Golden Informer - December 2017

GoldenInformer DECEMBER 2017

Where to Buy and then Recycle Your

HOLIDAY TREES

Top Ten Golden Artifacts Collected in 2017 INTRODUCING YOUR NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS

2017 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 Pam Heimbach

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.

5 M eet Your New Council Members 7 Next Steps in Affordable Housing

10-13 & 19-20

8 H ow Harvard is Helping Golden

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES GUIDE

Conserve Water

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

3 Details on Buying and

16-17

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

pages

Recycling Holiday Trees

Golden History Museums Annual Top Ten

13 B e Fire Safe this Holiday Season

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

2 | December 2017

HEADS UP: Important Upcoming Items New Trash & Recycling Calendar For residents on the City’s trash and recycling program, you will find the 2018 calendar inserted into this edition of the Informer, between pages 6-7.

You can pull out this insert and put it on your fridge to ensure you always have the correct schedule.

Also included is a reminder 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 www.alpinewaste.com.

City of Golden 2018 Recycle Calendar JANUARY S 7

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10 11 12 13

S 4

M 5

T

W

6

7

MARCH

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9

10

S

M

T

W

4

5

6

7

T

F

1

2

3

8

9

10

S

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

28 29 30 31

25 26 27 28

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

APRIL

MAY

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13 14

S 6

M 7

JUNE

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

8

9

10 11 12

S

M

T

W

T

3

4

5

6

7

F

S

1

2

8

9

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

29 30

27 28 29 30 31

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JULY

AUGUST

S

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13 14

S

M

T

5

6

7

SEPTEMBER

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

8

9

10 11

S

M

T

W

T

F

2

3

4

5

6

7

S

10 11 12 13 14 15

1 8

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

9

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

29 30 31

26 27 28 29 30 31

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

OCTOBER S

Tree Sale

FEBRUARY

M

7

NOVEMBER

M

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10 11 12 13

S 4

M 5

T

W

6

7

DECEMBER

T

F

S

1

2

3

8

9

10

S

M

T

W

T

F

S 1

2

3

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

9

10 11 12 13 14 15

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

4

5

6

7

8

28 29 30 31

25 26 27 28 29 30

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

The Golden Optimists are selling trees in the U.S. Bank parking lot at 1900 Jackson St. through the month of December, or until supplies run out. A variety of sizes and species are available, and proceeds go to the Golden Optimists Club.

This is the big fundraiser for the Optimists each year. Funds raised will 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.

For more information, visit www.GoldenOptimists.org.

30 31

BROWN = Recycle Week GREEN = Compost Week RED = Observed Holiday

Observed Holidays in 2018: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day

If a Holiday falls on a scheduled collection day, all remaining service days for the week, including the holiday will be delayed by one day.

Recycle Your Tree By 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.

B

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. 7 Rescheduled regular business meeting

Dec. 14 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.

City Holiday Hours The City of Golden’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1 for the holidays. The Golden Community Center (GCC) will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25.

The GCC will be open for the modified hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, Sunday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 1. Happy Holidays!!

December 2017

|

3

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor

Marjorie Sloan

H

A Season of Peace and Good Will

oliday bells traditionally ring out messages of peace on earth and good will to all. In Golden, the holiday season is magical.

Downtown lights bring a peaceful glow to the darkest time of the year. Golden’s events, especially the Candlelight Walk, create warm memories and encourage community good will.

But in the closing month of this particular year, earnest participants in discussions of national, state, or local issues may not experience either peace or good will. In fact, they may be left with feelings of discord, antagonism, and confusion. Recently, some Golden city councilors and staff members attended a Colorado Municipal League University Cities meeting, where they received timely and helpful advice on improving our local conversations. Martin Carcasson, Director of the Colorado State University Center for Public Deliberation, advised that communities can overcome challenges and bridge divisions if they recognize that we should presume “wicked” problems, not “wicked” people.

According to Professor Carcasson, cities deal with both “wicked” and “tame” problems.i Tame problems can be clearly defined and understood. Though not necessarily simple, they can be solved by experts using technical means. For instance, a very complicated water treatment issue is tame.

In contrast, wicked problems are ill-defined, mutating, and open to multiple interpretations based on differing points of view.

By their very nature, they are difficult to manage because they involve competing values, priorities, and tradeoffs. These openended problems are rarely eliminated altogether, so a series of partial solutions becomes necessary.

Wicked problems have no technical fix and no one correct answer. Accordingly, they call on a community’s creativity, innovation, and imagination. Public engagement related to a wicked problem is not a struggle between good and evil/right and wrong.

