🌱It's First Friday! + Omicron In CO + Lakewood In Extreme Drought

Good morning, Lakewood! Here's what you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

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Friday's weather: Mild with plenty of sun. High: 59 Low: 35.

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Here are the top stories in Lakewood today:

1. Lakewood Now Under 'Extreme Drought' Conditions: Metro Denver continues to face record-breaking warm, dry weather. (Patch)
2. Omicron Variant Detected In Colorado Woman Who Recently Traveled To Africa: The omicron variant was first identified overseas last week, and it's already in Colorado. (CO Sun)
3. Help Get Important Neighborhood Projects In Lakewood Built: Is your neighborhood in need of a picnic facility, new playground, community garden or public art? Learn how here: (Lakewood)
4. The highest-ranked trails in Metro Denver: From urban hikes with downtown views to lakeside trails in natural spaces, here's a round-up of the best trails. (OutThere)
5. RTD Ramps Up Security At Union Station: The transit provider said it is partnering with TSA and the Guardian Angels after the union representing RTD workers complained about unsafe conditions. (9News)

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Today's Lakewood Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Verizon. They're building the fastest 5G network in the country. To learn how 5G is going to change life for you and your community — and to get access to this amazing technology — click here. And thank you Verizon for sponsoring this community resource in Lakewood!

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Today in Lakewood:

• First Friday: Winter Holiday in 40 West Arts! (6 p.m.)
• Homelessness in Denver: Class with Mark Osmun. (10 a.m.)
• Winter Solstice Shop: Small Artisan Market. (5 p.m.)
• Cine en Familia: Belmar Library. (5 p.m.)
• CORE Members Exhibit: Gina Smith-Caswell and Sam Smith. (5 p.m.)
• Cimarron Song Gallery: Holiday Show. (5 p.m.)
• Teen After Hours: Golden Library. (6 p.m.)
• EDGE Gallery Winter Solstice Show: 40 West Arts District. (6 p.m.)

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Lakewood Patch Notebook

• Christmas Tree Recycling Begins Dec. 27 in Lakewood. Find out more here: (Patch)
• Lakewood Cultural Center Orchestra and Theater: Upcoming Events. (Lakewood Patch)
• Each year the Lakewood Police Department helps families in need provide Christmas presents to children in our community. The Christmas Cheer for Children program allows our Police Agents to nominate children and families to receive gifts. (Facebook)
• Colorado Respite Coalition is pleased to sponsor CAREthartic Conversations, presented by Lori Lemasters. All programs are free and registration is required. RSVP. (Facebook)
• Lakewood Cultural Center: Registration is now open for our winter and spring programs! We're offering fun creative programs including dance classes, Missoula Children's Theatre, spring break camps and even kids cooking classes. (Facebook)
• The Horseshoe Holiday Market will be popping up in Littleton this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5 at Breckenridge Brewery in collaboration with the brewery's Toast the Taste of Christmas!(Patch)
• West Metro Fire Protection District: West Metro Is Hiring Firefighters! (West Metro)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox Saturday morning with your next update. If you're feeling these newsletters, please invite your friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe. — Brad K. Evans

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Lakewood Daily? You can contact me at lakewoodpatch@gmail.com.