🪿 Beaver Moon

11/3 - Awkward Holiday Photos, Wild Wisdom, & A Full Moon

Author

The Golden Goose
November 03, 2025

Good morning, Golden! The full moon’s out this week, which explains a lot — the restless dogs, the weird dreams, and that sudden urge to organize your closet at 11pm (just me?).

Anyway, while the moon’s doing her thing, Golden’s doing ours: voting (get those ballots in!), posing for the world’s most gloriously awkward holiday photos, and prepping for a flurry of fall and winter fun.

Feathers up, coffee in hand — let’s see what’s hatching around town this week.

In today’s issue:

  • 🏕️ Seventy Years of Wild Wisdom

  • 🎄 Awkward Holiday Card Photo Shoot

  •  📌 Bulletin Board

  • 📆 Events This Week & Upcoming

🏕️ Seventy Years of Wild Wisdom

Tucked in the Evergreen foothills, Jeffco Outdoor Labs has been shaping young adventurers since 1957. What started as an old homestead turned school property is now a rite of passage for Jefferson County sixth graders—three nights under the stars, lessons in fire ecology, fishing with retirees, and the rare chance to be far from home but close to nature.

Despite tight school budgets, the program thrives thanks to the Jeffco Outdoor Labs Foundation and a loyal community of donors and alumni who swear by the experience. As the Labs prepare to celebrate their 70th year, a forest restoration project awaits FEMA’s sign-off—just another reminder that even in uncertain times, this little mountain classroom keeps teaching Colorado kids resilience, curiosity, and a love for the wild.

Source: CBS Colorado

🎄 Awkward Holiday Card Photo Shoot

I interrupt this Golden publication to inform you, dear readers, that Odell’s Brewing at Sloan’s Lake is having a “DEPARTMENT STORE PHOTO SESH” on Saturday, Nov. 8th from 1-4PM! As a lover of awkward photos (see one of my many awkward engagement photos below), I could not help but share this delightful event.

From their Instagram post:
“Start planning your matching outfits! We’re offering the perfect opportunity to get a photo taken for your holiday cards with an iconic awkward photo shoot, whether you’re:

✅ A couple who loves ironic PDA

✅ A family who has matching turtlenecks
✅ A friend group with no shame
✅ Or a solo legend ready to stare into the middle distance

Photo packages: $10 for 2 poses, $15 for 5. Prints and digitals included!”

The Rec Center dumpster’s finest moment

📌 Bulletin Board

Food for Our Neighbors with Golden Pantry & Thrift - With the Federal shutdown, no SNAP benefits will be issued, affecting 38,000 people in JeffCo—and 86% of those households have kids. Please consider donating, hosting a food drive, or shopping at the Thrift.

Enter your kiddo to light up Golden - “One lucky Golden kid will be chosen to join Santa on Friday, December 5, to flip the switch and light the lights along Clear Creek for the holiday season. To enter, your child must be a Golden resident under 12 years old. Visit The Golden Mill at 1012 Ford Street anytime between November 1 and November 30 to fill out an entry form. Only one entry per child will be accepted. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 1.”

Olde Golden Holiday Parade applications are open - The parade is set for Sat, Dec 13th, and applications to participate are now open. Apply here.

Get your Polar Express Train Ride tickets before they sell out! - “Don't miss out on this magical, theatrical experience at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. Purchase your tickets NOW before they're gone!”

Free Week of Coworking at Connects Genesee - Nov 17-21, “work in chalet-style comfort with mountain views, a crackling fireplace, and a focused, friendly atmosphere.”

2025 National Community Survey - “Golden has officially launched the 2025 National Community Survey (The NCS) in partnership with Polco! Randomly selected households are currently receiving mailed invitations to take the survey and share feedback about life in Golden. If you receive an invitation, please follow the instructions and share your input. “ (From City of Golden Weekly Digest)

Reminders:

Yard Waste Collection THIS WEEK - Branches, leaves, and grass that won’t fit int your compost cart can be placed near where your trash is collected by 8am on your regular service day. This collection happens twice a year (Spring & Fall) and is for residents who participate in the Pay-As-You-Throw waste collection program. (Page 17)

Get Your Christmas Tree Permit - Hoping to cut down your own tree this holiday season? Be sure to register for a location and day with a $20 permit.