Its proper focus is on improving the conversation, with a goal toward managing tensions rather than winning an argument.

The desired result is agreement on collaborative action.

To illustrate, Golden residents are people of good will who agree on our community values. As Golden Vision 2030 indicates, we want an accessible and walkable town; family-friendly attitudes and amenities; an active environment; and safe, clean, and quiet neighborhoods. Our community is committed to sustainability, healthy lifestyles, community engagement, local businesses, the preservation of Golden history, and affordable housing.

All these values are positive, but in some instances they compete with each other. For example on the topic of affordable housing, the Golden Vision Plan states that we will “control and direct change” and work toward “housing options [that] provide opportunity to a wide spectrum of residents.” At the same time, we “will preserve [our] small town look, feel and character . . . for today and for future residents.”

These statements are commendable and heartfelt, but they set up a classic wicked problem. They prompt multiple stakeholders in varying situations to embrace widely disparate views. Our most difficult issues cannot be solved at once and stay resolute forever, or to the complete satisfaction of everyone. But we can listen to each other with mutual respect, gather relevant facts, recognize tensions, and weigh our options.

During this holiday time, we may wish to take a step back from all problems bedeviling us—wicked and tame, local and national.

Throughout the month of December, may we all enjoy a warm and peaceful community full of good will. i

4 | December 2017

American planners Horst Rittel and Melvin M. Webber Formally described the concept of wicked and tame problems in a 1973 treatise.

WARD ONE COUNCILOR

Robert Reed

T

WARD TWO COUNCILOR

Paul Haseman

WARD THREE COUNCILOR

Jim Dale

WARD FOUR COUNCILOR

Laura Weinberg

Meet Your Newly Elected City Councilors

here are three new faces on Golden’s City Council, as well as one re-elected incumbent. All four of the Ward positions were open, and each position had anywhere from one to four candidates from which voters could choose.

The new Ward One Councilor is Robert Reed. He takes the place of Marcia Claxton, who served for eight years and was term limited. “I am really excited that the citizens of Ward 1 chose me to represent them,” said Reed. “Before the election, my wife, Kristin, and I knocked on a lot of doors throughout the Ward and we talked to lots of people. The number one concern we heard was that people feel like they are not really heard when they approach council and city staff about their concerns. I hope to work with my fellow councilors to implement procedures to assure that citizens have a fair say in our community.”

Ward Two had the highest number of candidates with four individuals running campaigns to fill the seat. Paul Haseman received the highest majority of votes to win the council position. He takes the place of former Councilor and Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Behm, who was term limited. “I am sincerely grateful to the many supporters who helped me earn a

Voters had an opportunity to meet the Council candidates who participated in a Candidate Forum, held in Council Chambers in October.

seat on the City Council,” said Haseman.

“My first priority is to work as a team with other Councilors as we strive to maintain Golden as a wonderful city in which to live.”

The Ward Three Councilor is Jim Dale, who ran unopposed. He fills the shoes of Pamela Gould, who chose not to run for a second term. “Thanks Ward 3 and all Goldenites for your outpouring of support for my run for council,” said Dale. “We are so fortunate to live in this special city of Golden. I am dedicated to service & will work to see that Golden continues to be a great place to live, learn, work and play.”

Incumbent Councilor Laura Weinberg won re-election and will continue to

represent Ward Four. “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote in this election,” said Weinberg.

“I am grateful for all of the support and the opportunity to be the Ward 4 Council representative for another four years. Looking forward, I am committed to a strategic approach by Council and the new Investment Task Force to begin the tough conversations about where and how we should be investing in our community’s future.”

The newly elected members of council will be sworn in at the first meeting of 2018 on Thursday, Jan. 11. Please join us at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 911 10th St., and help us welcome our new councilors.

December 2017

|

5

Mayor’s 2017 Award Winners

T

he Colorado School of Mines helped Mayor Marjorie Sloan host her annual Mayor’s Community Celebration at the Green Center back in October. A variety of people, groups and businesses were honored with Mayor’s Awards and special Congressional recognition from Congressman Ed Perlmutter’s office. Guests were also treated to the sweet acapella sounds of the school’s Harmonic Miners. Mines President Paul C. Johnson introduced the keynote speaker, Luis Benitez, who gave an unforgettable presentation about preserving the great outdoors and promoting socially conscious businesses to come to Colorado. You can watch the entire event here: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=K9HK4DZFOQY. Here are brief summaries of the award winners. Congratulations to all on efforts worthy of recognition!

