NEWS
August 2020
COVID-19 TIPS AND REMINDERS The HRCA recreation centers have been open for two months now, and we appreciate all of the support and patience we continue to receive from our members as we navigate these challenging times. We want to remind you of the COVID-19 procedures now in place: • Masks are required in all HRCA facilities for anyone over the age of 10 and must be worn at all times, including while using the workout equipment, participating in fitness classes, or while attending any other HRCA indoor programs or events • Temperature checks are done on anyone entering the facilities • Maintain 6 feet of social distance • Use provided wipes to clean off equipment after use • Limit your workout to 60 minutes to allow others use of the facilities • If you are feeling ill or have COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home • No daily drop-in guest passes sold While many of our amenities have re-opened, there are still closures including the running tracks (except at Northridge), the climbing wall, and the indoor pools (except for lap swim or HRCA Aquatics programs and lessons). The outdoor pools are all open by reservations only. Reservation times for the following week are released every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at www.HRCAonline.org/Pools. We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities. For updates and more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/COVID-19.
COVID-19 COMMUNITY TESTING EVENTS Several COVID-19 diagnostic nasal swab testing events will be held in Douglas County in August. All events are from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or until test kits run out, (200 tests per day per location) and are FREE to eligible individuals (see list below). Antibody testing will NOT BE OFFERED at these events. Participants can drive-thru, walk-up, or arrive on a bicycle. Do not arrive before 8:00 a.m. as space for vehicles is limited. Wait times will vary throughout the day, depending on demand. Only 200 tests per location per day will be available. August 4 – Castle Rock Adventist Hospital August 13 – CU Denver South, Lone Tree August 25 – PACE Center, Parker Click here for more information (https://www.douglas.co.us/covid19-testing/events)
ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS FROM XCEL ENERGY When hot summer weather moves in, Coloradans turn on their air conditioning to keep cool and stay comfortable. So, with high temperatures once again expected this week, Xcel Energy is offering some tips to help customers find relief from the heat and their bills this summer. Home cooling can account for about half of a summertime electric bill, and the best way customers can keep that bill from climbing too high is to practice some basic conservation and efficiency habits that can keep you cool without stressing your family’s budget. Small changes customers can make in their day and evening routines include setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher if your health allows, turning off unnecessary lights, and postponing the use of major appliances until after 8:00 p.m. Xcel Energy also offers a full selection of programs and rebates to help businesses save energy and money. See options here: Smarter Energy Use for a Better Business continued on page 4
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 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500
Due to COVID-19, facility hours have modified: Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. See: HRCA Reopening Guidelines
Recreation Center at Northridge 8800 Broadway Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Copyright ©2020 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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JERRY FLANNERY CEO and General Manager Summer is winding down and the seasons will soon be changing. At the time of writing this newsletter, it appears that schools will reopen this fall. For HRCA, we have every intention on continuing to provide our premier services to the community. Please make sure you look at our web site on a regular basis as we are currently developing programs for the fall season. Remember, if you haven’t been out to experience our Farmers' Market, it is held every Sunday at Town Center through October and there is still plenty of time to get there and stock up on fresh veggies!
What to do in August: In order to maintain social distancing requirements, many of our events have changed. However, there is still plenty to do for the month of August. Adult Swim Nights, Dive in Movies, the Mountain Bike Series, our new Happy Hour Virtual Tasting Series, 101st Army Rock Band Live Stream, and even movies in the Backcountry. Also, some other pop up events and classes for all ages are happening this month. With information changing rapidly, I encourage you to check our web site often to see if an event or other services have been impacted by State Executive Orders or Tri-County Health directives.Please bookmark www.HRCAonline.org to easily find a full list of activities and constantly updated information!
