HRCA December Newsletter 2014

|News

Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership

December 2014

H o l i d ay H a p p e n i n g s “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” That is especially true of your hometown. The HRCA has holiday events, classes, and activities to keep your entire family and guests entertained through this festive season.

Celebrate the Holidays - Kick-start your holiday at the Hometown Holiday on December 5 around the square at Town Center South. This free, fun-filled holiday evening includes lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, food, games, crafts, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus! If wine tasting is more to your liking, partake in the Sparkling Wine Tasting in the Tattered Cover Book Store.

Children ages 2-12 will enjoy the Holiday Teddy Bear Tea party on December 6. After tea and snacks, enjoy a fun-filled show. Build another magical holiday memory by visiting and eating pancakes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Breakfast with Santa on December 13. Love the music of the season? Get into the spirit at the Holiday Concert where the Swing Shift Band plays favorite Christmas songs on December 12. For many a family, a holiday tradition is viewing neighborhood homes decorated in festive lights. You can continue, or start, this tradition by visiting www.

HRCAonline.org/Contest to get a map of all the Holiday House Decorating Contest entrants and then between December 10 - 14 return to the web site to vote for your favorite house.

December 13 and 14 stroll the booths at the open-air Winter Market in Town Center North for unique gifts, handmade items, or foods for your special holiday meal. Highlands Ranch celebrates Hanukkah with Hanukkah Happenings on December 14 with those who share a commonality of religion and culture. This celebration is full of great food, stories, games, and spinning dreidels!

Holiday Classes and Activities - Love the outdoors? A private Holiday Sleigh Ride in the Backcountry Wilderness Area will fill the bill! Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn open sleigh with family and friends, then stop at a campfire to roast marshmallows and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

All ages can create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy cooking classes taught by a professional chef or an artist guides you through art and pottery projects.

Little ones will learn to make Christmas and winter crafts, snacks, and more at Holiday-themed Art, Crafts, and Cooking Classes.

Holiday Break Camps - Do the kids need a break from the video games? They can keep active in Holiday Break Tennis Camp. All the recreation centers are offering free Holiday Games for kids over the winter break. Check it out!

The HRCA is in the spirit of the season, so visit www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHappenings for details on these activities and more!

B u i l d i n g a l i f e s t y l e t h a t y o u w a n t t o l i v e 1

Jerry f lannery

HRCA|news

CEO and general manager

is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.

HRCA|event/weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Parks Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES AT EASTRIDGE 303-791-8958 9568 University Blvd.

M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 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.

Copyright ©2014 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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Yes, it really is December! The turkey is all gone, the lights are on the house, and Santa preparing his sled to deliver gifts to all of the good little girls and boys. Hanukkah also begins on the 16th of this month, so we look forward to seeing the menorah and the kindling of lights for eight days.

There is so much excitement and joy at this time of year. May you and yours be blessed with each other’s company and love.

Events and more events - This month’s activities start off in grand style with the Hometown Holiday Celebration in Town Center South. Just around the corner, literally, is the Sparkling Wine Tasting at the Tattered Cover. Both of these activities are on the evening of December 5. Other not-to-miss celebrations are the Holiday Teddy Bear Tea on the 6th, the Holiday Concert at the Recreation Center at Southridge on the 12th, and Breakfast with Santa, a must for you and your children, is on the 13th. Hanukkah Happening is at the Recreation Center at Northridge on the 14th! Many of our events are free but some have charges, so please refer to other sections of this newsletter for details for all events this month. Also feel free to visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings.

Budget - It is tedious to talk about budgeting at this time of year, but it is important for all of us to know and understand what is happening for the next year in our community. In the past I have referred to our Five Year Plan. The Board continues to work on that plan in conjunction with our 2015 budget and this spring we will publish both in a combined document identified as the “HRCA Annual Report,” the first one in HRCA’s history. This report will show that all of our recreation centers are slated for improvements in the 2015.

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 which go beyond just maintenance. Accordingly, the Board is instituting an assessment increase for 2015. HRCA will be able to maintain our outstanding level of service and current operating hours while continuing to fund the Capital Replacement Fund (Reserve Fund), and this increase will enable us to begin setting aside funds for improvements to our aging recreation facilities as outlined in the Five Year Plan, hence keeping us in the forefront as a first-class recreation provider and enhancing our property values. For more detailed information on our budget, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Budgets.

Thank you and Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

The first quarter 2015 assessment is due January 1, 2015. To pay your assessments online via PayLease, please visit our website at www.hrcaonline.org and click on “Pay Assessments Online” then follow the setup up instructions (PayLease charges a nominal fee for their online processing service). Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-471-8958.