Mayor’s 2017 Award Winners pose with their awards at the event on Oct. 3.

chemists and machinists in multiple states. Brassell has also diversified his business into high-tech fabrication, controls, defense, and most impressively, aerospace. Located in a new state-ofthe-art 25,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in the Coors Technology Center, it has been said that “the road to Mars goes through Golden.”

SUZANNE (SUZY) STUTZMAN

When not working for the National Park Service, Suzy serves on the Golden Historic Preservation Board (HPB). She played an integral role in relocating the Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle Program to the Connections Learning GOLDEN GIDDYUP Along with the Giddyup Trail Team, the Center on Johnson Road. The group Golden Giddyup works to strengthen helps to locate and repair unwanted our community by engaging mountain bikes for donation to those in need. bikers and others in trail stewardship, She also served on the Golden Planning civic meetings and discussions, and Commission for eight years. She is pro-active involvement in our local described as “someone you can count government. With the backing of on every time.” many local businesses and developing TRAXION government partnerships, the Giddyup Founded in 2016 by local business has motivated hundreds of citizens to leaders Jen Thoemke, Chris Cone donate thousands of volunteer hours. and Bud Rockhill, Traxion is a Goldenbased startup business accelerator.

NFT, INC. Founded by Gil Brassell in 1986, the The company provides educational Golden-based company now employs programs, access to advisors and hundreds of scientists, engineers, professional services, and assistance in

6 | December 2017

Keynote speaker Luis Benitez inspired the crowd after the awards presentations.

raising capital. The company provides a hub for supporting entrepreneurs by harnessing the power, expertise and experience of the City’s business community. The folks at Traxion truly care about the community and the companies they incubate. They are building lasting relationships between businesses, the Colorado School of Mines, the City of Golden and citizens, that will benefit Golden for years to come.

A New Chapter in Affordable Housing

A

ffordable housing is a key component of a healthy and sustainable community.

Affordable housing contributes to family stability, positive educational outcomes, access to viable employment, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement.

Golden’s Guiding Principles under its Heart & Residents had the chance to discuss housing options at a series of public meetings.

Soul Values include the value that “the diverse housing options will provide opportunity to a wide spectrum HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: of residents.” Additionally, the Principles state “our community • Preserving housing that is reasonably attainable for low, values require that we direct and manage change, assure moderate and middle income households. The aspirational smart growth, affordable housing, and sustainability.” goal is to have 15% remain affordable to low income, 15% for Nearly 18 months ago, the Planning Commission launched moderate income and 15% for middle income households. an update to Golden’s Comprehensive Plan by developing a set of Community Housing Policies. The Comprehensive Plan is a • Ensuring any public resources that are used to preserve existing or create new affordable housing result in a longpolicy document that provides guidance for many types of City decisions and actions. It reflects the myriad values and goals term affordable benefit for the community. that inform the work of your local government.

• Collaborating with existing community partners in order to Whenever future programs or regulations are considered, leverage and amplify the local resources that are currently the policies in the Comp Plan may be used to help clarify the available. decision-making process. The policies themselves are not enforceable in the sense that a law or regulation is, but rather Right now, roughly 30 percent of Golden households are are used to focus attention on important community values low income, while moderate and middle income households and goals during a deliberative process. each make up 15 percent of all households. Golden also has Draft versions of the Community Housing Policies have been approximately 8,500 existing homes. Under the one percent discussed at numerous public meetings and the final version system, the largest number of new homes that could be built in reflects the feedback received from Planning Commission, the next 10 years is less than 800. Few if any of those are likely City Council, and members of the public. On Nov. 2, City to be affordable to low, moderate or middle income homes for Council adopted the 15 Community Housing Policies, found at Golden residents. It is only by maintaining and securing the www.cityofgolden.net/live/attainable-housing/policies-goalsaffordability of our existing housing for our low, moderate and regulations/.

The adopted housing policies are designed to support the middle income families that Golden will be able to effectively complex network of solutions that will be needed to preserve remain a welcoming, inclusive community for seniors, growing the economic diversity of our community. They are organized families, people with disabilities and young professionals.

The Community Housing Policies are an important step under the following three themes: along the path to developing meaningful strategies and 1. Community Housing Goals programs that will help ensure that Golden can continue its 2. R egulatory & Financial Support Strategies proud tradition of being a small town that nurtures and values 3. H ousing Program & Partnership Opportunities its residents throughout their lives.

