HRCA|news Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership
december 2009
H O M E T O W N H O LIDA Y & S P A R K LING W INE t a s t i n g It’s time, once again, to be on your best behavior, because Santa Claus is “Comin’ to Town!” Join your friends and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season on Friday, December 4 at Town Center South from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. as the HRCA presents the 2009 Hometown Holiday. Enjoy the sound of the holidays as carolers sing classic holiday tunes, get your photo taken with Santa, visit his reindeer, or enjoy a hayrack ride around the square – all for FREE! We kick off this celebration with the lighting of the tree at 4:15 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 Food Bank of the Rockies.
committee openings P u b l i c Iss u es C o m m i ttee Public Issues Committee is a group of volunteers that study
The holiday cheer continues inside the Tattered Cover Bookstore! The HRCA is joining with Highlands WineSeller and Whole Foods Market to bring back the popular annual Sparkling Wine Tasting party. Participants will enjoy live holiday music while they taste six different sparkling wines and a selection of appetizers, all while enjoying the great atmosphere of the store.
issues assigned by the Board of
This social event benefits the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. The cost is $17 for Members and $20 for Program Guests. If not sold out, everyone pays $20 the day of the event. You must be age 21+ to attend.
in the past are Traffic Signal
2010 Highlands Ranch Calendar
comes together when they receive
The 2010 Highlands Ranch Calendar is on sale now for only $5! Photographs of this year’s calendar depict the theme of the photo contest, “Highlands Ranch, a different perspective.” Several of this year’s photographs were taken by Highlands Ranch residents who were winners of the photo contest. The calendar is a “must have” for Ranch residents who want to know what is happening in their neighborhood, and they are great stocking stuffers or holiday gifts. Show pride in your community, purchase your calendars today at any recreational facility. Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.
the issue in depth, and they report
Directors that do not fall into any of our regular standing committee categories. Some examples of issues that have been reviewed Synchronization, Ballot Initiatives, and Animal Control. The committee an assignment, they divide into work groups to better understand to the Board of Directors with a recommendation as to whether HRCA should become involved. If you are interested in volunteering, please
fill
out
the
volunteer
application form at HRCAonline. org/committees and send it to rcampbell@hrcaonline.org.
Building a lifestyle that you want to live
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GARY D EB U S
HRCA|news
community manager
is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Dinsmore 303-791-2411 Laura Hopkins 303-346-0603 Todd Landgrave 303-470-8765 David J. Martz 303-683-9524 Paul Meyers 303-791-7868 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 9568 University Blvd. 303-791-8958 RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 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. - 9:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 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. - 9:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
HRCA 2010 Budget – Great news! The HRCA 2010 Budget was adopted by the Board on November 17th as recommended by both the Recreation Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee. There is no increase in assessments for 2010. The adopted budget can be viewed online and a summary of the budget will be printed in the January edition of this newsletter. Voluntary Preferred Provider Trash and Recycling Service Program – The HRCA is negotiating a contract with a local trash and recycling service that will reduce the fee you pay for trash service if you are not in a subassociation that includes trash removal in your subassociation assessment. Details of the new program are not complete at the time this Newsletter went to print, so watch for details in future editions and on our web site. Individual homeowners may sign up for this program, but are not required to. The HRCA is excited about this new program that offers direct savings to our Members. Snow Season – Don’t forget to remove snow from your sidewalks after a snowstorm. Douglas County requires that walkways be cleared within a reasonable amount of time after snow stops falling. Mailboxes are generally the responsibility of the homeowner(s) next to the mailbox, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to lend a hand for your neighbors and neighborhood. A University Project? – The HRCA has received a request from Colorado Christian University to purchase land from the HRCA in the Backcountry Wilderness for the purpose of building a college campus. The HRCA will be scheduling several meetings where homeowners can learn more about the project, location, size of the land, how to make comments and provide input to Delegates and Directors, and how a decision will be made. Dates haven’t been scheduled as of this printing, so watch for future editions, visit the HRCA web site, and sign up for our email subscription service. Holiday Events in Highlands Ranch – The events that are put on by the HRCA and the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association help build our community. Make sure to attend some of the wonderful events scheduled between now and the end of the year. Events add value as we build a lifestyle that you want to live. Events also create a hometown atmosphere. Town Center North Ice Park – Have you tried the new synthetic ice skating rink in Town Center North? If you haven’t, you are missing out on the Ranch’s newest amenity. The new ice rink is a great place for young and old alike and a unique amenity that is rare in the Denver Metro Area. This project was funded by a preferred marketing agreement between Qwest and the HRCA. Enjoy! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and enjoy the Holiday Season.
