Urban Renewal versus Urban Legend meeting held

December/January 2014/15
© Copyright 2014 City of Littleton all rights reserved
Top News
What’s Inside
Votes stacking up in support of
urban renewal (see page 2).
Phil “osophy” from Mayor Phil
Cernanec touts redevelopment
and reinvestment (see page 3).
Car dealerships reinvesting
in Littleton (see page 8).
Urban Renewal versus Urban Legend meeting held
October 28 at Arapahoe Community College
All Littleton citizens and business owners were invited to attend and a crowd estimated
at nearly 300 people showed up to express their views about using urban renewal as a tool
to revitalize the city. The city council sponsored the event to gauge the level of citizen education, interest and support for urban renewal.
Facilitator Chris Adams, president of Engaged Public, provided factual information and
addressed rumors about what urban renewal is, and what it isn’t. Using electronic voting
pads, Adams discovered that 60 percent of the participants have lived in Littleton more
than 20 years, 12 percent have a child in Littleton Public Schools, and 33 percent owned a
business in the city.
Speakers included City Manager Michael Penny, Littleton Invests for Tomorrow (LIFT)
Executive Director Jim Rees, Council Member Debbie Brinkman, and former Lakewood
Mayor Steve Burkholder who discussed how urban renewal was the key to turning the dying Villa Italia mall into the vibrant mixed-use Bel Mar development.
Prior to the presentations, participants were asked several questions about urban
renewal. The same questions were asked after the presentations and showed that support
increased once the facts were known.
Participants were also asked to write down a word that describes what “Moving Littleton Forward Looks Like.” Their answers are represented in the word cloud below.
The final question showed that 57 percent of participants either agree or strongly agree
that urban renewal should remain a strategy to ‘move Littleton forward.’ While 28 percent
either disagreed or strongly disagreed, 15 percent indicated they were neutral (see graph
on right side of page). The city council will continue to reach out to residents to provide
timely and factual information and address concerns.
2255 West Berry Ave.
Littleton, CO 80120
ECRWSS
Postal Patron
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Littleton, CO
Permit No. 205
LITTLETON REPORT
Votes stacking up in support of urban renewal
Columbine Square
December/January 2014/15 • Page 2
December/January 2014/15 • Page 3
LITTLETON REPORT
Apply for a chance to serve the city
Applications are being accepted for Littleton citizens who want to serve on a city
board, commission or authority. Applications are available at littletongov.org/boards.
They must be received by 5 p.m. January 31, 2015.
City council will review the applications and set up interviews in February. Appointments will be made in March and terms will begin April 15.
Following is a list of the city’s boards, commissions and authorities:
Board of Adjustment– 5 members, 2 alternates – 3-year terms (3 vacancies)
Considers zoning variances, land uses permitted by exception and appeals of administrative decisions. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
The Littleton City Council has set it sights on community revitalization and urban
renewal is one of tools it will use to work with the private sector. The financing mechanisms with urban renewal allow municipalities to bridge the gap with developers when
needed improvements to infrastructure, like roads and drainage, threaten the viability
of a potential development. Forty-five towns and cities throughout Colorado have used
urban renewal to revitalize their communities.
The city values its partnerships with neighboring taxing entities and has guaranteed
a seat at the table for them in financial discussions for any project. To that end, several
important votes have been cast by city council and its partners via resolution or Intergovernmental Agreement that endorse urban renewal as a tool for community revitalization.
Building Board of Appeals – 5 members, 2 alternates – 3-year terms (2 vacancies)
Reviews building code issues and makes decisions on suspension and revocation
of licenses under the Uniform Building Code. Meetings are the third Wednesday of the
month at 7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Board – 7 members – 3-year terms (4 vacancies)
Reviews and selects artwork and exhibitions at public locations and serves as stewards
of the Littleton art portfolio. Meetings are the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
Historical Preservation Board – 7 members, 2 alternates – 3-year terms (3 vacancies)
Recommends policies, rules and regulations relating to historic preservation. Meetings
are the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
South Metro Housing Options – 7 members – 5-year terms (3 vacancies)
Administers public housing programs. Meetings are the first Thursday of the month at
6:30 p.m.
September 11 – The Planning Board “finds that the Santa Fe Urban Renewal Plan is
in conformance with the City of Littleton Comprehensive Plan and recommends approval of the Santa Fe Urban Renewal Plan by the city council.”
