HRCA December 2013 Newsletter

|News

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

December 2013

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 Be on your best behavior because “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!” Join your family and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season on Friday, December 6 at Town Center South from 4:30 7:30 p.m. for the 2013 Hometown Holiday. The Hometown Holiday Celebration features the sound of the holidays as the Stone Mountain Elementary School Choir sings holiday classics and strolling carolers get you in the Christmas spirit! Have your photo taken with Santa, visit his reindeer and enjoy a hayrack ride around the Square – all for free! Local businesses will be handing out free goodies from cookies and hot chocolate to soup and apple cider! We kick off this celebration with the lighting of the tree at 5:00 p.m., so be sure to get there early. Give back this season by bringing a new unwrapped toy for Toys 4 Tots or nonperishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies.

This holiday tradition is held in conjunction with the Sparkling Wine Tasting Toast to the holidays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Book Store as sparkling wines are presented by Davidsons Liquor. Find your new holiday favorite and listen to live music while you please your palate with appetizers from Whole Foods. Advance tickets for the Sparkling Wine Tasting are $17. If not sold out, tickets the day of the event are $20 for everyone. You must be 21+ to attend. ID’s will be checked.

H o l i d ay H o u s e D e c o r at i n g C o n t e s t One of the highlights for our community during the holiday season is visiting and voting on the houses that are entered into the HRCA’s annual House Decorating Contest. If you enjoy decorating your home’s exterior and want to be recognized for your efforts, enter your house today! Wells Fargo will award $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place!

Go to www.HRCAonline.org/contest to submit a photo of your home for consideration by 5:00 p.m on December 6. The address and submitted photo of each entry is posted on a web site map so that everyone can visit the homes. The community will choose the winners by voting online at HRCAonline.org/contest December 9-15. Please have all lights on at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. each evening. The winners will be announced on December 16. If you have questions, call 303-471-8870.

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

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

RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway

Facility Hours: 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.

Facility Hours: 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.

Facility Hours: 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.

Facility Hours: 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 ©2013 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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CEO and general manager

Yes, it really is December! The turkey is all gone, the lights are on the house, and Santa is preparing his sled to deliver gifts to all of the good little girls and boys. Hanukkah also begins on the 28th of this month so we look forward to seeing the Menorah and the kindling of lights for eight days. So much excitement and joy at this time of year, so may you and yours be blessed with each other’s company and love. There is always plenty to do around our community and December is absolutely no exception to that rule!

Events and more events - This month’s activities start off in grand style with the Hometown Holiday celebration in our Town Center South. Just around the corner, literally, is the Sparkling Wine Tasting event at the Tattered Cover. Both of these activities are the evening of December 6. Other not-to-miss celebrations are the Holiday Teddy Bear Tea on the 7th; Holiday Concert at Southridge Recreation Center on the 13th; and, of course, Breakfast with Santa is must for you and your children on the 14th. Many of our events are free but some have charges so please refer to other sections of this newsletter for details of all of our events this month. Also feel free to visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/events.

Budget - It is difficult to talk about budgeting at this time of year but it is important information for all of you to know and understand. In the past I have referred to our budget and the Five Year Plan. The Board continues to work on that plan in conjunction with our budget. The Plan is an active document that has many components to it. For example, the Energy Saving Program that will take off in 2014 was a key element of the Plan.

All of our recreation centers have improvements in the Five Year Plan. 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 2014. HRCA will be able to maintain our outstanding level of service and current operating hours while starting to fund the Capital Replacement Fund (Reserve Fund), and will enable us to begin setting aside funds for improvements to our aging recreation facilities to meet the Five Year Plan expectations, 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 our home page at www.hrcaonline.org and you will see the budget section.

Thank you, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Kwanza!

Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

First Quarter Assessments are due January 1, 2014. Did you know homeowners now have the option to pay assessments online? Using our partner PayLease you can conveniently and securely pay by credit/d ebit card or e-check (PayLease charges a nominal fee for this service). Please visit our website at www.hrcaonline.org and click on “Pay Assessments Online” then follow the setup up instructions. If you have questions regarding your account or need to make an address change call 303-471-8958.