December 2014

Bringing culture to the Ranch www.HRCAonline.org/CAA

Building the lifestyle you want to live www.HRCAonline.org 303-791-2500

Highlands Ranch, Colorado 2015

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cOMMUNITY news

H RCA C o mm u n i t y C a l e nd a r s A r e h e r e !

hrca 2015 aDOPTED bUDGET

2015

The HRCA 2015 Budget was approved at the November 18 Board of Directors Meeting. The change to the Administrative Function Common Assessment was approved by the majority vote of the Directors. Members of the community will receive a letter from the Board of Directors explaining the process. The proposed budget for 2015 includes a 2.96% assessment increase, which is equivalent to $16 annually. The budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Budgets.

New Director elected

This holiday give all your Highlands Ranch friends a present which gives all year long! The 2015 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features

New Director Melissa Park was elected to the HRCA Board,

beautiful photos taken right here

at the Board of Directors Meeting on October 21. Park fills a

in the Ranch and information on

vacant position.

community and cultural events, races,

holiday lights & decorations

recreation center closures, holidays, and more! These calendars, created specifically for Highlands Ranch

All lighting and decorations may be put up 30 days prior to and then must be removed

residents, are $5.00 each and come

within 30 days following a holiday. So remember when climbing on the roof on a sunny

in two sizes. They may be purchased

day in early December, you will have to be up on that same roof in January to take

online at www.HRCAonline.org/Pride

them down, and it may be cold and snowy. Please be careful.

or at any recreation center. Proceeds

Snow Rem oval Gu ideline

benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.

The HRCA removes snow from its own property, and Douglas County is responsible for snow removal on most public or private streets in Highlands Ranch. Trails and sidewalks along major arterials or streets are the responsibility of the Highlands Ranch

committee openings

Metro District. As homeowners, we are responsible for snow

The HRCA is seeking volunteer

removal on our sidewalks and driveways. Douglas County has

financial professionals for the Finance

an ordinance that requires homeowners to remove snow from their sidewalks within 24

Committee. This committee assists the

hours of the end of the snow storm. If you have any questions, visit our web site and click

Board of Directors with HRCA's

on Community News to learn what organization is responsible for snow removal in your

financial operations including monthly

neighborhood.

review of financial statements,

Holiday Book Fair The HRCA Preschool book fair is a great opportunity to pick up any last minute stocking

investments, annual budget, and audit review. Visit the web site for more details and to submit an application.

stuffers or holiday gifts for children. Proceeds support the HRCA preschool program.

Westridge: December 15 & 16, Hawk Room Eastridge: December 17 & 18, Community Room 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. • 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. • 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

B o a r d U p d at e s The November Board Meeting Motions are at www.HRCAonline.org/ Leadership.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 3

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ranch updates New activity Gu ide HRCA Activity Guide • January - April 2015

H o m e t o w n H o l i d ay a n d S pa r k l i n g W i n e Ta s t i n g Join your family and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season at the Hometown Holiday on Friday, December 5, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Town Center South. Enjoy the sound of the holidays as carolers and a choir sing holiday classics. Have your photo taken with Santa, see his reindeer, and enjoy a hayrack ride – all for free! Local businesses hand out free goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, soup, and apple cider! Be early because Santa kicks off the celebration by lighting the tree at 5:00 p.m. To give back this season, bring

Building a lifestyle that you want to live!

nonperishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies or a new unwrapped toy for Toys 4 Tots.

Watch your mailbox this month for the new January-April 2015 Activity Guide. The Guide is full of information on upcoming community

In conjunction with the Hometown Holiday is the Sparkling Wine Tasting. Toast the holidays with sparkling wines presented by Davidsons Liquor, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Book Store. Discover your favorite holiday bubbly and please your palate with appetizers from Whole Foods Market Highlands Ranch. Advance Sparkling

events, classes, programs, and more!

Wine Tasting tickets are $17, $20 day of event, if not sold out. You must be 21+ to

Find some fun things to do and beat

attend. ID’s will be checked.

the winter blues.

R e c o r d Y e a r f o r RA C E SERIES The Backcountry Half Marathon on November 8 topped off a

last minute Gift ideas

record-breaking year for the Race Series. We had ten annual races with over 800 half marathoners, 2,000 5K runners, 300 mountain bike racers, and 400 triathletes.

All races gave out participant t-shirts, handmade awards for first, second and third place age group winners, and a post-race celebration.

Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the Highlands Ranch Race Series, so be sure to

Remember, we have a variety of

join the fun and come race in the Ranch with us! Watch for the 2015 series schedule to

great gift ideas for everyone on

be announced on January 1. For more information visit www.HRraceseries.com.

your list. From HRCA Gift Cards, which can be redeemed for any class, activity, or event, to Highlands Ranch Pro Shop items or notecards, and don't forget to get a 2015 HRCA Community Calendar for yourself! For more gift ideas, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Pride.

