WelcomeWelcome to BeaconFest a celebration of age!
to BeaconFest, Colorado’s largest and funnest celebration for seniors, baby boomers and their families!
Treat yourself to a fun-filled day of learning and entertainment as we celebrate everything that’s great about getting older! (I promise there’s plenty!) BeaconFest is also our way of celebrating BEACON readers and the businesses devoted to helping them age well in Western Colorado.
If you’re reading this before the show, make sure you don’t miss out! Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 17, 2025. BeaconFest takes place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Grand Junction Convention Center, 159 Main St.
Whether you’re a seasoned BeaconFest attendee or joining us for the first time, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect at this year’s show:
EVERYTHING IS FREE!
No other senior expo around has live music, delicious food samples and a full schedule of educational seminars—all for free!
VENDORS GALORE!
Meet more than 100 local and national exhibitors, from home improvement experts and housing representatives to health care providers and advocacy organizations. Explore booths from real estate agents, financial advisors, senior clubs and advocacy organizations.
LIVE MUSIC
We have an exciting lineup of entertainers performing throughout the day!
On the main stage, don’t miss local favorites
like Peggy Malone, Javier de los Santos and Wild Flight, along with Montrose’s own Donny Morales.
In the foyer, enjoy the barbershop harmonies of Canyon Grand Barbershop Quartet and Steppin’ Up Quartet. Relax to the elegant sounds of Robin Freed and the Harps in Motion Ensemble, while Mike Gazdak delights on accordion and Mitzi Dawn charms with her ukulele and mandolin.
INFORMATIVE SEMINARS
Join us for a series of enlightening seminars where local experts will share their knowledge on important topics such as Medicare, estate planning, break-through medical treatments and more.
BIG GIVEAWAYS EVERY 30 MINUTES!
Register to win thousands of dollars’ worth of door prizes—vacation packages, hot springs soaks, furniture, restaurant gift cards and more.
Maximize your time at BeaconFest by filling out your door prize form before the event and dropping it off at the BEACON booth when you arrive. Find the door prize form on page 9.
You must be present to win, so relax, explore or take a seat—your name might be next! With multiple winners selected every half hour, your chances of winning are excellent—much better than the lottery, that’s for sure!
Stick around until 2:30 p.m. for Let’s Make a Squeal, the game when all unclaimed door prizes will be given to the audience in a madcap rendition of Monty Hall’s Let’s Make a Deal.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Even though they don’t do it for the recognition, join us in honoring some of our community’s most dedicated senior volunteers during the Volunteer of the Year ceremony. Please join us at the stage at 1 p.m. as we say thank you to some of the most selfless seniors in our community.
VOTE FOR THE BEST BOOTHS!
Show your appreciation for our exhibitors by voting in the Seniors’ Choice Awards! Tear out the ballot on page 9 or pick one up as you enter and cast your vote for Best Overall Booth, the Booth With The Friendliest Staff, and the Booth With The Best Freebies.
Winners will be announced in the next issue of the BEACON and online at BeaconSenior News.com
THANK YOU!
BeaconFest is our way of saying thank you for reading the BEACON. Be sure to thank our vendors and sponsors, too—we couldn’t do this without their support! ■
Kevin K. VanGundy BEACON Publisher
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
MAIN STAGE
9:00 Peggy Malone
10:30 ..................................................... Javier de los Santos
12:00 ..................................................................... Wild Flight
1:00 .......................................... Volunteer of the Year Awards
1:30 ................................................................ Donny Morales
2:30 ........................................................ Let’s Make a Squeal! MEGA Prize Drawing Giveaway!
