by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from February 26 until March 17

We recently held an education fair and information forum for our employees at Jefferson County. During the fair we learned that going to school after you have been in the work world is not easy!

Here is some information on where to start if you are returning to school and how to find the right college or university:

• Decide if you are ready to go back to school. Going back to school sounds glamorous, but it’s really a lot of hard work. Are you ready? Make sure you know what you want and have the support you’ll need in place before you set out on your new adventure.

• Choose a degree. Once you’re sure it’s the right time to go back to school, make sure you know exactly what it is you want to do with your degree so you know which degree to get. That sounds obvious, but it’s an important step. Some questions you may ask yourself are:
o What do you want to study?
o What will you do with your education?
o Are you getting the right degree for the job you want?

• Take a few career tests. There are assessments and quizzes available to help you figure out what you’re good at and what you’d like to do.

• Make an appointment with a Career Counselor. Career counselors are available in almost every city and at almost every school. Search online directories or ask your local librarians for help.

• Choose between online or on-campus. Now that you know what you want to do and which degree you’ll need to do it, it’s time to decide what kind of campus is better for you, a physical classroom or a virtual one. There are benefits to each. Some examples are:
o Is cost an issue? Online courses may cost much less than traditional courses.
o Do you learn better in a social setting, or do you prefer to study on your own?
o Do you have a quiet place at home and the technology you need for online learning?
o Is there a local school that offers the degree you want, and is it convenient?
o Are you the kind of student who needs face-to-face time with our teacher?
o Do you have reliable transportation if you choose to learn on campus?

These are just some areas to explore if you are planning to return to school. It’s important to give time to research these areas and take full advantage of the many resources available to assist you. Education, training and development is an investment in you!

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from January 2 until January 22

Partnership is powerful. Here at Jefferson County Human Services we know partnership is necessary in order to achieve the very best results. With the power of several minds working together new and creative ideas are born, various viewpoints are shared, and positive results take place. We do everything we can to collaborate with other government agencies, non-profit groups, businesses, and the faith based community. Using each other as resources makes us all more successful, and is ultimately in the best interest of the people we serve. We couldn’t do it alone.

At this year’s Power of Partnership Conference anyone can come discover the power of working together. The conference celebrates collaborations between Jefferson County and the faith community, brings practical ideas to make these collaborations more effective, and enlists new partners and partnerships to serve our community. Join us on Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Waterstone Community Church, 5890 South Alkire Street, Littleton.

We will focus on housing, education, family, building communities, hunger/poverty, and special populations. Anyone who has a desire to partner with others to make the community a better place to live is encouraged to attend. We all come with an open mind and a willingness to work together. Through this conference all are expected to discover the power of partnership.

For more information go to the Power of Partnership website. To register to attend, go to the the online event registration form.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from October 23 until November 11

October is National Diversity Awareness Month! National Diversity Month was created as a way to celebrate and build inclusiveness within the workplace. This month was established to provide a forum to embrace who we are, despite our many differences.

Besides the obvious differences people bring to the workplace, such as age, gender or race, it also a forum to recognize differences in the way people communicate, process information and solve problems. Through all of these differences, organizations facilitate a creative and well-rounded workforce.

by Public Information
comments open from Sept. 19 until Oct. 8

Fall on the West Rail Line concludes civil construction, and gets us one step closer to opening day. Other than a few crews working on punch list items, Denver Transit Construction Group has completed their work. Balfour Beatty Rail, Inc. will continue electrifying lines and installing devices through 2012 and Swinerton Builders will be working on the parking garages through spring of 2013.

Bike event a huge success
More than 300 community members flocked to Oak Station bright and early on Saturday morning as Tour de FasTracks - West Rail Ride took over the streets and bike paths of the corridor. Tour de FasTracks - West Rail Ride was a monumental success thanks to the many local sponsors who provided gifts, monetary donations and in-kind support of the event. Also making the event a success was our community organizations and city representatives. The first Tour de FasTracks occasion will surely guide the way to upcoming Tour de FasTracks' on future lines.

