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Santa is Flying Into the Metro Airport

Come on out to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, 11755 Airport Way, on Friday, Dec. 2 to see Santa Claus. He will be flying in at 6 p.m. to meet you and hear what's on your wish list.

Click here for more information. 

Are you looking for a perfect holiday gift that delivers a lifetime of fun? We have the perfect idea for you!

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) is hosting holiday open houses throughout December to thank our communities for their patronage and good will. It's a perfect time to pick up a library card application (or two) for that special someone. Parents and legal guardians can apply for and receive a library card on site to stick in a Christmas stocking or brighten Hanukah, Kwanza or any other December holiday.  

"A JCPL library card is better than any other card in your wallet," said Pam Nissler, acting executive director, JCPL. "It gives you access to thousands of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, eBooks, audiobooks, online research tools, educational programs and more. A single library card can deliver a lifetime of learning to anyone on your holiday gift list."

Holiday open houses are a great time to become reacquainted with your local library. They include musical entertainment and a warm and relaxing atmosphere before the holiday rush. Times and locations of holiday open houses are as follows:  

• Arvada Library: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6*
• Belmar Library: 12-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
• Columbine Library: 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14
• Conifer Library: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13,
• Edgewater Library: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7
• Evergreen Library: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
• Lakewood Library: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8
• Standley Lake Library: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10* p.m.
• Wheat Ridge Library: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15  

*The Jefferson County Library Foundation will also be holding its Holiday Whale of a Gently Used Book Sale at the Arvada Library from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 in conjunction with the Olde Town Lagniappe Festival, and at the Standley Lake Library from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Golden Library will not hold a holiday open house this year due to construction; it will reopen for business on Saturday, Dec. 17. Golden patrons are welcome to visit any other library's holiday open house.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, the Jefferson County Library Foundation is participating in Colorado Gives Day, a statewide online fundraising campaign sponsored by Community First Foundation and FirstBank.

The Colorado Gives Day goal is to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. The Library Foundation's goal is to raise at least $40,000 for Jefferson County Public Library! Money raised by the Library Foundation will support popular library programs such as The Traveling Children's Library, Summer Reading Clubs and other initiatives that support literacy and education.

For additional information about this campaign, please visit www.jeffcolibraryfoundation.org or contact the Library Foundation at 303-403-5075.

Jeffco Launches New Online Mapping System

The Jefferson County Information Technology Services Division has recently launched a new online mapping system that provides access to most geographic information system (GIS) data. The new online map has improved functionality and more intuitive tools.

The mapping system can be found on the county's website www.jeffco.us. Click on the Online Services button on the right side of the homepage and then find the link for the "New" Jeffco Interactive Mapping Application (jMap).

Jeffco IT implemented the new system to replace the previous version that is running on older software that is no longer supported. It also only operated on Internet Explorer, whereas the new system is compatible with any browser. It will provide citizens access to the most current GIS map layers and many tools to help identify, measure and even create mailing lists. It has been designed to support emerging technologies and will ultimately consolidate several mapping systems that are currently supported individually into a single online mapping system.

The new map includes a series of tabs along the right-hand side that organizes the map layers into groups. It has a new addition called "current events." This feature will eventually include items and topics of interest to Jeffco citizens such as updates to emergency conditions like wildfires and information on annual events like the locations of properties included in tax-lien sales.

Repair work on the McIntyre Street Bridge, over Clear Creek, is coming to an end. Crews will be wrapping up work and are anticipated to complete the project by Dec. 31.

During the final weeks of the project, traffic is being switched from the inside lanes to the outer lanes and crews have begun repairs on the median and two inside lanes. Progress is steadily moving forward and work on the roadway should be completed by the second week of December opening all lanes in both directions. Repairs being done to the bridge structure below the roadway, which should have no impact on traffic on the bridge, will continue through December.

The McIntyre Bridge is located immediately south of McIntyre Street and the state Highway 58 interchange. The bridge was constructed in 1972 and as time went by, moisture and age had rendered the bridge as "structurally deficient." This did not mean the bridge was unsafe for traffic, but it meant that one or more elements of the structure needed repairs. 

