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Cover See key findings from 2023 community survey (page 3) Meet neighbors strengthening Arvada (pages 12 & 13) See the Chinese Dragons perform at Winterfest (page 15) Mark your calendars for upcoming events in Arvada (page 22) Page 2 Councilmembers names, contact information and head shots Mayor Lauren Simson, [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember At Large Sharon Davis, [PHONE REDACTED] Councilmember At Large Lisa Feret, [PHONE REDACTED], [EMAIL REDACTED] Mayor ProTem, Councilmember District 1,Randy Moorman, [PHONE REDACTED], [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember District 2 Shawna Ambrose, [PHONE REDACTED], [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember District 3 John Marriott, [PHONE REDACTED], [EMAIL REDACTED] Councilmember District 4 Bob Fifer, [PHONE REDACTED], [EMAIL REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- Ways to engage with the City Inquire on our website and search Report a Problem. Engage on our engagement platform. Subscribe to our twice electronic newsletter. Call us [PHONE REDACTED]. Follow us on social media platforms @CityofArvada City of Arvada phone numbers: Emergency 9-1-1 Non-Emergency Dispatch [PHONE REDACTED] Police Records [PHONE REDACTED] Animal Control [PHONE REDACTED] Arvada Economic Development [PHONE REDACTED] Arvada Urban Renewal [PHONE REDACTED] Building Inspections [PHONE REDACTED] Building Permits [PHONE REDACTED] City Clerk’s Office [PHONE REDACTED] City Manager’s Office [PHONE REDACTED] Code Enforcement [PHONE REDACTED] Communications [PHONE REDACTED] Engagement Hotline [PHONE REDACTED] Finance [PHONE REDACTED] Housing [PHONE REDACTED] Lake Arbor Golf Club [PHONE REDACTED] Liquor Licenses [PHONE REDACTED] Majestic View Nature Center [PHONE REDACTED] Municipal Court [PHONE REDACTED] Park Pavilion Reservations [PHONE REDACTED] Planning and Zoning [PHONE REDACTED] Sales Tax [PHONE REDACTED] Special Event Permits [PHONE REDACTED] Streets [PHONE REDACTED] Traffic Signals and Signs [PHONE REDACTED] Victim Outreach Line [PHONE REDACTED] Voter Registration [PHONE REDACTED] Waste Hauling and Recycling [PHONE REDACTED] Water Bills [PHONE REDACTED] Water Quality (business hours) [PHONE REDACTED] Water Quality (after hours) [PHONE REDACTED] West Woods Golf Club [PHONE REDACTED] The Arvada Report is a newsletter published by the Arvada City Manager’s Office, [PHONE REDACTED], City of Arvada, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002. It is distributed ---PAGE BREAK--- to all residences and businesses in the City. The City of Arvada holds the ownership rights and copyrights in the design and articles contained in the Arvada Report. Articles may only be reproduced with the express permission of the City of Arvada. Editorial Staff: Rachael Kuroiwa, Cindy Javelet. Graphic Design: Steve Milke. Photography: Arvada Media Services Page 3 2023 Community Survey key findings The City of Arvada conducts an annual community survey in order to hear from residents about their satisfaction with a variety of City services. City Council and the City teams use this information to develop strategic plans to build on success and address service gaps. The survey takes place in October of each year and is open to all residents. Key findings ● Satisfaction, in general, is high among Arvada residents, particularly with City services (69%) and quality of life ● Residents feel safe in their neighborhoods (90%) and the City during the day (66%) and the majority view Arvada as an equitable place. ● Residents are mixed in their opinions towards the growth and development in the City. ● Management of traffic and pavement conditions are opportunities for improvement for the City. ● Homelessness and affordable housing are still important to residents and support for programming-based solutions is high. ● Parks and open space satisfaction is high; Arvada should continue to expand spaces and update with amenities. Thank you to all residents who participated in the survey! Your feedback is important to us. Please continue to look for opportunities to provide your perspectives with the City team. If you are interested in taking a more indepth look at the survey results, please visit the City of Arvada website. Community photo contest reveals Arvada’s Hidden Gems In December 2023, the City conducted the Hidden Gems photo contest inviting residents to submit photos they felt best represented hidden gems in Arvada. We received 70 + beautiful photos that will be featured on our social media platforms, KATV channel 8 and the Arvada Report. The photos below were selected for their “February/March” feel. Thanks to all who shared their hidden gems with the community! Photo credits left to right: Jake Waters, Carlos Cady-Reheis, and Emily Murgia (Hank in his holiday bandana!). ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 4 City of Arvada Employees of the Quarter/Year City of Arvada employees go above and beyond to serve the public in ways that often go unseen by residents. In order to ensure our team members are recognized for their contributions, City teams nominate colleagues each quarter for demonstrating the City’s core values: passion, innovation and opportunity. In 2023, the following employees were selected for their outstanding performances. Three team members also received “Employee of the Year” awards (designated with a gold star). Employees of the Quarter - Passion Q1: Myles Heivilin: Master Police Officer Employee of Year Q2: Johnny Yang: Housing Specialist Q3: Bryan Archer: Director of Finance Q4: Pam Zaske: Software Developer Employees of the Quarter - Innovation Q1: Josie Suk: Systems and Administrative Manager Q2: Carina Bueno: Accounting Technician lll Employee of Year Q3:Carlos Vulgamott: Senior IT Project Manager Q4: Carolyn Ivey: Accounting Supervisor Employees of the Quarter - Opportunity Q1: Catherine Munic: Finance, Accounting Specialist Q2: Brandon Valdez , Police Sergeant Q3: Brian Lavey: Civil Engineer Q4: Kevin Luy: Records Management Coordinator Employee of Year ---PAGE BREAK--- Team of the Year At year’s end, one team is recognized as Team of the Year. In 2023, the City’s Snow Removal Team received the award. Snow Removal Team: Streets, Water Operations, Wastewater, Water Treatment Plant, Parks, Traffic, Facilities and Fleet: 51,107 miles of road plowed, 2400+ miles of trail plowed, 10,000+ hours of staff time, 96 Parks maintained per storm, 150+ dedicated City staff collaborating to make it all happen! Hand shovel at Arvada Center, 3 Police Substations, Ralston House, Community Table, Indiana Shops, Streets Shops, Chamber House, House, Majestic View Nature Center, City Hall and surrounding buildings and many more throughout the city; ---PAGE BREAK--- Save on home heating costs with insulation and air sealing rebates A home energy audit is a great way to begin your journey toward improving your home’s energy efficiency and lowering your energy bills. Visit the City website to learn more about how you can schedule a home