Southern Hills November '25 News

Important Solid Waste changes, city holiday celebrations, and more...

Reminder: Solid Waste Collection Schedule Changes

There are two important changes coming to solid waste pickup in our immediate future. One short-term and one long-term. Read the press release on DOTI’s site and read how it will impact our neighborhood below.

🦃 Week of November 24th (Next Week)

Denver’s Solid Waste Management Division is modifying collection operations Thanksgiving week to accommodate staff schedules and holidays. Solid Waste staff will work Monday through Wednesday ONLY, observing Thanksgiving on Thursday and a citywide furlough day on Friday.

Denver will not collect compost or recycling the week of November 24th, given the three-day workweek.

Monday and Tuesday trash customers (that’s us!) should set out trash carts by 6:00 AM on Monday, November 24th for collection over the course of Monday and Tuesday.

♻️ Ongoing Recycling Shift in December

Following Thanksgiving - the week of December 1st - compost collection will resume, and Solid Waste will reset its recycling collection calendar as follows:

Customers currently scheduled to set out their recycling the week of December 1st (that’s us again!) should set out their recycling the week of December 8th and then every other week thereafter.

Ongoing Earlier Start Time

Effectively immediately, DOTI is asking residents to set out their trash, recycling, compost carts, and large item pickup items, by 6:00 AM instead of 7:00 AM on their scheduled collection day. Equipment operators are starting their day earlier, aiming to be on route earlier to better serve our city’s residents. Setting out carts the night before your collection day is also acceptable.

Updated collection schedules will display on the city’s website and Trash and Recycling App the week of December 1. Additionally, people can access this schedule change information at www.denvergov.org/trashschedule

Upcoming Association Events

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt - Spring 2026 @ Slavens

Details to come.

🇺🇸 4th of July Bike Parade - July 4, 2026 @ Slavens

Details to come.

🗓️ Annual Meeting - Fall 2026

Details to come. Must be a paid Member to vote. Please consider paying your dues in advance if you live in the Membership area.

Interested in volunteering at these events or have ideas for new ones? Help is always welcome. Reply to this email or email us at [email protected]!

Updates from Slavens School

🦃 Thanksgiving Break

Students will be on break from school for Thanksgiving from November 24th through November 28th. Happy Thanksgiving!

🚸 Become a Crossing Guard!

Do you want to help keep our students safe while making a positive impact on the Slavens community? We are looking for volunteers or paid crossing guards to assist with student safety during arrival and dismissal. This is a great way to get involved, help children keep safe, and even earn a little extra money.

New: We’re inviting fathers, father figures, and all caregivers to help students and families cross safely and start the day with a smile. Students benefit from seeing men model care, calm, and safety at school. Your presence at the curb sets a powerful tone—and it’s for everyone, not just dads. (Grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, neighbors, aunts, grandmothers, and all caregivers are encouraged, too!)

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about this opportunity, please reach out to Darcie Forde at [email protected]. Your help makes a difference!

Let’s Communicate! If you have concerns, compliments, or other thoughts about Slavens, the Association can share those with the school. Reply to this email or email us at [email protected]!

Denver’s Holiday Traditions Shine On!

Civic Center Park will be closed this season for renovations, but Denver’s cherished holiday celebrations continue to bring joy across the city. The events listed below have found new homes for the 2025 season—read on to see where each will take place and what to expect this year. Read about the events below and see more details on the City’s holidays page.

The annual Light the Lights Celebration will take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM on the plaza and steps of the City and County Building. Mayor Mike Johnston will officially kick off Denver’s holiday season by flipping the switch to illuminate the building for the first time this year! This year’s light and music show—produced by Colorado Holiday Experiences (formerly Blazen Illuminations)—features all-new arrangements of classic holiday songs with an epic, cinematic twist.

🧣 Denver Christkindlmarket

Fri, Nov 21 - Tue, Dec 23, 2025

New location this year: Auraria Campus,Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St

More details are available at christkindlmarketdenver.com.

🎄 The Mile High Tree

Fri, Nov 21 - Wed, Dec 31, 2025

New location this year: Auraria Campus,Tivoli Quad 1000 Larimer St

The Mile High Tree’s breathtaking 110-foot display will be on display at the Auraria Campus, Tivoli Quad with nightly light shows and a New Year’s Eve countdown. Learn more about The Mile High Tree.

