Jefferson County Commissioners Tracy Kraft-Tharp, Andy Kerr, and Lesley Dahlkemper would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Giving Tree Program a success. Your generosity is helping to bring holiday cheer to more than 300 children across Jeffco.

Thanks to the amazing Jeffco community, kids from CASA, Jefferson County’s Head Start program, and Jeffco Prosperity Partners will receive special gifts this holiday season. We’re so grateful to all the Jeffco employees and community members who made this possible!

Twice a year the Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office provides passport processing with no appointment necessary. If you are filing for a new passport, your passport has expired by more than five years, or are getting passports for your children, this is the event for you. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by with all of your documents, a checkbook, and your application. We will get you ready for summer 2025 travel. RSVP today.

The City of Arvada, in partnership with the Jefferson County Public Library, officially opened the Standley Lake Library Trailhead. Partially funded through a 2021 Trails Partnership Program grant from Jefferson County Open Space, this trailhead provides the community with improved access to the Rocky Mountain Greenway, Standley Lake, and the surrounding network of trails.

As severe weather events become more frequent and intense, it’s vital to provide support for those in the Jeffco community who may be affected, particularly those experiencing homelessness. Access a variety of resources for shelter, safety, and essential services during severe cold weather conditions.

Between January and November 2024, the Jefferson County Treasurer's Office accrued roughly $27.6 million in interest on county investments (unaudited). With voters approving 1A, Jefferson County can use all interest earned for county services and projects as determined by the Board of County Commissioners. Learn more and view financial reports.

Thanks to the nearly 1,400 community members who shared their feedback on desired services and spaces for the new Northwest Jeffco Library. The Community Engagement Report was presented to the Board of Trustees in December and will be used to recommend Northwest Jeffco Library design elements. The official community engagement report will be available soon.

Jefferson County has electric vehicle (EV) charging station available at our public buildings. Take advantage of the Level 2 chargers at the Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy in Golden. Additional chargers are planned for installation this winter at the Laramie Building, Human Services Building, and District Attorney Building. Check out more sustainability tips.

Explore something new. Engage with your community. Create lasting connections. Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) offers thousands of programs, from author visits and book groups to Story Time and technology classes, across all of our locations. No matter age or interests, JCPL has something for you.

Colorado voters amended the state constitution to further strengthen protections for marriage equality. The Jeffco Clerk's Office is proud to celebrate all kinds of love with a giant rainbow paper chain in support of the thousands of couples that get married here each year. Through mid-January, community members can submit their name to have a link added. The final chain will be revealed on Jan. 21 and displayed on the second floor at 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden.

The end of a year represents endings but also new beginnings. If you're thinking about quitting tobacco and nicotine, there's no better time to take the first step toward a healthier you. To find free resources to support your quitting journey in 2025, visit www.QuitYourWayCO.org or call the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

From Jan. 2 through Feb. 28, bring your gently used and clean formal wear, accessories, and other prom essentials to any Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) full-service location. Your donations will be shared with local high schools and made available at JCPL prom swaps. By participating, you can help support our youth, promote sustainability and give back to our community.

Jefferson County utilizes virtual town halls as a tool to provide updates and to interact with community members regarding important county business. On Dec. 10 from 6-7 p.m., Jeffco Commissioners Lesley Dahlkemper, Andy Kerr and Tracy Kraft-Tharp were joined by county subject matter experts to provide updates and answer your questions. Listen to the audio recording.

Since its founding in 1995, Camp Comfort has helped more than 1,900 children find a path through grief after losing a loved one.

In this edition of #GetToKnowJeffco, see how the bereavement camp is using grant funds allocated by Jefferson County to continue to help children find a path forward. Learn more about Get To Know Jeffco.

Late season hunting access at Centennial Cone Park began Dec. 1, closing the park to all other uses through Jan. 31. Mayhem Gulch parking lot along US Hwy 6 will remain open for Clear Creek Park and Peaks to Plains Trail access. Hunting is seasonally permitted for licensed hunters. Hunting helps control elk and deer populations that are not being held in check by natural predators.

