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Contact Your Commissioners |
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Kevin McCasky
Chairman, District Two
Faye Griffin
Chairman Pro Tem,
District One
Kathy Hartman
District Three
303.271.8525
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| Are You Prepared? |
 Contributed by Andrea Burns, Jefferson County
Sheriff's Office
Are you prepared in case of a disaster? If a disaster occurs in your community, local government and disaster-relief groups work hard to help you. But you need to be ready as well. You should know how to respond to severe conditions that can occur in our area: wildfires, flood, tornadoes, winter storms and extreme heat or cold. You should also be ready to be self-sufficient for three to five days. Read more about emergency preparedness and the 72-hour kit on the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Web site. |
| "Our Jeffco" Civics Class |
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Have you ever wondered what exactly local governments are responsible for? A new educational seminar called "Our Jeffco" has been designed to help citizens learn more about their local government and become more engaged in the process. This seminar will be similar to a civics class, providing a unique learning experience where you can interact, engage and discuss topics specific to government operations at the local level, as well as how things operate on a broader scale.
The county is planning to offer this Civics 101 course starting in early summer 2009. To gauge interest and assist in planning this inaugural class, we need your feedback. We would like to know if you would like to participate in such an event. Classes will be held at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Building. Specific dates and time have not yet been determined.
If you would like to attend the event, please send an email to Tim Carl at tcarl@jeffco.us. It would be helpful to know if you prefer classes in the evening or afternoon. In addition, take a moment and let us know what topics sound interesting to you, such as:
- How does government work?
- Where do your property taxes go?
- How does land get rezoned?
- Who determines which streets get plowed?
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| Are Your Kids Safety Kids? |
 Contributed by Andrea Burns, Jefferson County
Sheriff's Office The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit has a wealth of resources on child safety. Primary among them is the "For Safety's Sake" program, which features a character named Charlie Check-First (right). The Sheriff's Office offers this free, educational series to schools and scout groups within unincorporated Jefferson County. Customized for children from preschool to sixth grade, the program is a highly interactive, safety- and violence-prevention program taught using magic, puppetry, clowning and storytelling. For more information on child safety and the "For Safety's Sake" program, visit the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Web site or call call Joyce Nelson at 303-271-5665.
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| The Morning Refresher - 2009 Educational Series for Businesses |
 Contributed by Kris Kinzli, Jefferson County Workforce Center
Learn about the latest trends facing your workforce regardless of the size of your company. Our professional presenters will inspire and refresh you with valuable, up-to-date information while you enjoy breakfast. The second workshop in the series, Communication Skills for Leaders™: How to Communicate Effectively, Even When No One Else Does, facilitated by Anna Conrad, J.D., will be held Tuesday, April 14, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Molly Brown House in Lakewood. Come and learn how excellent communication skills are at the heart of successful leaders and businesses. Without proper communication, teams are riddled with conflict, people are misunderstood, progress is stalled, and productivity and revenue are not optimized. In Communication Skills for Leaders™, through interactive workshops, self-assessments, and skills practice, you will gain practical experience initiating and responding to various forms of communication. You will learn to handle situations based on a flexible, genuine and self-confident approach. You will also gain the skills to collaborate with others and hone your communications toolkit. Register and join us. $25 includes breakfast and inspiration. Seating is limited, so register online today. For more information, visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org or call 303-271-4601. |
| County Commissioners Expedite Construction of Animal Center |
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The 33-year-old Table Mountain Animal Center (TMAC), located on county-owned land near the intersection of Highway 58 and Interstate 70, is too small, very inadequate, and past its useful lifespan. It is also the second largest animal care organization in the Denver metro area and one of the largest in the state.
To get construction of an urgently needed replacement for the county-wide animal center underway as soon as possible, the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners will issue Certificates of Participation (COP) for up to $5.2 million, to be paid back from revenue from dog licensing. The commissioners previously set aside $3 million in cash to jumpstart the project.
