GoldenInformer NOVEMBER 2021
Get Ready for the
HOLIDAYS in Golden!
Golden Families Flock Downtown to Celebrate Autumn Fest CANDLELIGHT NIGHTS BRIGHTEN HOLIDAY SEASON CANDLELIGHT SEASON
2021 Golden City Council
Laura Weinberg Mayor
JJ Trout District One
Rob Reed Ward One
Paul Haseman Ward Two
Casey Brown Mayor Pro Tem District Two
Jim Dale Ward Three
Bill Fisher Ward Four
303-384-8179 E-mail: lweinberg @cityofgolden.net
720-880-5084 E-mail: jtrout @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
303-588-3389 E-mail: bfisher @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. Please write to:
Cover Photo: Image by Povy Kendal Atchison (www.povy.com). Taken at the GHM&P's Autumn Fest event.
5 R EDI Survey -
14 S uicide Prevention
Training Opportunities
We want to hear from you!
16 Golden Tap Trail FUN!
6 Zone in for Mapping 7 Calling All Art Lovers
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Shop Small in Golden
8 F all Yard Waste Collection
City of Golden 911 10th St.
9 I nfo on Parking Codes
Golden, CO 80401 or e-mail communications@cityofgolden.net
10 Sustainability Efforts 11 Seniors - Come Visit the Front Porch! 12 R ediscovering Golden Businesses
15 Mark Your Calendars: Holiday Celebrations in Golden
13 Golden Optimists Tree Sale is Back! City of Golden Department Managers
Jason Slowinski City Manager
Carly Lorentz Deputy City Manager
Dan Hartman Public Works
Rick Muriby Monica Mendoza Interim Comm. City Clerk & Econ. Dev.
Rod Tarullo Parks and Recreation
Bill Kilpatrick Police
Jerry Stricker Interim Fire Chief
Jeff Hansen Finance
Kristen Meier Human Resources
Emily Gedeon Communications
Jiles McCoy Innovation and Technology
303-384-8012 303-384-8098 303-384-8063 303-384-8150 303-384-8014 303-384-8120 303-384-8033 303-384-8093 303-384-8020 303-384-8017 303-384-8132 303-384-8010 clorentz@ rmuriby@ jmccoy@ egedeon@ dhartman@ mmendoza@ rtarullo@ bkilpatrick@ jstricker@ jhansen@ kmeier@ 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
2 | November 2021
HEADS UP: Important Upcoming Items Don’t Forget to Vote Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2. This is a mail ballot election. Ballots were mailed out to all registered voters in Golden in mid-October. If you did not receive your ballot, you can go to the Jefferson County Elections Department, 3500 Illinois St., Suite 1100, to register and vote, or find out why you did not receive your ballot. There is more information at www.GoVoteColorado.com. If you’re waiting until the last few days to vote, you’ll need to drop off your ballot rather than mail it. There is a 24-hour Ballot Drop Box located at Golden City Hall, 911 10th St. You may drop your ballot in the Drop Box until 7 p.m. on Election Day. For Election results, visit jeffco.us.elections/results or www.cityofgolden.net/elections after the final count is in on Election night.
Your Child Could Light the Lights! At the end of the Candlelight Walk on Friday, Dec. 3, Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg will be joined on stage by one lucky child who will help her flip the giant switch that lights up the holidays with thousand of brilliant lights! Children eligible to enter the drawing must live in a Golden zip code and be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. Drawing entry forms can be found at the Golden Visitors Center, 1010 Washington Ave. Stop by and fill out your entry during regular business hours, Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Nov. 1. The winner will be chosen just after the Thanksgiving holiday. Then plan to join us for the Candlelight Walk on Friday, Dec. 3. (More details on p. 15).
Wide OPEN SPACES here in Golden The City of Golden is preparing to create its first ever Parks and Recreation Department Open Space Master Plan. The Open Space Master Plan will help the City create a vision and policy for designating, maintaining and using open space within city limits. Stay tuned for more project information and upcoming opportunities in late 2021 and early 2022 to get involved and help shape the plan from the ground up.
