News February 2016
Celebrating 35 years!
Get More!
Get Fit! Get Involved!
HRCA Elections Do you know how HRCA is governed? Highlands Ranch has all the amenities of a town, but its governance is completely unique. Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community with the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) providing community leadership, first-class recreational facilities, events, architectural control, and covenant enforcement. The community’s municipal services, parks, and trails are handled by Highlands Ranch Metro District while water and sanitation services are through Centennial Water and Sanitation District. Upon purchasing property in Highlands Ranch, the owner becomes a member of the HRCA, agrees to comply with covenant and architectural controls, and pay quarterly assessments. The HRCA is governed by a five-member board who are elected by District Delegates. Highlands Ranch neighborhoods are divided into 93 districts with a delegate elected to represent their neighborhood by that district's residents at the Annual Meeting of Members. Delegates make recommendations to the Board of Directors on various matters outlined in the Community Declaration. The Board of Directors, serving two-year staggered terms, sets policy for the Association. Standing and ad hoc committees play an important role in administering the board policies. For more on delegates, board, and elections, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Leadership. Your Delegate is your voice for community and Association matters. Delegates meet monthly and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on important matters that impact our community. Delegates also have the opportunity to be the most informed members of the community through keynote speakers, educational presentations, and monthly community updates. The HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Three Board of Director's positions will be elected by District Delegates on March 15 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. This year Delegates will be elected for even-numbered and vacant districts. Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by March 3, if you are interested in running for District Delegate. To get involved please call 303-471-8802 or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Elections. You can contact your delegate to keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the Ranch by accessing the District Delegate map at www.HRCAonline.org/DistrictMap.
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Seniors Programs There are a vast amount of programs, activities, and events especially designed for the over 55 active senior. Whether its going for a stroll or hike, or just sitting down to a game of cards, Highlands Ranch is the place where you can find an abundance of choices and activities to keep you busy and fit. The HRCA offers numerous programs from art, crocheting and pottery, to pickle ball, wellness, tennis, and education. The Senior Lounge, located at the Southridge Recreation Center, always has a full slate of monthly programs sure to peak your interest and keep you busy and entertained. The Senior Club coordinates many monthly games and programs including a monthly senior luncheon every second Wednesday. This provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to get together and enjoy each other’s company. The Highlands Ranch Metro Districts also provides an abundance of programs, resources, and services, and educational talks. Check out these resources and events, get involved, and make 2016 your best year yet!
Senior Resources Senior Club - Ron Winter, 303-791-1692 HRCA Activities and Programs Heather Goetz-Zettl, 303-471-8818 HRMD Senior Resources Jodie McCann, 720-240-4922
Jerry Flannery
CEO and General Manager HRCA|news is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour
February is the month for sweethearts, so take a moment to hug a loved one or go to a dance with your son or daughter and cherish these moments for a lifetime. Time flies when we are all so busy with our lives, and we should always remember to slow down and enjoy those closest to us!
What to Do: There are always plenty of events to attend this month. Check out the HRCA web site, www.HRCAonline.org, for your best resources for updated information about the HRCA and our community. The HRCA continues to provide and maintain programs and facilities for a low cost to almost 100,000 people. We strive to provide better customer service by soliciting your input through many different mediums. I personally review all of the suggestion cards that come into all of our facilities. These efforts continue to make Highlands Ranch one of the most desirous places in the entire United States to live, work and play!
Planning Session: The Board of Directors and I met for a half day in January to discuss
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.
the strategies for moving forward this year and the next five years. Striving for better service and facilities are among the top priorities.
Group Homes: Many of you may have seen press coverage in the last few months involving the establishment of a group home in Highlands Ranch. Some of the neighbors expressed concerns over possible traffic congestion and a commercial business going into their residential area. The Board of Directors heard their requests for assistance and sent letters to county, state, and elected officials. On January 6th, Senator Chris Holbert and Representative Kevin Van Winkle convened a meeting at the State Capitol with their invited guests which included the Douglas County Attorney, industry leaders, HRCA Board and Staff, and several of the affected neighbors. After discussing possible legislation, it was determined that very little could be done to increase regulation when one of these facilities comes to a community. The HRCA continues to look at ways to improve the process of notifying homeowners when one of these facilities is coming into their neighborhood. "Get More" Campaign: It's the 35th anniversary of our community and the HRCA. This year the HRCA is embarking on a new "Get More" campaign to help educate our community on the choices, opportunities, experience, value, and adventures the HRCA brings to our community. Highlands Ranch has a lot to offer – more, in fact, than any other community in Colorado. Where else can you find great home values, rich amenities like the Backcountry Wilderness Area, four state-of-the-art recreation centers and a community association that offers top-notch programs and events for the entire family? This campaign will help inform HRCA members of the breadth of HRCA’s offerings and the value that HRCA has to offer our members and the community. The HRCA is the community’s first choice for programs and services that support health, wellness, fitness, and fun. We encourage you to join us and "Get More" with the HRCA! Get
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Copyright ©2016 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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quarterly assessments Please help HRCA save costs and the environment by signing up for E-Statements. Just visit https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/signup.
