Golden Informer December 2019

GoldenInformer DECEMBER 2019

Ho Ho

HOLIDAY EVENTS

INSERT: 2020 RECYCLING CALENDAR

2019 Golden City Council

Marjorie Sloan Mayor

Saoirse Charis-Graves District One

Rob Reed Ward One

Paul Haseman Ward Two

Casey Brown Mayor Pro Tem District Two

Jim Dale Ward Three

Laura Weinberg Ward Four

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

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

303-431-9891 E-mail: rreed @cityofgolden.net

303-513-2310 E-mail: phaseman @cityofgolden.net

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

303-916-0810 E-mail: jdale @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 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.

Cover: © Photo by Richard Myrup.

4 A Farewell Letter from Mayor Sloan 7 GOLDEN CIVIC CENTER Let's Start Planning 5 Meet Your New Council Members 6 What to do with US 6 & Heritage 6 Council Considers Ban on Flavored Tobacco 7 L atest Engagement Opportunities 14 -15 INSERT 8 G olden Hunger Assessment 2020 Trash and Recycling Calendar 9 M ayor’s Award Winners 16 -17 A Snapshot of Golden History 10-11 Holiday Activities 19 12 Keeping Your Holidays Green 13 A Sustainable Future 15 Winter Safety Reminders Community Potential

Community Goals

Civic Center

Please write to: City of Golden 911 10th St., Golden, CO 80401 Attn: Karlyn Tilley Call 303-384-8132 or e-mail ktilley@cityofgolden.net.

Golden’s Future

Community Engagement

Cultural Activities

City of Golden Department Managers

Jason Slowinski City Manager

Carly Lorentz Deputy City Manager

Dan Hartman Public Works

Steve Glueck Comm. & Econ.

Development

Monica Mendoza City Clerk

Rod Tarullo Parks and Recreation

Bill Kilpatrick Police

Alicia Welch Fire Chief

Jeff Hansen Finance

Teresa Reilly Human Resources

Karlyn Tilley Communications

Jiles McCoy Innovation and Technology

303-384-8012 303-384-8063 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 clorentz@ jmccoy@ dhartman@ sglueck@ mmendoza@ rtarullo@ bkilpatrick@ awelch@ jhansen@ treilly@ ktilley@ jslowinski@ cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net 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 Census 2020 What is the Census? As mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Census is a once-every-decade count of everyone living in the country. When the U.S. Census Bureau knows how many people live here, our community, orga-nizations, and businesses are better equipped to evalu-ate the services and programs needed, such as clinics, schools, and roads. It also determines how seats in Congress are distributed among the 50 states. In March of 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will send every household an invitation to complete a simple questionnaire about who lives at your address. You will have until the end of July 2020 to respond online, by phone, or by mail, and federal law keeps those responses safe and secure. For more details, visit 2020CENSUS.GOV.

New Trash & Recycling Calendar For residents on the City’s City of Golden PAYT Program • 2020 Recycle Calendar trash and recycling program If your scheduled service day falls on through Alpine Waste, you a HOLIDAY or any day a�er, service is one day delayed. will find the 2020 calendar Holidays for 2020 inserted into this edition of the Informer, between pages 14 – 15. Feel free to pull it out RED = Holiday and put it on your fridge or GREEN = Recycle bulletin board to ensure you GRAY = Compost Need Compost have the correct schedule Service? Give us a call to set up today. throughout the year.

303-744-9881 Also included is a helpful list of the items that are recyclable. For any questions about the calendar, contact Alpine Waste & Recycling at 303-277-8727, email golden@alpinewaste.com, or visit their website at www.alpinewaste.com.

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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.

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City Holiday Hours The City of Golden's administrative offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the holidays. The Golden Community Center (GCC) will be open for modified hours from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 and closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25. The GCC will also run on modified hours from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Happy Holidays!

Colorado Gives Day Dec. 10

Dec. 5 Regular business meeting

Dec. 12 Rescheduled regular business 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.

Join thousands of Coloradans to support local nonprofits on Tuesday, Dec. 10 for Colorado Gives Day. This annual statewide movement celebrates and increases philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. Please consider donating to one of our local Golden nonprofits. Visit ColoradoGives. org/cogivesday and search for nonprofits that are in Golden and/or benefit our city. You don’t have to wait to donate. Through the website, you can also schedule a donation in advance.

December 2019

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor

Marjorie Sloan

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Thanks for the Memories

or the last eight years, I have been privileged to be Mayor of Golden--our family town, our foothills town, our historic town, our creekside town, and our university town. Throughout these years, the essence of Golden has remained the same despite inevitable changes: structures that have fallen and risen and newcomers who have contributed their talents and expectations.

The outside world has discovered Golden as a destination and recreational hub. Even President Obama came for a visit. His initial remark was “It’s so beautiful here, I don’t know how you get any work done.”