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C a r s f o r ch a r i t y Now is the time to donate your vehicle and get a year-end tax deduction! Vehicles in any condition are accepted, free towing and title services are available, and 100% of the net proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund (HRCSF) or the Cultural Affairs Association (CAA). Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Cars for details.

Your generosity enables the CAA to offer cultural events to our community and the HRCSF to present scholarships to deserving Highlands Ranch students.

December 2014

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upcoming events h o l i d a y T e dd y B e a r T e a

H RCA w i n t e r market

Want to give tea time a new meaning this Christmas season? Join us for a very special Holiday Teddy Bear Tea on Saturday, December 6 from 10:30 a.m. – noon.

In addition to tea, you'll enjoy a delightful array of dainty sandwiches, cakes, and snacks. After tea, enjoy a delightful children’s show for a most festive morning. Each child receives a special teddy bear to take home.

The malls can become frantic with

• Saturday, December 6 • Southridge • Tea Time: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.,

the hustle and bustle of holiday

Show Time: 11:15 a.m. - noon • Tickets: $11 in advance, $15 day of event, if not sold

shopping. So beat the crowds by

out • No one under two please

shopping at the HRCA’s Winter Market. This market teams up with Denver Farmers’ Market to bring you

b r e a kf a s t w i t h s a n t a Sleigh-loads of holiday cheer for all good little girls and boys! Kick off your holiday with a pancake breakfast, crafts, letters to Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus, a small gift for each

unusual gift ideas, handmade items, and traditional Christmas foods for that special gift or holiday meal. The market is held in Town Center North

child, and you can even meet Santa! Remember to bring

which has plenty of free parking.

your camera for a photo with Santa. Children must be

So, bundle up and take a leisurely

accompanied by a paying adult.

stroll through the outdoor market

Saturday, December 13 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. • Eastridge, Gym • Child (all ages) $9, Adult $11, Child or Adult $11 day of event, if not sold out.

• Hanukkah Happening – Saturday, December 14, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Northridge. For

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!

nearly two decades, this special Hanukkah celebration event has attracted Highlands

For more information visit

Ranch neighbors who share a commonality of religion and culture. This celebration is

www.HRCAonline.org/Events or call

full of great food, stories, games, and spinning dreidels! You must contact the Jewish

303-791-2500.

Community Leader at 303-470-6652 to RSVP prior to the event.

Saturday & Sunday, December 13-14

• Holiday Concert – Friday, December 12, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Southridge. Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the sounds of the season as the Highlands Ranch Swingshift

• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Town Center North • Free

Band performs your favorite holiday classics. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 the day of the event, if it is not sold out.

• Winter Cultural Series – Thursdays, January 8, January 22, February 5, and February 19, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 the day of the event, if it is not sold out.

Please check the web site for the most current event information.

Holiday house Decorating Contest Remember to vote for your favorite holiday house between December 10 - 14. Winners are announced on December 17. Visit www.HRCAonline. org/Contest.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 5

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Featured classes, camps, activities H o l i day B r e a k t e n n i s ca m p Get your kids out of the house and on to the court during their holiday break! These FUN-damental skill tennis camps also include swimming. Camps are Mondays and Tuesdays, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Northridge's indoor Tennis Pavilion. Choose between the first camp December 22 - 23 or the second camp December 29 - 30. Price is $64 for members and $74 guest for each two-day camp. Call 303-471-8940 for more information or to register.

Home-School Ta e K wo n D o Are you looking for a fun activity to do during the day with your child?

Check out

B ODY TRANS F ORMATION C H ALLEN G E

our Home-School Tae Kwon Do

Need to boost motivation and kick-start your New Year’s

program! This program, specifically

resolution weight loss goal? Challenge yourself (or team up

designed for home-schooled children,

with a friend) to work with a personal trainer for 16 sessions

is offered during the early afternoons.

over a 60-day period. Let your competitive nature run free

The convenient time will allow your

as you work to achieve the highest percentage of weight loss

child to be active during the day and

compared to the others in the challenge.

socialize with friends! Classes run

The Challenge begins Thursday, January 8. You will receive a Challenge gift and be honored at the Challenge particpants' reception in March. Call 303-791-2500 or go online to www.HRCAonline.org to register. For more information call 303-471-7048.

monthly, but students can register at any time. Uniforms can be purchased directly from the instructor. For more information call 303-471-8869 or email cmaes@hrcaonline.org.