City Holiday Hours The City of Golden’s administrative offices will be closed on Nov. 25 and 26 for Thanksgiving. Offices will return to regular hours on Monday, Nov. 29. The Golden Community Center will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will reopen for regular business hours on Friday, Nov. 26.
Golden City Council's Monthly Calendar
Meetings are held on TUESDAY Nights at 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers City Hall, 911 10th St. For more information, visit www.cityofgolden. net/agendas. __________________________
November 9 Regular Business Meeting
November 16 Regular Business Meeting
__________________________ Council’s upcoming agendas, packets and meeting minutes are available online under the City Council link at www.cityofgolden.net/ agendas. Public comment is welcome on the agenda at all regular business meetings. If you want to send your comments to the City Council directly, you can email them councilcomments@ cityofgolden.net. November 2021 | 3
MAYOR’S MESSAGE By Mayor
Laura Weinberg
Golden Civics 101
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recently spoke to a group in Golden about the city. I jumped right in and talked about our work in community engagement, strategic planning, and focusing on priorities. When I was done, I realized I had assumed a general knowledge of the city structure which really isn’t something many people, especially newcomers, think about. So, whether you are new to Golden or been here a long time (and want to share something I missed), here is a Golden Civics 101 lesson. The City of Golden is a home rule municipality meaning we are governed by our city charter with the authorities allowed to us by the state. We have a municipal code that sets forth all the laws and regulations in the city. Golden is a Council-Manager form of government with an elected mayor and council and an appointed city manager, city attorney, and municipal judge. We have three branches of government: City Council as the legislative branch setting policies, laws, and budgets; the City Manager as the executive branch running city operations, and the Municipal Judge as the judicial branch. While many properties have a Golden mailing address, only those within the city boundaries are governed by the municipality. City Council is comprised of 7 elected officials who serve 4-year terms and are limited to 2 terms. Each official has one vote on matters before council. The mayor is elected citywide. The city is divided into 2 districts and district councilors are elected by voters in their district. Each district is further divided in to 2 wards and ward councilors are elected by voters in their ward. Each councilor must live in the district or ward they represent. Regardless of home address, Golden encourages residents, workers, students, and visitors to become involved in the city and share their ideas and thoughts. The city’s Community Engagement Plan sets expectations for engagement for different types of projects and programs as well as identifies the various channels that the city uses for outreach. The city’s Strategic Action Plan sets actions and goals for the city based on the comprehensive plan, master plans, citizen survey results, and Golden Vision 2030. Aligning board work plans, department goals, and the budget to these priorities provides the focus to move the city forward towards the future that the community has envisioned. The city’s annual operating budget and capital budget are adopted by City Council every December. This year’s draft 2022 capital budget includes the federal funding received this year and designates the spending on broadband and housing infrastructure projects. All these guiding documents (and more!) are available on the city website (www.cityofgolden.net) for review. We also have a newly refreshed website, www.GuidingGolden.com, where you can offer your perspective and get involved in city planning projects. We are a complex city with many programs and services and many different populations served. The more we know about how the city is structured then the more we can each provide informed and timely input. Contact me anytime if you would like to learn more. I really enjoy speaking to groups and classes because Golden just might be my favorite subject.
4 | November 2021
Share Your Perspective: Golden Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Community Survey
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e want to hear from you! As part of our community engagement process for the City of Golden’s Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Action Plan, we are launching the REDI Community Survey. This is the first of many opportunities for community members of Golden to share their perspectives on community needs, issues and opportunities to make our community more equitable and inclusive. Share your ideas by taking the REDI Community Survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoldenCmtySurvey.
WHY LEAD WITH RACIAL EQUITY?