Library Board – 7 members – 3-year terms (2 vacancies)
Reviews and recommends long-range plans, programming, policies, the budget, and
gifts for library use. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.
September 11 – The Planning Board “finds that the Columbine Square Urban Renewal Plan is in conformance with the City of Littleton Comprehensive Plan and recommends approval of the Columbine Square Urban Renewal Plan by the city council.”
Licensing Authority – 5 members, 2 alternates – 3-year terms (1 vacancy)
Decides on matters dealing with liquor licensing and Medical Marijuana Centers.
Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m.
September 16 – The Littleton City Council “directs staff to include all impacted taxing
entities in the financial discussions for any development project, which may utilize tax
increment financing through the city’s urban renewal authority, to ensure that no urban
renewal project moves forward without the full support and approval of all impacted
taxing entities.”
Littleton Invests for Tomorrow (LIFT) – 7 members – 5-year terms (2 vacancies)
LIFT is the city’s urban renewal authority as directed by city council using resources
allowed by Colorado law. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
October 20 – Littleton Invests For Tomorrow (LIFT) “adopted two resolutions recommending that Littleton City Council create Broadway and Littleton Boulevard Urban
Renewal Areas.”
October 29 – South Suburban Park and Recreation District’s Board is “consenting in
writing, with conditions, to inclusion of agricultural land in the Santa Fe Urban Renewal
Area.”
November 4 – Littleton City Council approved the Santa Fe Drive and Columbine
Square Urban Renewal Areas.
South Platte River work progressing
The river channel work in South Platte Park is progressing rapidly. Over one-half
mile has been completed downstream from Carson Nature Center. By late December, work will be completed to Reynold’s Landing Park, then crews will relocate to the
east side of the river starting at C470 and working downstream towards the nature
center. This will alter use of the east trail walking path, but it will remain open. This
will not impact the paved Mary Carter Greenway Trail. This project is working to
establish a smaller channel for the reduced modern flows of the river, to reintroduce
aquatic habitat like riffles (rapids) and pools, and to stabilize some bank areas. Work
should be completed by late spring 2015 before spring runoff flows begin. The project is funded by the City of Littleton, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, Urban
Drainage and Flood Control, and Arapahoe County Open Space.
ber. The trail is adjacent to the historic City Ditch and will create a large loop from the
Election Commission – 3 members – 4-year terms (0 vacancies)
Reviews, recommends, and establishes procedures for municipal elections based on
City Charter, Municipal Code, and State Statute provisions. Meets as needed.
August 19 – The Littleton City Council “does not support, and will not approve, any
urban renewal plan, which includes the use of eminent domain for the acquisition of
property as part of an urban renewal project within the City of Littleton.”
October 9 – Littleton Public Schools Board of Education “consents to the creation of
the Urban Renewal Areas and the inclusion of agricultural land (as defined in the Act)
therein.”
The Littleton Community Trail Phase 3 is anticipated to be completed in late Decem-
Museum Board – 7 members – 3-year terms (2 vacancies)
Assists in the direction and development of the museum and recommends policies relating to furthering the educational programs it offers. Meetings are held the first Monday
of each month at 7 p.m.
Planning Board – 7 members, 2 alternates – 3-year terms (4 vacancies)
Reviews and makes recommendations on master plans, land annexations, zoning,
flood plain designation, rezoning and new subdivisions. Meetings are held the second
and fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Call Acting City Clerk Colleen Norton at 303-795-3780 with questions.
Oops, we’re sorry!
Gallup Street confusion explained
At this time last year, just prior to
the adoption of the Citywide Plan,
concerns were raised by residents
that the Citywide Plan eliminated the
individual neighborhood plans. That
was not the case, so staff reprinted
the neighborhood plans verbatim.
However, the city’s new logo was inserted to convey the message that the
original neighborhood plans were still
in effect. This was a mistake.
When the process began recently
to update the old neighborhood plans
starting with the Heritage Neighborhood, staff pointed folks to the original words, but
in the new format with the new logo. The staff realizes that this was confusing because
the 33-year-old document was interpreted by residents to be a new recommendation
by the planning board. The extension of Gallup Street mentioned in the old plan is
exactly why these 33-year-old policies must be revised.