Snorkel Techniques Learn the proper techniques involved both on the surface and underwater with your certified PADI instructor from One World Dive & Travel. It’s fun, easy, and will make your snorkeling trip a more pleasurable and rewarding experience.

More information can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Aquatics. You may also call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.

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S p r i n gb o a r d d i v i n g f o r e v e r y o n e HRCA’s program is the perfect opportunity

as the correct

to learn the basics and see if your child

technique to enter

may be a future Olympian. The Mile High

the air and

Dive Club (MHDC) is Colorado’s top-

the water to

ranked Olympic-style diving club. HRCA

maximize scores

and MHDC have teamed up to offer

and avoid injury.

training for ages five and older, from the

Classes are Monday and Wednesday

beginner to the elite level diver.

evenings at the Recreation Center at

Divers learn to do tuck dives and

Northridge. For registration and more

somersaults in the four diving directions, front, back, reverse, and inward, as well

information go to www.HRCAonline.org/ Aquatics, call 303-471-8942, or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org.

December 2014

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Featured classes, camps, activities H o l i d ay P o t t e ry t i m e !

D e c e m b e r P o t t e ry

Get in the holiday spirit. Make homemade gifts for family and friends! Stop

O p e n LAB H OURS *

in during open lab hours at the Southridge Pottery Studio to paint your own pottery for $7 per piece, or make baby hand and foot print ornaments

Wednesdays & Fridays 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

for grandparents! Children, ages 6 - 12, are invited to join a Holiday Craft

Saturdays & Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Workshop on Friday, December 5 or 12. 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

wills & self-defense

*Closed December 21 - January 4

A Christmas Wizard of oz

Enroll yourself in one of our popular adult

Join us on December 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the

education classes! Our Will Seminar is $110/

Recreation Center at Southridge for a free

person. You walk out with a notarized will,

performance, A Christmas Wizard of Oz!

general power of attorney, medical power

Performed by students of KidStage, this kids

of attorney, and a living will. This class is

performance for kids is a wonderful way to

Monday, December 8, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the

introduce your child to live theater! It is a first-

Recreation Center at Northridge. We also

come first-served performance, so be sure to

offer a Woman’s Self-Defense class on Saturday, December 6, noon -

get there early. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and other

3:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Eastridge. Be sure to join us for

concessions are available for purchase. For more information,

this empowering class and bring your daughter or a friend. For more

please call 303-471-8853.

information on both of these classes, please call 303-471-8818.

The Wildcat Mountain Trail System in

winter in the backcountry Wilderness area

the Backcountry Wilderness Area, east of

As you might imagine, our outdoor activities tapper off in the

Monarch Boulevard, closes January 31 -

winter. However, we still have some great opportunities. Our

April 1. The Wildcat Mountain area is an

archery program moves indoors to the Westridge Turf; improve

important wintering area for deer and elk.

your skills and stay warm! If you want to get out and enjoy the

The creek that runs through this area is one

Colorado snow, be sure to like our Facebook page

Winter Trail Closure

of a few water sources in the winter. It’s important for deer and elk not

www.Facebook.com/HRCABackcountry. This is where we

to travel far for water during the winter because the nutrition in the

announce snow shoe hikes and sleigh rides when we get enough

grasses decrease and every calorie deer and elk spend avoiding humans

snow. It's also where you get trail

decreases their chances of surviving the tough winter.

condition updates.

These are also the months when the golden eagles choose to return to their former nesting site on Wildcat Mountain. They'll go elsewhere if the area is perceived unsafe. That's why it’s important that their nest site is undisturbed. Thank you for your cooperation!

To browse all the Backcountry Wilderness Area programs, simply visit our online registration page at www.HRCAonline.org/Register.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 7

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

PERMIT#170

Find what you need on Click It! www.HRCAonline.org/clickit

Scan with your smartphone to visit Click It! now ď‚š Facility closures December 12 - Eastridge basketball courts closed Noon - 10:00 p.m. for Breakfast with Santa set up.

December 13 - Eastridge basketball courts closed until 4:00 p.m. for Breakfast with Santa.

December 24 - All recreation centers close at 5:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve. December 25 - All recreation centers close for Christmas Day. December 31 - All recreation centers close at 5:00 p.m. for New Year's Eve. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 11/30/14.

December|events For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org

December 5

Hometown Holiday & Sparkling Wine Tasting

December 6

Holiday Teddy Bear Tea

December 8

House Decorating Contest Entry Deadline

December 8

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

December 14

Hanukkah Happening

December 9

Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.

December 10-14 House Decorating Contest Public Voting December 12

Holiday Concert

December 13

Breakfast with Santa

December 13-14 Winter Market December 14

A Christmas Wizard of Oz - KidStage Performance

* These meetings are open to our members.

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).