December 2017

|

7

How Harvard is Helping Golden Conserve Water

T

hroughout 2017, the City installed smart water meters in all house-holds and businesses. The benefits of smart meters include more accurate water bills, improved ability to detect maintenance issues and leaks, and help to conserve our nation’s water resources.

HERE IS HOW THIS FREE SYSTEM BENEFITS YOU: • You are notified of any leaks that happen continuously or while on vacation. A running toilet or leaky faucet can quickly add up to gallons of wasted water and higher bills.

• You are notified of any major pipeline repairs scheduled in your neighborhood.

• This system allows you to understand your family’s water consumption and compare your usage to other typical Golden households. Up for a friendly competition? Soon, the City will offer awards and prizes to neighborhoods who conserve water.

To help roll out the new web portal, Golden applied for a grant from Harvard and the Mayor’s Innovation Project (MIP).

Golden is one of only ten communities nationwide selected to participate in this program. Staff met with student researchers in Behavioral Studies at Harvard and together, created an outreach plan for the system, called AquaHawk. Soon, Golden residents and businesses will see one of several versions of different postcards in the mail, encouraging households to sign up for the service. Golden’s outreach strategy for increasing residents’ participation in the online AquaHawk

Water Alerting system is inspired by Richard Thaler, the University of Chicago professor who just won the 2017 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Thaler and his co-author, Cass Sunstein, a legal scholar in the Harvard-Kennedy Behavioral Insights Group, wrote a book in 2008 called Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth and Happiness.

Together, Thaler and Sunstein popularized the basic theory of “nudges” as a policy tool: making it easy, interesting, or fun to guide people toward choices that are in their best interest. The Behavioral Insights Group is helping craft Golden’s outreach strategy for increasing residents’ participation in the online AquaHawk Water Alerting system using the principles created

by Thaler and Sunstein.

Several other communities are following our lead in the adoption of AquaHawk including Firestone, Highlands Ranch, Pagosa Springs, Parker, Lone Tree, Douglas County, Steamboat Springs, and several communities in Arizona, California, and Oregon. Sign up online through the City’s website at www.cityofgolden.net/aquahawk.

GOLDEN SAYS YES TO SOLAR INITIATIVES

I

n addition to the four Council positions, Golden residents voted on an initiative that would authorize Council to revise the City’s lease on the Rooney Road Sports Complex property to allow the use of up to 15 acres of undeveloped property for future renewable energy facilities.

In addition to voting for four Council seats, Golden voters also passed solar question 2A with a resounding YES. The initiative authorizes City Council to contact the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners and discuss revision of the City’s lease on the Rooney Road Sports Complex property to allow the use of up to 15 acres of undeveloped property for future renewable energy facilities.

Now, the most frequently asked question is “How soon can I sign up for a solar energy subscription?” In reality, we are many months to several years away from a viable

8 | December 2017

solar project, where residents and businesses could subscribe to the energy produced by a solar garden.

In the coming months, staff will research financial feasibility, engineering requirements, and invite Jefferson County representatives to discuss potential lease amendments.

More Golden residents voted on the solar question than in all four Ward elections combined, sending a clear message that a community solar project is an important step in reaching Golden’s renewable energy goals.

Social, Economic & Environmental Issues

GREEN YOUR HOLIDAY Stay Warm with Energy-Saving Rebates from Xcel Energy

BE BRIGHT ABOUT YOUR LIGHTS

FURNACE & EC MOTOR REBATES Now is the perfect time to replace your furnace with a $750 furnace rebate, available until Dec. 15. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of your home’s energy costs. Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace with an EC motor and you’ll save for years to come. Act now to take advantage of this limitedtime rebate.

SHOP SMART

AIR SEALING AND INSULATION REBATES Did you know most U.S. homes don’t have adequate insulation and have significant air leaks? If you added up all the leaks, holes, and gaps in a typical structure, it would be the equivalent of having a window open every day of the year.

Xcel Energy offers rebates for qualifying insulation projects.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WATER HEATER REBATES Your water heater is typically the second largest consumer of energy in your home. Install a high-efficiency water heater to save energy and money. Xcel Energy offers rebates on highefficiency natural gas or electric water heaters.

For more information and to take advantage of these rebates, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 to talk with an energy expert, or visit https://www.xcelenergy.com/ programs_and_rebates.

RECYCLE & UPCYCLE

Did you know?

December 2017

|

9

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

Through Dec. 8 Boot Camp Challenge Registrations accepted through the first week of class. The affordability of group exercise with the accountability and results of personal training, designed for every fitness level. 5:45 to 6:45 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Golden Community Center, 1470 10th St. For info call 720-628-2901 or email kim@BCCDenver.com.

