WINDSOR
PRESIDENT’S PEN Dear Friends,
By now, you have probably heard the owners of Birdies have chosen to close the restaurant. This is not the result of a lack of effort on the part of the lessees or the Restaurant Committee. Both went to great lengths to research and implement a plan. We, as a community, are saddened by this turn of events. But the logical question is where do we go from here? Do we charge the Restaurant Committee with seeking another lessee similar to what we have had in the past, or do we think outside the box and try to initiate another format that will provide part of what we want?
Michele Compton, Board President
I think we need to start with what is most important to us. What type of business will facilitate our goals of meeting together in as many formats as we have in the past, such as building parties, clubs, family get-togethers, funerals, birthday parties, casual lunches/ dinners, after golf drinks, dancing, etc.? And how can we provide that at a price that we who are on fixed incomes can afford? What meals, caterings, deliveries, etc., are the most important to us? How can a business attract and benefit from outside business such as box lunches and off-grounds catering?
There will be many long discussions on these concerns and issues. I hope you will be part of the conversation. If this interests you, please attend the Restaurant Committee meetings. If that is not possible in-person or via Zoom, send a note to either Mike Lopez, the chair of the
PRESIDENT'S PEN continued on page 4
Visit our website at www.windsorgardensdenver.org. The resource page on our website is down. Association Voice IT is working to restore access. Please contact the administrative office if you need information from the resource page.
2021 Board Officers & Committees Association Contacts
OPERATIONS COMMITTEES
Executive Committee
y Michele Compton, President
y Dennis Knight, Vice President
y Mike Lopez, Treasurer
y Jane Doyle, Secretary
Architectural Review
y Roni Reynolds, Chair
y Jane Doyle, Board
y Joel Bulik, Resident
y Cleo Dioletis, Resident
y Kelli Schuttinga, Resident
Auditing
y Dean Deverick, Chair
y Roni Reynolds, Board
y Sharon Holsapple, Resident
y Jeanne Lee, Resident
y Marilyn Tyler, Resident
Employee Relations/Safety
y Dean Deverick, Chair
y Bobbie Mays, Board
y Debra Adams, Resident
y Ginny Cox, Resident
y Barbara Ellis, Resident
y Shane Fair, Employee
y Jacob Pacheco, Employee
y Community Response Officer
Finance
y Mike Lopez, Chair
y Dean Deverick, Board
y Debra Adams, Resident
y Marilyn Tyler, Resident
y Bobbi Hess, Resident
Appeals
y Bobbie Mays, Chair
y Dean Deverick, Board
Activities
y Bobbie Mays, Chair
Appeals continued
y Sue Freehling, Resident
y Mary Carol Ooten, Resident
y Donna Sanford, Resident
y Jan Sheppard, Resident
y Jim Wright, Resident
Insurance
y Bobbie Mays, Chair
y Dennis Knight, Board
y Barb Ellis, Resident
y Sharon Holsapple, Resident
y Barbara Penn, Resident
Long Range Planning & Innovation
y Dennis Knight, Chair
y Mike Lopez, Board
y Sharon Holsapple, Resident
y Mona Knight, Resident
y John Young, Resident
y Bill Walsh, Employee Policy/Governing Docs/Rentals
y Jane Doyle, Chair
y Roni Reynolds, Board
y Debe Alikchihoo, Resident
y Donna Sanford, Resident
y Jan Sheppard, Resident
y Jim Wright, Resident
Underground Garage
y Roni Reynolds, Board
y Mike Lopez, Board
y Carl Bruckman, Resident
y Barbara Dey, Resident
y Reuel Hunt, Resident
y William Laub, Resident
y Jan Sheppard, Resident
COMMUNITY LIFE COMMITTEES
Revenue Exploration
y Dennis Knight, Chair
y Dean Deverick, Board
y Kristin Brotherton, Resident
y Barb Ellis, Resident
y Beverly Williams, Resident Board Election
y Dean Deverick, Chair
y Roni Reynolds, Board
y Lisa Davis, Resident
y Kathy McVicker, Resident
y Donna Sanford, Resident
Building Representative Zone Committee (BRZC)
Roni Reynolds / Donna Sanford, Co-Chairs
Zone 1: Marilyn Tyler
Zone 2: Barb Penn
Zone 3: Mary Grace Wake
Zone 4: Mary Carol Ooten
Zone 5: Lisa Davis
Zone 6: Ken DeHate
Zone 7: Jean McCoy
Community Life
y Jane Doyle, Chair
y Dennis Knight, Board
y Cathi Allen, Resident
y Kristin Brotherton, Resident
y Mona Knight, Resident
y Jeanne Lee, Resident
y Monica McKenzie, Resident
y Kelli Schuttinga, Resident
y Beverly Williams, Resident
Administration
303-364-7485
Regular Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
General Manager: Rebecca Zazueta, email: rzazueta@wgamail.com
Community Life Manager: Cari Ervin, email: cervin@wgamail.com
Business Manager: Tammy Tafoya-Paredes, email: ttafoya@wgamail.com
Community Administrator: Patricia Frawley, email: pfrawley@wgamail.com
Director of Community Response: Chris Scovil, email: cscovil@wgamail.com
Office Manager: Liz Nickel, email: lnickel@wgamail.com
Receptionists: Becca Hart, email: bhart@wgamail.com Kacey Parker, email: kparker@wgamail.com
Accounting Manager: Debra Ford, email: dford@wgamail.com
Accounting Assistant: Kimberly Hernandez, khernandez@wgamail.com
Administrative Assistant: Karen Arellano, email: karellano@wgamail.com
Community Response
303-364-4924 communityresponse@wgamail.com
Acting Captain: Hanna Starritt, hstarritt@wgamail.com
Captain of EMS: Cash Kraemer, email: ckraemer@wgamail.com
Covenant Enforcement Officer: Joe Garcia, email: jgarcia@wgamail.com
Administrative Assistant: Katie Monasmith, email: kmonasmith@wgamail.com
Activities
303-364-9141
y Bobbie Mays, Board
y Cathi Allen, Resident
y Reuel Hunt, Resident
y Donna Sanford, Resident
y Kelli Schuttinga, Resident
y John Young, Non-resident Owner
Golf
y Jane Doyle, Chair
y Bobbie Mays, Board
y Daniel Robinette, Resident
y Beth Vaden, Resident
y Jim Wright, Resident
y Men’s League Pres.
y Women’s League Pres.
Public Relations/Marketing
y Dennis Knight, Chair
y Mike Lopez, Board
y Debra Adams, Resident
y Jeanne Lee, Resident
y Kathy Young, Resident
Restaurant
y Mike Lopez, Chair
y Jane Doyle, Board
y Cleo Dioletis, Resident
y Sue Freehling, Resident
y Charles McDonald, Resident
y Susan Schmidt, Resident
y Joan Stringfield, Resident
Activities Director:
Assistant Activities Director: Renee Jennings, email: rjennings@wgamail.com
Golf Shop & Course
303-366-3133
Golf Pro: Doug Mallon, email: dmallon@wgamail.com
Facilities Maintenance
Manager: Bill Walsh, email: bwalsh@wgamail.com
Grounds Maintenance
Supervisor: Dana Cusack, email: dana@wgamail.com
Board Members board@wgamail.com
President: Michele Compton
Vice Pres.: Dennis Knight
Treasurer: Mike Lopez
Secretary: Jane Doyle
Asst. Treasurer: Bobbie Mays
Asst. Secretary: Dean Deverick
Director-at-Large: Roni Reynolds
Building Representative Zone Committee (BRZC)
Email: brzc@wgamail.com
Association Offices Closed
Labor Day Monday, September 6, 2021
Employee Party Friday, September 17, 2021
Offices will close at 11:30 a.m. for the day. On-call maintenance and Community Response will remain on duty. Please call Community Response if you need immediate assistance or have an emergency. If you do not need immediate assistance, you may leave a message on the administrative office voicemail and a staff member will get back to you on Monday, September 20.
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2021
Friday, November 26, 2021
Christmas Eve/Day Friday, December 24, 2021
Monday, December 27, 2021
New Year’s Day Monday, January 3, 2022
Community Meetings
Attend in Person: We will be meeting in the Colorado Room for those comfortable doing so (with some exceptions noted below).