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. - 10:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Copyright © 2009 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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Fyi |
Quarterly Assessments
The assessment fees for 2010 will be $125.00 per quarter. First Quarter Assessments are due January 1, 2010. Assure your payment is never late by using the HRCA direct debit payment program. Please visit our website at hrcaonline.org for more information on this handy tool. For any questions regarding your account, please call 303-791-8958.
december 2009
BOA RD c orner By Rick Dinsmore, Secretary, Board of Directors We are very fortunate in Highlands Ranch that so many wonderful volunteers regularly step forward and volunteer to help in a variety of important ways. It always surprises those of us on the board and staff, especially during tough economic times that so many quality individuals volunteer year after year. And we would be completely remiss if we didn’t recognize them as well as our wonderful supporting volunteer organizations. Thank you so VERY much! So what is HRCA doing to satisfy this important Strategic Objective? We have already implemented an ongoing Resident Praise Program, effective April of this year for individuals worthy of recognition. This is currently being accomplished through a Monthly Volunteer Recognition Program in newsletters where one of our top Community Volunteers and Delegates is highlighted. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit HRCAonline.org/volunteer. Similarly, we are identifying and evaluating programs that promote opportunities for involvement and volunteerism. Towards this goal, we have created a new annual Volunteer Fair that regularly brings together local organizations seeking volunteers with those individuals seeking volunteer opportunities. That date is April 21, 2010 at The Recreation Center at Southridge in the Wildcat Mountain Auditorium. Contact vmiller@hrconline.org if you are interested. Finally, those individuals and organizations who contribute by monetary contribution are also very much appreciated, especially those that contribute to the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. This wonderful non profit organization provides annual $1K scholarships to worthy high school students who live or go to school in Highlands Ranch. Awards are determined by school and community participation, career and educational goals, academic performance, work and mentoring experience, extenuating personal or family circumstances plus three letters of recommendation. These kids are great! Right now this fund is in need of contributors, so any help is greatly appreciated! Contact ldorre@hrcaonline.org if you are interested.
H OA N EWS |
holiday decorations
The holiday season is here and just a brief reminder of the guideline for holiday decorations/lighting. Decorations and lighting do not require committee approval and may be put up 30 days prior to the holiday and then must be removed within 30 days following the holiday. So remember when climbing on the roof on a sunny weekend in early December, you will have to be up on that same roof in January to take them down. Everyone please be careful. If you love to decorate your home for the holidays, read about the 2009 Holiday House Decorating Contest on page 5!
