July 8, 2016 VO LUM E 1 5 | IS S U E 33 | FREE
BLESSED GIFTS Christian organization provides toys, sports equipment as part of outreach. PAGE 12
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City fares well in citizen survey Many ratings improve, but traffic congestion brings mixed results
By Alex DeWind adewind@colorado communitymedia.com Based on the Centennial 2016 citizen survey, the city is thriving when it comes to economic health, schools and neighborhood safety, and is seen as an overall great place to live. But according to survey data, traffic congestion could use improvement.
The survey, Mayor Cathy Noon said, is an important tool to learn how residents feel about the city and its services. “When compared to national benchmarks in 2016,” Noon said, “Centennial rated higher than average as a place to raise children, economic health, shopping opportunities, employment opportunities, a place to work and K-12 education. Proving once again that we are a great place to live, work, play and grow.” Earlier this year, Centennial collaborated with the National Research Center and mailed 1,850 surveys at random to
Centennial residents. The survey measured a number of aspects of quality of life, community character, city services and the importance of current and future projects, city officials said. Of the 1,850 surveys mailed, 484 were returned for a response rate of 26 percent. The National Research Center then compared results to Centennial’s last citizen survey, which was conducted in 2010. “Of the 47 items for which comparisons were available, 25 items were rated similarly in 2010 and 2016, six items showed Survey continues on Page 5
Arapahoe High School Principal Natalie Pramenko addresses graduates on May 19 at Littleton Public Schools Stadium. Top-notch schools are one of the reasons Centennial received high marks in a recent survey. File photo
Free seminars explain transit opportunities Senior commission, I-Team host sessions for local residents By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Centennial hosts its first Car Show and Movie Night at Centennial Center Park on June 25. Families perused classic cars followed by a musical performance by the band Six Foot Joe & The Red Hot Rhinos and the movie “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.” Photos courtesy of the City of Centennial
Wheels and reels Families and friends flock to the park for entertainment Staff report City officials say Centennial’s first “Car Show & Movie Night” was a hit. The city has discussed a car show for years, said Allison Wittern, public information manager for Centennial. The June 25 event
— hosted at Centennial Center Park, on the north side of Arapahoe Road, between South Revere Parkway and South Vaughn Street — drew a crowd of families and children. The evening included a collection of classic and exotic cars, live music by Six Foot Joe & The Red Hot Rhinos, a rock and blues band, and an outdoor screening of the family-friendly movie, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip.”
Residents of Centennial have the opportunity to learn about a variety of transportation tools, including mobile apps and public transportation systems, in upcoming training seminars. “These trainings are scheduled throughout the city,” Allison Wittern, the city’s public information manager, said in a media release, “and will provide an opportunity for citizens to learn about transportation options and how to use them.” The two-hour seminars will be co-hosted by the Centennial Senior Commission, a group of 12 seniors appointed by city council, and Centennial’s “I-Team,” one of 12 Training continues on Page 5
PLAYING IT SAFE The first Movie Night and Car Show at Centennial Center Park drew a fun-loving crowd.
Dozens of football coaches gather to discuss ways to keep young players safe. PAGE 19
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