Initial planning study completed for the Mineral Light Rail

June/July 2014
Top News
Coffee with Council June 26
and July 17 (see page 2).
© Copyright 2014 City of Littleton all rights reserved
What’s Inside
Mark your calendar for August 9, the
don’t miss event of the summer–the Twilight Criterium bike race and the Little
Jam featuring Tunisia! (see pages 4-5).
New events web site (see page 4).
TWILIGHT
CRITERIUM
LIFT
update
(see
page 3).
Little
am
Initial planning study completed for
the Mineral Light Rail Station area
Downtown Littleton:
Making a great place better
The key recommendations of the panel included:
• Create a viable, mixed-use district where the RTD
parking lot now stands. Planning must include
developed and undeveloped lands to the north and
south.
• Foster a “park once” mentality within the district,
where visitors and residents can park their car and
enjoy many retail, restaurant and entertainment
opportunities. To do this, the physical form the new
district should follow is a pattern of a typical city
block, 330 feet in width.
The city council’s commitment to proactive economic
development was unmistakable during the joint planning board and city council study session April 22 at the
Littleton Museum. A group of experts were invited from
the Colorado Chapter of the Urban Land Institute to
spend the day discussing the unrealized potential of the
RTD Mineral Avenue station and parking lot. The day included a tour of the site, interviews with stakeholders and
analyzing development trends. The Technical Advisory
Panel (TAP) included:
Renee Martinez-Stone (Chair) is the founder and principal of Perspective3 LLC, a planning and urban design
firm located in Denver.
Jim Charlier, AICP is president of Charlier Associates
Inc., a transportation planning firm based in Boulder.
Steve Clarke is president and CEO of Denver development company Prime West.
Doug Elenowitz is principal of Raindrop Partners of
Denver, a private investment and advisory firm with a
focus on sustainable real estate assets.
Steve Wilensky is a principal in the Denver office of
planning and engineering firm AECOM, affiliated with
projects across the Rocky Mountain West.
• The surface parking lot of the RTD site must be
replaced with vertical parking structures to create
developable land. The structures should be dispersed in multiple locations. Anticipate parking for
pay in the future.
• The site is burdened by several major utility, irrigation and storm water pipes that must be relocated.
A district approach to financing this effort may be
the only cost effective way to make this happen.
Examples of a special finance district would be an
urban renewal area, metropolitan district or special
improvement district.
The TAP’s recommendations set the stage for a much
more detailed exploration of the potential of this important economic development opportunity for Littleton.
The community will embark on this effort this summer,
which will be funded primarily by a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
A link to the full report from the Mineral Station TAP
is available on both the city’s website, littletongov.org and
ULI Colorado’s website, colorado.uli.org.
Central to the success of any branding and signage
program is its ability to communicate a memorable, compelling and authentic story about community and place.
A great district brand not only highlights key attributes
of a downtown, it also creates an emotional bond with
residents and visitors, and provides business and property
owners with a solid foundation for marketing and promotion. With connections to urban design, planning, graphic
design, marketing, art and transportation, a signage and
wayfinding program not only helps provide vital information, it also reinforces the character of a place.
For the City of Littleton downtown signage and wayfinding project, C+B Designs created three design options
that draw from the character, culture and sense of place
within the downtown core. And now, we need your help!
Tell us what you think of each of the options – what you
find appealing, what is working (and what isn’t!) and how
you would rank the different designs in order of preference. Using the feedback, these options will be refined
into one preliminary design palette. Then this palette will
be applied to the specific conditions within the downtown
core–where signs are needed, what these signs should
communicate, and how the new signage and wayfinding
elements can help support people accessing the downtown, and understanding what it has to offer once they are
there. Visit openlittleton.org to view the designs and vote.
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Littleton, CO
Permit No. 205
2255 West Berry Ave.
Littleton, CO 80120
ECRWSS
Postal Patron
June/July 2014 • Page 2
LITTLETON REPORT
Something on your mind?
Chat with council members and the city manager
Sales and use tax up 6.6%
The Rav House
The City of Littleton’s March 31 financial reports
Having fun is a requirement at the City of Littleton’s
Meet, Greet and Eat events this summer. Taking place in
four outdoor Littleton locations, the program is designed to give citizens the chance to meet their neighbors and talk with the city manager and city council
members. Every site will have displays from each city
department, and staff will be on-hand to answer questions. Free pizza, drinks and ice cream will be available
at all Meet, Greet & Eat events. Additionally, there will
be a variety of fun activities for kids.