It is city staff’s position that “this Transportation Policy is outdated, given that the
adjacent neighborhoods have been completed and the missing segment of Gallup
Street has developed as a pedestrian trail that intersects with the community-wide Lee
Gulch Trail, providing an amenity for the neighborhood, a wildlife corridor, and an
alternative pedestrian transportation link. Expenses outweigh the benefits of completing the roadway, given the physical constraints of connecting the roadway through the
flood plain.”
Continuing to strengthen neighborhoods is the city’s primary goal. The staff and
planning board want a transparent process that allows everyone’s input. Please continue to point out where we missed the mark.
Mary Carter Greenway Trail, utilizing the Lee Gulch and Big Dry Creek Trails. It also
connects Lower Ridgewood Park, the War Memorial Rose Garden and Slaughterhouse
Gulch parks. When completed, The Littleton Community Trail will provide a continuMayor Phil Cernanec (far right, waving) and his wife Cathy Schwartz, get ready to run
ous path with connections to community amenities including the Buck Center, the
at the starting line of the 19th annual Littleton Stride. There were 2,480 registered
Depot Art Center, Main Street, the light rail station, Sterne Park, the Colorado Center
participants and hundreds of spectators who turned out on a beautiful morning Oc-
for the Blind and more. The trail is a joint project with South Suburban Parks and
tober 26. The City of Littleton is one of many sponsors for the event which is a major
Recreation, the City of Littleton, Great Outdoors Colorado and Arapahoe County
fundraiser for the Littleton Public Schools Foundation.
Open Space.
Conflict mediation coming
PHIL“OSOPHY”
by Mayor Phil Cernanec
Having just passed the one year mark as mayor of Littleton and with the holidays
around the corner, it seems like a good time for reflection. The year has flown by and
it has been gratifying and exciting to serve with my fellow council members. We’ve had
some training this year that recognizes that while we may not always agree, we are all
focused on moving Littleton forward.
We’ve heard a lot of feedback from citizens at in-person gatherings and through
formal data collection that long-term economic resilience is a high priority. In the 2012
Citizen Survey, respondents said the #1 potential project the city council should pursue
is taking an active role in redevelopment of aging shopping centers. The council has been on an intensive,
three-year learning process to discover what we can foster and nurture while understanding the limitations
and the distinct roles that the city and the private sector should play.
Reinvestment and redevelopment in our commercial corridors will be key to keeping Littleton moving forward. There is a lot of discussion in the community about these topics and I am glad to hear so many people
talking about economic development, urban renewal, reinvestment and community revitalization. We’ve
worked hard to honor and continue our long standing partnerships with our outstanding school and park and
recreation districts. We’ve still got a long way to go and I’m sure we’ll stumble along the way. I know all of the
members of the city council are open to listening and talking. Send us an email or give us a call. We want to
continue to hear what you value, what you want to preserve and what you want to build upon.
I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons.
Check out OpenLittleton.org to give your input
The city uses openlittleton.org as a citizen engagement and public comment tool. Not
everyone can arrange to attend a 6:30 p.m. city council meeting on Tuesday nights. The city
provides this as another option for people to stay involved in their city government. The city
poses questions and requests citizen input and uses that input when making decisions related to how the city operates or what and how to regulate. Recently, questions were posed concerning residents’ opinions
on the locations of tattoo shops, body art parlors, and headshops; and if short-term vacation rentals should be allowed
in residential neighborhoods. Questions change frequently and your input is important. Let your voice be heard.
In January of 2015, the city will kick off its new Community Mediation Program. This program will offer effective alternatives to dispute resolution and will be available
to residents, businesses and property owners within the
city limits. It will make it easier for community members
to participate in free and low-cost mediation, allowing
individuals to be part of problem-solving decisions.
The program will focus on neighbor-to-neighbor,
landlord/tenant, homeowner association, code compliance, animal control, business/consumer, and non-criminal police issues. One goal of the program is to offer participants a confidential, hands-on, interactive approach
to solving problems and addressing unresolved issues.
The city has hired Ryan Thompson to be the program
coordinator. He has a master’s degree in conflict management from Regis University and has mediated more than
200 cases.
