December 2014

 

What a great time of the year in Heritage Greens! The lights are shining brighter than ever at all the entrances and the common area and so many homeowners have done a great job of stepping up decorations this year. Remember, we will be handing out cash awards on December 22 to several homes with great lights so don't miss out. I want to personally say thank you to Tony and Angela Lercara and Robb and Tish Stone for allowing us to tap into their power this year at two of our entrances to light the major trees. We couldn't have done it without them! Last, be sure to put out your luminaries on the evening of December 24 as it's a neighborhood tradition.

             

Our survey was a tremendous success with 459 homes participating! Thanks so much to all. This feedback will help us ensure our spending and activities are aligned with the needs of the community. 97% of respondents see Heritage Greens as the same or better than when they moved here which is a testament to the efforts of the nearly 40 volunteers on your HOA. Final results will be published for all to see in January 2015.

             

Please join me in thanking our departing News and Web leader Heidi Elliott. She has done an outstanding job in changing how we communicate with one another and building our great website, social media and communications tools. She will be missed! Heidi is now handing the torch to Kristin Dimig who will continue to make our communications best-in-class for other neighborhoods to follow.  

 

Thanks also go out to two departing board members (Lucas Wilson and Wade Wilson...no relation) who are being replaced this year by John Neilson and Jeff Brown. We are blessed to have so many fantastic volunteers every year.

             

We wish you all the best this holiday season with your friends and family and have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

 

HOA President
303-570-8291

Remember to click on the advertisements you see in this newsletter to visit the advertisers' websites. Please support those companies that support Heritage Greens! (Advertisers are not endorsed by Heritage Greens HOA) 

New Holiday Lights at HG Entrances and Club House


 
Heritage Greens Homeowner Holiday Lights Contest

 
We will continue the yearly tradition of the Heritage Greens homeowner holiday lights contest, but this year we'll have even more prizes!! Be sure you have your lights up and looking great by mid December so that you be part of the contest. Winners will be announced at 6:40 p.m. at the Suburban Sleigh Ride on December 22.


Suburban Sleigh Ride... Get Your Jingle On December 22!

 

You are invited to a new family tradition for all Heritage Greens residents.

On Monday, December 22 from 4:20 to 9:00 p.m. you can enjoy a 15 minute "Firetruck Sleigh Ride", courtesy of Menchie's, to carol and enjoy the lights of our beautiful neighborhood.  

Each little "elf" will receive a Santa hat to keep, an opportunity to make reindeer food, hot chocolate and a flashlight for the ride. To help encourage singing, songbooks and adult beverages will be served. You will also receive a $15 gift certificate for Menchie's to use at your convenience. Christmas movies will be shown in the community room after your ride if you would like to stay. At 6:40 p.m. members of our HOA will announce the winners of the holiday lights contest for Heritage Greens.  

 

The cost is $50 per family (current residents of your home). If you would like to bring an additional guest they are $5 per person. Click here to pay online with your credit card. Online payments will only be taken, no money taken at the door.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR SLEIGH RIDE TIME HERE.  AFTER you pay online, select a ride time/seat for each member of your family. Each sleigh can accommodate 18 people. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate families who arrive after their ride time. Rides will begin and end at the HG Community Room. Sleigh time reservations without payment will be deleted. We have added 1 "early bird ride". These are for any families that have younger children or would prefer to ride when it is light out.

So grab your neighbors, start singing in the shower, dress warmly and share the holiday spirit! Proceeds benefit our swim team, the Heritage Greens Gators! This event sold out very quickly last year. Please purchase now!
 
Many tha
nks to our sponsor:

Holly Malcolm

Broker Associate

Hume & Co

6025 South Quebec #100

Centennial, CO 80111

Office: 303-740-8100

Direct: 303-740-8100

hollymalcolm@comcast.net  

 

 

Please contact Stafie Parker or Jason Everett with any questions. 303 917 5221

Gators Swim Team

Can you believe it is time to start planning for the 2015 Gator Swim Team season?

 

New Families

For the new families in our neighborhood, the Gators would like to extend a special welcome and invite anyone interested in joining the swim team to contact Nancy Seavall or Kristen Dimig at  hggators@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting you and are so excited to have you here.

