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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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Helping Those That Served Our Country |
 Take time this Veterans Day, November 11, 2008, to honor those who have served in our United States Armed Forces.
The Jefferson County Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Tom Zunker, helps the county's more than 45,000 veterans obtain services and benefits year-round. He also aids the surviving spouses, administrators, executors, guardians, conservators or heirs of a veteran. The VSO may assist with the filing of claims for pensions, disability compensation, health care benefits, vocational training, education, burial benefits, or any other benefits these persons may be entitled to receive.
The VSO is an honorably discharged veteran from military service, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners by resolution, and certified by the Colorado Division of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, was started in 1938 to commemorate the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the Allied and German governments signed the armistice agreement ending World War I many years earlier. As World War II came and went, people began recognizing the efforts of all military veterans on Armistice Day. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill officially declaring November 11 to be Veterans Day.
Jefferson County is honoring its veterans with buttons to display around the county for the month of November. All employees can choose to wear them to honor a family member or friend or just veterans in general. We hope this will also increase awareness of our Veterans Service Office so our veterans and their families will take advantage of the services we offer.
Although many have died defending our nation and serving it in wartime, the focus of Veterans Day is to honor the 25 million living veterans among us . . . our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and neighbors - ordinary citizens called upon to perform extraordinary service. On Veterans Day we celebrate their patriotism, service and sacrifice.
To contact the Jefferson County VSO, call 303-271-4205 or visit Suite 160 in the Human Services Building. You can also email Tom at tzunker@jeffco.us. | |
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| Transparent Jeffco - Inform & Engage! |
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Transparency in government means better visibility, openness, and accessibility to local government financial activity, leadership, results, and communication. Jeffco officials are committed to this new feature of the Jefferson County Web site to include citizens in open, accessible government and to help shape this positive and beneficial path.
This new initiative, Transparent Jeffco, will have more information about the new Web feature and will provide you an opportunity to tell us your priorities and what you'd like to see. The first phase of the Web site was released October 15, 2008. Future phases or releases will contain more content based on feedback from you, the citizen.
County leaders and citizens need to work together in shaping the direction of Transparent Jeffco. Help us build a stronger Jefferson County by telling us matters to you - please get involved!
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| Remington Building Opens to Better Serve the Community |
 Faced with the need to quickly find office space for several vital Jefferson County programs, the Board of County Commissioners purchased a 32,000 square foot, three-story office building in November 2007. Now known as the Remington Building, it is located at 11011 West Sixth Avenue, Lakewood.
Many of the programs had been housed in rented space in an office building that was no longer available for lease, and some had been housed in temporary classroom trailers that had long since been outgrown.
Purchasing and remodeling an existing building saves the county money over time rather than continuing to pay rent elsewhere. Additionally, bringing several related services together under one roof creates greater efficiencies in time, effort and dollars. Staff had researched costs associated with new construction, but found that remodeling an existing building would be the most cost effective solution while still meeting all the needs of the building tenants. The property was purchased for $2.45 million or $75 a square foot. Some remodeling was necessary, but that amount was still well below the $225 per square foot cost of a new building.
Because of the diligent work of county staff and the remodeling contractor, costs came in significantly under budget. Many items such as doors and frame were re-used or salvaged, creating less waste, more efficiencies and a more cost-effective remodeling project.
Because of this and many other cost-saving efforts, money was left over in the budget to replace the entire roof and make some parking lot improvements not in the first phase of the project plan. Even at that, final remodeling costs are projected to be approximately $100,000 less than the budget for the project.
Tenants of this building have very specific requirements, such as secured access, and accessibility to public transportation. Located near the Denver Federal Center, and on the future Light Rail line, the Remington Building is conveniently located to serve the public. Additionally, moving staff to this new off-site location has opened up much needed space on the court side of the county building needed to accommodate new judges appointed by the state.
The Remington Building allows the county to better utilize existing space in the administration building, postponing the immediate need to build a very costly courtroom addition. This all enables the county to formulate a long-term strategy necessary to address the funding for both the courtroom and jail expansion and other capital needs.
Remington Building Tenants Include:
- Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)
- Diversion Services
- Juvenile Probation
- Juvenile Community Service
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| Kathy Hartman Named DDRC Elected Official of the Year |
 The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) has named Kathy Hartman as the Elected Official of the Year. Hartman is the current chair of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners.
