by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from January 20 until February 8

Thanks to 27 volunteers from the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) of Golden and the Access Fund, a climbing advocacy group based in Boulder, the access trail leading to the Cynical Pinnacle climbing area of Cathedral Spires Park is safer and more sustainable. On Saturday, January 14, volunteers made significant improvements to 1,500 feet of trail, guided by Jefferson County Open Space Trail Services.

Trail Services Team Lead Brian Conty called the event “hugely successful.”

“I don’t think we’ve ever done a trail project in January,” he said, “and the improvements that were made were immense.”

Before the volunteer event, the trail gained 535 feet over the first 1,500 feet of trail. After the project, that same elevation gain occurs over 2,100 feet, reducing erosion and hopefully the incidence of slips and falls.

“The new grade’s comfortable to walk with a 30- to 40-pound pack on,” Conty said.

About 2,500 feet of the trail still await restoration/re-alignment. No date has been determined for future volunteer work on the remaining section of the approximately 0.8-mile trail. But the partnership among the three organizations figures to continue.

“We’re always looking for different ways to engage folks in stewardship, [and] we really enjoy working with Jefferson County Open Space,” said CMC Stewardship Manager Lisa Cashel. “The staff is really professional, well-organized, and fun.”

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from Nov. 7 until Nov. 26

Jefferson County Open Space and the Jefferson County Historical Society received the History Colorado Carolyn Bancroft Award Honorable Mention for 2011 for the exhibit “Fateful Lightning: Colorado and the Civil War 1861-1865." Competing amid the largest entry pool ever, the award committee was impressed by the collection resources and information that was pulled together to document and share a Colorado-specific Civil War history. The exhibition was opened on April 12, the 150th anniversary of the Civil War beginning with the firing on Fort Sumter, South Carolina. The exhibit runs through November 20, 2011 at the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen.

Not only did Colorado play a largely forgotten role in the Civil War, the first family who lived on the Museum’s property had deep family ties to the War. The first owners of the property were Mary Neosho Williams and her daughter Josepha. Mary was the daughter of Joseph Howard Bailey, an Army Captain and Assistant Surgeon from 1834-1862. He also founded the first Army hospital at Fort Smith, Arkansas. In 1853 Mary married Brigadier General Thomas Williams, son of Major General John R. Williams. Their daughter Josepha was born in 1860 at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, one of the few Union locations in the state of Virginia during the Civil War. General Williams was killed in 1862 at the Battle of Baton Rouge; Mary learned about it after her son read about it in the newspaper. Mary and Josepha moved to Colorado in the 1880s.

“Fateful Lighting” is a collaborative venture, sponsored by the Jefferson County Historical Society. All artifacts are on loan from various private collectors. Many of these items have never before been seen publicly and because they belong to different collectors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this particular compilation. Artifacts include items such as weapons, personal letters, cartes de visite, medical kits and supplies, daily necessities, religious tracts, Confederate money, and a commemorative quilt.

The Carolyn Bancroft Award was presented by History Colorado's Board of Directors Chairman W. Bart Berger to staff of the Hiwan Homestead Museum, lead by Meghan McGinnes, Program Coordinator, at History Colorado’s annual meeting Thursday,
October 27 at the Grant Humphries Mansion.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director
comments open from July 6 until July 25

The Rocky Mountain Air Show is scheduled for Friday, August 26, through Sunday, August 28.

At this year’s event, the feature act will be Tora Tora Tora! The performance is a re-creation of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. This entertaining act is a dynamic history lesson about the event that propelled us into World War II. It involves many Japanese fighters and bombers, along with breathtaking smoke, fire and explosions. Tora, Tora, Tora is intended as a memorial to all the soldiers on both sides who gave their lives for their countries. This performance, brought to us by the Commemorative Air Force, began in 1972 and has been a hit ever since. Tora aircraft and pilots even participated in the filming of the movie Pearl Harbor in 2000. For more information about his breathtaking history lesson come to life, visit www.toratoratora.com.

The Air Show will also include demo performances by the United States Air Force Viper West F-16 and the United States Navy F-18 Super Hornet, as well as many more exciting acts and fly bys. Also, come out and enjoy the extensive range of static displays, vendors and delicious cuisine. The Adventure Zone™ Activity Center is a hit for kids of all ages! For current information about the Air Show visit www.cosportaviation.org.

We hope to see you all there!

by Public Information
comments open from November 16 until December 5

An objective of any company is to attract customers; but the key to success is the ability to keep customers coming back. The ultimate goal of your company should not be success, but to meet the needs of your customers and the community, both now and in the future.

BEST, along with Jefferson County Workforce Center, is hosting a workshop on increasing the bottom-line of doing business via customer service - "Getting and Keeping Your Customers."
WHEN: Wednesday, December 8th from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, 80033
COST: $15.

Wy Livingston, President and CEO of Wystone’s World Teas, LLC will be presenting on the truth about sales and service. Ms. Livingston has held executive level positions responsible for sales, operations and service areas in several Fortune 500 companies.