Join by Phone: Call 720-928-9299 at the time of the meeting and use the meeting ID and passcode provided with the individual meetings in the below schedule.
Join Online: For those who wish to participate via Zoom, go online to www. zoom.com. Click “Join a meeting” and enter the meeting ID and passcode provided with the individual meetings in the below schedule.
Architectural Review Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 817 9358 2306 Passcode: 811945
Audit Committee
Friday, September 10, 9 a.m.
In person only in boardroom in the boardroom in administration office.
Board of Directors
Friday, Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 885 4835 7378 Passcode: 540890
Board Working Session
Wednesday Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 857 5582 3624 Passcode: 906055
Building Rep. Committee
Wednesday, Sept. 22, 3 p.m.
Meeting ID: : 857 9162 7974 Passcode: 471516
Building Rep. Zone Committee
Thursday, Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 857 1222 9415 Passcode: 488230
Community Life Committee
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 810 0290 8786 Passcode: 488337
Finance Committee
Friday, September 10, 10:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 831 7148 5507 Passcode: 136185
Insurance Committee
Thursday, Sept. 16, 1 p.m.
Meeting ID: 859 9444 3189 Passcode: 479228
Long-Range Planning & Innovation
Tuesday., Sept. 21, 2 p.m.
Meeting ID: 894 4286 9173 Passcode: 173916
Policy Committee
Wed., September 8, 10 a.m.
Meeting ID: 859 0637 9697 Passcode: 911447
Public Relations Committee
Thursday, September 9, 9:30 a.m.
Meeting ID: 899 2694 8359 Passcode: 772995
Revenue Exploration Committee Thursday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.
Meeting ID: 850 0339 8964 Passcode: 433012
Windsor Life: The News of Windsor Gardens
Advertising : 303-364-7485, karellano@wgamail.com
Submissions : Email to WindsorLife@wgamail.com Submissions due the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.
Windsor Life is published by the Windsor Gardens Association Board of Directors for the benefit of Windsor Gardens residents and is dedicated to: fostering communication and collaboration among the residents, board of directors and staff; promoting Windsor Gardens numerous and diverse activities; and informing residents of community resources and issues. The Windsor Gardens Association, its board of directors and employees and the Windsor Life staff are not responsible or liable for any of the services or products advertised in the Windsor Life publication, nor do we endorse any advertisement, product or service. The Association recommends that you thoroughly research any product or service and check references prior to hiring any individual or company.
Windsor Gardens Association
595 South Clinton Street Denver, CO 80247 303-364-7485 www.windsorgardensdenver.org
The association's Declaration (with amendments), bylaws and policies are available on the association's website at www.windsorgardensdenver.org.
In Remembrance
To share the passing of someone with the community, please submit the deceased’s name, date of death, building number and any life memories you’d like to share to WindsorLife@wgamail.com or to the association office. Remembrances are subject to editing, including for length and grammar.
Cecelia (Darlene) Purser
Longtime Windsor Gardens resident Cecelia (Darlene) Purser passed away at her daughter’s home on July 2, 2021. Darlene met her husband, Elmer, when she worked as a welder in the shipyards during World War II. She later worked for the Brown Palace Hotel as head housekeeper, at the concession stand for the Denver Broncos games and as a front gate ticket taker at Six Flags Elitch Gardens. She was an avid ARC shopper and she loved to gamble in Blackhawk. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her whole house was decorated, along with a huge Christmas village that she had painted and decorated herself. Living in Windsor Gardens, she had a small tree outside her unit that she decorated with all the Mardi Gras beads that she collected in Blackhawk, then put a spotlight on that tree! She was an amazing woman, and all who knew her will miss her.
Your Turn: Write a Letter
Letters submitted to Windsor Life are published at the discretion of the Windsor Gardens Board of Directors, administrators and editor. Letters are subject to editing, including for length and grammar, and are limited to 300 words in many cases. Letters containing obvious factual inaccuracies, unattributed facts and quotes or libelous statements will not be printed. Reviews, positive or negative, of businesses that are lessees of Windsor Gardens will not be published. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Letters submitted by mail or dropped off at the association office also need a signature. The writer’s name will be included with those letters that are published.
E-mail to: WindsorLife@wgamail.com
Mail to: Windsor Life, 595 S. Clinton St., Denver, CO 80247
Availability of Classes, Clubs, Meetings and Activities
My husband and I have lived in Windsor Gardens 16 months. How can Windsor Gardens promote itself as an 'Active. Adult. Community.' when living here instead feels like living in a retirement community? My husband and I work full time, as do other Windsor Garden residents, and don't plan to retire before 70 or 75 years of age. How can we be active other than using the golf course, fitness center and the pools, when all classes, activities, groups, meetings, events, etc. are only offered or meet during the day, with the exception of Alcoholics Anonymous zoom meetings, Aqua Fitness (5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Mondays only), Bid Whist (Saturday nights) and a democratic club (7 to 9 p.m., Tuesdays).
Times have changed and Windsor Gardens needs to change with the times. People are living longer, which is resulting in a choice to stay in the workforce longer. I service and care for people that are 96, 98 and 100 years old. My dad is 89 years old, and his parents lived until they were 90 years old. I am choosing to be an active, healthy adult, so I may live to 90 or so. Advertising to 55+ active adults means that you could have residents living here for 15 to 20 years before leaving the workforce and retiring.
LETTERS continued on page 4
PRESIDENT'S PEN continued from page 1
Restaurant Committee, or Rebecca Zazueta, the general manager. They will share these ideas and concerns with the committee and the board before any decisions are made.
As problems and opportunities arise, the board of directors will do everything possible to make decisions that benefit the community,
always keeping in mind the fiduciary responsibility of guarding the finances entrusted to them.
As we move into fall and cooler weather enjoy being outside as much as possible for that gives us the opportunity to meet and visit. See you outside!
LETTERS continued from page 3
Residents are encouraged to join committees, but how can you be on a committee if you can't attend the meetings because they are only held during the day? My husband is a financial analyst and wants to be on the finance committee. He's still working remotely from home because of COVID so he could probably squeeze the meeting into his day, but if he has to return to the office, he won't be able to participate on the committee.
If Windsor Gardens does not want to include working residents in their active, adult community, then why are the HOA fees the same as retired residents who benefit from these classes, activities, clubs, etc.? We have used the golf course, pools and the fitness center to make the HOA fees more justifiable, but we feel like we are missing out on so much.
Lisa SmythResponse to “Availability of Classes, Clubs, Meetings and Activities”
Welcome to Windsor Gardens, Lisa, and thank you for sharing your perspective on the availability of the activities we offer. It sounds like you moved here while nothing was normal, so I can understand even better why you feel the schedule is limited – because it has been. Unfortunately, most of our regularly scheduled evening and weekend offerings were paused or altered due to the additional oversight required with the pandemic restrictions and reservations. We are still working to bring things back to “normal.” Pre-pandemic, we hosted quarterly evening concerts, weekend movies and dances, and other regularly scheduled classes and events which we have every intention of resuming. Our fall classes start back up this month! Our creative glass, hand-built pottery and ballroom dance classes are resuming in the evenings, and we hope to add another evening fitness class if we can find an instructor interested in that schedule. Also, our 2nd Friday night dance is back!
Customarily, a lot of classes, events and committee meetings are scheduled during normal business hours because we have staff present to help facilitate them. As a corporation, we operate like a typical business in this way. As you mentioned, though, there are still things scheduled in the evenings, and our amenities are open beyond typical business hours. I am glad that you have taken advantage of these. Since clubs are resident-led, they choose to meet when it is most convenient for their membership, and some have not yet resumed their regular schedule.
I am happy to hear your husband would be interested in participating on a committee. One positive influence the pandemic had on our committee format is that all of our committee meetings are now accessible via Zoom. Though the meetings will remain during business hours, this is a development that can expand our working and homebound resident participation at the committee level, making it more convenient to tune in or to participate as a committee member. We realize not every resident is retired, and while we try to make sure there is something for everyone, it would be impossible to make everything available to everyone. I am interested in hearing if there is something specific that you’d like to see offered during evenings or weekends. If it is feasible with our resources, we would be happy to look into it. Please let me know at cervin@wgamail.com.