New smartphone app launched
The City of Littleton recently launched a
new app that residents can use to report
a neighborhood concern and then
track the city’s response. The new
app, Click & Fix Littleton, allows users
to submit an issue such as a pothole, icy
or damaged sidewalk, graffiti, missing or damaged street
sign, abandoned vehicle, etc. Once the issue is submitted,
the user, the city, and anyone else “watching” the area
will receive an alert. The city can acknowledge the service
request, route it to the proper department and update
the issue once it’s been resolved.
The app is available for iPhones and Android devices,
as well as on the city’s web site and the city’s Facebook
page. Download the app on Google Play or at the iPhone
App Store by searching for “Click & Fix Littleton” or visit
the Click & Fix web page at littletongov.org/clickfix.
Littleton City Council
Bruce Beckman
Mayor Pro Tem At Large
Debbie Brinkman
District IV
Phil Cernanec
Mayor-District III
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
720-254-6097
303-347-9141
303-797-3427
Peggy Cole
At Large
[email protected]
303-795-9552
Bruce Stahlman
At Large
[email protected]
720-987-7955
Randy Stein
District I
[email protected]
303-794-1266
Jerry Valdes
District II
[email protected]
303-794-6475
LITTLETON REPORT
December/January 2014/15 • Page 4
December/January 2014/15 • Page 5
LITTLETON REPORT
LFR collecting toys for
Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop
Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR) is collecting gifts for the Arapahoe
Construction of the 250 multi-family residential units at the Meadows at
Platte Valley (4550 West Mineral Avenue) is underway. In addition to the
residential units, the project includes a 10,000 square-foot commercial
building to be known as the Plaza at the Meadows. Dunkin’ Doughnuts
and Subway have already committed to making it their home.
Santa Claus Shop through December 10.
The 78,000 square-foot King Soopers at Broadway and Littleton Boulevard
is scheduled to open in February. The new location, modeled after the new
store at Federal and Belleview, will have an expanded produce section and
an optimum wellness center. Jobs are available at the new location. Visit
KingSoopers.com/Careers for more on how to apply.
The Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop, arapahoesantashop.org, is
an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that has been gathering toys and making the holidays special for children since 1959.
The toys are provided to low-income parents/guardians for their children from
infant-12 years of age who reside in Littleton, Englewood or Sheridan. Families
are referred to the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop by local schools, churches and
Aging Well Resource Center opens
The Littleton Fine Arts
Board proudly presents
the 49th Annual Own An
Original fine arts exhibition.
Juried by noted fiber media
artist and CSU Professor
Tom Lundberg, the show
will award more than $1,800
in cash prizes, and the best
of show winner will receive a
one-person show at the museum next year. The exhibition runs from November
21, 2014 through January
11, 2015.
frontier
cooking
New and gently-used toys and checks are being collected at LFR stations. To
make a monetary donation, make checks payable to the Arapahoe Santa Claus
Shop (P.O. Box 2004, Littleton, CO 80161).
A list of LFR stations can be found at littletongov.org/fire.
Santa will spread holiday
cheer and hand out goodies at
The City of Littleton and the Littleton Coalition on Aging Well (LCAW) celebrated a
successful grand opening of the new Aging Well Resource Center October 20 at Bemis
Library. Mayor Phil Cernanec (center) had the ribbon-cutting honors. Also pictured
are (left to right): Aging Well Resource Center Staff Debbie Shapiro and Kay Wilmesher,
Council Member Peggy Cole, and City Manager Michael Penny. LCAW partners include:
Arapahoe County, Littleton Transportation Network, Meals on Wheels, and South Metro
Housing Options. The center:
will be closed December 24 (at noon), 25 and
January 1 for the holidays.
with Santa are included. The event
is sponsored by Littleton Rotary. All
ages are welcome. Reservations are
recommended as seating is limited.
The fee is $5/$4 for residents, and children under age 10, $2 each. Buck Recreation
Center is located at 2004 West Powers Avenue. For more information visit sspr.org, or
call 303-797-8787.
The Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum and the Littleton Museum will
host the annual Holiday’s Eve Sunday, December 14, from 5:30–8 p.m. Join the
Friends for one of the museum’s most popular events. Tickets are available at the
museum or Bemis Library. Ticket prices for Friends’ members are $7 (adult)/$3
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Hours are Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., and Tuesday/Thursday, 11
a.m.–3 p.m. Citizens may stop in, call or e-mail with questions.
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The center’s initial goal is to collect questions, thoughts, and ideas from citizens on
the type of information most commonly needed by those over age 55.
