January 2016
 

Jeff Rector, HOA President
As you surely noticed, our residents really came out in full force with the holiday lights to close out 2015. Congratulations to the Stephens (1st), Riley (2nd), and Jardine (3rd) families for winning our Christmas lighting contest. I'd like to say we were all winners, but not everyone gets a trophy.
There is so much to be excited for in 2016! We elect a new President, one of our own HG neighbors will compete in the Rio Summer Olympics, we get an extra day for the leap year, and it's the year of the Red Fire Monkey in the Chinese calendar. I have no idea what that last one means but it gets me excited just saying it!

I know we are all running fast, especially in January, but I'd simply encourage everyone to take a few extra minutes this year and ask yourself the "neighborly" question. If I lived next to/behind my house, what would I change if anything? Then, please plan to implement those changes in 2016. It's most often the little things like trash cans, parking, weeds, shoveling, paint touch up, etc... These account for the majority of challenges we face as an HOA and our community is exceptional at working together to improve every year.

One last bit of interesting information. If you are like so many other residents who reported awaking in the middle of the night on New Years Eve with a feeling of heartburn and nausea, it may not have been due to over-indulgence. Instead, you may have G.N.V.S. Yes, Guilty Non-Volunteering Syndrome can strike unexpectedly and is only resolved by joining us for the HOA kickoff this Wednesday at 7PM at the community room. The good news is that by acting quickly, you can avoid contracting the more terminal W.W.D.V. Unfortunately, Whiners Who Don't Volunteer may be beyond helping.
 
Enjoy the newsletter and let's get another great year rolling in Heritage Greens!
 
Jeff 
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 Homeowner Holiday Lighting Contest


Heritage Greens celebrated the season with tremendous holiday displays.  All three neighborhood entrances were spectacular and ensure our neighborhood is one all residents can proudly call home.  

Now, let's celebrate the winners of this year's holiday lights contest:


1st Place: Jim & Tammy Stephens (7848 Forest Street)

2nd Place: Karen & Steven Riley (5479 Mineral Circle)

3rd Place: Katie & Kerry Jardine (4959 Mineral Circle)

Honorable mentions go to many, many Heritage Greens residents.  The neighborhood was really well lit this year!
 
Ice Update: City of Centennial Partnership

Heritage Greens would like to thank Councilman Mark Gotto, Mike Nelson and Craig Faessler for attending our HOA meetings and for the many concerned residents who voiced their concerns regarding ice buildup by calling the hotline or by attending the meetings.  Your involvement resulted in action this week and has made a difference in our neighborhood.

Remember, the City of Centennial relies upon us to report troublesome areas.  If there is ice near a school bus stop, be sure to include that information in your request. Also, be sure to include your address in any request.

You can make requests by calling 303-325-8000 or you can report a problem here.  

Visit our website!

Gators Swim Team


Spending time with neighbors distributing luminaries, Butter Braids and Duffy Rolls as well as celebrating the season at the 3rd annual Sleigh Ride was a true joy.  These traditions are just another reminder that Heritage Greens is an incredibly unique and very special neighborhood. A neighborhood that feels like family and supports their fellow neighbors in every way. What a true blessing to live in Heritage Greens.
 
The Gators would like to thank each and every neighbor that purchased luminaries, Butter Braids and Duffy Rolls to help support their swim team. It was a huge success as the majority of neighbors participated in this long-standing tradition. 
This event would not be possible without the help of our sponsors and volunteers. We would like to extend a very special thank you to:  
  • Anne Dresser Kocur, with LIV Sotheby's International Realty. For the past several years Anne has donated the long reach lighters for orders of four dozen or more.
  • Jeff and Jen Gruidel with Freight Logistics providing free freight services for our candles from Southern California.
  • Molly Brandsma and Jane Estes who organized the entire event and spent hours preparing, promoting and distributing all the orders.
  • Our great volunteers who helped assemble and distribute orders.  Without your help, this tradition would be impossible. 
Thank you for keeping our neighborhood holiday tradition alive
for the past 20 years.
 
This year we also celebrated the 3rd annual Suburban
Sleigh Ride. This year, 53 HG families enjoyed a delicious dinner in the clubhouse and 
a horse-drawn carriage ride through the neighborhood with families singing
carols and enjoying the neighborhood Christmas lights. Families were also treated to a silent-auction, drinks, kids' activities and even a movie. We were able to spread some holiday cheer and raise a nice amount of money that will go towards the Gator Swim Team.