📆 Events This Week & Upcoming

Highlighted in green = Kid Friendly

TUESDAY (11/4)

  • 🎥 Fly Fishing Film Tour at Buffalo Rose (11/4 @ ) - “The 19th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is back, hitting the road with the very best fly fishing films. This year the tour visits more than 14 countries with 300+ shows. Buy your tickets today!”

WEDNESDAY (11/5)

  • 🗓️ Golden Business Summit (11/5 @ 9am) - The Golden Chamber of Commerce is holding their 3rd Annual Golden Business Summit at Mount Vernon Canyon Club.

  • 🤣 SCRIPTprov at Miner’s Alley (11/5 @ 7:30pm) - “What happens when a scene from a ‘legit’ play gets hijacked by improvisers? HILARITY ENSUES! Come join us for all of the action!”

THURSDAY (11/6)

FRIDAY (11/7)

  • 🥃 Winter Whiskey Experience at State 38 (11/7 @ 5:30pm) - “For the first time ever, we’re inviting whiskey lovers to go hands-on with our limited-edition 2025 Winter Whiskey—an American Single Malt aged six years and finished in a port wine barrel.”

SATURDAY (11/8)

  • 🦃 27th Annual Turkey Bowl (11/8) - A Golden tradition…this unique coed softball event takes place at Tony Grampsas and Ulysses fields. Sign up your team now.

  • 💎 Golden Pantry & Thrift’s Diamond Anniversary (11/8 @ 12–4pm) - Join for appetizers and cash bar, raffles and door prizes, live music, and shopping for a cause. 

  • 🤠 Ring of Fire Ball for Miner’s Alley (11/8 @ 5:30pm) - “By attending this evening and enjoying delicious food, drinks, live entertainment, silent and live auction and paddle raise, you help MAPAC continue to grow and support our lively community.”

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • ☕️ Golden Startup Coffee (11/12 @ 9am) - “Golden Startup Coffee is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators, creatives, & community members to explore Colorado startup journeys.”

  • 📿 Mala Making Workshop at PranaTonic (11/16 @ 12-4pm) - ”In this immersive workshop, you’ll craft your own unique mala - a string of sacred beads infused with your intentions, spiritual energy, and Vedic astrology wisdom. Discover how malas are used in mantra meditation to quiet the mind, soothe the nervous system, and deepen your spiritual practice.”

  • 🏃 Parent Run Club at Unite Fitness (11/22 @ 10:30am) - Running with childcare

  • 🎨 Sip, Snack, & Paint at Sully’s Cafe (11/23 @ 10am) - “Join us for mini pumpkin painting at Scully’s Cafe.” Cost is $5 and includes a mini pumpkin and a pastry.

  • 💐 Thanksgiving Centerpiece Flower Arranging Workshop (11/25 @ 6pm) - “Join us for an evening learning flower arranging. We will be creating a fall-themed masterpiece that will make for a perfect Thanksgiving table centerpiece.”

  • 🦃 Thanksgiving Day Community Lunch at The Golden Mill (11/27) - Save the date for a Golden community Thanksgiving lunch at the Golden Mill on November 27-Thanksgiving Day. Celebrate the holiday and our wonderful community together. 100% of all event proceeds benefit BGOLDN.

  • 🏃 Parent Run Club’s Applewood Turkey Trot (11/27 @ 10am) - “Join Parent Run Club for a FREE Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot packed with fun festivities for all!”

THANKS!

Thanks for being part of this quirky little flock. If you spotted something that made you smile, I’d love it if you’d share it with a fellow Goldenite — the more geese in the gaggle, the merrier.