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
board motions At the November 17, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Accepted the comments from the November 4 Development Review Committee meeting Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee 3 properties for failure to remove a commercial vehicle 5 properties for failure to paint the exterior of the home 9 properties for failure to maintain landscaping 1 property for failure to remove an inoperable vehicle 2 properties for failure to submit for approval of an improvement 3 properties for failure to remove unsightly materials 1 property for failure to comply with fencing guidelines 1 property for failure to comply with trash pickup guidelines 1 property for failure to maintain their properties Accepted the September 2009 Financial Statements as recommended by the Finance Committee Adopt Resolution 11-09-01 approving the 2010 HRCA Administrative and Recreation Operating Budgets Approved the 2010 Facility Closure Schedule Approved the selection of Pro Disposal as the HRCA Preferred Provider for the Voluntary OptIn Trash Collection and Recycling Program
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volunteer showcase d e l e g at e o f t h e m o n t h Mike
h r c a vo l u n t e e r o f t h e m o n t h
Morris
–
Mike
Jerry Reichardt - If you
has been a resident of
have attended one of the
Highlands
for
HRCA’s music events you
12 years. He has been
most likely have been in
volunteering
the
the company of Jerry. A
past three years, and
volunteer for nine years, he
is currently a Delegate
helps at many events but
for District 63. Mike
his true love is music. He
volunteers because he believes in helping the
and his wife Frances moved to Colorado from Florida
community continue to be a great place to live and
where Jerry was in law enforcement. “I feel that retired
raise a family. Mike’s favorite place in Highlands
people should do what they can to assist others either
Ranch is Sand Creek Park. He and his family enjoy
through their church or community,” he explains. His busy
taking walks there and watching the owls. Thank
schedule leaves him little time at home, but home is his
you, Mike. We appreciate your dedicated service to
favorite place in Highlands Ranch. Thank you, Jerry, for
the community of Highlands Ranch!
your years of volunteer service at the HRCA!
Ranch for
CA R S F O R C H A R I T Y
H a n u k a h H a pp e n i n g
Donate your car, truck, motorcycle,
ChaiLands Ranch Metro Jewish Community is holding its 24th annual
boat, or RV to one of HRCA’s
Hanukkah Happening Sunday, December, 13 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
501(c) 3 organizations and earn
at The Recreation Center at Northridge. This year’s celebration
a tax deduction this year! •
includes singing, bounce castles, games, balloons, face painting,
Any condition accepted • Free
music, prizes, food, and more. Admission is free. Please contact Beth
towing • Free title services • Tax
Horwitz for an invitation at 303-470-6652.
deductible • Hassle free • 100% of the net proceeds goes to the selected nonprofit • For more
ho l i d a y room r e n t a l s
information visit HRCAonline.org/cars.
Plan your holiday party with HRCA. We
hr c a g i f t c a r d s
have facility space available with a variety of options to make your special event
With the holidays upon us, treat your loved ones with a gift
a success! To make room reservations,
card or fitness gift certificate. They make great stocking stuffers
please call 303-791-2500. For details,
for the last minute shopper and can be purchased at any of our
visit HRCAonline.org/roomrentals.
recreation centers year-round.
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december 2009
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upcoming events B REAKFAST W IT H SA N TA A sleigh-full of fun awaits young and old alike at the HRCA’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Feast on a delicious pancake breakfast, enjoy crafts, write a letter to Santa, and visit with the big guy in person! Each child receives a small gift from Santa and may mail a letter to him. Don’t forget your camera to capture the moment! Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. For more information visit HRCAonline.org. To purchase tickets, simply call
C H RIST M AS M ARKET
303-471-8859. Saturday, December 12 • 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. • Recreation Center at Eastridge • $9
Step back to a time before the hustle
Child, $11 Adult • Infants under one are free but must sit on parent’s lap.
and bustle of the holiday season became so commercial.
German
Christmas Markets take pride in
S H O W TI M E AT SOUT H RI D GE - h o l i d a y CO N CERT Get your toes tapping and sing along as you get in the Spirit of the Season with popular Christmas music in the Ranch! Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Associaton (CAA) is proud to welcome the Highlands Ranch Swing Shift Band back to perform your favorite holiday tunes. Friday, December 18 • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. • Recreation Center at Southridge • Tickets: $2 per person, 2 & under free
offering products that are not massed produced, but grown or crafted locally. In keeping with that holiday tradition, the HRCA is bringing its own version of the German Christmas Market to the Ranch. We are teaming with Denver Farmers’ Market to bring you unusual gift ideas, handmade items, and traditional Christmas foods for that special gift or holiday meal. So, bundle up and get into the spirit of
• Holiday House Decorating Contest Judging – Monday, December, 14, 5:30 p.m. Decorate your house and enter the Holiday House Decorating Contest sponsored by HRCA and Wells Fargo. You might win a cash prize! Entry forms are available at HRCAonline.org/ decorating. Entry form deadline is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 7. Judging will be Monday, December 14 and winners announced on Tuesday, December 15.