This project, which started in August 2011, has included repairs to the concrete bridge deck, a pier and columns, as well as an abutment to extend the useful life for another 20 years. In addition, new guard and bridge railing have been added. The project has been funded by the state's Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery (FASTER) program.

 Tips For a Safe Holiday Shopping Season 

by District Attorney Scott Storey    

The holiday season has arrived and malls and retail stores are crowded with shoppers. This retail hustle and bustle provides fertile ground for identity thieves and other crooks.   

While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holiday season, do not be distracted. Weary shoppers may let their guard down by the time they get to the cashier to pay for their purchases. Savvy ID thieves need just that moment to capture your credit card information on their cell phone, grab your purse or pick your pocket and destroy your holiday cheer.

Shoppers are often rushed and distracted. It is not unusual to lay checks, credit cards, and drivers' licenses on cashiers' counters amidst a bevy of onlookers. Most cell phones today are also cameras, making it easy for a crook to take a quick picture of your credit card number.

Here's a manageable list of suggestions that can help you stay safe this holiday season: 

• Plan your trip and go with a friend. There is safety in numbers.
• Park near an entry door, under lights if it is in the evening. Note where your car is parked so that you can walk directly back to your car, without wandering, when you return.
• Don't get overloaded with lots of packages. If you are focused on your packages, you're more vulnerable to purse or wallet theft. When you have a few packages it's a good idea to bring them back to your car, put them in the trunk, and then drive to another part of the mall to continue shopping.
• Be particularly aware in the busier areas of a store or mall. Crowded aisles, food courts and restrooms create great opportunity and quick getaway plans for thieves. Don't leave your packages or purses unattended in the food court and don't set packages or purses on the floor when in a bathroom stall. Crooks can easily reach under, grab and run.
• Travel light in terms of your personal and financial information. Bring a little cash with you and keep it in a front pocket. Bring only one credit card. Avoid using checks as it is easy to become distracted while writing a check and drop your guard, leaving packages or purse vulnerable long enough for a crook to make you their next victim. Carry credit cards and ID in a neck wallet, bi-fold wallet in a front pocket, or a fanny pack worn in the front.
• Don't let your credit card out of your sight. Thieves can use a device called a "palm skimmer" to capture your credit card information without stealing your card. Check your credit card/bank account statements carefully at the end of the month and report fraudulent charges to your bank or credit card company immediately.

The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office offers free Power Against Fraud presentations for groups of all sizes. If you have questions, or need assistance, call the Jefferson County District Attorney's Fraud Line 303-271-6980.

Jefferson County Child Support Services has developed a video to reach out to teenagers and young adults across the nation, through schools, non-profits, and teen programs in an effort to challenge them to think about their future and understand the impact it will have on their lives if they become a young parent.  

Think Beyond Friday Night is a compelling video about a particular challenge youth face in today's society. Temptations and peer pressure often make it difficult for teens to make good choices. Youth need to be informed of the real life dilemmas of being a teen parent and made aware of resources that are available if they become young parents.  

The "Think Beyond Friday Night" video exposes teens and young adults to the barriers of parenthood, challenges teens to think about their future and understand barriers they will face if they become young parents, educates and informs youth of the financial responsibility of parenthood, presents resources available for someone in their position, and encourages young parents to access Child Support Services for assistance.

"At Jeffco we feel it's our responsibility to educate young families along with providing a service where young parents don't feel intimidated or feel like they are being judged by the choice they have made. It is very difficult being a teen parent, not to mention the added element of having child support services involved," says Rich Martinez, Jefferson County Child Support Services and Executive Producer of the video.   

Interviews with youth who are parents or about to become parents were a key component in the making of this video. Youth hearing first hand from young parents will make a powerful impact on teens who watch. "Being a teen parent will change your life. Think about bringing a child into this world and make the right choice," says Juan Martinez, teen father, age 17.      

