by Public Information
comments open from February 2 until February 21

The Native Plant Master® Program has announced a newly expanded 2012 schedule of offerings. Explore a new park by taking an award-winning Native Plant Master course. Sample one of the exciting classes taught by CSU faculty and other experts. Topics include basic botany, native plant landscaping, native lawns, invasive weeds, poisonous plants, alpine/subalpine plants and more.

Register early as many of these popular offerings will have waiting lists later in the season. See our EventBrite registration page for more details and to register.

For more information or questions on the program, please contact:
Yinyan Huang
Colorado State University Extension
Native Plant Master Program
(303) 271-6620
yhuang@jeffco.us

by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from November 29 until December 18

The holiday season has arrived. Malls and retail stores are already 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, District Attorney Scott Storey warns, “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 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.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from Nov. 9 until Nov. 28

November 11 is Veterans Day, a time when Jefferson County focuses on celebrating the veterans in our community with a great deal of respect and gratitude for their service and sacrifice. Here at Jefferson County Department of Human Services, we will be honoring local veterans and their families during November, as we do all year, through highlighting two of our programs that serve veterans, the Veterans Services Office and the Workforce Center Veterans Team.

In honor of Veterans Month, Veterans Services Officer, Henry Mondragón will be out in the community sharing information on the wonderful services that we provide veterans. Being a veteran himself, Henry goes out into the community to spread the truth about VA benefits. He is amazing at being available and accessible to all veterans because with an economy like we've had, it's important for veterans to know what benefits and services are available to them. Henry will be at the Apex Center, 13150 West 72nd Avenue in Arvada on Monday, November 14th from 9am to 12Noon. No appointment is necessary, simply come by to learn more about our services.

Our mission is to help veterans in any way possible. We assist veterans and their dependents in applying for benefits and services including compensation, dependent and survivor benefits, home loan guarantees, vocational rehabilitation, health care, burial, pension and life insurance. We also have workforce center resources available for veterans. It’s not always easy to find a job after military service, but at the Jefferson County Workforce Center, we work with veterans to utilize, promote and expand upon training, work ethic and skill sets to find a great career -- post military service. Services include counseling, supportive services referrals, job opening referrals, job development, education and training.

During this time, we also want to honor those among us, right here at Human Services. Anyone whose family has been impacted by a veteran has been invited to share their story. Later this month, the stories will be shared online. Veterans posters including the names of employee veterans will also be posted at each elevator in the Human Services building and a potluck honoring veterans will be held later this month. We hope you too are honoring the veterans among you, whether they are family, friends or co-workers who you can honor in small ways during November.

If you appreciate the freedom we, as Americans, enjoy today, then you realize why it's important to honor those who sacrificed for that freedom. All the services we provide for veterans are simple ways we give back to these brave men and women as well as our community.

If you are a veteran who can benefit from these services or knows of someone who can, please contact us. We are standing by, at your service.
>> For more information regarding veteran job services and Jefferson County Workforce Center contact John Koontz at 303-271-4769, jkoontz-AT-jeffco.us or visit www.jeffcoworkforce.org.
>> If you are a veteran who can benefit from these services or knows of someone who can, please contact Henry Mondragón at 303-271-4205, contact vs-AT-jeffco.us or visit the Human Services' Veterans web page.

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from Oct. 28 until Nov. 16

Check your mail boxes, Jefferson County Residents. Were you selected to participate in the first ever, random sample survey dedicated solely to Jefferson County Open Space? If you were one of the lucky 10,000, have completed and returned the survey, THANK YOU! If you received a questionnaire in the mail and you haven't had the opportunity to respond, please do so now. We're anxious to hear your opinions and thoughts.

This survey is being conducted to gain a better understanding of our County residents' preferences and values as they relate to the outdoors and Open Space. Each response is extremely valuable in helping Open Space plan for the future. Once the surveys have been returned and data compiled, a report on the survey will appear on the Open Space website in January of 2012.

Don't miss this opportunity to voice your opinion about Open Space. We appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts.

Earlier this year, the former Community Resources Department changed its name to JEFFERSON COUNTY PARKS. Why? The old name was too general and it didn't provide our customers with information about what services they could find in such a department.

One of the unifying themes that each of the divisions within Jefferson County Parks provides is an opportunity to enhance our quality of life. Taking the services and facilities provided by the Boettcher Mansion, Colorado State University Extension, Fairgrounds and Open Space; the name Jefferson County Parks was a better fit and the Board of County Commissioners agreed.

Whether through conservation, recreation, education or event services, Jefferson County Parks is enriching life. In tandem with the name change, staff from the divisions contributed to establishing core values and are pleased to make these commitments to you:

Jefferson County Parks…enriching life. We commit to:
• Practice Responsible Management of our human, natural, historic, park and financial resources.
• Provide Quality Experiences to our customers, visitors, participants, staff and volunteers.
• Exchange Information and Foster Collaboration to produce the best possible results.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from October 12 until October 31

Cold and flu season is upon us! Now that fall is here, many workplaces start to see an increase of people with colds or flu-like symptoms.