Sound by Ron Koss
FOYER
9:00 .................................. Canyon Grand Barbershop Quartet
10:00 .................................................................. Mike Gazdak
11:00 ......................Robin Freed & Harps in Motion Ensemble
12:00 Steppin’ Up Quartet
1:00 ...................................................................... Misti Dawn
Making the ROUNDS
Balloon Animals and Hats by Willy Tuz
Make a
MAIN STAGE
Peggy Malone
9:00 | Country
Peggy has shared her love of music for over 60 years, leaving audiences smiling with her songs and interactive performances. Her talent has earned her honors from the Academy of Western Artists and the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame. Her song “Singin’ A Cowboy Song” won a 2001 Emmy Award. She’s also a co-founder of the Western Slope Cowboy Gathering in Grand Junction. Follow her on Facebook for details: @Peggy.Malone.7
Javier de los Santos
10:30 | Classical Guitar
Javier de los Santos started his formal music education with Francisco Javier Muro Guevara. He’s played with the Apollo Chamber Players, Pepe Romero and the symphony orchestras of Grand Junction and Boulder. Javier founded Mariachi San Jose and serves as the president and artistic director of the Western Colorado Classical Guitar Society. He teaches music and guitar at Independence Academy and Colorado Mesa University.
Wild Flight
12:00 | Roots Rock
2:30 | Mega Prize Drawings All remaining and unclaimed door prizes will be given away in a fun flurry of giving.
Formed in 2019, Wild Flight began as a duo of singer-songwriters playing for the pure love of music. Four albums later, they’ve gathered the finest musicians around to record and perform eclectic originals and reimagined covers. Eric Gross, a trained pianist and vocalist, delivers soulful, powerful songs shaped by years of touring and recording in Boston and Nashville. Emily Jurick brings rich life experiences and a sensual voice to a wide range of styles—classic rock, funk, R&B and jazz—putting a fresh spin on both new and timeless tunes.
Volunteer of the Year
1:00 | Awards Ceremony
We’re proud to honor some of our community’s most dedicated volunteers at BeaconFest. Help us celebrate these compassionate local seniors during a special ceremony, where we’ll also announce the reader-selected Volunteer of the Year.
Donny Morales
1:30
| Acoustic Soul/Funk
Donny Morales, a vocalist, guitarist and harmonica player from Montrose, has been a staple in the Western Slope music scene for over 20 years. In 2021, BEACON readers voted him Best Musician in the annual BEACON Best Awards. Hear his music at DonnyMorales.net.
Let’s Make a Squeal!
2:30 | Mega Prize Giveaway!
Inspired by the classic game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” attendees will have the chance to win fantastic prizes in a fun flurry of giving! Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to take home some amazing gifts!
Entertainment continues on next page...
9:00
FOYER LINEUP
Canyon Grand Barbershop Chorus
| Barbershop A Cappella
This senior teaching quartet from the Bookcliff Barbershop Harmony Chorus consists of George Humfeld (tenor), Olyn Carlson (lead), Dave Woodward (bass) and Bob Labig (baritone). They strive to enrich the lives of everyone they meet with their special brand of harmony.
Mike Gazdak
10:00
| Rock ’n Roll Swing
Listening to Mike Gazdak is like listening to a one-man band. Mike has played piano and accordion professionally and is currently the keyboard player for the Rock ‘N’ Swing Band and plays piano for the Mixed Bag Jazz Band. Mike plays a variety of music ranging from light classical to jazz standards, polkas and waltzes.
Robin Freed & Harps in Motion Ensemble
11:00
| Harps
Robin Freed has been teaching harp, hammer dulcimer and keyboards to students of all ages since 2014, specializing in adult/senior beginners. Her student ensemble performs at various concerts throughout the year and is always welcoming new members. For more information, call 970-275-8996.
Steppin’ Up Quartet
12:00
| A Cappella Harmony
There’s no doubt about it— these ladies love to sing and perform! For the past five years, their four voices have come together in perfect harmony, bringing the joy of a cappella music to audiences across three Western Slope communities. Booking: 970-261-0304 or email step pinupquartet@gmail.com.
Misti Dawn
1:00 | Mandolin & Ukulele
Misti Dawn has been performing and working in the Grand Valley for most of her life. Through her business, Misti Morning Creative Services, she offers music and dance lessons, creative therapies, dance fitness, event coordination and performances. Misti is excited to bring her love of jazz standards and the ukulele to BeaconFest.
THE ROUNDS
Animals and Hats
by Willy Tuz
•
Your guide to winning BIG at BeaconFest
Each year at BeaconFest, the excitement builds not just for our stellar lineup of speakers and entertainment but also for the thrilling opportunity to win big!
BeaconFest is, after all, our community’s celebration of age—and what's a celebration without some thrilling games and fabulous prizes?
