Informer The GoldenThe Golden · entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of our neighbors. Additionally, the Faire will reward the area’s best high school and college students, and

Community Health Initiativepage 5

September 2014Vol. 19, Issue 8

The GoldenInformerThe GoldenInformer T h e O f f i c i a l City of Golden N e w s l e t t e r

Golden Resident Faces Challenge of a Lifetime page15

Help Rehab Golden's Neighborhoodspage 7

Page 2 September 2014 The Golden Informer

IN THIS ISSUE

Marjorie SloanMAYOR

303-279-0088E-mail: msloan

@cityofgolden.net

Saoirse Charis-GravesDISTRICT ONE

303-709-7529E-mail: scharisgraves

@cityofgolden.net

Marcia ClaxtonWARD ONE

303-621-5133E-mail: mclaxton

@cityofgolden.net

Joe BehmMAYOR PRO-TEM

WARD TWO303-918-1103

E-mail: jbehm @cityofgolden.net

Marcie MillerDISTRICT TWO

720-326-8636E-mail: mmiller

@cityofgolden.net

Pamela GouldWARD THREE

303-279-1164E-mail: pgould

@cityofgolden.net

Laura WeinbergWARD FOUR

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

2014 Golden City Council

To contact the entire City Council, e-mail [email protected]

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: City of Golden, 911 10th St., Golden, CO 80401, Attn: Karlyn Tilley; call 303-384-8132; or e-mail [email protected].

Graphic Designer Sarah Yongprakit

The Golden Informer is the proud winner of the City/County Communications and Marketing Association’s prestigious 2005 and 2007 first place Savvy and 2006 second place Silver Circle national awards for city- and county-produced external printed newsletters in communities of up to 45,000 people nationwide.

Mike BestorCity Manager

303-384-8010mbestor @cityof

golden.net

Dan HartmanPublic Works

303-384-8150dhartman @cityof

golden.net

Steve GlueckComm. & Econ.Development303-384-8095

sglueck @cityof

golden.net

Susan BrooksCity Clerk

303-384-8014sbrooks @cityof

golden.net

Rod TarulloParks andRecreation

303-384-8120rtarullo @cityof

golden.net

Bill KilpatrickPolice

303-384-8033bkilpatrick

@cityofgolden.net

John BalesFire

303-384-8090jbales

@cityofgolden.net

Jeff HansenFinance

303-384-8020jhansen @cityof

golden.net

Teresa ReillyHuman

Resources303-384-8017

treilly @cityof

golden.net

Karlyn TilleyCommunications

303-384-8132ktilley

@cityofgolden.net

City of Golden Department Managers

Cover: Photo courtesy of Dan ThoemkeHeads Up: Important Upcoming Items .................................................................................................. Page 3Council’s Corner .................................................................................................................................... Page 3Mayor's Message: From Russia with Love – of Our Democratic and Community Traditions .............. Page 4You’re Invited: Mayor’s 2014 Community Event ................................................................................. Page 5Get Going with Go Golden .................................................................................................................... Page 5Local Company Gets a “Free” House from CSM .................................................................................. Page 6Be a Tool and Give Back to Golden ...................................................................................................... Page 7Golden Gallop Sept. 28 .......................................................................................................................... Page 7Hwy 6 and 19th Street Interchange Update ........................................................................................... Page 8Transition from GURA to DDA: Looking Out for the Future of Downtown Golden ........................... Page 9Golden Community Calendar .............................................................................................................. Page 10Golden Fire Department’s Safety and Preparedness Day .................................................................... Page 11How to Use Local Transit .................................................................................................................... Page 12Family Fun Run to Help Fund Science Education ............................................................................... Page 12Golden Sustainability: Social, Economic & Environmental Issues ..................................................... Page 13Front Porch News ................................................................................................................................ Page 14Blind Ambition..................................................................................................................................... Page 15Golden Community Center Activities Calendar .................................................................................. Page 16Golden Community Center 20th Anniversary Celebration! ................................................................ Page 17So You Think Your Chili Is Good, Do You? Let the people decide! ................................................... Page 17Golden History Museums .................................................................................................................... Page 18All Aboard with Thomas! .................................................................................................................... Page 19Calendar Girls to Cowboys: The Art of Selling Coors ........................................................................ Page 19Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition: Sept. 13 - Oct. 26 ............................................... Page 19

The Golden Informer September 2014 Page 3

HEADS UP: Important Upcoming Items

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLEFlu shots are just around the corner. New this year… a four strain vaccine, offering one extra influenza strain of protection.

The City of Golden will offer flu shots to the public for $27 from 7 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 5:30p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Golden Community Center, 1445 10th St.

Payment can be by cash, check or participating insurance including Medicare Part B (as primary insurance).

You must be at least four years old to take part and children under 18 years old must have a parent with them. Vaccination is still the best way to prevent getting influenza and vaccination is recommended for almost everyone.

ATTENTION PAY AS YOU THROW (PAYT) CUSTOMERSPAYT Customers! The fall yard waste collection is scheduled for Nov. 8, 15 and 22. Details will be printed in the October Informer, or look online for the fall schedule and collection guidelines at www.cityofgolden.net/links/trash.

GRANT MONEY GONEThe money available for small and matching i-Neighborhood Grants is gone for 2014. If you were hoping to submit an application, please wait until the beginning of next year. For questions, contact City Clerk Susan Brooks at 303-384-8014 or [email protected].