Through Dec. 15 Drop Off Letters to Santa Santa’s elves have set up a special postal box at the Golden Visitor’s Center, so you can drop off your letters to Santa in time for the holidays!

The US Postal Box, located at 1010 Washington Ave., has a direct line to the North Pole.

Through Dec. 23 at Miners Alley Playhouse.

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 show times call 303-935-3044 or visit www.minersalley.com.

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.

Tickets sell out fast! Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave. For tickets and show times, call 720-253-1023 or visit www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org.

Through Dec. 23 at Colorado Railroad Museum.

Through Dec. 30 Holiday Art Market The Holiday Art Market (HART) is a Golden tradition with fine art and unique crafts

by Colorado artists, on display and ready for purchase at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. Gifts in all price ranges; admission is free. For details call 303-2783922 or visit www.foothillsartcenter.org.

Dec. 1 30th Annual Candlelight Walk Walk down Washington Avenue, candle in hand, to the Visitors’ Center to marvel at the official lighting of the downtown and creek holiday lights. A short fireworks show will celebrate the event’s 30th year in Golden. Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. at 15th and Arapahoe streets. Go to www.visitgolden.com for details.

Through Dec. 30 at Foothills Art Center.

Post Candlelight Walk Festivities Walk along the creek path to the Clear Creek History Park where you will find the Kiwanis Club roasting chestnuts, Christmas carolers and dancers in the Hay Barn, walk inside the Pearce cabin, enjoy a blacksmith demonstration, and join in on interactive activities led by JeffCo Open Space. Across the creek, warm up inside the Golden History Museum and enjoy piano players as you look through the displays. History events are from 7 to 9 p.m.

10 | December 2017

Symphony Holiday Concert on Dec. 3.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2017

Dec. 2, 9, 16: Olde Golden Christmas Parades on Washington Avenue.

Dec. 2, 9, 16 Olde Golden Christmas Parades This free family tradition is fun for all ages. Featuring floats, bands, and colorful characters, these parades are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Parades begin at 10:30 a.m. on Washington Avenue. Spend the rest of the day in Golden shopping, dining, and visiting local attractions. For more information visit www.goldenchamber.org or www.visitgolden.com or call 303-279-3113.

Dec. 2 Olde Golden Holiday Open House A holiday open house with extended hours, refreshments, entertainment and special sale offerings from participating Golden merchants. For a list of stores visit www.goldenchamber.org.

Dec. 2 Coffee with a Councilor – South Neighborhoods Chat with your District One Councilor at 10 a.m. at Bean Fosters, 720 Golden Ridge Rd. For details call Councilor Saoirse Charis-Graves at 303-279-7529 or scharisgraves@cityofgolden.net.

Find a complete list of participating merchants in the Official Guide to Golden’s Celebration of the Holidays, available at most stores and in the Visitors Center, 1010 Washington Ave. Find it online at www.visitgolden.com.

Dec. 2 GHS Holiday Bazaar Unique and one-of-a-kind gifts from over 70 local artists. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Golden High School, 701 24th St. Admission is free; presented by the GHS PTA.

Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides Pick up your ride on 12th Street between Washington and Arapahoe. Noon to 3 p.m., weather permitting. Sponsored by the Golden Chamber of Commerce.

303-279-3113.

December 2017

|

11

FSalesREE and Use

CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . December 2017

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. 6, 2017................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Jan. 3, 2018................. 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. 7, 2018.................. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Class is free, but space is limited.

Please call 303-384-8024 for your reservation.

12 | December 2017

30th Annual Candlelight Walk on Dec. 1.

Dec. 3 Symphony Holiday Concert The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra presents the holiday classics in concert with special guests, the 24th Street Singers from Golden High School. 3 p.m. at the Green Center on the Colorado School of Mines campus, 924 16th St. For tickets or details call 303-278-4237 or visit www.jeffsymphony.org.

Dec. 16 Cocktails with a Councilor – North Neighborhoods Chat and share a toast with your District Two Councilor at 3 p.m. at State 38 Corner Saloon, 1123 Washington Ave. For details call Councilor Casey Brown at 303-900-2003 or email cbrown@cityofgolden.net.

Dec. 30 Noon Year’s Eve at Golden Library No need to stay up ‘til midnight on New Year’s Eve when you celebrate the new year at noon with a balloon drop and bubble wrap fireworks! Create your own party hat and noise maker, then join the countdown to noon! 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Golden Library, 1019 10th St. Contact the Library at 303-235-5275.

