Gold Hill, Colorado

The Colorado Mask Project

Starting today, I’m recommending that all Coloradans wear a cloth face covering or mask when they leave their home to protect against the deadly virus.

Coronavirus is transmitted through droplets that come from our nose and mouth, so in addition to keeping a 6-8 foot physical distance from others, wearing a mask or a face covering is an extra layer of protection that can help us all stay safe.

Wearing a mask or face covering also stops you from touching your face — which will help stop the spread of germs from other sources to your nose and mouth. 

Keep in mind that you should be creating or repurposing your own cloth mask. Your old t-shirts are perfect for this purpose.  Please do not purchase N95 masks or surgical masks — we need to save those performance-grade masks for our health care workers on the front lines of this crisis.

Learn how to make your own mask or where to purchase one at coloradomaskproject.com. And then take to social media and share your creative mask ideas. I want to see your mask selfies!

My Fellow Coloradans,

I want to start off this newsletter by thanking everyone who is taking this virus seriously and taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

By staying at home whenever possible to stop the spread of this deadly virus and wearing a facial mask when you do go out, you’re saving lives (maybe your own!) and helping our state return to normalcy sooner rather than later.

I also want to give a special thanks to those going above and beyond — donating money to the COVID-19 Relief Fund or signing up to volunteer at HelpColoradoNow.org, or giving blood.

We’re all in this together, and it’s been so heartwarming to see Coloradans across our state doing their part to save lives and make sure that we can get past this crisis as quickly as possible.

I know many Coloradans are wondering when this will all be over and when can they resume some semblance of normalcy.

Part of the anxiety many are feeling is not only the stress of being cooped up in our homes, but not knowing what the future holds for ourselves and our loved ones. 

This newsletter will walk you through some of the most recent steps we are taking at the state level to slow the spread of the virus, minimize the damage to our economy, and most importantly — save lives.