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Community News
Snow Removal Guidelines The HRCA removes snow from its own property, and Douglas County is responsible for snow removal on all public streets, not 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 snow removal on our sidewalks and driveways. Douglas County has an ordinance that requires homeowners to remove snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the snow storm. To report a resident to Douglas County that has not shoveled within 24 hours, call 303-660-7476. 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.
Scholarships Available The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 2003, provides post-secondary education scholarships for graduating seniors residing in Highlands Ranch or attending a Highlands Ranch High School. The program provides $1500 scholarships to selected applicants entering their first year of postsecondary education at an accredited institution or vocationaltechnical school. Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in their community and school through volunteering, along with academic performance and future educational aspirations and goals. Applicants are responsible for the completion of the application and submission of all supporting documentation to the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund, 9568 University Blvd., Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80126, Attn: Linda DorrĂŠ. The application must be postmarked prior to, or hand-delivered to the preceding address by 5:00 p.m. on March 1. The program guidelines and application are at www.HRCAonline.org/Scholarships.
Please see the web site to view larger.
The scholarship program is funded by corporate donations, individuals, and HRCA's fundraising events such as various beverage tastings throughout the year and computer and electronics recycling events. Many thanks to the individuals and corporations who support the program allowing us to award, $230,000 in scholarships to date, to students in our community.
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Calling All Restaurants Showcase your restaurant to over 600 guests at the 21st Annual Taste of Highlands Ranch! Restaurants are encouraged to bring a "taste" of your establishment's favorites. Applications may be downloaded at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors or pick one up at any HRCA recreation center. Return application by Friday, April 3 to be included in the May newsletter. Deadline is April 24.
Purchase tickets Online! Visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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ranch updates
Westridge Batting Cage Opening Weekend Come celebrate the batting cages season opening weekend on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Westridge. On both days there is a hot dog cookout from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., promotional giveaways, Season Pass Weekend Sale, and a Home run Contest at 1:00 p.m. for members and employees. Don’t miss out!
Calling All Non Profits! Is your organization needing to increase your volunteer pool? Do you want to let the Highlands Ranch Community know about your organization and find a place to volunteer their time? Then we have the event for you! As part of the National Volunteer Appreciation Week, the HRCA is hosting its annual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, April 12, 5:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. Here is your chance to showcase your organization, your mission, and gather potential future volunteers. Each year, over 300 local residents attend this free event to look for a place to volunteer. Consider joining us! Please visit our web site for more information at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
Tequila Tasting The HRCA and Davidsons Liquors are pleased to bring you a festive evening on Saturday, February 27, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a tasting of tequilas! The evening will include a tasting of five or six different tequilas, cocktails mixed with tequila, and unique food pairings. This popular event sells out each year. Grab your friends and purchase your tickets to secure your attendance. Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Scholarship Fund.
Calling All Trade Show Exhibitors
The class cost is $20; $25 the day of the tasting, if not sold out. You must be 21+ years of age to attend. IDs will be checked at the door.
Applications are open for our 2016 Spring Bazaar, Home Improvement Expo, Fall Craft Show, and the Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair. Vendor applications are available at HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
The Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale
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Come join a fun and friendly chorus of non-auditioned singers in this affiliate program of the national Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Weekly rehearsals starting on Friday, February 5 culminate in a spring concert on May 15. For more information, email 5280PLUS@centurylink.net or call 720-255-1860. $95 Charter Members, $105 New Members. Call 303-791-2500 to register using Activity # 157806.
