| Contact your Commissioners |
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Kathy Hartman,
Chairman, District Three
Faye Griffin,
Chairman, Pro Tem
District One
Kevin McCasky,
District Two
303-271-8525 |
| Brain
Awareness Week
March 15-21 |
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Founded by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, the week-long campaign aims to increase awareness of the benefits of brain research while also involving the public in a week-long celebration of the brain.
Jefferson County Public Health's Health Care Program for Children with Special Needs (HCP) provides care coordination from public health nurses for children with special needs, including those with TBI. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), in Colorado alone, about 162,000 children between the ages of 1-14 have special health care needs. This is approximately 17.6% of Colorado children within that age group. The HCP program is available to families throughout the state of Colorado. |
| Rocky Mountain Metro Airport: A Decade in Review
Carissa Shea, RMMA |
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As RMMA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we take a look back at the monumental changes the airport has undergone in the past decade. You can see the full report on the Airport's Web site. |
| March Madness Book Sale |
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Check out the mad prices at the Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library March Madness Used Book Sale on Friday and Saturday, March 5-6 from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in the Standley Lake Library meeting room at 8485 Kipling Street, Arvada. There will be great deals on more than 5,000 books and audiovisual items. Most items range from $0.50 to $2.50, and hardback fiction books are available for just $1.00!
For more information call 303-275-2240, email friends@jeffcolibrary.org or see www.friendsofjcpl.org. Proceeds from the sale benefit children's and teen literacy programs funded by the Jefferson County Library Foundation. |
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Watch for Your Census Form This Month |
 March 2010 is an important month for Jefferson County and our country. The 2010 Census form will be delivered or mailed to households in March, and you can make history by filling it out and returning it. Please watch for your census form and respond immediately by filling it out and mailing it back. Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person.
By law, every person living in the United States must be counted in the 2010 Census. Your participation is vital and helps to provide a new portrait of America.
Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to tribal, state, and local governments based on census data. Census data guides local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers. Census data also is used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation.
The 2010 Census form takes about 10 minutes to complete. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data. The penalty for unlawful disclosure is a fine of up to $250,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Jefferson County asks for your participation in 2010. Look for your 2010 Census form in March and return it upon receipt. Join us in improving our community by participating in the 2010 Census.
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2010 Young Adult Job Fair
Kris Kinzli, Jefferson County Workforce Center |
Jefferson County Workforce Center's Young Adult Job Fair is fast becoming a must-attend event for employers and youth job seekers. The event is designed for youth ages 14 to 21, and will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is free for both youth and employers; and parents are welcome to attend.
In keeping with the Jeffco YouthWorks motto, "Everyone Starts Somewhere," the job fair helps younger workers find their first jobs, new jobs, and even careers. Last year, more than 1,200 youth attended the fair, and even more are expected this year. Part of the Governor's Summer Job Hunt program, this is a great way for employers to meet with and hire qualified workers.
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"Training Grounds" a Great Partnership |
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Need a little caffeine to get you going? Maybe just a little snack? Jefferson County has a brand new coffee bar to help you out there with a great story and an even better purpose.
 "Training Grounds" is a collaboration among Jefferson County Human Services, Warren Tech Culinary Arts, Jefferson County Workforce Center and Jeffco Public Schools Transition Services.
Jeffco transition students with special needs are partnering with TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) employees to develop customer service skills, learn to operate a cash register, serve lattes, breakfast burritos, brownies and snacks - all with a smile.
Training Grounds is not in it for the profits. Their prices are lower than many for-profit cafes and the training for Jeffco students is invaluable. "This is a great example of how true partnerships work and a wonderful opportunity to help our citizens improve their work skills," said Lynn Johnson, executive director, Jefferson County Human Services. "This initiative helps people from all walks of life better their situations."
This is a win-win-win for everyone involved and you are invited to be part of this wonderful partnership. Training Grounds is open for business in the Laramie Building, 3500 Illinois Street on the Jefferson County Government Campus in Golden. The coffee bar is located on the first floor, behind the elevators. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please note that they are continuing to add items and expand their offerings over time.
