July - September 2023

JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023

MEADOWS LIVING MEADOWS LIVING

Official publication for residents and friends of The Meadows Neighborhood Company in Castle Rock, Colorado.

Projects in Progress

New HOA Bills

Programs & Events

Where the Wild Things Are

I Spy - Bird Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

MeadowsNeighborhoodCompany

MainNumber:303-814-2358

engage.goenumerate.com/s/meadowslink/

TheGrangeOfficeHours

Monday–Friday:9am–5pm Saturday:10am–5pm(Apr1–LaborDay) Saturday:Closed(LaborDay–Mar31)

TaftHouseOfficeHours

Monday–Friday:8:30am-5pm

Association Leadership Team Jill Allen, Executive Director jallen@meadowslink.com

303-814-3952

Keith Zilker, Assistant Director kzilker@meadowslink.com

303-814-3958

Nikkie Roberts, Recreation Supervisor nroberts@meadowslink.com

303-814-3953

Sam Garman, Grounds & Facilities Manager sgarman@meadowslink.com

720-287-1206

Kat Egly, Community Standards Manager kegly@meadowslink.com

303-468-5212

Kirsten Miller, Community Standards Specialist arc@meadowslink.com

720-476-4007

Kyle Black, Community Standards Administrator covenants@meadowslink.com

720-476-4002

Juli Asbridge, Community Coordinator jasbridge@meadowslink.com

303-814-2358

Madison Allen, Communications Specialist mallen@meadowslink.com

720-372-7577

MEADOWSTURFREDUCTION

In an effort to reduce water and maintenance costs within the community, The MNC is undertakingacommonareaturfreductionproject.Thisprojectisundertakenincooperation withtheTownofCastleRockWaterDistrict.

Seven areas have been identified as having limited pedestrian activity and low visibility impact.Theseareasareprimarilyalonghightrafficstreetswhicharebelowthestreetlevel. Theplannedimprovementwillsimplyremovethehighwater/highmaintenanceturfgrass, andreplaceitwithlowwaternativegrasses.WewillnotbeColoradoscapinganyareas.All oftheareastobeconvertedarecurrentlyadjacenttonativegrass,sothechangewillbe subtleandshouldcreateamorelogicalandcohesivelandscapeplan.Theoverallareatobe convertedtotals75,000squarefeet.

The cost to complete this project will be reimbursed through the ToCR Turf Reduction Rebate Program. The community will also benefit from extensive long term water cost reductionsandmaintenancecostsavings.

Theprojectwillbeginshortlyandeachareawillbeidentifiedwith“TurfReductionProject” signage. The replanting process will be completed by September and you will see the finished product with germination at the end of the year. Feel welcome to contact the Assistant Director, Keith Zilker, at kzilker@meadowslink.com or 303-814-3958 with any questionsorcomments.

THEGRANGEEAVERAKELIGHTING

Inanefforttoreduceannualholidaylightingexpenses,TheMNCisaddingpermanenteave rakelightingtoTheGrangebuildingexterior.

Eachyear,theHOAhasexpendednearly$4000toprovideholidaylightingonTheGrange building.Asafocalpointinthecommunityandhostingnumerousholidayevents,itwas necessary to promote that winter holiday atmosphere. Due to the equipment and man powerneededtoinstallandremovethelighting,itwasanobviousopportunitytoprovidean ongoingannualcostsavingstothecommunity.

Eave rake lighting was recently approved for use on residences in the community in responsetolargedemand.Theproductiscostefficient,flexibleandaddsagreataesthetic tothehomes.Thesesamecriteriamakeitalogicalsolutionforthecommonareabuildings.

Inadditiontothewinterholidays,thisprogrammableLEDlightingcanbesettoadornthe buildingincolorsrepresentativeofanymajorholidayorimportantcommunityevent!From the4thofJulytoValentine’sDay,ortheNuggetsChampionshiptitle!

Installationwillbecompletedduringthesummerandthelightingwilloperationalforthis coming holiday season. Please contact the Assistant Director, Keith Zilker, at kzilker@meadowslink.comor303-814-3958withanyquestionsorcomments.

