News September 2019
Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in September? Yes, it's true! The first Oktoberfest in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage was celebrated in October. The years following the festival was moved to September to take advantage of the warmer nights. Now Oktoberfest in Munich is a 16-day celebration. Save the airfare and come to the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 21! Oktoberfest has become a great cultural experience sure to delight all ages. Start the day at the Highlands Ranch Town Center with the Oktoberfest 5K at 9:00 a.m. then come back to Town Center South for the traditional German festival from 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. bring your dachshund for the Dachshund races. Registration is 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place racers and best dressed! At 6:30 p.m. there will be a stein hoisting contest and the day will wrap up with a performance by Tripping Griswolds at 6:45 p.m. Little ones will enjoy magic, inflatables, and balloons to their heart’s content while you and your friends enjoy authentic German entertainment, cuisine and bier, all while enjoying a beautiful Colorado evening. • Saturday, September 21 • Free Admission • 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. • Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St. • Mandatory 21+ ID to purchase alcohol. Register for the 5K at www.HRraceseries.org. See more on page 6.
2020 budget planning The HRCA staff and Finance Committee are currently developing the 2020 Budget. HRCA staff will present their departmental budgets to the Finance Committee at weekly meetings through September. Each presentation will cover accomplishments, challenges, trends, and a discussion of analysis performed to build the 2020 budget, as well as each department’s proposed 2020 budget. HRCA will be uploading all draft budgets and presentations the day following the presentation to the Finance Committee. To see the full calendar of budget meetings, please visit: www.HRCAonline.org/Budget. The final budget, as recommended by the Finance Committee, will be presented to the Delegate body for review on Tuesday, October 15.
Outdoor Pool Closing Season Schedule The outdoor pools will close for the season September 2.
Northridge: Mon. - Fri., 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. , Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Southridge:
New Senior guide! Check out the new Senior Guide inside this newsletter.
Mon. - Fri., 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Eastridge: Mon. - Fri., 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Westridge: Monday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Pools for the most up-to-date schedules.
We're hiring! We are looking for good people to join our team. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs to see the current openings.
Jerry Flannery
CEO and General Manager is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
Summer is quickly changing into fall, and by now your children are back in school and another school year is underway. One thing is for certain, the activities in Highlands Ranch continue at a steady pace!
HRCA|Event/Weather Line
What to do in September:
HRCA|news
303-471-8888
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Jim Allen Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Krystal Woodbury
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8800 Broadway M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Copyright ©2019 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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The HRCA Fall Activity Guide has been delivered to your home and is filled with all kinds of information and things to do from programs and classes to September events! One that I am sure will catch your eye is Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days! HRCA is proud to be partnering with the Highlands Ranch Metro District to bring this event to you at the beautiful Highland Ranch Mansion on the September 5, 6, and 7! The event brings exhibits, reenactments, and history back to life! What would September be without our annual tribute to German Culture and the Oktoberfest? This event is scheduled for September 21 so make your plans now to be there! For more information, see page 1. Finally, we can’t forget the ever-popular Doggie Splash on September 7! Bring your puppy out to Westridge and have them take a dip in our pool! For all of these events and more, please check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events or your activity guide!
Project Updates: HRCA was busy this past summer updating the facilities and enhancing the amenities within our recreational areas. Some projects completed this year have included new playground equipment at the Eastridge Preschool, resurfacing of the Westridge track, Northridge locker room renovation, the replacement of the Southridge aquatic play structure, and enhancement of the Eastridge patio event space. Keep these improved amenities in mind as you are thinking about new activities to try.
2020 Budget Planning: The HRCA budget is prepared by staff and reviewed by the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is comprised of homeowners who are finance professionals and volunteer their time to help develop the annual budget. Several staff departments will be making presentations to the Finance Committee this month at their weekly Monday night meetings. Homeowners are encouraged to attend these meetings to better understand assessment rates along with the background of different departments. More information can be found online at www.HRCAonline/Budget.
