Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 | 9am–2pm
Welcome to BeaconFest A Celebration of Age!
Welcometo BeaconFest, Colorado’s largest and funnest celebration for seniors, baby boomers and their families!
Get ready to 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, September 12, 2024. BeaconFest takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Drive, Montrose.
Whether you’re a seasoned Bea conFest 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!
LIVE MUSIC
We have an exciting lineup of entertainers performing throughout the day, including Jedi George, Eric Gross of Wild Flight, Coral Skye and Robin Freed & Harps in Motion Ensemble.
INFORMATIVE SEMINARS
Join us for a series of enlightening seminars where local experts share their knowledge on important topics such as Medicare, break-through medical treatments and more.
BIG GIVEAWAYS EVERY 30 MINUTES!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Even though they don’t do it for the recognition, join us in honoring some of our community’s most giving senior volunteers during the Volunteer of the Year ceremony at 1 p.m.
VOTE FOR THE BEST BOOTHS!
Show our exhibitors some love by voting for your favorite booths! Pick up a Senior’s Choice Ballot on your way inside and cast your vote for the best overall booth, the booth with the friendliest staff and the booth with the best giveaways. Check out the next edition of our monthly magazine or visit BeaconFest.com to see the winners!
No other senior expo around has live music, delicious food samples and a full schedule of educational seminars—all for free!
VENDORS GALORE!
BeaconFest is the best opportunity to engage directly with more than 60 local and national agencies, from home improvement experts and housing representatives to health care providers and advocacy organizations. Plus, meet real estate professionals, financial advisors, local clubs, nonprofit organizations and much more!
Register to win thousands of dollars’ worth of door prizes. Skip the lines and maximize your time at BeaconFest by completing the door prize form before the event and dropping it off at the BEACON booth as you enter. You could win incredible prizes like vacation packages, hot springs soaks, living room furniture and gift cards to your favorite restaurants.
You must be present to win, so feel free to explore or relax and wait for your name to be called. With multiple winners selected every half hour, your chances of winning are pretty good—much better than the lottery, that’s for sure!
Stick around until 1:30 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.
THANK YOU!
To our guests: BeaconFest is our way of saying thank you for reading the BEACON! Please also thank our vendors and sponsors. BeaconFest would not be possible without their support. ■
Kevin K. VanGundy BEACON Publisher
ENTERTAINMENT Schedule
STAGE
9:00 .................................................................... Jedi George
10:00 Eric Gross
11:00 .................................................................. Coral Skye
12:00 ...... Robin Freed & The Harps in Motion Ensemble
1:00 ................................. Volunteer of the Year Awards
1:30 .................................................. Let’s Make a Squeal MEGA Prize Drawing Giveaway
Sound by Ron Koss
Jedi George
9:00
| Soft Rock & Blues
Jedi George is the trio of Montrose residents Jed Kovach, Paula George and Bob Becker, who have performed music together since 2016. Their musical style emphasizes three-part harmonies with acoustic guitar work in soft rock and blues. In addition to their original compositions, they cover songs from the ’60s, ’70s and beyond. The group is suited to small venues such as restaurants and bars, parties, special events, fundraisers and community gatherings. Book them by calling 970-596-0442.
1:30 PM
Eric Gross
10:00 | Piano, Singer/Songwriter
Eric Gross is a singer, songwriter and piano player. He studied music in Boston and spent the early part of his career between Boston and Nashville, recording and touring with several artists. He has supported shows for Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, The Judds, George Strait, Hank Jr. and Marshall Tucker, among others. Eric plays and sings both powerful, soulful songs and sweet melodic tunes. He is a founding member of Wild Flight, a local original music act emerging into the national spotlight. For more information, visit WildFlightMusic.com to see their NPR Live video or call 970-379-9034 for booking. Find them on Facebook @wildflightmusic.
Coral Skye
11:00 |
Acoustic Pop & Soul
Coral Skye enjoys sharing her pop “acousti-soul” style of music. With a decade of professional performances under her belt, she has entertained all sorts of audiences, from festival crowds to local nursing home residents and students in school programs. Her inspiration comes from the power of music, family members and the support of her caring audiences. For booking info, call 970-901-2626.
