anew So row on row, I plant faith to grow They bring happiness when I remember to pray for you.

ActingOn the stage of life we perform Like a puppet on a string Each day we dance to a different tune Not knowing what tomorrow might bring.

A comedy of errors and noble deeds Acts of kindness and dreams so bold Are marred with inner fears and doubt That forever fight against the feeble soul.

Dancing on with a Mardi Gras mask Daring not to show our true face Smiling all the while to hide the muted pain Dancing on and on with pomp and grace.

With a silent struggle and a stifled cry We dance the night and day through Seeking to cast aside the heavy mask

And live life to its fullest anew.

Acting is such hard work Why cant we be honest and real? Where is the peace of joyful living What is this restlessness we feel?

God is the greatest actor of all He has a sense of humor too He can create a miracle of love From actors such as me and you.

Past deeds and bad memories can fade away When His shed blood is applied To hurts and disappointments of yesterday You are forgiven from the cross He cried.

So lay aside your shattered dreams And Mardi-Gras mask He has given you a choice In an act of love He forgave your past.

Are you a poet? Heres your chance to show it!

Writing poetry is a great way to express your creativity. Wed like to read your poems and maybe theyll get published!

Send your poetry to the BEACON at beacon@pendantpublishing.com or PO Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502

16 LAUGHING MATTERS www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

Laughing MattersBlond man jokes Submitted by Ronald Puckett

1. A blond man is in jail. The guard looks in his cell and sees him hang-ing by his feet.

Just what are you doing? the guard bellows.

Hanging myself, the man replies. The rope should be around your

neck, the guard says.I tried that, he says, but then I

couldnt breathe.

2. An Italian tourist asks a blond man: Why do scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats?

The blond man replies, If they fell forward, theyd still be in the boat.

Helpful son Submitted by Linda Bolles

An elderly woman lived alone. She wanted to spade her potato garden, but it was very hard work. Her only son, Joe, who used to help her, was

in prison. The woman wrote a letter to her son describing her predica-ment.

Dear Joe,I am feeling pretty bad because

it looks like I wont be able to plant my garden this year. Im just get-ting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me. Love, Mom.

A few days later she received a let-ter from her son.

Dear Mom,For heavens sake, Mom, dont dig

up that garden, thats where I bur-ied the BODIES. Love, Joe.

At 4 a.m. the next morning, F.B.I. agents and local police showed up and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the woman and left. That same day

the elderly woman received another letter from her son.

Dear Mom,Go ahead and plant the garden

now. Thats the best I could do un-der the circumstances. Love, Joe.

Grandmas little boy Submitted by Laura Traut

During a violent thunderstorm one evening, a grandmother was tucking her grandson into bed. She was about to turn off the light when with a tremor in his voice he asked, Grand-ma, will you sleep with me tonight?

The grandmother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug.

I cant dear, she said. I have to sleep in your granddaddys room.

A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice: That big sissy.

A Polish divorce Submitted by Shelli McFadden

A Polish lad married a Canadian girl after he had been in Canada a year or so. Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well. Un-til one day he rushed into a lawyers

office and asked him if he could ar-range a divorce for him very quickly. The lawyer said that the speed of getting a divorce would depend on the circumstances and asked him the following questions:

Why do you want this divorce?She going to kill me.What makes you think that?I got proof.What kind of proof?She going to poison me. She buy

a bottle at the drug store and put on shelf in bathroom. I can read. It says, Polish Remover.

How to say I love you Submitted by Doug Porter

English: I Love YouSpanish: Te AmoFrench: Je TaimeGerman: lch Liebe DichJapanese: Ai Shite ImasuItalian: Ti AmoChinese: Wo Ai NiSwedish: Jag AlskarWestern Colorado: Nice body. Get

in the truck.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com LAUGHING MATTERS 17

What you should know about Mom Submitted by Terry Kostro

A little girls mother was driv-ing her to her friends house for a sleepover.

Mommy, the little girl says, how old are you?

Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age, the mother warns. Its not polite.

Okay, the little girl says, How much do you weigh?