A few of the ideas that will be presented include:
>> Serving customers and making money
>> Who gets it right and what they have in common?
>> Where is your organization?

For all the details, see the Events for Businesses webpage on the Jefferson County Workforce Center website.

by Rusty Collins, Jefferson County CSU Extension Director
comments open from March 31 until April 19

It seems like a lot of people these days are interested in “going green,” saving energy and conserving our natural resources. But honestly, even if you’re in the know, do you really know how?

Now’s your opportunity to find out! Colorado State University Extension in Jefferson County is hosting an Energy Efficiency Roundup & Expo from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This free event is open to the public and will feature exhibits, displays and demonstrations of the most up-to-date methods available to reduce energy costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

This is a tremendous opportunity for homeowners, renters, property owners and members of the community to learn effective and money-saving ways to reduce energy consumption. When we learn better ways to conserve natural resources, we not only save the environment, we also take steps to curb our energy dependency.

Leaders in the green industry will give a series of educational presentations, including “Building Science 101,” which will focus on energy audits and energy-friendly building designs; “Reducing Your Home Energy Bill,” which will provide information on implementing efficiency techniques by using Energy Star ratings; and “Water, Waste & Wheels,” which will target xeriscaping, low-impact landscaping, fuel use, recycling, composting, sustainable practices and indoor water use.

The Energy Efficiency Roundup & Expo is sponsored by the CSU Clean Energy Strategic Initiative Team (CESIT), the Clean Energy Supercluster at Colorado State University, Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, Mile High Newspapers, Jefferson County and Colorado State University Extension in Jefferson County.

Exhibit tables are available at $50 for businesses or $25 for nonprofits and associations. Deadline for registration is April 2. For an exhibitor registration form, or for more information, contact Amanda Malone, 303-271-6620. To learn more about Colorado State University Extension in Jefferson County, visit www.jeffcoextension.org.

by Rusty Collins, Jefferson County CSU Extension Director
comments open from September 15 until October 4

The 2009 Jeffco Round-Up and Fair wrapped-up in August with lots of blue ribbons, fond memories and family fun at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The Jefferson County CSU Extension Office coordinated all of the 4-H activities at the Fair which included horse showing, livestock setup, exhibition of family and consumer science projects, rabbits, poultry, hogs sheep, a talent show and an awards ceremony. Activities were available for people of all ages. Many Fair participants went on to present their projects or livestock at the State Fair in Pueblo. Plans for the 2010 Fair are already underway. Mark your calendar for next year -- August 11-15, 2010.

by Public Information
comments open from August 20 until September 8

The Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In is celebrating its 30th year in 2009. It is taking place on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, at the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport. This year's event brings all the pilot's favorite fly-in activities and the new venue provides excellent accommodations for fly-in aircraft, camping and all the activities associated with the fly-in.

The Colorado Sport International Air Show, formerly the Front Range Air Show, will feature the thrill of high performance aerobatics, nostalgic warbirds and modern military flight demonstrations.

For more information, ticket prices and performance activities and times, see the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport Web site.

by Rusty Collins, Jefferson County CSU Extension Director
comments open from August 7 until August 26

Come join the fun at the Jefferson County Fair and Rodeo this weekend, August 7th and 8th.

Along with the great 4-H Project and Open Class Exhibits, events include educational booths, livestock shows, a Chili Cook Off, Mutton Bustin, E St. Science competitions, Junior Livestock Sale and much more.

The Jeffco Round-up Rodeo with the Colorado Professional Rodeo Association performance and musical entertainment by nationally known recording artist Pete Martinez will take place on Saturday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $18.00 for adults and children under 5 are free. Tickets are available at the gate.

The Jefferson County Fair is a family and community event. We hope you will come enjoy all the activities and some exciting entertainment at the rodeo -- with great music to boot!

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director

The Jeffco Aviation Association (JAA) will be hosting their 14th annual Fly-In event at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 6:00 a.m. until noon.

Trophies will be awarded to the best aircraft in classic, antique, warbird, homebuilt, contemporary and special interest categories.

In conjunction with the Fly-In, the Italians of America 2nd annual swap meet/flea market, and a car show, hosted by the Goodfellas car club of North Denver, will also be held at Metro Airport. General admission to this event is $5.00. Children under 12 are free.

An Italian pancake breakfast will be available at 7:00 a.m. There is a $5.00 registration fee to enter. Contact Daril at 303-423-9846 or visit the Italians of America's Web site for more information.

comments open June 3 through June 22
by Jefferson County Human Services

The 4th annual Jefferson County Community Resource Fair is set for Tuesday, June 9, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, located at 15200 W. 6th Avenue in Golden. The Community Resource Fair provides the opportunity for residents and businesses to learn about and take advantage of the quality community resources available to Jefferson County residents.

