News February 2017
We are... HRCA Elections quickly approaching 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. 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 five-member board who are elected by District Delegates. Delegates make recommendations to the Board of Directors on various matters outlined in the Community Declaration. The Board of Directors, serving two-year staggered terms, sets policy for the Association. For more on delegates, board, and elections, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Leadership.
HRCA!
Seniors Programs Highlands Ranch is the place for aging adults to find an abundance of choices and activities to keep you busy and fit. There are a vast amount of programs, activities, and events especially designed for the active adult over 55 years old.
Your delegate is your voice for neighborhood and Association matters. Delegates meet monthly and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on important matters that impact our community.
HRCA offers numerous programs from art, crocheting and pottery, to pickle ball, wellness, tennis, and education. The Senior Lounge, located at the Southridge Recreation Center, always has a full slate of monthly programs sure to peak your interest and keep you busy and entertained.
HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Two Board of Director's positions will be elected by District Delegates on March 21 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. This year delegates will be elected for odd-numbered and vacant districts. Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by March 13 if you are interested in running for District Delegate.
The Senior Club coordinates many monthly games and programs including a monthly senior luncheon every second Wednesday. This provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to get together and enjoy each other’s company.
To get involved please call 303-471-8802 or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Elections. Find your delegate by accessing the District Delegate map at www.HRCAonline.org/DistrictMap.
Update on the Technology Upgrade HRCA continues to implement the technology upgrade to streamline the registration process with the goal to make the customer user experience easier. Since December, records for over 60,000 members have been inputted into the new system! HRCA appreciates your patience as we work through the process, especially during this busy time of year. Exciting features of the new software include the ability to search by age, category, department, program, and key word. You will also be able to see what programs members of your family are enrolled in for the coming months. If you have not updated your account (continued on page 4)
The Highlands Ranch Metro District also provides an abundance of programs, resources, and services, and educational talks. Check out these resources and events at HRCAonline.org/Seniors, get involved, and make 2017 your best year yet!
Senior Resources Senior Club - Ron Winter, 303-791-1692 HRCA Activities and Programs Heather Goetz-Zettl, 303-471-8818 HRMD Senior Resources Jodie McCann, 720-240-4922
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
February is for sweethearts, so take a moment to hug a loved one or go to a dance with your son or daughter and cherish these moments for a lifetime. Time flies when we are all so busy with our lives and we should always remember to slow down to enjoy those closest to us!
SNOW REMOVAL: HRCA has fielded a number of calls regarding the last few snow storms. They mostly center on the need for homeowners to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes. Douglas County enforces their ordinance that requires sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a storm. As a friendly reminder, we encourage you to please abide by this ordinance that promotes the safety of children and pedestrians.
WHAT’S TO DO: HRCA is offering plenty of events to attend this month to help you beat the winter blues! Our website, www.HRCAonline.org, is one of your best resources for information about not only HRCA, but the Highlands Ranch community. HRCA provides and maintains programs and facilities for a low cost to almost 100,000 people. We continue to strive to provide better customer service by soliciting your input through many different mediums. I personally review all of the suggestion cards that come in to all of our facilities. These efforts continue to make Highlands Ranch one of the most desired places in the entire United States to live, work and play! PLANNING SESSION: The Board of Directors and I met for a half day in January to discuss the direction they want to head looking forward to this year and the next five years. Striving for better service and top notch facilities are among the top priorities.
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
Xcel Transmission Line - public meeting: Xcel Energy is proposing to construct a new transmission line that will pass through the Backcountry Wilderness Area. HRCA will implement its Community Involvement Process (CIP) for this project, which will include Board and Delegate approval/denial at public meetings to allow for public input. To learn more about this project and other meetings, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/News.
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.
Volunteer Recognition: Ms. Sue is the one volunteer we have had for YEARS in the youth department! She has volunteered ever since her eldest grandson attended classes at HRCA and now her last grandchild will graduate this May. She comes every week and does projects with the children, reads to ALL of the classes and she is truly loved by the children and staff in this program. We honored her service at our Holiday Sing on December 15 with a surprise handprint tree painting from all the children. She was applauded and honored by all the parents there, and it was a very special occasion. Thank you to Ms. Sue for all of her work with HRCA Pre-School and Enrichment Programs!
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
quarterly assessments
Copyright Š2016 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
The 1st quarter 2017 invoices were due 1/1/2017.
Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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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.
