News December 2015
Holiday Happenings “There’s no place like home for the holidays!” This is especially true of your hometown. The HRCA has events, classes, and activities to keep your family and guests entertained throughout the season.
Celebrate - Start with the Hometown Holiday on December 4 at Town Center South. This free, fun-filled evening includes lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, food, crafts, pictures, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, all free of charge! Children can enjoy a Holiday Teddy Bear Tea party and family show on December 5. Everyone can enjoy a Holiday Choir Concert performed by the Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale on December 6 at St. Luke's Methodist Church. Build another magical memory by meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and eating pancakes at Breakfast with Santa on December 12. Love the music of the season? Don’t miss the Holiday Classical Music Concert at the Mansion, December 17. For many, a holiday tradition is viewing homes decorated in festive lights. You can continue, or start, this tradition by visiting www.HRCAonline.org/Contest for a map of all the Holiday House Decorating Contest entrants and then December 9 - 13 return to the web site to vote for your favorite house. On December 12 find unique gifts, handmade items, or foods for your holiday meal at the open-air Winter Market in Town Center North. Celebrate Hanukkah at Hanukkah Happenings on December 13 with those who share a commonality of religion and culture.
Activities and Classes - How about a private Sleigh Ride in the Backcountry Wilderness Area? Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn open sleigh with family and friends, then stop at a campfire to roast marshmallows and warm up with hot chocolate. Create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy cooking classes taught by a professional chef or an artist will guide you through art and pottery projects. Little ones will learn to make Christmas and winter crafts, snacks, and more with
Holiday House Decorating Contest Do you spend hours creating the most festive house on the block during the holidays? Enter the HRCA’s Holiday House Decorating Contest, it can pay off! The first, second, and third place winners will each receive a cash award from Wells Fargo, and have an award sign placed in their front yard, be recognized in the HRCA News, on HRCA's Facebook page, and have their home’s photo featured on the HRCA web site. To enter, take a photo of your Highlands Ranch home at night while lit and decorated. Fill out and submit the online form (where you will upload the photo) by 5:00 p.m. on December 7. The home address and photos will be posted on www.HRCAonline.org with a map showing the location of each entry.
Holiday Break Camps - Do the kids need a break from the TV and video games? They can keep active taking Holiday Break Basketball Camps and Holiday Break Tennis Camps. All four recreation centers offer free Holiday Games for kids over the winter break.
Everyone is invited to view the festive sights and lights and vote for their favorite home online on December 9 - 13. The winners will be announced on December 16.
The HRCA is in the spirit of the season, so visit www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings for details on these activities and more!
To enter the contest or to vote, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Contest.
Holiday Art, Crafts, and Cooking Classes.
Jerry Flannery HRCA|news is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
CEO and General Manager
HRCA|Event/Weather Line
Yes, it really is December! The turkey is all gone, the decorations 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 6th of this month and we look forward to seeing the Menorah and the kindling of lights for eight days. At this time of year, 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! Check out pages four and five for the highlights of holiday happenings, or visit the web site for all our holiday options.
303-471-8888
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-791-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Group Homes: This topic has come up lately in a couple of locations in Highlands Ranch and has been covered by the local media over the last month. A significant amount of time has been spent by HRCA staff and legal counsel in making every attempt to address neighborhood concerns. From the onset of this matter coming to our attention, we have been proactively seeking partnerships with the County to try to educate interested parties on what we can and can’t do, and what the law says in regard to these establishments. I have communicated with the County Administrator, and the HRCA Board of Directors has discussed the matter with the County Commissioners. We are also requesting our State and Congressional delegations to look into improving the Federal Housing Act legislation without changing its original intent. We can and have cited violations of the covenants in these establishments like we would any other violation. Sometimes that process takes longer than some would like, but it is a very well established procedural system that allows us to gain compliance with our covenants.
Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Recreation Center at Eastridge
Sports: Maria Nenova – has volunteered to coach CARA Volleyball for HRCA for
9568 University Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Copyright ©2015 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.
2 | December 2015
the past three seasons. Maria originally volunteered to coach her sister’s team but has continued to volunteer the past two seasons even though her sister is not playing. Her teams have focused on learning the basic volleyball skills while also having fun. She has been a wonderful role model to her teams and presents a positive image of HRCA Sports volunteers.
