October 2015
 

The fall colors are spectacular in the neighborhood and what better way to celebrate than having a Fall Festival. Please join your neighbors on October 24th for a free event with food and drinks that is fun for the whole family. We also ask that everyone be extra careful this Halloween when driving through the neighborhood with all the kiddos out in full force!

Last month, I spoke about reasons our neighborhood and zip code are top-three in the nation. One underlying and immeasurable reason I did not mention is that Heritage Greens residents are unparalleled in their level of volunteerism, community involvement, and generosity to support schools, charities, and development.  With so many of these demands, it's easy to forget to look in our own backyard and assist the HOA. We've been so fortunate to have exceptional volunteers over the years, but they are becoming the same names and will be moving on after too many years without a backfill. Therefore, I ask everyone that has not participated yet, to either come to our December meeting or email a board member to find one of many roles to help.  In addition to needing new board volunteers, we also need to fill our News and Web position.  I'll just finish by saying, we also need more diversity on the board. Exceptional women, of which there are many, would be a welcome addition to our group of volunteers.

Speaking of exceptional women, Kristen Dimig has done an outstanding job leading our News and Web role and will be leaving at the end of the year for other commitments. Without her role, we wont have a newsletter, website updates, email blasts, and other social media links. If you enjoy keeping the neighborhood connected and want to continue improving the tools we offer residents, we need your help!

Henrik Ibsen, a poet and playwright, sums it up best:
           
"A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm."

Jeff Rector
HOA President
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) 

Heritage Greens Fall Festival

Join your friends and neighbors and celebrate the beauty of the season!

Saturday, October 24th 3-6PM
Community Room Parking Lot

There will be hayrides, games for kids of all ages and food and drinks for everyone.  Have the kids wear their Halloween costumes and come have some fun!  There is no cost for this event (HG residents only!), but please RSVP to the Social Committee by October 23rd so that we can get an accurate headcount for food and drinks.  RSVPs will be taken via email by clicking here.  

See you there!
The HG Social Committee

Covenants Corner

It's right around the corner, and it's big, white & fluffy......

The city of Centennial does not have any ordinances saying that you have to shovel your sidewalk when it snows. As a matter of fact, they defer to neighborhood HOA's on this issue. So, in Heritage Greens
RULES and REGULATIONS, effective August 1, 2015, page 3, Owner Maintenance Rules, 3rd item, "The Owners of each lot must keep sidewalks and walkways adjoining their Lots broom clean andreasonably free of ice and trash. So, the city of Centennial won't fine you if you don't shovel your walk. But the HOA/ACCU could. Let's all be neighborly this winter, and shovel like there's no
tomorrow as we get dumped on this winter.

John Nielsen, HOA Board Secretary

I-25 & Arapahoe Road Bridge Project
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), in partnership with Arapahoe County, the Cities of Centennial and Greenwood Village, and the Southeast Public Improvement Metropolitan District, is designing improvements to the I-25 and Arapahoe Road interchange. This project consists of design and replacement of the existing I-25 bridge over Arapahoe Road, and other improvements to the interchange complex, to reduce congestion and improve traffic operations and safety.

CDOT has contracted with the David Evans and Associates/Hartwig & Associates team to complete the project design. Kraemer North America, a general contractor, joined this team to provide constructability and phasing input to CDOT during design.

In early 2014, field work was completed to gather detailed data. This included traffic counts, survey, geotechnical borings and utility locates.  Preliminary design plans were completed in February 2015. Final design will continue through 2015. Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2016 and be substantially completed in 2017. Click here for more schedule information.

Moms, Pops & Tots

Moms, Pops, and Tots is joining forces with the Heritage Greens Social Committee to host a joint Fall Festival /Halloween Party to be held Saturday, October 24th from 3-6 pm. Join us in the Pool/Community Room parking lot for games, food, and hayrides!
 
Mark your calendars for our holiday events! Breakfast with Santa will take place on December 5th and a Holiday Cookie exchange will be on December 18th.
 
