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October 16, 2015 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 47 | FREE
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Picking pumpkins for a cause
The annual Pumpkin Patch of Centennial raises money for homeless and hungry By Alex DeWind adewind@colorado communitymedia.com
Excitement fills the air as children pick out pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch of Centennial’s opening day on Oct. 10. Photo by Alex DeWind
Three vie for District 1 council seat With Election Day, Nov. 3, approaching, ballots were mailed to voters early this week. Three candidates are vying for Centennial City Council, District 1, which encompasses the westernmost portion of the city. Colorado Community Media sent questionnaires to the candidates, and their responses are below. Turn to Page 6 for more Centennial City Council candidates and for Littleton Public Schools hopefuls.
Sharon Kellog
Candace Moon
Bonnie Percefull
Sharon Kellogg, 53, moved to Colorado in 1987 and has lived in Centennial for almost six years. She has two adult children. Kellogg has been active in her local business communities, schools, neighborhoods, homeowners’ associations, and politics for the last 22 years. She’s served on six boards of directors and has been her HOA’s president for nearly six years. Kellogg has a doctorate in organizational leadership and development from Ashland University in Ohio Kellog and teaches classes in a teacher-preparation program, leadership and administration, and andragogy (how adults learn). Prior to her university-level teaching, Kellogg worked as the director of statewide programs. She also is an entrepreneur and business manager, opening her first local business in 1991.
Candace Moon has been married to current District 1 council member Vorry Moon, who is term-limited, for 30 years. They have seven children and 11 grandchildren. Moon is a native of Arkansas and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Park University. She received a master’s degree in applied communication from the University of Denver. Moon is a civic activist, an Air Force veteran, a former law enforcement officer, a certified law enforcement Moon instructor, former corporate manager, small business owner, community volunteer. She’s lived in what is now Centennial for 23 years and is currently employed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration, Department of Homeland Security.
Bonnie Percefull, 59, is a Denver native. She has two children and has been a homeowner in what is now Centennial for decades. Percefull studied business and economics at Loretto Heights College in south Denver. She owned an advertising and publishing company for 19 years and has worked for the GOP state chairman, worked in public affairs in the mining industry, and has been a staffer or volunteer for about 30 local and Percefull national campaigns. She also spearheaded the “Back to Basics” education reform in Littleton Public Schools in the early 1990s.
Why do you want to serve on city council? I have attended multiple city council meetings, various committee meetings, and hundreds of board meetings over the years. Given this familiarity with how government works and my professional history, I find the discussions, research and policy-making process come easily to me. I understand Kellog continues on Page 4
Why do you want to serve on city council? I was active in the formation of Centennial and I continue to keep my ears and eyes attuned to what is going on in the city. I am presenting myself to the voters as a person who cares about their interests. I want to work to continue the positive energy and positive image our citizens and our city enjoys. Our city council must make Moon continues on Page 4
Why do you want to serve on city council? Centennial is an almost perfect place to work, live and recreate. Centennial needs more economic development, and the existing small businesses need assistance to remain profitable. Since the 2008 economic slide, many are not thriving as they once were. I understand small business needs and the burdens from higher taxes, fees and regulations. Cities need to be 50 percent/50 percent commercial to residential to thrive, and we are currently 85 percent Percefull continues on Page 4
Children dragged around red wagons filled with baby pumpkins — giddy to be outside in the fall weather. “This one is the perfect size for me,” Binny Whipp, 10, said. “Small, but not too small.” The Pumpkin Patch of Centennial opened on Oct. 10 and about 180 people showed up to help, said Laura Whipp, a volunteer. “It took us 1 ½ hours to unload the truck of pumpkins — record time,” she said. The Whipp family attends the church and has volunteered at the pumpkin patch for the last five years. Her husband, Rick, and their three children were on duty opening day. All proceeds from the pumpkin patch are split between five organizations: Covenant Cupboard, St. Clare’s Ministries, Family Tree House of Hope, St. Francis Center and the HAAT Force. The organizations help provide food for the homeless and hungry in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. “Last year we raised about $15,000,” Rick said. The pumpkin patch is located at 8545 E. Dry Creek Road, Centennial.
SALUTE OUR VETERANS
Colorado Community Media wants to share with readers the stories of local residents’ service in the U.S. military in a special section that will publish in the papers of Nov. 12 and 13 saluting and honoring veterans. Servicemen and women — or members of their families — interested in submitting the history of their service to America may send information by email to newsdesk@ coloradocommunitymedia.com Submissions must include the veteran’s full name, city or town of residence, dates of service in the U.S. military, branch of service, military rank, medals and commendations, and a quote about why the individual served or the most meaningful aspect of his or her service. Contact information of the person submitting the information must also be included in case there are questions. For more information, email newsdesk@ coloradocommunitymedia. com or call Pat Smith at 303566-4100. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Oct. 30.