the season by strolling through the market stalls of Colorado farmers and crafters. You’re sure to find something that will make your holiday warm and inviting for your family and friends.
• Showtime at Southridge - Salida Kids’ Circus – Saturday, January 9, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays, December 12
Tickets: Members $7, Guests $10 in advance. All tickets $10 day of the event, if not sold
& 13 and 19 & 20 • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00
out. Be amazed by Colorado’s newest troupe of stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers, clowns,
p.m. • Town Center South
trapeze artists, and more! Children 2 and under are free but must sit on a parent’s lap.
Please check the web site for the most current event information and prices.
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recreation sports & fitness J A N U A R Y S W I M L E S S O N S – $ 6 S AV I N G S HRCA is offering a $6.00 discount for all participants in the January Learn to Swim Program. No coupon necessary! The fees have already been adjusted! It can’t be any easier to take advantage of this opportunity. The January-April 2010 Activity Guide should be arriving to your home shortly. But you don’t need to wait to register. Just visit HRCAonline.org to register online, call 303-791-2500 to register by phone or stop by at any recreation center. Contact 303-471-8867 or losborne@hrcaonline. org for more information.
P e rso nal Trai ning P r i c e B reak!
A du l t B as k e t ball & V olleyball Adult Winter Basketball and Volleyball seasons are just around
From now until December 31,
the corner. Leagues include eight regular season games plus
2009, personal training six and 12
playoffs. Leagues for basketball and volleyball are set to begin the
session prices have been reduced!
week of January 4. Basketball leagues are played on Sunday and
All sessions expire six months from
Wednesday nights. Volleyball leagues are played on Monday and
the date of purchase and are non-
Thursday nights.
refundable, so stock up now for the holidays! Please call 303-471-7048
Y ou t h D odgeball Tournamen t
for all questions or to schedule with
Please join us Decemeber 29 for the Youth 5v5 Holiday Dodgeball Tournament. This is a
a trainer today.
recreational tournament for kids ages eight to 12 who want to come out and have fun! It’s a
great way to spend Christmas break and meet new friends! Team size is seven players and
F oo t Care is coming t o Wes tridge!
teams must have at least two eight year olds. The games are played between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. For more information, contact at kfox@hrcaonline.org.
The HRCA Foot Care Clinic has been such a popular program at the Southridge Recreation Center that now it will also be available at The Recreation Center at Westridge, starting in January 2010! The Foot Care Clinic is great for those individuals
needing
a
registered
nurse to tend to and care for foot problems. To sign up for the clinic or for more information, please call the Southridge facility at 303-471-7020.
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Indoor S o c c er Club Denver’s professional indoor soccer team, the Denver Dynamite, want you to be a part of their indoor soccer club for ages 8–17. All players must attend a tryout in December. Visit hrcaonline.org and go to online registration for information concerning tryout dates and times. Practices and league games are in January and February. Price includes uniforms, coaching, and team league registration fees.