JEFFCO INNOVATION FAIREEvery day new inventions are being showcased to the public. On Sept. 12 and 13, you can check out what creations have been made by Golden and Jefferson County inventors, and get a glimpse into the future.

The City of Golden, in partnership with the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation and Golden-based IX Power Foundation, are hosting the JeffCo Innovation Faire, designed to recognize, celebrate and promote the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of our neighbors.

Additionally, the Faire will reward the area’s best high school and college students, and local businesses, for their creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. This free event is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 & 13 at the WarrenTech Campus (near Red Rocks Community College), 13300 West 2nd Place in Lakewood. For details visit www.JeffCoInnovators.org.

CITY OFFICES CLOSED ON LABOR DAYGolden City Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 1 to observe Labor Day. Offices will re-open for regular business hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Below 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.

Sept. 4

No meeting

Sept. 11 Regular business

meeting

Sept. 18

No meeting

Sept. 25

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.


Travel expands horizons but ultimately brings the globetrotter back with a deeper appreciation of home base. This summer my husband and I visited Russia, spending time in St. Petersburg and taking the night train to

visit Moscow. We really enjoyed being there. Both cities feature beautiful, colorful, old cathedrals and palaces mixed in with squat and gray Soviet-style

buildings. It was wonderful to have an in-person view of the treasures of the Hermitage Museum and the grandeur of Red Square, which is bordered by the fairytale St. Basil’s Cathedral, the imposing Kremlin, and the now-upscale GUM Department Store. All in all, the Russian built environment is fascinating, and literally a world away from our small-town, western atmosphere.

On a deeper level (putting aside current international tensions), it is interesting to compare and contrast the concerns of the Russians we met and the Goldenites we know. Of course, both groups share many values. The well-being of family and friends is a top priority; education is seen as the key to a better future; and patriotism abounds.

But we diverge in our attitudes toward community and government. In Russia, there is no history of community involvement in decision-making. I observed Russians’ glum acceptance of total governmental authority and opacity – from matters of national policy down to local parking restrictions, smoking bans, or preschool admission procedures.

In contrast, our tradition is to engage in robust debate. An openness to suggestions, questions, and criticism is the genius of American democracy and, not incidentally, a hallmark of Golden government. The result is a better, more considered decision. And the participatory process itself engenders community spirit and fosters relationships, in turn prompting still more involvement of engaged citizens.

This fall, there will be many opportunities to participate in our community life. Throughout the month of September (as detailed on the next page), the City will encourage residents to “Go Golden” by joining walks led by City Councilors and trying out new fitness activities around town. It will be a time to celebrate being active and enjoy the companionship of neighbors and friends.

All this activity will lead to a healthier Golden and culminate in the Second Annual Mayor’s Community Event. This year’s speaker is Mick Cornett, the four-term mayor of Oklahoma City. Under his leadership, Oklahoma City became one of the ten most fit cities in the country within a few years of its being named one of the most obese. The city was literally reshaped. A car-centric environment became a pedestrian and bike-friendly town and residents lost over 1,000,000 pounds. Oklahoma City is also regularly recognized as a great place for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. For his efforts, Mayor Cornett was designated the 2010 Governing Magazine’s Public Official of the Year and selected by the London-based City Mayors Association as runner-up for the World Mayor Award.

The same evening we will also honor individuals and businesses who have made exceptional contributions to Golden’s civic life. I encourage all readers to submit a nomination of a worthy candidate for the Mayor’s Awards of Excellence by Sept. 8. For details and the nomination form, visit www.cityofgolden.net/links/MayorsAwards.

All in all, early fall will be an outstanding time in Golden. Plan on participating in Go Golden activities, and joining the rest of the community on Oct. 2 for the Mayor’s Community Event. We will gather at the Mountaineering Center, applaud outstanding volunteers, and hear an inspiring talk by an internationally known speaker. After that, we can consider ways to keep Go Golden going.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor Marjorie Sloan

From Russia with Love – of Our Democratic and Community Traditions


Golden Mayor Marjorie Sloan invites you to the 5th annual celebration of people who have

made a difference in our community over the past year, and also help inspire you to find ways to make a difference in our city.

The Mayor’s 2014 Community Event is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2 at the American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St. At the event, Mayor Sloan will honor several outstanding Goldenites. After the awards presentation, you’ll want to stick around to hear Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. The theme for this year’s event coincides with Golden’s community-wide focus to maintain healthy, active lifestyles. With that said, we are honored to have Mayor Cornett speak at this event.

As Mayor Sloan wrote about in her Mayor’s Message on the opposite page, Mayor Cornett was nationally recognized for announcing that “This city is going on a diet.” As part of his million pound weight loss challenge for Oklahoma City residents, he was able to reprogram the city’s infrastructure and rebuild it as a

more commuter-friendly town for pedestrians.

Although Golden is not heading towards a city-wide diet, we are a city that is trail-blazing the path for a consistently healthy and active community. We hope Mayor Cornett’s speech will help motivate all of us to improve or maintain healthy and fit lifestyles.

There is still time to nominate someone for a Mayor’s Award of Excellence. You can nominate an individual, organization, or business

that makes exceptional contributions, takes initiative, exercises leadership, solves problems, creates community value and serves as role models.

