The View From
Meridian Ranch Meridian Ranch Community Directory MSMD Board of Directors: President: Butch Gabrielski Secretary/ Treasurer: Mike Fenton Asst Secretary/ Treasurer: Tom Sauer Bill Gessner Wayne Reorda Newsletter Advertising Porchlink Media
New Meridian Ranch Recreation Operations Manager Meridian Service Metropolitan District is pleased to announce Ryan Kozlowski as the new Recreation Operations Manager at the Meridian Ranch Recreation Center. Ryan moved to Colorado Springs in 1993 as a child when his father retired from the Air Force. He grew up in District 20 schools and participated in many Air Force youth sports. He continued to play hockey and golf throughout high school and still enjoys playing today. Once old enough to work, Ryan began working at an inline hockey rink where he stayed for 4 years before moving on to the Falcon Trail Youth Center at the Air Force Academy. At the youth center, he developed a vast knowledge of recreation and event management. While in college at UCCS, Ryan began working at VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa. During his 8 years at VillaSport, he held the positions of Childcare Director and Aquatics Director. Ryan is a certified lifeguard, swim instructor trainer, and childcare director. He looks forward to bringing his passion to serve the residents of MeÂridian Ranch Recreation Center.
kerri@porchlink.com www.porchlinkmedia.com 720-295-2649 Newsletter Sponsor Thank you to Antler Creek Golf Course, CreekView Grill, DRC No. 1 and DRC No. 2 for their sponsorship of
The View From Meridian Ranch! Websites www.meridianranchmetro.org www.meridianranch.com
www.stonebridgecoloradosprings.com
A publication of The Meridian Service Metropolitan District ISSUE
58 May 2018
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Developer News: Grading continues at Winding Walk and the Enclave at Stonebridge which will consist of 614 residential lots.
The View From Meridian Ranch
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Stay Updated ... Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/ParagonGroupRE Info@ParagonGroupRE.com | 719.822.1981 Not intended to solicit currently-listed properties. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Source of data: Pikes Peak MLS.
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The View From Meridian Ranch
May 2018 Design Review Council Reminders Questions, questions, questions? Answers, Answers, Answers!
Here are reminders when visiting a Board meeting:
What is a DRC?
1) All residents should address the Chairman with their comments
The community is governed by the Design Review Council "DRC" that enforces the Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions for Meridian Ranch DRC ("CC&R's") and the Meridian Ranch Design Guidelines. The "DRC" is not a homeowner’s association (HOA) as the homeowners do not own common property within the community. The "DRC" is a nonprofit corporation which is governed under the Colorado Non-Profit Act.
2) Never speak when someone else is speaking
When are the DRC Board meetings? DRC Board of Directors Meetings: Generally, the first Wednesday of each month: DRC no 2 at 8:15 a.m. and DRC no 1 at 9:15 a.m. at the Rec Center The DRC Board meetings have had an influx of homeowners coming for the homeowner forum, which is generally the first 10 minutes of the meeting (3 minutes or so per resident). The DRC Board would like to remind the homeowners, the Board meetings are about 45 minutes long, as the DRC no 1 and DRC no 2 board meetings are held on the same day and in the morning prior to the Metro Service District meetings. The Board meetings are intended for essential DRC business to be conducted; it is not a social event and it is not a membership meeting. Homeowners who arrange to have their governance or improvements reviewed at the Board meeting in advance may not get to have action taken on them if residents come to the Board meeting without notice. Please be respectful of everyone’s time and note the Board does have agenda items on which it must act.
3) Everyone commits to staying on topic and keeping to the agenda 4) Wait to be called on by the Chairman before speaking 5) Be respectful; no yelling, name calling, or foul language allowed. To be added to the DRC agenda, please contact Jamie Adams, Managing Agent for Meridian Ranch DRC at Jamie@warrenmgmt.com or call 719-685-7824. There may be times when the agenda is full; we have a short amount of time to get through all the action items on the agenda. Please understand if your agenda item may need to be pushed to the next month. Remember it’s El Paso County Neighborhood Up Week May 3rd 14th! Plan a block party or take time to get to know your neighbor! (Department of Public Works has good information for this - call 719520-6808). Meridian Ranch DRC website: www.meridianranchdrc.org; splash page; locate your neighborhood or street; this will take you to your DRC website.
