Covenant Review Committee completes presentation to the AG Board

By Randy Simpson

A committee composed of Dave Kline, Lynn Walton, Michael Zabinski, and Anne Stellmon, have completed their presentation of suggested modifications of the AGHA covenants to the  AG Board. These changes primarily involve  the cleaning up of obscure and outdated language as well as providing clarification where needed. The AGHA covenants were primarily written over 25 years ago, before our neighborhood was even completely built out, and many sections are no longer relevant, and could be considered confusing at best.

The board gave its input into these suggestions, and the next step is for a working draft document to be completed and then passed by legal counsel for their assessment of recommended changes. After that, a series of neighborhood meetings will be set up, perhaps with other surveys, etc. to get full membership input regarding the covenants. That feedback will be used to make additional changes to the covenants as necessary. Depending on the nature of the feedback, the goal is to create a final proposed amended covenant that will be passed once more by legal counsel and then presented to the full membership for a vote.

This is obviously a very detailed and lengthy process, and even the most ambitious of schedules would most likely not place a vote before the membership before 2009 at the earliest. The end result, however, will be well worth it, as Andover Glen would have covenants to carry us successfully forwards over the next 25 years. ~

Your AGHA Board Needs You!

By Randy Simpson

Every year, several members of your AG Board leave office after fulfilling their term, and 2008 will be no different. Board elections are held in September, but it is really best to know who would like to run the board by early August so that ballots can be printed up.

This would be a great time for you to think about serving on the AG Board! It’s the perfect opportunity to give back to your neighborhood, and get involved. The requirements are relatively small, but the rewards can be great, as you can take pride in making a difference.

Also, remember, that if somehow not enough people were to volunteer to serve on the board, a management company might have to be hired to handle some of the board functions, and this would most likely mean raising dues to pay for that management.

If you’re even remotely interested in serving on the board, I would highly recommend you speak to one of the current or past board members to get their first hand feedback on the experience. ~

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.     - Albert Schweitzer

Board to vote on 2009 budget at June meeting

By Barb Powell

The AG Board will be reviewing and voting on the proposed 2009 budget for AGHA at the June 2008 meeting. The budget is little changed from last years budget, with the small exception being that additional funds have been allocated for the cost of water, which we all know has been going up, and annual dues were increased in order to partially offset these costs.

The meeting to approve the budget will be held at Shalom Park, on Wednesday, June 18^th, at 7 p.m. and all AGHA members are encouraged to attend. If you’d like to get a copy of the proposed budget, please call me, Barb Powell, at 303-632-3727. ~

Special Feature Article:

How to attract friendly wildlife to your garden

Submitted by Donna Foerster, GRI

Keller Williams Action Realty, LLC

While some homeowners strive to rid their landscapes of insect and animal pests, others try to entice visitors from the animal kingdom to their gardens.  Many outdoor creatures that accent a beautiful landscape are also helpful participants in the community.  Bees pollinate fruits and flowers, keeping gardens productive.  Toads, frogs and lizards are fascinating to watch and eat pesky insects at a ferocious rate.  Dragonflies, ladybugs and spiders also eat great numbers of unwelcome insects, such as aphids and mites.  Here are tips for encouraging wildlife to come to your garden.

The more diverse the plants in your garden, the more wildlife you are likely to attract.  Set up a complex mini-ecosystem in your back yard by choosing a variety of plants.

Humans appreciate neat gardens, but animals thrive in messier places.  Removing faded flowers keeps the garden attractive and flowers bearing longer, but birds enjoy flowers that have gone to seed.

Most animals need a protected area.  Shade trees provide protective cover for animals which fruit-bearing trees and shrubs provide food.  Even a vine-covered wall can provide a potential nesting site for tiny birds.

Chemicals throw off nature’s balance and can kill helpful as well as harmful creatures. Many organic practices attract wildlife.

Most native plants help feed or host local wildlife.  They provide food for adult birds and good nectar for local butterflies as well as shelter for birds and other creatures.

Attracting birds

If you feed birds in a protected area, and offer fresh water and a safe place to nest, birds will linger in your yard all year round.

“Attracting wildlife” continued on page 3

“Attracting wildlife” continued from page 2

Most over-wintering birds establish their food supply in the fall.  So keep the feeder filled, even while on vacation.

Try hulled sunflower seeds, thistle, safflower seed, black oil sunflower seed and white millet to see what birds you attract.  Keep a platform feeder (a wood tray on a post) well supplied.

A birdbath is a sure way to attract birds.  Make yours more appealing by setting a few stones in the water so they protrude half an inch or so.  If winters are very cold in your area, you can buy a birdbath heater to keep the water from freezing and to provide a constant water source.

Buy a birdhouse specifically designed for the birds you want to attract (a store bought birdhouse should include this information).  Then place at the correct height: 6 to 15 feet or more for woodpeckers.  Clean out the birdhouse in late winter each year to attract more birds.

Add landscape plants

Choose plants that attract birds.  Birds like a variety of plants, but berry-producing plants, such as sunflower and purple coneflower, as long as you permit the fading flowers to go to seed.

Attracting butterflies

Like animated flowers, butterflies add color and motion to your garden.  Here’s how to make them feel welcome.

Don’t Forget! Your AGHA Dues are due July 1^st!

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Aurora is set for a special treat on July 4^th as the Air Force Academy Band will perform

By Randy Simpson

Aurora has been known for hosting one of the best fireworks displays in the region, but this year, there’ll be an added treat. The world outstanding Air Force Academy Band will be performing at approximately 8:30 p.m, free of charge, on the great lawn at the Aurora Municipal Center at 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. The Orchestra will be performing a variety of music, including everything from classical to pop.

In addition to the Air Force Academy Band, a whole evening of activities are planned for July 4^th, including a performance by the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, and of course, fireworks at around 9:45 p.m.

So plan to arrive early, pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket and enjoy a classic and entertaining 4^th of July in Aurora. Look for more information on where to park, etc. on the City of Aurora’s web site at www.auroragov.org

So get out and enjoy a very happy 4^th!

Aurora is fortunate to have the talented Air Force Academy Band performing on July 4^th!

If you have an ad or notice you’d like to place in the Gazette under the Neighbor to Neighbor section, or even an informative article for the Gazette, please contact Randy Simpson at rgatess@yahoo.com