From Construction to Operations
As construction winds down on the West Rail Line, activities abound as we move toward opening day on April 26, 2013. The second light rail clearance test took place on Friday, September 14. This test focused on making sure that the train would clear items on the platforms and along the corridor that were still under construction during the original clearance test last March. Other RTD operations testing will resume in early November.

In early October, the Safety Road Shows roll out. RTD representatives will visit the four Lakewood elementary schools within four blocks of the alignment, including Eiber Elementary, Jeffco Open School, Mulholm Elementary and St. Bernadette’s School. The Road Show will feature four stations geared to teaching kids to walk and bike to school safely. Among the four are a helmet fitting station, a hand signal station, a coloring station and a mock crossing demonstrating activated crossing arms.

Art–n-transit is near and dear to many of you and RTD will include artwork at key locations along the West Rail Line. With opening day only seven months away, art selection has begun. The first four calls for artists went out earlier this month with semi-finalists scheduled to be selected by September 24, 2012 and finalists named by early November. A second group of calls for artists will go out later this month.

Final West Rail Line Community Tour
Three years later, seventeen tours completed, over 1,000 seats filled, we celebrate our final West Rail Line community tour this Friday, September 21. Wednesday and Thursday are your last chance to sign up and take part in our grand finale tour of the West Rail Line.

Construction Update: Area 1 (Jeffco Government Center to Federal Center)

Current and Ongoing Activities
• Final placement of furnishings and landscape work at the Jefferson County Government Center•Golden Station will continue through September.
• Work on the entrance to the Jefferson County Government Center will resume later this month, requiring traffic controlled operations in the round-about.
• Work on top of the Colfax Bridge will continue this month and next.
• Work on Union Boulevard between 6th Avenue and 4th Avenue is nearing completion. Minor landscape activities are scheduled for late September.
• Final irrigation and landscape work continues in Area 1.

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter or get the latest information, see the FasTracks West Corridor website.

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from August 21 until September 10

The summer has been a busy time for Jefferson County Parks, with nature and history programs, spectacular special events, restoration and trail projects, plus youth development camps and clubs. Keep track of all the events and goings on with the new Parks Panorama e-newsletter delivered each month to your inbox.

Featuring news items, important updates from all of our facilities, as well as recurring sections on health, volunteering, partnerships, nature, history and more can be delivered to you by subscribing from the Parks webpage. In the upcoming edition of Panorama, you’ll find stories on a Presidential campaign stop at the Fairgrounds as well as highlights from the 2012 Jefferson County Fair held August 9-12:

2012 Campaign Event at the Jeffco Fairgrounds
Presidential campaigns have made several stops at the Fairgrounds over the years and most recently, the Fairgrounds hosted a campaign event for the presumptive Republican candidate for the United States President, Mitt Romney. Thousands of supporters flooded to the Fairgrounds on August 2nd to hear the candidate energize the crowd.

Jeffco Fair & 4-H Match Up
Rodeo, carnival, livestock, horse shows and projects…the Jefferson County Fair had them all and more. For 149 Jefferson County 4-H members, the Fair was the culmination of a year of planning, hard work and effort toward this opportunity to display their livestock, projects and other products.

The Fair had plenty of opportunity for 4-H members and others to enter an exhibit either in the Open Classes or in the 4-H projects. Projects in the 4-H competition and contests crossed into wide-ranging educational areas from shooting sports to sewing to rocketry and robotics. In all, these youngsters submitted 919 Fair entries!

Livestock in all shapes and sizes were exhibited and entered into competition. The State Fair is the next stop for some of the 4-H’ers whose entries met specific qualifications as well as being at the top of their class. Ribbons galore decked the entries as 4-H participants smiled over their successes.

With a new twist on the 4-H Junior Livestock Sale, it was followed by a 4-H Youth Market where members marketed their livestock, sewing, photography, baking and other skills. Many a happy customer walked away with a quality purchase from a young rancher or craftsman.
The Fair had something for everyone who attended. Food vendors, chili cook-off and 4-H barbecues ensured that Fair-goers were well fed and supported worthwhile causes in the process. There was a rodeo and dance, a special horse show and carnival rides for the young or young at heart. If you missed it this year, you will want to put it on your calendar in 2013!