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Upcoming events
Winter Cultural Series We continue the Winter Cultural series with two more fantastic performances! On February 4 Broadway Sings! returns with a brand new show! Join us as we wander through decades of Broadway classics featuring songs you know and love from musicals such as: Grease, Wicked, Lion King, Hairspray, and many more! On February 18 we conclude the series with A Night at the Movies by the Denver Pops. Treat yourself to some popcorn and candy for this concert with the Denver Pops Orchestra because we’re going to feature some of the best music written for the big screen. We are fortunate to have a wealth of great music from composers like John Williams, James Horner, and Hans Zimmer, so you’ll have a chance to hear the music from movies like Titanic and Pirates of the Caribbean. Thursday, February 4 (Broadway Sings!) and Thursday, February 18 (Denver Pops) • 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. • Cherry Hills Community Church, Chapel • $10 in advance, $15 day of event, if not sold out • Under 12, Senior (65+), and Military tickets are $7 in advance, $10 day of event, if not sold out.
Father & Daughter Sweetheart Ball Make special memories with your daughter at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion! This annual tradition is a great opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their little girls! Enjoy dancing, dining, and a commemorative photo. Each girl will receive a corsage and special necklace as they arrive. You’ll dance the night away to a live DJ, enjoy dinner with an ice cream bar, and have the option to take a magical carriage ride around the mansion property, weather permitting. • Friday, February 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.• Saturday, February 6, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 8:30 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • $25 each in advance, $33 each day of event, if not sold out • Carriage Rides $3 per person
Princess Tea Party Spend a special morning with your little prince or princess as you enjoy tea and treats with Cinderella. The princess herself will share special stories, songs and photo opportunities throughout the tea. No children under 2 please. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Saturday, February 13 • Southridge, Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • Tea Time: 10:30 a.m., Show Time: 11:15 a.m. • $11 in advance, $15 day of event, if not sold out
Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity, and to eliminate any negative chi from the past. Come enjoy traditional music, exciting Chinese dragon and lion dances, beautiful folk dances, amazing Kung Fu demonstrations, and a cultural fair. Children will receive a red envelope, while supplies last. The giving of a red envelope is the traditional means of giving a blessing to the younger generation in the Chinese New Year. • Saturday, February 6 • Performance: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m., Cultural Fair: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. • Tickets are $8 in advance, $11 day of event, if not sold out • Southridge, Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • Ages 2 and under are free if they sit on a parent's lap.
Upcoming events march 2016 5
Cultural Arts Day
11
Comedy Night
19
Spring Craft Bazaar
26
Easter Egg Hunt
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
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Classes, camps & activities
Spring Break Tennis Camp
GET RACING IN 2016! Get ready to lace up those sneakers and join in the fun as we celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Highlands Ranch Race Series. For 2016, the Race Series will offer four 5K running races, two trail running races including our half marathon, a kid’s triathlon, and four Wednesday night mountain bike races. New for this year’s race line-up is the Wildcat Mountain 10K | 10M Trail Race which will be offered on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and the addition of a single-day, 30-mile mountain bike race in June. For more information or to register visit: www.HRraceseries.com.
Don't Forget! Summer Camp Sign-up Deadline is February 15!
Infant Swim Resource (ISR) Infant Swimming Resource lesson experience is a comprehensive four to six-week program where each lesson is customized for the six month old infant to three year old child as they are safely guided through water survival skills. For more information and to enroll, call 303-330-8602, email j.potter@infantswim.com, or visit www.infantswim.com.
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Spring Break is the perfect time to keep the kids busy - no parent wants to hear, “There’s nothing to do!” The HRCA Spring Break Tennis Camp March 22-24 will fit the bill! This threeday fun filled tennis camp runs from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and focuses on the “FUN-damentals” of tennis for beginning students. Camp is conducted by one of the HRCA’s tennis pros and each day includes a swim in the Northridge indoor pool and a scheduled snack break. Please call 303-471-8940 for more information or to register.
J.W. Kim Tae Kwon Do at HRCA J.W. Kim Tae Kwon Do offers flexibility, self-discipline, character development, and life skills. Under the direction of 7th degree black belt Grandmaster J.W. Kim, our instructors have over 20 years of experience. Students learn Tae Kwon Do techniques such as movement patterns, blocking, punching, kicking, board breaking, self-defense, and sparring. For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8869.
Therapeutic Recreation Tae Kwon Do Join the Tae Kwon Do class for Special Needs for ages 5 and up at the Recreation Center at Southridge on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This class is designed to help students improve balance, concentration, self-control, and confidence. For more information about participating or volunteering through the Therapeutic Recreation Program, please call 303471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org. Come out and join the fun! For the most current information, visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR.