Volunteer Spotlight: Our Volunteer of the Month is Melanie Pierce. Melanie attends Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she is studying cyber security. She has been volunteering with Therapeutic Recreation for three years. One of her favorite moments was at the first triathlon she helped with. "It was such a joy to cheer on the athletes as they participated and finished." On a personal note she adds, "Volunteering has changed my life. It has provided me happiness even in the most stressful times. It has taught me patience, flexibility, compassion, and humility." She hopes to continue volunteering while in college, and we wish her all the best in her bright future. Thanks Melanie, you are September’s Volunteer of the Month!
Community News Coming Soon - flu shots! Flu shots will be administered at Eastridge Recreation Center in the Monarch Room. Flu Shots are covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Administered by Walgreens Pharmacists. Flu Shot is the Quadrivalent Vaccine.
Tuesday, October 1 Price: $35.00 with no insurance - cash or check. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Remove Dead Trees on Property HRCA appreciates that, for homeowners, keeping your property consistently compliant with the Residential Improvement Guidelines does require regular maintenance and work that is not always convenient, but it is nonetheless required. Dead trees and shrubs are a violation of particular concern to HRCA this time of year. Just like mowing a lawn and pulling weeds, removing dead trees, dead limbs on trees, and shrubs is a required part of landscape maintenance in Highlands Ranch. Dead trees can become a home for pests and help spread disease and must be removed from property, in order to avoid receiving a violation letter. Similarly, dead shrubs must be removed.
Maintaining Fencing HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines (RIBs) require that all fencing be regularly maintained. The RIGs specify one permitted stain color, Highlands Ranch Fence Brown, as adopted by the HRCA Board of Directors in June 2018. Some sub-associations (i.e., Firelight, The Hearth, Falcon Hills, Timberline, and Falcon Hills South) require a different fence stain color, so please be sure to check with your sub-association if you have one to ensure your fence color is compliant. All fences must comply with this guideline and homeowners are required to submit an application for approval to the CIS Department before staining fences. For questions, go to www.HRCAonline.org/Fence. For all Residential Improvement Guidelines visit www.HRCAonline.org/Covenants.
Coffee with a Cop The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will be partnering with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to bring their Coffee with a Cop series to the Highlands Ranch Recreation Centers. This informal conversation give residents and business owners a chance to connect with police in a relaxed atmosphere. Join us on October 22 at Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road from 8:00 -10:00 a.m.
Avoid Common Covenant Violations One of the great things about living in Highlands Ranch is how wellmaintained our community is kept. Homeowners who put a lot of effort into keeping their properties looking nice ensure the aesthetic appeal of Highlands Ranch. Sometimes, however, life happens...and busy lives, or even lack of awareness of the Highlands Ranch Residential Improvement Guidelines, prevent homeowners from consistently maintaining their property, resulting in covenant compliance citations. Nobody likes receiving a violation letter, though at some point most residents will receive one– it is just part of living in a covenant controlled community. We encourage residents to view these letters as a reminder to keep their property compliant, and to respond as quickly as possible by correcting the violation. With very little effort, we can all help keep our neighborhoods looking as they should! Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact the Community Improvement Services department at 303-4718821 or go online to the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Covenants.
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Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days Take a trip back in time through the history of Colorado and Highlands Ranch. Returning for its eighteenth year, this three-day event brings the old west to life at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion with gold panning, pottery, a petting zoo, horse rides, llamas, Indian fry bread, fur trapping, and more! Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn while you watch a raptor and reptile show from Nature's Educators and Native American dancers. Take part in hands-on exhibits and a mansion tour from the Highlands Ranch Mansion Docents, and view historical artifacts presented by the Highlands Ranch Historical Society. In addition, horse drawn hay rack rides will provide views of the ranch not typically seen by the public. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. on September 5-7. On Thursday and Friday, local schools are invited to bring school children for a fun and informative field trip that showcases Colorado history. Families are welcome to attend all days of the event. Please note the Mansion parking lot is closed on Saturday, September 7. Parking for the free shuttle to the mansion will be available at Cherry Hills Community Church. Saturday’s shuttle starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 2:30 p.m. Handicapped parking will be available at the Mansion on Saturday only with valid handicapped permit. Tickets are available at the door only. Visit www.HRCAonline.org for more information. September 5-7, • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr.• Tickets (available only at the gate) are $5 (Ages 13+), $3 (Ages 3 - 12), Ages 2 and under are free.