Cari Ervin, Community Life ManagerThank You, Board Election Committee
A big thank you to our 2022 Board Election Committee made up of Dean Deverick, Roni Reynolds, Lisa Davis, Kathy McVicker and Donna Sanford, and our Community Life Manager, Cari Ervin. This committee's creative outreach approaches were well received based on the 30 individuals who expressed an interest in obtaining more information regarding running for our HOA Board. We have never experienced such a good response from our community, and it was all due to the residents who volunteered to participate on this committee and to Cari Ervin. All attendees were also invited to consider participating on future HOA committees. Again, thank you committee for your outreach efforts to our community.
Bobbie MaysRules...Rules...Rules!
When I first moved to Windsor Gardens three and a half years ago, I was absolutely delighted to be in a community of peers with many possibilities. I felt safe and secure. I loved the atmosphere, beautiful grounds and all of the wonderful classes and activities.
It seems that recently in the Windsor Life paper, there is increasingly more information about new rules restricting our life here at Windsor Gardens. The July issue included 10 full pages of rules and changes to rules. [The August issue] continued the saga.
I'm beginning to feel like I live in a prison camp. I expect to hear that there will be new rules about when we can flush our toilets, when we can take a walk, what time we can say hi to our neighbors, or our TVs can only be on at a certain time!
However, when there is a serious violation of a very important rule in our WG bylaws that involves the health and safety of residents, no one in management ever answers emails or follows up on a formal complaint!
There are many wonderful things to enjoy and be happy about at Windsor Gardens. But when will these excessive rules (many of which are completely ridiculous for a community of adults) end? When will management stop making rules that are excessively restrictive or completely ridiculous to please a few residents who do nothing but whine and complain, and begin to think of the community as a whole?
Cindy WahkinneyResponse to "Rules...Rules...Rules!"
Dear Ms. Wahkinney, Policy amendments have been a bit overwhelming in the Windsor Life newspaper over the past few months. State law requires an association to notify residents of proposed changes to policy and procedures prior to adoption. Some of our more extensive policies –storage, parking and the community center policies – were outdated and needed to be revised to be current and to close loopholes that made enforcement difficult. The sign policy was changed to meet new state law requirements for HOA rules regarding signage, and the open space policy was revised because of liability reasons. Windsor Gardens publishes policy amendments in the Windsor Life to meet the state’s notification requirement. Because of the changes made
LETTERS continued on page 5
LETTERS continued from page 4
to several policies over the past several months, policy amendments dominated the newspaper.
Management does not make the rules in a community; the homeowners do. Windsor Gardens has a Policy Committee made up of volunteer homeowners who amend and create policies. Management is tasked with enforcing policies. It is important as a homeowner to get involved with the Policy Committee, read the Windsor Life for policy change information, and voice your opinion with the committee and the board regarding the rules and regulations governing your community. Homeowner’s associations are based on covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) to preserve and enhance property values and protect the peaceful enjoyment of their property. Without CC&Rs, you may end up with a small engine repair shop in the unit next to yours or a resident who raises alligators in the golf course pond. Homeowner’s associations are not for everybody. It’s essential that prospective home buyers and current homeowners become familiar with the CC&Rs of the community. A copy of the condominium declaration, bylaws and the current policies are available on the association’s website at www. windsorgardensdenver.org.
Chris Scovil, Director of Community ResponseBuy the Bags!
As Dana said in his column in the August issue of Windsor Life, WG provides dog waste bags as a courtesy in case of emergency when you are caught without a bag. Yet I see some folks reeling off reams of the bags for a personal supply. The dispenser near parking lot 18 and the dispenser on the corner of S. Alton Way and S. Clinton are two hot spots to watch. Maybe they believe their HOA dues entitle them to the bags although they do not; maybe as somebody said last year their “dog won’t go until he sees the blue bag”; or maybe they just prefer the size and quality of the WG bags. You can buy these bags from the source printed on the bag: www.DogBagsAndMore.com.
Margaret Makar, DogBagsAndMore Purchaser
More “Active” Activities
If there is one thing we can all agree on in these divisive times, it’s that this place we call home is no longer our grandparents’ Windsor Gardens. Two cases in point: 1) When is the last time you saw anybody playing shuffleboard? 2) And horseshoes? I can count on one hand the number of people I have seen playing horseshoes in the 12 years my wife and I have owned our condo.
What does this tell us? For one thing, today’s seniors are much more active than grandma and grandpa. For another, if we are to stay up with other retirement communities, it is high time to get with the program and add some “active” activities.
I have pitched adding a basketball hoop to the horseshoe area for several years and was told by one board member that it was “pretty much a done deal.” The plan was to co-exist with those elusive horseshoe players. But at a recent meeting of the Activities Committee, the idea was rejected. The reasons I was given: “What if somebody slipped and fell?” and “What if some non-resident came over and shot hoops?” Only thing missing: “What if the sky falls down?” And how about a tennis court and/or a pickleball court? Seems to me there is plenty of room over by the community gardens.
I, for one, would very much like to see the Activities Committee take a serious look at updating our recreational facilities. A “Use this facility at your own risk” sign should help with liability issues.
We can sit around and come up with “what-ifs” all day. I say it’s time to bring Windsor Gardens into the 21st century.
James KeyworthRecycling Bins Accessibility
Is any effort planned to make the recycling bins accessible to people of short stature?
I have always been a dedicated recycler, but I have neither the strength nor the stature to lift the lids on our recycling bins. I'm fairly certain that there are more residents who match my physical limitations than who do not.
I know that Windsor Gardens would have a much more successful recycling result if management would address these impediments. I have two suggestions, both of which would require some capital investment: the tall bins could be replaced with the shorter, side door units or smaller temporary containers could be located next to the tall bins and emptied into the larger bins on a regular basis by maintenance staff.
I realize there may be other solutions, but I urge the board to take SOME action, or be content with trash bins filled with recyclable materials.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sharon CoburnResponse to "Recycling Bins Accessibility"
Sharon,
The association is aware of the various challenges our residents face with the recycling dumpsters, including the height of the dumpsters and the weight of the lids that you mentioned. Currently, we have a total of 12 recycling dumpsters on property. The recycling bins vary in size and have different types of lids. If the lid is too heavy and the dumpster is too tall in the lot you typically use, you may want to consider using one of the side door access dumpsters that are currently located in lots 12, 14, and 15. This type of dumpster has its own set of issues, so we are not convinced this is the ideal dumpster style for every lot. In fact, we do not control what kind of dumpsters Waste Management provides for recycling service. They are changed out by the contractor as maintenance and repair is required, and we generally get what they provide to us.
If any changes are made to the existing contract with Waste Management, including adding, moving, removing, or specifying a type of dumpster to be used, Windsor Gardens will likely be charged more than we have budgeted for trash and recycling services. The potential financial implications of re-negotiating the contract will require a thoughtful approach to avoid significant increases in cost. Our current focus is to educate residents on how to recycle properly and to reduce the amount of dumping that is occurring. And, while it may not be convenient to use a lot further away from your unit, we have found through conversations with residents that it has helped to try out different dumpsters to resolve similar concerns you have expressed like the weight of the lid, the height of the dumpster, and the seemingly always full recycling dumpster.
We appreciate your desire to recycle the right way and to be safe while you are doing it.
Tammy Tafoya, Business ManagerBe The Good
There once was a tall tree, as tall as our four-story buildings. Vermin entered and resided in the tree. Ugly dark piles inside weakened its core and a massive portion recently fell away. The life of that tree behind building 42 now fades.
On the human level in Windsor Gardens negative attitudes sometimes enter our buildings and impose like vermin. Among the
LETTERS continued on page 10
Two Candidates Run for Two Board Openings: No Vote Required
Many avenues were utilized to invite residents to run for election to the Windsor Gardens Board of Directors this year, including promotional videos, interviews with current and past board members posted on our website and Facebook page; information placed in Windsor Life articles; a Pilera notice as a reminder to the community; flyers for building bulletin boards; and information read at the beginning of each committee meeting during the month of August. While this year's Board Election Committee did extensive and creative outreach to potential board candidates, resulting in 30 individuals expressing interest and obtaining information about running for the board of directors, ultimately only two individuals submitted candidate forms.