But his initial impression was wrong. The people of Golden do work. Together, we work to define our town, maintain its character, and serve its changing needs. Before writing this column, I looked back over eight years of city council minutes and Golden Informer issues. From this compressed-time view, I realized the breathtaking sweep of work undertaken by residents, board members, community groups, city staff, city council, and partner entities.

The review refreshed my memory on so many issues that we discussed, decided, and acted upon. Major community accomplishments included sustainability progress, transportation improvements, infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing measures, zoning code changes, event management, communication strategies, real-property purchases, and more. The list is not endless, but it is too long to detail here.

There is enough space, however, to emphasize just one sphere of action: intentional efforts to foster our community’s mental, physical, and social well-being. A healthy town beckons residents of all ages and abilities to enjoy connections with each other, our public spaces, and the outdoor environment.

To this end, the City expanded recreational opportunities with purchased parkland, the Ulysses Skate Park, improved neighborhood playgrounds, the Bike Library, and the remodeled Golden Library. Attractive and scenic pathways now allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely across 6th Avenue, along both sides of the Clear Creek Corridor, and next to 44th Avenue toward Grampsas Park. The spectacular Mouth of the Canyon segment of the Peaks to Plains Trail is under construction – and brushes by the flourishing Golden Community Garden.

At traditional and new events, residents gather and share our town’s spirit. For example, all of downtown Golden is luminous, celebratory, and uplifting during the Candlelight Walk and throughout the holiday season. The grassroots Better Block Party stimulated a rebirth of Miners Alley. Similarly, the Public Arts Commission enhanced our town’s atmosphere and cultural identity with creative works of art. As an organizational matter, the downtown urban renewal project expired and residents voted to support our historic core through a Downtown Development Authority.

Health-related legislation was enacted, too. Guided by a volunteer task force and much public input, Council opted out of the sale of recreational marijuana in 2014. The City prohibited smoking and vaping in much of downtown Golden, our parks, and trails.

This month, Council will consider raising the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco and vaping products. In conjunction with a child-safe gun storage ordinance, a generous resident provided the bonus of donated gun safes as prizes at the Golden Police Department’s annual (and fun) Night Out in the Park.

Golden’s past shows that it has what it takes for the future: a strong sense of shared purpose, forward-thinking leadership, honesty about our challenges, openness to new ideas, and a working relationship between the private, social, academic, and public sectors. It’s been an honor to serve with the residents of Golden, my former and current colleagues, and all the city employees. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives.

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Meet Your New Elected Officials

early half of all registered voters in the City of Golden voted in the November election. It’s one of the higher voter turnout rates in Jefferson County, according to the Jeffco Elections Office. With more than 6,000 votes overall, Goldenites elected a new mayor and two council members.

Laura Weinberg will now serve as the 38th Mayor of Golden. She fills the seat vacated by Marjorie Sloan, who served as mayor for the past eight years. Laura currently holds the position of Ward Four Councilor for which she has served since 2014.

Her Ward seat will be filled at a special election, with a date to be determined.

The new District One Councilor is JJ Trout. She fills the seat of Councilor Saoirse Charis-Graves, who is term-limited.

District Two Councilor Casey Brown was re-elected for a second term. You are invited to join us at the City Council meeting on Jan. 9, 2020 to recognize the outgoing council members and swear-in the newly elected officials.

MAYOR

DISTRICT ONE COUNCILOR

DISTRICT TWO COUNCILOR

“I am excited in 2020 for the opportunities to shape Golden’s future with a strategic plan and to envision the future of the Clear Creek Corridor.

Our biggest challenge is how to tackle tough issues as a community in a way that encourages creative thinking and collaborative problemsolving. We need to move away from polarizing frameworks that are driving divisions in our community and start working together. I’m excited to see the new community engagement plan in action and to focus city efforts on improving transparency.

Golden is an amazing place and it means so much to me to have the trust of the community to lead our city into the 2020s.”

“In my Golden Informer campaign article, I concluded that in small towns, every voice should be heard and represented. I promised to listen and make full use of my roots and experience to make our beautiful views even brighter. It is an honor to be elected to serve each Golden resident and to have the chance to fulfill this commitment. Thank you for allowing me the privilege.

Because relationships are what make change, I am excited to start there in 2020. Let’s find better ways to connect, include more voices, understand what matters, partner regionally, and collaborate on the best solutions for Golden. I am going to work hard to represent you. To partner with others to keep making Golden a vibrant, healthy, sustainable, and safe place to live. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

“The biggest challenge for 2020 will be our effort to engage the community to get your input and ideas for the proposed Civic Center and Clear Creek Corridor project. This is truly a unique opportunity to re-imagine how Golden’s civic institutions and important culturals fit into the built environment of downtown Golden. It’s a critical opportunity for us to protect, preserve, and expand access and amenities on the Creek, while also minimizing the negative impacts. If we get this right, the positive effects of this project will reverberate for the next 100 years.

I am truly honored to have been reelected to the Council at this critical moment. Residents may not always agree with the decisions I make, but I hope the support I received in the election reflects appreciation for the work I’ve done over the last four years to address the issues and challenges that concern them the most.”

