A Pleasantly Profitable Weekend for AG Garage Sales

By Randy Simpson

In this second year of holding the Andover Glen Garage Sale Weekend on the same day as our neighbor to the east, Woodgate, the wisdom of that decision is beginning to show, as traffic through the neighborhood was very steady for both days, and people were buying!  Approximately 15 or so homes in AG displayed their wares at least one of the days, which is about average, and from the large rolls of bills that many sellers were carrying, it seems business was very good.

Linda Adams happily displays how AG turned “green” for her on Garage Sale Weekend

For those of you who missed out on all the fun and profit of this year’s Garage Sale Weekend—fret not. Just circle your calendar for the last weekend of May next year and hope the wonderful weather we had returns for a repeat performance next year. Also, a final special thanks to Rich & Donna Foerster of Keller Williams Realty and Mark Burnett from Fairway Mortgage for helping to defray the costs of the Garage Sale Weekend by purchasing the signage and advertising for the event. ~

Shoppers were frequent and eager during much of the Garage Sale Weekend

Final Reminder for Dumpster Days: June 6^th & 7^th

By Debra Jones

Just a final reminder that the first of our regular Dumpster Days weekends will take place on the first weekend of June. A large 40ft roll-off dumpster will be available on Saturday & Sunday, June 6^th and 7^th , near AG Park. This dumpster is for real junk and general debris from around your yard and house. Just a few friendly reminders, if you have any large tree branches or bushes, please cut them down to smaller pieces.  The following items are not allowed in the dumpster:

* no toxic wastes like old paint & oil

* no batteries

* no old tires

Dumpster Days, continued on page 2

Dumpster Days, from page 1

* no electronic waste like televisions & old, computers, etc.

If you have any of these items, please wait for the City of Aurora Household Chemical Roundup in September or a special e-waste recycling day held by the city each year.

If you have good, useable items left over from the Garage Sale, please donate those items to your favorite charity. If you have donations that you would like picked up from your home.  You can call to schedule a pick-up from the Vietnam Veterans of America 1-(800)-775-VETS (8387) and/or ARC (303) 238-5263.

Also, please remember that once the dumpster is full –IT’S FULL!  If we overfill it, the waste management company will not take it. If we overfill it, we all pay for another dumpster!  The dumpster is for Andover Glen homeowners only, paid for by your Association Dues.  Thanks again for everyone’s efforts so we can keep offering this service to our community.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at debsew79@msn.com. ~

Xeriscape Grant project finally underway

By Randy Simpson

For those of you who regularly use the Parker Road entrance to the Glen, you’ve no doubt noticed the rather large stretch of dead grass near the entrance and extending for quite a ways up Parker Road.

Recently, you also probably noticed some other activity occurring along the same stretch. This is all the beginning stages of our $30,000 xeriscape grant project given to us by the City of Aurora. You will be seeing an amazing transformation of this area over the next few weeks, as the former grassy area is turned into a beautiful xeriscape garden. Not only will this area be a beautiful addition to our neighborhood, it will cost us generally less each year to water, saving us all more than a few dollars in HOA dues! 

After some weather delays, the $30,000 Xeriscape Grant project is finally underway

Though the project suffered a slow start from the wet weather we had in late April and May, look for the pace to quicken now, and final completion by early summer. We’ll keep you updated on the progress here in the Gazette, or better still, take a walk down to the entrance yourself on one of the fine mornings or evenings we’re now enjoying.  ~

We’re Still Looking for You!

By Randy Simpson

Your Andover Glen Board is still looking for that one AG Neighbor looking for a way to give something back to their neighborhood. If you think you might be interested,  please contact any board member about the responsibilities and duties.  If this sounds like it may interest you, then we’re looking for you! ~

Vigilance at its Best

By Derrick Laughlin

It was in the morning on May 11, 2009, a bright sunny and calm day (rare this past spring) for most but for others a morning filled with anxiety. Lynn Walton and Derrick Laughlin of 14307 E. Layton Drive made preparation and departure for Lynn and work at Tagawa Gardens, a short drop-off from Andover Glen. Within 5 minutes of leaving their home (approximately 9:47AM) a suspicious, dark colored compact vehicle parked on the northwest corner of E. Layton Drive on S. Crystal Street with 3 male individuals in tow. This did not go unnoticed however; Howard “Underdog” Shields was making his usual rounds in his backyard when he became curious about these individuals who now had exited their vehicle, speaking in close proximity for moments, then in a direct “B” line, two parties crossed E. Layton Drive to the southeast side of 14307 E. Layton Drive with a small back pack with intentions of entry. “Underdog” Shields senses keen and unwavered, began barking furiously, alerting his co-habitants, “Mim” and Royal Shields to his attention and query. Quickly appraising the situation, Royal, outside his home already, cautiously approached from a distance and inquired the intentions of these suspicious characters, now at the fence and attempting to climb over and gain entry to the backyard. A second of pause by the suspects allowed Royal to roust their efforts and send them back to the vehicle, fleet footed with one party trailing the car as it taxied and sped off.

Royal contacted the authorities while all of this transpired and by 10:10am and upon Derrick’s return, 3 Aurora Police Department squads appeared at the scene. It was obvious this household was “cased” for burglary.

Royal and Howard (aka “Underdog”) Shields—a dynamic Crime Fighting Duo!

Later, Royal and Howard gave accounts of their adventure and were declared honorary heroes for the month of May, with Underdog Shields giving most of the account, fielding most of the questions with direct, sharp, “barking” like answers. Soon after the event an Andover Glen Alert email was dispatched, putting most of the community on heightened alert. The alert system is a tremendous asset.

The AGHA email alert system is a group email which notifies those on the list of suspicious or police activity in the neighborhood. It also serves to inform AG residents of up and coming events helpful for each household.  It is voluntary to join so please consider being part of this neighborhood watch group by sending your email to Derrick Laughlin (cusleuth@comcast.net). All email addresses are kept confidential and used for this purpose only.  Right now we have about 20 AG families but we would like to have more.  Remember, there is power in numbers. Take a lesson from Royal and Howard and let’s look out for each other! ~

Call 303-627-3100 to report suspicious activity (APD Dispatch)

City of Aurora Code Enforcement 303-739-7280

www.aurorapolice.com

More Xeriscape Activity in AG Park—and a chance for you to help on June 27^th & 28^th

By Randy Simpson

In addition the xeriscape grant that AG received from the City of Aurora for the area along Parker Road, our neighborhood will also receive a rebate from the City for a smaller xeriscape project we’ll be doing in Andover Glen Park. The design centers on our tennis court area (including a walking path around the tennis courts) and three areas north of the creek. Approximately 6,200 square feet of grass will be eliminated, saving us costs of watering. There will be a total of 137 xeric plants to be installed under the plan, resulting in a rebate to Andover Glen of $4,084.

Volunteers Needed to Complete mulching in Andover Glen Park on June 27^th & 28^th

This xeriscape project will continue the beautification of Andover Glen and make our park even more usable, but in order to complete the project we’ll need volunteers to help with mulching and other tasks on June 27^th & 28^th. For more information and to sign up to help, please call Derrick Laughlin at 303-379-4616 or Dave Estes at 303-766-9166. ~

We are always looking for informative and interesting articles for the Gazette. If you have one you’d like to share,  please contact Randy Simpson at rgatess@yahoo.com

The Community Gardens at Andover Glen Park are growing along quite nicely!