Completed nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8. The forms and details on the nominations are at www.cityofgolden.net/links/MayorsAwards. Send completed forms via email to Denise Hish at [email protected], or deliver your nomination to City Hall, 911 10th St.

You’re Invited: Mayor’s 2014 Community Event

This fall will be a great opportunity for people

who live or work in Golden to experience new recreation activities and renew our personal commitments to an active lifestyle. In conjunction with the Mayor’s Community Event (see above), City Council is hosting a month-long fitness celebration throughout September. “Go Golden” is the name of Council’s overall healthy communities effort and as a part of Go Golden, our Fall Fitness

Celebration kicked off at the Aug. 24 USA Pro Challenge Bike Race expo in Parfet Park and runs through the Mayor’s Community Event on Oct. 2.

The month long event will provide an opportunity to to participate in, or observe demonstrations of, a broad range of activities from organized walks and bike rides to running events, yoga, dance, cardio exercise, conditioning, and many more. In addition, there will be four larger evening events in parks throughout the community with demonstrations, organized games and activities. The four evening events are tentatively scheduled

for Sept. 4 in Parfet Park, Sept. 9 in New Loveland Mine Park, Sept. 15 in Lions Park, and Sept. 24 in Southridge Park.

For each sponsored activity, participants will receive a program token (as seen in the photo). At the end of the month program tokens can be redeemed for Community Center passes and other prizes.

Come out, meet your friends and neighbors and try out a few new activities. We bet you’ll enjoy yourself and maybe add a new element to your active life. As events and activities are added, you’ll find them at www.cityofgolden.net/links/GoGolden.

GET GOING WITH GO GOLDEN

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett


The Colorado School of Mines (CSM) is building a brand new Welcome Center on their

campus, but there was one thing standing in their way. A historic 1923 home sat on the property where the new building would go. They could’ve just torn the home down, but instead worked with the City of Golden to see if anyone would take the house and move it.

The idea of a “free house” spread like wildfire through local, national and international media. As a result, the City received numerous phone calls from interested parties who wanted to know what it would take. As you can imagine, moving a house is not a simple process.

Sam Kimbriel with Easy Street Properties in Golden was chosen to take on the challenge. He bought the house for just one dollar from CSM, but says he’ll end up spending tens of thousands of dollars to move and restore the home. A small price to pay, he says, for helping to preserve history. “I have a great aversion to seeing our old homes being torn down,” said Kimbriel. “They tell a story of a day and age that we need to remember. We need to remember the community that has become Golden, Colorado.”

According to Kimbriel, the house at 1812 Illinois St. was originally the home of John Gray, who owned the Mountain Parks Service Station that sat next to the home. The gas station was the last stop before tourists headed up Lookout Mountain for a drive around the Lariat Loop.

The process of moving a house is complicated. First, the house must be prepared so it will survive the trip. Then it is loaded onto a giant

trailer which has to then make its way down narrow streets to get to the new location. In order to do this, there has to be cooperation and coordination with Xcel Energy, Century Link and Comcast so that they can move their overhead lines out of the way as the house goes by. Kimbriel quipped, “You don’t have to be crazy to do this, but it helps!” This process was done in the middle of the night in early August.

The home didn’t go too far away. Kimbriel moved it to 410 9th St. on a commercial lot that Easy Street Properties already owned. Because they had to move the house quickly to meet CSM deadlines, there wasn’t enough time to lay the foundation

at the new location. So, the house now sits on the property and once the foundation is set, will be moved again to the front of the lot.

Once a historic home is moved from its original location, it must then be brought up to today’s housing and environmental standards. “That's why you don't see to many of these homes moved,” said Kimbriel. “It is more expensive to renovate these properties than it is to build a new one from scratch. But for me, the value of the history makes it worth every penny.” Once renovated, the home will be the new location for Golden Well Being Collective, a local healing arts group that is currently located on Washington Avenue.

Local Company Gets a “Free” House from CSM

Top: The home on the trailer ready to be moved from the CSM campus. Bottom: The home in its new location on 9th Street.


It’s your last chance to sign up to Be a Tool for Golden’s 4th annual Neighborhood Rehab Project. The Neighborhood Rehab Project is an opportunity

for residents to give back to their community. It will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13. The effort, organized by Community Faith in Action, is a project that empowers adults, kids and various tradespeople to accomplish construction jobs such as roof repairs, fixing fences, and sealing windows. The Project strives to connect communities by creating a teamwork environment. When you work alongside a fellow resident and volunteer, it creates an everlasting bond. City of Golden staff will also be involved, serving in various ways and showing their support to the volunteers.

To sign up for the Neighborhood Rehab Project or donate towards other projects, visit www.beatool.org. Don’t wait, registration ends at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5.

Be a Tool and Give Back to Golden

Nine years ago, the Golden Gallop raced through

Golden for the first time, raising money for the Golden Schools Foundation, and delighting runners of all ages with an event that was to become a tradition. Each year the race has grown, bringing in runners from all over the region for the 5k, 10k and kid’s fun run. Last year, the race sent 900 participants galloping through Golden, with 100 volunteers to help out along the way. Even more impressively, more than $18,000 was raised from the race for local Golden schools to support k-12 programs in science, technology, engineering and math. In 2013, grants were awarded to support robotics programs, and purchase techbooks, iPads, computer math programs and science packages. In addition, the Golden

Schools Foundation rewarded and encouraged excellence in teaching through its 2013 Golden Teacher Recognition Awards.