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Entering to win is free and easy! Simply fill out the official door prize entry form on page 9 and drop it into the bucket at the BEACON’s booth. That’s it—you’re in the running! We draw multiple names from the main stage every 30 minutes, so listen for yours.
BE PRESENT
You must be present to win, so stick around! With live music, over a dozen seminars and over 100 exhibitors, there’s plenty to see and do. Reconnect with friends over lunch from one of
our exhibiting
listening to live mu-
our exhibiting restaurants or unwind while listening to live music—and feel free to hit the dance floor (dancing is not only allowed, it’s encouraged)!
Worried you might miss your name being called while you’re absorbed in a seminar? No problem—just check for your name at the BEACON booth and we’ll ensure you receive your prize if you’ve won.
PRIZES GALORE
What’s up for grabs?
• Travel and thrills: Enjoy a variety of travelrelated prizes, including hotel stays, concert tickets and passes to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
• Dining and drinks: Treat yourself with gift certificates to popular local restaurants.
• Home décor: Beautify your space with ex-
quisite items and gift certificates from local furniture and decor stores. Plus, we’ll have gift baskets filled with surprises!
•
• Recreation and fun: Free golf, bowling and even oil changes are on the list for those who like staying active!
MEGA PRIZE GIVEAWAY
At 2:30 p.m. all extra and unclaimed door prizes come into play during Let’s Make a Squeal. Inspired by Monty Hall’s Let’s Make a Deal, this lively and interactive game is your final chance to win something extraordinary!
If you’re new to this, come prepared to barter—odd and everyday items like safety pins, ChapStick and $2 bills can become your bargaining chips!
Remember, the more you engage, the better your odds of winning. BeaconFest is all about enjoying the day, meeting new friends and perhaps going home a bit richer—whether through new friendships, valuable information or fantastic prizes. ■
BeaconFest • 2025
ENTERTAINMENT
MAIN STAGE
9:00 Peggy Malone
10:30 ................................................ Javier de los Santos
12:00 ................................................................ Wild Flight
1:00 ..................................... Volunteer of the Year Awards
1:30 .......................................................... Donny Morales
2:30 ............ Let’s Make a Squeal! MEGA Prize Giveaway
FOYER
9:00 ............................ Canyon Grand Barbershop Quartet
10:00 ............................................................ Mike Gazdak
11:00 ............... Robin Freed & Harps in Motion Ensemble
12:00 ................................................. Steppin’ Up Quartet
1:00 ............................................................... Misti Dawn
SEMINARS
SEMINAR ROOM 1
10:00 Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
11:00 Button Up Your Glucose Control
12:00 Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
1:00 Safeguarding Seniors: Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation
SEMINAR ROOM 2
11:30 Preparing You and Your Body for Total Joint Surgery
12:30 “I Want to Age at Home, But How Do I Pay For It?”
SEMINAR ROOM 3
11:00 How Medicare Can Pay for Dental Implants and More
12:00 Don’t Let Pain Limit You: Regain Function & Mobility with Family Health West
1:00 Scam Bingo: Spot the Red Flags & Stay Safe!
SEMINAR ROOM 4
10:30 PD Basics: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
11:30 Non-Medicinal Options for Stroke Prevention with Atrial Fibrillation
1:30 All about Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Valve Disease
Thursday, April 17 | Grand Junction Convention Center
LIST OF VENDORS
N17-18 970 Medicare
A18 A Little Help
N20 AAA Colorado
E16 AAA Hearing
E17 Abode Hospice and Home Health of Colorado
W11 All Variety Windows and Doors
C11 BrightStar Care Grand Junction
N21 Buffalo Wild Wings
B17 Burke, Holguin, & Smith, P.C
A20 Callahan-Edfast Mortuary and Crematory
C11 CareScout
D11 Clearnetworx
D15-16 CNS Cares
B13 Cold War Patriots / Professional Case Management
A15-16 Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine
A13 Colorado Stamps and Coins
H15 Colorado Veterans Community Living Center at Rifle (Sponsored by FCI Constructors)
N13 Comfort Keepers
D14 Community Food Bank of Grand Junction
B20 Community Hospital
B18 Compass Medical Center
N15 Crossroads Fitness
N12 D’Medici / Colorado-ology
D13 Elite Care at Home
E11-14 Family Health West
B19 First Light Home Care
B12 Four Seasons Gutter Systems
A14 Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
D18 Grand Valley Transit
A11 High Desert Hearing Center
F15-16 Hilltop Community Resources ADRC
W16 Home Helpers of Grand Junction
S18 Home Instead Grand Junction
C16 HopeWest
C12 Housing Resources of Western Colorado
B14 Insurance Advisors Agency, Inc.
