HRCA February 2021 Newsletter by Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA)

NEWS

February 2021

SNOW REMOVAL GUIDELINES

HR HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS THE EPIC BIRD

With Colorado's snowiest months still to come, please take a few moments to learn more about snow operations in Highlands Ranch. As a resident, snow is sure to come and we want you to be prepared, and know who does what in the community as far as snow removal.

Did you ever wonder where the eagle, seen on signage throughout Highlands Ranch, came from? The "Epic Bird," as it was known, was a symbol created for Mission Viejo after they purchased the cattle ranch and started developing the New Town of Highlands Ranch. A marketing firm was tasked with creating a symbol that could be to market this new development. They considered using the obvious symbol …cattle (after all, Highlands Ranch was a cattle ranch for many years and still is), but felt that the new community would be more vibrant and active, so they settled on an epic bird.

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. HRCA removes snow only from its property on which the four Recreation Centers sit. Homeowners are responsible for snow removal on their own 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 303-660-7480.

This bird was a collective, strong bird, representing the many powerful birds of prey found on the Ranch, such as owls, falcons, eagles, and hawks. There have always been questions about “what kind of bird is it,” with answers of Falcon and Eagle most common. This original bird logo and the updated Eagle version is seen throughout Highlands Ranch, and is incorporated in many community organizations logos.

WEB SITE GETS NEW LOOK! Visit www.HRCAonline.org and you will notice that it has a new look! Over the past few months HRCA has been working hard to update our web site and make it easier to find important information. A new, improved search function should quickly help you find what you need - from classes, to camps, events, covenant information and assessment payments. Be sure to stop by the site and check out the improvements!

To learn more, visit the Highlands Ranch Historical Society’s web site at https://www.theHRHS.org/.

HRCA is certified as a DOUGLAS COUNTY COVID Best Practices Business! Stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines and changes at www.HRCAonline.org/COVID19.

JERRY FLANNERY CEO and General Manager Happy February everyone! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are gearing up to love much and live well in the month of February. This month we celebrate Ground Hog’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Heart Disease Awareness Month. For all of these events, I wish you an early spring, lots of fun with your loved ones, and most importantly, continued good health for all.

COVID UPDATE: At the end of December, we completed the four facility inspections for the Douglas County COVID Best Business Practice Certification. We were able to receive this classification due to the cleanliness of our facilities and the procedures we follow to stay within the recommended guidelines. Now that we are certified, we can have increased capacity in the pools and gyms depending on the County position on the State COVID Dial.. We are still requiring workout reservations. Reservations are available on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Reservations.

SNOW REMOVAL: Spring weather may bring snowstorms, so as a reminder, all homeowners should clear the sidewalks in front of their homes. For complete guidelines, see page 1.

EVENTS: We are continuing to offer virtual events this month including several Happy Hours and Cold Cases and Cocktails. These events are fun ways to stay engaged while socially distancing. Be sure to checkout our web site at www.HRCAonline.org to view the event calendar with more details.

HRCA ELECTIONS: HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Two Board of Director's positions will be elected by District Delegates on March 9 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. This year Delegates will be elected for odd numbered and vacant districts. Volunteers are always needed to serve as Delegates. Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by February 18 if you are interested in running for District Delegate. Also, when you receive a proxy card in the mail please take time to vote for the candidate running in your district and return it via email, mail or drop box. This helps Delegates get the votes that they need for election and saves the Association an additional expense of holding a second election for any vacancies not filled.

ASSESSMENT DUES: I have received questions from a few members as to why they have had to continue to pay assessments while the reservation system continues to be in place. HRCA is funded almost exclusively on homeowner’s dues. We run an organization with almost 830 part-time and full-time employees, programming for all ages and interests, four world class recreational facilities and

8,000 acres of open space where families camp, hunt and recreate. All of these amenities create value for property owners and have withstood the economic downturn of the last 10 years. This value is added and realized on properties when they are sold, regardless of whether an individual uses all of the amenities or not. More specifically, a homeowner signs a contract to pay their dues and abide by the covenants and declarations of the community when they purchase a house. This contract is binding and outlines the obligation of a homeowner to pay their dues for the betterment of the overall community. Almost every year assessment dues are slightly increased to offset the rising costs of business, however this year the Board and Staff recognized the importance of keeping the assessment flat because of more limited access to the facilities created from the COVID restrictions. We understand the frustration of not having direct access to the recreation centers this past year, however we appreciate your patience and continued support until the State is able to safely relax their capacity restrictions.