Sincerely,

Governor Jared Polis 

Extending Health Care Enrollment  I have also extended the special enrollment period for the state’s health care exchange — Connect for Health Colorado — until April 30th. It is deeply unfair to leave Coloradans who have lost their job and their health insurance through no fault of their own without health coverage options during a public health emergency.  If you are currently uninsured or if you have temporarily lost your job due to COVID-19, please take advantage of this special enrollment period to get affordable health coverage. Visit connectforhealthco.com and enroll today. Small Business Loan Assistance Finally, the federal government has given a lifeline to Colorado small businesses throughout all 64 counties through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, as well as a new program called the Paycheck Protection Program that provides forgivable loans to companies who keep employees on payroll instead of laying folks off. If you are a small business owner who has been impacted by COVID-19, please visit choosecolorado.com or covid19relief.sba.gov for eligibility information, loan application links and more information about economic recovery resources. COVID-19 Webpage Our administration recently unveiled the COVID-19 webpage — covid19.colorado.gov/. This resource will keep you up-to-date on the latest statistics and the latest guidance on how we can protect ourselves and protect our most vulnerable populations. Extending School Closures Through April 30 In order to reduce the number of person-to-person interactions and therefore slow the spread of the virus, I have used my emergency authority to keep schools closed through April 30th. It is likely that many schools will not return to in-person instruction this school year. I want to salute all of the superintendents, school leaders, and educators across the state who are stepping up and working extra hard to build remote learning plans so students don’t lose out on valuable instruction because of this crisis. Here in Colorado, our educators are innovative and strong. And we must continue to prioritize creativity and do the best we can in this virtual environment.   I know that the extension of closures will be tough news for parents, including those who are juggling working from home and helping their children with schoolwork. And as a father of two, I know what you’re going through! I know it’s tough on the kids too. But this is the best way to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus, and prevent unnecessary death. So I thank all the parents, educators, and students out there for adapting to this situation as best as we can. Federal Stimulus Benefits I know that this is a difficult time for families across our state, many of whom are out of work or dealing with reduced hours or reduced pay. Thankfully, the federal government has passed legislation that will help give families a boost during this temporary downturn. The measure offers $1,200 in one-time direct cash assistance; over 90% of Colorado families will qualify. It also provides $500 per child 16 and under.  Here’s how it works: Individuals that make less than $75,000 per year will receive the full $1,200 benefit.  For every $100 in income an individual makes over $75,000, $5 is deducted from the total benefit. As a result, an individual making over $99,000 per year would not qualify for this benefit. For couples filing jointly, the numbers double. If your household makes less than $150,000 per year, you will receive $2,400 total.  Just like an individual filer, the benefit is reduced by $5 for each $100 you make over $150,000. As a result, if your household makes more than $198,000 per year, you would not qualify for this benefit. The $500 per child is provided regardless of income to anyone with children 16 and under. Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus for more information. #DoingMyPartCO  A couple of weeks ago we kicked off a social media campaign called #DoingMyPartCO where we challenged Coloradans to show how they are practicing best habits to keep themselves and others safe: whether that’s wearing a mask or a face covering, working from home, avoiding crowded places, or picking up groceries or medicine for an elderly neighbor. We’re challenging everyone to be part of the campaign! So take to social media and show your fellow Coloradans how you’re doing your part to stop the spread of coronavirus. Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund We’ve also been inundated with calls from across the state from folks who want to know how they can help. So we’ve launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund to capture those donations, which will be used to pay for things like medical supplies, cleaning supplies, food services, child care for emergency workers, behavioral health support, and so much more. Visit www.HelpColoradoNow.org to donate today! Every dollar counts! And if you’re an organization that is helping with the response, you will be able to apply for funds starting early next week. Donating Blood In addition to the need for funding and volunteers — we also have an urgent need for blood donations. Blood banks are reporting a sharp drop in donations, attributed to fears about contracting COVID-19. We want to clear up any misinformation: donating blood is a safe process and people should not be concerned about giving or receiving blood during this challenging time. And while blood isn’t needed for coronavirus treatment, it’s urgently needed for all of the other medical issues that crop up. We need more healthy donors to give now to prevent a blood shortage. So please visit www.vitalant.org, to find a blood drive or donation center near you. Unemployment Insurance The federal legislation also expanded unemployment insurance for Coloradans who have lost their job or lost wages due to the COVID-19 response. For traditional workers who receive a W2 tax form who have been laid off because of the coronavirus, those individuals are invited to apply for unemployment insurance at ColoradoUI.gov You could be eligible for 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits from the state of Colorado. Unemployment insurance in Colorado provides around 55% of an individual’s average weekly pay, up to a maximum $618 per week. In addition to those benefits from the state of Colorado, you could be eligible for an extra $600 per week for the first four months of unemployment thanks to the federal stimulus package. Furthermore, once you have exhausted your 26 weeks of state unemployment, you would be eligible for another three months of unemployment paid for by the federal legislation. If you have already filed and qualified, then you will not need to file again to get the additional $600 per week from the federal bill added to your weekly benefit.  Apply for benefits using these four easy steps: Step 1: Collect any income related information. Step 2: Go to coloradoUI.gov and click on the “Workers” button. Step 3: Review your claim before you hit submit. Step 4: Register with your local Workforce Center After you file, you should receive a PIN in the mail to launch your claimant account and finish out the process, including requesting payments. You’ll be paid within two weeks. But we know that not everyone is a traditional W2 employee; there are many folks in the gig economy who have lost work and wages due to this crisis. For non-W2 workers, my administration is working to stand up a separate system to administer the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program. Benefits would be available for nine months. We’re still waiting on federal guidance, but we are hopeful that benefits will be calculated based on previous income, and we anticipate we will be able to begin accepting claims in mid-April. Help Colorado Now We know that Coloradans aren’t just financially generous — they’re generous with their time, their energy, and their effort. That’s why we launched our official volunteer effort: Help Colorado Now. We are looking for volunteers — especially those who are current or retired health care professionals — to help at-risk individuals all across our state with a wide variety of support including health care assistance, mental wellness support, food bank distribution, child care services, and more.  So please visit www.helpcoloradonow.org to sign up to be a volunteer or volunteer leader, and if you are an organization, government agency or non-profit seeking volunteer assistance, we can match you with volunteers in your area or volunteers available virtually.  Adopt a Pet One of the best ways to refocus our attention in a positive way during these difficult times is by opening our hearts and homes to a new pet. Taking care of others gives us a sense of purpose in times when we might be feeling helpless. And there are so many animals in our state’s animal shelters and pet animal rescues that are looking for their forever homes.  