There are several dimensions of equity including age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, class and national origin, to name a few. Many people and communities live at the intersection of these identities. It’s critical to recognize and address the inter-connected ways in which marginalization takes place. However, race is the most influential predictor of how well people do across many indicators, such as health, wealth, education, homeownership, etc. The City of Golden is taking WHY IS GOLDEN DEVELOPING A RACIAL EQUITY, an intersectional approach to this REDI Action Plan, while also DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (REDI) ACTION PLAN? leading with racial equity explicitly, though not exclusively. An equitable, diverse and inclusive city is also a prosperous city. Equity, diversity and inclusion build a sense of belonging, shared There are benefits to leading with race as we can harness values and a common purpose – along with better outcomes for tools, frameworks and resources to address inequities. health, housing security and other key indicators of community The Government Alliance on Racial Equity recently noted strength. For more information and data on how equity, diversity that “as local and regional government deepens its ability and inclusion helps create better, stronger cities, please visit to eliminate racial inequity, it will be better equipped to transform systems and institutions impacting other www.guidinggolden.com/striving-for-racial-equity. marginalized groups.” CIT Y OF GOLDEN, COLOR ADO
Racial Equity Plan STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COORDINATION
PHASE I
PROCESS SCHEDULE
Listening and Learning: Key Issues, Opportunities, and Priorities
Project Initiation Meeting
PHASE II
Taking Action: Developing the Racial Equity Plan
Project Team Meetings
Staff LIstening Sessions
Key Informant Interviews
Staff Forum
Community Workshops
Community Survey
Community Focus Groups
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE The graphic (left) shows the other upcoming opportunities to participate and shape the Golden REDI Action Plan. Community input opportunities include focus groups, a community survey and workshops.
PRODUCTS AND DELIVERABLES
Ongoing Communications
Equitable Engagement Plan
JULY 2021
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Baseline Equity Assessment and Inventory
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
Phase 1 Engagement Summary
DECEMBER
Draft Racial Equity Plan
Draft Goals and Strategies
JANUARY 2022
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Final Racial Equity Plan
APRIL
November 2021 | 5
Zoning Code Rewrite Nearing the “End Zone”
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s the City of Golden nears the completion of its Zoning Code rewrite effort, the City’s Planning Division would like to thank all community members who generously gave their time and participated in the project over the past couple of years. In the month of September, staff from the Planning Division hosted a series of public engagement meetings to talk with members of the community about the new form zone map. This map lies on top of the City's current zone districts and indicates how buildings can be constructed on a property — specifically as it relates to bulk and size in neighborhoods of the City of Golden. The City of Golden’s Planning Division gathered a lot of valuable feedback from these meetings and will work until the
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end of the year to incorporate public comments into final map proposals. In addition to this effort, staff will work to make the current draft of the new zoning regulations more user-friendly ahead of a full review before the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption. In the meantime, if you have questions
about the new zoning code, please do not hesitate to contact the Planning Division, which is happy to answer all questions about the “form-based” approach to the zoning code. Want to get caught up on the Zoning Code rewrite? Visit www.guidinggolden. com/zone-in-mapping and www.guiding golden.com/zoning-code-update.
Golden’s Water Treatment Plant “Drops” into the Spotlight
his fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency filmed a training video for new drinking water plant inspectors at the City of Golden’s award-winning water treatment facility. The entire water utility – water treatment plant, distribution, and water quality laboratory – participated. Utilities Superintendent Les Major showed film crews a water tank, while Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Brynn Goe explained the sedimentation process. Congrats to our water treatment crew!
THANK YOU, MOLSON COORS! At the end of September, about 40 Molson Coors employees cleaned up trash along Clear Creek from the 6th Avenue Bridge to McIntyre Avenue. This annual event, in celebration of Coors’ Great Water Month, is annually supported by the City of Golden’s Sustainability, Parks and Water divisions.
6 | November 2021
Calling All Art Lovers! Let’s Build Golden’s Public Art Framework Master Plan
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rom murals to monuments, fountains to stained glass, public art is an important element of cities and towns around the world. Art that is available and accessible to everyone can enrich our main streets, our parks, and other areas where the public gathers. Do you have a favorite piece of public art in Golden? Perhaps you prefer the cyclist on the lid over 6th Avenue or a downtown mural. The Golden Public Art Commission is embarking on the Public Art Program Framework Plan to develop a comprehensive strategy to grow and diversify the collection and establish best practices for maintaining the collection. The Golden community is invited to participate in many opportunities for community engagement to offer ideas and input. Check Guiding Golden (www.guidinggolden.com/public-art-master-plan) for meeting dates and more information.