WE ARE HIRING • Cooking Instructor • Nature Camp Counselor • Art Camp Counselor • Horse Camp Counselor • Equine Leader • Therapeutic Recreation Specialist View all open positions and apply online at www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs.

HRCA NEWS

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

or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.

COMMUNITY NEWS HRCA Elections Quickly Approaching Highlands Ranch has all the amenities of a town, but its governance is completely unique. Highlands Ranch is a master-planned community, with HRCA providing community leadership, firstclass recreational facilities, events, architectural control, and covenant enforcement. HRCA also owns and manages the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

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.

HRCA is governed by a five-member board who are elected by our community's District Delegates. 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 HRCA. Your Delegate is your voice for neighborhood and HRCA matters. Delegates meet monthly and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on important matters that impact our community. HRCA’s annual elections for Directors and District Delegates are approaching. Two Directors will be elected by District Delegates on March 10 at the Annual Meeting of Delegates. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April. Watch your mail in March as your ballot will be coming and your vote is important. For more on delegates, board, and elections, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Leadership. Please email annie.vincent@hrcaonline.org by February 18 if you are interested in running for District Delegate, or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Elections. Find your delegate by accessing the District Delegate map at www.HRCAonline.org/DistrictMap.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND YARD SIGNAGE REMOVAL 2020 is now behind us, as are the holidays and the political season. Please remove all holiday decorations, lighting, and temporary signs from the front, side, and rear yards. While it was a great way to celebrate graduations, support healthcare workers, and much more, it is time for all such signage to be removed. For information on permitted signage and advertising, please to to the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/RIGs to view the Residential Improvement Guidelines.

NEW ONLINE FORM FOR COVENANT VIOLATIONS The new year kicks off with some new updates in the Community Improvement Services department to help make it easier for homeowners to submit covenant violations. You will now find a short form to fill out that submits directly to the CIS department for follow up. The new form can be accessed here https://hrcaonline.org/ covenantviolation. Please keep in mind that there is a very specific detailed process HRCA must follow for covenant violations. When complaints come in, the CIS Technicians investigate the situation, if a violation is found, the property owners will be sent a letter with a date in which to remedy the non-compliance. If they fail to do so, additional letters are sent, if they continue to not comply, fines will be assessed daily as well as loss of recreation centers privileges, and eventually ending in Legal for further action. Please realize that the process does take time and might not be resolved right away. There are strict legal processes and timelines that all Homeowner’s Associations must adhere to when enforcing covenants. The CIS team works daily on these violations, but cannot give out information on what stage of noncompliance property owners are in. We ask all property owners to abide by the HRCA covenants and be a good neighbor and proud homeowner in Highlands Ranch!

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REMINDERS 2021 HIGHLANDS RANCH COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP The deadline for the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship is approaching soon! The application must be postmarked prior to, or hand-delivered to the preceding address by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2021. Complete program guidelines and application can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/Scholarships. 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 Dorré.

RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS WINTER CULTURAL SERIES GOES VIRTUAL The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is excited to bring the 2021 Winter Cultural Series to you! Enjoy cultural performances from the comfort of your own home with a free, virtual performance that will feature a new performer every other week. On February 18, the Heritage Irish Stepdancers return with a performance that will feature a variety of dances including graceful soft shoe, exciting hard shoe, and traditional group dances. After Midnight is Colorado’s Premier Swing Band and we are excited to have them perform on March 4! Recognized in the Colorado Music Hall of Fame at Red Rocks, this sextet features music from the Swing Era, including hits from Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole and more. You will have a fantastic time as you are transported back in time to the 1940s! The Denver Pops Orchestra closes out our series on March 18. More information to come. RELEASE DATES: Thursday, February 18: Heritage Irish Stepdancers Thursday, March 4: After Midnight Thursday, March 18: The Denver Pops Orchestra Register at the www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. Video links will be sent on the release date.

