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Photo by Alan Pinkus
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What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Monday, Sep. 22nd
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 8AM - Municipal Court Criminal Arraignments
- 9:30-10:30AM - Fit and Energize Exercise Class
- 10:15-10:45AM - Let's Dance - Registration Required
- 12-12:30PM - Mondays with the Mayor
- 2-3PM - Virtual: Active Minds Monday
- 3:30-6:30PM - Digital Sculpting Fundamentals
- 5:30-7:30PM - The Fundamental Principles of Art
- 6-9PM - Teach Me to Play! Mondays
- 6:30PM - Movement Monday Running Club
- 7-9PM - Golden Concert Choir
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
Approximately Equal
Coming Soon to a Creek Near You - Photo by Barb Warden
This is the autumnal equinox, when the day and the night are of approximately equal length. We will have 12 hours and 8 minutes of daylight today. This is halfway between the longest day of the year, which was June 20th (14 hours, 59 minutes of daylight) and the shortest day of the year, which will be December 21st (9 hours, 21 minutes of daylight).
Today's sunrise occurs at 6:47AM and sunset at 6:56PM.
What’s in Bloom Along Golden’s Trails? Longspine Sandbur!
Figure 1. “Longspine Sandbur” — Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern. — in New Loveland Mine Park.
While we like to have native Colorado plants in our gardens and parks, there are a few natives that we would rather not have.
Chief among them in Western Poison Ivy — Toxicodendron rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Greene — usually found in semi-shaded and damp places like along the irrigation ditches. Most of us recognize western poison ivy from our Scouting days, “leaves of three, let it be.”
There is another native plant – a grass actually – that we really don’t want in our gardens and parks. It is “Longspine Sandbur” — Cenchrus longispinus (Hack.) Fern. — a weedy grass best known for its sharp, spiny seed heads that cling painfully to shoes, clothing, and animal fur. The plant grows in dry, disturbed places such as roadsides, trails, and fields, often forming low, spreading patches. Its burs are small but very spiky, making it unpleasant for people, pets, and wildlife to encounter them. Though it’s a native grass in Colorado and other parts of North America, it behaves like a nuisance weed where it spreads aggressively, reducing the enjoyment of open space areas.
Longspine sandbur was first described in Merritt Fernald’s (1943) paper “Virginian Botanizing Under Restrictions,” a half botany, half wry social commentary that described the odd experience of trying to do fieldwork when civilian life was tightly regulated during World War II. Fernald notes how gasoline rationing, travel restrictions, and even rules about what food or supplies could be carried all shaped his botanical trips. Field botanists had to plan carefully, making short excursions close to home rather than the wide-ranging surveys they might have done in peacetime. He jokes about dodging regulations, improvising meals, and relying on the kindness of local residents—while still managing to discover and describe plants, including the prickly longspine sandbur.
Colorado collections of longspine sandbur are mostly out on the plains, though there are many collections in the urban areas. The burs probably hitched a ride from the open fields on clothing or animal fur.
The first collection in Colorado was by Edward L. Greene on September 20, 1872, in Greeley, Weld County, followed closely by T. S. Brandegee, in September 1873, at Cañon City, Fremont County. There are nine other 19th century collections that are scattered up and down the high plains near the Front Range.
The first Jefferson County collection was in 1954 on cultivated land near 48th Street and Wadsworth at a time when much of Wheat Ridge was agricultural in character.
In Golden, longspine sandbur has been found in DeLong Park, and most recently in New Loveland Mine Park. There is also report of the grass on South Table Mountain.
At DeLong Park, the Weedbusters group of volunteers found longspine sandbur in 2022 and are weeding it by hand. It can be hard to see, but easy to find by just putting your hand down on the ground. You can feel the bur right through your glove!
At New Loveland Mine Park, our Parks & Recreation Department has a plan to deal with the grass that focuses on the fact that it is an annual grass, so if the seeds can be eliminated, or prevented from germinating, the plants can be eliminated.