Aquatics: Shelly Devening – Parent Volunteer Coordinator for Summer HRCA Seahawks Swim Team. She has been in this position for the past five years and it requires organization and patience. She organizes all of the parent volunteers and on top of all of that still asks what she can do to help. Therapeutic Recreation: Morgan Miller - has volunteered for TR soccer, basketball, iCan Bike, sports camps, tennis, bowling, as well as the Sweetheart Dance, and loves working with different kinds of athletes. She enjoys building bonds with the athletes, teaching them new things, and loves being involved in such a great environment. Morgan enjoys the TR program and appreciates all the experience that she is receiving that will contribute to her future career in Special Education and Therapeutic Recreation. The contributors to the HRCA program have been invaluable and very much appreciated.
Highlands Ranch, Colorado 2016
Community News
HIGHLANDS RANCH 2016
HRCA 2016 Adopted Budget The HRCA 2016 Budget was approved at the November 17 Board of Directors Meeting. The adopted budget for 2016 includes a 2.1% assessment increase, which is equivalent to $12 annually, for the Recreation Function Common Assessment. The new total assessment for the Administrative and Recreation Function Common Assessment will be $568 annually or $142 per quarter. Assessments for the HRCA are due on the first day of every quarter starting January 1. The budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/ Budgets.
Holiday Lights & Decorations The HRCA has covenants regarding holiday decorations. Our Residential Improvement Guidelines state that all lighting and decorations may be put up 30 days prior to and then must be removed within 30 days following a holiday. So remember when climbing on the roof on a sunny day in early December, you will have to be up on that same roof in January to take them down, and it may be cold and snowy. Please be careful.
Snow Removal Guideline 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 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. 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.
2016 HRCA Community Calendars are here! This holiday give all your Highlands Ranch friends a present which gives all year long! The 2016 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photos taken right here in the Ranch and information on community and cultural events, races, recreation center closures, holidays, and more! These calendars are $5.00 each and come in two sizes. They may be purchased online at www.HRCAonline. org/Pride or at any recreation center. Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.
quarterly assessments The next quarterly assessment will be due January 1, 2016. In the next few weeks, all homeowners will be sent the annual assessment notice which details what the 2016 assessment will be and the due dates. Homeowners may continue to pay assessments online using PayLease by Credit/ Debit card or e-check (PayLease charges a nominal fee for their online processing service). Please visit our web site at www.hrcaonline.org and click on “Pay Assessments Online� then follow the setup up instructions. To receive your assessment statement via email, please visit https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail. com/signup. Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-471-8958. HRCAonline.org | 3
New Activity Guide Watch your mailbox this month for the new January - April 2016 Activity Guide. The Guide is full of information on upcoming community events, classes, programs, and more! Find some fun things to do and beat the winter blues.
ranch updates Hometown Holiday
Go online and purchase event tickets! www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets
Last Minute Gift Ideas Remember, we have a variety of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. From HRCA Gift Cards, which can be redeemed for any class, activity, or event, to Highlands Ranch Pro Shop items or notecards, and don't forget to get a 2016 HRCA Community Calendar for yourself! For more gift ideas, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Pride.
Join your family and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season this Christmas at the Hometown Holiday on Friday, December 4, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Town Center South. Enjoy the sound of the holidays as carolers and a children's choir sing holiday classics. Have your photo taken with Santa, see his reindeer, and enjoy a hayrack ride – all for free! Local businesses hand out free goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, soup, and apple cider! Be early because Santa kicks off the celebration by lighting the Christmas tree at 5:00 p.m. To give back this season, bring nonperishable food items for the Food Bank of the Rockies or a new unwrapped toy for Toys 4 Tots.
Holiday Encore Chorale Concert The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is bringing a unique chorale concert to kick off the holiday season. The Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale is comprised of persons 55+ who enjoy singing. They have been rehearsing at Southridge for 13 weeks and will perform a free concert of holiday favorites, audience sing-a-longs, and other seasonal surprises! Sunday, December 6 • 2:30 p.m. • St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 8817 S. Broadway • Free with a donation to the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association accepted.
Hanukkah Happening Sunday, December 13, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Northridge. For nearly two decades, this special Hanukkah celebration event has attracted Highlands Ranch neighbors who share a commonality of religion and culture. This celebration is full of great food, stories, games, and spinning dreidels! You must contact the Jewish Community Leader at 303-470-6652 to RSVP prior to the event.
