This Is Aurora - City Newsletter

Dec. 3, 2020

City unveils 10-year Immigrant Integration Plan

Building on its successful work to develop opportunities for immigrants and refugees and expand the city’s international presence, the city of Aurora has unveiled a 10-year Immigrant Integration Plan, “Aurora is open to the world.”

As Colorado’s third-largest city and one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Aurora created one of the nation’s first municipal strategic plans for immigrant integration in 2015 and remains the only Colorado city with a comprehensive strategic plan for immigrant integration. Aurora is updating that plan for the decade ahead based on what the city has learned so far and what residents and stakeholder groups have cited as priorities. The effort is led by the city’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs.

“One in five Aurora residents was born outside the U.S., and we believe that the success of our residents, and therefore the success of our city, depends on how well we can work together,” said Ricardo Gambetta, head of Aurora’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. “Moving forward, our plan for 2020 to 2030 focuses on goals that capture community needs, with specific ideas for implementation.”

Among the 12 goal areas for 2020 to 2030 are entrepreneurism, affordable housing, job skills and certification, English language learning, language accessibility, public safety relationships, immigrant leadership, healthy lifestyles, citizenship pathways, and cultural inclusion.

To view the full plan, go to AuroraGov.org/2020ImmigrantIntegrationPlan. To learn more about the Office of International and Immigrant Affairs, go to AuroraGov.org/International.

Oil and Gas Advisory Committee vacancy

The city of Aurora is accepting applications until Dec. 31 for a mineral owner or large surface owner within Aurora to serve on the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee. Visit the link to find out more and apply.

Read more
auroragov.org

Celebrate the beginning of the holidays virtually with Aurora Holiday Sparkle event Dec. 10

The city of Aurora will celebrate the kickoff of the holidays virtually this year to safely spread the seasonal cheer and spirit of the city’s normally in-person celebratory event Holiday Tree Lighting with Aurora Holiday Sparkle at 6 p.m. Dec. 10.

With all the same joyful fun Holiday Tree Lighting has brought to the community, Aurora Holiday Sparkle will deliver a similar holiday cheer, virtually, streamed on Facebook and AuroraTV.org. The event will also be broadcast on cable channels 880 and 8 to Aurora subscribers.

The Holiday Sparkle event will include Santa and live reindeer, stories from Santa’s amusing holiday travels through the North Pole, dance along with the dancing from the Aurora Dance Arts program and the magic of ice carvers creating masterpieces in front of your eyes.

The event will be topped off with the ceremonial switching on of the holiday tree lights of the Aurora Municipal Center by Mayor Mike Coffman.

This is a thoughtfully designed event that brings virtual fun to life right to your home for you and your family to enjoy. The event is virtual, but the fun is real.

Support shelter animals this holiday season

The Aurora Animal Shelter has some "paw-some" opportunities for you to support shelter pets this holiday season.

The shelter will host holiday pet pics Sunday, Dec. 13. For a $25 donation you get five digital photos of you with your pet. This event is by appointment only and must be prepaid. Please note that because of COVID-19 restrictions, pet pics will not be available with Santa as in previous years.

Appointments are limited (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13) and are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 303.326.8282 and leave a message. Please be patient as it may take several days to receive a return call. Calls will be returned in the order that they are received.

The shelter is also hosting a Presents for Shelter Pets promotion through Dec. 24. Those wishing to donate items for shelter pets can view the shelter’s donation page for what is needed, and they can either be purchased directly from an Amazon wish list or dropped off at the shelter, 15750 E. 32nd Ave. Donors who provide an email with their gift can receive a photo of a shelter animal playing with their new toy.

IN THE NEWS

Colorado partners press on with I-70 interchange project - Transport Topics

Aurora Singers annual holiday review- My Prime Time News

Small shops in Colorado depending on customers now more than ever - CBS 4 Denver

WATCH AURORA NOW

UPCOMING EVENTS

Council Member Town Meetings

Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur, but the format and structure of town meetings may be affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to check the latest information on meeting dates.