Robin Freed & The Harps in Motion Ensemble
12:00
| 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. Lessons and rehearsals are held in Montrose. For more information, call 970-275-8996.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
1:00
| Awards Ceremony
Though they don’t seek recognition, it’s our pleasure to celebrate some of our community’s most dedicated volunteers at BeaconFest. Join us in applauding these local seniors for their compassionate contributions during a special ceremony, where we’ll also announce the reader-selected Volunteer of the Year.
Let’s Make a Squeal
1:30
| 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!
COLORADO’S FUNNEST
Thursday, September 12 | 9am-2pm |
SEMINARS
SEMINAR ROOM
9:30 Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
Presenter: Victoria Grasmick, Intermountain Health Community Health
10:30 Treating Aortic Valve Disease Without Open Heart Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Grant Henderson, Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular
11:30 Reflux and the Use of Robotics in Anti-Reflux Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Maks Gold, MD, Colorado West General Surgery
12:30 Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Michael Woodbury, DO, Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
ROOM
10:00 Are You Currently on Medicare? Major Drug Coverage Changes Coming for 2025
Presenter: Ashley VanGundy, 970Medicare.com
11:00 & Atrial Fibrillation: 1:00 Updates in Stroke Prevention
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
12:00 Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Stenosis: Are You at Risk?
Presenter: Dr. Saeed Ally, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
LIST OF VENDORS
SEMINAR Schedule
WEST SEMINAR ROOM
Located on the auditorium stage
9:30
Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
Presenter: Victoria Grasmick, Intermountain Health Community Health
10:30
Treating Aortic Valve Disease Without Open Heart Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Grant Henderson, Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular
11:30 Reflux and the Use of Robotics in Anti-Reflux Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Maks Gold, MD, Colorado West General Surgery
12:30 Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Michael Woodbury, DO, Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
EAST SEMINAR ROOM
Located behind the Senior Ballroom
10:00 Are You Currently on Medicare?
Major Drug Coverage Changes Coming for 2025
Presenter: Ashley VanGundy, 970Medicare.com
11:00 & Atrial Fibrillation:
1:00 Updates in Stroke Prevention
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
12:00 Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Stenosis: Are You at Risk?
Presenter: Dr. Saeed Ally, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
WEST SEMINAR ROOM
9:30
Connecting, Mind, Body & Spirit
Presenter: Victoria Grasmick, Intermountain Health Community Health
Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health. Learn about emotional reliance, strategies for coping with stress and the benefits of social connections for your overall health.
10:30
Treating Aortic Valve Disease Without Open Heart Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Grant Henderson, Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular
Did you know there are alternatives to open heart surgery for patients with aortic valve disease? Dr. Grant Henderson will discuss the signs and symptoms of aortic valve disease, aortic stenosis and the innovative treatment options available on the Western Slope.
11:30
Reflux and the Use of Robotics in Anti-Reflux Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Maks Gold, MD, Colorado West General Surgery
Dr. Maks Gold, MD, will provide an overview of reflux disease, including its management and surgical indications, and discuss how robotic surgery can be beneficial in treating this condition.
12:30
Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery
Presenter: Dr. Michael Woodbury, DO, Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics
Innovative robotic total joint surgery is available at Intermountain Health Rocky Mountain Orthopedics. Learn about this cutting-edge technology that enhances recovery and provides the best long-term outcomes. Bring your questions to this interactive presentation!
10:00
EAST SEMINAR ROOM
Are You Currently on Medicare?
Major Drug Coverage Changes Coming for 2025
Presenter: Ashley VanGundy, 970Medicare.com
Ashley VanGundy with 970Medicare will teach this informative class about the changes coming for Part D drugs with the Inflation Reduction Act. Come learn about what you can do to make sure you are covered for 2025.
11:00 (seminar repeats at 1:00)
Atrial Fibrillation: Updates in Stroke Prevention
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
Join Frank Laws, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center’s interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist, to learn about atrial fibrillation and the latest updates in its management and stroke prevention. Valley View’s Grand Junction clinic is accepting new patients and offers advanced cardiac technologies and personalized heart care. Services include comprehensive cardiology services, vascular consultation and imaging, CT surgery consultations and arrhythmia management, with a primary focus on managing atrial fibrillation.
12:00
Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Stenosis: Are You at Risk?