A special thank you to our sponsors and volunteers:
 
  • Our very generous sponsor, Holly Malcolm with Metro Brokers - Hume & Co
  • Sleigh Ride organizers Stafie Parker and Jason Everett who planned, promoted, and ran the entire event
  • Santa's Elves:  Mindy & Lucas Wilson and Dan McGowan for spreading some extra Holiday Cheer!
  • Coach Rachel, Coach Paige, Coach Jack, Grant Seavall, The Everett Family, and Julie Hanna for donations of swim lessons and other fun activities to the silent auction. 
  • Shirley Weigl of The Perfect Cake by Shirley for making and displaying the best gingerbread house ever!
 
This neighborhood is incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers to continue these festive traditions.  We appreciate the outpouring of support from the families who live here--Thank you.
 
Gators Parent Reps




South Suburban Golf Course Clubhouse Input Meeting
If you are a golfer or just interested in what is happening in your neighborhood, please try to attend the community input meeting at 5:30 on Jan 25th at the South Suburban Golf Course Clubhouse.  There will be a presentation on the project and time allotted for public input/comments.   It is a great opportunity to see what is being planned and to ask questions.  South Suburban is so close to Heritage Greens and the improvements to the Clubhouse will impact our neighborhood. Let's not miss our chance to be heard.
Attention Ladies of Heritage Greens
woman_chatting_coffee.jpg Looking for something different to do in the New Year?  Would you like meet more ladies in the neighborhood?  Join the "Gabfest" group (formerly Bunco).  This is an informal gathering of usually 15 or so HG ladies once a month in the evening to enjoy conversation, wine, and snacks.  We rotate hosts, and attendees   contribute to host costs ($5).  Most attendees have school age children, but the group is open to all ladies of HG.  You can attend as many months as you like, or are able to attend, or just one or two.  If interested in being added to our invite list, please e-mail us.  We hope to see you in 2016!

Stacy Hiller, sbnoles93@yahoo.com
Beth Karlsgodt, elizabeth.karlsgodt@du.edu 

Thieves in Action: Sheriff's Office Notice
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating a group of thieves who are targeting Arapahoe County and surrounding areas. These criminals are believed to be part of the "Felony Lane Gang," (FLG) a nationwide group that has been operating for years. Recent crimes have occurred in Arapahoe County, Douglas County and Aurora.

Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating numerous incidents that occurred on the mornings of Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 2015 in the 9000 block of E. Mineral Avenue, the 6800 block of S. Homestead Parkway and the 10400 block of E. Easter Avenue. A red Chevy Tahoe occupied by two black males was seen idling near one of the victim vehicles just prior to it being broken into.

These criminals target gyms, parks, daycares, shopping centers and other places frequented by women. They are often looking for vehicles that have been left briefly unattended and unlocked. They are specifically targeting purses and checkbooks and have left electronics and credit cards untouched. They enter unlocked vehicles, but will break the window for purses. They then use stolen identification and cash the checks in drive through lanes at local banks.
Members of the FLG group usually work in teams of three or four members. They may sit idling in lots while surveilling the area. The ACSO encourages citizens to report suspicious activity immediately.

A national task force has been established in an attempt to identify members of this group. The Felony Lane Gang Task Force has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FelonyLaneGang for more information. Anyone with information about these local crimes is asked to call the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office tip line at 720-874-8477.


Thank You HG!
Dear HG Residents,

Thank you so much for helping make Project 600 a huge success. This year 548 four and five year olds received lunch, cookies, a magic show, had their faces painted, made ornaments, and sat on Santa's lap and left with huge smiles and a bag of gifts. Thanks for your generosity!

STM Youth Group
Moms, Pops & Tots
Happy New Year Everyone! We hope this year you will join in on as many Moms, Pops and Tots events as you can! Our first event of the year will be a Preschool Play date held at Margie Bradley's house on Thursday, February 18th from 9:30-11:00. Please watch your email for further details! We hope to host one of these events monthly, so if you are interested in hosting anytime in 2016 please let us know! Our preschool play dates aim to bring together our youngest residents to play and allow caregivers some time to chat. They are a great way to get to know your neighbors in a small group setting. Hosting usually entails offering a simple snack for the kids and providing some toys to play with!

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.

303-902-7538
 
League Tennis
Doesn't seem like January is the time to be thinking about summer tennis, but it is!  Ratings are out, teams are being formed and yes, it is that time of the year for a captains meeting.  It will be Thursday, January 21st at 6:30 in the community room.  There are a couple of significant changes happening this year so attendance is important. If you can't attend please send a team member or representative.  
 
