Trouble Viewing?

What's better than food, entertainment, give-away prizes, children's activities and senior resources all in one place?  Having it all completely FREE.  This is exactly what you can expect at this year's Jeffco CARES Festival, Saturday, August 6, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 South Yarrow Street.

With more than 50 vendors from throughout Jefferson County, the Jeffco CARES Festival will feel like a community resource fair combined with a neighborhood block party.  Formerly known as the Community Resource Fair and in its eighth year serving the community, the Jeffco CARES Festival is now bigger and better.  Resources will be available in areas such as education, health and safety, mental health, family-centered, disability, children, cultural, basic needs, seniors and more.

Grab some free food including ice cream, popcorn, Jimmy John's sandwiches, and hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by West Metro Fire Department, while enjoying music and entertainment like the band Synergy or a Jeffco Sheriff's K9 dog demonstration.  You can even checkout a fire truck, ambulance or a Jeffco Sheriff's Armored Personnel Carrier. 

For our seniors, there will be a wellness corner with various resources, free massages, haircuts and health screenings.  The kids won't be left out either and will have fun activities such as storytelling, face painting, balloon animals, Kookie the Clown and bike safety. 

Prizes such as a DIRECTV System, a $50 pass to any Lakewood recreation center, backpacks full of school supplies, bowling passes, movie tickets, $50 at Goodyear Tires, and Starbucks coffee will all be given away! 

So bring your neighbors, family and friends for this day of food, fun, education, connection and prizes!  Special thanks to our major sponsors: St. Anthony Hospital, Colorado Access, Jeffco Human Services, Shine, and Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches. 

Visit caresfestival.jeffco.us or contact Mallory Hyatt, 303-271-4389 for more information.

Join us Aug. 20 as we celebrate 20 years in the Standley Lake community. Fun activities are planned throughout the day to mark this occasion and to thank our patrons for their continued support. Check out the What's New blog for more details.  

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is committed to providing equal access to technology for all library patrons. Whether you are looking to brush up on your

computer skills or need to access your library account on the go, JCPL has technological resources at your fingertips. Kids in grades K-12 can benefit from Homework Help and adults can learn about online safety. Check out the online resources today!

On Wednesday, August 24 at 2 p.m. Henry Mondragon, Jefferson County's Veterans Service Officer, will be presenting "Veterans Pension Benefits with Aid and Attendance" to seniors. 

This two-hour presentation will take place at the Golden Community Center, 1470 10th Street in Golden, upstairs on the "FRONT PORCH." RSVP's are not required and anyone is invited. However, the emphasis is on seniors 55 and older.  

Topics include: 

• Veterans' Benefits
• Eligibility for Major Veterans Programs:  Health Care, Burial, and Benefits - Pension or Compensation
• Organizations Who Can Assist With Benefits
• Why Financial Planners Are Hitting Our Senior Veterans
• Pension Benefits with Aid & Attendance

The Jefferson County Veterans Service Office exists to assist residents of Jefferson County who served in the United States Military. The County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) may assist with claims for services-connected compensation, pension, burial benefits, medical treatment, "G.I Bill", vocational training or any other benefits by reason of such service. 

For more information on veterans' services or this presentation, contact Henry Mondragon at 303-271-4205.

There is No Poop Fairy

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

Dog owners are expected to pick up their dogs' poop in our neighborhoods and local parks. Many do so diligently - toting around plastic baggies on their daily walks. Others don't, leading to a buildup of errant dog poop piles. Because of the sheer number of pets in suburban communities, this hardy dog waste accumulates.

Our animal control officers have been aware of the problem for years and have struggled to enforce county ordinances against so many stealth offenders. Recently a group of citizens reached out and pleaded with our animal control officers to try a different approach.... Something that would get attention.

Animal Control hit on the crux of the problem. A lot of dog owners think that the poop "just goes away."  We saw an opportunity to educate people on the realities of this subject. Together with the citizens and our local park districts, we created a campaign. It's called, There is no poop fairy: Please clean up after your dog.

Say Hello, Take a Baggie
Throughout the summer, with a special emphasis in July, the campaign has been popping up across Jeffco. Signs, displays, and volunteers wearing blue "poop fairy" T-shirts will greet patrons of local parks, to educate them on why it's important to keep parks, trails, and sports fields free from dog poop. They'll hand out poop-pickup baggies and stickers. Virtually all of them are volunteers, and we appreciate their time and effort. 