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from April 17 until May 6

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month committed to raising awareness and preventing child abuse; a task which we at Jefferson County Department of Human Services take very, very seriously. Jefferson County has always been a strong community and a great place to live and while we may not like to think child abuse and neglect can happen in this community, it does. In Jefferson County, 8,004 referrals of abuse were reported in 2011, a 5% increase from 2010. These numbers are devastating because even one child who is abused or neglected is one too many.

Children are our future and while they are our most valuable resource, they are also the most vulnerable. It will never be enough to intervene after child abuse has occurred. By educating the community and by directly supporting and strengthening Jefferson County families, we hope to both prevent child abuse and challenge community members to take a stand against violence.

Throughout the month of April, pinwheel gardens are on display at the Administration and Courts Facility, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Human Services Building, and the Jefferson County Head Start in Arvada. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national awareness group that helps communities all across the U.S. plant similar gardens to support the child victims of abuse. In addition, blue ribbons are hanging in the Human Services building in honor of children who have faced such tragedy. Other events and fundraisers are planned for Jefferson County employees and money raised will go to Ralston House, a child advocacy center located in Wheat Ridge that is a nationally-accredited nonprofit agency and helps children and teens who are suspected of being sexually or physically abused.

“National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect and encourage the community to report any child abuse and become involved in keeping children in our community safe, not just this month but all year long,” states Mary Berg, Children, Youth & Families Division Director.

All children have the right to be safe and provided with opportunities to excel in life. When caring communities such as ours step up to support struggling children and families, the devastating effects of broken lives can be changed. Please do your part in preventing child abuse and neglect every day. Together, we can make a difference.

If you witness child abuse or even suspect it may be happening please call and report it through the Child Abuse Hotline at 303-271-HELP. For more information call 303-271-4015 or visit our website.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from February 20 until March 10

A Weigh and Win kiosk is coming to the Jefferson County’s Administration and Courts Facility the week of February 22 at Noon through March 1 at 3:00 pm. The kiosk will be located in the Atrium of the building.

Kaiser Permanente in Colorado has partnered with icentaHealth, a local health technology company, on the Nation’s First Community-Wide Program that offers rewards for positive health results.

Kaiser launched this new program in the metro-Denver area to reward people with a cash incentive for achieving healthier lifestyles. Weigh and Win is available for free to all Colordans ages 18 and over. You may join no matter which medical insurance coverage you have or even if you’re not covered through the county. Individuals who sign up for the program will participate in quarterly photographed weigh-ins at kiosks stationed throughout the Denver-metro area and receive cash incentives for positive results.

We have partnered with Kaiser Permanente to bring a mobile kiosk to the Administration and Courts facility several times in 2012 for your convenience. Participants will have access to a variety of online coaching tools to help them reach their goals.

HOW IT WORKS
• Individuals can sign up online at www.weighandwin.com.
• After filling out the enrollment information, participants must then visit one of six permanent Weigh and Win kiosks located throughout the Denver-metro area, or the mobile kiosk here at Jefferson County coming later this month, where they will have their initial weight recorded and a photo taken.
• An individual’s progress is measured and tracked through quarterly weigh-ins at one of these kiosks, and success is rewarded quarterly through debit cards according to percentage of weight lost. Participants who maintain a healthy weight are eligible for a variety of prizes and coupons.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
www.weighandwin.com

ADDITIONAL KIOSK LOCATIONS
Permanent Weigh and Win kiosks are stationed at the following locations:
• Kaiser Permanente East Denver Medical Office: 10400 E. Alameda Ave., Denver
• Kaiser Permanente Franklin Medical Office: 2045 Franklin St., Denver
• Carbon Valley Library: 7 Park Ave., Firestone
• Denver Health: 777 Bannock St., Denver
• Goodson Recreation Center: 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial
• Commerce City Recreation Center: 6060 E Parkway Dr., Commerce City

Kaiser plans to add additional kiosks in the coming months in Colorado Springs, Glendale, Lakewood and Broomfield.

by the Board of County Commissioners
comments open from January 30 until February 18

The year 2011 was a busy and productive one for the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. Donald Rosier was sworn in as a County Commissioner on January 11, 2011 and Faye Griffin was elected 2011 chair of the BCC on that date. On March 2, John Odom was sworn in as a commissioner, filling the vacancy created when Commissioner McCasky resigned.