The Community Resource Fair is FREE and is an excellent opportunity to promote your agency or business. Over 70 community agencies from in and around the Jefferson County area will provide information and answer questions regarding their services. Types of agencies planning to attend include: Educational services, Disability services, Senior services, Mental Health services, Cultural services, Family-centered services and Basic Needs.

In addition to agency information, there will be a variety of cultural performances provided throughout the day, and door prizes, giveaways, snacks/refreshments and kids activities.

The Jefferson County Community Resource Fair is coordinated by the staff of the Jefferson County Department of Human Services as well as other community agencies.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director

The Collings Foundation and the Wings of Freedom Tour, which showcases three fully restored WWII Bomber Aircraft, will be at the Metro Airport from July 1 – 3, 2009. These aircraft are the 1944 vintage Consolidate B-24J Liberator, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress “Nine-O-Nine” and the TP-51C “Betty Jane” Mustang.

The "Wings of Freedom Tour" has two goals: to honor our veterans, recognizing their sacrifices so we may enjoy our freedom; and to educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage. The Foundation encourages people to tour the planes, talk to the veterans who come to visit the aircraft, and participate in a "flight experience.” In nineteen years, the tour has made more than 2,172 visits to airports across the United States and Alaska. While the exact number of visitors is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that between 3 and 4 million people see these warbirds annually.

Walk-through tours of all the aircraft are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. WWII Veterans get into the ground tours at no charge. Flight experiences require a donation and all participants will get the chance to feel what it was like to fly one of the most legendary fighters of WWII.

by Rusty Collins, Jefferson County CSU Extension Director

Jefferson County CSU Extension, along with the West Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, hosted a Business After Hours event on May 21 to celebrate the opening of the Junior Master Gardener Demonstration Garden and Outdoor Classroom. The event featured educational booths on all of the Extension programs, a delicious BBQ, an F150 Truck Raffle for the 4H Foundation, a roping demonstration, cake decorating, Native Plant “Wheel of Fortune,” and plant/insect identification.

The Commissioners and our partners who helped to complete the project were present at the ribbon cutting. The demonstration garden will provide a place for youth who have completed a Junior Master Gardener Curriculum to plant, grow and harvest produce; then sell it at the Farmer’s Markets. This will teach the children about the commerce side of food production. Our program is only the second Junior Master Gardener Program in the State of Colorado!

by Mary Berg, Jefferson County Children, Youth & Families Director

Come cheer, walk or run to show your support for kids and families involved in foster care -- register now for the Edgerunner 5k Walk/Run on May 3, 2009! This new event, being sponsored by the Foster Care and Adoption divisions of Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties, is intended to promote awareness and raise interest in the need for foster care in the community. Resources and agencies will be present to answer questions.

Visit www.edgerunner5k.com to register or for more information.

by Public Information

Eagle’s Nest Owl’s Roost (ENOR) Environmental discovery camp, sponsored by Jefferson County Office of Colorado State University Extension and the Jefferson County Public School District, is celebrating its thirty-fifth anniversary. This year, the Jefferson County Information Technology Services set up a secure, online registration option for busy parents to register campers online.

ENOR is a nationally recognized, award-winning program that has offered quality environmental education and experiences since 1974. A licensed child care provider, the program offers students entering 4th and 5th grade a chance to explore Colorado’s natural and cultural history through hands-on activities and real life experience.

For more detailed camp information, the summer 2009 dates and online registration, visit the CSU Jefferson County Extension website at www.jeffcoextension.org.

by Jefferson County Public Information

The organization Feeding Many, Inc., and Shirl Smith, the President and Founder, invites the public to the Ribbon Cutting on April 25, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. The orchard is located near the intersection of Bowles and Alkire, at 5890 South Alkire Street, Littleton, 80127.

Speakers at the Ribbon Cutting ceremony include Smith, Nick Lillo, WaterStone Community Church Lead Pastor, Kathy Hartman, Jefferson County Commissioner, Nancy O'Brien, Jeffco Produce and Health Fairs/Food Banks Coordinator, and David Leisure and Joan Preston, Chancellor and Dean for the Institute for Advanced Studies at Colorado Technical University Doctorate in Management Program.

Feeding Many broke ground and planted 136 fruit trees on April 4, 2009. The produce will be free for residents of Jefferson County in need who come to the orchard to pick as much as they need for their family's consumption. Any extra produce will be donated by Feeding Many to agencies, ministries, youth homes and other organizations within the Jefferson County community.

The site is on five acres of land owned and provided by WaterStone Community Church, which is also providing the water for the orchard for which Feeding Many will be paying. Included in the plan for the site are orchard trees, including nectarines, apricots, pears, peaches, apples and plums, as well as raspberries and grape vines. The orchard and grounds will be tended by volunteers.

The Feeding Many Web site, www.feedingmany.org, will have volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities, times and dates for workshops on canning, and helpful tips on gardening, fertilization and useful recipes for fresh produce. You can also donate money via a secure connection to Feeding Many.