Marty Smith
League Coordinator
mlsmiff@msn.com
303-507-9605
Heritage Greens Foreclosure
The HG Board has been aware of a neighborhood foreclosure and is pursuing it through the legal process, which is described below.

U.S. Bank, the first mortgage holder on 7896 South Fairfax Court, Centennial, CO 80122, continued its foreclosure sale to January 27, 2016.  The Arapahoe County Public Trustee sale I.D. No. is 0630-2015.  The Public Trustee holds foreclosure sales at 10 a.m.each Wednesday in the East Hearing Room of the County Administration Building, at 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado.  U.S. Bank's outstanding principal balance owed as of September 3, 2015 was $403,782.80.  The lender's bid is due at least 48 hours prior to sale, and will set forth the amount it intends to bid at sale.  A party seeking to obtain title will need to bid more than U.S. Bank's opening bid amount.
Covenants Corner - Electric Post Lights

Heritage Greens is a Covenant Community and it maintains an Architectural Control Committee (ACC) which regulates the external design, appearance and location of improvements and alterations to properties.

An example of this is, per our Covenant Bylaws and Amendments, page 7 section L, "Each resident shall maintain at least one electric post light between the house and the street, which said light shall be operated by a photo-electric cell or other automatic device so that it will be lighted automatically during hours of darkness.  Post lights should be functioning, and only in hours of darkness please.

Also, several homes have been given a variance to this covenant so long as the
exterior lights from the home, measured from the curb, exceed 1.5 LUX, a measure of light intensity. This covenant is monitored by ACCU, our management company.
 
Let's all work to keep Heritage Greens a great, and BRIGHT place to live!

John Nielsen, HG Board
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. 

Ricki Kelly
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.
 
Ricki Kelly, 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
Pickleball Clinic
Fri, Jan 29, 1 - 3 pm, Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave, Littleton.
Geared towards beginners, these one-time, 2-hour sessions are for adults ages 18 and up.  Come learn the basics of the sport while meeting new friends. This is a quick an introduction to this badminton/tennis/table tennis-like sport. Participants will be introduced to the basics of the game with our seasoned instructors. 
Paddles available upon request (limited supplies). Fee: $10 Adult Resident, $12 Adult Nonresident. Register at ssprd.org. For more information, contact Aaron Mittelstaedt at  aaronm@sspr.org
 
Lunchersize at Goodson
Mon - Fri, Jan 4 - 28, 11:30 am - 2 pm, Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 South University Blvd, Centennial.
This program gives you free time to exercise, run errands, shop or eat out with your friends! Ages 2-7 play and eat their own sack lunch in our supervised program. Offered during the school year, August - May. Bring a sack lunch. Register at sspr.org. For more information, contact Cindy Stogsdill at cindys@ssprd.org. Fee: $9 Youth Resident, $11 Youth Nonresident.
 
Kids' Night Out Across America
Every Sat, 7 - 10:30 pm, Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton.
This weekly event provides an active, safe (closed to the public) and fun environment for kids ages 7 - 14. Trained staff members, who have each successfully passed background screening, supervise the program and engage the kids throughout the evening.  Snacks and pizza are available for purchase. Register at Kids Night Out(http://www.kidsniteout.org).Parents or adult chaperones must pick-up & sign out their children at the front door. Fee $15 for all Youth, includes all activities.
 
FREE! Equipment Orientations at 3 recreation centers
Thur, Jan 21, 6:30 - 7:45 pm, Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave., Littleton.
Ages 10 and up are invited to attend a general orientation session with a personal trainer in a group setting to learn safe and proper use of a variety of cardiovascular and weight machines. Ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Register at ssprd.org. Arrive on time to keep your spot. For any questions, please contact fitness@sspr.org
 
Parents Night Out, Gymnastics
Fri, Jan 15, 6 - 9 pm,Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 South University Blvd, Centennial.
Ages 5-12 boys and girls gymnasts and non-gymnasts, gymnastics club coaches and gymnastics instructors. Parents enjoy a night out while the kids are safe and entertained in our gymnastics facility. Activities will vary but may include obstacle course, tumble trampoline, parachute games, flying belt and more. Please feed your children before attending this program or send a snack.Fee: $15 Youth Resident, $20 Youth Nonresident; or day of event: $18 Youth Resident, $23 Youth Nonresident. Register at ssprd.org. For more information, contact Ashleigh Klausner at AshleighK@sspr.org
 
FREE! Can We Talk in January?
Jan 19, Tue, 12:45 - 1:15 pm, Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave, Littleton.
Do you have sensitive issues and want healthy solutions? Attend one or all in this free series and get simple answers to your complex questions. John Conrardy DC, LCP, a holistic chiropractor for over 30 years will guide you through the simple steps to a better life. For the adult community, registration at sspr.org required. For more information, contact Nikki Crouse at nikkic@sspr.org.
 