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ranch updates Indoor garage sale Looking for an indoor alternative to sell your unwanted items? Are you in the market to find a treasure? Join us for a chance to not only sell your gently used goods but also come and shop! Applications for booth space is available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors. The cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members to purchase a booth space. Show is NOT open to commercial, professional businesses, or crafters. Saturday, September 28 • 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd. • Free to attend
Highlands Ranch Mansion “Paranormal Party” (21+ Only) Join the professionals from Spirit Paranormal Investigations for a night of frightening fun inside a real haunted mansion! The evening begins with a welcome reception in the ballroom and an open house where you can roam the halls in search of the many interactive spirits thought to be haunting this 100 year-old mansion. Then there will be a spooky presentation about ghosts and the haunted history of the Highlands Ranch Mansion where you will see and hear REAL paranormal evidence captured by Spirit Paranormal Investigations during years of formal investigations. Then it’s “lights out” as you join the team of expert ghost hunters for a live ghost hunt IN THE DARK! Bring your flashlights and cameras to capture your very own paranormal evidence. Ticket includes light snacks. Cash bar available. 21+. IDs will be checked. • Thursday, October 10 • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr. • Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door, if not sold out.
Cold Cases and Cocktails You’ve watched the documentaries, listened to the podcasts, read the true crime books– now join us for a presentation of Sex and Death: Sexually Driven Murders by Steve Ainsworth, retired Boulder Detective. Detective Ainsworth will take you through the motives for these chilling investigations and the process used to solve real crimes. Wednesday, October 23 • 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) • The Falls Event Center, 8199, Southpark Ct. Littleton • $20 per person in advance, includes one cocktail • Cash bar available • Mandatory 21+ IDs required • Presentation will contain graphic images and discussion.
Upcoming events Classics & Cocktails We’re bringing the classics back to the big screen with Friday matinées at Southridge. Enjoy classic films, an assortment of classic candies, and a signature cocktail! Each month we will feature a different film from the Golden Age of Cinema so grab some popcorn and your friends and take a trip down memory lane. We will conclude the series with a double feature in December for all ages! Cash bar available, must be 21+ with ID to purchase alcohol. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. unless specified. October 18: November 15: December 13 Double Feature:
House on Haunted Hill Singing in the Rain Miracle on 34th Street (Matinée) Christmas Vacation (Family-Family, All Ages) (6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
October 18, November 15, December 13, • 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Christmas Vacation 6:008:30 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. • Tickets $5 per person, does not include cocktails • Cash bar available.
Classical Music Series Coming in october! The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association brings you the Classical Music Series starting October 17. The Mansion’s historic solarium is the perfect setting for live music written at the turn of the century. The series will run three Thursday nights from October - December culminating with a special classical holiday performance in the Great Hall. Enjoy light appetizers and self-guided tours of the mansion. Go to www.HRCAonline.org/ Events for more information, dates, and the classical lineup. 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Doors open at 5:30 p.m. • $25 in advance, $30 at the door, if not sold out • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Dr. • October 17, November 14, and December 12 (Holiday Show)
Youth Cardiac Screening
DOGGIE SPLASH & PET EXPO Doesn’t man’s best friend deserve a day of leisure too? Join us as we open the outdoor pool at Westridge to our four-legged friends ONLY! Your social dog can enjoy a day of fun, swimming away the summer heat. The 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. hour is reserved for small dogs ONLY, 15 pounds and under and/or 15 inches in height and under. All dogs are welcome from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Dog owners may also enjoy a variety of pet exhibitors. Limit two dogs per adult. Dog owners must stay at event with dog(s). Dogs must be up to date on Rabies vaccine.
