Editor’s Note: The author is a relative of Rayito de Luz’s founder.
“A Ray of Light at Christmas” took place on Sunday, Dec. 21, as a year-end celebration honoring the Valley’s seniors. The responsible organization, Rayito de Luz, has six years of experience hosting events, each with a mission of bringing joy and strengthening mental health through music, games, companionship, good food and community connection.
In addition to these special events, Rayito de Luz gathers Spanish-speaking grandparents every Tuesday, a group known as Club de Abuelitos (Grandparents Club), to enjoy singing, Loteria, good conversation and various recreational activities.
The recent event was made possible thanks to the support of several sponsors, including: Alpine Bank, the Glenwood Springs Library, Sierra Servicios Latinos and Tortillería Remeke. Attendees also enjoyed delicious flavors from Sandy’s Rentals and Taquería El Yaqui.
The celebration was filled with music, featuring DJ Luisito Peláez, and lots of joy, of course. Rayito de Luz founder Graciela Durán shared that she was “feeling the warmth and blessings that every senior and every person who attends our events and gatherings brings.” She added, “Abuelitos [grandparents] is a special word, because it carries so much wisdom and affection”.
Rosalva Lara, a member of Club de Abuelitos since 2023, shared a few words at the microphone and thanked participants who attended at least one meeting during the year. She recalled that, initially, she wondered why she should attend when she considered herself young, but joyfully shared that at 64 years old she found peace, tranquility and harmony within the group.
“When I came here, I was met with peace, tranquility, harmony and play. We are all children here. We sing, dance, play Loteria and even argue sometimes, but we live in peace, together,” she said. Rosalva invited people with a “young heart” to join Club de Abuelitos.
The event concluded with the group’s anthem, “La Montaña” by Roberto Carlos, shared as a special message from Durán’s father, who passed away at the age of 42, leaving her with a life mission to bring joy to abuelitos, as he was unable to enjoy that stage of life himself.
Rayito de Luz will continue its mission in 2026 through Club de Abuelitos, which meets every Tuesday from 4 to 7 pm at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. For more information about the group, interested individuals may send a message to or call 970-274-0002.