Questions? Please contact your Meridian Ranch DRC Management Team: Jamie Adams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, Managing Agent:
Jamie@warrenmgmt.com
Julie Sampson, Governance Director:
Julie@warrenmgmt.com
Chaylyn Petrik, Management Team Assistant:
Chaylyn@warrenmgmt.com
Manager’s Message for May 2018 Springtime brings hints of the coming summer weather and reminders that winter hasn’t left us yet. It is a good time to reflect on accomplishments of the past season and projects ongoing or yet to be started. Here are a few highlights of our District activities.
• Water well no. 1 motor repaired • Water filtration plant expansion in progress to meet ever-increasing demand for water to serve newly constructed homes
• Gym roof and gym floor repairs completed at the Meridian Ranch Recreation Center
• Raw water booster pumping station currently under construction for meeting peak summer water demands
• Old exercise equipment replaced and more on the way
• Sewer pipeline maintenance cleaning expected about late April
• Preparations started for summer outdoor pool opening
• Ongoing maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities that provide the District services of water, sewer, parks, recreation and fitness, trails, landscaped open space
• Planning for multiple community events throughout 2018 • District hires its first Recreation Manager (See related article in this newsletter) • Stonebridge Park almost completed and ready for summer activities Media is Porchlink ublish p proud to sletter! ew n r you
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The District provides essential public services 24/7. We take our job seriously and find great satisfaction in caring for the community’s facilities and services. For information on these projects or anything else, please check our website at www.meridianranchmetro.org or call our office at 719.495.6567.
To place a display or business services ad: Please contact: Kerri Watts kerri@porchlink.com 720-295-2649 The View From Meridian Ranch
Medical•Dental Surgical Acupuncture Laser Therapy Emergency Pet Grooming
Advertise in the June issue of The View From Meridian Ranch Deadline: May 15, 2018
Visit our website at to see this month's promotions!
To place a display or Business Service ad: Please contact: kerri@porchlink.com or 720-295-2649
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Meridian Ranch Resident since 2005
The View From Meridian Ranch
D49 May 2018 News Smiles Rule When Dogs Meet Falcons By David Nancarrow, Director of Communications Grace walked through the front door of Falcon High School on Thursday, March 8, and promptly found a place to sit for lunch. It didn’t take long for the seven-year-old Norwegian Buhund/ Norrbottenspets mix to make a few friends, including sophomore, Alina Basse, 15. “I love dogs,” Basse said. “This makes my day so much better than it already was.” Grace and two other therapy dogs from the HOPE animal-assisted crisis response are now well known in the halls of FHS. They first came to campus to comfort students as District 49 coped with the unexpected loss of students and staff in the spring of 2017. FHS 10th-Grader Leigha Hammers spent some
time with Grace on March 8th. Grace and the other HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response Dogs visit FHS once a month for some one-onFHS Head of Security Laurie Carson organized the visits. These days the one time with the students during their day therapy dogs offer a few moments of fun, or a break from the daily trials of (District 49/David Nancarrow) “They’re just here to love on them, and sometimes that’s all [students] need,” said HOPE Regional Director Karen Kline.
life as a high schooler. Carson also thinks the service animals help her build relationships with FHS students.
“You really see it,” Carson explained. “That kid’s going to get through the day. So many kids have said ‘Oh my gosh, Ms. Carson, the dogs are here!’ and I’m like ‘Go, have a great time.’” Grace and her friends typically stay on campus for about three hours one Friday each month. By the time they leave, learners are left with lingering smiles and a sunnier outlook for their day and weekend ahead.