H R C A Tr i a t h lon O ff - S eason Cl i n i c Stay fit during the “off-season” and improve your race experience next year. This free clinic on Saturday, December 8 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. is for all ages and is taught by the HRCA Tri Camp coach. Visit www.highlandsranchrunseries.com for more details.
december 2009
I
education youth & adult D ay C a mp e v o lv e s to m e e t c omm u n i ty n e e d Our Day Camp is changing for
something gooey in the kitchen, and go swimming which is a must!
the New Year! Instead of offering
Watch out for the following Spring Ranch Camp Days: January 22
ongoing
programming,
Creepy Crawlies; February 15 Olympic Torch; March 12 Chew on
we are moving our schedule to
This; March 22–April 2 Spring Fling, April 16 Spring has Sprung;
accommodate your child during
April 19 Be Green; and April 20 Earth Day Celebration. These will
all track off periods, traditional
be jam packed days filled with lots of activities and age appropriate
and modified days off, and spring,
fun! They won’t want to miss it! Our summer program will begin
summer, and fall breaks only. Have
June 1 and will have full-week or full-day options until August 6.
your kids join us for our first day of Ranch Camp on January 18,
Ranch Camp is the way to go! For more information please call,
2010 when they are out of school. Fun Zone will be our theme
303-471-8880.
full-week
where your kids will get to play on bouncers in the gym, cook up
Pa rty A n i m a l s ! With the holidays approaching you may be looking for something
Plan a fun day out to celebrate the
fun to do with the kids when they are out of school. Maybe you
holidays or plan a baby shower to
and your girlfriends are interested in having a girl’s day out and
make clay ornamental pieces to
making some holiday treats to share with family and friends. The
decorate the new baby’s room. Try
Cooking, Art, and Pottery staff has just what you’re looking for!
booking a wedding shower where
Plan a holiday treat day in the kitchen with our chef. She’ll teach
you can cook up a nice lunch to
you how to bake new desserts, breads, and goodies that you can
enjoy together or a birthday jewelry
wrap up for your neighbors or your children’s teacher and do it
party where everyone walks home
with your own group of friends. Or, schedule a party in the pottery
with a memory they can wear! Whatever the occasion let us do the
studio and make personalized hot cocoa mugs for a member of
planning and you can sit back, relax and enjoy your company! For
your family as a stocking stuffer and do it alongside your colleagues.
more information or to book a party, please call 303-471-8853.
S u g a r P l u m Pa rt i e s Get your kids into a festive holiday spirit with a Sugar Plum Party!
Sugar Plum Fairy! We will also take a special photo of your child
These one-hour events for children ages 3-6 will take place on
with the Sugar Plum Fairy for you to take home. Your little ones
December 4, 11, and 18. Parties will include music, dancing,
won’t want to miss this event! For registration details or more
holiday crafts, yummy treats and a very special visit from the
information, please call 303-471-8853.
Sto c k i n g St u f f e r s Stop by one of the recreation centers and purchase a pottery
explore a jewelry making class or get that Red Cross babysitting
class, a tumbling session or a month’s worth of preschool for a
certification they will need to start their own babysitting business.
family member that you can stick in their stocking for the holidays!
For more information please call 303-471-8818.
This is a great way to encourage them to try something new,
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO
9568 University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-791-2500
PERMIT#170
facility closures December 11-12 – Eastridge Gym Closed for Breakfast with Santa set up December 13 – Northridge Aerobics Room and Gym Closed at 4:00 p.m. for Hanukkah Happening December 24 – All Facilities Closed at 5:00 p.m. for Christmas Eve December 25 – All Facilities Closed all day for Christmas December 31 – All Facilities Closed at 5:00 p.m. for New Year’s Eve
december|events
For event details, see pages 4 & 5 or visit HRCAonline.org
December 4
Hometown Holiday & Wine Tasting
December 13
December 5
Holiday Teddy Bear Tea
December 7
Board Working Session*, 6:00 p.m.
December 15 RAC & Board Meeting*, 6:30 p.m. (Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates)
December 12
Breakfast with Santa
December 12-13 & Christmas Market 19-20
Hanukkah Happening
December 18 Showtime at Southridge Holiday Concert * These meetings are open to our members.
community partners Preferred provider
Highlands Ranch Community Association’s ability to bring cultural events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners and the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).