Upcoming events (4 to 6 p.m.):
Come chat with Littleton City Council members and
the coffee is free! Share your ideas about Littleton’s future.
For more information on this summer’s events, call
303-795-3720.
show that General Fund (primary operating fund)
revenues are 4.7 percent above last year. The major
revenue source, sales and use taxes which comprise
53 percent of the total fund revenues, are 6.6 percent
above last year’s quarter total. The General Fund’s
Update from Littleton Invests for Tomorrow
Since securing
approval from the
Littleton City Council
February 25 to move
forward with efforts
to promote economic
revitalization in some
of the city’s commercial areas, Littleton
Invests For Tomorrow (LIFT) has made
significant progress. Some key milestones the city’s urban
renewal authority has accomplished include:
1. Hiring the state’s most respected urban renewal
consultant, Ricker | Cunningham, to conduct conditions
surveys of each of the four potential urban renewal areas
under consideration, which include:
• Broadway Study Area – Along South Broadway
between Orchard Road on the south and West Rafferty Gardens on the north
expenditures are 1.6 percent above last year’s total.
By year end, the annual budget shows revenues and
expenditures roughly equal, at $52.3 million.
On June 10, the city council will discuss five-year
financial projections for the city’s General Fund and
capital projects. This financial tool will assist staff and
council leading into the 2015 preliminary budget discussion that will begin in late June. The 2015 prelimi-
June 24 • Steeplechase III Condominiums Pool
West Centennial Drive/West Progress Avenue
(parking available at Home Depot)
nary budget is anticipated to be distributed to council
June 26 • Spur Coffee
5624 South Prince Street, 3-5 p.m.
August 21 and reviewed by council September 8 and 9.
The public hearing is scheduled for October 21.
For questions about the city’s financial results
July 22 • Harlow Park Pool
5151 South Lowell Boulevard
July 17 • Delizio’s
2299 West Main Street, 3-5 p.m.
or annual budget process, contact Doug Farmen,
• Columbine Square Study Area – Along West Belleview Avenue between South Lowell Boulevard on
the west and South Federal Boulevard on the east
• Littleton Boulevard Study Area – Along West Littleton Boulevard between South Windermere Street
on the west and South Bannock Street on the east
• Santa Fe Study Area, which breaks down to three
sub-areas, including:
 Santa Fe North – along South Santa Fe Drive between just south of Church Avenue on the south to
South Prince Street on the north
 Santa Fe Mid – Along South Santa Fe Drive between West Davies Avenue on the south to West
Lake Avenue on the north
 Santa Fe South – Along South Santa Fe Drive between just north of County Line Road on the south
to just north of West Mineral Avenue on the north
2. Hiring an executive director, Jim Rees, a professional
with 15 years’ experience in the field, having most recently worked for the Colorado Springs Urban Renewal
Authority.
3. Assisting Ricker | Cunningham with hosting property
owner information meetings in each of the study areas,
which took place in mid- to late-March.
What’s next?
Ricker | Cunningham is in the process of performing
conditions studies in each of the areas listed above. The
results were presented to property owners and members
of the public during an open house May 19 at the Littleton Museum. Following this, the results were presented
to the LIFT Board during its meeting May 22 at Bemis
Library.
Per Colorado State Statute, if at least four of the 11
factors whose presence is an indicator that an area may
be blighted, the Littleton City Council could approve an
ordinance creating an urban renewal area.
If such an ordinance or ordinances are passed, LIFT
will then be authorized to draft the associated urban renewal plan(s), financing plan(s) and impact analyses. All of
these documents will be vetted through a public process
and must secure council approval before implementation.
Visit lift-littleton.org for the latest information.
On April 28, the planning board approved an amendment to an
existing Planned Development Overlay zoning on Rapp Street, just
north of Church Street in Downtown Littleton. The amendment
changes the mix of uses, and increases the number of residential
units from 52 to 69. The ground floor of the mixed-use project will
include commercial space and live/work units where proprietors
could reside in a mezzanine above their work space. Though some
residents were concerned about the originally approved five-story
height of the project, others including Dr. Cindy Somers, vice president of administrative services for Arapahoe Community College,
commented on the opportunities a mixed-use project brings to the
area. She stated the college supports the project because it provides
a link between the college and downtown and that after reviewing with the leadership of ACC, they were “really excited” about the
DURA providing loans for sewer line repairs
The Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) has
been selected by the State of Colorado to administer a
revolving loan program designed to improve water quality in the South Platte Watershed. DURA will provide low
interest loans to qualified households for the repair of
sanitary sewer lines.