S19 Insurance Options, Inc.Lindsey Kelly
C14-15 Intermountain Health Heart and Vascular
S15 Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
S15 Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Cancer Centers of Colorado
C18 Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital Volunteer Services
N14 Jimmy John’s Sandwiches
N19 JP Dental & Implant Center
H11 KAFM Community Radio
S14 KREX
D17 La Villa Grande Care Center
A12 Larchwood Inns, The PARC & Skilled Nursing Center
C17 LPL Financial - William Reed
D17 Mantey Heights Rehabilitation & Care Center
W17 MarillacHealth
C18 Meals on Wheels of Mesa County
H19 Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
F17 Natural Grocers
A17 Nightingale’s Home Care
S12 Olive Garden
C13 PeopleCare Health Services
W13 Raven & Wolf Benefits, LTD
F19 Relay Colorado
D20 Renewal by Andersen F12 Right at Home
H21-22 River City Singles
D19 Roice-Hurst Humane Society
B11 Select Health
H14 Senior Engagement Mesa County
D19 Shelter InsuranceKerry Phillips
D12 Snyder Memorials, Inc.
F11 Solstice Senior Living Grand Valley
F11 Solstice Senior Living Mesa View
N16 SummitWest Care
W14 Sunshine Rides
W15 The Garage Dispensary
B15-16 The Glass Guru
S16 The Lodge at Grand Junction
A19 Timberline Bank
F13 Travel With Jayne
H17 VA Western Colorado Health Care System (Sponsored by FCI Constructors)
S17 Valley View Heart and Vascular Center
H18 Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Sponsored by FCI Constructors)
F14 Visiting Angels
W12 Grand Junction Housing Authority
H12 Grand Junction Newcomers Club
H13 Grand Junction Police Department
H16 Mesa County Veterans Service Officer (Sponsored by FCI Constructors)
F20 Miracle Method of Western Colorado
W18 Museums of Western Colorado
F18 NatMar Steel Building Experts
S13 Vivage Beecan
H18 Western Region One Source (Sponsored by FCI Constructors)
SEMINAR ROOM 1
10:00 Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
SEMINAR SCHEDULE
Presenter: Dr. Jordan McCoy, Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
11:00 Button Up Your Glucose Control
Presenter: Katherine Stephens-Bogard, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
12:00 Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
Presenter: Victoria Grasmick, Intermountain Health Community Health
1:00 Safeguarding Seniors: Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation
Presenter: Jessica Klements, Timberline Bank
SEMINAR ROOM 2
11:30 Preparing You and Your Body for Total Joint Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Borchard, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Sports Medicine & Spine
12:30 “I Want to Age at Home, But How Do I Pay For It?”
Presenters: Brandi Johnson, Home Instead Grand Junction
SEMINAR ROOM 3
11:00 How Medicare Can Pay for Dental Implants and More
Presenters: Ashley VanGundy, 970 Medicare & John P. Poovey, JP Dental and Implant Center
12:00 Don’t Let Pain Limit You: Regain Function & Mobility with Family Health West
Presenter: Dr. Kyle Christopherson, Family Health West
1:00 Scam Bingo: Spot the Red Flags & Stay Safe!
Presenter: Mary Speer, Grand Junction Police Department
SEMINAR ROOM 4
10:30 PD Basics: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Presenter: Phyllis Leverich, Parkinson Association of the Rockies
11:30 Non-Medicinal Options for Stroke Prevention with Atrial Fibrillation
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
1:30 All about Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Valve Disease
Presenter: Dr. Saeed Ally, Valley View Heart and Vascular Center
SEMINAR ROOM 1
10:00
Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Jordan McCoy, Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics Innovative robotic total joint surgery is available right here in Grand Junction! Join Dr. Jordan McCoy, orthopedic surgeon at Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics, as he explores this cutting-edge technology and how it’s transforming joint replacement. This state-of-the-art technique preserves soft tissue, enhances knee and hip balance and promotes faster recovery with better long-term outcomes. Bring your questions and take part in this interactive presentation!