We have temporarily relaxed state regulations, making it easier to foster and adopt pets who would otherwise be spending this time waiting for someone to give them a chance at a happy life. It’s a win-win for people and pets.  And, despite rumors to the contrary, you CAN’T catch COVID-19 from your pets. Pets are safe to have in your homes, and they will be a comfort to you in these trying times, when so many of us are feeling isolated and perhaps lonely.  First Gentleman Marlon Reis and our team of volunteers and our Colorado Department of Agriculture State’s pet protection program, PACFA, have created a guide of licensed shelters and rescues at protectcoloradoanimals.org. It’s organized by city and county, so you can easily find an animal in-need closest to where you live. So visit protectcoloradosanimals.org to find your nearest local shelter or rescue. There’s never been a better time than now to foster and adopt a pet. Emergency Actions To Date On March 10, I declared a state of emergency in Colorado to help stop the spread of coronavirus.  Since then, I have used emergency powers and the capacity of the administration to take additional steps to protect the health and safety of Coloradans — especially our most vulnerable populations — and minimize the economic impact of this crisis. Here are some of the major actions we have taken so far: Instructed health insurance companies to waive fees and costs associated with testing for coronavirus, Stood up drive-up coronavirus testing facilities and work with private partners to expand the state’s testing capacity, Ensured that workers in food service, hospitality, health care, child care, and education have access to paid leave so that they don’t come into work sick, and access to unemployment insurance in the event that they become infected, Ensured that state workers, including those working in our 24-hour facilities, have the flexibility to take time off if necessary for testing, treatment, and recovery, Restricted visitation to facilities that serve our most vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions to keep them safe, Established guidelines for school, university, and child care facility closures to protect children, parents, educators and staff. Ordered the closure of downhill ski areas  Advised visitors and residents of Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and Gunnison counties — areas with high community spread — to minimize contact with others and self-isolate Ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, breweries, coffee houses, food courts and other establishments that serve food or beverages — which may remain open for takeout, delivery, and room service, including alcoholic beverages — as well as other congregation spaces such as gyms, casinos, performance spaces, spas, hair and nail salons, massage and tattoo parlors, and other establishments. Closed Department of Motor Vehicles facilities and taxpayer service centers to the public; many services will be available over the phone and online, and processes and operations will continue behind the scenes.  Spearheaded the #DoingMyPartCO campaign to spread awareness about the need for social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus in communities. Applied for a Medicaid 1115 waiver from the federal government to enroll uninsured patients who are impacted by coronavirus and ensure continuity of coverage and services for Medicaid and CHP+ members. Applied for an Appendix K waiver to protect against limits on services and cut red tape for long term care, I/DD and other HCBS patients. Secured a statewide disaster declaration through the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program to provide relief for Colorado’s small businesses dealing with the impacts of COVID-19. Worked with providers to expand telemedicine capacity to delay elective surgeries Launched HelpColoradoNow.org, the State of Colorado’s COVID-19 volunteer response effort, Launched the Colorado COVID-19 Relief Fund to marshal private funds to pay for prevention, impact, and recovery Encouraged Coloradans to give blood, as blood banks around the state are reporting a severe drop in donations due to misguided fears about coronavirus. Established a system of emergency child care for emergency workers so that they can have peace of mind that their children are safe and being cared for while they are heroically engaging with the crisis at hand. Banned gatherings of more than 10 people, and encouraged Coloradans to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing. Temporarily suspended elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures through April 14th to preserve important medical equipment for COVID-19 response. Re-opened enrollment on the state’s health exchange until April 3rd for uninsured Coloradans and workers who recently lost their jobs and their health coverage. Sent letter to federal delegation outlining key steps that the federal government should take to relieve families of economic consequences of COVID-19 pandemic and response. Issued executive action to expedite unemployment insurance payments to families impacted by COVID-19. Issued executive action asking financial institutions to provide temporary relief from debts including mortgages, credit card payments, student debt, and others. Issued executive action asking landlords and property owners to provide temporary relief to tenants and renters impacted by COVID-19. Extended deadline for payment of state income taxes by 90 days. Established the Governor’s Emergency Council on Economic Stabilization and Growth to advise Governor’s economic response to COVID-19. Established the Governor’s Innovation Response Team to: Develop alternative sources for critical medical supplies, including local manufacturers and alternative supply chains; Develop a statewide system for mass testing and rapid results so we can more quickly return to a level of normalcy; Develop mobile and other technologies to help track the spread of the virus and support infected citizens; and Create a suite of services for citizens under isolation or quarantine. Asked the President to declare a Major Disaster for the State of Colorado to give Colorado access to more federal resources to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Urged grocery stores to take proper steps to protect workers and shoppers, including establishing special hours for at-risk populations to shop. Issued a Stay-At-Home order for the State of Colorado from March 26 until April 11 — with exceptions for essential activities — to slow the spread of the virus. Cut red tape to allow restaurant workers to deliver food so bars and restaurants can continue to stay in business during the crisis.  Secured a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Colorado to give Colorado access to more federal resources to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Sent a letter to Vice President Pence with requests for additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to address severe shortage in Colorado that is leaving doctors, nurses, and other health care workers vulnerable to infection Extended enrollment on the state’s health exchange until April 30th for uninsured Coloradans and workers who recently lost their jobs and their health coverage. Extended closure of all Colorado schools until April 30th to continue efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. Issued an executive order expanding the use of telehealth services so patients can still have access to their health care providers without having to physically visit the provider. Extended deadline for businesses to pay sales tax until May 20 to help retailers that are facing shortfalls because of disruptions in commerce caused by coronavirus. Extended deadline for property owners to pay property taxes until May 1 due to potential loss of revenue from tenants being unable to pay rent Recommended that all Coloradans wear cloth face coverings or masks when leaving home in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Best Practices The best thing you can do right now is encourage your family and friends to stay home. This will help reduce the spread. Also, practice good hygiene and social distancing in order to keep yourself and others safe — especially vulnerable populations like older Coloradans and those with underlying health conditions: Stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave your home. If you do have to leave your home, wear a cloth face covering or a mask. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  If someone at your home is sick, avoid sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. Choose a separate room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.  Identify a separate bathroom for the sick person to use, if possible. Plan to clean these rooms as needed when someone is sick. All of these ways of preventing the spread of CO-VID 19 are also effective in preventing the transmission of the flu or seasonal colds. Smart hygiene practices make us all healthier.