To see the full list of highlights, see the Board of County Commissioners webpage.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director
comments open from August 23 until September 11

This year’s show is shaping up to be one of the best shows at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. This is a great family event, with many of the proceeds going back into our community.

Some of the MUST SEE events are:
>> B-2 Stealth Bomber Fly Over – Saturday
>> Adventure Zone – Kids Space – Provides a wide variety of opportunities to experience the fun and excitement of aviation
>> Rocky Mountain Regional Fly-In – See unique and historic aircraft from all over the county
>> Static Displays – Including BAE – Gnat, F-16 Fighting Falcons from Buckley AFB, P-51 Mustang, T-6, TBM Avenger, C-130 Hercules, Yak-52, and more!

Ticket Info:
Tickets can be purchased online at http://rmairshow.ticketbud.com/tickets or at any local King Soopers. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate, however buying tickets in advance will save you money and time (by avoiding lines at the Front Gate Box Office).

See the Airport's web page for all the details on hours, performers, ticket info and noice notices. Additional information can be found at www.rmairshow.com or call 720-945-9167.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from August 10 until August 29

On Saturday August 6, the Jeffco CARES Festival was attended by over 2,000 people who were searching for resources and interested in learning more about the services available in their community. There were over 60 organizations from throughout Jefferson County who shared their services and provided hope for thousands of citizens who have been struggling in today’s economy.

Resources available included back-to-school information, bike safety, job search, mental health, developmentally disabled services, passport and voter registration information, mentor programs, child care resources, children's dentistry and many more. Feedback was positive about the fact that theresources were available in one place, at one time for Jefferson County citizens to learn and gain access to resources they might not otherwise know about or know how to find.

“We would certainly be interested in participating in the fair again! It was a great opportunity to do some community outreach, collaborate with other service providers, and truly help Jefferson County citizens,” states Brooke DeGroat of the Action Center.

Not only did people get connected with much needed resources, but they enjoyed an afternoon of no-cost food, entertainment, activities and give-away prizes.
>> More than 700 hotdogs were served by West Metro Fire Rescue, over 200 bags of non-perishable food was given out, about 300 boxes of ice cream bars were eaten, and Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches served countless sandwiches to all in attendance.

>> The Jeffco Sheriff's Office's K9 Dog Unit Demonstration drew a large crowd

>> Bands such as Synergy, a Live Art Ensemble Jazz Funk Group, Needless to Say an Alternative Rock Group and Jammin5280.com The Vibe, an online radio station, were there to entertain.

>> There were activities such as Kookie the Clown, West Metro Fire Truck, Jeffco Sheriff's Office's Armored Personnel Carrier, Music and Movement Activities for children, tattoos, face painting, balloon animals, a bouncy castle, and more.

>> Give-away prizes made people's day including the winner of a year of DIRECTV service, dinner at Applebee's and Texas Roadhouse, King Soopers and Safeway gift cards, several prizes from Home Depot including a straight trimmer and tools, and many more.

Not only were resources available to the community, but people also enjoyed a fun day. From seniors to children to families, there was something for everyone!

Alan Boisvert, Accounting Director
comments open from August 8 until August 27

Jefferson County’s Accounting Division is pleased to announce that the county has received a “clean” opinion from its external auditor, Eide Bailly, on its financial statements.

State law requires that the county prepare financial statements according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and that they be audited by a CPA firm licensed to practice in Colorado.

The firm of Eide Bailly has been the county’s external auditor for the last six years. As in all previous years the county received a clean opinion on its 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). This is the highest opinion an auditor can give. The CAFR also contains other information including a wealth of historical trend information in its Statistical Section, which the auditors review for accuracy as well.

Since the 2010 CAFR received a clean opinion and was timely completed, the county submitted it to the Governmental Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for a review to determine if it will also receive a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting. The county has, through 2009, received this award 25 times, showing that the county takes seriously its commitment to disciplined financial reporting to its citizens, the state and the federal government.