11:00
Button Up Your Glucose Control
Presenter: Katherine Stephens-Bogard, Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
Discover the future of diabetes care with Katherine Stephens-Bogard, a certified diabetes care and education specialist with Intermountain Health. Learn about continuous glucose monitoring devices and how they can help you conquer the blood sugar blues. Whether you’re dealing with pre-diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes, this seminar will cover early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and how to effectively communicate with your healthcare provider. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and take control of your diabetes management!
12:00
Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
Presenter: Victoria Grasmick
Intermountain Health Community Health
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Join Victoria Grasmick, Community Health Director at Intermountain Health Western Colorado, to learn about emotional reliance, managing stress and how social connection can benefit your overall health
1:00
Safeguarding Seniors:
Preventing Elder Financial Exploitation
Presenter: Jessica Klements, Timberline Bank
This informative presentation, led by Timberline Bank’s chief risk officer Jessica Klements, is dedicated to addressing a growing concern in our community—elder financial exploitation. As our population ages, the risk of seniors falling victim to various forms of financial abuse increases. This seminar aims to empower individuals, caregivers and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to protect our senior community members from financial exploitation.
SEMINAR ROOM 2
11:30
Preparing You and Your Body for Total Joint Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Borchard, Colorado Advanced Orthopedics Sports Medicine & Spine
Dr. Kevin Borchard, a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Colorado Advanced Orthopedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, will discuss the role of diet, body mass index (BMI), and exercise in joint health, along with a brief overview of total joint replacement surgery for knees and hips.
12:30
“I Want to Age at Home, But How Do I Pay For It?”
Presenter: Brandi Johnson, Home Instead Grand Junction
Seminars continue on next page...
243-2025
2412 Patterson Rd Grand Junction
In this FREE seminar, Dr. Poovey with JP Dental and Implant Center will discuss the different types of dental implants, costs and how oral health affects your overall health and longevity.
Don’t miss this dynamic session in SEMINAR ROOM 3 at 11:00 AM
Medicare does not pay for long-term care, so what options do you have? Depending on your care needs, there are several ways to pay for long-term care. This informative seminar explores your options, including Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits, long-term care insurance and private pay. Are you a candidate for
Dr. John Poovey
Right Care Right Place
SEMINAR ROOM 3
11:00
How Medicare Can Pay for Dental Implants and More
Presenters: Ashley VanGundy, 970 Medicare & John P. Poovey, JP Dental and Implant Center
Can Medicare really pay for dental implants? Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental? Ashley VanGundy, president of 970 Medicare, will answer these questions and more alongside Dr. John Poovey with JP Dental & Implant Center. Dr. Poovey will discuss the different types of dental implants, costs and how oral health affects your overall health and longevity. Don’t miss this dynamic session with these two sought-after experts.
12:00
Don’t Let Pain Limit You:
Regain Function & Mobility with Family Health West
Presenter: Dr. Kyle Christopherson, Family Health West
Chiropractic adjustments. Over-the-counter meds. Endless rounds of physical therapy.
You’ve tried it all, yet the pain persists. It’s frustrating, isolating and steals the joy from daily life. But there’s hope beyond the conventional. At Family Health West Pain Specialists, we understand chronic pain’s impact and offer non-narcotic, long-term solutions tailored to your unique needs. Learn from Dr. Kyle Christopherson, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist and fellowshiptrained pain specialist, about minimally invasive treatments like targeted injections, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation and more.
1:00
Scam Bingo: Spot the Red Flags & Stay Safe!
Presenter: Mary Speer, Grand Junction Police Department
GJPD Police Service Technician Mary Speer leads this fun and interactive way to learn to recognize the red flags of fraud—from phishing emails to phone scams and more—while playing a lively game of bingo.
SEMINAR ROOM 4
10:30
PD Basics: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Presenter: Phyllis Leverich, Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Phyllis Leverich, Western Slope Outreach Coordinator for the Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), presents “PD Basics,” an informative session on Parkinson’s disease. She’ll discuss signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, with a focus on how exercise can help slow progression. The seminar also highlights free services PAR offers to individuals with Parkinson’s across Colorado and Wyoming.
