This Is Aurora City Newsletter
March 16, 2023
We Are Aurora Youth Spring Break Program continues with free recreation center access

We Are Aurora Youth is a program designed by the city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department to give Aurora youth a fun and safe place to hang out during school breaks. Youth receive free admission to the city’s recreation centers from noon to 7 p.m. and have a chance to participate in a variety of fun activities, including basketball, volleyball, cooking classes, video game competitions, movie nights and much more.

Open basketball and other amenities are available from noon to 3:30 p.m., and structured programming from 4 to 7 p.m. Free nutritious meals are being served to youth 18 and under. Each location is also offering opportunities to win gift cards. We Are Aurora Youth Spring Break Program includes the following locations:
  • Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place, through March 17
  • Expo Center and eSports Lounge, 10955 E. Exposition Ave., through March 17 and March 20 to 24
  • Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St., through March 17
  • Southeast Recreation Center and Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive, March 20 to 24

Central, Moorhead and Southeast recreation centers serve youth ages 13 to 18, and the Expo Center and eSports Lounge serve youth ages 11 to 17. Drop-ins are welcome, but spots for the eSports Lounge are limited, so prior registration is advised. Learn more about this free program at AuroraGov.org/YouthServices.
Aurora Charter Review public hearings
The Aurora City Council's Charter Review Ad Hoc Policy Committee is holding the first of two public hearings this Saturday at 10 a.m. to hear feedback on proposed changes to the City Charter, including gender-neutral language, even-year municipal elections, partisan elections and full-time council members.

Alec Oughton sworn in as Aurora's new fire chief 

Aurora City Council officially confirmed Alec Oughton as Chief of Aurora Fire Rescue during a swearing-in ceremony March 13 at the Aurora Municipal Center. Chief Oughton, former fire chief of the Henrico, County, Virginia, Division of Fire, was selected after a two-day, in-person finalist interview process with community members, City Council members and city management in early January.

"I am humbled to have been selected to serve the city of Aurora as your fire chief. The pool of candidates was remarkable, and each one brought significant experience, great ideas, and their heart for service to the process," Oughton said. "I fell in love with this area in 2007, when riding through it as part of a pediatric cancer research fundraiser. It is a beautiful area with amazing people, and I've felt a strong pull toward this community since. I truly look forward to connecting with, and caring for, Aurora's residents and Aurora's firefighters."

Aurora's city charter requires the city manager to hire a fire chief and receive approval from the majority of the Aurora City Council. The city of Aurora welcomes Chief Alec Oughton to continue leading and supporting the dedicated personnel of Aurora Fire Rescue.
Volunteer to serve on this commission that operates independently of city staff under Charter authority establishing rules and regulations regarding the hiring process for cadet, entry-level and lateral police and fire candidates; oversees promotional appointments; and conducts civil service disciplinary review hearings. Find out more and apply at AuroraGov.org/Boards.
IN THE NEWS
Stretch of road with orange construction cones
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums where those conversations can occur. Visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings to confirm meeting dates and location information and find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, visit AuroraGov.org/PropertyInfo and look up your address.
  • Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman) - Saturday, April 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, March 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, April 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, April 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Saturday, March 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, May 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center & Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive
  • At-Large (Angela Lawson, Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky and Dustin Zvonek) - Wednesday, March 29, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center & Fieldhouse, 25400 E. Alexander Drive

City Council Study Session
Monday, March 20, 6:30 p.m.
View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.

"A History of Lowry" Exhibit Opening Reception
Thursday, March 16, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Experience Aurora History Museum’s new exhibit, on display from March 14 through July 9, which celebrates the rich history of Lowry Air Force Base. “A History of Lowry” chronicles the story of Lowry, the people who served there and the importance of the base to Aurora and the surrounding areas. Join the museum for an opening reception and enjoy refreshments and short presentations from museum staff, city officials and Lowry veterans. Free admission, no reservations required.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Morrison Nature Center's Nature Exploration Area Public Meeting
Thursday, March 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Nature is the best playground. Join the city of Aurora's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department for a public meeting about the new inclusive outdoor nature exploration area being built at Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch. The meeting will be in a drop-in format, and all ages are welcome to attend and provide feedback.
Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road

