The Senior Voice - June 2008

The Senior

I O C V E Ju n e 2 0 0 8

Local Attractions • Scenic Places • History • Money • Health • News

Estes Ghost Park Places and Town Faces

In Northern Colorado

Where the Longs Buffalo Peak Roamed Pioneer Pioneers Climbers Crossing the Plains

Outlaws In Early Cover Colorado Picture Stanley Steamer Automobile

Skiing Steamboat Estate Springs Planning, Health, News

2 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

Crossing the Plains to Greeley (Editor’s Note: Greeley historian Hazel E. Johnson wrote the following story years ago.) By Hazel Johnson

G

reeley pioneer Etta McConaughey recalled crossing the great plains in a covered wagon to Colorado in 1859. She said: “Seeing clouds of dust, the men believed a cyclone was coming. Later they decided it was Indians, but field glasses proved it was a buffalo stampede. “Our wagons were drawn away from the ridge where we had them

circled because buffalo ran on high ground. They were running eight or ten abreast and came by us for nearly 20 minutes. “The men killed several for fresh meat. The bellowing of the buffalo bulls was terrible, and the roar of the hoof beats made it impossible to hear anyone speak.” When Etta’s family first came to Colorado in 1859, the Indians were friendly. But she made several trips across the plains, and on her last trip in 1867, she recalled that the Indians were more restless. She remembered how her father hid her and her sister in apple barrels

Pioneers crossing the plains in covered wagons. Hazel Johnson Collection. when, seeing a flame in the distance, he thought Indians had set fire to a stage station at Bijou Basin near Fort Morgan. The men stood guard all night. In the morning, they discovered a hay stack had been set on fire. Another Greeley pioneer, D.F. Raney, arrived in 1860. On the journey across the plains, he said the oxen’s shoes wore out. Every night, they had to make shoes for them out of hide. They traveled only 15 miles a day, Raney recalled. They once met a tribe of Indians who were taking an old, helpless squaw out to the prairie. She implored them to save her.

When Indian squaws became old, they were usually taken to the plains and left to die, said Raney. He added: “It is said the Indians were more friendly toward Fort Lupton than the other forts because its founder, Lancaster Lupton, could supply them with metal arrow heads. Those were more effective in buffalo hunts. “In using stone arrows, several had to be lodged in a beast’s hide. Then the Indians would run the animal until the arrows worked into a vital spot, causing death,” said Raney. Those memories give a brief glimpse of what life was like for pioneers. ■

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 3

Places at Estes Park

The Senior

VOICE Published Locally Since 1980

By Bill Lambdin VOL. 28, NO. 7

A

s you drive or hike around the Estes Park area, you’ll probably see places that prompt you to ask, “Why did they call it that?” Here is how some places got their names. Stanley Hotel. Named for F.O. Stanley, who built the hotel in 1909 and, with his brother, invented the Stanley Steamer automobile. He also invented several other things, became wealthy and spent many of his summers with his wife at the hotel. That building put Estes Park on the map as a popular, early tourist destination. Allenspark. Named for Alonzo Allen, who came to Colorado during the gold rush of 1859. He and his wife first owned a stage stop and hotel in what later became Longmont. In 1864, they built a cabin about two miles east of the present village of Allenspark, the first home in this scenic valley. Bear Lake. Named by pioneer rancher Horace Ferguson, who encountered a bear here one day and thereafter referred to the area as that “bear lake place.” Bierstadt Lake. Named for Albert Bierstadt, a famous artist whom the Earl of Dunraven brought to Estes Park in 1876. Dunraven wanted Bierstadt to choose the best scenic site for a hotel to house wealthy European guests. While driving a horse and buggy around the area, Bierstadt admired a lake and Dunraven promptly named it after him. Bierstadt did a famous oil painting of Estes Park that now hangs in the Denver Public Library. Big Thompson River. Probably named for Philip Thompson, an 1830s fur trapper who did business at Fort Vasquez south of Greeley. The Arapaho Indians called it the Pipe River because they sat along its banks and carved smoking pipes out of stone. Devils Gulch. Named because the eerie clouds and fog that often rise from this deep canyon resembled smoke from Hell to the first pioneers who saw the place. Fish Creek. It runs along the east side of the Estes Park golf course and into Lake Estes. Milton Estes, whose family was the first to settle Estes

email [email protected] www.theseniorvoice.net PUBLICATION INFORMATION The Senior Voice newspaper has been published locally the first of each month since 1980 for residents age 50-plus.

