The calendar says fall officially arrives this week, and Centennial seems ready for the handoff. 🍂 From practical yard cleanup to books, cars and community decision-making, September 19–23 offers several ways to spend time close to home while staying connected to what is happening around Centennial, Colorado.

Turn Those Fall Branches Into Free Mulch

If autumn yard work has already produced a suspiciously impressive pile of branches, Centennial’s Free Chipping and Mulch Event arrives Saturday, September 19.

From 8 a.m. to noon, Centennial residents can bring eligible tree limbs, branches, firewood, logs under 10 inches in diameter and dead shrubs to the Centennial Public Works Facility, 7272 S. Eagle Street, for free recycling. Proof of Centennial residency is required, and unloading is self-service.

Then the equation flips: free mulch becomes available beginning at noon while supplies last. Bring a tarp and shovel if you want to take some home. The City notes that peak-time waits can reach about 30 minutes.

Centennial Free Chipping and Mulch information

Cars, Music and Community on Arapahoe Road

Also on Saturday, Faith On Wheels brings its car show to Arapahoe Road Baptist Church, 780 E. Arapahoe Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spectators can attend free, while vehicle registration is $15 and takes place the day of the show. Organizers say motorcycles, lowriders, mini trucks, hot rods, tuners and 4x4s are welcome. The afternoon also includes live music and family-friendly activities.

Faith On Wheels event information

Koelbel Library’s Big Used Book Sale Returns

Book lovers may want to leave a little trunk space open.

The Friends of Arapahoe Libraries Used Book Sale takes place at Koelbel Library on Saturday, September 19, beginning at 9 a.m. The sale features gently used books, media and collectibles for multiple ages and interests.

And bargain hunters get a second chapter: Sunday is bag day, when shoppers can fill a provided bag for $12. Proceeds from Friends book sales support Arapahoe Libraries programs and services.

Browse Arapahoe Libraries events

A Free Financial-Literacy Workshop

On Wednesday, September 23 from 2 to 3 p.m., Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is offering a virtual Basic Financial Literacy workshop covering topics such as income, budgeting, understanding a paycheck and the basics of self-employment.

The workshop is free, although registration through Connecting Colorado and the event’s Zoom registration process is required. Accessibility and language-assistance options are also available through Arapahoe/Douglas Works!.

Basic Financial Literacy workshop details

Keep an Eye on What Centennial Builds Next

Centennial’s Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 23 at the Centennial Civic Center. The Commission typically meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month and reviews matters that can influence future development, land use and neighborhood character.

Residents interested in development near their neighborhood can check the City calendar and meeting materials before the meeting to see what is on the agenda.

Centennial meetings and community calendar

September’s local happenings are not all marquee festivals, and that may be what makes this week especially useful. A healthier yard, a stack of inexpensive books, an afternoon with neighbors, stronger financial knowledge and a clearer view of what is happening at City Hall all contribute to the everyday fabric of Centennial. Sometimes community is built in the small print.