NEWS
February 2022 HRCA ELECTIONS QUICKLY APPROACHING
SNOW REMOVAL GUIDELINES With Colorado's snowiest months on the way, please take a few moments to learn more about snow operations in Highlands Ranch. As a resident, snow is sure to come and we want you to be prepared, and know who does what in the community as far as snow removal. Douglas County is responsible for snow removal on all public streets, not private streets, in Highlands Ranch. Trails and sidewalks along major arterials or streets are the responsibility of the Highlands Ranch Metro District. HRCA removes snow only from its property on which the four Recreation Centers sit. Homeowners are responsible for snow removal on their own sidewalks and driveways. Douglas County has an ordinance that requires homeowners to remove snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the snow storm. To report a resident to Douglas County that has not shoveled within 24 hours, call 303-660-7480.
Highlands Ranch has all the amenities of a town, but its governance is completely unique. Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community, with HRCA providing community leadership, first-class recreational facilities, events, architectural control, and covenant enforcement. HRCA also owns and manages the Backcountry Wilderness Area. The community’s municipal services, parks, and trails are handled by Highlands Ranch Metro District, while water and sanitation services are through Centennial Water and Sanitation District. HRCA is governed by a fivemember board who are elected by our community's District Delegates. Delegates make recommendations to the Board of Directors on various matters outlined in the Community Declaration. The Board of Directors, serving twoyear staggered terms sets policy for the HRCA. Your Delegate is your voice for neighborhood and HRCA matters. Delegates meet monthly and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on important matters that impact our community. HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Three Directors will be elected by District Delegates on March 22 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. Watch your mail in March as your ballot will be coming and your vote is important. For more on delegates, board, and elections, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Leadership. (story continued on page 3)
FACILITY HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY: 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. SATURDAY - SUNDAY: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Scott Lemmon, Brock Norris, Melissa Park Dan DeBacco
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
RECREATION CENTER AT EASTRIDGE 9568 University Blvd.
RECREATION CENTER AT WESTRIDGE 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.
RECREATION CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2022 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.
2 | February 2022
MIKE BAILEY Interim CEO and General Manager Hello - I'm Mike Bailey, the interim General Manager and CEO for the HRCA. Most of you know me as the Director of Community Improvement Service Department for the last 16 years. I look forward to working with you and the Board to continue to serve Highlands Ranch and bring outstanding programs, services and events to our community.
Delegate. Also, when you receive a proxy card in the mail; please take time to vote for the candidate running in your district and return it via email, mail or drop box. This helps Delegates get the votes that they need for election and saves HRCA an additional expense of holding a second election for any vacancies not filled.
Snow Removal: Mother Nature is always full of surprises, but spring weather may bring snowstorms. As a reminder, all homeowners should clear the sidewalks in front of their homes. Douglas County enforces their ordinance that requires sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a storm. We encourage you to please abide by this ordinance that promotes the safety of children and pedestrians.
questions from a few members as to why they have had to continue to pay assessments when they don’t use the recreation centers. HRCA is funded almost exclusively on homeowner’s dues. We run an organization with almost 830 parttime and full-time employees, programming for all ages and interests, four world class recreational facilities, and 8,000 acres of open space where families camp, hunt, and recreate. All of these amenities create value for property owners and have withstood the economic downturn of the last 10 years. This value is added and realized on properties when they are sold, regardless of whether an individual uses all of the amenities or not. More specifically, a homeowner signs a contract to pay their dues and abide by the covenants and declarations of the community when they purchase a house. This contract is binding and outlines the obligation of a homeowner to pay their dues for the betterment of the overall community. To offset one population would only increase the burden on what the other residents have to pay because the cost of running such a large corporation does not change.
Events: This month we are hosting a calendar full of events. Some of the highlights include the Winter Cultural Series; Father Daughter Sweetheart Ball, and Superheroes Unite! Be sure to check out our calendar at www.HRCAonline.org for more information about dates, times, and tickets.
HRCA Elections: HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Three Board of Director positions will be elected by District Delegates on March 22 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. This year Delegates will be elected for even numbered and vacant districts. Volunteers are always needed to serve as Delegates. Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by February 17 if you are interested in running for District
Assessment Dues: I have received
COMMUNITY NEWS HRCA ELECTIONS (continued from page 1) Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by February 17 if you are interested in running for District Delegate, or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Elections. Find your delegate by accessing the District Delegate map at www.HRCAonline.org/DistrictMap.
2022 HIGHLANDS RANCH COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE APPROACHING SOON! Community Scholarship Fund The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization created in 2003, provides postsecondary education scholarships for graduating seniors residing in Highlands Ranch or attending a Highlands Ranch high school. The program provides scholarships to selected applicants entering their first year of post-secondary education at an accredited institution or vocational-technical school. A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to selected students who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in their community and school through volunteering, along with academic performance and future educational aspirations and goals.