Copyright © 2019 Office of Governor Jared Polis, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Office of Governor Jared Polis 136 State Capitol  Denver, Colorado 80203 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Do you want to support a local business? Do you love baked goods, but don’t want to bake anymore? Spruce Confections in Boulder is delivering to Gold Hill! The owners of Spruce have 3 Gold Hill School Alumni and have been very supportive of the community. They are looking for ways to keep their employees busy. They are now delivering freezer and pantry items, including the best gluten-free baked goods around. Fresh scones, cookies, coffee cakes, breakfast burritos, fruit pies, and coffee to name a few items! You can place an order online at spruceconfections.com or call (303) 449-6773. Deliveries are free every Thursday from 9 am to 12 noon. Why bake if you don’t have to!

Thanks, Dan

maedkedan@nullgmail.com

Monday, April 6, we will have an additional food pantry from 3-4 pm

Thank you for visiting the Gold Hill weekly food pantry behind the GH store and pub.  PLEASE DO ALL YOU CAN TO HELP SUPPORT THE GOLD HILL STORE AND PUB. WHITEY AND JAY HAVE GONE WAY BEYOND WHAT WE COULD HAVE EXPECTED TO HELP WITH THIS PROJECT AND THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US WITH EVERYTHING THAT WE ASK OF THEM.  

We love seeing you and are really happy to see you taking advantage of this food pantry opportunity.  Beginning Monday, April 6, we will have an additional food pantry from 3-4 pm at the same place- the back patio at the Store.  This food pantry will be made up of foodstuffs from Ideal Market, Whole Foods on Pearl Street, and Lucky’s Food Market, North Boulder.  These foods are perishable and prepared foods that have JUST gone out of date at the grocery stores.  If we don’t pick them up and bring them here for you, they will go into the dumpster.   

Following this food pantry, any overage will go to Left Hand for their newly-formed food pantry for themselves and Jamestown.

We will continue to have the food pantry on Wednesday as well between noon and 2 pm for the food coming from the Nederland Food Pantry so please make sure that you come back for their offerings as well.  Most of this food is rice, beans, pastas, soups,milk, canned goods, and perhaps some fresh goods.

If you have a large freezer and can take many, many loaves of bread, we are looking for people to fill up their freezers with bread.  There is a huge overage at this point.

If you want more information about these pantries, continue reading.  We anticipate that the food quantities will begin to minimize as the stores reconsider their purchasing and the national transportation system becomes more challenged moving products around the country.

More information:

Several food pantries in Boulder have closed because they have been managed and organized by older folks who are now very vulnerable to the virus so there are thousands of pounds of food that we are trying to get to you at no charge so it’s not thrown away.  The markets are extremely grateful for us taking the products.

At the stores, the department managers are constantly managing the expiration dates on their products.  These are the products that are being pulled from the shelves.  NOTE:  these date expirations are related to when the product’s peak freshness has been reached.  These foods are still fine to eat but they are no longer at their peak freshness.  These are the foods that we’re getting.

Friday and Mondays are large pick up days for the markets.  The Friday pickup is being split between Ward and Fourmile with any overage going into the refrigeration at the 4Mile Station and to firefighters.  Fourmile’s pantry is from 3-5 pm on Fridays at the Poorman fire station.  The Monday pickup is being split between Ward and Gold Hill with the overage going to LeftHand/Jamestown at the upper LeftHand fire station for their food pantry being held between 4:45 and 5:30 pm.