(children) and general public $10 (adult)/$4 (children). For more information call
303-795-3950.
For more information email [email protected], or [email protected],
the Littleton Museum and municipal court
December 6. Choose from two
seatings at 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Enjoy
Holiday’s Eve coming December 14
Provides resource information on food, nutrition, health, medical insurance, transportation, care giving, volunteering, etc.
Did You
or call 303-795-3980
The Littleton Center, Bemis Library,
Buck Recreation Center Saturday,
pancakes, juice and coffee. Photos
Kids’ Nite Out Across America provides an active, safe and fun environment for
kids every Saturday from 7–10:30 p.m. at South Suburban’s Buck Recreation Center.
Kids ages 7 to 14 enjoy contests, games, age-appropriate music, sports and swimming! Trained staff members supervise the program and engage kids throughout
the evening. During Kids’ Nite Out, the center is closed to the public. Admission
is $15 per child and includes all activities. Cash or credit card for admission is
accepted at the door. Snacks and prizes are available for purchase. Learn more at
kidsniteout.org. Buck Recreation Center is located at 2004 West Powers Avenue.
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Prepare a meal using recipes from cookbooks published in the 1800s. With assistance from the interpreters, churn, roast, bake, and boil a delicious feast using historic
recipes. Once the food is prepared, dine by lamplight and enjoy some entertainment.
Held on the second Saturday of the month, the hands-on program is limited to six
people. For more information, call 303-734-8322.
the annual Breakfast with Santa at
Kids’ Nite Out Across America
comes to Buck Recreation Center
Learn
the Art of
service agencies. It does not accept self-referrals.
Meet the Littleton
Museum’s newest
farm animal, Boris, on the 1890s
farm! The fourmonth old Colorado-born Berkshire boar, was
purchased from
a local pig farmer
to breed with the
museum’s sow,
Matilda.
Know
?
The Carson Nature
Center (3000 West
Carson Drive) at
South Platte Park
offers a wide variety
of programs for all
ages and abilities.
Waterfowl Identification – Discover the great diversity of
ducks that visit Littleton in winter and how to recognize them.
November 29, 10–11:30 a.m., #6748111
Santa’s Nature Workshop – Children create ornaments and
gifts, take photos with Santa, and more! December 6, 10
a.m.–4 p.m. #6721512
MLK Break Day Camp – No school in Littleton so send kids
for a day of nature exploration. January 19, 8:30 a.m.–4:30
p.m. #672031
Bald Eagle Hike – Search for live bald eagles on a beautiful
winter stroll with a naturalist. January 31, 8:30–10:30 a.m.,
#675291
To find the complete schedule or register online visit sspr.org/nature.
For information call 303-730-1022. To register 303-347-5999.
The exhibition “Littleton Goes to War: 1941-1945” tells the narrative of
the Second World War, from a small Colorado town to the global conflict
and back. The exhibition runs at the Littleton Museum through August 16,
2015. For more information call 303-795-3950.
December/January 2014/15 • Page 6
LITTLETON REPORT
LFR headquarters is moving!
LFR Chief
Armstrong
By Thanksgiving, all Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR)
December/January 2014/15 • Page 7
LITTLETON REPORT
Calendar photo contest
winners announced
administration personnel will have swapped locations
with the LFR fire prevention bureau personnel at 1221
West Mineral Avenue, Suite 100, in Littleton. The move
facilitates more office space for administrative personnel
and also allows the prevention bureau to combine efforts
with the Littleton Building Division. Contractors seeking permits now have one stop shopping at the Littleton
Center for their building and fire permits. All contact
information–phone and email–will stay the same.
Cernich Lifesaving Award presented
Congratulations to Brianna Barsick for her selfless actions in helping
another citizen. On September 10, 2014 Brianna was swimming at the 24 Hour
Fitness Center at the Streets of Southglenn. Brianna noticed that another
swimmer was face down in the water and did not appear to be moving. Brianna pulled the other swimmer out of the water and called for help. Staff at
24 Hour Fitness called Littleton Fire Rescue. Due to Brianna’s courageous and
swift actions, the other swimmer was saved from more serious injury and possibly even death.
The John P. Cernich Lifesaving Award is presented to individuals whose actions directly contribute to a life-saving effort. The memorial award is named
in honor of the late Fire Captain John P. Cernich, Sr. who died while on duty
April 28, 1969.