SB23-178:Water-wiseLandscapinginHomeowners’AssociationCommunities

"HOAscannotprohibittheuseofnonvegetativeturfgrass(artificialturf)inthebackyardofa unit;cannotunreasonablyrequiretheuseofmorethan20%hardscapeofaunit’sproperty; mustallowunitownersanoptionconsistingofatleast80%drought-tolerantplants;andmay notprohibitvegetablegardensinthefront,side,orbackyard.EffectiveAugust2023."

SB23-110:TransparencyforMetropolitanDistricts

"Requires the proposed metro district that submits a service plan to the county commissionersboardormunicipalityboardstoincludethemaximummilllevythatmaybe imposedforpaymentofgeneralobligations,themaximumdebtthatmaybeissuedbythe metrodistrict(asdeterminedbythecountyormunicipalboard),andthatthemetrodistrict boardholdannualmeetingstoaddressspecificissuesincludingprojectsandbonds."

HB23-1174:Homeowner’sInsuranceUnderinsurance

"Partofthisbillincreasesthenoticetimeto60daysadvancenoticepriortoaneffectivedate ofcancelationorrefusaltorenewaninsurancepolicy.Italsoguaranteesreplacementcost coveragetorepairorreplacedamageordestroyedstructures."

HB23-1233:ElectricVehicleCharging&ParkingRequirements

"Requiresassociationstoallowanownertouseorinstall(attheunitowner’sexpense)alevel 1orlevel2electricvehiclechargingsystemonorintheunit,anassignedordeededparking spacethatispartoforassignedtoaunit,aparkingspacethatboththeunitownerandother unitownersuse,oralimitedcommonelementparkingspace,carportorgarageownedbythe unitownerorotherwiseassignedtotheownerthroughthedeclarationorotherrecorded document.EffectiveAugust2023."

HB23-1105:Homeowners'Association&MetropolitanDistrictHomeowners'Rights TaskForces

"CreatesataskforcetoexamineissuesregardingHOAhomeowners’rights,includingfining, foreclosureandcommunication.EffectiveSeptember2024." Ifyou'reinterestedinapplying, therearetwoappointingauthoritiesfortheHOATaskForcewithdifferentapplications:

ApplyforaHOATaskForcepositionappointedbytheChairoftheColoradoHouseof RepresentativesHEREbyJuly1,2023.

ApplyforaHOATaskForcememberpositionsappointedbythegovernor,submityour applicationHERE.

Per the above Bills and pending the passage of future ones, MNC actively works on adopting new policy resolutions and revising the ARC Guidelines, as necessary. We'll inform our community via e-blast when revisions are final and implementation begins.

Board of Governors Meeting Schedule

Wondering how your HOA conducts business? Homeowners are welcome and encouraged to attend! Homeowners can provide input, comments, or ask questions at the beginning of every regular monthly board meeting during OpenForum.

Most meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month, unless it falls on a holiday or is a special meeting. The location of these meetings may vary, so alwaysrefertotheschedule. Findthescheduleonourwebsite HERE Agendas andMinutesarefoundunderResources.

Regular Business Meeting starts at 4:30pm & Open Forum starts at 5:30pm.

September 7, 2023

October 5, 2023

November 2, 2023

November 16, 2023 4:30pm

December 7, 2023 4:30pm

House Board Meeting

Board of Governors

Brian Hall, President bhall@meadowslink.com

Adrienne Hammond, Vice President ahammond@meadowslink.com

Stephanie Schierloh, Treasurer sschierloh@meadowslink.com

Paul James, Secretary pjames@meadowslink.com

Steve Lockwood, Governor at Large slockwood@meadowslink.com

ARC Meeting Schedule

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) meets on the second and fourth Wednesday during the months of March to October, and the second WednesdayfromNovembertoDecember.

Just like Board meetings, Architectural Committee meetings are also open forum. Residents are welcome to attend and discuss their project with the Committee. If there are any doubts your application may be denied, we encourageyoutoattend!

For more information, visit our website or contact Kirsten Miller at ARC@meadowslinkor720-476-4007.

25, 2023

8, 2023

Completion Photos

Submit project completion photos to close out your file!

Email photos to Kirsten Miller at ARC@meadowslink.com

Utilize the website form HERE (Under "Online Forms")

Put in an envelope and leave in MNC dropbox located at the Taft or Grange roundabouts

Committee Members

Steve Mitchell, ARC Chair

Christina Grade, Vice Chair

Janelle Carter, ARC Member

Tamara Voshchullo, ARC Member

Laurie Schultz, ARC Member

Keri Schultz, Alternate #1

Denice Lacina, Alternate #2

6, 2023

1, 2023 December 13, 2023

After-The-Fact Fee

If you're found to have started or completed a project without receiving ARC approval, then you may be required to remove or fix the improvement at your own expense. These situations will require you to submit an ARC application and pay the $50 ATF fee (check or credit card).

