News November 2017
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Start Your Holiday Planning Now! HRCA has many fun events, classes, and activities to get you ready and in the mood for the upcoming holiday season.
Start your holiday shopping. Take an art class to make unique holiday gifts, attend the Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair on November 4, purchase an HRCA gift card or 2018 Highlands Ranch Calendar, or pick up something at the Pottery Sale at Southridge on November 13.
Get in the spirit with fun, family-friendly events. Nutcracker Highlights, Classical Music Series, Hometown Holiday, and Breakfast with Santa, are a few of the events we have planned for December. Enter this year’s Holiday House Decorating Contest. Or just go see some of the
HRCA – A Great Place to Work! Want to work close to home, for competitive pay, and in a fun environment? Look no further than your own Highlands Ranch Community Association! HRCA is now hiring lifeguards, swim instructors, and wranglers for the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Go to www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs to learn more and apply.
amazing contestants' houses! Visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings to find all the upcoming holiday events and classes that we offer to get you into the holiday spirit!
coyotes in the ranch Highlands Ranch is coyote country. No matter where you live in Highlands Ranch, coyotes are present. They are a highly adaptable animal and humans inadvertently provide them habitat and food sources. Normally coyotes feed on animals such as rodents, rabbits and other small prey items. However, they are opportunistic predators and will take a cat or small dog. We all need to take precautions to protect our pets, guard against human/ coyote encounters, and keep the coyotes wild. The biggest problems occur when people feed coyotes – either deliberately or inadvertently. Once a coyote gets food from or around humans, it associates humans with food and ignores its wild instincts to stay away from and fear humans. Trash, dog food, bird feeders, and compost piles are all potential food sources for coyotes.
Adult Health & Information Fair In partnership with the Highlands Ranch Metro District, the HRCA will host the 6th annual Adult Health & Information Fair (formerly called the Senior Health & Information Fair) on Saturday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. - noon at the Recreation Center at Eastridge.
When coyotes lose their natural fear of humans, problems are likely to occur. Coyotes should be afraid of people and it is okay to “haze” a coyote that comes too close. Make loud noises, throw rocks, or even use pepper spray. These hazing actions will teach coyotes that humans are not safe to approach and will reinforce their natural fear of humans; reducing the chance of a dangerous human/coyote encounter.
Join us for this great free event with local service providers. A variety of free, simple health screenings will be offered, in addition to flu shots and medication review by a pharmacist. Service professionals from a variety of industries will be on hand to answer your questions.
For further information on living with coyotes, including tips for around your home, what to do if a coyote approaches you, and how to protect your pets, go to: http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx.
For more information, call 720-240-4922 or email jmccann@highlandsranch.org.
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 303-791-8958 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 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.
Turkey time is right around the corner. I hope everyone takes time this month to reflect on things in which they are thankful. One of my thanks this year will certainly be for the beautiful community of Highlands Ranch and all the hard working members in the community that have contributed their time to the HRCA. There are plenty of activities this month that will keep you active and entertained. On November 4, start off with the Backcountry Half Marathon at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Jewelry and Holiday Gift Fair starting at 9:00 a.m. at Eastridge. Two events happening on November 11 are the annual Adult Health & Information Fair at 9:00 a.m. at Eastridge, and Sip and Savor at Southridge at 4:00 pm. The Classical Music Series continues on November 16, held at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. And, the Nutcracker performances kick off the holiday season on November 18. Please check our calendar for more details on these events at www.HRCAonline.org.
Budget: As anticipated, this year’s budget will have a slight assessment increase. At the time of writing this, the amount has not been determined. The assessment increase will fund both the Administrative and Recreation Funds, fund staff costs associated with mandated minimum wage increases and ongoing upkeep maintenance projects for all four recreation centers. Additionally, the increase will allow us to continue to set aside funds for our capital and reserve projects such as the Northridge tennis pavilion. These types of initiatives are critical to keeping our home values high. Keep an eye out for emails, regular mail and on our web site to stay up to date on everything budget! Information Technology and Upgrade: The HRCA is continuing to implement its technology upgrade. The recreation software, PerfectMind, has proven to be more user friendly and greatly improved overall business efficiencies. We are continuing to work on the finance software upgrade to NetSuite. Homeowners can expect to see improvements on this side of the software in early 2018. This effort has been a huge undertaking and will bring us into the 21st century! It will lay the foundation for many improvements into the future!
We Are Hiring: We are always looking for great employees to join our team. If you or someone you know is looking for a new career path, part-time or seasonal position - think HRCA! We offers competitive wages and benefits, along with a variety of employment opportunities for many different skills and abilities. Check them out and submit an application today by visiting www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs. Volunteers of the Month: Thank you to all of the individuals who volunteered at the Oktoberfest celebration! And, special thanks to all the residents that ventured out in the untimely storm and participated in the Oktoberfest celebrations. It was especially cold and rainy this year, and we couldn’t have seen the event through without your participation. Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
quarterly assessments
Copyright ©2017 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
The 4th Quarter 2017 assessment was due 10/1/2017. Payments received after close of business on 10/30/17 will be assessed a late fee.
Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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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Community News Winter Property Prep Fall is here, so now is the perfect time to prepare your lawn and landscaping for the winter. Here are some tips to help you prepare: •
Aerate and/or dethatch your lawn
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Restore bare spots or re-sod the entire lawn
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Apply a winter fertilizer
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Prune and remove dead tree branches
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Plant trees and shrubs now so that they can become well-established before the winter freeze begins
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Before shutting down the sprinklers, give your lawn a good watering to prevent root damage that can occur over the winter
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Disconnect your hoses and have your sprinkler system blown out to prevent pipe freezing
The 2018 Budget The HRCA Finance Committee, a volunteer group, voted to recommend the 2018 HRCA budget to the Board of Directors on Monday, October 9. The draft budget was posted in midOctober for homeowners to review at www.HRCAonline.org/Budget. The 2018 budget was presented to Delegates at the October 17 meeting, and a final budget will be adopted at the November 14 Board of Directors meeting.
For more information or specific questions about your landscaping, you can call the Master Gardeners at Colorado State University Cooperative Extension of Douglas County at 720-733-6935 or email mgardenr@douglas.co.us.
Fall is also a good time to assess your property, so you can plan and budget for future maintenance needs. We recommend you appraise your home for the following: •
Inspect to see if your home will require paint in the near future
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See if there is any exposed wood that needs repair
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Check all roofing and gutters for needed repairs/maintenance
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Check fencing for broken pickets, slats, water damage and general maintenance
Pick up a 2018 HRCA Community Calendar in the recreation centers early November! Just $5.00!
Giving Back: Community Scholarship Fund The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)3 organization that provides postsecondary education scholarships for students residing in Highlands Ranch or attending Highlands Ranch schools. The scholarship was created to reward Highlands Ranch students who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in their community or school through volunteerism and/or community service hours. In 2017, the HRCSF was thrilled to award 20 scholarships to deserving students! Learn more at www.HRCAonline.org/ Nonprofits.
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Holiday House Decorating Contest Do you spend hours creating the most festive house on the block during the holidays? Do your Christmas decorations put Clark Griswold to shame? Well, by entering the HRCA’s Holiday House Decorating Contest, it can pay off! The first, second, and third place winners will each receive a cash award, and have an award sign placed in their front yard, be recognized in the HRCA News, on HRCA's Facebook page, and have their home’s photo featured on the HRCA web site. To enter, take a photo of your Highlands Ranch home at night while lit and decorated. Fill out and submit the online form (where you will upload the photo) by 5:00 p.m. on December 4. The home address and photos will be posted on www.HRCAonline.org with a map showing the location of each entry. Everyone is invited to view the festive sights and lights and vote for their favorite home December 11 15. The winners will be announced on December 18. To enter the contest or to vote, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Contest.
Pottery Sale Monday, November 13 Southridge 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Pick up great gifts for the Holidays! 4 | November 2017
Ranch updates & events Planning an Event? We have the perfect space available for your wedding, holiday party, banquet, business meeting, or cocktail reception. The Wildcat Mountain Auditorium at Southridge features all the amenities to make your special day a success. Live band or DJ capable • Full A/V capabilities • Full service catering kitchen • Outdoor patio • Table and chair rental • Dinner capacity of 250 • Theatre capacity of 325 • Modular room set ups • Stage with two dressing rooms • Beer and Wine permitted* Book today! Call 303-471-7020 or visit www.HRCAonline.org/RoomRentals for more information. *Additional information regarding deposit and security for an event with alcohol is available by contacting the number above.
Sip & Savor HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine, & Spirits are pleased to present our exclusive wine event, Sip & Savor on Saturday, November 11, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road. This event is geared for the true connoisseur featuring all 50 wines from Davidsons Liquor’s Top 50 Wine List of 2017! Join us for fine wines, appetizers, and time with Davidsons' Sommeliers & wine buying experts. All participants receive a commemorative stemless wine glass. Tickets are $50 in advance, and $55 week of the event, if not sold out. You must be 21+ to attend. IDs will be checked. No exceptions.
Nutcracker Highlights The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) presents a holiday must-see, The Nutcracker "Highlights”. This is one Christmas tradition that many families enjoy year after year. The International Youth Ballet returns to Highlands Ranch to perform one-hour performances of The Nutcracker Suite; perfect for families with small children! Each child will receive a nutcracker to take home! This performance will leave little ones with visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads! Join us for one of two performances at Southridge: Saturday, November 18, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. This event always sells out, so purchase your tickets now. Seating is first-come, first-served. Tickets are $8 in advance, and $11 the week of the event, if not sold out. Children under two are free if they sit on a parent's lap. Tickets are available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets, by calling 303-791-2500, or visiting any of the four HRCA recreation centers.
