February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
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Markert Times
Molly Markert, Ward IV
Monthly Newsletter
February, 2015
Volume 10, Issue 2
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for
others?'" - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where in the Ward is Molly?
Every
Wed.
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM I am taking yoga with constituent/instructor
Elaine Long; register by calling the city's
Recreation Service Division at 303-326-8650.
Cost: $271 a month for residents of Aurora.
Mon
Feb. 2
7:30 PM
City Council Meeting
Tue.
Feb. 3
All Day and 5 PM
My mother Verna's birthday and a brief happy
hour gathering in her honor at her bench at 5 PM,
southwest corner of Community College of
Aurora. Call me for details.
Wed.
Feb. 4
All Day
At the Summit event center - Dr. Jeff Brenner
from Rutgers University here to celebrate the
graduation of Bridges to Care participants
supported by Metro Community Provider
Network. A great example of the work I am
honored to do every day to extend and transform
healthcare.
Thu.
Feb. 5
5:30 PM
Protocol training for those going to Ethiopia.
Fri.
Feb. 6
Afternoon
Council rules work group for observers.
Fri.
Feb. 6
7:30 PM
At the Fox Fantastic's produced by the troop
PHAMLY.
Sat.
Feb. 7
TBD
At St. Pius - memorial service for one of Aurora's
legendary icons Danny Dale, founder of the Glass
Menagerie music group.
Mon.
Feb. 9
6:00 PM
I will be representing your interests at the Iliff
station art selection panel.
Sat.
Feb. 14
All Day
Do something nice for the people you love.
February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
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Mon.
Feb. 23
7:30 PM
City Council Meeting
Wed.
Feb. 25
6:30 PM
Meeting regarding the proposed Circle K
development at Havana and Iliff. At Fire Station
11, 2291 S. Joliet St. (S. Joliet St. at E. Iliff Ave.)
Thu.
Feb. 26
6:30 PM - 8:30
PM
Ward IV meeting at Bella Vita, 1470 S. Havana
St. which you might recognize as the former
City Hall building
Fri.
Feb. 27
Sat.
Feb. 28
By invitation only - City Council meets with the
Civil Service Commission
8:30 AM - ???
City Council Winter Workshop
2015 Ward IV Meeting Schedule
Date and Time
Thursday, January 22, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, February 26, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Tenta ve - Thursday, March 26,
2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, April 23, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
(Budget)
Thursday, May 28, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, July 23, 2015
7:00-9:00 am
Thursday, August 27, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, September 24, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Location
Medical Center of
Aurora
Meeting Room 1
1501 South Potomac
Street
Bella Vita
1470 South Havana
Street
EcoTech Ins tute
1400 South Abilene
Street
Garden Plaza of Aurora
14221 East Evans
Avenue
Mountain View United
Church
Sanctuary
10700 East Evans
Avenue
NO MEETING IN JUNE
Havana Street Sta on
1911 South Havana
Street
Village Green
Recrea on Center
1300 South Chambers
Circle
Garden Plaza of Aurora
14221 East Evans
Avenue
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Thursday, October 22, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm
Pima Medical Ins tute
13750 East Mississippi
Avenue
Musings from Molly
Or, at least, a few minutes to think beyond the immediate moment!!!
It is an extraordinary time in the world I spin in. My work roles have increased substantially but not
for any good reason other than health care transformation is a big thing right now. Just for
perspective, 3 and a half years ago, the program staff included the Director and me. Today at a
staff meeting there were 25 of us, with another 20 back at the office handling care management
responsibilities. Amazing growth, and all to make certain every Coloradan has a doctor/provider to
meet their health care needs. So, if I don't respond to your needs during the day, there is a
reason.
