Good morning, Grand Junction.

National Adoption Month is recognized this November to show how important it is for kids to have safe, permanent homes.

Mesa County Child Welfare director Joe Kellerby said 30% of adoptions rejoined children with their families and 25 children are free for adoption—making it easier for volunteers and professionals to work together for lasting care.

The Bray Cares Foundation awarded eight local nonprofit organizations a total of $30,000 to address housing needs—also raising over $80,000 for the HomewardBound overnight shelter to support local families this winter.

Mesa County Valley School District 51 will host a reception on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at R-5 High School for outgoing board members Will Jones and Angela Lema before its Nov 18 meeting.

A new federal funding package includes a hemp ban that will criminalize products with more than 0.4 mg THC per container and affect over 95 percent of hemp offerings in Colorado.

Attorney Brian Vicente said local farmers and producers will face serious risk—lawmakers are being asked to fix the loophole before the ban takes effect on November 13.

The Grand Junction Business Incubator Center will host its annual Small Business Holiday Expo on Friday, Nov.

21 from 4-7 p.m. at 2591 Legacy Way where local vendors, food trucks, and live music will create a festive holiday marketplace—new additions include horse-drawn carriage rides, custom holiday beverages, and an online silent auction launching Nov. 14.

Natural Grocers will close its US Highway 6 location at 3 p.m. on Dec.

14 and open a new store at 2405 Patterson Road on Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m.—the move aims to serve more customers during the busy holiday season and includes a ribbon-cutting and donation to Grand Valley Catholic Outreach.

Today, the fourth annual Rodeo Gala supports the Colorado Mesa University Rodeo Team by selling all tickets and raising funds for student scholarships and local business connections.

Organizers plan to expand the event next year—aiming to offer more chances for student-athletes to gain both education and career support.

Local agencies are ramping up postvention efforts to support families after suicide losses by offering care packages, counseling, and peer support.

Mesa County groups and non-profits like Heartbeat and HopeWest plan a remembrance ceremony with symbolic lanterns on Nov. 22 at Martin’s Mortuary — a key step to help survivors find coping tools.

Mesa County Public Health reported a national recall of dietary supplements containing moringa leaf powder due to potential Salmonella contamination and 11 reported illnesses.

Consumers are advised to check their pantries and discard or return the recalled products (Food To Live, All Member’s Mark, and others) and sanitize any exposed surfaces.

On November 14, World Diabetes Day brought attention to diabetes as nearly 7% of Colorado adults have the disease and 8.7 million U.S. adults are undiagnosed — Colorado native Bruce Moss, who was diagnosed 27 years ago and used his Dexcom G7 device on a 200-mile tour in Croatia, was chosen for a national campaign to help others manage the condition.

Grand Junction High School Tigers lost 42 to 13 to fifth-seeded Heritage Friday at Littleton Public Schools Stadium after a key holding call canceled a potential touchdown.

Coach Landon McKee said his team fought hard despite miscues — they will work to improve in future games.

GJ Turkey Trot Charity Run

9-10:30 a.m. — Ralph Stocker Stadium — $25 entry — Participate in a spirited 5K and Kids Run to support the Grand Junction Fire Fighters Foundation this Thanksgiving.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost Info — Experience the enchanting holiday classic that brings joy to the festive season.

CMU Choirs and Orchestra Holiday Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with joyous performances of holiday favorites.

Warren Miller's SNO-CIETY

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the joy of winter sports with thrilling skiing scenes and legendary athletes on the big screen.

KT Tunstall Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Get tickets now — Experience the iconic KT Tunstall in a captivating live show blending folk, rock, and pop.

Home Free Holiday Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with all-vocal country sensations Home Free as they perform cherished classics and original tunes.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — The Feisty Pint — 25% off tickets with code UGLY25 until Nov 22nd — Get ready for a festive crawl in your best ugly sweater.