But Seriously, Folks
There are good reasons why we want to encourage people to be responsible for their pet's waste. The fact that the piles aren't pleasing to the eye (or nose) is only one consideration. Here are a few more:

• Dog Poop Doesn't Biodegrade Like Wild Animal Poop
  Because we feed our dogs food that's very different from the food wild animals eat, dog waste does not biodegrade quickly like wild animal waste. And because there are so many pets in the neighborhoods and parks, this hardy dog waste accumulates.
• Dog Poop Contains Harmful Bacteria and Parasites
  Dog waste can contain harmful organisms like E. coli, giardia, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, and cryptosporidium.  These can be passed on to you or your pet, and may cause health problems. 
• Dog Waste Pollutes Groundwater, Water Bodies
  Bacteria in dog waste can harm water quality in creeks and rivers, and alter the ecosystems of these stream corridors. Humans who come in contact with creek water can also face health hazards. 
• County Ordinances Require Cleanup
  Jefferson County ordinances* make "failure to clean up dog feces in public places" a petty offense with a fine of at least $30. Many local park districts have similar regulations and fines. *Part 3 Regulations, Chapter 5 Animals, Section 1, D4h

We at the Sheriff's Office communicate on many different public safety topics, from drugs to domestic violence to child safety. Most of our public service announcements are no laughing matter. But with the dog waste issue, we saw an opportunity to lighten up and have some fun with the message. We hope you'll get a chuckle out of it, and share it with your friends and neighbors. The poop fairy's even on Facebook! Together, we can debunk the poop fairy myth and clean up our county.

by Pam Russell, Jeffco District Attorney's Public Information Office 

The Jefferson County District Attorney's third annual Community Safety Fair is just around the corner. Plan to join the fun on Saturday, August 27, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West Sixth Avenue, in Golden.

• Document shredding - no limit
• Small electronics recycling (small fee for large items)
• Credit Reports printed and reviewed by bank officers on-site
• Bicycle rodeo, bounce castles, face painting, and more kids' activities
• 80+ booths offering information, handouts and giveaways

The Community Safety Fair offers safety tips and tools for the entire family. District Attorney Scott Storey says, "We have information on how to stay safe in your home, during recreational activities, Internet and cell phone safety for kids, health and wellness, investment fraud prevention, car and driver safety, pet and wildlife concerns, and more."

"Budgets are tight for people these days," says Storey, "We are proud to be able to bring all these services and resources together and provide them to the community at no cost." This event provides a wide selection of safety information, far beyond the traditional crime prevention tips you might expect from a district attorney's office.

With more than 80 booths and displays, this event offers a complete range of safety services for the entire family with valuable information and giveaways. Free parking lot shuttle will be available.

FREE, fun, safety tools and tips for the entire family.For more information call Cary Johnson at 303-271-6970 or csjohnso@jeffco.us.

August Is National Child Support Month

by Kris Kinzli, Jeffco Human Services 

Throughout the month of August, Jefferson County Child Support Services is raising awareness about the importance of child support, how it works, and the resources available.  This month is also a time to salute parents who work hard to make sure their children have the brightest future possible. Activities and events in Jefferson County include:

• OPEN HOUSE, Wednesday, August 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Stop by the Laramie Building, 3500 Illinois Street in Golden, for cookies and get information on services.
• Saturday Parent Group Meeting - ongoing activity for parents with lessons on parenting, guest speakers, coaching and mentoring.  Includes interactive "play" group with parents and their kids.  

The mission of the Colorado Child Support Program is to ensure all children receive financial and medical support from each parent. This is accomplished by locating each parent, establishing paternity and support obligations, and enforcing those obligations. 

"However, it goes much further than that here in Jeffco," says Debbie Moss, Program Manager.  "Child Support Services encourages the importance of both parents' involvement in their children's lives both financially and emotionally." 

With the help of programs such as the Fatherhood Program, dads get assistance in identifying and overcoming barriers they face in maintaining a role in their children's lives, becoming and maintaining current on financial obligations to their children, and finding on-going support in the community.  With a staff of 52, Jefferson County Child Support Services collected more than $31 million in 2010 and served more than 13,000 families. 

Child Support Services is located in the Laramie Building, 3500 Illinois Street, Suite 1300 in Golden.  Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  For more information, visit www.jeffco.us/cse or call 303-271-4300.

Amazing August Public Health Updates

by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health Communications

New Study Bolsters Case for Stronger Smoke Free Laws  

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) has been working with citizen coalition groups in the communities of Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and unincorporated Jefferson County to educate residents and policymakers about the dangers of secondhand smoke and to advocate for stronger smoke free laws.

"Recent research on the health and economic factors related to secondhand smoke exposure makes an even stronger case for including all workplaces and many outdoor public places in smoke-free laws," says Dr. Mark Johnson, Executive Director of Jefferson County Public Health. "Smoke-free laws, like seat belt and alcohol use laws protect public health and safety and are the responsibility of elected officials.  It should help community leaders to know that these laws are not only good for health, but good for business, too," says Johnson.

