News October 2016
Celebrating 35 years!
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time to... Upgrade! The HRCA is in the process of implementing a technology upgrade. Through the upgrade process, we are changing from systems which were inefficient and unreliable to state-ofthe art recreation and finance software to give HRCA the ability to streamline processes, payments, and help ensure faster and easier program registration. The new software will give our members the ability to rent basketball and racquetball courts, schedule meeting rooms online, purchase tickets, and ensure a better overall user experience. While this process will benefit the homeowner and organization in many ways, we need your help! Every resident will need to update and verify their membership information, online or in person, in order to ensure each account is setup correctly. As part of the upgrade, all members will receive a new membership card. 3 EASY STEPS FOR YOU! 1. Fill out a Membership Form: - Online at www.HRCAonline.org/Upgrade (it will only take a few minutes) and data will automatically upload into our new system OR - Fill out a form at any recreation center. Forms can also be printed from the web site and filled out ahead of time. 2. Verify your permanent resident status: - Attach a document with your residence address printed on it OR - Beginning December 1, bring in your photo ID for proof of residency 3. Get New Membership Cards December 1 - February 28, come in and pick up your free new membership cards. The new system is set to launch December 1, so look for great things to come!
2017 Budget Planning The HRCA staff and Finance Committee are preparing the 2017 Budget and a draft will be available on our web site for homeowners to review in mid-October. The Draft 2017 Budget will be presented at the Delegate meeting on October 18. The Final 2017 Budget will be adopted at the November Board of Directors meeting. All Finance Committee meetings are open to the public.
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Spooky Halloween fun! Halloween is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, and the HRCA has activities for everyone! We kick off the season with the Paranormal Party at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on Thursday, October 20. Is the mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself. See page 5 for details. The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest in the Backcountry Wilderness Area is Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22. Purchase tickets for a specific hour-long time slot starting at 7:15 p.m. with the last time slot starting at 10:15 p.m. A dry creek bed turns into a walk of terror and the darkness of the forest hides who or what is in the shadows. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised. Buy your tickets in advance, this popular event has sold out the last two years! continued on page 5.
Halloween events October 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.
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
What are you doing for Halloween? Having a party, going trick-or-treating, handing out candy or just going out to dinner? Whatever you are doing, make it a safe and happy holiday for you and the family and remember to keep an eye out for kiddos in the neighborhoods! With the fall season, the harvests are almost done and the Farmers' Market in the Town Center is coming to an end. If you haven’t gone out to see all of the great produce and other goods, this month is your last chance! The market runs though October 30, each Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. This month also starts off with the Fall Craft Show on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday October 9, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., held at the Eastridge Recreation Center. Two other key events that you will surely want to attend this month are the Haunted Forest on October 21-22 located behind Rocky Heights Middle School just off of Monarch Blvd.; and the Haunted Hayride on October 28-29. Other events like the Classical Music Series, Paranormal Party, Trick or Treat Street and the Therapeutic Recreation Spooktacular Dance are all listed for your review on the HRCA web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Boo!
The HRCA Draft 2016 Budget: The HRCA staff, Finance Committee and Board of Directors have been reviewing the budget proposals for 2017. The Finance Committee members are volunteers with financial backgrounds from various disciplines. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding HRCA’s finances and annual budget. October is the month that the budget will be presented to the Delegates. This year the meeting will be held on October 18, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The final budget adoption will take place at the November Board of Directors meeting.
M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Reminders: Colder temperatures translate to frozen plants and some homeowners
F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
may need to “winterize” waterlines and other items that may be susceptible to freezing. Consequently, it would be a good idea to avoid costly maintenance caused from water damage by storing hoses in the garage for the winter months. Dead materials should also be disposed of in a timely manner to avoid providing insect or rodent habitat.
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 ©2016 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 | October 2016
Volunteer of the Month: Nicholas Purchase Nicholas says, "My favorite part of volunteering with Therapeutic Recreation (TR) is seeing kids improve as they practice basketball and soccer week after week. I can see how much it means to them, so it's a great feeling when they conquer new skills and improve. I would definitely recommend volunteering for TR to my friends. It's such a good feeling giving hi-fives and hugs at the end of practice every week, and seeing how much all the players enjoy themselves. It's indescribable." Coach Joe says, "Nick is dependable, always has a smile, and is helpful with the participants." If you are interested in volunteering for the TR program, contact summer. aden@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-7043.