Come and support this wonderful operation and witness the team "Brewing Bright Futures." |
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Exciting Opportunities with the Jeffco Sheriff's Office
Mark Techmeyer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office |
Citizens' Academy
Applications are being accepted for the highly anticipated 2010 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy. The academy will begin on Wednesday, March 31, and is an 11-week program designed to provide Jefferson County residents with hands-on experiences and information about how the Sheriff's Office functions.
For further information or an application, contact Deputy Mark Techmeyer, public information officer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, at 303- 271-5602 or email mtechmey@jeffco.us, or take a look at the Citizens' Academy Web page.
Crime Scene and Fingerprinting Course for Scouts
The first Crime Scene and Fingerprinting Course for Scouts will be held Saturday, April 10 at the Sheriff's Office in Golden. This exciting new program lets scouts age 12 and older explore the intriguing world of crime scene investigation. Scouts will also fulfill the fingerprinting requirement to earn their merit badges.
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Shape Jeffco's Future by Serving on a Board or Commission |
Interested in how Jefferson County forms policies and procedures at Open Space parks? Want to have input into where the county's scientific and cultural grants go? Have ideas about what 4-H, horticulture and environmental educational programs should be offered at Jeffco's CSU Extension Office?
Apply to join one of the county's boards and commissions that help to make these and other important decisions.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints more than 300 citizens to serve on 15 boards and commissions. Members study issues in depth, oversee and make recommendations regarding specific county functions, and assist in governing Jefferson County. For more information, e-mail commish@jeffco.us. |
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Trips for Kids
Thea Rock, Jefferson County Open Space |
 Trips for Kids is a non-profit organization that provides mountain bike outings and environmental education to under-served, urban youth who would not otherwise be exposed to such activities. Trips for Kids hosted 105 events and used Jefferson County Open Space Parks on 39 occasions where they made the sport of mountain biking known to 291 youth that may not have otherwise tried it.
Trips for Kids applies for Open Space special activity permits to allow this type of event. A recent edition of the organization's newsletter gave several success stories including that of one young man who concerned agency staff. This individual failed to finish every prior activity he tried. After finishing one mountain biking ride, he said "I just found a hobby I can enjoy instead of drugs." Trips for Kids has found that five of our parks (Alderfer/Three Sisters, Elk Meadow, Lair o' the Bear, Mount Falcon, Flying J Ranch and Centennial Cone) are ideal because they offer long, moderately difficult trails, bathroom and picnic facilities, and offer a beautiful mountain setting less than a hour from Denver.
For more information on the Trips for Kids program or to volunteer or contribute, see their Web site. |
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FasTracks West Corridor Update
provided by RTD FasTracks
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 With the weather cooperating, West Corridor construction is moving forward rapidly. Bridge construction is on track and crews are in the first stages of welding rail for trackway.
Current and Ongoing Activities in Area 1 (Jeffco Government Center to Denver Federal Center): Construction in Area 1 is maintaining a steady pace.
- The drainage culvert at Ulysses will be completed this month and crews plan to move into street and wall construction.
- Construction of retaining walls along 6th Avenue, west of Union, continues.
- Deck work on the Colfax Bridge is ongoing, requiring intermittent lane closures on Colfax.
- Crews will be moving back onto I-70 this week to remove the traffic control devices, replace them with guardrail and restore the area to its prior condition.
- Work on the northwest side of the Indiana Bridge will pause while construction continues on the southeast side.
- A new traffic signal is in place at the intersection of Arbutus and the 6th Avenue Frontage Road, near Red Rocks Community College.
- While not visible to the public, work on the foundations for the Overhead Catenary System (the poles that will hold the wires to power the light rail) have begun in Area 1.
Upcoming Activities
In early March, West Corridor crews plan to begin work on the tunnel under Union. This work will be done during nighttime hours to minimize traffic impacts.