In presenting the award at the annual meeting on October 22, Dr. Art Hogling, DDRC executive director, said Commissioner Hartman is a real advocate for DDRC who understands the importance of the organization and its mission.
The DDRC provides leading-edge services that create opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families to participate fully in the community. The non-profit agency covers a wide area, providing services to clients and their families in Jefferson, Summit, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties.
"Commissioner Hartman has toured DDRC facilities, attended DDRC events, and has consistently shown sincere concern for people with developmental disabilities in our county," Hogling said. "She has re-established and encouraged a welcomed tone of collaboration across human services agencies in Jefferson County and has been very supportive in preserving funding for persons with developmental disabilities in Jefferson County."
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| 'Tis the Season to Get Your Flu Shot |
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 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator The Influenza virus or "flu" continues to be a serious health risk and a public health challenge throughout the nation and in Jefferson County. Influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the U.S., mostly among the elderly. Hospitalization rates among children under one year of age are comparable to that for the elderly, therefore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that all eligible children ages six months through 18 years receive the influenza vaccine. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get an annual flu shot. The influenza virus spreads easily and is life threatening to many in our communities. Do your part to protect yourself and everyone around you from influenza and get vaccinated this year. Flu vaccine is available at various locations throughout the county and state. You can visit the Colorado and Influenza and Pneumococcal Alert Coalition's online flu clinic locator to find a location near you. JCDHE Immunization Clinics will also provide flu shots to non-Medicare clients, including children six months of age and older, at its regularly scheduled immunization clinics. Please call 303-232-6301 for an appointment. |
| Mary Russell Awarded as One of Jeffco's Outstanding Women |
 Contributed by Kris Kinzli, Marketing Coordinator, Jefferson County Workforce Center
Each year, the West Chamber recognizes outstanding women for their contributions to family, community and workplace. Mary Russell was nominated by her co-workers and will receive recognition and a check to donate to her favorite charity at the Celebrate Women of Jefferson County Annual Breakfast on November 14.
There are many tag lines you could place next to Mary's name, but "How May I Help You?" encompasses her outreach not only in her career, but in her community. She opens her door to anyone; whether it is helping her staff advance in careers or helping her neighbors in a time of need.
Mary Russell is well respected by her staff. She is always thinking in entrepreneurial ways, always asking how things can be better - and nothing is ever status quo. At the Jefferson County Workforce Center, Mary raises the bar through staff development and organizational excellence. She continually asks about the reasons behind why we do something and the process in which we do it.
Mary touches the community in extraordinary ways through the Jefferson County Workforce Center, which she directs. Preston Gibson, President and CEO of the Jefferson Economic Council, says that Mary is a wonderful leader and active in helping the business community as it relates to workforce issues. She has been instrumental in the community by providing funds that support workforce projects for many companies. Mary is professional, dedicated to her job and communicates well with leaders and businesses in the community.
"Our ultimate goal is economic," says Mary. "A vibrant workforce equals a vibrant economy." The center, serving Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties, specializes in bringing qualified job seekers and employers together.
"When I close my door at the end of the day, I know that we have helped someone in a meaningful way," says Mary, when summarizing the rewards of her work at Jefferson County Workforce Center.
To get more information about the Jefferson County Workforce Center, visit their Web site at www.jeffcoworkforce.org. For more about the West Chamber, visit their Web site at www.westchamber.org.
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| Don't Let Foodborne Illness Spoil the Holidays |
 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator
It is estimated that 76 million cases of foodborne illness occur each year in the United States; more than 300,000 persons are hospitalized, and 5,000 die from foodborne illness. Tracking individual foodborne illnesses and investigating outbreaks of foodborne disease are critical public health functions, and Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment is actively involved in these activities. Most foodborne illnesses are caused by harmful bacteria. Food can be contaminated anywhere from the farm to the table. It is important to follow simple food safety rules when handling or preparing food.
- WASH, WASH, WASH
Bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, sponges and counter tops. Wash your hands with hot soapy water before handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers or handling pets. Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next food.
- Separate - Don't cross contaminate
Cross-contamination is the scientific word for how bacteria can be spread from one food product to another. This is especially true when handling raw meat, poultry and seafood, so keep these foods and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods. Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery shopping cart and in your refrigerator. If possible, use a different cutting board for raw meat products.