ADVERTISING Ad deadline is 20th of month. For rates, call 970-229-9204; or see www.theseniorvoice.net.

Wolfgang Lambdin Advertising Director Associate Publisher Fort Collins (970) 229-9204

Early tourists in a Stanley Steamer. Colorado Historical Society. Park in 1863, remembered the three and four-pound trout they caught in this creek: “We fished with grasshoppers or with artificial flies which we made...We kept the fly on top of the water and kept it moving, and the fish would jump after the fly...It was a regular paradise for the fisherman in those days.” MacGregor Mountain. Named for Alexander MacGregor, a young Wisconsin lawyer who brought his new wife to Estes Park in 1874 and established a ranch. In 1886, he was hunting when a lightning bolt struck and killed him. The MacGregor Ranch is now maintained as a public museum so people can see what a working ranch looked like in the 1800s. Marys Lake. Named for one of the most important people in Estes Park’s history. Mary Estes was the young bride of Milton Estes. In 1863 they came to this beautiful valley with Milton’s father and mother. Years later Milton wrote: “I shall never forget my first sight of the Park...No words can describe our surprise, wonder and joy at beholding such an unexpected sight.” Mills Lake. Named for Enos Mills, another important figure in Estes Park’s history. A Kansas farm boy born in 1870, he came to the Park at age 15 and began hiking in

the mountains. He became a selftaught naturalist who believed the mountains around Estes Park should be protected from development. For several years, Mills traveled and lectured on the need for a national park here. In 1915, partly due to his efforts, Congress established Rocky Mountain National Park. Other features named for him are Mills Glacier and Mills Moraine. Sprague Mountain. Named for Abner Sprague, who came to Colorado by covered wagon with his wife and children in 1864. As one of Estes Park’s first innkeepers and guides, he came to know the mountains here better than anyone else. When he later worked as a county surveyor, Sprague mapped the region and named many of its features for pioneers, friends and people he had guided across the high peaks. He became known as the patriarch of Estes Park and wrote two manuscripts about the area, which historians call gold mines of information. Other features named for him are Sprague Glacier, Sprague Lake and Sprague Pass. And that’s how some places around Estes Park got their names. ________________ COVER PICTURE: A Stanley Steamer car near Estes Park. Courtesy the Stanley Museum. ■

SALES OFFICES:

Ft. Collins and Greeley (970) 229-9204 Loveland and Estes Park (970) 482-8344 EDITORIAL DEADLINE Announcements and stories must be received by the 10th of the month.; ads by the 20th of the month. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Senior Voice welcomes readers' letters and contributions. Enclose a self-addressed envelope and return postage to: The Senior Voice, 1471 Front Nine Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525, or email [email protected]. The Senior Voice assumes no responsibility for damaged or lost material submitted by readers.

© Copyright 2008 The Senior Voice EDITORIAL OFFICE:

1471 Front Nine Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 (970) 223-9271 email [email protected] www.theseniorvoice.net No material may be reproduced by any means without permission of the publisher.