UCHEALTH VIRTUAL HEALTH SERIES ASSESSMENT NEWS: • Congratulations to the first two (2) Amazon Gift Card winners, who were randomly selected out of the homeowners who had signed up for automatic payments with Zego prior to December 1, 2020. • Our next Drawing is March 15 for those homeowners who signed up between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. • If you are having financial hardships, please email Tina Harris to set up a payment arrangement. Email tina.harris@hrcaonline.org. • Payment Reminder – Get your first Quarter Payment in by January 31 to avoid late fees.

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HEART HEALTH THROUGH THE YEARS Join Alejandro Marmol, MD, Service Line Chief of Heart & Vascular Care at Highlands Ranch Hospital, on Zoom to learn about the ways to keep your heart healthy throughout different stages of adulthood. The discussion will also include cardiac conditions to be aware of throughout the years. You will have the opportunity to ask your questions and get answers. Register at www.HRCAonline.org/YourHealth. February 23 • 6:00 p.m. on Zoom • Free

Living the Dream Releases Backcountry Wilderness Wheat Beer Living the Dream Brewing Co. has long been a supporter of the Backcountry Wilderness Area and the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund. They kicked off 2021 by taking that a step further and canning the perfect beer to go with our outdoor-loving mission! Backcountry Wilderness Wheat, which made its debut on draft at Living the Dream in 2019, has a new home in cans that feature our mission: To improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong long of the outdoors for all. And as if collaborating on this awesome beer isn't exciting enough, Living the Dream Brewing Co. is donating 10 percent of sales directly to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund to support their mission! Stop by Living the Dream for a pint in their heated tents and don't leave without a 6-pack or two of Backcountry Wilderness Wheat.

UPCOMING EVENTS VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR BEVERAGE TASTINGS Tired of the same old drink? Join the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits virtually on Zoom for our Highlands Ranch Happy Hour Series! This series has something for everyone's taste buds - beer, wine, and spirits! While our in-person tastings are canceled for now, we hope to bring some of your favorites to you at home! Only one ticket needed per household. This online event is free, but make sure to come prepared with all the ingredients needed to follow along! Shopping lists can be found on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/HappyHour. All tastings begin at 6:00 p.m. MST.

VIRTUAL COLD CASES AND COCKTAILS

The Cold Cases & Cocktails series returns with a virtual presentation. HIGHLANDS RANCH Come get an inside look on how real DATES: deaths are investigated behind the February 11: Cocktails for Valentine's Day! scenes from death investigators, February 25: Blue Note Bourbon detectives, journalists, and more in this series. Our guest speaker is Hailey Holloway, creator and host of the true crime podcast, Shallow Graves. Her career as a TV news BATTING CAGES OPENING WEEKEND IS FEBRUARY 27 anchor and investigative reporter has Batting Cages at Westridge opening day is scheduled for taken her all over the country. Her Saturday, February 27 (weather permitting), from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 passion for investigating true crime p.m. (hours are subject to change). The opening week celebration and cold cases led to reporting will continue from March 1 - March 7. Festivities include hot dog for several shows and to the first cookouts on the weekend and season pass discounts. major case she covered, which she HRCA is partnering with Vitalant to bring 1 pint of blood the Gift of Life to our community in a time of need. revisited in her podcast Shallow saves 3 lives! Graves.

irtual

tasting series

BLOOD DRIVE

HRCA is partnering with Vitalant to bring the Gift of Life to our community in a time of need. Each donation will include the COVID-19 antibody testing to encourage potential convalescent plasma donors. Contact Vitalant at 303-3632300, or sign up online at www.vitalant.org. Use event code:10002. You can also search by 80126. Appointments are requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space is limited.

