This Is Aurora City Newsletter

Dec. 21, 2023

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The sun rises over the Aurora Municipal Center with holiday lights on the Great Lawn, opens new web page to city of Aurora’s news section

Happy Holidays from the city of Aurora


The city of Aurora wishes you a time of peace, gratitude and meaningful moments with your loved ones this holiday season. We recognize and honor those in our community who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa - to name a few of the many meaningful holidays celebrated by the Aurora community this month - or simply the start of a new year. Let’s continue fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity to strengthen the connections and character of our wonderful city. Thank you for being part of Aurora, and happy holidays!


We invite you to watch a special holiday edition of "Studio A” from AuroraTV, featuring performances, gift ideas, holiday recipes, a visit from Santa Claus, a look at various holiday celebrations in Aurora, and more. Also on AuroraTV, check out Aurora Dance Arts’ performance of the Nutcracker ballet, recorded earlier this month at the Aurora Fox Arts Center.


For a list of city closures and adjusted hours in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, visit AuroraGov.org.

Mayor Mike Coffman in front of a podium at the 2023 State of the City address, opens web page to event’s video

2023 State of the City address


Mayor Mike Coffman delivered the 2023 State of the City address last week at the Hyatt Regency Aurora-Denver Conference Center. You can view it now at AuroraTV.org.

Two people eating sushi at a local restaurant, follow link to Go Aurora website
Exhibit display at the museum with poster, TV screen and reading corner, follow link to Aurora History Museum’s webpage

"Pages of the Past: Aurora's Library System" exhibit opens at the Aurora History Museum


The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites is excited to announce the new exhibit “Pages of the Past: Aurora's Library System,” on display through March 3, 2024. "Pages of the Past" is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of Aurora and explore the profound impact of libraries in shaping communities over the years.

 

Libraries serve as centers for learning and education and foster community engagement and social connections. The city of Aurora’s library system has a storied past that mirrors the city’s growth and changing demographics. Learn how the Aurora Public Library developed from a one-room library in Sarah Wood’s home in North Aurora to a thriving seven-library system serving the third-largest city in the state of Colorado. 

 

“Pages of the Past: Aurora's Library System” showcases historic photography from the museum and library archives, profiles of prominent librarians throughout the years and a reading corner with a little library inspired by the museum’s 1913 Trolley Trailer No. 610. 

 

Learn more about the history of the Aurora Public Library and dive into the “Pages of the Past” at AuroraMuseum.org

 

Jason Batchelor sworn in as Aurora’s new City Manager at City Council meeting, opens webpage to news story web page

Jason Batchelor sworn in as Aurora’s new city manager


Aurora’s new city manager, Jason Batchelor, was sworn in Monday, Dec. 18, during the regular City Council meeting. Batchelor has been serving in the role of interim city manager since Jim Twombly’s retirement in April 2023. He began his career with the city more than 15 years ago, first as the budget officer and later as the finance director and then a deputy city manager. For more background, visit AuroraGov.org.

Featured adoptable pets

Adoption info for white and brown medium-sized Pit bull terrier with a red scarf

Name: Florence

Age: 1 year old

Breed: Pit bull terrier

About Florence: Florence has a big heart full of love to give! She will be shy initially but will warm up once she gets to know you. She is a big fan of the great outdoors and long walks.

Ideal Home: Florence can benefit from a family that can help build up her confidence and a calm environment.

Adoption info black medium-sized Doberman Pinscher and Weimaraner mix

Name: Cookie

Age: 5 years old

Breed: Doberman Pinscher and Weimaraner mix

About Cookie: Cookie loves food and treats. She is a bundle of love waiting to make your life sweeter!

Ideal Home: Cookie lacks basic manners and could benefit from training. She can be a little protective of her treats, so a house with young children is not recommended.

The Aurora Animal Shelter has many dogs, cats and other animals looking for forever homes. Learn more about available animals, Animal Shelter donations and volunteer opportunities at AuroraAnimalShelter.org.

Featured Board and Commission

Group of people of various ages raising their hand, follow link to Aurora Boards and Commission website

Volunteer to provide recommendations to the City Council and city management regarding the development and implementation of civic engagement programs, and new initiatives to support and partner with community-based organizations, institutions and civic leaders in their civic engagement efforts. Learn more and apply to this or other city boards and commissions.

IN THE NEWS





AuroraTV
This image of two female news anchors and one male news anchor on the Aurora Now weekly news program links to the AuroraTV webpage.

WATCH AURORA NOW

Section of road with orange construction cones
Get weekly updates on road construction projects in Aurora

UPCOMING EVENTS


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, Jan. 20, 2 to 3 p.m., Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Jan. 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 18, 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) - Tuesday, Jan. 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle
  • Ward IV (Stephanie Hancock) - Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Angela Lawson)
  • Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way Auditorium
  • Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., Southeast Recreation Center, 25400 E. Alexander Drive


City Council Study Session

Monday, Jan. 8, 5:15 p.m.