 

Coaches

Do you know someone or are you that person who has what it takes to be a Heritage Greens Gators Swim Team coach? Coaching positions are available for this summer's swim team. We are looking for responsible, energetic, creative people to take on this important role.    

 

A Gator coach must have fundamental knowledge of swimming, good communication skills and be willing to be a role model for the kids of Heritage Greens. The job runs from mid-May to mid-July and is an intense, exciting and rewarding experience. Please Contact Nancy or Kristen to set up an interview time if you have not done so.

  

luminarias

Luminaries 

Pick up dates for the luminaries and Butter Braids are Sunday, December 14, 1-5 p.m. and Saturday, December 20, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Heritage Greens Club House.   

 

If you didn't pre-order your luminaries, we will have some extras available for purchase on a first come, first serve basis during the pick up times.    

 

We wish you a wonderful and safe Holiday Season. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Sleigh Ride and we can not wait to drive through the neighborhood on Christmas Eve. Thank you for supporting the swim team and Go Gators!

 

Nancy Seavall and Kristen Dimig

hggators@gmail.com 

 
Moms, Pops & Tots - Cookie Exchange

 
santa-with-cookie.jpg Cookie Exchange
Friday, December 19 - 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun, family friendly Cookie Exchange.  We will meet for a potluck happy hour and cookie exchange to kick off Winter Break!

If you are new the neighborhood and would like to be included in Moms, Pops & Tots, please send us an email.

Alison Rank, alisonjrank@comcast.net, 303.517.1090
Ann O'Connor, ann_anthes@hotmail.com, 303.693.2016
Leslie Suh, millerlk44@hotmail.com, 303.741.4092

Farewell from the Editor

Heidi with husband Dane 
My name is Heidi Elliott and this is my 45th and final HG newsletter. I have worked as your newsletter editor and webmaster for almost four years. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you and utilizing this newsletter and the internet to showcase our amazing neighborhood.

I am thrilled to introduce Kristen Dimig who will be your new editor and webmaster. She brings some great experience to the job as well as a passion for Heritage Greens. The email will remain the same and you can reach her at HGNewsWeb@gmail.com.

Covenant Corner: Contractor Signs and Lamp Posts

Since our recent hail storm, there has been significant reconstruction going on in the HG neighborhood, a good thing. Just a reminder, "SIGNS" are not permitted, per the covenants. We've noticed an increase in signage from roofers and home improvement companies. We understand that they like the publicity, but it is not allowed, per the covenants.
 
Moving on to a "lighter" subject, POLE LAMPS, on a photoelectric cell, are required also, per the covenants. This has been addressed already three times this past year. 1) In the HG July newsletter, 2) in a HG/ACCU letter to all homeowners September 26, 2014, 3) in the October HG Newsletter President's Pen section. We've noticed a vast improvement in the compliance on this issue, thank you! We will be sending letters to all homes that appear to be in non-compliance in January. Per an earlier correspondence, we expect this issue to be resolved by May 1, 2015.

 

John Nielsen, ACC 

JNIEL10632@aol.com 

Tennis Leagues for Next Season

tennis Captains
A mandatory captain's meeting will be held around January 21. Date will be confirmed next month. If you are a new captain this year, please email me so that I can get your name on my list.

Players
If you are interested in playing in a tennis league this summer, be sure to read the tennis league rules which are available here or on the website.

There are certain procedures that need to be followed especially in the following circumstances:
  • Anyone wanting to play on an HG team that has never played on one before must send in a request.
  • Anyone moving up or down a level and wanting to be on a new team must send in a request.
  • Anyone wanting to play on a team that is above their rating level must send in a request even if they were on that team in the past.  
When making requests, please list the specific leagues you would like to be considered for. Just saying "any 3.0 team" is not enough information. There are multiple leagues throughout the year playing at different days and times. USTA.com and coloradotennis.com will have all the league days and times listed. Here is information for 2014: A few upcoming deadlines:
  • Next year ratings came out on December 2. Check tennislink.com 
  • Captains may now request team numbers. Teams who had a spot last year have priority. Rosters must accompany any request.
  • Residents who wish to join a team may submit their names and requested leagues through Dec. 15 via email.
Thank you-
Marty Smith, League Coordinator, mlsmiff@msn.com, 303-507-9605
   
Call for Heritage Greens Artists
 
 
Are you an artist living in Heritage Greens?  Local artist and HG resident of twenty three years, Janet Moore, is sending out this call.

