Grand Junction, CO November 2025

Attitude of Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude is the conscious, consistent practice of appreciating the good in one's life, from major blessings to small, everyday details. This intentional mindset helps shift focus away from what is lacking and towards what is abundant, leading to improved mental and physical well-being.

It is more than just saying "thank you," but an inner practice of recognizing that many good things in life come from sources outside of oneself, whether from people, nature, or a higher power.

David Steindl- Rast said, "The root of joy is gratefulness...It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful!"

I hope we can find joy in an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving season.  Happy November!

TIFFINIE STORM, PUBLISHER @GRANDJUNCTIONLIFESTYLE ASSISTANT

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Tiffinie Storm | tiffinie.storm@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tiffinie Storm, Chevron PR department, Margeaux Prinster

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fruita Chamber of Commerce, Amy Miller, Chow Down Pet Supply, Lisa “Moose” Kral (Dancing In My Head Photography), Lily Caldwell (Lily Rae Media), Girls on the Run staff, of Mesa County

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

local

THE TEAM

Lifestyle Helpers

ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE STAFF

WRITERS

Since Inception

GJ Lifestyle Staff : Iago Beaumont, Amy Bradley, John Hefner, Todd Mallow, Ryan Cranston, Garrett and Vauna Gross, Dr. April Schulte-Barclay, Sarah Jensen, Maggie Moorland, Tiffinie Storm, Faith Rodriguez, David Roscowff Mia Schumway (CMU Intern), Scott Fairbanks (Publisher), and many others who have contributed, thanks to all just in case we missed a few names.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Since Inception

Lisa "moose" Kral, Bruce Sauer Garrett Gross, CW Morgan, Sarah Jensen, Maggie Moorland, Lily Caldwell, Joshua Scott, Davey Gravy, Monica Hudson, City County and D-51 PIOs, Palisade, GJ and Fruita Chambers of Commerce, Todd, Mollow, John Hefner, Ryan Cranston, Candace Carnahan, Ashlee Ficklin, Jennifer Maxfield, David Roscowff, Tracy Hunt and a few others since we're sure we may be missing a few names who have contributed  here and there.

COMMUNITY thankful

REDLANDS COMMUNITY CENTER

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Grand Junction, Colorado, the Redlands Community Center stands as a vibrant hub for residents of all ages. This dynamic facility is more than just a building; it’s a gathering place that fosters connectivity, wellness, and community spirit within the charming Redlands neighborhood.

Conveniently located to serve the diverse population of Grand Junction, the center offers a variety of programs and activities designed to engage and enrich. Whether you’re a young bride seeking a charming and intimate place to wed, or a senior celebrating a milestone such as a retirement or maybe a new graduate celebrating the beginning of a career, this is a special place for creating memories to last a lifetime.

For those interested in social gatherings and community service, the Redlands Community Center has something to offer there too. Several local service clubs meet here each week including Redlands Lions Club and Sunrise Rotary. Other organizations utilize the space on an  as needed basis, such as Junior Service League.

One of the center’s standout features is its multipurpose spaces, tailored to accommodate a range of events—from educational workshops and cultural programs to private celebrations and community meetings. The well-maintained facilities include meeting rooms, recreational areas, and outdoor spaces that invite residents to enjoy Colorado’s stunning scenery while participating in community activities.

Redlands Community Center takes pride in its commitment to promoting health and wellness. The center frequently hosts fitness classes such as

yoga, pilates and aerobics, providing residents with convenient and affordable options to stay active. Additionally, youth sports leagues and summer camps encourage physical activity and team-building skills among younger community members.

Historically this was a nine hole desert scape golf course clubhouse, completed in 1920. Due to the gathering restrictions and abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, this historic landmark didn’t get to have a centennial celebration event. Built by the business men who dominated the local scene of the “roaring ‘20s” this venue was threatened by the depression era economic downturn and local women of the Redlands Women’s Club bought the property and managed to preserve this now historic building for enjoyment today by the Grand Junction community.

classes and technology workshops to gardening seminars and language courses, there’s always an opportunity to learn something new.