According to the association governing documents, voting for the board of directors election takes place when there is at least one more candidate than there are seats opening on the board. For the 2021 board election, candidate nomination and consent forms were due into the association office by 4:30 p.m. on August 20, 2021. Two candidate forms were submitted by the deadline, forms submitted by Michele Compton and Dennis Knight. As there will be two openings in 2022 and only two candidates presented for election, the openings will be filled by those two candidates. Therefore, no ballots will be mailed this year.
MICHELE COMPTON AND DENNIS KNIGHT WILL SERVE ON THE 2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michele Compton and Dennis Knight, both currently serving on the board, will begin their new terms on January 1, 2022. Thank you, Dennis and Michele for your willingness to continue serving the Windsor Gardens community.
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL WITH THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
In place of the "Meet the Candidates" forums this year, there will be an ice cream social with the board of directors on Wednesday, October 13, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the auditorium. No agenda items or motions to be made here! Join your board members and fellow residents for a sweet treat and some time to socialize. Sugar-free (and sugary) options will be available. Please sign up for this free event at the Activities Desk.
Michele Compton
Windsor Gardens has been my home for almost nine years. I have thoroughly enjoyed these years in spite of their tumultuous nature. It has been a challenge to navigate these uncharted waters, but a joy to work with the residents and staff. I have served on the board of directors for seven years. Because of the size of the community and its need for flexibility, much of that time has been spent learning the systems and procedures of Windsor Gardens. We changed general managers twice, changed restaurant lessees twice, maneuvered through COVID concerns and restrictions, developed a plan for reinforcing the underground garages and redesigned the structure of the management staff into two divisions, Operations and Community Life.
My professional background is in education. I taught in public and private schools for forty years. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in school administration. I am a major in the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary to the Air Force, and I attend Denver First Church of the Nazarene.
I believe the best board members are those who do not have an agenda other than improving the community and preserving the best Windsor Gardens has to offer, and I will dedicate my time and energy to this end.
Dennis Knight
I am honored and excited to begin a second term on the Windsor Gardens Board of Directors after serving for three years, the last two as vice president. Being on the board is a rewarding opportunity to serve the community, and it is as challenging as you would expect. Our job is to maintain and enhance the enjoyment of living here, with the concurrent challenge always to balance the financial burdens placed on our owners against the never quiet demands of our aging buildings and grounds.
Ownership in our community means more than having a beautiful place to live, it is an investment. It falls on the board to protect our infrastructure, a responsibility I have characterized during my tenure as that of preserving “Windsor Gardens Forever.” That is the reason two years ago I asked for and took on the leadership of our LongRange Planning and Innovation Committee charged with making that goal possible.
When giving my qualifications in 2018 to be on the board, I emphasized my talent for listening, asking good questions, putting in hard work and finding common ground. I hope I have continued to sharpen those attributes.
As a board member I have initiated different programs. An important one currently is a walkability program that is being developed to promote safety on our streets for walkers, runners, bicyclists, folks on electric scooters and of course drivers. We have recently conducted a survey of residents in that regard, and we will be following through this fall with what we learn.
I have lived in Windsor Gardens for nearly 15 years, been a member of Windsor Writers for 11 years and co-chair of the group since 2014. Before coming to Windsor Gardens, I was actively engaged with public schools at the local and district levels, beginning in 1985 and for nearly 20 years when my boys were growing. I was president for several years of a district school improvement and accountability team with nearly a hundred members in one of Colorado’s largest school districts.
Five years ago, I retired from a career as a paralegal and technology specialist in Denver law firms. I am recognized for significant contributions in the development of several software and electronic processes in use today by law practices and the Colorado court system, and as an innovator and problem solver in practice administration.
How to Be Prepared for Power Outages
From Tammy Tafoya-Paredes, Business ManagerOn August 14 and 15, 2021, Windsor Gardens experienced two community-wide Xcel Energy power outages. We do not know the specific cause, but the issue appeared to be outside of the WG community, and according to the Xcel Energy website, approximately 6,500 of their customers were affected. Fortunately, the power outages were less than two hours each, but on a busy Saturday and Sunday morning, it still created major issues and questions about WG operations during an outage.
Power outages occasionally happen at WG, and it is very important for all residents to be prepared when they occur. The best plan is to stay home during a power outage, keep your cell phone charged, and always have a flashlight on hand, even if it is daytime. Even in broad daylight, areas within your building can go dark. We realize that it is not always possible to stay home, and in the case of the power outages in August, many residents were already out and about. During these outages, we experienced several elevator issues and garage door problems. Also, residents were unable to communicate with Community Response because their phone line was impacted by the outage. To help you prepare for a future power outage, we are providing information about Community Response, elevators, emergency lighting and garage doors.
Reporting Power Outages
Power outages need to be reported to Xcel Energy. If you have a smartphone and are text friendly, you can report power outages by texting the word OUT to this number: 98936. If you prefer to call, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999.
All WG residents have an Xcel Energy account for the electric services inside of your unit. This means you can sign up for power outage notifications by registering your account for this service. Here is the link to get started: https://www.xcelenergy.com/notification_sign_up_ form. Alternatively, you can call Xcel Energy and ask to be registered for this notification service at 1-800-895-4999.
Contacting Community Response during a Power Outage
When there is a community-wide electrical outage, the Community Response phones will not work. Our current phone and radio system relies on power. A system upgrade is on our list of priority capital reserve projects and will require a complete overhaul of our existing phone system.
Here is what you should know when contacting Community Response (CR) during a power outage:
• If your power is out, it does not necessarily mean the CR radios are down. WG is a large community and sometimes a power outage does not impact all buildings. If you try to reach CR and the call does not go through, it means one of two things: 1) their radios are down because of the power outage OR 2) they are getting a high volume of calls because of the power outage.
• If you do not have a true emergency during a power outage, please do not call CR. Many residents call CR to ask about the power outage. CR does not know why the power went out or how and when it will be fixed. These types of calls keep the CR phone line busy and potentially prevent them from receiving a call from a resident who is experiencing a real emergency.
• If you are having a true emergency during a power outage, always call 911 first. Dispatchers communicate with CR by cell phone when possible, and officers also watch for emergency vehicles and will respond to provide access to buildings and to assist with the emergency.
Elevators: Emergency Call Button and Bell
All elevators rely on an electric power supply to operate properly. When the power goes out, the elevator will stop working. The elevators also have a battery-operated lowering system. This system activates as soon as power is lost and typically allows the elevator to return to the first floor. But, in some cases, the elevator might come to an abrupt stop between floors. This happens because elevators are equipped with electromagnetic brakes. The lights in the cab and the panel lights will go out, but emergency lights will come on. This event can be scary if you are inside of the elevator when the power goes out, but it is very important to know that there is an emergency call button as well as a bell to call for help. Here is what you need to know:
• If you are in an elevator when a power outage occurs, use the call button to request assistance. The call button in the elevator is monitored by a 24/7 call center, and they will contact the fire department, and, when possible, Community Response is also contacted. The call button is tested regularly and should work in most cases, but if for any reason it does not, use the bell inside the elevator. This bell is intended to alert a neighbor that help is needed. Typically, within a few minutes someone will walk by or hear the bell.
• Carry a cell phone and a small flashlight with you. In the event the elevator becomes dark, or the call button is not working, it will be helpful to have these two items on hand.
• Stay calm and know that help is on the way. We have 51 elevators on the property. It may take a few minutes for help to arrive as emergency personnel may have several elevator entrapments to respond to and those that have a medical emergency or injury will be priority.