This year the Golden Gallop promises to be bigger and better than ever. The race, on Sunday, Sept. 28, will begin under Golden’s “Howdy Folks” arch, wind its way through Golden on

USA Track and Field (USATF) certified 5k and 10k courses, and finish at Parfet Park. The 10k kicks off at 8 a.m., the 5k at 8:15 a.m. Walkers and runners both are welcome, but unfortunately, the race can’t accommodate canine running partners. To sign up for the Golden Gallop, visit www.goldengallop.org.

GOLDEN GALLOP SEPT. 28

Golden residents help with rehab projects on a neighborhood home.


Since learning late last year that Golden had been awarded $20 million dollars

from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to design and construct an improved interchange at Hwy 6 and 19th Street, staff has been hard at work with CDOT, Colorado School of Mines, and our consultants to develop preliminary plans and gather public input. The current designs contemplate a grade separated interchange, with 19th Street staying at its current grade and Hwy 6 diving under it. This separation will improve traffic mobility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists who currently travel through the signalized interchange. There are some additional challenges Hwy 6 presents that the City is attempting to address as well: the highway can potentially separate the Beverly Heights neighborhood from the rest of the community and noise goals need to be met in the neighborhood. The proposed solution to these challenges is to construct a wide lid over Hwy 6 rather than a standard narrow bridge.

City Staff have hosted two public meetings soliciting input on the intersection. Both meetings were well attended and provided valuable direction to the design team. While the primary focus has been on traffic, bike and pedestrian movement, the City has also been gathering input on how to use the extra space on this lid, what the bridge architecture should look like since this is an entrance point to the City, and, in a related, but separately funded project, asked for input on potential traffic calming on 19th Street west of the intersection. The project's general contractor, Edward

Kraemer & Sons, is also available to discuss potential construction phasing and related traffic impacts.

The next public meeting is planned for early September. This meeting should provide an opportunity for the community to comment on specific elements of a more refined set of plans. City staff expects to be looking for input on specific alternatives including access to WB Hwy 6, locations and number of at-grade pedestrian crossings and grade separated crossings, bicycle

lanes on 19th Street, and the look and feel of the lid itself. A better idea about the timing and timelines for construction should also be available at that time.

At the time of this publication, the September meeting date had not been set. If you would like to get on an email distribution list for updates on meetings regarding this project, email Anne Beierle at [email protected]. Otherwise, visit www.cityofgolden.net under News for the latest meeting details.

Top: A rendering of a proposed look for the 19th Street overpass. One of several possibilities. Below: Deputy Public Works Director Anne Beierle discusses potential plans with citizens, while others study possible plans and post their thoughts on the wall.

Hwy 6 and 19th Street Interchange Update


Over the past 25 years, downtown Golden has gone through a major transformation. We went from a sleepy little town to a bustling

destination spot. A big part of that transformation happened because of the Golden Urban Renewal Authority (GURA), which was able to get funding for many of the improvement projects. However, state laws limit funding for urban renewal projects to 25 years, so GURA’s downtown project will expire.

As a result, in November voters authorized the City to create a new organization called the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA is a special district entity authorized and directed by state statute to benefit the economic and community vitality of the downtown area. Beginning in late 2014, the DDA will start to take over downtown benefit programs from GURA, and GURA will then start to focus only on its other urban renewal project areas outside of Golden’s downtown. The DDA will also be authorized to provide tax increment economic incentives to eligible redevelopment projects, much like GURA was able to do in the past.

A DDA is a separate legal entity that can finance economic development and redevelopment projects by utilizing tax dollars generated by downtown for downtown. The DDA will be capable of providing tax increment financing and it would potentially be able to fund most of the other programs currently offered by GURA, assuming adequate revenues.

GOLDEN DDA’S SHORT-TERM GOALSThe initial DDA board was seated in March 2014, and began meeting on April 21. The DDA’s first task will be to complete and adopt a Downtown Development

Plan, which incorporates existing policy direction for downtown from Golden Vision 2030, the City Comprehensive Plan, and various downtown design and planning efforts. Staff support for this task will be provided by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

On June 25, the DDA board and City staff hosted an introductory stakeholder meeting to discuss the Downtown Development Plan. Initial ideas and suggestions for implementation were discussed. Attendees had the opportunity to voice opinions and questions about the plan. An online survey was also administered for those that could not attend the public meeting. Community input from both the initial stakeholder meeting and survey has aided the DDA in the focus areas for strategic implementation. The four areas in which the DDA will focus its efforts include:

1. Encourage and support business vitality for both individual businesses and the DDA areas as a whole;

2. Encourage and invest in the enhancement of our community character and culture;

3. Invest in developing and maintaining quality public space and infrastructure;

4. Encourage land uses and transportation policies that support community goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the DDA, you’re invited to attend meetings on the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 911 10th St. More information can be found at www.cityofgolden.net/links/DDA.

Transition from GURA to DDA: Looking Out for the Future of Downtown Golden


Through Oct. 4Golden Farmers MarketFrom 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot just west of the Golden Library, 1019 10th St.

Through Oct. 28Quilt Evolutions A display of quilts from artists displaying the themes of evolution, change and transition. Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, 1213 Washington Ave. For details visit www.rmqm.org or call 303-277-0377.