1. 2. 3.

District Delegates

Thecommunityisbrokenupintoeightdistricts. DistrictDelegates areelected annuallytorepresentthehomeownerswithintheirrespectiveDistrictandserve one-yearterms.

Theirroleistovotetoapprovetheannualbudget,castvotesonbehalfofthe members within their designated district, and to elect the homeowner representatives to serve as the Board of Governors. They also serve on the TribunalCommitteewhencalledupon.

Your District Delegates Serving from March 2023 through March 2024

NAME

EMAIL

Gary Polage District1Delegate@meadowslink.com

NEIGHBORHOOD

Feathergrass, Harris Grove, Patina, Suncatcher

Tamara Voshchullo District2Delegate@meadowslink.com

Azure, Briscoe Ranch, Hawthorn, Morgans Run, Panorama

Michael Abbatello District3Delegate@meadowslink.com

Avalon Bay Apts, Ridge at Castle Rock Apts, Talus Flats Apts

Janelle Carter

District4Delegate@meadowslink.com

Tim Taylor District5Delegate@meadowslink.com

Jonathan Holyk District6Delegate@meadowslink.com

Connie Van Dorn  District7Delegate@meadowslink.com

Rebecca McDermott

District8Delegate@meadowslink.com

Fuller Bluff, Morningview, Watercolor, Weathervane

Gambel Oak, Leafdale, Plainsong, Sweetwood

Tyler Park, Upland Park

Blacktail, New Haven, Starling Hill

Stewart Park

MNC Trash Quick Facts MNC Trash Quick Facts

Questions? Refer to our website or call 303-814-2358

Everyhouseholdisallowed2trashbinsand2recyclebinsatnocost.Additional binsare$5/month,perbin.

TrashcollectioniseveryFriday.RecyclingiseveryotherFriday(GREENWEEKS)

WMhasapickupwindowof 7am-7pm.Iftheydidnotpickupinthemorning, theymaybefore7pm,sopleasewaittoreportthemissedpickupuntilafter7pm.

Ifthere'sadelaycausedbyweather,holiday,oranotherreason,servicewillbeon Saturday that week. Holidays observed by WM: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year'sDay,MemorialDay,July4th,andLaborDay. Checkourwebsitenewsfeed, e-blast,orFacebookpageforservicedelaynotices!

Cardboardboxeswillbepickedup,butmustbeempty,flattened,andplacednext to your bin on a regular trash or recycling day. Leaf and yard waste must be disposedofinyourbins.

SpecialServices:Curbsidebags,boxesoftrash,andlargeitemswon'tgetpicked upwithoutcalling303-797-1600toscheduleandpayfortheservice.

Wanttohostanevent?LooknofurtherthanTheMeadows!Ourfacilitiesareperfectforanykind offunction:Weddings,Rehearsals,Baby/BridalShowers,Birthdays,Graduations,Anniversaries, Retirements,FamilyReunions,Memorials,BusinessMeetings,Auctions,Fundraisers,andmore!

TheGrangeisourlargerfacilitywithacapacityof125.Theopenconceptmaintainsanintimate, rusticfeelnomatterhowyoudecorateit!Centralaspectsofthispremiervenueincludenatural lightfloodingtheopenspace,exposedwoodbeamsaccentuatingthegrandceilings,anda granitecountertopbarcompletewithafullkitchen.Inaddition,aperimeterofgaragedoors adjacenttothecoveredpatioallowsforanindoor-outdooreventanytimeofyear.Youcanboost theambiancebydimmingthelights,turningonthegasfireplaces,andqueuingyourplaylistto beheardacrossourmulti-zonedsoundsystem.

Ifyouwanttohostafunctioninasmallerspacewithnomorethan25people,thenconsiderthe TaftHouse!Thisroomissimple,modern,andablankslateforanylowkeyfunctionorbusiness affair.Whilethereisnokitchen,youcancaterfoodorhaveafoodtruckforthatinteractive element.Versatilityiswhatmakesthisvenuesogreat!