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps cover heating and energy costs for families and individuals that qualify. LEAP accepts applications every year beginning Nov. 1 and running through April 30. LEAP is not intended to pay the entire cost of home heating, but rather it helps alleviate some of the burden associated with the colder months. Learn about eligibility and apply for LEAP.

The medicolegal death investigation internship program provides participants hands-on experience, while students earn college credit. To date, two classes of interns have graduated, with the third class scheduled to begin in spring 2025. Interns can earn their Certified Death Investigator certificate through the Colorado Coroner’s Association while completing the program. 

This fast-growing perennial deciduous tree is an ornamental that escaped cultivation. It infests vacant lots, roadsides, and is common sprouting up in landscaped areas near parking lots. It can grow to more than sixty feet tall, with a trunk diameter of three feet or more.

Control is best done using multiple methods including removal of seedlings, treating resprouts with chemical or using chemical for cut stump or basal bark treatments.

Colorado Gives Day, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, is one of the largest giving events in the nation and the largest fundraising movement in our state with 4,533 participating nonprofits. The giving event, hosted by Colorado Gives Foundation, raised nearly a half million more than last year.

Lakewood has opportunities for everyone in 2025. Check out the spring season at Lakewood Cultural Center or apply for scholarship funds valid for programs and classes at Lakewood.org. Hone your search to Lakewood.org/Register to purchase Bear Creek Lake Park Annual Passes, reserve camping and event rentals, or register for summer camps (opening Feb. 18).  

The City of Wheat Ridge is calling on residents to step up and bring their unique perspectives to its boards, commissions, and committees. With openings across a variety of groups, now is the time to turn ideas into action. Applications are open now through Jan. 12. Learn more and apply by visiting the city’s Boards and Commissions webpage. Questions? Email city staff or call 303-235-2977.

Join CASA Jeffco/Gilpin on Friday, Jan. 31 for Comedy for CASA, an unforgettable evening of laughter and giving back. This is an exciting new fundraising event that promises fun and entertainment for a great cause. The night will feature drinks, hors d'oeuvres, an enticing silent auction, and a laugh-out-loud performance by our headliner, Rocky LaPorte. Learn more and buy tickets.

Apex has you covered for last-minute shopping without the kiddos. Drop them off at Apex Center for Parents' Night Out on Dec. 20 from 5-9 p.m. Plus, let Apex help you wrap up the year with family fun at Noon Year’s Eve on Dec. 31, starting at 11 a.m. Visit ApexPRD.org to register for Parents’ Night Out, Noon Year’s Eve, or to learn about other Apex programs.

Gift cards are valid at any Foothills Park & Recreation District recreation facility for classes, daily admissions, pass purchases, or massage services. Purchase gift cards at Peak Community & Wellness Center, Ridge Recreation Center, Lilley Gulch Recreation Center and Edge Ice Arena. Golf gift cards can be purchased at Meadows Golf Club and at Foothills Golf Course. Find our facility locations.

Jeffco Public Schools is re-imagining leadership to prioritize equity and excellence. Inspired by insights from TNTP's Opportunity Makers, the school district is committed to creating pathways that ensure every student thrives. Read Superintendent Dorland’s interview on creating belonging, consistency, and coherence at the district level.

Because of you, families in the Jeffco Prosperity Partners (JPP) program have the resources, opportunities, and encouragement they need to thrive. Your impact on Colorado Gives Day will be felt far and wide in our community. From everyone at JPP, thank you for believing in our mission and the families we serve.

Explore a variety of vendors, resources, and services for different abilities, including adaptive recreation, non-recreation services, healthcare, funding sources, transportation, and more at the Lakewood PossAbilities Expo. This free event will be held at the Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover Street in Lakewood on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a sensory-friendly time block 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Do you want to learn how to support someone facing a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid prepares you to help in a mental health emergency, making the difference in the lives of those around you. Sign up for one of the upcoming trainings.

Mark your calendars for March 1, 2025, for the Ties & Tiaras Hollywood Stars Edition at at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. This event is a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories. Whether it’s mom, dad, grandparents, or any special guardian, treat your little star to a night of magic and fun. Enjoy an evening filled with dinner, dessert, music, dancing, and so much more.