SHINY AND BRIGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Every year, the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion is decorated for the holiday season by volunteers and members of my team. They select a theme for the thoughtfully designed decorations throughout each room of the mansion. The mansion's exterior is also decorated with lights for Coloradans to enjoy. 

The 2022 theme is a shiny and bright holiday, to represent the optimism we feel for Colorado’s future. Our team and volunteers have been hard at work decorating the people’s house so we are excited for Coloradans to tour the grounds to see the shiny and bright decor that will help spread joy this holiday season. I wish Coloradans a happy and safe holiday season and encourage everyone to stop by and see the decorations and lights!

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS!

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY

Yesterday, I authorized the activation of over 100 Colorado National Guard members to support extreme cold weather operations across Colorado as an arctic cold front moves in. 

How to Volunteer

As Colorado braces for extremely cold temperatures, I would like to encourage all state staff to support cold weather sheltering and migrant operations by signing up to volunteer at the shelters in Denver. State of Colorado staff can sign up for volunteer shift assignments using this Denver Emergency Shelter Workers form. This form is for all Government Affiliated, Pre-Background Checked Volunteers.

If you are not a pre-background checked state employee and would like to volunteer you can do so by registering here. 

Preparing for the Cold

Avoid outdoor exposure, find a warming center if needed: Beginning 3PM Wednesday, the City and County of Denver will open a 24-hour warming center at the Denver Coliseum at 4600 Humboldt St., open for anyone who needs a warm place to stay during the storm. Read more here.

In addition, Denver's open libraries and recreation centers will be available during regular hours of operation as warming centers on Thursday and Friday. Recreation center hours and locations can be found here.

The City of Boulder, in partnership with Boulder County and the Boulder Office of Emergency Management, will open a 24-hour emergency warming center at the East Boulder Community Center, located at 5660 Sioux Dr. Boulder CO, from 2 PM Wednesday, Dec. 21, through the morning of Saturday, Dec. 24. This center will be open to anyone needing a space to get warm or spend the night. Find more information here. 

Pueblo’s city government declared an emergency order that allows any religious organization to use its building for shelter. The City of Pueblo has also issued for the Pueblo Transit Center to remain open as a warming shelter overnight beginning Thursday, Dec. 22, continuing overnight Friday, Dec. 23, and on Saturday, Dec. 24.

Springs Rescue Mission and RJ Montgomery Center in Colorado Springs have beds available for those that need them.

Dress warm: In Colorado, we know that adding layers will help keep you warm as temperatures drop. Below is a quick guide from the National Weather Service on how and when to dress accordingly!

Check your vehicle: Avoid travel if possible, but if you absolutely must go out please check your vehicle beforehand. With the cold temperatures, batteries and engines are quick to fail, and just five minutes in sub-zero temperatures can cause frostbite and even death. Keep a blanket and extra winter clothes inside your vehicle.

Protect pets and livestock: Check on livestock and ensure they have an open water source, and keep pets indoors. 

Prepare your home: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets and leave faucets on a slow drip to avoid freezing. Gather supplies like batteries in case of power outages. If your home loses heat, visit a warming center if possible. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. 

DONATIONS TO SUPPORT MIGRANTS

In addition to volunteering, you can support migrants who have arrived in Denver by donating requested clothing items. In-demand items include winter clothing, new socks and underwear, and men’s size 7-10 boots. Donations are being accepted at Iglesia Ciudad de Dios (5255 W. Warren Ave. Denver, CO 80227) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-7 PM. Click here for more information on how to donate.

CELEBRATING HANUKKAH

Happy Hanukkah! December 18th marked the first night of Hanukkah this year. The 8-day festival will conclude in the evening of December 26th.

On Monday night, I joined the Jewish community in Boulder for the Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop. I also talked to Boulder Jewish News about what Hanukkah means to me and shared some of my favorite Hanukkah memories, which you can read about here. Last night, I had the opportunity to celebrate with community at the State Capitol Menorah Lighting!

AMERICORPS GRANT APPLICATION

Serve Colorado is accepting applications for AmeriCorps Planning grants from organizations that would like to develop a new AmeriCorps program or create new components of a current AmeriCorps program. 

Serve Colorado welcomes any creative ideas to utilize AmeriCorps to meet community needs, including but not limited to the following priority areas: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations, rural intermediaries, or workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members. The deadline to apply for this round of funding is February 13, 2023. Click here to learn more. 

COLORADO POET LAUREATE NOMINATIONS OPEN

Nominations for the next Colorado Poet Laureate are now open through February 1, 2023. The Colorado Poet Laureate will serve a four-year term beginning in July 2023. 

The Poet Laureate position was created to promote an appreciation of poetry in Colorado, to honor outstanding Colorado poets, and to serve as an active advocate for poetry, literacy, and literature by participating in readings and other events at schools, libraries, literary festivals, and the State Capitol. Click here to submit a nomination.

WORK FOR THE STATE

Join us at the State of Colorado! Find meaningful work serving the people of Colorado, and help create a state where all are proud to live, work, and play. You can find many more available jobs by clicking the button below.

• CDA - Fleet Manager/Commissioner’s Office Assistant
• Office of the Governor - Operations Advisor
• Office of the Governor - Special Assistant to the Governor
• Office of the Governor - Program Assistant for Economic Recovery

WHAT WE'RE GIFTING

Colorado Tourism Office Gift Guide

WHAT WE'RE EATING

Latkes

Gingerbread Cookies

Office of Governor Jared Polis | Website