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Meridian Ranch Community Directory MSMD Board of Directors: President: Butch Gabrielski Secretary/ Treasurer: Mike Fenton Asst Secretary/ Treasurer: Douglas Woods Bill Gessner Wayne Reorda Newsletter Advertising Porchlink Media 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 37 ISSUE AUGUST 2016 A publication of The Meridian Service Metropolitan District Meridian Ranch The View From Recreation Center News Are you and the kids ready for back to school season? There are acvies for all ages this month at the Meridian Ranch Recreaon Center. What is new in August? • Two Parents’ Nights Out – Friday, August 5th and 19th from 5:30 – 10:00 pm - Drop the kids off and enjoy a night to yourselves! • Tween Night- Friday, August 19th from 5:30 – 10:00 pm - Food, games, swimming and fun! • Flick-n-float-Saturday, August 13th. Starts at 8:30 pm at the outdoor pool. The Active Older Adults have their monthly social on the 18th from 12:15 -2:15 pm. Come in for Potluck and Pinochle. The Quilng Group meets on the 10th of the month from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Story Time connues every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Check in with the front desk for the locaon. Have you gotten your FREE fitness assessment? Our cerfied personal trainers are here to assist you with movaon, challenge, change, safety and accountability, or to answer your questions about health and well- being. A fitness assessment is a great way to find what you need in training. Looking for a fun and excing place to work? The Meridian Ranch Recreaon Center is currently looking for dance teachers, gymnasc teachers and child watch aendants. Check out the job openings under the HOA Community Centers at www.ppymca.org We have completed auditing our memberships at the Rec Center and have deacvated accounts that have expired with paperwork or have no paperwork to support the addional adult members in the household. Members who have been deacvated will need to fill out new paperwork and provide proof of residency through a water bill or some such correspondence that indicates the member sll lives at that address. Effective July 19, 2016 the popular Farmers Market on Tuesdays at the Recreation Center parking lot was cancelled to allow for much needed recreaon center parking. Talks are under way to bring the Farmers Market to The Shops at Meridian Ranch. More details to follow. Call the Recreaon Center for more informaon 719.495.7119. Also Like us on Facebook to get daily updates. JUST A REMINDER: The indoor pool is new; we are aempng to balance a variety of requests and sll stay within our budget.

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Page 1: The View From Meridian Ranch...Page 5 The iew From Meridian Ranch. Red, White and Blue Run! It was a beautiful morning in Meridian Ranch Saturday, June 25 as our runners and walkers

The View From Meridian RanchPage 1

Meridian Ranch Community Directory

MSMD Board of Directors:President:

Butch Gabrielski

Secretary/ Treasurer:Mike Fenton

Asst Secretary/ Treasurer:Douglas Woods

Bill GessnerWayne Reorda

Newsletter AdvertisingPorchlink Media

www.porchlinkmedia.com 720-295-2649

Newsletter SponsorThank you to Antler Creek

Golf Course, CreekView Grill, DRC No. 1 and DRC No.

2 for their sponsorship of The View From

Meridian Ranch!

Websiteswww.meridianranchmetro.org

www.meridianranch.comwww.stonebridgecoloradosprings.com

37I S S U E

A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

A publication of The Meridian Service

Metropolitan District

Meridian RanchThe View From

Recreation Center News Are you and the kids ready for back to school season? There are activities for all ages this month at the Meridian Ranch Recreation Center.

What is new in August?

• Two Parents’ Nights Out – Friday, August 5th and 19th from 5:30 – 10:00 pm - Drop the kids off and enjoy a night to yourselves!

• Tween Night- Friday, August 19th from 5:30 – 10:00 pm - Food, games, swimming and fun!

• Flick-n-float-Saturday, August 13th. Starts at 8:30 pm at the outdoor pool.

The Active Older Adults have their monthly social on the 18th from 12:15 -2:15 pm. Come in for Potluck and Pinochle.

The Quilting Group meets on the 10th of the month from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

Story Time continues every Tuesday from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Check in with the front desk for the location.

Have you gotten your FREE fitness assessment? Our certified personal trainers are here to assist you with motivation, challenge, change, safety and accountability, or to answer your questions about health and well-being. A fitness assessment is a great way to find what you need in training.

Looking for a fun and exciting place to work? The Meridian Ranch Recreation Center is currently looking for dance teachers, gymnastic teachers and child watch attendants. Check out the job openings under the HOA Community Centers at www.ppymca.org

We have completed auditing our memberships at the Rec Center and have deactivated accounts that have expired with paperwork or have no paperwork to support the additional adult members in the household. Members who have been deactivated will need to fill out new paperwork and provide proof of residency through a water bill or some such correspondence that indicates the member still lives at that address.