Now really, the mother says, these are personal questions and are really none of your business.

Undaunted, the little girl asks, Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?

Those are enough questions, her mother says.

The exasperated mother walks away as the two friends begin to play.

My mom wouldnt tell me anything, the little girl says to her friend.

All you need to do is look at her drivers license, her friend says. Its like a report card. It has everything on it.

Later that night, the little girl says to her mother, I know how old you

are. You are 32.The mother is surprised and

asks, How did you find that out?

I also know that you weigh 140 pounds, the little girl

replies.How in heavens name

did you find that out? her mother asks.

And, the little girl says triumphantly, I know why you and Daddy got a divorce.

Oh really? the mother asks. Why?

Send your funniest jokes to: beacon@pendantpublishing.com

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18 TRAVEL www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

By Lesley Moe

Have you ever dreamed of a Carib-bean vacation off the beaten path of all the popular, crowded des-tinations? When you think of a Carib-bean destination you may instantly think of the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, the Bahamas or even Aruba. While I was hunting for a great vacation in a warm, tropical, white-sanded beach and turquoise water area, the Do-minican Republic showed up on the vacation radar.

The locals call it the DR for short and its not to be confused with the island of Dominica. Never before had I imagined this would be a vaca-tion paradise for travelers and I was quickly shown the bounties it had to offer.

Punta Cana, on the southeast side of the Dominican Republic is among one of the most popular vacation areas on the island. As I stepped down onto the airport tarmac from the plane, the weather was a balmy 84 degrees and humidity was around 80 percent. I hardly noticed the heat, and breathed a great deal better than at the higher altitude, the moist humidity had an amazing medicinal effect on my acute asthma.

Entering into the small but quaint thatch roofed receiving area, visitors were greeted by a cultural quartet of musicians. After making it through customs and out to the many op-tions of transporta-tion to the hotels, I climbed into an air-conditioned, pre-paid transportation, courtesy of a little pre-planning done on bookit.com. The driver handed over an ice-cold beverage and we proceeded to the Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana Resort. This resort was located only 15 minutes away from the airport and was

right in the middle of the action on Cabeza de Toro beach.

Punta Cana has hotels in an array of price ranges to satisfy any comfort zone and style of vacation. There are luxury hotels from the elite, all-inclu-sive hotel lines with all the luxury one can handle, down to the small, culturally traditional hotels with just the right comforts of home.

When I arrived at the gates of para-dise, a baggage concierge led me to a walkway lined with fountains among tropical greenery that meandered throughout the lush grounds. The many pools were crying out to caress me with their glistening temptation of crystal blue coolness as I passed by. Once at my room, I was pam-pered further with native fresh fruits on the table and flowers that adorned my bed. I couldnt wait to drop my luggage and proceed down to ex-plore what the beach had to share.

The beach was beautifully groomed and had plenty of chairs to lounge in throughout the day. There was a security guard posted at each of the hotel beaches up and down the waterway making sure the patrons stay safe and the vendors didnt hassle the guests when trying to show them their treasures for sale. There was no pressuring from the vendors for you to buy after you said no, and certainly no fuss if you didnt want anything when they came around.

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com TRAVEL 19

The white sandy beach was the main thoroughfare of tourist travel. Everything was within walking distance of your hotels beach access. Shopping areas and wonderfully re-nowned restaurants were found just minutes away.

If less travel and more relaxation is on your agenda, then theres no need to go anywhere. The resort has five restaurants on site and each serves a different culturally themed cuisine of fine dining, as well as a buffet-style main cafe. In the morning, you can enjoy freshly made pastries and a hot cup of coffee made just for you at the coffee shop.

No one was in a hurry, but ev-eryone was on time in the DR. The service was excellent. I was treated like their first and only priority even if everyone else was, too. The servers made me feel like they were my per-sonal staff and they seemed to always be there right when I needed some-thing. The bartenders remembered my favorite drinks and most of the time had them waiting for me when they saw me walking up to them.

