This Is Aurora - City Newsletter

Jan. 10, 2019

33rd Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration

photo of Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Chief Fernando Gray at the 2018 MLK Jr. Wreath-Laying ceremony.

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz and Aurora Fire Rescue Chief Fernando Gray at the 2018 MLK Jr. Wreath-Laying ceremony outside Martin Luther King Jr. Library.

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Join Aurora as we celebrate the life and legacy of MLK Jr. with the city’s 33rd Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration. The longest-running week-long remembrance of MLK Jr. in the country, Aurora’s commemoration offers a variety of ways to learn about his message of equality and nonviolence, reflect on current progress and challenges, and enjoy cultural events.

This year’s commemoration theme is “Embracing the Vision, Making It Happen!” and events are scheduled starting Jan. 13. From a musical drama on the life of MLK Jr. and a candlelight vigil on the steps of the Aurora Municipal Center to televised forums on civil rights and a motorcade and wreath-laying at Aurora’s life-size statue of MLK Jr., activities are held at a variety of times and locations to enable more people to be involved.

To learn more about what’s planned as part of the commemoration, see the Upcoming Events list in this newsletter or go to AuroraGov.org/MLK. Most events are complimentary.

Get up to $6,400 and free tax help

It’s your money. You earned it. The Earned Income Tax Credit helps you get it back.

If you earned $55,000 or less last year, it’s likely you qualify for the tax credit. Whether you need to catch up on bills, pay down debt or buy something for your children, the tax credit puts money back in your pocket—up to $6,400. Don’t pay to file your taxes if you don’t have to. Filing your taxes can be free and easier than you think. Tax Help Colorado will operate the following free tax sites in Aurora:

Community College of Aurora, 710 Alton Way

Jan. 26 to April 20

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wells Fargo Aurora, 9000 E. Colfax Ave.

Jan. 26 to April 20

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon

Pickens Technical College, 500 Airport Blvd.

Jan. 29 to March 7 (closed Jan. 31)

Tuesdays, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m.

Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Feb. 6 to March 27, Wednesdays, 4 to 8 p.m.

Aurora Central High School, 11700 E. 11th Ave.

Feb. 16 and March 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you have access to a computer and prefer to file on your own, visit MyFreeTaxes.com.

Business Recognition Award profile: Mile High Animal Hospital of Aurora

link to the Mile High Animal hospital website

Click the image to watch a video on the business award recipient

Each December, the city of Aurora honors local businesses that go above and beyond. In 2018, five businesses joined the 63 others that have been honored since the city’s Business Recognition Award event began in 2005.

Each of the five award winners are being profiled in This Is Aurora.

The third recipient is Mile High Animal Hospital of Aurora: A visit to the hospital isn’t fun for anyone, including our furry friends. Mile High Animal Hospital of Aurora has designed a medical facility with the comfort, safety and security of pets in mind. The facility on Arapahoe Road features waiting areas with isolation bays to reduce stress by isolating pets from others, a feline-only exam room and hospitalization ward, special flooring to provide better traction and secure footing, and more. The facility's 17 employees are certified in low-stress, low-restraint handling of the pets who need care. The new facility was constructed with geothermal heating, solar tubes to provide natural light and energy-efficient LED.

The Aurora Business Recognition Awards are hosted by the city's Business Advisory Board and organized by the Development Services Division, with support from the Aurora-South Metro Business Development Center.

IN THE NEWS

The People's Building is Aurora's new arts and concert center - Westword

Take a sneak peek at the upcoming recreation center - AuroraTV

Manna Korean serves comforting soups with a few unusual surprises - Westword

WATCH AURORA NEWS WEEKLY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chili Cook-off with Aurora Public Library

Thursday, Jan. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Cooks: Show off your finest chili recipe and win great prizes. All chili styles are welcome. Chili lovers: Come taste some great chili while you enjoy great craft beer. Registration begins at 6:30; judging at 7 p.m. No entry fee.

Peak to Peak Tap & Brew, 9735 E. Colfax Ave.

PeakBrews.com

Get Your Ears Swoll Night 1

Saturday, Jan. 12, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.)

This first of two nights showcasing independent musicians will feature E-Scapes, Zealot and The Far Stairs. Night 2 is Jan. 26. All ages; $10 cover

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

ThePeoplesBuilding.com

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Interfaith Service

Sunday, Jan. 13, 4 p.m.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. with this musical drama about his life.

Restoration Christian Fellowship, 15660 E. Sixth Ave.

AuroraGov.org/MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Opening Ceremony

Monday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m.

Join the opening ceremony including a performance by Aurora Hills Middle School and a proclamation by Mayor Bob LeGare.

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Lobby

AuroraGov.org/MLK

City Council Meeting

Monday, Jan. 14, 5 p.m. - Special Study Session

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraGov.org • Streamed live at AuroraTV.org

City Council Town Meetings

• Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 16 - 6 to 8 p.m.

Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

• Ward IV (Charlie Richardson) - Thursday, Jan. 17 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Aurora Fire Station No. 11, 2291 S. Joliet St.

AuroraGov.org/Council

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Candlelight Vigil

Monday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m.

Led by the Aurora Community of Faith

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Lobby and Great Lawn

AuroraGov.org/MLK

Race Forum XVI

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Mizel Museum Holocaust Education to address worldwide anti-Semitism and racism, and Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab Community Awareness Program trailer on terrorism prevention.

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

AuroraGov.org/MLK

Brown Bag Lecture: Homebrewing

Wednesday, Jan. 16, noon to 12:45 p.m.

Local homebrewer Bill Sparks walks us through the craft of brewing beer at home and discusses the rise of brewing as a hobby. $4 ($3 Aurora residents); bring your lunch.

Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraMuseum.org

Neighborhood Beautification Grant Pre-Application Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m.

The city is offering grants of up to $5,000 for neighborhood-initiated beautification efforts. Potential applicants must attend one of three pre-application meetings. Additional meetings are scheduled for Jan. 22 (Moorhead Recreation Center) and Jan. 23 (Tallyn's Reach Library).

Aurora Municipal Center, City Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AuroraGov.org/KeepAuroraClean

AuroraTV Forums

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.

Four television forums discussing the purpose of education and civil rights.

Comcast channel 8 and at AuroraTV.org

Future Initiatives: APD Educational Forum

Thursday, Jan. 17, 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Officers from Aurora Police Department will discuss de-escalation techniques and tools to prevent bullying.

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

AuroraGov.org/MLK

Aurora Community of Faith Breakfast

Friday, Jan. 18, 7:30 a.m.

Annual event to celebrate the community and highlight unity; tickets are required.

Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Lobby

AuroraGov.org/MLK

"Hooded or Being Black for Dummies"

Jan. 18 to Feb. 10

This regional premiere features a timely and irreverent examination of two very different 14-year-old black boys growing up in America.

Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

Tickets: AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org

We're ringing in the New Year by moving to a weekly format for the This Is Aurora city email newsletter to share even more good news with you. Let us know what you like and what we can improve by taking this short survey.

AuroraGov.org

Have a comment, question or need our assistance? Contact Access Aurora online , at 303.739.7000, or via iOS or Android app.

Know someone who would like to receive this newsletter? Have them sign up at AuroraGov.org/NewsletterSignup .

This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

Questions?

Email communications@auroragov.org