Dr. William Lambdin, Publisher

4 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

Fort Collins Named for a Soldier in 1800s (Editor’s Note: Fort Collins historian Josephine Clements wrote the following story years ago.) By Josephine Clements

A

n important journey in the history of northern Colorado was the one made by Colonel William O. Collins and his wife, Catherine, with a guard of soldiers, from Fort Laramie, Wyoming, to LaPorte (near what later became Fort Collins) in 1864. In June of that year, the military fort of Camp Collins at LaPorte, assigned to protect the Overland Stage road, had been inundated by flood waters on the Cache la Poudre River. Lt. James Hanna had made a report to Col. Collins recommending moving the camp to a bluff a few miles downstream on the south side of the river. In August, Col. Collins came to

inspect the situation, with his wife and a guard of soldiers. They arrived at Camp Collins at LaPorte on August 13, after a six-day journey of 154 miles. A week later, Collins issued an order appropriating land for the new location of Camp Collins, which was renamed Fort Collins, laying the ground for the city of Fort Collins. The road by which the Collins party traveled from Fort Laramie was an old historic trappers’ trail, by way of Chug Creek in Wyoming, Horse Creek, Crow Creek, Jack Springs and Boxelder to LaPorte. Before the army came to the area, the route was part of a trappers’ trail and then a freighters’ trail from Santa Fe, New Mexico, through LaPorte and to Fort Laramie. After Denver was established, the old trappers’ trail became a well traveled route. In 1863, Ben Holladay established a swing station on his

Overland Stage Line at a place called Overland Park, on the old trappers’ trail, about ten miles north of LaPorte. Freighters made camp there on a small creek on their trips from Santa Fe or Denver to Fort Laramie. Holladay’s stage coaches bound for California left the old trail at Overland Park and headed north to Virginia Dale and west across southern Wyoming. Holladay sold his stage line to Wells Fargo in 1866. The stage road through Virginia Dale was used until 1868 when the Union Pacific Railroad reached Laramie, Wyoming. The stage stations between Overland park and Cheyenne were researched by Richard S. Baker in the 1930s and 1940s. From Overland Park, the stages went by Whitcomb’s Ranch, later the Buckeye Ranch, on Boxelder Creek; stopped at Burnt Station; went by Round Butte and Jack’s

Col. William Collins, for whom the town of Fort Collins was named. Photo Fort Collins Public Library. Spring; stopped at Spottlewood Station just over the line in Wyoming, and arrived at Cheyenne on Crow Creek. After railroad travel from Cheyenne to Denver was available, the old trail fell into disuse and has disappeared. It had fulfilled its destiny in Western history. ■

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 5

Drug Firms’ Lobbying Costs

D

rug companies have spent more on lobbying in Washington, D.C., in the past ten years than any other industry—$1.3 billion, according to researchers at the Center for Responsive Politics. Other health care interests also spend large amounts on lobbying. Last year, the American Medical Association spent $22.1 million, the third largest amount behind the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (first) and General Electric (second). The American Hospital Association spent

$19.7 million, the fifth largest amount. Drug companies increased their lobbying expenditures by 25 percent in just one year, between 2006 and 2007, said researchers. Other corporations, labor unions and businesses increased lobbying expenditures by 7.7 percent in that period. The Washington lobbying firm of Patton Boggs, hired by Bristol-Myers Squibb and similar businesses, increased its revenues last year by 20 percent, to $41.9 million. ■

New Hearing Aids Invented

A

new hearing aid that performs much better than others will be available soon, say researchers at the University of California. It’s called the Lyric; it is produced by InSound Medical of Newark, California. It can be worn 24 hours a day, doesn’t have to be removed for showering, and is purchased by a contract ranging from $3,000 to $3,600 a year for both ears, less if

only one ear needs the device. The contract includes the services of a physician who replaces the device when a new battery is needed every one to four months. It fits deep in the ear, close to the ear drum, and requires no surgery to implant. It is removed with a small magnet. It won’t work for people with small ear canals. See www.lyrichearing.com. ■

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6 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

