CAB MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | APRIL 2021
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UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS
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Sterling Ranch was built with sustainability efforts in mind through land planning, water-wise development, and energy efficiency. What better way to celebrate sustainability and Earth Day this month than with the following events?!
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APRIL 28, 7:30-9:30AM
Now that things are opening up a bit, the Resident Services team will be available the last Wednesday of each month to meet with residents and answer questions or just share a laugh. This month meet Sue Santos, Director of Community Experience and Resident Support. Sign up for your 15-minute appointment and meet 1-on-1 with staff and ask away! This is your chance to meet the team who serves the Sterling Ranch Community and our chance to meet you!
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RESIDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
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For those new to the Sterling Ranch Community, the Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) is a CAB Board-directed resident committee that acts as a liaison between community members and CAB on topics referred by the Board. These topics may include landscape maintenance, safety, events and activities, CAB policies, budgeting, aesthetics of CAB-owned or maintained property, and other special projects. The RAC discusses and offers advisory recommendations solely on matters referred to it by CAB. In our first year as a committee, the RAC has made several recommendations to the CAB, concerning the selection of the landscape contractor, trash contractor, and the placement of holiday lights. Most recently, the RAC recommended some amenities for the Overlook. The RAC’s 2021 CAB approved Calendar is as follows:
- 1st Quarter – Trash bids, Park audit of existing parks
- 2nd Quarter – Landscaping areas to improve; Overlook improvements
- 3rd Quarter – Holiday lights location and bids; Snow performance and bids; Resident Support Budget review
- 4th Quarter – Budget Finalization
The RAC encourages homeowners to attend the meetings held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. In addition to the open forum at each meeting, the RAC members are residents of the community and often collect feedback from personal conversations, what we see on social media, and our observations. You can learn more about us, read the agendas and minutes, and get the information about our next meeting on the CAB website:
Tyson Hellmich, Chairman
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A GRASSY LAWN ISN'T YOUR ONLY OPTION!
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Are you looking for a way to conserve water or reduce your monthly bills? A well-planned yard with a combination of artificial turf, native plantings, and hardscape is a cost-effective alternative to a yard of fence-to-fence natural grass because it reduces the quantity of water needed and the time spent on lawn care.
The stereotype of artificial turf as cheap fake grass with an unnatural green plastic shine and an off-gassing stench has quickly become an outdated and uneducated belief with the artificial turf choices in the marketplace today. These newer artificial turfs are made with realistic blade profiles, variegated colors, UV resistance, and even includes thatch fibers like you find in real grass lawns. It is an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to natural grass landscaping that kids and pets alike will enjoy.
Using Colorado native plants is another great option to reduce watering needs and maintenance. Refer to the Sterling Ranch Recommended Planting List for drought-resistant plants and perennials such as lavender, sage, catmint, yarrow, and blanket flower to name only a few, that will provide year-round enjoyment with minimal effort. Last step is to fill those beautiful planting beds with wood mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture for the plants.
You can also consider adding a paver patio or extending the deck, create walking paths, add additional seating areas and maybe even an outdoor kitchen. Hardscape areas add diversity to your yard use, increase the value of your home, and create beautiful focal points to the landscape. Extend the amount of time you spend out in your yard, reduce yard maintenance, and conserve water with well-designed hardscape features.
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After a long winter nap, springtime is when we can see the activity of wildlife here in Sterling Ranch. Being so close to the mountains and having a wildlife corridor running through Sterling Ranch, residents are able to see a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year. During the spring it is especially important to make sure our behaviors don’t endanger the species that we love to see.
In the springtime, Bears begin to come out of hibernation, and when they do they are huunngry! Active from mid-March through early November, Colorado bears' full focus is on eating. With a nose that’s 100 times more sensitive than ours, a bear can literally smell food five miles away. Bears are usually shy when it comes to people but food is a big enticement and once they find food, they come back for more.
Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easy-to-get-at-human food, garbage, pet food, birdseed, or other attractants. When people allow bears to find food, a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its wariness of humans.
Trash: Much of what people throw away smells like food to a hungry bear. Standard metal or plastic trash cans won’t keep out bears. Once bears learn where it’s easy to get at the garbage, they’ll come back again and again. Never leave trash or recyclables out overnight. Empty cans and boxes still smell like food. One study showed that simply putting trash out only on the morning of pick up cuts the chances of a bear visit from 70% to 2%.
Bird feeders kill bears: Studies show that often the first reward a bear gets for exploring human places is a big meal of tasty, nutritious seeds (a natural food for bears). Letting your bird feeders turn into bear feeders teaches bears that coming close to people and homes looking for food is a good idea. For bears, that can end up being a deadly lesson.
Tips for helping birds and not bears:
CPW recommends not feeding birds during the months when bears are active. Instead, use water features, plantings, nest boxes, and flowers to attract birds. Use bird feeders only when bears are hibernating.
- If you don’t want to stop feeding birds, hang your feeders at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from anything bears can climb.
- Keep the area underneath feeders clean and free of birdseed and hulls, or switch to hulled birdseed with no waste.
- Never store birdseed outside, under your deck, or in a garage or shed a bear could break into. A 50-pound bag of birdseed has over 87,000 calories—a reward for the bear that is well worth the effort of breaking in.
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OUTDOOR LIGHTING FOR YEAR-ROUND DELIGHT
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Have you ever heard of the “moonlight effect”? It is an industry term that refers to a lighting style that creates a naturalistic feel with lights no more intense than that of a full moon, but still strong enough to beautifully accent your home and yard. There are a few easy steps you can take to design your lighting and achieve the “moonlight effect.”