City Council is spinning at an intensified velocity as well. A few things to note:
The angels in heaven put down their harps and were dancing to strains of "Good Golly, Miss
Molly" when Danny Dale arrived January 28th. Many of you might remember the Glass
Menagerie, the musical group Danny led for decades. They were a welcome and treasured
feature at the "old" Summit restaurant. Danny Dale lived for his music and his ability to help others
through his music. The last years of his life were filled with health and housing challenges, but he
never neglected to call me with updates and well wishes. I spoke with him about a week before he
died and he especially wanted me to tell the Aurora Police and Chief Terry Jones how much he
appreciates them all. His daughters in California are en route as this is written to finalize memorial
arrangements. Call Nick at 303-739-7015 for details as I will tell him soon as I know more.
We continue to see angels at the Ward meetings as well. This past month Bob Seckman reported
that Aurora Warms the Night needs warm outerwear especially for men. Super Shopper Don
Wollenzien went to work and produced 82 pair of gloves!!! That is 820 warm fingers this
winter-truly an act of generosity. Don, thank you!
You may have noticed a bit of a gap in my calendar this month, and there is a reason for that. I will
be part of the delegation travelling to Adama, Ethiopia with other city officials, the mayor and his
lovely bride, and several Aurorans who have settled here from Ethiopia. As a Sister City, we have
an official visit planned to include lots of hand shaking and learning. I am so excited; and thinking
back to "how did this happen??" I credit Arnie and his devotion to equitably solving neighborhood
concerns with introducing me to the Nile owner, Abraha Beyene, who deemed me his "sister". As
troubles and misunderstandings at the Nile Restaurant were settled, the friendship and affinity for
the Ethiopian culture deepened, and here we are today. Amazing!
About 180 of the Ethiopians who settled in Aurora are forming a cab company based in, and
serving, Aurora. This would be a huge help for our medical facilities, our families, and our
travelers. To accomplish this new business start-up, the drivers need to appear before the Public
Utilities Commission (PUC) to fight off the opposition from the existing cab drivers and companies.
(Politics is not limited to City Hall!!). We need letters of support for the formation of the Green Cab
Company (the name chosen to represent the environmentally friendly vehicles to be driven by the
new company). If you have ever had to wait excessively long in Aurora for a cab to find you, or
had a heart attack over the cost of the fare that included their travel from their base in Denver,
please consider sending me a quick note at [email protected] with "Cab Company" in the
subject line and I will make certain they all get into a binder for the PUC presentation. Thank you!
And lastly, speaking of City politics, many of you have called or emailed me recently to ask "what
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in the dickens is a "vote of no confidence" and why did you support it?" First off, any personnel
matter is Executive Session material and not for dissemination without various rules protecting
everyone involved, so don't ask me those questions. According to Robert, of the Rules of Order by
the same name, a "vote of no confidence" can be called for by any member of any elected body to
call attention to a concern or issue related to the performance of an elected or appointed leader.
For example, a union may threaten a "Vote of No Confidence" to keep their leaders in line. In our
case, the motion to add the topic to the existing agenda needed a 2/3rds vote after a second to
the motion was secured. The motion to add the item to the agenda failed on a 5/6 vote, and the
topic is now concluded. I do sincerely hope time in Executive session, with proper protections in
place, is scheduled soon so that "the elephant in the room" can be discussed by all of council.
And that is all I know!
If you don't receive the newsletter and want to, email [email protected] and tell Arnie. If
you want a paper copy, call or email Nick at 303-739-7015 or [email protected]. And if you
want to know what's going on, come to the Ward meeting the 26th at Bella Vita and find out! I took
an Aurora Parks and Rec Photography class, so if I was paying attention and my new camera
works, we can look at pictures from Ethiopia when the news from Aurora thins out!!!!
Sincere thanks or your interest in local government!!
MM
Changes to the Fence Replacement Program
To Molly from LW: I was casually watching the 12/08/14 City Council Meeting on Channel 8 and
thought I heard that the neighborhood fence replacement program was being modified. If this is
the case, I would appreciate your briefly describing the changes to allowed construction materials
and financing mechanisms.