Upcoming events Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair There’s something for everyone at the annual Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair, Saturday, November 4 at Eastridge, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Just in time for the holidays! Looking for special gifts or something truly different to give this holiday? Sometimes the best place to look is your local craft fair. You’ll find everything from home dècor items to jewelry, food to ornaments and more with over 125 exhibitors all under one roof. Come get a head start this holiday season with the wide selection of fun and festive gifts for yourself or that very special someone. You’ll be delighted with the quality and selection.
Calling all exhibitors! Saturday, November 4 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Free and Open to the Public • Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd.
Curtain Call at the Mansion- Frank Sinatra tribute The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is bringing you an evening like no other. The show promises to keep you thoroughly entertained and on your dancin’ toes! Come enjoy an evening of classic swing and standards featuring a performance from ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ and two of Colorado’s favorite vocal stylists, Odell Stroud and Aubrie Hamrick. Very light appetizers included. Cash bar available. 21+ only please. Friday, November 10 • 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) • $30 in advance, $35 week of event, if not sold out • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 Gateway Blvd.
Classical Music Series The Classical Music Series continues with the “Exceptional Strings”. A string lover’s dream, the program will feature two major works for String Sextet (2 violins, 2 violas, 2 cellos) performed in the beautiful and historic Highlands Ranch Mansion. The event is brought to you by the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association. Enjoy an evening of classical music featuring self-guided tours of the mansion. Light appetizers will be provided. No children under 12 please. Thursday, November 16 • 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, 9950 Gateway Blvd.
Coming up December 14: Classical Music Series - Chamber Music for the Holidays
hometown holiday & Winter Market There’s no place like home for the holidays! The HRCA proudly presents Hometown Holiday, the tradition which boasts treats for everyone and lots of hometown cheer! Leave your wallets at home, ‘tis the season of giving and everything at this event is complimentary. This old-fashioned celebration is a winter wonderland of fun-filled festivities including local choirs, strolling carolers, food, reindeer, hayrides, and Santa and Mrs. Claus! Don't forget to get your free photo with Santa. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to light the Christmas tree at 5:00 p.m., and they must leave at 7:30 p.m. NEW! This year the Winter Market will run during the Hometown Holiday festival. We are teaming with Metro Denver Farmers' Market to bring you unusual gift ideas, handmade items, and foods for that special gift or holiday meal. So, bundle up and stroll through the market stalls of Colorado farmers and crafters. You're sure to find something that will make your holiday warm and inviting for your family and friends. • Friday, December 1 • 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. • Free • Town Center South
Upcoming events December 1 Hometown Holiday and Winter Market 4 Holiday House Decorating Contest Deadline 9 Holiday Princess Tea Party 14 Classical Music Series Christmas Concert 16 Breakfast with Santa 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 Adult Racquetball Leagues
Stay Fit after 55! Did you know that the HRCA offers over 15 different drop-in fitness classes per week for residents and non-residents ages 55+? Take advantage of a special discounted rate and create lasting friendships while staying fit. We are proud to offer many formats of both land-based and Aqua Senior Fitness, Zumba Gold, NIA, Gentle Yoga and Relaxation Yoga. Contact the Fitness Coordinator at dru.connolly@hrcaonline.org by November 30 for one free-trial senior fitness class! For the current drop-in fitness schedule, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness.
Come learn the lifetime sport of racquetball! HRCA Racquetball Professional Bill Fearing runs 4 leagues on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings for a variety of levels. From beginners just learning how to play in our instructional league to advanced players in our mixed level league, we have something for you! New leagues begin the week of November 6 and run for 7 weeks. For more information please contact Cyrus Maes at cmaes@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.
HRCA Hosts High School Swim Teams HRCA is excited to once again welcome the Rock Canyon, ThunderRidge, Mountain Vista and Highlands Ranch High School Girls Swim Teams. The Westridge, Eastridge and Northridge Recreation Centers are the hosts for the schools for training during November, December and January. All home meets are hosted on Tuesday and Thursday or Saturdays at the Recreation Center at Northridge. During February, March, April and May, HRCA hosts the local High School Boys Swim Team. Please check with the pool schedules available at each Recreation Center, as well as on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a detailed schedule of when the swim teams will be at each facility.
