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November 26, 2015 VO LUM E 1 1 | IS S UE 26
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ArvadaPress.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Eatery highlighted for community service By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com In Arvada’s Five Parks neighborhood, an employer is working hard to make a difference in the community, one they hope lasts a lifetime. And on Nov. 30, they’re being honored for it on ABC’s “The Chew.” Steamer’s and Jacks Restaurant is home for many citizens, especially their staff of around 80, of which 40 are
developmentally disabled. Founded by Athan Miller and Scott Parker in 2007, the company trains and employs adults with an array of developmental disabilities so they have the necessary skills to spring them into the workforce. “They said on this season of ‘The Chew’ they are focusing on how food changes lives,” Miller said about their segment on the show. “They understood us.”
Kara Deandrea smiles as she finishes pulling apart chicken in the Steamer’s and Jacks Restaurant in Five Parks. Photos by Crystal Anderson
Eatery continues on Page 22
Steamer’s Prep Kitchen, recognized for changing the lives of developmentally disabled adults in the community through employment, makes a variety of jams, jellies and sauces as well as prep all the food for the restaurant.
County fair aims for next level
The county fair should be a celebration that represents the wide variety of Jefferson County, fairgrounds director Scott Gales said. A new events coordinator is reaching out to all sectors of the community to provide input and create an event to make the community proud. Courtesy photo
Residents provide input to full-time coordinator By Christy Steadman csteadman@colorado communitymedia.com Jefferson County Fair attendees will have a new experience to look forward to in 2016. In the past, the fair has been has been organized and managed by an outside, all-volunteer nonprofit team. The group did a good job, fairgrounds director Scott Gales said, but did not have the resources to make the event truly spectacular. Discussion on the county fair came up among Jefferson County commissioners on June 30. To ensure its success and provide a better experience for fair-goers, Foxworth all three Jefferson County commissioners favored hiring a full-time fairgrounds events coordinator. “Whatever form it takes, people (should) walk away impressed with it,” Commissioner Donald Rosier said at the June 30 meeting. The commissioners agree that Jeffco’s fair should be something that highlights the county. “It’s important to remind citizens, and engage them, on the uniqueness of Jefferson County,” said Commissioner Libby Szabo. The new Jefferson County Fairgrounds events coordinator, Dexter Foxworth, was hired in October, and wasted no time on his task of focusing on the county fair. Fair continues on Page 22
“It was worth it, all worth it,” Lesley Dahlkemper, outgoing Jefferson County Board of Education member, said to several community members at the district’s farewell reception. Here she receives a “Jeffco Board of Ed Survival Kit” from Michael Clark, a community member who had voted for the majority, but switched his views in 2014 after seeing the repercussions of the majority’s decisions. Photo by Crystal Anderson
Jeffco board changes over All five school board spots change hands By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com It was a night for the changing of the guard at the Jeffco School Board, as an entirely new board was seated, and board Attorney Brad A. Miller announced his resignation. “Tonight we swear in five new board members, who will work hard to exceed all of our expectations and most importantly continue to rebuild trust in this board,” outgoing board member Leslie Dahlkemper said during her farewell thoughts. “It’s a very tall order for a volunteer position and it impacts the lives of 86,000 children they need our support and our very best thinking, they’ve got big issues to tackle ahead.” In a packed board room, members of the board of education — Ken Witt, Julie Williams, John Newkirk, Jill Fellman and Lesley Dahlkemper — relinquished their duties to the newly elected direc-
Board continues on Page 15