Loan funds could be used for:
Low- and moderate-income homeowners in need
of upgrades or renovations to their waste water systems are eligible to apply for assistance.
All funds will be paid back to DURA, who will in
turn reissue the monies to other homeowners in need
of assistance.
The Waste Water Loan Program will operate
• Repair or replacement of deteriorated or faulty
private residential sanitary sewer systems
through June 30, 2018.
• Repair or replacement of private individual sewage
disposal systems
basis, therefore homeowners in need of assistance are
The funds will be issued on a first-come first-served
• Establishment of a connection to the metropolitan
sewer system to replace a private individual sewage
disposal system
• Clear, clean, scope and locate backed up lines
encouraged to contact DURA immediately.
Residents of Denver and Arapahoe Counties who
are interested in learning more about the Waste Water
Program should contact Brenda Bruce or Shannon
McGinty at 303-534-3872.
potential use of the live/work units.
Summer Cleanup Program taking calls
The City of Littleton is more accessible than ever! Visit the city’s Facebook page to
Road Work Ahead
learn about fun city events, department happenings, and the every popular Throwback Thursdays. Follow the city’s Twitter feed for breaking news, traffic alerts and announcements. Share your favorite photos around town on Instagram. Check out all of
the platforms for updates on exciting events and happenings this summer!
Facebook.com/CityofLittleton
@CityofLittleton
littletongov
LittletonGov
The mill and overlay of the asphalt pavement on Federal Boulevard between
Bowles Avenue and Belleview Avenue will start in June and will take 30 days to complete. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in one direction during the project. The
milled surface will be exposed until the top mat of asphalt is applied. Motorists are
asked to reduce their speed to 25 mph and follow the flagmen’s directions.
Local street improvements will get underway west of Windermere and south of
Prentice Avenue including: Crestline Avenue, Crestline Drive, Louthan Street, Louthan Way and Crocker Street. These five streets will be bid out in June and construction will happen in July or August depending on the contractor’s schedule. On-street
parking may be restricted on some streets to expedite the work.
About 100 feet of damaged concrete pavement on eastbound Bowles Avenue between Sheridan Boulevard and Coventry Lane will be replaced. Traffic will backup as
the eastbound lanes will move to the westbound lane during the work. Door hangers will be distributed to the homes in the neighborhoods prior to the start of work.
The rehabilitation of Church Avenue west of Prince Street is being considered
depending on whether funds are available. Call 303-795-3865 for more information.
Thanks to South Suburban Parks and Recreation, the
City of Littleton, and a private donation, runners, walkers and cyclists who use the Mary Carter Greenway Trail
now have a place to go, when they have to go. The new
Mary Carter Greenway Restroom sits just feet off the
trail, and is located north of Bowles Avenue. It officially
finance director, at 303-795-3765.
Sullivan Lofts amendment approved
Sullivan Lofts
June/July 2014 • Page 3
LITTLETON REPORT
The City of Littleton’s popular “Keep Littleton Beautiful” Summer Cleanup & Recycle Program is now taking calls. Call
303-795-3744 to schedule an appointment for a crew to haul it all away! The city will continue to schedule pickups until
all time slots are full, so call early to assure a pickup time. The program ends in early August.
The city will pick up items such as old appliances, used tires (four per household), discarded furniture, refrigerators,
stoves, dishwashers, electronics, computers and other hard to dispose of objects that regular trash haulers will not accept. For more information call Code Specialist Rebecca Thompson at 303-795-3831.
opened in late April and is available to the public.
It was primarily built for trail users; however, it can
also be accessed by golfers from the adjacent Littleton
Golf Course. The building features flush toilets, sinks,
a drinking fountain and shelter with two picnic tables.
A lightning protection system was also installed to give
trail users and golfers safe refuge during a thunder
storm. The building replaces a former port-o-let and
offers much improved amenities and comfort. The
project was equally funded by the City of Littleton (48%)
and South Suburban Parks and Recreation (48%), and
Littleton resident Jim Taylor (4%).
School Resource Officers added
The Littleton City Council approved a
request from the Littleton Police
Department (LPD) March 18 for two
additional School Resource Officers
(SROs). According to Littleton Public
Schools (LPS) Superintendent Scott
Murphy, the addition of two more
SROs ties directly with the district’s commitment to continuous improvement in all areas. “This
is another example of the close, ongoing relationship between LPS and the Littleton Police Department that has
become a model in Colorado. It’s one of the many ways
in which we work together to keep our community safe.