Sunday
Monday
May 2018
Tuesday 1
Wednesday
Thursday 3
2
AOA Pinochle 12:30 pm
Friday 4
NO SCHOOL
Saturday 5
Cinco de Mayo
AOA Lunch Out “TBD” 1:00 pm Parents Night Out 5:30 – 10:00 pm
6
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
Quilting Club 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Mother's Day
10 AOA Mexican Train Dominos 12:30 pm
11
12
17
18 Parents Night Out 5:30 – 10:00 pm
19
25
26
AOA Potluck "Crock-Pot Favorites" 12:15 pm
Flick n Float 4:15 pm
AOA Pinochle 12:30 pm 20
27
21
Luau at the Rec Center
22
28
Memorial Day
29
23
Quilting Club 9:30 am – 12:00 pm 5:00 – 8:00 pm
30
24 AOA Mexican Train Dominos 12:30 pm
31
Last Day of School
Meridian Ranch Rec Center Outdoor Pool Opens For The Summer
AOA Pinochle 12:30 pm
Rec Center OPEN Page 5
The View From Meridian Ranch
Stonebridge HOA Corner No one likes to lose! You could be losing WATER and MONEY! The average American household in this area uses 155 gallons of water a day in the winter and 406 gallons a day in the summer! There are some things you can do to maximize your dollar. Here are some suggestions: Evaluate your yard and consider xeriscape! You need to submit your landscape plan to the Stonebridge HOA and wait for approval before installing your landscaping. Here are some reasons why xeriscaping makes sense: 1. Natural beauty: A lush, green lawn may look pretty, but it is difficult to maintain in our dry climate. 2. Save water: The biggest benefit of xeriscaping is that you need less water to maintain your landscaping. 3. Save money: When you save water, you save money. The money savings go beyond the water bill. In many cases, xeriscaping products are less expensive than rolls of sod and lush green shrubbery. 4. Low maintenance: Since decorative granite rocks and native plants are low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about pushing a lawnmower on a hot day, or spend the money to have somebody else do it. The only maintenance your front yard may need is a little trimming a few times a year, followed by a spot treatment for weeds in the spring. 5. Check your sprinkler system in the spring: Refrain from turning on your sprinkler system until you know the chances for a freeze are slim (snow in May is possible). When you turn on your irrigation system, remember to check your sprinkler heads and valve box and replace any parts that are not up to par! Remember that your irrigation system programming can be affected by power outages, which in turn can affect your bill or the health of your yard. You may contact Warren Management Group to request a site improvement application at stonebridge@warrenmgmt.com.
Your Stonebridge Management Team is here to assist you with any questions you may have: Jamie Adams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM – Association Manager
jamie@warrenmgmt.com
Melonie Marshall, Management Team Assistant
melonie@warrenmgmt.com
Karlona Dimoff, Onsite Management Team Assistant
karlona@warrenmgmt.com
Main line to the Stonebridge Lodge is 719-694-8768. For covenant or improvement questions, please contact the WMG office at 719-685-8743.
Pool Safety Tips
•Always watch your children. Never assume that someone else is watching them, even when life-guards are present - Even the best lifeguard is not a substitute for parental supervision. If your child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge and span the entire area, bottom and surface. Every second counts. • Young children do not splash, cry or call for help. •Teach children to always swim with a buddy, never alone. •Teach children not to reach into the water for toys, ask a grown-up for help. •Do not rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. •Children should learn to swim. Enroll them in swim lessons taught by qualified instructors, when they are ready, usually after age 4. However, lessons do not make a child “drown-proof.” •Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties.” They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security. Page 6
•Counsel teenagers about the increased risk of drowning when alcohol is involved. •Never dive into shallow water. •Don’t chew gum or eat while you swim - you could choke. •Avoid rough play that may cause injury or drowning. •Familiarize yourself with the swimming pool and find out about the safety rules. Make sure you know how the depth of the pool changes. •Educate your family on proper, safe pool use. Unfortunately, nationally about 19% of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present (Drowning Prevention Foundation). Many people mistakenly believe that pool lifeguards are babysitters and will keep an eye on their child when they are at the pool. While responsible for all people in the pool, they cannot monitor every child 100% of the time. While a non-swimming adult can struggle to stay afloat in water above their head for approximately 60 seconds, small children can submerge in as little as 20 seconds (American Red Cross). A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under (Orange County California Fire Authority). Children under 5 and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest drowning rates (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Studies have shown, even after hearing these statistics, 58% of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children (Safe Kids Coalition).