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.

W

Have a Safe Holiday Season

ith the winter holiday season rapidly approaching, the Golden Fire Department reminds everyone to keep your home safe from potential fire. Each year seasonal fires injure 2,000 individuals and cause over $500 million in damage.

The Golden Fire Department recommends the following safety tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.

SELECTING AND CARING FOR A LIVE TREE Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches.

Bounce the tree trunk on the ground, if many needles fall off, the tree is too dry and could be a fire hazard. Cut a couple inches off the bottom of the tree and place it in water as soon as possible after purchase. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets and excessive wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

CANDLES Make certain candles are in stable holders or in some type of a container, and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over.

Make certain the candles are placed away from curtains or any flammable material. Never leave the room or house with candles burning.

FIREPLACES AND WOOD STOVES Clean and inspect your chimney or wood stove annually. Use fireresistant materials on walls around wood stoves. Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire. Use only seasoned hardwood. Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove. Do not leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. When cleaning your fireplace or wood stove, put all ashes in a metal container with a lid and store outside your home.

FINALLY… Be sure every level of your home has a working smoke alarm, and be sure to check and clean them on a monthly basis. Replace the battery in your smoke alarm at least once a year!

TURKEY FRYER SAFETY TIPS

R

eports of fires and burns related with turkey fryer use are increasing throughout the United States. Fires start when the oil reaches excess temperatures or oil contacts the open flame of the fryer. The splashing of hot oil causes burns. It is very important that consumers closely monitor the temperature of the oil.

If any smoke is coming from the pot of oil, turn the burner off immediately.

When using a turkey fryer the Golden Fire Department recommends: • Thoroughly thaw and dry all meats before cooking in hot oil. This will help prevent splashing of oil when the turkey or other meat is added. If you receive a burn, immediately run it under cool water for 15 minutes.

• Keep the fryer in full view while the burner is on.

• Use the fryer outdoors away from buildings and any other material that can burn.

• Never use turkey fryers on a wooden deck or in a garage.

• Raise and lower food slowly to reduce splatter and avoid burns.

• If a fire occurs, immediately call 911. DO NOT attempt to extinguish the fire with water.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper amount of oil to add.

If those are not available: - Place turkey in the pot - Fill the pot with water until the turkey is completely covered.

- Remove and dry the turkey - Mark the water level (you can use a permanent marker), dump the water out and dry the pot. Fill the pot with oil to the marked level - Oil level will vary with the size of the turkey you are frying.

December 2017

|

13

2018 Claim Form for 2017 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 2017 and cannot be claimed as a dependent on any other person’s tax return. The refund amount for 2017 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 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

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: 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 2017? 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, 2018.

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: qCommunity Grant Program qGolden Volunteer Fire Department qGolden Cemetery qGolden Senior Front Porch qOther City program or department (please identify): Office Use Only:

Account #013031-6190

STR

Vendor #

Received

Payable

Golden Community Center activities calendar Snowball Camp

TYKES

Don’t sit around during winter break! This state licensed day camp is guaranteed to keep your child busy!

Age: 5 - 12 years, Min/Max: 10/20 per day #546111 Drop-off: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Pick-up: 4 - 6 p.m.

Weekdays: Monday, Dec. 26 - Friday, Jan. 5 (No camp Jan. 1) $32/day Resident, $37/day Non-resident - This program is available for online registration.

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 for children of all ages, focusing on ages 1-10. Infants under 6 months are free.

Age: 6 months - 10 years Min/Max: 20 kids (please register children individually) #451315 Wednesday, Dec. 13 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. $10 EACH for first 2 children - $3 for each additional child

CREATIVE ARTS

AQUATICS Swim Class Registration - Spring Swim Lessons - January to April Home Alone with First Aid

This course is designed for the 10-13 year olds who will be left home alone for short Bring the whole family along for a night periods of time. Outlined in the course of great arty fun! Create one-of-a-kind is safe decision-making, constructive projects that you can also give as gifts! time management, and personal safety.

We will be making seasonal art in this The basics of first aid treatment and class. All materials provided. Each person prevention for burns, cuts, fractures/ sprains and choking. Refunds will not be in the family attending must register. given for no-shows.

Age: 4+, Min/Max: 7/20 Age: 10 - 13 years, Min/Max: 5/20 #453531 Friday, Dec. 8 #452420 Saturday, Dec. 2 5:30 - 7 p.m.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $20 Resident, $25 Non-resident $50 Resident, $55 Non-resident ADULT/YOUTH SPECIALTY Bring a sack lunch to class.