We thank the LPD and the Littleton City Council for their
continued support of our schools,” Murphy said.
“This is great news as it significantly enhances our
ability to provide for the safety of the students in our
community,” said Littleton City Manager Michael Penny.
“We bring value to our citizens when we are able to
partner on issues concerning the safety of our children,”
Penny added.
The city and LPS will share the costs associated with
the SRO positions.
The LPD has officers assigned full-time to both
Heritage and Littleton High Schools and a third officer
who splits her time between the three middle schools.
The two new officers will allow the police department
to assign officers full-time to each middle school. The
school resource officer position allows direct interaction
between police officers and students, enhances the safety
and security of the school, and provides a link between
the schools and the police department.
Littleton City Council
Bruce Beckman
Mayor Pro Tem–At Large
Debbie Brinkman
District IV
Phil Cernanec
Mayor–District III
bbeckman@littletongov.org dbrinkman@littletongov.org pcernanec@littletongov.org
720-254-6097
303-347-9141
303-797-3427
Peggy Cole
At Large
pcole@littletongov.org
303-795-9552
Bruce Stahlman
At Large
bstahlman@littletongov.org
720-987-7955
Randy Stein
District I
rstein@littletongov.org
303-794-1266
Jerry Valdes
District II
jvaldes@littletongov.org
303-794-6475
June/July 2014 • Page 4
LITTLETON REPORT
LITTLETON REPORT
June/July 2014 • Page 5
EVENTS
www.hudsongardens.org
Downtown Littleton • August 9
Bikes • Music • Beer
Museum Wednesday Summer Concert Series
6028 South Gallup Street
June 1 - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
June 8 - Paul Rodgers
June 15 - Kansas
June 22 - America
June 29 - Smokey Robinson
July 3 - Super Diamond
July 4 - Firefall
July 13 - Jefferson Starship
July 20 - Boz Scaggs
July 27 - Creedence Clearwater Revisited
August 3 - Chris Isaak
August 10 - Peter Frampton
August 17 - Little River Band with orchestra
Aug 24 - Night Ranger
Aug 30- Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sponsored by the Friends of the Littleton
Library and Museum
June 4 - Denver and District Pipe Band
TWILIGHT
CRITERIUM
June 11 - Michael Friedman Jazz Quintet
11 am - 8:30 pm
Colorado State
Championships!
Big Top Littleton is the theme of the 10th annual Main Street Block Party
Saturday, June 14 from 6 to 11 p.m. in beautiful Downtown Littleton. Experience
everything the circus has to offer including magicians, face painters, tightrope walkers, and fire eaters. Maybe you’ll even see an elephant or two! Join local entertainment critic Greg Moody for musical entertainment on five stages in each of the
Main Street intersections.
See exotic and classic cars along with more than a dozen food booths and a Bavarian section featuring German beers. And to top it off – fireworks will light the sky
at 9 and 11 p.m. from the corner of South Santa Fe Drive and West Bowles Avenue.
This event is sponsored by the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants and
Colorado Business Bank with support from the City of Littleton. For more information visit downtownlittleton.com/events.
June 18 - Face
July 2 - Reveille 3
June 25 - Lois Lane and the Super Cowboy Band
Night Ranger
Photo by Ross Pelton
July 9 - Acoustic Eidolon
July16 - Jon Chandler Trio
July 23 - The Constant Tourists
July 30 - 101st Army Dixieland Band
7:30 - 10:30 pm
Little
Free street dance
with Tunisia!
All concerts are 7-8 PM ON THE FRONT LAWN OF THE MUSEUM
free and open to the public.
Tickets on sale now!
www.altitudetickets.com/hudson-gardens
and
am
6115 south santa fe drive-303-797-8565
Presented by:
Face
Firefall
am
More information:
The band was one of the eight original
groups on NBC’s premiere season of “The Sing-Off.”
Artisans wanted for 43rd annual craft fair
Family Festival & Fireworks Show!
Events will be held at Belleview,
Progress and Cornerstone Parks
beginning at 4 pm.
Littleton Rocks! is the name, and the theme, of a brand-new web site
recently launched to promote and market upcoming city events. Event highlights include the upcoming Littleton Twilight Criterium and Little
Jam, the Western Welcome Week Festival and Grand Parade, and
the Fourth of July Family Festival and Fireworks. A key feature
of the new site is its “responsive” design, meaning it responds
to the user’s screen size and orientation, making adjustments
on the fly. Visit the new site at LittletonRocks.com.
