Exciting News from the Centennial Youth Commission – Youth Achievement Awards Program

Let me tell you about living in Centennial, CO.

Let me tell you about living in Centennial, CO.

For the second year, the Centennial Youth Commission has launched a Youth Achievement Awards program. This program intends to honor and recognize youth that live in the City of Centennial who have made a significant impact on the Centennial community through volunteer work or other special deeds and actions. Two Centennial youth will be recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership.

Two monetary awards will be given to the recipients. A graduating high school senior will receive a $1,000 scholarship, from SAFEBuilt Colorado. A student in ninth, tenth or eleventh grade will receive a $500 award.

To enter the Youth Achievement Award program, the following requirements must be met:

1. The applicant’s legal residence is located in the City of Centennial at the time of application and at the time of presentation of award.
2. The applicant must be a student.
3. The applicant has made a significant impact on or contribution to the City of Centennial and/or its residents.
4. The applicant’s qualifying project or the performance of qualifying deeds or actions identified in the application were conducted within 24 months prior to the date that the application is received.
5. The City of Centennial must receive all required application materials including the adult recommendation and school transcripts by 5:00 PM on Friday, May, 2011.
To complete the application, the applicant should:

1. Fully answer each page of the application and submit it to the Centennial Youth Commission by 5:00 pm on May 20, 2011.
2. Write a 400 – 500 word essay describing, in detail, the positive impact that was made to the community.
3. A copy of the applicants’ school transcript (grades) and recommendation mailed directly to the Centennial Youth Commission by May 20, 2011.

Applications and supporting materials may be obtained from and should be mailed to:
City of Centennial
Attn: Youth Commission Liaison
13133 East Arapahoe Road
Centennial, CO 80112

For further information, call the City of Centennial at (303) 325-8000 or email the Youth Commission Liaison at bkearney@centennialcolorado.com.
Applications are due by 5:00 pm Friday, May 20, 2011.

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Chatfield State Park

Chatfield State Park Balloon Festival

Chatfield State Park Balloon Festival

Chatfield State Park offers so many things to do.  For example,

  • It is located next to the beginning of the Highline Canal Trail
  • It has incredible fishing
  • Boating is special
  • Summer sports are the best
  • The Hot Air Balloon Festival and regular launches early Saturday mornings are visual luxuries
  • The off leash dog park is the best
  • It is the starting point for all type of bicycle activities
  • Denverite’s first view of the Platte River and Plum Creek
  • The Gateway to Waterton Canyon and the first steps of the Colorado Trail
Posted in Chatfield State Park Map & Brochure | Leave a comment

10 Things You Can Do At Cherry Creek State Park

Cherry Creek Invitational Cross Country Race

Cherry Creek Invitational Cross Country Race

There are at least 10 great things to do at Cherry Creek State Park.  What are they?

  1. Study Nature
  2. Fishing
  3. Boating
  4. Swimming
  5. Fly Radio Controlled Aircraft
  6. My Favorite: Winter Ice Fishing
  7. Horseback Riding
  8. Picnicking
  9. Camping
  10. Shooting Sports
So, the next time the kids are bored, tell them they are boring and take them to The Park!  
Posted in Cherry Creek State Park | Leave a comment

Don’t Buy That New Car Until You Move To Tax Free Lone Tree!

No More Taxes in Lone Tree!!

No More Taxes in Lone Tree!!

Did you know that Lone Tree charges no City Sales Tax on the purchase of a new Car, Truck or Motorcycle?  It’s true!  If you are a resident of Lone Tree, you pay no City Sales Tax on the purchase of a Car, Truck or Motorcycle.

With all that being said, it is important to take a look at 8277 Lodgepole Trail Lone Tree, Colorado 80124 before you buy that next new vehicle.

Read the Lone Tree article below about sales taxes, and what the the Mayor has to say about the new IKEA Store opening later this year in Centennial, Colorado right new door to Lone Tree, Colorado on the other side of Park Meadows Mall.

Lone Tree Taxes

Posted in Denver Foreclosure Properties, Denver Housing, Denver Real Estate, Denver Realtor Production 2009, Denver Residential Real Estate, Denver Year End 2010 Market Watch, Lone Tree | Leave a comment

What Made Easter 2011 A Great Day?

Caroline & Andrew Cryer Easter 2011

Caroline & Andrew Cryer Easter 2011

In deference to David Letterman, I am going to steal his “top ten” list idea one more time. So, what were the ten best things about my Easter Day that made it a Great Day?

  1. The weather stayed nice enough to enjoy the backyard.
  2. The family, friends and newcomers to the party.
  3. The fire pit in the backyard was a focal point of warmth and conversation.
  4. The Ham.
  5. William’s Brussels Sprout dish.
  6. Caroline’s Potato dish.
  7. Deirdre’s Russian Cream.
  8. The cold Guinness I had with Joe Hubert.
  9.  The youth and excitement of all the college kids coming and going.
  10. The Day Before Easter 2011

    The Day Before Easter 2011

    (Drum Roll) Last but not least, watching the family all pitch in and contribute to a great party and a great day!