Laura Weinberg

JJ Trout

Casey Brown

December 2019

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Help Design the Future of US 6 and Heritage Road

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arly next year, the City, along with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), will begin design of an interchange at US 6 and Heritage Road. The design cost is covered by a $2.4 million grant along with $450,000 from the City and $150,000 from Jefferson County.

Construction of the project will cost closer to $30 million and is not yet funded, but we have a much better chance of getting funding from the state if we have a great design plan first.

That’s where you come in. In 2020, the City will provide many ways for you to get involved so you can give us your ideas and feedback.

The first meeting will be early in the year and will focus on the community’s desired outcomes for the project. Do you want better traffic flow? Are you looking for more bike and pedestrian access? We invite you to give us your

thoughts. Watch for more information in the January/February edition of the Informer. We will also begin posting engagement opportunities on www.GuidingGolden.com in 2020.

The design process is expected to take about a year and a half to complete as we incorporate your feedback, do

proper engineering, and get all needed environmental clearances. Throughout the design process, the City, County, and CDOT will be searching for funding to construct the final design plan. For more information, contact Dan Hartman at dhartman@cityofgolden.net.

CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS CHANGES TO TOBACCO POLICY IN GOLDEN City Council is considering Ordinance 2118 regarding the regulation of nicotine and tobacco products. Ordinance 2118, as written, proposes the following actions:

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• T o raise the legal age to purchase and consume nicotine or tobacco products in Golden from 18 to 21 years of age.

• T o require all retailers that sell any nicotine or tobacco products, including cigarettes, to obtain a license from the City.

• T o prohibit the sale of all flavored nicotine, tobacco, and vaping products, including nicotine-free vapor products, within the City, regardless of age. This includes flavors such as mint and menthol.

PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Council Chambers, 911 10th St. To provide input and public comment on this ordinance, please send an email to City Council at councilcomments@ cityofgolden.net or attend the public hearing on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 911 10th Street, Golden.

• T o designate violations of the underage restriction and prohibition on the purchase or consumption of nicotine or tobacco products as civil in nature instead of criminal. This means that violations could result in a fine of $100-$400 or a tobacco or vaping education course.

6 | December 2019

GUIDING GOLDEN Here is a look at how your active participation is helping to shape the future of Golden.

Visit these pages to access documents and learn more about these projects.

Community Potential

BIG IDEA: CIVIC CENTER

Golden’s Future

The City of Golden has purchased 7.27 acres of land and a large building east of Ford Street along the Clear Creek Corridor. This now gives the Golden community Community Community Engagement the opportunity to address several longstanding community goals including: Goals enhancing civic and cultural community activities, realizing the potential of the creek corridor, and consolidating and improving municipal facilities and service Cultural Civic Activities delivery. This is an exciting legacy project for the city that will be successful Center with the engagement and input from our whole community. We look forward to hearing ideas and collectively brainstorming on what Golden's future will be! Subscribe to the Guiding Golden page to make sure you know about all the newest information and opportunities to engage on this project!

TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN Transportation Master Plan (TMP). This draft was reviewed in depth during a November study session with members of City Council, Planning Commission, and the Mobility and Transportation Advisory Board. During the month of November, our consultant team worked to incorporate the comments received from both the study session and the public comments via Guiding Golden. The public was able to comment on the TMP draft during the month of November. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18 to review the TMP for adoption. Final approval by City Council is tentatively planned for Jan. 23, 2020.

WEST DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN A draft of the West Downtown neighborhood plan has been available on Guiding Golden since the end of October. The Planning Division has been working with the Planning Commission to make final policy changes to the document prior to adoption in early 2020. The public is still encouraged to comment on the draft between now and the future public hearings.

CODE AUDIT Do you have any experience using Golden’s zoning code? We need to hear from you!

The City of Golden just started a comprehensive project to review and revise its zoning code and entitlement review processes. The first phase of this project is to identify strengths and weaknesses of the code. We want to hear from those who have experience with the code and land use processes. If you would like to provide your input, please visit https://www.guidinggolden.com/code-changes to fill out the brief survey. The Planning Division will continue this process into January/February of 2020. Please help us gather information by completing the survey.

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

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 • 6:30 - 9 p.m.

American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden Refreshments provided.

PRIORITIZING Our Community’s

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

POSTAL PATRON

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES Help us prioritize sustainability efforts for the Golden community by taking the survey on Guiding Golden. Your input will be used to help update the City of Golden Sustainability Strategic Plan, which is a roadmap to meeting Golden’s ambitious sustainability goals.

December 2019

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Assessing Hunger in Golden JOIN IN ON THE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Wednesday, Jan. 15 • 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St.

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You are invited to be a key part of HFG’s planning efforts. Join in on a Community Conversation from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St. All members of the community are welcome. This is a chance to engage with each other, share knowledge, and give input on strategies and action that will best address food insecurity and hunger in Golden. For more information about Hunger Free Golden, contact Bethany Thomas at 303-279-2188 or bethany@calvarygolden.net.

e all know that we are at our best when we have enough to eat, but for too many members of our community, having enough to eat is a struggle, especially enough healthy and nutritious food.