The entertainment team keeps things going with dance lessons, lo-cal language lessons and art projects, water sports in the ocean or aerobics in the pool. If the grandchildren or children are with you, there are even

activities for them. At night is when the magic happens. Theater shows, movies and sporting events such as American football or the World Series played on a big screen on the beach. There was also casino action, danc-ing by the fountains romantically lit by candlelight, elegant dining on the beach for a romantic dinner for two, or guests simply sitting with a loved one in the moonlight watching the waves lap at their feet.

If you are more of the sightseeing vacationer, explore the main towns of Dominican Republic, such as Higuey, La Romana, Santa Domingo and Uvero Alto. You will have to go by taxi or your hotels excursion tours. The concierge or the activi-ties team at the larger hotels have an excellent array of activities from snorkeling, scuba diving, zip lining, water parks, jungle tours, jeep tours, cultural tours, catamaran rides, to romantic sunset cruises. Sometimes you can save a little bit of money by booking ahead of time.

I would invite everyone to try the Dominican Republic just once for the bucket list of travel destinations and tell me they didnt fall in love with something while being there. The best part of the Dominican Republic is that it truly is a vacationers dream vacation destination.

The white sandy beach of Cabeza de Toro is the main thoroughfare of tourist travel.

Call for information,reservations, and toreceive a free newsletter.Payment plansavailable...call for details

Margaret Krabbe P.O. Box 2142 Montrose, CO 81402

Phone (970) 240-3020Email: mkrabbe@montrose.net

Specializing in Escorted Local,National & International Senior Group Travel!

BRANSON OZARK CHRISTMASNovember 10 18, 2014

Featuring Johnny Mathis, Daniel ODonnell, JONAH at the Sight & Sound TheaterYAKOV SMIRNOFF Dinner Show, RED, HOT AND BLUE MORNING SHOW,THE HUGHES BROTHERS

and.. The Osmond Brothers & Lennon Sisters Christmas Show at the Moon River TheaterWhat a line-up of GREAT SHOWS & Entertainers!!!and MORE GREAT Entertainers!!$1,849 Per Person Double Occupancy, $2,139 Single, $1,739 Per Person TriplePrice Includes: Motor Coach, All Hotels, Show Packages in Branson, Meals

All Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, & 2 Lunches, Luggage Handling and MORE!!!There is plenty of space waiting just for you to join us!!!

Dont miss the Motor Coach on November 10th when we leaveWestern Colorado for BRANSON, MO.. Call Soon for reservations & details!!!

As long as space is available you can reserve up to October 1, 2014

THE BOOK OF MORMONReturning to Denvers Ellie Caulkins Theater in August 2015

The Book of Mormon is so popular - Group Sales have been ongoing since Nov. 2013.Full payment for Theater Ticket is required at time of reservations.

Golden Circle Seats ~ $148.50 (includes service fees)Trip Details & Pricing will follow. Call Margaret to reserve your spot.

20 HOME & GARDEN www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

By Kathy KimbroughQ. Is this a good time to reno-vate my lawn? I have bare patches and it seems like there are multiple types of grass in my lawn.

Fall is a great time to work on your lawn. The cooler air is easier on us and the ground is still warm enough to promote root growth. Reseeding or overseeding is the most affordable way to fill in bare or sparse areas of your lawn. The key to success is keeping the ground evenly moist until the seeds germinate and are growing. Not soggy or wet, just damp. Kentucky Blue Grass seed takes 21 days to germinate. Most of our lawns are a variety of KBG or fescues. When they are grown together, the results can be undesir-able because their growth habits are very different. KBG has long runners called rhizomes, which knit the grass together. Fescues are bunch grasses and form clumps, which do not knit together. When buying new grass seed, look for a blend of KGB variet-ies. Be sure there is no fescue or rye grass in the blend. This is also a great time to core aerate your lawn if you didnt get to it in the spring.

Garden Checklist With vegetable gardens in full produc-tion, now is the time to learn about the right ways to preserve our bounty. Here are some resources to help you. Ball canning guide and recipes

(www.freshpreserving.com) The National Center for Home Food

Preservation (nchfp.uga.edu) So Easy to Preserve by the Coop-

erative Extension of the University of Georgia. (May be purchased at the CSU Extension Office)

Add to your landscape. Plant garlic to harvest early next summer.