11:30
Non-Medicinal Options for Stroke Prevention with Atrial Fibrillation
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
Learn about Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)—including how it’s diagnosed, treated and managed—from Dr. Frank Laws, an electrophysiologist and interventional cardiologist with Valley View Heart & Vascular Center. Discover how Valley View’s expertise in advanced cardiac technologies and personalized arrhythmia care has expanded beyond the Roaring Fork Valley to its Grand Junction clinic, now accepting new patients. Led by Dr. Laws and advanced nurse practitioner Katrina Metcalf, the Grand Junction team offers comprehensive cardiology services with a strong focus on Afib care.
1:30
All about Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Valve Disease
Presenter: Dr. Saeed Ally, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
The aorta is the body’s largest artery, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Sometimes, it can enlarge and form an aneurysm. The aortic valve, one of the heart’s four valves, can also become diseased and function poorly over time. In this informative session, learn about aortic aneurysms and aortic valve disease, including screening and treatment options available to manage both conditions.
Looking for trusted local resources to help you or a loved one navigate life after 50? The 2025 BEACON Guide is your go-to resource for senior services, support programs and helpful businesses in Mesa County! Whether you need information on health care, housing, financial planning, social activities or volunteer opportunities, this free annual resource directory connects you to the right people and services.
GET YOUR FREE COPY TODAY
Haven’t grabbed your 2025 BEACON Guide yet? Stop by the BEACON booth or look for copies throughout the show. You can also find them at senior centers, hospitals, libraries, doctors’ offices and businesses throughout town.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE ONLINE
The BEACON Guide is easy to access when you don’t have a printed copy on hand. Flip through pages just like the print edition, search by keyword and click directly to business’ websites.
• Mesa County Guide: BeaconSeniorNews.com/mesa-county-guide
• Montrose-Delta Guide: BeaconSeniorNews.com/montrose-delta-guide
DID WE MISS SOMETHING?
We aim to feature the most up-to-date and reliable info each year. If we missed something, let us know! ■
Email Contact@BeaconSeniorNews. com or call 970-243-8829
BeaconFest Trivia: Test your knowledge about Colorado’s
1. What year did BeaconFest first take place in Grand Junction?
A. 2004
B. 2000
C. 2011
D. 2015
2. Which local publication presents BeaconFest each year?
A. The Daily Sentinel
B. Grand Valley Times
C. BEACON Senior News
D. Colorado Life
3. True or False: BeaconFest is free to attend.
A. True
B. False
4. What’s a popular activity offered at every BeaconFest?
A. Petting zoo
B. Free massages
C. Dance contests
D. Prize drawings
5. How many vendors typically exhibit at BeaconFest in Grand Junction?
A. Around 25
B. Around 50
C. Around 75
D. Over 100
6. What’s the name of BEACON’s annual resource guide handed out at the event?
A. Senior Source
B. The Golden Guide
C. The BEACON Guide
D. Aging Well Directory
7. Fill in the blank: BeaconFest is a celebration of __________.
8. How many BeaconFest events are held in Colorado each year?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
9. What local venue has frequently hosted BeaconFest in Grand Junction?
A. Lincoln Park Barn
B. Grand Junction Convention Center
C. DoubleTree
D. CMU University Center
10. What’s one way attendees can win a prize at BeaconFest?
A. Attend Let’s Make a Squeal
B. Fill out the Register to Win form and bring it to the show
C. Attend a seminar
D. Complete a vendor bingo card
11. Which of these is often offered free at the event?
A. Admission
B. Food
C. Entertainment
D. All of the Above ■
ST. MARY’S
Volunteer Services
Announcing the Volunteer of the Year
Join us in honoring senior volunteers at the main stage at 1 p.m.
Volunteers make big impacts to their communities by dedicating their time, skills, experience and passion to local causes. And who makes up the majority of our community’s volunteers? SENIORS!
2025
BEACON Senior News is proud to offer local organizations the chance to honor their exceptional senior volunteers at BeaconFest by nominating them for the Volunteer of the Year award, which will be presented on the main stage at 1 p.m.