To LW from Molly: The major change to the Neighborhood Fence Replacement Program is
composite wood is now permitted. The term "composite wood" refers to the composite materials
made of wood fiber and/or wood flour and
thermoplastics, with a minimum of a 20-year manufacturer's warranty, and be of a color integral to
the fence material so as to not require painting. Wood fences are still not included in the program.
Here's a link to the new ordinance as presented to City Council
https://www.auroragov.org/cs/groups/public/documents/document/021633.pdf
I voted against the change because I want a better image for Aurora and I do not think that this is
the way to achieve it.
Exterior Water Service Line Coverage
To Molly from RS:Received a pamphlet from a company called HomeServe. They are selling "
Exterior Water Service Line Coverage." This "insurance" is to cover repairs to my water line from
the city meter up to my house, up to $6000 per year. The cost would be $5.49 per month. Is this
legit or a scam?
From Aurora Water to RS: The materials you received from HomeServe for a water service line
protection plan are from a legitimate company. There are several firms that provide this service in
Colorado. Like all warranty programs, it's a question of how much risk is the homeowner willing to
take on. As the materials state, property owners are responsible for the water service line that
February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
connects the building to the meter pit. For the sewer line, since there isn't a meter, the property
owner is responsible for the service line to the sewer main in the street. While we rarely see water
service lines fail, unless they are made of plastic or galvanized steel, which are rare, we do see
some sewer line failures if they are made of vitrified clay, a popular material used in construction
prior to the early 1980s. While the materials you received did not mention sewer service line
coverage, there are plans available that can cover this, including some from Homeserve via their
website.
Aurora does not endorse any commercial warranty plan, so we recommend that you do your
research carefully if you are considering these plans. Talk with your neighbors and determine if
there has been a pattern of service line issues, and read the warranty coverage carefully to
understand all of the terms of the plan. It may also be wise to talk with your insurance agent to get
their perspective on these plans.
Free Tax Help Colorado Sites in Aurora
This year's schedule for free tax assistance in Aurora through Tax Help Colorado will be:
Fridays, 1/30 - 4/3, 1-8 pm, Community College of Aurora, Lowry Campus, West Quad (closed
3/27 for spring break)
Saturdays, 1/31-3/7, 9-3, Aurora Central High School
Tuesdays, 1/27-3/10, 1-8 pm, Pickens Technical College
Echotech Lights are Finally Bright
To Molly from DB: I was wondering if you have had a chance to contact Ecotech on S. Abilene
St. regarding the berm in the back of their building. They are responsible for maintaining it.
Several houses (mine included) back up to the rear of their building. The flood lights that are
placed there have been out for several months. The neighbors and I have requested that they
replace the bulbs or repair the lights (if that is the case) several times but there has been no
action. We feel that the lights are a deterrent for trespassers and possible criminals.
To DB from Molly: They should be shining as bright as the full moon, yes?
To Molly from DB: I think a word from you might motivate them. We would all appreciate anything
you can do for us.
To Molly from DB: Yes, the lights are on (all except the one directly behind my house). I think it
might have a defective base. Nevertheless, we are all very grateful for your active part in getting
Ecotech to do their duty. I want to thank you and I know my neighbors thank you for your work.
They had been trying to accomplish that task for months. It's sure nice to have an advocate on
the council! If I can do anything for you please let me know. My best wishes for a happy,
productive "New Year". Keep in touch with us!
Regatta Plaza Update
th
On August 25 the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority (AURA) issued a Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) to redevelop Regatta Plaza. The four property owners agreed to
initiate this process to identify a Preferred Master Developer with the vision and the
capabilities to implement a potential project.
Over 100 entities reviewed the solicitation, and six development teams submitted initial
th
concept plans with team qualifications to the Authority by September 30 .
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th
On November 7 after careful review and consideration, the Authority issued a Request for
Proposals (RFP) to the top three qualified applicants.