- Cook to proper temperatures
Food safety experts agree that foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Use a clean thermometer, which measures the internal temperature of cooked foods, to make sure meat, poultry, casseroles and other food are cooked all the way through. Cook roasts and steaks to at least 145° F. Whole poultry should be cooked to 165° F. Cook ground beef, where bacteria can spread during processing, to at least 160° F.
- Refrigerate Promptly
Refrigerate foods quickly because cold temperatures keep harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. So, set your refrigerator no higher than 40° F and the freezer unit at 0° F. Check these temperatures occasionally with an appliance thermometer. Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared foods and leftovers within two hours or sooner. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, under cold running water or in the microwave.
Talking Turkey
Speaking of food safety, here is a simple guide to follow for cooking turkeys (with an oven temperature of 325° F) to proper temperatures:
- For an 8 to 12 lb. turkey: cook 2 3/4 to 3 hours, unstuffed; 3 to 3 1/2 hours, stuffed
- For a 12 to 14 lb. turkey: cook 3 to 3 3/4 hours, unstuffed; 3 1/2 to 4 hours, stuffed
- For a 14 to 18 lb. turkey: cook 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours, unstuffed; 4 to 4 1/4 hours, stuffed
- For an 18 to 20 lb. turkey: cook 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours, unstuffed; 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours, stuffed
- For a 20 to 24 lb. turkey: cook 4 1/2 to 5 hours, unstuffed; 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours, stuffed.
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| Photos of Jefferson County! |
 Thank you to Kristine Kinzli for her photo submission, which captures her son making the most of his hike in Elk Meadow Park.
This and other great photos submitted by our readers are showcased on the Jefferson County Web site and may be selected to be featured here in our county newsletter.
Do you have interesting or dramatic pictures of Jefferson County? Share them with our readers!
Visit the photos page on the Jefferson County Web site to view our current submissions, and for all of the details and specifications on how to submit your own photos. |
| Great American SmokeOut |
 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health Communications Coordinator
Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) encourages all tobacco users, whether you smoke or use spit tobacco, to Quit for A Day or Quit for Life during the Great American SmokeOut, November 20, 2008.
According to the American Cancer Society, people who plan their quit day in advance DOUBLE the odds of staying quit forever. If you want to take the tobacco-free plunge, whether it's for one day or for good, there are steps to take now that will help you prepare and significantly increase your chances for success.
To support people in their schools and workplaces, JCDHE is assisting campuses and employers in bringing the quit challenge to work. Several Jefferson County businesses are offering support and incentives for employees who make it through the workday without lighting up or taking a dip. Schools are hosting awareness events and offering students the incentive to quit for the day or for life, as well. For more information call (303) 275-7555. If you are thinking about quitting for a day or for life and are seeking additional support, attend the Getting Ready to Quit class on Thursday, November 13, 2008, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, located at 8300 West 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. You may also visit the tobacco prevention page on the JCDHE Web site, for 9 Days to Prepare to Quit plan, which provides information about the key steps to successfully quit for good. If you would like a free quit kit with educational materials to support the quitting process, call 303-275-7509 or email fdjcisan@jeffco.us.
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| New Public Meeting Calendar |
 The new, combined Jeffco Public Meeting Calendar was developed to make it easier for citizens to identify public meetings taking place in Jefferson County by placing relevant meetings and events on one Internet-accessible calendar. While state statute requires Jeffco to formally announce many public meetings, the purpose of posting them to the Public Meeting Calendar is to inform as many citizens as possible so they can attend those relevant to them. By attending meetings, citizens can have greater insight into county operations and will be able to actively participate in identifying county priorities and to contribute to decisions made by county officials that touch their daily lives. Attending meetings is a great way to learn more about county operations and actively participate in your local government. The Public Meeting Calendar is color-coded so you can easily find the types of meetings that interest you - whether a County Commissioner hearing, a community meeting with Planning & Zoning or a deadline for the Elections department. Just click on the link within the box to read more about a meeting. Our Public Meeting Calendar allows you to view:
- Current and past months meetings and important dates
- Planning & Zoning Comprehensive Master Plan, community meetings, and Planning Commission hearings
- Open Space Advisory Committee public meetings
- Town Hall meetings
- Community Development Board Meetings
- County holidays and building closures
Don't forget to check back often for new meetings and updates! More will be added in the coming months.
Get involved! To view this month's current public meetings and important dates select the link above or click on the "Public Meeting Calendar" graphic on the right side of the Jefferson County Web site home page.
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