Effective July 19, 2016 the popular Farmers Market on Tuesdays at the Recreation Center parking lot was cancelled to allow for much needed recreation center parking. Talks are under way to bring the Farmers Market to The Shops at Meridian Ranch. More details to follow.

Call the Recreation Center for more information 719.495.7119. Also Like us on Facebook to get daily updates.

JUST A REMINDER: The indoor pool is new; we are attempting to balance a variety of requests and still stay within our budget.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday1 2

1ST DAY OF SCHOOL

Story Time9 – 10 am

3EVERY Wednesday is Ladies Night @ the

CreekView Grill from 4 pm to Close

4EVERY Thursday,

Kids eat for Free w/ a paying adult @

the CreekView Grill! Dine–in only from

4 – 8 pm

AARP Driving ClassNoon – 4 pm

at the Rec Center

5Parent’s Night Out

@ Rec Center5:30 – 10 pm

6

7 8 9Story Time

9 – 10 am

10Women’s Golf Clinicat the Antler Creek

Golf Course5 pm

Quilting Group5 – 8 pm

11 12 13FLICK N’ FLOATOutdoor Pool

8:30 pm

14 15 16Story Time

9 – 10 am

17 18AOA Potluck & Pinochle

12:15 – 2:15 pm

19Parent’s Night Out and Tween Night

@ Rec Center5:30 – 10 pm

20

21

22 23Story Time

9 – 10 am

24 25 26 27

28 29 30Story Time

9 – 10 am

31

August

2016

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MOVED TO
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8/26/16
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Flick N'
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Float 8:30 pm
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Outdoor Pool
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1/2 HP Belt DriveGarage Door Opener

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50 Years of Garage Door and Opener Replacement and

Repair Expertise(303)542-61324200 Monaco St. Denver, CO 80213

www.Ankmar.com

SELLING OR BUYING IN MERIDIAN RANCH?WE CAN HELP!

Matt Pacheco & Chris Berisford | [email protected] | 719.822.1981

We can’t really say enough good things about our experience. From start to finish their team was awesome!! They made the whole process easy and worry free…..and we were under contact the first weekend, over our asking price!

Clay S.12330 Point Reyes

www.SellMeridianRanch.comGet a FREE, No Obligation Home Valuation Instantly at:

10% off Spring Landscape Maintenance

*Restrictions May Apply

We sold this home in 1 day,

over list price!!

A note from the Golf Course

Superintendent:Golfers, summer is here and the course is in good shape, so get out and play! We have finally turned the

corner with our greens and they have perked up and are rolling good. We have started eliminating a couple of bunkers and are working to improve the others. This is a major project and will take some time; please be patient with us as we are trying to improve the playability of the bunkers.

I have had many calls concerning the native grasses and weeds growing behind property owner’s fences. This is an ongoing maintenance issue and we are in the process of getting around the entire course.

Please keep the calls coming. If we don’t know there is a problem, we can’t fix it. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at (719) 494-1900 with any problems or concerns.

Lastly, all golfers, PLEASE, PLEASE, FIX YOUR DIVOTS, I have seen a huge problem developing and would love your help in eliminating the divots at Antler Creek; it will only help get the greens where we all want them - SMOOTH!

Thank you,

Andy Maxey, CGCS

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Questions? Need Answers! Please contact the Meridian Ranch DRC Management Team!

Jamie Adams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM – Managing Agent [email protected]

Chelsea Walker – Managing Team Assistant [email protected]

www.meridianranchdrc.org

August 2016Design Review Council News

The DRC has been receiving numerous calls from homeowners who are selling, buying or refinancing asking for HOA documentation; Did you know? 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. Please, if there is anything which is a MUST read while enjoying the summer weather, please review the Covenants, Bylaws and the Design Guidelines which govern the Meridian Ranch Community! The governing documents can be found on the front page of the DRC website: www.meridianranchdrc.org ; Pick either Meridian Ranch DRC no 1 or DRC no 2 by location of your address.

WEEDS, WEEDS, and More WEEDS!

Noxious Weed Alert -

With all of the rain in the Peyton/ Falcon area, weeds are more prevalent than ever.

Please check your property for the above noxious weeds (Noxious weeds are flowers/plants that are not native to Colorado) these plants need to be removed.