Winter Cultural Series Join us as we kick off the Winter Cultural Series on Thursday, January 7, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at Cherry Hills Community Church with Opera Colorado - Arias & Ensembles. This concert-style show should not be missed! Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 day of event if not sold out. Military/Senior (65+)/Child Discount (12 and Under): $7 in advance, $10 day of even if not sold out. Don't miss the rest of the series: Thursday, January 21 Tour of Europe - Chalet Dancers Thursday, February 4 Broadway Sings! - Broadway’s Top Hits Thursday, February 18 Denver Pops - A Night at the Movies
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Upcoming events Holiday Teddy Bear Tea The tradition continues with the Holiday Teddy Bear Tea in the auditorium at Southridge! Come and enjoy this special experience that will delight children of all ages. Come for fun, tea, hot cocoa and other beverages, finger sandwiches, holiday treats and your very own complimentary stuffed bear to take home. As you are enjoying every last bite of the holidays, your fantasies will come to life as you dance to all of your holiday favorites with a real live DJ. $11 in advance, $15 day of event if not sold out • Saturday, December 5 • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. • Southridge
Breakfast with Santa Santa and Mrs. Claus make a pit stop in Highlands Ranch for breakfast! Join the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus at Eastridge, December 12, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. The holiday fun includes a delicious pancake breakfast, children’s crafts, letters to Santa and stories with Mrs. Claus. Santa’s merry elves will transport all the good little girls and boys to the North Pole for sleigh-loads of fun where the big guy himself waits to hear your Christmas wishes! Remember to bring your camera! $11 in advance, $15 day of event if not sold out! • Saturday, December 12 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. • Eastridge
Holiday Classical Music Series concert Come join us in the Grand Ballroom at the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a fun evening highlighted with chamber music for the holidays! Revel in the beauty of the mansion at this time of year, and hear stories of the mansion throughout its history. With music from the Baroque period to music written today, see how Christmas was celebrated with a delightful program of festive favorites for string quartet. As always, food, drink, and local artwork make the evening complete, so don't miss celebrating the holidays with us! $20 in advance, $25 day of event if not sold out! • Thursday, December 17 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • cash bar
Winter Market The malls can become frantic with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. So beat the crowds by shopping at the HRCA’s Winter Market. This market teams 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 with 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/Events or call 303-791-2500. Saturday & Sunday, December 13-14 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center North • Free
Upcoming events January 2016 7, 21 Winter Cultural Series 9
Coffee and Tea Tasting
16
Home Brew Class
23
Adult Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga
29
Family Magic Show
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
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Classes, camps & activities Holiday Break Fun for Junior Tennis Players Ages 7-13!
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! HRCA Fitness has a lot to offer for those looking for a change in their fitness routine in the New Year. Two additional indoor cycling classes will be added to the schedule including a new Cycle Yoga class. Meditation workshops will be held once a month at Southridge Recreation Center. We also will be offering two fitness challenges to get the New Year started off right. Our 60-Day Body Transformation Challenge will have you work with a personal trainer either individually or as a team of two for 16 one-hour sessions to see who can achieve the highest percentage of body weight loss over a 60 day period. Absolutely Fit Boot Camps will be hosting a New Year’s Accountability Challenge starting on January 11 where you will be challenged for six weeks during the classes and awarded based on results during various stages throughout the challenge. We hope you will try something new in 2016! For more information or to register, call 303-791-2500.
Stay Informed! Follow HRCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org. 6 | December 2015
HRCA has the answer to every parent’s question over the holidays – “What do I do with the kids?” Sign them up now for one or both of our awesome holiday break camps! Each camp is three days of tennis FUNdamentals taught by one of our tennis professionals. These two camps, held from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. each day are offered December 21 - 23 and December 28 - 30 and include a swim and snack break. So, whether they’ve been naughty or nice, register the kiddos now and give them a surprise treat over the holidays! Call 303-471-8940 with any questions or to register today!
Fundamentals Basketball Camp Are you looking for an activity to keep your child busy during winter break? Tune up your basketball skills or learn new ones at the FUNdamentals Basketball Winter Break Camp! This camp focuses on the fundamentals of basketball for ages 8-14 and is geared towards the beginning player. For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8869.
