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A motionless newborn and an absent mother seemed strange to staff, but a little research quickly revealed the brilliance of nature. Evidently, baby elk have little or no scent so they can lie silently to gain their strength. They also have camouflaging color and markings (though maybe not for parking lots!). Mother elk do have a scent so they protect their young by staying far enough away to act as a decoy for predators. However, the mother is always on high alert to her young and never too far away. She will periodically come back to nurse, and when the calf is strong enough, will move to a new location. The two will remain isolated from their herd for about two weeks until the baby is able to escape predators.

 

It is estimated that Boo Boo was born overnight sometime between 11pm and 6am. At approximately noon, the mother elk returned to nurse her youngster and then they walked up the mountain behind the building and were gone. Thanks go out to the staff at the Evergreen Motor Vehicle and Sheriff's Substation for providing the great details and photos!

 

Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. While there are no income or residential requirements to participate, organizers trust that their goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported.

 

The events will all take place at the Healing Waters Family Center at 6475 West 29th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. The dates left are July 16 and August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Each adult will receive a bag of free fruits and vegetables.

 

The Produce and Health Fair events are coordinated by the Produce and Health Fair County Collaborative: Food Bank of the Rockies, Operation Frontline Colorado, Adams County Food Distribution, Immaculate Heart of Mary Food Bank, Denver Public Health, Jefferson County Public Health and Tri-County Health Department. To volunteer, donate produce or for more information call 303-239-7126.

 

Many cities and counties in Colorado, including several in Jefferson County, are working to protect their residents from secondhand smoke exposure by passing ordinances that restrict smoking in outdoor public places, including recreation areas, playgrounds, youth athletic fields and bus shelters.

 

The Wheat Ridge City Council reviewed possible provisions at a workshop in May that could include making all workplaces, parks, bus shelters and sidewalks around hospitals smoke-free. The City of Edgewater has already advanced an ordinance through first reading and is expected to vote in July. If passed, smoke-free entranceways will be extended to 20 feet, outdoor service areas of bars and restaurants would be smoke-free, as would parks and outdoor sporting events.
 
Similar provisions already exist in local ordinances across Colorado, with six communities having smoke-free parks, trails and/or other outdoor recreation areas, four communities having smoke-free bus/transit shelters, nine communities with outdoor dining/seating areas of bars and restaurants and six communities with smoke-free entranceways beyond the minimum 15 feet required by state law.
 
Public Health officials remind residents that strong local smoke-free ordinances limit exposure to secondhand smoke, a known carcinogen and leading cause of preventable death and disease. Even brief exposure in outdoor settings to secondhand smoke has been shown to have negative health effects. 

 

For youth and adults who are interested in quitting, there are several resources available, free of charge.

 

Jefferson County Public Health offers a FREE "Getting Ready to Quit" class for people interested in preparing to stop smoking.  Participants are encouraged to call 303-275-7555 for class times and locations and see the Public Health web page on tobacco cessation.