Golden Informer, December 2016

GoldenInformer DECEMBER 2016

WHAT’S YOUR GUESS?

COUNT GOLDEN’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Many Ways to Give and Receive

This Season

Join the City’s BROADBAND TASK FORCE PERFECT SCORE for GCC Preschool!

2016 Golden City Council

Marjorie Sloan Mayor

Saoirse Charis-Graves District One

Marcia Claxton Ward One

Joe Behm Mayor Pro-Tem Ward Two

Casey Brown District Two

Pamela Gould Ward Three

Laura Weinberg Ward Four

303-279-0088 E-mail: msloan @cityofgolden.net

303-709-7529 E-mail: scharisgraves @cityofgolden.net

303-621-5133 E-mail: mclaxton @cityofgolden.net

303-918-1103 E-mail: jbehm @cityofgolden.net

303-900-2003 E-mail: cbrown @cityofgolden.net

303-279-1164 E-mail: pgould @cityofgolden.net

303-241-9823 E-mail: lweinberg @cityofgolden.net

To contact the entire City Council, e-mail citycouncil@cityofgolden.net.

IN T H IS ISS U E

The Golden Informer

Cover: Photo Courtesy of Andrew Terrill (andrewterrillphotography.com)

is produced and published monthly by the Golden City Manager’s Office and mailed as a source of news and information to all residences and businesses inside the City limits. Comments on The Informer are welcome.

16 Golden History Museums Top Ten of 2016 5 Mayor’s Awards a Success 6 Snowplow Plans

Please write to: City of Golden 911 10th St., Golden, CO 80401 Attn: Karlyn Tilley

19 Latest Update to Downtown Parking

9 Linking Lookout

Call 303-384-8132 or e-mail ktilley@cityofgolden.net.

City of Golden Department Managers

Jason Slowinski City Manager

Dan Hartman Public Works

Steve Glueck Comm. & Econ.

Development

Susan Brooks City Clerk

Rod Tarullo Parks and Recreation

Bill Kilpatrick Police

John Bales Fire

Jeff Hansen Finance

Teresa Reilly Human Resources

Karlyn Tilley Communications

303-384-8150 303-384-8095 303-384-8014 303-384-8120 303-384-8033 303-384-8090 303-384-8020 303-384-8017 303-384-8132 303-384-8010 dhartman@ sglueck@ sbrooks@ rtarullo@ bkilpatrick@ jbales@ jhansen@ treilly@ ktilley@ jslowinski@ cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net

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HEADS UP: Important Upcoming Items Tree Recycling The City of Golden provides a quick and easy way for you to dispose of your Christmas trees. Drop off your trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 27 at the old recycle site off of Golden Gate Canyon Road. Please place your tree near the sign posted for tree recycling.

Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, hardware, strings of lights and tinsel. This is for live trees only.

The trees will be turned into mulch, which will eventually be available for free at the public pickup site on 11th Street, just west of the Clear Creek History Park.

For further details, contact the City of Golden Forestry office at 303-384-8141.

One Month Left to Apply for 2016 Community Betterment Grants!

There are still funds available for first-time neighborhood parties, and neighborhood improvement projects. The holidays are a great time to plan a new get-together for your neighborhood, especially if you’ve never had one.

The City will reimburse up to $250 for your expenses (money must be spent in the city limits), and you can connect with your neighbors.

If you have an improvement project that you think would benefit your neighborhood, there are funds available for that as well; up to $750 can be reimbursed.

Visit www.cityofgolden.net/NeighborhoodGrants for details. An overview and forms are available. If you have questions, contact City Clerk Susan Brooks at sbrooks@cityofgolden.net or 303-384-8014.

Golden Safety Academy Have you ever wondered if your home is secure? Are you interested in protecting your family, property and self? The Golden Police Department is offering a free Golden Safety Academy. The mission of the Academy is to partner with the community of Golden by educating and empowering citizens with helpful tools for personal safety and crime prevention. This is a FREE academy and will begin in January. For details and to register, visit www.cityofgolden.net/SafetyAcademy.

City Holiday Hours The City of Golden’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2 for the holidays.

The Golden Community Center will be open for modified hours on Saturday, Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 25. The GCC will also be open for modified hours on Saturday, Dec. 31 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Jan. 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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elow is Golden City Council's monthly calendar. Meetings are held on Thursdays and begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 911 10th St., unless otherwise noted.

Dec. 1 Rescheduled business meeting

Dec. 8 Regular business meeting

Dec. 15 No meeting

Dec. 22 No meeting

Dec. 29 No meeting Council’s upcoming agendas, packets and meeting minutes are available online under the City Council link at www.CityofGolden.net.

Public comment is welcome on the agenda at all regular business meetings.

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor

Marjorie Sloan

Tis the Season for Tradition

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s soon as daylight saving time ends and the nights lengthen, holiday momentum begins to accelerate into a non-stop swirl.

Schedules include religious observances; family, neighborhood and workplace parties; school performances; decorating tasks; gift shopping, wrapping, and mailing; cooking special meals and baking cookies; year-end work pressures;

trip planning; preparation for guests; and community gatherings like the Candlelight Walk. In the holiday spirit, we expect to become a little more cheerful, a little more generous, a little more friendly, and —­ a lot more forgiving in our eating habits.

