HRCA December Newsletter 2017

News December 2017

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Holiday Happenings “There’s no place like home for the holidays!” This is especially true of Highlands Ranch. HRCA has events, classes, and activities to keep your family and guests entertained throughout the season.

Community Events - Kick off the season with Hometown Holiday and Winter Market on December 1 at Town Center South.

This free, fun-filled evening includes the lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, food, crafts, a winter market, and pictures with Santa, all free of charge! On December 16, create another magical memory with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Breakfast with Santa. For many, a favorite holiday tradition is viewing homes decorated in festive lights. To find all of the best spots, go to www.HRCAonline. org/Contest for a map of the Holiday House Decorating Contest entries and then December 11 - 15 return to the web site to vote for your favorite house.

Activities and Classes - Get into the holiday spirit by booking your private, Winter Horse-Drawn Hayride through the

Backcountry Wilderness Area. What is more festive than being pulled on a hayride behind two draft horses with jingle bells chiming? Add in some snowflake flurries and everyone will be in the mood for hot apple cider and a warm fire.

Stay inside and create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy art and pottery projects. Little ones will learn to make Christmas and winter crafts, snacks, and more with Holiday Art, Crafts, and Cooking Classes.

Holiday Break Camps - Help your kids stay active over teh Winter Break at Basketball Camp, Day Camp, Specialty Camps, and a Special Needs Winter Break Sports Camp. Find a complete list of camps at www.HRCAonline.org/Break-Camps. Need a break?

Stop by any of the four recreation centers for free Holiday Games for kids.

Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings for details on these activities and more!

Keep Moving this Winter with HRCA! Are you still working to meet 2017 fitness goals, or just trying to avoid putting on extra weight during the holidays? HRCA Sports and Fitness has everything you need to help keep you moving throughout the snowy months ahead.

camps, instructional soccer programs, fencing, and martial arts programs right here in your backyard. For adults, HRCA offers organized basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer leagues racquetball, and an instructional fencing program.

The Fitness Department offers over 100 weekly drop-in group exercise classes sure to work with your busy schedule and meet your fitness level. From boot camps to yoga and pilates, barre fitness to indoor cycling, senior classes, and much more, you can find a complete schedule online at www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness.

Our Tennis program welcomes new, experienced, and returning players to the sport. We have everything from Hot Shot classes for 5-year olds to Senior Leagues.

For more serious competition, join our junior and adult tournaments and leagues.

Learn more at www.HRCAonline/Tennis.

The Sports Department offers numerous recreational and competitive sports leagues for all abilities, holiday basketball

HRCA Therapeutic Recreation (TR) programs enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs. We have something for all interests from basketball

and hip hop dance to aquatics and special events. Find out more at www.HRCAonline.org/TR. If running a 5K is on your list for 2018, starting in January, visit www.HRraceseries.com for the 2018 schedule and begin planning your next family-friendly run/walk.

Stay tuned for the exciting re-opening of the Northridge Recreation Center in early 2018. The renovated facility will feature a new hot yoga studio, martial arts studio, golf simulator, expanded fitness areas, and much more!

HRCA is committed to helping you stay active in the months ahead…bring on the new year!

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.

The end of the year is finally here and Christmas and Hanukkah will be quick to appear.

Yes, it really is December! Just as Santa is busy preparing his sleigh so are we with celebrations galore. So light the lights and deck the halls! Come one and come all for some holiday cheer! There is always plenty to do for big and for small!

Events and more events: This month’s activities start off in grand style with the Hometown Holiday celebration and Winter Market in our Town Center South on Friday, December 1. Other not-to-miss celebrations are the Classical Music Series at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on December 14 and, of course, Breakfast with Santa is a must for you and your children on December 16. Tickets for many of these events sell out quickly, so buy yours today. Please visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events for more information.

Hot Topics: Some of the most frequent questions and complaints we have gotten throughout the year have to do with dog waste, barking dogs, coyotes, trash, street parking, fencing, yard maintenance, and snow shoveling. Answers to these questions and more are on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Covenant-faq. We thank you for being a good neighbor and doing your part in maintaining the community.

