News September 2017
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Highlands Ranch Days Take a trip back in time through the history of Colorado and Highlands Ranch at Highlands Ranch Days, returning for its seventeenth year. This three day event brings the old west to life at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion with gold panning, pottery, a petting zoo, llamas, Indian fry bread, fur trapping, and more! Pack a picnic to enjoy on the mansion lawn while you enjoy shows from HawkQuest and Native American Dancers. Take part in hands-on exhibits and a mansion tour and view historical artifacts presented by the Highlands Ranch Historical Society. In addition, horse drawn hay rack rides will provide views of the ranch not typically seen by the public. The Gold Prospectors of the Rockies have been an exhibitor for six years now and provide gold panning presentations to event attendees. They use real gold to demonstrate what it looks like and how the “old timers” did it. “When people who have never seen it done before first see that bright yellow gold, the looks on their faces is priceless! That never gets old!” said Jim Long from Gold Prospectors of the Rockies. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on September 7-9. On Thursday and Friday local schools are invited to bring school children for a fun and informative field trip that showcases Colorado history. Families are welcome to attend all days of the event. Please note the mansion parking lot is closed on Saturday, September 9. 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 1:30 p.m. Visit the web site for more information, photos, and the complete schedule of events. Tickets are available at the door for $5 for ages 13 and up and $3 under 12 years, children aged 2 and under are free to attend. All activities are included with the ticket price. September 7-9, • 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.)
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2018 budget planning The HRCA Finance Committee and staff are currently developing the 2018 Budget. HRCA staff will present their departmental budgets to the Finance Committee at weekly meetings through mid-October. Each presentation will cover accomplishments, challenges, trends, and analysis performed to build the 2018 budget, as well as each department’s proposed 2018 budget. To see the full calendar of budget meetings, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Budget. The final budget, as recommended by the Finance Committee, will be presented to the Delegate body for review on Monday, October 17.
We're hiring! We are always looking for great employees to join our team. Visit 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 Jim Allen Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Krystal Woodbury
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 is quickly changing into fall, and by now your children are back in school and another school year is underway. One thing is for certain, the activities in Highlands Ranch continue at a steady pace! 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 fun September events! Remember, the Highlands Ranch Farmers' Market at Town Center is in full swing and will continue to run every Sunday through October.
What to do in September: The month of September has plenty of fun activities scheduled. One 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 Highland Ranch Mansion on September 7, 8, and 9! The event itself brings exhibits, reenactments, and history back to life! Learn more about this event on the front page of the newsletter. What would September be without our annual tribute to German culture and the Oktoberfest? This event is scheduled for September 23, 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. Also, our Computer/Electronics Recycling and Paper shredding event is one of our biggest events. It will be held on September 30 from 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. Finally, we can’t forget the ever popular Doggie Splash on September 9! Bring your puppy out to Westridge and have them take a dip in our pool! For all of these events and more, please check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events.
Fencing: If your fence at your home is blackened or in need of repair, please take time this fall to stain it, fix it, or replace it according to the covenant guidelines that can be found at HRCAonline.org/covenants. These are small improvements that will greatly enhance the overall appearance of our neighborhoods.
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Rider has been involved with the Seahawks Summer Swim teams for over 10 years, beginning when her kids first started swimming with HRCA. As an Assistant Parent Volunteer Coordinator for the past few years, Lisa has put forth countless hours towards helping the swim team run smoothly. Lisa’s son, Blake, is now the Head Coach for the North Swim Team and this summer, Lisa took over the Parent Volunteer Coordinator position. Everyone involved with the Seahawks Swim Teams thanks her for everything she has done to help make the 2017 Seahawk’s summer season a great experience for families, swimmers, and staff.
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 ©2017 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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quarterly assessments The 3rd Quarter 2017 assessment payments were due 7/1/2017. 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: www.HRCAonline.org/PaperlessOptions.
Community News Coming Soon - flu shots! Flu shots will be administered at Eastridge Recreation Center in the Monarch Room.