Keeping Streets Safe in Winter
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ith winter just around the corner, the Golden Streets Division has your safety in mind. When winter storms hit the Golden area, snowplows concentrate first on primary streets such as S. Golden Road, Johnson Road, Washington Avenue, Ford Street and 19th Street. These are the areas with higher traffic volume and the main roads needed for emergency vehicles to access different parts of town. Once all primary streets and are deemed passable, city crews move on to secondary and then residential streets. Golden is one of the only cities in the metro area that actually plows primary, secondary and residential streets. During any storm with significant snowfall, five routes will be assigned to each plow. As all streets are completed within a route, plows are dispatched to assist other plows for the completion of all routes. Help us help you. As per City of Golden Municipal Code 5.01 Nuisance Abatement, it is unlawful to deposit snow from private property on to the street, other than the curb line. Although crews work very hard to clear the roads, some residual snow from the plow may pile up at the end of your driveway. Please help remove this snow just as you do for the rest of your
driveway. The Streets Division appreciates your cooperation and patience as they work hard day and night to ensure safe roads this winter season. To view the City of Golden’s entire Snow and Ice Control Plan, visit www.cityofgolden.net/streets. Maps of the snow removal routes can be found on this page as well. November 2021 | 7
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Fall Yard Waste Collection Week of Nov. 8
or residents who participate in the City’s Pay as You Throw (PAYT) program, take note. The semi-annual fall collection is scheduled for the week of Nov. 8 - 12. Yard waste should be placed at or near where your trash is collected by 7 a.m. on your weekly service day. Material may be placed in reusable containers of your choice or in compostable bags available for purchase at home improvement or grocery stores. Yard waste for this collection includes grass clippings, pine needles, leaves, weeds, branches, sawdust, ground and chipped wood.
FALL YARD WASTE COLLECTION GUIDELINES
• Material that is not bundled, not in reusable containers or in non-compostable plastic bags will not be picked up. • Branches must be less than 4 inches in diameter and bundled with natural fiber string, yarn or rope such as cotton or sisal. • These materials are also always accepted in your new organics collection cart. - Do not use wires, nylon, polyethylene, or other synthetic materials for bundling. • Look for these labels on products that can be commercially - Bundles should be 4 feet in length or less, and no more composted! than 2 feet in diameter. • Y ard waste will be limited to 3 cubic yards per resident which is equivalent to: - an area that is approximately 4 feet x 4 feet x 4 feet.; or Meets ASTM D6400 Standard - 21 compostable 30 gallon bags. For more information, please contact Republic Services at 303-277-8727 or customerservicedenver@republicservices.com.
Turn Your Yard Waste into Compost. ACCEPTED
NOT ACCEPTED THIS YARD WASTE WILL BE RECYCLED!
Grass Clippings
Pine Needles
Leaves
Weeds
Branches
Sawdust & Ground or Chipped Wood
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Please do not contaminate this material with any of the following: - NO plastics, dirt, cactus plants, tree stumps, branches greater than 4 inches in diameter, ashes, animal waste, treated lumber, logs, old garden hoses or broken flower pots. - No construction material is allowed for this service. Plastic bags are also not allowed.
When Weather Delays Affect Trash Pickup
olorado’s winter storms are unpredictable and often create hazardous driving conditions for garbage trucks. Sometimes it is just too dangerous for large waste and recycling vehicles to service customers during a storm. For those who subscribe to the City of Golden’s waste and recycling program, your provider is Republic Services. When storms hit and force a delay in service, Republic Services will continue right where they left off when the roads are passable. When this happens, all remaining service days are delayed a day just like a holiday schedule. So please leave your carts out at the curb until they are serviced! Even if it’s bright and sunny later in the week, a storm on Monday may delay service the rest of the week. So remember to leave your cart out an extra day or two to make sure your carts are not missed. For more information, please contact Republic Services at 303-277-8727 or customerservicedenver@republicservices.com. You can also follow the city's social media sites for delayed service notifications.