Over the years, the essence of the holidays has not changed. More than 100 years ago, in December 1914, Mayor Timothy W. Good sent a letter to the citizens of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It differs little from an appropriate message to give to Golden residents now, in December 2016. In a statement that still rings true, Mayor Good said:

As mayor of Cambridge, I wish to send a two-fold message to the people of the city at this jovial and happy season of Christmas. First, as one close in touch with social and economic conditions within our city, I want to ask those who find themselves in fortunate circumstances to endeavor to make some sacrifice toward alleviating the . . . condition of their less fortunate neighbors who, through sickness, lack of employment or other causes, are in need of aid. Your Christmas will be made happier by the thought that you have made it possible for others to enjoy a happy Christmas.

And second, as one in close touch with business conditions within our city, I want to ask the people of Cambridge to patronize our merchants when doing their Christmas shopping. These stores are well stocked with attractive holiday goods, and by doing business at home, you are helping to increase the amount of money in circulation in our community. . . [O]ne can frequently purchase more advantageously as to price and without the inconvenience caused by the immense crowds in the Boston shopping district.

As an aside, it’s fair to say that Cambridge residents of a century ago had similar holiday expectations and responsibilities.

They did not, however, have the packed, 24/7 schedules of present Goldenites. Please take a break whenever you become more frazzled than festive. A nighttime neighborhood walk, passing by inviting houses, may be calming. A stroll along the magically lit Clear Creek Corridor or a drive viewing light displays can have the same effect. An at-home option is curling up with a good book and a cup of something warm to drink. In other words, take care of yourselves during December’s busy days and long nights.

In this special season, I hope you all have a peaceful time to reflect on the things you cherish the most and to share thoughts of love, joy, and appreciation with those who matter to you the most. Golden residents, are making their own marks in history through compassionate contributions to our community. Like Mayor Good, I ask you to remember the “less fortunate” and shop local instead of navigating the “immense [Denver] crowds.” Above all, I wish you a “jovial and happy” holiday season.

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Mayor’s 2016 Award Winners

record crowd of nearly 150 people gathered in the Student Center on the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) Campus to honor several individuals and a club for their contributions to the community. The crowd was treated to a surprise visit by the CSM Marching Band, Concert Choir and acapella groups to kick off the evening. Presentations were made by Mayor Marjorie Sloan, CSM President Paul Johnson, CSM Alumnus Marv Kay and Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

Mayor’s 2016 Award Winners pose with Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

Here are brief summaries of the award winners. Congratulations to all on important community issues through and courage in bringing our community hands-on service projects. Out of 36 together after their home was invaded efforts worthy of recognition! other clubs, the Rotary District singled and their lives threatened in May 2016.

Gene Child – For decades of dedication out the Golden group as the most out- They are also involved in a multitude of to preserving Golden’s history. He standing Interact Club. community events, mostly based around co-founded the Golden Landmarks their passion for cycling.

Association, helping to save the Astor Betty and Harold Payte – For serving as Dana Steiner – Awarded a special House; turning the old Presbyterian inspiring role models and ambassadors “Mayor’s Goldmine Award for Excellence” Church into the Foothills Art Center; and for healthy living and walking in Golden. for her outstanding contribution of moving the Guy Hill School building to Both in their mid-eighties, they lead implementing a community service the Clear Creek History Park, where it weekly walks through Golden, no matter project for the CSM class of 2020. the weather, for people of all abilities. was restored.

Collaborating with the school and the Jesse and Jessica Swift – For educating Golden High School Interact Club – city, Dana organized 900 incoming stuA Rotary-sponsored service organiza- and mentoring Bell Middle School dents to do community service at more tion, the 72 high school members tackle students, as well as demonstrating grace than 25 locations in and around Golden.

Help Determine the Future of Broadband in Golden

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n Nov. 8, the residents of Golden voted to approve Ballot Question 21, authorizing the City to provide high-speed internet services, telecommunication services and/or cable television services, either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners. This means that the City of Golden is no longer constrained by the restrictions of Senate Bill 152 and may now move forward with a feasibility study to evaluate the potential deployment of municipal broadband.

Due to a wide variety of existing infrastructure, what works in one city may not work in another, so there is no standard approach to broadband. It’s important to look at all possibilities, keep an open mind, and set realistic expectations.

The core objectives of the City’s Broadband Evaluation Project include the following: 1. Assess existing City infrastructure and capacity 2. Evaluate what other cities have done

3. Conduct a market analysis of existing options 4. Engage with the community to determine their expectation for levels of service 5. Analyze feasibility and options for broadband services in Golden 6. Provide City Council with desired information to make a decision The City is creating a Community Task Force as the first step in our evaluation process. If you are interested in participating as a Task Force member, email Ben Goldstein at bgoldstein@cityofgolden.net or call 303-384-8011. Please include a brief description of why you want to be a member and any qualifications you may have that could benefit the Task Force.

All applications must be received by Friday, Dec. 16. The group will report to City Council in June with its preliminary findings.

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The Scoop on Snowplowing

eeping the streets of Golden drivable and safe throughout the winter months is a top priority for the City of Golden Streets Department. We are one of the only cities in the metro area that actually plows primary, secondary and residential streets curb-to-curb. When winter storms hit the Golden area, our snowplows will first concentrate on primary streets such as South Golden Road, Johnson Road, Washington Avenue, Ford Street and 19th Street. These are the areas with higher traffic volume and the main roads needed for emergency vehicles to access different parts of town.

Once all primary streets have had sufficient maintenance and deemed passible, City crews move on to secondary streets and then into residential. Please be patient. There are six routes and one plow assigned to each route. As all streets are completed within a route, plows are dispatched to assist other plows for the completion of all routes.

