Bear on 23rd Street
Photo by Kristen Wrona
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Wednesday, Aug. 12th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Is He Really Buried Here? A Free Presentation @ Buffalo Bill Museum
- All day - Golden History Tours
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden Sports
- 9AM-12PM - En Plein Air
- 9-11AM - Golden Startup Coffee
- 9-10:30AM - Golden Walks
- 9:30-10:30AM - Fit and Energize Exercise Class
- 9:30AM-1:30PM - Hand Quilting / Big Stitch
- 10AM-4PM - Beginning Quilting
- 10:15-11:15AM - Discovery Play
- 10:15-10:45AM - Toddler Time - Registration Required
- 1-2:30PM - SPARK! Alzheimer's Association Program
- 3PM - Acoustic Preserves
- 3-5PM - Virtual/Call In: Hard Times Writing Workshop
- 6-9PM - Golden Hour Mashup
- 6-9PM - Golden Hour @ Truly BoHotique
- 6PM - Bingo Night
- 6:30-8:30PM - Trivia Night @ Golden Mill
- 6:30PM - Historic Preservation Board Meeting
- 6:30-8PM - Wine, Women, and Wealth (WWW) in Golden
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden City Manager Fired
City Council voted unanimously last night to terminate City Manager Scott Vargo. You can watch their deliberations here, starting at 6 minutes. The Deputy City Manager, Carly Lorentz, will fill in until a new City Manager is appointed.
Here's a recap of our three most recent City Managers.
Mike Bestor served as the City Manager from 1993 until his retirement in 2015. The Planning Director, Steve Glueck, filled in until a replacement could be hired.
Jason Slowinski joined the City in 2015 before moving to the Colorado School of Mines in 2022. He was making $211,120 (plus benefits, plus a car allowance, plus a low-interest mortgage) when he left. Slowinski introduced the position of "Deputy City Manager" during his tenure, so the Deputy served as Acting City Manager (with additional compensation of $2750 per month) until Scott Vargo was hired.
Scott Vargo, who had been the County Manager of Summit County, joined the City in September of 2022. He began at an annual gross salary of $230,000 plus a car allowance of $725/month. The City agreed to pay up to $12,000 in relocation expenses and $2500/month in temporary housing costs for up to 6 months. Two months later, his salary was increased to $247,200. At that time, Council also increased the City's contribution to his retirement plan by 3% and loaned him $750,000 at 4.25% interest to buy a home in Golden. He was allowed to make interest-only payments during his employment with the City, but he is required to pay back the principle upon leaving the job.
9AM-12PM En Plein Air
Participants will be guided through choosing a subject, simplifying what we see, and building an interesting composition using drawing and watercolor, as we capture both cherished and unique outdoor locations in Golden.
Each of the sessions will build upon each other as we focus on: learning what art materials are really necessary, basic drawing techniques, capturing a quick expression of the scene, basic compositional ideas, painting techniques, and so much more. This class meets twice on August 12 and 19. Register
9:30AM-1:30PM Hand Quilting / Big Stitch @ Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
Hand Quilting is an art and skill that goes back centuries and possibly 1000's of years. American quilters hand stitched everything until the mid 1800's, when sewing machines started to become available. This class will teach you about the history of Hand Quilting - the stitches that hold the 3 layers of fabrics together - AND you will learn the relaxing stitching techniques that create the beautiful textures and visual patterns that adorn the piecing and make a quilt usable, washable, and ready to last for many years. Big Stitch quilting is a variation that will be taught during this class as well. Register
Location:
Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum
200 Violet Street (Map)
1-2:30PM SPARK! Alzheimer's Association Program @ Foothills Art Center - Astor House
SPARK! at Foothills Art Center is a free program designed to make art accessible for people experiencing mild memory loss, early-stage Alzheimer’s, or a related dementia, and their family, friends, and guests. Join a trained facilitator for an engaging afternoon in a welcoming environment. Participants will enjoy an insightful tour and conversation followed by an art activity inspired by the featured artworks. All materials will be provided. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while connecting with fellow attendees during each session. This monthly program is free with advance registration. Register
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Astor House
1133 Arapahoe Street (Map)
6-9PM Golden Hour Mashup
Photo by Dave Powers
Get out and enjoy Golden tonight. Many of our local businesses are planning fun events. This month's theme is SHOW US HOW YOU'RE GOLDEN. so you might want to wear a Golden t-shirt or some gold jewelry.
They plan to do this again on September 16th with a western theme and October 14th with "Ghouls' Night Out."
Enjoy gluten free beer and Golden Pizza, free coloring books, giveaways, Golden Cocktails, spa treatments, cupcake decorating, crafts, discounts, a photobooth, custom hats, discounts, a bouncy castle, crafts, bike tune-ups and repairs, local artist demos, Golden Bingo, clowns, food giveaways, and lots of live music. Check the details on the Visit Golden site.