Canada Thistle can be removed by using “Roundup”, let the seeds/plant heads die and remove.

Mullein can be removed simply by pulling it from the root. You will need to do this prior to it blooming so the seeds do not spread.

Canada Thistle Mullein

Other weeds:

Please check your lawns for broadleaf weeds and spray. The seeds from other weeds have taken root and have been seen in the rocked areas, please spray and remove. Just spraying the weeds does not constitute the weeds have been addressed, please pull them too.

Builders have been notified to mow their lots and to remove any weeds which may spread onto neighboring properties.

Thank you from the DRC on working together to keep the Meridian Ranch Community a Beautiful place to live.

Another reminder: Chickens are not allowed in Meridian Ranch! The

Covenants prohibit raising, breeding or keeping poultry

of any kind on the Lot.Weed-Be-Gone1 Gallon Vinegar 2 Cups Epson Salt1/4 Cup Dawn Dish Soap (The Blue Original)

Mix and spray in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Go back after dinner and the weeds are all gone! Inexpensive, easy & safe!

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Red, White and Blue Run! It was a beautiful morning in Meridian Ranch Saturday, June 25 as our runners and walkers of all ages took to the streets in support of the Red, White and Blue Run! Thank you to all the participants. We hope you had fun!

We were thrilled with the turnout for our 3rd annual Red White and Blue 5k, an event that brought together residents as well as visitors into Meridian Ranch, some visitors for the first time. Our goal was to produce a healthy community event in every sense of the word.

To all the volunteers that helped us organize and run the event, please accept our deepest gratitude for the generous gift of your time to the Red White and Blue 5K Run/Walk. Your support was critical to the success of this event. To the amazing, fabulous, hard working and very generous members of the organizing committee, led by Mary Ritchie, Erin Savel and Tim Hunker, thank you for your generous contribution of your time and talents. You are the best! Thanks to your dedication, service and attention to detail.

Monday-Friday: 7:30am - 6pmSaturday: 8:30am - 2pm

Cleaning Green for Falcon!HOURS

www.FalconDrycleaning.com

Drive Thru

Full ServiceDrycleaning

• Wedding Dresses • Formals• Starched Shirts/Pants

• Comforters •Sleeping Bags

7356 McLaughlin Rd.(between Meineke & Walgreens)

(719) 886-7200

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Call the Recreation Center for more information 719.495.7119. Like us on Facebook to get daily updates.

Indoor and Outdoor Pool Hours and Recreation Center Guest Fees

With the excitement of the indoor pool opening and the beginning of summer weather, the MSMD Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Recreation Center staff, have modified the indoor and outdoor pool hours, as well as guest pass fees. While it would be great to have both the indoor and outdoor pool open all the time, the Board must be fiscally responsible while also following regulations regarding lifeguard staffing at the pools. The Board has changed to pool hours based on scheduled activities such as swim lessons, usage, resident feedback, weather considerations and budget requirements. Recreation Center staff will continually monitor usage and the Board may make periodic adjustments based on usage. The new summer pool hours are:

Indoor Pool Hours(Summer Hours)

Monday - Friday5:30 am – 9:00 am Lap swim only*9:00 am – 6:50 pm Open swim

Monday - Friday 9:00 -10:00 am Adults only in the Lazy River

Saturday9:00 am – 5:30 pm Open swim

SundayNoon – 5:50 pm Open swim

*This includes use of the hot tub.

Outdoor Pool HoursMonday - Sunday 12:00- 4:00 pm

The Recreation Center is primarily for use of residents, and guests are welcome to use the facilities if they are accompanied by a resident. All residents must present their Meridian Ranch picture ID for access (NO EXCEPTIONS). Residents may bring in one free guest per household per day. Additional guest passes can be purchased at the Recreation Center, either individually at $15 per pass, or 10 passes for $50.

DistrictNews

August 2016

HEAT AND YOUR LANDSCAPING

Here we are in the middle of the hottest days of the year and we’re all stressing over the health of our trees, shrubs and flowers that we

have invested so much time and money on in our landscape. High temperatures and wind are two of the worst enemies of your landscape plantings. When temperatures are very high and humidity very low, special care in watering may be required through supplemental watering, either by misting or sprinkling.

Protect your potted plants from severe heat by moving them to a more protected area like a shaded patio. The temperature of your plant leaves in a shaded area is nearly that of the air, but the temperature in the sunlight that your plants feel may be 10 to 20 degrees above the air temperature.