Now a new study out of Greeley, Colorado shows that strong smoke-free laws may benefit more than just non-smokers. According to Bob Doyle of the Colorado Tobacco Education and Prevention Alliance, the study, published in the July 2011 issue of the American Journal of Medicine, found heart attack admissions in Greeley dropped 27 percent during the two and a half years following the smoke-free law which passed in 2003. Although both smokers and non-smokers saw reductions in heart attack admissions, the decline was significantly greater for smokers with a 56 percent reduction.

To get involved in tobacco prevention efforts in Jefferson County, call Donna Viverette at 303-275-7555 or visit any of the community coalitions' websites, www.healthyjeffco.com. 

For information on smoke-free laws and activity around the state, contact Bob Doyle of the Colorado Tobacco Education and Prevention Alliance at 303-577-9991 or bdoyle@ctepa.org 

Click here to read more.

JCPH Food Safety Program featured in new video

 Ever wonder what goes on during a JCPH Food Safety Program restaurant inspection? View the latest Jeffco Insights video on Jefferson County Public Health's Retail Food Inspections.

Increased Threat of Measles? Wasn't Measles Eliminated in U.S. in 2000?   

Yes, endemic measles was declared as eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, meaning the continuous transmission of measles in this country had been halted. However, the risk of contracting measles from imported cases remained and outbreaks have continued to be a threat in the U.S. Recently, there have been several outbreaks due to imported measles in a number of states and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has warned that it is only a matter of time before a case shows up in Colorado.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "The U.S. is experiencing a high number of reported measles cases in 2011, many of which were acquired during international travel...from January 1 through June 17 this year, 156 confirmed cases of measles were reported to CDC. This is the highest reported number since 1996."  

Measles can be life threatening, be sure you and your family are up to date on immunizations. This is especially important if traveling internationally. To schedule an appointment for one of the JCPH immunization clinics, call: 303-232-6301. The JCPH Immunization Program also offers Spanish-speaking clinics on certain days.  

Click here to read the entire news release.  

August also happens to be National immunization awareness month!

Please help protect all of our communities and be sure you and your family are up-to-date on vaccinations.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Unprotected Story
  Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment  
• Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition "Immunize for Good" resources.
• JCPH's back to school immunization news release   

Breast Milk for Thought

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, 2011 and JCPH reminds everyone of the health benefits of breastfeeding. Not only is breast milk rich in nutrients and antibodies protecting infants from disease, but it also is easier to digest and can help moms bond with their baby. Jefferson County Public Health Nutrition Services offers breast feeding classes as well as certified lactation counselors to assist women with a successful breast feeding experience. The department also supports breastfeeding in the workplace and offers a comfortable workplace lactation room for moms and their infants.  

For more information on how you can be part of a national movement aimed at supporting, empowering and connecting the breastfeeding community, go to the Milk for Thought website.

For information on JCPH Nutrition Services and the Breast Feeding Classes, visit our website at www.jeffco.us/health or contact Margaret Lees-Roldan at 303-239-9581.

To find out more on World Breastfeeding Week, visit www.worldbreastfeedingweek.org.

Prepare for Emergencies, Zombies or Not

As far as amazing goes, a simple blog post "Zombie Apocalypse" got more people to pay attention to emergency preparedness and messages from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention than the average posting. The blog post received 30,000 hits in one day and 1.2 million twitter followers overnight. In case you missed it, visit the Zombie Web page and then start packing your emergency kits. For more information on JCPH Emergency Preparedness efforts, contact Jody Erwin, JCPH Emergency Response Coordinator at 303-271-8391 or email Jody at jerwin@jeffco.us.

H is for Health ... We Can Help Get You There

Have you seen the recent health report, from Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America's Future 2011? Put simply, Americans are getting fatter. Even here in Colorado, the leanest state in the nation with an adult obesity rate of 19.8 percent, obesity has increased more than 80 percent during the past 15 years.  

If you struggle with your weight, you are certainly not alone. If you are someone who thinks obese or overweight is a term used only for the biggest of people, think again. Livewell Colorado is one of the many organizations working to reduce obesity in Colorado by promoting healthy eating and active living. The LiveWell website has some new interactive tools to help people get a handle on their weight. Take the obesity quiz or check out the 360 gut check and get moving.  

Most importantly, don't get discouraged by the word fat, the letter F, or for that matter high numbers. H is for Health and we can help you get there!

For more information, visit the JCPH website at www.jeffco.us/health. 

Looking for Beautiful Homes at Great Prices?

by Kris Kinzli, Jeffco Human Services 

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program, a funding source which helps stabilize neighborhoods throughout Jefferson County, has been underway and homes are available for purchase. These single family residences are located in Arvada, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge and have been completely renovated and updated for safety and efficiency. Homebuyers must meet income qualifications and will be eligible for down payment and closing cost assistance. 

Visit www.jeffco.us/commdev to view addresses and prices of available homes. 

For more information on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Jefferson County, contact Missy Gildhouse at 303-271-8374.