Budget: It isn’t always the most glamorous to talk about budgets during this time of year, but it is important for all of us to know and understand what is happening for the upcoming year in our community. Homeowners can expect to see a completed remodel at Northridge Recreation Center and the beginnings of improvements at the Northridge Tennis Facility. These projects have been part of the budget planning process for many years and we are excited to see our oldest recreation center be updated with a new design and improved recreational amenities. The HRCA Board of Directors believes that keeping our facilities first-class and up-to-date will continue to enhance our property values to their highest levels, which is our main responsibility. This initiative will be very important in the coming years and will require an emphasis on service to the community and capital improvements beyond just maintenance.

Accordingly, the Board is instituting an assessment increase for 2018. HRCA will be able to maintain our outstanding level of service and current operating structure while continuing to fund the Capital Reserve Fund. This will enable us to continue setting aside funds for improvements to our aging recreation facilities. For more detailed information on our budget, please visit our home page at www.HRCAonline.org.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sheila Byrnes, a steadfast Community Relations Ranch Hand, and a key volunteer to making all of our major events happen. Sheila has been volunteering for the Community Relations Department for over nine years and working at our community events from the tastings, to Princess Teas, to the July 4 Parade. Sheila brings a wealth of skills to our team and is critical in helping us prepare and present our many events. Big thanks to Shelia for all her hard work and support over the years!

Copyright ©2017 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

Thank you and Happy Holidays to All!

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.

Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.

2 | December 2017

Community News HRCA 2018 Adopted Budget The HRCA 2018 Budget was approved at the November 14 Board of Directors Meeting.

The adopted budget for 2018 includes a 2.78 percent overall assessment increase, which is comprised of a 2.85 percent increase ($15 annually) for the Recreation Function Common Assessment and a 2.04 percent increase ($1 annually) for the Administrative Function Common Assessment. The new total assessment for the Administrative and Recreation Function Common Assessment will be $592 annually, or $148 per quarter. Assessments for the HRCA are due on the first day of every quarter starting January 1. The budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Budget.

Support HRCAA on Colorado Gives Day, december 5 Colorado's largest day of giving,

Did You Receive a Fence Maintenance Letter from the HRCA Compliance Department?

Colorado Gives Day, is on Tuesday,

The enhancement of your property value is a cornerstone of the HRCA. Living in our covenant-controlled community has significantly contributed to the unprecedented re-sale value of homes in our community.

Colorado nonprofits.

One of the main contributors to “curb appeal” is the condition of your fence. Many residents have voiced strong concerns about the condition of fencing throughout the community and the HRCA continues to review how best to address the issue in a fair and consistent manner for residents.

December 5. On this day, thousands of people come together to support

When you are making your Gives Day donations, please consider making a donation to the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA).

The first step in responding to the concerns of our residents was to initiate a community– wide survey of fences and actively cite deferred maintenance issues. Late this summer and into early fall, the Community Improvement Services Department (CIS), has been asking residents to give their fences some attention. Many times, a basic power washing is all that is needed to address aesthetic appearance of your fence; however, re-staining or replacing may be required.

The CAA produces and presents

As with any exterior painting project, the HRCA has waived all review fees for fence staining applications; however, ARC approval is required to ensure that approved stain colors are being utilized.

on the Green, and many others.

Please note that homeowners who choose to leave their fences natural (as opposed to staining them) are expected to regularly maintain natural fences by washing/power-washing them to remove the graying and weathering that occurs on natural fences. Homeowners who choose to stain their fences must choose one of the approved stain colors listed in the “Residential Improvement Guidelines” which are available on the HRCA web site, www.HRCAonline.org, or by contacting the CIS Department at 303-471-8821.

program in Highlands Ranch.

over 40 cultural, historic, and educational programs and events annually, including Highlands Ranch Days, Oktoberfest, the Summer Concert Series, Culture The CAA also funds the annual Art Encounters outdoor sculpture

To donate to the CAA on Colorado Gives Day, go to www.coloradogives.org/CAA. You can also go online to schedule your donation in advance.

quarterly assessments Annual notices containing information about the 2018 assessment will be mailed at the beginning of December. PayLease will update the assessment amount of all automatic (ACH) payment accounts.