South Suburban Ballot Issue 4C passes
With the passage of Ballot Issue 4C, South Suburban Parks and Recreation (SSPR) will move forward with its plans
to improve recreation facilities, parks and playgrounds, replace inefficient irrigation systems, protect and enhance
trails, including the High Line Canal Trail and the Mary Carter Greenway; and install energy-saving mechanical
equipment in facilities, including solar.
On November 4, 53 percent of district voters approved a two-mill, ten year property tax increase. “We are very
pleased with the results of the election and we thank the voters of the district for their continuing support of South
Suburban,” said John Ostermiller, SSPR board chair.
David Lorenz, SSPR Executive Director, echoed Ostermiller’s sentiments, “I want to thank our residents for their
continued support and for their recognition of the importance of parks and recreation in their community.”
The additional funds will be used for general operating expenses and to maintain everything the district provides
to the community and residents active lifestyles.
Littleton wins big at NATOA programming awards
Four programs created by the City of Littleton
received 2014 NATOA Government Programming Awards, including first place for I Found My
Dream Home in Littleton.
I Found My Dream Home in Littleton profiles
six major home remodels and won first place in
the Profile of a City/County Department category.
The 20-minute video gives viewers tours of the
updated homes and insight into the variety of
housing types and neighborhoods available in
the city.
Coloradans Helping Coloradans – September
2013 Flood, was honored with second place in the Documentary – Event Coverage category. The video tells the story
of a Longmont neighborhood trapped by the 2013 flood waters, expressed through the words and photographs of a
survivor and his rescuers. Littleton Fire Rescue’s Water Rescue Team used its specialized skills to assist the Longmont
Fire Department during the epic natural disaster.
Littleton History Moments – Wolhurst profiles the manor house on the Wolhurst property that burned to the
ground on March 29, 1976. The program earned second place in the Documentary category and explores the manor’s
illustrious past with ties to the Hope Diamond and organized crime.
Summer Youth Programs earned third place in the Public Education category. It highlights several of the educational and fun summer events available for teens and pre-teens in Littleton.
Littleton Police arrest shooting suspects
On October 10, a home invasion robbery was committed in the Trailmark subdivision. The suspects, a female
known to the homeowner and her boyfriend, entered the residence and a struggle ensued. The homeowner was
shot in the leg. Littleton Police detectives quickly identified the suspects and requested the assistance of other agencies in their apprehension. The female suspect, Amberlee Theodoratos, was arrested in Denver on October 21. The
male suspect, Danis Tinney, was arrested by the Safe Streets Task Force on October 31. Both were charged with Aggravated Robbery, 1st Degree Burglary, and 1st Degree Assault.
The winners of the 2015 Littleton Calendar photography contest have been selected. The winners are:
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January – Paul Lindberg
February – Stephen Johnson
March – Peggy Wait
April – Laurie Denhalter
May – John Balchunis
June – Daniel Smith
July – Matthew Wert
August – Constance Nelsen
September – Peggy Dietz
October – Anne Barhyte
November – Andi Poland
December – Kayla Finnin
The calendar captures the sights and scenes from
around Littleton. The Fine Arts Board selected the winners from 223 prints submitted by 54 entrants.
The popular calendar will be available in early
December at all city buildings and from the calendar’s
generous sponsors. The major sponsors are: Colorado
Business Bank; Littleton Adventist Hospital; Bradford
Auto Body; Chase Bank; Western Welcome Week; Rely
Local Littleton; Steinle Realty Services, Inc.; Hudson
Gardens & Event Center; PDA-Roadgear; Stew Meagher,
Commonwealth Realty Services; and Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center.
Additional sponsors are: Lautenbach Insurance
Agency, LLC and Henri’s Jewelry Company, Inc.
The winners will be recognized as Guest Citizens at
the December 2 city council meeting.
Christmas tree recycling
The City of Littleton and South
Suburban Park and Recreation
District will again be collecting and
mulching Christmas trees from
December 26 thru January 12. The
collection site is at Cornerstone
Park at the southeast corner of West
Belleview Avenue and South Windermere Street. Access to the site is off of Windermere
Street just south of Belleview, with the drop site in the
parking lot adjacent to the soccer fields. South Suburban is also collecting trees at its Willow Springs Service
Center at 7100 South Holly Street. Both sites are open
every day during daylight hours.