Many homeowners often ask, “Why don’t the plants in my yard look as good as the ones at the nursery?” The answer is simple; most nurseries have at least one staff member who is a master at watering plants. They know just what a plant needs without over watering or under watering.

High temperatures cause a plant to lose water through their leaves by a process called transpiration. The injurious effects of transpiration can be seen when our plants begin to wilt. Wilting of our landscape plants are classified as either temporary of permanent. Temporary wilting is when there is still water available in the soil but because of high temperatures and wind, the water is not able to be absorbed as fast as the plant is losing water through its leaves. Usually, by morning our plants have recovered and are looking great again. Repeated temporary wilting will have an adverse effect on your plants causing them to be stunted. Permanent wilting results from a serious deficiency of water in the soil, eventually resulting in the death of the plant. In some cases, where soils may have difficulty absorbing water, deep root watering can be a solution. During very hot periods, deep root watering can help your trees and shrubs develop a strong root system and prevent permanent wilting. Check the soil 6 to 8 inches down before watering. Too much water can be as detrimental as not enough, as it starves the plant of needed oxygen. Water your plants wisely.

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State Farm® is #1 in individual life policies* because people trust us to help protect their families and the moments that are most important in life. Let’s explore your options.CALL ME TODAY.

*Ranking and data provided by SNL Financial based on reported individual ordinary life insurance policies in force as of year-end 2014.

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[email protected]

PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET:It doesn’t take much to remember that we have pets in our community. If fact, if you don’t watch your step, you’re liable to step in on such reminder!

Besides being unsightly and smelly, animal waste can be hazardous to the health of our children who play in the community and other pets. One of the most common forms of disease transmission between dogs is through their fecal matter.

When walking your dog in our community, remember that it should be leashed. Also, it is important to remember to immediately clean up after your pet. Take a baggie along with you to pick up waste and then dispose of it properly.

By taking a few simple steps to clean up after your pet, you can contribute not only to the beautification of our community, but also towards the elimination of one of the most irritating nuisances in our community. Thank you for your cooperation.

FALCON FIRE DEPT. Fire Hydrants: One of the advantages to living in Meridian Ranch is the availability of fire hydrants. Should a fire occur, firefighters have a quick and plentiful supply of water with which to extinguish it. However, they need your help to ensure hydrants are kept clear and accessible.

Maintain Clearances: Fire codes require that firefighters have “unobstructed access” to fire hydrants at all times. This means that landscaping, fencing, or other items must not interfere with a hydrant’s visibility or accessibility. A minimum of three feet of clear space must be maintained around the circumference of a fire hydrant to allow firefighters to work and connect hoses to supply water to the fire engine.

Don’t Park Too Close: As part of maintaining proper clearance, vehicles must not be parked within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. In the event of a fire, firefighters need room to connect large diameter hose for water supply to the fire engine. Parking closer than 15 feet is also illegal under Colorado law.

Keep ‘em Yellow! Yellow might not coordinate well with your home or landscaping, but fire hydrants are painted to be easily visible. Please do not paint them to match the neighborhood decor.

Keep Up with Falcon Fire Protection District

Website: www.falconfirepd.org

Facebook: Falcon Fire Department

Twitter: @FalconFireDept

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DEVELOPER NEWS:GRAND OPENING AND DEDICATION OF LONGVIEW PARK

You are invited to the grand opening of Longview Park and a dedication ceremony in honor of Larry Rodgers on August 11th at 4:00 p.m.

The park is dedicated in Larry’s honor because of his tireless volunteer work on behalf of the Meridian Ranch community. He served on the Design Review Council #1 Board. After that he served on the Upper Black Squirrel Groundwater Management District (UBS) Board. Meridian Ranch’s water is derived from groundwater, and lies within the UBS. After his stint on the UBS Board, he became a board member of the Meridian Service Metropolitan District and served on the board until he his health prevented him from doing so. Larry passed away on Oct. 7, 2014 after a valiant battle with cancer. We will always appreciate Larry’s efforts and dedication to this community.

Please help us celebrate the grand opening and dedication with Larry’s son, Jim and his family and MSMD board members.

VISIT WINDSOR RIDGE HOMES AT MERIDIAN RANCH DURING THE 2016 PARADE OF HOMES

Come visit the new Windsor Ridge Homes’ Arlington model at Stonebridge during the Parade of Homes, which runs from August 3-21, 2016. The home has 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, a 5-Car Garage and 3,178 Finished Sq. Ft.

