BEACON BITS

Montrose Senior Center discontinues catered meals, introduces Senior Pantry Program instead

With the rising cost of food, the Golden Circle Board of Directors have decided to stop using catered meals for seniors. Though they have worked hard to keep the meals cost-effective, fluctuation of attendance and miscellaneous costs for materials have made it difficult to serve the meals without operating at a loss. Instead, the board of directors have voted to continue the Senior Pantry Program which, in partner with Sharing Ministries, supplies generous amounts of food. The board also supplements fresh produce when necessary. Not only does this benefit seniors more than catered meals, it will be far more practical financially as food prices rise. For more information, call 970-252-4888.

spent a summer working at the Sitka Music Festival in Alaska. VSA looks forward to the energy and education Helleckson will bring. For details about the VSA, visit ValleySymphony.net or call 970-765-8323.

Valley Youth Orchestra inspires new generations of musicians with youth fundraiser

Valley Youth Orchestra preforms iconic tunes from Broadway on Saturday, March 4, 6:30 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. They have partnered with local restaurants and bakeries to provide an exciting array of sweets to accompany a wonderful set of music. This fundraiser concert provides new opportunities for Western Slope youth to discover the joys of orchestra in a safe and nurturing environment. Come and enjoy music from “Aladdin,” “Mary Poppins,” “Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and