This week, clerks and recorders will open their offices on Valentine's Day for anyone who wants to gift a pet for their wedding. Meanwhile, Wheat Ridge celebrates Everyday Heroes, Family Connect is a new free resource for families with newborns, and more is happening around Jeffco this week.
The secret reason to get married on Valentine's Day
The Jefferson County Clerk-Recorder's Office will host its first annual “Pawsitively in Love” marriage license event. Couples can bring their pets to the wedding ceremony at the Jefferson County Administrative Building on February 14 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“Coloradoans love their pets, and so do we,” the office said in a statement. “Many couples have already brought their human family members to our office to celebrate their marriage, so we look forward to having their other significant family members join us this Valentine’s Day.” I am.”
The office recently announced that it will increase staffing and reservation slots for the big Valentine's Day event. In addition to inviting pets into the office, clerks also offer special Valentine's Day stickers for marriage licenses, treats for humans and animals, and other festivities.
The Jefferson County Hall always draws a large crowd this holiday. According to the office, all counties surrounding Jeffco are at their maximum capacity for issuing marriage licenses. Many couples come to Jefferson County to get married.
According to the office, the number of marriage licenses issued on Valentine's Day increased from 2022 to 2023. The agency issued more than 1,600 more marriage licenses in 2023 than in 2022, an increase of 51%.
Here's what you need to know before you go:
- Reservations are required for the event.
- Couples must complete a marriage license online prior to booking.
- Pet reservations can be made from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Reservations for non-pets are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Walk-ins are available all day, but expect long lines and wait times at the office, so plan accordingly (reservations are highly recommended).
“We can't wait to meet Jeffco's dogs, cats, baby goats, parrots, iguanas, and other beloved pets,” said Amanda Gonzalez, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder.
Appointment scheduling and online marriage licenses can be accessed through the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder's webpage.
credit: Photo courtesy of Jeffco Clerk and Recorder's Office
Wheat Ridge celebrates everyday heroes
Amy Trujillo, volunteer travel driver and leader for Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation, recently received the Everyday Heroes Award from Denver 7 and West Shore Homes.
Trujillo spends his days volunteering to drive local seniors around the state. She approached Lakewood and reached Pueblo. Trujillo was honored to take the time to serve others.
Jeffco Public Health and Lutheran Medical Center Introduces Family Connect for Newborn Support
Caring for a newborn baby is a coordination of the whole family. Jeffco Public Health and Lutheran Medical Center have partnered to offer Family Connect, a program that provides free support to families with newborns.
The program connects families with a nurse who comes to the home to check on the health of the baby and the entire family. This program focuses on the health and well-being of everyone in the home, excluding pets.
“It's great to have a program that focuses on mothers,” said Amanda McCoy, family ambassador for the Family Connect program. “Until birth, it's all about you, but as soon as the baby is born, it's all about the baby and you get upset. Family Connects is exactly what I needed, and it's not just about the baby. It is a program that also focuses on mothers and helps them understand what is normal to experience as a parent.”
According to Jeffco Public Health, the Family Connects model was created as a result of research among new parents. The study found that 95% of parents want support after the birth of their baby, but don't know where to find it. Other studies of the model have found that the program helps reduce postpartum hospital visits and hospitalizations. Reports of anxiety and participation in child protective services also decreased.
For more information and to register for the program, visit FamilyConnectsColorado.org.
Grab lunch and do a mental health check-in at Wheat Ridge and Jefferson Mental Health Center.
The City of Wheat Ridge has announced a partnership with the Jefferson Mental Health Center to spread mental health awareness and resources to the community. The city will invest $400,000 from American Rescue Plan funds to be used over the next four years.
“Our partnership with the Jefferson Center is a way for the city to support the mental, emotional, and overall well-being of its citizens. Together, we provide information, tools, and resources to help our communities thrive. We’re going to provide that,” said City Manager Patrick Goff.
According to the announcement, the Jefferson Center will use the funds to support “Jefferson Center’s Community Engagement Manager, professional development courses, the overall mission of the Jefferson Center, and presentations designed specifically for the Wheat Ridge community.” It is said to be used to support the
Also included is a series of complimentary presentations provided with lunch. The series includes:
- Self-Compassion Friday February 16th
- Mindfulness Friday, March 15th
- Finding Joy in Times of Stress Friday, April 19th
The presentation and lunch are free and open to the public with advance registration. These will be offered at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling Street in Wheat Ridge. To register and learn more, visit the program event page or JCMH.org.
