Unpopular opinion: Fall is one of my least favorite seasons.

I know, it’s practically sacrilege here in colorful Western Colorado, but I’m not a football fan and the pumpkin craze has never been my thing—in pie, beer or my morning latte. For me, autumn always carries one imminent reminder: winter is coming.

That said, it’s hard not to be swept up in the beauty of the changing leaves. And even though I’m no fan of cold weather, I'm grateful for Colorado’s distinct seasons. Fall gives me time to reflect on everything I’ve accomplished over the summer and what I still hope to finish before the year ends.

In our October issue, readers share at least one item on their bucket lists they hope to accomplish before the end of the year. What about you? Do you have something you’re still looking forward to checking off before the year wraps up? Email me at [email protected].

SCREAM AND BE MERRY

One thing I do love about this season is Halloween—it’s one of my favorite holidays.

Volunteers with the Gift of Love, a local nonprofit that provides care packages and weekly food boxes for seniors, have been hard at work organizing a haunted house fundraiser your grandkids will be dying to go to!

The haunted house will be open every Friday and Saturday throughout October, plus on Halloween Eve, at 2872 I-70 BL in Grand Junction, next to GJ Pipe. This haunted attraction runs from 6-11 p.m., with a family-friendly hour from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are just $10 per person, with all proceeds benefiting The Gift of Love to fund Christmas care packages for seniors. Bring a brand new package of socks and receive $2 off!

MEDICARE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY

Speaking of spooky, there’s one thing that doesn’t have to be frightening this fall—Medicare Open Enrollment. Don’t let the idea of making changes to your plan spook you. Even if you’re happy with your Medicare coverage, it’s important to review it yearly, as things like cost, plans and in-network providers or pharmacies may change. 

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to review your plan. Open enrollment starts October 15 and ends December 7. 

Volunteers with SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, can help take the scare out of Medicare with free, unbiased assistance. Trained SHIP counselors from organizations like Mesa County RSVP and Region 10 Area Agency on Aging are ready to guide you through the Medicare maze. Contact your local SHIP office for more information. 

• In Mesa County, call 970-243-9839, ext. 1 
• In Montrose and Delta, call 970-765-3129

GET YOUR FREE LISTING IN THE BEACON GUIDE

Planning is underway for the 2025 BEACON Guide, our annual resource directory and our most trusted publication, with two editions for seniors in Mesa County and Montrose & Delta Counties. 

If you provide an essential service for seniors, you don’t want to miss your chance to be listed in this annual guide! It’s packed with hard-to-find contact information for senior programs, clubs and businesses that seniors and their caregivers rely on all year long.

KNOW OF AN ORGANIZATION OR RESOURCE THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED?