News September 2016
Celebrating 35 years!
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technology changes to come for HRCA The HRCA is in the process of upgrading our recreational and financial software packages in order to make interfacing with the HRCA easier and more efficient for the organization. The existing systems have been in place for nearly two decades, and this upgrade will bring the technology of the organization into the 21st Century! The benefits of the system upgrade will have long-term advantages for you and the HRCA. The new NetSuite Financial Software will: •
Give direct access to your complete assessment payment information.
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Comprehensive covenant information can be accessed and managed.
The PerfectMind Recreation Software will: •
Simplify registration for classes, camps, activities and event ticket purchases in three clicks or less!
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Ability to rent a recreation center meeting space or book a party online.
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To create your new account online, we need your help! You will need to send your full name, property address, and primary email address to technologyupgrade@hrcaonline.org, so it can be input into the new system.
As we continue development and implementation, look for more exciting information in the coming months!
2017 Budget Planning The HRCA Finance Committee and staff are currently developing the 2017 Budget. Budget meetings are held weekly through mid-October. Meetings are open to the public. To see the calendar, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Budgets.
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Learn to Swim Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Exciting New Program Preschool children will take a journey from Tadpole through Frog and schoolage children will take an adventure swimming from Turtle through Dolphin skill levels. All weekday classes have been extended to eight lessons over four weeks, with many increasing in length from 30 to 45 minutes. Many of the individual class sizes have been reduced to improve the teaching time for each student. A chart, schedules for individual sessions, class locations, and times are on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/SwimLessons. All the information about the new features and links to register are ready now for you to review at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim for easy 24/7 online enrollment. Classes are filling quickly so don’t wait to sign up for the remainder of 2016. Do you have questions? Contact diane.ball@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8935.
We're hiring! We are always looking for great employees to join our team. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs
Jerry Flannery CEO and General Manager HRCA|news is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-791-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 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
Summer has come and is winding down into fall. 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! The HRCA fall Activity Guide has been delivered to your homes and is filled with all kinds of information and things to do from programs and classes to September - December events! Remember, the Farmers' and Street Market continues to be very successful and will run through October on Sundays.
What’s to do in September: The month of September has plenty of fun activities scheduled. One event that I am sure will catch your eye is Highlands Ranch Days! HRCA is proud to be partnering with the Highlands Ranch Metro District to bring this event to you at the beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion on September 8, 9, and 10. The event itself brings exhibits, reenactments and history back to life! The ever popular Doggie Splash is on September 10! Bring your puppy out to Westridge and have them take a dip in our pool. If you love dancing and the nostalgic sounds of the '40s, join us for the Big Band Dance Night at the Mansion on September 16, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. And, what would September be without our annual tribute to our German heritage and culture at Oktoberfest! This event is scheduled for September 17 so make your plans now to be there! The event is free and will be held at Town Center South from 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. We have had great success with the Cigar and Spirit Pairing event and have brought it back to Southridge Recreation Center on the September 24, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Our Computer/Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding event is one of our biggest events. It will be held on September 24, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. As an added security precaution, be sure that you properly erase important data from all of your computers and copiers. For all of these events and more, please check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events or your Activity Guides!
Reminders: The seasons change and daylight gets shorter in duration and plants begin to prepare for the winter season. As homeowners, you should also take time to prepare for the colder months ahead by removing dying plants or gardening equipment and storing or disposing of them properly. Your lawns may also need less water, but still need to be irrigated to a certain degree.
Volunteer Spotlight: The Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Department would like to recognize Mia Menard. Mia has been volunteering faithfully for TR Tri Camp this summer to ready the TR athletes for upcoming races. The Community Relations Department would also like to recognize the HRCA Ranch Hands. The July 4th Parade and Celebration and all of our community events would not have been possible without their help.
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 Š2016 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 | September 2016
quarterly assessments Check out page one of the newsletter for exciting news regarding your assessment account! Please help HRCA save costs and the environment by signing up for E-Statements. To receive your invoice via email please visit the following link: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/signup.
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Avoiding Common Covenant Violations One of the great things about living in Highlands Ranch is how well-maintained our community is. From the Metro Districts who keep our parks and open spaces looking beautiful, to our homeowners who keep their properties looking nice, a lot of work goes into ensuring 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. While violation letters can be upsetting for some people, we encourage residents to view them as a reminder to keep their property compliant, and to respond as quickly as possible by correcting the violation. Better yet, avoiding a covenant violation on the front end can save you time. Over the next several newsletters, the HRCA compliance department would like to share information about how homeowners can easily avoid some of the more common covenant violations. With very little effort, we can all help keep our neighborhoods looking as they should!
