Due to the busy holiday season, it’s not uncommon for the BEACON’s January issue to come out a little earlier than expected. In fact, at the time of writing this column, Christmas has yet to arrive.

I always struggle writing the first column of the new year because it’s so hard to get my mind to move past the hectic holidays and refresh. I should probably start writing my new year’s column months in advance.

But, if anything, 2020 is proof of just how quickly things can change. Much of my column from last year was about the many exciting things the BEACON had coming up—things like our February Valentine’s Dance and our annual BeaconFest senior fair. In a span of just weeks, we went from “full speed ahead” to an abrupt stop.

This year made us realize that stopping to smell the roses is something we should do more often. However, what’s the point when there aren’t any roses because it’s the middle of winter? I’m ready to catch up with everyone I didn’t get to see and do all the things I missed in 2020 (including BeaconFest). 

Cheers to a much better year in 2021!

Tell us what you love most about the BEACON

Every month, I think about how the BEACON can better serve our readers. As we look at planning stories in the new year, I’d love to hear from you! What do you love most about the BEACON? What are your favorite stories? What would you like to see more of? Let me know at [email protected]

2021 Mesa County BEACON Guide now available

Inside this January issue, Mesa County readers will find a copy of the 2021 BEACON Guide, our annual resource directory and guide to aging well in Western Colorado. In addition to hundreds of local, state and national resources and hard-to-find phone numbers, this trusted guide features insightful and informative articles to help with the transitions that you or a loved one may be going through. If you can’t find your 2021 guide in this issue, or want to request multiple copies, call us at 243-8829.

Montrose-Delta BEACON Guide coming soon

Readers in Montrose and Delta counties can keep an eye out for the 2021 Montrose-Delta BEACON Guide, which comes out in our February issue! Don’t want to wait? Give us a call and we’ll send you a copy when it comes out in January.

The results are in!

Did you vote for the BEACON Best? If so, you could win a $50 gift card to one of your favorite businesses or hot spots on the western slope. Look for your name in next month’s BEACON, along with those local businesses that BEACON readers think are top notch.