At the beginning of 2019, Hunger Food Waste Free Golden (HFG), a community collaborative with a common focus Consumption on identifying and addressing the challenges many members of the Golden community face in providing for their food needs, embarked on completing a comprehensive food assessment.

The mission was to identify and gain a deeper understanding of food-related issues and assets in our community for those who are experiencing food Preparation insecurity and hunger.

Members of the collaborative have Access been working together successfully for several years now. However, this required an independent evaluation 2) A lack of transportation options in consultant to help compile data different parts of the community is a gathered by HFG and write a report key issue for those trying to access that would include an environmental retail food outlets and/or food scan of local demographics and food resources, a needs assessment, a look resources. at existing efforts and their impact, 3) L ow SNAP (food stamps) enrollment, and recommendations on potential for a variety of reasons such as strategies that will bring lasting, positive stigma and lack of awareness, change. creates a barrier to participating FIVE KEY FINDINGS in this vital nutrition assistance FROM THE ASSESSMENT: program.

1) M any residents are unaware of 4) G olden’s strong sense of community available food resources and how supports the organizations already to access them due to inadequate working together and potential new communication and information sharing. partnerships that may develop.

Production Processing

Local Food System

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Transport

Distribution 5) F ood insecurity and hunger are present on the Mines campus.

The findings of the Golden Community Food Assessment Report were presented to the Jefferson County Public Health Food Policy Council in August and to the Golden City Council in September. Using a strategic road mapping framework, planning efforts are already underway.

To view the report and the accompanying interactive map online, go to guidinggolden.com/hunger-free-golden.

HFG meetings are open to the public and occur the second Monday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m., at the Public Works/ Planning Department Conference Room, 1445 10th St.

Mayor’s Awards of Excellence

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great crowd turned out for the annual Mayor's Community Event in late October. At the event, Mayor Marjorie Sloan recognized the winners of this year’s Awards for Excellence. We want to take this moment to recognize the men and women who’ve made outstanding contributions to our community.

Mayor Sloan, CSM President Paul Johnson, and Garrett Lukken with Congressman Ed Perlmutter’s Office with the 2019 Mayor’s Award winners.

BRANDON BORTLES & NOAH CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HEANEY, both Golden residents, 2019 MAYOR’S AWARD WINNERS: own competing restaurants: Brandon GOLDEN UNITED is a non-partisan, owns Abejas, and Noah co-owns resident-driven effort launched in 2017 to engage Golden area members across all walks of life to find common ground and act with respect and dignity in strengthening the community. This organization is an example of democracy in action “of the people, and for the people.”

Miners Saloon. Instead of focusing on competing for customers, they decided to work together to bring more diverse dining options to downtown Golden.

Together they are making a significant contribution to Golden’s economy, our culinary options, our social gathering CHAD WACHS launched AU Wireless places, and our sense of community. in 2015 to see if he could create a low- The prestigious Gold Mine Award went cost community broadband system and to FIGHTING HUNGER AT MINES, has grown into a full-fledged co-op with a unique campus group dedicated to more than 300 service members. Chad, improving the physical and mental along with the board of directors, one employee, and three contractors, has health of students at Mines and the accomplished all of this while serving Golden community. Their programming as a full-time firefighter in another addresses pervasive food insecurity jurisdiction and as a volunteer with the on college campuses, while raising awareness to local food resources Golden Fire Department.

GOLDEN LIONS CLUB has been and educating students on healthy eating habits. serving the Golden community since The surprise of the evening came 1942. Standing behind the International when City Manager Jason Slowinski Lions Club motto of “We Serve”, they have tracked over 8,000 hours of presented a special “Mayor of Excellence volunteer service in 2019. The Lions Club Award” to outgoing Mayor Marjorie has shown their commitment to making Sloan, who has served as Golden’s mayor the City of Golden a better place to live, for the last eight years. Mayor Sloan will work, and play. leave behind her seat on City Council

City Manager Jason Slowinski presents Mayor Marjorie Sloan with the "Mayor of Excellence" award.

but her legacy of leadership, vision, and trailblazing will not soon be forgotten.

The night began with a special performance by local guitarist Derek DeMuth, whose percussive fingerstyle guitar playing was enjoyed by all. The night concluded with Dr. Martin Carcasson, a Professor in the Communication Studies Department of Colorado State University and founder of the CSU Center for Public Deliberation, who gave the keynote address.

He inspired the crowd with ideas on how to improve public communication, community problem-solving, and collaborative decision-making.

December 2019

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

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF HOLIDAY EVENTS,

GO TO VISITGOLDEN.COM Dec. 6 Candlelight Walk The Golden tradition continues – bring your candles and your carols and join in the fun on Washington Avenue. A night full of activities all along the creek corridor including the official lighting of the lights. More details on p. 19 or go to VisitGolden.com.