Firms met with staff and representatives of Key Bank and King Soopers (who have both
indicated a desire to remain on-site) to discuss their initial concept plans. Teams are
required to submit a complete redevelopment plan, pro forma and financing plan for the
RFP submittal.
Staff determined that the teams required more time to prepare the complete proposals
th
expected, and extended the submittal deadline to January 9 . Additionally, one of the
finalists, McWhinney, indicated that due to their other workload, they were withdrawing from
the proposal process entirely and would not prepare a submittal.
Staff expected and believes that having three fully developed proposals provides the best
opportunity to select a Preferred Master Developer that will be successful in working with
the Authority on this complex and challenging project.
After review with AURA, the next ranked qualified team was invited to submit a proposal.
In order to maintain a fair and competitive RFP process, the new team Nine Mile Village
TOD Partners, was afforded the same time opportunity as the other two candidates to
prepare a submittal; therefore, this applicant's submittal deadline is extended to February
th
19 .
All proposals will be reviewed following this final submittal, with the intent of making a final
selection in April, after review by the Authority.
The three teams selected to submit proposals are: Mile High Development (George Thorn
with Koelbel and Company), Catalyst Urban Development (Dallas firm with Cambridge) and
Nine Mile Village TOD Partners (Lawrence Jacobson and Glen Barnard with David
Chaknova)
Historic Resources Survey Plan - Please Participate!
The Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites & Preservation Office needs your input. The Aurora
Historic Sites & Preservation Office is currently drafting an Historic Resources Survey Plan.
What's that you say? Well, they are asking what makes Aurora special? What buildings and
spaces in Aurora help to make it special? And how can Aurora's history and architecture be used
to grow community pride? To do this, they need to survey Aurora's historic buildings and spaces.
Your opinions will help to determine what, from Aurora's 1890s through the 1970s history, should
receive further study and attention. The final plan will establish project and survey goals for the
next 15 to 20 years. Please take a few moments to complete the online survey below and give
them your input:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AuroraSurveyPlan
Smoking on Light Rail Platforms and at Bus Stops
If you have a concern with people smoking on light rail platforms and at RTD bus stops, consider
sending a letter to your RTD Director, Tom Tobiassen if you live east of I-225 or Dr. Claudia Folska
if you live east of I-225. The address is 1600 Blake Street, Denver, CO 80202. You can also send
a letter to State Representative Jovan Melton and State Senator Nancy Todd or State Senator
Linda Newell at 1600 Blake Street Denver, CO 80202
Here's information that was provided by one of my constituents.
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 10:40 PM
To the members of the RTD Board of Directors
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My name is Jay Corbett, and I live in Aurora. First of all, I would like to thank my RTD
representative, Dr. Claudia Folska, who arranged for me to give this presentation to you.
Despite all the anti-smoking efforts in the United States and here in Colorado, approximately 19 to
20 percent of the population still smokes. Although smoking has been banned at most places of
employment, indoors in shopping malls, commercial buildings and some outdoor areas (such as
some outdoor patio areas and 25 feet from building entrances), it still continues to be a glaring
problem on all RTD light rail platforms, particularly on the platforms that are virtual islands at
Southmoor, Dayton, Nine Mile Park & Ride, Arapahoe, Dry Creek, and Countyline. This is
because the non-smoking passengers have nowhere to go to get away from the smoke. Although
at all other platforms smokers have the choice to step off into the parking lot to smoke, of them
choose to do so.
Recently I was in California riding on Amtrak and Cal Trans funded commuter trains. Due to
California's restrictive smoking regulations the air was clean and the experience was enjoyable.
However, I dreaded returning to Denver and the smoke-filled station platforms. When I arrived at
Union Station to board the Union Station light rail train, the smell of Cigarette smoke in the air was
immediate and strong, and I could detect the haze of cigarette smoke drifting over the platform.