The Art of Giving Family Art Night

Babysitting Course

YOUTH & TEEN ACTIVITIES This course is designed for the pre-teen and helps them to prepare for those first Rocket Blast Workshop Rocket Blast is SpaceTime’s “Best Of” babysitting opportunities. rockets and space exploration program.

Age: 11 - 14 years, Min/Max: 5/20 Age: 5 - 12 years, Min/Max: 6/16 #452410 Saturday, Dec. 16 #455205 Saturday, Dec. 9 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. $65 Resident, $70 Non-resident Bring a sack lunch to class. $25 Resident, $30 Non-resident

Residents – Monday, Dec. 11 Non-Residents - Tuesday, Dec. 12

DANCE ARTS Nutcracker Ballet Golden Dance Arts is proud to be present our 4th 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. This year two performances will be available on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at noon at the Oriental Theatre, 4335 W. 44th Ave, Denver. Tickets are $10 each for all ages. 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. There are two show times: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at Golden High School, 701 24th St. This is a free event, so bring your friends and family.

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

December 2017

|

15

Top 10 Artifact Donations from 2017

15,548

That’s the number of artifacts currently recorded in the museum database. As the year ends, we have accepted close to 70 donations since January. The year 2018 promises an entirely new experience at the museum—one that includes dozens of new artifacts in four new galleries. Until then, here are a few of our favorite new artifacts donated in 2017.

1

S ilent movie filmed in Golden, 1909 One of several silent movies filmed in Golden by the Essanay Film Company, our digital copy of A Ranchman’s Rival comes from an original located at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. It portrays a well-worn love story where two men fall for the same woman. We won’t give the ending away. Relatedly, the Essanay Film Museum donated four digital photographs of the film crew in Golden.

3

2

oods Mortuary collection W Golden’s homegrown mortuary closed its doors on June 30, 2017, after 100 years in business.

Highlights include the brass building plaque, two cremation urns (one sized for adults and one for children), a metal casket bier (a fancy stand), and the grandfather clock from the lobby.

16 | December 2017

4

Coors malted milk sales sign,

c. 1920 “Next to Mother’s milk the best food for infants.” Quite the endorsement. You might have seen a point of sale sign like this in soda fountains or drug stores (if you’re the right age). Surprisingly, the backside of our sign displays a handwritten record of malted milk plant employee hours for July and August 1954.

olden Post Office letter sorter, 1940 G Oak letter sorter table and hutch with dozens of cubbies. This piece was originally built for and used at the downtown Golden Post Office on 12th Street.

Both pieces of furniture are stamped with “Property of Post Office Department, No. 125, 1940, Original Cabinet Corp., Niles, Michigan.”

5

Fairmount Circle of Mothers’

Congress Cook Book, 1914 This jewel of a cookbook belonged to Edith Churches who lived in the Fairmount farming community east of Golden near McIntyre Road. In addition to recipes for Christmas pudding, it includes a large number of advertisements from Golden businesses such as L. H. Morris Wallpaper and Paints.

8 6 7

Taxidermy mule deer head

mount, 1930

According to the donor, Gus Koch killed the 20-point buck on Blue Mountain near Coal Creek Canyon in 1930.

East Tincup amusement park brochure,

c. 1960 This western-themed attraction sat south of Golden off Colfax Avenue from roughly 1960 to 1963. Visitors could ride burros, a railroad, a stagecoach, and even a tin lizzie (Ford Model T). It was home to Dr. Niblack’s House of Carving too.

9

erna Katona watercolors, c. 1940-50s V A beloved art and kindergarten teacher at Mitchell Elementary for 25 years, Verna was an artist for most of her life. She especially enjoyed painting murals for their scope and permanency.

The watercolors depict small town life and wildflowers.

Cabinet card photograph of Cook’s

Restaurant & Bakery, c. 1900 M. H. Washburn owned this establishment on Washington Avenue, which regularly advertised their homemade bread, pies and cakes. They also offered a regular meal plan for only $4 per week.

10

S tewart Grocery Co. flour sifter, c. 1920 This combo measuring cup/flour sifter advertises, “When you sift it down, it pays to trade with the Stewart Grocery Co.” Once located at 922 Washington Ave., Elvyn E. Stewart owned the store, which sometimes advertised as “The North Side Grocery.”

Come see some of these special artifacts in brand new galleries at the revamped Golden History Museum in 2018.

Happy Holidays, Mark Dodge, Curator

Photos courtesy of Justin LeVett Photography.