The Arlington offers great flexibility for any lifestyle. One can easily imagine the home decorated in numerous styles and themes, The gourmet kitchen with all the right ingredients creates a sense of hearth and becomes the foundation for family gatherings and entertaining. The fixtures are a mixture of value and luxury, each hand selected for fit, finish and style. There is a perfect blend of architectural detail, natural light and open space.

The Arlington offers an over-sized 5-car garage with plenty of room for all your needs, or the option of a 3-car garage with 3 ample

bedrooms on the main level. The finished lower level with additional bedrooms and entertaining areas gives you plenty of room to expand. The home is done in a modern prairie style.

OTHER DEVELOPER UPDATES

Paving is underway at The Shops at Meridian Ranch. The first tenants, Splash Bath Pet Grooming and Meridian Service Metropolitan District are anticipated to move in August and September.

Final negotiations are underway on the construction of the Lodge at Stonebridge, and selection of a contractor is expected by mid-August, with groundbreaking at the end of August.

The Longview neighborhood of 181 lots (Filing No. 9) welcome builders Campbell, Classic, Majestic, Reunion and St. Aubyn. Lot sizes are up to 1/3 acre and can accommodate 3 or more car garages.

The Vistas neighborhood, located south of Londonderry Drive along Eastonville Road started construction at the end of July. It is comprised of 221 lots with average size of 55’x 120’.

Larry Rogers

Longview Park

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Roberta LoughmanREALTOR®, MRP, REO, CSSP

LIC # 40034822

[email protected]

719-332-8083

Meridian Ranch Residentsince 2005

10412 Scotts Blu� Drive,Peyton, CO 80831 / Meridian Ranch

PikesPeakHomeGuide.com"Taking care of business means taking care of you!"

As a premier real estate agent in Colorado Springs, I’m here to provide you with all the resources and information you need to buy or sell real estate. I work with with buyers and sellers in Colorado Springs, Peyton, Monument, Castle Rock, Woodland Park and the surrounding areas. I’ve had extensive training in the latest real estate marketing strategies. I’m confident that I can offer you knowledge and tools most other agents can’t.

Contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in our community and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to assisting in all of your real estate needs!

Check out your home valuation athgrepowerteam.smarthomeprice.com

HGRE POWER LISTING TEAM

2015 NOMINEE BEST REALTOR GAZETTE BEST OF SPRINGS

Snapshot...Falcon Freedom Days... a night of pretend and imagination!

It was J

By Angela MaxeyIt was a beautiful July morning and anticipations were high! Would this be the year that the weather cooperated for Falcon Freedom Days? Yes, it was! Over 4,000 Meridian Ranch residents, families, guests and others enjoyed the festivities and fireworks at this year’s Falcon Freedom Days. This was a night of hope, pretending and imagination to benefit the NICU at Penrose-St Francis Hospital.As anticipation of the fireworks show grew, everyone danced and enjoyed the Atomic Fireballs band. The weather started looking and acting ominous for about 15 minutes so that was the only unscheduled break the band took. Within minutes they were set back up and playing again. We all danced and sang the night away.There were great vendors who took a chance and set up booths. From Kona ice to a roaming ice cream vendor the kids were all sticky and you could see the remnants on their shirts. It looked as though every kid that wasn’t in a bounce house had a snow cone or ice cream bar. The light up necklaces glowed from far away as the sun set and when the lights were turned down for the fireworks. Thank you Lite Up & Glow for lighting the way. State Farm

was generous enough to donate an ipad and other raffle prizes to help support the NICU at Penrose-St. Francis hospital. Several of the other vendors had drawings for bicycles, gift cards, televisions, etc. at the event also. You could visit a builder, talk to a realtor, speak with a lender, get insurance AND get a back adjustment all in one place! We even had a local radio station doing live feeds during the event.The bounce houses were a huge hit this year. We were lucky enough to get 5 houses including an obstacle course that was new for this year. We collected the majority of the money donated to Penrose from this event! The kid’s area also had a very popular face painter so there were many superheroes, fairies and animals walking around. I know the parents did not have a hard time getting the kids to bed that night. As I was walking around during the fireworks I saw many sleeping kids on blankets.Wishing Star Farms was there with several farm animals that the kids could enjoy and pet. I am very thankful that the llama did not feel the need to spit at me! Families were taking the opportunity to dress up in silly costumes and take a snapshot in the photo booth that was provided by Heps DJ & Photo Booth. There were some silly looking people over there!About 6:30 Flight for Life landed and allowed everyone, old and young, to take a look at the helicopter and pretend for a moment that they were pilots. The crew has an unbelievable task and we are so thankful that they could take time to visit as that day was the anniversary of their tragedy in Breckenridge.