energy audit. Following a home energy audit, one of the most common recommendations by residential energy technicians is air sealing and attic insulation. According to Energy Star, you could be wasting up to 20% of the energy used to heat and cool your home through poor insulation and air leakage. That’s the equivalent of leaving a window open all year long! Start saving money on your energy bills and take advantage of insulation and air sealing rebates from Xcel Energy. These cash back rebates help with the initial cost of upgrades while improving and maintaining the comfort of your home. Visit the Xcel Energy website to find what rebate works for you. Looking for more cost-saving rebates? Xcel Energy also offers rebates for: ● Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters ● Cellular shades ● High efficiency HVAC equipment ● Evaporative cooling ● Smart thermostats ● And more! Visit Xcel Energy website to explore different saving opportunities. Olde Town Arvada Strategic Reinvestment Plan finalized In an effort to preserve the history and character of Olde Town Arvada while ensuring the district remains a thriving and vibrant downtown for many years to come, the City of Arvada has ---PAGE BREAK--- finalized the Olde Town Arvada Strategic Reinvestment Plan and it was adopted by City Council in October 2023. The plan includes the development of a shared 20-year vision for Olde Town as well as a study into the feasibility of permanently maintaining street closures that have created a comfortable pedestrian experience in recent years. “Buildling on the momentum of the temporary pedestrian streets implemented during the pandemic, this plan focuses on strategies to enhance and improve public spaces, streets, and mobility in Olde Town,” the plan states. The City began this long range planning effort for the future of Olde Town in June 2022 and has requested community feedback through various surveys, open houses, and events throughout the duration of the process. In fact, the foundation of the plan was built on four strong guiding principles that were pulled from comments submitted by the community through this robust engagement effort. The guiding principles of the plan include: Vibrant, Distinct, Connected, and Resilient and “define both the essence of Olde Town and the roadmap for its future,” the plan sets forth. Highlights from the final plan include making permanent the pedestrian-only two blocks on Olde Wadsworth Boulevard and one block on Grandview Avenue as well as growing a consistent, healthy tree canopy throughout the district, and recommended enhanced design elements including the use of modern woods and darker pavements. Additionally, the plan outlines realistic implementation strategies and tactics for short-term, medium-term and ongoing projects. The next step in the process will be to work toward securing funding for the implementation of the plan. To view the full plan and to stay in-the-know regarding project implementation, visit City of Arvada website. Red Silo Coffee Roasters: Building Community in West Arvada There are a lot of hidden gems in Arvada, but if you find yourself in Ralston Valley on Indiana and West 65th Drive, make sure to stop in at Red Silo Coffee Roasters to experience one of the ---PAGE BREAK--- most wonderful hidden gems in the city. In 2017, owners Shelley Flood and Greg Pierce launched Red Silo at the Golden Farmer’s Market and less than a year later, opened their first permanent location at 6590 Holman Street in Arvada. Shelley and Greg opened Red Silo to serve the office park in the same location that consists of eight buildings on seven acres of land, which Greg owns and sells/leases out to various Arvada small business owners. Their expectation was that Red Silo would serve as an amenity to the more than 100 employees in the area, which is expected to be nearly 400 employees once the park is fully built out and occupied. However, West Arvada has enthusiastically welcomed the coffee shop and it has become a place of connection and warmth for not only office park employees, but many Arvada residents. “We had no idea how we were going to be embraced by the community. It was truly shocking… It was beyond our wildest imagination,” Shelley said. Red Silo prides itself on their single origin coffees, which means the coffee beans are sourced from one farm or collective and are not blended with other beans, delivering the best flavor profile the bean has to offer. The team’s focus on quality extends to all Red Silo products which range from in-house baked goods to freshly churned ice cream. In 2020, building on the success of Red Silo’s first location in Arvada, Shelley and Greg opened a Red Silo drive-thru in Ephrata, Washington, where Greg grew up. Red Silo’s expansion has continued, and the opportunity sprouted up for the team to open another location in downtown Golden at 1301 Washington Ave.. The Golden location opened in 2022, and the team has plans to open up a new gourmet cookie and ice cream concept next to the coffee shop in 2024. Additionally, Shelley and Greg have more business expansion plans for Arvada. Be on the lookout for Wildflour Donuts and Coffee opening up in the beginning of 2024 in Ralston Plaza. This new shop will proudly serve Red Silo coffee to accompany artisan donuts. Lastly, a much-anticipated Red Silo drive-thru location will open on Indiana and West 69th Avenue in 2025. In the long term, Shelley and Greg have the goal to own and operate a food group to house all of their wonderful Red Silo concepts and products under one company. They currently employ more than 40 people and will reach 80 plus employees in 2024. For further information about Red Silo Coffee Roasters and to order coffee and treats online, visit the Red Silo website. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 8 2024 roadway work: A look ahead Annual Pavement Program The City owns and manages roughly 1,500 lane miles of roadway. The Pavement Management Program helps to maintain and repair the entire network of roads. As one of the City’s most critical assets, the program uses a data-driven, strategic approach to invest in our roads each year. Some roads receive maintenance like sealing cracks to maintain their quality. Other roads that have fallen into disrepair require more intensive work like reconstruction. Reconstructing roads is cost intensive. While many of our older roads need this intensive work, the most traveled roads are often prioritized to help the dollars have greater impact for the traveling public. Learn more about the 2024 Pavement Program plan at the City of Arvada website. Bond projects reach substantial milestones In 2018, Arvada residents voted to pass a bond measure funding improvements of two major east/west corridors, Ralston Road and W. 72nd Avenue. This spring the current work on W. 72nd Avenue (Swadley Court to Oak Street) and all phases of work on Ralston Road will be complete! W. 72nd Avenue Phase 3 (Oak to Kipling) Phase 3 from Oak to Kipling was estimated to begin in 2024. However, the design of the underpass at the railroad crossing is still under review with the railroad company. This will result in a pause in work between phases of the project. As the design is completed, this work will be able to begin. Phase 3 is estimated to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, extending the project into 2027. Once work resumes, Phase 3 construction will complete the roadway expansion and build the railroad underpass. A community meeting is being planned to provide additional information and answer questions about the status of this final phase of the project. Please stay tuned for more information and a community meeting date at the City of Arvada website. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 9 Outdoor watering: Save with Resource Central Summer, and the outdoor watering season, may seem far away but planning for and acquiring resources for reducing outdoor water use start now! The average water bill will double during the outdoor watering season. The City partners with Resource Central to provide a variety of water saving programs to residents. These resources can help save money, conserve water, and beautify your yard. This year, more programming has been made available to help expand the reach to interested residents. Resource Central programs Garden-in-a-Box Provides low-water plants. Pre-order opens in March. Lawn Replacement Cut, remove and compost a section of your lawn and replace it with a low-water garden. An application is required for this program. Learn more at the Resource Central website. Lawn Replacement Removes a section of grass to be replaced. An application is required. Slow the Flow Provides a free sprinkler system inspection. Waterwise Yard Seminars Share tips for reducing outdoor watering. Most programs require registration and many discounts sell out. Join the interest list for programs you may want to participate in. For more information and direct links to each program please visit the City of Arvada website. ---PAGE BREAK--- Flood preparedness In 2023, the region saw a substantial amount of rainfall in the Spring. Reminding us how important it is to be prepared in the case of a flood. The City undertakes a variety of efforts each year to mitigate the impacts of flooding in both closed (pipes) and open (streams and lakes) storm drainage ways. Ralston Creek is a primary waterway that runs through Arvada. As such, the City partners with Mile High Flood District, a regional expert in stormwater and flood management, to mitigate flooding along the corridor. In addition to the City’s efforts, residents can take the following steps to mitigate their flood risk. ● See if your property is in a floodplain with the the Interactive Floodplain Map at ArvadaCO.gov/Floods. *Floodplain maps are periodically updated, so it is good practice to review your property’s status. ● Obtain flood insurance, especially if your property is in the floodplain. *Arvada residents are eligible for a discount on insurance premiums. ● Plan an evacuation route and rendezvous point for your family. ● Store photocopies of important documents and valuable papers away from your house. ● Sign up for emergency notifications. First responders use this system to share information regarding critical incidents. Sign up at LookoutAlert.co. ● Protect floodplain functions: keep trash and debris out of the drainage channels. ● Report problems like blocked pipes or drains or dumped debris in channels. See other ways you can help protect yourself and our community at the City of Arvada website. Page 10 ---PAGE BREAK--- Dillon Vakoff’s murderer convicted on all counts, sentenced to life without parole Guilty on all nine counts. That was the verdict read in Jefferson County District Court on Dec. 7 after one full day of deliberation in reference to the murder of Officer Dillon Vakoff.After a two-week jury trial, the jury deliberated for one full day to come to the conclusion that he had committed the crimes alleged by state’s prosecutors. Sonny Almonza was arrested and charged with the murder of Officer Dillon Vakoff and the shooting of a second female victim that occurred on Sept. 11, 2022, in the early morning hours in the 6400 block of W. 51st Ave. in the city of Arvada. The jury of 12 people and two alternates would hear the case that would include disturbing body camera video of Officer Vakoff's last words and his colleagues quickly trying to rush him to a vehicle to get him to the hospital so he could survive. Jurors would also see the chaotic scene that was created by the family members in this case over a custody dispute. Prosecutors would present the weapon used to shoot one woman and kill Officer Vakoff, an AR-style rifle, in a case where the suspect would ultimately take the stand and claim, "I did not know it was an officer," a claim that would not be believed by the jury. The defendant in this case was convicted on the following charges: first degree murder of a police officer after deliberation, first degree murder after deliberation, first degree murder extreme indifference, attempted first degree murder after deliberation, assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon, possession of a high-capacity magazine, first degree trespass of a dwelling. On Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the courtroom of Honorable Justice Kline, the defendant was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Dillon on leave from the Air Force in Australia, holding a baby Kangaroo, 2018 Dillon’s official Arvada PD picture, 2019. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 11 A decade of giving: 240 Union’s remarkable support for Ralston House In an era where businesses often measure success by profit margins, one local restaurant has been quietly redefining success through a decade-long commitment to supporting a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. For ten years and counting, Michael Coughlin, the owner of 240 Union Restaurant in Lakewood, has been the unsung hero behind the scenes, generously contributing time, resources, and passion to Ralston House. What began as a simple desire to give back to the community in 2015 has blossomed into a powerful and enduring partnership. The 240 Union team has invested themselves in the mission of Ralston House to help stop the abuse and start the healing for children in our community. One day a year, the restaurant shuts down to the public and allows Ralston House to host an intimate evening with a dinner and silent auction. The entire staff donates their time that evening, the food is generously donated, and the wine is provided complimentary with each course. This allows Ralston House to retain a large portion of the event donations from ticket sales to sponsorships. Over the past decade, the 240 Union Dinner, has raised nearly $1 million dollars for Ralston House. Partnerships like this make it possible for Ralston House to continue to be successful in supporting children who witness or experience abuse. If your business or organization would be interested in learning more on how