The View From Meridian Ranch
Who does it? Trash Pickup
Streetlights
Landscaping
DRC 1 & 2: Homeowners contract with a local company. MSMD has negotiated a discount with Rocky Mountain Disposal. Stonebridge HOA: Trash collection is included in HOA fee. Report Outages to Mountain View Electric MSMD & Homeowners Repairs: Mountain View Electric MSMD Parks Trails Open Space Streetscape Dog Stations Homeowner Yard and Right-of-Way
Streets/ Sidewalks/ Curbs
El Paso County Maintenance & Repairs: 719-520-6460
Parks Playground Equipment
MSMD Maintenance & Repairs
Snowplowing
MSMD Rec Center Trails
DRC 1 & 2
Warren Management: Governance and enforcement of Conditions, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC & R's). Billed annually.
Drainage
MSMD: Ditches, Creeks, Ponds Homeowner: Drainage to, on or off your property
Homeowner Property Maintenance
Homeowner: Maintenance DRC1: Compliance DRC2: Compliance Stonebridge HOA: Compliance
Rec Center Operations
YMCA Rec Center Operations, YMCA Team Sports Aquatics Programs, Childwatch
El Paso County Public Streets Homeowner Sideways and Driveways
Rec Center Maintenance
MSMD: Repairs & Maintenance YMCA: Daily Cleaning
Wastewater Treatment Ponds@ Stapleton
Woodmen Hills Metro District 719-495-2500
& Meridian Ranch Blvd.
New Construction Debris & Vacant Lots
Builders / Developer info@meridianranch.com
Billing
Water/Sewer/Rec. Ctr./Street Lights CRS: 719-495-5152 Stonebridge HOA: Warren Management DRC 1 & 2: Warren Management
Stonebridge HOA
Warren Management: Governance and enforcement of Conditions, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC & R's). Billed monthly.
Meridian Service Metro District (MSMD) 11886 Stapleton Dr Phone: 719-495-6567 Website: www.MeridianRanchMetro.org Email: http://meridianranchmetro.org/contactinfo.php Warren Management Jamie Adams / Melonie Marshall 1720 Jet Stream, Colorado Springs, CO Phone: 719-685-8727 Website: www.meridianranchdrc.org Email: meridianranch@warrenmgmt.com Community Resource Services (CRS) 7995 E. Prentice Ave, Ste 103-E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone: 719-495-5152 Email: billing@crsofcolorado.com Pay bill online: https://remote.crsofcolorado.com/ubs12/index.html YMCA Dane Leecy Email: dleecy@ppymca.com Phone: 719-495-7119 Website: http://ppymca.org/locations/resident-only/meridianranch
Upcoming Falcon Fire Protection District Town Hall Meetings The Falcon Fire Protection District will be hosting a series of “town hall� style meetings in May. The purpose of these meetings will be to discuss whether citizens would support a proposed mill levy increase to fund an in-district ambulance service and address other operational District needs. All residents of the fire district are encouraged to attend these public meeting to learn more about how the District operates and why it is considering a mill levy increase. Meetings will be held at FFPD Fire Station #3 located at 7030 Old Meridian Road in Falcon (at the corner of Old Meridian Road and U.S. Highway 24). Dates and times are:
Stay connected with the Falcon Fire Protection District:
May 2 at 6:00 p.m.
Website: www.falconfirepd.org
May 19 at 10:00 a.m.