Posted in 2010 Mid Year Denver Market Watch, Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village | Tagged | Leave a comment

2014 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships Coming to Denver

2014 Men's World Lacrosse Championships Coming to Denver

2014 Men's World Lacrosse Championships Coming to Denver

The following is a letter from Bill Schoonmaker, Chief Operating Officer US Lacrosse, and it expresses the excitement surrounding this event and its planning.  Additionally, it serves as a guide to how important it is for US Lacrosse and Denver to put on a superior event.  The event outline is attached to the bottom of this letter.

Dear Denver Lacrosse Community Leaders,

On behalf of US Lacrosse, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your evenings to join us at the Marriott last week to learn more about our plans for the 2014 FIL Men’s World Lacrosse Championships.  For those of you that could not attend the reception we regret, but understand, that the timing of the event could not fit into your schedules at the commencement of the lacrosse season.

Attached, please find an abbreviated version of the event presentation.  We encourage you to share this with other individuals who you believe are good community leaders, are willing and able to roll up their sleeves and, frankly, have the relationships and expertise we need to help make this lacrosse event the biggest and best in history.

We are thrilled to bring the 2014 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships to Denver and we believe that with your help, this event will reach and exceed the goals and objectives we have outlined.  The success of this event is directly related to the local lacrosse community of Denver and the strength of the Event Host Committee.  At this time we are seeking out those that are interested in considering the Host Committee Chair Position.  Due to the sheer size of the event, we are open to more than one individual taking on the Host Committee Chair responsibilities. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact me through my assistant April Logan at alogan@uslacrosse.org.

We hope to appoint the Host Committee Chair/Co-Chairs by June in order to reach our goal of filling the rest of the committee positions by the end of the year, working closely with the Host Committee Chair/Co-Chairs.  In a month’s time, we will distribute the roles and responsibilities of each Committee and Sub-Committee, as well as the Committee/Sub-Committee Chair job descriptions for those looking to take an active role and be the driving force of the Host Committee.

We sincerely appreciate your continued interest in the 2014 World Championships.  This will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Bill

Bill Schoonmaker

Chief Operating Officer

US Lacrosse

113 W. University Parkway

Baltimore, Maryland 21210

P: (410) 235-6882 x178

www.uslacrosse.org

US Lacrosse is the national governing body of lacrosse. Through responsive and effective leadership, we provide programs and service to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the sport.

2014 Men’s World Lacrosse Championships Coming to Denver

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It’s That Time of Year – Residential Property Valuation Protest Time

Tax Protest

Tax Protest

LOWER YOUR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAXES
WITH METRO VALUATION PROTEST.
YOU ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS TO ACT!

Property values have decreased in the past two to three years, and the county’s assessment may not reflect your clients home’s current market value. Metro Valuation Protest can help. Lower Assessment = Lower Taxes. Protesting the 2011 assessment could potentially save your clients money for many years to come, as any future year assessments will be based on the 2011 valuation.

In May 2011, property values will be appraised, and tax values assigned. YOU HAVE A SAY IN WHAT YOU PAY…but a small window of time to protest.

Metro Valuation Protest the fastest, most effective, most affordable way to protest a home’s assessed value, and potentially lower your client’s property taxes.

Metro Valuation Protest is the FIRST local Colorado company to offer a low-cost protest service dedicated to help people save money on their property taxes.

  • We understand the data the county assessor needs and have access to detailed records that allows us to present the most relevant data on your client’s behalf.
  • We collect and catalog information on properties in the Metro-Denver region to accurately forecast your client’s REAL property tax assessment values.
  •  Our research department will provide backup documentation for all appeals, cost-effectively saving you time and valuable resources.
  • Our low cost flat fee of  $175 is all you pay, no percentage fees.
  • We will complete your protest and file it with county by the May 30th deadline.
  • We save your clients time and take the hassle out of navigating the protest process.

For more information, visit www.metrovaluationprotest.com.
We look forward to helping you help you clients save money on their property taxes.

 

Mark Fitzpatrick

p: 303.482,2219

f: 303.558.4124

e: info@metrovaluationprotest.com

Posted in Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village, Residential Property Tax Protest | Leave a comment

Gas Prices, Mortgage Rates – The Denver Home Ownership Helix

The Historical Trend of Gas Prices, Interest Rates & Average Denver Home Prices

Denver Market Watch

Denver Market Watch

Gas Prices, Mortgage Rates and Average Home Prices weigh heavily on the American Household.  The chart above offers some relationship in for Denver Families.  Take a look, I’d love to hear your comments on how these three household costs impact our local economy.