8 | November 2021
Be a Firefighting Hero… Follow Parking Codes!
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s the Golden community continues to grow, we predictably have seen more people and more cars in and around town. Driving and parking have become more challenging - especially in the downtown area. Why, you may ask, is the Fire Department writing about traffic? Well, our fire trucks are big and long! Trying to navigate a 40,000-pound truck down roads without damaging our communities and visitors’ property is challenging on the hilly streets of Golden. Now, add in cars parked too close to corners at intersections, or on cul-de-sacs and residential roads, and we have a major problem related to our fire trucks’ turning radius. We have fire codes and traffic laws that are enforced for issues like parking within 20 feet of an intersection. However, we are still finding cars parked right up to stop signs, blocking crosswalks, parked in front of fire hydrants and in fire lanes around town. This is a friendly reminder that not following traffic laws can be much more impactful than a yellow ticket under your windshield wiper. When cars are parked illegally, it impacts the Fire Department’s ability to respond to urgent calls. As the weather begins to cool off here in Colorado, we know snow and winter weather is right around the corner. Some safety tips and things you can easily do are listed below. Following these tips will help first responders find you and,
in the process, save time where seconds can mean the difference in the outcome of an emergency: • Obey parking laws around town to ensure the Fire Department and other vehicles can respond to emergency situations. • If you have a fire hydrant in or near your yard, you are encouraged to help us keep it clear of snow, or at least avoid piling snow upon it. • Be mindful of your address numbers and make sure they are kept visible and not covered by snow. This includes addresses for those that have detached accessory dwelling units behind their homes. • Maintaining clear access to the home (or accessory dwelling unit) to keep it clear of obstructions and snow or ice is very helpful in an emergency response. We realize that sometimes “snow happens” overnight and an emergency can occur before one has a chance to clear it. • In order to avoid carbon monoxide (also called "the silent killer" because it is colorless and odorless), be mindful of keeping accumulations of snow off the roof and away from fresh air inlets into crawl spaces or basements that are near the ground around some homes. Be sure to follow the Golden Fire Department on Facebook and Nextdoor for daily and weekly posts for tips to keep our wonderful community safe. Stay safe, and stay warm!
First Autumn Fest A Blast! The Golden History Museum & Park first annual Autumn Fest was a smashing success! Community members of all ages learned about Golden’s history, got to sit in the driver's seat of some of the City of Golden’s Big Rigs, created street art and puppets and played with animals. The staff members at GHM&P look forward to hosting the 2022 event on the first Sunday of October!
Save the Date! November 2021 | 9
Social, Economic & Environmental Issues Golden Awarded $170,000 for New Organics Collection Service
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he City of Golden was recently awarded a $170,000 grant by the State of Colorado’s Front Range Waste Diversion Program to offset costs to all Golden households in the City’s Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program for new organics collection carts. The grant is funded by user fees at Front Range landfills in order to increase recycling, composting and waste reduction to meet state-wide waste diversion goals If all households on the PAYT program participated in organics collection, then each year Golden would divert an estimated 140% more organics materials than the last ten years combined. For more information about Golden’s waste diversion goals, please visit www.cityofgolden.net/waste.
Breaking Down Cardboard – Think Outside The Box
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ardboard boxes pose a unique problem to recycling trucks — especially when they’re not broken down and flattened. Assembled cardboard boxes do not compress effectively within recycling trucks and create a larger percentage of unused space. More trips to the landfill increase carbon emissions, and shift the driver’s time away from collection to transportation. Recyclables collected in Golden contain a higher amount of cardboard than average as compared to other Front Range cities – so that means more round trips for recycling trucks from Golden to the recycling sorting facility. Residents can help improve recycling service and lower their environmental impact by fully breaking down their boxes. It’s that simple!
