“Welcome to age 65 and the Medicare system! Now you can sit back, relax and know that you’ll be taken care of no matter what happens”

I got a chuckle from this opener to a story I read recently about Medicare. Even experts who work with government-sponsored health insurance programs can verify this is NEVER the case.

The ins and outs of Medicare might seem scary, but don’t let the idea of making changes to your plan spook you. Even if you’re happy with your current Medicare coverage, it’s important to review it yearly, as things like cost, plans and in-network providers and pharmacies change. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to review. Open enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7.

Come to Montrose-Delta BeaconFest for free seminars to help you navigate Medicare changes. RSVP’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Project (SHIP) and Colorado Gerontological Society (CGS) also have free seminars and resources available. Call 970-243-9839 to talk to a SHIP counselor or attend CGS’ upcoming virtual seminars.

Double dose of BeaconFest

We loved seeing all your smiles at Grand Junction BeaconFest, and we’re ready for a double dose of fun in Montrose on Thursday, October 14! If you’re in the mood for a grand ol’ time, join us for this incredible boomer and senior fair at the Montrose Pavilion from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. We’ve planned an exciting lineup of live entertainment, informative seminars and booths from over 60 senior-related businesses. Walgreens will also be giving flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. Admission is always free.

Each year, the BEACON recognizes dedicated volunteers who make our world a better place. We’ll honor all the Montrose and Delta county volunteers who were nominated for the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award, and announce the individual who was chosen by readers. You can read about this year’s winner—including Rick Parrish, our Grand Junction Volunteer of the Year—in next month’s issue. 

The Old Bag retires

I was devastated after learning one of my favorite columnists is retiring. It’s hard to imagine the BEACON without the attentive advice that Gayle Lagman-Creswick has faithfully provided readers for nearly two decades. From dating advice to moving back home with your kids (or moving your parents in with you), I’ve always appreciated her perspective on hard-hitting issues that local seniors and their families face. Even when she answers letters from disgruntled readers, she does so with class and grace. 

If you’ve found her advice to be valuable or entertaining—even if you aren’t a fan of the name of her column—please express your thanks and pass along your well wishes. 

Get in the BEACON Guide

Planning is underway for our 2022 BEACON Guide editions in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta Counties. Do you know of an organization we should include? Pass along their info by calling 970-243-8828 or emailing [email protected].

Letters from our readers

“Thank you for putting together BeaconFest! It was my first and it was fantastic. I stopped to say ‘hi’ to Cloie. We had a nice conversation, during which I explained what a great resource the BEACON has been for both my (late) parents and now myself since I retired. As we parted, I mentioned how much I enjoy the Laughing Matters column. She suggested I submit a joke. Well, I sure hope she doesn’t regret making that suggestion because here goes…(Read Rob’s joke)”
- Rob H.

“We went to the BeaconFest and had a lot of fun! we really enjoyed it. I met Cloie and she was such a sweetheart! She was taking pictures of the harps and I asked her to send them to me and she did. I didn’t know she worked for the BEACON—I thought she was just there taking pictures. She is an amazing person. If you talk to her, tell her I said, ‘Thank you.’”
- Mary S.

“We had a great reception at BeaconFest. We get many new members after they read about us in the BEACON.”
- Judie C., River City Singles

“To Healthy Geezer: In July, my right ankle was swollen and I was in so much pain I couldn’t walk on it. I saw a doctor, who said it was tendinitis. I’m 79 and I like to walk every day—usually around eight blocks. What I’d like to know is: Is the walking what caused my ankle to flare up? How long does tendinitis last? My ankle still feels weak, but I have started walking again. I would appreciate any information you could give me on it.
- Karen L. 

Cloie: “Thanks for writing in! I’m glad you’ve started walking again—even if it’s just a couple of blocks. We’ve passed your letter on to Fred, who hopes to address tendinitis in a future column.”

RE: The woman I’ll never be (August)
“Makeup is magic. I’m 91 and I even wear it to the dumpster. Yours, in lipstick.”
- Bonnie Sarchet