Spot treat broadleaf perennial weeds like thistle and bindweed with systemic weed killer. A mixture of 2,4-D and glypho-sate is especially effective against bind-weed.

Divide older peonies. Leave at least three buds on each root. When replanting, add a handful of high phosphate fertilizer to the hole and plant no more than one inch below the soil. If planted too deeply, they will not bloom.

Destroy any vegetable plants that may have disease or insect infestations imme-diately after harvest. Healthy plant material can go into the compost pile, but remove seed heads.

Harvest winter squash and pumpkins when the skin can no longer be easily penetrated by a fingernail.

Cut the canes of fall-bearing raspberries to the ground after harvesting.

Q. Some of the leaves on my sil-ver maple tree are a pale green, have brown around the edges, or have dark green veins run-ning through them. I would hate to lose this tree because I love the shade in the summer and the great fall color. What can I do to get it healthy again?

It sounds like your silver maple tree is suffering from iron chlorosis and scorchboth common problems for a shade tree that does not grow well in western Colorado. Most maples tend to be chlorotic in our alkaline soils. To correct this problem, apply chelated iron. Iron treatments in-clude foliar spraying, iron injections or soil applications. Many arborists recommend trying soil applications first, as they can last up to two years and do not injure the tree, but they are most effective prior to May 1. Buy an iron chelate that contains EDDHA or EDDMHA on the label.

The brown edges are a sure sign of scorch, which happens when the tree does not have sufficient water through the winter. Extra watering now will do no good. Keep up regu-lar watering and be sure to water in December, January and February when it will need it the most. Once a month, run your sprinklers over the grass for about an hour when day-time temperatures are above freezing and when there is no snow on the ground.

Garden Smarts

Ambassador Blind N Shutter IncGrand Junction COM-F: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM970-523-4566www.ambassadorblindsgj.com

2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners

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Perennials 25% off

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September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com HOME & GARDEN 21

Many people think of allergies as a spring problem, but most snif-fle sufferers know that fall can pose its own issues. Mold and ragweed are common fall allergy triggers, as are dust mites, which are naturally more prevalent in the home during the drier months.

You can turn your home into a safe haven from fall allergens with regular, strategic cleaning and a few preventive measures, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Am-bassador Robin Wilson said.

To help make your home more comfortable this season, Wilson is offering some fall cleaning tips to

eliminate allergens and maintain a clean and healthy space,

Wash your bedding. Mattress and pillow protectors will help control dust mites. As an added precaution, wash your bedding in warm or hot water every month, and replace pil-lows every three years.

Check for mold. Moisture breeds mold, so make sure to scan the inside of dishwashers, under the fridge in the water pan and in sink and bath drains. Change water dispensers and icemaker filters on a regular basis.

Vacuum frequently. Whether you have wall-to-wall carpeting, tile or hardwood floors, its important to eliminate dust and dirt. Vacuum, mop or steam clean flooring regularly.

Use a vacuum with a high-effi-ciency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which captures small particles such as allergens, irritants and pollutants, Wilson said.

Wash or freeze stuffed toys. If your children sleep with their favorite stuffed animals, you should frequent-ly wash or freeze them in a plastic bag for 48 hours. This will lower the level of dust mites, which can trigger asthma and allergies.

Use slipcovers. Slipcovers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Since they can be cleaned regularly and more easily than upholstery, con-sider using them on sofas and other furniture.

Keep ragweed outside. After spending time outside, have your child leave any clothing or sports equipment close to the entrance of the home to avoid tracking irritants throughout rooms.

Just because the pollen count isnt through the roof doesnt mean you cant fall prey to allergies, Wilson said. With regular cleaning, you can manage the irritants in your home and make it a more breathable place.

Article printed from StatePoint Media, www.statepoint.net.

