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Contact Your Commissioners |
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Kevin McCasky
Kathy Hartman, Chair
Jim Congrove
303.271.8525
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| Submit Your Photos of Jefferson County! |
 Do you have interesting or dramatic pictures of Jefferson County? Share them with our readers! The photos will be showcased on the Jefferson County Web site and may be selected to appear in the county's eNewsletter. Visit the Jefferson County Web site for all of the details and specifications on how to submit your photos. |
| Who Let the Dogs Out? Health Department Encourages Human-Animal Bond |
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by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator
On any given day at the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment, clients, visitors and staff might be seen interacting with the health department's beloved canine employees, Rocky and Jasper. Both dogs are Rough Coat collies trained in animal assisted therapy by the public health department's Substance Abuse Counseling Program manager, Teri Pichot, who is also their handler. "Animals have a way of bringing out a smile even under the most difficult and trying circumstances. Their very presence is known to decrease blood pressure, lower heart rate and speed recovery times. As a solution-focused therapist, the inclusion of animal-assisted therapy in the public health setting made perfect sense," says Pichot.
 Rocky, whose sable and white color often lends him the nickname "Lassie" is six years old, and a seasoned health department employee, having worked since the early age of one. His canine "little brother" Jasper is three-years-old and black, brown and white. The two therapy dogs job-share, each working one day per week. Both have been trained in animal-assisted therapy and have passed national behavioral and medical testing to ensure that they will be an asset to the substance abuse counseling team.
When they are not walking the halls, attending meetings or just hanging out with clients in the waiting rooms, they can be found on a comfortable dog bed in a corner of the office they share with Pichot.
Staff and clients alike smile when they see one of the dogs enter the room and it is not uncommon to see a group of individuals (comprised of staff as well as adult and child clients) sitting on the floor laughing and smiling as they pet Rocky or Jasper and talk about their favorite animal. "The impact on clients and staff has been incredible," says Pichot.
 The dogs have added a sense of community to the health department. Staff members look forward to visits and often have dog treats on hand for their friends. Both dogs work with clients and staff in an informal "meet and greet" type of interaction which works to open up dialogue and ease tension. When the dogs are working, Teri is always with them, initiating conversation with children and adults about nutrition, hygiene, car safety, parenting or other public health concerns. Even those who don't speak any English begin relating with Teri and Rocky or Jasper. The smiles, laughter and giggles show that even language becomes less of a barrier in a dog's presence.
Rocky and Jasper have also inspired their handler to write a book, Animal Assisted Brief Therapy, A Solution Focused Approach, which has brought some additional revenue to the Substance Abuse Counseling Program.
Animal-assisted therapy has improved morale for both clients and staff, and effectively demonstrates the power of the human-animal bond.
Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy
- Objective:
To positively impact people through the effective use of internationally recognized Therapy Dog interventions.
- Goals:
- Provide Animal Assisted Activities and Therapy (AAA/T) with a human partner (handler) to clients in all departments within the Lakewood Jefferson County public health clinic.
- Assist in changing the power differential between staff and clients, increase the general comfort level of clients, encourage clients to focus on a positive activity and assist clients in focusing attention on an external source.
- Assist in increasing staff morale and a sense of community.
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| American Bungalow Features Boettcher Mansion |
 In Jefferson County, we are proud of the Boettcher Mansion and are honored that American Bungalow magazine chose to feature our historic landmark in their August-November issue. On any given day, we usually have some event or activity going on, be it a wedding & reception, corporate retreat, family reunion, memorial service or custom tour (just to name a few). We also sponsor bridal shows, vendor showcases, and educational programs, such as fairs, lectures and workshops related to the Arts and Crafts movement ( www.coloarts-crafts.org).
Please come up and let us show you around. For more information, or to arrange for a tour of the site, please call 720.497.7630 or visit www.jeffco.us/boettcher.
Following is an excerpt from the article written by the mansion's Director, Cynthia Shaw McLaughlin:
"A man with foresight, Charles Boettcher (1852-1948) would be proud. Not only is his beloved mountaintop getaway - originally known as "Lorraine Lodge" - still standing, but it lives on as one of the best-known Arts and Crafts-style landmarks and adaptive re-use projects in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Built in 1917 by Denver architects Fisher & Fisher as Boettcher's summer home and seasonal hunting lodge, the 110-acre estate was inherited by his granddaughter, Charline Breeden, who raised her family there in the 1960s. Prior to her death in 1972, she arranged for ownership to pass to Jefferson County for public use and enjoyment.
Initially overwhelmed by this generous gift, the county decided in 1975 to open the former residence as a conference and nature center. It didn't take long for couples to start asking if they could be married on the premises. As luck would have it, this unforeseen usage as a wedding and reception site not only provided the facility with the means to support itself, but essentially enabled it to "reinvent" itself as a special events venue.
The 1980s were a time of great change for the Lookout Mountain property. Renamed the Boettcher Mansion in 1984, the buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Two years later, preservation architects were hired to design a two-story lobby addition for a burgeoning number of visitors and clients. In 1989, the facility was designated its own self-sustaining entity within Jefferson County.
By 1997, with a brand-new Nature Center constructed across the parking lot, the mansion took another step forward when it founded the Colorado Arts and Crafts Society on site. The creation of this non-profit, volunteer-run educational organization went a long way toward enhancing the mansion's cultural identity, especially with the establishment of a research library filled with books and other publications devoted to the Arts and Crafts movement and philosophy. With a new mission statement reflecting its evolution into more than "just a rental facility," the mansion was eligible for outside grant funding. New projects and programs were soon underwritten by various historical and cultural groups.