• Saturday, September 7 • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. is for small dogs only • Westridge Outdoor Pool, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd • $7/dog, in advance (nonrefundable) • $10/dog, at the door (nonrefundable) HRCA reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog at any time for any reason.
Upcoming events
Every parent wants to keep his or her child safe. For many parents of athletes, it's not just sprains and strains that cause anxiety; it's the possibility of an undiscovered heart condition. On September 14 at Westridge Recreation Center, Play With Heart, a local nonprofit, will be conducting Lead EKG cardiac screens on children from ages 7-19 years old to identify high risk and prevent sudden cardiac death. Screens are $25 per person. Space is limited, so register at www.HRCAonline.org today!
6-27 Farmers' Market (Sundays only)
September 14 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Westridge, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. • $25 per person
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Classical Music Series
18
Classics & Cocktails
October
10
Paranormal Party
12-13 Fall Craft Show
18-19 Haunted Forest 22
Coffee with a Cop
25 TR Spooktacular Dance 25-26 Haunted Hayride Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets
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HRCA Hosts Intermountain Jr. Tennis Sectionals HRCA was excited to host the Girl’s 12 Intermountain Sectionals at Northridge this summer. For three days spectators got the thrill and privilege of watching the best players compete from the Intermountain area which is comprised of players from Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, and the Dakotas. Competition among these awesome junior players was fierce, but Ms. Anika Sharma, a player from HRCA’s own backyard, took home the Girls 12’s Singles and Doubles Championship trophy! Not to be overshadowed, two HRCA 18 & over Adult League teams made it to district playoffs. These teams were Tim Laughlin’s Men’s 3.5 and Amy Keller’s Women’s 3.5 team! Congratulations to all players on a great summer season!
Classes, camps & activities Oktoberfest 5K The HR Race Series has one exciting event in September! Our annual Oktoberfest 5K kicks off HRCA’s Oktoberfest festivities on Saturday, September 21 and will be fun for the whole family. Participants will enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes at the finish and Living the Dream Brewing will be on hand pouring a free finisher’s cold one for our adult participants. Come out and enjoy the fun! For more information or to register visit www.HRraceseries.org.
Kick It Into High Gear This Fall! With the kids officially back to school, kick your exercise routine into high gear with our Impact Kickboxing class. This non-intimidating, heavy bag cardio kickboxing class will empower you to build muscle and increase strength and stamina. One member describes leaving each class as feeling stronger ready to take on the world! Don’t delay, secure your spot today. To register, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness or contact the Fitness Coordinator at dru.connolly@hrcaonline.org.
HRCA Girls Basketball League Join us this fall as we present the largest youth girls basketball league in Highlands Ranch! The HRCA Girls Basketball League features a seven-game season plus season ending jamboree or playoffs. All teams practice for one hour, once per week with games held on Saturdays. All practices and games are held at a variety of Highlands Ranch recreation centers or Douglas County schools. Volunteer coaches are needed! Get your friends together and come out and play! Registration deadline is Friday, September 6. For more information please contact Lisa Sheley at lsheley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8838.
SIGN UP NOW FALL SWIM LESSONS! NEW Saturday Lessons at Westridge Swim lessons are not just for summer! Sign up now for September - December classes and continue the positive results experienced during summer. Due to requests from participants, we have added new Saturday sessions being offered at Westridge. Visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8867, or email mindy.polete@hrcaonline.org for more information.
TRY SNORKEL & SCUBA AT HRCA Begin your underwater adventure at HRCA for snorkel or scuba diving. Learn the proper techniques involved for both on the surface and underwater with your certified PADI instructor. It’s fun, easy and will offer you a two hour introduction to begin discovering how much fun is possible for your next open water family vacation. More information can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8935, or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
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Infant Water Survival Class The Infant Swimming Resource experience is a comprehensive four-to-six-week program where each lesson is customized for the six-month-old infant to three-year-old child as they are safely guided through water survival skills. Is your family ready for safe water fun? For more Information and to enroll contact Jennifer Dombrowski at 303-330-8602, email j.potter@infantswim.com, or visit the web site www.infantswim.com.