Sept. 1Labor Day

Sept. 4 & 18MOPSMothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is a support group for mothers of children aged from birth to Kindergarten. 9 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Golden, 1805 Washington Ave. For details call 303-279-4605.

Sept. 5First Friday Street FairThe Street Fair includes entertainment, food, drinks and fun activities for the kids. On Washington Avenue between 12th and 13th streets. For details

call the Golden Chamber of Commerce at 303-279-3113 or visit http://goldencochamber.org.

Sept. 6Coffee with a CouncilorJoin City Councilors to talk about topics concerning Golden. 10 a.m. at Bean Fosters, 720 Golden Ridge Rd. For details call Councilor Saoirse Charis-Graves at 303-709-7529 or [email protected].

Sept. 12 through Oct. 19Dylan Went ElectricTake a trip back in time to the 1960’s with this musical featuring original songs and even an onstage bar, which will be open to the audience at intermission! Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Ave. For tickets and show times, call 303-935-3044 or visit www.minersalley.com.

Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28Day Out with ThomasThomas the Tank Engine rolls into the Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Ave. For tickets visit www.ticketweb.com/DOWT or call toll free 1-866-468-7630.

Sept. 13 through Oct. 26Rocky Mtn. National WatermediaThis 41st annual nationally

recognized Watermedia exhibition brings together artists who create original works using watercolor. Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. For times and tickets, visit www.foothillsartcenter.org or call 303-279-3922.

Sept. 21Coyote 5k ClassicThe 5th annual Coyote 5k Classic and 1 mile fun run will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Shelton Elementary School, 420 Crawford St. Donations go to the school’s Science and Technology Fund. For details visit www.coyote5kclassic.com.

Sept. 23First Day of Autumn

Sept. 28Golden GallopThis 9th annual event features a 5k, 10k and a kid’s fun run. Begins at 8 a.m. To register to run or walk, visit GoldenGallop.com.

GOLDEN COMMUNITY CALENDAR SEPT. 2014

Information is subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm the details of an event. To list a community event happening

in Golden here, please send your listing to: Golden City Hall, Communications Dept., 911 10th St., Golden, CO 80401, or by e-mail to [email protected]. 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.

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

visit www.VisitGolden.com.

Tell them you read about them in the Golden Informer!


Building Use Tax Workshop

FREE

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.November 5, 2014 .. 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Class is free, but space is limited. Please call 303-384-8024

for your reservation.

FREE

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.September 3, 2014 ... 8:30 to 10 a.m.October 1, 2014 ......... 8:30 to 10 a.m.

Although these classes are free, space is limited.

Please call 303-384-8024 for your reservation.

Sales and Use Tax Workshops

Please call 303-279-1435, for more information.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun-filled safety event for the entire family. The

Golden Fire Department, along with the University of Colorado Hospital, will host the annual Safety and Preparedness Day. This event will be held at Golden Fire Station #1, 911 10th St. The event will include up close and personal fire truck tours, a visit from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Arson Dog and car seat checks.

There will be opportunity to learn about safety in the home and the community. Come enjoy activities and safety education for all ages. There will also be drawings for door prizes.

GOLDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT’S SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS DAY


Golden’s small green buses have been growing in ridership ever since they began service in April 2013, necessitating the addition of a third bus

in 2014. While the growing numbers of regular Golden riders on RTD buses and light rail trains are likely aware of the various fare purchase options, what are the options for occasional riders or those just considering regular ridership? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions.• Local/limited one way ticket: $2.25 ($1.10 for ages

65+ and 6-19). Takes you to Denver and beyond by bus. It applies to all city buses, including Golden’s green call-and-ride buses, but not regional buses such as the bus to Evergreen or Boulder. This ticket will also allow you to travel within two light rail fare zones which, in Golden’s case, means that it will take you to any of the Lakewood stations, but getting to Denver will cost you extra. This fare also entitles you to a transfer so, for example, you could take a Golden green bus to the light rail station, and then take the train to the Federal Center all under this fare.

• Monthly pass: $79 ($39.50 for ages 65+ and 6-19). This pass allows unlimited rides within the local/limited service area constraints. Great for those who commute to work or school in Lakewood on the light rail, or as far as Denver on the 16 or 16L bus.

• Ticket book (10 rides): $20 ($10 for ages 65+ and 6-19). Perfect for the busy commuter, student, or passenger on the go, these pocket-sized books contain 10 tickets valid for one-way bus or light rail service. Tickets are

inserted into the bus fare box just like cash. When riding light rail, be sure to validate your ticket by inserting it into a validation machine prior to boarding. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes after the time of validation. www.rtd-denver.com/TicketBook.shtml

• Denver by rail: $4 ($2 for ages 65+ and 6-19). Takes you three fare zones to Denver stations via light rail. For those regular commuters to Denver, monthly passes are $140 ($70 for ages 65+ and 6-19)

• Unlimited 5 day pass: $51.25. This pass is valid for all local, limited, express, and regional bus, and light rail travel in all fare zones. Great for those visiting the area for a few days to explore metro Denver.Still a little confused or have another question? For a

full understanding of all of RTD’s fare options, go to: www.rtd-denver.com/FaresPasses.shtml.Where to buy tickets and passes in Golden?