Community engagement is at the heart of the Redlands Community Center’s mission. Regular events like farmers’ markets, holiday celebrations, and cultural festivals bring neighbors together, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Volunteer opportunities also abound, allowing residents to contribute their time and talents to benefit the greater community.

"Enriching activities historically included a springtime fashion show, a gardening club, quilting bees, emergency planning strategy sessions."

Enriching activities historically included a springtime fashion show, a gardening club, quilting bees, emergency planning strategy sessions and even the creation of a plan to feed thousands if some catastrophic event on the “coasts” should drive a flood of citizen refugees into the valley.

For those looking to expand their knowledge and skills today, the center offers educational programs covering a wide range of topics. From art

Accessibility and inclusivity are key principles guiding the center’s operations. Facilities are designed to be welcoming to individuals of all abilities, and programs are thoughtfully curated to reflect the diverse interests and backgrounds of Grand Junction’s residents. In essence, the Redlands Community Center is more than a facility— it’s part of the neighborhood’s pulse, where friendships are formed, talents are nurtured, and community ties are strengthened. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, the center invites you to connect, participate, and grow within the vibrant tapestry of Grand Junction’s Redlands community.

Today there stands a creatively crafted memory garden with stunning metalwork sculptures meant to endure for the next century ahead.

ARTICLE BY SCOTT FAIRBANKS | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTORS

BEHIND THE SCENES

CONTRIBUTORS:

When this publication began as a new territory of Lifestyle Publications, now known as citylifestyle.com, the Grand Junction publisher and team entered a standard of top quality visual production and community content unlike anything else found locally. Some publications or news outlets operate on the

mission of being a positive force in each community where their publishers are found; with a mission to help keep the good going in communities throughout the country and to always have content that anyone who reads any of over 230 publications to date, can feel good about. Within those

“THESE CONTRIBUTORS HAVE BEEN AND REMAIN A DRIVING

FORCE IN THE HEARTBEAT OF THIS PUBLICATION.”

novelty of controversy and follow the mantra “if it bleeds it leads”. Broadcast media has taken that philosophy to the bank for many decades running and the public relies on the hot topics and current events competition among those outlets. Good for them, sticking to the standards of news media.

Other print circulates through “stack rack” and/or limited periodic delivery such as quarterly, regional print. While that model covers larger geography, readership is only around 18% of total copies delivered. Ours: hyper local content, always; read over 60,000 times monthly. Our community partners now multiply their reach by 400% when accessing our multi-media campaigns, incorporating powerful social media outreach with top quality, high memory, color print.

Lifestyle Publications/City Lifestyle - began in 2009 with a

standards, subjects of social, political or confrontational content are not printed in our pages. Instead, community partners who have a regular presence in our pages are seen supporting the positive content and truly as partners in helping to keep the good things going in our GRAND Mesa County community.

During the these first five years of production, our contributors have included college students and instructors who wanted no “by” line credit, community networkers who simply enjoy keeping the good things going in our area and regular contributors who always get the author credit when they want it.

Without a doubt these contributors have been and remain a driving force in the heartbeat of this publication. Here are the ones who have been credited and several who have had little

recognition but out of the publisher’s gratitude they are being recognized publicly now in this year’s THANKFUL edition of GJ Lifestyle.

Writers: GJ Lifestyle Staff : Iago Beaumont, Amy Bradley, John Hefner, Todd Mallow, Ryan Cranston, Garrett and Vauna Gross, Dr. April Schulte-Barclay, Sarah Jensen, Maggie Moorland, Tiffinie Storm, Faith Rodriguez, David Roscowff Mia Schumway(CMU Intern), Scott Fairbanks (Publisher), and many others who have contributed, thanks to all just in case we missed a few names.