Unfortunately, the many non-smokers, many of them parents with children, were unable to avoid
the haze of cigarette smoke.
The cities of Golden and Lakewood took the first step and are to be applauded for initiating
ordinances that banned smoking on the platforms in their jurisdictions. I am suggesting to this
Board that they push the Legislature to amend the 2006 Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act to give
RTD the authority to ban smoking, including e-cigarettes, on all RTD platforms.
A ban of smoking on the platforms will go a long way to protect the non-smokers, people with
asthma and other respiratory issues, and children who are particularly at a high risk being
exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke. In addition to the air pollution issue, the thousands of
discarded cigarette butts create unsightly litter, and add significantly to the cost of maintenance. A
smoking ban will go a long way to protect the rights and the health and wellbeing of the vast
majority of passengers who don't smoke.
Colorado has always prided itself as a healthy, clean, and outdoorsy environment where people
take good care of their personal and environmental health. Ignoring the rights of non-smokers is
contrary to the principles and reputation of our great state.
The rights and health concerns of non-smokers and the negative environmental impact of
smoking, in particular as related to the issue of secondhand smoke on the light rail platforms in
Colorado, should trump the rights of smokers to smoke wherever they please.
In conclusion, I suggest that this board work tirelessly to encourage the state legislature to amend
the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act to ban smoking on all rail platforms in the state.
Jay Corbett
Aurora, CO
Request for Letters of Support for an Aurora Cab Company
Address letters to "Aurora Green Cab Company" and send them to me at
[email protected].
As you may know, Aurora is home to an estimated 20,000 people who identify with an Ethiopian
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heritage. A group of Ethiopian businessmen have incorporated as the "Aurora Green Cab
Company" with the intent to file documents with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to allow
them to become a cab company. Their intended priority territory, a declaration required by the
PUC, is the Aurora area, of course taking passengers from home or whatever destination they
need. There are no cabs dedicated to serving Aurora, and none based here meaning any call for
service requires a long wait as a cab is dispatched to our area.
Another particular emphasis of the Aurora Green Cab Company is to cater to the unique needs of
the health care system as it grows in Aurora. Patients needing to access care on campus at
Peoria and Colfax, or at the locations of the Medical Centers of Aurora will be the immediate
beneficiaries of your advocacy efforts.
If you would please write a letter of support, we will include it in the application packet to the PUC.
You can detail an experience you or a client had that would have turned out differently if cabs
were more available; or you can write to support the job creation and service improvements for
travelers and visitors to Aurora.
As noted above, send your letters to me quickly as we hope to turn the application in before the
end of the month.
Sincere thanks!
Recreational Opportunities for Aurora Residents Fundraiser
Arnie's non-profit Recreational Opportunities for Aurora Residents (ROAR) became a 501(c)(3) in
October and no longer has to go through the Spirit of Aurora. They provide monetary contributions
to the Recreation Services Division of Aurora's Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department who
in turn provide scholarships to under-served youth. ROAR has funded swim lessons for 84 kids,
dive and swim team memberships for nine kids, and lifeguard training for eight kids, of which the
city hired seven as lifeguards. More recently, contributions are being used to allow kids to
participate in the programs at the Moorhead Recreation Center and the Hoffman Youth Center. To
be eligible for these classes and programs provided through the Recreation Service Division,
applicants must be on free or reduced lunch and have good grades.
ROAR's board of directors believes that working together as a community, we can reduce juvenile
crime, help to mitigate the causes of lifelong chronic illness such as obesity and Type II diabetes,
and provide an opportunity for all Aurora residents to realize active and healthy lifestyles. To do
this, we just need to find effective ways to get kids involved in positive and healthy activities and
programs.
