Examples of Community Leadership (and why it MATTERS)
By Reneé Leon
Let me take you on a short trip down Aurora AutoPros memory lane. We opened in 2013 and shortly after were invited to consider membership at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Being a social person, I was immediately appreciative of the various learning opportunities and networking events at the Chamber. A few years later I was thrilled to get a scholarship to participate in Leadership Aurora, a 10-month community engagement program designed to develop an awareness of the Aurora community, create a network of informed leaders, and encourage greater involvement in the community. The program begins with a mandatory two-night retreat in mid-September and culminates with a graduation program in early June.
For this year’s class retreat, the board who runs this program asked me and 2 other alumni (Jason Altshuler with My Electric Home and Jennifer Evans with Advantage Security, Inc) to speak to the 2024 class about the importance of community leadership and engagement, and how the Leadership Aurora program has made a difference in our personal and/or professional lives. The following are a few tidbits I learned from Leadership Aurora:
- Leadership doesn’t always have a capital “L”. A leader isn’t always the loudest in the room. For me, a leader is someone who takes note of what needs to happen and steps up to act, while bringing others into action with them. A smart leader is inclusive, inspiring people to step in because they know it’s safe to do so and that their voice matters.
- Being engaged in our community is where it matters most because what is happening around you directly affects you, your livelihood, and your friends and family directly! The stronger and more vibrant a community, the better quality of life we ALL get to enjoy.
- There will always be needs, big and small. Leaders are the ones who do more than just sit back and watch.
- The more involved you are, the stronger sense of belonging you feel, which leads to more pride in your community. It’s very much like the pride of Ownership vs Renting – when you “own” something, you tend to take better care of it.
- You get out what you put in.
- Small wins and changes collectively make a huge difference!
Participating on this panel helped to reignite my motivation for finding creative ways to make positive ripples in Aurora. The importance of being involved and engaged is also why our newsletter always includes local arts and community events. If YOU, Reader, have any ideas/leads for me to highlight here, please let me know (just ask Jose or Edgar to relay the message, or send an email)! In the meantime, I encourage you all to check in with your neighbors and local schools to find out if there are simple ways to get involved. We live in a great community so let’s all “own” it (that goes for all of you in the metro area, too)!
Technician Highlight:
"Hello, my name is Douglas and I’m 23 years old and have been working at Aurora AutoPros since February 2023. I like being in Aurora because it was the first city I arrived in when I moved to the United States and after 7 years, it feels like a second home (the first one being El Salvador). One of my hobbies is traveling. I love road trips to the mountains to discover new cities or go on a hike. I also like spending my time working on cars, even outside of work! I’m always finding new things to do; currently my brother and I have been building Legos together, and yes, you guessed it, Legos of cars! 😊 One of my 5 year goals is to own a home so that I have a place to come back to from one of my many trips.”
Up to $50 Off - Tiered coupon - $10 off $100, $20 off $200, $30 off $300, $40 off $400, or $50 off $500.
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October 7th - 10:00AM - 2:00PM – Electronics Recycling Event
Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10
https://www.auroragov.org/calendar
Techno Rescue, which is certified for electronics recycling and data destruction, wipes and physically destroys all data storage media to protect the identities of those who are recycling responsibly. For a complete list of items that will not be accepted, visit AuroraGov.org/Recycle and go to Recycling Opportunities, then Electronics Recycling. * Be sure to check the site as some items cost a small fee.
As a reminder, electronics tossed in the trash not only cause serious environmental problems, but also are banned from landfills in Colorado. The city of Aurora’s e-cycling events are supported by Environment Aurora, a citywide effort to think green. For more information, visit AuroraGov.org/Recycle.
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Thank you to Brennan Vergas, Laurie Herrea, and an unnamed friend of the shop for referring your friends! Brennan and Laurie can look forward to $50 credit towards their next service. Cheers to you!
“I move into the area 10 years ago. I've been looking for an honest mechanic since then and feel like I've FINALLY found one. They don't over sell you, they diagnose and fix the problem. Truly a seamless transaction. I'll be returning should the need arise.” - Eric V.
“I am new to town and heard about Aurora Auto Pros through a friend so I decided to give them a try. I can’t say enough about Aurora Auto Pros! Jose, Walter, and Edgar went above and beyond to help me with my vehicle! I will never take my car anywhere else!” - Brooke H.
Q: What did one skeleton say to another?
A: I've got a bone to pick with you!
From Beethoven to Star Wars | Octo 14 & 15 | Aurora Symphony Orchestra
https://aurorasymphony.org/event/2023-fall-masterworks-from-beethoven-to-star-wars/
Buckle up for a musical journey through time and space that is out of this world. This concert is a must-see for fans of classical music and Star Wars alike.
Repertoire Including:
Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 in C Minor
Gustav Holst - Mars from The Planets
John Williams - Star Wars Suite
Date: Sat Oct 14, 2023 @ 7:30 PM | Sun Oct 15, 2023 3:00 PM
Location: Aurora North Middle School, 12095 E Montview Blvd, Aurora, CO 80010
Ludwig van Beethoven's 5th Symphony (da-da-da-dum) opens the season with a bang (or four!). From the dramatic opening notes to the victorious fourth movement, this symphony was the first to tell the story of light overcoming darkness and a hero's triumph over adversity and is one of the many works that inspired John Williams' music for Star Wars.
Then, hear Gustav Holst's "Mars: The Bringer of War" from The Planets, perhaps the greatest single influence on the music of Star Wars. In this relentless march, you will hear the rhythms, melodies, and music that eventually became the sounds of the oppressive Empire.
Finally take a trip to a galaxy far, far away with John Williams' Star Wars Suite, a five-movement symphony composed of the series greatest melodies, including the "Main Title," "Princess Leia's Theme," "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)," "Yoda's Theme," and the "Throne Room and End Title."
Three of the world's most-loved pieces of music come together in "From Beethoven to Star Wars." Don't miss this thrilling opening to the season.