What is SUP? Stand-up paddling or SUP, is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is now available through HRCA! Partnering with Colorado SUP Sports, HRCA is Colorado’s exclusive source for indoor SUP training. SUP is great for folks of all fitness levels. The workout blasts the core and stabilizer muscles. Athletes of many sports use SUP to cross train, develop their balance, and just have fun! Join the SUP Paddle Fitness Class and experience an hour of instability training on the moving surface of water. Learn about the new SUP Program which adds basic yoga concepts to your workout. Participants wanting an introduction to paddling can sign up for SUP 101 Clinic to learn basic paddle technique and skills. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim. You may also call 303-471-8942 or email amber.brust@hrcaonline.org.
The Month of Love!
School Days Off! This month your child’s school will be out on Friday, February 12 and Monday, February 15 for a planning day and Presidents' Day. If you’re looking for a safe and fun place for them to spend the day, we’ve got you covered! Day Camp at the Recreation Center at Southridge, will run both days and children will get the chance to swim, do art, crafts, and other fun activities! The program runs for ages 5-12 from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. On February 12, we’ll be offering Pasta Power Cooking Camp! This camp runs 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for ages 5-8 and 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. for ages 9-12. Children will learn to make pasta dishes the whole family will love. On February 12, we will also host our Art and Architecture using LEGO class at the Recreation Center at Westridge. This class runs 9:00 a.m. - noon for ages 5-6 and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. for ages 7-12. We will also be offering our Science Matters Bristle Bots camp for ages 5-12 on February 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Eastridge. For more information on these one day camps, please visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org or call 303-471-8818.
All The World’s a Stage! This month we’re kicking off our spring theatre production facilitated by KidStage. Lion King, for children ages 5-12, follows Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumba on their adventures! Rehearsals for this production run on Wednesdays beginning February 10, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. or on Thursdays beginning February 11, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. Be sure to get your child signed up! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Muddy Trails Mountain biking has increased in Highlands Ranch over the last few years; and why not, with world class trails in our backyards? There are many people that are new to the sport and still learning trail ethics. One very important educational component we have focused on over the last couple of years is to stay off of muddy trails. This trail ethic is not only for bikers. Runners and hikers should take notice as well. When you bike, run, or walk on muddy trails you are beginning the destruction of that trail. Tire tracks and foot prints create ruts and divots, water sits on the trail rather than drains, trails are muddy longer, people ride around muddy areas, trails widen, ruts continue to get deeper, people go around ruts, trails widen. It is a downward spiral until your nice single track trail becomes ten feet wide and an eyesore. Not only that, habitat and wildlife is negatively impacted. Moral of the story, if the trails are muddy, turn around and find a hard surface trail for that day. The Backcountry staff and our incredible volunteers spend a lot of time keeping our trails world class, you can help by staying out of the mud.
February is the month of love and we encourage you to get your child enrolled in these fun Valentine featured classes! 2 Times the Fun’s theme is Hearts to You and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Recreation Center at Eastridge. Valentine Wishes will be on February 11, from 12:30 1:30 p.m. where children will make Mom and Dad a special Valentine. Love Bugs, Toddler and Me class is on Fridays beginning February 5, 9:15 10:30 a.m. at the Recreation Center at Eastridge. Kreative Kids which runs on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. will feature Red is for Love on February 2 and This Hearts for You on February 16. All of these classes are for children ages 3-5 and are a great way to help your child develop independence, meet friends, and practice other social and emotional skills. For more information, please visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org or call 303-471-8818.
Summer Planning Yes, it is time! Registration for our Outdoor and Horse Discovery Camps will begin in February. This summer is going to be amazing in the Backcountry! We are expanding our offerings, moving the horseback area to a bigger and better spot, and hosting 60 kids per week for ages 7-17 at Discovery Camp. Email Annakate.Hein@hrcaonline.org for more information.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures February 7
Early Closure 5:00 p.m. All Recreation Centers
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 1/31/16
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).
February Events
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. February 4. . . . . . . . . Winter Cultural Series - Broadway Sings! February 5-6 . . . . . . . Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball February 6 . . . . . . . . Chinese New Year Celebration and Cultural Fair February 8 . . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. February 13 . . . . . . . Princess Tea Party February 16 . . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. February 18 . . . . . . . Winter Cultural Series - Denver Pops February 26 . . . . . . . Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance February 27 . . . . . . . Spirit Tasting - Tequila February 27-28 . . . . . Batting Cages Opening Weekend * These meetings are open to our members.