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Shred Personal Documents and Prevent ID Theft

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is partnering with CrimeStoppers, 9News and the Shred-it Inc. document shredding company to help prevent identity theft by holding a Shred-a-thon on May 14 from 7 a.m. to noon.

The Shred-a-thon is a fundraiser for the Denver metro area CrimeStoppers chapter.  Voluntary donations for CrimeStoppers will be accepted at each site.  The non-profit CrimeStoppers chapter supports local law enforcement agencies by offering anonymous cash rewards to individuals who can help solve crime.  

Documents will be shredded on-site, with officers present.

You may take your personal documents to our office, or to other 9News-sponsored locations.

For more information, visit the sheriff's website.

$25 Elitch Gardens Tickets

Spend a day at Elitch Gardens at a discounted rate to benefit Jefferson County Child Support Services - Fatherhood Program. 

Stay for the seventh annual STEP FEST competition.  Tickets are good for the day of the STEP FEST only, Saturday, May 21. 

Buy tickets online and use the PROMO code: Step Fest.  Promo Code box can be found in the upper right corner on the website,
 www.elitchgardens.com. 

For more information contact Edlyn Rodriguez at 720-401-1452.

Golf Tournament to Benefit Head Start

The fourth annual Waterhole #2 Golf Tournament will be

Saturday, June 11 at the Applewood Golf Course.

Registration fees directly benefit Jefferson County Head Start.  Don't play golf?  Sponsor a hole and promote your organization.

For more information or a registration form, contact Jackie Alarid at 720-497-7906 or Jim Smith at 970-488-0763.

Senior Law Day

June 11

On June 11, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office will host its first Senior Law Day.  This educational seminar provides information specifically for older adults and their caregivers in our community.  Many informative workshops are scheduled, 45 vendors will be available to offer helpful information and breakfast and lunch are provided! 

Rick Crandall, host of the popular Breakfast Club on Studio 1430 KEZW AM radio will open the conference. Retired news anchor, Ed Sardella, will present the closing remarks.  The Joe Peterson Orchestra & the JPO Andrews Singers will provide music during lunch.

Workshop Topics include:

     - ID Theft Prevention

     - Investment Fraud

     - Power of Attorney

     - Elder Abuse & Victim

       Witness Assistance

     - Reverse Mortgages

     - Avoiding Common

       Mistakes Involving

       Probate

This event will be at the WaterStone Community Church in Littleton from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Registration is $10, which includes breakfast and lunch, and must be submitted by June 3.

Visit www.jeffco.us/da for information.

Jeffco CARES Festival Seeks Sponsors

The Power of the People

Assessor's Office to Offer Extended Hours

by Jim Everson, Jeffco Assessor 

The Assessor's Office will be open Wednesday, May 18 and 25, 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, June 1, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.  Regular hours are weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  The Assessor's Office is located in the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2500 in Golden.

County Assessor Jim Everson said, "2011 Notices of Value are being sent May 1 to all real property owners in the county.  In accordance with state law, these will show the actual value of the property as of June 30, 2010 for the property's condition and use on January 1, 2011.  This actual value is multiplied by the assessment rate, currently 7.96 percent for residential property and 29 percent for all other types of property, to get the assessed value of the property.  The assessed value is then used for calculating property taxes."  

"We are offering extended hours to be sure we are available for property owners to discuss 2011 valuations and file valuation protests on or before June 1, which is the deadline for filing property valuation protests," said Everson. 

For more information, visit the Assessor's website at http://assessor.jeffco.us, which offers extensive information about the assessment process and property valuations.  Property owners may also call 303-271-8600 or email the office at assessor@jeffco.us.

Major Upgrades to Lakewood Library

by Rebecca Winning, Jeffco Public Library

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) will complete major upgrades to the Lakewood Library this summer.  As a result, the Lakewood Library will be closed temporarily, from May 30 through Sept. 5, 2011.

Planned upgrades to the library include:

• replacement of an outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system;
• installation of an automated book sorter;
• updates to make the library more energy efficient; and
• a reconfiguration of administrative offices to enhance efficiencies and workflows.

"The Lakewood Library is one of our older libraries and our most expensive library to operate, based on expense per square foot," said Marcellus Turner, executive director, JCPL.  "This renovation will allow us to improve customer service, enhance operations, capture energy efficiencies and reduce operating costs."

"We recognize that closing the Lakewood Library for the summer will create challenges for patrons and employees alike, and we apologize in advance for any inconvenience," Turner continued.  "We're giving patrons plenty of notice so they can make alternative arrangements, and we're doing everything we can to minimize service disruptions."

While the library is closed, major programs (including storytimes, Young Readers' Fun Club and Summer Reading Club activities) will be held at the Whitlock Recreation Center at 1555 Dover Street in Lakewood.  For a full schedule of activities, please visit http://jeffcolibrary.org/locations/lk.html.