As a reminder, City of Golden Municipal Code 5.01 Nuisance Abatement makes it unlawful to deposit snow from private property on to the street, other than the curb line. Although crews work very hard to clear the roads, some of the residual snow from the plow may pile up at the end of your driveway.

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KEEP FIRES IN THE FIREPLACE

ooking, heating, holiday decorations and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months. U.S. fire departments were called out to respond 80,100 times, or roughly nine times per hour, in 2015 for winter-related fire calls. The threat of fires this time of year is real. 905 people die in winter home fires each year with over $2 billion in property loss. 67 percent of winter fires occur in one and two-family homes with cooking as the leading cause.

During the holiday months, one of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires. A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four Christmas tree fires.

Some useful tips are to water your tree every day, and keep a strict 12-inch radius around any open flames such as a candle. Ensure smoke detectors are properly working and the units are checked each month. The Golden Fire Department hopes the winter and holidays are fire-safe for all of our citizens and visitors.

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Please help remove this snow just as you do for the rest of your driveway. The Streets Department appreciates your cooperation and patience as they work hard day and night to ensure safe roads this winter season. To view the City of Golden’s entire Snow and Ice Control Plan, visit www.cityofgolden.net/streets and scroll down to Snow/Ice Plan.

Giving Miracles

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olden High School students are collecting toys for kids this holiday season, and they invite you to stop by the school at 701 24th St. with your donations of new, unwrapped toys. The Golden High School Giving Tree program will be collecting donations from now until Dec. 9. All toys collected will go to a very special program at Pleasant View Elementary. “The Giving Tree makes it possible for families at Pleasant View Elementary to experience all the joys of the holiday season,” says GHS student Emma Markovich.

“To know that students so close to me might not enjoy the surprise of a gift shocks me. The smiles that ignite when a child opens a holiday gift are priceless and irreplaceable, and the Giving Tree ensures this cheer throughout the community.”

The toys all go to The Miracle Shop. This is a store set up at the elementary school to give parents a chance to buy gifts for their children they might not otherwise be able to afford. The Miracle Shop evolved from the Golden Rotary toy drive headed up by Joan Osborne. She realized that just giving a random toy didn’t really fulfill each child’s true wishes. “Parents know their kids the best,” said Osborne. “This is an empowering way for parents to buy those wish list items, but at prices they can manage.” She adds, “Instead of just receiving a donation, this

gives parents a way to really contribute to their children’s happiness during the holidays, and do it with dignity.”

Parents also help run the Miracle Shop, where they can earn “Miracle Bucks” to use toward toy purchases. Right now this program is just for Pleasant View Elementary School. But Osborne says she is working hard to expand the program into other Golden articulation schools. To donate, visit Golden High School during regular school hours and drop off the toys at the front desk between now and Dec. 9. For more information, email Emma at emma.markovich@gmail.com.

Remembering a Golden Tragedy (Details courtesy Colorado School of Mines Communication Department)

hogback,” explained Dempsey. “By 1888 the shaft had been sunk down to a depth of 730 feet, which made it the n Sept. 9, 1889, ten miners drowned deepest coal mine in the state.” in the White Ash Mine disaster, To the north was the Loveland one of the most serious accidents in Mine which was abandoned in 1881 Golden’s history. In commemoration after a coal fire, and eventually filled of the lives lost in the tragedy, the with water from Clear Creek. The coal unveiling of the new memorial site fire damaged a 90-foot pillar that location took place this past October. separated the Loveland and White For decades, just a small plaque on a Ash mines. On that fateful September stone stood at the end of 12th street to day in 1889, the pillar broke and water remember the miners. But two groups, burst through, filling the very lowest the Odd Fellows and the Golden level of the White Ash Mine and Civic Foundation, raised $60,000 to drowning the ten miners working in have a bronze statue made, which the lower depths. depicts a coal miner. CSM donated Mines alumnus Marv Kay led the the land for the memorial, which now dedication ceremony and called sits on campus across from Marv the new memorial an “internal historical account of the tragedy. “The remembrance of the tragic disaster and Kay Stadium.

Stan Dempsey, a geologist, historian, White Ash Mine contained a bed of a final resting place for those ten White lawyer and author provided the coal that had been upturned along the Ash miners.”

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Social, Economic & Environmental Issues

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Governor Awards Local Business for Sustainability Efforts

ongratulations to Woody’s WoodFired Pizza for being recognized by the Governor and the State’s Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) with a Bronze Award for their sustainability efforts. The ELP is a statewide environmental recognition and reward program which offers benefits and incentives to members that voluntarily go beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and are committed to continual environmental improvement.

Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza in Golden

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Golden business to install solar panels.

In 2010 the restaurant received the City of Golden Sustainable Business of the Year Award. Just this past year they went 100 percent LED, among countless other efforts. The business had reduced energy use by over 43,000 kWh this year by upgrading all lighting to LED, saving over 30 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere has been family owned and operated for 23 years, and has been a member of annually. Their 48 panel solar PV array the ELP since 2012. Their commitment to creates a “solar-powered happy hour,” a sustainable business practices started fun way to engage patrons with a realin 2009 when Woody’s was the first time data display on their porch.

Five Tips for a More Sustainable Holiday

hile the holiday season is often full of cheer, there is one big side effect: excessive generation of solid waste and consumption of natural resources.

• Americans throw away about 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. • If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

• 35 percent of Americans have an unused Christmas present collecting dust in their closet.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO:

3. Don’t lighten the load: With the influx of holiday parties and busy schedules, dishwashers can be a life saver. Utilize the air-drying function to avoid the wasteful “rinse hold” setting and only wash full loads. Additionally, only use the washer and dryer for full loads of laundry. When possible, use cold water to further reduce energy usage.