Think Beyond Friday Night was produced by Jefferson County Child Support Services in Collaboration with the Colorado Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. Jefferson County Child Support Services worked with the John F. Kennedy Drama club, students of John F. Kennedy High School, The Road Called STRATE, Jefferson County Courts, and the Jefferson County Fatherhood Program to create this video. Child Support Services would also like to thank Kevin Lawrence of the West of the Serengeti video production company. His time and effort was immeasurable to the production of the resource video.

To request a hard copy of the DVD or to receive more information please contact Rich Martinez, Jefferson County Child Support Services, rdmartin@jeffco.us or 303-271-4277. 

Delightful December Public Health Updates

by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health

Wash your Hands, Stay Home if You're Sick!

It's the time of year for parties, get-togethers and celebrations. It's also flu season and a common time for the spread of disease and illness. Following basic public health practices during the holidays, such as washing hands, staying home if you're sick and adhering to proper food handling and preparation techniques, can help keep you and your family from getting sick or from spreading illness to others.

• Wash Your Hands (brochure)
• You have a Role in Food Safety (handout)
• JCPH Flu shots (website)  

Wash, wash, wash and wash again! December 4-10, 2011 is National Hand Washing Week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers an excellent feature on hand washing.

Toys may be fun to play with, but they aren't always safe

Picking the perfect toy for that special child in your life can be fun. Knowing that the toy is safe and won't cause a tragic injury is priceless. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent federal regulatory agency created to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injuries and deaths associated with some 15,000 types of consumer products, including toys. Choking on small parts, small balls and balloons remains a leading cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Here are some tips to help you with your toy selection:

• To prevent injuries, choose toys that are safe for the age of the child.
• Look for labels to help you judge which toys might not be safe, especially for infants and children under age three. The law bans small parts in toys for children under three and requires an explicit, prominent warning label on toys with small parts for children between the ages of three and six. In addition, balls with a diameter smaller than 1.75 inches are banned for children under three years old.
• For children of all ages, consider if the toys are suited to their skills and abilities.

For more information, download the JCPH toy safety flyer or click here. 

Give the Gift of a Hunger-Free Holiday

Each year, the Action Center in Jefferson County distributes food boxes to struggling families during the holidays. Give the gift of hunger-free holiday by donating items in need to the Action Center or other food bank of your choice. Donating food can ease the strain on tight budgets for many families in Jefferson County.   

The Action Center Urgent Food Needs List:  Dried Mashed Potatoes, Yams, Turkey Gravy, Corn Bread (mix), Stuffing (mix), Pie Filling, Olives, Chicken Broth, Bread, Dessert items and other holiday extras. Canned food, peanut butter, tuna, a bag of rice, pasta or beans or any non-perishable food would also be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Food Box distribution please contact Lorraine at lorrainea@theactioncenterco.org or call 303.237.7704 ext. 244.

Tobacco Policy Can Protect Everyone from the Dangers of Secondhand Smoke  

(JCPH) and citizen coalitions in Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and unincorporated Jeffco have been working to educate community members, leaders and policymakers about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the power of policy to protect everyone, including people who smoke, from this Class A carcinogen. Strong smoke-free public places laws are proven and sustainable approaches associated with reduced hospital admissions for heart attack, reduced youth initiation of tobacco and improved worker morale and productivity.  

The Lakewood City Council is scheduled to hold a study session on this topic in February 2012. If you live, work or recreate in Lakewood and support this important public health initiative, please contact Jennifer Woodard at jewoodar@jeffco.us or 303-239-7169. We also urge you to visit  www.citizensforahealthierlakewood.com to learn more about how to support this initiative.    

Look Who Supports Stronger Tobacco Prevention Laws in Jefferson County

JCPH, the Jefferson County Board of Health and tobacco prevention advocates across the state know policy can protect the health of our communities, protect citizens' rights to breathe clear air, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and reduce the social modeling of tobacco use. That's why JCPH's Tobacco Prevention Initiative is working with community leaders and policy makers to educate the community about the power of public health policy and to advocate for stronger laws to reduce the toll that tobacco takes. The following organizations are joining JCPH in advocating for strong local smoke-free laws:

• Jefferson County Parent Teacher Association
• Exempla Lutheran Medical Center
• Clear Creek Valley Medical Society
• New West Physicians
• American Lung Association of Colorado
• Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution (GASP) of Colorado
• Colorado Tobacco Education and Prevention Alliance (CTEPA)
• Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids

The list of supporters is growing with many small business owners and community organizations signing on to encourage local elected officials to join the more than 40 communities across Colorado who have strengthened their local smoke-free laws already. Coalitions and partners in unincorporated Jefferson County, Lakewood, and Wheat Ridge are advocating for laws which:  

• Make all indoor areas of workplaces and public places smoke-free without exception;
• Make certain outdoor public places smoke-free, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor recreation and sports areas, sidewalks around hospitals, and public transit waiting areas;
• Make outdoor seating and service areas of restaurants and bars smoke-free; and
• Extend the smoke-free entrances perimeter to a minimum of 25 feet.  

In addition, JCPH staff, community members and local businesses and groups are advocating for the following laws to be considered in the city of Golden to reduce youth access to tobacco products:

• Requiring retailers to have a license to sell tobacco products;
• Requiring that retail clerks who sell tobacco be 18 or older.  

If you work for an organization or own your own business and would like to get involved in supporting these efforts, please contact Donna Viverette at dviveret@jeffco.us or 303-275-7555.

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is on Dec. 1 and it is about increasing awareness, raising money, fighting prejudice, and improving education about HIV/AIDS. The day serves as an important reminder to everyone that HIV/AIDS has not gone away.  

Since the beginning of the HIV and AIDS epidemic more than half a million people have died of AIDS in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Surveillance Report). That is equivalent to the entire population of Jefferson County. There are currently more than one million people living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and approximately one-fifth of these are unaware of their infection. That means the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS is still very much present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 56,000 Americans are infected with HIV each year. So, this Dec. 1, put the red ribbon back on and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

JCPH offers screening, diagnosis and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at our Arvada and Lakewood locations. If you have ever had a sexually transmitted disease, you may be at risk for HIV infection. JCPH also offers anonymous and confidential HIV counseling and testing.

Learn more about HIV/AIDS:

• CDC   
• JCPH 

For more information, call 303-232-6301 or Public Health Nurse Julie White at 303-239-7045.

Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) will implement new service hours in 2012. These and other changes will enable the Library to bring 2012 expenses in line with revenues and balance the Library's budget.

"In planning for 2012, we've developed a schedule that will allow us to provide a meaningful level of service while meeting significant expense-reduction targets," said Pam Nissler, acting executive director, JCPL. "Beginning Jan. 2, 2012, we'll be reopening on Mondays, reducing service hours Monday through Thursday across the system and making other minor adjustments. We know these changes will be painful to patrons and staff alike, and we're trying to minimize that pain as best we can," Nissler added.

"We applaud the Library for its creative approach to delivering Library service in the face of budget constraints," said Faye Griffin, chair of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. "These are tough times for everyone, and the Library has worked hard to develop a schedule that restores service on Monday, keeps all of its libraries open and meets the needs of our communities."

Beginning in 2012, all JCPL libraries, including Arvada, Belmar, Columbine, Conifer, Edgewater, Evergreen, Golden, Lakewood, Standley Lake and Wheat Ridge, will provide service on Mondays. Outreach initiatives, including our Traveling Children's Library, Bookmobile, eTrain mobile computer training lab and Homebound Services, will operate on Mondays as well. Hours at all library locations will be changing as a result of budget reductions; however, the Online Library (jeffcolibrary.org) will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"In proposing new hours, we analyzed traffic patterns and tried to open libraries at the times they're most used, and we staggered hours in neighboring communities to provide maximum coverage in our service areas," Nissler explained. "For example, since our Conifer Library is only open in the afternoons, we tried to extend morning hours at our Evergreen library, to give our mountain patrons options for library service throughout the week. We know this schedule will take some getting used to, and we hope our patrons and communities will be patient with us as we make the adjustment," Nissler concluded.

Library service will continue unchanged through the end of 2011. The following service schedule will begin Monday, Jan. 2, 2012:

Details about the new hours are available in JCPL locations and on the Library's website at www.jeffcolibrary.org.