Posted in 2010 Mid Year Denver Market Watch, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, homeownership, Mortgage, Mortgage Interest Deduction MID, MyTownCryer - Denver Real Estate - Tom Cryer, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

REAL Trends 500 Ranks Kentwood #3 in the Top Ten

5690 DTC Blvd. #600W

Home of the Finest Realtors

REAL Trends, the trusted source in all things related to the real estate brokerage business for more than 20 years has once again published their annual production report.  And, once again, the Kentwood Companies have ranked in the Top Ten at #3.  When compared to these other markets, these results are quite impressive.  Look for more good things to happen in 2011!  Straight from REAL Trends below:

Top Firms Ranked by Closed Sales Volume Per Sales Associate
Ranking of the 25 firms in the REAL Trends500 with the highest productivity per sales associate (as measured by closed sales volume)
Sales Volume Per Sales Associate
Rank Company
1 Washington Fine Properties, LLC Washington DC $10,099,342
2 Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate Avon CO $9,145,789
3 Kentwood Real Estate Greenwood Village CO $7,255,255
4 Today Sotheby’s International Realty San Carlos CA $6,698,942
5 Paragon Real Estate Group San Francisco CA $6,500,000
6 RE/MAX of Boulder Boulder CO $6,420,623
7 Sereno Group Real Estate Los Gatos CA $6,176,923
8 Martha Turner Properties, LP Houston TX $5,992,539
9 The Group, Inc. Real Estate Fort Collins CO $5,800,879
10 Redfin Seattle WA $5,790,238
Posted in 2010 Mid Year Denver Market Watch, Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Points of Pride” for Cherry Creek School District 2010

Cherry Creek School Disctrict

Cherry Creek School Disctrict

CCSD Students Outpace Peers

Students in the Cherry Creek School District continue to score well above the state average in reading, writing, math and science, as measured by the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). District students also continue to progress at a faster pace than their peers across the state, as evidenced by the Colorado Growth Model.

2010 Graduates Finish Strong

The Cherry Creek School District Class of 2010 earned more than $38 million in scholarships and included 34 National Merit fi nalists, six National Merit Hispanic Scholars, three Boettcher Scholars, six military academy appointments, and many other scholarship recipients.

Collectively, the Class of 2010 took more than 7,200 Advanced Placement tests during high school and is the fourth class in the Cherry Creek School District to take CSAP tests in grades three through ten.

CCSD National Merit Semifi nalists Named

Thirty-seven students from the Cherry Creek School District are among 16,000 students nationwide who have been named 2011 National Merit Scholarship Semifi nalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, which will be awarded in the  spring of 2011.

District Teachers Honored by Boettcher Foundation

Three Cherry Creek School District teachers were honored by the Boettcher Foundation during the Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Awards Program Dinner. The teachers were nominated for the award by three of their students, who were named 2010 Boettcher Scholars earlier this year. Each teacher received a plaque and $1,000 which they may use toward a special program or project at their school.

Community Invests in District Buildings

During the summer of 2010, more than 1.6 million square feet of space was renovated at schools built between 1958 and 1982. All summer construction projects came in at their designated budget costs, with some projects coming in below their estimates. Financing for the projects was approved by voters in the November 2008 bond issue. Bond funding allows the district to:• Renovate 14 elementary, two middle and two high schools that were built between 1958 and 1982• Upgrade safety and environmental systems, including fi re protection, wiring, heat and air conditioning, and plumbing, at 50 schools and other facilities• Improve technology throughout the district• Construct three elementary schools in the south and east sections of the district• Build the Institute of Science and Technology on the Overland/Prairie Campus to serve 6th through 12th graders(more)

FALL 2010District Celebrates Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to Cherry Creek School District No. 5 by the Government Finance Offi cers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual fi nancial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and fi nancial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

AVID an asset in CCSD

Did you know that all of the middle and high schools in the Cherry Creek School District are AVID schools?  In addition, fi ve of Colorado’s ten National AVID Demonstration Schools are in CCSD.  Lastly, CCSD has more National AVID Demonstration Schools than any other district in the world. AVID is an in-school, academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success.  It goes hand-in-hand with Cherry Creek Schools’ commitment to ensure that all CCSD graduates are college-ready, regardless of the path they plan to follow after high school.

Cherry Creek Community members become school leaders

Parents, retirees, businesspeople and other members of the Cherry Creek community are going “behind the scenes” in Cherry Creek Schools to meet the people, visit the places and explore the programs that help make Cherry Creek one of the finest districts in the country. As members of Leadership Cherry Creek, they are learning first-hand about important issues including staffing, curriculum development, assessment, transportation, safety and security, technology, long-range planning, maintenance, construction, budgeting, and school fi nance.###

Posted in 2010 Mid Year Denver Market Watch, Buying or Selling Real Estate, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado, Denver, Denver Housing, Denver Residential Real Estate, Greenwood Village | Tagged | Leave a comment