• Safeway Customer Service Desk• King Soopers Customer Service Desk

How to Use Local Transit

Looking for a fun run for the entire family? Don’t miss the 5th annual Coyote 5K Classic and 1 mile fun run in Golden at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21. You can expect

challenging hills and stunning views while you enjoy this one of a kind community event. Thanks in part to an i-Neighborhood Grant from the City of Golden, organizers are able to keep registration fees lower than most other races of this kind. There will be fun activities, food/drinks, music and a silent auction happening during and following the race. All kids that finish the 5k or 1 mile receive a medal. Also, everyone receives a commemorative t-shirt from the race. The top three male and female runners receive a free pair of running

shoes from Vital Outdoors and there are great age group prizes as well. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Shelton Elementary Science and Technology Fund. Fees are $10 for the 1 mile, $15 for the 5k (under 18) and $20 for adults. For race and registration information, visit www.coyote5kclassic.com.

FAMILY FUN RUN TO HELP FUND SCIENCE EDUCATION


S o c i a l , E c o n o m i c & E n v i r o n m e n t a l I s s u e s

You may not notice it by driving by the City Maintenance Facility at 1300 Catamount Dr., but all six of the buildings are now net zero energy use. Thanks to 260 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic panels (that’s more

than 1,000 panels!), the City was able to offset 100 percent of its electricity use at the site. Energy rebates were used to offset the cost of the system, which will be paid back through energy savings.

City Maintenance Goes Net Zero

WORMS AND COMPOSTFall is a great time to start composting. An abundance of yard waste material (leaves, garden trimmings, etc.) is a great source of “browns” to add to your “greens” for your own compost site. Compost bins can fit in almost any residential yard and even multifamily areas can operate a joint compost site. Try it on your own or learn to compost through one of Denver Urban Garden’s free classes. Check out these class times in September and register at http://dug.org/compost/ or call 303-292-9900 for more information.• Saturday, Sept. 6, 9 - 11 a.m.• Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 - 11 a.m. (Worm Workshop)• Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 - 11 a.m. • Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 - 11 a.m. (Build-A-Pile)


Celebrate Health!Friday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m.Celebrate Health! is a monthly wellness program featuring a variety of healthy living opportunities for adults of all ages. The first Friday of each month we offer free blood pressure screenings, healthy refreshments and presentations on a variety of wellness topics. For more information or to make an appointment for one of our services, please call 303-384-8130.Chair massages .................$13 for 15 minutesReflexology sessions .........$13 for 15 minutes

Receive the Front Porch News online! Stay up-to-date about Games, Classes & Clubs, Volunteer Activities, Wellness, Trips & Events.Visit www.cityofgolden.net/links/FrontPorch or email [email protected] to get on the email list. Computer Training for Life-long LearningThese introductory computer classes are for all skill levels and presented for FREE by the Jefferson County Public Library. Space is limited, Min/Max: 4/8. Sign up in the Front Porch or call 303-384-8130. Classes are held in the library’s book mobile in the Golden

Community Center’s 8th Street parking lot.Mondays, 2-4 p.m. on the E-Train Sept. 8 - Online Searching

Sept. 15 - iPad BasicsSept. 22 - Managing Digital PhotosSept. 29 - Personal Security Online

UPCOMING TRIPS & EVENTSChihuly Denver Botanic Gardens - #25008-1Denver Botanic Gardens presents the Rocky Mountain Region's first major outdoor exhibition of artwork by celebrated American artist, Dale Chihuly. Chihuly's sculptures – ranging in size and form – add bold colors and dramatic beauty to theGardens' 24-acre urban oasis.

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.$23 (van, exhibit entrance, bring money for lunch)Exertion Level: 4Register/Cancel by Sept. 10.

Wild Animal Sanctuary – #25009-1Time to return to and visit the “Mile into the Wild Walkway." Look into the natural habitats of wild animals. The walkway was a well thought out answer to keeping the animals content and happy while allowing humans to observe them.

Thursday, Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.$30 (van, entrance included, bring money for lunch)Exertion Level: 4Register/Cancel by Sept. 22.

Cherokee Ranch - #25006-1Cherokee Ranch and Castle tour covers details of the Castle's history and architecture, as well as its unique furnishings and collections of art from around the world. We will stop for lunch.

**Date has been changed to Thursday, Sept.18** 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.$30 (van, tour, bring money for lunch)Exertion Level:3Register/Cancel by Sept. 10.

Check out the Golden Community Center’s Front Porch - designed specifically for people 50 and older.

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

Here’s what’s happening this month:

For more information: • Stop by The Front Porch,

upstairs at the Community Center, 1470 10th St.;

• Call 303-384-8130;• Subscribe to the Front

Porch Newsletter ($8/year); • Check out the Recreation

brochure; or• Visit www.cityofgolden.net/

links/frontporch.


The basic definition of blind ambition is an earnest desire for achievement or

distinction. But Golden resident Erik Weihenmayer takes the phrase to an entirely new level. Erik is an accomplished rock climber, ice climber, adventure racer, skier, hiker and cyclist. Now, this amazing athlete is adding kayaker to his list of feats. And by the way, Erik is blind.

Erik is the only blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, something he achieved in 2001. Then in 2004, he led a group of six blind Tibetan teenagers up the north side of Everest; higher than any group of blind people have ever stood. He is also a motivational speaker and co-founded No Barriers USA, that helps people with special challenges (which to some degree is all of us,) to live active and purposeful lives.