Afewmoredetailstomakenoteof:

Meadowsresidentsgetadiscountedrentalrate!

Wecanhostyourpartysevendaysaweek,evenduringpeakweddingseason. Leverageourfurniture,tables,andchairsinventorytojumpstartplanning.

Norequiredvendors,soyoureventisfullycustomizabletoyourneedsanddesires. We're"self-serve",sosetupandcleanupisdonebyyouoradesignatedperson/vendor. Meadowsstaffareonsitetoanswerquestionsandensureyoureventrunssmoothly.

MNC POOL SEASON 2023

GrangePoolOperation

May27–August20:10:00am–8:00pm

August21–September4:10:00am–6:00pm

LapSwim:8:00am-9:30amdailythroughSept3

PoolInformationWebpage

WeeklyFood&Treats

KonaIceeveryTuesday 1pm-2pm

CoffeeSarapeveryFriday9am-3pm

FoodTruckFridays 12pm-3pm

Subjecttochanges/cancelationswithoutnotice

Season Changes

Safety breaks will be 15 minutes at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm. Residents are allowed 4 daily guest passes with a total of 40 guests for the season. Guests are $5/per person.

Only MNC Residents and their guests are allowed access to the pool. MCA and Luxury Apartment fobs will no longer be sold.

Homeownerwithafob?You'reallset!

MovedhomeswithinMNC?You'llneednewfobs!

Newhomeowner?ApplyonlineorstopbyGrange!

Renterwith/withoutafob?Completetheformsto reactivate/receiveyourfobsfortheseason.

CaregiverforaMNCHousehold?Renewyourfob

atGrangeoremailpools@meadowslink.com.

Haveanewfamilymember?Getthemafob!

Lostyourfob?PurchasenewonesatGrange ($10/single;$25/family).

CLICK HERE FOR THE FORMS

Landmark

Events & Volunteering

For the most current information on our events, refer to our Events & Programs webpage, Facebook, and weekly E-blasts.

Volunteer Opportunities

Most of our events require the time, labor and assistance from volunteers. Helping out, even for just an hour or two, directly impacts the successoftheevent.Bytheendofyourshift,you'llleavewitharefreshed feeling of interconnectedness and fulfillment. What else does volunteeringbring?

Gettoknowyourneighborsthroughsocialconnections

HighSchoolStudents-Completecommunityservicehours

Networking-Neverknowwhenyoumightneedanewserviceprovider

Bearolemodelforothersandshowhowgreatitistogiveback

Getoutsideandbeactive

CLASSES & EVENTS CLASSES & EVENTS

RegisterforactivitiesatTheGrange,calling303-814-2358,orviaWebTrac!

ContactNikkieatnroberts@meadowslink.comtosuggestorteachaclass.

Youth Classes Youth Classes

KidzArt, Kid’s Night Out!

At this drop-off event, kids enjoy pizza and drinks while they create a painting and craft. These classes fill up quickly, so register ASAP!

SEPT–RainforestNight

Date:Friday,September8

Time:5:00pm–7:30pm

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

Cost:$45Resident/$50Non-Resident

AgeRequirement:6–12yearsold

Painting:Jaguar

Craft:NeonDartFrogRocks

OCT–SpookySeason

Date:Friday,October6

Time:5:00pm–7:30pm

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

Cost:$45Resident/$50Non-Resident

AgeRequirement:6–12yearsold

Painting:HalloweenTreats

Craft:PumpkinCalavera

Adult Classes Adult Classes

BuildingHealthy&DeliciousMealswithNaturalGrocers

Learnwhatittakestomakewhole,nutritiousmeals(SpoilerAlert:It'seasy!).There willbeadrawingforafreegiftbasketforthoseinattendance!

Date:Friday,July21

Time:1:00pm–2:00pm

Location:TheGrange

Cost:FREE;Registrationrequired

AgeRequirement:Allageswelcome;Under13mustbeaccompaniedbyanadult.

HEALTH & FITNESS HEALTH & FITNESS

Pilates

GotothelinkforsessiondatesandtofindanupdateonAugustandSeptember!

