This Is Aurora City Newsletter
Aug. 11, 2022
Global Fest 2022: A Global Celebration with the Local Community

Aurora is truly the world in a city, and nowhere is that more apparent than at Global Fest, the city’s annual showcase of international cultures. After two years as a virtual event, Global Fest is back with an in-person celebration from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway.

This unique multicultural event, presented by the city of Aurora, brings together the sights, sounds and flavors of nations around the world in celebration of the diverse cultures and communities that call Aurora home.

Now in its eighth year, Global Fest will offer activities for all ages, including two stages of musical and dance performances, an international marketplace, art displays, creative activities for children, food vendors and more! Attendees can expect a globally inspired fashion show and the exciting Parade of Nations procession with representation from dozens of countries.

Admission to Global Fest is free. Learn more at AuroraGov.org/GlobalFest.
Aurora Animal Shelter is now on Facebook
The Aurora Animal Shelter has joined Facebook. Follow their page to get the latest on shelter news, animal adoptions, vaccination events, behavioral tips and more.
Register for the inaugural Aurora for Action Conference

Join the city of Aurora and partners at this inaugural conference for youth, caregivers and service providers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Gateway High School, 1300 S. Sable Blvd.
 
The event will include workshops, a resource fair, an awards ceremony and much more.
 
 
Spanish interpretation services will be available. If you need other accommodations or have questions, please email yvpprogram@auroragov.org.
 
Partners for this event include Aurora Public Schools, Aurora Youth Options with Aurora Mental Health, Fully Liberated Youth, and Tri-County Health Department.
Meet Aurora’s new Poet Laureate

Aurora native Ahja Fox is the city’s new honorary poet laureate.

Fox was selected out of six candidates by a panel that included the two former city poets, Jovan Mays and Assetou Xango, the State Poet Laureate Bobby LeFebre and Councilmember Danielle Jurinsky after an extensive application process, which included a written application, in-person interview and performance of an original work.

Fox was recommended by the Aurora Public Library Board for appointment by the City Council, which took place in July and sworn in last Monday, Aug. 8, for a four-year term ending in 2026.

The Poet Laureate Program started in 2013 as an initiative of the Aurora Public Library to recognize a poet and writer and to advocate and promote poetry and literature. To learn more about the poet laureate and the program, visit AuroraGov.org/Poet.

Watch Fox perform her poem “In Other Worlds” on AuroraTV.
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums where those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info."
  • Mayor Mike Coffman - Saturday, Aug. 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Ave.
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Aug. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.- virtual meeting option available
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Sept. 15 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Sept. 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Aug. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. - virtual meeting option available
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way (additional town hall meeting Saturday, Aug. 20, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Mission Viejo Library, 15324 E. Hampden Circle)
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Sept. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., Heritage Eagle Bend, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway
  • At Large (Angela Lawson, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St. - virtual meeting option available

City Council Study Session
Monday, Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m.
View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

Photography Workshop
Thursday, Aug. 11
FREE photography workshop with documentary photographer Juan Fuentes. Learn photography basics and be part of a collaborative photography project to compile diverse perspectives and images in a mural representing Aurora's people. A limited number of disposable cameras will be available for the first few attendees. 
  • 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Analog photo workshop with disposable cameras 
  • 6:15 to 7 p.m. Digital/Phone photo workshop 
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway 

Free Loader Days
Saturday, Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to noon (while supplies last)
The city is offering free mulch on select Saturdays as a service to residents working to sustain a healthy landscape in Colorado's arid climate. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer to have us load it full of mulch, or bring your own shovels and containers to serve yourself.
Near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street (enter via South Dawson Street and follow the signs)
More information: AuroraGov.org/Trees

"Tatanka: Spirit of the Land" Exhibit
Through Aug. 14
The Aurora History Museum is proud to partner with local Mexican artist Arturo Garcia in presenting the exhibition, “Tatanka: The Spirit of the Land,” on display through Aug. 14. The exhibit explores the near extinction of the bison, their role in indigenous cultures and the beauty of this North American icon. Tatanka is connected to “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Mexican Community,” currently exhibiting at the museum showcasing several local Latino artists this summer and fall. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org

Global Fest
Saturday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrate the cultures and communities that call Aurora home with musical and dance performances, a fashion show, a parade of nations, an international marketplace, food, vendors and more.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraGov.org/GlobalFest

Coffee Chat with RTD
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6 to 8 a.m.
RTD's Zero Fare for Better Air Initiative is continuing through the month of August, giving residents a chance to ride public transit for free and improve our air quality. RTD is hosting a Customer Coffee Chat for customers to ask questions about RTD's services, ongoing projects and the #zerofare initiative.
Aurora Metro Center Station, 14555 E. CentrePoint Drive

Identity Theft/Fraud Seminar
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 6 to 7 p.m.
Each year, millions of Americans are affected by identity theft, which can occur in many forms. Attend Aurora Public Library’s free seminar to learn what identity theft is, including how it occurs, how thieves use your information, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you become a victim. Reserve your spot now by emailing LibraryOutreach@AuroraGov.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E Colfax Ave.
More information: https://bit.ly/3ORTl8k.

2022 Aurora Forum for Older Adults
Friday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join the Aurora Commission for Older Adults to learn about healthy aging. The event will include resources, speakers, giveaways and refreshments. Registration is required by calling 303.739.7950.
Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle

Park Lights & Movie Nights 2022
Fridays and Thursdays in September
Enjoy a family-friendly movie at different parks across the city. Movies start at sunset each night. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and treats to enjoy a fun movie under the stars. Killer Kettle Corn will also be available for sale onsite for those who need a movie-time snack.
For information and locations, visit AuroraGov.org/Events.

Disparity Study: Virtual Public Hearings
Sept. 13, 5 p.m. and Sept. 14, noon
The city of Aurora has contracted with Griffin & Strong P.C., a public-policy consulting firm, to determine whether there is a significant statistical disparity
between the availability of qualified, Minority, Women and Disadvantaged
Business Enterprises (MWDBE) and the utilization of such businesses in the city’s procurement and contracting processes. Public hearings allow businesses and other community members to go on the record with their comments about doing business with the city of Aurora or its marketplace. All comments will become part of the public record and be included in the study analysis.
Registration is required at EngageAurora.org/DisparityStudy.

COVID-19 Testing Site
Open through Sept. 30, daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those with symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification is required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required.
Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora’s Mexican population with a new exhibition. The exhibit showcases vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, such as popular music, art, dance, clothing, popular food and religion. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
More information: AuroraMuseum.org
Have a comment, question, or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online, at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

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