6:30PM Historic Preservation Board Meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 6:30PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to planning@cityofgolden.net
- Provide in-person comment (limited to 3 minutes) during the meeting
Tonight's topics include:
- A Certificate of Appropriateness to build a two-story cottage in the back yard of 2024 Ford St. (map) in the East Street Historic District.
- Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the 1869 home at 612 10th St. (map). The Clayworks project plans to build apartments in that area.
- Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the one-car garage at 1735 Ford St. (map). The owner plans to replace it with a two-car garage.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
When:
6:30PM on Wednesday, Aug. 12th
The Golden Word - 08/12/26
Live Music for Wednesday, Aug. 12th
- 6-9PM Chris Koltak @ Miners Saloon
- More Live Music
4-8PM Chrispy @ Mountain Toad
5:30-8:30PM Open Mic Night @ Barrels and Bottles
5-8PM Dave Frisk @ Rock Rest Lodge
6PM Open Mic @ Cannonball Creek
6-9PM Coral Creek @ Golden Hotel
6PM Open Mic @ Scully's Cafe
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Really Bad Judgement
National Guard Encampment at Camp George West, 1937 - Golden History Museum Collection
Click to enlarge
Prior to 1934, Camp George West was known as the State Rifle Range. It was used as the headquarters for the Colorado National Guard. Every summer, hundreds of Guard members gathered there in June for a week of drills.
100 Years Ago
The August 12th, 1926 Colorado Transcript described a highly unauthorized maneuver by several National Guard members, aged 16-18.
Guardsmen Land in County Jail
Five young national guardsmen landed in the county jail last Thursday after an escapade that might have resulted seriously. The young soldiers, ranging In age from 16 to 18, secured a high powered rifle apiece from the Rifle Range storeroom and with 600 rounds of ammunition proceeded to shoot up everything between the hogback south of Golden and Green mountain. They broke the transmission line into Morrison, putting the city into darkness, shot a steam boiler of the Denver Fire Brick company full of holes, and terrorized all the inhabitants adjacent to their scene of operations.
Sheriff Walter Johnson was called. He captured the "belligerents" and the “war” was over. Parents of the "warriors" came to Golden and after "reparations” had been agreed upon the boys were permitted to go home with their elders.
Colorado Transcript - August 12th, 1926
Weather
Overnight: Partly cloudy. Low around 69, with temperatures rising to around 74 overnight. West wind around 7 mph.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely after noon. Partly sunny. High near 88, with temperatures falling to around 77 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 3 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy. Low around 63, with temperatures rising to around 66 overnight. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Wednesday Night: Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy, 63°F
Thursday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Showers And Thunderstorms, 81°F
Thursday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms, 61°F
Friday: Showers And Thunderstorms, 81°F
Friday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms then Mostly Cloudy, 59°F
Saturday: Slight Chance Rain Showers then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 80°F
Saturday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 58°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms, 81°F
Sunday Night: Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 58°F
Monday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 84°F
Monday Night: Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Partly Cloudy, 59°F
Tuesday: Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 87°F
News About Golden - August 12, 2026
Goldens in Golden Trademark Notice & Limited License
By Derek Schimmel
City of Golden
Hello Golden Businesses,
We’re sharing an important update regarding use of the Goldens in Golden name and branding. Goldens in Golden™ is a trademark of the City of Golden (including associated logos/branding and confusingly similar variations)... Read more... Download PDF below.
Community Garden hosting Aug. 27 fundraiser for food pantry
By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript
Anyone who loves bluegrass music, gardening or supporting local nonprofits should mark their calendars for Aug. 27... Read more...
Low-carbon cement maker more than doubles space with new Golden facility
By Jackson Guilfoil
9News
GOLDEN, Colo. — A technology company developing a low-carbon cement that recently appointed a new CEO is building out a new facility near Golden, more than doubling its space... 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 or $1,175/year)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Battery, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Earth Sweet Boutique, and Colorado Railroad Museum
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $575/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, 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, Vic DeMaria, Unite Fitness, and Joy Brandt
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $285/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, in memory of 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, Centennial State Wealth Advisors, Steve & M.L. Richardson, Jeremy & Stephanie Keller, AC Development, Golden PT & Pilates, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, and Esther Kettering
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $115/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, 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, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, 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, Pam Logan, Clare Shier, Wendy Weiman, Marge Frueh. Nannette Johnson, Edgar Walker, Bivy Beer Bar, Nancy Cooper, Jane & Mike Templeton, Vicki Greivel, Kim McDonough, Carie Chimbel, Peggy Brochtrup, Cindy & Matt Finley, and Kelly Fry
Followers:
($5-9.99/month or $55/year)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, Kristen Morgan, Joyce Sutton, Mary Rains, Craig Champlin, Stan Swisher, Bill Way, Chris Toney, Alicia Zimmerman, Tamara Feucht, GoldenBrokers, Elizabeth Coil, Diane Tiberi, and Cathy Larocca