We will continue offering the food pantrys for as long as we have food available and volunteers to support our efforts.  If you have any questions, call Debra, 303 449 0454.

From Deb Yeager   deb@nullmountainvisions.net

And, by the way, everyone is now recommending that we all wear mask or bandanas our in public now, so please follow this recommendation. 

Hello, mountain folks!

It’s time for all households to complete the 2020 Census. The United States Census is a count of every person who lives in the U.S., regardless of citizenship status. It occurs only once every ten years and directly affects how much funding our local services receive. Just one person counted in Boulder County, for example, will bring about $23,000 to the county over the next decade.

The toll that COVID-19 is taking on our mountain communities highlights the importance of our local human services and safety nets as many of us unexpectedly lose resources and income. Food, medication, housing, healthcare, and transportation assistance is vital to public health and safety during a crisis–so it’s more important than ever to fill out the Census! We need to make sure local organizations have accurate data that they can use to apply for funding over the next ten years so they can continue serving our community.

Completing the Census is easy and will take about 10 minutes. Your information is confidential and protected by federal law. You will be asked for your address, phone number, home ownership status, the number of people living in your home, their relationship to you, and each person’s name, sex, date of birth, and race/ethnicity. You will NOT be asked for your social security number, citizenship status, or financial information.

Fill out the Census today from your own home to protect your health, the health of your neighbors, and avoid a future Census worker knocking on your door! You can complete it online at my2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020. Please note that you will NOT need your 12-digit Census ID, only your household address. If filling it out online, follow the link that says “If you do not have a Census ID, click here” when you are prompted for your ID.

If you are curious about specific services that are directly impacted by Census data, here are just a few:

• healthcare access: Medicaid, Medicare Part B, the Special Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Center Program
• food assistance: WIC (nutritional services for Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps), and the National School Lunch Program (provides low-cost or free meals to students)
• affordable housing: Section 8 housing vouchers and LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program, which can cover gas, electric, propane or firewood!)
• infrastructure support: highway planning/construction/repair, the Hazardous Waste Management State Program, the Water Pollution Control program, and Rural Business Enterprise Grants
• child care assistance: Head Start/Early Head Start and CCCAP (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program)

The above list does not cover everything that the Census count affects. 2020 Census data will determine other data collection and analysis that federal, state, and local authorities and nonprofits will rely on until the 2030 Census begins. In order for mountain-based organizations to apply for funds, they have to prove local need through that data. An accurate Census count is therefore the first step in bringing and retaining critical services in the mountains. Thanks for doing your part to support our community!

Fill out the Census today from your own home to protect your health, the health of your neighbors, and avoid a future Census worker knocking on your door! You can complete it online at my2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020.* 

For more information on what questions the Census asks and what it helps fund, please visit www.teensinc.org/census. Thanks for doing your part to support our community!

Katherine Harvey

Census Outreach Coordinator, TEENS, Inc.

katherine@nullteensinc.org

*Please note that you will NOT need your 12-digit Census ID, only your household address. If filling it out online, follow the link that says “If you do not have a Census ID, click here” when you are prompted for your ID.

(more…)

For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 26, 2020

COVID-19 MEDIA LINE | 303-900-2849 |media_info@nullstate.co.us 

State of Colorado Activates 2-1-1 Colorado to Connect Coloradans with Human Services Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic

CENTENNIAL (March 26): Today, in partnership with Mile High United Way, the Colorado State Emergency Operations Center activated 2-1-1 Colorado to connect Coloradans with human service resources statewide. Coloradans can reach 2-1-1 Colorado online at 211Colorado.org, by dialing 2-1-1 or texting your Zip Code to 898-211. Do not call 911 for COVID-19 questions unless it is a medical emergency.

2-1-1 Colorado is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people across the State of Colorado to vital resources in their local community. 2-1-1 serves as one central location where people can access over 7,500 health and human service resources. 

Callers may experience long wait times, as demand for information is high. 2-1-1 Colorado is hiring in order to reduce wait times and meet Coloradans’ needs. Coloradans can also reach 2-1-1 Colorado online at 211Colorado.org.

2-1-1 provides navigation services to resources such as:  

• Housing, including shelters and transitional services.
• Rent and utility assistance.
• Applying for SNAP benefits by phone.
• Childcare.
• Food/meals.
• Transportation.
• Clothing/personal/household needs.
• Mental health and substance use disorders. 
• Employment.
• Education.
• Medical clinics.
• Dental clinic.
• Other government/economic services.