to partner with Ralston House, please contact our Development Team at [PHONE REDACTED]. Become a CERT volunteer The Arvada Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of community volunteers trained to help local first responders on special projects related to emergencies and ---PAGE BREAK--- disasters. Members are trained in things such as Disaster Preparedness, Incident Command, Terrorism, Disaster Medical Operations, Triage, Light Search and Rescue, Radio Operations, Fire Suppression and Utility Control and more. The next CERT training will be held in April at the Arvada Fire Training Center (6651 Indiana St.). Students MUST attend all classes (no exceptions and no make-up classes). Training is open to anyone who is high school age (with parental permission) or over. Applications will open for the class in mid-March and seating is limited. Those willing to make the commitment to attend all classes will be granted a seat on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the City of Arvada website or follow Arvada CERT on facebook @ArvadaCERT. Give animals hope. You can save animals like Teddy with your gift today. Foothills Animal Shelter. Page 12 Neighbors Connected, stronger together Woodland Valley Neighborhood rallies for Baby Elliott Carlos Cady-Reheis is one of Arvada’s strongest Neighborhood Leaders. He is a caring stay-at-home Father of two children and a talented Drone Photographer. After more than a ---PAGE BREAK--- decade living in the Woodland Valley Neighborhood, Carlos has become a well-connected neighbor who has built a strong sense of community where neighbors celebrate the good times and support each other during life’s challenging times. After one of Woodland Valley’s newest neighbors was born with complications, Carlos worked to organize neighbors and family friends to make sure the Morton family felt supported and loved. Baby Elliott spent his first five months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), undergoing many operations. Once the family knew they were bringing Elliott home last Summer, Carlos and Morton-family friend, Leana, worked to rally dozens of neighbors, friends and family to line the streets of Woodland Valley. Carlos delivered invitations door to door, by phone, email and posted on social media to get the word out. More than 100 people lined the streets to form a welcome home parade celebrating the arrival of the Morton’s newest family member. The community also raised $2,500 in donations and presented the family with a check to help offset hospital bills. The Woodland Valley neighbors hold the belief that sharing hardship with each other creates an opportunity to support one another and to understand what your neighbor is going through. “We like hope. To see a fellow neighbor supporting another neighbor gives you that hope,” shared Carlos. Baby Elliott recently celebrated his first holiday season and got to try mashed potatoes for the first time. On Jan. 11, the Mortons celebrated Elliott’s 1st Birthday! Thank you to Carlos and the Morton Family for sharing their story in the Arvada Report. Carlos credits his neighborhood’s resiliency to the connectivity they have built and maintained after hosting parties with the City’s Block Party Trailer and Outdoor Movie Equipment rentals. Many neighbors step up to take on tasks hosting, planning and cleaning up after these gatherings. He says this makes their connection sustainable as it does not all fall on one person to bring neighbors together. Despite differences in age and political beliefs, the neighbors continuously gather and put their focus on spending time together. ---PAGE BREAK--- Photo credit: Beth Fries, Fries the Moment Photography Page 13 Storyline Church’s Kyle Mack leads philosophy of service Inspired by the book The Art of Neighboring by Denver-area community leaders Dave Runyon and Jay Pathak, Kyle Mack encourages all Arvada residents to know their neighbors. “Start with the eight neighbors nearest to you and learn their names and needs,” Mack shared. Kyle lives in the Lake Arbor neighborhood with his wife Katie and their boys Brody, Brooks and Bo. In both his personal life in Lake Arbor and professional life at Storyline Church, Kyle serves as a great example of what it means to love your neighbor. Building relationships is the core of Kyle’s work connecting with neighbors throughout Arvada. He works as the Director of Missions for Storyline Church, located at 64th Avenue and Indiana Street in West Arvada. Storyline’s missional philosophy is guided by the belief that all people are worthy of honor, dignity and respect, no matter the barriers in their life or the identities they hold. This belief is seen in partnerships the Church has with organization’s like Mission Arvada and Hope House who work to support vulnerable community members. This past holiday season, Kyle led his church community in service-oriented projects delivering resources. In November, he led the delivery of more than 300 Thanksgiving boxes of food and gift cards to families in need at Arvada, Arvada West and Ralston Valley High Schools. December saw 1,500 bags of cookie mix used for church members to bake cookies and deliver them to a neighbor inviting them to connect or attend a Christmas church service. Storyline also contributed resources to Park Church in Denver to benefit migrants who have arrived in Denver, many of them fleeing hardship in Venezuela. Kyle’s efforts supporting people, from neighbors nearby to nations across the world, align with the goals of the City’s Neighbors Connected Programs, which focus on building each other up one neighbor at a time. Neighborhood programs updates: Neighborhood Grant Program to open applications on Saturday, April 8. Block Party Trailer/Outdoor Movie Equipment Rental reservations to open on Saturday, May 25.. Neighborhood Leader Network Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 28. All dates subject to change. Would you like to contribute to the strength of your neighborhood? Join Neighbors Connected to participate in upcoming opportunities, including the Neighborhood Grant Program and Block Party Trailer reservation system. Learn more at the City of Arvada website. If you have questions, contact the City of Arvada Neighborhood Coordinator, Brady Porterfield-Finn, at [EMAIL REDACTED] or [PHONE REDACTED]. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 14 Majestic View Nature Center Calendar of Classes Majestic View Nature Center, [PHONE REDACTED], majesticviewnc.org, [EMAIL REDACTED] 7030 Garrison Street, Arvada. CO 80004 The Nature Center is open for public hours Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See updates and full calendar at majesticviewnc.org or call [PHONE REDACTED]. Online pre-registration required for all classes. More programs available online! Kids Classes Baby Animals Art Workshop, Saturday, March 2, 9 to 10 a.m. Ages 6-12 yrs. $15 (supplies included). Let your little artists paint for you as an instructor leads this step-by-step tutorial to create an acrylic baby-themed masterpiece to celebrate the arrival of spring. No experience is necessary. Register online and don’t forget your painting clothes! Nature Playdate Friday, Feb. 9, and Thursday, March 7, 10 to 11 a.m. Geared toward ages 2-12 yrs, free. Nature Storytime Wednesdays, Feb. 21 and March 20, 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages, free. Family Classes Indoor Astronomy Night Saturday, Feb. 