ONLINE FORM FOR COVENANT VIOLATIONS The Community Improvement Services Department continues to respond to every violation that is submitted to our department. Just a reminder as we kick off the New Year that all violations can easily be submitted online via our web site. There is a short form to fill out for your convenience at www.HRCAonline.org/covenantviolation. If you are interested in reading more about how our violation process works, you can find all the information located at the link www.HRCAonline.org/violationprocedures.
Applicants are responsible for the completion of the application and submission of all supporting documentation to: Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126 Attn: Linda Dorré The application must be postmarked prior to, or hand-delivered to the preceding address by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Complete program guidelines and application can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Scholarships.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND YARD SIGNAGE/FLAGS It is the start of the New Year and 2021 celebrations and holidays are a thing of the past. Please remove all holiday decorations and lighting by January 31, 2022. As a reminder, all holiday lighting and decorations are allowed to be put up 30 days prior to the holiday and need to be down within 30 days after. There has been a lot of discussion with signs and flags at the end of 2021. In accordance with Colorado law, the HRCA does not prohibit or regulate the display of flags, yard signs, or window signs on the basis of their subject matter, message, or content. We can address the maintenance of the signs/flags, the number depending on the season (political or not) and the quantity. There are an incredible amount of messages being displayed out there which may cause offense to residents so please remember to be respectful of your neighbor and keep your messages ‘clean.’
HRCA Committee Openings Volunteer committees are the backbone of HRCA. These committees lead and shape the future of Highlands Ranch. HRCA committees play an important role in administering the board policies of the HRCA. Standing committees include Architectural Control, Finance, and Development Review. These committees provide reports to Delegates and to Board members with staff input for the betterment of the HRCA systems, policies and procedures, and overall management objectives. Residents are invited to serve on various committees; so join us and make a difference in your community. Viisit www.HRCAonline.org/Committees to see the current openings.
HRCAonline.org | 3
RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH - PAIN MANAGEMENT 2022 WINTER CULTURAL SERIES The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is excited to announce the 2022 Winter Cultural Series! Treat yourself to an evening of culture close to home as we kick off the series on Thursday, February 3 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Cherry Hills Community Church Chapel, 3900 Grace Blvd., with a performance by Michael Friedman Band. Tickets are $9.00 per person. Get tickets at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. Don't miss the entire series: Thursday, February 3 Michael Friedman Band – All Jazzed Up Thursday, February 17 Denver and District Pipe Band Thursday, March 3 Colorado Chord Company Barbershop Chorus Thursday, March 17 Fiesta Colorado Dance Company
CALLING ALL NON PROFITS! Is your organization looking to increase its volunteer pool? Do you want to let the community know about your organization and opportunities to volunteer? Then we have the event for you! As part of the National Volunteer Appreciation Week, HRCA is hosting its annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, April 19, from 4:00 7:00 p.m. at Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Consider joining us! Please visit our web site for more information at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
4 | February 2022
Join our special guest Doctor Narayana Varhabhatla from UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital for our Virtual Health Series. Discussion will include common pain management issues. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions and get answers. The session is free, but pre-registration is required. Sign up at www.HRCAonline.org/YourHealth. Wednesday, February 2 • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Zoom
FATHER & DAUGHTER SWEETHEART BALL Make memories that will last a lifetime at the annual Father & Daughter Sweetheart Ball. The ball takes place at Highlands Ranch Mansion. The occasion will include dancing, dining, and a commemorative photo. Upon arrival, each child will receive a special necklace. There will be a $3 per person fee for carriage rides at the event. • • • •
Friday, February 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E Gateway Drive $25 per person, in advance • Carriage rides, $3 per person
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SWEETHEART DANCE The TR Program is hosting our Sweetheart Dance Party on Friday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Southridge. Participants ages 16 and up can look forward to an evening of dancing, fun, food and prizes. Don’t miss out on this night of fun with friends! For information about the Therapeutic Recreation Program offerings, class pricing and availability please contact 303-471-7043 or summer.aden@hrcaonline.org. We are grateful for our volunteers who support the program to make each of our services possible. If you’d like to join our volunteer team we’re currently looking for those interested in helping assist participants in programs. You can find more information on our web page at www.HRCAonline.org/TR.