Wednesday, October 18 Price: $15.00 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Remove Dead Trees on Property HRCA appreciates that, for homeowners, keeping your property consistently compliant with the Residential Improvement Guidelines does require regular maintenance and work that is not always convenient, but it is nonetheless required. Dead trees and shrubs are a violation of particular concern to the Association this year. Just like mowing a lawn and pulling weeds, removing dead trees and shrubs is a required part of landscape maintenance in Highlands Ranch. Dead trees can become a home for pests and help spread disease and must be removed from property, in order to avoid receiving a violation letter. Similarly, dead shrubs must be removed.
HELP HRCa GIVE BACK HRCA operates four non profit organizations: the Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund, Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Assocation, Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund, and Therapeutic Recreation Scholarship Fund. These nonprofits help fulfill our mission to enhance the quality of life for people in Highlands Ranch. Generosity from residents, either through participation in programs or direct donations, enables these non profits to present exciting educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities to our community. HRCA will be highlighting each of these non profits in the newsletter. We encourage you to learn more about how you can get involved. Visit HRCAonline.org/Nonprofits for more information.
Maintaining Fencing HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines require that all fencing be regularly maintained. The RIGs specify the permitted stain colors for fencing in our community. All fences must comply with this guideline and homeowners are required to submit an application for approval to the CIS Department before staining fences. Homeowners are allowed to leave fences a natural color by opting not to stain, but natural fences must be regularly power washed or otherwise cared for in order to prevent discoloring of the wood. Regular fence maintenance is required in Highlands Ranch and homeowners should include this in their yearly property maintenance planning. For all Residential Improvement Guidelines visit www.HRCAonline.org/covenants
Spotlight on: BACKCOUNTRY CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION FUND The Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund was formed in December 2016 to protect and conserve wildlife habitat and provide outdoor education and recreation opportunities in the HRCA Backcountry. The mission is to promote and improve environmental literacy and ensure the conservation of the Backcountry for generations to come. To find out how you can get involved, see the Backcountry BBQ on page 7.
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Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in September? Yes, it's true! The first Oktoberfest in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage was celebrated in October. The years following the festival was moved to September to take advantage of the warmer nights. Now Oktoberfest in Munich is a 16-day celebration. Save the airfare and come to the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 23! Oktoberfest has become a great cultural experience sure to delight. Start the day at the Highlands Ranch Town Center with the Oktoberfest 5K at 9:00 a.m. then come back to Town Center South for the traditional German festival from 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. Enjoy German food, music, dancing, entertainment, and, of course, great bier. Happy hour specials run from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. bring your dachshund for the Dachshund Races. Registration is 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place racers and best dressed! A huge hit last year, the German Ninja Warrior Races are back again! Registration begins at 4:45 p.m. and the racing starts at 5:00 p.m. Challenge your friends and have some fun doing this obstacle course. 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. • Saturday, September 23 • Free Admission • 2:00 - 10:00 p.m. • Town Center South Register for the 5K at www.HRraceseries.com.
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ranch updates HRCA Places Two Teams in Top Ten at CPRA Lifeguard Games On Sunday, July 9, the annual Colorado Park & Recreation Association (CPRA) Lifeguard Games were held at Waterworld, There were 28 teams from all areas of Colorado who participated and HRCA placed two teams in the top 10! Great job! The teams are required to demonstrate rescue and guarding skills along with participating in competitive swimming and teambuilding events. Pictured are the two HRCA teams who held practices for weeks prior to the event in order to achieve such a great result. Congratulations and thanks for all your hard work! Why not join our team so you can participate next summer? Learn more about the year round employment opportunities at HRCA at www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs.
Congratulations Seahawks Swim Teams! Over 355 swimmers on two teams had another great season representing Highlands Ranch. Seahawks Team North finished fourth at the State Summer Championship Meet out of 57 teams competing. Seahawks Team West also had a very successful season in their first year participating in the Mountain High Swim League. For the third year in a row the teams were awarded the Sportsmanship Award for promoting far and honest competition. Each year hundreds of families participate in the two summer teams and make friendships and memories that last a lifetime. March enrollment for 2018 is just around the corner! HRCA also offers year-round programs for coached & competitive swimming for all skill levels. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/swim or call 303-471-8932 or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org for more information.
Outdoor Pool Closing Season Schedule All outdoor pools close for the season on Tuesday, September 5. (The last outdoor pool swim day at all facilities is September 4.)
