Donor Alliance Has Record Month For Organ Donors
Donor Alliance, the non-profit organ procurement organization serving Colorado and most of Wyoming had a record month in June with 17 organ donors, more than in any month in the past. This increase is important, due to long waiting lists for organs in the Rocky Mountain region. Currently close to 1,700 people in Colorado and Wyoming are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
For more information call Donor Alliance at 303-329-4747 or visit www.DonorAlliance.org.

Latest Report Reveals What’s In Denver’s Water
There really is something in the water we drink. To find out what, check out Denver Water’s 2006 Water Quality Report, an annual summary of the quality of water provided to Denver-area customers. The report includes easy-to-understand information about where Denver’s water comes from, what it contains and how it measures up to standards set by regulatory agencies.
The good news is that the water is fine. Denver Water once again reports that it has never violated a water quality standard.        
Denver Water began issuing annual water quality reports in 1996. The 2006 report includes sources and levels of detected substances, both regulated and unregulated, and health effects associated with those substances. It also provides information on bacterial testing, chlorine levels and mineral content, as well as special considerations for people with compromised immune systems. Customers who receive Denver Water bills will receive a copy of the report in a separate mailing.
Customers who don’t receive water bills, such as apartment dwellers, or those who have water quality concerns or questions, may call 303-893-2444 or visit www.denverwater.org.

Providing Senior Care In The Non-Traditional Family
Caring for a senior in a non-traditional family can be complicated, but it also represents an opportunity for single parents and blended families. Both the senior population and non-traditional families are on the rise. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, nearly 70 million people will be over the age of 65. At the same time, the number of households that fall into the “non-traditional” family category has increased 23 percent since 1990 from 27.4 million to 33.7 million. When the two trends intersect in the same family, effective management of senior care issues is important as well as rewarding.
The communication of expectations is the key to managing senior care in a non-traditional family. When family members know their roles and responsibilities, providing care to a senior can be easily accomplished. Single parents who care for a loved one can enlist the help of older children or an in-home care provider to assist a senior with shopping, laundry and medication reminders. Also, having younger children read to or with a senior can occupy both children and seniors.
In a blended family, caring for a senior can be a great way for step-children to get to know their new grandparent. Seniors may feel confused about their role as a step-grandparent, but an emphasis on communication is the key in any blended family, specifically those who care for seniors. Any home that cares for a senior should make it a family affair. Non-traditional families are no exception. There are opportunities for all family members to get involved. 
For more information call Mark Terry at 720-875-1800.

Denver Launches New Customer Service System 
Need to schedule a building inspection? Want to know how to apply for a marriage license? Have a pothole to report? Now the City and County of Denver has an easy way for local residents and businesses to get information on any non-emergency city service: Simply dial 311.
Denver’s 311 customer service agents are available daily, seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. with limited coverage on holidays. Denverites can also access the 311 system by visiting www.denvergov.org, e-mailing 311@ci.denver.co.us, faxing 720-913-8490, or by walking into the 311 Call Center to speak to an agent in person at the Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax. 911 is still the number to call for emergencies.
When calls come in to 311, trained customer service agents will provide information on the spot or assign a tracking number to the inquiry if a service is requested, such as fixing a broken traffic light. The tracking number allows citizens to follow their requests for service through the city system online at www.denvergov.org. Callers can also find out the status of a specific request or add more information or comments by referring to their specific 311 tracking number by phone, e-mail or fax.
311 will also improve public safety by reducing the number of non-emergency calls to 911 and providing another communication tool in a crisis. Almost 20 percent of the calls to Denver’s 911 number are non-emergency calls, and City officials hope those non-emergency calls will now come to 311, freeing 911 operators to address emergencies.
Currently, residents may call 311 from land lines within the City and County of Denver and from most cell phones. Surrounding jurisdictions have expressed interest in the 311 system and, with City and County of Denver officials, are exploring how a collaborative regional system could work. 311 serves the deaf and hearing-impaired community through a TTY number: 720-913-8479.
 
Mayor Hickenlooper Announces Preschool Proposal
Following the recommendations of a mayoral task force charged with increasing preschool access among Denver’s four-year-olds, Mayor John Hickenlooper announced that he will forward the group’s proposal to City Council for possible referral to the November ballot.
Hickenlooper appointed the Mayor’s Leadership Team on Early Childhood Education in January 2004. For the past two-and-a-half years, this broad-based group of civic, business and education leaders has been researching opportunities to increase access to quality early childhood education, leading to the proposed ballot initiative which now moves to City Council for consideration.
Pending City Council referral, the proposed ballot question would ask Denver voters to raise the sales tax rate .0012 percent (1.2 cents on every $10 purchase) to fund a high quality, parental choice preschool program for Denver’s four-year-olds. This dedicated revenue stream would raise approximately $12 million per year to be used primarily for tuition credits for families and
quality improvement funds for providers.
For more information call 720-865-9016 or e-mail lindy.e.lent@ci.denver.co.us.

Garfield Lake Park To Receive Makeover From Starbucks
Starbucks Coffee Company recently announced it has committed $75,000 to Denver Parks and Recreation to revitalize Garfield Lake Park, located at South Lowell Blvd. and West Mississippi Ave. in southwest Denver. In a joint press conference, representatives from Denver Parks and Recreation and Denver City Council acknowledged this first-ever corporate sponsorship from Starbucks. Improvements will be made during a “Passion for Parks” volunteer event on Friday, August 11 during which approximately 100 Starbucks employees are expected to join an estimated 100 Denver resident volunteers to complete the planned improvements. Starbucks will host a community-wide celebration to showcase the newly revitalized Garfield Lake Park on Saturday, August 12. Activities will include sports skill challenges, nature presentations, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a luncheon for residents of the neighborhoods surrounding Garfield Lake Park.
For more information, or to volunteer call 303-331-4061.