Dec. 6 Candlelight Walk

Dec. 6 to Feb. 16 Holiday Lights Golden will be brighter than ever this year. Thousands of sparkling lights will illuminate Washington Avenue, Clear Creek, Parfet Park, and Golden History Park for a festive place to make new memories. Plan a special night to walk along the creek and make it your most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy the lights starting nightly at dusk (5 p.m.).

Dec. 8 Holiday Concert at the Green Center

Santa Visits Santa will be all over Golden this holiday season, and we want to give you the definitive guide to find him. Find Santa Visit locations at VisitGolden.com.

Saturdays – Dec. 7, 14, 21 Olde Golden Christmas Parades Family fun for all, the parades start at 11 a.m. and feature bands, floats, and colorful characters that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The parades start at Washington Avenue and 10th Street and make their way under the Welcome to Golden arch. See p. 19 or go to VisitGolden.com for more details.

Through Dec. 23 at Colorado Railroad Museum

Dec. 7 Coffee with Councilors Chat with your District councilors at 10 a.m. at the Harmony Village common building, 1001 Cottonwood Circle. You will need to park on Illinois Street and walk into the center of Harmony Village (a very short walk). For details, contact Councilor Saoirse Charis Graves at 303-279-7529, scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net or Councilor Casey Brown at 303-900-2003, cbrown@cityofgolden.net.

Through Dec. 23 at Miners Alley Playhouse

Dec. 7 Golden Concert Choir Join Golden’s beautiful voices for their holiday performance. The Golden Concert Choir will perform lively, evocative music of the season while you munch on mouthwatering baked goods from the bake sale. 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave. The Choir will also provide its musical stylings between Dec. 20 and 23 at the Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave. For details, visit goldenconcertchoir.org.

Dec. 7 GHS Holiday Bazaar Over 90 local artists, one of a kind gifts, and it’s free to the community. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Golden High School, 701 24th St.

10 | December 2019

Through Dec. 29 at Foothills Art Center

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2019 Dec. 8 Jefferson Symphony Holiday Concert Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) returns to Golden to present its Holiday Concert at the newly renovated Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus. 3 p.m. at the Green Center, 924 16th St. For tickets or details call 303-2784237 or visit www.jeffsymphony.org.

Through Dec. 14 Letters to Santa Santa’s elves have a special mailbox at the Golden Visitor’s Center, 1010 Washington Ave. Drop off your letters just in time for the holidays! This magic mailbox has a direct route to the North Pole, so don’t miss your chance!

Through Dec. 23 The Polar Express The story of The Polar Express is theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds, and intrigue of this classic children’s tale. Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave. For tickets and info, visit www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org or call 720-358-0615.

Through Dec. 23 A Christmas Carol This hilarious, fast-paced adaptation uses only five actors to bring Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave. For tickets and info visit www.minersalley.com or call 303-935-3044.

Through Dec. 29 Holiday Art Market

FREE

Sales and Use Tax Workshop The City of Golden is hosting a FREE workshop taught by our professional staff of auditors. Geared toward individuals who want to learn sales and use tax concepts on an in-depth level.

Dec. 4, 2019.................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

The workshop will be held in the Golden City Hall Conference Room, City Hall, 911 10th St. Although this workshop is free, space is limited.

Please call 303-384-8024 for your reservation.

Building Use Tax workshops are available upon request.

Tell them you read about them in the Golden Informer!

In its 45th season, this festive tradition at Foothills Art Center features works from over 100 Colorado artists, all of which make great holiday gifts to take home. Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. For details visit www.foothillsartcenter.org or call 303-279-3922.

Dec. 20 - 22 Dinner and The Perfect Holiday Show!

Come enjoy the classic Holiday Dinner Theater event, Once Upon A Holiday Christmas from Dec. 20 - 22. Rose Event Center, 1119 Washington Ave. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit coloradochristmastheater.com.

For more up to date information or other things to do in Golden, visit 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.

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Golden Community Center activities calendar Golden Community Center Limited Holiday Hours • Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24 – 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 – 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

• New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1 – 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Holiday Closures Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25

AQUATICS 2020 Spring Swim Lesson Registration Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Residents* Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Non-Residents *Not all Golden addresses are within the City Limits. Please check your residency status at https://awiz.jeffco.us/awiz/.

Lifeguard Training

Prerequisites: On the first day of class, each candidate must successfully complete the following skills to continue in the course: - S wim continuously for at least 300 yards - T read water for 2 minutes using only legs - C omplete a timed event where you will swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10 lb. object from a depth of 10 ft. and return it to the starting point. #113000-01 Dec. 30 - Jan. 3 (Jefferson County Winter Break) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. *No class on Jan. 1 $175 Resident, $200 Non-resident

TYKES Holiday Sing-A-Long

Join Miss Stephanie in a fun opportunity for the whole family to sing favorite holiday songs! We will be singing popular family carols and songs about the season while playing along with a variety of instruments and moving to the music. Our family music class is perfect CREATIVE ARTS for children of all ages, focusing on ages The Art of Giving Family Art Night 1-10. Infants under 6 months free, please Bring the whole family along for a night still register them.

