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.

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

Mark your calendar for the Edgerunner 5k Walk/Run on May 3, 2009. This new event 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.

Come cheer, walk or run to show your support for kids and families involved in foster care! This race is being sponsored by the Foster Care and Adoption divisions of Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties.

Visit www.edgerunner5k.com for more information.

by Allison Gerdes, Employee Communications Coordinator

The Jeffco Administration & Courts Building Atrium was a bustle with chocolate lovers on Thursday, February 12 for a delicious fundraising event! It's no secret that local food banks are struggling in this economy to keep their shelves stocked while the need for their services continues to rise. To do a small part and help share the love, Jeffco employees participated in a special Valentine's Day themed event called the Chocolate Lovers Extravaganza.

To have a little fun and raise a few dollars, employees volunteered to bring their best chocolate recipes for a bake-off style contest. Participants from many departments took part in this contest and donated their creations to the fundraiser.

With tables of chocolate-themed desserts, it didn't take long for the tasters to line up to sample. For a small donation, people were able to buy a small plate of delicious goodies for $5 or a large plate for $10. Several prospective jurors and other visitors to the county building came by to partake, as well as many employees, who came for a few treats on their breaks and even supplied their office mates with some early Valentine’s Day treats.

More than 30 entries were submitted including: Chocolate Love Cups, Ice Box Chocolate Pudding, You’re 'Marblelous' Cheesecake, and Sassy Lemon Bars (Surprise, No Chocolate!). Proceeds from the event were donated to several Jeffco food banks.

Food banks are struggling in this economy to keep their shelves stocked. If you’d like to help, contact one of the Jeffco food banks to get more information about donation.

To find a food bank in Jefferson County, you can do an Internet search on "Food Banks Jefferson County Colorado" or look them up in your local telephone directory.