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Natural goal scorer gets naturalized Retired Colorado Avalanche star forward Milan Hejduk becomes U.S. citizen By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Milan Hejduk sits in the ceremony room at the Department of Homeland Security at 12484 E. Weaver Place, Centennial, awaiting his turn to become a United States citizen. The former hockey right winger wears an expression of anxious anticipation, a
look Colorado Avalanche fans remember from his playing days as he sat on the bench, awaiting his next shift on the ice. Hejduk, 40, a native of the Czech Republic, has lived in the United States since he began playing for the Avalanche in 1998. He and his family live in Parker. His wife, Zlata, 39, was naturalized three months ago and his twin 12-year-old sons, Marek and David, were born in the U.S. “I’m the last piece of the family to get it done,” he said. Hejduk continues on Page 5
Milan Hejduk, retired Colorado Avalanche right winger, raises his hand to take a loyalty oath during a naturalization ceremony on March 28. The ceremony at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Building in Centennial naturalized 32 applicants as U.S. citizens. Photo by Tom Skelley.
Four vie for rec district positions Two posts are open on South Suburban board By Kyle Harding kharding@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Avery
LaBrash
Taylor
Wood
Four candidates are running for two seats on the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors. Scott LaBrash is the lone incumbent in the field and is joined by Tom Wood, Jim Taylor and Ed Avery. With the election coming up on May 3, here is a look at the candidates: Ed Avery, Centennial Avery wants to focus on financial responsibility on the board. “I have an extensive background as an institutional stock trader,” the retired real estate agent said. Avery thinks that his background would serve him well on the board, particularly his knowledge of property values and how they can be affected by board decisions. He noted that some people have expressed that trail development could negatively affect their property values. “I think those concerns need to be addressed,” he said. Avery also wants more Election continues on Page 5
COUNT ON IT New pitch limit is intended to reduce risk of injury for high school pitchers. PAGE 22
Children ages 12 and under participate in the Easter Scramble at the Family Sports Dome on March 26. Photos by Alex DeWind
Egg event goes over easy Wintry weather day before Easter doesn’t stop the scramble By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Hundreds of children ages 12 and under scattered throughout the Family Sports Dome for the fourth annual Egg Scramble despite dreary weekend weather. Colorful, plastic Easter eggs covered the inside of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation dome, at 6901 S. Peoria St., on March 26. Volunteers handed out candy and prizes provided by the City of Centennial. Children enjoyed games and music as they waited for the main attraction of the morning — the egg hunt. The hunts were separated into four age groups. Mayor Cathy Noon led the countdown as children eagerly waited in line. The eggs were off the turf floor and into kids’ baskets within minutes. A tradition for some families, the event was a first-time experience for others. The Scott family, with a 2-year-old and 9-month-old, made their first appearance. “It’s our first time coming because of our young one,” the children’s mother said. “There is a lot more people than we expected for sure.”
Liam Scott, 2, meets the Easter Bunny at the scramble on March 26. Roger Mutz, left, helps volunteer at the Egg Scramble with his daughter, Elise, who is on the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Youth Commission.