4. Food for thought: Think about how many people you’re feeding and how much they’ll actually eat, so you don’t waste food. If you plan on having leftovers, consider what you make with the leftovers. Also, minimize use of disposable serving utensils and remember to compost food scraps.

1. Be bright about your lights: Utilize natural light during the day and avoid turning on holiday light displays until the 5. Recycle & upcycle: If possible reuse or upcycle any paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, etc., into something new. Gift bags sun sets. Also utilize an automatic timer for light displays and tissue paper can be reused, and glass bottles can be and consider replacing existing incandescent bulbs with made into beautiful centerpieces or gifts.

LED bulbs.

2. Devise a smarter holiday shopping plan: Take time to plan out your holiday shopping list, and shop local to support Golden’s small businesses. Also, gifting one of Golden’s many experiences is a great alternative to an item: family in town? Try the American Mountaineering Center or the Golden History Museum. For kids? Try the Colorado Railroad Museum. Get cultured with tickets to a Miner’s Alley Playhouse show.

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Recycled Gift Wrap Ideas • Reusable tote bags • Free old maps from the USGS office at the Federal Center on Kipling • Old calendars • Brown paper packages, tied up with strings

Driving 19th Street? Prepare to Move to the Lid

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he road construction at US 6 and 19th Street, nicknamed “Linking Lookout” is taking an amazing new shape. The contractor has been working on moving 19th Street from the temporary curved alignment on the south around the lid to its final location on the lid. The “lid” is the name of what will be the enhanced road, walk and bike lanes that go over US 6.

This change should occur in December or early January. When this happens there will still be traffic signals at the US 6 ramps because main line US 6 traffic will still be detoured to the ramps.

While US 6 traffic will remain on the ramps, 19th has been moved to the lid so excavation of the area to the south of the lid where 19th Street traffic had been crossing, can be excavated.

Just like the excavation under the lid area, soil nails and walls will be constructed from the top down.

THERE WILL BE SOME TRAFFIC DISRUPTION The traffic signals for both 19th Street at the US 6 ramps will need to be moved from their location to the south, back to the location where they were on the ramps before the excavation began for the lid. This will require some disruption on the ramps carrying the through US 6 traffic and on 19th as we switch traffic. This work will be completed overnight to minimize the inconvenience. Visit www.LinkingLookout.com for the most upto-date information. The City will also tweet any closures or disruptions @LinkingLookout.

WE’RE IN THE HOME STRETCH! The final excavation that will begin when 19th is moved to the lid is the last element that is needed to move the US 6 main line to the final through location under the lid. When this is complete there will still be some work to finish the ramp connections with 19th to final alignment, but that will be part of a future update.

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ive years ago, the first Baby Boomers had their 65th birthday. When asked, most older adults express their preference for aging at home and in their community. A recent Harvard University study on the challenges facing older adults found that seniors with high housing cost burdens spend 40 percent less on food than seniors in housing that is affordable. The Colorado Center on Law & Policy has developed “The Colorado Elder Index” to measure the income needed by retired seniors to meet their basic needs in each of Colorado’s 64 counties (cclponline.org).

In addition to housing affordability, forward thinking and planning about the physical characteristics of housing

[ [ Graying in Golden By 2030, demographers estimate that roughly 25% of Colorado’s population will be over the age of 60.

needed to meet the needs of older adults, alternatives to driving, opportunities for civic engagement and access to affordable community or home-based health care will be needed to ensure that Golden remains an inviting and accommodating place as its residents

age. These factors are part of the Golden Vision 2030 Plan, and on the minds of City Council members as future decisions are made.

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GOLDEN COMMUNITY CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Through Jan. 21 Dec. 3 Holiday Choir Concert Newfoundland Dog Cart Rides Following the parades until 3 p.m., kids Jingle All the Way with the Golden Patchwork Pundits take on Politics A timely political exhibit like no other. In the 19th Century, quilt-making was often the only socially acceptable way for a woman to express her political views.

Note new location: Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, 200 Violet Street, Suite 140.

For details call 303-215-9001 or visit www.rmqm.org.

Concert Choir at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Clear Creek Church, 10555 W. 44th Ave. Enjoy Irving Berlin’s Christmas along with many old favorites. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.goldenconcertchoir.org.

All proceeds go directly to the choirs, which are based in and practice in Golden.

Through Dec. 23 A Christmas Carol

Dec. 3 Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert

This hilarious new adaptation brings Dickens’ most beloved characters to life in what’s sure to become your favorite holiday celebration. Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave. For tickets and show times call 303-9353044 or visit www.minersalley.com.

Join the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra for an evening of holiday music, including traditional favorites and Symphony No. 2

by Brahms at the CSM Green Center, 924 16th St., at 7 p.m. A silent auction will follow, proceeds go to the JSO. Purchase tickets at www.jeffsymphony.org.

can catch a free ride in a wooden cart pulled by a Newfoundland Dog. Rides will run in the Clear Creek History Park parking lot at 11th and Arapahoe.

Holiday Hayrides Enjoy a hayride around historic downtown Golden after the parades until 3 p.m. Offered by The Golden Hayride, rides are $5 per person, kids under 5 free. Pickup will be on 12th St. Learn more at www.goldenhayride.com.