Photographers:  Lisa “moose” Kral, Bruce Sauer Garrett Gross, CW Morgan, Sarah Jensen, Maggie Moorland, Lily Caldwell, Joshua Scott, Davey Gravy, Monica Hudson, City County and D-51 PIOs, Palisade, GJ and Fruita Chambers of Commerce, Todd, Mollow, John Hefner, Ryan Cranston, Candace Carnahan, Ashlee Ficklin, Jennifer Maxfield, David Roscowff, Tracy Hunt and a few others since we’re sure we may be missing a few names who have contributed  here and there.

With a monthly theme of THANKFUL in November, the publisher, the team of writers, photographers, editorial staff and their families expresses gratitude to the community for the participation and feedback we have heard so much about the beautiful appearance and relevant, positive community content we remain committed to provide.

Thanks from Scott, the local publisher to all these team members for their contributions; past, present and future!

Thankful for Ever Cleaner Energy

CHEVRON’S GENEROSITY AND INNOVATION

Colorado’s story is one of wide-open landscapes, resourcefulness, and strong community ties. At the center of that story stands Chevron, a company that fuels lives, champions an ever-cleaner energy future, and invests deeply in its communities. As we enter this season of gratitude, it feels right to celebrate the meaningful contributions Chevron has made across the state.

Chevron’s roots in Colorado stretch back nearly a century, and today it stands as the state’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. In the DJ Basin, the company operates across hundreds of thousands of acres and produces hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil-equivalent each day. Yet what truly sets Chevron apart is its unwavering focus on innovation aimed at reducing environmental impact.

One standout example is the deployment of modern “tankless” facilities, which slash greenhouse gas emissions by over 90 percent compared to traditional sites and reduce the surface footprint of its facilities. Chevron powers many operations with grid electricity, reducing emissions, and favors pipelines over trucks—eliminating more than 150 million highway miles each year. Since 2016, Chevron has been retiring and removing roughly 500 wells a year. This program helps reclaim thousands of acres for other uses, such as agriculture, rangeland, and wildlife habitat, reducing Colorado’s carbon footprint and supporting the local environment.

Chevron’s commitment to environmental stewardship is matched by a genuine heart for community. Employees volunteer across Colorado, supporting

education, youth programs, culture, and environmental initiatives. In Greeley and Weld County, the impact is especially visible: through its long-standing partnership with the Weld Food Bank in Greeley, Chevron has donated both a compressed natural gas delivery van and gives generously each year to expand mobile pantry services and holiday meal programs—touching the lives of students, seniors, and families across Northern Colorado.

Education is central to Chevron’s giving, with scholarships and program funding for local universities and K–12 schools. Through partnerships with Aims Community College, the University of Northern Colorado, and The Success Foundation, the company helps support future leaders across Northern Colorado.

In Greeley schools, Chevron employees help bring STEM and energy education to life through volunteer visits and career exposure programs, fostering curiosity and opportunity among students. Chevron partners with Wish for Wheels to gift bikes and helmets to second graders in Title I schools across Weld County— many receiving their very first bikes, a moment of freedom and joy they’ll remember long after the wheels stop turning.

Chevron’s community connections extend far beyond charitable giving. As the presenting sponsor of the Greeley Stampede, one of Northern Colorado’s most beloved traditions, Chevron plays a meaningful role in preserving and celebrating local

culture. The 12-day event, originally a tribute to potato farmers, now draws over 200,000 people annually and channels significant contributions back into Weld County—supporting nonprofits, improving community spaces like Island Grove Park, and bolstering education through the Stampede Foundation.

For many Coloradans, Chevron is more than an energy company. It’s a neighbor, deeply committed to environmental care and community vitality. Local employees often express pride in balancing energy production with protecting the natural beauty of the state—a balance reflected in each reclaimed field, each volunteer hour, and every thoughtful investment in Greeley and beyond.

