Good morning, Grand Junction.

Meals on Wheels Mesa County is asking locals to donate and volunteer during the holiday season as it prepares to deliver about 120,000 meals this year; the program, which serves 450 meals per day, already relies on roughly 300 helpers (says director Amanda Debock).

Hilltop Community Resources has moved into the former Wells Fargo building downtown, offering a redesigned space with offices, program areas and converted vaults that serve as a training and play area for children.

This central location now brings together services for residents.

A married couple in Fruita launched FarmersMarket.Store to help local farmers, ranchers and makers sell their goods with affordable home delivery.

The online marketplace now features 24 vendors and charges a 10 percent platform fee to keep more dollars with local producers (promising growth as new orders start coming in).

Junct'n Square Pizza will run from a food truck after its longtime downtown spot is sold.

New owners Aaron, Mariel and Ernie Abeyta plan to build a new location next to OakStar Bank at Las Colonias — due early 2026 — while keeping the old menu and a big bar.

The District 51 Foundation announced eight recipients of technology and innovation grants totaling over $10,000 today; funds from its White Iced Celebration will buy new tech, learning tools and wellness resources for students & staff in School District 51.

Colorado Mesa University has adjusted plans for a new football facility at Lincoln Park to renovate the interior of the historic barn while preserving its exterior.

The university will begin with a southwest corner building pending city council approval after incorporating community feedback from a Monday work session.

Colorado Mesa University & Timberline Bank partner for the Round-Up for Rowdy program in which customers round debit card purchases and donate the difference to help fund the CMU Century Scholarship.

The scholarship offers tuition coverage for Mesa County students from families earning under $70,000.

Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital has been named among the best for maternity care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings based on outcomes, education, and patient satisfaction.

Intermountain Health said the honor reflects its commitment to safe, evidence-based care for mothers and babies.

HopeWest COO Georgia Rock (after a 44-year healthcare career) will retire at the end of the year, leaving a legacy in dementia support, hospice and palliative care.

She built local ties when she moved to Grand Junction, meeting her husband there.

Doctors urge pregnant women to get the flu and COVID vaccines as the respiratory illness season nears.

They advise new mothers to get vaccinated early in pregnancy to protect both themselves and their babies.

After recovering from a broken jaw, Todd, an eight-month-old cat, is ready for adoption at the Roice-Hurst Humane Society; he arrived from the Animal ER (Western Slope) on Tuesday, Dec.

16.

Data from Bray & Co. Real Estate shows that Mesa County recorded a 9% drop in residential sales to 173 in November and a 14% rise in active listings to 694, with the median price falling 5% to $395,000 — trends that signal a shift in the local housing market.

Andrea Haitz of Bray Commercial Real Estate explains that first time investors should ask key questions about property performance, tenant stability, financing options and capital needs before buying a retail property in Grand Junction.

Investors are advised to explore off-market opportunities through broker contacts and local economic updates.

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.