Please contact Janet for details. 303-956-5193 of janetm52@comcast.net


Electrical Outages in HG

I am one of the lucky HG residents who has a utility box in my back yard so on a regular basis I have the opportunity to speak with XCEL representatives. Recently I was able question a XCEL technician about the status of our grid. This is my report:

The two major outages that affected Heritage Greens this summer were caused by a main cable failure at Links and Colorado. The first extended outage was the failure and the time required to temporarily patch our grid. The second lengthy outage was the repair of the line.

Heritage Greens electrical outages are not unique, due to aging infrastructure the reliability of XCEL's electrical grid is a regional issue. Thirty plus years ago when Public Service (now XCEL) built out Heritage Greens the standard practice was to bury cable without conduit. Decades of environmental issues, moisture and temperature, the insulation on the buried lines is now showing its age.

A project to reinsulate the buried cable in our neighborhood is now in progress.  XCEL will pressure inject a silicone 'like' substance into the sheathing of our existing cables. The injection process is done on live or 'Hot' cables and should not require any outages. This procedure reverses the aging issues with buried cable. Once completed XCEL expects the Heritage Greens grid to be more reliable.

Some basic truths regarding electric outages:
  • Heritage Greens' electric grid is not redundant*: When our main line or a single cable run fails, XCEL does not have the ability to 'flip a switch' to reroute our grid. Physical repairs must be done by a work crew and this takes time. * Redundancy or fault tolerance is complex; by design this statement is an oversimplification.
  • Not all outages are local: Outside Heritage Greens there are multiple points of failure that can bring our service down. You can check the status or report an outage here.
  • Dial 811 before you dig! XCEL cables are closer to the surface than you might think. Before you or your contractor start to dig, call and have your lawn marked for cables. Beyond dangerous, cutting a cable is expensive.
  • Plan for Outages: Expect and plan for failure. Whether it is a long outage or a quick flicker, power spikes caused by outages can destroy electronics and potentially cause other damage including fire. Surge protectors are recommended for computer and sensitive electrical equipment (don't forget your stove, dishwasher, refrigerator and furnace). Not all store bought surge protectors are created equal. The better ones have components that can withstand multiple surges; the older/cheaper protectors are designed to withstand only a single event. It is recommended that you periodically check your surge protectors to see if they are still operational. Whole house surge protectors can be added to your electrical box and are a smart investment.
  • Buried utilities are more reliable than overhead lines.  Congratulate yourself for the foresight to live in a neighborhood that does not have utility poles
Pat Tugman
South Eudora Ct
  
Safety Update

As a result of that latest storm, contractors galore have been in the neighborhood peddling their wares, roofs, windows, siding and dog houses. Buyers beware for the scam artists and con men that these storms bring out.
 
Back in the day, before I went to the big league, I was an investigator for the Metropolitan Denver District Attorney's Office which handled consumer fraud complaints in the Denver metro area-what an eye opener that was. Today we have Google, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Angie's List and more.
 
I had a company representative at our home not long after the storm, provided me with copies of various documents from the Colorado Secretary of State's Office, contractor licenses from surrounding cities, and a copy of the company certificate of Insurance-ALL were expired!
 
I did some additional checking and found some interesting issues with the Denver BBB, a few court cases against the company and owner, an old bankruptcy filing against the company owner and the arrest history of the owner. Gee Whiz!
 
I may have access to a variety of databases that many of you don't, however much of what I found can be found by do doing some homework on your own. Put the name of the contractor and company in Google, check with the BBB and go from there. Do not be afraid to ask questions and remember if you sign a  contract the contractor works for you, not the other way around. Get a list of references and call some of them.
 
Be smart-don't be a victim.
 