BATTING CAGES OPENING WEEKEND MARCH 5-6 The opening weekend for the Batting Cages at Westridge is the first weekend in March, from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Festivities include season pass discounts. Don't miss out! Visit www.HRCAonline.org/ Battingcages for more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS VIRTUAL COCKTAILS TO GO - VALENTINE EDITION WITH LEOPOLD BROS. Featuring Cocktails for Valentine’s Day! Join us for a romantic twist on our virtual Take & Make Tasting. Get in the mood for Valentine’s Day with some delicious cocktails that will make your heart swoon! Must be 21+ to participate. For tickets visit www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets Wednesday, February 9 • 6:00 p.m. • $38 per person • Must be 21+ to participate
COLD CASES AND COCKTAILS You’ve watched the documentaries, listened to the podcasts, read the true crime books. Now join us for a live presentation of the 1991 United Bank robbery investiagation presented by Denver PD Lt Jon Priest (ret), former Denver Police Commander of Major Crimes. You'll get a peek behind the scenes of a real-life investigation! Price includes one complimentary beverage. Cash bar available. Thursday, February 24 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Doors open at 6:00 p.m. • Southridge Auditorium • 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. • $27 per person • Mandatory 21+ ID required.
HRCA JOB FAIR ON FEBRUARY 21
SUPERHEROES UNITE! On February 19, your little superhero can enjoy a morning of snacks, fun, and SUPERHEROES! Join us for an awesome morning with Captain Marvel and Captain America as they put your little superhero through superhero training. Guests will enjoy snacks, beverages, and a small token for the kiddos to take home. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and each participant must purchase a ticket (children and adults). Dressing up in your favorite superhero costume is encouraged! No children under 2 please. Get tickets at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. Saturday, February 19 • $15 per person • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. • No refunds.
Be a part of our team! HRCA is hosting an HRCA-only Job Fair on Monday, February 21, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon in the community room at Eastridge Recreation Center. Virtual interviews will be available from 1:00 - 5:00 that same afternoon. We invite you to come talk to us about the current job openings. Please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs to view all open positions and submit an application. Applications can be submitted prior to the Job Fair, or laptops will be available to complete an application at the event. When submitting an application, please enter JOB FAIR for how you heard about the position. Join us to meet department supervisors, and interview for open positions upon application approval. Masks are highly encouraged at the Job Fair. All dates are subject to change, or cancellation based on schedule changes or COVID. Based on COVID protocols at the time of the Job Fair we may switch to an all virtual event.
UPCOMING EVENTS - MARCH 3 9 12 17 19
Winter Cultural Series - Colorado Chord Company Barbershop Chorus UCHealth Series - Colon Health Princess Tea Party Winter Cultural Series - Fiesta Colorado Dance Company Spring Craft Bazaar Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
CALLING ALL VENDORS! Want to be an exhibitor in the upcoming Spring Craft Bazaar on March 19! Don't wait! Applications are available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
HRCAonline.org | 5
ADULT LEAGUE TENNIS SEASON IS HERE! League tennis offers players of all ages and ability the opportunity to play other teams of like ages and abilities. If this will be your very first-time playing league tennis, welcome! If you are trying to get back into the game, or even if you are a decades long seasoned league player or Captain, welcome back! Regardless of whatever category you fit in, we are sure you’ll find that HRCA’s league menu offers what you are looking for regarding your recreational and competitive needs. HRCA offers the country’s largest recreational tennis leagues, providing organized, competitive matches for players at all levels. All calendar and registration information is now available at the Northridge Tennis Pavilion for your convenience. For more information or help on how to get started playing league tennis, contact Marianne McCauley at 303-471-8940 or mmccauley@hrcaonline.org.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES 2022 HR Race Series The 2022 race series is officially open for registration! Our first race of the series will kick off with our Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K on March 19 in Town Center. Make sure you take advantage of our lowest prices of the season and get you and your family registered! For all event registration, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities and more information please head to www.HRRaceSeries.org for more information.
HRCA Indoor Flag Football League As every Colorado native knows, April showers bring May... SNOW! Don’t leave your child’s flag football season up to Mother Nature! Come out of the cold and join the HRCA Indoor Flag Football League. This league is for boys and girls ages 7-12 and features six games plus a season ending tournament with one hour practice per week. Season begins the week of April 12 and runs through June 11. Registration deadline is Friday, March 11. For more information or to volunteer coach please contact Kodey Stauffer at kodey.stauffer@hrcaonline.org 303-471-7039. Remember at the Westridge indoor turf it’s always sunny and 70!
Try Scuba and Snorkel SOUND HEALING RELAXATION! Beginning in January we have added the specialty class of Sound Healing to our schedule. Sound Healing is a practice that uses vibrations from different instruments (Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, gong... ) in order to relax your mind and body. On a deeper level, the vibrations eliminate tensions, reduce stress, and stimulate circulation flow. The sound waves gently clear blockages to restore inner harmony. During a Sound Healing session, listeners experience a sense of connectedness and wellbeing. Sound healing sessions take place on Mondays 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesdays 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at our Northridge Yoga studio. Register for classes online at www.HRCAonline.org/ Specialtyfit and email katie.ireland@ hrcaonline.org with any questions.