Emergency Lighting
The emergency lights in the building hallways and inside stairwells only last a short amount of time, approximately 90 minutes. Even with the emergency lights, hallways, laundry rooms and inside stairwells can be dark, especially if an emergency light is not working. For this reason, we highly recommend that you stay home if you can during a power outage. And if you need to return home, be very careful doing so. Having a flashlight on hand or using the flashlight on your cell phone will be helpful. Also, it is very important to ask for help if you need it. Please keep in mind that power outages significantly increase the potential for injuries from falls, so it is important to evaluate if it is possible to stay home; if you should be taking the stairs when the elevator is not working; and if you can walk safely in the dark. Falls with injuries from residents going up and down the interior staircase in the dark during a power outage is one of our top fall risks as a community. In most cases, this type of fall can be prevented and so can a lifechanging injury. Taking the stairs in the dark is just as dangerous as deciding to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot. If you have a pet that needs to go outside and you are concerned about walking in the dark or going down the stairs, please ask a neighbor to assist you.
How to Open and Close Garage Doors
If you need to open or close your garage door during a power outage, it can be done, but many residents will need to request assistance from Community Response. Almost all garage doors feature a manual release function to bypass the opening mechanism during power outages. To trigger the manual release, a garage door key can be used to unlock the garage door. When the key is used, the trolley will be released (the rail that connects the garage door to the garage door opener) and the door can be physically opened and closed by hand. The trolley will need to be reconnected when the power comes back
POWER OUTAGES continued on page 9
Birdies Restaurant has Closed
FROM THE BIRDIES RESTAURANT OPERATORS
To our Windsor friends, It is with great sadness that we announce we can no longer continue to operate Birdies in your community. With the rising cost of goods, the labor shortage in our city and the continued skepticism of people returning to normal, we cannot go further. In the six months we have been here, we have yet to turn a profit and would not be able to move forward unless we increased prices, which nobody wants.
We cannot say enough of the people who have come out and supported us regularly. We have truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know all of you. We know some connections are stronger than others, but we are positive we’ve made some lifetime friends. It really has been fun here while it lasted.
We will continue operating our other restaurant, Nonna’s Chicago Bistro at Leetsdale and Monaco, so we hope you come visit us. Again, we want to THANK YOU for welcoming us into your community, and we are sorry to leave. We hope everyone stays healthy and happy. Please keep in touch, we miss you already.
For those of you who purchased gift certificates at Birdies, we will honor those at Nonna’s Chicago Bistro until December 20, 2021. However, the free giveaway Birdie Bucks and written business cards that were not purchased will NOT be valid. Nonna’s is located at 6603 Leetsdale Drive in Denver 303-399-2000.
Brian, Nancy & Miss Lilli
FROM THE WG BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The news of Birdies Restaurant closing after a short six months in operation is difficult. The Windsor Gardens Board of Directors shares in the feelings of disappointment of the operators, Brian and Nancy, their staff, and the residents of WG.
Opening a restaurant is a major undertaking and even more so in a pandemic, which brought unusual challenges with capacity limitations, increased food costs, labor shortages and increased payroll expenses to attract and retain key employees. In addition to the challenges created by the pandemic, the WG community did not support Birdies as strongly as we had hoped. Birdies estimates that less than 10% of the 3,500 residents who live here at Windsor Gardens have visited their restaurant in the last six months. And while several of those residents were loyal and regular customers of Birdies, it is not enough to sustain a successful restaurant. There were also other challenges and concerns about menu options and pricing, entertainment and limited gratuity paid to servers and bartenders, which made it difficult to maintain staff in the front of the house. Collectively these are the reasons Brian and Nancy made the difficult decision to close Birdies Restaurant.
The board of directors attempted to identify solutions with Brian and Nancy, but ultimately the cost of operating the restaurant was more
than the revenue generated, which made it impossible to continue forward. Brian and Nancy, along with many members of their staff, worked countless hours over the past six months with the intention of making Birdies a successful restaurant for our community. And while it did not turn out as planned, we value the journey we have shared with them and extend our sincere thanks for their willingness to open Birdies. It is our hope that their family can return to a manageable schedule and successfully continue operations at their other restaurant Nonna’s Chicago Bistro.
Next Steps for Food Service at Windsor Gardens
While we evaluate how to move forward with the restaurant, plans have been made to bring catered dining opportunities and more food trucks to the community starting in September. There will also be free coffee and treats in September in the restaurant dining area. These events will provide an opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy meals together. More details can be found in the activities section on page 24.
As we look to the future, whether it means pursuing a new tenant for the restaurant or considering alternative options for the space, the board of directors is dedicated to finding the right solution for our community.
POWER OUTAGES continued from page 8
on to return the door to regular service. In some cases, garage door openers have battery backups which will allow you to open the garage door and access the manual release rope. If you have this feature, the garage door opener will have battery backup written on the opener itself or it will be included in the owner’s manual. Again, please ask for help if you need it and do not try to do it alone if you have mobility concerns or difficulty reaching, bending, pulling, or lifting. Also please keep in mind that Community Response is typically very busy during power outages and requests for assistance will be managed as time allows, with the most critical issues having priority. If you have a garage door key, we suggest that you have it copied and keep an extra key on file with Community Response. If we do not have one on file, Community Response will not be able to help you open your garage door in a power outage. If you need a replacement key, a garage door company or locksmith should be able to help you re-key the lock. Underground garages are not typically impacted by power outages and are fully functional as they are wired to a generator. Call Community Response if there is an issue in an underground garage.
Items to Have on Hand in Case of a Power Outage
• Cell Phone and External Charger. Keep an emergency charger for your cell phone on hand for use.
• Flashlight. A small flashlight that you can keep with you in your bag, on a keyring, or in a pocket. Also, most cell phones have a built-in flashlight. Have a friend or family member show you how to use it if you don’t already know how. To reduce fire risks, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns in your unit instead of candles
• Battery-operated Radio. In case of a weather-related power outage, or other emergency, a battery-operated radio will allow you to receive emergency notifications, local news and weather updates.
• Emergency Supplies for Oxygen Users. Pre-planning for a possible power outage is very important for residents who use oxygen. Please talk to your medical provider and oxygen supply company to determine the best plan for oxygen use during an extended power outage. Having extra oxygen tanks on hand or a portable oxygen concentrator with a lithium battery or other battery backup alternative, will prove to be helpful should we experience an extended power outage.
In the event we do experience a power outage and your oxygen is not operational, call 911 for assistance.
Board in Motion
The WG Board of Directors approved the following motions at their August 27, 2021, board meeting.
Architectural Review Committee motion to approve the layout and design of the artwork for the auditorium and lobby as presented.
Finance Committee motion to transfer $348,764.08 to the capital reserve account.
Finance Committee motion to transfer $211,387.72 to the tax reserve account.
Finance Committee motion to transfer $150,478.65 to the capital reserve account. (This transfer represents the August insurance loan payment from the operating account).
Long Range Planning and Innovation Committee motion to increase the total cost of the site surveys by PowerNet and Verizon to not exceed $11,000.
Policy Committee motion to publish a proposed amendment to the Parking Policy in the Windsor Life newspaper to state: “If the vehicle has a parking permit and the vehicle owner is known, Community Response will attempt to contact the person by phone or via email prior to towing.” The proposed amendment will be voted on at the board’s meeting on September 24, 2021.
Policy Committee motion to publish a proposed amendment to the Parking Policy in the Windsor Life newspaper to state: “Residents should obtain proper insurance for damage or theft to their vehicle and liability coverage for damage caused to other vehicles.” The proposed amendment will be voted on at the board’s meeting on September 24, 2021.
Policy Committee motion to amend the draft Signs and Flags Policy prior to adoption by the board to state: “Professionally-lettered Open House signs of the tent-type variety may be displayed on the Windsor Gardens common elements on Saturday and Sunday and must be removed at the end of the day.”
Motion to approve an amendment to the Signs and Flags Policy, Section 1 Flags (a) iv, to clarify the wording and adoption of the Signs and Flag policy as presented. Section 1 Flags (a) iv will now read: “Existing flag brackets or flag staffs on the exterior or interior wall of a lanai at the time of adoption of this policy may remain if they are in safely functioning condition; however, when no longer usable they must be permanently removed by the resident and may not be replaced.”
