Hey Western Slope! We have a lot to go over.

In this edition:

• Christmas Lights

• Elementary School Options Change

• Montrose Economic Outlook

• Holiday Safety Tips and Events

Christmas Light Route - PLEASE HELP!!

There are so many people that put a ton of effort into decorating their home and yard with beautiful light setups. I am compiling a list of the best in town and mapping out an efficient route to see them all. If you know of a home or business with a grand display this year, send me an email with the address and I will include the route in the next few editions of the newsletter!

I would love to be able to share multiple routes in several towns across the whole Western Slope for all the Christmas light enthusiasts.

In the meantime Grand Junction Parade of Lights will be December 7th at 5 pm on Main Street.

Housing

Housing stays flat. If you’re a buyer, maybe consider throwing out a low ball offer this week since there isn’t much activity.

Market Stats:

Average Sales Price: High ($455,038) No change from last week

Inventory Levels (Active Listings): Medium (609) Down 38 from last week

Average Days on Market: Medium (81) No change from last week

_{Source: Skyler Kraai with Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties}

Will you be buying a new home before the end of the year?

News

Parents aim to turn Scenic Elementary into a charter school

Local issues are following national trends. As more parents look for alternative schooling choices such as home school, charter schools, and private schools, less students are enrolled in public schools which causes major closures.

This cycle continues in a negative feedback loop and as more schools close, more parents look for alternatives. This is a major issue as we could soon face a potential future where traditional public schools are no longer able to operate.

What’s your take on all of this?

Montrose Economic Outlook Forecast

This one is going to cause some controversy.

Nathan Perry, a CMU economics professor, was one of the main attractions. He projects the population of Montrose will grow to 53,000 by 2050. He also predicts Mesa and Delta counties will grow quickly as well.

Perry cites that younger generations having fewer children may cause growth to slow down substantially. Which side are you on? Do you want to the Western Slope to grow quickly or are you hoping it retains it’s small town, close knit community feeling as long as it can?

More on the Economic Outlook Meeting

Business Highlight

At Yabba Dabba Doo Doo, we specialize in hassle-free dog poop clean-up. We’re a local, veteran-owned business that’s licensed, insured, and trusted by hundreds of happy clients. Whether you need weekly or bi-weekly service, we’ve got you covered—no contracts, just reliable and affordable service.

• Pooper Scooper Services: We’ll scoop the poop so you don’t have to!

• No Hassle: Easy scheduling, no contracts, and flexible rates.

• Peace of Mind: We send a reminder the morning of service and a friendly “on our way” SMS.

• Guaranteed Satisfaction: If you're not happy, we’ll make it right!

• Trusted by Your Neighbors: Check out our hundreds of 5-star reviews!

Don’t freeze this winter while picking up dog poop! Let us handle the cold and the mess, so you can stay warm and cozy indoors. Call Yabba Dabba Doo Doo today for a cleaner, happier yard!

 (970) 261-9399 Dogpoopgj.com 

We’re here to make life easier for you and your dog!

Local Community

Holiday Safety Tips from GJPD

Home safety

• Make sure windows and doors are secure when you leave your home, no matter how long you’ll be gone.

• When displaying gifts, make sure they cannot be seen from outside to prevent potential thieves from ‘window shopping’ before breaking in.

• Use timers for your lights to give the impression that someone is home.

• Tell a neighbor or friend if you’re going to be gone for an extended time frame.

• Don’t leave packages on your porch for extended periods of time. Either be home when they’re delivered or have a trusted neighbor retrieve them.

Shopping safety

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Lock your car doors and don’t leave valuables inside. Don’t leave packages out in the open while shopping.

• Keep your wallet and purse on your person or otherwise secure them.

• Take someone with you, especially if shopping after dark.

Online shopping safety

• Monitor bank accounts and credit card statements regularly for unauthorized transactions.

• Only shop on secure websites.

• Be cautious of sales that seem too good to be true.

• Be wary of phishing scams and avoid clicking on unverified links.

Western Slope Sports!

Grand Junction Jackelopes Hire New Manager

Frank Gonzales joins the team again. This will be his second time managing the team here in Grand Junction with his last stint being in 2016-2017.