Dec. 9 Alpine Rescue Team fundraiser and screening of “Tight Loose”

Help support the Alpine Rescue Center while enjoying a screening of “Tight Loose,” an adventure film by Teton Gravity Research that celebrates pushing Dec. 3 Coffee with a Councilor the boundaries of what is possible Through Dec. 31 – South Neighborhoods Holiday Art Market around the world on two skis. Giveaways Chat with your District One Councilor The Holiday Art Market (HART) is a for skis, snowboards and other great Golden tradition with fine art and unique at 10 a.m. at Bean Fosters, 720 Golden prizes. American Mountaineering Center, crafts by Colorado artists, on display Ridge Rd. For details call Councilor 710 10th St. Doors open at 7 p.m., movie and ready for purchase at the Foothills Saoirse Charis-Graves at 303-279-7529 or begins at 8 p.m. Visit www.alpinerescue team.org for more information.

Art Center, 809 15th St. Shop for gifts scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net. in all price ranges. Admission is free.

Dec. 10 Golden Concert Choir For details call 303-278-3922 or visit Dec. 3 Golden High School 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar with the Denver Pops Orchestra www.foothillsartcenter.org.

Do your gift shopping at the Annual The Golden Concert Choir will perform Golden High School Holiday Bazaar held with the Denver Pops Orchestra at 216 Dec. 2 Candlelight Walk Walk down Washington Avenue, candle by the PTA at Golden High School, 701 S. Grant Street in Denver. Two perforin hand, to the Visitors’ Center to 24th St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose mances at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. featuring marvel at the official lighting of the from a variety of goods from over 60 the eclectic Musicological Journey downtown and creek holiday lights. different vendors, and know you’re through the 12 Days of Christmas, and Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. Stroll on helping with scholarships, after prom many old seasonal favorites. Tickets over to the Golden History Museum party, grants, and more. Includes free are available at the door or online at and History Park for warm cider and parking and admission. www.denverpopsorchestra.org. $15 for roasted chestnuts, along with a free adults and $10 for seniors/students look at GHM’s latest exhibit. At the Dec. 3, 10 & 17 and children.

Golden Library, warm up by the fire Olde Golden Holiday Parades and enjoy tasty treats and entertain- Enjoy parades on Saturdays in December. Dec. 11 The Box from Back East ment for the entire family. Details Bursting with Golden’s charm and holiday at Clear Creek History Park at www.goldenchamber.org or call spirit, this free family tradition is fun for Learn about the day-to-day challenges 303-279-3113. all ages. Details on p. 18. of 1880s homesteaders as we explore the

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2016 TEEN “TOYS” NEEDED FOR TOY DRIVE The Christian Action Guild is getting ready for its annual Santa Shop on Dec. 17. In preparation, they are asking for donations for kids of all ages.

Specifically, they are in need of toys for boys and girls ages 8-13, as well as teen girls and boys. Ideas for teen donations include lotions and body sprays, lip gloss, anything plaid or flannel, art and craft items, sketch pads and pencils and stocking stuffers for all ages.

The CAG is a non-denominational food bank which helps needy families in Golden. In addition, they hold the yearly toy drive to make sure no child is left without during the holidays. The CAG, located at 1401 Ford St., is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 13. contents of a holiday “box from back east” and discover what made each item so welcomed and valued. Enjoy hot tea and homemade cookies from a 19th century recipe. Presented by living history interpreter Priscilla Marshall.

Recommended for participants age 12 and up. Meet at Guy Hill Schoolhouse in Clear Creek History Park at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.goldenhistory.org.

Dec. 15 Christmas Music at the Museum at the Golden History Center The Jefferson Brass Quintet, composed of former and current members of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, will present a short program of Christmas music in a festive setting. This program is free, but seating is limited. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 6 p.m.

Learn more at www.goldenhistory.org.

Dec. 17 Coffee with a Councilor – North Neighborhoods Chat with your District Two Councilor from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Front Porch room of the Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St. For details call Councilor Casey Brown at 303-900-2003 or email cbrown@cityofgolden.net.

Dec. 31 New Year Celebration at the Golden Library Enjoy crafts and activities with your child at the Golden Library from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This is a celebration of the New Year, with a count down and balloon drop right at noon!

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF HOLIDAY EVENTS, GO TO

WWW.VISITGOLDEN.COM

Information is subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm the details of an event. To list a community event happening in Golden, please send your listing to: Golden City Hall, Communications Dept., 911 10th St., Golden, CO 80401, or by e-mail to ktilley@cityofgolden.net. Listings should include the date(s), the event name and a brief description of the event, which may include cost, location and contact information.

Submissions must be received by the first of the month prior to the issue you would like them printed in (i.e., Jan. 1 for the February issue). Call 303-384-8132 with questions or for more information.

FSalesREE and Use

Tax Workshops The City of Golden is hosting FREE Sales and Use Tax workshops taught by our professional staff of auditors and geared toward individuals who need to learn sales and use tax concepts on an in-depth level.

The workshops will be held in the Golden City Hall Conference Room, City Hall, 911 10th St. Dec. 7, 2016................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Jan. 4, 2017................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Although these classes are free, space is limited.

Please call 303-384-8024 for your reservation.

FREE

Building Use Tax Workshop The City of Golden is hosting a FREE Building Use Tax Workshop taught by our professional staff of auditors.

Class is geared toward individuals who need to learn about building use tax concepts on an in-depth basis.

The workshop will be held in the Golden City Hall Conference Room, City Hall, 911 10th St. Feb. 1, 2017.................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Class is free, but space is limited.

Please call 303-384-8024 for your reservation.