Rick Johnson
Safety Guy 
  

Recycle Your Christmas Tree 


Do one more  good thing for the environment this year and recycle your Christmas trees at the following locations:

South Suburban facility - in Homestead

Highlands Ranch is recycling Christmas trees Dec. 26 - Jan. 11 at the following locations:
Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Circle;
Toepfer Park, 9480 Venneford Ranch Road;
Dad Clark Park, 3385 Asterbrook Circle
Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec.
Free mulch is available on a self-serve basis at each of the tree recycling sites. Info: 303-791-0430

Littleton is recycling Christmas trees Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Highlands Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec, Littleton. Info: 720-733-6990.
Be in the Know: Subscribe to the HG Message Board

If you happen to get the updates from the Heritage Greens message board, you know we have had great discussions and information on new roofs from homeowners. If you haven't been getting them, be sure to subscribe.
  1. Click on "Message Board" on the left side of home page or click here
  2. Click on "My Subscriptions" along the top
  3. Be sure to click all the boxes for automated email updates
New Roofing Materials List

The new 2015 Approved Roofing Materials list was compiled from extensive research by the Heritage Greens Board and Architectural Control Committee in collaboration with industry experts and fellow homeowners and became effective as of November 10, 2014.  

 

While the list is extensive to offer homeowners a spectrum of pricing alternatives, the primary goal of this covenant controlled and required list is to maintain the desired aesthetics of our neighborhood, which enhances the property values of all homeowners. There were materials excluded from this list from a variety of areas as we listened to the input of all homeowners and consultants. Excluded materials included less expensive roofs, roofs that were much more expensive, and some with claims of Impact Resistance offering insurance discounts. However, all were judged equally and fairly based on aesthetics and performance in the extreme 2014 hailstorm. Cost and/or mere data sheet claims were not the basis of our decisions.

 

It is also important to share with homeowners that the unanimously preferred materials of the non-HOA expert consultants we surveyed when asked what they would place on their own homes, were Steel and Concrete roofs. These materials appeared to have been the most resilient in the 2014 hailstorm and have also been in the neighborhood for an extensive time period and maintain a similar look and dynamic to wood shake while enhancing property values for all.

 

Be sure to note that the materials are listed by Manufacturer Name, Product Name and Color to be used. Homeowners may not at any time alter any combination or variation between approved materials or colors at their own discretion. Begin the process by showing this list to your potential roofing company. If they do not carry the products as listed, you'll need to find a different roofer.

 

While this approved list is compiled of what we believe to be the best materials in their respective categories at this time, the HOA is not guaranteeing any material and homeowners should recognize that natural events of extreme nature can cause damage to any roof regardless of Rating, Naming or Insurance Incentives. 

 

Selecting a reputable roofing company is also an essential part of the process and is up to the homeowner. Thus, when you are making such a significant investment in your home and our neighborhood, please consider the following key factors before making your decision:

  1. How many other homes in the neighborhood have used this material that match my desired appearance for my home?
  2. What is the warranty I am being offered from the manufacturer to help protect against damage (which can occur for anyone) and avoid unsightly appearance in the future?
  3. Has my potential roofing company worked on other homes in the neighborhood and how many?
  4. Have I considered the true Return on Investment over the long term in making my decision on how much to spend versus solely the upfront cost (least amount of replacements, quality, appearance, resale value vs. other comparable homes, warranty, etc.).
  5. Have I consulted with neighbors, the ACC, and Board members for recommendations or questions based on past experience?
  6. Have I spoken to my insurance provider to review the list of materials and tradeoffs as it relates to my policy?
  7. Have I formally submitted my request to the Architectural Control Committee for approval and/or feedback?

By following these steps, both the homeowners and neighborhood will benefit for years to come. Thank you for your continued adherence to our covenants and this approved roofing materials list. Please ensure all requests are approved by the Architectural Control Committee before making any changes to your roof. It is a requirement in our governing documents and enforced uniformly for the protection of all homeowners.  

 

Heritage Greens Board of Directors

Heritage Greens Architectural Control Committee

 

More Information: 

Guidelines and Other Information on Our Website.
 
Heritage Greens Website
One Account Per Household
Each household has one account (that means you have to share your log in information with your wife/husband/partner). The user name is the email associated with the address. If we have two emails for your household, only one of them will be the user name. The password is a random set of letters and numbers. If you lost your log in information please contact me at HGNewsWeb@gmail.com.