The city has launched two other new web sites in the past
16 months. The city’s first site, littletongov.org, was redesigned in
January 2013. It is the “mother ship” site where visitors find everything
from city council agendas and videos, city news and announcements,
Littleton weather, and department information. In November 2013, the
economic development department launched go2littleton.com, a news
and information site for businesses which features a directory of Littleton businesses, as well as
other resources.
Free trail safety event
South Suburban Parks and Recreation and the City of
Littleton will host the Share the Trail safety event July 12
from 8-11 a.m. at the Hudson Garden’s rest stop on the
Mary Carter Greenway Trail. The purpose of the event
is to help promote safety along the trail as well as inform
the public about trail etiquette. Giveaways will include pet
leashes, dog treats, trail maps, and other goodies. Other
event sponsors include Hudson Gardens Event Center and
Pedal. Visit LittletonRocks.com for more information.
Are you looking for a craft fair to sell your wares? Then the Firends of the Littleton Library and Museum Craft Fair is for you!
Saturday, October 4 • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. • Ketring Park
This is a “hand-crafted by crafter only” show and is juried. It is held in Ketring Park and
there are a total of 300 booth spaces.
Because the show is in its 43rd year, there is a huge following of annual shoppers. Many
crafters have said this is one of their most successful shows of the year.
For an application or more information, contact Sherry Kling at skling@littletongov.org.
June/July 2014 • Page 6
LITTLETON REPORT
New LFR program to make house calls
Littleton Fire Rescue will introduce a new program
to residents this summer. As the landscape of healthcare
changes in the United States, hospitals and fire departments have been challenged to provide innovative
solutions that improve the overall value of emergency
medical services. Currently, large numbers of 911 calls
are for repetitive, non-life threatening medical problems and often result in unnecessary trips to a hospital’s
emergency department.
Staff will determine the medical needs of clients, and
aim to treat them in the comfort of their own home if the
conditions are not life threatening. A vehicle equipped
with medical supplies will visit an individual’s house
with a physician’s assistant and emergency medical
technician on board. This program could reduce EMS
response times, cut costs, and improve outcomes for
residents by ensuring they receive the right service, at
the right time, in the right place, and in the right way.
More information will be available this summer after
the launch the program.
LFR saves three heart attack victims in one month
Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR)
saved three cardiac arrest victims
within one month. This is notable
because the national save rate of
cardiac arrest victims is 9.5 percent.
The first save was February 4. A 58
year-old man was at the Buck Center when he began to
feel chest pain. LFR arrived while he was still conscious.
The paramedics discovered he was having a myocardial
infarction (dying of the cardiac muscle tissue due to lack
of oxygen or otherwise known as a heart attack) when
suddenly his heart went into ventricular fibrillation.
The medics defibrillated him, intubated (tube in the
airway) him, administered advanced cardiac drugs, and
then cooled him to slow his metabolism. This therapy
resulted with a good blood pressure and pulse. The man
checked out of the hospital and is doing well at home.
The second save was on February 16. A 66 year-old
male felt chest pain and called 911. When the LFR crews
arrived he was talking with the medics while they were
starting intravenous lines (IV) applying oxygen, and
connecting him to the cardiac monitor when suddenly
he had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest. He re-
quired defibrillation three times, intubation, drugs and
emergent transport to the hospital. When they arrived
at Littleton Hospital he had a pulse and spontaneous
circulation had returned. He and his wife stopped by
LFR station 13 to say thanks after he was discharged
from the hospital. “Had it not been for our decision to
immediately call 911, the dispatcher who gave us instructions while waiting for the ambulance, and the skill
and experience of local firefighters, I would be a widow
today,” said Carol Anderson.
The third cardiac arrest occurred on March 6. A 59
year-old male was not feeling well so his wife called
911. By the time his wife got back to him he was in full
cardiac arrest. The Jefferson County Sheriff arrived first
and started Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
When LFR arrived they continued CPR, started an IV,
intubated and provided oxygen, defibrillated him once,
administered cardiac drugs and resuscitated him. He
had a pulse and blood pressure when they arrived at
Littleton Hospital. He has since discharged from the
hospital and is at home doing well. Littleton Fire Rescue’s cardiac save rate is 16 percent, almost double the
national average.
Flood season approaching
Springtime brings many
things, including the
return of the annual
flood season. The flood
season in Littleton is
from about mid-April to
mid-September.