Plan your exterior lighting so there is a focus, vary the fixtures, and stick to warm light. Your porch and entryway are the perfect opportunities for a beautiful custom fixture and soft path lighting that will welcome visitors to your home. Place path lights purposefully so as not to create the look of a runway with too many lights strung alongside the path. The same idea applies to the rear patio. Use decorative string lights to create a warm glow and ambiance rather than over lighting to create harsh shadows and offensive glares.
Keep it simple. Less is often more.
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SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINICPLES
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As a designated Colorado Natural Area, and a Proud Partner and Gold Standard site of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Roxborough State Park encourages residents of our surrounding community neighborhoods and visitors to complete the Leave No Trace On-Line Awareness course. This course will help you learn methods to recreate more responsibly to help protect and preserve our natural spaces at Roxborough, Chatfield, Waterton Canyon, and other natural areas. When you complete the course, bring your printed or electronic version of your course certificate to the Roxborough Visitor Center for a Leave No Trace prize.
Thanks for helping us Care for Colorado!
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As we continue to navigate our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, health & wellness remain top of mind for programming at the Overlook Clubhouse!
In the month of March, COVID Best Practices Businesses moved to operate at LEVEL BLUE, allowing us to increase the capacity in the fitness center. Along with increased capacity, we continue to offer Circuit Training classes and Candlelight Yoga classes with our certified instructors, and Stretch & Strength classes with POYDS Dance Company. Health and wellness opportunities aren't just for grown-ups - the Sterling Ranch youth danced away in Acro Dance classes with POYDS Dance Co and cooked up some yummy meals with our very own team member Gabby Lowry.
GET YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDS NOW!
The Overlook Staff loves to have a busy and bustling building, and enjoys meeting current and new residents! As we plan for Summer, we are excited to have a wealth of offerings to keep your entire family busy. Overlook Clubhouse memberships are required to create your online account to register for events, programs, and fitness center reservations. If you haven't already, stop by the Overlook Clubhouse or complete the online form to get your membership cards and online account set up before Summer.
Stay tuned for more information regarding the pool season in the May newsletter!
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THERE'S A MOBILE SALON RIGHT IN YOUR BACK YARD!
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The Cut on Location's Owner and Head Stylist, Crissy Chase, offers premium hair and styling services. The Cut’s salon contains 3 barber chairs, 3 sinks, a restroom, and a waiting area for walk-ins - all in a mobile airstream trailer! For years, Crissy had heard her clients tell her how they always run out of time to get their hair done, so what better way to solve that problem than bring the salon to you!
The Cut on Location calls Sterling Ranch its home three days a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. What's even more convenient is it's parked outside of the Sterling Center where you can easily grab a beverage from Atlas or Grist, or food from the food truck to enjoy while you get your hair done.
Check out these testimonials from some Sterling Ranch residents about their experience!
I've been having The Cut On Location doing my haircuts since I moved to Sterling ranch a little under a year ago. Crissy runs an excellent salon in a unique environment that is just unique and cool. She's always good for conversation, and the days of the Covid-cut are long behind me! Highly recommended! - Geoff
These gals are no joke! Talented, reasonably priced, local, fun, and genuine! I had my previous stylist for years. He moved to Dallas and was so anxious about the quest of finding a new one! Kelsey did not disappoint! Give them a try! - Malia
Crissy & Kelsey not only bring a convenient and innovative service to the residences of Sterling Ranch; they also make you feel great while getting great modern hair services in a Retro Airstream. I will continue to support this local, woman-owned business, due to their fantastic service, exceptional ease of use, and friendly atmosphere each time I visit them. - Anonymous
The most FUN atmosphere!! Comfortable and safe. Compassionate about their passion and clients. Patient. Loves what they do. Involved in the community!! I love love my time each month with The Cut!! It’s great to have a set appointment for myself. - Malena M
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LOCAL MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE WITH ENT CREDIT UNION
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Home buying and refinancing are hot topics lately with rates at or near historic lows. People who thought they might not ever refinance again are finding benefits in doing so while home buyers are running into more competition than ever before. The mortgage process can be complex, so visiting with a mortgage expert sooner rather than later can make it easier for you and your family. If you are ready to refinance or purchase, or want to simply ask a question, contact Alicia Bustamante. Alicia is a mortgage loan officer with Ent Credit Union, which has been ranked Colorado’s #1 Credit Union by Forbes and has served the Front Range since 1957. With roots in the Littleton area and more than 10 years of mortgage industry experience, Alicia is available to answer all of your questions. Already have a lender? Consider Alicia a great resource to get a second opinion on your current mortgage situation.
Alicia is excited to serve our Sterling Ranch community! Contact her today!
NMLS ID #1026613
Office: 720-883-3332 | Mobile: 720-951-6429
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MEET COLORADO EQUINE & SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC
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The Small Animal Clinic at Colorado Equine is proud to serve Roxborough, Littleton, and the surrounding areas. We provide the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service by taking the time in each of our appointments to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. We believe in and are devoted to treating every patient as if they were our own pet and giving them the same loving attention and care. Give us a call (303) 791-4747 x3 or go online to our website at www.cecsmallanimal.com to schedule an appointment today!
Tips for socializing dogs in a socially distant world: COVID-19 not only brought about social distancing for us but also for our pets. Here are some tips for helping your dog handle socializing in a socially distant world.
- Go for a walk!
- Buy a new toy!
- Maintain a routine.
- Prepare your dog for a vet visit.
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CONTACT THE CAB
Resident Resource Center:
8220 Piney River Avenue
Operating Hours #: 720.661.9694
Information Center:
8155 Piney River Avenue
Operating Hours #: 303.882.7603
Overlook Clubhouse:
7853 Piney River Avenue
Operating Hours #: 720.728.7257
After Hours Emergency #: 800.274.3165
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HELPFUL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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