2-1-1 will work in conjunction with The Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CO HELP), a toll-free hotline for the latest public health information. If Coloradans are looking for general information about COVID-19, such as the number of cases in Colorado, the list of symptoms, or how you can protect yourself, they can call CO HELP by dialing 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. 

“2-1-1 Colorado provides an invaluable service to thousands of individuals and families across Colorado. 2-1-1 is committed to meeting the growing needs of our community members impacted by the outbreak, and we are expanding our capacity to reach more people in need of support. We encourage all of our neighbors in need of immediate resources to connect with 2-1-1 Colorado to get help. We are grateful to the State of Colorado for their support and all the volunteers and donors who are supporting us to be able to answer the call,” said Christine Benero, President and CEO, Mile High United Way.

2-1-1 Resource Navigators are available to help by phone, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and have access to a language translation service to accommodate over 170 languages. Coloradans can also reach 2-1-1 toll-free by dialing 866-760-6489. 

2-1-1 and CO HELP cannot offer medical advice or assistance. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911.

Sent from my iPhone
John Swartout
Executive Director
Colorado Counties, Inc
jswartout@nullccionline.org
303-916-4105

Colorado Issues Stay at Home Order – Boulder County Rescinds their Order

Yesterday, following the Stay-At-Home Orders issued by Boulder County Public Health, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a Stay-At-Home Order for the entire state of Colorado. After much discussion and consideration, we have decided to rescind the local level Orders and formally adopt the state’s Order. This action will ensure Stay-At-Home requirements are consistent across the state, and that the requirements laid out in the Order can be clearly communicated to all residents. Learn more at https://covid19.colorado.gov/stay-home-except-essential-needs.

A nice big black bear was spotted in Wallstreet this morning!

“A message from the Gold Hill Resilient Renewable Energy Design project team-

Given the current recommendations surrounding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone the Community Coffee + Conversation meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26^th until further notice. Instead, the project team will be hosting the first of a series of community conference calls on Thursday, April 2^nd from 12-1 pm. The call-in information is included on the attached flyer, and we will be sending out a reminder a day or two before the event. In the meantime, we have sent out a survey in the mail – please provide your feedback by completing the survey and sending back to us via the addressed and stamped envelope! If you prefer, the survey is also available online at https://www.resilientgoldhill.com/welcome-survey. Stay healthy and safe!”

Best,

Kate Lucas, AICP

Project Planner | S.R.D. Consulting, LLC

p: 817.565.2885 | e: klucas@nullsrdconsult.com   

Sustainable. Renewable. Driven.

www.srdconsult.com

McGuckin Hardware <GreenVests@nullmcguckin.com

Here is a link to the City of Boulder’s amended Stay-at-Home emergency order   https://www.scribd.com/document/453076104/Amended-Boulder-stay-at-home-order

And here is a link to a video from the Boulder County Public Health Director and Commissioners about the Stay-at-Home order

Thanks,

Garry Sanfacon,  Boulder County

gsanfacon@nullbouldercounty.org

Also:   https://www.timescall.com/2020/03/25/boulder-county-shut-down-order-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0YwHqhlFr4rNiRdDfs8lmhqACFXD8l9xuZMT6FYvWA7ELTqDERuRPvjDA

“A message from the Gold Hill Resilient Renewable Energy Design project team-

 Given the current recommendations surrounding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone the Community Coffee + Conversation meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26^th until further notice. Instead, the project team will be hosting the first of a series of community conference calls on Thursday, April 2^nd from 12-1pm. The call-in information is included on the attached flyer, and we will be sending out a reminder a day or two before the event. In the meantime, we have sent out a survey in the mail – please provide your feedback by completing the survey and sending back to us via the addressed and stamped envelope! If you prefer, the survey is also available online at https://www.resilientgoldhill.com/welcome-survey. Stay healthy and safe!”

Best,

Kate Lucas, AICP,  Project Planner | S.R.D. Consulting, LLC

p: 817.565.2885 | e: klucas@nullsrdconsult.com

Sustainable. Renewable. Driven.    www.srdconsult.com

For the latest updates, go to the Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov

In Colorado, go to the Colorado Department of  Public Health https://covid19.colorado.gov

Another successful, sunny day today to distribute food to anyone who needs it.  We held it today because snow was forecast for tomorrow, but we plan to be going back to each Wednesday (weather permitting) from noon until 2 pm on the patio in back of the Gold Hill Store.  

