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Dirty Cars Mean Tidy Profits for 4-H Fundraiser

Calling all cars, trucks, pickups, campers and minivans.  If you're looking gritty around the grill, or muddy across the muffler, the Jefferson County 4-H Livestock Council can transform you from grubby to gorgeous at its benefit car wash on Saturday, June 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Living Waters Car Wash, 5760 Ward Road, in Arvada.  Proceeds will help support the nonprofit, youth-led council, educational programs and its annual livestock sale.

Revenues generated by the car wash come from free-will donations, and beyond helping a good cause, the event will result in sparkling windows, shiny hub caps and plenty of gratitude from our volunteers.

"This is the first year our council members have all pulled together to fundraise as a team," says 4-H Agent Amanda Grout, who heads up the equine and livestock programs for the Jefferson County 4-H program.  "Our goal is to raise $4,000 to help purchase special awards that will be presented to top youth winners during the Jefferson County Fair this August."

The two highest awards will feature custom-designed silver belt buckles that will be given to youth winners in the overall Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion categories.  The coveted honors recognize the talent, hard work and sportsmanship of the young competitors.

For more than two decades, the Jefferson County 4-H Livestock Council has educated its members - children and teens ages eight to 18 - as they buy, raise, sell and show animals in both local and statewide competitions.  As members of 4-H, these participants can enter either one or a variety of animals in the contests such as rabbits, goats, sheep, poultry and/or pigs.

The Jefferson County 4-H Livestock Council is a nonprofit organization that was established under the umbrella of 4-H, a 100-year-old, national youth development organization.  The council is governed by youth leaders who learn about the husbandry, ethics and the business of raising livestock, and the group is supported by adult mentors.

For more information on 4-H or the Jefferson County 4-H Livestock Council, visit www.jeffcoextension.org, or call 303-271-6620.

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.

Click here for information.

Raise the Woof!

Please join us on

Saturday, July 23, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the second annual Raise the Woof Gala. 

There will be live music; "taste-of" style dining and beverages; silent auction, featuring pet products, jewelry, sporting tickets and more; live auction, including luxury vacations and priceless experiences.

The gala will be at the Mathews Collection, 5889 Lamar Street in Arvada, a private car collection including the largest number of McLaren racing cars in the world 

Online registration available at www.RaiseTheWoof.org.

Changes to Zoning Complaint System 

by John Wolforth, Jeffco Planning & Zoning Division Director

Recently, the county has changed how it collects contact information in its Zoning Complaint System. Previously citizens had the option to remain anonymous when submitting a complaint, but due to concerns that there could be potential misuse of the anonymous system, Jefferson County Planning and Zoning will now require contact information for zoning complaints.

The contact information will be kept confidential and not made part of the public record.  Staff will use it to track complaints and also to better communicate with complainants and find the location of the potential zoning violation.  Occasionally, when a complaint comes in, it doesn't include all the necessary information for investigation, and there is no way to contact the complainant for further details.  

The new system is expected to be implemented on June 1 and will run for about a year to allow enough time to see if the new requirement is helpful and whether there is any change in activity.  A comparison and evaluation of the time periods will then be completed to determine the effect of the new system and decide whether or not to continue requiring contact information or return to an anonymous complaint system. 

Zoning violations occur when a property owner does not follow the zoning regulations that govern a piece of property.  For a typical residential property, zoning violations are things like unlicensed vehicles, a too tall fence or trash and debris on property.  Last year there were approximately 1,800 complaints and about 1,300 resulted in violations.

For more information on the Planning and Zoning Division or to file a zoning complaint online, visit www.jeffco.us/planning.

Kids' Summer Adventures Ready, Set and Soon to Go at CSU Extension

by Jo Schantz, CSU Extension

What's the best thing about summertime in Jefferson County? Colorado State University Extension's award-winning Eagle's Nest/Owl's Roost environmental day camps.  It's a series of weekly activities that feature tracking down animal habitats, hiking along back country trails, pondering a turtle pond, studying solar energy, and learning savvy techniques for outdoor survival.

That's why we're sending out the call for fourth graders to help us fill the ranks in our popular Owl's Roost program.  If your child is entering fourth grade this fall, we invite him or her to be a part of this great outdoor adventure.  Camps run Monday through Friday, from June 6 through July 15.  Cost per child is $155 and includes daily transportation to and from drop-off sites to our local activities.  Full or partial scholarships are available, thanks to support from the Kinder Morgan Foundation and our Jefferson County 4-H Foundation.  Deadline for registration is the Monday prior to the start of each weekly camp.

New this year: Registered Owl's Roost campers who refer a new participant to our program will receive $10 off next year's registration for our fifth grade Eagle's Nest summer camp!

Register online at www.jeffcoextension.org, or email srmoore@jeffco.us.  You can also call 303-271-6620 for more information.

