Honor and Reflect

Black History Month is the annual month-long celebration in February that marks the African American community's achievements and recognizes their central role in U.S. history. In 1926, the historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson chose February 7 for the first celebration of Negro History Week. He chose this month because both Abraham Lincoln and Frederic Douglass's birthdays - two Americans who shaped African American History in the U.S.- were on February 12 and 14, respectively. President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1976.

The Town of Erie celebrates Black History Month during February by sharing information to help unify the community and build cultural competence. With this in mind, the Town – along with key partners in diversity, equity, and inclusion work – will be launching a new community conversation/speaker series next month on the topic of talking about race with youth. Details about the program co-hosts and how to participate are coming very soon!

5 Star Certification for Businesses

Erie businesses in both Boulder and Weld counties that are certified compliant with the 5 Star criteria are permitted to operate one level below Boulder County's current state COVID level. The Town of Erie's Economic Development Director, Ben Pratt, petitioned Boulder County's 5 Star Administrative Committee to allow Erie to extend to the Weld County side of Erie Boulder County's State-approved 5 Star program so all Erie businesses could benefit from the program. The Administrative Committee approved Pratt's petition, as did the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

For a business to qualify, it must implement all required public health measures to help protect customers and staff from contracting COVID-19 and be inspected by the 5 Star program staff. According to the Administrative Committee's press release, "Businesses are eligible for less restrictive capacity caps and may be allowed to operate one level below the county's current state COVID dial level if the county's public health metrics meet certain requirements." This means restaurants can increase their indoor dining based on their building's capacity.

According to the Boulder County 5 Star Administrative Committee, applications for the program will likely open Friday, February 5, with inspections beginning the week of February 8. Application information will be posted on Boulder County's 5 Star Certification website starting February 2. The website will provide instructional videos, sample inspection checklists, resources, and details about the technical assistance webinar at 11 a.m. on February 5.

Budget in Brief

The Town of Erie's 2021 budget reflects the Board of Trustees' priorities and goals and provides funding for all the Town's programs and services. The annual budget also serves as a financial plan and a tool for fiscal accountability. To see where the Town's funding comes from, what it is used to support, and lots of other fiscal information, please see the 'Budget in Brief'. To see the entire budget and details on all revenues, expenditures, and other fiscal information, please visit the Budget webpage.

Laptops in Laps

The Parks and Recreation Department's Active Adult program is now offering 'Laptops in Laps'! The program provides new, free laptops, on-lend, in the laps of qualifying older adults who are residents of Erie and 60 years of age and better. The loaner laptops can be used to connect with family, friends, church, government, and physicians. Other uses may include browsing the internet, ordering groceries and medications, searching for a job, continuing education, or entertainment. Free computer classes and technical support will be available through the Erie Community Library. To learn more and to apply, please visit our website.

Heart Health Month

February 5 is National Wear Red Day! Did you know that historically, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S.? Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting your heart health. Discover how you can prevent and encourage self-care, provide support, and share the love at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts.

Teen Use of Drugs, Alcohol, Vaping

The Erie Police Department is committed to educating Erie caregivers on what they need to know about teen use of drugs, alcohol, and vaping. School Resource Officer Cara Thoen is hosting a small, socially distanced training at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, at the Police Department. Officer Thoen will provide caregivers resources and training to combat substance abuse in teens. Registration is required. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older. Please visit the webpage for more information.

Calling Young BIPOC Leaders!

Are you a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) between the ages of 16 and 24 who wants to grow your leadership and personal development skills and talents? Workforce Boulder County and Community Action Programs are looking to cultivate future leaders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. In a 6-month program, participants receive a $6,000 stipend to support goals, ongoing one-on-one coaching, and a choice of internship, certification, or High School Equivalency Diploma. Learn more at www.boco.org/YoungLeadersAcademy.

Motor Vehicle Trespass and Theft

The Community Protection Division of the Boulder County District Attorney's Office recently shared a safety bulletin reminding community members to be alert and offers safety tips to prevent losing money or personal property:

Lock vehicle doors
Never leave firearms in a vehicle overnight
Do not leave valuables in view
Never leave vehicles running and unattended
And, if you see anything suspicious, call 911 immediately