Good morning, Grand Junction.

A local Facebook page is linking families in need with donors to provide Thanksgiving turkeys amid a snap freeze and rising grocery costs.

Administrators use the group to fill gaps in government programs and will continue connecting families through Thanksgiving—helping local residents get a full meal—while planning a Christmas toy drive.

Les Schwab tire stores in Grand Junction, Montrose, and Delta will offer a $25 coupon in exchange for an unwrapped toy donation until Dec.

14 + each drive will keep donations in the local community. Volunteers of America Colorado will start giving the toys to children on Dec. 15 + the program will help families have a holiday present.

Housemates Amber Fenner and Steve Knapp used social media to invite strangers to a spaghetti dinner when most planned guests canceled, as they aimed to ease loneliness in a community facing isolation.

They and friend Julie Miller plan another dinner in January (hoping to strengthen in-person connections) as local health reports reveal growing social isolation.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering free admission to all 43 state parks today as part of its annual Fresh Air Friday event to give visitors an alternative to Black Friday shopping.

CPW advises guests to pack water, extra layers, and sturdy shoes for a safe outdoor experience - ensuring everyone can enjoy Colorado’s fresh air.

Mesa County commissioners approved a letter on November 25 asking the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission not to move wolves from Washington because Colorado's wolf reintroduction plan has faced problems and the state does not yet have the right tools to manage conflicts with livestock. Local governments and livestock groups backed the letter—declines in Washington's wolf numbers and rejections from nearby states heightened their concerns—to prevent further issues.

Mesa County Public Health Department inspections on November 27 found several local restaurants and public establishments failing food safety standards — poor handwashing and improper food temperatures were common, leading to re-inspection orders at spots like Leon Taqueria and Grand International Buffet. Some schools and retailers passed routine checks while the blotter provides a snapshot of conditions for informed local dining decisions.

The Colorado Health Institute released its biennial survey on Wednesday, showing Mesa County residents had fewer mental health care access issues and more primary care visits than the state average.

The survey found that insurance differences and cost barriers still limit care, and follow-up work will track upcoming policy changes & their effects.

Local runner Shane Niksic completed a 5K in 16 minutes & 16 seconds at the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving while pushing his daughter in a stroller.

He said he plans to submit his time to Guinness World Records after running for over a decade and adjusting his routine as a father.

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.