Adoption of Signs and Flags Policy
From Rebecca Zazueta, General Manager
In accordance with the newly adopted state statute regarding signs and flags, the board of directors has adopted a new Signs and Flags Policy, which was published in the August 2021 Windsor Life. The policy is effective September 1, 2021. There were two amendments made to the policy prior to adoption. One was to allow more than one open house sign. When an open house occurs, typically more than one directional sign is needed to direct interested parties to the unit. As a reminder, all open house signs are only allowed on Saturday and Sunday and must be removed on the same day of the open house. There was also a rewording of the section regarding existing flag brackets and flag staffs. The intention of this section is to allow residents to keep their existing flag brackets and flag staffs until they are no longer safe or are in disrepair. They cannot be replaced once one or both conditions exist. Here is the original wording:
Section 1. Flags (a) (iv):
Residents who have an existing flag bracket or flag staff on the exterior or interior wall of a lanai must permanently remove and cannot replace the flag staff or bracket when the components are old and worn.
And the adopted revised wording:
Existing flag brackets or flag staffs on the exterior or interior wall of a lanai at the time of adoption of this policy may remain if they are in safely functioning condition; however, when no longer usable they must be permanently removed by the resident and may not be replaced.
As a reminder, due to the age of the buildings and structural concerns and potential safety concerns, new flag brackets and flag staffs are not permitted on the exterior or interior wall of a lanai.
LETTERS continued from page 5
kind and friendly, a few miserably unhappy reside here. They spread malcontent, often cry wolf, and speak ill of others. This could chew away at our good will.
What can we do about that? First, we honestly look at our own attitudes. The choice to live in positivity requires regular deliberate upkeep. For sure the reward of being a happy person pays off personally, but individual happiness also contributes to good life here at Windsor Gardens.
Just as the tallest trees get the harshest winds, pleasant and contented people may catch a lot of unreasonable criticism. We can choose to stand tall and live in the light anyway. Anyone looking through a positive filter will see that abundant dedication keeps positivity available in our very much alive Windsor Gardens community.
Every day we decide our own attitude, what mental vermin we allow in, how we will treat each other, and if our lives reach up or give up. Never let negativity recruit us to betray the positive human spirit we share here at Windsor Gardens.
Eydie McDanielParking Policy Changes Proposed in Response to Resident Feedback
From Rebecca Zazueta, General Manager
Below there are two proposed amendments to the newly adopted Parking Rules and Regulations, written by the Policy Committee in response to resident feedback. One change is a recommendation for residents to have appropriate insurance coverage for damage that is caused to their vehicle while it is parked within association parking lots and liability coverage for damage that may be caused to other vehicles. This change was suggested by a resident who had damage to her vehicle caused by the vehicle that parks next to her. Unfortunately, the resident who caused the damage did not have insurance. As a result, the owner of the damaged vehicle had to file a claim on her insurance policy and pay for the deductible. The association cannot require owners to have insurance, but it is highly recommended.
The other change relates to our towing process. Unlike other covenant enforcement matters, we do not send violation letters to residents for parking infractions. Enforcement is managed through parking tickets that are placed on the vehicle. A resident requested that Community Response also notify the vehicle owner before towing in addition to the parking ticket that is used to notify the vehicle owner of the association’s intent to tow. As a result, we have added a notification process by phone or email if the vehicle has a WG parking permit and the owner is known. In some cases, like an emergency tow, this additional notification process may not be possible.
The Policy Committee also spent some time discussing a request to modify the 4-hour, short-term parking restriction for lots with less than 10 unassigned parking spaces. Based upon the concerns we have received from residents who cannot find temporary parking near their building because the available spaces are consistently in use, often by the same vehicles, a decision was made to leave the new rule as-is for now. We are looking into the possibility of signage, so the parking lots and spaces affected are clearly marked.
Finally, the committee discussed over-sized vehicles that park in the underground garages and extend into the drive lanes, typically because the parking space also has a cowboy storage unit, and the large vehicle does not fit under the storage unit. No resolution or decision was made at the August committee meeting to address this issue. The committee will continue this discussion at their September meeting.
Proposed Policy Amendments
The below proposed amendments to the Parking and Signs and Flags Policies will be voted on by the board of directors at their meeting on September 24, 2021 (details on page 3). If you have questions or comments about any association policy, please email the WG Board of Directors at board@wgamail.com or mail a letter to 595 S. Clinton Street, Denver, CO 80247. Letters may also be dropped off at the association office.
Parking Rules and Regulations Policy
New proposed language shown in CAPS in the second paragraph of the ENFORCEMENT section in the Parking Rules and Regulations Policy:
Parking infractions may also result in a Denver Police Department citation. Vehicles in violation of the parking rules and regulations may be subject to being towed away at the owner's expense. A seventy-two hour written notification will be given prior to the towing by posting on the vehicle. IF THE VEHICLE HAS A PARKING PERMIT AND THE VEHICLE OWNER IS KNOWN, COMMUNITY RESPONSE WILL ATTEMPT TO CONTACT THE PERSON BY PHONE OR VIA EMAIL PRIOR TO TOWING. In extreme circumstances, such as a vehicle blocking another vehicle or access to a fire lane or other emergency response, the Association may tow a vehicle immediately and without providing written notification. If a vehicle is towed in accordance with these rules and regulations, the Association is not responsible for damage to the vehicle as a result of towing.
New proposed language shown in CAPS in the last paragraph of the ENFORCEMENT section in the Parking Rules and Regulations Policy: The Association is not responsible for theft, lost items, or damage to vehicles. Remove all personal items, lock vehicle doors, and roll up windows. RESIDENTS SHOULD OBTAIN PROPER INSURANCE FOR DAMAGE OR THEFT TO THEIR VEHICLE AND LIABILITY COVERAGE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED TO OTHER VEHICLES.
New Parking Permits Required for ALL Windsor Gardens Vehicles Transition Process Begins in September
From Liz Nickel, Office Manager
As required by the new parking policy, all Windsor Gardens resident vehicles, including those that are stored in garages, must have new WG parking permit decals. This means that any vehicle you have registered with us already will need to be re-registered as the current parking permit decals will be obsolete and no longer in use. This is true even if you just got a new permit for your vehicle from the office in August. The new parking permit decals will be green instead of the original blue. We are changing to a different color so that it is easy to determine who has received a new one and who has not.
The new parking decals, which are peel and stick stickers just like the current decal, have been ordered and will arrive in September. Once we have the new decals in hand, the association office staff will begin going building to building and gathering your vehicle information. We will notify you by Pilera message via email, text message or phone call, when we are starting in your building, and we will instruct you on the process at that time. We are looking at a three-step process per building: Step 1 will be gathering all vehicle information from you on a new vehicle information form we have created; Step 2 involves the administrative office entering the vehicle information into two database systems used to track resident vehicles; and Step 3 will be
a visit to your building to handout the parking permit decals that have been assigned to you. New parking decals will be green and will have a 6-digit number on it in contrast to the old blue decal with one to fourdigit numbers.
Nobody has these new green permit decals as of September 1, 2021, so if you have a vehicle and live in Windsor Gardens, we will need your participation. Even if you park your vehicle in a garage, we need it registered with the association. We will try to streamline this process as much as possible and do all the heavy lifting for you.
We have 2689 units in Windsor Gardens with more than one resident in many of the units. Sometimes there are multiple vehicles per unit, so we are looking at registering about 5000 vehicles in the coming weeks. This will be a labor-intensive process for us in the office, and our hope is to work through each building and assign parking permit decals for each resident’s vehicles as quickly as possible. We will adjust our process as needed along the way. Rest assured, we will get the system down as quickly as we can. We are depending on your participation, assistance and patience for this process to go as smoothly as possible.
Please wait to hear from us and do not request a new parking permit decal until we contact you.
WG Walkability Discussion with Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
From Cari Ervin, Community Life Manager
In July, a few members of the Community Life Committee met with a representative from Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) to discuss the Windsor Gardens community’s walkability survey, challenges for our pedestrians with varying abilities, and the continued complications on Dayton Street. The DOTI representative was attentive in listening to what the committee members have observed in regard to crosswalks, signage, the speed
limit and more. She quickly made requests to her city partners for a temporary speed limit feedback sign to be placed on Alton Way, which arrived before the end of that week. The speed feedback sign collected data for the area, which is helpful in offering a glimpse into the effectiveness of signs, the traffic patterns through the community and more. This prompt action in support of our community’s safety is encouraging, especially as we seek to tackle recurring safety challenges in this arena.