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Winter Deep-Sky and Planets. Saturday, March 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Exploring the Spring Sky. All ages, free. Night with a Naturalist: Build a Bird Feeder Thursday, Feb. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Ages $20 includes all supplies and bird seed. To celebrate National Bird-Feeding Month we’ll be learning about common birds that visit feeders and then building a feeder to bring home. Basket Weaving with Hutch Saturday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages $20 includes all supplies. Join Colorado Survival Instructor "Hutch" Hutchings as he demonstrates various weaving techniques and then guides your family through creating a basket with cattail leaves. Night with a Naturalist: Self Care for the Spring Equinox Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 to 7pm. Ages 10+, $5 includes all supplies. Indulge yourself with an evening of tea, art and intention-setting, followed by a healing bonfire to celebrate the change in seasons and personal growth. ---PAGE BREAK--- Adult Programs Birding for Everyone Fridays, Feb. 2 and March 1, 8 to 9:30 a.m. Adults, Locations will vary, register in advance to receive location. Meditation and Mindfulness in Nature First Sunday of the month, 1 to 2 p.m. Adults, $10. Join us to practice mindfulness and connection with nature. Beginner's minds welcome! Volunteer Open House Saturday Mach 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Must be 13 or older to volunteer. Drop by the Nature Center to learn about the various volunteer opportunities and meet our current amazing volunteers. No need to sign up. Nature Lovers Book Group Wednesdays, Feb. 28 and March 27, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ages 10+, free. Calling all nature lovers! In collaboration with the Standley Lake and Arvada libraries, we invite you to join us to discuss nature-related books. Check website for book selections. Summer 2024 Majestic View Nature Camp Campers learn about their environment, gain new skills and develop confidence though hands-on activities, games and outdoor exploration. Ages 6 -10, $350 per camper per week (full day). Registration opens Feb. 6 at majesticviewnc.org. Page 15 Top 5 Things to Do at Arvada WinterFest Mark your calendars for Arvada WinterFest, an outdoor multi-cultural celebration on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McIlvoy Park in Olde Town Arvada. WinterFest features a ton of fun free activities for all ages, including these can’t miss traditions: 1. Cultural Performances - Join in celebrating the variety of cultures in our community with live performances at the McIlvoy Park pavilion. Dragon and lion dances performed by the Colorado Asian Cultural Heritage Center are always a crowd favorite! 2. Pet Parade and Ugly Sweater Contest - Bring your pup and show off their ugly sweater for a chance to win a gift basket. Sign-up is at 11 a.m., followed by the parade at 11:30. 3. Carriage Rides - Enjoy a peaceful ride through Olde Town on a horse-drawn carriage. A popular choice for families! 4. Live Ice Sculpting - Get an up-close experience of the creativity and mastery of ice sculptors from Colorado Ice Works. 5. Vendors and Beer Garden - Be sure to check out all the food and shopping opportunities hosted by a variety of local vendors. Visit the beer garden to support the Olde Town Business Improvement District. ---PAGE BREAK--- Join our effort in making this a zero-waste event by placing your discarded items in the appropriate recycling and composting bins that will be available on site. For more information, visit Arvada Festivals website. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 16 Love the outdoors? Become a volunteer Ranger! Nestled along the foothills on the west end of town, the Arvada-Blunn Reservoir is an angler’s paradise. Last year the reservoir was stocked with more than 32,000 fish and welcomed more than 17,000 visitors. The reservoir thrives thanks to the selfless commitment of individuals like Karen Sanches. Karen is part of a group of volunteers known as the Reservoir Rangers who assist with the daily operations at the reservoir by performing boat inspections and providing customer service. Last year was Karen’s first as a Ranger, and she quickly emerged as one of the group’s most dedicated members, racking up more than 700 service hours in 2023. For her, being a Ranger goes beyond fulfilling volunteer duties; it's about spending time in the great outdoors and connecting with people. "I absolutely love working with the people that volunteer and welcoming our customers to this beautiful place," Karen said. “It’s just amazing. It’s very serene working at the reservoir. I can’t wait to go back when it opens again in April.” Karen finds joy in interacting with children, particularly during events like the annual fishing tournament in the spring. "It's just such a blessing to see all these kids smiling when they catch fish," she says. Her enthusiasm reflects the Rangers' integral role in ensuring every visitor’s experience at the reservoir is a memorable one. If you’re like Karen and enjoy serving the community and love being outdoors, there's a place for you among the Reservoir Rangers. The City is actively seeking more volunteers to join the program in 2024. With training scheduled for the third week in March, now is the perfect time to join! To become a volunteer Ranger, or to learn more about the program, scan the QR code or visit City of Arvada website. New linear park breaks ground In partnership with the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA), the City recently broke ground on its newest park project, the Garrison Garden Paseo. The new linear park – or paseo – is located between 57th Avenue to the south and Ralston Road to the north. The newly designed walkway will add a more gentle slope to the existing corridor to make the space more accessible for all users. Once completed, the Garrison Garden Paseo will create better, safer connections for residents with transit, grocery and other amenities along Ralston Road, including Ralston Central Park, the Ralston Creek Trail and many new restaurants and shops that are planned in ---PAGE BREAK--- the area over the next several years. The new linear park directly aligns with the Arvada City Council’s strategic result of completing strategic investments and initiatives to ensure parks, trails, open space and amenities are in alignment with our diverse, changing, and growing community. The Paseo will feature a shaded overlook with views of the neighboring Arvada Community Garden, the park, and the Arvada