6 fall cleaning tips to help rid your home of autumn allergens

We appreciated their professionalism and attention to detail. is crew has validated our long-held

faith in the work ethic of our young people. Dick and Joan Miller, e Knolls

Whirling Butterflies - Gaura lind-heimeri. This North American native plant is easy to grow in our climate. It likes hot weather and is not picky about the amount of water it gets. The flow-ers start blooming in June and continue through October. There are several cul-tivars with either pink or white orchid-like blossoms on long, thin stems. De-pending on the cultivar and height, they can sit in the front of the border, con-trast with spiky plants in mid-border, or form a dainty hedge or drift in groups of three or more. Complementary pe-rennials include Jupiters Beard, Red Rocks and Pikes Peak Purple. Choose a spot that will give this beauty plenty of room to shine. In full bloom, the stems reach up to 30 inches across. Full sun, low water and lean soil will ensure the plant doesnt get too weak. Cut back to the ground in fall or early spring. Often the mother plant dies after a few years but Gaura produces seedlings so you

probably wont even notice.

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22 FUN AFTER 50 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

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

September 13 Pork and Hops BBQ Challenge Peoples Choice Tasting costs $10 and is at Lincoln Park.

September 17 Garden Talk: Fairy Gardens Master Gardener Margie Frey will demonstrate how to create an en-chanting fairy garden using found objects at noon at the Western Colo-rado Botanical Gar-dens. Cost is $5.

September 26 Free Friday Hike: Fisher Towers Moderate hike. Dis-tance: 11 miles with a 650-foot elevation gain. Bring water and lunch. Hike starts at 8:30 a.m. Register by September 24.

October 10 Murder Mystery Dinner Party Pepi Roni served up a mean plate of pasta until someone did him in. Now theres big trouble in Little Italy. You will receive your character and cos-tume suggestions in the mail. Dress the part, come play and have fun! Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $14. Register by September 29.

DANCEMondays (September 8-29) Beginning Line Dance No partner or previous dance skills needed. Class at 12:15 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $12.

Mondays Intermediate Line Dance Improve your line dancing skills from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $34 for a 10-punch pass and $5 to drop in.

Senior Dances with Live MusicDance to live music from 7:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. every Thursday and from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month at the Senior Recreation Center. Cost is $3.

HEALTH & FITNESSTuesdays & Fridays Gentle Active Yoga This class teaches flexibility of mind and body in a fun and supportive en-vironment. Students must be able to get up and down from the floor unas-sisted. Class is 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Lin-

coln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or $50 for a punch pass.

Thursdays Beginner and Chair Yoga This class can be en-joyed with or without a chair assist. Basic yoga teachings, flex-ibility and strength building poses are the focus. Class is 1 p.m.-

2 p.m. at Lincoln Park Barn. Cost is $7 to drop in or $50 for a punch pass.

SPORTSBocce Ball ClinicThese beginner clinics will cover rules, mechanics, stance and strategy. Participants will play a bocce ball game. Equipment provided. Clinics are held at Hawthorne Park.

Saturday, September 20- 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesday, September 23 - 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Thursday, September 25 - 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Bocce Ball Challenge LadderIf you love bocce ball and want to compete for bragging rights, join our challenge ladder! Call Lorie at 254-3876.

Doubles Pickleball LeagueThis six-week league begins Sep-tember 24. Cost is $20. Register by September 16. You must register with a partner. Call 254-3866 for details.

Fun after 50Activities offered by GJ Parks and Recreation

Gourmet Coffee, Donuts ...and so much more

Over 20 varieties of donuts and pastries made fresh daily Locally roasted, fresh brewed coffees

2412 Patterson Road, Suite 8 (N.E. corner of Caf Rio plaza) 970-639-9741

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Trail Host Program is on-going throughout the year. Get your volunteer application in now and dont miss any of the fun. Become an ambassador for the Riverfront Trail System. Call Lorie at 254-3876.

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 $10.

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 1:00 p.m. Dominoes 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) 10:00 a.m. Membership Meeting w/Music (1st Thursday) 12:00 p.m. Pokeno (Starts at 1 p.m. on 1st Thursday) 7:30 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)

September 2014 www.BeaconSeniorNews.com 23

Safety.Reliability.

