I’ve always thought it appropriate that Veterans Day and Thanksgiving share the same month. Among the many reasons to be thankful, freedom should be at the top of our list. 

The BEACON’s November issue is one of my favorites because we focus on local veterans. As someone who’s been fortunate to have never seen war, I enjoy reading and listening to their stories. You can read about Fruita resident Calvin Davis’ service in multiple branches of the military and Lt. James Barnhill’s time in the Air Force.

Please thank a vet for their service and sacrifice. Then, check out the BEACON’s event calendar for details on Veterans Day events.

We had a blast at BeaconFest!

BeaconFest, our annual reader appreciation party, was a huge hit in both Grand Junction and Montrose! Thank you to all the readers, sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, seminar speakers and door prize donors for making both events a success! 

Readers named Rich Parrish and Dawn Ullrey as the 2021 Volunteers of the Year, and many other volunteers were honored for their selfless dedication to making our communities better.

Want to see the photo we snapped of you at BeaconFest? Follow us on Facebook!

Give (and get) a free BEACON subscription

The best way to ensure that you get your BEACON every month is to subscribe. Normally, it’s $20 for one year and $30 for two, but in the spirit of the holidays you can gift the BEACON to a friend for free when you purchase a subscription for yourself. 

A subscription also guarantees you won’t miss out on any senior-related news and events, including the release of our 2022 BEACON Guide. This annual resource directory includes hard-to-find contact information for clubs, medical centers, reputable businesses and government agencies, which are verified annually for accuracy. 

Do you know of an organization we should include? Call us at 970-243-8829 or email [email protected]

Brag about LOCAL businesses and win gift cards

Tell us who stands above the rest with the 2022 BEACON Best Awards! Recognize the businesses and organizations with superior customer service that have earned your trust and loyalty with this coveted award. 

By voting, you’re entered into a drawing to win prizes and gift cards to some of your favorite spots. All you have to do is vote online here. 

Don’t forget to let them know you’re rooting for them! 

We’re thankful for you!

From all of us at the BEACON, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. 

Letters from our readers

“You all did a fantastic job at BeaconFest!”
- Vickie Becoat, VA Western Colorado Health Care System

“My husband and I have been attending the Montrose BeaconFest for as long as you’ve held it. We learn something new every time we go. In our 50s, we were happy to [discover] low-cost or free services in the area. In our 60s, we focused more on preparing for Medicare, reverse mortgages and estate planning. Now in our 70s, we’re looking closely at senior living options, ride opportunities, in-home care and physical therapy, knowing that these services may one day be needed. This year, we learned that Region 10’s volunteer helper program doesn’t require a time commitment, and we’re considering joining their efforts. Our memories of all we have gleaned from BeaconFest may be somewhat fuzzy, but our return each year is a testament to its value.”
- Sandy B.

RE: “Shop well. Dress better.” (October)
“I would guess that Sandra Wise, who authored [October’s cover story] is young. The six model pictures including the cover doesn’t accurately represent the majority of older figures. These figures are the exception, not the rule as portrayed. Fashion ads and photos of both women and men are generally fit and trim accounting, in part, for lost and disappointing attempts to appear the same. Bold colors and styles, yes—all thin bodies, no!”
- Tom K.

Cloie: “Thanks for writing, Tom. Surprisingly, Sandra Wise is 75. Not only did she author the article, but she’s also the model on the cover. In this article, Sandra’s emphasis was on dressing economically and not letting ageism dictate one’s fashion choices. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!”

RE: “God calls us to flip the script”
(October)
“I think the article was arrogant, intolerant and really has no place in your magazine. I don’t think that Christianity is the world’s answer. Inclusivity, kindness, hard work and honesty is what is needed.”
- Martha