Please go to http://roaraurora.wix.com/roar-aurora or www.facebook.com/ROARAurora. You can
make a tax-free contribution to ROAR from their website or learn about the latest fundraiser at
Patxi's Pizza in Cherry Creek on Feb. 17 from 11 am to 10 pm at either their website or Facebook
page. Enjoy a deep dish or traditional pie that will rival your favorites. Dine in, pick up a half-baked
for later or have it delivered. Here's a link to Patxi's website: www.patxispizza.com/location/cherrycreek-pizza/. PLEASE NOTE the delivery area only comes as far east as S. Havana St. (delivery
area map attached).
If you live or work in Aurora and outside of the delivery area, Arnie has arranged for you to have
your pizza delivered to one of his friends who doesn't live far from S. Havana St. and E. Florida
Ave. if you want to use that location to have your pizza delivered just email him at
[email protected] and he'll give you the details. Together we can make Aurora a great
place for families! Thank you for your support!
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Job Fair for Seasonal Employees
Parks, Recreation & Open Space hires hundreds of seasonal employees each year. A job fair will
be held Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Aurora Town Center, 14200 E. Alameda Ave., from 12-5
p.m. Open positions include:
Lifeguards
Seasonal Park Ranger
Aurora Reservoir Guest Services
Parks & Open Space Maintenance Staff
Find more opportunities at www.auroragov.org/jobs
Visit the job fair to talk with our hiring staff and learn more about seasonal jobs at the city of
Aurora!
Outdoor Pool Discussions
Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space department wants to hear from local community
members regarding the operation of our outdoor pools. Presentations and discussions will be held
on the following dates. Feel free to attend and join the discussion!
Outdoor Pool Meeting with Village Green Pool Neighbors, 2/5/15 at Village Green Center
from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Outdoor Pool Presentation at Ward V Council Meeting, 2/10/15 at Heather Gardens
Clubhouse begins at 7:00 p.m.
Parklane Outdoor Pool Meeting with Morris Heights Neighbors, 2/12/15 at Parklane
Elementary begins at 7 p.m.
Outdoor Pool Meeting with Pheasant Run Pool Neighbors, 2/19/15 at Mission Viejo Library
from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Spring Sports Registration
Adult Sports Leagues for spring include Kickball, Softball, and Tennis & Volleyball.
Youth Sports Leagues for spring include Baseball, Basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer, T-Ball,
and Tennis & Volleyball.
Many registration deadlines occur in February! Be sure to look at see the most
recent Recreation Guide. To register call 303-326-8650.
Leaders are Readers
This year the Aurora Public Schools will continue our tradition of asking community leaders to
participate in the "Leaders are Readers" program. In the years that we have been facilitating this
program, both community members and students provided us with overwhelming positive
feedback from these days.
The "Leaders are Readers" program will be held three times this year, with the second reading
day scheduled for Wednesday February 4, 2015. We are asking for your participation with this
program. We only ask for your donation of time, from one-half to one hour to visit an APS
classroom and read to students. The school sites will provide a selection of books for you to read.
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We have surveyed our sites and currently have requests for at least one hundred community
readers. Will you consider being one of those readers?
Please contact Amber Tabar at 303-365-7816 Ext. 28410 or by email at [email protected] to
schedule a convenient time to read to APS students. We will work with you to ensure that you are
matched with a school and time that meets your availability.
Our common goal is to increase student achievement throughout Aurora Public Schools. Your
participation in "Leaders are Readers" will certainly help us move toward our goal to accelerate
learning for every APS student.
Rico Munn
Superintendent
Hail Damage Repair Truck Parked at Regatta Plaza
From last week's Ward IV Town meeting, Council Member Markert asked about the time frame for
the temporary use permit. Located at 3170 S. Parker Rd. (S. Peoria & S. Parker Rd.), the permit is
valid until 03/01/2015.
Any questions, feel free to reply or call. Barton Wong, Code Enforcement Supervisor,
303-739-7406.