Features
  • Click on Tennis, VB & Community Room Reservations to see when these amenities are available, as well as make reservations for tennis or volleyball courts.
  • Under Community Room you will find instructions and information on how to reserve the community room for an event.  
  • Check out Teen Services to see what services teens are offering around the neighborhood.
  • There is also the Find a Sitter page where baby and pet sitters can post their information.  
  • The Message Board allows you to post your own message to the neighborhood. Be sure to click My Subscriptions at the top to choose the topics that interest you.
  • There is a Classifieds page so feel free to post what you want to sell with a photo. 
  • Under HOA Documents you can find all the information you need before making changes to your home, as well as minutes from the board meetings and financials. 
  • And don't forget all the information in the Resident Directory. You can search for friends and neighbors by their name or address.
If you have any questions, problems or concerns, feel free to contact me directly.
 
Heidi Elliott, HG News & Website
P.S. Don't forget to like our page on Facebook. We use Facebook to get the word out on lost pets and found items as well as social event and other activities. Please LIKE us today!
South Suburban Events
 
Holiday  Pass Sale,  November 21-December 31, at Douglas H. Buck Community Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave. Littleton, Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial and Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree.
10% off admission passes and punch cards, personal training (includes Pilates reformer) by certified experienced trainers, massages at Goodson and facials at Buck.  Passes provide access to drop-in fitness classes, weight room, state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, running track, indoor cycling, & leisure pool and gym.  For more information, call 303-347-5999.
FREE Holiday Ice Shows at 2 locations
Bring a canned or packaged food item for our annual food drive benefitting Food Bank of the Rockies. For more information, call 303-798-7881.
·         South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S Vine St., Centennial on Fri., Dec. 12, 6 pm & Sat., Dec. 13, 3:15 pm. For more information, call 303-798-7881.
·         Family Sports Center, 6901 S Peoria St., Centennial on Sun., Dec. 14, 3:15 pm. For more information, call 303-708-9500.
 
Skate with Santa at 2 locations
·         South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S Vine St., Centennial on Fri., Dec. 12, 7-7:45 pm & Sat., Dec. 13, 2:15-3 pm. For more information, call 303-798-7881.
·         Family Sports Center, 6901 S Peoria St., Centennial on Sat., Dec. 13, 1-1:45 pm, Sun, Dec. 14, 2:15-3 pm. For more information, call 303-303-708-9500. Public Skating fees apply.
 
Parents Night Out, Fri., Dec. 19, 6-9 pm, Goodson Recreation Center Gymnastics facility, 6315 S. University, Centennial.
Kids 5-12 years enjoy a night out in a safe environment and are entertained in our state-of-the-art gymnastics facility. For more information, contact Ashleighk@sspr.org. Please feed children before arriving at the gymnastics facility or send a snack. No food or beverages supplied.  For more information, contact AshleighK@sspr.org.
 
New Year's Eve Extravaganza for Youth, Wed., Dec. 31, 8-11 pm, Family Sports Center, 6901 S Peoria St, Centennial.
Ages 8-13 celebrate the start of 2015 by enjoying laser tag, eXerGame Zone, inflatables, bumper cards, ice skating, toasting sparkling cider while watching the ball drop in New York's Time Square at 10 pm Mountain Time. Light snacks provided. Fee: $15 online, $20, class #4890012. For more information, contact Christina at 303-754-1052 or christinai@sspr.org.

Annual Holiday/Customer Appreciation Sale, Thu., Dec. 11, 5 - 8 pm Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel Clubhouse, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd., Lone Tree.
This is your opportunity to receive great prices on all your golfing needs and apparel. There will be specials on food and drinks in the grill.  Enjoy a Holiday evening with your friends and fellow golfers. For more information, please call 303-790-0202.
 
A Lone Tree New Year's Eve 2014, Wed., Dec.  31, 2014, 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel, 9808 Sunningdale Blvd., Lone Tree.
Dance the night away and ring in 2015, $160 per couple, plus tax. Enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and an amazing dessert display, party favors, music and dancing, midnight champagne toast, two drink coupons per person and cash bar for $160.00 per couple, plus tax and service.  Reservations required.
And stay overnight on New Year's Eve which includes a New Year's Day hot breakfast and late checkout:
·         Standard Room - $129.00 per room, plus tax, max. two (2) guests
·         Lone Tree Suite - $199.00 per room, plus tax, max. two (2) guests
For more information and advanced reservations, call 303-790-0202.