Trees can be a power lines worst enemy.

Right-of-way clearing is the easiest and most common way to reduce risks of injuries and outages. You can help. Make sure your co-op knows of any trees or limbs located close to a power line.

Call 877-687-3632 (OUR DMEA) to tell DMEA about potential problems.

DMEA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Thank You former workers of

*Upon Approval

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Rocky FlatsFor serving our nation during the Cold War

By Terri Benson

September is a great month for hik-ing. The weather usually cools off enough that you dont have to be up at the crack of dawn to enjoy the day before the heat drives you indoors. Whats great is that the Grand Valley offers a plethora of trails for hikers of all fitness levelseven children.

Maps can usually be found at the Grand Junction Visitor and Conven-tion Bureau, the Bureau of Land Management office, outdoor apparel stores and the Grand Valleys cham-bers of commerce. A Google search sometimes comes up with reviews from other hikers.

Rick and Linda Weber have hiked in the area for years.

Weve never run into trouble, but I think thats because were prepared for it and understand the special challenges of hiking in a high desert, where the weather can change within minutes, Linda said.

Lindas favorite hikes include Kan-nah Creek Trail and Andys at the Lunch Loops. Both hikes are chal-lenging and steep in some places.

We prefer hiking by ourselves and there usually arent a lot of other hik-ers or bikers on these trails, she said.

If you prefer to hike in a more populated area, stick with the easy trails or get your own group together. There are several groups who regu-larly schedule hiking excursions. Youll find several of them at www.meetup.com. Just type in hiking. Check them out for a new adventure and youll make new friends to boot.

Not sure how to plan for your hike? Here are some tips.

Get good shoes. Even tennis shoes will do. Start by breaking them in on short jauntsnot long hikes.

Dont just sit there. Hike somewhere.

Take a pack with plenty of water, protein snacks (beef jerky, granola, trail mix and energy bars) and extra weather layers.

Lock your vehicle and make sure your valuables are out of sight.

Tell someone where youre going. Know where you are going and estimate the time youll be back. That way, someone knows where to look for you if you take a wrong turn or get a sprained ankle.

Make sure pets are allowed. Even with a leash, dogs are not allowed in the Colorado National Monument, except in the campground. Follow any applicable leash laws, clean up after them (yes, even if youre out in

the boonies) and bring water for your dog and something to put it in.

Bring your cell phone or GPS, but dont put all your faith in them. Batter-ies fail, service isnt available and things get

broken. If you dont know the area, get a map and pay attention to signs and forks in the trail.

Pay mind to the difficulty and distance of the hike before you go. Taking on a hike thats too easy or tough can ruin your experience.

Hike with the right people. Hike with people that are in the same physical condition as you. Its no fun to be left behind if youre struggling with the terrain or to have to stop and wait for others.

Stay off trails near creek beds if there is any sign of rain, even if it looks like its miles away. Weve already seen a lot of flash floods this year and you dont want to be the 6 oclock news headline.

Have fun, take pictures and bring along an animal or plant field guide to keep track of all the flora and fauna you see.

Rick Weber on the Monument.

24 LOCAL LORE www.BeaconSeniorNews.com September 2014

1966

By Melanie Wiseman

The Sweet Adelines dont consider themselves a typical choir. We are vocal athletes, said Barb

Mack, member of the barbershop-style Grand Mesa Chorus, the local chapter of Sweet Adelines Interna-tional. Its more difficult than other types of choirs. Our art form is evalu-ated on sound, expression, showman-ship and music. Its not just about getting the notes and words correct.

Mack, 74, is a charter member of Grand Mesa Chorus, which is cur-rently celebrating its 50th anniver-sary. She spent 20 of those years as director.

Current director Tammy Schler, 58, joined Sweet Adelines when she was just 26.

When you love it so much, you make it work. I never thought, Oh, I need to raise my family first, Schler said. Women who join in their 50s and 60s say, Im so glad I found you, why did I wait so long? I say, When Mamas happy, everybodys happy.

The Sweet