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Library News

Get 10 to Give $10!

The Jefferson County Library Foundation is gearing up for its year-end fundraising campaign and we need your support. This year we are challenging everyone to get 10 people to give $10 to the Foundation. Help by donating online, by mail, or at your library and share with your friends! Make your donation on Dec. 4, Colorado Gives Day, to make your gift go farther!

 Spread the word and help raise $100,000 to keep kids reading and dreaming.

eBooks ePlenty

Thinking about getting a new eReader or tablet for this holiday season? Remember that the library has thousands of eBooks for free!

 Need some hands on instruction? Sign up for a class.

Community Conversations

Join JCPL's Executive Director Pam Nissler and other library leaders for these upcoming meetings:   

• Arvada Library: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17
• Columbine Library: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
• Evergreen Library: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8

JCPL will share some of its accomplishments and talk about what's ahead. You'll have the chance to ask questions and voice your opinions.

Commissioner Faye Griffin and Other County Leaders Honored by West Chamber

Lynn Johnson, Commissioner Faye Griffin and Priscilla Bohl

Commissioner Faye Griffin, Human Services Director Lynn Johnson, and Priscilla Bohl, program coordinator for business services in the Human Services' Career & Family Support Services Division were honored by the West Chamber as "Women 2 Watch" at its Celebrate Women of Jefferson County awards ceremony Nov. 9.

The three were selected for the honor based on their level of involvement in the community, the impact of service on individuals and the community, inspiration to others, and professional accomplishments. 

Kirsten Anderson, Wells Fargo Bank Senior Vice President, introduced Commissioner Griffin, noting that "she is probably the only elected official in county history to hold three separate elected offices - clerk & recorder, treasurer and county commissioner." Anderson said.

Griffin began her career as an employee in the clerk's office, but is now involved in multiple community initiatives from the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Board to the E-911 Board. "Faye Griffin was the driving force behind the Child and Youth Leadership Commission and pioneered the statute that brought it into being," Anderson said.

Jeffco School Superintendent Cindy Stevinson introduced Lynn Johnson as a person who is so enthusiastic about helping children and families that "when Lynn calls and says she has an idea and wants to enlist your help, she is very difficult to turn down." Stevinson added "Lynn is the epitome of a collaborator."

Priscilla Bohl was introduced by Jim Curtis, owner of the Village Roaster and chair of the West Chamber. Curtis described Bohl's passion for business and economic development and talked about her tireless work to identify the staffing needs of Jeffco businesses and matches job seekers with those businesses. "She had a critical role in the development and implementation of the AddONE campaign to generate local jobs," Curtis said.

Also among the distinguished honorees were Margot Zallen, one of the original Plan Jeffco members who led the initiative that created Jefferson County Open Space in 1972; and Leah Varnell, who was instrumental in the creation of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson & Gilpin County (CASA), which recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate as officers of the court for child abuse and neglect victims. CASA is housed on the first floor of the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility.

Apply Today for the Cultural Council

by Bailey Becker, Jeffco Public Information

Are you a civic-minded citizen looking for a way to volunteer for the county? If so, you may consider applying to be on the Jefferson County Cultural Council.

 
The County Cultural Council is responsible for allocating Jefferson County's share of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Tier III funds to applying organizations. The tax-payer approved SCFD receives 1/10th of one percent sales tax collected in the seven-county metro area. Of that 1/10 of one percent, 13.5 percent goes to fund Tier III eligible organizations. The remaining amount goes to Tier I and Tier II groups. Each county is provided with the funds collected within that specific county for distribution. 
 
The Cultural Council meets every Wednesday evening from the last Wednesday in March through the second Wednesday in June. The council meets in Hearing Room 2 at the Administrative and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. Members also attend a few other activities such as a retreat in September and presentations to the Board of County Commissioners each June and to the SCFD Board of Directors in late September.  

Going Green Pays Off

by Wade Yates, Jeffco Facilities

While it is clear that there are environmental benefits to going green, the debate continues as to whether there is a financial benefit. So what about the investment the county made in green technologies? Will there be a financial benefit? You bet there is! With funds received from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) and rebates from Xcel Energy, the county is enjoying financial savings even greater than what was originally forecasted.

In 2012, the county successfully closed out the ARRA Grant. These funds were used to purchase solar photovoltaic arrays, which are installed on several Jeffco buildings including the Laramie Building on the Jefferson County government campus, the Evergreen Road & Bridge shop, the Central Road & Bridge/Fleet facility north of Golden, the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. To date, the combined output of these systems equate to 828,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) produced, which is equivalent to the energy required to power 150 single family homes. Xcel Energy pays the county a wholesale rate for the energy it produces monthly.

New and improved lighting is part of the story too. Through a rebate program, Xcel Energy encourages businesses and communities to upgrade lighting systems and utilize new technologies. Now that the new lights have been installed and are operational throughout Jeffco government buildings, Xcel paid a onetime rebate to the county -- the largest amount Xcel ever paid to a single entity in Colorado!

The savings to taxpayers doesn't stop there. The new lighting and other retrofits installed, bank the county annual utility savings. Based on the total investment made in energy efficiency, the county expects to recover the project cost in less than 10 years. Not bad for an investment expected to last well into the future.

Are you interested in learning more? In the atrium of the Administration and Courts Building sits a kiosk. This is a touch-screen computer display that is updated continually with production data from the solar arrays. Stop by some time and see just how much the systems contribute to the community and give back to the environment.

From recycling to renewable energy, Jefferson County continues to play a key leadership role in the community by enhancing its facilities, leading by example and embracing a sustainable work place. 