Age: 6 months - 10 years of great artsy fun! Create one-of-a-kind Min/Max: 20 kids projects that you can also give as a gift! (please register children individually) All materials provided. Each person in #451315 Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. family attending must register.

(01) Dec. 11 Age: 4 years and older, Min/Max: 7/20 $10 EACH for first two children #453531 Thursday, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

- $7 for each additional child (01) Dec. 5 $20 Resident, $25 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 satisfactorily, and pass the final written exam with a minimum of 80 percent Let’s Have an Artsy New Year Camp correct in each of the sections.

Ring in the New Year with fun and Upon successful completion, the engaging winter craft projects. candidate will receive certification in Age: 5 - 10 years, Min/Max: 7/12 ARC Lifeguard Training, First Aid and #453521 CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Candidate must attend ALL classes to be 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(01) Dec. 30 - Jan. 3 *No class Jan. 1 eligible for certification. No refunds or $60 per Full Day or make-ups due to illness or injury. $230 for all 4 Full Days - Resident Age: Must be 15 years old by $65 per Full Day or completion of course. Proof of $235 for all 4 Full Days - Non-resident birthday required on the first day of class.

Plus $5/day material fee

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

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#453521 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

(02) Dec. 30 - Jan. 3 *No class Jan. 1 $35 per Half Day or $135 for all 4 Half Days - Resident $40 per Full Day or $140 for all 4 Half Days - Non-resident Plus $2.50/day material fee

A Venue with a View Located at the base of the foothills, the Golden Community Center is a venue with a view and perfect for weddings, graduations and other events.

Call Bryan Smith at 303-384-8133 or email bsmith@cityofgolden.net for availability, facility tours and rates.

Make your event special – have it at the Golden Community Center.

W

Help Us Help You

inter weather can provide extra challenges to Golden’s first responders as they try to get to you when you need them. There are some things you can do to help ensure weather doesn’t slow them down.

other obstructions from between the ambulance on the street and the door to a home or business.

• If you have a fire hydrant in or near detached accessory dwelling units your yard, work with neighbors to keep behind their homes. it clear of snow. In an emergency, every second counts. There are about 1,000 • Maintain a clear pathway to your home. We realize that sometimes fire hydrants across the city, so Golden “snow happens” and an emergency Fire appreciates the help keeping them can occur before you have a chance clear of snow (and even obstructive to shovel. This is one of the reasons vegetation throughout the year). why fire trucks often respond to a call • Be mindful of your address numbers for an ambulance. Besides the extra and make sure they are kept visible hands that may be needed for the and not covered by snow. This medical situation, Golden Fire may need to also help clear deep snow or includes addresses for those that have

• Fireplaces and furnaces operate more in the winter months, so be sure to regularly test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarm batteries (we recommend monthly in the winter).

• Make sure the fresh air inlets into your home are not blocked by snow. Be aware of snow accumulation on your roof and near fresh air inlets into crawl spaces or basements. Keeping those clear of snow will not only help your furnaces, fireplaces and hot water heaters work better, it will also minimize the chance of carbon monoxide exposure to you and your family.

For Active Adults at the Golden Community Center The Front Porch offers respite and entertainment, coffee and snacks.

Come shoot some pool, work on a puzzle, or just relax before you hit your next fitness class.

Celebrate Health Appointments Available!

Friday, Dec. 6 Welcome our new Reflexologist, Karol Paul! Appointments are available for Chair Massage and Reflexology ($13 for 15 minutes). Call 303-384-8130 to schedule yours today.

NEW IN 2020!

Golden Book Club

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Plan Holders

Meet in the Front Porch the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

Renew Active™ is coming to the Golden Community Center in January. It’s a new fitness program that can help you stay fit, sharp and ready for what’s next. Available exclusively from UnitedHealthcare® Medicare plans.

December: T he Hunchback of Norte Dame by Victor Hugo If you are interested in joining, please email Jan Bradbury at bobjanbradbury@comcast.net.

Holiday Closure Dates The Front Porch will be closed on the following dates in observance of the holidays: • Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve • Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day • Tuesday, Dec. 31 – New Years Eve • Wednesday, Jan. 1 – New Years Day

Learn more at UHCRenewActive.com.

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S

Fresh Trees for Sale

upport a local non-profit with your purchase of a fresh tree for the holidays.

The Golden Optimists are selling trees in a variety of sizes and species, in the U.S. Bank parking lot at 1900 Jackson St. This is the main annual fundraiser for the Golden Optimists. Proceeds help to sponsor an annual high school oratorical contest, provide school supplies to area schools, contribute to local food banks, sponsor Boy and Girl Scout troops, and operate the Bicycle Recycle Program.

The Optimists have a bike shop next to Connections Learning Center at 1200 Johnson Rd. Volunteers repair donated bicycles and put more than 400 bikes back into the community each year. Your purchase of a tree from the Optimists supports these programs. For more information, visit www.GoldenOptimists.org.