His main goal is bring success to the organization and getting the community more involved with the team and the sport. The Slope Scoop will keep you you updated on upcoming games, camps, and opportunities for the community to get their kids involved over the coming year.

Exciting Events: December

This section only includes local upcoming events. Feel free to submit yours!

Exciting Events

Sports🏀

• Santa Cause Run

  • Location: 925 Struthers Ave Grand Junction, CO 81501

  • Time: 10 am December 7th

  • Fund inclusive playground equipment

  • Click Here

• Ugly Sweater Fun Run

  • Location: Fruita, CO

  • Time: 9:30 am December 14th.

  • Wear your most festive or ugliest holiday gear and get ready for some magical winter fun!
    After a social 5k fun run/walk enjoy seasonal brews, hot chocolate, fun fitness games and a big ugly sweater contest benefiting Fruita Little League

  • Click Here

• High School Basketball Tournament

  • Central High School

  • Tickets

• CMU Mavericks Basketball

  • Brownson Arena 1040 Mesa Ave, Grand Junction

  • Tickets

Family Fun

• Live Nativity - "Road to Bethlehem" (FREE - Donations Accepted)

  • Take a hay ride through field and forest to meet the wisemen, listen to shepherds, wonder with the innkeeper, and finally meet the Baby! Costumed actors bring the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to life. Tour takes 30 minutes. While waiting enjoy the petting zoo, story and craft tent, monologues, bonfire, free cocoa and cookies. Outdoor event so please dress very warmly and be prepared to walk short distances over rough terrain. No pets.

  • December 6-8 and 13-15

  • 1280 20 Rd, Fruita

  • 5:30-8:30 PM

• Cinema Sleigh Ride

• The Vain Jackdaw

Date Night 🎆

• Friday, Dec. 6th:

  • At Palisade Community Center

    • Gingerbread Contest Showcase Registration & Drop Off 4:00 - 7:00 pm

• Downtown Palisade

  • Altrusa Cup of Warmth @ Slice O Life 4:30 pm

  • Taylor Elementary Christmas Carolers 5:00 pm

  • Lighting of the Tree 5:15 pm

  • Town of Palisade Parade of Lights following tree lighting

  • Fire Station Tower Lighting 6:00 pm

• Saturday, Dec. 7th:

  • Breakfast with Santa at Wine Country Inn 8:30 - 10:00 am. Purchase tickets on the website.

  • At 711 Iowa Ave.

  • Holiday Village Market & Kosi WINE Lounge 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • At Palisade Community Center

    • Gingerbread Contest & Showcase Registration & Drop Off 8:00 - 9:30 pm Open to Public 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    • Santa's Workshop & Cookie Decorating 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • In Downtown Palisade

    • Candy Cane Train 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    • Soup Challenge @ Palisade Plaza $10/Sample Flight or $5/cup 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

    • Carriage Rides 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • At Palisade United Methodist Church

    • Bake Sale, Cookie walk & more 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

    • Cantata 1:00 pm

• Country Night

  • Location: Mama Ree’s Pizza

  • Description: Join us for the #1 Country Night in Grand Junction! We play all your favorites, while you dance on our MASSIVE dance floor! We offer drink specials alongside our signature pizza! Join us!

• Line Dancing Class

  • Location: Mama Ree’s Pizza

  • Description: Join us for a FREE line dancing class before our weekly country night from 8pm-9pm! Have you ever wanted to hit the dance floor like a pro? Learn some pointers and simple dances to stand out at our County Night (every Saturday 9pm-2am)! Extra Bonus - There is free pool!

Comedy❗

• Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors

  • Dates: December 6 & 7

  • Time: 6:30 PM

  • Location: Auxiliary Gym, Caprock Academy

  • Ticket Prices: $3 for students, $7 for non-students

  • Purchase Tickets Now: The Comedy of Errors

Thank you so much for your support!

Please send in news tips, new business openings, events, and anything else you want the Western Slope to see. I will include as many relevant submissions as I can.

Spread the word! Share this newsletter with friends and family. Please post it on social media. If people are finding it, I can spend my time and energy on making it worth reading rather than promoting it.

If you enjoyed this edition, share this link with others!

P.S. If you want to get your business in front of thousands of local folks, reply to this email and we can talk about our advertising options.

See you next week!