“Unsightly Material”: This common compliance issue can be avoided by keeping tools, landscape materials, gardening items, home improvement project materials, etc. in the garage or a shed. An easy rule of thumb is, does this item make sense to be kept in my yard or on my porch or driveway? Would a picture advertising our community contain these items in a photo of a house? If the answer is no, you are likely in violation of the “Unsightly Material” guideline. Properly store these materials out of sight in a shed or garage to avoid receiving a violation letter. If you do receive a letter, simply put the items in storage as soon as you receive the notice and your property will be checked in follow-up and updated in our files as compliant. As always, if you have questions about the residential guidelines or about a compliance letter you have received, HRCA staff is happy to help and can be reached at 303-471-8821.
Coming Soon - flu shots! Flu shots will be administered at Eastridge Recreation Center in October. Watch for more details to follow.
Judge’s Choice Award Winner Announced Eventide Rhythm by Joan Benefiel on display at the Recreation Center at Eastridge is the winner of the $1,000 Judge’s Choice Award for this year’s exhibition of Art Encounters. Five jurisdictions have placed 27 outdoor sculptures including the seven the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association has placed around Highlands Ranch. Rose Federick, curator for the PACE Center in Parker, visited each piece and made her decision. Rose said, “I thought it was a lovely surprise, tucked in with the trees near the entrance. Though it's smaller than a lot of the public art we normally see, and not necessarily interactive, it is mesmerizing and, I believe, gives people something to think about. What tipped me over the edge for this piece was that, in your mission, you state the desire of the program to "create conversation, thoughtfulness, emotions, meaning and creativity...." This piece out of all the others, in my mind, accomplished this the best, while also feeling like it absolutely belongs there.” Art Encounters also awarded a $1,000 Peoples’ Choice Award in July to Janene DiRice-Cable for "Flutter-by." For more information about art in Highlands Ranch and to vote for your favorite visit www.HRCAonline.org/CAA.
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Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in September? Yes, 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 sixteen-day celebration. Save the airfare and come to the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 17. Start the day with the Oktoberfest 5K at 9:00 a.m. then come back for the German festival from 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. Register for the 5K at www.HRraceseries.com. Enjoy German food, music, dancing, entertainment, and, of course, great bier. Oktoberfest has become a great cultural experience sure to delight. At 3:30 p.m. bring your dachshund for the annual Dachshund Races. Registration is 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place racers and best dressed! Happy Hour Specials! Join us from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. $1.00 off biers, $2.00 off steins, and more! The little ones will enjoy magic, inflatables, and balloons to their heart’s content while you and your friends imbibe in authentic German entertainment, cuisine and bier, all while enjoying a beautiful Colorado evening. New this year, join us for a German Ninja Warriors competition! Work your way through the obstacle course to win great prizes! Course registration begins at 4:00 p.m. with the races starting at 4:30 p.m.! • Saturday, September 17 • 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. • Town Center South
4 | September 2016
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upcoming events
Highlands Ranch Days The old west comes to life at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion with a tipi, gold panning, pottery, horse-drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, llamas, Indian fry bread, fur trapping, and more! Entertainment features Native American singers and dancers, banjo music, and Hawk Quest. Take part in hands-on exhibits and a mansion tour. The mansion parking lot is closed on Saturday, September 10. Parking for the free shuttle to the mansion will be available at Mountain Vista High School’s east lot. Saturday’s shuttle starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs continuously until the last shuttle at 1:30 p.m. Visit the web site for more information, photos and the schedule of events. September 8 - 10, • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Tickets (available only at the gate) are $5 for ages 13 and up and $3 for children ages 3 - 12. (Ages 2 and under are free.)
Big Band Dance Night The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association brings you a night of big band music and dancing! The Highlands Ranch Swing Shift Band will perform big band and jazz music that will have you up and dancing! Kirsten Forbes and Jamie Durbin will provide vocals to the performers. The Highlands Ranch Mansion is a beautiful setting and a fabulous venue for dancing. Light appetizers are included in the ticket price and a cash bar is available. 21+ only. Friday, September 16 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. • $20 in advance, $25 day of event, if not sold out.