As friends and families gather this season, the full measure of gratitude extends beyond the meals and celebrations around the table. It includes the quiet, powerful contributions of neighbors who work to keep the lights on, ensure the environment is respected, and make communities stronger. Chevron embodies that spirit—with innovation that propels ever cleaner energy and a generosity that uplifts the places we love.

This year, as thanks are shared across Weld County and beyond, it’s a moment to recognize the role Chevron plays—not just in powering lives, but in caring for communities with vision, responsibility, and genuine warmth.

ARTICLE BY TIFFINIE STORM

Thanksgiving:

Fun, Turkey-Free Traditions

For me, Thanksgiving in 3 words is family, food and thankfulness. Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently. Some may have a fancy dinner with all the trimmings, for others it could be snacking throughout the day watching football games.

Regardless of how we spend the day, sometimes the same turkey-centered menu year after year gets old. I know for our family we have been doing things different for our Thanksgiving meal for about 5 years. Our new favorite is Prime Rib with a selection of sides that we don’t normally eat, which makes them that more enjoyable for this special dinner. Sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit.

Beef, pork, chicken, fish, or even protein free options are becoming the norm for this gratitude dinner. Colorado Green Chili is a great alternative.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Roast the Peppers: Preheat your oven broiler or grill to high heat. Place the poblano and Anaheim peppers on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grates. Broil or grill turning occasionally, until the skins are blackened and blistered on all sides. Roasting the peppers is crucial. It softens their texture and enhances their sweetness, and imparts a smoky flavor that is fundamental to authentic green chili.

2. Steam the Peppers: Transfer the roasted peppers into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap or place them in a paper bag and seal it. Let them steam for 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen the skins and makes them easier to peel.

3. Peel, seed and chop the peppers: Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the blackened skins. Remove the stems, seeds and membranes. Roughly cut up the peppers and set aside. If you prefer a spicer version you can leave some seeds in.

INGREDIENTS:

• Pork Shoulder- 3 lbs cut into 1 inch cubes. Pork Shoulder is the quintessential choice for authentic Colorado green chili. Don’t be tempted to use leaner cuts, the fat is crucial for both the flavor and texture in this dish.

• 1 lb (4-6 large) Poblano Peppers roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped.

• 1 lb. (4-6 large) Anaheim Peppers roasted, peeled, seeded and chopped.

• 1 large, diced Yellow onion

• 4-6 cloves, Minced Garlic

• 6 cups of Chicken Broth

• 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained, diced Tomatoes

• 1 tsp. Dried Oregano

• 1 tsp. Ground Cummin

• Salt and pepper to taste.

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

• Optional thickener (if needed)

“ALTHOUGH IT'S TRADITION, THERE IS NO REASON TO MAKE A TURKEY IF YOU DON'T REALLY ENJOY IT. THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER. CONSIDER A CULTURALLY INSPIRED MEAL OR ANY OF THE MORE TRADITIONAL, AKA FANCY RECIPES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.”

4. Sear the pork: Season the cubed pork shoulder generously with salt and pepper. Heat vegtable oil in a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Working in batches, sear the pork cubes on all sides until nicely browned. Remove seared pork and set aside.

5. Saute Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sauteing the onions and garlic in the rendered prok fat builds a flavorful base for the chili.

6. Combine ingredients and simmer: Add the roasted and chopped poblano and Anaheim peppers, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, dried oragano, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Return the seared pork to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer gently for at least 2-3 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. Slow simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and it breaks down the pork shoulder into tender succulent pieces. The longer is simmers, the richer and more flavorful the chili becomes.

7. Adjust Seasoning and Consistency: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker chili, whisk together flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering chili and cook for a few minutes until thickened to your desired consistency.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Colorado Green Chili into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings and accompaniments. We love to eat it over rice with some cheese and sour cream on top.

Although it’s tradition, there is no reason to make a turkey if you don’t really enjoy it. There are all sorts of delicious alternatives for your Thanksgiving dinner. Consider a culturally inspired meal or any of the more traditional, aka fancy recipes that are available. Here are a few to peak your interest.

