Hello, Bucket Listers! Thank you to everyone who supported us on Colorado Gives Day. We’ve raised $9,538 of our $15,000 goal thanks to contributions from Mary Kay, Judith, Kristin, Ann, Matthew, Laura, Gabi, Justin, Rebecca, Regan and several anonymous donors. Your support helps to power our free hyperlocal neighborly news, which is brought to you by current students and recent graduates from three universities and the Denver Public Schools.
100-Year-Old Tree in Montclair Park Getting the Axe
After months of debate, Denver Parks & Rec announced the removal of a century-old elm tree in Montclair Park. Our Sadie Gonzales reported on the contentious community meeting held in October and followed up at the city’s recent December open house to discuss the decision and plans for a new playground with residents. In her story, she discusses the timeline for the tree’s removal and changes to the park in 2026.
DPS Sponsors Bucket List Community News
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Denver Public Schools, which creates powerful opportunities for every learner to thrive. At Merrill Middle School, every student shines and for Will, that means taking the field with confidence, teamwork and joy. In this powerful story, students and teachers come together for Adapted PE Field Day, a celebration of inclusion, friendship and determination.
Denver’s Sports Moment Creates Excitement at The FAN (104.3)
You’d have to be living under a rock to be unaware of the historic winning streak that all three Denver sports teams are experiencing. Just this weekend, The Denver Broncos, Nuggets and Avalanche played on the same day for only the eleventh time, and for the first time in history, all three teams won. At 104.3 The Fan, sports reporters are having a field day. Lily Delgado speaks with The Fan’s team about the hype and their expectations for the rest of the season.
Recruiter Turned Jobseeker Bemoans Current Job Market
Wendy Golden, who previously coached people on how to enter the job market, is struggling to maintain her sanity after being laid off herself. The job market appears to be becoming less human as scam job postings and AI interviews become more common. Check out Wendy’s article to learn how she is coping with the challenging job market as a former recruiter and how she is “hoping to turn the tables once again very soon.” Her story is complemented by a video created by Linus Loughry, Myra Kirk and Greta Kerkhoff as part of their CU Capstone class.
Together for Colorado Toy Drive Is Back
‘Tis the season to pay it forward. The annual Together for Colorado Toy Drive, organized by the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver, CBS Colorado, King Soopers and 97.3 KBCO, is currently underway. Collection began on Nov. 17 and will continue through Dec. 24, with the main collection day being Dec. 11. Our Diego Simental visited one of the donation drop-off locations to learn more about the operation and speak with Denverites about why they are donating this holiday season.
Jewish Christmas Tradition: Chinese Food and a Movie
Hanukkah starts this weekend but what do Jewish Americans do on Christmas day? That question is at the heart of scholar Samira Mehta’s captivating essay about the traditions that Jews enjoy and cherish with their families. She begins by discussing the history of old-world December celebrations and how those traditions have evolved into many contemporary Jews eating Chinese food, going to movies and giving back on Christmas Day.
Stuff We Noticed
City Council Advances Proposal for Woman’s Soccer Stadium. A Denver City Council committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to continue using $50 million in public funds to purchase land for the new Denver Summit FC stadium. The stadium is expected to cost $200 million, with the majority being paid for by the ownership group, but the $50 million is critical to closing the deal. Club owners have publicly threatened to leave Denver for the suburbs because they are dissatisfied with how negotiations with the city have evolved. The final vote on the $50 million package will take place on Dec. 22.
CO Health Officials Recommend Hep B Vaccine. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted last week to withdraw its recommendation that all newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine, Colorado health officials are urging the state to uphold the recommendation. Next Wednesday, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will request that the Colorado Board of Health incorporate vaccine recommendations from the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends universal hepatitis B birth doses, into its vaccine requirements for school-age children.
Denver Mint Producing Semiquincentennial Coins to Celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States. Denver’s U.S. Mint may no longer be producing pennies, but it will produce special 250th anniversary dimes, quarters and half dollars for circulation next year, commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. The Denver facility will produce some of the new designs, which feature the years 1776-2026 and themes about America’s journey toward a “more perfect union.” The new coins should be available “early in 2026.”
Thank you for reading. With less than three weeks left, we are just over $5,000 away from meeting our $15,000 #newsCOneeds fundraising goal. If you haven’t contributed already, please consider supporting Bucket List so that we can continue to bring you free hyperlocal neighborly news and mentor the next generation of journalists. And remember, all your gifts are matched by the Lenfest Institute, so you’ll have double the impact. See you next week, Bucket Listers, and remember to hold onto your hats in these crazy Colorado winds!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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