Cigar and Spirit Pairing Back by popular demand! Are you a cigar aficionado? Would you like to learn more about cigars, the history, and how to make your own? How about what beverages go with different varieties of cigars? Davidsons Liquors, Whole Foods Market Highlands Ranch, and HRCA are excited to bring you a special evening in the Ranch! Ticket price includes three different hand-rolled cigars, spirits paired with each cigar, and appetizers. All will be enjoyed on the patio at the Recreation Center at Southridge. This program benefits the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. Saturday, September 24 • 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. • $30 in advance, $35 day of event, if not sold out • Recreation Center at Southridge • 21+ or older, IDs will be checked
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Upcoming events
Computer/Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding Properly and safely dispose of old computer and electronic components with Techno Rescue. A suggested $20 donation will benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. TVs, $40 each, up to 42” accepted on site (over 42” accepted at Techno Rescue.) Shred sensitive papers with XpresShred. Limit of three small bags or small boxes of confidential paper (additional small bags/boxes accepted for $5 each.) No trash, magazines, phone books, or newspapers, please. Saturday, September 24 • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Kaiser Permanente Parking Lot (Lucent & Highlands Ranch Parkway) Trash is not accepted.
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! Your social dog (no humans in the pool) can enjoy a fun day of swimming. Dog owners may enjoy exhibitors, concessions. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations with current rabies tags or a copy of the vet’s records for admittance. Limit two dogs per adult. Dog owners must stay at the event with their pet.
Looking for an indoor alternative to sell your unwanted items? Or 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.
• Saturday, September 10 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Westridge Outdoor Pool • $5/dog, in advance (nonrefundable) • $10/dog, day of event (nonrefundable)
An application for booth space is available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors. $10 for members, $20 for non-members to purchase a booth space. Show is not open to commercial, professional businesses, or crafters.
The HRCA reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog at any time for any reason.
indoor garage sale
Saturday, October 1 • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Free to attend
Classical Music Series Coming Next Month! The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the Highlands Ranch Mansion partner to bring you the Classical Music Series starting October 13. 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 with a special classical holiday performance in the Great Hall. Enjoy appetizers while listening to pre-show entertainment highlighting young musicians beginning at 5:30 p.m. See the web site for more information, dates, and the classical lineup. 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Doors open at 5:30p.m. • $20 in advance, $25 day of event, if not sold out • Highlands Ranch Mansion • October 13, November 17, and December 15
Therapeutic Recreation is looking for donations for the Indoor Garage Sale to benefit their program. See page 6 for more details.
Pet Expo Want a four-legged friend? There will be adoption shelters on site for you to adopt a dog. Come explore pet adoptions, supplies, services, and more at the Pet Expo adjacent to the Doggie Splash. Free and open to the public.
Upcoming events October 1 Indoor Garage Sale 2-30 Farmers' & Street Market (Sundays only) 8-9 Fall Craft Show 13 Classical Music Series 20
Paranormal Party
21-22 Haunted Forest 28
TR Spooktacular Dance
28-29 Haunted Hayride 29
Trick-or-Treat Street
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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Classes, camps & activities
HRCA Girls Basketball League
OKTOBERFEST 5K Dust off that lederhosen and start training for this fun and festive 5K on Saturday, September 17. The Oktoberfest 5K combines your love for running with Oktoberfest festivities for the whole family. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. and will kick-start the HRCA Oktoberfest event which follows later in the day in Town Center. Entry fee includes t-shirt, post-race party, free beer for all participants over 21, and more! For more information or to register visit: www.HRraceseries.com.
Tennis Socials Bring the Fun Indoors! Give your game the competitive edge and take it up a notch while having fun at HRCA’s tennis socials! Held on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Northridge Tennis Pavilion, our tennis socials keep your game sharp. Grab a friend, a snack to share, and your racquet, and have a blast on court for the evening while being led by one of HRCA’s awesome tennis professionals. All socials are open level and purely recreational, and our first fall social is September 9! Space is limited in order that everyone gets a chance to play, so stop in the pavilion or call 303-471-8996 to register today!
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Is your daughter interested in playing basketball? Now is the time to sign up for the Fall Girls Basketball League! Our Girls Basketball League consists of a seven-game season followed by a season-ending jamboree or single elimination playoff. Practices are held once per week for one hour and are based on coach availability. Volunteer coaches are needed! For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8869.
New! Fall Fitness Schedule We are pleased to announce exciting new additions, POP Pilates and TRX Intervals, to our drop-in fitness schedule starting in September! Check out this and many other incredible fitness classes offered here at the HRCA. Our staff boasts many years of experience and their expertise is second to none. Take advantage of the best of the best, right here in your community. For more information, please call 303-471-8916 or visit us at www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness.
