Good morning, Grand Junction.

Grand Junction Police PIO Kelly Clingman says residents should plan package deliveries when they are home or use a trusted neighbor, lock boxes, and cameras to secure packages from porch pirates this holiday season.

He advises asking drivers to leave packages in hidden spots and to file a police report if theft happens — measures that help keep deliveries safe.

On Tuesday, a local distro at Downtown Vineyard Church on Grand Ave provided food, free haircuts, pet vaccinations, and mental health support to both housed and unhoused residents.

The event, run by Mutual Aid Partners, saw local groups offer LEAP energy assistance information and extra holiday items + frozen turkeys and warm meals to help meet rising community needs.

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation announced several holiday events this December, including the 24th annual Candy Cane Hunt on December 6 at Lincoln Park Barn with crafts, cookies, and hot chocolate, and the sold-out Chocolate Walk on December 12 that showcases downtown holiday charm. The schedule continues with the Senior Holiday Light Tours on December 10 and December 17 offering festive treats (hot chocolate and goodies) and the Santa Cause Run on December 13 supporting local playground improvements (registration ends December 10).

Support a Soldier is a nonprofit that helps troops get modern gear and supplies to keep them safe during combat—such as advanced water purifiers that give an important edge.

Board Chairman Dan Reid said the organization will soon update its website to let donors choose specific support for each soldier’s needs.

Mesa County Animal Services invites Grand Valley residents to adopt a pet at 971A Coffman Road in Whitewater & each adoption saves two lives by providing a loving home and freeing space for another animal.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife warned hunters to follow ethical hunting practices after three poaching incidents were reported in the past two months - district officers are checking licenses and investigating any harvests that do not match permits while urging locals to report suspicious activities to protect wildlife.

A storm system will bring snow to Grand Junction's mountains from Friday night to Saturday morning and another will arrive Sunday night—causing hazardous travel conditions.

Thanksgiving will be mostly sunny and mild with highs near 53 degrees.

Montrose Regional Airport is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving travel period as officials advise passengers to arrive early due to TSA staffing shortages and heavy traffic starting the day before Thanksgiving and continuing through April — recent terminal upgrades and 900 new parking spaces are in place to handle the surge. Airport director Lloyd Arnold also noted that March will be the peak month with increased travel from nearby ski resorts.

Mesa County Department of Human Services offers foster children the Bear Necessities closet where they can pick personal items, and the program accepts new donations like clothing, toys, and car seats.

Local residents can drop off items at 510 29 1/2 Rd + call the foster parent inquiry line for more details.

On Nov. 25, Mesa County Commissioners approved a collaborative letter to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission — urging the agency to let Colorado pause new wolf releases — as local groups cited declining wolf numbers in Washington and low survival with rising conflicts in Colorado.

Experts warn that the five-week stretch from Thanksgiving through New Year's is risky—family stress, holiday parties and peer pressure can lead to binge drinking and relapse.

Dr. Sarah Church from Wholeview Wellness advises setting drink limits and using local treatment options in Western Colorado for help with overindulgence.

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.

Mary Poppins Musical

7 PM — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved nanny's magical adventures in a delightful musical adaptation.

Disney's Mary Poppins - The Musical

2-3:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Tickets start at $56 — Experience the enchanting tale of Mary Poppins brought to life on stage.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7-8:30 p.m. — The Avalon Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting night of acrobatics and holiday music with Cirque Musica's breathtaking performances.