Reminders: Our facilities have been re-opened since June 1, however we are still adhering to the capacity recommendations directed from governmental agencies. You may notice that classes, pools and facilities are operating with less people. Please be patient with this system, as we are working to accommodate as many people as possible in the safest way possible. We kindly ask homeowners to be responsible pet owners by both cleaning up after your pet when walking on the sidewalks, trails and parks; as well as refraining from allowing your dog to utilize neighbor’s yards for pet waste. The HRCA enforces covenants seven days a week. Please help us by keeping up with landscape maintenance along with properly storing your recreational vehicles. These are common and re-occurring issues that are regularly addressed by the Community Improvement Services Team and we appreciate everyone doing their part to help with compliance.
Volunteer Shout Outs: Finance Committee: Budget season is kicking off this month and over the course of the next three months, the Finance Committee will meet regularly to review and analyze the proposed budget for 2021. The Finance Committee spends a great deal of time working with staff during this process to develop the budget. A special thank you to committee members Krystal Woodbury, Rolands Vilums, Ron Welk, Nick Paytas, Mikell Wilcox, Mark Moyer, and John Mackowiak for donating their time and knowledge.
Chatridge2 Fire: A very special thanks to all the incredible emergency responders who protected our community during the Chatridge2 fire in the Backcountry last month. The fire burned nearly 500 acres and the overwhelming response, skill, and professionalism of those fighting the fire prevented significant damage to homes and property. Conditions do remain extremely dry, so please remember we are currently under Stage 2 fire restrictions.
COMMUNITY NEWS Neighborhood Impressions The weather in our beautiful Colorado state is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. The Fall of 2019 and the Winter/ Spring months of 2020 have been no different. The deciduous trees and evergreens took an extra beating with the late freeze this past spring which has left some long-term effects. The Community Improvement Services Department understands many trees and larger bushes have suffered from the stress of the seasons. Arborists and landscaping experts feel that with certain trees, there is a good chance that these branches and limbs will return. Some may even take a full growing season to recover. If you are a home owner and have received a letter from our department regarding dead trees, limbs or branches and are concerned that you may be trimming live branches or removing trees that are still showing signs of life, have no worries! We know that our trees and bushes are an integral part of the beautiful landscaping and we are more than happy to work with you! Our office is available Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 303-471-8821 or email at covenant@hrcaonline.org. This is our busiest time of year but your concerns are important to us. Please allow us some extra time to return calls and emails. Thank you so much for your patience and your continued efforts to keep Highlands Ranch looking beautiful!
THANK YOU
to all of the agencies who protected our Backcountry Wilderness Area during the Chatridge 2 fire on June 29. • South Metro Fire Rescue • Douglas County Emergency Response Team • Centennial Water & Sanitation District • Douglas County Sheriff’s Office • Douglas County School District • Backcountry HOA • Castle Rock Fire Rescue • West Douglas County Fire Protection District • Jackson 105 Fire District • Sable Altura Fire Rescue • Franktown Fire District • Bennett-Watkins Fire Rescue
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Denver Fire Department West Metro Fire Rescue Kiowa Fire District Golden Fire Department Golden Gate Fire Protection District Fairmount Fire Protection District Thornton Fire Department North Metro Fire Rescue Brighton Fire Rescue Adams County Fire Department Westminster Fire Department Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control • US Forest Service Roosevelt Hot Shots
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is seeing an increase in thefts from motor vehicles throughout the county. The high crime areas are in the parking lots of recreation centers, workout facilities, dog parks, and hiking trails. With your help, these crimes can be prevented. Here are tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim: • Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle doors when parked. • Hide valuables. Remove valuables when parking for long periods. • Put vehicle accessories like handicapped parking placards and radar detectors in the glove box or console when you park the vehicle. • Whenever possible, park your vehicles in a closed and locked garage or in a well-lit area. Remove your keys from your vehicle, even when it is in your garage. • Lock your vehicle doors and remove personal belongings even when parking in a secured garage or gated parking. • Remove documents with personally identifying information. • Remove your garage door opener when parked away from or outside of your home. Report all suspicious persons and activities to the Sheriff’s Office immediately. To report a crime, contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 303-660-7500 or 911.