HOW TO GET HOME ENERGY HELP For 31 years, Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) has been helping vulnerable Colorado residents power their homes. Their programs offer bill payment assistance, heating system repair or replacement, energy audits and more to set Coloradans up for success as winter approaches. To qualify for EOC’s assistance programs, participants must first apply for Colorado’s Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) beginning on Nov. 1. More information can be found at Colorado.gov/pacific/ cdhs/how-do-i-apply.
10 | November 2021
WATTS UP? CASH IN WITH ENERGY REBATES for Sustainable Homes and Businesses Before the End of the Year Through the end of 2021, Golden homeowners can apply for energy efficiency rebates offered by the Community Sustainability Advisory Board. Now is a great time to consider adding insulation to your home or a new heat pump to replace an old, inefficient furnace. The City is matching Xcel Energy rebates to double the benefit to you. Help Golden become a more sustainable community and lower your energy bills. Apply at www.cityofgolden.net/ sustainabilityrebates.
Golden Community Center activities calendar For more information and to register, visit https://rec.cityofgolden.net.
For Active Adults at the Golden Community Center The Front Porch of the Golden Community Center (GCC) is a space for adults to gather, have coffee, engage in discussion and just enjoy “being”. Located on the upper floor of the Center, just off 8th Street, the Front Porch offers games, clubs, conversation, health programs and special events. New activities are always being added to our calendar, so check in with us often for a complete list of upcoming events.
New! Adult Ballet is Back! Dance your way to better fitness and flexibility. The warm and friendly atmosphere for dancers of all skill level makes time. Come alone and make some new friends or bring one this a fun and memorable experience. Dance your way to along and make some more. Available Tuesdays at 9 a.m. better health and happiness! Available Thursdays at 11 a.m. Daily admission or pass admission required. Class fee required.
Senior Activities
Pinochle, Bridge, Mah Jongg, Billiards, Sewing and more! All skill levels welcome to this informal, pick-up style volleyball Available every week in the Front Porch. (See schedule, below.)
New! Senior Drop-In Volleyball at the GCC
November 2021 | 11
Rediscovering Golden Businesses
Western Attire – and Sheepskin Bikinis?! – Perfected by Carleen of Golden
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olden History Museum curator Mark Dodge recently visited Carleen of Golden for a simple fix of a button on one of his favorite shirts and it got him to thinking – what legacy Golden businesses remain in town? And which ones spark special memories for you? Carleen of Golden was established in 1974 and opened a shop on Washington Avenue. Owners Carleen and Jack Wilhelm originally specialized in custommade sheepskin shearling coats, vests, purses, and pillows, and, interestingly, sheepskin bikinis (yes, that’s correct!). They are also expert at alterations and tailoring. This institution is still going strong after 47 years despite four moves and two owners. Longtime residents may recall the mannequin displayed in their storefront window. Fondly called Donna by store staff, the mannequin proudly sported their popular sheepskin bikinis. Every year, the Wilhelms exhibited their custom-made sheepskin goods at the National Western Stock Show in Denver too. But that’s not all. Carleen and Jack were extremely involved in the community, bringing their work ethic and putting their can-do attitude into action. Together, Jack Wilhelm and Carleen’s employee, Sharon, modelling their popular sheepskin bikini and slippers outside the store, c. 1980s. Golden History Museum & Park, they promoted the Golden Chamber of Commerce City of Golden Collection. and are credited with creating Golden’s beloved Oktoberfest. The Wilhelms also worked with the nonprofit business in outlying neighborhoods as well as downtown. Native American Connections out of Boulder to donate This summer, museum curators have focused on Pleasant countless boxes of clothing to Native American reservations View, but places like Fairmount, Lookout Mountain and the west Colfax corridor are also in the mix. in North Dakota and Wyoming. Stop by the Golden History Museum, open Wednesday Today, owner Janney Collins, who bought the business in 2000, continues the Carleen of Golden tradition established through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., to learn about by the Wilhelms years ago. Carleen’s is now located on South the legacy of businesses that have shaped Golden. Share your stories about Golden businesses that spark special memories Golden Road in Pleasant View, where Collins moved in 2006. As the city changes, the Golden History Museum is expanding for you with Golden History Museum Curator Mark Dodge by the scope of collecting to include the history of Golden’s dropping him a line at MDodge@goldenhistory.org. Golden History Museum & Park • 923 10th St. • 303-278-3557 Check GoldenHistory.org for hours of operation, calendar of programs, and special event details.