Now is the time to think about getting your annual flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.

The CDC also suggests additional ways to help prevent the spread of germs at work such as:
• Try avoiding contact with those who are sick.
• If you can, stay home when you are sick.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least one minute.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

By following these tips, hopefully we can all help minimize the impact of these ailments on our workplaces this season. More information can be found on our Jefferson County Public Health website on Influenza and where you can get a vaccination.

by John Wolforth, Planning and Zoning Director
comments open from Sept. 27 until Oct. 16

The Central Plains Plan has been “rolled-in” to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Master Plan.

On September 14, the Central Plans Area Plan was approved, with revisions, by the Planning Commission. This was another major accomplishment toward having all of the existing Community Plans “absorbed” into Jefferson County’s newly-adopted Comprehensive Master Plan which is used by staff, the Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners to make land use recommendations and decisions.

The Planning Commission hearing was well attended. The majority of those who testified in front of the Planning Commission gave detailed historical accounts of initiatives led by the public, Jefferson County Open Space and the Board of County Commissioners to preserve roughly 1,476 acres (to date) on South Table Mountain, with plans to preserve another 410 acres.

The Planning Commission, staff and many members of the public had an evening filled with history that really gave a clear perspective of how South Table Mountain has come to be what it is today.

Stay tuned as the Planning Commission will hold their hearing on the North Plains Community Plan on Wednesday, November 9, at 6:15 p.m. If the Planning Commission adopts this plan that evening, Jefferson County will have completed this phase of plan “roll-ins” for the year. The next phase will start with the Conifer/285 Corridor Plan, the Evergreen Community Plan and the Indian Hills Community Plan.

by Public Information
comments open from September 14 until October 3

The Sheriff's Safety Fair is a fun-filled event for all ages, featuring interactive booths, demonstrations and activities for everyone! The Sheriff's Office hosts this annual fair at the Summerset Festival to engage our community in taking steps to stay safe and healthy.

Learn about everything from disaster preparedness and kids' safety to identity theft and Internet predator information. Check out special units and community programs from the Sheriff's Office and other participating safety agencies. Whether you're eight or 80, you'll find something at the Sheriff's Safety Fair that can help you stay safe!

Sheriff's Safety Fair Schedule
Saturday, September 17: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 18: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Clement Park: 7306 West Bowles Avenue, Littleton
(Corner of S. Pierce & W. Bowles)

See the Sheriff's web page for all of the details and a slideshow from last year's event.

by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from Sept. 8 until Sept. 27

The Moose Hill Cantina is joining with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office to help keep kids safe from sexual predators on the Internet. Come and meet Cheezo, the mascot for the DA's Internet and Cell Phone Safety programs for children, get a great meal and help the program all at the same time!

The Moose Hill Cantina location at 955 South Kipling Parkway in Lakewood will donate 50 percent of all food sales on September 13, from 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. (dine-in only). The Moosehill Cantina is a family-owned business and owner Ed Janssen is committed to helping educate kids about online predators.

"We really appreciate a chance to partner with the owner of the Moose Hill Cantina to help keep kids safe online,” said DA Scott Storey. “Budgets are lean. The 501(c)(3) Community Partnership was created for situations just like this. There isn’t much money for prevention programs and this program is crucial. We appreciate Ed Janssen’s generosity.”

Harris and Cheezo have talked to more than 75,000 kids in Jeffco schools in the last five years. The District Attorney's Child Sex Offender Internet Investigation Unit (CHEEZO) is funded by a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

by County Commissioner Don Rosier
comments open from September 6 until September 25

This summer some of our younger residents headed out to Cooperstown, New York, for a baseball tournament. The Slammers Black, made up of youngsters from Jefferson, Denver, Douglas and Adams counties, brought along with them one of our state flags on loan from Jefferson County.

The Slammers were in New York in mid-July and played in 100 degree heat and 110 percent humidity. Despite that, the young men thrived and went 3-3 in the tournament.

Being a father myself, I feel it is important for our children be involved and take pride in their community. I applaud the Slammers for their hard work and success in the tournament. They made us proud by carrying our state flag.

Back Row:Coach Ramirez, Coach Q, Coach Smith
Middle Row: Matthew Ramirez, Sean Kelsen, Luke Kuberski, Peyton Turner, Evan Denewiler, Miles Hughes
Front Row: Judah Wilbur, Jack Stone, Travis Cowan, John Betsch, Braden Carpenter, Raymound Ruiz, Forrest Beckman

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from September 1 until September 20

The Brown Bag Lunch Series, sponsored by Jefferson County Department of Human Services, is an opportunity for anyone to come learn about a variety of topics concerning the community. Topics include everything from Food Assistance Programs, Adoption, Aging in Jeffco, Homelessness and much more. The goal of the series is to facilitate better collaboration and ensure staff, customers and the community have resources they need.

No bologna, just fresh food for thought. Bring your lunch and get informed. Registration is not required. Everyone in the community is welcome to come learn. Presentations are held in the Café Conference Room in the Human Services Building, 900 Jefferson County Parkway or at Jeffco Head Start, 5150 Allison Street in Arvada.