B

Recycle Your Tree

y the time the holidays are over, those of you with real trees notice they are losing their needles and drying up. The City of Golden has an easy way for you to get rid of your tree, and help give it a second life, by turning it into mulch.

Drop off your trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 26 at the former Golden Recycle site, just west of Hwy 93 and north of Golden Gate Canyon Road.

Please leave trees at the south end of the site; there will be a sign there for tree recycling.

Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, hardware, strings of lights and tinsel. 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.

GREEN YOUR HOLIDAY

BE BRIGHT ABOUT YOUR LIGHTS .

SHOP SMART .

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

RECYCLE & UPCYCLE

Did you know?

14 | December 2019

Social, Economic & Environmental Issues

Participate in an upcoming Sustainability Task Force

D

o you have great ideas about sustainability in Golden? Do you want to have an active role in bringing projects to fruition?

Are you ready to dive in and turn the Golden community’s sustainability ideas into action? If so, mark your calendars and join us for one or more upcoming sustainability task force meetings. Each task force meeting will focus on one of the three sustainability goal areas: Water, Waste, or Energy.

During the task force meetings, participants will work with members of the Community Sustainability Advisory Board (CSAB) to evaluate costs and benefits, identify data and resources needed, and help advocate for the top priorities. We need local experts, industry professionals, students, retirees and anyone who is simply interested in the issues. All are welcome and there will be many ways to participate: lend your opinion, help us gather data, spread the word in your neighborhood, or testify at an upcoming City Council meeting. For more information, visit www.cityofgolden.net/newinsustainability or email goldensustainability@cityofgolden.net.

Water Strategy Task Force Dec. 4, 2019 • 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Waste Strategy Task Force Jan. 22, 2020 • 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Energy Strategy Task Force Feb. 26, 2020 • 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Public Works Building, 1445 10th St.

City Hall Council Chambers, 911 10th St.

City Hall Council Chambers, 911 10th St.

TAKE THE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES SURVEY ON GUIDING GOLDEN

L

ast year, the Golden community weighed in on updating the 10-year old Sustainability Goals. With your help, Golden adopted new goals this past February. Now we need your help again to prioritize the great ideas for projects and policies that came from the community.

Head over to Guiding Golden www.guidinggolden.com/prioritizingsustainability-initiatives and take our survey. Your input will be used to prioritize and inform recommendations of new programs by CSAB and will also be used to update the Oct. City of Golden Sustainability Plan. The Wednesday, 9, 2019 • 6:30Strategic - 9 p.m.

Strategic Plan is a road map to meeting Golden's ambitious sustainability American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden goals, including new policies and plans for the next five years.

Refreshments provided.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

PRIORITIZING Our Community’s

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES

Applications Open for New CSAB Student Grant Program

U.

T

he Community Sustainability Advisory Board (CSAB) is pleased to announce a new Student Grant Program which seeks to provide support to school organizations for sustainability projects. The program is open to students within the city limits of Golden working on student-led sustainability projects. Through a competitive selection process, school-basedPOSTAL sustainability projects PATRON will be evaluated and selected by the Board.

Projects should propose to achieve tangible environmental benefits and provide hands-on educational opportunities for students within the current school year. Eligible projects could include addressing issues such as renewable energy, water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste diversion.

Applications for the 2020 school year are currently being accepted. To apply, visit www.cityofgolden.net/sustainabilityed and complete the online application. For questions, email goldensustainability@cityofgolden.net.

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Rounding Out Golden History One Photo at a Time

I

t is not about quantity, but rather quality, when it comes to museum collections. At the Golden History Museum, we’re constantly refining and improving. We added some stellar items this year including a Coors Malted Milk pharmacy jar and the two original Golden cemetery burial registers and map. However, I thought I’d focus on some of our “new” photos. Photos are a strength of the collection, and they make up the finest collection anywhere. A few of my current favorites include:

COORS MALTED MILK EMPLOYEES, 1929 Jodi Hayner allowed us to copy her original, which once belonged to her grandfather. See a copy in the Milking an Opportunity display at the museum.

OASIS SERVICE STATION, ABOUT 1927

WASHINGTON AVENUE LOOKING NORTH, ABOUT 1924

Irene Baena from Wisconsin donated a packet of photos that Our front desk volunteer Larry Thuet surprised us with several included two negatives of Washington Avenue, taken soon amazing photographs of his dad’s service station. The Oasis after the town’s first downtown streetscape was completed.

Service Station, once located at 24th and East Streets, was The photos arrived intact in their Kodak processing envelope the first in town. Thuet and crew also fabricated custom- from Fred Robison’s Golden bookstore. Another favorite is ized portable arc welders and “hay bucks” documented a snapshot of Mr. Beamer driving his horse-drawn door-todoor vegetable wagon. through photos.

