Good morning, Colorado Springs.

With porch pirates targeting packages and holiday travel underway, security expert Caty Anderson of Colorado Complete Security explained that basic systems cost (approx. $150 for sensors, with doorbell cameras raising the price to $200 plus $55.99 monthly fees) while high-end setups exceed $1,000. She urged residents to shop locally for reliable support.

Recent financial reports show that Colorado Springs’ 10 largest religious nonprofits have grown since 2016, with Biblica’s income rising 156% and WaterStone doubling its funds.

Compassion International, now ranked No. 11 on Forbes’ top 100 charities list, continues expanding its global programs.

Nonprofits in Colorado Springs share volunteer opportunities with contact details listed for groups such as Alzheimer’s Association (719-266-8773) and Care and Share Food Bank ([email protected]).

Local residents can reach out directly to support these community causes.

Temple Shalom held a Hanukkah lighting Sunday night with prayers, songs and treats as around 75 people marked the start of eight days of celebration following a renewed peace between Gaza and Israel.

Temple Beit Torah will host a community event Friday to share this spirit locally.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park is hosting its annual ornament scavenger hunt until Jan.

1, inviting families to explore its 21 trails to find a hidden ornament and claim prizes at the visitor center (clues are posted on social media).

The Tony Award-winning musical Mary Poppins is playing at the Fine Arts Center through Dec.

28 with Liza Piccoli as Mary and John T. Wolfe as Bert, offering a heartwarming holiday treat for local audiences.

Thousands attended the inaugural Old Colorado City Christkindlmarket at Bancroft Park on Sunday, where vendors sold German treats and crafts.

The free celebration — featuring imported wooden huts and traditional music — will resume Dec. 18-23.

Members of the Jewish community gathered at Temple Shalom Sunday evening to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting the first candle amid reports of a deadly attack on a gathering in Australia (15 lives were lost).

Rabbi Jay Sherwood stressed that the holiday’s message of light reinforces hope even in dark times.

Colorado Springs School District 11 welcomed three new board members this week—veteran educator Michelle Ruehl, former student and teacher LeAnn Baca Bartlett, and local Charles Johnson.

They plan to boost literacy, test scores, and budget efforts while expanding student advisory committees and scholarship programs.

Midwestern State won its first NCAA Division II men's soccer title on Sunday in downtown Colorado Springs, beating Rollins College 2 to 0 at Weidner Field.

The Mustangs set a record for shutouts with standout plays by rookie midfielder Sune Espeveoll & redshirt senior Liam Pritchard.

Colorado’s Uncle Joey, or Joey Klein, was honored in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame at the Marin Museum in Fairfax, Calif., for his 26 years building trails in 14 countries and 45 states — his work has inspired sustainable mountain biking and mentored many local riders.

Bleating Heart Night: Sleep in Heavenly Peace

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy good beer while supporting a wonderful local charity focused on helping children in need.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

7-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — A platform for seasoned and new comedians to showcase their talent in a fun setting.

South Section Holiday Happy Hour

5:30-7 p.m. — COATI — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive happy hour in Colorado Springs.

A Ronins Test Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — The Black Sheep — Tickets available — Experience a top concert pick in Colorado Springs this December.

Kris Shaw Live Comedy Show

7 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — General Admission with a two-item minimum — Experience the unique storytelling and humor of Kris Shaw alongside special guests.

Game Days at D&B

11:00 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Colorado Springs — Game day deals available — Score big with $10 wings and enjoy a fun-filled gaming experience.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages and pints in a relaxed brewery setting.

Twisted Tuesday Painting Party

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $35 — Enjoy a fun evening of art with $4 drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Weekly Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Pub Dog Colorado — Free to play — Unleash your trivia skills while enjoying craft beers in a dog-friendly atmosphere.

Americana Fridays: Manitou Strings

4-7 p.m. — The Mining Exchange — Free entry — Enjoy soulful Americana tunes and re-imagined classics in a lively hotel lobby setting.