BLOOD

DRIVE

Hailey has spent the last two years working with detectives and traveling throughout Florida to expose the crimes of other killers and created Each donation will include the COVID-19 antibody testing to encouragethis potential podcast as a result. convalescent plasma donors.

season of Shallow Graves has been binged in more than 70 8800 Broadway • Highlands Ranch countries and plans for a second season are underway. Get tickets at Contact Vitalant at 303-363-2300, or sign up online at www.vitalant.org. Use event code: 10002. You can also search by 80126. Thursday, March 4 • 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • Northridge Recreation Center, 8800 Broadway Appointments are requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space is limited. www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.

UPCOMING EVENTS - MARCH 4 4 11

Blood Drive 18 Winter Cultural Series Winter Cultural Series 25 Happy Hour Tasting Happy Hour Tasting 26 Comedy Night Please check the web site for the most current event information.

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.first The Thursday, March 4

Northridge Recreation Center

Wednesday, February 24 • 6:30 p.m. • Virtual over Zoom • $10 per household • Warning: graphic images and discussion possible

We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities.

Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.

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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES HRCA Indoor Flag Football League SPRING SESSION OF ADULT BEGINNER TENNIS CLASSES STARTING SOON! With Spring right around the corner, thoughts of ramping up everyone’s activity level are also on the horizon! Why not sign up for a six-week session of Adult Beginning tennis classes? If you are looking for a fun way to spend your mornings while improving your overall health, these tennis classes will do the trick! HRCA offers Adult Beginning tennis classes on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Sessions are six-weeks long and the next session begins Monday, March 8. Why not jump into Spring by taking the first step towards learning a new sport, and at the same time getting a great workout? Call Marianne McCauley at 303-4718940 with questions or to register. View all HRCA’s tennis offerings at www.HRCAonline.org/Tennis.

TOE TAPPING FOR TOTS If your child likes to dance around the house, HRCA has the perfect series of Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop classes for them! With classes that are offered throughout the day, six days a week, there is a class that suits every family’s schedule. Though our dance programs is a 16 week session, we accept students at all times throughout the spring, so when your family is ready to try a class, we’re here to help you find the right one. Be sure to get your child signed up! For more information, please email Alecia at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

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As every Colorado native knows, April showers bring May...SNOW! Don’t leave your child’s flag football season up to Mother Nature! Come out of the cold and join the HRCA Indoor Flag Football League. This league is for boys and girls ages 7-12 and features 6 games plus a season ending tournament with one-hour

practice per week. Season begins the week of April 12 and runs through June 12. Registration deadline is Friday, March 12. For more information or to volunteer coach please contact Rachel Lane at 303-4718869 or email rachel.lane@hrcaonline.org. Remember, at the Westridge indoor turf it is always sunny and 70 degrees!

The New Year of Fitness! 2021 is all about fitness and your health. HRCA has multiple ways to keep you active for the new year. Consider trying some drop-in fitness classes that range from strength, cardio, yoga cycling, aqua, Zumba and more. If you want some more one-onone attention or training for a specific goal, check out our nationally certified personal trainers. They have all the tools to help you accomplish all your health and fitness goals. All fitness programs follow COVID policies

and procedures, including masks, social distancing, and increased cleanings. Invest in yourself this year and register online for one of the many fitness options HRCA has for you! View all of HRCA’s fitness offerings at www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness.

2021 HR Race Series The 2021 race series is officially open for registration! Our first race of the series will kick off with our Annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K on March 13 in Town Center. Make sure you take advantage of our lowest prices of the season and get you and your family registered! For all event registration, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities and more information please head to www.HRRaceSeries.org.