quarterly assessments Check out page one of the newsletter for exciting news regarding your assessment account! The 4th quarter 2016 invoices are in the mail and are due 10/1/2016. 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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Keep Your Property Compliant by Removing Dead Trees In last month’s newsletter the Community Improvement Services Department (CIS), commonly referred to as “Covenants,” highlighted the importance of homeowners keeping their properties compliant with regard to “unsightly material” by properly storing tools, landscaping materials, etc., in a shed or garage. This month CIS wants to remind residents of the Residential Improvement Guideline that requires the trimming/removal of dead tree branches and removal of dead trees entirely. This year CIS has noted an inordinately large number of dead trees around the community, and the department has experienced a substantial increase in the number of complaints received about dead branches on trees and dead trees. It is every homeowner’s responsibility to have the dead trees removed from their property in a timely manner. Homeowners with dead trees or trees with dead branches, in either front or back yards, will receive a letter of non-compliance asking that the trees/branches be removed promptly. A property will not be updated to compliant status until the dead trees are removed. Smaller to medium-sized trees can often be removed by homeowners cutting the trees down themselves. Trees must be cut down to ground level. Larger trees may require removal by a tree company. Residents cited for a dead tree/branch violation can avoid prolonged non-compliance (which carries with it the risk of fines and loss of recreation privileges) by scheduling to address the issue before being cited. Tree companies get backed up with requests for tree removal very quickly, so planning ahead is important. If you have questions about the guidelines regarding dead trees, or any other HRCA Residential Improvement Guideline, you may contact the HRCA CIS Department at 303-471-8821.
See the RIG (Resident Improvement Guidelines) on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/RIGs
Annual Maintenance 2016 The recreation centers have completed the Annual Maintenance closures for 2016. The staff appreciates everyone’s patience during the closures and are fortunate to have this time to keep the facilities looking first class. During these closures, staff performs maintenance functions that cannot typically be done with members in the facility. Tasks include: • Fire, security and sprinkler inspections • Painting • High dusting • Pool cleaning • Hardwood floor refinishing • Facility and equipment cleaning and maintenance • Floor sealing and waxing • Parking lot crack fill and sealing • Annual fire drill and emergency procedures training for staff Some of the Facility Specific Projects that were completed in 2016 are listed below: Northridge • Replaced sauna heaters • Painted aquatic pump rooms • Installed paneling on two racquetball courts • Installed new gym divider curtain Southridge • Cleaned heat exchangers • Replaced sections of concrete • Added automatic height adjusters to basketball goals Eastridge • Painted youth wing hallway • Replaced steam room unit • Upgraded video surveillance system Westridge • Replaced circuit equipment • Installed new carpet throughout the facility • Performed warranty work on fitness floor • Hung new gym curtain • Replaced domestic hot water boiler and pool boilers
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Highlands Ranch, Colorado 2017 continued from page 1
HIGHLANDS RANCH 2017
For more information or volunteer opportunities, call 303-471-7078. Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, October 28-29, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. where spooky tales and winding trails sum up this fun family adventure! Stockton's Plum Creek Stables hosts this spinetingling Halloween tour! Concessions available for purchase. Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for ages 16 and older with special needs is Friday, October 28, 7:00 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! Register by October 21. Volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 303-471-7043. A sweet family Halloween activity is Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 29, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Children under 12 are invited to come in costume with trick-or-treat bag in hand. Local businesses provide treats for all the “little ghosts and goblins”! $2.00 per person (adults and children). Each family may pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last. Express your creative side with a variety of festive Halloween-themed art, crafts, cooking, and dance classes for all ages. Little ones can learn to make scary spider crafts, spooky snacks, and more. For details on all the fun ways to make the most of your family's Halloween season, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Boo or call 303-791-2500.
4 | October 2016
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Ranch updates & events
Get Your Flu Shots Flu season is here! Don't wait to protect yourself and your family. No appointment is necessary, just drop by Eastridge on Wednesday, October 19, between 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or between 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Walmart Pharmacy will be administering the flu shot for $15, available for anyone age eight and up. Cash or check only - no credit cards. Parental consent is required for children under 18.
2017 Community Calendars Coming Soon The 2017 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photographs taken right here in the Ranch and keeps you up-to-date each month on fun community events and programs, scheduled facility closures, and more! They will keep you on top of activities and events in the Ranch, and for just $5.00 each, make great gifts too. The calendar will be available for purchase at any recreation center late October!
Come Party with Us ! We will create the event you envision. Turf parties, batting cage parties, and decorated “themed” celebration rooms! Fall time slots filling fast, so book now. Call 720-348-8267 today for more information or to book your party.