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ometimes people need written proof of how much they get from Social Security. Perhaps you’re ready to make a major purchase and you’re negotiating a loan from a bank or financial institution. Or maybe you’re applying for state benefits or moving into a new apartment or home. Whatever your reason, Social Security makes it easy for you to get the written verification you need, and you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look in the left column under “What you can do online” and select the “Request a Proof of Income letter” link. The “Proof of Income” letter is sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter” or a “proof of award

letter.” The letter can be used as proof of your income not just for a loan, but for any third party that requires proof of your income. In addition to offering proof of your income, the letter is also an official document that verifies your Medicare and health insurance coverage, retirement status, disability status and age. From the time that you complete the online request, it will take about 10 days for you to receive the proof of income letter in the mail. If you need one sooner, you’ll want to call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. But for many people, simply requesting the letter online and waiting for it to arrive in the mail is the most convenient way to get the proof you need. ■

The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 7

Politics on the Frontier W

yoming politics has always been rambunctious and rowdy but never quite so much as during the election of 1892. The Democrats nominated Dr. John E. Osborne, a handsome, curly haired physician from Rawlins as their candidate for governor. Osborne was well fixed financially due to his medical practice and his drug company. The Republicans disliked Osborne intensely, saying he was “an agnostic, a

dude who lacked humor and good fellowship, was stubborn and left his finger mark on every five cent piece that passed through his hands.” Dr. Osborne was elected governor. However, through some political manipulations, his official totals had not been received in Cheyenne, and Osborne had not received official notification of his victory. Osborne became convinced that the Republicans were holding up his confir-

mation until they could gain control of the legislature. The newly elected governor went to Cheyenne and arranged for a notary public to administer the oath of office. He then took possession of the governor’s office by having a young boy creep along the ledge of the capitol building, open a window to the governor’s office, and unlock the door from the inside. Osborne spent the night in the office, afraid that if he left he would be

By Margaret Laybourn locked out. The “sit-in” ended several days later when Osborne wrestled the key to the office from the former governor’s secretary. The leading newspapers of the state, one Republican and one Democratic, had a field day with the story. Governor Osborne completed his two term admirably, but by 1894 the tide had turned nationally and the Wyoming Republicans were once again in control.

■

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8 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

Drug Costs at Pharmacies

I

t pays to shop around if you want to save money on medicines, according to researchers at Consumer Reports magazine. Drug prices varied by $100 or more for the same drug in a nationwide survey of 163 pharmacies that Consumer Reports conducted. For example, a three-month supply of the osteoporosis drug alendronate ranged from $124 to $306. Plavix (for blood clots) ranged from $382 to $541. Levoxyl (for hypothyroidism) ranged

from $29 to $85. Surveyors found Costco was the cheapest for those drugs. Walgreens and Rite-Aid were among the most expensive. Locally owned independent drug stores were often among the cheapest, though many people think big chain pharmacies would be. For drugs overall, Kmart and Shopko were the cheapest. For generic drugs, Wal-Mart and Target were among the lowest. ■

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(benign prostatic hyperplasia) often involves drugs like Avodart and Flomax that relax the prostate and allow it to function more normally. Some researchers think drugs like Viagra might be effective treatments, and several studies are being conducted with them. Many men have taken extract of saw palmetto, and some early European studies recommended that. But University of Texas researchers say extract from the saw palmetto berry does not work. ■

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 9

Your Questions on Estate Planning By Ron Rutz, Attorney Legal Correspondent Q: Do you have anything I can give to my Personal Representative concerning his duties in settling my estate? A: You need to have organized your estate matters beforehand. Ideally a comprehensive listing of assets and matters to be handled has been prepared by you, including fiduciaries to be contacted such as the CPA, financial planner, benefit’s person at work, etc. Important documents such as the will, deeds, vehicle titles, stock certificates, insurance policies, etc., should be kept together. The Personal Representative should not only know where the list and legal documents are located, but also have the ability to access them. Share with your Personal Representative the safe combination or the location of the key. Also, be