The book return at the Lakewood Library will also be closed for the summer, and Lakewood Library patrons will be asked to return their library materials to other JCPL locations.  Other JCPL libraries in central Jefferson County, including Belmar, Golden, Arvada, Edgewater and Wheat Ridge, are gearing up for increased patron traffic, and Lakewood Library employees will be reassigned to other locations to accommodate increased demand.  JCPL's Call Center and Online Library will remain open throughout the summer.  The donations door at the east side of the building will remain open throughout the project to accept book and other material donations.

The Lakewood Library will provide services as usual through Sunday, May 29 and is expected to reopen for business on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Jefferson County Historic Preservation Symposium May 14

The Jefferson County Historical Commission (JCHC) and the city of Westminster are celebrating Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month by "Turning up the Stage Lights on Historic Preservation."  JCHC and Westminster are hosting the eighth annual Jefferson County Historic Preservation Symposium, scheduled for Saturday, May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Westminster City Park Recreation Center, 10455 Sheridan Boulevard.

This year's symposium will focus on promoting historic preservation through public relations.  While the event's target audience is preservation professionals and educators, it is open to the public.  Reservations are required and lunch is available for $10.  Luncheon speakers will include representatives from Colorado Preservation, Inc.

Following lunch, the attendees have the option to tour Westminster's historic sites.  These tour sites include the Church Ranch Stage Stop Well, the Lower Church Lake Open Space, Mandalay School, Church Ranch Headquarters and the Semper and Schoenberg farms, the Bowles House, the Red and White Grocery Store, Westminster Grange Hall and the Rodeo Market.

JCHC, established in 1974, guided the county's observance of the Centennial - Bicentennial year of 1976.  Now the commission is celebrating Jefferson County's Sesquicentennial with events throughout the year.  The celebrations will end Nov. 18 with a gala at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.  That event will also be open to the public.  More information on the 150th events can be found online at http://www.jeffco.us/150.htm.

For more information and reservations for the symposium, contact Dennis Dempsey, 303-271-8734 or ddempsey@jeffco.us.

May is National Foster Care Month  

by Kristine Kinzli, Jeffco Human Services 

National Foster Care Month is a time to honor foster families who open their homes to temporarily care for children who have been victims of child abuse or neglect.  Foster parents embrace children, value family connections, and provide a safe home until a child can return home, be adopted or live independently.  May is also a time to raise awareness of the need for foster families and actively recruit potential foster families, particularly those interested in older children.  On any given day in 2010, Jefferson County had approximately 450 children in out-of-home care. 

The primary goal of Jefferson County Human Services Division of Children, Youth and Families is to protect children by strengthening families and utilizing community services and supports.  When a child cannot safely stay at home, kin or appropriate caretakers known to the children are contacted before seeking foster families to care for them.  Searching for families who will open their hearts and homes to children in need is always a priority. 

"There are many, many families who have stepped up to be foster families, but there is always a need for more," states Mary Berg, Director, Division of Children, Youth & Families.

Jefferson County also joined with Arapahoe County to form the Collaborative Foster Care Program.  By streamlining resources, improving training and recruitment opportunities, and increasing support for foster parents, together, these two counties are better equipped to place children in the best possible out-of-home experience.  Between Jefferson and Arapahoe counties, the 250 licensed foster families cannot provide all the homes needed for children of both counties.

Throughout May, the Collaborative Foster Care Program will be sending thank-you cards and planning ways to recognize foster families.  In addition, Jefferson County Commissioners will honor them with an official proclamation on Tuesday, May 24.  Governor Hickenlooper will honor and recognize six outstanding foster parents during a luncheon.  All of these efforts will highlight some of the best and most dedicated foster parents and draw attention to the hard work foster parents perform on a daily basis. 

If you are interested in making a difference in the life of a foster child, please attend a monthly informational session.  The next session will be held Wednesday, May 11 from 6-7 p.m. at the Arvada Public Library, 7525 West 57th Ave, Arvada. 

To learn more visit www.collaborativefostercare.com, call 303-636-1KID, or watch the Jefferson County Foster Care video. 

Wildfire Prevention: We're All In This Together

by Ted Mink, Jeffco Sheriff

Safe Place for Evacuated Pets

by Mollie Thompson, Foothills Animal Shelter 

The recent fires in Jefferson County, as well as the dry conditions, can only be a sign of what is yet to come as we enter the summer months.  In addition to providing pet adoption, low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines and dog training, Foothills Animal Shelter (located at 580 McIntyre Street, Golden) is also the location for displaced Jefferson County residents to bring their small pets in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Although we hope that no one will have to use this service, residents who are not able to keep their pets with them during an evacuation period may bring them to our facility.  We are proud to offer this service to the community without a fee for the duration of the evacuation period. 