Community News Snow Removal Guidelines With winter well underway, please take a few moments to learn more about snow operations in Highlands Ranch. 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 from its own property. 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. If you have any questions, go to HRCAonline.org and click on Latest News to learn what organization is responsible for snow removal in your neighborhood.
Scholarships Available The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 2003, provides post-secondary education scholarships for graduating seniors residing in Highlands Ranch or attending a Highlands Ranch High School. The program provides $2,000 scholarships to selected applicants entering their first year of post-secondary education at an accredited institution or vocationaltechnical school. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in their community and school through volunteering, along with academic performance and future educational aspirations and goals. 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 DorrĂŠ. Applications must be postmarked prior to, or hand-delivered to the preceding address, by 5:00 p.m. on March 1. The program guidelines and application are at www.HRCAonline.org/Scholarships.
See more details and a larger view at www.HRCAonline.org/SnowRemoval.
The scholarship program is funded by corporate donations, individuals, and HRCA's fundraising events such as various beverage tastings throughout the year and computer and electronics recycling events. Many thanks to the individuals and corporations who have supported the program, allowing us to award $270,000 in scholarships to date to students in our community!
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How-to's (continued from page 1) information online, it must be done before you can register for any HRCA programs and classes. You need to be logged into your account to receive the member rate. If you forget your username or password there is a link online that will allow you to reset it. More registration information can be found on our homepage at www.HRCAonline.org or under the Registration/Tickets link. Once you have filled out the information online you will need to visit one of the four Rec Centers to receive your new membership card. Every member of a household will need an account in order to be registered for a program and everyone in a household over the age of 7 will need a membership card. Replacement membership cards will be free until February 28, so get yours today! After that date there will be a $8.00 charge for new cards. Go to HRCAonline.org/Upgrade for more information and responses to frequently asked questions.
ranch updates Join the Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale Adults 55 and older are encouraged to join a fun and friendly chorus of non-auditioned singers in this affiliate program of the national Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Weekly rehearsals starting on Friday, February 3 culminate in a spring concert on May 6. For more information email 5280PLUS@centurylink.net or call 720-255-1860. Call 303-791-2500 to register.
Spirit Tasting - Tiki Cockails & Rum Take a mid-winter break from the cold with an exotic and mysterious journey through the world of Tiki Cocktails and Rum on February 25. Davidsons spirits specialist Chris Motley will give a short presentation on the history of America’s longest-running cocktail craze before embarking on a trip to the Tiki palaces of old to sample classic cocktails, with stops at various rum-producing islands. Small bites will be available, as well as the Exotica sounds of Martin Denny, Les Baxter, and the Tikiyaki Orchestra. Tickets are $20 early bird, $25 week of event, if not sold out. Must be 21+ to attend this event. No children please. Southridge Recreation Center, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Calling All Restaurants
Purchase tickets Online!
Showcase your restaurant to over 600 guests at the 22nd Annual Taste of Highlands Ranch! Restaurants are encouraged to bring a "taste" of your establishment's favorites.
Visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
Applications may be downloaded at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors or pick one up at any HRCA recreation center. Return applications by Friday, April 7 for your restaurant to be included in the May newsletter. Deadline to enter is April 28. Be sure to mark your calendars for the Taste of Highlands Ranch on Friday, May 5.
Calling All Trade Show Exhibitors Applications are open for the 2017 Spring Bazaar, Home Improvement Expo, Fall Craft Show, and the Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair. Vendor applications are available at HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
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Calling All Non Profits! Is your organization looking to increase its volunteer pool? Do you want to let the Highlands Ranch community know about your organization and opportunities to volunteer their time? 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 25, from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. This is your chance to showcase your organization and your mission, and gather potential future volunteers. Each year, over 300 local residents attend this free event to look for a place to volunteer. Consider joining us! Please visit our web site for more information at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
Upcoming events Father & Daughter Sweetheart Ball Make special memories with your daughter at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion! This annual tradition is a great opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their little girls! Enjoy dancing, dining, and a commemorative photo. Each girl will receive a corsage and special necklace as they arrive. You’ll dance the night away to a live DJ, enjoy dinner with an ice cream bar, and have the option to take a magical carriage ride around the mansion property, weather permitting. • Friday, February 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.• Saturday, February 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 8:30 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • $25 each in advance, $33 each day of event, if not sold out • Carriage Rides $3 per person weather permitting
Winter Cultural Series HRCA continues the Winter Cultural series with two more fantastic performances! On February 9, Broadway Sings! returns with a brand new show. Join us as we wander through decades of Broadway classics featuring songs you know and love from stage and film musicals. On February 23 the series concludes with Rhapsody and Romance by the Denver Pops. Denver Pops provides the perfect sounds to help you and that special someone enjoy an evening together. In the beautiful setting of Historic Grant Avenue, enjoy the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Perez Prado, and Cole Porter. This concert will warm your heart and stir your passions. Thursday, February 9 - Broadway Sings! Thursday, February 23 - Denver Pops • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. • Cherry Hills Community Church, Chapel • $10 early bird, $15 day of event, if not sold out • Under 12, Senior (65+), and Military: $7 early bird, $10 day of event, if not sold out.
Stay Informed! Follow HRCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or sign-up for our monthly eblast at www.HRCAonline.org/Eme.
adult glow-in-the-dark yoga Calling all yogis, come experience this unique event! Wear your favorite neon yoga clothes and move to a mellow, rhythmic black light vinyasa flow set to a unique playlist. Unlike a typical class, practicing in near darkness makes you more cognizant of your surroundings — your brain relies on heightened awareness from senses other than vision to process sensory information in order to stay balanced. Your ticket for the evening includes use of glow paint, a necklace, wine or beer, and appetizers. Bring your own mat and water bottle. Kelly Conrad, one of HRCA's certified yoga instructors, will be leading the class. • Saturday, February 18 • Southridge, Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. • $25 early bird, $30 week of event, if not sold out • This evening is for adults 21+ only, IDs will be checked.
Upcoming events Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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Cultural Arts Day
10
Comedy Night
18
Spring Craft Bazaar
25
Princess Tea Party
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
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2017 HR Race Series The 2017 Race Series has been announced at HRRaceSeries.com and the HR Race Series Facebook page! The 2017 series will kick off with our annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K on March 11. Early bird pricing is in effect for a few more weeks, so sign up early and save! There will also be a run series launch party at Living the Dream Brewing on February 13 at 6:00 p.m. See the Race Series Facebook page for more information.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION Tae Kwon Do Join the Tae Kwon Do class for Special Needs for ages 5 and up at Southridge Recreation Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This class is designed to help students improve balance, concentration, self-control, and confidence. For more information about participating or volunteering through the Therapeutic Recreation Program, please call 303-471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org.
Pool Parties Make a Splash at HRCA Splish, splash, let's have a bash! HRCA has everything you need to host your next pool party! Enjoy a stress-free day when HRCA provides drinks, paper products, party hosts, and cake. Options are available for up to 9 participants at Eastridge or up to 15 participants at Eastridge and Southridge. For rates and more information call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
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Classes, camps & activities Pee Wee Soccer League Is your child interested in playing soccer? Check out our Pee Wee Soccer League! Offered for ages 4-5 and 6-7, this league features one practice per week with games on Saturday mornings at Westridge Recreation Center. This is the perfect introduction to soccer for your budding athlete. Fee includes team shirt. Registration deadline is February 17 or until full. Don’t delay, sign up today! For more information please email lisa.sheley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8838.
Have You Tried Stand Up Paddling (SUP)? Stand-up paddling (SUP) is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is 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 instability training on the moving surface of water. Learn about the new SUP Program which adds basic yoga concepts to your workout. Participants wanting an introduction to paddling can sign up for SUP 101 Clinic to learn basic paddle technique and skills. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
HRCA Tennis Pro Named Professional of the Year! HRCA is thrilled to announce that Head Tennis Professional Frank Adams has been named the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Professional of the Year! For the past 16 years Coach Frank has built HRCA’s highly regarded tennis program. From the youngest players to the most tennis savvy seniors, Coach Frank’s love of the sport and contagious enthusiasm is obvious any time he is on court and HRCA is fortunate to have him lead the tennis program! Coach Frank has served on the Professional Tennis Registry for more than two decades. He is also a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Faculty, Former President of both USTA Intermountain and Colorado District, and serves on several national committees. For his work with young players, Frank was inducted to the Asian Tennis League Hall of Fame. He has also been named PTR Colorado Member of the Year, USTA/ ITA Volunteer of the Year, and was the Colorado Wheelchair Tennis Foundation Wheelchair Instructor of the Year twice. He has also been presented the USTA Colorado Arthur Ashe Award. Last year, Frank received the PTR/USTA Service to the Community Award. Congratulations, Coach Frank!
All The World’s a Stage!