One way to mitigate
the impacts of a flood is to
have flood insurance. Normal
homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood
damages, as a specific provision is needed. Littleton
participates in the Community Rating System of the
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which makes
flood insurance available for any property within the
city limits. A property does not have to be in a floodplain to have flood insurance. In September, 2013
many flooded properties in northern Colorado that
were not located in a floodplain experienced flooding
due to the extreme conditions created by all the rain.
Flood insurance may also be required by the mortgage
holder of a property. To obtain flood insurance, contact
an insurance agent and specifically request flood insurance coverage. Once flood insurance is purchased,
there is a 30-day period before the policy becomes
effective. Premiums may vary greatly, depending on the
risk. Due to Littleton’s participation in the NFIP, property owners will receive a five to 15 percent discount on
premiums, depending on the flood zone designation
where the property is located.
For more information, contact the public works
department at 303-795-3865.
Citizens dispose of 782
pounds of medication
On April 26, the Littleton Police Department (LPD),
assisted by the Littleton Police Citizen’s Academy Alumni
Association volunteers and the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), conducted another successful
Drug Take-Back Day. A drop-off station was set up at the
Littleton Center and manned by the alumni volunteers
and LPD evidence technicians. Anyone who wanted to
dispose of unused or expired medication was invited to
drop the items off, no questions asked. The medicine
was then sealed in boxes and given to the DEA for later
New sculpture adds sparkle
The South Suburban Public Art Committee recently
installed the sculpture Plash, by Jean and Tom Latka of
Pueblo for permanent display in Little’s Creek Park. The
mixed-media sculpture is striking in appearance and
modest in size, just six feet high by 4'-6" wide. The inner
core is sculpted concrete on one side, with glass and ceramic fragments inlaid in the concrete on the other side.
The inner and outer edges are finished with mirrored
stainless steel. Anglers who frequent the park’s pond
and children and families who use the park’s playground
will enjoy the new amenity. The artists dubbed the piece
Plash after the sound of water striking something or being struck. The piece is located adjacent to Little’s Pond.
The Littleton Fine Arts Board was consulted prior to
selecting Little’s Creek Park and reviewed the proposed
sculpture. A neighborhood input meeting was held in
June 2013, and the Request for Proposal was issued
following the meeting. Little’s Creek Park is owned by
the City of Littleton, and the city gave approval for the
sculpture to be placed in the park. A plaque will soon be
added to the sculpture’s foundation.
destruction. The DEA disposes of the drugs by burning
them in a specially equipped incinerator, ensuring that
none of the materials enter the environment.
The Littleton Police Department collected 782
pounds of unwanted drugs for destruction. This repreDrug Take-Back event.
The LPD, along with other law enforcement agencies
across the country, participates in the Drug Take-Back
program because it gives citizens a safe and convenient
GENERAL PROGRAMS
Literary Elements Summer Reading Program–through July 31
It’s easy to participate! Stop by the information desk any time during the summer
to register and receive a gift. Weekly prize drawings will be held, and the grand
prize drawing for a $100 Aspen Grove gift card will be held at the end.
Bottoms Up, Colorado’s Most Celebrated Saloons–June 10, 7 p.m.
Quench your thirst for Colorado’s checkered drinking past in this spirited presentation by Colorado Historian Tom Noel.
Family Game Night–June 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
An after-hours evening of family game fun. A wide variety of board games for all
ages, as well as video games and online gaming, will be available. No registration is
required. Just drop in for some family fun!
Musical Moments in Sophie’s Place–June 21, 2 p.m.
The Highline Silver Cornet Band with music from the Brass Band Era.
Fran Dachau to Denver–June 23, 2 p.m.
Experience the extraordinary journey of author Maria Sutton, who went on a harrowing search to find her father after World War II.
Mars Exploration Update–June 24, 7 p.m.
Hear about amazing recent discoveries on Mars from Dr. Steven Lee, curator of
planetary science at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
for mistaken or unintended ingestion, which can be very
dangerous, if not fatal. Additionally, it is important that
people do not dispose of their old medication by throwing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet, as the
medication can then enter the environment and become
a health and safety hazard, particularly when it comes to
the drinking water supply.
More Unconventional Women of the West–July 12, 2 p.m.
Enjoy a dramatic presentation by seven actresses portraying unconventional
women in the history of the West.
Astronomy for Everyone–July 15, 7-10 p.m.
A virtual journey into the cosmos with astrophysicist Kevin Manning from 7-8:30
p.m. Following the presentation, telescopes will be set up outside for viewing
beautiful objects in the night sky.
Musical Moments in Sophie’s Place–July 19, 2 p.m.