Dogs Off-Leash and Dog Bites Along Westerly Creek
From Arnie (on my behalf) to the Manager of Open Space and the Manager of Aurora
Animal Care (she was previously Arnie's manager at the Dumb Friends League) : Council
Member Molly Markert asked me to follow up on this question/comment from one of her
constituents at her Ward meeting last week. There have been several dogs seen off leash along
the section of Westerly Creek Trail between S. Joliet St. and S. Moline St. with at least two known
bite cases. Molly wanted to know if there are signs posted requiring dogs to be on leash, if the trail
is patrolled by any of the volunteer Trail Stewards or anyone else. Are things done on a purely
reactive basis or are there proactive things that can be done.
From the Manager of Aurora Animal Care to Arnie: Good Morning Arnie, Thank you for
passing this on to us. We can be proactive in our approach in this area concerning dogs off
leash. We will set up extra patrols in this area with our Animal Control Officers and see what
signage we can have put up regarding keeping dogs on leash. We typical do react to situations
as they are brought to our attention but proactive is the direction we are taking with the new
changes here in the division. Feel free to call or email with more questions and thank you for
passing this on to us. Please let me know if there is a difference seen with our officers' presence
out there.
Jenee Shipman, [email protected], 303-326-8280
From the Manager of Aurora Animal Care to Arnie: I took one of my Field Supervisors out to
day and we drove the trail area you referenced. There are no signs posted so we will follow up
with the Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Department on that. Also, we observed two
dogs being walked by their owner on leash and were very well mannered. We do have a daily call
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in for extra patrol or "blitz" as we refer to them. Thanks again for the heads up and it was nice for
me to get out of the office and check out the trail.
From the Manager of the Open Space Division of PROS to Jenee and Arnie: Thanks for this
response Jenee. Parks Rangers will increase patrols in the area to help too. When Animal
Control and Parks work together we have a greater impact. Thanks to Arnie for the tip. Pat
Schuler.
Note from Arnie: The Open Space Division of PROS is responsible for the trails and trails
maintenance.
Support a Student's Dream
As many of you know, my daughter is a first year teacher with DPS. She would like to ask you to
support one of her student's dreams to be a part of the People to People program to journey to
Australia to learn about the culture and history of another part of the world. Here is what she has
to say about this student:
This is on behalf of an amazingly wonderful student Romel, who I teach. He is absolutely
extraordinary, and totally deserves to have his dreams come true to travel to Australia next
summer. PLEASE consider donating to his cause! Even $5 would help (that's a cup of coffee or
half a Chipotle burrito)! He is as super as the description below, and I hope you can consider
helping. You can go to http://www.gofundme.com/Romel2Australia to donate or email
[email protected] for more information. Please share wide and far with everyone you
know! Here is his description from the website:
Hello! My name is Romel Trusty, and I am a 12-year-old 7th grader at Martin Luther King Jr. Early
College. I am a 4.0 student and am President of my school's Student Council. I am writing to you
about an extremely special opportunity. I have been selected to become a People to People
Student Ambassador in Australia. Next summer, I will join other 7th and 8th graders from around
the country on a 17-day educational program that will take me various areas of Australia.
Our curriculum will teach us about the history, culture, and people of the region. We will be led by
experienced teachers and engage in a wider variety of cultural encounters and adventures. Some
of these adventures I will be embarking upon while there include: snorkeling the Great Barrier with
experienced marine biologists, engaging with aboriginals, living with a host family for duration of
my stay and also volunteering to help protect the wetland environment. I will also learn about the
Australian government, receive a tour of the Australian institute of Sport where Olympians train
and receive a backstage tour of the world-famous Sydney Opera House. Needless to say, I am
very excited!
I am paying my way and raising money for the program, and being apart of this program is a
dream come true. I feel that I am going to grow as an individual in so many ways. I am going to
become a greater leader and have more courage to go after my dreams. I always strive to do my
best and let nothing stop me. I would be extremely grateful if you would help to sponsor. In turn for
your sponsorship I am always willing to do a service in return; whether that be raking leaves,
shoveling snow, walking your dogs etc.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and supporting me in my goal to explore and understand
another country.