Homeowners that pay via their own bank bill payment service will need to update their bill pay amount manually. PLEASE help HRCA save costs and the environment by signing up for E-Statements.

To receive your invoice via email visit the following link: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/signup.

Generosity from our community, either through participation in programs or direct donations, enables non profits like CAA the ability to present exciting educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Thank you for your support!

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Ranch updates & events

2018 HRCA Community Calendars are here!

This holiday give your Highlands Ranch friends a present that lasts all year long! The 2018 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photos taken right here in the Ranch, as well as information on community and cultural events, races, recreation center closures, holidays, and more! Calendars are $5.00 each and come in two sizes. They may be purchased at any recreation center.

Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.

Northridge Grand Re-opening Early 2018!

Act ivi ty Gui de 2018 April

..

C A. WE ARE HitRwa s In te nd ed Li ve Li fe th

e W ay

on Arts & Educati erness Area Backcountry Wild Race Series Sports ing Aquatics/Swimm lness Fitness & Wel

It’s Al l Ri gh

t He re !

Highlands Ranch homeowners should take a photo of their brightly lit homes and submit it with an online form by 5:00 p.m. on December 4. Addresses and photos of all of the contest entries will be posted with a map showing the location of each.

Highlands Ranch residents may plan a visit to view the festive sights and lights and vote for their favorite home from December 11 - 15. The winners will be announced on December 18. First, second, and third place winners will receive a cash award, have a sign placed in their front yard, be recognized in the HRCA News, and have their home’s photo placed on the HRCA web site. To enter the contest or to vote, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Contest.

HRCA is your one-stop shop for holiday gifts for everyone on your list! For the fitness buff, purchase a personal training package with one of our nationally certified personal trainers. Does your special someone have a love for music? Pick up tickets to the Cultural Affairs Association Winter Cultural Series, which features a variety of modern, classical, and interpretive music and dance performances. For the planner in your life, grab a 2018 HRCA Community Calendar. Available in two sizes, the calendar is a perfect way to remember important dates in 2018. For kids, give the gift of a week of Camp Backcountry this summer and they will have something to look forward to all winter long!

Still stuck? Perfect for anyone on your list - purchase an HRCA gift card, which can be redeemed for any class, activity, or event.

Tennis eation Therapeutic Recr Events

1

New Activity Guide Watch your mailbox this month for the new January - April 2018 Activity Guide. For classes and registration, go to the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Register.

4 | December 2017

Wintry weather, twinkling lights, and seasonal greenery remind us that a special season is upon us, so take your holiday décor to the next level! Show off your community pride and light up the season by entering the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Holiday House Decorating Contest and celebrate the 2017 Holiday Season in style! It’s the perfect family project for the entire family to participate in and enjoy.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Visit the web site for updates.

Janua ry -

Holiday House Decorating Contest

All of these great gifts can be purchased at the four recreation centers at the membership desk.

Free Holiday Games are Coming to Your Favorite Facility!

Mark your calendars for the following dates at each facility, check the web site, and keep a look out for more information as the dates approach: Eastridge – December 27 Southridge – December 27 Westridge – December 22 Northridge – December 26

Upcoming events Hometown Holiday & fEATURING THE Winter Market Join your family and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season this Christmas at Hometown Holiday on Friday, December 1, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Town Center South.

Enjoy the sound of the holidays as carolers and a children's choir sing holiday classics. Have your photo taken with Santa, make a holiday craft, and enjoy a hayrack ride – all for free! Local businesses will hand out free goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, soup, and apple cider! Be early, Santa kicks off the celebration by lighting the Christmas tree at 5:00 p.m. New this year we’ve added a Winter Market! Find oneof-a-kind gifts and food items at this fun and festive market.

Friday, December 1 • 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. • Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St., • Free

2018 Winter Cultural series HRCA is proud to announce the 2018 Winter Cultural Series! Treat yourself to an evening of culture close to home as we kick off the series on Thursday, January 11, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church, 3900 Grace Blvd., with a performance by the Lamont Jazz Orchestra featuring both original music and sounds of jazz greats.

Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at door, if not sold out. Senior (65+), or child discount (12 and Under) are $7 advance, $10 at door, if not sold out.

Don't miss the rest of the series: Thursday, January 25: Ballet Ariel Denver’s Ballet Ariel Company and School is building excitement about ballet, with beautiful original ballets. Talented students will perform a variety of dances from classical ballets.

Thursday, February 8: Denver & District Pipe Band with Scottish Highland

& Irish Dancers The sounds of bagpipes will fill the air while both Irish and Highland Dancers perform on stage. The Denver and District Pipe Band is a community based group of bagpipers, drummers and dancers from throughout the front range of Colorado.

Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is coming to HRCA! Whether you are two or 102, there is nothing more memorable than the time you sat on Santa’s lap! Enjoy sleigh loads of fun at the December 16 event. Bring your appetite for the best pancakes and sausage this side of the North Pole. The ‘Jolly Ole Elf’ himself will arrive for a 9:00 a.m. start and will be perched in his Royal Chair accompanied by his merry elves until 10:30 a.m. listening to every good child’s special wish for Christmas. Remember to bring your camera! Children will also enjoy creating crafts and listening to festive holiday music and stories from Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Workshop! $11 in advance, $15 at the door if not sold out (all ages)! • Saturday, December 16 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. • Eastridge, 9568 University Blvd. • Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Sorry, no refunds!

Thursday, February 22: Opera Colorado - Cinderella Inspired by the traditional fairytale, Rossini’s Cinderella has a bit of a twist. Is a bracelet as trusty as a glass slipper? Find out in this opera!

Get your tickets early, performances will sell out!

Upcoming events January 2018 11, 25 Winter Cultural Series 13 Super Heroes Unite!

13 Home Brew Class 19 Family Magic Show 20 Hot Cocktails & Cordials 27 Adult Glow-in-the Dark Yoga Please check the web site for the most current event information.

Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.

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2018 HR Race Series While the 2017 Race Series has wrapped up for the year, we are planning some big things for 2018!

Keep your eyes and ears open for exciting holiday promotions and more details soon for the 2018 Highlands Ranch Race Series. Thank you to all who participated in the series this year; our volunteers, vendors, and participants are what make this series great! See you in 2018!

Team Strength & Conditioning Classes Do you have a high school or club sports team that is looking for offseason strength training? The HRCA can facilitate classes exclusively for your team, led by a nationally certified instructor. We offer strength, speed and agility, muscular endurance, yoga, and mind-body awareness training as well as many other formats to suit your team’s off-season fitness goals.

Contact the Fitness Coordinator at dru.connolly@hrcaonline.org to schedule your team.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION (TR) PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS Winter Break Sports Camp!

Join us at Southridge for TR Winter Break Sports Camp on January 2 and 4 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun and recreation based environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 and older. Registration for both days is $60 member/$69 guest.

For information please visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR.

6 | December 2017

Classes, camps & activities Highlands Ranch Taekwondo The HRCA Sports Department is proud to bring a NEW Martial Arts Studio to Highlands Ranch. Opening in January, the Martial Arts Studio will be housed out of the newly renovated Northridge Recreation Center. Highlands Ranch Taekwondo will be offering classes for youth and adults on weekdays as well as Saturdays. For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8869.

Sign up Now for Women’s In-House Doubles Did you know tennis can be a great cardio workout? Why not get your heart pumping and establish strong relationships with other players at your level by signing up for the January session of Women’s In-House Doubles! Registration begins December 4 for member teams at the 2.5 level. Member 3.0 teams begin registering on December 5 and 3.5 teams on December 6. Guest Teams may register beginning December 18. Doubles play for all levels begins the week of January 8 and runs for seven weeks. For more information please email mmccauley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8940.

Adults – Try Masters Swim Club Want to step your workouts up 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 Masters Swim Club. Novice swimmers are welcome. Must be able to swim 100 yards nonstop. For more info visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, call 303-471-8942, or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org.

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 5:30 - 6:30 a.m. (Ages 18+) • $65/$75 a month or $13/$14 Drop-in • Northridge Recreation Center *This program is registered as a workout club under COMSA & US Masters Swimming, HRCA swim masters punch passes will not be valid for this program.

