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There are so many things to be thankful for living in Golden. Natural beauty on all sides including stunning parks within; easy access to the mountains; we're only a quick light rail ride away from Denver and its urban attractions; amazing citizens who care deeply about their town; a thriving downtown full of great places to dine, shop, and have fun.

We at the City of Golden wish you and yours a very happy and safe Thanksgiving, and thank you for making this such a great place to live, work, and play!

Your friends at the City of Golden

Around Town

Apex Park now fully reopened!

Apex Park fully reopened on Monday, Nov. 24 for the first time since the devastating floods of September 2013.

Jeffco Open Space staff installed several bridges and abutments last week on lower Apex Trail, which was the only remaining area closed. To maximize efficiency and effectiveness, a helicopter was used to deliver the staff-built bridge decks to the park for final assembly and installation. Visitors can now access all 9.5 miles of trail at the popular 697-acre park.

Golden Moves Up in Rank for Bicycle Friendly Communities

The City of Golden is recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as one of the more bicycle-friendly communities in the country. Golden's Silver Award takes the city a step above the previous designation of Bronze in 2010.

"The increase in designation from Bronze to Silver shows the City's dedication to improve cycling within the community," said Golden City Planner Nick Eagleson. "The City has been hard at work to improve infrastructure, promote access and increase education and safety for both employees and the public."

Golden rural carrier honored by Postmaster General

Earlier this fall, while delivering mail near Genesse, Robert Trujillo, a Golden, CO, rural carrier smelled smoke.

He discovered a fire had started near the home of a customer on his route whom he had seen driving away from the residence several minutes earlier. Because he had no cell phone service, he drove to a nearby home and asked the resident to call the fire department. The female resident called 911 and her husband went to help Trujillo fight the fire

The two dug a line in the dirt around the fire, using his feet and a large stick.

A Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy soon arrived on scene and assisted until the Fire Department arrived sometime later. The deputy wrote, "When I arrived there was a lot of smoke but not much fire due to the line that Robert built around the fire. The wind was blowing out of the South East at about 10 miles an hour with strong gusts."

According to Foothills Fire Chief Brian Zoril, the fire would have reached the home if Trujillo hadn't taken action. The house was far enough off the road that a fire wouldn't have been spotted otherwise.

Trujillo is being recognized as a hero by the Postmaster General at an award ceremony. He was also previously awarded a Jefferson County Sheriff's Department Citizen's Coin for his efforts in preventing loss of the home and a potential wildfire.

Holiday hours for City operations

Please note that City of Golden offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day on Thursday and Friday.

If you're hoping to work off that Thanksgiving feast, the Golden Community Center will be open from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thursday, and back to normal operations on Friday.

Miners Alley: Construction moves forward

Construction on Miners Alley has begun in earnest now following the big snow storm of a couple of weeks ago. All the concrete has been completed. Expect closures on Wednesday as crews clean and seal the new concrete work.

Heritage Road: Two weeks out from project completion

Streets will have the conduit duct banks on Heritage Road completed this week, at which time Century Link has been notified that they can initiate work. Additionally, Sturgeon Electric began terminating the underground electric. Weather allowing, the project should be completed in about two weeks.

Tucker Gulch Trail

Although the project was delayed due to recent weather, everything is back on track now. The walls have been formed and crews are scheduled to start pouring concrete this Wednesday.

Got yard waste?

The final yard waste pickup was last Saturday, but unfortunately, some houses were missed.

Waste Management will be scheduling a makeup day after Thanksgiving. If you were one of those whose yard waste wasn't picked up when it was supposed to be, please call Waste Management or the city at 303-384-8022 to get on a list to be notified of makeup day.

Upcoming Events

Small Business Saturday

Celebrate local businesses on Small Business Saturday, while shopping for unique holiday gifts and vying for big prizes!

Shop downtown Golden on Saturday for a chance to win a $500 holiday shopping spree or $100 cash prize when you find a Golden Elf and post a selfie photo on the Visit Golden Facebook page or their Instagram account using the hashtag "GoldenElfontheRun." Enter as many times as you find elves! This contest is one-day only, so head to Golden on Saturday and shop small to win big.

