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!