All lights, ornaments, nails, and plastic bags must
be removed, prior to dropping off trees. This drop off
site is for natural Christmas trees only. Do not drop off
flocked trees, artificial trees, leaves, branches or other
refuse. The trees will be ground into mulch which will
be available free to the public at the sites for as long as
the supply lasts.
The city’s grounds maintenance division also provides free wood mulch throughout the year. The mulch
pile is located on the northwest corner of South Prescott
Street and West Prentice Avenue. The site is open to
the public during day light hours and the mulch supply
is replenished regularly. Residents are responsible for
loading so bring bags, trash cans and a shovel or pitchfork. For information call 303-795-3863.
Children’s Programs
Children’s Winter Reading Program–“Season’s Readings”
For independent readers in grades 1-5. Finishers will receive a free book. Program
ends January 10.
The Polar Express–Saturday, December 6, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The annual holiday celebration starts with a reading of The Polar Express. For
families with children ages three and up. *Registration required.
Play-Ground Theatre
presents Wild West Show–
Monday, December 29,
2–3 p.m.
Saddle up with Colorado’s premiere children’s
theater performers, Jeff
Haycock and Mia Sole.
General Programs
Yarn Craft!
Learn to crochet or knit. Basic supplies provided. *Registration required.
• Learn to Crochet–Saturday, January 17, 1–2 p.m.
• Learn to Knit, Part One–Saturday, January 17, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
• Learn to Knit, Part Two–Saturday, January 31, 2–3 p.m.
Teen Movie Club–January 3, 2 p.m.
Teen Gaming–December 18 and January 15, 3:30 p.m.
Teen Advisory Group–January 23, 3:30 p.m.
Crystal Snowflake Craft–Saturday, December 6, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Stop by Sophie’s Place to make a crystal snowflake to hang on your tree.
Smithtonians Bell Choir–Sunday, December 7, 2–3 p.m.
Seasonal favorites by the popular local group, The Smithtonians Handbell Choir.
“Noon” Year’s Eve Party–
Wednesday, December 31,
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Local funnyman, Bryce Jackman, will help count down to 2015 during this family
celebration. *Registration required beginning December 17.
Chapters… a Book Club returns for Winter Reading–Friday, January 2, 2–3 p.m.
The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone will be discussed. Free copies will
be available for the first 15 kids who sign up. For kids in grades 3-5. *Registration
required.
Frame It!–Monday, January 5, 2–2:45 p.m.
Create a “cool” picture frame for a favorite photo. For kids in grades 1-5. *Registration required beginning December 17.
Merry Andrew Afoot: A One-Man Theatrical Hoot–Saturday, January 10, 3–3:30 p.m.
Leroy Leonard is the princess in the wildest retelling of The Princess and the PeaNut that you’ve ever heard.
Paper Play!–Saturday, January 31, 2–3 p.m.
Have fun with paper, paint, and scissors to create fantastic wall art! For kids in
grades 1-5. *Registration required beginning January 17.
Teen Programs
Holiday Crafts as Gifts
Create a hand-made gift. Stop by the teen deck in the afternoon each week in
December to get supplies and directions–while supplies last.
• Week 1 (December 2-8): Smartphone Stand/Charging Dock
• Week 2 (December 9-15): Greeting Card Ornament
• Week 3 (December 16-22): Special Bookmarks
Holiday Decorating Party–Friday, December 5, 4–6:30 p.m.
Help decorate the library for the holidays. *Registration required.
Make a Gingerbread House–Saturday, December 13, 10-11:30 a.m.
The library will provide basic supplies. Houses will be displayed at the library in
December. The public will vote for their favorite house. The winner will receive a
$25 Visa gift card. Open to all ages. *Registration required.
Hour of Code–Saturday, December 13, 2–3:30 p.m.
Hour of Code is a national campaign to introduce computer science skills and
computer programming to students. Learn the basics of Scratch, the free computer language created by MIT. *Registration required.
Musical Moments at Sophie’s Place–Saturday, December 13, 2–3 p.m.
P’zazz Children’s Choir will perform holiday favorites for all ages.
Celtic Harp Music for the Holidays– Wednesday, December 17, 2–3 p.m.
Celtic guitarist Jerry Barlow will entertain with holiday favorites.