Facebook: @FalconFireDepartment
May 31 at 6:00 p.m. Reminders and any updates will be posted to the District website and on our social media platforms. We look forward to seeing you there! Page 7
Twitter: @FalconFireDept
The View From Meridian Ranch
Meridian Service Metro District Save the Date: MAY
JULY
JUNE
AUGUST
4 18 19 26 27
Parent's Night Out Parent's Night Out Flick n Float Outdoor Pool Opens Summer Luau
2 Sky Sox Night Parent's Night Out 15 Community Garage Sale Day 16 16 Community Clean Up Day** 16 Movie on the Range 18 & 19 Dumpsters available for residents** Flick n Float 23 30 Falcon Freedom Days
18 & 20 Mini Camp - World Cup 20 Parent's Night Out 21 Movie on the Range End of Summer Flick n Float Bash 28 25 & 27 Mini Camp - Mad Science 2 16 17
Concerts in the Park - Wendy Woo Concerts in the Park - Dotsero Parent's Night Out
SEPTEMBER 3 21
Last Day Outdoor Pool is Open Parent's Night Out
OCTOBER
5 Parent's Night Out 8 & 10 Mini Camp - Time Travelers Parent's Night Out 19 11 & 18 Mini Camp - Under the Sea 15 & 17 Mini Camp - Inventors Workshop 27 Trunk or Treat
NOVEMBER
2 Parent's Night Out Parent's Night Out 16 19 & 21 Mini Camp - Art
DECEMBER
1 Tree Lighting & Cookies with Santa Parent's Night Out 7 10 & 11 Holiday Lights Contest Judging** 21 Parent's Night Out
*All dates are subject to change ** Communication will be from your DRC
11886 Stapleton Dr. | www.meridianranchmetro.org | 719.495.6567
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The View From Meridian Ranch
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Meridian Ranch and Antler Creek Golf Course have teamed up again to kick off the 13th annual Falcon Freedom Days on Saturday, June 30th, 2018 with music, food, family fun activities and the best fireworks show in Colorado. Bring your chairs, blankets, family, friends and the kids to this FREE celebration. With your support, we can be a beacon of light to families facing one of the darkest and hardest times of their lives. Proceeds from the event will go to the Penrose-St. Francis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
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The View From Meridian Ranch
TEEN LISTINGS HAVE BEEN REMOVED
The Teen Services Listing is for the convenience of Meridian Ranch residents and is not a service of, nor endorsed by Porchlink Media, LLC or Meridian Service Metropolitan District/Meridian Ranch Metropolitan District. Neither Porchlink nor the Districts make any warranties or representations concerning any of the listings. By using the Teen Services Listing, you assume full responsibility for performing your own due diligence to ensure any individual you choose to work with meets your requirements. Teens wishing to have their services listed must have their parents submit a request. The Districts reserve the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any listing that appears discriminatory, unethical, or inappropriate for a Teen Services Listing.
QUALITY
local
BUSINESSES
WORKING IN MERIDIAN RANCH
FIND THEM IN THIS PUBLICATION! 1
NO NEED TO LOOK ELSEWHERE... FIND THE HELP YOU NEED! 2
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOUR NEWSLETTER! 
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The View From Meridian Ranch
Keep Mother Earth and Yourself Healthy with The Newest Fitness Craze Plogging. The newest trend from Sweden improves the health of both humans and our Mother Earth. It’s a blend of jogging and the Swedish “plocks upp”, meaning to pick up. You are simply jogging while picking up trash from the trails. It can be an independent exercise or a community event. You benefit from a sense of selfsatisfaction that comes from helping to make the world a better place. And, as a bonus, it burns more calories than jogging alone. Incorporating squats and lunges will boost your workout and strengthen your core.
Use the hashtag #plogging to show your support and spread the word.
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www.FalconDrycleaning.com Page 11
Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 6pm Saturday: 8:30am - 2pm Or Leave in Drop Box 24/7
Full Service Drycleaning PLUS • Military Uniforms • Family Laundry: Wash, Dry and Fold • Minor Alterations & Repairs • Wedding Dresses • Formals • Starched Shirts/Pants • Comforters • Sleeping Bags
Falcon Sprinkler Start Up & Repair SPRINKLER START UP!
Give your lawn a head start this spring! Schedule your Sprinkler Start Up and/or Repair today. Start Up's are $35. Schedule your appointment today at www.falconsprinkler.com
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Owner/Operator npitcher8@gmail.com 719-338-3022
Serving Falcon, Woodman Hills and Meridian Ranch The View From Meridian Ranch
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The View From Meridian Ranch