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sure to add the Personal Representative to the signature card of any safety deposit box at the bank. After death, the Personal Representative should call an attorney for initial guidance. The attorney probably will suggest having the funeral home order ten to twelve death certificates and suggest that the Personal Representative check to be sure that the funeral home will contact Social Security alerting it as to the death and applying for any burial benefits. Additionally, the attorney will probably advise not to close out any bank accounts and not to return any recently deposited Social Security benefits. If you had put together the information and documents discussed, then the Personal Representative would only need to bring the list and documents to the first meeting with the attorney. If such information has not been assembled, then the Personal Representative needs to construct the foregoing prior to meeting the attorney. At the meeting with the attorney, the will, asset list and documents are reviewed to see if a court proceeding is needed and, for each asset, determine what needs to be done in order to transfer title. The Personal Representative might want to handle things (including any court proceedings) or designate the attorney to be responsible for one or more matters. Normally, to save attorney fees, the Personal Representative handles the administrative paperwork to transfer assets and works with the deceased’s CPA to file any required tax returns. Thus, I tell clients to pick a “detail” person as the Personal Representative, someone who will act as the estate quarterback. I know that the foregoing is sketchy, but everything starts with the will, list of assets, and list of beneficiaries. After that, what needs to be done will quickly be determined at that first meeting with the attorney. ________________ Attorney Ron Rutz will answer questions sent to 2625 Redwing Road, Suite 180, Fort Collins, CO 80526, phone 223-8388, email [email protected]. ■

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10 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

Medicare and Social Security

T

he Medicare and Social Security programs cannot be maintained at current levels without breaking the government and taxpayers, say analysts with the Congressional Budget Office and the National Center for Policy Analysis. Medicare especially will break the federal budget and require huge tax increases of working Americans if it is not changed. That is because of the millions of baby boomers who

will be using the program. By 2050 Medicare and Social Security would consume nearly the entire federal budget if not changed. People now in the 25 percent tax bracket would be in a 66 percent tax bracket. Those in the 35 percent bracket would be in a 92 percent bracket unless changes are made, say the researchers. The next President needs to make some difficult decisions, say analysts. ■

Treatment for Hot Flashes

A

n injection of a local anesthetic might provide relief from hot flashes in menopausal women and breast cancer patients, says a report in the medical journal The Lancet Oncology. The injection is given in the nerves of the neck that regulate body temperature. It can work for up to three years and takes three to eight weeks to be effective, said researcher Dr. Eugene Lipov at Advanced Pain Centers in

Illinois. Hot flashes can be so severe for some breast cancer patients that many of them stop taking their anti-estrogen medicine, said the researchers. About 50 million older women in the U.S. have hot flashes, in addition to breast cancer patients; and 5 million have severe hot flashes. This was a small study, and researchers said more extensive studies would have to be done. ■

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 11

We Had Cherries By Arlene Ahlbrandt

Client Appreciation & Open House Please stop by to enjoy coffee, juice, and pastries while getting to know our team. Wednesday, June 11, 2008 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Guaranty Bank & Trust Company 2700 47th Avenue Greeley, CO 80634 For questions, call Mark Talty at the Greeley Branch at 970-454-4223

Sit in on a presentation at 9:00 am or 10:00 am by our Trust Department entitled "Get your head out of the sand, and start building sandcastles". This lively discussion will provide you with some simple ideas to brighten your family’s financial future. A Trust Officer will be available until noon to address your questions. Bring in your Confidential documents for shredding, we will be happy to have it shredded for you.

This old cherry cannery still stands (now unused) in Fort Collins.