The Carbone Family Band, a five-member group playing banjos, guitar, mandolin
and fiddle, will entertain with old-time bluegrass tunes and haunting ballads.
Weed season is approaching
This is the time of year when weeds and grass grow
fast and need to be cut or removed on a regular schedule.
Weed is defined as: weeds, grass, or brush which has
grown to maturity or is in excess of eight inches in height.
To report weed violations call 303-795-3831
Red Cross Babysitting Class: June 13 and 21; July 11 and 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For ages 11-15, course fee is $85. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass or call the Red
Cross directly at 1-800-Red-Cross.
Improv and Comedy Acting–June 16, 1 p.m. (registration required).
Learn how to think on your feet and make it funny.
Videogame Design–June 18 and 25; July 10, 19 and 28, 2 p.m. (registration required).
Wii, Xbox Kinect, and PS3 Gaming Event–June 19 and July 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
(registration required).
Book Art–June 24, 2 p.m. (registration required).
Take an old book and give it a new life by turning it into a work of art.
Teen Advisory Group (TAG)–June 27 and July 25, 3:30 p.m.
Teen CSI Program applications–due June 30, 5 p.m. (The science of solving crime!)
Held at the library in cooperation with the Littleton Police Department from August
5-7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Program is for grades 9-12 and a special application is required.
Electronic Paint–July 8, 2 p.m. (registration required).
Electronic paint is just like regular paint, except that it conducts electricity!
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Fizz, Boom READ! Summer Reading Program–through July 31
Children from birth through fifth grade may pick up a reading record to track summer reading progress and collect prizes along the way.
Summer entertainers, for children three years and older:
Dazzling Circus and Comedy Show–June 4, 2 p.m.
Bekah Smith’s high-energy performance is always full of surprises.
Magic Library Show–June 11, 2 p.m.
Chad Wonder, Nickelodeon’s Entertainer of the Year, performs magic.
Saturday Movie Matinee–July 26, 2 p.m.
The Monuments Men.
Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Music–June 18, 2 p.m.
Katherine Dines and percussionist Ed Contreras perform award-winning songs and
stories, engaging the audience with movement and more.
Meteorologist Matt Makens on Wild Colorado
Weather–July 28, 2 p.m.
Wild Colorado weather is the focus of an entertaining presentation by award-winning 7News Weather
Forecaster Matt Makens.
Fizz, Boom, Uh-Oh!–June 25, 2 p.m.
Ventriloquist Meghan Casey tries to help Aidan the
Dragon make a new friend.
TEEN PROGRAMS
Spark a Reaction Summer Reading Program–through July 31
Lots of creative programs and events will be happening throughout the summer.
Everyone who completes the program will receive a free book, and numerous
other prizes are awarded.
Build a Rube Goldberg Contraption–June 2-4, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (registration
required). Bring materials from home like Legos, blocks, tinker toys, marbles and
marble track, Lincoln logs, wooden train tracks, walking toys, or any other stuff that
might work. If everything functions, the results will be filmed and posted online.
Summer Film School–June 3 through July 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (registration required). For grades 7-12, held at the Binning Family Foundation, 1269 West Littleton Boulevard. Fee is $100, and some scholarships are available. Teens will work
in groups to learn professional movie-making techniques. A World Premiere Red
Carpet Event will be held at the Alamo Drafthouse August 6.
Hip-Hop Dance Classes–June 4, 11, and 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (registration required).
Teen Movie Club–June 7 and July 5, noon.
Learn to Draw Manga–June 9 and 23; July 9 and 23, 2 p.m. (registration required).
Science of Smell and Taste–June 11, 2 p.m. (registration required).
What happens when you smell and taste something? Test your senses and see if
you can identify a variety of smells and tastes.
The LPD conducts two Drug Take-Back days per year.
Plash, by Jean and Tom Latka of Pueblo
Teen Talent Show Auditions–June 11, 18 and 25, 5-8 p.m. (registration required).
Two lucky winners will win $100 cash, courtesy of Colorado Business Bank! The talent show will be held July 16 at 7 p.m.
Tech Exploratorium–July 1 and 24, 1-3 p.m. (registration required).
Check out all the cool technology available to use in the library! From cubelets to
the iPad and everything in between!
Saturday Movie Matinee–June 28, 2 p.m.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
way to dispose of old and unused medication. Having
unused medication around the house makes it available
June/July 2014 • Page 7
What’s happening at Bemis Library?
sents a nearly 30 percent increase over last year’s Spring
Spring and summer code enforcement reminders
Fence maintenance
This is a good time of year to check fences and walls to
make sure they are in good condition. The Littleton City
Code requires that all fences and walls be safe, structurally sound and in good repair. For more information call
303-795-3831.