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2017 Claim Form for 2016 Sales Tax Refund The sales tax refund is limited to senior, low-income or disabled individuals who have lived within the city limits of Golden for at least 90 consecutive days in 2016 and cannot be claimed as a dependent on any other person’s tax return. The refund amount for 2016 is $50. This will be adjusted for partial year residency in Golden and partial year at age 65.

Please check one box only: q Senior Refund (must be 65 years or older) q Low Income Refund

Proof required. Attach a photocopy of one of the following: • State of Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate approval notification • Proof of Medicaid benefits • Proof of LEAP eligibility • Proof of eligibility for food stamps

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Disabled Refund

Proof required. Attach a photocopy of one of the following: • State of Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate approval notification • Proof of full benefits from Social Security Disability Income, SSI or the Department of Human Services • Proof of total disability from a public or private insurance plan

Please print or type: Name: Mr(s).

Age: Date of Birth: Name: Mr(s).

Age: Date of Birth: Address: Golden, CO ZIP: Phone: How many months did you reside in the city limits of Golden during 2016? months Were you claimed as a dependent on any other person’s income tax form? q yes q no Signature:

Signature: This form must be submitted by no later than April 15, 2017.

Refund Donation Option: You have the option to donate your refund to a City of Golden program or department by checking one of the boxes below: qGolden Volunteer Fire Department qGolden Cemetery qGolden Senior Front Porch qOther City program or department (please identify): Office Use Only:

Account #013031-6190

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Vendor #

Received

Payable

A successful historic rehab project in the 9th Street Historic District. The old dilapidated wood entryway (left) was replaced with a beautiful brick walkway, stairs and porch as well as new landscaping.

State Tax Credits Available

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FOR HISTORIC REHAB PROJECTS

pplying for tax credit is simple. There are great YOU’RE QUALIFIED, SO WHAT’S NEXT? information outlets available to the property owner 1. Submit Part 1 of the tax credit application to the Historic to research, obtain and use when navigating the Preservation Board (HPB) for review. Contact the Board application process. Start by visiting www.historycolorado.org/ through the City of Golden Planning Department at 303-384oahp/available-programs.

8097 or email Planning@cityofgolden.net.

2. HPB will determine that all costs submitted for a tax credit DOES MY PROPERTY EVEN QUALIFY? are “qualified costs”. Check with HPB for specifics.

The Colorado Historic Society recently updated the guidelines.

3. HPB will then decide that the proposed project is a “qualified First, determine the eligibility of the property. rehabilitation,” which means any exterior, structural, • Is it 50+ years old? mechanical, plumbing or electrical improvements • Are you the property owner or tenant with at least undertaken to restore, rehabilitate or preserve the historic a five-year lease? character of a qualified property.

• Is it historically designated?

4. Pay applicable fees ($250) for Part 1 application. Part 2 fees - On a State Register of Historic Places, or can be assessed up to $750. Part 2 will be initiated after - Landmarked by a Certified Local Government approval of Part 1.

Second, determine the eligibility of the project.

TIPS: • Project must involve physical preservation, restoration or • Make sure you take photos of all work done. You will need rehabilitation and must preserve the historic character of “before and after” photo proof of work. the property.

• Keep a good spreadsheet of all work done on the project • Project must meet certain preservation standards and that pertains to that which is eligible i.e. all hard costs for rehab costs must exceed $5,000. As of July 2015, new the “old” part of the structure. projects can have unlimited time to complete the process, • Fill out Part 1 of the tax credit application prior to starting whereas before it had to be completed within 24 months the work. If you have already started, get the unfinished of starting. work lined out and get costs to complete estimate.

Available credit for total project costs can be up to 25 Bear in mind this is only a summary of the process that percent of rehab costs to a $50,000 maximum per property. needs to be completed in order to apply for tax credits The credits on your State tax return are true dollar for dollar for your project. For more information, contact the HPB amounts and you have 10 years to take these credits. Check at 303-384-8097 or Planning@cityofgolden.net and visit that the State’s general fund is able to fund each project. www.h-co.org/statetaxcredit.

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Golden Community Center activities calendar TYKES Holiday Sing-a-long - #33035 Join Miss Stephanie in a fun opportunity for the whole family to sing favorite holiday songs! Our family music class is perfect for children of all ages, focusing on ages 1-10. Infants under 6 months are free.

Age: 6 months – 10 years Min/Max: 8 families/20 kids Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $10 EACH for first 2 children $3 for each additional child

DANCE ARTS Nutcracker Ballet Golden Dance Arts to is very proud to be presenting our 3rd annual Nutcracker Ballet headed up by Tighe Burg. We hope that you will join us for this production and make it a part of your family tradition.

The production is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Oriental Theatre. There are two shows, one at 3:30 p.m. and one at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or ten tickets for $70. You can purchase tickets at www.theorientaltheater.com. For more information, contact Tighe at 720-266-0848.

Holiday Dance Show Golden Dance Arts is also presenting our annual Holiday Show scheduled at the Buffalo Rose on Saturday, Dec. 17. We will present two shows, with the first one at 1 p.m. and the second one at 3 p.m.

This is a free event, so bring your friends and family.

AQUATICS Swim Class Registration: Spring Swim Lessons (January - April) Residents, Monday Dec. 12 Non-Residents, Tuesday Dec. 13

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GCC Preschool Best of the Best

he Golden Community Center (GCC) Preschool is the first licensed preschool program in Jefferson County to receive a perfect score for quality education! All licensed programs must go through this process from Colorado Shines, which gives a rating from one to five. The GCC Preschool received five out of five diamonds… a perfect score. This means that our preschool not only meets, but exceeds all standards for best practices in the State of Colorado.