Now, Erik is pushing past his own limits once again, to kayak the entire 277-mile length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He says kayaking blind is like riding an avalanche while trying to control the direction you are heading. It’s the hardest thing he’s ever done, which is saying something considering his long list of accomplishments. “I’ve worked hard,” said Erik. “I’ve put in hundreds of hours of repetition only to get smacked down, flipped over, pull my skirt, and there I am, swimming again. Because every run, even if it’s down the same rapid, is totally different.”

Erik will not be making this trek alone. He has trained with a team of well qualified kayakers over the past five years. Erik wears a waterproof headset where he gets direction from his guide. “When Erik and I are kayaking down in the Grand

Canyon, essentially I am his eyes,” said Harlan Taney, who will serve as Erik’s primary guide. “Every action that he makes, he is completely dependent on hearing my voice.”

Joining the team will be fellow blind kayaker and Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell. Erik stated, “As Lonnie and I paddle 277 miles through the Grand Canyon, we hope to encourage one million people to take the No Barriers Pledge, a pledge that says, ‘What’s within me is stronger than what’s in my way.’ We hope our big challenge will push others to pick a significant barrier holding them back, attack it, and shatter it into a million pieces.”

Erik has trained for many of his adventures in Golden. And because

the beautiful Clear Creek runs right through the city, he was able to begin his kayak training here, too. Having the creek in his back yard has proven to be very helpful as he worked his way up to this new feat. Besides the proximity to adventure and all of the amenities Golden provides, he also loves our town because he can walk everywhere and be very independent; something that he has strived for since he went blind as a teenager.

Erik’s adventure down the Colorado River begins on Sept. 7 and will take 21 days to complete. To follow his progress and learn more about him, visit his website http://touchthetop.com.

Blind Ambition


Dance ClassesPut on your dancing shoes and sign up for fall dance classes at the Golden Community Center! Dance classes are available for all ages ranging from ballet and tap to hip hop. For more information, visit https://rec.cityofgolden.net.

Get Golf Ready Adult ClinicThe Get Golf Ready Adult Clinic is designed to teach the beginner golfer everything needed to play golf in just a few lessons. The clinic will be three sessions over a one week period combining fun, fitness and no-pressure on-course experiences. Each session will feature basic swing mechanics; including grip, alignment and posture.

All Adult Get Golf Ready Clinics are held Monday - Wednesday.$100 per student (5 hours)Sept. 8, 9 & 10 5 - 7 p.m. (Day 1)5 - 6:30 p.m. (Days 2&3)

Get Golf Ready Women’s ClinicThe Get Golf Ready Women’s Only Clinic is a series of three clinics during one week based on the same principles of the Adult Clinic; however, it will be for women only.

All Women’s Get Golf Ready Clinics are held Monday - Wednesday.$100 per student (5 hours)

Sept. 15, 16 & 17 5 - 7 p.m. (Day 1)5 - 6:30 p.m. (Days 2&3)

The Fossil Five (It’s Time to Play Golf!)Get Golf Ready graduates are encouraged to take advantage of the Fossil Five, giving you the opportunity to link what you’ve learned to playing five holes. Fossil Five nights will encourage fun, pressure-free golf where you will get comfortable on the course. Fossil Trace Get Golf Ready graduates will receive their first Fossil Five outing FREE!

Fossil Five nights are on select Tuesdays for 5 holes.$15 per player, cart included (Get Golf Ready Graduates Only)September 23 & 30

Custom Club Fitting at Fossil Trace Golf ClubFossil Trace Golf Club is proud to offer custom fitted golf clubs. Fossil Trace is one of a very few golf

facilities that offer custom fittings of woods, irons and hybrids using the latest in fitting systems from Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Mizuno, Nike and Cobra. In addition to state of the art fitting systems and expert Professional Staff, our ForeSight GC2 launch monitor technology provides feedback that further ensures that the clubs you play have been properly fitted, thus making club fitting a truly valuable experience!

Your club purchase of $250 or more qualifies you for four free buckets of range balls ($36 value). A purchase of $500 or more qualifies you for a free round of golf ($85 value).

Fossil Trace specializes in custom fitting, but also offers affordable, brand name club options for players of all levels, including beginners, women and juniors. Call the Golf Shop today to schedule your fitting at 303-277-8705. For more information visit www.fossiltrace.com.

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

Golden Community Centeractivities calendar


The Golden Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating our 20th

year at the Community Center by throwing back to our 1994 roots.

The thought of building a new community center started in the early 1980’s. A subcommittee of citizens were appointed to assess the needs of the community and to assist in creating the facility. The first ballot initiative in November of 1981 failed due to the lack of general knowledge and input from the community.

After the first initiative failed, a new committee was appointed. Today it is known as the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members are appointed by the Golden City Council to represent all of the citizens within the Golden community. With the help of the Board, the word spread regarding the building of the Community Center. Many public input meetings were held to assist in determining the features and services the new building was going to offer.

Once again, the initiative was formally placed on the ballot. In

May 1991, the vote passed to build the Golden Community Center by a margin of 11 votes.

From that point forward, Golden never looked back and has continued to be at the forefront of the Parks and Recreation industry.

Join us in celebrating our individual, family and community wellbeing at the Golden Community Center on Oct. 21-25. More information regarding our festivities is yet to come, so pencil us in!

