February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 1 of 14 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 2 of 14 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 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 3 of 14 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 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 4 of 14 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 . 5 of 14 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 6 of 14 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 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 7 of 14 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 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 8 of 14 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! February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 9 of 14 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. February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 10 of 14 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 February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 11 of 14 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 12 of 14 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 Connect Aurora recently launched a social media campaign and invites you to follow them on Twitter I Facebook I Google+ ! Vintage Theatre's 2015 Season February 2015 Ward IV Newsletter 13 of 14 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 14 of 14 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! STAY CONNECTED Forward this email This email was sent to [email protected] by [email protected] | Update Profile/Email Address | Rapid removal with SafeUnsubscribeâ„¢ | Privacy Policy. City of Aurora | 15151 E. Alameda Parkway | Aurora | CO | 80012
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