The Table Mountain Animal Center Foundation will raise the remaining $1.5 million through a major capital fundraising campaign. The commissioners decided to issue the COPs for the center after recognizing the difficulty volunteers from the TMAC Foundation will have fundraising in the nation's current strained economy
The new center will be built on the county-owned Jeffco Fairgrounds land near Sixth Avenue and Indiana, with the county providing a 50-year lease to the Animal Center.
County Commissioner Kevin McCasky told members of the Table Mountain Animal Center board of directors and the TMAC Foundation board that preliminary architectural drawings for the project will be completed and the project ready for bids in about 12 weeks. "We hope to start work around June 15. That will allow the foundation time to raise money in its capital campaign." To date, TMAC Foundation has received more than $500,000 in pledges for the project.
- County Cash Contribution: $3 Million
- County COP Funding up to: $5.2 Million (Debt Service supported by Dog Licensing Revenue)
- Long-term (50 year) County Land Lease:$1/year
- TMAC Foundation Donations: $1.5 Million
The animal center is a shared facility between the county, the cities of Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Westminster and Golden. It was originally created through an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the cities to provide animal control services to residents.
The cities and county use it for animal control - a way to protect the public by keeping dangerous dogs off the street. It provides a safe haven for lost, homeless and abandoned animals brought to the center by animal control officers, residents and sometimes pet owners. Through fundraising by the not-for-profit Foundation, TMAC also provides animal care, adoption and education services. In 2008, TMAC cared for more than 10,000 animals.
On February 11, the county's Planning Commission unanimously gave site approval for the project. Existing construction at the Jeffco Fairgrounds is for a drainage project unrelated to the animal center construction. Ground breaking for the center is targeted for early to mid summer.
Jefferson County has required dogs to be licensed in unincorporated Jefferson County since 1994. In July, 2007, the cities of Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Westminster joined with the county in a joint dog licensing program.
The goals of mandatory licensing are to protect pet owners and their animals by tracking dangerous and aggressive dogs and habitual offenders of animal laws; ensure dogs have their rabies shots; return lost pets to their owners more quickly and increase the number of pets returned to their homes. A portion of the revenues from this program will be used to assist in funding operational expenses of the facility.
McCasky said the new facility will be very functional, meeting needs well into the future. Only part of the building will be used for animal control functions. The remainder will be used to continue and enhance the education and pet adoption functions of the animal center. The new facility is designed with many "green" components, exceeding baseline energy standards in terms of operational system efficiencies.
Commissioner Kathy Hartman said she will work with the Foundation to help secure its share of the funding. "We want the facility to be a partnership between our governments and our citizens, with private donations helping to enhance the education and pet adoption areas of the center."
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| March is National Nutrition Month |
 Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
March is National Nutrition Month® and a perfect time to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical-activity habits. Unhealthy diet and inactivity can contribute to many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment's (JCDHE) Nutrition Services Program assists families with healthy meal planning and reminds everyone that there are smart food choices that fit busy lifestyles even with tight budgets. The American Dietetic Association offers these tips for saving money and still maintaining a healthy diet.
- Plan ahead:
Even small amounts of advance planning pay off: Look for easy one-pot recipes. Many recipe web sites offer nutrition information and grocery lists for their meals.
- Use coupons:
Clipping coupons or printing them from web sites can save 10 to 15 percent on your grocery bill. Also consider joining your supermarket's shopper's club for price specials.
- Follow portions for protein:
Consumers can still keep costs low when shopping in the meat section. Remember that a portion of meat is the size of a deck of cards. A pound of chicken breasts could last for two meals if you follow portion control.
- Make a meatless meal:
Beans are an excellent source of protein and are also an inexpensive way to create a healthy meal.
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Think fresh, frozen or canned:
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, all types are equally nutritious and bargains can be found.
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Don't throw money away:
Keep leftovers safe by refrigerating them quickly, use before they go bad and you can stretch one meal into a few. Leftover chicken can be mixed with rice for a stir-fry or mixed with a pasta sauce over spaghetti.