View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.


City Council Regular Meeting

Monday, Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.

This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org, on cable channels 8/880 or on AuroraTV phone/streaming app. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/PublicComment.  

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Paul Tauer Council Chamber


Christmas and New Year's Closures

City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year's holidays. A full listing of city facility closures will be available at AuroraGov.org.


Electronics Recycling Event

Dec. 26 to 29 and Jan. 2 to 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Jan. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The city is offering Aurora residents special event pricing for electronics recycling through its e-cycling partner, Techno Rescue. Business customers are not eligible for this event.

Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10

For pricing and what items are accepted: AuroraGov.org/Recycle


Christmas Tree Recycling

Dec. 26 through Jan. 8

Bring your Christmas tree to one of the city's free recycling drop-off sites. Remove all nails, decorations and stands from trees prior to drop-off. No artificial trees will be accepted. Free mulch is available anytime (while supplies last) at all drop-off locations. Please bring your own truck, bags, shovel and containers.

Del Mar Park, 12000 E. Sixth Ave. (west parking lot)

Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road

Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave.

AuroraGov.org/Recycle


Capturing the Dream - Youth Talent Showcase

Friday, Jan. 5, 6 to 9 p.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy a talent show featuring youth 6 to 19 years old showcasing their talents, including singing, dancing, art, acting, poetry and more. Event partners: National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Aurora Chapter and Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA). Questions? Email [email protected].

The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Aurora First-Time Homebuyer Seminar

Saturday, Jan. 6. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (in Spanish)

Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Are you a potential first-time homebuyer, or do you know someone who is? The city provides first-time homebuyer seminars to help potential homebuyers understand the purchasing process. Classes are offered monthly in English and Spanish. Registration is required by emailing [email protected] or calling 303.739.7900.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.


MLK Jr. Commemoration Opening Celebration, Prayer Vigil and Proclamation Reading

Monday, Jan. 8, 4:30 to 7 p.m.

An opening event featuring dance, music and theatre will celebrate MLK Jr.’s legacy. Refreshments will be provided, followed by an interfaith prayer vigil and the reading of the MLK commemoration proclamation during the Aurora City Council meeting. Questions? Email [email protected].

Aurora Municipal Center Lobby, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraGov.org/MLK


The Local Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Discussion Panel

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

As part of the city of Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy a brief lecture about King’s visits to the Denver area and a discussion from a diverse group of Aurora residents reflecting on the legacy of the civil rights leader and how his vision has shaped our community.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

Email [email protected] to RSVP

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Interfaith Breakfast

Friday, Jan. 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy some breakfast and meet Poonam and Everett Moore, Poonam’s by Design and E-Class Transportation owners, and featured designers in HGTV’s "Rico to the Rescue." Consider donating youth art supplies for entry. Event partners: Aurora Community of Faith and Aurora Mental Health & Recovery.

Quebec Place Event Center, 430 S. Quebec St., Denver

Email [email protected]g to RSVP

AuroraGov.org/MLK


Community College of Aurora Virtual Student Film Fest

Friday, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

As part of the city Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, enjoy watching short films from Community College of Aurora students honoring King.

Streamed live at AuroraTV.org

AuroraGov.org/MLK


MLK Commemoration Wreath-laying Ceremony

Saturday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. to noon

Join the city of Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and city officials to lay the wreath honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


MLK Commemoration Community Service Project

Saturday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

As part of the city of Aurora’s 38th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, help assemble and sort hygiene kits and care items for Aurora Public Schools students/families in need, honoring King’s legacy. Event partner: Iron Sharp Community Foundation.

Registration required.

Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK


2024 MLK Marade

Monday, Jan. 15, 9:30 a.m.

Join the city of Aurora and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission at this marade honoring King.

Denver City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd.

DrMartinLKingJrCHC.org


MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo

Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Join Aurora’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for rodeo fun while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St.

Purchase tickets at NationalWestern.com/Rodeos


“The Great Outdoors of Aurora” Exhibit

Through April 21, 2024

The Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites presents the new exhibit “The Great Outdoors of Aurora,” which celebrates Aurora’s vibrant outdoor opportunities and dives deep into the history behind the activities residents and visitors love to do in the city. Discover the stories behind reservoirs, city parks, nature centers, the High Line Canal, swimming pools, golf courses and more, all within Aurora. The exhibit also will feature historic recreational equipment, hands-on activities, archival photography and immersive elements that will engage and excite visitors of all ages. Admission to the Aurora History Museum is always free.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

More information: AuroraMuseum.org

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