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RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS WHO IS YOUR DISTRICT DELEGATE? Visit the HRCA web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Delegates to find out which District Delegate represents your neighborhood. continued from page 1:
Want to hear from your District Delegate?
Energy Conservation Tips from Xcel Energy
Did you know that you can opt-in to receive communications from your District Delegate? Send an email to annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org and include your street address in the email. Your information will then be added to your District Delegate's email list.
Additional summertime energysaving tips include: • Using electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.
ADULT SWIM NIGHT
• Closing drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods. • Avoiding using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running. • Operating energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.
Join us for adults-only swim events on August 12 and 26! Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night at the Eastridge Outdoor Pool. Bring your favorite float, a picnic, and enjoy a relaxing night at the pool. We will provide a cash bar. 21+ only, IDs are mandatory and will be checked. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association, to help support cultural programming in our community. Purchase tickets in advance at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets or at the door.
Wednesday, August 12 & 26 • 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. • Eastridge • $5 per person • 21+, IDs will be checked
• Limiting the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
Find more energy saving tips and resources online: Energy Savings Tip Page Summer Energy Savings Tips:10 simple ways to lower your bill & energy usage One-handed Ways To Save: You can save energy with one hand (videos)
HAPPY HOUR TASTING SERIES Tired of the same old drink? Join the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits virtually on Zoom for our Highlands Ranch Happy Hour Series! This series has something for everyone's taste buds - beer, wine and spirits! While our in-person tastings are canceled for now, we hope to bring some of your favorites to your home! Only one ticket needed per household. This online event is free, but make sure to come prepared with all the ingredients needed to follow along! Shopping lists can be found on our web site www.HRCAonline.org/happyhour. All tastings begin at 6:00 p.m. MST. Dates: August 6 – Decadent Saint Future programs are scheduled for the following dates tastings to be announced soon. August 20, September 3, and September 17
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• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours.
irtual
HIGHLANDS RANCH
tasting series
UPCOMING EVENTS DOGGIE SPLASH Doesn’t man’s best friend deserve a day of leisure too? We will open the outdoor pool at Westridge to our four-legged friends ONLY so your social dog can enjoy a day of fun, swimming away the summer heat. Reservations are required! Time slots for reservations are 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Limit two dogs per adult. Dog owners must stay at event with dog(s). Dogs must be up-to-date on Rabies vaccine. Reservations can be made online at www.HRCAonline.org/ Tickets. HRCA reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog at any time for any reason. • Saturday, September 12 • 8:00 a.m. - Noon • Westridge Outdoor Pool, 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd • $7/dog, in advance (non-refundable) • Reservations are required
VIRTUAL RUM MASTER CLASS Stay home and celebrate National Rum Day! Join the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits for a Virtual Rum Tasting with Mount Gay Rum! Mount Gay Rum will be providing sample kits so you can taste along as they walk you through the flight. Also, as a bonus your ticket price will also include all the ingredients needed to create a Bajan Mule! Enjoy the refreshing cocktail while you learn about the history of Mount Gay Rum virtually over Zoom! Purchase your ticket at www.HRCAonline.org/RumTasting. To participate in this event with the sample kit you must be local to the Denver Metro area. Please contact danielle.coryell@hrcaonline.org to pick up your sample kit or for more information. Thursday, August 13 • 6:00 p.m. MST • $30 (includes sample kit)
VIRTUAL KIDS KITCHEN Hot summer days mean frozen treats are a necessity! Join the HRCA as we partner with Children's Hospital Colorado for a Virtual Cooking Demonstration that is fun for the whole family! Get your kiddos into the kitchen with you to make this super easy and tasty treat with just a few ingredients. You'll feel like you're on a breezy island beach in no time with a Pineapple Freeze in hand. The variations are endless, so everyone can make their favorite flavors and colors! Register now to sign up! You will get the link to zoom after you sign up.