February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
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Students on a field trip to the Denver Zoo. Romel is in the middle, with lime green shoes.
BEETS - Rick Padden's Compelling WWII Play Comes to the
Aurora Fox
Inspired by actual events during WWII, BEETS tells the story of a farmer in Berthoud, Colorado
who begrudgingly enlists the help of German POWs to harvest his beet crop while his son is
fighting against the Germans overseas.
His internal struggle is heightened when he realizes his daughter has taken a fancy to one of the
POWs. Can he let go of his bias and hatred toward an enemy represented by boys no older than
his own?
A poignant story of one family navigating the emotional extremes of wartime right here in
Colorado.
For more information about the play or Read and Rant Productions, please contact Angela Astle
at
917-304-6808 or email her at [email protected].
Follow Connect Aurora's Social Media
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Vintage Theatre's 2015 Season
February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
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We have recently announced our exciting 2015
Season of plays and musicals, and we'd love to
invite you to join us as a season ticket holder for
this exciting upcoming season. Highlights include
delightful comedies like Six Dance Lessons in Six
Weeks, Always a Bridesmaid, and Funny Girl - the
story of funny lady - Fanny Brice. Additionally we
have powerful dramas with Other Desert Cities,
Night Mother, and some suspense and mystery work with A Spitfire Grill, Double Indemnity and
Any Given Monday.
We are offering two great ways for you to subscribe at this time.
The full season of 11 titles for $220 or half season of 6 titles for $120.
Rates will be changing so be sure to subscribe quickly.
Benefits of subscribing include flexibility of tickets - as you can bring guests under your pass and
use your subscription for a large group for one title or see multiple events for one or two people.
Unlimited exchanges are nice for the busy work schedule and last minute changes. The best
ticket rates - subscribers save 30% off the full price ticket.
As always we value our subscribers very much - and welcome any subscriber to attend our
opening night performances to have talk backs and to mingle with cast and crew.
Consider subscribing today with this link or order by phone at 303.856.7830.
Aurora Fox Theatre's 2015 Season
The Aurora Fox is proud to be celebrating our 30th Season of Live Theatre in the heart of
Aurora's Cultural Arts District. We're calling it our season of The Storytellers.
Read and Rant Production (in the Studio Theatre)
Beets by local playwright Rick Padden (Denver/Metro PREMIERE)
January 16 - February 8, 2015
An historical-fiction play that reveals a little known chapter in America's history - inspired by actual
events. At the height of WWII, Berthoud, Colorado's industrious sugar beet farmers were expecting
a record harvest, but labor was in short supply - with most of the town's young men overseas
fighting Germans. Who could help them harvest their beets? Germans. There were 3,000 German
POWs being held at Camp 202 in Greeley, CO. Why not put them to work?Beets is a poignant story
of bias yielding to circumstance, hatred bowing to compassion and love escaping fences.
Big Fish - the Musical (REGIONAL PREMIERE)
music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, book by John August
February 27 - March 22, 2015
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed
by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its
fullest... and then some! Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is
determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and little
February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter
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bit of magic, BIG FISH reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience that's richer,
funnier and BIGGER than life itself.
She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen (REGIONAL PREMIERE)
April 24 - May 16, 2015
Agnes Evans leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her sister, Tilly. When
Agnes finds Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she stumbles into a journey of
discovery and action-packed adventure in an imaginary world that was Tilly's refuge. In this
high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop
culture, acclaimed young playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and
warrior within us all.
Click Aurora Fox 2014 2015 Season Order Sheet to see Season Package options and prices
and to print a Season Subscription Order form.
Molly Markert
303-941-2244
[email protected]
"Never mess up an apology with an excuse."
If I'm tardy in replying to your message, I apologize.
If you really need me, contact Nick at [email protected].
Thank you again!
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