🎺 9News Parade of Lights

Saturday, Dec. 6, starting at 6:00 PM

It's another longstanding Denver tradition — for one night only! The 9News Parade of Lights holiday spectacular features more than 40 parade entries including extravagantly illuminated floats, giant helium-filled character balloons, magnificent marching bands, traditional equestrian groups, and vibrant cultural displays. And of course, special appearances by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa!

Donate or Volunteer with Jewish Family Service

Donate Funds to Support JFS

JFS food expenses have risen 20% since July. We urgently need your support now to keep our pantry shelves full and ready to respond to this crisis. When you give $50, you provide a week’s worth of groceries for a family in need. Donate and learn more at https://jewishfamilyservice.org/food-support

Donate Food & Hygiene Supplies

To donate shelf-stable food and hygiene items, see the above Top 11 List. Items can be dropped off at JFS, Monday through Friday, 8:15am – 4:15pm. Ring the doorbell for service.

Volunteer with JFS Food Programs

We particularly need volunteers at our Mobile Food & Hygiene Pantry. Shifts are Mondays through Fridays from 10:30am – 2:00pm.

Do you have an event or information that you would like to see included in this newsletter? Reply to this email or email us at [email protected]!

Check out Fall/Winter Recreation in Denver!

💸 Denver Recreation Center’s November Sale is Back!

Denver Parks and Recreation's annual membership sale will take place November 1 - 30, 2025, with all individual annual memberships discounted 35 percent.

November Membership Sale Details:

Memberships can be purchased online or in-person at any Denver Recreation Center. Promotional discount only applies to individual annual memberships. Learn more and get your membership here!

❄️ Review the Winter Activity Guide

Embrace the season with activities for everyone - from Youth Ski and Snowboard programs, youth and adult basketball leagues, holiday art classes, and more! Check out the guide.

Make Your Voice Heard!

🎓 Imagine What’s Possible for District 4

Earlier this year, neighbors completed a community survey to share what matters most across District 4. Now, in partnership with Mariposa Analytics, we’re taking the next step with small-group focus conversations where residents can dive deeper and explore why these issues matter. Let’s build District 4’s future together. Groups will be limited to 10–12 participants to keep the conversation meaningful. Register to participate.

Do you have an event or information that you would like to see included in this newsletter? Reply to this email or email us at [email protected]!

Under Construction

🦺 Hampden Multimodal Improvements

The Hampden Multimodal Improvement Project is helping implement a vision for Hampden Avenue developed with residents and businesses to improve safety and provide more comfortable and convenient crossings. The project will take place on Hampden Ave from I-25 to E. Girard Ave.

Some impacts to motorists will occur throughout the project with the majority happening during the construction of the raised median. When work begins mid-June, motorists can expect westbound lane closures on Hampden Avenue between Girard Avenue and Florence Street.

Working hours will be from 7am to 5pm weekdays. Some night work may occur.

Beginning in July, barriers will be placed on Hampden Avenue closing down a lane in each direction through August. Motorists should allow for extra time in their schedules for possible delays. Learn more.

🚧 High Line Canal Trail Underpass at Yale & Holly Project

Project Schedule

  • General working hours will be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays.

  • Crews may work on weekends and overnight as needed throughout the duration of the project.

  • The underpass project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2026.

  • Additional roadway improvements planned for Yale Avenue will be implemented after the underpass project. Schedules are subject to change based on weather and resource availability.

Project Work Zone

Highline Canal Detour Map

Travel Impacts

  • Drivers can anticipate intermittent single-lane closures on Yale Avenue throughout construction.

  • Additional localized closures and lane reconfigurations may take place on Yale Avenue over the course of the project.

  • Bicycle and pedestrian detours will be in place on the High Line Canal Trail starting in early September. Please see the detour map below and follow all signage on-site to navigate around closed areas.

  • While significant delays are not anticipated, travelers are encouraged to account for up to 10 minutes of extra travel time.

Join the SHCA!

We can’t do it without you! Find this email useful? Enjoy attending our events? Want to see us do even more? Please consider joining the SHCA and paying your annual dues if you live in the neighborhood. If you don’t, please consider a contribution anyway! All are welcome at our public events.

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