JCDHE Nutrition Services dietitians can help with making informed food choices, becoming more physically active, breast feeding, managing diabetes and preventing obesity. The Nutrition Services Program is also where families can enroll in the federally funded WIC Program, (Women, Infants, Children). Once on WIC, women and children under the age of 5 can benefit from nutrition education and obtain food vouchers for essential foods, such as milk, beans, cheese and cereals.
JCDHE encourages individuals and families to turn to a registered dietitian for eating solutions, including lowering costs. "A registered dietitian is like a professional eating coach who can help you make small changes that fit into your lifestyle" says Sara Lemley, R.D.. Nutrition Services Program Manager. The second annual Registered Dietitian Day is on March 11, during National Nutrition Month®. Registered Dietitian Day was created by the American Dietetic Association to increase awareness of RDs as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services, and to recognize their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.
For more information:
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| 5k to Support Foster Care |
 Mark your calendar for the Edgerunner 5k Walk/Run. This new event is intended to promote awareness and raise interest in the need for foster care in the community. Resources and agencies will be present to answer questions. Come cheer, walk or run to show your support for kids and families involved in foster care! This race is being sponsored by the Foster Care and Adoption divisions of Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties. Visit www.edgerunner5k.com for more information. |
| National Brain Injury Awareness Month |
Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
March is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month. TBI is caused by an external physical force to the head that causes movement of the brain within the hard, rough interior of the skull. This may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, resulting in an impairment of cognitive, physical, behavioral and emotional functioning.
TBI is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent data shows that, on average, approximately 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.
JCDHE Health Care Program for Children and Youth with Special Needs
In Jefferson County, the JCDHE Health Care Program for Children and Youth with Special Needs (HCP) provides help to children with traumatic brain injury and other special health needs. The program helps children, their families and the service providers who work with them. Professionals and families work together as a team to improve the outcome for children. For more information on the HCP Program or to see if your child or a child you may know qualifies, please call 303-239-7006.
 Heads Up: Concussion in Youth SportsThe Brain Injury Association of America and its partners are focusing on creating awareness about sports and concussions during 2009 National Brain Injury Awareness Month, with the theme, Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports.
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Even what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. As many as 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions are estimated to occur in the United States each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed the "Heads Up: Concussion in Youth Sports" initiative to offer information about concussions to coaches, parents and athletes involved in youth sports.
For more information:
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| Health Updates for March |
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Contributed by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
 Diabetes Alert DayOn Diabetes Alert Day, Tuesday, March 24, 2009, the American Diabetes Association and partners across the nation will "Sound the Alert" about the dangers of diabetes. Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease. African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and people who have a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association and Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment encourage people to take the Diabetes Risk Test and find out if they, or their loved ones, are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
You can visit the JCDHE Web page, Nutrition Services for more information or to speak with a JCDHE community dietitian, call Margaret Lees Roldan, RD, MS at 303-239-9581. For what you need to know about eating with diabetes:
 Cover the Uninsured Week -- March 22-28, 2009
As millions of Americans face a weakening economy and potential job loss, more and more people may be without health insurance. JCDHE helps to provide the county's uninsured or underinsured citizens with obtaining health insurance or access to health care.
Cover the Uninsured Week aims to get people involved in comprehensive health care reform and finding a way to get all Coloradoans insured.
For more information:
 National School Breakfast Week -- March 2 - 6, 2009
National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program to all children. The theme this year as proclaimed by the School Nutrition Association is "Power Up with School Breakfast."
A nutritious and healthy school breakfast gives students the energy to overcome barriers and succeed academically each day. Participation in the School Breakfast Program grew to include 8.5 million children during the 2007-2008 school year, but the program still misses more than half of America's eligible low-income children. School breakfast programs are designed to meet federal nutrition standards and guard against obesity and diabetes.
"Eating breakfast is a healthy strategy that fits well with the 2009 National Nutrition Month® theme, 'Eat Right,'" says, Elise Lubell, JCDHE Health Promotion and Lifestyle Management Director. "Educating people about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast is an important part of promoting healthy eating patterns in our county."
For more information:
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