Saturday Movie: How to Train Your Dragon 2–Saturday, December 27, 2–4 p.m.
Enjoy the second chapter of the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy. Rated PG.
Holiday Book Sale–through noon Wednesday, December 24
Holiday shopping at the Friends’ Holiday Book Sale.
Food for Fines– through noon Wednesday, December 24
Donate a non-perishable food item and have a late book fine removed from your
Bemis library record. Offer does not apply to lost books. Donations benefit InterFaith Community Services.
Modern-Day Amelia Earhart Recounts Flight Around the World– Tuesday, January
13, 7–8:15 p.m.
Hear the exciting story and see photos from Amelia Rose Earhart’s recent trip to circumnavigate the globe. Earhart is a former traffic and weather reporter for 9NEWS.
Rocky Mountain National Park: The First 100 Years–Tuesday, January 20, 7-8 p.m.
Help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park when
author Mary Taylor Young speaks about the park’s beginnings through how tourist
visits and climate change are now affecting it.
Saturday Movie: The Hundred-Foot Journey–
Saturday, January 24, 2–4 p.m.
When the icy chef/owner (Helen Mirren) of a
five-star French restaurant in southern France
learns an immigrant is opening an Indian restaurant just 100 feet from her own, her protests
escalate to all-out war. Rated PG.
Meet Irene Castle: Dancer, Trendsetter and
Animal Rights Activist– Monday, January 26,
2–3 p.m.
The exciting life of ragtime dancer, Irene Castle,
will be portrayed by professional storyteller
Susan Marie Frontczak.
*To register for an event, call the library at
303-795-3961.
LITTLETON REPORT
December/January 2014/15 • Page 8
COMMUNITY
BUSINESS
REVIEW
SPOTLIGHT:
Car dealerships reinvesting in Littleton
Brilliant Sky Toys
Gabriela Stear knew after years of
practicing criminal law, it was time to
change careers. As a mother of twins
that were born three months early,
she had her sights set on improving
the educational and developmental
skills of children. Her store, Brilliant
Sky Toys, supplies toys and games
that target children aged 0-12 years
and provide a gateway to physical,
emotional and cognitive development.
Her merchandise not only entices
children but encourages family
participation as well. After spending
three years at a location in Southglenn,
Stear decided to invest in Littleton
and opened her new location in
Aspen Grove on October 16. The store
offers free gift wrap and will connect
shoppers with a toy expert if they are
looking for new ideas or gifts. For more
information visit toystoresdenver.com
or call 720-583-0081.
Land Rover Denver
McDonald Automotive Group
The impressive
showroom of
Land Rover
Denver opened its
doors in Littleton
last February.
Operating under
the legacy of Kuni
Lexus the centrally
located dealership has already seen success.
President/General Manager Anthony Brownlee
directs the new enterprise that formed after
the merger of two Land Rover dealerships.
His staff makes it a priority to redefine what
luxury means and cater to individual customer’s
needs. The diverse inventory of new and
used cars caters to a wide audience. For more
information visit landroverdenver.com or call
303-347-1500.
A family
business at
its core, the
McDonald
Automotive
Group
opened
its first
dealership
in Littleton in the 1960s. After moving from its
home in Roswell, New Mexico, the business
has evolved and now includes six dealerships
along South Broadway including Audi, Volvo,
Volkswagen, Mazda, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi.
As third generation family owners, the
McDonalds pride themselves on being a family
business with strong ties to the community. The
company employs approximately 375 people.
For more information visit mcdonaldag.com.
City staff and council members
toured the new Breckenridge
Brewery facility October 28 at
6775 South Santa Fe Drive.
The 85,000 square-foot brewery
will include everything from
packaging and shipping to a 300seat restaurant and outdoor beer
garden. For more information visit BreckBrewcom.
The commissioning of the new brewhouse is
scheduled for mid-May 2015.
A mainstay in Littleton for 15 years, Lewis & Bark
is the local resource for pet products in Littleton. Its
friendly and knowledgeable staff provide advice and
guidance for pet owners. The store formed from the
idea that there was a need for healthier lifestyles
for dogs and cats, including quality food not found
in bigger stores. Outreach is a key component for
the success of the organization. Monthly “Meet and
Greets” are scheduled as an opportunity for shelters
to showcase their animals and interact with the
public. For more information visit lewisbark.com or
call 303-347-6370.