W

hen it’s spring in northern Colorado, cherry trees bloom with lovely clusters of white-andpink fragrant blossoms. In 1880 Orlando Shields came to Loveland and promoted the planting of cherry trees, which grew well in this climate He established the Colorado Nursery Company on West 5th Street in Loveland and interested people in raising cherries, which were sold to his packing plant. In the early 1900s, settlers planted more cherry orchards, which did especially well in the lakes area north of Fort Collins. The sour pie cherry thrived best and was a boon to the canning industry. In 1926 a Fort Collins cherry growers’ co-op started a cherry

canning factory on Gregory Road near Terry Lake in north Fort Collins. The cherries were sorted, washed, pitted and sent to a large boiler to be cooked for canning. That factory was later sold to the Nugent Company of Loveland. It was difficult to find cherry pickers during World War II, but the company remained in business until the late 1950s. Another cherry cannery located on LaPorte Avenue was called Rodgers. Cherry cider, jam and pies were sold at roadside stands. There are still a few of those stands west of Loveland. But the money-making cherry industry ended in the cold winter freeze of 1959-60, which killed many of the trees. ■

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12 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

See Your Best...

Colorado Crosswords By Tony Donovan

MEDICAL SURGICAL

Eye Care Professionals

ROUTINE EXAMS CONTACT LENS

Jennifer Cecil, MD, LLC

669-8998 ACROSS

2902 Ginnala Drive Loveland, CO

2.



Across from the Post Office on 29th Street

8. 10. 11.

Jennifer Cecil, MD Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Distinctive Eyewear Optical Shop 669-2488

13.

Margaret Rado, OD Contact Lens Specialist

14.

16. 18. 20. 22. 24. 26. 28. 29. 31.

32. 33. 35. 37. 38. 40. 42.

columbine cares for seniors “Independent Living at Columbine is everything my Mother ever wanted from the beauty shop, to excellent food, to activities, to parties and games. She can come and go as she pleases and it is home away from home.”

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44. 45. 46. 49. 51.

A salmonella outbreak impacted this community in March of ’08 He’s right for the Rockies ___ Ward is a big name in CU athletics La ___ Peak is the fifth highest in Colorado The Western ___ of Colorado is rich in resources but lacks large population centers Colfax Ave. bisects this Denver “burb” into 2 county jurisdictions: Arapahoe and Adams Advice to the nervous Funeral song First murder victim Pontiac muscle car Bronte’s governess Oldest community in Colorado Renters’ units (abbr.) Ouray is recognized as a great ___ chief Weld County town named for a Ft. Collins grain dealer who sustained local farmers during the depression Message in the sand, maybe Controversial drilling area in # 13 across Mortgage type which is at the basis of the housing woes ___ Town in Jefferson County is a miniaturized tourist area with its own railroad P.F. Chang’s advertises it doesn’t use this additive Mountain community which uses roundabouts to alleviate traffic congestion This 11,500 ft. pass lies south of Breckenridge on CO 9 Part of A.D. Jillian or Miller Middle East ruler Pool inhabitants? ___ Springs in southern Colorado was a healing source for the Navajos and Utes

ANSWERS

54. “With my fuel gauge reading empty, I knew I wouldn’t ___ ___.” 56. Fr. Impressionist known for water lilies 57. Smallest amount 58. Division won by the Phillies in ‘07 59. Founder of the Rocky Mountain News 60. “Wasteland” poet

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 12. 15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 25. 27. 30. 34. 35. 36. 39. 41. 42. 43. 47. 48. 50. 52. 53. 55.

In 1899, Nikola ___ established a laboratory at the foot of Pike’s Peak to conduct experiments concerning alternating current Pueblo material Sport coat adjuncts Baldwin or Guinness Iridescent gem “Colorful” slide area near Lake City and Lake San Cristobal in Hinsdale County Swiss river which flows to the Rhine Lady of intrigue: Mata ___. “___ ___ the people!” (Revolutionary cry) Day planner items L x W, maybe Former U.N. chief, Koffi ___. Eagle County locale named for mineral found in the area Tool for Holliday or # 8 across Tennessee footballers Sharp curve Fort follower White weasel with a black tipped tail Fly ___ (Fisherman’s hobby in the winter) Gardner of films Rio Blanco County town near the Utah line You might do this in # 40 across Major Stephen H ___ surveyed much of Colorado for the U.S. government in the 1820’s Waste maker Fly alone the second time? Edouard ___ was a French painter and a forerunner to the style of # 56 across Southern Colorado mountain pass Sushi food ___ Johnson of “Laugh In” fame “Potent” or “present” beginner Trans follower

Colorado Crosswords are created exclusively for The Voice by Tony Donovan, who lives in Loveland.

