Hello Littleton! Welcome back to our Tuesday morning newsletter, where we keep you informed about local news and happenings. If you like what you see, let us know and share this newsletter with your neighbors😊
It’s Nina Joss, back with your weekly updates! I hope you all got into some good, wholesome fun with all the snow this weekend! I went sledding with friends and had a cozy game night.
What did you do to enjoy the winter weather? Email me at njoss@coloradocommunitymedia.com and let me know! Your ideas may be featured in a winter guide in an upcoming newsletter:)
In this week’s newsletter, I’ll tell you about the ideas community members recently shared with the city council to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
I’ll also tell you about a new place to grab a pint, as well as where you can enjoy some holiday lights this season.
And if you were near downtown on Thursday and heard a loud “boom,” I’ve got some answers for you about what that was.
Read on, and as always, let me know what you think! What news and events should I be covering? Email me at njoss@coloradocommunitymedia.com to set up a time to grab coffee and let me know what stories you think I should cover.
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Top stories |
First, here’s a look at what’s going on in Littleton and other notable news in our region:
Littleton Public Schools and Centennial leaders discuss community concerns: Conversation addresses bike and pedestrian safety, staffing and enrollment concerns.
Holiday light shows at Hudson Gardens celebrate the season: The light shows will continue through January to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Xcel Energy transformer explodes near downtown Littleton: Incident causes loud sound and brief fire, but no injuries were reported.
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With support from
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Littleton residents push for safer streets after fatal tragedy, crashes |
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Patrick Santana, a member of the city's planning commission and Vibrant Littleton, was one of over a dozen individuals who made public comment about bicycle and pedestrian safety at a Dec. 5 city council meeting.
Photo by Nina Joss
There were hugs, tears and passion in the Littleton City Council chambers during a recent meeting, as over a dozen community members shared perspectives on bike and pedestrian safety.
A large group of them wore red — as they did the week prior — the favorite color of Liam Stewart, a 13-year-old boy who was killed when he was hit by a car while riding his bike to school in October.
Speakers used statistics, financial arguments, metaphors and emotional pleas to urge council members to take bold steps toward safer streets, including calls for infrastructure improvements and lower speed limits.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Liam’s father, Josh Stewart, spoke.
“I know that there is nothing that any city council member can do to change what happened to my son,” he said. “But I hope what happened to my son can change the hearts and minds of each person on city council.”
He said the council was not thinking of what was best for its citizens when it adopted a Transportation Master Plan in 2019. He said city leaders need to reimagine who pedestrians and cyclists are and how to protect them.
“Back then, bicyclists were seen as adults in spandex, with clip-in shoes, on an $8,000 bike,” he said. “I ask you now — when you think about bicyclists, imagine my son: Liam, making his way to school, pedaling a bike he is still growing into, a bike that he bought with his own allowance.”
While community calls for safer streets have been largely spurred on by the crash that killed Liam, some attendees mentioned other recent automobile-pedestrian crashes.
In Littleton this year, there have been at least 18 crashes that led to the injury or death of a pedestrian or cyclist, according to city statistics.
Read the full story here to learn what public commenters said about road design, enforcement and speed limits.
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Reporter’s Diary |
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Denver Beer Company owners and staff celebrate with neighbors and community leaders at the Denver Beer Company ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 9
Photo courtesy of the Littleton Business Chamber
I had a great time last week chatting with the owners of Denver Beer Company, who just opened up their newest taproom in Littleton. If you’re a beer-lover searching for a new spot, check it out!
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COMMUNITY NEWS AND NOTES: |
“Doggone Holiday Celebration” at Aurora Memory Care Center |
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Seniors at Chelsea Place in Aurora visit with dogs during a holiday celebration.
Photo courtesy of Anthem Memory Care
Chelsea Place, an Anthem Memory Care community decked the halls with barks of joy and wagging tails when Santa Pups visited the Aurora community.
Families, staff and community partners brought their dogs in for a day of festive, furry fun at Chelsea Place, an Anthem Memory Care community. Residents baked homemade dog treats to donate to an animal shelter and baked goods to enjoy.
“Many of our seniors are lifelong animal lovers. This was a festive, bonding experience for residents and the pups,” said Marta Burton, community relations director for Chelsea Place in a press release. “Seeing a residents light up with true pleasure warms your heart. It’s a mutual love, because the dogs love the attention, and they bring so much comfort and joy.”
South Suburban Parks and Recreation Winter Sale
South Suburban Parks and Recreation is offering deals on fitness amenities, personal training sessions and more. Discounted annual passes, punch cards, personal training sessions and Pilates Reformer sessions are available for purchase online or at any South Suburban recreation center now through Jan. 3. Learn more here.
Help shape the 2024 Littleton Community Retreat
The weekend event will be open to anyone in the community. This year, the retreat will focus on environmental sustainability.
Take the three-question survey here to help narrow down topics and ideas!
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CCM Cares Food and Toy Drive
Our team at Colorado Community Media is seeking food and toy donations to help families during the holiday season.
If you would like to contribute any non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys, please visit one of our offices during regular business hours:
CCM Englewood Office: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Ste. 225, Englewood, CO 80110
CCM Brighton Office: 143 S. Second Pl., Brighton, CO 80601
We’ll be accepting donations through Dec. 22!
Snow shoveling volunteers needed
Help an older adult in need this winter by volunteering to shovel their walkways and driveway. When you sign up, you will be paired with someone within walking distance or a short drive from your home. Learn more here.
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Get your events and news featured!
Do you have community news, upcoming events or fun ideas to share? Email them to me at njoss@coloradocommunitymedia.com for a chance to be featured in this newsletter!
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What’s nourishing Nina?
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Nina Joss, holding a plaque, smiles with members of the Littleton Business Chamber board at the chamber’s Giving Gala on Dec. 8.
Photo by Nina Joss
On Friday, I was honored to receive a plaque of appreciation from the Littleton Business Chamber at their annual Giving Gala event! Thank you to the chamber for taking the time to recognize me and my work as a journalist. I am committed to following the facts and including all points of view in my reporting. I am grateful to have so many great relationships in Littleton that help keep me informed, so I can keep all of my readers up-to-date on important news and happenings around town!
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
Nature Walk n’ Talk | Dec. 13
Denver Audubon and Colorado State University Extension Arapahoe County have joined forces to offer monthly collaborative nature programs in Arapahoe County. Join staff and volunteers from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as they explore the native plants and birds present along the Cherry Creek trail.
This month’s location will feature Cherry Creek Valley Ecological Park, a well-kept secret and yet easily accessible birding hotspot. Participants will explore year-round resident birds and search for arriving waterfowl, learn about local strategies utilized by our native insects to survive the winter and check out native plants that provide winter food sources for birds through seed and berry production.
Learn more here.
Holiday Cards Printmaking | Dec. 16
Learn a simple printmaking technique using recycled items and design your own festive cards at this workshop at Bemis Public Library from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 16. Register here.
Hudson Holidays & Light Up the New Year| Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Experience holiday magic like never before! Hudson Gardens & Event Center will dazzle Littleton this holiday season with two brand new, spectacular light shows.
Hudson Holidays will feature never-before-seen light installations like a cathedral comprised of thousands of LED lights. There will even be a feature appearance from Santa! The show will take place through Dec. 31.
Then, ring in the new year as the exhibit transforms into the Light Up the New Year show that includes vibrant displays, a laser garden and upbeat music from Jan. 2-28.
Buy tickets for both shows here.
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