Dates&Cost:

JulyThursdays–$60Resident/$65Non-Resident

JulySundays–$60Resident/$65Non-Resident

AugustThursdays–$75Resident/$80Non-Resident

AugustSundays–SessionDetailsTBD

SeptemberThursdays–$45Resident/$50Non-Resident

SeptemberSundays–SessionDetailsTBD

Time:9:00am–10:00am

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

AgeRequirement:16+

RegistrationDeadline:Fridaypriortoanewmonthlysession.

Note:Pleasebringyourownmat,towel,andwater.Pilatesmatspreferred.

IntermediateYoga

GotothelinkforsessiondatesandtofindanupdateonAugustandSeptember!

Dates&Cost:

JulyMondays–$60Resident/$65Non-Resident

August&SeptemberSessionDetailsTBD

Time:9:00am–10:00am

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

AgeRequirement:16+

RegistrationDeadline:Fridaypriortoanewmonthlysession.

Note:Bringyourownyogamat,towel,block,strap,andwater.

BeginnersYoga

GotothelinkforsessiondatesandtofindanupdateonAugustandSeptember!

Dates&Cost:

JulyMondays–$60Resident/$65Non-Resident

August&SeptemberSessionDetailsTBD

Time:10:00am–11:00am

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

AgeRequirement:16+

RegistrationDeadline:Fridaypriortoeverynewmonthlysession.

Note:Bringyourownyogamat,towel,block,strap,andwater.

SoundBathMeditation

Adeeplyrelaxingmeditationsessionthatwilltransportyouintoacalm,restfulstate.

Date:Wednesday,July19

Time:6:00pm–7:00pm

Location:TaftHouseDocketRoom

Cost:$20Resident/$25Non-Resident

AgeRequirement:13+

RegistrationDeadline:July15

Note:Bringyourownyogamat,blanket,andwearcomfortableclothing.

SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL EVENTS

July4thCelebration

We'recelebratingthenation'sbirthdaywithabikeparade,inflatables,andmore!

Date:Tuesday,July4

Time:11:00am–1:00pm;Paradeat11:15am

Location:BisonPark

Cost:FREEforMeadowsResidents/$5Non-Resident

Note: Visit The Grange through July 3 to get wristbands if you or family membersplantousetheinflatablesorrides!

Children’sHospitalColoradoBloodDrive Signupandsavealife!

Dates:

Monday,July10

Monday,September11

Monday,November6

Time:8:30am–12:30pm

Location:GrangeParkingLot

MusicinTheMeadows

Oursummerconcertseriesisn'toveryet...wehavetwolocalbandsheadlining!

Dates:

Thursday,July13–JohnSaundersBand

Thursday,July27–6202Band

Time:6:30pm–8:30pm

Location:SoaringHawkElementary

Cost:FREE

Note:FoodtrucklineupreleasedviaFacebookandE-blast.

MovieinTheMeadows

OutdoormovienightshowingPussinBoots:TheLastWishwithfreshpopcorn!

Date:Friday,August25

Time:Moviestartsatdusk;Comeanytimeafter6:30pm

Location:MercantilePark(3955BilberrySt)

Cost:FREE

SPECIAL EVENTS CONT. SPECIAL EVENTS CONT.

DoggieDive

Theultimuttpooldayforyourpooches!

Date:Saturday,September9

Time:9:30am–2:00pm

Under35lbs:9:30am–10:00am

Alldogsizes:10:00am–2:00pm Location:TheGrangePool

Cost:FREE;MustbeaMNCResidentwithpoolfobtoattend.

CommunityGarageSale

Doyouwantmoretrafficduringyourgaragesale?Registeryouraddresswithus!

Date:Saturday,September16

Time:8:00am–4:00pm Location:TheMeadows

Note:Thelist/mapofaddresseswillbepostedonSeptember15.

GamesNight

Enjoyacasualnightwithfriendsandfamilyinaself-leadgamesnight!

Date:Saturday,September23

Time:5:00pm–8:00pm Location:TheGrange

Cost:$5/pp;MeadowsResidentsonly

RegistrationDeadline:September15

Note:BeerandWineavailable($5cash)

MurderMysteryDinner

We'retime-travelingbacktothe80stosolveamurdermystery.Weneedyouand fellowdetectivestodressthepart,gatherclues,andfigureoutwhodidit!

Date:Friday,October27

Time:5:00pm–8:00pm

Location:TheGrange

Cost:$40Resident/$45Non-Resident

AgeRequirement:21+

RegistrationDeadline:October13

JOIN A CLUB... OR TWO! JOIN A CLUB... OR TWO!