Join the HRCA Team!

HRCA is seeking year round or summer employees for learn to swim instructors, swim coaches and lifeguards. Work close to home with friends and can fit within your existing lifestyle at very competitive salaries. To complete an on-line application today, visit www.HRCAonline.org or for more info call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.

Find a reason to dance

Holiday Time Crafts and Classes Now that it’s time to Deck the Halls, remember all of the fun things to do at HRCA this month!

Enroll your child in one of our Creative Kids classes at Westridge that are sure to have your kids ready for the holidays! Try enrolling your little ones in Snowflakes and Snowmen, a mommy and me class for ages 18 months-4 years, or enroll them in a one-day class so you can finish up some shopping! Classes are on different days of the week and at different times, so you can find a class that meets your family’s schedule. We’ll be doing fun crafts, projects, and activities related to our themes: Merry Memories, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, O ’Christmas Tree, Just Chillin’, and Winter Wonders are just a few! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.

In December, HRCA is featuring the adult dance program. Consider trying a class this month or as a New Year’s resolution! We offer Belly Dancing on Thursday evenings for beginner and intermediate students, Adult Tap Dance on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and Couples Dance classes on Tuesday nights with fun themes like Cowboy Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Waltz, and Rumba! Get your toe tapping shoes on, give it a whirl, and join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

December is a wonderful month to get your kids involved in something new and festive!

Check out one of our art classes for ages 5-12, including KidzArt Holiday Gift Workshop, Snowflake Follies, and Holiday Happenings. For those that love the kitchen, try our Holiday Specials and Desserts for the Holidays! Over the Winter Break, we’ll be offering Mixology for the scientist in your family, and Sumo Robot Battles and Minecraft Master Camp for the Engineer. Challenge Island’s Wizardry Camp and World of Amusement Camp are also favorites for your elementary camper! Get your kids involved in fun holiday projects and activities that inspire and engage them! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

Backcountry Camp Kickoff!

Tis’ the season…to register for summer camp! You heard us right. Early bird pricing for summer 2018 Camp Backcountry is now open and we couldn’t be more excited. To attempt to contain our summer excitement in December, join us for the first-ever Camp Kickoff on December 8 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Southridge Recreation Center. We’re going to hang out with camp friends new and old, play our favorite camp games, eat pizza, and raffle off some killer giveaways. Parents, you can check out information on all of the camp options, get early bird camp pricing, and drop off the kids for the evening for just $5 per child ages 6 (and in first grade)-13. Kids who get registered for camp at Camp Kickoff will also receive a camp Nalgene water bottle that is the perfect stocking stuffer! For more information email annakate.hein@hrcaonline.org.

Visit our web site www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/hrcabackcountry for more information and to register.

Winter Break Day Camp HRCA's Full-Day Camp for school-age children will run out of Eastridge on December 27-29 and January 2-5. For more information call 303-471-8928.

Back the Backcountry It’s the time of year for giving, and we’d love for you to "Back the Backcountry." The Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund (BCEF) is wrapping up its first year as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and we’re on a quest to finish the year with 100 members. The BCEF improves wildlife habitat in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, inspires the next generation of nature stewards, and ignites a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. With a tax-deductible membership or donation, you’ll be a supporter of projects like fire mitigation, improving wildlife water resources, connecting more kids to environmental education, and more. For all of the details head to www.HRCAonline.org/ Backcountryfriends.

For more information email lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org.

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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Facility Closures December 15-16 Eastridge Basketball Courts:

Friday, all day

Saturday, 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

December 22

Administrative Offices

December 24

Recreation Centers early closure 5:00 p.m.

December 25

Recreation Centers

December 31

Recreation Centers early closure 5:00 p.m.

Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 11/30/17

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).

December Events

For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org.

December 1. . . . . . . Hometown Holiday and Winter Market December 4. . . . . . . House Decorating Contest Deadline December 9. . . . . . . Holiday Princess Tea Party (SOLD OUT) December 11-15. . . . House Decorating Contest Public Voting December 14. . . . . . Holiday Classical Music Concert December 16. . . . . . Breakfast with Santa December 19. . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. * These meetings are open to our members.