The Other Side of the Mountain
Photo by Joe Delnero - Can you spot the hot air balloons?
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, May. 5th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Spring Yard Waste Collection
- 8AM - Municipal Court Criminal Arraignments
- 10AM-1PM - Community Blood Drive
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 1-2:30PM - Cybersecurity Awareness
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 5-8PM - Monday Market
- 5:30PM - Board Game & Euchre Night
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
What’s In Bloom Along Golden’s Trails? Field Chickweed!
Figure 1. Field Chickweed — Cerastium arvense L. ssp. strictum Gaudin — near the giant shovel sculpture in New Loveland Mine Park.
By Tom Schweich
The low-growing and spreading sub-shrub with happy little white flowers blooming now in all our open spaces and many parks is “Field Chickweed” — Cerastium arvense L. ssp. strictum Gaudin. It thrives in many different habitats, from the sunny spot in New Loveland Mine Park, to Kinney Run, amongst brush on steep slopes of Mt. Galbraith, and in subalpine fields near Leadville. Field chickweed is easy to recognize because the five white petals are deeply notched, sometimes giving the appearance of having ten petals.
Field chickweed is widely distributed around the world and found in all the mountainous counties of Colorado, though not out on the plains. In Jefferson County, our plant is found mostly right along the Front Range, with a few collections in the interior of the county, such as one near Deckers. Our local plants are typically called subspecies strictum, although it is unclear whether this name was intended to imply that it is strictly field chickweed, or that the stems are straight.
Plants in the genus Stellaria are commonly called chickweeds, whereas those in the genus Cerastium are commonly called field chickweeds. They are named for their use as a food source for chickens and other birds.
Because field chickweed is found world-wide, there are many different variations in shapes and sizes, resulting in many different variety and subspecies names that have been proposed … and disputed! Our subspecies (strictum) has 54 synonyms, i.e., names that have been proposed but are not currently accepted.
In western America, field chickweed was found first by Lewis & Clark in 1806 on the plains of the Columbia River. Frederick Pursh (1814) gave it the name of Cerastium elongatum in his Flora of North America. While this name has been roundly rejected by the botanic community (Earle & Reveal, 2003), some recent sources (POWO, 2025) suggest that Pursh’s name better describes the plant than the subspecies name we are currently using. So, we may have a name change in our future.
Field chickweed is in a family called the “Pink Family” or sometimes the “Carnation Family.” The scientific name is Caryophyllaceae (kar-ee-oh-fih-LAY-see-ee). It is a large cosmopolitan family of about 2,625 known species that are mostly herbaceous plants of temperate climates, with a few species growing on tropical mountains. Some of the more commonly known members include pinks and carnations (Dianthus), and firepink and campions (Silene). Many species are grown as ornamental plants, and some species are widespread weeds. Most species grow in the Mediterranean and bordering regions of Europe and Asia. The number of species in the Southern Hemisphere is rather small, although the family does contain Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), which is one of only two flowering plants found in Antarctica.
References
Earle, A. Scott, and James L. Reveal. 2003. Lewis and Clark's Green World: The Expedition and its Plants. Helena, Montana: Farcountry Press, 2003.
POWO. 2025. Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/317382-2
Pursh, Frederick. 1814. Flora Americae Septentrionalis; or, A Systematic Arrangement and Description of the Plants of North America. 1. London: White, Cochrane, and Co., 1814. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/197761
2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday
At Jefferson County Public Library, we foster continuous learning and connections. Keep your minds engaged every Monday! Be sure to explore our website for additional weekly event options, including call-ins and livestreams.
Today’s theme: Georgia O’Keefe
Born in Wisconsin in 1884, Georgia O’Keefe would emerge at a young age as a promising artist. Eventually she would come to be renowned for her abstraction of natural forms such as flowers, clouds and, perhaps most famously, desert spaces of the American Southwest. Join Active Minds as we trace the outlines of one of the most prominent figures in 20th Century modern art.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
When:
2-3PM on Monday, May. 5th
Golden History: 16th and Jackson
Artist's rendering of 1600 Jackson from the May 5, 1981, Colorado Transcript
Click to enlarge
44 Years Ago
As shown in the May 5, 1981, Colorado Transcript, an office building was under construction at 16th and Jackson, across from Safeway. That property had been the cause of considerable consternation over the years. In 1969, a new post office was under construction on that site when the building collapsed. One construction worker was killed, and four others were injured.
The property sat abandoned, covered with the wreckage of the accident, for three years. In 1972, local attorney Leo Bradley bought the site from the City for $121,000 in cash. He planned to construct a 12-story building on the site. That issue was debated through much of 1973. Many locals were dismayed at the prospect of a "high-rise" in Golden, and in the end, he did not get approval for his project.
By 1975, another local attorney, Ron Weiszmann, was proposing a 5-story building for that site. He too, failed to get approval.
In 1981, Weiszmann built the three-story building that we see today. The "Presidents Washington Industrial Bank," which Weiszmann owned, was the first tenant. In 1987 Weiszmann filed for bankruptcy. The state later seized the two banks that he owned and liquidated the assets.
The office building was foreclosed upon in 1990, and Golden Equities, the real estate division of Adolph Coors Company, bought it. The building has had several owners and many tenants in the intervening years. The School of Mines began renting space in the building beginning in 2009 and bought it for $4.9 million in 2017.
Weather
Overnight: A slight chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Monday: Rain showers likely before noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 58, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. East northeast wind 2 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms, 44°F
Tuesday: Rain Showers, 49°F
Tuesday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms, 41°F
Wednesday: Rain Showers Likely, 54°F
Wednesday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy, 41°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers, 64°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 46°F
Friday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers, 70°F
Friday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 49°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers, 72°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 50°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Rain Showers, 75°F
News About Golden - May 5, 2025
Colorado Breweries Win Big at 2025 World Beer Cup Awards
By Tristan Chan
Porch Drinking
It was another impressive showing for the Centennial State at the 2025 World Beer Cup competition, as many Colorado breweries once again earned top marks. Often referred to as the Olympics of Beer Competitions, the World Beer Cup features breweries from across the world vying for medals... Read more...
NOTIFICATION TO DISPOSE LOST, ABANDONED AND SEIZED PROPERTY
City of Golden Police Deparment
The Golden Police Department will dispose of the following lost, abandoned and seized property, in accordance with Golden Revised City Ordinance 2.28.060. Any person who claims any interest in any property listed below may contact the Golden Police Department within 20 days [by May 23, 2025], to reclaim the property... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Joy Brandt, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, and the Colorado Railroad Museum
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Beth Bidwell, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Vic DeMaria
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, and Kurt & Janet Siegfried
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, and Mary Rains, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Kim Linton, Steve Stevens