ArtJam:AmberWilliams,VolunteerCoordinator

TheArtJamisachanceforeveryonetofindthetimetoenjoyeachother’scompanywhile makingartintheprocess.Thisclubisforeveryonenomattertheirageorlevelofartistic ability.Therearenorestrictionspertainingtostyleorformat,andthereisnoonewayto create.Thisclubisthecollaborativeexpressionofindividualscreatingarttogether,whether individuallyorbuildingasharedcreationasateam.WemeeteveryotherThursday(some monthsmayvary,checkwithAmber)atTheGrangefrom3:45pm–4:45pmforfun, laughter,andcreativity!Pleasenote,childrenunderdrivingagemustbeaccompaniedbyan adult,butthisclubisforadultartistsaswell.ContactAmberat720-487-0429or thelaughingcaribou@gmail.comformoredetails.

Bridge:SharonSansone,VolunteerCoordinator

Whetheryou'reabeginner,anexpert,oranonlineplayer,jointhisfunandinformalBridge group!You'llsocializewithneighborsandsparksomefriendlyneighborhoodcompetitionin theprocess!TheclubmeetsweeklyonMondaysfrom12:30pm–3:30pmatTheGrange. ContactSharonat720-916-1193orsharonsansone@protonmail.comifinterested.

Cycling:6202Cycling

6202CyclingwasformedinDecember2005byagroupofCastleRock-basedcyclistswho wantedtosharetheirloveofbicyclingandtheircommunity.Wewelcomebicyclistsofall styles–casualriders,racers,mountainandroadcyclists,andfamilies.Clubmembers participateinseveralorganizedlocalandregionalridesincludingElephantRock,Triple Bypass,andtheCourageClassic.6202CyclingisamemberoftheLeagueofAmerican Cyclists,anon-profitmembershiporganization,whichpromotescyclingforfun,fitness,and transportationthroughadvocacyandeducation.Moreinformationcanbefoundontheclub websiteatwww.6202cycling.org.

GoodDeeds:KristenFrecceri,VolunteerCoordinator

Wanttomakeadifferenceinthisworld?Wanttohelpthoseinneed?Joinusinhelping peopleinourcommunity.Fromhelpingneighborsrakeleavestogivingyourtime volunteeringatalocalfoodbank.Experiencingthejoythatcomeswithgivingbackand makingadifferenceiswhatthisclubisallabout.Ifyou'relookingtojoinorarearesidentin needofsomehelpinghandsforaproject,emailKristenatlilemnm@gmail.com.

Hiking:RJDaskevich,VolunteerCoordinator

Weprovideanopportunitytomeetothersonaregularbasisandexperienceavarietyof hikes.Wehikeeverythingfromlocaltrailsto14ers.WehikelocallyonThursdaysintheearly evenings,andSaturdayswithlongerandincreasinglymoreaggressivehikes.For13ersand 14ers,weputoutappropriatecautions,soeachpersontogaugeifitisthehikeforthem.We carpoolwheneverpossible,generallymeetingatBisonPark.Weusuallyhaveabitetoeat afterwardsandenjoyothereventsoutsideofhiking,suchasahappyhour.Itisasmuchas asocialgroupasitisahikingclub.Ifyouhavequestionsorareinterestedinjoining,contact RJat719-447-7307orrjdask@gmail.com.

YARD OF THE MONTH THEMES: YARD OF THE MONTH THEMES: QUARTER 3 QUARTER 3

JULY

StandardEdition

Frontyardsthat exhibitcurb appeal.

AUGUST

Garden to Table Edition

What fruits, veggies, herbs, and edible flowers you have been growing and harvesting this summer?!

SEPTEMBER

Best Yard Transformation

Reveal the before and after of your front yard and/or rear yard transformations!

Nominate yourself or a neighbor for a chance to win in this friendly, neighborhood contest! Who is the judge? You are! MNC Residents vote via an online survey found in the weekly e-blast.

Each monthly winner will receive a prize gift valued at $25-$30, swag bag, special recognition across our platforms, and have the honor of displaying (and keeping) the MNC "Yard of the Month” lawn-sign!

For more information, go to Meadowslink > Community Recognition

To see past winners, log in to Meadowslink > For Residents > Photo Galleries

Native Grasses & Rainfall Saturation

We've had above average amount of snow start of the season.