Therapeutic Recreation Program for Special Needs Winter Break Sports Camp! Join us for TR Winter Break Sports Camp! Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun & recreation based environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 and older. Registration includes both days; price is $56 for members and $64 for guests. The camp is held at Southridge Recreation Center, Monday and Wednesday, December 28 and 30 from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
Pool Parties Make a Splash at HRCA • Enjoy a two hour special event at the indoor pools • Smaller parties $125 for up to nine participants at Eastridge • Parties for up to 15 participants, $195 at Eastridge & Southridge • Includes drinks, paper products, party hosts, and cake • Enjoy the special day stress-free • Parties offered Friday, Saturday & Sunday Call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org for more information.
Find a Reason to Dance!
Holiday Time for the Kids! Now that it’s time to Deck the Halls, we want to be sure you consider all of the fun things to do at HRCA this month! Check out these one day drop off classes so you can finish up some holiday shopping! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Ages 3-5: Holiday Magic Holiday Magic Holiday Shop and Tumble Candy Cane Tumblers Tumble Through the Holidays Tumble Through the Holidays
Friday Monday Friday Tuesday M/W M/W
December 18 December 21 December 4, 11, 18 December 22, 29 December 21-23 December 28-30
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday Saturday
December 18 December 12
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - noon
This month we are featuring our adult dance program. Consider trying one of these classes this month or as a New Year’s resolution! We offer Belly Dancing on Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for intermediate students, Adult Tap Dance on Monday’s from 8:009:00 p.m., Swedish Folk Dance on Wednesday’s from 8:15 - 9:15 p.m. and Couples Dance classes on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. January’s couple’s dance will be Line Dancing and a Ballroom Dance Sampler. So get your toe tapping shoes on, give it a whirl and join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Ages 5-12: Holiday Gift Workshop Hansel and Gretel’s Kitchen
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! December is a wonderful month to get your kids involved in something new and festive! Our art classes for ages 5-12, include Winter Wonderland, Gingerbread Lane, Rudolph’s North Pole Club, The Nutcracker in Clay, Holiday Clay Fun Camp, and Holiday Happenings.
Winter Programs in the Backcountry Wilderness Area
For the chef in your family, try enrolling your 2-12 year old in one of the following holiday classics: Frozen Winter Wonderland, Iron Chef 2 – Holiday Edition, Copy Cats 2 – Holiday Edition or Raising the Bar – Deluxe Dessert Bar!
As you might imagine, our programming slows down a bit in the winter. However, we still have some exciting and fun opportunities. To browse our programs, simply visit our online registration page: www.HRCAonline.org/Register.
For your itty bitty’s, we have the following classes this month: Our Stockings are Hung, Happy Holidays, Super Snowflakes, or A Gift for You! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Winter Trail Closure The Wildcat Mountain Trail System, east of Monarch Blvd. closes January 31 through the winter, opening again April 1. Since the opening of the trail system in 2006, the winter trail closure has been in place. The Wildcat Mountain area is an important wintering area for deer and elk. The creek that runs through the Wildcat Area is one of a few water sources in the winter. It’s important that the deer and elk do not have to travel far for water during the winter months as calories are precious. The nutrition of the grasses decreases during the winter months and therefore it is important the elk and deer do not have to move too much during the winter. Every calorie spent avoiding humans decreases their chances of surviving the tough winter. These are also the months when the golden eagles that nest on Wildcat Mountain choose where to nest for the year and it’s important that their nest site is undisturbed. The Douglas Country Trail remains open. Thank you for your cooperation! Trails can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/BWA.
Our archery program moves indoors to the Westridge Turf. Indoor archery is a great way to spend a winter afternoon. But, we also love to get out and enjoy the Colorado snow. Make sure you like our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/ HRCABackcountry. This is where we announce snow shoe hikes and sleigh rides once we get enough snow. We also keep you updated on trail conditions in a timely manner.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures December 11-12 Eastridge Basketball Courts: Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Saturday all day December 24
Administrative Offices
December 25 December 31
Recreation Centers and Administrative Offices Recreation Centers early closure 5:00 p.m.
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 11/30/15
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).
December Events
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. December 4. . . . . . . Hometown Holiday December 5. . . . . . . Holiday Teddy Bear Tea December 6. . . . . . . Holiday Choir Concert Encore Chorale December 7. . . . . . . House Decorating Contest Deadline December 9-13. . . . . House Decorating Contest Public Voting December 12. . . . . . Breakfast with Santa December 12-13. . . . Winter Market December 13. . . . . . Hanukkah Happening December 15. . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. December 17. . . . . . Holiday Classical Music Series Concert * These meetings are open to our members.