*Rosemary Garlic Rack of Lamb

*Maple Glazed Roast Duck

*Cornbread, Mushroom and Kale Pumpkin

*Lasagna Bolognese

*Creamy Lobster Pasta

*Holiday Prime Rib

Sometimes all it takes is a little twist to the classic dishes to spice things up. You can take inspiration from other cuisines and create a whole new menu with the dishes you love. The ideas are limitless.

FOR THE GIRLS!

Girls on the Run is not a running club. Or a track team. With a unique curriculum that utilizes movement to cultivate confidence, critical thinking skills, and healthy mental and

“After third grade, ‘girl drama’ increases in marked frequency and intensity. Girls on the Run tackles this with stunning effectiveness.”

physical habits, the nonprofit’s afterschool program for third through eighth grade girls is much more than its name implies, and it fills a critical niche.

Studies show time and again that when girls reach third grade, three things happen: First - their participation in physical activity steeply declines in comparison to their male peers, Second - girls begin to struggle with body image issues and practice restrictive eating habits, and Third - girl drama’ increases in marked frequency and intensity. The rise of social media and screen time, and the social isolation and resulting decrease in mental health fostered by the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated these issues. Girls on the Run tackles all of this head on, and with stunning effectiveness. Girls who were least active at the start of the program consistently

demonstrate a 40% increase in physical activity by the end of the season, 85% of girls report an increase in self confidence and sense of self worth, and 97% of participants report learning critical life skills including resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions.

Girls on the Run was founded in 1996 by Molly Barker, an educator and triathlete inspired by her struggle with addiction to create a program for girls that would instill healthy mental and physical habits. Jill Henwood, the Founding Executive Director of Girls on the Run’s Western Colorado Council, started the program in Grand Junction in 2000 w/ 45 girls. The program has since grown to serve girls from Frisco to Farmington to Moab- over 1200 girls across 80+ schools per year. Girls on the Run Western CONTINUED >

Colorado operates in both the spring and fall. The spring season focuses on high desert sites, while the fall season focuses on mountain towns under snow during the spring season. This fall season, which just came to a close, marks 25 years of Girls on the Run Western Colorado. Over that quarter century, the program has served an estimated 36,000 girls.

What most do not realize is that in empowering 36,000 young women over the last quarter century, Girls on the Run of Western Colorado has effectively empowered an entire generation of women in Western Colorado. Foreign aid research conducted in various cultural contexts continues to demonstrate that programs focused on empowering women and girls directly fuel community investment by increasing financial contributions. Empowered women are more likely to reinvest a significant portion of their income- up to 90%- back into their families and communities, creating a powerful multiplier effect. As such, in empowering an entire generation of women, Girls on the Run Western Colorado has indirectly invested back into our community and served as a catalyst for economic growth. Foreign aid research also consistently links women’ s empowerment and resulting multiplier effect to increased economic and political stability.

In short, Girls on the Run is truly much more than its name implies. I can attest. I may be the program’s new Executive Director, but I was a program participant first- back in 2001 in Grand Junction. Girls on the Run genuinely inspired me to pursue a life defined not by limiting societal standards for women, but on my own terms. I’m one of 36,000. Imagine what 36,000 confident women investing back into this beloved community can achieve.

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

NOVEMBER 2ND

Rim Rock Marathon

Colorado National Monument Grand Junction | 8:00 AM

The Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon course follows the famous Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument, giving runners beautiful views of the Grand Valley. 8:00 am -5:00 pm | Phone: 970-639-1387 https://www.grandjunctionsports.org/rimrockmarathon

NOVEMBER 7TH

Western Colorado Native American Market Days

Grand Junction Convention Center 159 Main Street Grand Junction, CO | 3:00 PM

Native American Vendors and Artists at the Grand Junction Convention Center Veterans Weekend. Nov 7: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov 8: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov 9: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Veterans and Kids Free! Tickets 5$ at the Door. (970) 975-1339.

