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November 28, 2014 VOLU M E 1 4 | I SS UE 1
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Super search draws input Community members detail qualities they want in LPS leader By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@colorado communitymedia.com
Children gather with families beneath Centennial’s official holiday tree after a short program of holiday music. Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon, along with Santa, threw the switch Nov. 22 at Centennial Center Park.
Holding small electric votives, students from Carl Sandburg Elementary perform a heartwarming rendition of “One Candle” during the City of Centennial’s third annual tree-lighting ceremony.
Sounds of the season filled Centennial Center Park as the city’s 3rd Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration got underway Nov. 22. Choral groups from Carl Sandburg Elementary, Homestead Elementary, Peakview Elementary and Newton Middle School performed a whimsical collection of traditional and contemporary carols. Although one of the warmest evenings in the event’s history, hot chocolate and other treats kept hearts and hands happy. About 500 holiday well-wishers were on hand for the free event, which also included a photo op and chance to visit with the jolly old elf himself. Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon, along with a little help from Santa, threw the official switch that lit the city’s official tree, which towers almost 20 feet.
PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY
Under Santa’s close supervision, Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon throws the switch to light the city’s holiday tree. The annual event brought more than 500 people to the city’s signature park for a program of traditional carols and treats.
While people expressed an array of both kudos and concerns about Littleton Public Schools during a Nov. 19 forum, they all agreed on what type of person they’d like to see replace retiring Superintendent Scott Murphy next June: a super hero. “We want someone who will take the tie off, roll up their sleeves and get the job done,” said Beth Best, executive director of the LPS Foundation and mother of two students in the district. The forum was one of nine scheduled to allow the Colorado Association of School Boards representatives leading the search to get a feel for who would be a good fit in the LPS community. It was the only forum to which everyday citizens were invited, though most who attended were affiliated with the district in some way. One of those was Angela Engel, an LPS parent and education activist. She brought up a concern that became a major theme of the evening. “There’s too much emphasis on academic outcomes, and not enough recognition for individual talents and gifts,” she said. Christina Kolk, one of the security guards on duty during last year’s tragedy at Arapahoe High School, agreed. She said there needs to be more accountability to the students. “The teachers are great, but I absolutely think leadership needs to be better in the schools,” she said. She has been on paid leave since the Dec. 13 shooting, but she still had positive words for the district. “I don’t know if you will find a better student body,” she said. “The students really care about each other.” The moderators began the meeting by asking about the strengths of the community and the district, and there was no shortage of answers. As usual, the first answer was the “small-town feel.” That was Search continues on Page 9
Silver tsunami faces housing crisis Many seniors are priced out of costly dwellings By Jennifer Smith
jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com Five years ago, Linda was a stable homeowner with two of her grandchildren living with her — or so she thought. “What happened to me could happen to anyone,” she told those who attended a City of Centennial panel on affordable senior housing on Nov. 18. “Five years ago, I was ordering off the left side of the menu. I
wasn’t planning on being a stroke victim.” Linda, who asked that her last name not be used, lost her home to foreclosure during the recession and after her stroke. “Being poor is very, very expensive,” she said. According to Denver Regional Council of Governments data, there are 35,000 households in the metro area headed by people 65 and older making less than $20,000 a year who pay more than 50 percent of that for housing. “It’s not going to go away, it’s going to
Housing continues on Page 9
A panel visited the City of Centennial’s Eagle Street Facility on Nov. 18 to discuss the looming senior housing crisis. Photo by Jennifer Smith