101ST ARMY ROCK BAND – LIVE STREAMING EVENT! This pop up experience will bring a live concert directly to your home! Enjoy a live performance from the 101st Army Rock Band from the comfort of your own home! The 101st Army Rock Band plays a high-energy mix of rock and roll from the 70’s through today. The group specializes in horn-driven funk and dance music, performing at formal events, festivals, and concert venues for service members and the public. The performance will be streamed through Zoom and Facebook Live. Register for your free ticket and the Zoom link will be sent to you. Please be sure to have the most current version of your internet browser and a good internet connection. This performance is live and will not be available to watch once finished, so make sure that you can tune in right at 6:30 p.m.! For more information contact amanda.arnce@hrcaonline.org or visit www.HRCAonline.org/RockBand. Friday, August 21 • 6:30 -8:00 p.m. MST • Free
Thursday, August 6 • 11:00 a.m. - Noon • Free
Thank you to our community partner Children's Hospital Colorado
for their generous support. Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and isiting other facilities.
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES Brain Health Fitness – Ageless Grace® at Southridge HR RACE SERIES The final two HR Mountain Bike races take place on August 5 and August 12 in the beautiful Backcountry Wilderness Area. Both races will begin at 6:00 p.m. with the first race starting at Red Tail Park and the last race starting just south of Rocky Heights Middle School at the DC E/W trailhead. Ending the month is our Wildcat Mountain 10M/10K Trail Races on August 29. Head over to HRRaceSeries.org for more information!
This Brain Health Fitness Program is designed to stimulate the brain through physical movement. The program consists of 21 Simple Tools for Lifelong Comfort and Ease™. These exercises are done while seated and address the 5 primary brain functions: strategic planning, memory and recall, analytical thinking, creativity and imagination, and kinesthetic learning. The 21 Tools are also designed to maintain and improve basic physical skills: joint mobility, balance, spinal flexibility, upper body strength and coordination. This class is great for people of any age or ability who want to stay physically active and mentally fit. Advanced registration is required. Class size is limited – register today! For more information, please contact the Fitness Coordinator at dru.connolly@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-7020 to register.
Adult Learn to Golf HRCA is proud to partner with University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch to bring adult golf lessons to HRCA members. These clinics are designed for the beginner to intermediate golfer, set in a fun and relaxing environment. Classes will focus on player development and making the transition from the practice range to the golf course. For more information please contact Lisa Sheley at lisa.sheley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.
What Happens After Swim Lessons? Try Intro to Seahawks
STAY HEALTHY! BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY! Looking for a fun way to boost your immune and digestive functions, lower blood pressure, and increase bone density? Look no further than your local HRCA tennis courts! The next session of Adult beginner tennis classes start the week of August 10 at Northridge. Beginner classes are offered Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Call the Tennis Monitor Desk at 303-471-8996 to sign up now or contact Marianne McCauley at 303-471-8940 with questions.
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Swimmers who are able to swim a competent 25 yard freestyle and backstroke and are looking for a new challenge, then Intro to Seahawks is the program for you. This program begins with an overview of the Seahawks Juniors Program. The bulk of the program will be one hour structured sessions focusing on endurance and technique for freestyle and backstroke with an introduction to timed sets, flip turns, and all four strokes. Enrollment is available Coached Aquatic Youth. For more info contact Rachel Lyon at 303-471-8942 or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org.
Why Private Swim Lessons? • Do you need some extra help to successfully reach your swimming goals? • Looking for a competitive edge for swim team? • Are you an adult looking to add swimming to your fitness routine? • Do your busy schedules require lesson time flexibility to fit in swimming? Private swim lessons are available year round for both learn to swim and coached & competitive swimmers. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/swimprivates TODAY to request your private lessons. Need more info? Call 720-348-8220. We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES The Importance of the Preschool Experience Whether you are a full-time working or a stay at home parent of a 3-5-year-old, it is valuable to consider the importance of the Preschool experience for your child. Research has proven that children develop their most fundamental skills between birth and 5 years. These skills are critical in your child’s overall success as they move into adolescence and adulthood. A diverse learning environment is part of the overall experience. By providing your child an opportunity to develop the essential fine and gross motor, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional skills with children their age, they are better able to cope, self-regulate and be independent. HRCA offers a Preschool program for children ages 2½-5. Our teachers are early childhood educators, caring and gentle professionals who will help your child through that experience. For more information, please call Tammi Howard at 720-348-8214.