LITTLETON REPORT
Fun in a Bubble–July 1, 2 p.m.
Learn how to make a variety of cool bubbles!
Book Dawg–July 8, 2 p.m.
Brigitta DePree will have everyone howling with
laughter as two singing dogs are trapped in the library.
Found Sound–July 15, 2 p.m. (The science of sound with Eric West)
Old hoses, frying pans, pan lids and plastic pipes will join the band in the
Town Hall Arts Center presents Arts on the Move–July 22, 2 p.m.
A participation play for all to enjoy.
Puppet Palooza–July 29, 2 p.m.
The children’s librarians will present an action-packed puppet show.
1st Start Art–New Program on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
For ages three years and older. Creating art based on children’s books.
Ready, Set, Build Lego Club–June 7 and July 5, 2 p.m.
Legos are provided, do not bring any from home. Registration begins one
week in advance.
Chapters, a Book Club–June 27 and July 25, 2 p.m.
Just for readers in grades 3-5. Enjoy snacks, lively discussions
and fun games at this monthly book club. Registration begins
two weeks in advance.
The next one will be in the fall. Check the city website for
updates.
™
For more information on
Bemis Library and its programs:
Visit littletongov.org/bemis
303-795-3961 • 6014 S. Datura St.
June/July 2014 • Page 8
LITTLETON REPORT
Located at 1621 West Canal Circle (Westview Shopping Center),
The Garlic Knot is well known for its New York pizza and tasty
garlic knots, but many don’t realize the variety and extent
of its menu. Along with its seemingly never-ending list of
pizzas (more than 24!), Kevin and Wendy Shearn provide a
plethora of traditional Italian fares. These include: calzones,
a variety of pasta dishes (such as baked cheese ravioli,
lasagna and a chef’s special penne), both eggplant and chicken
cutlet parmigiana, and hot hero sandwiches among others. New York
style cheesecake and “make your own sundaes” are on the dessert list. They also offer two gluten-free
items: spaghetti with marinara and a cheese pizza with toppings. In addition, a take & bake option is
available where the Garlic Knot prepares a pizza for the customer to bake at their convenience.
Pho Real
303-730-1111 • garlicknotsouthpark.com
Platte River Bar and Grill
720-638-6884 • Visit them on Facebook!
303-798-9356 • theplatte.com
Led by Victor Nguyen, the family-owned and operated restaurant,
Pho Real, opened last August at 2399 West Main Street. Featuring
authentic Vietnamese food, primarily based on “mom’s” own
traditional Pho recipes that she has been making since the late 50s,
the restaurant includes items other than Pho. The menu features
tasty, simple appetizers, a wide range of rice-noodle bowls that
come with a choice of meat or tofu and egg rolls on top of a bed of
greens. The combination rice-noodle bowls come with everything.
There are also fried rice plates as well as the traditional ones which
include a choice of meats. The modern décor with its clean lines
invites relaxed dining, and unexpected items (smoothies!) add to
the restaurant’s particular charm.
5995 South Santa Fe Drive has been home to the family-owned Platte River
Bar & Grill for more than 20 years, and is considered “the place to land”
by bikers and cyclists. It is also a great place for lunch or dinner for ladies
clubs, business folks, families, old and young—anyone who wants to relax
in a friendly atmosphere and enjoy a snack, a wrap, burgers, homemade
Mexican food, a great salad, gourmet soups, desserts and a great kid’s
menu. A variety of decks provide seating for more than 300 outdoors, and
there are an additional 170 indoor seats. The interior is heated in the winter
and makes a great space for parties and business meetings all year long.
In addition to the food and drink, the restaurant offers an ongoing slew of
events throughout the week.
38 State Brewing Company
As the owners tell it, four friends in a garage one hot summer day got into a discussion
over what makes a good beer. Soon they were thinking they should try their hand at
home brewing, and after many failures and ultimate successes, their friends started
asking if they could buy some of the specialty brews. The quartet’s passion for brewing
quickly foamed to the next level, and on May10 they held the grand opening of 38
State Brewing Company at 8071 South Broadway, Unit A, becoming the first
brewery/tasting room in the City of Littleton. Since this is not a brewpub and
does not serve food, a food truck is on the premises. Menus for local
720-638-3678
38statebrew.com
takeout and delivery abound. Customers are also welcome to bring
food from home!