landscape. The new park will also include demonstration gardens along the central path that connects W. 57th Avenue to Ralston Road. Brinkmann Constructors has been selected for the project, which is anticipated to be completed in the late fall of 2024. Page 17 AURA brings a second hotel to Olde Town area The opening of the Marriott Residence Inn at Olde Town Station brings another 128 hotel rooms to Arvada. The Marriott also creates new lodging and sales tax, a vital revenue to the City's coffers. This helps fund essential public services, parks, police, roads, and other critical infrastructure. These taxes, largely borne by visitors, alleviate the burden on local residents. The City of Arvada will reap this benefit for years and years after the urban renewal district sunsets. The new development, near 56th Ave and Wadsworth Blvd., is a crucial step toward revitalizing the site of an RTD Park-n-ride. “Infill developments like the Marriott are great for the community,” said Maureen Phair, AURA’s executive director. “We took a vacant parking lot, in an important part of Arvada, and upgraded the local infrastructure. It also reduced the need for urban sprawl. The sustainable approach to development contributes to a more cohesive and vibrant community.” The project also improved the sidewalks and walkability of the area. It connected The G-Line station and Olde Town with other shopping and services in the area. These improvements in the transit-oriented neighborhood benefit the entire community. The new hotel, and surrounding development, greet visitors with energy and life. They invite guests to one of Arvada’s most storied districts. Arvada's businesses and Olde Town stand to benefit from this influx. The Marriott is within walking distance of Olde Town. It brings new patrons to the area's coffee shops in the morning, and diners to the restaurants each evening. Tourists will pick up souvenirs from Olde Town shops. The new economic activity has a positive ripple effect throughout Arvada. Maybe the most important benefit of the new hotel to Arvada residents is the ability for family to stay closer when visiting. Now guests can spend less time in the car and more time visiting with loved ones. ---PAGE BREAK--- Arvada Historical Society volunteers span the ages The Arvada Historical Society believes you are never too young or too old to volunteer! To prove the point, meet Lucas Feeley and Erwin Powell, the Society’s dynamic Saturday duo. Lucas is 23 years old and grew up in Arvada. His knowledge of Arvada’s history comes in handy when greeting visitors at the McIlVoy House and helping with research projects. Erwin is just shy of 100 years old. He is a World War II veteran. Erwin specializes in digitization of archival records – documents, photographs, diaries, and correspondence. An invaluable skill in preserving Arvada’s history. The Society is proud of these two special people helping preserve Arvada’s rich history! Both Lucas and Erwin encourage would-be volunteers to give it a try! You can meet them any Saturday ( 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the McIlvoy House (7307 Grandview Ave.). To learn more about the Arvada Historical Society, visit the Historical Society website. Pages 18 through 21 Arvada Fire Department Content The Arvada Fire Content is provided by the Arvada Fire Protection District, an entity separate from the City of Arvada. Arvada Fire Protection District Board of Directors ---PAGE BREAK--- Headquarters contact information: 7903 Allison Way, Arvada, Colorado 80005, 303- 424-3012, AFPD website. A decade of continuous improvement by Acting Deputy Chief Matt Osier Nearly 10 years ago, Arvada Fire first achieved accreditation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) in 2014, marking a significant milestone in the formal evaluation and enhancement of our services. Arvada Fire underwent a reaccreditation process, as mandated by CPSE for every five years, in 2019. While not as formidable as the initial certification, reaccreditation remains a substantial undertaking with dedication and effort from all of our members. As the 10-year mark of the initial accreditation approaches, we’re once again heavily engaged in the reaccreditation process. Since this process is a heavy lift quantified in significant staff hours, it’s a fair question to ask, “why go through with it?” What do we get for being accredited besides recognition on a plaque? After all, there are no grants awarded or financial incentive to being accredited. In an organization that prides itself on excellence, we have a responsibility to continuously evaluate and enhance services to align with the evolving needs of the community. Individually, our members are asked to consistently train, pursue higher credentials, and improve their education and fitness. Consequently, if our fire department requires that from its employees, then we should model that behavior as an organization. One notable piece of leadership wisdom is that “people do what people see.” As an organization, we have the responsibility to model the behavior of continuous improvement if that is what we expect our employees to embody. Continuous organizational improvement is achieved through accreditation. The process involves an organizational self-assessment in which ever facet of the department— including policies, risks, apparatus, financial and government processes— are scrutinized and evaluated. Next, organizational goals and objectives are established to create a road map for improvement. Once organizational goals are set, our doors are open to be judged by our peers. An outside assessment team thoroughly evaluates the organization’s self-assessment, reviews the stated goals and objectives, and completes an on-site visit to ensure we actually do what we say we are doing. Finally, we stand before the commission and learn whether we will once again earn the right to call ourselves an accredited agency. I’m confident that we will again receive our accredited status in 2024. In doing so, I hope our organization and community will appreciate the effort it takes to receive it and the respect we’ve ---PAGE BREAK--- earned for ourselves in doing so. For more information about accreditation, visit the Arvada Fire website. See flashing lights on the road? It’s time to move over, slow down! When you ask a firefighter what incident makes them the most nervous, you may be surprised that many won’t tell you about being inside a burning building. Instead, it’s routine calls and responses to emergencies on our motorways that frequently have first responders on edge. Sadly, last December we saw a reminder of how dangerous it can be for first responders to operate near roadways. Responding to a one vehicle crash, two South Adams County firefighters and two Commerce City police officers were struck by a suspected drunk driver on I-76. Three responders sustained minor injuries, while one firefighter received serious injuries. Although our firefighters practice Traffic Incident Management (TIM) techniques to improve their own and driver safety at the scene of accidents, we need all drivers’ help to stay safe on the roads. 