Celebrating 40 years of Enriching Life

by Thea Rock, Jeffco Parks Communications Manager

The story of this world class program actually began with a group of citizens known as PLAN Jeffco that nurtured the seed of an idea from a League of Women Voters study recommending comprehensive future planning for Jefferson County. On the heels of the incorporation of Wheat Ridge and Lakewood, the protection of open lands became a rallying cry.

What has been done during these 40 years?

Once sales taxes collected for Open Space were distributed in July of 1973, the appointed Open Space Advisory Committee began the process of evaluating and purchasing land. Early acquisitions became natural landscape, trail-based parks such as Matthews/Winters Park near I-70 and the Hogback; Hiwan Homestead, which was protected as a historic site that contains elements reflecting the county's cultural wealth; as well as Apex Park and Mount Falcon Park, which have become recreation destinations. Today, 52,000 acres, 28 parks and 210 miles of trails provide outdoor experiences of the highest quality to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders exceeding 2.1 million visitors each year.

The cities and recreation districts within the county benefit from the Open Space fund and program. A portion of the Open Space sales tax is distributed through a motor vehicle registration formula directly to the cities for parks and open space purposes. Cities compete with the recreation districts for supplementary grant funding for capital and land purchase projects.

What is still to be done?

Still to be achieved are the protection of important habitats, buffers and wildlife movement corridors, sustainable access to streams and rivers, scenic vistas, and additional places for people to play and connect to the outdoors. Additionally, programs need to be in place that instill future stewardship of the protected lands and give children and their families a way to connect to the natural world and experience the benefits of being outdoors for health and well being. The continued study and care for our watersheds, wildlife, and the essence of Colorado at the gateway to the Rockies is essential.

The people of Jefferson County as well as the entire metropolitan area enjoy and benefit from the program's accomplishments in protecting lands, providing recreation and enhancing history and nature education that are considered a valuable community asset today. Our visitors and supporters will be passing this legacy to their children, who will continue to care for and appreciate the land for its contribution to enriching life.

Visit www.jeffco.us/openspace or www.jeffco.us/parks to learn how you can participate in assuring a future for Open Space into the next 40 years and beyond.

Holidays Are a Time For Giving, Jefferson County Has Families In Need

by Mallory Hyatt, Jeffco Human Services   

November Health News

by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health

Healthy People, Healthy Places

During the next several months and throughout 2013, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) will invite citizens to participate in the development of a comprehensive community health improvement plan (CHIP). All local Colorado public health departments will develop a community health improvement plan every five years that includes a multi-phased approach made up of a community health assessment, the development of a community health profile, a community engagement prioritization process and finally, the development, implementation, and evaluation of a CHIP.

As a resident, employee or stakeholder, JCPH believes you are a key partner in the process. During the next 14 months, www.healthypeoplehealthyplacesjeffco.com will be a place for you to connect with the CHIP process, JCPH and our many partners in the county. The overall goal is to have Jeffco exemplify healthy people and healthy places.

Keep your eye out for continued communication on this initiative. If you have specific suggestions, or would like more information, please contact Elise Lubell, JCPH Director of Health Promotion and Lifestyle Management, at 303-271-5719 or elubell@jeffco.us.

The 37th Great American Smokeout

Jefferson County Public Health in partnership with the  is marking the 37th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 15. JCPH encourages those who smoke to use this day to make a plan to quit, bolster their resolve and get support for quitting. For those ready to start living tobacco-free, join thousands of others in making the Great American Smokeout the first day of the rest of your smoke-free life. Quitting can help you live a longer healthier life and reduce the risks of some cancers and many other debilitating diseases. If you need help quitting or need more information about why you should quit, please visit the  or call 1-800- QUIT NOW.  American Cancer SocietyJCPH website

Holiday Food Safety

The holidays are quickly approaching. The scent of turkey, ham, stuffing, and pumpkin pie will fill many homes in Jefferson County. While creating delectable creations for your dining table, please keep a few of these food safety tips in mind:

• Thawing turkeys must be kept at a safe temperature. Get the Centers for Disease Control's recommendation on how to thaw your turkey.
• Bacteria present on raw poultry can contaminate your hands, utensils, and work surfaces as you prepare the turkey.
• For optimal safety, cook the stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole dish.

For more information on thawing, storing, and cooking your holiday meals, please click here.

Take a Hike Day

Nov. 17 is National Take a Hike Day. Outdoor physical activity can improve your health. It can lower your blood pressure, your risk of heart disease and even some cancers. It may even be the answer to your sleepless nights and low energy levels. Did you know that, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, less than half of all adults get enough physical activity to improve their health? Here's the answer. Get Healthy. Stay Health. Go for a Hike. Visit Jeffco Outdoors.org for more hiking ideas and here for hiking maps in Jefferson County.

Raising a Generation of Healthy Eaters

The news in health lately has focused on the growing issue of obesity in our country. This has many people concerned about their families, especially their children. The CDC states that childhood obesity can cause heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and social discrimination. But, the question is, how do we raise healthy eaters? Here are a few tips:

• Encourage healthy eating habits.
• Look for ways to make favorite dishes healthier.
• Remove calorie-rich temptations.

JCPH also reminds everyone that parents and caregivers set the example for children when it comes to eating. Getting your kids to eat healthier now will help set a high standard for eating as they get older.

JCPH Fights Pertussis     

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), there have been more than 1,000 reported cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in our state thus far this year with 154 in Jefferson County alone. Protect against pertussis with one of the two vaccines available, Tdap and DtaP. Your age will determine which vaccine you or your child will require.

If your preschooler or kindergartner has not been immunized, please make an appointment for the Nov. 24 no cost DtaP clinic. To make an appointment for this clinic or to get more information, please call 303-232-6301.

Celebrating Veterans and Adoptions This November

by Mallory Hyatt, Jeffco Human Services

AddONE will generate new jobs and boost the economic recovery in Jefferson County