12 | November 2021
SHOP SMALL Shop Small in Golden for Small Business Saturday Support the places you love this holiday season
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ick-off the holiday season during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 27. Shop and dine in Golden to support our local businesses. Golden has hundreds of businesses to fulfill your every need, from gift shops to gourmet food markets to spas to award-winning restaurants and everything in between. Patronizing local establishments makes a positive impact on Golden. Not only does it help boost the local economy, it also helps to employ other residents, reduces negative environmental impacts from shipping products, and gives you the opportunity to support local entrepreneurs. Stop by Visit Golden’s Shop Small Welcome Station from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 27 to pick up a tote bag and kids holiday art activity, before experiencing all of Golden’s five shopping areas. The Welcome Station will be located at the Golden Visitors Center, 1010 Washington Ave., and will be marked by balloons. Also, don’t miss the roaming Christmas tree along Washington Avenue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (weather permitting).
Shopping local on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday shopping season is a perfect chance to support our community and help Golden thrive while also finding great unique gifts for your friends and family. Learn more at www.VisitGolden.com.
For more information, go to www.VisitGolden.com! HEAR YE, HEAR YE – GET YOUR TREES! Breakfast Optimist Club of Golden Selling Christmas Trees starting on Nov. 26
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he Breakfast Optimist Club of Golden will be selling Christmas trees this year in the parking lot of U.S. Bank at 1801 Jackson Street. The lot will be set up Friday, November 26 right after Thanksgiving (barring any transportation issues) and will continue until the trees are gone. Boy Scout Troop 329 will assist the Optimists and help you load your tree onto your vehicle. Funds raised at this event will be used in the community to support local scout troops, the Golden High School forensics program, provide school supplies to local schools, contribute to local food banks and help the Golden Optimist Club’s Bicycle Recycle Program. To learn more, visit www.GoldenOptimist.org. November 2021 | 13
GOLDEN COMMUNITY CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . November 2021 Nov. 6 Marine Corps Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony The US Marine Corps Memorial Foundation’s annual ceremony honoring veterans will feature guest speakers, music and a special tribute to mark the 100 year anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Bring your toy donations for the Toys for Tots program. Ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Marine Memorial, 16899 W. Colfax Avenue. More information: https://usmcmemorialfoundation.org/.
Nov. 6 Coffee with Councilors Join your Districts 1 & 2 City Councilors for coffee, to discuss any issues or topics or just have a conversation with your representatives. JJ Trout and Casey Brown will be available at the Front Porch at the Golden Community Center at 10 a.m. for anyone who wants to come by. Or join virtually if you prefer. More information on the Community Calendar at www.cityofgolden.net/calendar.
Nov. 11 – Dec. 23 Polar Express Train Ride Performances Climb on board and experience the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children’s tale, recreated before your eyes in song and dance. COVID precautions may be in place, For tickets and info, visit www.coloradorailroadmuseum. org or call 303-279-4591.
Nov. 19 – Dec. 29 Holiday Art Market This festive tradition at Foothills Art Center features works from over 100 Colorado artists, working in all media. A great place to get your holiday shopping done and buy unique gifts for everyone on your list. Member preview Nov. 18. Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. For details visit www.foothillsartcenter.org or call 303-279-3922.
SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES NOV. 10, 6 - 8 P.M. • DEC. 8, 6 - 8 P.M. Conducted By: Shawna Fritzler, Certified Trainer
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uicide is a leading cause of death for Colorado’s youth and young adults. The Rotary Club of Golden is pleased to join with co-sponsors Jeffco PTA and Support Jeffco Kids to offer these highly popular free online webinars. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. People have trained in CPR and the heimlich maneuver to help save thousands of lives each year. Training in QPR can help people learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to get help. Colorado has a high suicide rate, so it's time for us all to take steps for proactive prevention. This training is intended for those 18+ and will train you to help anyone of any age who is at risk. Thanks for taking the necessary steps toward prevention with us! Class size is limited to 35 participants. Register in advance at www.supportjeffcokids.org/suicideprevention-training-opportunity.
Nov. 25 & 26 Thanksgiving Holiday City administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26. The Golden Community Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day only.
Nov. 26 – Dec. 23 A Christmas Carol This brand new, hilarious, fast-paced adaptation used only five actors to bring Dickens's most beloved characters to life. Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue, 303-935-3044. Tickets and more information: www.minersalley.com.
14 | November 2021
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: communications@cityofgolden.net.
The whole month of events is called “Candlelight Nights 2021” and then in smaller letters “presented by the Olde Golden Christmas Committee”
2021
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY
presented by the
Downtown, Clear Creek path, Golden History Park, Parfet Park and the Visitors Center are spectacularly illuminated with over 45,000 sparkling lights through the holiday season.
Committee
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The Month of December TRIVIA BLITZEN ON THE TOWN
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Every year during the holiday season, Golden takes a step back to a simpler time of strong family traditions and smalltown holiday celebrations. Historic Downtown Golden will be the central location for Candlelight Nights, presented by the Olde Golden Christmas® Committee, a city-wide celebration that includes the Candlelight Walk, Holiday Art Market, Trivia Blitzen on the Town, a dazzling holiday light display along Clear Creek and downtown, shopping, dining, holiday parades, and so much more. Drop off your letters to Santa in the North Pole Mailbox at the Visitor Center, they go express mail to the jolly old guy himself.
App-based trivia celebrating all things Golden and holiday fun. Answer questions, complete challenges, earn points and win prizes. Free to play! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dec. 3 - 6:30 p.m. OLDE GOLDEN CANDLELIGHT WALK Experience the beauty of the holiday season with a walk down Washington Ave., candle in hand, singing carols. Pre-walk holiday show on the stage at 10th & Washington. The walk starts at Foothills Art Center on 15th and will culminate with a short, live entertainment program. 2021 commemorative candles available for purchase at the Golden Visitor Center. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dec. 11 - 10:30 a.m. OLDE GOLDEN HOLIDAY PARADE Bursting with Colorado charm and holiday spirit, Golden’s holiday parade is a beloved family-friendly tradition. The parade route runs along Washington Ave. from 10th St. to 13th St. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dec. 18 - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. JINGLE ON THE AVENUE – A Holiday Character Mingle Spend a magical day in Golden meeting and mingling with family favorite holiday characters along Washington Ave.
Plus Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Letters to Santa and Newfoundland Dog Cart Rides!
For a full list of Golden's holiday events:
VisitGolden.com
We have the holidays covered, check back in the December Informer for more details.
November 2021 | 15
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID GOLDEN, CO PERMIT #26
POSTAL PATRON
TAP TRAIL
Sip Your Way Through the World’s Biggest Little Beer Town Did you know that Golden brews more beer than any other city on the planet? Be part of Golden’s legendary craft beverage scene by signing up for the Golden Tap Trail, a mobile passport that will take you to the best breweries and distilleries in beautiful Golden, CO. Score great deals and discounts at your favorite local breweries and distilleries. Redeem deals and check in at 7 locations and earn a Golden Tap Trail stainless steel pint glass. Check in at all 12 locations and earn a Golden Tap Trail stainless steel vacuum growler.
So drink up, check in and earn rewards, all while supporting these local businesses! Must be 21 or older to participate.
For more information and a list of participating locations: explore.visitgolden.com