Classical Music Series Enjoy an evening of classical chamber music in the beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion. This three-concert series features music from around the time that the mansion was built. The solarium provides the perfect setting for this acoustic performance. $20 in advance, $25 day of event, if not sold out. The series performances include: October 13: Beethoven and the Viola Quintet November 17: "Fantasies" for Oboe and Strings And just for the Holidays - Join us in the Grand Ballroom 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. for a fun evening highlighted with chamber music for the season! Revel in the beauty of the mansion at this time of year, and hear a delightful program of holiday favorites. A cash bar is available. December 15: Chamber Music for the Holidays
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Upcoming events
indoor garage sale Cluttered closets? Garage overflowing? Come sell your unwanted items at the Indoor Garage Sale! No worries about weather in our cozy gym at the Eastridge Recreation Center. Or, if you just like great deals, come early and shop this great event full of treasures and bargains! Over 50 families come together to make this community garage sale one of the largest in the area! Admission is free! Booth spaces sell out quickly, so reserve yours today at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors. Saturday, October 1 • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge
fall craft show In its 19th year, the ever-popular Fall Craft Show returns October 8 & 9 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Eastridge The region's finest artisans showcase a wonderful selection of handcrafted and one-of-a-kind specialty items. This unassuming event will surprise you with its high quality of hand-made crafts. You will discover a huge selection of hand-made glass beads, jewelry, decorative items, folk art, watercolor and oil painting, pottery, stoneware, wreaths, potpourris, dried arrangements, quilts, miniatures, clothing, wearable art, candles, homemade soaps, furnishings, bird houses and feeders, collectibles, and much more. This show is not to be missed. With the holidays approaching, it is a great opportunity to purchase hand-made crafts and gifts for everyone on your list. Best of all, admission and parking are free! Saturday & Sunday, October 8 & 9 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge
paranormal party Is the Highlands Ranch Mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself on this haunting adventure! You’ll start the evening with a light snack and a cash bar while you watch a presentation from Spirit PI on “Things that go Bump in the Night.” After this short presentation of haunted findings from the Highlands Ranch Mansion and other spooky Colorado locations, you’ll get to investigate the mansion! This is a real ghost hunt and we will try to communicate with the spirits that walk the halls at the mansion.
• Thursday, October 20 • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion
Farmers' and Street Market Join us for the last month of the Farmers' and Street Markets running Sundays through October 30. Purchase fall crops and gifts from over 25 vendors offering treasures galore.
•Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of event, if not sold out.
Sundays, through October 30 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South
Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair - Calling all exhibitors
Upcoming events November
Just in time for the holidays! This show features jewelry, accessories, and holiday gifts from hand crafters and commercial retailers. Free and open to the public.
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Saturday, November 5 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge
11 Curtain Call at the Mansion: Shelvis & The Roustabouts
Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair
12
Sip & Savor with the Experts
12
Senior Health & Information Fair
17 Classical Music Series 18-19 Nutcracker Highlights Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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No Excuse November! The HRCA Personal Training department is here to help you get an edge on the holiday calories. We are making it easier than ever to stick to your personal training routine amongst the hustle and bustle of the season. Take advantage of our lowest private personal training session rates of the year. This 12-session package discount will be available for purchase for $432 ($36 per session) starting Tuesday, November 1 - Wednesday, November 23. All packages expire 90 days from date of purchase. For more information, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/fitness.
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Classes, camps & activities
HRCA Boys’ Basketball League Is your son interested in playing basketball? Now is the time to sign up for the Winter HRCA Boys' Basketball League! Our boys’ league consists of an eight-game season followed by a season ending jamboree or single elimination playoffs. 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.
Fall Break Sports Camp Join us for TR Fall Break Sports Camp! Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun & recreation based environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 & older. Monday and Wednesday, October 10 & 12, 9:00 a.m. - noon at Southridge. Registration includes both days. Price is $58 for members, $67 for guests. For information call 303-471-7043 or email saden@hrcaonline.org. We’re currently looking for volunteers interested in helping with our current program offerings.
Congratulations Seahawk Swim Teams! What is SUP? Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is now available through HRCA! Partnering with Colorado SUP Sports, HRCA is Colorado’s exclusive source for indoor SUP training. SUP is great for folks of all fitness levels. The workout blasts the core and stabilizer muscles. Athletes of many sports use SUP to cross train, develop their balance and just have fun! Join the SUP Paddle Fitness Class and experience an hour of stability training on the moving surface of water. SUP Flow is a yoga influenced in-water class using the paddleboards. Participants wanting an introduction to paddling can join the SUP Paddle 101 Clinic to learn basic paddle technique and SUP skills. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8935, or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
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Over 350 swimmers in two leagues had another great season representing our community. The Rocky Mountain Swim League team had many swimmers whose times allowed them to compete at the league championships. The Mountain High Swim League (MHSL) team finished third at the league championship and for the second year in a row were awarded the Sportsmanship Award for promoting fair and honest competition. MHSL also went to the State Championship and finished 5th out of 55 teams who attended the meet. Congratulations to Josh Heydt the new State Record Holder for boys 8 and under in the 25 yard backstroke. Each year hundreds of families participate in the two summer leagues and make friendships and memories that last a lifetime. A big thanks to all of the staff at Northridge for hosting all of the Saturday home meets throughout the summer season. The success of this program could not be possible without the hard work of the Head Coaches Amber Brust, Ali Sensintaffar and Blake Rider and their staff as well as the countless hours of volunteer time of all of the parent volunteers. Remember that March enrollment for 2017 is just around the corner! HRCA also offers year-round programs for youth coached & competitive swimming for all skill levels. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8935, or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org for more information.