- Crews expect to begin relocation of the CDOT sign over eastbound 6th Avenue in March. This activity will close the left-hand lanes of 6th Avenue in both directions.
- Work on the retaining walls at the Jefferson County Government Center could begin in March. The existing bike path, south of the Government Center, will close for this activity and pedestrians and bikers will be redirected down Johnson Road to Fossil Trace Golf Course.
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Reserved Horse Trailer Parking at Jeffco Open Space Parks
Thea Rock, Jefferson County Open Space |
 The last thing any park user wants to find is a full parking lot. Imagine how disappointing it would be if you've just spent a good part of the morning preparing a four-legged companion, loading them into a trailer, and driving up a mountain road to go horseback riding.
To maximize the parking areas, yet accommodate equestrian use, Open Space has designated "Reserved Horse Trailer Parking Until Noon" at the west trailhead of Alderfer/Three Sisters, at Lair o' the Bear, Matthews/Winters Park and both lots of Mount Falcon Park.
These signs will be installed in the spring of 2010. After the mid-day hour, parking is first come, first served for all users. |
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March in National Nutrition Month
Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health |
| Jefferson County Public Health reminds everyone of the importance of making informed food choices and developing good eating and physical activity habits. This year's National Nutrition Month theme, "Nutrition from the Ground Up," offers excellent resources for parents and children.
 The dietitians of the Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services Program have compiled information on a variety of topics that are important for everyone. "The importance of healthy eating and active living really cannot be over-emphasized," says Sara Lemley, RD nutrition services manager. "We hope people take some time to learn about food choices and nutrition."
Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services offers the following helpful tips for making grocery shopping healthy and affordable:
- Plan ahead and make a grocery list
- Shop the perimeter - fresh and whole foods are stored around the perimeter of the grocery store
- Choose whole foods - which do not contain added ingredients, such as sugar, salt, or fat, and give you more nutrition for your dollar; they include fruits and vegetables, unprocessed meat and non-homogenized milk
- Check the entire shelf for best prices
- Don't shop on an empty stomach
- Budget for your food
- Use coupons
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New Strategic Plan for Jefferson County Community Development
Emily Sander, Jeffco Community Development |
| Jefferson County Community Development is developing a five-year strategic plan as a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to qualify for the Community Development Block Grant and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
The strategic plan is a comprehensive planning document that identifies the overall housing and community development needs within the urban county. The urban county includes the cities of Edgewater, Golden and Wheat Ridge, the towns of Lakeside and Mountain View, and unincorporated Jefferson County.
The strategic plan goals are as follows:
- Provide housing for the homeless population
- Provide affordable rental housing
- Provide homeownership opportunities and assistance
- Provide services for the population
- Address public facilities
- Provide economic development opportunities
The draft strategic plan is now available for review on the Community Development Web site. Anyone wishing to comment on the Jefferson County Strategic Plan is invited to submit written comments for consideration to Emily Sander at esander@jeffco.us or to the Community Development Department, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 3530, Golden, Colorado 80401, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010. All written comments received will be considered by Jefferson County Community Development prior to its submission of the Strategic Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. |
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Kissing Frogs (Even for Princesses) is Dangerous to Your Health
Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
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 Jefferson County Public Health advises residents that while kissing a frog in the movies may have a fairytale ending, in real life it is dangerous to your health. "The recently released film 'The Princess and the Frog' might inspire some to kiss the first frog they see and we thought we'd remind everyone, that is not such a good idea," said JCPH Director, Dr. Mark Johnson, MD, MPH.
Johnson explains, amphibians, such as frogs, as well as reptiles, (e.g. turtles, snakes) are commonly infected with Salmonella bacteria. Kissing a frog could very well lead to diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps just 12 to 72 hours after the smooch.
Simple precautions go a long way toward preventing Salmonella infection from amphibians or reptiles. To see the specific precautions, habitat placement and maintenance for amphibians, and more resources on the subject, please see the full press release. | |
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