Our next Preschool age play date will be held soon. Please watch your email for location details. These events aim to give parents and caregivers of our youngest residents a chance to get to know each other in a small group setting. They will be held monthly throughout the year.
 
If you are new the neighborhood and would like to be included in Moms, Pops & Tots, please send us an email. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Moms, Pops & Tots  

Sustainability
Remember - put those leaves in  biodegradable bags or directly into your trash bin.

We got a wonderful thank you from the Department of Veterans Affairs for our donation of towels that were left in "Lost and Found" at the pool.  Even though you may have "lost" your towel, know that a deserving veteran is now using it.  Thank you Al Bevilacqua for being the delivery person.

Are there any young folks out there who have a passion for making the Earth a better place through the 4 R's - reduce - reuse, recycle - repurpose?  Let us know by emailing Teri.  We would love to find ways to involve the youth of this neighborhood.   



Heritage Greens Gators - Call for Coaches

Do you love swimming?
Do you love working with kids?
Do you love the Heritage Greens Gators?
 
 
If you answered yes to these questions, then this is the opportunity for you!  We are currently soliciting applications to be a Heritage Greens Gators coach for the 2016 season.  
 
What does it mean to be a Gators coach?
  • Share your love of swimming and gator spirit with kids of all ages!
  • Work with kids in the pool Monday - Friday during swim team practices to improve their techniques and foster enthusiasm for the sport and attain personal bests
  • Organize, encourage and cheer for our swimmers at the Saturday meets
  • Gain experience coordinating swimmers, creating and leading swim workouts, communicating with parents, providing private lessons and organizing swimmer recognition such as ribbons, speeding tickets and banquet awards.
  • Build community by attending all Gator Social events. 
  • The season is expected to be May 16-July 9 2016.  Meets will be held on May 28th, June4th, June 11th, June 18th, June 25th.  Prelims will be held early this year due to the 4th of July holiday.  Prelims are the week of June 27th. Finals and the award banquet are Saturday July 9th.
 
How do I become a Gators coach?
  • All previous coaches and newly interested coaches are asked to complete this brief "Interest in Coaching Form".  We will accept forms from November 1, 2015 - December  31, 2015. We plan to hold individual, in-person interviews during the Winter/Christmas break. 
Kristen Dimig, hggators@gmail.com, 303-324-0181
Suzette Loving, hggators@gmail.com, 303-681-1711

GO GATORS!

Essay Contest - Students Grades 5-12
Celebrate America's History! 

Are your children in 5th through 12th grade? They're invited by the Daughter's of the American Revolution to participate in an Essay Contest.  Winners are eligible for recognition and monetary awards.  
Essays must be submitted by December 1st. 

For more information on the essay contest, please click the appropriate grade level:


Questions?  Please contact Kimberly.

Kimberly Roberson, HG Resident
Chair, American History Essay Contest
Daughter's of the American Revolution Mount Rosa Chapter




Crime Prevention Tips
Home security is an important aspect of crime prevention. Burglaries frequently occur during week days when residents are away at work or school. Every home can be a target; however, there are several steps you can take to prevent a burglary, secure your belongings and protect yourself. 

Prevention Tips:  
  • Always lock doors and windows, even on the 2nd floor.
  • Ensure that garage doors are closed, even when you are at home.
  • Motion-sensitive lights increase your home's visibility, limiting hiding places.
  • Do not leave valuables in open view from the street.
  • Remember the 2 Foot, 6 Foot Rule: Trim bushes to a height of 2 feet off the ground and tree limbs to a height of 6 feet off the ground to light up dark spaces and minimize the areas where a burglar could hide.
  • Be cognizant of barking dogs, as they may alert on intruders.
  • Do not hide house keys in obvious places.
  • Use timers on lamps, radios and televisions which can create the impression that someone is at home, even when you are on vacation or out of town.
  • Photograph your valuables, especially jewelry and electronics.
  • Prepare a list of important items in your home with make, model, serial number and value of the property.
  • Keep the lists and photographs in a safe location and update them frequently.
  • Be alert for anyone or anything that is suspicious in your neighborhood.
  • If you see or hear suspicious activity, report it immediately. 