This rating involves the education and credentials of teachers. Teachers also receive continued intensive training in making the Golden Community Preschool a quality program. Parent and community involvement are also rated, our parents and families help us with enrichment events, activities, fundraisers, community helpers, field trips and much more. It takes a village!

Our program reflects our positive relationships with students, positive approaches to health and safety and of course a passion for our paths to creating a rich learning experience for everyone!

Congratulations to the GCC Preschool staff, and thank you for your incredible efforts to support and provide excellent services to our kids!

Lifeguard Training - #11012-02

For more information regarding the age and requirements, please visit rec.cityofgolden.net.

Tuesday – Friday, Dec. 27- 30 (Jefferson County Winter Break) 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. $175 Resident, $200 Non-resident

This American Red Cross (ARC) designed course is one of the National Standards for Lifeguard Employment. To receive certification, candidates must complete required reading, actively participate in all classes, correctly demonstrate all skills, perform the final skills scenarios Well-qualified candidates who sucsatisfactorily, and pass the final cessfully complete this course are eligiwritten exam with a minimum of 80 ble for immediate employment opportupercent correct in each of the sections. nities at the Golden Community Center.

For more information and to register, visit https://rec.cityofgolden.net.

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Check out the Golden Community Center’s Front Porch designed specifically for active adults.

The Front Porch offers respite and entertainment, coffee and healthy snacks. There is a full schedule of games, sports, social events, and trips. Shoot some pool, surf the internet, work on a puzzle, or just relax before you hit your next fitness class.

Things To Do If You Are Alone for the Holidays

by Laurie Stoneham & Lindsay Kolowich

A Gathering to Celebrate the Holidays In December, in lieu of Celebrate Health! we will be having a Holiday Potluck on Friday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m.

Please join us and bring something to share with the group (note: no desserts, please).

**Massage and Reflexology appointments will still be available on Friday, Dec. 2. Please contact the Front Porch to make an appointment, 303-384-8130.

Golden Book Club This group meets in the Front Porch generally on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

This month’s book: Go Set a Watchman by John Muir If you are interested in joining, please stop in or email Jan Bradbury, bobjanbradbury@comcast.net.

DECEMBER TRIP Colorado Symphony Orchestra A Colorado Christmas #354400-1 Saturday, Dec. 10, 1:15 to 6 p.m.

Symphony begins at 2:30 p.m. $40 - Transportation and admission included.

Exertion Level 2 The warm sounds of the holidays fill Boettcher Concert Hall in this annual Christmas spectacular full of new surprises. This season’s celebration focuses on the music and magic of the season, showcasing the Colorado Symphony’s annual collaboration with the Colorado Children’s Chorale and the Colorado Symphony Chorus.

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or a variety of reasons, many of us find ourselves alone for the holidays. With the emphasis on families and being with others, the holidays can be an especially lonely and trying time, even for those of us who are usually okay being on our own. But don’t worry, there are many things you can do to make the holidays a little less lonely when you’re alone: 1. De-mythologize and 6. Reach out adjust expectations 7. Remember your bonds 2. Pick up the phone and blessings 3. Be proactive 8. Help others 4. Plan an outing 9. Get through the day 5. Pamper yourself 10. Travel While it can be fun to fill the holiday with travel and fun activities, there is something to be said about making time to tackle some of the things that have been collecting dust: 1. Play around with new technology 2. Write thank-you notes 3. Schedule all your appointments 4. Start building a habit 5. Learn a new skill for a job or hobby

6. Make reservations for future plans and trips 7. Catch up on reading 8. Volunteer 9. Exercise 10. Set goals for next year

The holidays can be a lonely time, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel alone. Stay focused on acknowledging and meeting your needs, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the holidays are over. http://psychcentral.com/lib/10-things-to-doif-youre-alone-for-the-holidays/ http://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/productive-holiday-ideas#sm.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Stop by The Front Porch, upstairs at the Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St. • Call 303-384-8130.

Check out the Golden Community Center’s Recreate activity guide. • Visit www.cityofgolden.net/links/FrontPorch.

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Top 10 Artifacts Collected in 2016

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anaging thousands of items in the City of Golden’s museum collection can be a daunting task, so it’s gratifying to look back over the year and celebrate a few of the bigger accomplishments. Some highlights include the completion of four major conservation projects and opening Epic Events, a new permanent timeline exhibit showcasing over 90 amazing artifacts. And that’s not all—over 70 new donations were processed. Here are ten of my favorites.

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A photograph of the interior of the Golden Market, c. 1920s, donated by Bonnie Fairchild. This small grocery was once located at 1217 Washington Avenue.

Several photographs of the Golden Shooting Club, c. 1910, donated by Melinda Koenig Reed.

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C andy Country USA film, c. 1972, donated by Ron Todd.

Dorothy Harmsen narrates this factory tour of the world famous Jolly Rancher candy company. Stop by the Golden History Center where you can view this 25-minute film filled with candy goodness in the new permanent exhibit Epic Events.

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A press photo of a two-headed, six-legged turtle at the Golden Pet Shop, 1970, purchased by museum (the photo, not the turtle!). This little freak of nature once attracted visitors to Golden from near and far.

T wo Hakushika Sake bottles donated by Gerry Brown.

Hakushika Sake, USA, opened a brewery at the Coors Tech Center in November 1992, where they brewed sake with Rocky Mountain spring water. The brewery operated until 1999.