Go for the Gold at HRCA Has watching the Olympics inspired you or someone in your family? HRCA offers aquatic programs for all skill levels from Parent/Tot through the Dolphin level of the Learn to Swim Program for the basics of strong swimming. Ready for more? Our Coached & Competitive Youth Program has been the foundation for all youth programs in the community for the past 35 years and continues to flourish. Seahawks Drill Academy, Conditioning Camp, and Elite provide a great opportunity for team building and endurance and honing technique for competitive swimmers. Don’t worry adults, HRCA has many choices of swim programs to fit all goals and skill levels offered at times to fit any schedule. You even have the opportunity to work with Susan Williams, who was the 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Triathlon. Visit our Swim Info Center at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim for all the details or call 303-471-8935 for more information.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION - Indoor Garage Sale Fundraiser Eastridge Recreation Center • Saturday, October 1 • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
We Want Your Stuff! We are looking for donations for our upcoming garage sale. If you are fall cleaning your house, we can help you get rid of the treasures you no longer want. From September 2 - October 1 we are collecting items for our fundraiser. We request that the items are gently used and in excellent working condition. Simply drop off the items at Southridge Recreation Center on September 2, 15, 21 or 30. Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss. This sale will benefit the Therapeutic Recreation Program. These programs give people with special needs the opportunity to engage in programs while enhancing their quality of life. If you have any other questions please call 303-471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org.
All The World’s A Stage
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 Glue Sticks: Fall Festival, Little Artists: Autumn Splendor, KidzArt: Harvest Farm Painting and Drawing and Star Wars, Minecraft and Video Game art classes. If you’re looking for something for yourself, try our Beginning or Drawing classes that we are offering this fall. We are offering pottery classes for all ages too! Play with Clay, Mud Pies, Imagination Creations as well as adult offerings will get you and your family back into the art of things this fall! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Pint Size Programs are moving to Westridge! 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 Happy Fallidays, Something to Crow About and Cream of the Crop. Our Stepping Stones class for children ages 2½-3½ will be focused on “Fall Festival.” 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. Beginning in September, these classes will be held in the Westridge Osprey room. This new space is bright, beautiful and has direct access to the bathroom and the playground! Join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Backcountry Wilderness Area Conceptual Plan Project Underway The Backcountry Wilderness Area has begun the process of developing a conceptual plan to study the possibilities of adding certain amenities in the Planning Areas of the Backcountry. The purpose of the conceptual plan is to gather information that will aid in future decisions of what, if any, amenities to add to the Planning Areas. Information gathered will include public opinions and desires, location of amenities, types of amenities, necessary infrastructure, and estimated costs. The plan will focus on enhancing the outdoor recreation and education opportunities that the Backcountry currently provides which include full-day Outdoor Discovery Camps, Horseback riding and camps, archery, wildlife education, and much more. The next community open house is Thursday, October 6 at Westridge Recreation Center.
This fall we’re kicking off an exciting performance with KidStage! Snow and the Dwarves kicks off September 14-15. This performance is for school age children and gives them an opportunity to develop important skills such as, public speaking, empathy, self-confidence, imagination, cooperation, communication, problem solving, and social awareness. Be sure to get your child signed up for this very popular class. For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Backcountry rewind The whirlwind summer in the Backcountry Wilderness Area is winding down enough to take in the view, and it’s a good one. Almost 500 kids, ages seven to 14 years old, participated in the 10 weeks of Outdoor Discovery Camp. Nine out of 10 parents said they would recommend it to friends! Good thing because registration is now open for our Fall Break Outdoor Discovery Camp from October 10 to 14. Many of the program and property improvements are possible from the proceeds of the annual Elk Banquet, held this July, which raised $10,000 in just one evening. Visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ HRCAbackcountry for the most upto-date information on upcoming fall events like elk bugling tours, Supper with Snakes, and the Haunted Forest.
For more information, go to: www.HRCAonline.org/BWAConceptualPlan or contact mark.giebel@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8885.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures September 5 All facilities - 6:00 p.m. for Labor Day. Administration offices - all day. September 6 All outdoor pools for the season. September 17 Northridge - noon for Oktoberfest staffing. September 30 Eastridge basketball courts 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. for Indoor Garage Sale setup Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 08/31/16
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 4-25. . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only) September 8-10. . . . Highlands Ranch Days September 10 . . . . . . Doggie Splash and Pet Expo September 10 . . . . . . Zumbathon September 12 . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. September 16 . . . . . . Big Band Dance Night September 17 . . . . . . Oktoberfest Celebration and 5K September 20 . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. September 24 . . . . . . Computer/Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding September 24 . . . . . . Cigar and Spirit Pairing * These meetings are open to our members.