Jefferson County Public Library Executive Director Leaving for Seattle 

by Rebecca Winning, Jeffco Public Library

The Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) Board of Trustees announced that executive director Marcellus Turner has submitted a letter of resignation, effective July 15.  Turner is leaving JCPL to become city librarian of Seattle Public Library.

"Marcellus is a visionary leader who has helped us build one of the premiere library systems in the country," said Linda Rockwell, chair of the library board of trustees.  "While we hate to see him go, we wish him all the best in his new endeavors."

Turner joined JCPL in 2002 as director of library programs and services and was named to the executive director position in 2008.  In his new position, Turner will oversee Seattle's main library and 26 branch libraries.

"This was a very tough decision for me," Turner noted.  "Jefferson County is a wonderful community, and JCPL is one of the most innovative libraries I have ever worked with.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with such a supportive board and dedicated and professional employees, and I can't begin to express the joy that this job and library have given me."

Rockwell reported that the board of trustees will launch a nationwide search for a new executive director as quickly as possible.

Fatherhood Program Celebrates Father's Day

June 19 is Father's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating fathers and their importance in children's lives.  Jefferson County's Fatherhood Program understands the importance of a father's role not only on Father's Day, but every single day. 

Jefferson County's Fatherhood Program holds activities, events, classes and trainings all year long.  Examples include the activities every Saturday provided to interested fathers that have an open Child Support Services, Colorado Works or Child Welfare case.  In collaboration with Jefferson High School, fathers and their children are invited for an afternoon of no-cost interactive activities that they might not otherwise be able to do together.  Activities such as softball and eating enchiladas work to get fathers engaged with their children and they are then offered coaching on age appropriate child interactions.  Mothers are also invited in order to focus on co-parenting skills and to provide children with positive images of interactions between their parents.  As a result of working together, mothers and fathers are more likely to become more self-sufficient and offer a positive environment for their children, whether they are together or not.

"Every weekend between 20 and 25 parents come out.  It is especially rewarding to be able to reach out to the whole family and help parents learn to co-parent and work together toward what's best for their children," states Ray Washington, Fatherhood Program case manager.

This year on Father's Day, groups across the country will hold symposiums, conferences and events to celebrate dad.  In Denver, the Be There for Your Kids campaign will host the 4th Annual Reach for Peace Picnic which includes food, music, fun activities, prizes, a five-on-five basketball tournament and health and dental screenings for fathers, children, and families to enjoy.

For more information on the Jefferson County Fatherhood Program please contact Ray Washington at rwashing@co.jefferson.co.us, 303-271-4654 or Debbie Moss at dmoss@jeffco.us, 303-271-4416 or click here. 

Jubilant June Public Health Updates

by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health Communications

Produce & Health Fair

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) 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.  Now in its fourth year, JCPH's produce fairs encourage residents to make eating fresh produce a priority and promote a healthy lifestyle.
 

Where:  Healing Waters Family Center, 

             6475 West 29th Avenue in Wheat Ridge

Each adult will receive a bag of FREE fruits & vegetables and there are no income or residential requirements to participate.  To volunteer, donate produce, or for more information call 303-239-7126.

Prevent Animal-Borne Diseases  

Rabies, West Nile Virus, Western Equine Encephalitis, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Bubonic Plague, Tularemia, and Colorado Tick Fever are all diseases that can be carried by various animals and insects (rodents, mosquitoes or ticks) and then transmitted to humans.  JCPH recommends controling the presence of rodents and mosquitoes around homes.  When heading outdoors, particularly to areas where wild animals and insects are active, be sure to wear insect repellant, appropriate clothing and protect your pets from fleas and ticks.  Remember not to handle sick or dead animals or animal waste.  A few precautions go a long way towards preventing animal-borne diseases. 

For more information on Animal Borne Disease Prevention, check out our brochure, or visit our Zoonosis webpage.

Property Owners Take Charge

West Nile Virus (WNV) season is nearing and there are some changes in mosquito monitoring and control in Jefferson County.  Beginning in 2011, any standing water that has the potential to breed mosquitoes will be the responsibility of the property owner, meaning they must provide all mosquito monitoring and control activities on their property.  In past years, standing water on properties throughout the county was evaluated by a mosquito control contractor hired through JCPH and water was treated if mosquito larvae were found.  Due to budget constraints, JCPH will no longer provide this service.  Eliminating standing water is the most effective way to stop mosquito breeding.  If the water cannot be eliminated, the installation of an aerator to keep the water flowing is the next best step.   

Click here to read the entire news release which includes information on how to protect your home and loved ones from mosquitoes.

BBQ's and Outdoor Fun . . . Leave Food Borne Illness off the Menu this Summer 

Eating outdoors is a fun summertime activity, but it can also present its own set of dangers.  JCPH reminds residents of the importance of proper food handling and preparation to avoid food borne illness.  For some tips on proper outdoor food preparation and handling please check out the following links:

Outdoor Food Safety: 4 Quick Tips

7 Camp Cooking Tips

Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely

Healthy Living in Wheat Ridge 

More than a third of adults and 17 percent of children in the U.S. are obese.  JCPH LiveWell Wheat Ridge is a community movement focusing on changes to the physical environment and policy frameworks to ensure our most at-risk Jefferson County residents have access to safe environments and healthy food where they live, work and play.  To learn more, visit the LiveWell Wheat Ridge website. 