In late 2005, with the need becoming evident for ongoing maintenance, renovation and restoration, the County Commissioners approved a $3.1 million capital improvement plan funded by Colorado's Conservation Trust Fund. After the dirt, dust and disruption finally dissipated, the mansion reopened its doors to the public, with a formal Grand Reopening held in October 2007.
Built to withstand the test of time, the stone, timber and stucco "retreat" that epitomized Charles Boettcher's own fortitude 90 years ago has become a tribute to Jefferson County's sagacity to serve as its appointed guardian. Though the refurbishments are an accomplishment beyond the staff's wildest dreams, they are probably nothing less than what Charles himself would have expected."
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| Fiesta for Families Event |
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The 8th Annual "Fiesta for Families" is a time for donors, volunteers, clients, staff and community members to enjoy the company of friends and family in a fun atmosphere with music, food and live and silent auctions. The event benefits the Family Tree organization and will take place on Thursday, October 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Jefferson County Community Development provides grant funding to Family Tree.
Since 1976, Family Tree has provided a broad range of services and shelter to families and youth of metro Denver to overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. Each year, Family Tree provides services to more than 31,000 people, including more than 25,000 nights of shelter to families and individuals who might otherwise be homeless.
The Community Development Division will be hosting a table at the "Fiesta for Families" event and has six reserved seats still available. Suggested donation is $75; set aside a seat for yourself or donate on behalf of someone else. Please contact Emily Sander at 303.271.8371 or esander@jeffco.us for additional information or to reserve a seat and/or make a donation to Family Tree.
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| Join Us at the 2008 Summerset Festival |
 For the third straight year, the Sheriff's Office will host an exciting community event: The Sheriff's Safety Fair at the Summerset Festival. The Sheriff's Safety Fair will be held in a large field in Clement Park, adjacent to the Summerset Festival activities. The purpose of our event is to provide safety information and education to residents of Jefferson County and beyond. This safety information will include everything from crime prevention tips and kids' stranger danger awareness to identity theft and Internet predator information. It will also be an opportunity for the Sheriff's Office and other agencies to showcase special units and community programs. Sheriff's Office displays, info booths and other highlights:
- SWAT Team
- Bomb Squad
- Animal Control
- Crime Prevention
- "Dunk a Deputy" dunk tank fund-raiser for charity
- K-9 teams and demonstrations
- "Kookie the clown" and Charlie Check-First info
- Victim advocates and Deputy Hugs
- Emergency preparedness info
- Information on careers and youth programs
Our partners in this exciting event:
- The First Judicial District Attorney's Office:
- CHEESO Internet predator investigators and senior safety investigators
- Division of Wildlife: wildlife safety
- Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
- "Safe Choices" crashed car display and other DUI and safe driving information
- Iron Mountain Shredders:
- free document shredding to help prevent identity theft
- Alive at 25: Decisions for Life (safe driver info for teens)
- Safe2Tell: School safety program
- Littleton Fire Department safety info and smoke trailer
- Kids' Pages Magazine
- The Alpine Rescue Team
The Summerset Festival, now in its 24th year, is held at Clement Park in southeast Jefferson County and draws an estimated 40,000 people each year over a two-day weekend. Dozens of food vendors, arts and crafts booths, educational booths and children's activities populate the festival, along with events like a car show, pancake breakfast and live music.
We invite you to visit us at the Sheriff's Safety Fair, September 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and September 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Clement Park is located at the intersection of Pierce and Bowles.
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| Lookout Mountain Nature Center Honored |
 Lookout Mountain Nature Center was recently voted as one of Denver's Best Museums for 'Big Kids' by ParentsConnect.com. It read:
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is a 110-acre park that was originally the summer home of Charles Boettcher, a prominent Denver entrepreneur. Donated by his granddaughter in 1968, it offers interactive exhibits, trails, and various activities designed to help you learn about your favorite aspect of Mother Nature.
While visiting you can look for that elusive Abert squirrel on 1.5 miles of gently rolling trails, enjoy a picnic lunch under the towering Ponderosa pines, and enjoy scenic views of Pike's Peak and lots more. You'll also find trail links to Buffalo Bill's Museum and Grave, Beaver Brook Trail, and Apex and Windy Saddle Parks.
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| Blogging About the Academy |
 Ever wonder what it's really like to be a recruit? The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office invited two recruits to blog about life in the law enforcement academy.
Follow Susan and Anthony as they make their way through the 20-week program, on their way to becoming state-certified peace officers and Jefferson County deputies.
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| The Art of Healthy Aging |
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Learn how to age with grace at a benefit for Seniors' Resource Center entitled, "The Art of Healthy Aging." The featured speaker is legendary radio and television icon Art Linkletter.
Saturday, September 27 at the Belmar Event Center in Lakewood; dinner, cocktails and silent auction.
Dinner program at 6:00 p.m.; $130.00
Pre-event reception with Mr. Linkletter and dinner program at 5:30 p.m.; $180.00
For more information, call 303-235-6927
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| Upcoming Public Meetings |
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Mark Your Calendars!
Open Space Advisory Committee Public Meeting
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden in the Hearing Room
Thursday, September 4; 7:00 p.m.
Community meeting with Planning Staff to discuss a possible special use for an outdoor pavilion /worship area at 29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive
First Baptist Church of Evergreen, 29823 Troutdale Scenic Drive
Tuesday, September 2; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Community meeting with Planning Staff to discuss a possible rezoning of 13435 West 32nd Avenue to allow for an existing house to remain
Applewood Community Church, 12930 West 32nd Avenue
Tuesday, September 9; 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall with Commissioner Kathy Hartman
Peak Recreation Center, 6612 South Ward Street, Littleton
Saturday, September 20; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Town Hall with Commissioner Kathy Hartman
Aspen Perk, 25797 Conifer Road, Conifer
Saturday, September 27; 11:00 - 1:00 a.m.
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