SAT/ACT TEST-PREP On July 27 - 30 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon, we will be hosting our ever-popular SAT/ACT test-prep class. Students will learn strategies that will help them raise their overall composite score with a National Board Certified Teacher. This class has been recommended by a number of high school teachers from all four of the Highlands Ranch High Schools, so be sure to register now. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
End of Summer Tot Camps Before your kids head back to school, give them one more unforgettable experience! For the little ones, get them soaking up the last of the summer sun in Sandcastles - Monday Madness, Get Set, Get Wet Zoo Theme, Flowers - Wet and Wonderful, Sidewalk Chalk Terrific Tuesday, Stars – Wacky and Wonderful Wednesdays, Outdoor Campout or Seashore - Surf and Turf. These camps are a great way for your 3-5-year-old to spend time with friends, enjoying the summer activities that make this such a fun and special season. For more information, please call 303-471-8928.
The Big Screen in the Backcountry An hour with the goats and an evening in front of the big screen is a match made in the Backcountry Wilderness Area! Our Private Movie Nights, for up to 25 people of any age, give small groups a chance to enjoy Base Camp with goats at sunset and then use our big screen to show a movie of their choice to family and friends. A group leader (age 21+) registers to reserve the evening. If your group doesn't see the date they are looking for or has questions, email lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org. For more information about Backcountry Community Events visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/backcountryprograms.
DON'T MISS BACKCOUNTRY HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDES Take a horseback trail ride straight from our Horse Corrals in the Backcountry Outdoor Center. Trail rides take off on Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day weekend. The relaxing one-hour outing explores a portion of our conservation property with opportunities to spot local wildlife like elk, mule deer, bobcats, golden eagles, and wild turkeys. The Front Range foothills provide the perfect backdrop to a close-to-home horseback riding experience.
HRCA Therapeutic Recreation Programs for Special Needs Join us in August for Wednesday night soccer fun at Southridge Recreation Center. Indoor Soccer time for athletes with special needs is Wednesdays, August 5 - 26 from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. This program encourages teamwork and sportsmanship while focusing on the skills needed for soccer. Come out and join the fun! Contact Summer Aden at summer.aden@hrcaonline.org for more information or call 303-471-7043.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY CLOSURES August 12
Eastridge Outdoor Pool closed 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. for Adult Swim Night
August 26
Eastridge Outdoor Pool closed 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. for Adult Swim Night
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
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).
AUGUST EVENTS
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Schedules. August 2-30 . . . . . . . Farmers Market (Sundays only) August 5 . . . . . . . . . . HR Mountain Bike Race Series August 6 . . . . . . . . . . Virtual Kids Kitchen by Children's Hospital August 6 . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour Tasting Series - Decadent Saints August 7 . . . . . . . . . . Dive in Movie - Frozen II- SOLD OUT August 10 . . . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. August 12 . . . . . . . . . Adult Swim Night August 12 . . . . . . . . . HR Mountain Bike Race Series August 13 . . . . . . . . . Virtual Rum Master Class - Mount Gay Rum August 14 . . . . . . . . . Dive in Movie - Trolls World Tour- SOLD OUT August 20 . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour Tasting Series - TBD August 21 . . . . . . . . . Live Stream Concert! - 101st Army Rock Band August 26 . . . . . . . . . Adult Swim Night August 29 . . . . . . . . . Wildcat Mountain 10K/10 Mile & Kids Trail Run * These meetings are open to our members.