The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 13

Multiple Sclerosis L

ast month I was honored to be the ambassador for the Loveland Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk, and I learned some things about MS. The disease destroys the “insulation” around nerve cells that are essential for the transmission of signals; so nerves affected don’t transmit instructions well. The disease is chronic and often progresses gradually. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, and women are twice as likely to get MS as men are. Multiple Sclerosis is very much a “Colorado disease.” It is 10 times as common is our state as in others. Researchers aren’t sure why, but there are theories, including our high altitude. Almost 9,000 people live with MS in Colorado. People with MS can be helped

Rentals Available!

By State Senator Steve Johnson

with treatment. There are currently six approved drugs to help manage MS, and several more promising drugs are being studied. One physician at the Loveland walk told me about an injectable treatment showing promise; some people have gone up to four years without a relapse of signs on the drug. Events such as the Loveland walk raise funds to support local education and wellness programs, direct financial assistance and case management and counseling. One of the great things about living in Northern Colorado is the support we give to our fellow citizens. Where encouragement is needed, we will give it. Where support is needed, we will raise it. You can get more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or by calling the Colorado chapter’s Northern office at (970) 482-5016. ■

Piano Soirée Sunday, June 22 5:30–8:30 P.M.

Jay’s Bistro

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14 • June 2008 • The Senior Voice

Laughter Is the Best Medicine T

he graveside service had just finished when there was a deafening clap of thunder that shook the earth, followed by dozens of lightning bolts that filled the sky with frightening noise and fire. An old man looked at the preacher and said, “Well, she’s there.” An old prospector walked into a western town with his mule after being on the desert for years. As he tied the mule in front of a saloon, a young gunslinger came out, looked at the grizzled old man and said, “Hey, old timer, did you ever dance?” “No.” “Why not?” “I just never learned to.” The young man drew his gun and said, “Well, you’re gonna’ learn now,” and he fired several shots at the prospector’s feet, making him jump around. After emptying his gun, the young man turned to go into the saloon—when he heard the click of

a gun hammer cocking behind him. He turned around and found himself looking directly into the barrel of a shotgun. “Did you ever kiss a mule square in the butt?” asked the old man. “No,” said the gunslinger, “but I’ve always wanted to.” About golf: If you drink, don’t drive. Don’t even putt. — Dean Martin Lawyers should never ask a grandmother a question if they aren’t prepared for the answer. In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, an elderly woman. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Jones, do you know me?” She responded, “Yes, I know you, Mr. Williams. I’ve known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you’ve been a big disappointment. You cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you

haven’t the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.” The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Do you know the defense attorney?” She replied, “Yes, I’ve known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He’s lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can’t

build a normal relationship with anyone and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state—not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.” The defense attorney nearly fainted. Then the judge asked both lawyers to approach the bench. He said quietly, “If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I’ll send you to the electric chair.” ■

MORRISON’S MEDITATIONS

By Gaylord Morrison

• People living near a railroad learn to ignore the noise. The same skill can be used for political speeches. • Do not expect straight answers from crooked people. • Do people lose weight because they reach age 90, or reach 90 because they lose weight? ■

Perfect Eyeglasses Prescription

“I found my ‘hole in one’ at Kirk Eye Center. The fit was perfect first time, and I see better than ever.” — Patty Seaser Fort Collins

667-0202 P

John W. Colvin, OD & John D. Kirk, MD, FACS

3650 East 15th Street Loveland, Colorado

669-1107

atty Seaser is a busy woman, and searching for the right eye doctor was a problem. She tried large and small practices, but didn’t get an accurate prescription or the attention she needed. After seeing Kirk Eye Center ads and a friend’s recommendation, she booked an appointment. “I was so impressed with the professional care of Dr. Colvin and the staff. They really listen and make you feel as if you are their only customer. Most of all, Dr. Colvin was ‘dead on’ first time with my prescription. Now I am seeing my best – whether it is golfing, skiing, or getting up close with reading or needlepoint.”