HOW IT WORKS
In February, we invite local nonprofits to nominate an individual or volunteer team for recognition in our monthly magazine and on stage at Grand Junction BeaconFest. Their nominations are featured in
the March issue, along with a photo of each volunteer. With so many remarkable volunteers to choose from, we rely on BEACON readers to vote for their favorite.
HONORING CHANGEMAKERS
Although they don’t do it for the recognition, we invite you to join us in thanking these senior volunteers for the positive impact they make in our community.
All nominated volunteers will be acknowledged on stage and receive awards, followed by the announcement of the reader-selected Volunteer of the Year.
Come meet all of our incredible volunteers at BeaconFest! They might just inspire you to start volunteering yourself. ■
In 2024, BEACON readers chose Bill Prescott and his dog, Avery, as our Volunteer of the Year. Bill and Avery were frequent visitors to hospital patients at Family Health West in Fruita, offering comfort, companionship and a welcome dose of puppy love.
Avery’s sweet and gentle nature never failed to bring smiles, making a meaningful impact on both patients and caregivers. In her nomination, Heather Benjamin shared that if a patient needed extra love between scheduled visits, this devoted duo made time to stop by whenever they could.
A few tweaks to help keep you from getting in a real pickle
Sports safety tips to keep you in the game
Pickleball, the highly addictive sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is friendlier on the body than most other sports. However, like any other sport, there is a risk of injury that comes along with playing the game.
It’s estimated that pickleball-related injuries cost Americans nearly $400 million in healthcare last year. To avoid injuries on the pickleball court, follow these tips from Sports Medicine Specialist Dr. Justin McCoy:
1. Stretch and warm up your body | Prior to pickleball play, spend 10 minutes getting your body ready. Spend five minutes warming up (try a brisk walk) and then five minutes stretching.
2. Be aware of your playing area | Not all pickleball courts are created equal. Be aware of obstacles and avoid back pedaling during play.
3. Never play on a wet court | Wet pickleball courts are slick and can lead to dangerous falls. To test a court surface, press your toe down firmly and make a twisting motion. If you see water rise or move, the court is unsafe for play.
4. Wear proper court shoes | Invest in footwear that is designed for court sports and will support your feet. Sneakers and running shoes do not provide the right kind of support for the side-to-side motions in pickleball.
5. Know your limits | Don’t try to make plays that are beyond your abilities. Age, experience, physical condition, and athletic ability will impact the level of your game.
6. Stay hydrated | A balance of food, water, and electrolytes and appropriate snacks are needed to prevent dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, weakness, fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
7. Learn from a pro | Yes, there are professional pickleball coaches. A pickleball coach can help you maintain good form, fundamentals, and habits, which will help you avoid injuries on the pickleball court.
Dr. McCoy says the most important piece of advice he can give picklers is to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take time away from the court if you need to rest or recover. By not listening to your body, you could get an injury that will keep sidelined you for an even longer period.
Urgent care for your bones and joints RAPID Ortho Service
We understand injuries happen when you least expect them. Rocky Mountain Orthopedics provides same-day access to orthopedic care through its new RAPID (Rapid Access to Precision Injury Diagnosis) Ortho Service.
The state-of-the-art clinic is designed to provide adults and children with fast and efficient care for sprains, strains, fractures, or other orthopedic injuries.
Call for same-day scheduling or walk-in for immediate care.
Monday – Friday | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 627 25 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505 970-242-3535
Justin McCoy, DO, is a sports medicine physician with St. Mary’s Regional Hospital & Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
Justin McCoy, DO
HOSPITAL SERVICES
• 24/7 Emergency Department
• Acute Inpatient Beds
• Adult Rehabilitation
• Driver Rehabilitation
• Infusion
• Imaging & Radiology
• Laboratory Services
• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Respiratory Services
• Senior Life Solutions
• Surgical Services
• The Autism Group
• Transitional Care
• Wound Healing
CLINIC SERVICES
• Arthritis & Rheumatology
• Behavioral Health
• Foot & Ankle
• Neurology
• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
• Pain Specialists
• Post-COVID Recovery
• Primary Care / After Hours Care Clinic
• Rehabilitative Medicine
• Urgent Care
• Wellness
• Endocrinology
• Memory Care RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