Northridge: Mon. - Fri., 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. , Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Southridge: Mon. - Fri., 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Eastridge: Mon. - Fri., 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Westridge: Monday - Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/pools for the most up-to-date schedules.
Upcoming events Computer/Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding Properly and safely dispose of old computer and electronic components with Techno Rescue on Saturday, September 30. A suggested $20 donation will benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. TVs, $50 each, up to 42” are accepted on site (over 42” accepted at Techno Rescue.) Old CRTs are $10. 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 30 • 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Kaiser Permanente Parking Lot (Lucent & Highlands Ranch Parkway) • Trash is not accepted.
indoor garage sale 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! An application for booth space is available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors. The cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members to purchase a booth space. Show is NOT open to commercial, professional businesses, or crafters. Saturday, October 7 • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Free to attend
Classical Music Series Coming Next Month! The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association brings you the Classical Music Series starting October 19. 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 light appetizers while listening to pre-show entertainment highlighting young musicians beginning at 5:30 p.m. Go to www.HRCAonline.org for more information, dates, and the classical lineup. 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Doors open at 5:30 p.m. • $25 in advance, $30 week of event, if not sold out • Highlands Ranch Mansion • October 19, November 16, and December 14
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
DOGGIE SPLASH & PET EXPO Doesn’t "man’s best friend" deserve a day of leisure too? Join us on September 9 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. 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. New this year– the 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. hour is reserved for dogs 15 pounds and less and/or 15 inches and less.
• Saturday, September 9 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. is for small dogs only • Westridge Outdoor Pool • $7/dog, in advance (nonrefundable) • $10/dog, week of event (nonrefundable) HRCA reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog at any time for any reason. Pet Expo Come explore pet adoptions, supplies, services, and more at the Pet Expo adjacent to the Doggie Splash. Free and open to humans.
Upcoming events October 1-29 Farmers' Market (Sundays only) 7
Indoor Garage Sale
12
Paranormal Party
14-15 Fall Craft Show 19
Classical Music Series
20-21 Haunted Forest 27
TR Spooktacular Dance
27-28 Haunted Hayride 28
Trick-or-Treat Street
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
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Classes, camps & activities HRCA Fall Adult Sports Leagues
HR Race Series FALL EVENTS The HR Race Series has two exciting events in September! The Wildcat Trail Races on September 2 feature a 10 mile, a 10K, and Youth Races. Adult participants will receive a finisher medal, as well as a handheld running bottle. Youth races are only $5 and every child finisher will receive his or her own medal. The annual Oktoberfest 5K is on September 23 at Town Center and promises fun for the whole family. Participants at both races will enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancakes at the finish, and Living the Dream Brewing Co. will be on hand pouring free beers for all 21+ participants. Visit HRRaceSeries.com to register.
coming soon: Fitness BINGO! While renovations are taking place at the Northridge Recreation Center, the HRCA Fitness Department intends to keep as many drop-in fitness classes as possible free from interruption as possible. During the unavoidable times in which the Northridge fitness studio will be impacted, we are offering HRCA Fitness BINGO to keep our dedicated participants immersed in their regular fitness routines. For HRCA Fitness BINGO start dates and prizes, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ HRCAfitness.
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HRCA offers a variety of sports leagues for adults only! For the independent competitor, we offer Adult Racquetball Leagues in the evenings. If team play is more your style, we have Indoor Adult Coed and Men’s Soccer, Adult Basketball, and Adult Coed, and Women’s Volleyball. New leagues will be beginning at the start of October with the team registration deadline of September 22. For more information, please email Cyrus.Maes@HRCAonline.org or call 303-471-8869.
Registration is Starting for Second Session of Tennis In-House Doubles! Playing tennis – singles or doubles - is a great activity that can keep you in shape whether you’re 5 or 95. It keeps your cardiovascular and muscular system in top shape even as you age. Plus, you can’t beat a strategic mental game that lets you get in a calorie busting workout! Registration begins the week of September 18 for the second session of In-House Doubles. This session starts at the end of October and runs through mid-December. Please call 303-471-8940 for more information or to register.