Confirmed Resident and Employee COVID-19 Cases
Confirmed Resident COVID-19 Cases as of August 27, 2021
There have been six positive COVID-19 cases since the August 2021 Windsor Life. We are continuing to monitor for new cases and ask for your assistance in helping to keep our information as accurate as possible. Please notify the association office when you receive a positive COVID-19 test result. This will allow us to monitor for outbreaks, variants, and patterns within the building and within the community and to provide important updates to the health department should we need to do so.
Call our main office, 303-364-7485, to report a positive test result. If you need to report your positive result after hours or on the weekend, call Community Response at 303-364-4924.
Status of Residents with Confirmed COVID-19
Confirmed Deaths: 3
Residents in Hospital: 0
Residents in Rehab / Recovering Away from Unit: 0
Residents in Home Isolation: 3
Residents Recovered / Discharged: 75
TOTAL: 81
Employee COVID-19 Cases and Possible or Confirmed Exposures
None.
Where to Report Issues in City Council District 5
From Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, Denver City Council District 5
One of the core values of the Council District 5 Team has always been outstanding customer service. Every D5 resident is welcome to call or email our office with your questions and concerns. We hear feedback on all kinds of issues from constituents, including requests for infrastructure improvements, speeding, crime, trash collection, snow removal, and much more. While we can’t solve every problem brought to our office, my staff and I will always strive to be responsive to your outreach.
You are our eyes and ears in the neighborhood, and we truly appreciate your partnership in letting us know when something needs to be addressed in our community. In addition to contacting the Council Office, we also strongly encourage residents to call 3-1-1 and report items on pocketgov.org. We’re not trying to “pass the buck,” but there are a few reasons why these tools are the most effective ways to report problems you see in our city. Reporting an issue by calling 3-11 or visiting pocketgov.org:
• Helps connect the issue with the correct City agency so that it will be resolved as quickly as possible.
• Reduces calls to 9-1-1, which should only be called to report lifethreatening emergencies or crimes in-progress.
• Allows all City leaders – not just the District 5 Council Office – to hear feedback about issues directly from our residents.
• Collects each report as a separate data point so that specific issues can be tracked; the more data points collected on a concern in D5, the better my office can advocate for that issue to be addressed.
In addition to reporting your concerns, pocketgov.org helps residents access many City services and a wealth of helpful information, including:
• Trash, recycling and compost collection schedules and reminders
• Information about your property taxes
• Vehicle registration renewal
• Street sweeping schedules
• Payments for services like storm drainage
• Election information including:
9 Ballot and voting locations
9 Ballot trace
9 Election results
Thank you for helping us ensure that the issues affecting Council District 5 are handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Reporting via 3-1-1 or pocketgov.org in addition to the Council Office will help us advocate for your needs. Together we can make sure that the concerns you report receive the attention they deserve.
As always, please contact our office if we can be of service by emailing denvercouncil5@denvergov.org or calling 720-337-5555. Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and updates at bit.ly/Council5News, and we’ll also keep you apprised of developments as they happen through these communication channels:
instagram.com/denvercouncil5
twitter.com/denvercouncil5
facebook.com/DenverCouncil5
Condo Homeowner's Insurance: Do You Have a HO6 Policy?
Insurance coverage is an important component of living in a condominium association. Owners should have a basic understanding of individual owner’s insurance as well as the association’s insurance. There is an association master insurance policy, which is required per the legal documents of the association, and it is paid for as part of your monthly HOA assessment. And there is another policy that owners obtain individually, a condominium owners policy, which is commonly referred to as a HO6 policy.
As unit owners, it is important that you maintain your own insurance to cover unit items that are your responsibility as detailed in Windsor Gardens Amended and Restated Condominium Declaration – your personal property and liability exposures that are not covered under your association’s master insurance policy.
Below is a basic explanation of the different coverage sections within an HO6 policy. Consult with your insurance professional with regard to coverage amounts you may need.
PERSONAL CONDO INSURANCE @ WG
HO6 Policy
Each Windsor Gardens owner needs to purchase an HO6 policy, also known as a condominium policy. HO6 policies provide necessary coverage for Windsor Gardens residents to protect their personal assets and cover association deductibles.
An HO6 policy will have separate sections of coverage.
Section A
Covers items on the interior of the unit that are the responsibility of the homeowner which will include the value of any items that have been replaced since original construction.
Section B
Covers all personal property (furniture, clothing, etc.) of the owner.
Section C
Covers liability for the interior of the unit. When someone enters your unit, the liability is the owner’s. For example, if someone trips over the carpet in your unit and gets hurt, the liability for that is on the owner.
Section D
Loss assessment coverage. This applies to the owner being assessed for their portion of a claim that was not covered by insurance. For example, the association has a wind/hail deductible and also a property deductible which can be assessed to an owner. And damage to common areas caused by water overflowing from a tub, or water damage from a dishwasher or hose can be assessed to a unit owner.
Make sure your personal insurance will cover these potential deductibles and that the policy does not limit how much they will pay for that deductible.
Renter’s Insurance
If you are renting your unit out, make sure your policy has an endorsement for your renting the unit or purchase a separate landlord policy. This policy should include loss of rents in the event your unit cannot be rented while it is being repaired.
Down to Earth From Dana
Cusack, Grounds Maintenance SupervisorLET US DO THE PRUNING PLEASE
Shrub care is a big job on a property of this size and age. I want to give you a little history of the shrub maintenance over the years here at Windsor Gardens. In the early eighties when I started working here, we really did not know how to prune the many different shrubs you can find around our buildings. We used electric sheers on almost everything making them all look similar to a light bulb. When Bill Walsh took over the department many years ago he took some bold steps for the time to do what he knew we should be doing to prune correctly. He implemented a pruning program that would promote the health and natural shape of the plants, and in a short time the plants responded with an explosion of flowers and vitality. The most radical method he taught was rejuvenation; this is basically just cutting the entire plant at five to seven inches and letting it grow back. As you can imagine a lot of residents were not at all pleased with the looks when we finished. But in just one season we had a new shrub that was healthy, bug free, looked natural, and had an extensive root system.
Today we use renewal pruning where we remove approximately one third of the older stems or canes from the bottom. This method allows us to keep the plant a certain size, allows for new growth, and promotes flowering.
DANA’S
ANNUAL TREE WALK
Thursday, September 30 9 a.m. CenterPoint
Grounds Supervisor Dana Cusack will do a short indoor presentation on the grounds around WG and then will take us on a walk to look at a sample of our trees. Dana is always knowledgeable and entertaining. Please wear comfortable shoes and hats. We will provide bottles of water and snacks for your enjoyment. Please sign up at the Activities Desk.
Our pruning program has evolved into a threephase event: in the spring we cut down all the spiraea, in the winter months we prune the large deciduous shrubs, and in the fall we use electric sheers on the evergreens and Junipers.
We spend a few days every year training our employees to understand the proper methods for pruning shrubs, but the best way is the handson approach. It takes a full year to learn how the particular shrubs react to the pruning. We have up to ten people that I consider to be excellent pruners on our staff, between them they have over one hundred years of experience. But every year we have a handful of residents who take it upon themselves to “prune” in front of their unit. This undermines the pruning program. Some of these do-it-your-selfers know what they are doing, but most do not. They cut in the wrong place and during the wrong time of year -- ruining the natural shape and health of the shrubs or small trees. If you would like some pruning done, please let us know through your building representative or the main office.
From the early sixties to late seventies many shrubs and plants were placed in improper spots in the WG landscape. For instance, tall shrubs were planted under windows or sun-loving plants put in shaded areas. In a perfect world we would have small plants under all the windows and big, tall ones where they have room to spread out. Some first-floor residents want nothing in front of their windows while others crave the isolation and shade created by a large shrub, and as long as the plant is healthy, we will allow both. As the grounds supervisor it is my job to care for the plants old and new, and I try to make as many residents as happy as I can.