All That Jazz!
School of Art! As children go back to school, we encourage you and your family to get involved in ART! Art has the power to exercise BOTH sides of the brain and support creative and focused outcomes! This month get your little one enrolled in The Art Shop by Art for Life: on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - Noon (ages 4-6), Drawing and Painting on Mondays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (ages 6-11), Jewelry Making: Saturday, September 7 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon (ages 7-12), Kids-N-Canvas by KidzArt: Friday, September 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (ages 5-12), Tie Dye and Duct Tape class: Friday, September 20 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (ages 7-12). If you’re looking for something for yourself, try our Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Watercolor, or Drawing from Life classes offered at Southridge. We are offering pottery classes for all ages too including Mud Pies (ages 3-5), Clay Creations (ages 3-5), Kids-N-Clay (ages 5-9) and Hand Building for Kids (ages 8-12) as well as adult offerings that will get you and your family back into the art of things this fall! For more information please email alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.
Pint Size Programs! As your older children head back to school, be sure to get your toddler involved in some fun classes too! This month we are offering Toddler and Me: Shines and Sparkles as well as Wind and Go Fly a Kite in the Sibling Rivalry class. Kreative Kids themes are Leafit-to-me!, Tree-mendous, Scarecrows, and Along came a Spider. The 2 Times the Fun September theme is All About Autumn and our Stepping Stones class will be focused on “Our 5 Sense”. These great programs give you a bit of a break and give your child a chance to practice important social skills! Classes run throughout the week between 9:00 a.m. and Noon and are held in the Westridge Osprey room. This is a wonderful, bright, and beautiful room with direct access to the bathroom and the playground! Classes are for children ages 18 months to 5 years. Join us! For more information, please email hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.
Our fall session of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Irish Step are getting ready to kick off for the season! We offer classes for all ages and abilities and our instructors are very seasoned and offer a variety of instruction styles to suit any learner. We offer seasonal recitals and classes that help children and adults develop and hone their skills. The Winter Recital is “Gumdrop Gala” so be sure to join us! For more information, please email alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.
Haunted Forest Tickets on Sale September 15 Autumn winds are ready to blow open the gates of the Haunted Forest on October 18 and 19. For two nights only, your nightmares will be revealed behind every tree and bush. Tickets will be sold in 30-minute increments. Do you know anyone who would make a gruesome ghoul or wants to help setup the Haunted Forest? We have multiple volunteer service hours available at www. VolunteerConnectDC.org, search Backcountry Wilderness Area. For more information, email lindsey. mckissick@hrcaonline.org and visit www.HRCAonline.org/HauntedForest.
Camp Backcountry Off-Season Camps Kickoff September 20 Camp Backcountry isn't just a summer camp ... it's an all-year-long camp! Nearly every day that Douglas County Schools (and most neighboring districts) are out of class, we're ready for a full-day adventure at Base Camp. The flexible camp schedule allows families to choose single-day or full-break camp options to accommodate vacations and work schedule with Camp Backcountry days filled with exploring and hands-on environmental learning! Check out dates for Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Bonus Days that run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for campers ages 7+. For more information, email annakate.hein@hrcaonline.org and visit www.campbackcountry.org.
Sign up for Fall Classes and Programs Now!
For Backcountry information: www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/hrcabackcountry
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures September 2
All facilities - 6:00 p.m. for Labor Day Administration offices - all day
September 2
All outdoor pools for the season
September 21
Northridge - noon for Oktoberfest
September 27-28 Eastridge Basketball courts for Indoor Garage Sale Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 08/31/19
Community Partners The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
September Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. September 1-29.
Farmers’ Market - (Sundays only)
September 5-7. . . . Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days September 7 . . . . Doggie Splash and Pet Expo September 9 . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. September 17 . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. September 21 . . . . Oktoberfest 5K and Celebration September 28 . . . . Indoor Garage Sale * These meetings are open to our members.