Please visit the Accounting Division’s website, www.jeffco.us/acct, to view the CAFR, and other financial reports in their entirety.

by Public Information
comments open from July 5 until July 24

Like the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot, the fabled poop fairy has been the stuff of legend. A widespread belief that she existed seemed to reassure some that cleaning up after one’s dog was sort of … optional.

However, in response to a growing number of poop piles, and a growing number of citizen complaints, the Jefferson County Animal Control office has partnered with local park districts and homeowner associations to bring you this public service announcement: There is no Poop Fairy!

The Poop Fairy campaign is a team effort led by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jeffco Animal Control, along with help from Jeffco Open Space, Jeffco Planning and Zoning, many local parks districts and a few committed citizens who care a LOT about the impacts of poop.

This campaign, though not even officially launched, has already gotten noticed around town and nationally.
• Channel 7 News
• Westword
• Even the Rachel Maddow show listed it as “Best new thing in the world today” on Thursday, June 30.

Read more about the upcoming campaign and how you can help on the Sheriff’s Animal Control page.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from June 6 until June 25

Unfortunately it seems that today there is a lot of focus on the things that have gone wrong. Too many times we are quick to tell others when they have “messed up” yet we forget to mention when someone has done a great job.

Everyone wants to be acknowledged and recognized for a job well done. It’s a simple task, but an often forgotten gesture. Whether at work, or at home, or out in the community; it’s very simple to let someone when they have done a good job. Not only does this reinforce continued positive interactions, but it also increases productivity and teamwork.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director
comments open from Janaury 7 until January 26

This past year has been a benchmark of many changes upcoming at the Rocky Mountain Metro Airport. The Airport Master Plan, which outlines a clear vision of the future, was updated. Also completed in 2010, was the new Air Traffic Control Tower on the south side of the airport, installation of new security and wildlife fencing, and a new paved road to the fuel farm from Metro Airport Avenue called Rocky Road.

One of the items identified in the Master Plan is the need to extend the Runway Safety Area (RSA) on the west end of Runway 11L/29R. Currently, the RSA is 600 feet in length. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design the requirements for the type of aircraft that operate at RMMA and they require a 1,000 foot RSA. An Environmental Assessment (EA) is currently underway to ascertain the impact of extending the RSA and is scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2011.

Also in the summer of 2011, the Air Traffic Control Tower will be certified and operational, and with that, a new airfield lighting control system will be installed. Other projects to watch for include the conclusion of the Wildlife Hazard Assessment and development of a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan.

Be sure the check out the Rocky Mountain Air Show, scheduled for August 26-28, 2011. More information can be found at www.cosportaviation.org.

by Public Information
comments open from December 21 until January 9

Jefferson County is offering unique training opportunity to Jefferson County senior citizens. Beginning in January 2011, Jefferson County Public Library will bring its eTrain mobile computer training lab to local non-profit and faith-based organizations to provide seniors (age 50 and older) onsite training in Basic Computer and Internet Job and Volunteer Search Skills. This program is being made possible by a partnership of Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL), the Jefferson County Department of Human Services and Aging Well in Jefferson County Project and is being funded by a generous grant from Rose Community Foundation with a matching in-kind contribution from JCPL.

“With the rising number of older adults in our community seeking employment and volunteer opportunities, the Aging Well Project has identified a need for classes tailored to address their needs,” said Susan Franklin, Project Manager, Jefferson County Human Services. “Many older adults have been out of the job and volunteer search market for some time and lack the computer skills they need to identify and qualify for opportunities.”

“JCPL’s eTrain provides a unique opportunity to bring training directly to seniors throughout Jefferson County,” Franklin added.

The eTrain is an innovative mobile computer training lab with eight computer work stations and a trained instructor on board. Under this program, the eTrain will offer two-hour classes in Basic Computer and Internet Job and Volunteer Search Skills.

“We hope to partner with local community groups and faith-based organizations to reach out to seniors who may benefit from this training,” said Cindy Phillips, Online and Outreach Manager, JCPL. “We want to make sure we reach as many people as possible in the next six months.”

Any organization serving seniors is eligible to schedule one or more onsite training sessions. For additional details or to schedule a training session, please contact Stacy McKenzie, 303-275-6236.