6 | February 2022
Begin your underwater adventure at HRCA and enroll in 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. Learn more & enroll online today at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
Join HRCA Aquatic Team - Where Work is Fun! HRCA currently has opportunities for ages 15 and older for swim coaches, instructors, lifeguards, and pool party hosts. Join a wonderful organization that offers very competitive starting salaries, employee discounts for many HRCA programs and very flexible work schedules. All certifications and uniforms are provided free to qualified applicants. Apply today for immediate consideration or for the upcoming summer season. What are you waiting for? Learn more and apply on-line TODAY at www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES February Sampling This month we are offering a variety of classes for you and your family to check out! For the adults in the family, try your hand at something new! Calligraphy, Knitting, Drawing and Painting, Watercolor, Zen Doodle, Cowboy Cha Cha Couples Dance, Hand Building Pottery, Wheel Pottery, and Financials Seminars, are some of the February classes we encourage you to try! For the kids in your family, we have a number of fun classes that will stretch their imagination! Cooking classes like Hearts Ahoy, Mystery Basket, and the Apps Class, a variety of ballet classes, Music Together, and Crocodile Rock music classes, Play with Clay Pottery, Clay Creations Pottery, and a variety of other classes are a wonderful way to engage your child in something fun and educative! For more information, please email Alecia at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.
SCHOOL OUT DAYS This month kids are out of school on February 18th and 21st. HRCA is hosting a couple of one day camps on these days. Real World Robotics, offered in the morning on the 18th , will have kids using LEGO bricks to create robotics that are inspired by real life technology. Poke-Heroes will use LEGO bricks to create their own Pokémon worlds in the afternoon of the 18th. Both of these camps are for children ages 5-12. For those kids that like to be in the kitchen, try our All-Stars Chef Special Camp at Southridge. This camp runs in the morning on Monday the 21st. For more information on these one-day camps, contact Heather at hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.
The Month of Love! February is the month of love, and we encourage you to get your child enrolled in these fun Valentine featured classes! 2 Times the Fun’s theme is Red Hearts and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at Westridge. Sibling Rivalry themes are Hearts and Hot Chocolate on Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Kreative Kids themes this month include Candy Heart. These classes are on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Red, Red, and More Red is the February theme for this month’s Stepping Stones which begins February 3 and runs 9:00 -11:30 a.m. at Westridge. All of these classes are for children ages 3-5 and are a wonderful way to help your child develop independence, meet friends and practice other social and emotional skills. For more information, please visit www.HRCAonline.org or email Heather at hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.
Winter Weather Trail Use The Wildcat Mountain trails are closed through March 31 to allow wintering wildlife a place to bed down and conserve energy until spring starts to provide green sprouts of nourishment. While those trails are a no-go, the Highlands Point trail system is a great option as long as you mind your winter trail use etiquette. 1. Be aware of snowy, icy, and muddy conditions and how your trail use can impact the trails, your safety, and others. 2. Muddy trails are a no-go. Please stay off muddy trails and do not hike or walk around mud as it does harm to the trails. 3. Check conditions. If there is snow is your yard, the trails are snowy too. If it’s below freezing the trails are likely ok, but above freezing will mean mud.
THREE BACKCOUNTRY PROGRAMS TO TRY THIS FEBRUARY Silver Saddles, February 10 & 24: Silver Saddles Horsemanship Program (ages 55+) will be a great way to learn new skills, spend time outdoors, and interact with new friends. This drop-in program is ground-work only (no riding).
Camp Backcountry School Break Camp, February 18 & 21: Take a break from the books and come join us for an unforgettable adventure! Bonus days are the perfect opportunity for both new and returning campers to come explore with us during the school year.
Constellations & Cocoa, February 19: Take in the night sky with a cup of cocoa in-hand! Bring a picnic dinner to eat around the campfire, along with a blanket or camp chairs to sit on as astronomers use their know-how and telescope to teach on the constellations of the winter sky. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/backcountry to register.
HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY CLOSURES February 13
All recreation centers early closure at 5:00 p.m. for Superbowl Sunday
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 1/31/22
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).
FEBRUARY EVENTS
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. February 2
UCHealth Series - Pain Management
February 3
Winter Cultural Series - Michael Friedman Band
February 4-5 Father & Daughter Sweetheart Ball February 7
Board Working Session* 5:30 p.m.
February 9
Virtual Cocktails to Go - Valentine Edition with Leopold Bros.
February 11
Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance
February 15
Delegate & Board Meeting* 5:30 p.m.
February 17
Winter Cultural Series - Denver & District Pipe Band
February 19
Superheroes Unite!
February 21
HRCA Job Fair
February 24
Cold Cases and Cocktails
* These meetings are open to our members.