Help reduce crime by securing your home. If your home is burglarized report it immediately to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office at (303) 795-4711. 

If you have any questions or you would like a free security assessment of your home, contact: 
Deputy Scott Sickafoose at (720) 874-4040 or ssickafoose@arapahoegov.com Deputy Brian McKnight at (720) 874-3750 or bmcknight@arapahoegov.com
Residents..We Want to Hear From You
Heritage Greens Residents - what are your interests?  What are you passionate about?  We welcome articles written by residents of all ages.  Please contact the editor with article ideas and submissions. Articles are due the 5th of each month. 

Kristen Dimig
HG News & Web

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.
 
Kristen Dimig, 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
Friday Night Films at the Nature Center
Friday, October 16, Fri 7-8:30 pm, South Platte Park, 3000 W Carson Drive, Littleton.  Skip the theater and enjoy fireside nature films in the nature center! This film Coywolf is free; the fee is for refreshments. When the size and power of a wolf meet stealth and urban adaptability of the coyote, a remarkable creature is the result. Watch coywolves learn to live to survive on the fringes of forests and cities. All ages welcome and recommended ages 6 and up. Fee: $5
 
Family Fun Night
Friday, October 16, 6-7:30 pm, South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S. Vine St. Centennial.  Once a month bring the whole family for skating, games, prizes and fun with a new theme each month.  This month wear your Avalanche apparel.  There will be set ups for shooting and stick handling. A signed hockey stick souvenir will be raffled. Fees: Resident (with a current South Suburban ID card) $5.75 admission; Non-Resident $7.75. Contact Jeff Schneider at JeffS@ssprd.org  or call 303.798.7881 more information.

FREE! Cooley Lake Nature Walks
Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 18, 9:30-11 am, South Platte Park, 3000 W Carson Drive, Littleton.  Explore Cooley Lake wildlife area during a naturalist-guided walk. This area has limited public access to protect our wildlife. These hikes fill up fast, so register soon. All ages welcomed and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a registered adult. For more information, please contact Victoria Sutton at victorias@sspr.org
 
Spooktacular
Friday, October 23, 5:30 -10 pm, Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial. This is a safe "trick or treat" family experience with loads of Halloween activities for children 11 years and under who must be must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or over. Everyone be sure to dress up. Pre-paid tickets are $4 until 7 pm Wednesday, Oct 21. Beginning Oct 22 and at the door tickets will be $6. Free up to 1 year of age. For more information, contact Marc Graves at marcg@ssprd.org
 
Hoofin' It Through the Hollows 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, October 24, 5:45 pm, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial) along the High Line Canal.  Bring the entire family out for this family and dog friendly 5K Run/Walk Halloween celebration. Dress in your Halloween best for a chance to win various costume contests.  Stay after for the s'more campfire roasting provided by Whole Foods SouthGlenn and beer garden for 21+ year olds. 
Contact Sarah Nelson at sarahn@sspr.org for more information.
 
Haunted Trail: Legend of Bell Witch
Oct 24, 6:30 - 9:30 pm, 7-Senior, South Platte Park, 3000 W Carson Drive, Littleton.  They say the Bell Witch haunts rivers and torments families over lost land and love. She is the inspiration behind the Blair Witch Project...do you have the courage to walk her dark banks and forest?  Refreshments and a warm fire wait for you at the end, if you make it!  Also includes storytelling and a hayride to the haunted forest. Book a time for your family or group in advance (recommended) or drop in on the hour. For more information, please contact Victoria Sutton at victorias@sspr.org
 
Monster Mash, Halloween Bash
Saturday, October 24, 1-4 pm, Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria, Centennial.
Everyone 3 years-Seniors come and enjoy a Zombie hunt laser tag challenge, the eXerGame Zone, inflatable obstacle course, bumper cars, climbing wall, and more!  Contact Christina Ibarra at 303-754-0552 or christinai@sspr.org for more information. No masks due to safety concerns.