Adults - Try Masters Swim Club! Want to step up your workouts a notch? Interested in competitive swimming or joining a dynamic group of swimmers? Sign up or drop-in anytime and begin swimming with HRCA's new Masters Swim Club. Novice swimmers welcome. Must swim 100 yards non-stop. For more info visit www.HRCAonline.org/swim, call 303-471-8942 or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org. (Ages 18+) • Tueday, Thursday, and Friday • 5:30-6:30 a.m. • Northridge Recreation Center
2018 Tennis Blocktime Applications Available Now! Don’t let a cold Colorado winter stall your tennis game! Applications are now available for the second 15-week session of Blocktime. This session runs from January 2 through April 16 and courts are available in 1-hour, 1½-hour and 2-hour slots. The deadline to submit your application indicating your first three choices is November 30. Be sure to mark this date on your calendar, dust off your racquet, get a new pair of tennis shoes, and get ready to continue your game through the chilly winter months!
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*This program is registered as a workout club under COMSA & US Masters Swimming, therefore individual program enrollment is required. HRCA swim master’s punch passes will not be valid for this program.
Register for 2018 classes starting November 28! www.HRCAonline.org
Give Thanks!
The Power of ART As Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge”. As the cool temperatures settle in, it’s time to give your children and yourselves, an opportunity to nurture the imagination. HRCA offers a variety of art and pottery programs to suit all ages and family schedules. This chilly, fall month try enrolling in Pilgrim Pride (Ages 3-5), Tom Turkey and Friends (Ages 5-8) or our November session of Drawing, Painting and Sculpting for children (Ages 6-11). Harvest Happenings and Turkey and Friends will be our theme for Imagination Creations and Play with Clay Pottery classes. For adults, we’re offering a Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting and Watercolor art class as well as a variety of hand building and wheel classes to suit any skill level. There are also a variety of cooking, dance and music classes for all ages and stages, so join us this month! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Adult Seminars HRCA offers a variety of adult seminars in an effort to inform you on important topics for you and your family. This month, we’re offering our very popular Will Seminar on November 6. This one-step class provides a notarized will, general power of attorney, medical power of attorney and living will. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and feel prepared. This class is $110 per person. On November 4, we’re offering, Protect your Assets from Nursing Home costs Without Insurance. This is a free seminar with lunch provided, on how your income and savings will be impacted by unexpected health care costs and what to do to protect yourself. For more information on these seminars, please call 303-471-8818.
Backcountry Happenings Here’s the lowdown on things happening in the Backcountry:
Backcountry Movie Night (November 3, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.): Parents, do you need a night out? Drop the kids off with us for a pizza dinner, a fun science program, camp games, and the movie, E.T.! Call 303-471-8876 or email annakate.hein@hrcaonline.org.
Deer Rut Hayride (November 8, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.): Join us in the Backcountry for a horse-drawn hayride. We'll keep our eyes and ears open for local bucks in the heat of the rut. Call 303-471-7078 or email carla.baca@hrcaonline.org.
Outdoor Discovery Camp Cyber Monday Sale (November 27): Sign up your kid for Summer 2018 Outdoor Discovery Camp at the lowest prices of the entire year! Look for details on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hrcabackcountry. Call 303-471-8876 or email annakate.hein@hrcaonline.org.
Leaves are on the ground, snow is beginning to fall and you want to find a fun, engaging activity for your little one! Consider our Creative Kids classes held over at Westridge! In November, we’ll be offering classes every day of the week focused on the following themes: Turkeys and Toddlers, Calling All Turkeys, Gobble Up Some Fun and Our Pumpkin Patch. 2 Times the Fun and Stepping Stones will be doing projects related to Fall Harvest as well. It’s a great time to get involved and your teachers, Ms. Cory, Ms. Sharon and Ms. Mindie are excited to have you join them! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Winter Hayrides! Is there anything more festive than being pulled on a hayride behind two draft horses with jingle bells chiming from their reigns? Add in a couple snowflake flurries and everyone will be in the mood for hot apple cider and a warm fire. Now is the time to book a private, winter horse-drawn hayride led by Bella and Buster. Explore the scenic Backcountry on these twohour tours for up to 15 people. We can customize your trip with a stop to play in the snow, a campfire (pending conditions,) or whatever your group would enjoy. Call 303-471-7078 or email carla.baca@hrcaonline.org. Visit our web site www.HRCAonline.org/backcountry and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ hrcabackcountry for more information and registration.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures November 3-4 Eastridge Basketball Courts & Track: Friday & Saturday all day for the Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair November 10 Administrative Offices for Veteran's Day November 23 Recreation Centers and Administrative Offices for Thanksgiving November 24 Administrative Offices for Thanksgiving Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 10/31/17
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).
November Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. November 4 . . . . . . . Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair November 6 . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. November 10. . . . . . . Curtain Call at the Mansion Tuxedo Junction - Frank Sinatra Tribute November 11 . . . . . . Adult Health & Information Fair November 11 . . . . . . Sip & Savor November 13 . . . . . . Pottery Sale at Southridge November 14 . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. November 16. . . . . . . Classical Music Series Exceptional Strings November 18 . . . . . . Nutcracker Highlights * These meetings are open to our members.