The fire truck was a huge hit as the kids were allowed to climb in, on and around it. I even saw a child with a fireman’s hat and coat on that was ten times too large…too cute! What a photo opportunity for parents.Thank you to the El Paso County Sheriffs deputies for keeping us safe and helping us all get to our destinations safely. Their vehicles are incredible and we all got to sit in them and pretend.At 9:30 what we all came for was about to start. The lights were turned off and you could hear the murmur of anticipation and excitement. Can you believe we had a 21 minute continuous fireworks show without interruption, the longest in the CO Springs area! It was as if we were all lying underneath a fountain of beauty and awe!The money collected this year was to benefit the NICU at Penrose-St. Francis. This esteemed hospital was named one of “Americas 50 Best Hospitals”, the only recipient in Colorado. Just 10 minutes from Antler Creek Golf Course, it includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 25 private neonatal bays. With donations they are able to expand and double the size of the NICU within the next three years. Thank you all for your generous donations!After all the anticipation, it was for naught as the bad weather stayed away and allowed us all to thoroughly enjoy ourselves and have a wonderful night of pretend and imagination as we were showered with a majestic fireworks show!

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District 49 News“Web Friendly" Addresses on D49.org

The digital home of District 49 contains a wealth of information for the entire community. We’ve done a lot of work to help get you to the information you want as fast as possible. In addition to being able to use the search bar, we’ve got a helpful live chat tool available in the bottom right hand corner of any page. Visit five pages and a District 49 staff member will pop up and offer to help get you to the information you need. We’ve also created easy to remember direct links to many important information sections:

Departments & InformationD49.org/bigrocks – Strategic Plan

D49.org/culturalcompass – School and Workplace Culture

D49.org/D49inthenews – Local media coverage of D49

D49.org/digitalbackpack – event and opportunity fliers

D49.org/email – Sign Up for Information Emails from D49

D49.org/financialtransparency – Budget, Expenses, Audits

D49.org/jobs – Employment Opportunities

D49.org/nutrition - Nutrition Services

D49.org/transportation –Transportation Services

Links to SchoolsD49.org/FHS - Falcon High School

D49.org/FMS - Falcon Middle School

D49.org/FESoT - Falcon Elementary School of Technology

D49.org/MRES – Meridian Ranch Elementary School

D49.org/PPSEL – Pikes Peak School of Expeditionary Learning

D49.org/WHES – Woodmen Hills Elementary School

District 49 Invites Community Input in August

Trust - It’s the first big rock of the District 49 strategic plan. We endeavor to establish and maintain enduring trust throughout our community, not by saying that we're trustworthy, but by demonstrating it.

Community – It’s the second big rock of the District 49 strategic plan. The district has a lot to offer our community and we recognize that our community has a lot to offer back. That reciprocal relationship offers a powerful multiplier for student success.

District 49 is considering a no tax increase mill levy override question for the November ballot. Leaders say the strategic plan served as a guide in creating the plan and during ongoing communication efforts.

“We need to hear from our community,” said Marie LaVere-Wright, Board president. “This is a two-way partnership. We want to make sure we are putting the right question on the ballot.” Several opportunities to provide input are available in August. “We’ve got a second round of community information nights the third week of August,” said LaVere-Wright, “and we are also hosting a town hall via telephone on Tuesday, August 9.”

The district will provide date and time information for the community information nights during the town hall, via mail, phone calls and email.

District 49 also maintains a section on its website with detailed information regarding financial aspects of the mill levy override question and project specifics. Residents can view the information by visiting D49.org/OurFuture. The plan would improve teacher pay, modernize all existing schools, build two new elementary schools and create additional learning space at the three largest highs schools.

“We learned during the 2014 election that residents want to provide support, but don’t favor a tax increase,” said Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, “we’ve

done work to create a plan that continues and increases support for teachers and schools without increasing the tax burden of residents”. Ridgway refinanced the district's remaining debt in 2015, which will save more than $2.5 million dollars and pay off the general obligation debt near the end of 2017. “The proposed mill levy override will initiate a different tax stream to replace the tax stream that expires as the debt is repaid,” Ridgway said. “The tax rate our residents pay won’t change, and we increase investment in our teachers and schools.” Information about the plan is also available for residents at the front office of every school, library branches, and several area banks and businesses. An opportunity to provide feedback is available anytime through a survey at D49.org/OurFuture.

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