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

December 2017

|

17

Golden’s Walk to School Day a Success

(Left) City Councilor Casey Brown talks to kids at Mitchell Elementary. (Right) Shelton students and their families form a “walking school bus” to celebrate Walk to School Day.

S

helton Elementary celebrated National Walk to School Day in October, with over 200 students participating and creating “walking school buses” that departed from several locations throughout the surrounding school neighborhood.

One walking group even enjoyed a Golden Police officer escort!

When students arrived at school they were greeted by additional Golden Police officers, Principal Karen Brown, City Councilor Saoirse Charis-Graves, and Shelton’s very own “Health Heroes,” a student-led wellness team. Everyone enjoyed fresh fruit, music, and give-a-ways courtesy of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to Schools program.

Mitchell Elementary also took part in Walk to School Day by celebrating physical activity with their Rocktober Physical Activity Challenge Bingo. Over 200 students participated in the challenge, which included working towards an active 60 minutes or more a day for the week of Oct. 2–6, and enjoying activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Mitch the Mustang was in attendance as well as Golden Police officers and City Councilor Casey Brown.

For more information about National Walk to School Day, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH IN GOLDEN

G

olden resident Eric Bear was honored at National Philanthropy Day in November, with the Outstanding Youth Award. Inspired by the doctors who treated his chronic asthma, Eric reached out to the Morgridge Academy at National Jewish Hospital. Morgridge relies solely on donations from the community, and Eric wanted to give back so he could help other children who suffer from chronic illnesses.

As a dedicated Eagle Scout, Eric collected school supplies for the students through a drive that involved his hometown of Golden, as well as other entities.

The 17-year old high school senior tutors students in math and initiated a program of experiential learning for Morgridge students. Eric introduced the Academy to Outward Bound, a youth services organization (with a home base in Golden) that works to build confidence and life-long leadership skills.

The spirit of volunteering and giving is a passion for Eric, and he attributes part of that to growing up in Golden. “I’m proud to represent Golden because it has always taught me about what it means to have a strong sense of community,” said Eric. “I was able to reach out to the Golden community during my Eagle Project, and they were so interested in my project and eager to help. If anything, I believe that the spirit of kindness and friendliness that Golden cultivates has shaped me and helped me get involved with Morgridge Academy.” Congratulations, Eric. Your hometown is proud of you!

National Philanthropy Day in Colorado is presented by the Association of Funding Professionals.

18 | December 2017

G

Golden’s Holiday Parades – Dec. 2, 9 & 16

olden’s Holiday Parades are a great prelude to a day of holiday shopping and dining in the historic downtown.

This year’s parades are real hometown affairs, with local non-profits and schools. The sounds of the holidays will be enhanced with the Colorado School of Mines Marching Band, the Golden High School 24th Street Singers, the Miners Alley Playhouse cast of the Nutcracker, and the Denver Chorale singing family-favorite holiday songs.

See clowns, floats, square dancers, bagpipers, Scottish dancers, holiday characters and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus! Cheer on the three Grand Marshals, the Golden Kiwanis club, Leadership Golden and the Christian Action Guild food bank, as they lead the revelry down Washington Avenue.

Parades start at 10:30 am at 10th and Washington. After the parades, many local merchants will be offering great sales on holiday items and services. For participating stores and more information, visit www.GoldenChamber.org.

Foothills Art Center Holiday Art Market (HART) Now through Dec. 30

F

*

Open seven days a week * Free Admission

eaturing the creations of over 100 local Colorado artists working in the highest standards of handcraft, including fine ceramics, fiber, glasswork, jewelry, paintings, woodworking, photography, holiday items, and more. HART is a “cool” holiday art market and an ideal shopping destination for unique gifts!

This is the 43rd Annual Holiday Art Market, making this one of the longest-running holiday art markets around.

December 2017

|

19

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

POSTAL PATRON

Olde Golden Christmas 2017 Saturday, Nov. 25th

Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

Friday, Dec. 1st

The 30th Annual Candlelight Walk

Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th

Golden’s Holiday Parades: Hometown parades with floats, holiday characters, music and Santa

Saturdays, Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th and Sundays, Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

Saturday, Dec. 2nd

Olde Golden Holiday Open House: Several merchants in Golden will be participating in the Holiday Open House by extending their hours and will be offering special sales, refreshments and entertainment

Saturday, Dec. 9th

Breakfast with Santa and the Christmas Showcase

Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th Golden’s Victorian Christmas Carolers will stroll Washington Avenue after the parades

VisitGolden.com GoldenChamber.org 303-279-3113