The next few series include:
>> Tuesday, September 14 about the Cultural Navigator Program at the Human Services Building, 12 - 1pm Come and learn about Jefferson County Human Services' culture of inclusiveness and how cultural navigators work to celebrate, foster and respect diversity by developing an environment of acceptance that empowers all.

>>Friday, September 16 about Fatherhood & Child Support Services, at Head Start, 12 - 1:30pm Come and learn about Jefferson County Department of Human Services' Fatherhood Program, which assists dads 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. At the same time, learn about Child Support Services' mission to assure that all children receive financial and medical support from each parent.

For more information please contact Janet Hopkins at 303-378-0818.

by District Attorney Scott Storey
comments open from August 15 until September 4

The District Attorney’s Office 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 6th Avenue, in Golden. This FREE event offers something for everyone!

• Document shredding - no limit
• Small electronics recycling (small fee for large items)
• Credit Reports printed and reviewed by bank officers on-site
• Bicycle rodeo for kids, with free helmets
• Free 911 cell phone for seniors
• Prescription round-up
• 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.

by Public Information
comments open from July 11 until July 30

Foothills Animal Shelter, one of the largest animal shelters in the Denver metro area, looks forward to its 2nd annual Raise the Woof Gala, put on by the Foothills Animal Foundation (the nonprofit that supports the Shelter). This fun event will feature food and beverage tastings from renowned restaurants and vendors, dueling pianos and a silent and live auction, all set amid a world-class car collection.

DETAILS:
What: High-end Gala to raise funds for the nearly 10,000 homeless pets cared for by Foothills Animal Shelter
When: Saturday, July 23 from 5 - 10 p.m.
Where: The Mathews Collection in Arvada, a private car collection featuring the largest collection of McLaren racing cars in the world.
RSVP: Go to www.RaisetheWoof.org

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from June 28 until July 17

Did you know that one out of every four American children participate in the child support program? Did you know that most fathers involved in the child support program are not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve? Most fathers are not treated fairly before their circumstances are even known.

Here, the Jefferson County Department of Human Services' Fatherhood Program makes no assumptions and no judgments. We are in it to help fathers move past their circumstances, to treat them dignity and respect so that they can become a part of their children's lives, and to change the culture of how fathers are treated in today's child support programs.

Research suggests that the emotional and financial strength of communities are linked to the strength of the men in the families that make up the communities. Our Fatherhood Program is committed to helping fathers strengthen their families and strengthen our community in the process. We should all be proud of our Fatherhood Program; after all, it’s one of the best in the state and is dedicated to celebrating fathers and their importance in children’s lives every single day.

We do so by assisting dads 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. Activities, events, classes and trainings are held all year long in order to help dads learn, grow, and become better dads to their children; essentially, it is all about the children.

One out of every three children in America lives apart from their dad. Although this may be the case, through our Fatherhood Program, more dads now have healthy, lasting relationships with their children. We believe all dads can form healthy relationships with their children, no matter their past. It all starts with changing the culture, embracing fathers, and recognizing their extremely important role in the lives of their children and in our community as a whole.

If you would like more information on the Jefferson County Fatherhood Program, please contact Ray Washington via email at rwashing@jeffco.us, or phone at 303-271-4654; or Debbie Moss via email at dmoss@jeffco.us, or phone at 303-271-4416.

by Faye Griffin, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners
comments open from June 15 until July 5

Happy sesquicentennial! This year marks the county’s 150th birthday, and what a great year to be in Jefferson County.

We kicked off the year with a birthday party in the atrium that included a Thomas Jefferson look alike and your commissioners and county staff in historical costumes. As the year continues, there is so much more to do and see, like parades this summer and our Historical Commission is hosting a Grand Sesquicentennial Celebration Gala and Hall of Fame Dinner at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in November.

Jefferson County was one of the 17 original counties formed in 1861, fifteen years before Colorado even became a state. So much has changed in the last 150 years. When Jeffco was first formed, it was home to homesteaders and those seeking fortunes in gold. In fact sometime in the 1850s, the first Colorado gold found was in Ralston Creek near the present day location of 56th Avenue and Benton in Arvada. Then in 1858, William Green Russell discovered gold near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, which started the Colorado "Pikes Peak" gold rush.

Now Jeffco is home to more than 535,000 residents and many successful local businesses and Fortune 500 companies. We also have the most beautiful parks thanks to our award winning Open Space program. It truly is a wonderful place to live, work and just simply enjoy life.

I am so proud to call myself a Jefferson County Commissioner. Being born and raised in the city of Golden, I’m also proud to call myself a Jefferson County native. So please join me this year in celebrating 150 wonderful Jeffco years and don’t forget to check out www.jeffco.us/150.htm for fun facts and sesquicentennial events going on throughout the county this year.

by Public Information
comments open from May 30 until June 18

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 their benefit car wash on Saturday, June 4, at the Living Waters Car Wash, 5760 Ward Road, in Arvada. This special fundraising event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. and 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 8 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 the Jefferson County CSU Extension website or call 303-271-6620.