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation that you need to evacuate your home, please check www.FoothillsAnimalShelter.org, or call 303-278-7575, for updates on extended hours and other important information. 

Jefferson County Aging Well Summit June 28

Join Jefferson County for the second annual Aging Well Summit on June 28, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the WaterStone Community Church, 5890 South Alkire Street in Littleton.

Anyone who serves older citizens or has an interest in Jefferson County's aging population is highly encouraged to attend this summit.  Come hear from national, state and local leaders about the state of affairs for seniors; attend several informational workshops on topics such as: basic needs, caregiving & supportive services, heath, mental health, wellness & prevention, housing, social & civic engagement and transportation & mobility; check out the Mobile Computer Training Lab; and visit more than a dozen exhibitors showcasing resources available to seniors. 

Every May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans--borne of wisdom, experience, and the will to realize their dreams.  May is Older Americans Month, a chance to express appreciation and support for seniors throughout the country as they continue to enrich and strengthen communities.  Jefferson County takes great pride in the county's "Older Americans" and have developed numerous projects around making Jefferson County a great place to grow old. 

Although May is Older Americans Month, the theme of the month goes hand in hand with June's Aging Well Summit.  The theme of this year's Older American Month celebration is - Older Americans: Connecting the Community.  This theme is meant to pay homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of communities. 

Register today for the Aging Well Summit at www.regonline.com/agingwellsummit or call 303-235-6943.  Early registration ends Monday, June 20.  It is $35 and includes breakfast, lunch and materials for the day.  After June 20 the price to attend will increase.

For more information on the Aging Well Project, visit www.co.jefferson.co.us/adultsvc or call Susan Franklin at 303-271-4051.  

Magnificent May Public Health Updates

by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health Communications

Spring Cleaning and Hanta Virus Prevention

Spring is here and for many it's time to begin those spring cleaning chores.  Jefferson County Public Health and state health officials warn Coloradans to avoid exposure to hanta virus when opening up cabins, buildings, sheds and barns.  Hanta virus is a respiratory disease carried by deer mice.  Hanta virus is transmitted by inhaling dust contaminated with the virus in a mouse-infested area.

Click here to read more.  

Breaking the cycle of teen pregnancy  . . . May is National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month

Teen birth rates in the U.S. are as much as nine times higher than in most other developed countries.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly four percent of all teenage girls give birth each year.  Preventing teen pregnancy is a public health priority in Jefferson County and across the nation because of the enormous economic, social, and health costs on teen parents and their families.

To schedule an appointment, please call one of our conveniently located clinics: Lakewood 303-239-7078, or Arvada 303-275-7500. 

Click here to read more or visit the JCPH Family Planning Services website.
 

Earth Day is Every Day

Public Health is all about preventing illness and disease in our communities. Clean air and water, safe food, and thoughtful land use are paramount to health.  If sewage is polluting our groundwater or contaminants are seeping into our drinking water, or radon is wafting into our homes, our health is compromised.  Jefferson County Public Health's Environmental Health Services Division works to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling harmful environmental factors in Jefferson County. 

To learn more about how even tobacco harms our environment, click here.

Love them, Protect them, IMMUNIZE THEM

Calling all parents and guardians! If children are not up-to-date on immunizations, they could be at risk for serious diseases like mumps, whooping cough, and measles.  Make an appointment today to get your child immunized and keep them protected from serious childhood diseases.  For more information on JCPH Immunization clinics or to make an appointment, call 303-232-6301.  You can also view videos from people affected by childhood diseases.

It's your time! National Women's Health Week is May 8-14

Women are encouraged to make their health a top priority by the 2011 National Women's Health Week theme, "It's Your Time." Jefferson County Public Health has a variety of women's health services including home visitations by nurses, family planning, prenatal care, sexually transmitted disease clinics, immunizations and more.  

Please call 303-232-6301 to schedule an appointment, or visit, http://health.jeffco.us.

Happy Mother's Day . . . Stay Healthy Moms

Health is not about a single choice; it's about a lifestyle!  Relieving stress or living a "stress-less" life is essential to your health.  Sometimes you need to make time to take care for yourself, even if that means only squeezing in 10 or 15 minutes as often as you can.  Meditation is one way to get that needed tranquil time.  Find a quiet place free from distractions to achieve a relaxed state.  The goal of meditation is to increase your well-being.  Try practicing meditation for at least 15 to 20 minutes every day.  

Click here to learn more.

Simple ways to be healthy on the go!

Grab fruits and veggies, or prepare healthy snacks instead of take-out and processed foods.  Try and make sure your foods and beverages are low in fat, calories, and sugars, read the labels. Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged, processed, store-bought, and restaurant foods.  Too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.  Give yourself enough time to prepare and pack low-sodium foods to reduce your salt intake.