NOVEMBER 15TH

Seasons in Harmony

First Presbyterian Church located at 3940 27 1/2 Rd Grand Junction | 2:00 PM

Grand Mesa A Cappella Chorus invites you to join us as we present our Fall Concert, "Seasons in Harmony" at the First Presbyterian Church located at 3940 27 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506, on Saturday, November 15th. We will present two shows, one at 2 PM and the later at 5 PM. Admission is Free! (970) 376-7109.

NOVEMBER 22ND

Downtown Tree Lighting presented by Enstrom Candies

Downtown Grand Junction 4th and Main Plaza | 5:00 PM

Catch the Spirit of the holidays in Downtown Grand Junction. It all starts with the Downtown Tree Lighting presented by Enstrom Candies! With a magical wave of his hand and a sprinkling of magic dust from the Wells Fargo rooftop, Santa will light the tree and streetlights simultaneously!

Want to be featured?

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NOVEMBER 28TH

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Avalon Theatre 645 Main St. Grand Junction | 7:00 PM

Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international cast. Featuring choreography by acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk.  Don’t miss this chance to create memories of a lifetime with friends and family of all ages. Get tickets now! Price: 50+, Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

DECEMBER 2ND

Holiday Concert

Avalon Theatre 645 Main St. Grand Junction | 7:30 PM

Celebrate the joy of the season with the CMU Choirs and String Orchestra as they perform holiday favorites and other festive works. Each ensemble will perform separately and then join forces to conclude the concert with an inspiring finale! (970) 986-3000. 7:30-9:30 pm.

GOOD MOOD gratitude

Many people think of gratitude as a trait. But it can eventually become a habit by focusing on the positive things in life. You’ll get the biggest health benefits of gratitude when it becomes habitual and part of your thought process. Research has shown that practicing gratitude 15 minutes a day for at least 6 weeks can enhance mental wellness and possibly promote a lasting change in perspective. Gratitude and its mental health benefits can also positively affect your physical health.

Taking time to be thankful may do many things. It can reduce depression, lessen anxiety, support heart health, relieve stress and improve sleep.

Taking a moment each day to be thankful can cause physical changes in your body that initiate the parasympathetic nervous system. This response can help reduce heart rate, blood pressure and can help with overall relaxation.

If you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts about things in your life, try to find something you are grateful for. This can break the negative thoughts and help you to refocus on the positive.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY TIFFINIE STORM

The best way to incorporate more gratitude in your life is to slip it in throughout the day. By doing this, it will eventually become natural to you.

There are several easy ways that you can do this. Having a gratitude journal is one of the most popular ways to express your gratitude on a daily basis. Take some time in the morning or evening to write down things that went well or something you are grateful for. This can help you reflect and remind yourself of those moments.

You can also ask yourself every morning “What am I grateful for today?” This can start your day off looking for the positive instead of finding the negative.

Sharing your gratitude with those around you not only helps you feel gratitude but also can be contagious and help others look for the good as well. Family dinner is a great place to share something everyone is grateful for. It helps others recognize and focus on the positive things that happened throughout the day.

Feeling frustrated during the day is common. Take time to step back and shift your focus to a positive thought or something you are grateful for. This can help you see things a little more clearly and relieve some of the anxiety you may be feeling.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude isn’t difficult, but it does require a commitment of time and effort. Remember, consistency is key. But there is no one size fits all approach. Everyone practices gratitude in their own personal way. By appreciating the world around us, from the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to sleep, is a skill that can be learned. Over time, this practice not only shifts your mindset to focus on the positive but also recognize and celebrate the good in your life more easily.

Regular practice of gratitude can help lead to long-term positive changes in the brain, which supports mental health. Gratitude can boost your mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine which are linked to pleasure and happiness.

Scott turned a magazine into community.

City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?

Grand Junction

Lifestyle

Published by Scott