The food comes from the Nederland Food Bank and they get a lot from Community Food Share in Boulder and buy some and get donations from assorted places. We had a bunch of bread from Amie with the Ward Food Bank today – day old from Whole Foods. Quite the organizational deal.  We aren’t sure in advance what they will have to bring to us, but so far there has been a great assortment of fresh, canned, and dried foods.

This is free to all, but several people asked, and if you would like to donate to the cause, please go to nederlandfoodpantry.org or to communityfoodshare.org

Thank you so much to Jay and Whitey at the store for helping with this. And don’t forget to buy stuff from them to keep them going, too.   We do need to ask that everyone practice social distancing in this time of Coronavirus.  We need to stay 6′ from each other.  We will wear gloves and bag up whatever you need for you.  Thank you for remembering  <3  Bring your bags.

CITY OF BOULDER ISSUES STAY AT HOME ORDER EFFECTIVE MARCH 24 AT 5 P.M.

Ok, the Food Bank will be tomorrow, Tuesday, between 12:00 noon and  2:00, because the weather forecast was for snow on Wednesday and it’s supposed to be sunny on Tuesday.  Please help spread the word to anyone without email for me.

Always remember, if you’re looking for a post, you can go to the town website  goldhilltown.com  and see them. I encourage you to poke around there – lots of interesting info.  And in the email, click on the greenish title, which will take you to the entire post.

Come on over to the back patio at the Store on Tuesday.  We’re all careful.

And here’s a letter from F.Scott Fitzgerald from 100 years ago during the Spanish Flu epidemic

Subject: Fwd:  FYI: LETTER FROM F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, QUARANTINED IN 1920 IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE DURING THE SPANISH INFLUENZA OUTBREAK.

 

Our first Food Bank last Wednesday went very well, with only a few glitches that we worked out.  We distributed quite a lot of good food – canned foods, assorted dried beans, milk, and some produce, peanut butter, bread.  This is free for all in our community – we need a few more people to come and get it!  They bring what they have, so we won’t know until it gets here.  There is still a small assortment left, which Jay has in the Store and can still be picked up – call the Gold Hill General Store to arrange a time (303) 443-7724.  And whenever you can, buy something, too, as they are providing a wonderful service for us up here.  Thanks so much to Jay and Whitney for all they’re doing!

The Food Bank was scheduled for Wednesday, around Noon behind the Store, but looking at the weather next week, I’m thinking Tuesday, which is predicted to be sunny vs. snow predicted for Wednesday.

I will send out an email with an update when I know more about exactly which day and what time.

Also, I spoke with Chris at the Nederland Food Pantry, who is doing this for us, and if anyone would like to contribute to this great organization, please go to their website   nederlandfoodpantry.org  

Hang in there, you all.  We’ll get through this together in our  wonderful community. 

From Leslie Finn       finn.leslie@nullgmail.com

Corona Virus COVID-19 Response-

Our dispatch center will be screening callers for symptoms related to the Coronavirus. Out of precaution, our firefighters may need to respond in personal protection equipment (PPE) in some situations. PPE may consist of protective clothing such as gowns or a protective jumpsuit, mask, goggles, and gloves which are designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection. 

Please do not be alarmed, we are doing this to protect our responders as well as to try to mitigate the spread of the virus to others. We may also ask that others in the residence that are with the patient, put on a face mask which our crews will supply. This is a protective measure to try to mitigate exposure. 

The School Musical Play which was scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 has been postponed indefinitely until the school reopens.

Beginning this Wednesday, March 18, and every Wednesday after that, you can pick up food items from the Mountain Food Bank at the back patio of the Gold Hill Pub around noon.  The items that they will have available are:

Rice, pasta, soups, beans, spaghetti sauce, canned tuna, canned chicken, milk, etc.  Additionally, they will have beans and rice meals and mac and cheese.

If you need/want food, please stop by the back of the pub to pick up what you need.  If you do not see milk, ask Jay inside the store.  It will be in the refrigerator.

Come on by and check it out.  The food will be here and we want people to have it

Remember NeighborLink?  It began during and after the Fourmile Fire in 2010 because we were evacuated and all needed to stay in touch with one another and share information.   It was a glorified phone tree and email list which evolved into Four Pods – The Gold Run Subdivision, Old Town, the East Street/Horsfal and down Gold Run a bit group, and out West, with sub-groups within each Pod.  We shared all kinds of information that could help us help each other in another emergency. 