2021 Window Cleaning Schedule
Sonlight Window Cleaning Inc./King Kong Building Services, Inc. will wash the outside bedroom windows of the buildings again this year. This window cleaning schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather. If a day is lost due to inclement weather, advance the schedule by the working days lost (do not include weekend days).
DAY DATE BUILDINGS
Monday September 27 68,78,80,82,84
Tuesday September 28 58,60,62,64,66
Wednesday September 29 55,57,61,63,65
Thursday September 30 50,52,53,54,56
Friday October 1 40,42,44,46,48
Monday October 4 36,45,47,49,51
Tuesday October 5 37,38,39,41,43
Wednesday October 6 26,28,30,32,34
Thursday October 7 12,14,18,20,27
Friday October 8 4,6,10,70,72,74,76
Monday October 11 3,5,7,9,11,17,19,23,29
Tuesday October 12 1,2,8,13,15,16,21,22,24,25,59
SCREEN REMOVAL: Please remove bedroom window screens one day prior to the scheduled day or the night before the scheduled day. Windows that have screens on them will not be washed.
If you are not able to remove the screens, you must sign up on the sheet provided in the building’s laundry room by 8 a.m. three days before window washing in your building. Please do not remove the sign-up sheet from the laundry room. Our maintenance staff will come and pick up the sheet from the laundry room. They will remove your screens on the designated day if you have signed up for screen removal. Please remember that this service is for those who are not physically capable of removing their screens. Please do not call the association office for screen removals in buildings. You must use the sign-up sheet in the laundry room if you wish to have your screens removed. If you live in the townhomes, you will need to call the office three days prior to your window cleaning to schedule your screen removal.
Screens will be removed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. one day prior to the scheduled window washing or the Friday before if the washing is scheduled for Monday. You must be home for screen removal. The maintenance staff will not be able to return to your unit if you are not home. Screens will be reinstalled the following day between 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are not home during that time, the maintenance staff will not put the screens back in for you. You will have to make other arrangements to have the screens reinstalled.
PAINT DEPARTMENT
Maintenance & Grounds Updates
Outdoor painting: Building 39 is completed and building 45 is in progress. Building 44 is next, followed by buildings 10 and 12 if weather allows.
Soffit repairs are continuing as roof repairs are completed in various locations including buildings 34, 50, 18 and 36.
Work orders for repairs inside of units are still in progress and ongoing.
The elevator door for the administrative office has been repaired and repainted.
The air handler in upper lot 26 has been painted inside and should last for many more years.
HALLWAY RE-DECORATING PROJECT / CARPET REPLACEMENT
Buildings 24, 58, 78, 80 and 84 are complete.
Building 47's fourth floor is complete, and we are working on the 3rd floor.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Annual Landscape Project: The grounds department is scheduled to plant 1,750 plants the week of September 20.
Chair Order for Community Center and Auditorium: Chairs are being manufactured with an anticipated delivery date in September.
Underground Garage 26 Heating Unit: Project is underway.
Re-piping Building 6: Project is underway.
Boiler Replacement: Boiler replacements for buildings 50, 39, 57, 27 and 56 are complete. Building 52 boiler replacement started August 30. One more boiler will be scheduled if weather permits.
Roof Replacement: A contract has been issued to begin the roof replacement on building 2. The work is scheduled to begin in September.
Due Diligence Projects: Foretel Solutions has prepared a scope of work for both PowerNet and Verizon to complete a one-day onsite survey of the community.
The deliverables for the site survey include:
1. Basic conceptual design and mock-up
2. Broad financial overview – cost estimates
3. Suggested next steps including estimation of timeline
4. Plan of action for residential service
The board approved expenses up to $11K to complete the on-site surveys at the August board meeting.
GROUNDS
Working on weed control along sidewalks.
The golf course and greens will be aerated September 28.
Ongoing mowing/edging, flower care and irrigation.
Tree trimming/ removals continue.
Working on curbing projects at buildings 32 and 54.
Tree walk is scheduled for Thursday, September 30.
Trying to hire some additional staff.
Japanese beetle problem is improving.
Phoebe’s Rules
More photos on page 22.
Sharing Clubs
May players on the same team in a four ball or best ball match share clubs (not exceeding 14 clubs)?
A. True.
B. False.
Answer on page 35.
Scammers are Posing as Tech Support and Remotely Accessing Computers
If you receive an unsolicited phone call or email or a pop-up window appears on your computer screen claiming to be with a computer tech support company, don’t respond.
According to AARP’s ElderWatch, 70% of Coloradans 50+ have been approached by this type of scam. It is also one of the most common scams reported to the ElderWatch helpline. The “support company” says they can help fix your computer, but in reality, they just cause more problems, from installing malicious software to obtaining bank account numbers and other personal information. Or sometimes a fake support company alerts you that you've been overcharged for a tech service and asks if you'd like a refund.
A Windsor Gardens resident reported that she experienced a scam like this. She had a monitoring/protection system installed on her computer for $29.99 a year. A few months after installation, she received an email stating her credit card had been charged $399 for three more years of this same monitoring/protection, and if she wanted to cancel and get a refund she needed to call an 800 number. She called and they referred her to a website to enter her bank account number so that she could receive her refund. She wasn’t comfortable doing this, so she didn’t. Then she got an email telling her to enter her bank account number immediately. When she still didn’t, the fraudsters started moving her cursor on her computer screen. They said if she wanted her computer back, she should give them her bank account number. Then they started calling her on her landline. When she answered they again demanded her bank account number, but
she hung up. They then froze her computer so she could not log on or use it in any way. Fortunately for this resident, her trusted computer guy was in the neighborhood, and he had a loaner computer with him. He told her another of his customers had the same experience.
What to Do if You Receive Unsolicited Call, Email or Pop-up
If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be with a computer or tech support company or “Microsoft”, or a pop-up window appears on your computer instructing you to call for support, ElderWatch recommends the following:
• Hang up the phone or shut down your computer.
• Never provide your credit card number or other financial information. If you shared your financial information with the scammer, contact your bank or credit card company.
• Never give control of your computer to a third party. In some instances they may gain access without your assistance. If a scammer accesses your computer, make sure to immediately change passwords to critical accounts and contact a reputable support company to check your computer for malicious software.
• If you received a pop-up, update your anti-virus software.
• If you received a phone call, don’t engage with future unknown callers.
• Call ElderWatch at 303-222-4444 to report what happened and share the scam with friends and neighbors.
Community Response Assists, Checks and Other Activities, July 2021
COP Shop @ WG
Community Operated
Policing Storefront
The Cop Shop is operated by volunteers who work with the Denver Police Department to assist with citizen complaints, accident reports and various other activities that would normally require a trip to the district station.
The Cop Shop is at WG on the first and third Monday and the first and third Friday of each month from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the CenterPoint Lobby. In September we are closed on Monday, September 6, for Labor Day, and open September 10, September 20 and September 24 in CenterPoint from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You may also contact the Cop Shop at 303-329-0500 or leetsdalecopshop@hotmail.com. Stay safe and be kind to all you meet.
National Drug Take Back Day in October
We will be holding a special event in October for National Drug Take Back Day. We will be in front of the Community Response office from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 23. Drive up or walk up to turn in expired or unused medications for safe and secure disposal.
Dear Cop Shop
Dear Cop Shop:
I have seen signs mentioning Vision Zero? What is that?
Wondering
Dear Wondering:
Excellent question. We were curious too, so when we did a little digging and we found that it is a transportation philosophy to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injury. It was developed in Sweden and adopted in Denver in 2016. Dozens of agencies and partners have set a goal
of eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The Denver Police Department is one of the lead partner agencies and uses tools like public awareness campaigns, examination of data collected, and meetings after pedestrian, motorcyclist and bicyclist fatalities to identify risk factors. Other tools used include citations and enhanced photo enforcement of traffic violations.
You have most likely noticed speed trailers either warning you to slow down or telling you what your speed is. Denver has such nice wide
Life by Hap Hansen