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 15

Memories of a Loveland Pioneer Editor’s Note: Winona Washburn was born in 1855 and came to Loveland with her parents in 1862. Years later, she wrote about the early days there. By Winona Washburn

M

r. and Mrs. John Washburn came to the Big Thompson valley with their seven-year-old daughter in March of 1862, going into partnership with James M. Smith, Jr., on a ranch a half mile down the river from the present location of the town of Loveland. In 1863 Washburn made a new location on a homestead a half mile up the river at the place where Highway 287 crosses the river, one mile south of Loveland. He bought a log house already built on the land and filed on the land bought

from the government through a “soldier’s right” of the War of 1812. Soon after, the Ben Holladay Overland Stage Line was established, running from Denver to Salt Lake City, and the Washburns kept the stage station for several years, it being the home station between the St. Vrain River and Virginia Dale (north of Fort Collins). Government surveys had not yet been made, and locations were selected by estimate and according to the lay of the land that the settler desired. When official surveys were made in 1864, property lines had to be re-located, and the Washburn western claim line was found to be several rods further east, requiring the building of a new home. Claim jumping was then quite

Medicare Hospital Payments

M

edicare officials say they will not pay hospitals to treat several conditions “that could reasonable have been prevented” while patients were in the hospital. Among those are falls, urinary tract infections caused by improper use of catheters, pressure ulcers, vascular infections caused by improper use of catheters, and mediastinitis (an infection that can develop after heart surgery). Medicare also will not pay hospitals to treat patients for objects left in the body during surgery, blood incompatibility, and

air embolisms (air in the blood). Also surgical site infections following certain elective procedures, Legionnaire’s disease, extreme blood sugar derangement, and collapsed lungs. Also some staph infection (staphylococcus aureus septicemia); delirium; ventilatorassociated pneumonia; pulmonary embolism (blockage); and clostridium difficile associated disease (bacterial infection). Many people applaud Medicare’s efforts, but critics doubt that the agency can enforce such requirements or monitor them. ■

Local Events and Exhibits Red Feather Lakes Library Presentations by specialists on pine beetles, rocks and minerals, Princess Red Feather, birding in the tropics, and an art show. Ongoing events include meetings for writers, artists, dieters, young moms, and sewing. Call 8812664. Poudre Canyon Crafts Show August 16, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Poudre Canyon Chapel. Crafts, handmade quilt raffle, bake sale, music, food and fun. Call

970-881-2929. Victorian Sunday in Fort Collins June 8, 11 am to 4 pm, free events at the Fort Collins Museum park: banjo/piano players, Dixieland jazz band, Shadow Mountain String Band, barbershop quartet, docudramas of pioneer women and civil war soldiers. Call 2216526.

________________

Email Senior Voice at thevoice@ frii.com. See it on the web at www.theseniorvoice.net. ■

A Loveland livery stable in the late 1800s. Loveland Library. common. As new settlers arriving sometimes took advantage of the uncertain claim line, Mr. Washburn built a small slab shanty with a pole and straw roof over the line on his own property, where the family slept and kept personal belongings, returning to the other house to prepare meals for the stage drivers who slept in the house, the stock tenders who slept in the barn, and passengers on the daily stage. The stage road came down from the bluffs through the same

easy grade now followed by the Colorado and Southern Railway and bore away to the north to the valley of the Cache la Poudre at Laporte. The building of the new log house on the Washburn claim included trading of the log house. The main floor (of the new house) served as the family living room, the courtroom of Judge Washburn (the first county judge) and the Big Thompson post office, of which the judge was also postmaster. ■

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The Senior Voice • June 2008 • 16

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