Hello Grand Junction! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Skate park award, kids wheel throwing clay class, and adaptive watersports day + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Proposed code changes ahead: The Housing Affordability Task Force recommended making bike parking optional in new developments to lower housing costs, arguing current regulations increase prices and should be changed -- check the code changes.
Community service in need: Redlands Lions Club in Grand Junction is seeking volunteers to keep its holiday flag program going, covering nine holidays and funding scholarships and the Kids Aid Backpack Program -- learn how to volunteer.
Award-winning park revival: Skaters packed Emerson Skate Park for Go Skateboarding Day as Grand Junction officials accepted the Colorado Lottery Starburst Award for an over $3 million investment that revived a downtown spot -- see the skate park award.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Easy family win: Need a low-effort, high-smile plan this week? Bananas Fun Park brings the chaos in the best way with a huge arcade, mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and a giant inflatable playground; when it’s hot, the water park’s splash zone makes everyone instantly less cranky.
Tune up your skills: Dos Rios Park is for leveling up, with four routes from beginner to intermediate that build confidence for commuting, BMX, or Lunch Loop laps. Make it a quick skills session, then cruise the Riverfront Trail or let the kids loose at the splash park.
Local blooms, zero filler: Garvey's Gardens, LLC grows many of their stems on a Palisade flower farm and sources the rest from Certified American Grown partners, so arrangements feel fresh and seasonal. They deliver around the valley, perfect for porch pick-me-ups, quick thank-yous, or that birthday you almost forgot.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📚 Book Giveaway - Public Access Days @ Former Scenic Elementary | Wednesday (6/24) at 9:00 AM – Free books and classroom loot are up for grabs at the former Scenic Elementary, from textbooks and novels to manipulatives and supplies. Perfect for teachers, grandparents, and reformed clutterers, so bring a cart, wagon, or truck, and hope your back forgives you.
🎨 6/25: Kids Wheel Throwing Clay Class (Ages 9+ Only) @ Fat Cat Pottery | Thursday (6/25) at 12:30 PM – Got a kid 9+ who can handle the spin cycle? This wheel throwing class lets them center clay, pull walls, and shape pots, then pick glaze colors for their two favorites. Instructors handle the mess, your floors stay clean, finished pieces ready in three weeks.
🎗 Fundraiser and Silent Auction to Support Lavender Bee's Mission @ Highlands Distillery | Thursday (6/25) at 5:00 PM – Raise a glass at Highlands Lavender Distillery for a friendly silent auction and fundraiser backing Lavender Bee Montessori, our scrappy school with big heart. Meet the teachers, finally get a real answer to what Montessori is, and mingle with neighbors, lavender, and good intentions.
🎺 The Centennial Band @ Fruita Civic Center | Thursday (6/25) at 7:30 PM – Thursday night at Civic Center Park, The Centennial Band keeps Fruita’s summer tradition humming with a crowd-pleasing set of American classics. Expect toe-taps, neighborly small talk, and that one dad humming Sousa, all under the cottonwoods and a sky that forgives off-key singing.
🛍 Western Slope Vendor Fair @ Grand Valley Event Center | Friday (6/26) at 8:00 AM – Western Slope Vendor Fair is rolling in with small-batch jams, handmade goods, and the kind of neighborly chit-chat you secretly enjoy. Meet the makers up close, sniff the soaps, and try not to adopt another hot sauce habit. Your tote will finally earn its keep.
🏄 Dream Big Adaptive Watersports @ Dream Big Adaptive Watersports | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Grab sunscreen and head to the water for an adaptive watersports day where all ages and abilities can try it for free under the high altitude sun. First of two summer sessions, registration required to reserve a spot, and lunch is a civilized $5.
🧺 Seasons of Solidarity June Picnic @ The Historic Lowell School Building | Sunday (6/28) at 12:00 PM – Grab a blanket and swing by for a Pride picnic with food, conversation, yard games, and exactly zero speeches. Bring a snack if you feel like showing off, and your best glitter, cargo shorts, or both. Come for cornhole, stay to debate the aux cord.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Grand Junction report Weather forecastToday — High: 98°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 18%
Patchy smoke before 11am, then isolated rain showers between 3pm and 4pm, then isolated thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 98. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 44%
A slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A slight chance of thunderstorms before 9pm, then a chance of rain showers between 9pm and midnight. Mostly clear, with a low around 62. This house is wildThis brand-new Maves Construction home offers nearly 3,000 square feet of polished living, premium finishes, and a versatile floorplan made for modern life. Set in one of Western Colorado’s standout communities, it delivers dramatic Colorado National Monument views, a one-year Redlands Mesa Golf Course membership, pool access, nearby trails, and easy evenings at Ocotillo.
Take a peek inside → |
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