Fall Kids' Programs HRCA’s Creative Kids' programs, have found a new home at Westridge! These classes are now being held primarily in the Osprey room at Westridge where they have direct access to the playground and a bathroom in the classroom for easy use! These fun classes are taught by your same cherished teachers with over 30 years of combined HRCA experience. Have your 3-6 year old join us for these fun Preschool prep classes that help your child learn important social/emotional skills, fine/gross motor skills and healthy coping and selfregulation skills. Mommy & Me, Toddler & Me, All in the Family, Kreative Kids, 2 Times the Fun, Stepping Stones, Mini Workshops, and Lunch Bunch are some of the popular and familiar classes that we look forward to seeing you in this fall! Join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Fall Break Already? Believe it or not, fall break is quickly approaching! From October 10-14 there are a variety of camps and classes you can get your child involved in at HRCA. If you’re needing a full time option for the week, our Day Camp program will be at Eastridge Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for ages 5-12. We also have art, cooking, engineering, science and tumbling camps to suit all ages and family schedules. For more information, please call 303-471-8928.
Backcountry Wilderness Area Conceptual Plan Project Update With the Backcountry Conceptual Plan Project underway, there is a new buzz of discussions and questions regarding the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Out of the 8,200 acre conservation area, the HRCA can add amenities to 499 of those acres. There is no desire to use all 499 of those acres; the use of 20-30 acres is being explored. The point of adding amenities to the Backcountry is to produce revenue that would allow the HRCA to better care for the rest of the Backcountry and be less reliant on homeowner assessments; while adding great amenities to the community and furthering our mission to get people outdoors. Currently about $11 of your assessment is used for Backcountry operations. The strategy to use some of the Backcountry to produce revenue to fund the management of the Backcountry comes from the 2000 Open Space Conservation Area Plan. Amenities being considered as part of the Conceptual Plan are a pavilion type structure to provide a building space for youth outdoor camps, community events, and possibly weddings, a ropes/adventure course, an Olympic style archery range, and a horse facility for trail rides and horse camps and lessons. To get to this point, a committee of volunteers analyzed the 2012 community survey, evaluated existing Backcountry programs, and in 2015 made recommendations as to what amenities would be the best fit.
Confidence Matters The HRCA Cotillion program is celebrating its 9th Anniversary! Our Introduction to Cotillion for 3rd graders begins October 30 and Classes for 4th-5th and 6th-8th grade students, begin October 23. All classes use dance as an instrument to teach social messages. The 4th-8th grade classes focus on how to make a great first impression, character development, making good choices, table manners and respect. The 6th8th grade class will have their final dinner party, for the first time this year, at the Highlands Ranch Mansion for this wonderful holiday experience! This popular program had almost 300 children in it last year and is expected to fill, so be sure to register quickly! For more information please call 303-471-8928.
Haunted Forest What's scarier than walking through the Backcountry Wilderness Area's Haunted Forest (October 21 and 22), the dreaded wait in a zig-zag line. So, we're getting rid of it. This year, buy your tickets ($13) for a specific hourlong block—starting at 7:15 p.m. As the fear creeps in, enjoy community festivities like food trucks, an outdoor movie, and live animals as you wait for your ticket number to be howled. Wander cautiously, you never know if a shadow is a harmless tree branch or something much more terrifying.
The completion of the Conceptual Plan in January does not mean we are destined to add the amenities as the plan will outline. Further discussions and public processes along with Delegate approval are required to move forward with any such additions to the Backcountry. All of the Conceptual Plan Project information, including dates of three more community open houses, can be found on this web page: www.HRCAonline.org/BWAConceptualPlan. Please contact mark.giebel@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8885 with any questions, concerns, or comments.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures October 1
Eastridge basketball courts 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. for Indoor Garage Sale
October 7 October 8-9
Eastridge basketball courts & track 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. for the Fall Craft Show
October 31
All recreation centers early closure at 6:00 p.m. for Halloween
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 09/30/16
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).
OCTOBER Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. October 2 -30 . . . . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only) October 1 . . . . . . . . . Indoor Garage Sale October 8-9 . . . . . . . Fall Craft Show October 10 . . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. October 13 . . . . . . . Classical Music Series October 18 . . . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. October 20 . . . . . . . . Paranormal Party October 21-22. . . . . . Haunted Forest October 28-29. . . . . . Haunted Hayride October 28 . . . . . . . . Therapeutic Recreation Spooktacular Dance October 29 . . . . . . . . Trick-or-Treat Street * These meetings are open to our members.