Fun Options for Those No-School Days If you’re looking for a safe and fun place for them to spend the day on scheduled days off from school, we’ve got you covered! Day Camp at Eastridge will run on February 17 and 20. Children will get the chance to swim, do art, and other fun activities and crafts too! The program runs for ages 5-12 from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. On February 17, HRCA will be offering Rolling in the Dough Cooking Camp! This camp runs 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for ages 5-8. The Life of Pasta will run 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. for ages 9-12. Children will learn pasta dishes the whole family will love. Both camps will be held at Southridge. On February 17, HRCA will also host a Way Out Water Science Camp with Science Matters. This class runs 9:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. at Westridge for ages K-5th grade. On the same date, Challenge Island Minecraft Camp will be offered at Northridge from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for ages K-5th grade. For more information on these one day camps, please visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org and click on the Arts & Education link or call 303-471-8818.
Celebrate the Month of Love February is the month of love and HRCA invites you to enroll your child in these fun Valentine-themed classes! The 2 Times the Fun’s theme is Hearts to You and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at Westridge. I’m Nuts About You will be on February 7, where children will make mom and dad a special Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day will be on February 14 and You’re Beary Special will be on February 21. All of these classes are from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Happy Hearts is the February theme for this month’s Stepping Stones, which begins February 2 and runs 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Westridge. I Love You With All of My Heart is on Friday, February 10, from12:30-1:30 p.m. at Westridge where children will make mommy and daddy a special Valentine's gift. All of these classes are for children ages 3-5 and are a great way to help your child develop independence, meet new friends, and practice other social and emotional skills. For more information, visit our website at www.HRCAonline.org and click on the Arts & Education link and then Creative Kids or call 303-471-8818.
Consider Yourself Grounded - No Drone Zone Drones have quickly become the way to gain a new perspective on the places we love. But the constant humming noise and maneuvers that bring them close to willdlife are a buzzkill to all the critters than make the Backcountry Wilderness Area their home. Drones and any other remote-controlled vehicles aren’t allowed in the Backcountry as a chief effort to minimize the impact of our recreation on wildlife and habitat. It might be tempting to fly a drone up to the Wildcat Mountain cliffs—which are seasonally closed from January 1 through March 31—to take a peep at the eagle nest, but please don't. If a drone flying near the eagle nest disturbs it and the eagles, the pilot could be subject to a $100,000 Federal Fine and jail time, as the eagle and its nest are protected under the Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It doesn’t end there: a drone pilot may also be ticketed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for harassing wildlife if they fly too close. Don’t risk it. If you want an up-close view of the wildlife, check out our weekly trailcam photos on Facebook instead.
HRCA is kicking off its spring theatre production, Aladdin, facilitated by KidStage. Aladdin, for children ages 5-12, joins his friends to meet the mystical genie who offers to make their dreams come true! Princesses, tigers, magic carpets, and more are part of this fun rendition of a children’s classic. Rehearsals for this production run on Wednesday, February 15, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. or on Thursday, February 16, 4:30 -6:00 p.m. at Southridge. Be sure to get your child signed up! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
WHAT's UP In Backcountry Bring the family for a Saturday morning filled with a short hike, time to mingle with the chickens, and, of course, s’mores on February 25 and March 18. It’s time to clean out your garage to make room for new outdoor gear for the summer! Buy and sell all of your family's under-used (still ingreat-shape) outdoor equipment. Backpacks, sleeping bags, skis, headlamps, boots, and anything else is up for grabs—except your long underwear. Sellers make funds for their new adventures and 20 percent of the proceeds benefit the Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund nonprofit. Seller registration deadline is February 19. Schedule a relaxing horse-drawn hayride through the Backcountry. Up to 15 adults can enjoy a two-hour tour and a campfire pitstop on the way. Visit our web site for more details: www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures February 5
Early Closure 5:00 p.m. All Recreation Centers
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
SAve the date! Summer Camp registration starts February 24! * www.HRCAonline.org * Day Camp registration will open in March
Look for the Summer Camp insert to be included in the March newsletter. Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 1/31/17
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).
We are
hrca!
February Events
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. February 3-4 . . . . . . . Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball February 9. . . . . . . . . Winter Cultural Series - Broadway Sings! February 13 . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. February 18 . . . . . . . Adult Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga February 21 . . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. February 23 . . . . . . . Winter Cultural Series - Denver Pops February 24 . . . . . . . Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance February 25 . . . . . . . Spirit Tasting - Tiki Cocktails & Rum February 25 . . . . . . . Batting Cages Opening Weekend * These meetings are open to our members.