References
Fernald, M. L. 1943. Virginian Botanizing Under Restrictions. Rhodora; Journal of the New England Botanical Club. 45(538):357-412. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/609801#page/404/
Find Today's Golden Word: 9/22/25
PLAY NOW!
9:30-10:30AM Fit and Energize Exercise Class @ First United Methodist Church
Join the new free, Fit and Energize exercise class for older adults held at First United Methodist Church on Mondays and Wednesdays. This one-hour class taught by Elizabeth Handing, a certified Silver Sneaker instructor, will address both fitness and balance appropriate for those who are 55+.
Come in the aqua door closest to 15th street and walk down the ramp to the room in which the class is held. The class is open to men and women.
You can also attend if you are younger than 55. For more information https://goldenfirstumc.org/ministries/fit-and-fun
Location:
First United Methodist Church
1500 Ford Street (Map)
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: History of Movies
At the turn of the 20th century, inventions by Thomas Edison and others introduced a new art form to the world: motion pictures. From the early era of Nickelodeons and silent films to the era of “talkies” and the growth of Hollywood, movies went from a mere fad to an industry. Now, with the introduction of streaming services like Netflix, films are evolving once again. Join Active Minds as we roll out the red carpet and tell the story of movies.
Save your spot for this Zoom program.
3:30-6:30PM Digital Sculpting Fundamentals @ Golden Library
Dive into the exciting world of digital creation as we explore the basics of 3D sculpting with Nomad Sculpt. Get hands-on experience and start shaping your imagination into eye-catching 3D models. Register
Location:
Golden Library
1019 10th Street (Map)
7-9PM Golden Concert Choir @ Calvary Episcopal Church
It is not too late to join the Golden Concert Choir for its Fall season, preparing for a light-hearted December 6 concert of choral music from children's animated Christmas musicals. (Think the Grinch, a Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty and Rudolph, Polar Express.) Join by coming to the Calvary Episcopal Church of Golden, 1320 Arapahoe St in Golden at 6:30 pm on Monday, September 15 or Monday September 22. Use the 14th Street entrance to the Great Hall for rehearsals.
Rehearsals are every Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.. Fees are $150, which also cover the price of music. Payment arrangements are possible.
Come share the love of singing with us! More information
Location:
Calvary Episcopal Church
1320 Arapahoe Street (Map)
Golden History: Supporting the Home Team
School of Mines team photos on the left; Golden High School photos on the right; Quotes from random years (unrelated to the photos) of the Colorado Transcript – Photos courtesy of the Golden History Museum and Golden Landmarks Association
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98 Years Ago
The September 22, 1927 Colorado Transcript reported the following:
Golden business and professional men, long known for their support of the School of Mines, are to show their spirit in another way by marching to practice every Thursday afternoon with the students.
Apparently the team had not been performing well (as detailed in the article), and the business community felt that more local support would improve the team’s performance. For many years after, it was customary to close the downtown businesses during football games–both high school and college–so everyone could attend the games and support the locals teams.
Weather
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Low around 57, with temperatures rising to around 59 overnight. West wind around 7 mph.
Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 76, with temperatures falling to around 64 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 48, with temperatures rising to around 50 overnight. North northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms, 48°F
Tuesday: Showers And Thunderstorms, 59°F
Tuesday Night: Chance Rain Showers, 47°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 69°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 48°F
Thursday: Sunny, 77°F
Thursday Night: Mostly Clear, 51°F
Friday: Sunny, 80°F
Friday Night: Partly Cloudy, 54°F
Saturday: Mostly Sunny, 77°F
Saturday Night: Partly Cloudy, 53°F
Sunday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 76°F
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 Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Tom Reiley, Michael Mason, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Goosetown Station
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, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Joy Brandt
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, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, and Centennial State Wealth Advisors
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, 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, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, and Pam Logan
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, and Kristen Morgan