Statewide snowpack will finish above the seasonal average for the first time since 2019. But, there are some important asterisks to this. COLORADO - After back-to-back slower seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22, Colorado's statewide snowpack will see its first above-average season since 2018-19.

We are experiencing a very wet start of the year.

Currently, May 2023 is the 11th wettest month on record. A record-setting 2.92 inches of rain fell on May 11 and contributed to the 4.82 inches of rain that fell from May 1018. During that time frame, Denver was removed from drought concerns and as of May 25, 2023, only 28% of the state of Colorado is considered abnormally dry or worse on the drought monitor, with less than 8% in the severe to exceptional drought categories.

Colorado has experienced a large bloom of native grasses this Spring.

Native seed grasses in Colorado sometimes skip seasons due to a variety of factors including weather conditions, soil quality, and seed dormancy. In some cases, drought or other extreme weather events may prevent grasses from germinating during their typical growing season. Additionally, certain species of grass may have a natural cycle of seed dormancy, where they will not sprout for several growing seasons until the soil conditions are just right.

Currently, with the large saturation of rain coming into the Colorado area, dormant native grasses are all springing up, including annuals, perennials, and seeds that only germinate every couple of years.

We kindly ask for your patience as our landscapers strive to fulfill residents' needs with the utmost efficiency.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

MNC Resident, Carol Parrish, knows exactly where the wild things are! During her strolls through the community, Carol keeps her camera ready because you never knowwhatcreatureorcritteryou'llstumbleuponinTheMeadows!

As you can probably guess, Carol is the ultimate animal lover and they seem to follow her everywhere she goes - just like Disney Princess, Snow White! We have compiled a superb collection of wildlife sightings over the last year thanks to Carol, soit'sonlyfairwesharehercaptivatingphotoswithyou!

Want to see more wildlife sightings? Log in to the website > For Residents > Photo Galleries.SubmityourownbyemailingMadisonAllenat mallen@meadowslink.com.

I Spy... A Bird Guide!

Bird watching is the perfect solo or family activity! Observe from your backyard, on your daily walk, or head to a State or National Park and see what species you find. Bird watching offers a range of benefits such as strengthening your connection with nature, learning and understanding conservation, engaging in a mind and body workout, and meeting fellow watchers. So, grab your binoculars and start scouting! Remember to leave no trace and never disturb wildlife. Happy watching!

Related Links

Colorado Bluebird Project

Certify Your Yard as a Wildlife Habitat

Wild Birds Unlimited - Nature Activities for Kids

Association Archives: Neighborhood History Association Archives: Neighborhood History Association Archives: Neighborhood History

We'll share more archives in the next issue! We'll share more archives in the next issue! We'll share more archives in the next issue!

Small Business Spotlight: HOME GROWN

On the surface, Home Grown is a plant shop. But walk through the front door and you’ll discover much more than houseplants. This cute, quirky shop on Fourth Street isfilledwithunique,hand-craftedceramicpottery,upcycleddecor,one-of-a-kindgifts and a welcoming, social vibe (the vintage velvet sofa in the back room is a great place to hang out and relax or check your email.) There’s also a mini garden center onthebackpatioofferinghangingbaskets,nativeperennialsandoutdoorgoods.

Founded by plant-obsessed locals, Alyssa Casebier and Jessica Whitt, Home Grown opened its doors on Valentine’s Day of 2023 with the goal of bringing quality, handselected plants to the area. They cater to everyone from newbies to plant addicts seeking the rare and unusual. If they don’t have it, they’ll try to find it for you (and create a custom arrangement if you wish). And if you don’t know a Pothos from a Peperomiayoucanrelax,becausethisisajudgment-freezone.

Alyssa and Jessica (pictured below) both share a background in interior design and believethatplantsareanessentialelementinmakingahome,businessoranyspace come to life. With more than 20 years each in Castle Rock, they are excited to be a women-owned small business in such a special community. Be on the lookout for fun,creativeclassesbeginninginlatesummer.There’smuchmoretocome!

Checkouttheirwebsite:https://homegrowncr.com/ FollowtheirFacebook:@homegrowncastlerock

Community Sponsors 2023 Community Sponsors 2023

MNC events are funded primarily with the support of our Community Sponsors. Without their support, none of our events would be possible! Click the logo to go to their website.