December 2013

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cOMMUNITY news HRCA 2014 ADOPTED BUDGET

2 0 1 4 H RCA C o mm u n i t y C a l e nd a r

The The HRCA 2014 Budget was approved at the November 2013 Board of Directors Meeting. The change to the Administrative Function Common Assessment was approved by the majority vote of the Board of Directors. Members of the community will receive a letter from the Board of Directors explaining the process. The budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Budgets. HRCAonline.org under Community News.

holiday lighting & decorations

Give all your Highlands Ranch friends a gift this holiday season that gives all year long! The 2014 Highlands Ranch Calendar features beautiful

All lighting and decorations may be put up 30 days prior

photos taken right here in the Ranch

to and then must be removed within 30 days following the

and information on community and

holiday. So remember when climbing on the roof on a sunny

cultural events, races, recreation

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

center closures, holidays, and more!

roof in January to take them down. Please be careful.

These calendars created specifically for Highlands Ranch residents are

Snow Rem oval 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 Metro District. As homeowners, we are responsible for

$5.00 each and come in two sizes.

They may be purchased and shipped online at www.HRCAonline.org/Pride or purchased at any recreation center.

Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.

snow removal on our sidewalks and driveways. Douglas County has an ordinance that requires homeowners to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the snow storm. If you have any questions, visit our web site and click on Community News to learn what organization is responsible for snow removal in your neighborhood.

cars for charity 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.

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

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ranch updates New activity Gu ide

W e s t r i d g e t u r f r e s e rvat i o n s Now Online With the cold weather approaching, and inconsistent Colorado weather patterns, you may now conveniently book your team’s indoor practices online anytime.

HRCA Activity Guide • January - April 2014

Hourly rental prices: • $135 for full turf • 90 for 2/3 of the turf • $65 for 1/3 of the turf To make your reservation, go to www.HRCAonline.org, online registration link on the top right and scroll to the online turf rental link or call 720-348-8267.

Building a lifestyle that you want to live!

Watch your mailbox this month for the new January-April 2014 Activity Guide. The Guide is full

b a c k c o u n t ry s l e i g h r i d e s and more Backcountry horse-drawn hay and/or sleigh rides are popular

of information about upcoming

this time of year with the Holidays and visitors in town. Treat

community events, classes,

your out of town guests to a horse drawn sleigh ride with

programs, and more! Find some

a campfire and s’mores. Book your own day and time by

fun things to do and beat the

contacting Eric.Grover@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-7078. We

winter blues.

can fit approximately 15 people on our wagon. Book now, dates are filling up!

Also, make sure you are following the Backcountry on Facebook. We post last minute

last minute Gift ideas

snow shoe hikes and sleigh rides as these events are of course weather dependent. www.facebook.com/Backcountry.

Trail closure reminder, the Wildcat Mountain Trail System will close January 1 through March 31 to allow the deer and elk to get through the winter with minimal human disturbances. The Wildcat Mountain Area is a traditional wintering area for many elk.

Pickelball Drop-Ins Remember, we have a variety of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. From HRCA Gift Cards, Highlands Ranch Pro Shop items to Arts Festival prints and notecards. For details and more gift ideas, visit www.HRCAonline. org/Pride.

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The Recreation Center at Southridge welcomes Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in America! As a mix between ping pong, tennis, and badminton, Pickleball is a great way to stay in shape through the upcoming winter months.

So come grab a paddle and join us for Adult Drop In Pickleball on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 3pm for this new and exciting sport! Please keep an eye on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/sports for any modifications to the drop times throughout the month.

December 2013

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

2013 H RCA w i n t e r market

Gather the young ones and their favorite stuffed teddy bears and join the Highlands Ranch Community Association for a cup of tea, this season at the Holiday Teddy Bear Tea Party. Relax and enjoy a sweet start to your day with delicious treats, hot chocolate for the little ones and a “tasty” cup of tea and coffee for the adults.

After the tea, sit back and be delighted with a special children’s show.

• Saturday, December 7 • Southridge • Tea Time: 10:30 - 11:15 a.m., Show Time: 11:15 a.m. - Noon • Tickets: $11 in advance, $15 day of event if not sold out • No one under two please

The malls can become frantic with the hustle and bustle of holiday

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, a small gift for each child and you can even meet Santa! Remember to bring your camera for a photo with Santa. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Saturday, December 14 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.. • Eastridge, Gym • Adult $11, Child $9

shopping. So beat the crowds by shopping at the HRCA’s Winter Market. This market is teaming up with Denver Farmers’ Market to bring you unusual gift ideas, handmade items, and traditional Christmas foods for that special gift or holiday meal. The market is held in Town Center North which

• Sparkling Wine Tasting – Friday, December 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Tattered Cover Book Store. Come and taste a variety of sparkling wines and choose your favorite for the holiday season. $17 in advance, $20 the day of the event, if it is not sold out.

• Hanukkah Happening – Saturday, December 8, 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Northridge. This year’s pot luck celebration features music, games, prizes, food, and entertainment for all ages! Call 303-549-1889 to request an invitation.

• Showtime at Southridge - Holiday Concert – Friday, December 13, 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 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 9, January 23, February 6, & February 20, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church. We kick off this popular series

has plenty of free parking.

So, bundle up and take a leisurely stroll through the outdoor 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!

For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org or call 303-791-2500.

with Boulder Brass on January 9 followed by Dance Etoile on January 23. Tickets are

Saturday & Sunday, December 14-15

$7 in advance, $10 the day of the event, if it is not sold out.

• 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

• Town Center North • Free

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recreation aquatics/sports/fitness TENNI S CANDY CANE LANE WEEK The Tennis Pavilion at Northridge will turn into a winter wonderland as Candy Cane Lane Week is celebrated December 13 – 20. Every player receives a free candy cane and a chance to guess the number of canes in our guessing jar. A free six-week session of either adult or youth tennis classes will be awarded to the winners. Stop by and see our Candy Cane Lane and take a guess! For more information call 303-471-8940.

YOUT H RAC Q UETBALL 6 0 - D AY B O D Y TRA N S F OR M ATIO N C H ALLE N GE Looking for a great way to boost motivation and kick start your New Year’s resolution weight loss goals? Challenge yourself individually or with a friend. You will work with a Personal Trainer for 16 sessions over a 60-day period and will compete against other individuals or teams of two to see who can achieve the highest percentage of weight loss. Challenge begins Thursday, January 9. All participants receive a Challenge water bottle and will be honored at the Challenge Reception in March. Register by calling 303-791-2500 or online at www.HRCAonline.org. For more information call 303-471-7048.

M E D ITATIO N A N D YOGA W OR K S H O P In the midst of the holiday craze take some time to slow down and find your inner peace and balance by joining us for this stress relieving yoga workshop.

Taught by an HRCA Yoga instructor, this one-time workshop helps bring calmness, quietness, and clarity during this hectic time of year. Workshop is Sunday, December 15 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the fitness studio at Southridge. Price $15 member/ $17 program guest. Call to register 303-791-2500 or online at www.

HRCAonline.org.

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Did you know that HRCA will be hosting the 2014 Racquetball Junior Olympics at Northridge in June? To gear up for this event HRCA Racquetball Pro Bill Fearing is offering classes and private lessons specifically designed for youth participants of all skill levels. Players interested in preparing for the Junior Olympics in 2014 can receive private lessons at the discounted rate of $15 member/$18 program guests. In addition, we are offering classes every other Saturday. Call 303-471-8869 or email Cmaes@HRCAonline.org.

T H ERAPEUTIC RECREATION TAE KWON DO Check out our Tae Kwon Do classes for Special Needs! Classes meet at the Southridge Recreation Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages 5 and up. Classes are designed to help students improve balance, concentration, self-control, and confidence. Come out and join the fun! For more information about participating or volunteering, please call 303-4717043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/tr for the most current program information.

H RCA B o y s W i n t e r B a s k e t b a l l R e g i s t r a t i o n ( 1 s t- 8 t h g r a d e ) Registration is now open for the boys winter youth basketball leagues. Our futures league is open to 1st and 2nd grades. Two options are available for 3rd-8th grades, either the recreational or competitive division. These Winter Basketball Leagues are the largest youth sports program HRCA offers. Over 1,000 participants play in this January-March program utilizing our recreation centers and many local Highlands Ranch schools. Age groups fill fast so register your team or individual player ASAP. If you are interested in being a volunteer coach, please email dmain@hrcaonline.org. Registration deadline is December 9.

P o o l P a r t i e s M a k e a S p l a sh Enjoy a two hour special event at the indoor pools: • Smaller parties $119 for up to 9 participants at Eastridge • Parties for up to 15 participants $190 at Eastridge & Southridge • Includes drinks, paper products, party hosts, and cake • Enjoy the special day stress-free • Parties offered Friday, Saturday & Sunday • Contact 303-471-8935 or dball@hrcaonline.org for more information

December 2013

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education youth & adult W r a p I t U p ! FEs t i v e H O l i d ay c l a ss e s This month, we’re featuring our holiday classes that will get the

children ages 6-9. For your little Santa’s helper, be sure to try our

whole family in a festive mood! On Friday, December 20, KidzArt

December cooking classes. Frosty Fun for ages 2-5 are Friday

hosts a Holiday Gift Workshop. Kids get creative making three

mornings, and for ages 5-7 Monday’s after school. Our Young

one-of-a-kind gifts and cards, wrapped and ready to go, while

Chef’s class for ages 7-9 and Creative Cooks for ages 9-12 are

parents get a little last minute shopping done. If you’re looking

Wednesday’s after school and children will make delicious holiday

for a month long holiday class for your little one, be sure to get

munchies. For adults looking to get into the holiday spirit, join us

them enrolled in Holiday Ornaments beginning December 4 at

for Merlot and Monet on December 6 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at

Southridge. This is a parent/tot class for children ages 2½-4 at the

Southridge. The holiday project will be painting a pair of snowmen

Southridge Pottery Studio. For your 3-4 year old, Gifts for Family

on wine glasses. For more information on these classes, please call

begins December 5 and children make special clay takeaways

303-471-8853.

for their loved ones. Holiday Keepsakes begins December 3 for

S a n ta’ s L i t t l e H e l p e r a n d m o r e f u n t h e m e s If you’re trying to find a special holiday activity for your toddler,

Fun on December 13. Holiday Happenings

look no further! For your 18 month–4 year old, enroll in Happy

on December 9 and Holiday Wishes on

Holidays at Eastridge on Friday mornings. Kreative Kids for ages

December 12 are just one hour classes from

3-5 is 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Eastridge. This month’s themes are:

12:30-1:30 p.m. Children will do exciting

Santa’s Helper on December 3, Gingerbread Fun on December

holiday activities and crafts to take home and

10, and Happy Holidays on December 17. It’s a Small World

share. For more information on these classes,

is on Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - noon at Eastridge. This month’s

please call 303-471-8818.

themes are: Phineas and Ferb on December 6 and Gingerbread

Gift Hunting for your High Schooler?

This February we host the Jon D.

business, and personal relationships. Curriculum includes: The

Williams’ Advanced College Prep class for

Social Skills Advantage, First Impressions & Introductions, Dress &

grades 10-12. Give your student the

Appearance, Interview Preparation, Communication & High Tech

competitive edge! A student's grades and

Etiquette, Dating Etiquette, Preparing for College Challenges,

résumé are not the only determining

Dining Etiquette, Social Dance and Appetizer Party. Register your

factors in achieving success after high

high schooler for the holiday gift that keeps on giving! For more

school. How a student builds relationships, communicates, and

information please call 303-471-8928.

presents himself will ultimately determine his success in college,

K i d s ’ N i t e O u t Th e m e s f o r d e c e m b e r December 7 – Raffle Extravaganza! Win fun raffle prizes!

Join us at Northridge from 6:30 - 9:30

December 14 – Amazing Races!

p.m. on Saturday’s for these fun activities

December 21 – Winter Wonderland – Holiday Fun!

for children grades 1–6! For more

December 31 - Closed - Happy Holidays!

information, please call 303-471-8818.

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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 13 - Eastridge basketball courts closed Noon - 10:00 p.m. for Breakfast with Santa set up.

December 14 - Eastridge basketball courts closed until 4:00 p.m. for Breakfast with Santa.

December 24 - All recreation centers closed at 5:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve. December 25 - All recreation centers closed for Christmas Day. December 31 - All recreation centers closed 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 11/30/13.

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

December 2

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

December 6

House Decorating Contest Entry Deadline

December 6

Hometown Holiday & Sparkling Wine Tasting

December 7

Holiday Teddy Bear Tea

December 7-28

Kids' Nite Out (Saturdays only)

December 8

Hanukkah Happening

December 9-15

House Decorating Contest Public Voting

December 10

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

December 13 Showtime at Southridge - Holiday Concert December 14

Breakfast with Santa

December 14-15 Winter Market December 15

Polar Express - 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).