Good morning, Grand Junction.

On October 23, the Grand Junction Kiwanis Club awarded $45,000 to 20 local non-profits that help Mesa County children—funds raised at Pancake Day and other events.

The donation supports groups such as CASA, Hilltop, Community Food Bank, and Homeward Bound-Pathways.

Grand Junction Police remind families to plan for safe trick-or-treating by choosing bright or reflective costumes and carrying a glow stick—advising residents to stay in well-lit areas, avoid distractions, and check candy before eating.

Two Mesa County professionals — Tabi Britt of the Workforce Center and Olivia Pelaez of Public Affairs — were honored last night at the BestSlope NEXTGen Award Ceremony by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.

Britt connected local residents and employers through workforce programs while Pelaez boosted public communication to share Mesa County stories.

Colorado Mesa University is holding homecoming week from October 19 until October 25 with events that bring together students, alumni and community members.

Timberline Bank hosted a mixer on Oct 23 (supporting local talent) and today the celebrations include a carnival, victory celebration and bonfire while tailgating starts at 11 a.m. (with the game set for Saturday at Stocker Stadium at 2 p.m.)

Stargazers in Grand Junction will see the Orionid meteor shower peak and a rare Comet Lemmon later this week, with bright streaks illuminating the sky from midnight until dawn.

Volunteers from the Western Colorado Astronomy Club will host public observing nights—using telescopes and binoculars to guide residents through the event.

Mesa County has a new local resident — Uncle George the Wandering Skeleton — who roams parks and overlooks, catching sunrays and donning a cozy flannel fit for fall.

Photographer Jeannie Jay Martin captured images of him at Canyon View Park and near the Grand Valley that have sparked local curiosity.

A September inspection at Little Mavericks Learning Center—located at Colorado Mesa University—found several safety violations including missing sign-in sheets and staff files, which raised serious concerns about child safety.

The facility is now under new management by Access Early Education Foundation, which plans to revamp its services.

A new book exchange box has opened on the Mesa County Community Services campus (between the Workforce Center and the Department of Human Services) as part of United Way’s program to boost youth literacy.

The program started in July (and now operates five boxes with Spanish-language titles) to offer a range of books for local children.

Timberline Bank in Grand Junction is offering a 0% interest loan to federal workers facing delayed paychecks due to the government shutdown (branches in Montrose and Aspen also provide the program).

Bank President Louise Goodman said the quick and simple loan aims to offer temporary financial help until paychecks resume.

The City of Grand Junction has released sample ADU plans online beginning November 3—based on successful local designs—and will host a free ADU workshop on November 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall—registration is required.

Mesa County will pipe the Orchard Mesa Canal along a half-mile of 38 Road — installing a 10-foot-wide multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The $6 million project is partly funded by an $1.8 million grant from the Water Conservation Board and a $1.9 million grant from CDOT, with canal work scheduled for fall/winter after the canal dries to avoid harvest season.

Discovery Auto Group Pet Fair

10 AM – 2 PM — Discovery Auto Group — Free entry — Find your new furry friend at Roice-Hurst Humane Society's adoption booth during this community pet fair.

Howl-o-ween 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run & Dog Walk

1-4 p.m. — Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park — $40 — Dress up with your pet for a festive run and enjoy an after-party with awards and live music.

RECA Resource Fair

11 AM – 1 PM — Grand Junction Convention Center — Free entry — Explore valuable healthcare benefits for former uranium workers while enjoying a complimentary lunch.

Western Slope Cowboy Gathering

Two days of fun — Grand Valley Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate with top Cowboy Poets and Western Singers in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Confluence Center Grand Opening

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Confluence Center of Colorado — Free entry — Celebrate the opening of a new community hub dedicated to collaboration and conservation.

Schaffer Brothers Band Live Performance

9 PM - 1 AM — Cruisers Bar — Entry fee varies — Experience a night of raw blues and groove with the Schaffer Brothers Band.

November Meeting of the Art Quilt Association

10 AM – 12 PM — The Art Center — Free entry — Engage with fellow quilt enthusiasts at the monthly Art Quilt Association meeting.

Izzy Burns Live

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Theater — Check venue for ticket prices — Enjoy a heartfelt folk-pop performance by rising star Izzy Burns.