Jan 19 - Questions and Answers with a Doctor
Q & A with a doctor for all your health issues. There is always a natural alternative for any disease process; now find out what you can do to allow your body the opportunity of health and well-being. Simplicity is hallmark in achieving the healthy life you want. If it is complicated, it takes too much time and effort. Hear how simple health and well-being can be achieved and maintained.
 
Canvas and Cookies
Fri, Jan 15, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree.
Bring your budding artists ages 4 - 8 to express their talents and create a work of art while enjoying some cookies and milk. Fees: $8 Youth Resident Youth, $9 Youth Nonresident. Register at sspr.org. For more information, contact Monique Keohane at mkeohane@sspr.org.
 
Family Fun Night, Lost and Found Snowman
Fri, Jan 15, 6 - 7:30 pm, South Suburban Ice Arena, 6580 S. Vine St., Centennial.
Make a snowman and dress it with items from our lost and found closet to make the best looking snowman.  Then, have a snowball throwing contest to take down the snowman.  Once a month families can enjoy this event. Fee: $5.75 Resident (with a current South Suburban ID card); $7.75 Non-Resident. For more information, contact Jeff Schneider at JeffS@ssprd.org or call 303.798.7881.
 
Saturday Night at the Movies-Kids Style
Sat, Jan 16, 5 - 9 pm, Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree.
Potty-trained ages 3-12 are welcomed to have a night free from parents to watch movies with their peers. Pizza at 7 pm and snacks later.Register at ssprd.org. For more information, call 303.708.3518. Fee: $15 Youth Resident, $20 Youth Nonresident.
 
FREE Recylce your Christmas Tree
Through Sun, Jan 17, 2016, Willow Spring Service Center, 7100 S. Holly St., Centennial andCornerstone Park, 5150 S. Windermere St., Littleton
As holidays come to a close, and Christmas trees drop their needles, recycle your tree, and help beautify the community as well. Upcycle your Christmas tree into useful mulch!  For more information, call South Suburban at 303-721-8478.
 
January Blood Screenings
7:00 - 9:30 am, at 4 locations
Tue, Jan 19, Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree.
Wed, Jan 20, Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 South University Blvd, Centennial.
Thu, Jan 21, Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave, Littleton.
Fri, Jan 22, Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria, Centennial.
University Hospital professional staff screens cholesterol and over thirty other blood components. Appointment on a drop-in basis. 12 hour fast required. Minimum age 18, unless accompanied by parent/guardian. For more information, contact Kelsey Whistler at KelseyW@sspr.org.
 
Lunch and Learn
Wed, Jan 20, 12 - 1 pm, Lone Tree Recreation Center
Retirement Planning Solutions - Ways to protect your assets without long term care insurance - Presented by Jim Brown, Charter Financial Services.  Adults learn about solutions and strategies to take control of your assets.  Become an informed consumer and find out what options you have to provide for your future without long term care insurance.  Lunch provided.  Register at ssprd.org or call 303.730.4605.
 
Friday Night Movies
Fri, Jan 22, 5 - 8 pm. Goodson Recreation Center
Potty-trained children are invited to have pizza dinner, popcorn, animal crackers and juice while watching movies. Bring a pillow or blanket. This program is supervised by trained child care staff. Ages 3-12, Fee $15 Resident Youth, $20 Nonresident Youth. Register at sspr.org. For more information, contact Cindy Stogsdill at cindys@ssprd.org
 
Friday Night Films at the Nature Center, Duckumentary
Fri, Jan 22, 7-8:30 pm, South Platte Park, 3000 W Carson Drive, Littleton.
This amusing and beautifully filmed documentary brings you into the life and quirky habits of our waterfowl.  Recommended for ages 6 and up.Fee: $5 Resident and Nonresident. Registration recommended at sspr.org. For more information, contact Victoria Sutton at VictoriaS@ssprd.org. 
 
Fair Play on Ice
Sat, Jan 23, 1 - 3 pm, Family Sports Center, 6901 S. Peoria, Centennial.
Bring your troop to Family Sports Center for a supervised session with information, ice skating and games. At the end of the session, Brownies will have earned their Fair Play Badge. The instructor will be a qualified teacher and competitor who will tell the girls about her experiences in skating and teach some simple skills that will be used in games. Ages 4 and up. Register at ssprd.org. Fee is $10.00 per person. Please contact Bill Dobbs at BillD@ssprd.org for more information.