Good morning, Mesa.

NFL star Kelvin Beachum and MLB All-Star Curtis Granderson are partnering in their second annual drive to fight hunger by raising funds for food banks in Arizona and Chicago.

Beachum will host a Thanksgiving food distribution on November 18 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Center for Innovation on North Mesa Drive in Mesa + his efforts support United Food Bank while Granderson raises funds for Chicago food drives.

Mesa police officer David Kuenne helped high school student Nicolas receive a new bike, helmet, bike lock and pump after his bike was reportedly stolen from a bike rack and forced him to walk 45 minutes to Westwood High School—Walmart donated the bike through the MesaMoves program.

Chef Christopher Gross of Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion recalled eating his grandmother’s homemade noodles every Thanksgiving and now uses that family tradition to guide his holiday cooking.

He advises cooks to plan ahead—making parts of the meal earlier—to keep the kitchen calm on the holiday.

Arizona Public Service urged customers to prepare for winter-like temperatures expected this weekend and during the week of Nov.

17 by downloading the APS mobile app for outage alerts and building emergency kits — including flashlights, bottled water, and non-perishable food — to stay safe.

On Thursday, Nov 13, Arizona officials including Gov. Hobbs, Congressman Stanton and Congressman Biggs visited Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Mesa to mark the Apache helicopter’s 50th anniversary—first flown in September 1975 and now used by the U.S. Army and 16 other nations, the event highlighted Arizona’s role in aerospace and national defense.

Maximizing the Power of Influencer Marketing

4-6 p.m. — Loloft — Free entry — Learn how to leverage influencer marketing for your brand and connect with local eCommerce professionals.

Lovin’ Life Expo

9 AM – 1 PM — Mesa Convention Center — Free entry — A vibrant celebration of wellness, lifestyle, and community with interactive exhibits and inspiring speakers.

Mesa Networking

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers in a community setting.

Jazz Nite

7-9 p.m. — Heritage Academy — $10 general admission — Enjoy a delightful evening of jazz performed by the Heritage Mesa Jazz Choir and Jazz Band with drinks and desserts.

Mommy and Me Holiday Craft Date

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Mrs Potts Tea Party — Cost varies — Create holiday crafts with kids while enjoying tea and treats in a whimsical setting.

Mesa Turkey Trot 5K - 10K

8 AM - 8:40 AM — Red Mountain Park — Registration fees start at $22.76 — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a family-friendly race event featuring 5K and 10K distances.

Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest

Dec 1 – 23 — Vertuccio Farms — Check for admission prices — Unwrap new traditions and create holiday memories with family and friends at this festive event.

Mesa Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Influencers in the community.

Omnium Gatherum Concert

7-9 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets starting at $65 — Experience an unforgettable live performance by Omnium Gatherum in Mesa, AZ.

Tour the Universe with Pink Floyd Planetarium Show

5-10 p.m. — Mesa Community College Planetarium — Reserved tickets required — Experience a captivating journey through the cosmos set to the music of Pink Floyd.