This Is Aurora City Newsletter
Dec. 1, 2022
"Give Real Change" to those in need

You may have recently spotted Give Real Change campaign signs posted at busy intersections around Aurora. These signs are part of a new public awareness campaign stemming from a City Council-approved resolution sponsored by Council Members Angela Lawson and Steve Sundberg.

The Give Real change campaign encourages community members to donate to Spirit of Aurora—a resident-founded, longtime nonprofit that funds various city and local community programs—rather than giving directly to individuals soliciting money. The campaign aims to support those in need in a meaningful way that fosters long-term change toward self-sufficiency and advocates for public safety on busy intersections impacting drivers and those soliciting money.

To learn more about panhandling and how you can support those in need, visit GiveRealChange.org.
Light up the season with celebration on Dec. 6
Kick off the most wonderful time of year at Aurora’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Enjoy musical performances, holiday-themed activities and delicious hot cocoa and cookies!

Learn more at AuroraGov.org/Events.
Aurora Mayor and Council proclaim city as the first Donate Life Community Partner in Colorado

On Nov. 28, Mayor Mike Coffman presented Donate Life Colorado CEO Jennifer Prinz with a proclamation declaring Aurora as a Donate Life Community, the first in the state.

As a Donate Life Community, Aurora is partnering with Donor Alliance to affirm the lifesaving and life-healing benefits of organ and tissue donation and to increase donor registrations through awareness and community outreach.

The proclamation declares the city's support for organ, eye and tissue donation and the need to raise awareness and advocacy for donation while honoring the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families.

This proclamation also commemorates all transplant donors and recipients in the Aurora community. Read the complete announcement.
Catch up with News Aurora
News Aurora is a monthly publication mailed with the water bill to more than 86,000 households. If you receive your water bill electronically or don't receive a bill, you may view the latest issue at AuroraGov.org/Newsletters.
Volunteer for Point-in-Time annual homeless count

Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Department is seeking volunteers for the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a given day. The Aurora PIT count event is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 31, and is part of national efforts to identify the extent of homelessness in the country.

The city’s Homelessness Division will conduct a virtual information session for interested volunteers at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Registration is not required; join the virtual meeting.

“The Point-in-Time count helps inform city decisions for the year that can help provide appropriate services to some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Emma Knight, Aurora’s manager of homelessness. “The event also helps raise awareness within our community of the importance of the services we provide.”

Learn more about this volunteer opportunity. To register as a volunteer, visit AuroraGov.org/Volunteer. The deadline to register is Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Please email homelessness@auroragov.org with questions.
Volunteer to provide recommendations to the City Council and city management regarding the development and implementation of civic engagement programs, and new initiatives to support and partner with community-based organizations, institutions and civic leaders in their civic engagement efforts.

Find out more and apply at AuroraGov.org/Boards
Questions? Contact 303.739.7094 or boardsandcommissions@auroragov.org
IN THE NEWS
Aurora Now
Council Member Town Meetings
Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums where those conversations can occur. Visit AuroraGov.org/TownMeetings to confirm meeting dates and location information and find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, visit AuroraGov.org/PropertyInfo and look up your address.
  • Meet with Mayor Mike (Mike Coffman) - Saturday, Jan. 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway
  • Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, Dec. 1 (note the revised meeting date), 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward III (Ruben Medina) - Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. (visit the website for link to virtual meeting option)
  • Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way
  • Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6 to 8 p.m., City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center, 25950 E. Quincy Ave.

City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/PublicComment. 
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

The Jedi Handbook
Through Dec. 18
This coming-of-age story features a young boy who survives the universal trials of growing up with a little help from a galaxy far, far away.
Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.
Tickets: AuroraFox.org

Winter Speaker Series
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.
The museum's first Winter Speaker Series features local authors reading and discussing their work. This week: Manuel Ramos, "Angels in the Wind" (fiction)
Free; but registration is required.
Aurora History Museum, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Register through Eventbrite

Historic Site Holiday Open Days
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Explore DeLaney Farm's historic buildings, all dressed up for the holidays courtesy of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
DeLaney Farm, 170 S. Chambers Road
More info: AuroraMuseum.org

Holiday Tree Lighting
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5 to 7 p.m.
Kick off the most wonderful time of year at Aurora’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Take delight in performances from Aurora Dance Arts, Aurora Singers and a special visit from the one and only, Santa Claus. Take a stroll through Santa’s workshop and experience the illumination of thousands of sparkling lights around the Aurora Municipal Center. Partake in merrymaking activities and enjoy Santa-approved hot cocoa and cookies.
Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway
More info: AuroraGov.org/Events 

Volunteer Information Session on Homeless Point-in-Time count
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Department is seeking volunteers for the 2023 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, an annual count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a given day. The count is part of the national efforts to identify the extent of homelessness in the country. The PIT count event takes place Tuesday, Jan. 31. Join the city’s Homelessness Division staff for an information session to discuss volunteer opportunities for that day. Registration is not required. 

Third Annual Santa in the Park
Sunday, Dec. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Wholly Kicks for their third annual Santa in the Park event sponsored by the Aurora Police Department. Free shoes will be available for all ages while supplies last; children must be present with an adult. Additional resources will include a mobile food market, pet supplies as well as baby supplies and toys.
Spencer Garrett Park, 11008 E. 17 Ave.

Christmas Holiday Closures
Monday, Dec. 26
City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. A complete list of closures will be posted at AuroraGov.org.

"Pride on Your Side" Photography Exhibit
Through Dec. 31
Aurora Public Library and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art present the collaborative photography exhibit "Pride on Your Side." This exhibit, led by Juan Fuentes, will feature photos taken by Aurora community members showcasing their views of the city and their lives.
Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Cyanotype (Solar Print) Exhibit
Through Dec. 31
Enjoy a vibrant and colorful cyanotype (solar print) exhibit by internationally recognized artist Christine Nguyen. The exhibit features photo-based flags highlighting the natural world and celebrating the Aurora community, along with a community-created cyanotype mural with creations from community members that participated in Nguyen’s earlier solar print workshop.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

New Year Holiday Closures
Monday, Jan. 2
City of Aurora municipal offices and courts will be closed in observance of New Year's Day. A complete list of closures will be posted at AuroraGov.org.

Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora's Mexican Community
Through April 16, 2023, Tuesdays through Sundays
The Aurora History Museum and the city of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs celebrate Aurora's Mexican population with this exhibit showcasing vibrant aspects of great cultural and traditional significance to Aurora's Mexican community, like popular music, art, dance, clothing, food and religion. Free admission.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department

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