Presenter: Dr. Saeed Ally, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
Aortic aneurysms most often occur in older adults, with certain risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and tobacco use further increasing the risk. Aortic stenosis, another common age-related heart condition, often goes unnoticed until new or worsening symptoms appear. If left untreated, severe aortic stenosis can lead to heart failure. Join Dr. Saeed Ally, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Valley View Heart & Vascular Center specializing in high-risk cardiovascular surgery and robotic surgery, to learn more about aortic aneurysm and aortic stenosis. Discover if you are at risk and what steps to take if you are.
1:00
Atrial Fibrillation: Updates in Stroke Prevention
Presenter: Dr. Frank Laws, MD, Valley View Heart & Vascular Center
(See presentation description at 11:00)
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 4 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, nearly a dozen seminars and over 60 exhibitors, there’s plenty to see and do. Reconnect with friends over lunch from one of 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)!
• Home décor: Beautify your space with exquisite 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
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.
At 1:30 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. ■
Visit us at Booth #24 Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visit us at Booth #15. Gi veaway drawings every hour! Visit and win!
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!
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 July, we invite local nonprofits to nominate an individual or volunteer team for recognition in our monthly magazine and on stage at BeaconFest. Their nominations are featured in the August 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. ■
Stay Active, Stay Connected with High Desert
Hearing Center
Our dedicated team is here to ensure your hearing health is at its best, so you can focus on what you love. Because every game, every conversation, and every memory matters.
With our expert care and advanced hearing solutions, we turn your hearing struggles into solutions. Schedule your appointment today and experience improved hearing and enhanced quality of life.
Last year, BEACON readers chose Maxine Behrman and Judy Fairchild as the Montrose-Delta Volunteer of the Year. Maxine and Judy believe that it’s important for seniors to stay active, and that having abundant recreation opportunities leads to a healthier community. That’s why BEACON readers recognized them for their volunteer commitment to growing the sport of pickleball in Delta and the surrounding area. You can often find Maxine and Judy on the court, playing with friends, teaching new players or organizing games behind the scenes.. To learn more, join Delta Pickleball on Facebook or call 970874-0923.
Chelsie Hensley AUDIOLOGIST
Grab Your FREE Guide to Aging Well
As your guiding light on the journey to aging well, be sure to pick up a FREE BEACON Guide at BeaconFest. This valuable resource directory is packed with helpful articles and essential information for seniors in Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties.
In Western Colorado, we are surrounded by an abundance of local services that support us as we age. Whether you’re seeking options for yourself or assisting an aging parent from afar, finding the right resources can often be confusing and expensive. That’s where the BEACON Guide comes in.
TRUSTED & RELIABLE
The BEACON Guide provides a road map through hundreds of local, state and national resources. Organized in color-coded sections, you’ll find contact information for clubs, retirement planners, home contractors, physicians, home health providers, retirement communities, support groups and more, arranged in the order you’re likely to need them. Informative articles throughout the guide help clarify your options.
Our commitment to accuracy sets us apart from other resource guides. Each listing is personally contacted and verified by our team, ensuring you receive the most reliable information. As our community grows, so does the guide, with new resources added annually to contin -
ue supporting you as you age.
EXPLORE THE GUIDE ONLINE
Visit BeaconSeniorNews.com to explore a digital version of our guides in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta counties. Browse just like you would the printed version, with enhanced functionalities such as keyword searches and direct
links to advertisers' websites. Our online business directory also makes discovering local businesses easy and convenient. ■
SPONSORS! DID YOU ENJOY BEACONFEST?
CLAIM YOUR FREE LISTING IN THE 2025 BEACON GUIDE
If you enjoyed your experience at BeaconFest, extend your reach and impact by featuring your business in our 2025 BEACON Guide. Advertising in the BEACON Guide offers you year-round exposure to an active, discerning audience that actively supports businesses that enhance their lifestyle as they age. Featuring your business in the BEACON Guide boosts your visibility and connects you with a trusted network of resources our readers turn to time and again.
To get a FREE listing in the 2025 Guides or to request copies of our 2024 editions, email us at Contact@BeaconSeniorNews.com or call 970-243-8829.
Gathering places for Friends
Living the swe et life.
The Power of We