 Well, there hasn’t been another emergency situation like the Fourmile Fire, but now we have the global emergency – the Coronavirus – and we four Pod Leaders: Debra Yeager (deb@nullmountainvisions.net)  in Old Town, Tony Vrba (tonyvrba@nullgmail.com ) in the Subdivision, Gretchen Diefenderfer (gretchend@nullmac.com) for East Street/Horsfal, and Dina Elder (dina.elder@nullgmail.com) out West are conferring about outreach to our community in order to make sure our neighbors, particularly those at risk or in need in any way know they can reach out and get help.  If you are not presently aware of NeighborLink, please contact the Pod leader in your neighborhood or your favorite neighbor with your questions or needs you might have as a result of this emergency.  Our community has always been about hanging together and now is the time to pull our communications network together again and make sure no one falls through the cracks.  We all need to take this pandemic seriously and do what we can to limit the spread. Many are working on how much to shelter in place and quite a number of people have offered to help with shopping, picking up prescriptions, ferrying someone to an appointment, etc. 

 Here is the latest information on the Coronavirus in Boulder County https://www.bch.org/Our-Services/Infectious-Diseases/Coronavirus-Updates.aspx

Gretchen   gretchend@nullmac.com  303-442-3847

For Gold Hill specifically:

1                     Many of us on the Neighborlilnk team are in the “older” category so the responsibility of procuring items for the town could/should be placed on people who are younger; however, there still are ways that we can all function in a helpful way to assist our community.

2                     Marcus and Elisabeth are housing a member of our town now who is scheduled for surgery next week.  They have mentioned that they are willing to shop for anyone who needs them to and they strongly encourage people to investigate their supply of pharmaceuticals and perhaps plan on a 3 month supply.  Since they are giving shelter to a neighbor they will not be in Gold Hill as much and they are attempting to stay nearby and not transmit anything to their houseguest who cannot leave until his surgery.  If you are coming through Boulder and there is someone needs things Marcus and Elisabeth may be willing to do the shopping and one of us can do the driving up to Gold Hill.

3                     Johanna and Anya have expressed interest and a commitment to shopping for people and bringing to Gold Hill the items that people are needing.  They are thinking to offer these services on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.  Any party needing this service should contact Johanna with their needs and they would do the shopping and the delivering.  THE KEY TO KEEPING US ALL SAFE IS TO MINIMIZE OUR CONNECTION TO AND POSSIBLY INTERACTING WITH THE VIRUS AND KEEP AS MANY OF US HERE AND NOT OUT OF THE AREA SO MINIMIZING TRAVEL AS WELL.  WE ALSO NEED TO THINK GREEN HERE AND MINIMIZE THE USE OF OUR FUELS.  If we can utilize the Climb for healthy people, that would help out Val as well.

4                     Whitey at the Gold Hill Pub has given us permission to use his back patio as a distribution point for food distribution. We are on the list to get food from the Food Bank of the Mountains that is available to be brought to Gold Hill for pick it up for our neighbors.  Please help yourself to this food and alert others within our community who may not have email or phone.

5                     We need to reach out to the people in our immediate areas to see if they are needing assistance.  Everyone who is interested, please start calling people in the area and asking if there is anything that they are needing.  Offer up help; make them aware of food bank goods.  Remember many of us may or are out of work so anything and everything helps during these times, no matter your age or economic status. Encourage people to think long-range about the absolute necessities.  For the elders in your neighborhood, call more frequently so they understand that this is not a one-time activity but a true concern on your part to be there and offer up help and to stay in touch.

6                     Many of us are now working from home.  If anyone on this list has an interest in participating and is under 60, you are really needed.  Please let one of us know and we’ll give you some feedback on who is needing what.  I encourage you to reach out to Johanna at 720 438 1240 if you know someone who needs something from downtown.  Be sure to find out the urgency of the need and see if the next Tuesday or Thursday will work or if they need something immediately.  If that is the case, let Marcus and/or Elisabeth know or any member of this team (Dina Elder– west of the GH townsite; Gretchen Diefenderfer– eastern edge of town and south; Tony Vrba  – subdivision; Debra Yeager – west and central old town) and we’ll find a way to support them.

7                     Some members of the community have requested items from Costco.  Many of us have cards and are available to do the shopping.  I, for one, have a card.  Let me know if there is anything needed and the deadline for that need and I will make sure that it happens.

8                     Be sure you do not compromise yourself in attending to this situation.  If you’re over 60, technically you should stay at home. 

9                     Please be sure to check in on your elderly or ill neighbors.  Do not go into the house if people are ill but contact them via phone or from outside of the house.  This is especially important.

DebYeager deb@nullmountainvisions.net