2022 marked the deadliest year on Colorado roads since 1981. One year later, a House Bill took effect in 2023 while requiring that drivers move over a lane whenever they encounter any stationary vehicle with its hazards flashing— and if they can't move over, they must slow down. Please help us stay safe near roads by remaining alert while driving, avoiding distractions, and always driving sober. Remember that emergencies can occur anywhere on the road. When you see flashing lights of any color, slow down and prepare well in advance to change lanes. Allow others to merge into your lane when necessary. If you are unable to move at least one lane away from the stationary vehicle, you must slow down to at least 25 miles per hour on roadways with a speed limit below 45 miles per hour. On roadways with speed limits 45 miles per hour or more, you must slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the speed limit. ---PAGE BREAK--- Guidance for Open Burning in Arvada By Fire Marshal Steven Parker We often receive calls from citizens asking whether themselves or their neighbors can openly burn on their properties. The answer is: it depends. Commercially available portable fire pits are allowed within Arvada Fire’s service area and can be used without a permit, but we suggest that this not take place within 15 feet of combustible materials. Non-portable fire pits (recreational fires) also can be done without a permit if the fuel being burned is no larger than 3 feet in diameter, 2 feet in height, and a minimum of 25 feet from combustibles. Both require someone always attending to them and a means to extinguish the fire, preferably a garden hose. Anything larger requires an application for an Open Burning Permit from Arvada Fire. Many times, we respond to open burning that is not following the requirements of the International Fire Code and should not take place. Our website has many resources to explain what can and cannot be done at arvadafireco.gov/fmo. Whether you need a permit or not, you must always be aware of weather conditions when burning on your property. The risk posed by fire is even greater under a fire weather watch, red flag warnings, high wings, low humidity, and periods of drought with dry fuels. During those times, open burning shall not occur. Some materials are never permitted to be burned, too. Those materials include rubber, plastic, rubbish or trash, furniture, construction debris, fencing, and treated wood. We follow the fire bans and restrictions enacted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, which is also available at jeffco.us. If you ever have questions related to open burning, please give us a call. The Fire Marshal’s Office can be reached at [PHONE REDACTED] during business hours Monday through Friday. Lastly, if you feel that there is an imminent danger from an open burn, call 911 and we will respond. Understanding wildfire danger, terms, and mitigation By Brady Johnson, Public Information Officer In wildland firefighting, many federal or agency documents still refer to the term “wildfire season.” Historically, this season was a four-month event in the middle of the summer for the ---PAGE BREAK--- Centennial State. The average peak wildfire season is now nearly 80 days longer than in the 1970s, while Colorado experiences large fires every month of the year. Blown by gusts of more than 100 miles per hour, the Marshall Fire became the most destructive fire in the state’s history, starting the day before New Year’s Eve in 2021. For many of us here in Arvada, the fire so close to our backyards laid bare the notion that wildfire “season” has quickly become an antiquated term. This means that all of us, from fire departments to residents and landowners, should keep our guard up and work to minimize our own risk from wildfire all year long.Consider several of the most recent tragedies in our countries’ Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Both the Marshall Fire and the fires in Lahaina, Hawaii in August 2023 could be considered wildfire-initiated urban conflagrations. They each started during extreme wind events, had an abundance of dry and available fuels for burning, and spread into communities in the WUI vulnerable to fire, much like our own. Depending on the season’s weather, two of the biggest contributors to both fires— strong wind and dry fuels— can be present in just about every month of the year in Colorado. So, what are some of the terms residents should pay attention to in order to understand wildfire risk? And what are the action steps we can take to improve our safety and resilience to wildfire? A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service and forecasts strong winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity within 24 hours. During these conditions, burn restrictions are likely to be in effect. Any activity that could cause a spark should be stopped and residents should be on heightened alert. It’s always good to have an emergency checklist and go-bag ready for days like these. Relative humidity is the ratio of the amount of moisture in the air to the amount of moisture necessary to saturate the air at the same temperature and pressure. A relative humidity of 15% or less means that fuels will be dry and receptive to fire. When battling wildfires, firefighters will measure the relative humidity very frequently to predict fire conditions. Lookout Alert is the emergency notification system for Jefferson County. Through the platform, emergency responders can provide emergency notifications via text, email, or voice message. Sign up today at lookoutalert.co. Evacuation notices generally either mean get ready or get out. A pre-evacuation notice means there is a wildfire threat in the area and it would be wise to start planning or packing. An evacuation order is a lawful order to leave right away or within a specified time and means there is typically an immediate threat to life and property. Follow law enforcement agencies and the news for instructions about evacuations. Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire. Actions like raking leaves and pine needles, using non-flammable landscaping like gravel, and creating horizontal space between shrubs and trees can make your home much, much more savable in the event of a wildfire. ---PAGE BREAK--- Another aspect of defensible space is low-flammability landscaping. We should look to plant vegetation around our homes that have low oil or resin content, high moisture content, and drought tolerance. Although there are no fire-proof plant species, these characteristics mean the vegetation is less likely to burn hot and fast. For a list of approved low-flammable plants, visit Arvada Fire website. Home hardening means making your home more resistant to wildfires by using fire resistant materials and implementing various fire-prevention measures. Installing metal mesh vent covers, re-roofing your home with composite materials, or building a deck with non-combustible materials are examples of home hardening. Homeowners and communities bear the ultimate responsibility to help protect themselves and their property from the threat of wildfire. By knowing the terms above and some simple steps that can be taken around your home, you can give your home the best chance to survive a wildfire. But, what about the fire department? What are we doing to make you safer? Quite a lot, actually! Arvada Fire offers free WUI Risk Assessments from our firefighters and wildfire experts. During an assessment, we will evaluate the exterior of your home and the surrounding property, suggesting ways to create defensible space and harden your home to make it as fire resistant as possible. To schedule a visit, call [PHONE REDACTED] or visit the Arvada Fire website. As an agency, we’re also proponents of fuels reduction projects to remove or treat certain vegetation, lessening wildfire hazards. Sometimes the best defense against wildfire is a good offense, and that means proactive actions we can take before wildfire strikes. In a partnership with Team Rubicon, Jefferson County Open Space, and the City of Arvada, we’ll be conducting a fuels reduction project at Van Bibber Open Space in March. Using tools and our hands, we will physically pull and remove certain types of vegetation in the area, such as invasive vegetation, overgrowth, and ground litter fuels, such as leaves, twigs and dead logs that cover the ground. More information about the project will be sent to neighbors soon. We’re thankful for the partnership with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves communities before, during, and after disasters such as wildfire. Last but certainly not least, our firefighters train and prepare for wildfires thoroughly. Wildland firefighting is one of our four special operations. This discipline involves special certifications and an annual training in the spring. Whether it be in our own backyard or many states away, our firefighters are ready to be deployed to communities throughout the country and protect lives and property from wildfire. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 22 Community Calendar February Feb 3: A Chocolate Affair Feb 8: Valentine’s Murder Mystery at the Apex. Feb 10: Heart Throb 5 K ---PAGE BREAK--- Feb 13: Mardi Gras in Olde Town Arvada. Feb 24: Winterfest, McIlvoy Park (see page 15). March March 2: Volunteer open house, Majestic View Nature Center March 9: Touch-a-Truck, Apex. March 16: St. Patrick’s Day in Olde Town April April 1: Arvada Reservoir opens for fishing! ---PAGE BREAK--- Happening at the Apex Apex PRD is happy to celebrate Heart Health Month with awesome fitness classes! Whether you are looking for cardio, yoga or aquacise! February is also the month of love, and Apex is celebrating with Therapeutic Recreation month and an Art for the Young at Heart exhibit at the Community Recreation Center (6842 Wadsworth Blvd.)! For more information, visit apexprd.org. Arvada Community Garden signup and classes Garden Plots will be available soon at the Arvada Community Garden located at W. 57th and Garrison Street. Applications for new gardeners will be accepted beginning Feb. 12 on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn about membership fees and details by visiting arvadagardeners.org. Free garden classes will also be open to the public soon! Visit meetup.com/acg-garden-classes. Photo taken by Steven K. Paulson for the City’s Hidden Gems photo contest: Wally, a Community Garden volunteer, enjoying the fruits of his labor! Page 23 Visitors Center Hospitality Heroes Bill Orchard, Volunteer, Arvada Gardeners ---PAGE BREAK--- Congratulations to Arvada’s own Bill Orchard! We must admit that recognizing Bill in this way is a long time coming. Bill is one of the most dedicated volunteers we know and “quietly” makes Arvada a wonderful place to visit or live. With this award, we are so happy to thank him for his time, effort, and expertise. (Bill is being recognized for his time with the Arvada Gardeners but he is also very involved with Bike Friendly Arvada). How long have you been with the Arvada Gardeners? 43 years What is the favorite part of your “job” with the Gardeners? I truly enjoy working with all the great gardeners in Arvada and interacting with the City and many of the other community groups. Why is it important to you to volunteer? And, to take a leadership role in that volunteer capacity? I like to stay busy and be involved in the community. When I find a place that really works for me, I try to get more engaged and that usually means taking a leadership role. What is your favorite way to connect with your fellow “co-workers” and/or guests that visit the Gardens? Simply put, we like to talk gardening! That is our connector. I always try to learn from the people I meet and let them learn from me. In terms of the “culture” at the Gardens, are there any fun traditions or special things you and your fellow volunteers do? I think it’s the activities outside of the actual gardening that bring us all together. We have our “own” events: Fireworks Viewing, New Member Welcome, Chili Cook-off, and the Holiday Party. But, also as important are the events we participate in around the community, like Winterfest, Earth Day, the Pumpkin Festival and the Harvest Festival. Hospitality is defined as “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” In this section, the Arvada Visitors Center and the City of Arvada are recognizing a few of the amazing hospitality ambassadors in our community and thanking them for making our city a place that has a reputation for amazing hospitality for residents and tourists alike. Do you know of a Hospitality Hero in Arvada that deserves some special recognition? Please email [EMAIL REDACTED] to nominate them. Each Hero that is recognized will be featured in an upcoming issue of the Arvada Report and receive a $250 gift card to an Arvada restaurant or retailer. The Arvada Visitors Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works to inspire travel to our community and provides key information to people considering a visit or relocation to Arvada. They have proudly welcomed thousands of guests from around the world since their doors opened on 7305 Grandview Ave. in November 2012. An investment in visitors is an investment in community. Visitors to Arvada generate sales tax revenue. One quarter of the City’s total revenue comes from sales tax dollars. This revenue helps pay for police services, city parks, improvements to infrastructure, and many other services that benefit the entire Arvada community. ---PAGE BREAK--- Page 24 Arvada Center [PHONE REDACTED]; Website. Nataha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812: Electropop meets War and Peace and Russian Scandal. February 16 - March 31 Noises Off, a relentless, high-energy farce about a flop of a play. March 22 - May 5 For tickets, visit the Arvada Center website Looking for a unique place to hold your next party, business event or wedding? Visit the website or call [PHONE REDACTED].