New Tobacco Products Out on the Market 

One of the challenges Public Health faces across the country and in Jefferson County is the marketing of tobacco products to youth by the tobacco companies.  JCPH's Tobacco Prevention Initiative is currently working in Golden and other communities to make citizens more aware of the products that are out there and the many ways tobacco companies try to lure children to their products.  Click here to read more.  

Protecting Youth from Tobacco

Preventing tobacco use among our youth is a major focus of the JCPH Tobacco Prevention Initiative because tobacco use and the addiction that follows often starts in adolescence.  Among adults in the United States who have ever smoked daily, nearly 90 percent tried their first cigarette before age 18 years, and 53 percent became daily smokers before age 18.  Tobacco use is one of Colorado's most serious public health problems.  

Find out what's happening in Jefferson County around protecting youth from the harms of tobacco, and consider joining a tobacco prevention community coalition in Lakewood, Golden, Unincorporated Jeffco or Wheat Ridge.  For more information, call 303-275-7555 or visit any of the coalition websites.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15

by Mallory Hyatt, Jeffco Human Services 

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited but it's estimated that only about one in five of these crimes are ever discovered.  World Elder Abuse Day is an opportunity for Jefferson County to acknowledge the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue and take action to raise awareness and prevent abuse.

Jefferson County Human Services' Aging and Adult Services works hard to promote stability and independence by providing financial and medical assistance to elderly and disabled adults.  Through the Aging Well in Jefferson County Project, the Summit on Aging, and the Aging Well in Jefferson County Report & Strategic Plans, Jefferson County is a community leader in elder abuse education, awareness and prevention. 

Help honor elder abuse awareness by wearing purple (the color for Adult Protection), on Tuesday, June 14, when the Board of County Commissioners will read a proclamation at its public hearing.  

Jefferson County Aging Well Summit June 28

Join Jefferson County for the second annual Aging Well Summit on June 28 from 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. 

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.  

FasTracks Update

The RTD Board of Directors decided not to ask residents of the eight-county district for a FasTracks sales tax increase in 2011.  During the past several months, RTD has evaluated and reviewed significant information, including economic indicators and input from regional stakeholders and the general public.  Before its decision, the board received a presentation of additional research from two outside economic experts and RTD staff, who then presented its recommendation to move ahead with the current FasTracks Financial Plan, which assumes a 2012 sales tax increase of .4 percent to complete FasTracks by 2020.

RTD plans to take steps in the coming months to determine if 2012 is, in fact, the right time to let voters decide on whether to make an additional investment to complete FasTracks within the next decade.  The RTD Board will have to take a separate, formal vote to make a decision on pursuing a sales tax election in 2012.  Without a tax increase, RTD estimates that completion of the final FasTracks program elements will occur by 2042.

Federal Center Station Grand Opening Event

Join RTD to celebrate the opening of the Federal Center Station, the first station to open on the West Corridor.  The commemorative event will be held on Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m. in the new Federal Center Station parking lot and will feature speakers from RTD, Lakewood, and the General Services Administration.  The closure of Cold Spring park-n-Ride and the actual start of bus operations and parking at the new Federal Center Station will be on Saturday, June 18.

Jeffco Government Center Update

Current and Ongoing Activities 

Erection of the parking garage at the Jefferson County Government Center has reached 50 percent completion and the final pieces of the garage should be in place by the end of June.

Civil construction between Ulysses Street and Indiana Street will be substantially completed by late May and this area will be turned over to Balfour Beatty Rail for the installation of the Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) poles and systems operational equipment.

OCS pole installation is moving quickly between Union Boulevard and Indiana Street.

Installation of the signals at the Red Rocks Station platform continues.

Street reconstruction is ongoing on 6th Avenue at the I-70 on-ramp.

Construction of sidewalks and bus bays near the Red Rocks Station between Deframe Court and Arbutus Drive has been completed.

Crews continue the reconstruction of Union Boulevard and the 6th Avenue on and off ramps at Simms/Union.  Construction and lane closures in this area will be phased as crews complete activities.

Construction of the retaining walls east of the Union Tunnel in the Cold Spring park-n-Ride is ongoing; once the Cold Spring park-n-Ride closes on Saturday, June 18, crews will begin excavating the tunnel under Union Boulevard.

Construction of the parking lot at the Federal Center Station will be completed in time for the Federal Center Station opening on Saturday, June 18.  Other work at the station will be ongoing through the summer.

Upcoming Activities
Preliminary construction of the Jefferson County Government Center station and bike path, and final reconstruction of several cul-de-sacs in Jefferson County will begin in early to late June.

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter.  To subscribe to the newsletter or an update on the latest information, see the FasTracks West Corridor website.