For a full list of participating Golden Elf businesses, go to VisitGolden.com.

Be a Tool 5K Run & Elf Parade

Kick-off the holiday season in Golden on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 in historic downtown Golden with the Be a Tool 5K Run & Elf Parade.

This all-ages event will take runners and walkers in elf costume through the heart of Golden along Golden's trails with a finish in historic downtown Golden.

Learn more and register for the Be a Tool 5K Run & Elf Parade!

Olde Golden Christmas Celebration

Christmas in Golden

'Tis the season! Time again to enjoy FREE activities in historic downtown

Golden each weekend, Nov. 29, Dec.6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. for the Olde Golden Christmas Celebration.

And to make it just a little sweeter, free parking is included!

Here's the breakdown:

Newfoundland Dog Cart Rides

(Saturdays only; noon - 3 p.m.)
Children will giggle and squeal as they enjoy Newfoundland Dog Cart rides in historic downtown Golden. Children get picked up at 12th and Jackson Street across from the Golden Diner. Donations support the Golden Fire Department.

What the Dickens? Victorian Carolers

(Saturdays only; 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
Listen to the sweet sounds of Victorian Carolers along Washington Avenue in historic downtown Golden after the parade and while shopping.

Santa Claus Meet and Greet at Avenue Gifts

(Saturdays only; noon - 3 p.m.)
Meet Santa Claus while meandering among the Washington Avenue shops.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

(Saturdays and Sundays; noon - 4 p.m.)
Enjoy free horse drawn carriage rides through historic downtown Golden. Rides start at 12th Street between Washington and Arapahoe. Weather permitting.

Make sure to pop into Golden Goods for yummy holiday cookies!

Holiday Art Market (HART)

Foothills Art Center

Shop Holiday Art Market featuring over 100 select Colorado artists at Foothills Art Center. Choose from an array of jewelry, glass, ceramics, photography, paintings, woodworking and more.

Open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m. from November 15 - December 28 at the Foothills Art Center.

For more information, please call 303-279-3922 or visit foothillsartcenter.org.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride at the Colorado Railroad Museum

The Polar Express at the CRM

For the first time in the history of the Colorado Railroad Museum, the story of The Polar Express™ is being theatrically re-created so you and your family can be immersed in the sights, sounds and intrigue of this classic children's tale. Prepare to be surrounded by the magic and wonder of the holiday season!

Enjoy three 75 minute performances (4:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.) each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28, with additional performances on Weds. Nov. 26, and Mon. and Tues. Dec. 22 and 23.

Ticket prices vary from $30 to $100, and each experience includes hot chocolate, cookies, a train ride, visit with Santa and the "First Gift of Christmas."

For more information, and to purchase tickets, call 720-253-1023 or visitcoloradorailroadmuseum.org/polarexpress .

Golden Library Young Readers Club

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

Join other young readers at the Golden Library, 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1 to discuss a current book for the Golden Library Young Readers' Club.

This month, the book being discussed is Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce.

Community Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting

CSAB will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on November 26.

The mission of the Community Sustainability Advisory Board is to assist the City of Golden in achieving the ten-year sustainability goals. In order to facilitate achievement of these goals, the Board will lead, encourage, enable, and empower the citizens, visitors, and people who work in Golden, to live in a sustainable manner.

Learn more about Golden's Sustainability Initiative, or visit the Community Sustainability Advisory Board page for more information about the board itself and to access an agenda for the upcoming meeting, or minutes from past meetings.

The Community Sustainability Advisory Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month in Council Chambers from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

Learn more about CSAB

Historic Preservation Board Meeting

The Historic Preservation Board will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on December 1.

The Historic Preservation Board has a number of responsibilities regarding the preservation and upkeep of Golden's many historic sites.

The Board typically meets on the first Monday evening of each month in public hearing in the City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Study sessions may be scheduled the third Monday of each month.

Learn more about the Historic Preservation Board

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City of Golden Weekly Digest | November 25, 2014 | CityofGolden.net