Swimming for Adults - Try it Free in September HRCA offers a variety of high-quality adult coached programs for all skill levels, from becoming a more proficient lap swimmer to the competitive athlete. Adults look at swimming to become part of your overall fitness routine as the weather outside turns cooler. Take advantage of a free drop-in visit for new participants at any of our adult swim programs. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or call 303-471-8942 to learn more and discuss your fitness goals. * Water fitness classes are not part of this promotion
Try the New Online Request Form for Private Swim Lessons Private swim lessons are available year round for both learn to swim and coached and competitive swimmers. Need some extra help to move from Seahorse to Otter? Want a competitive edge before try-outs for the High School Swim team? Private lessons might be the extra instruction you need to help you meet your goals. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/swimprivates TODAY to request your private lessons. Call 720-348-8220 for more information.
All The World’s A Stage
Get Creative with the HRCA School of Art It is never too late for you and your family to get involved in ART! Art has the power to exercises BOTH sides of the brain and support creative and focused outcomes. In September get your little one enrolled in Glue Sticks: Fun on the Farm!, Little Artists: The ABC’s of Art! Or Art for Life: Drawing, Painting and Sculpture. If you’re looking for something for yourself, try our Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Watercolor or Drawing from Life classes offered at Southridge. HRCA is offering pottery classes for all ages too! Play with Clay, Hand Building for Kids, and 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 email Alecia.Hindman@HRCAonline.org.
Check out HRCA Pint Size Programs As your older children head back to school, be sure to get your toddler involved in some fun classes too! In September HRCA is offering fun fall-themed classes including Mommy and Me, Toddler and Me: Apples, Apples, Apples, Who’s Ready for Fall, I’m Nuts About You, Unbe’Leaf’able and Raking in the Fun! Our Stepping Stones class for children ages 2 ½-3 ½ will be focused on “All About Me”. These great programs give you a bit of a break and give your child a chance to practice important social skills! Classes run throughout the week between 9:00 a.m. and noon and are held in the Westridge Osprey room. This is a wonderful, bright and beautiful room with direct access to the bathroom and the playground! Join us!
Fall sessions of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Irish Step are getting ready to kick off for the season! HRCA offers classes for all ages and abilities. Our seasoned instructors offer a variety of instruction styles to suit any learner. We also offer seasonal recitals and classes that help children and adults develop and hone their skills. Join us and see for yourself! Email Alecia.Hindman@HRCAonline.org for more information.
Backcountry happenings Art, S’mores, & the Outdoors Friday, September 1 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Create our most popular “Abstract Aspens” project on a natural tile and indulge in a s’more by the campfire.
Backcountry Movie Night Friday, September 15 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Drop the kids off at Southridge for a pizza dinner, a fun science program, camp games, and a movie! Ages 7-13.
For more information, please email Hgoetz@HRCAonline.org.
Elk Bugling Hayride Wednesday, September 27 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Get Your Tickets for the Backcountry BBQ
Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn hayride through the Backcountry listening for the bull elk bugle during the rut season.
If you've ever enjoyed the open space and fresh air of the Backcountry Wilderness Area by foot, bike, horse, or hayride, it’s easy to wonder what you can do to help protect this island of wild on the Front Range—and give others a chance to learn more about it. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and help raise funds for the Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund on September 30 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. We'll eat BBQ and drink brews provided by Living the Dream Beer Co. at the Backcountry Base Camp (home to our Outdoor Discovery Summer Camps, horses Bella and Buster, chicken coop, and more!) and the starting point of many of our programs.
For more information, visit www.HRCAonline.org/backcountry.
Tickets ($55 per person) are on-sale now from www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets or by calling any HRCA Recreaction Center.
Sign up for Fall Classes and Programs Now! HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures September 4 All facilities - 6:00 p.m. for Labor Day. Administration offices - all day. September 5 All outdoor pools for the season. September 23 Northridge - noon for Oktoberfest staffing. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 08/31/17
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).
September Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. September 2 . . . . . . . Wildcat Mountain 10K/10 Mile September 3-24. . . . Farmers’ Market - (Sundays only) September 7-9. . . . . . Highlands Ranch Days September 9 . . . . . . Doggie Splash and Pet Expo September 11 . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. September 23 . . . . . . Oktoberfest Celebration and 5K September 19 . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. * These meetings are open to our members.