Beacon Senior News - Western Colorado

25/07/2025

Love epic fantasy with rich characters, intense conflict, and immersive world-building? Then you’ll want to meet BEACON writer and award-winning author Colleen M. Story today at Grand Junction Barnes & Noble!

She’ll be signing copies of her newest release, "The Gimirri Invasion," from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. This gripping sequel in The Midas Legacy series is perfect for fans of character-driven stories and high-stakes adventure based on the real story of King Midas.

24/07/2025

📬 Did you know?
We run fun reader polls and share upcoming events in our e-newsletters—straight to your inbox!

👉 Sign up here to get one: https://westerncolorado.beaconseniornews.com/pages/emails

20/07/2025

What’s your go-to ice cream flavor when it’s too hot to think?

Today is World Ice Cream Day, and we’re celebrating one scoop at a time.
Share your favorite flavor, or the wildest one you’ve ever tried, in the comments!

19/07/2025

In case you missed it…

This month’s cover story takes flight ✈️

At a hangar outside Mack, retired pilots, engineers—even a hot air balloonist—are mentoring the next generation of aviators.The HAWK Aviators program is changing lives and helping young people discover a passion for aviation.

📖 Read the full story online: https://westerncolorado.beaconseniornews.com/2025/06/26/537030/hawk-aviators-inspire-the-next-generation-of-pilots

Local teens get hands-on aviation training through HAWK Aviators, learning aircraft maintenance, flight skills and teamwork with dedicated mentors.

17/07/2025

It’s World Emoji Day🎉

From 😁 to 😴 to 🤷‍♀️, emojis have taken over how we text, post and even email. But love them or leave them, they’re here to stay.

If you had to sum up your mood today using just 3 emojis…what would they be?

16/07/2025

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires near the Unaweep Canyon, Black Canyon, Gateway and surrounding areas. With evacuations, closures and active fire conditions across Delta, Montrose and Mesa counties, we’re thinking of all the families, first responders and communities impacted.

To stay informed and safe:
👉 Follow the Mesa County Sheriff's Office on Facebook
👉 Check your local air quality at AirNow.gov

Take care of yourselves and each other, Western Colorado. We're thinking of you. 💙

14/07/2025

“Where would we be without Meals on Wheels? Senior centers? That ride to the doctor’s office?”

The Older Americans Act has quietly supported older adults since 1965, funding the care, meals, rides and connection that help people age with dignity.

On July 14, we’re joining a national Day of Action to honor its 60th anniversary, and to call on Congress to protect and expand these vital programs.

Because aging well should never depend on your zip code.

13/07/2025

Is a cheaper pill worth the cure we’ll never get?

A growing number of promising treatments are being scrapped—before they ever reach patients.

In July's BEACON, we look at how policy meant to lower prices could be costing us the next breakthrough.

Read the article now, before it hits mailboxes:
https://westerncolorado.beaconseniornews.com/2025/06/30/537792/are-lower-drug-prices-worth-the-cost-in-lost-cures-

12/07/2025

Who are we?

For nearly 40 years, BEACON Senior News has been Western Colorado’s go-to source for stories that celebrate aging, spotlight local voices and connect older adults with the information they need to live well.

Our free, award-winning magazine is available at over 260 locations across Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties—and online anytime.

Want to know what makes us different? You’ll find out in every issue.

10/07/2025

Before concerts and car shows, there were elephants on Main Street.

📖 Discover how the “Greatest Show on Earth” once called Western Colorado home, and why circus trains stopped here more than almost anywhere else.

Read the full story in this month’s BEACON:
https://westerncolorado.beaconseniornews.com/2025/06/30/537802/big-tops-and-bigger-crowds-grand-junction-s-circus-glory-days

Railroads brought the world’s wildest shows—from Roman acts to jungle beasts—right to Colorado’s doorstep.

08/07/2025

“Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do what we do.”

Sound familiar?

The BEACON is recognizing one outstanding senior volunteer in Montrose or Delta County—and we need your help.

Nominate a local volunteer (age 50+) who gives their time, talent and heart to our community. They could be featured in the BEACON and honored at Montrose-Delta BeaconFest this fall.

Deadline to nominate: July 17
Voting opens: July 30

READ THE RULES and Submit your nomination here: https://westerncolorado.beaconseniornews.com/2025/06/30/537827/nominate-the-2025-montrose-delta-volunteer-of-the-year

Nominate a Mesa County volunteer for the BEACON's 2025 Volunteer of the Year awards