Golden Community Center 20th Anniversary Celebration!

The Golden Chamber’s Annual Knock Your Boots Off Chili Cook-Off and Beer Tasting, sponsored by Coors Distributing Company, will be

from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. There are three ways to participate:

1. Cook! Share your best recipe for red, green or white chili. The Early-Bird discount deadline is Oct. 1. All applications must be submitted by Oct. 6.

2. Volunteer! We’re looking for people to help set up, take tickets, help with voting, and more.

3. Attend the Event! Tickets will be on sale soon.

Learn more at GoldenCoChamber.org. Please direct questions to Dawn or Krista at 303-279-3113 or [email protected].

SO YOU THINK YOUR CHILI IS GOOD, DO YOU? LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE!


“Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.” Even if you’ve never heard the phrase, you probably know that your

grandparents and great grandparents lived by the mantra. Worn-out hand-me-down clothes were cut-up, and used to make quilts or rugs, or to dress the scarecrow guarding the garden. Cloth too worn for quilts or rugs was stuffed into the ragbag and used as mops.

During the Great Depression, when poverty devastated the country, frugality often allowed families to keep food on the table. By the 1940s, the idea of being conscious about material use had become a patriotic call to action in support of the American war effort. Today, the same phrase could just as easily be used in support of the sustainable living, and farm-to-table movements.

In the garden, homeowner’s food was always under attack by scavenging birds looking for a meal. Pioneers made their own scarecrows out of materials found around their homes to make festive– and most importantly – useful scarecrows to protect their gardens and farms. Another sustainable living practice, the knotted rag rug, was found in many Colorado homesteads and is unique to North America. Americans started to migrate west and had limited amount of cargo space in their wagons, carpets and other decor had to be left behind. In their desire to maintain their previous standard of living, pioneers strove to re-create the comforts and

appearance of a civilized home. Join us in the Clear Creek History Park to learn

frugality and sustainability lessons from the past. Attend “Boo! Who’s Been Watching Your Garden?” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19 to learn the history of the scarecrow as you make your own to take home. Or, experience the ins and outs of knotting a rag rug in the style of the 1880s homesteaders during “Leftovers to Luxuries” from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 8. Visit our website GoldenHistory.org/events for dates, times and fees.

Priscilla Marshall, an historian with over 20 years of experience, will instruct both of the courses taught at the Clear Creek History Park. Photo Credit: Golden History Museums, City of Golden.

Golden History MuseumsAstor 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

Tel: 303-278-3557 • www.GoldenHistory.org

Learn from the Past about Sustainability

GOLDEN FRONTIER OLYMPICS SEPT. 13On Sept. 13 Golden History Museums (GHM) is hosting the first-ever Golden Frontier Olympics at Clear Creek History Park from 11 to 4 p.m. Create a team with your friends, co-workers, or family to test your historic skills and knowledge and get a taste of what it was like for Colorado pioneers. Winners in events such as the bucket brigade, pie-eating contest, and trivia challenge will earn great prizes from local bars and restaurants. The event will have locally brewed craft beers at the “saloon” and a variety of food trucks.

Teams will have between four and seven people and all participants must be over the age of 12. Registration is $60 per team with a $10 discount if the team captain is a GHM member (spectators are free!)

If you don’t have a team, we’ll help you find one! Our younger participants can compete in mini-events throughout the day (for free!) if their adult is competing. Register at GoldenHistory.org/GFO.


Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28Colorado Railroad Museum · 17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden

Come ride along with Thomas the Tank Engine, and his engine friends. Thomas invites you to

enter his world where kids will have the fascinating opportunity to hear Thomas talk, meet Sir Topham Hatt and cruise the rails with Thomas. Enjoy other activities such as magic shows, a petting zoo and temporary tattoos. This event sells out quickly, so get your tickets now! To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketweb.com/DOWT or call toll free 1-866-468-7630. For more information on the event, visit http://coloradorailroadmuseum.org.

All Aboard with Thomas!

Calendar Girls to Cowboys: The Art of Selling Coors

Golden History MuseumOct. 11, 2014 - Oct. 11, 2015

Historically, word of mouth was the only way to sell a beer. In GHM’s upcoming exhibit you’ll learn the history of Coors ads, meet Coor’s first and second ad man, go behind the ubiquitous waterfall campaign, and much more! Guests are free to shoot some pool in the presence of over a dozen rare and classic Coors signs.

Foothills Art Center (FAC) is proud

to present the 41st Annual Rocky Mountain National Watermedia (RMNW) exhibition. Juror Linda Doll selected 68 works of art from 616 entries, making 2014 one of the more exclusive exhibitions in recent years.

The best of the nation’s watermedia artists are featured in this popular exhibition, including the 2015 RMNW juror, Mark Mehaffey, and 2013 RMNW Best of Show winner, Miles Batt, Sr.

FAC members and their guests are invited to attend the private opening reception at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, before the exhibition opens to the public. Visit foothillsartcenter.org to make your reservation, purchase a membership or find out about other events at FAC.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL WATERMEDIA EXHIBITION

SEPT. 13 - OCT. 26

POSTAL PATRON

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDGOLDEN, CO PERMIT #26

Documents

Informer The GoldenThe Golden · entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of our neighbors. Additionally, the Faire will reward the area’s best high school and college students, and