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G E Appliance Meyer Hardware sign, c. 1950s, donated by Steve Schaefer. Steve’s grandparents, Joe and Ruby Meyer, opened Meyer Hardware & Sporting Goods in 1945 on Washington Avenue.

This new acquisition is currently on view in Show & Tell at the Golden History Center.

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F oss Drug Co. milk bottle, c. 1920s, donated by Carl Eriksson. The donor found it years ago under the porch of a house he was renting while attending the Colorado School of Mines. In the 1920s Foss Drug sold its own line of dairy products, including milk, cream, and ice cream.

8&9

Castle Rock Mountain Railway & Park brochure and real photo postcard of a jovial railway conductor with visitors, c. 1913, purchased by museum. While a very short-lived tourist enterprise, it still captures the imagination. The brochure refers to Castle Rock as “The Sentinel of the Rockies” and also “a paradise of camera enthusiasts.”

If you have a piece of Golden history you’d like to offer the museum, please contact me at mdodge@goldenhistory.org.

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Q uilt by long-time Golden resident Eugenia Mitchell titled “Flower Garden with Fence” donated by Susan Speer. Mitchell is best remembered as the founder of the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum.

Happy Holidays, Mark Dodge, Curator All photos courtesy of: Golden History Museums, City of Golden Collection.

Golden History Museums Astor House Museum (822 12th St.) and Golden History Center (923 10th St.) • Call ahead or check website for hours and special event details.

Clear Creek History Park (11th and Arapahoe) • Open daily sunrise to sunset. • 303-278-3557 • www.GoldenHistory.org

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Olde Golden Holiday Parades December 3, 10 & 17

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he Old Golden Holiday parades are a fun, family favorite during the month-long holiday celebrations in Golden. The parades happen on the first three Saturdays in December, and are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Featuring floats of all shapes and sizes, marching bands, and colorful characters, these parades are the essence of charm in historic Golden! Clap along as we welcome the return of the Colorado School of Mines Marching Band after a three-year absence. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, as each parade ends with a group Christmas Macarena dance in the streets. When the parade ends, kids can catch a ride in the wooden carts pulled by the adorable Newfoundland dogs, or hitch a ride for the whole family on the Holiday Hayrides.

The Holiday Parades start at 10:30 a.m. on Washington Avenue and 10th Street.

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After the parade, enjoy the day in historic downtown Golden. Local shops offer unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list. Relax and re-fuel at any of the numerous local restaurants for a post-parade lunch. Come for the parade, but plan to spend the day in downtown

Golden shopping, dining, and visiting the local breweries and distilleries.

For more information on these parades, go to www.goldenchamber.org and www.visitgolden.com or call 303-279-3113.

Tree Sales Support Local Charity

ou don’t have to go far to get your Christmas tree this year. The Golden Optimists are selling them at the tree lot in the parking lot at U.S. Bank, 1801 Jackson St. They are on sale now through Christmas Eve, or until the supply runs out. The tree lot is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Boy Scout Troop 329 will be on hand helping with sales. The proceeds from the tree sales benefit the bicycle recycle program, as well as other Optimists’ community activities including a Golden High School oratory contest, help with supplies for local schools, contributions to local food banks and projects with Boy Scout troops.

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HOLIDAY ART MARKET Find unique gifts of all shapes and sizes, created by local artists. The Holiday Art Market is a Golden tradition at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. Shop now through the end of December for handcrafted gifts ranging from ceramics and woodworking to glasswork, jewelry and paintings.

Admission to the Holiday Art Market is free.

For details and hours, call 303-279-3922 or visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.

Downtown Parking Plan

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STILL INCLUDES TWO HOURS FREE

he City Council has approved a few refinements to the public parking plan for downtown Golden. The new plan will go into effect in January 2017. Check out the map and you’ll see all of the downtown streets that currently have parking will be available as 2-hour free parking, much like it is now. Council made this decision in order to maximize the convenience for local residents patronizing the downtown during the affected hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

Downtown employees, and residents of this small area that purchase an annual permit, will be able to park on the outlying streets shown in black and the two parking structures and portion of the Arapahoe Street lot shown in blue.

Visitors wanting to stay longer than two hours will be able to utilize the pay stations and phone app (described in last month’s Informer) to park in the areas shaded in blue and yellow, including the two parking structures and the Arapahoe Street lots. These areas will also be free for the first two hours.

For the latest information on these programs and to learn more about the phone app, visit www.cityofgolden.net/DowntownParking.

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ILLUMINATING THE HOLIDAYS

hen you walk along Clear Creek under the beautiful glow of holiday lights, give thanks to the people who put them there. The City’s Parks and Rec crew consists of ten men and women who devote an entire month to putting up and taking down the lights. Between Clear Creek, the Clear Creek History Park and South Golden Road, City crews put up about 300,000 lights! “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s time well spent,” says Parks Supervisor Shawn Sprenger. “We understand the value the lights bring to people who want to get in the holiday spirit, and to the shops downtown who benefit from the added holiday cheer.”

In addition, a contractor is hired to illuminate the downtown streetscape and the Washington Avenue bridge. That’s another estimated 26,000 lights. The City converted to all LED lights about five years ago. The energy-efficient lights save the City money and also help to meet our sustainability goals. The official lighting of the lights is in conjunction with the Candlelight Walk on Friday, Dec. 2. As part of a tradition throughout the metro area, the holiday lights will stay up through the Stock Show in mid-January.

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID GOLDEN, CO PERMIT #26

POSTAL PATRON

2016

Holiday calendar at visitgolden.com