HRCA Therapeutic Recreation Programs for Special Needs

Almost 8, Just Can’t Wait Program (Ages 3-7)

This weekly program is for kids of all abilities that are almost 8, and just can’t wait to be an athlete! Participants will gain skills needed for a variety of sports including soccer, basketball, t-ball, track and field, swimming, and yoga. Join the fun and participate in a variety of activities that increase motor skills, balance, and social skills. For more information, please call 303-471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES All our classes and workshops strictly follow COVID capacity requirements as well as enforce spread prevention measures like required mask use, frequent hand washing, and distanced workstations.

February Sampling This month we are offering a variety of classes for you and your family to check out! For the adults in the family, try your hand at something new! Collage, Knitting, Drawing and Painting, Watercolor, Zen Doodle, Cowboy Cha Cha Couples Dance, Hand Building Pottery, Wheel Pottery, and Financial Seminars, are some of the February classes we encourage you to try! For the kids in your family, we have a number of fun classes that will stretch their imagination! Cooking classes like Hearts Ahoy, Mystery Basket and the Apps Class, a variety of ballet classes, The Infamous Shoe Gang Theatre Production by KidStage, Music Together, and Crocodile Rock music classes, Play with Clay Pottery, Clay Creations Pottery and a variety of gymnastics classes are a great way to engage your child in something fun and educative! For more information, please email Alecia at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

The Month of Love! 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 This Hearts to You and runs on Mondays and Wednesdays at Westridge. Sibling Rivalry themes are, Happy Valentines Day, and Red is for Love and are on Thursdays from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Kreative Kids themes this month are Happy Valentine’s Day and I am Nuts About You. These classes are on Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Happy Hearts is the February theme for this month’s Stepping Stones which begins February 4 and runs 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Westridge. 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 email Heather at hgoetz@hrcaonline.org.

THREE BACKCOUNTRY NATURE PROGRAMS TO TRY IN FEBRUARY Group Horseback Riding Lessons, February 7, 14, 21, 28 (Ages 7+): Reach your equestrian goals--from learning to saddle up your steed to maneuvering with ease--in our small group lessons. Our instructors will teach to the level of each rider and riders will benefit from one another.

Campfire Hike, February 20 (All Ages): Avoid cabin fever with a family hike at the Backcountry Base Camp. Depending on the weather and conditions, we'll do a short nature hike, build snowmen, play with the chickens, meet our horses, and relax in the fresh air. After the hike, post up next to the fire to roast marshmallows and make s'mores (the possibility of a campfire is pending conditions).

Sunshine & Storytime: Tracks in the Snow, February 10 & 27 (Ages 3-6): As the snow covers

Leader-in-Training Program 2021 Do you have a teenager who loves the outdoors and is looking to gain leadership and personal growth? We're now taking applications for Summer 2021 Camp Backcountry Leader-in-Training program! Our Leaders-in-Training will get mentorship and real-life experiences to sharpen their organization, social, and responsibility skills while spending their entire days out in the Backcountry Wilderness Area! LITs earn volunteer hours for their time in the program. For details, visit www.campbackcountry.org and click the High School Leadership box. For more information, contact AnnaKate Hein at annakate.hein@hrcaonline.org.

the ground, or leaves behind the perfect mud for tracking, we are ready to discover the animals that roam the forest of the Backcountry. Join us for a story around the fire, follow tracks in the snow, and take a look at our barnyard animals, and their own special winter adaptations. For details and registration, head to www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Scott Lemmon, Brock Norris, Melissa Park Krystal Woodbury

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500

Recreation Center at Northridge 8800 Broadway Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

FACILITY HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY: 6:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. SATURDAY - SUNDAY: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Community Partners The HRCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 8

Board Working Session* 5:30 p.m. Zoom

February 11

Happy Hour Tasting Series- Cocktails for Valentine's Day

February 16

Delegate & Board Meeting* 5:30 p.m. Zoom

February 18

Winter Cultural Series- Heritage Irish Stepdancers

February 23

UCHealth Virtual Health Series- Heart Health

February 24

Virtual Cold Cases & Cocktails

February 25

Happy Hour Tasting Series- Blue Note Bourbon

* These meetings are open to our members.