Dancetopia
Saturday, March 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Samba Colorado presents an immersive global day of dance celebrating Colorado's local artists of color. Admission is free; donations will be accepted to benefit Samba Colorado's low-income student fund.
The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.
More information at Eventbrite

Open Mic Night at Central Library
Thursday, March 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We’ve set the stage; now you bring the stories! Join the Aurora Public Library for an evening of poetry, stories and more at Central Library. Sign-ups start at 5:30 p.m., and performances begin at 6 p.m.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Registration: https://bit.ly/3J3aQ5g

Deadline to provide input on Dream Big for Aurora Youth project
Friday, March 31, 5 p.m.
If Aurora youth could be offered any program or activity, what would it be?Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Department launched the Dream Big for Aurora Youth campaign, which encourages youth, caregivers such as parents or guardians and youth-serving professionals to provide input via EngageAurora.org/Youth on how the city should spend a one-time $3.8 million award on youth-related activities or programming. The deadline to provide input is March 31.
Learn more and provide input at EngageAurora.org/Youth

Muse Mentorship with Aurora Poet Laureate
Applications due April 1
Muse Mentorship helps aspiring writers understand the world of authorship and aims to supports writers by meeting one on one with Aurora Poet Laureate Ahja Fox for three months to work together toward the mentee’s writing goals. Muse Mentorship is free of charge and is available to those 18 and older.

"Toni Stone"
Through April 2
Toni Stone was the first woman to play baseball in the Negro Leagues, and the first woman to play professionally in any men’s league, anywhere in the United States. Against all odds, Toni blazed a trail through the male-dominated world of sports, shattering limitations others placed on her, and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality, and a chance to do what she wants most—to play ball! Experience this unique story at Aurora Fox Arts Center.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Show times and tickets: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org

Become a Trained Weather Spotter
Thursday, April 13, 5:30 p.m.
Sign up now for SKYWARN® and get training on weather spotting techniques from National Weather Service meteorologists. Volunteers trained through this program help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Space is limited; register today. This program is presented in cooperation with Adams-Arapahoe County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) and Colorado AREA Region 10.
Cherry Creek Schools’ Instructional Support Facility, 5416 S. Rivera Way
Registration: Weather.gov/Bou/Spotters

"Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community" Closing Celebration
Saturday, April 15, noon to 3 p.m.
Join the Aurora History Museum for a closing reception to celebrate Aurora’s local Mexican community and all the people who made “Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community” possible. See the exhibit one last time and enjoy crafts, dance and musical performances, refreshments and more. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
Registration: https://bit.ly/3YvsKBY

"Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community"
Through April 16
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora's Mexican population with this exhibit showcasing vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, like popular music, art, dance, clothing, food and religion. Free admission.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Annual Aurora Cleanup
Saturday, April 8, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Join the High Line Canal Conservancy, the city of Aurora and other community partners to remove trash along the High Line Canal in Aurora. As a recreational and ecological greenway, the High Line Canal is a habitat for many plants and wildlife. This cleanup is a great opportunity for individuals or groups to learn about the importance of preventing pollution of our waterways and natural spaces.
Locations and registration: HighLineCanal.org

Earth Day Clean-up Project
Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. to noon
Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to nature through trash removal in Aurora's natural areas! Removing trash from natural areas and waterways is essential for healthy communities, water and environments. Volunteers will meet at Centre Hills Park, 16300 E. Centretech Parkway., and make their way along Tollgate Creek to pick up trash. All ages are welcome, and groups are encouraged! Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent. All supplies will be provided.
Centre Hills Park, 16300 E. Centretech Parkway
Register by Thursday, April 20: AuroraGov.org/OSNRvolunteers

Deadline to nominate an outstanding volunteer for Community Spirit Awards
Monday, May 1, 5 p.m.
The city of Aurora needs your help recognizing and celebrating community volunteers who make Aurora a great place to call home. The Community Spirit Awards, which can be received by individuals, organizations and businesses, are presented to those who demonstrate ongoing leadership, a commitment to volunteerism and involvement in our community. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Monday, May 1.
Learn more and nominate at AuroraGov.org/CommunitySpiritAwards

Global Youth Leaders Summer Programs 2023
Registration is happening now; space is limited
Students ages 13 to 19 are invited to apply for this Aurora Sister Cities International program that builds global skills in youth to prepare them for a future in the global marketplace. Camps are happening in June and July.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Find out more and apply: AuroraSisterCities.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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