Aurora Day of Giving

Dec. 1 to 18, while supplies last

To protect the health and safety of the community, the one-day Aurora Day of Giving event in December was replaced with a longer distribution period through four food partners. The free food and resource distribution is open to all Aurora households. For details on locations and times, go to AuroraGov.org/CommitmentToCare.

"The Music of Black Nativity" (Virtual)

Dec. 3 to 23

Due to latest COVID-19 restrictions, the Aurora Fox Arts Center is now closed to the public and will present virtually "The Music of Black Nativity," a concert event based on the work of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hugues. Infused with the sounds, energy and enthusiasm of Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Funk, "The Music of Black Nativity" celebrates the Nativity story and offers a virtual holiday show perfect for the whole family to enjoy from the safety and comfort of your own home.

Tickets go on sale Dec. 3 at AuroraFox.org

Mayor Mike Live

Friday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m.

Join Mayor Coffman on Facebook Live or AuroraTV.org every Friday (except holidays and other city closures) for a conversation on current topics discussed in our city, including COVID-19. This week, the chief storyteller for Stanley Marketplace will join the mayor to discuss holiday events and shopping opportunities as well the COVID-19 impact on this popular destination; also, the city's Office of International and Immigrant Affairs will discuss its comprehensive Immigrant Integration Plan for the next 10 years.

Day of Jubilee (Virtual)

Friday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m.

Day of Jubilee is back. Join the People’s Building for a celebration of visual art and music, all virtual from the safety of your home, featuring a live-captured music set from Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose, and a 360 degree gallery viewing of the exhibition "Facades" by watercolor artist Kellie Fox.

Facebook.com/PeoplesBuilding

City Council Meeting (Virtual)

Monday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.

View this regular council meeting online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880. You may also listen to the meeting by phone (see AuroraGov.org for details). Streamed live at AuroraTV.org or cable channels 8 and 880 only.

Small Business Content Creation Studio

Virtual Information Sessions

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5 to 5:45 p.m.: English Session

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Amharic Session

Thursday, Dec. 10, 5 to 5:45 p.m.: Spanish Session

Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Korean Session

Need a place to create marketing content for your business? Learn more about Aurora's Small Business Content Creation Studio. Please plan to attend the session that meets your language needs.

Visit AuroraGov.org/CCStudio to find out more, including Webex session connection links.

Online Lecture: Las Posadas

Wednesday, Dec. 16, noon to 1 p.m.

The Christmastime tradition of Las Posadas begins Dec. 16. Maye Agama has celebrated "Las Posadas with Las Fraternas" at the Fort for many years. She will share her photos and experiences with atendees to this Aurora History Museum presentation.

Aurora Museum Foundation Festival of Wreaths

Through Dec. 11

Bid online for one of these colorful, imaginative wreath designs donated by Aurora businesses, charitable organizations and individuals, with proceeds benefiting the Aurora History Museum.

View the wreaths online or make a reservation to see them in person at the museum.

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Open until further notice, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance and no proof of identification are 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

Additionally, free rapid testing is available Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., especially for those who have symptoms, do not have insurance or are experiencing homelessness. Limited testing supplies available each day.

Restoration Christian Fellowship parking lot, 15660 E. Sixth Ave.

Virtual Art Exhibit

The People's Building is hosting a virtual art exhibit by artist Sammy Seung-Min Lee titled "Remind Me Tomorrow."

Take the 360 degree gallery tour

Virtual Storytime

Daily, 10 a.m. (Wednesdays is American Sign Language)

Aurora Public Library has been offering virtual programming since mid-March. One of the most popular programs is the daily storytime. Other ongoing programs include Reader’s Corner, Mystery Read and Create & DYI. To learn more about all the virtual programming, visit AuroraLibrary.org or the Aurora Public Library Facebook page.

AuroraGov.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

Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org