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COLORADO SCHOOL OF MINES SCRAPBOOK, 1930-33 Created and owned

by Mines student Ruby Tanton Allan of Oklahoma, this gem is filled with photos of student life at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, tug-o-wars over Clear HOLLAND HOUSE INTERIORS, ABOUT 1965-1970 Greg Holland has continued to uncover great shots of Creek, painting the this venerable institution founded by his grandparents. “M,” Senior Day, and We enlarged one of the Coffee Shop for the new Touch Homecoming.

Gallery (come see for yourself). The set includes several more showcasing the lounge, dining room and a seldom-seen Colorado School of Mines Senior Day shenanigans, 1931. hotel room view.

COORS BUCKSKIN HUNTING PARTY, 1935-1941 Ed Maas brought in his Uncle Maurice Jones’ scrapbook recording the annual company-sponsored hunting parties.

We selected nine of the best to copy, including one of Adolph III with a trophy deer.

CASTLE ROCK RESORT VIEWS, ABOUT 1922 Rare images from the Deeken family in Wisconsin provide a visual record of the 1908 concession stand, lighthouse, and dance hall, none of which exist any longer.

EASLEY AND LINDER FAMILY PHOTOS, ABOUT 1900 Lisa Goodfellow shared her family photos, which included a family gathering for Christmas dinner and a rare view of the Geijsbeek Pottery Company.

BILL HARMSEN OUTSIDE HIS JOLLY RANCHER STORE IN 1949 Grandson John Harmsen brought this one in along with other Jolly Rancher memorabilia from Golden, including the original design for their dynamic neon sign.

DID YOU KNOW?

After photos are cataloged, they are viewable in our online collection at goldenhistory.pastperfectonline.com.

Reprints of many of or photos are available for purchase.

Learn more here: goldenhistory.org/discover-golden/ purchase-photos/ Call and share your Golden-related photographs today.

Happy New Year! Mark Dodge, Curator

Golden History Museum & Park • 923 10th St. • 303-278-3557 Check GoldenHistory.org for hours of operation, calendar of programs, and special event details.

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2020 Claim Form for 2019 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 2019 and cannot be claimed as a dependent on any other person’s tax return.

The refund amount for 2019 is $50. This will be adjusted for partial year residency in Golden and partial year at age 65. Call 303-384-8024 with questions.

Please check one box only:

q q

Senior Refund (must be 65 years or older) 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

q

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: Name: Mr(s).

Age:

Date of Birth: Date of Birth:

Physical Address:

Golden, CO ZIP

Mailing Address:

City

State

ZIP

Phone: How many months did you reside in the city limits of Golden during 2019?

Were you claimed as a dependent on any other person’s income tax form?

Signature:

months

q yes

q no

Signature:

This form must be submitted by no later than April 15, 2020.

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:

q Golden Volunteer Fire Department q Golden Cemetery q Other City program or department (please identify): Office Use Only: Account #01-3031-61900

STR Vendor #

q Community Grant Program q Golden Senior Front Porch

Received

Payable

This holiday season celebrate the Golden way!

There’s no shortage of holiday inspired events and activities to help you get in the spirit of the season.

Experience the magic of the annual Candlelight Walk on Friday, Dec. 6 when friends and neighbors gather at the top of the hill at 15th and Washington. The walk begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at the Visitors Center where thousands of holiday lights are magically illuminated, followed by fireworks from the roof of the Golden Hotel. Then stroll along Clear Creek; be sure to stop by the Golden History Center and the History Park for a variety of fun activities, including roasting chestnuts!

Catch the Holiday Parades on the first three Saturdays of December on Washington Avenue beginning at 11 a.m. Stay downtown and enjoy Hayrides with Santa, dog cart rides, and treats from local merchants. Dine at a local restaurant, finish up your shopping and end the evening with a scenic stroll along Clear Creek or by catching a performance of A Christmas Carol at Miners Alley Playhouse.

During the month of December, many

merchants will have special holiday hours so you can get your shopping done and support local businesses at the same time. For last minute shoppers, Golden’s downtown shops will stay open late Dec. 19 - 23.

For a complete list of events and holiday activities: VisitGolden.com or call 303-279-2282.

Foothills Holiday Art Market

T

he 45th Annual Holiday Art Market (HART) is one of the longest-running holiday art markets around. Foothills Art Center (FAC) is bursting with handcrafted one-of-a-kind artisan items from over 100 local Colorado artists working in fine ceramics, fiber, glasswork, jewelry, painting, woodworking, photography and more. HART is an ideal shopping destination for those looking for unique gifts. Check out the FAC website to see the full list of events which include artist demos, special events for FAC members, family photos with Santa and much more!

Now through Dec. 29. HART hours are Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays: noon – 5 p.m. at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St., Golden.

For more information, visit www.foothillsartcenter.org or call 303-278-3922.

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

POSTAL PATRON

2019

OLDE GOLDEN

CHRISTMAS

®

Experience Lights, Parades and More!

Check out a list of Golden’s holiday events at: visitgolden.com/olde-golden-christmas