HRCA October Newsletter 2014

|News

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

October 2014

2 0 1 5 B U D G E T PLANN I N G The HRCA Finance Committee and staff are preparing the 2015 Budget and will have a draft posted on our web site for homeowners to review in early October. It will be presented at the Delegate Meeting on October 21. A final budget will be adopted at the November Board of Directors meeting.

Spooky Halloween Fun Halloween is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, and the HRCA has activities for everyone!

We kick off the season with the Paranormal Party at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on Thursday, October 16. Is the mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself. See page five for details.

The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest is Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. A dry creek bed turns into a walk of terror and the darkness of the forest hides who or what is in the shadows. There are no walls to protect you from the horrors that lurk and no roof to keep out the howling winds. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised. For more information or volunteer opportunities, call 303-471-7078.

A sweet family Halloween activity is Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 25, 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Children under 12 are invited to come in costume with trick-or-treat bag in hand. Local businesses provide treats for all the “little ghosts and goblins!� $1.00 per person (adults and children). Each family may pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.

Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for ages 16 and older with special needs is Friday, October 24, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! Register by October 17. Volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 303-471-7043.

Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, October 24, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. or October 25, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. where spooky tales and winding trails sum up this fun family adventure! Stockton's Plum Creek Stables hosts this spine-tingling Halloween tour! Concessions available for purchase.

Express your creative side with a variety of festive Halloween-themed art, crafts, cooking, and dance classes for all ages. Little ones can learn to make scary spider crafts, spooky snacks, and more.

For details on all the fun ways to make the most of your family's Halloween season, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Boo or call 303-791-2500.

B u i l d i n g a l i f e s t y l e t h a t y o u w a n t t o l i v e 1

J e r ry f l a n n e ry

HRCA|news

CEO and general manager

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

It is October and soon little ghosts and goblins will be knocking at your door! Please remember to keep an eye out for them! The

HRCA|event/weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour

harvests are almost done and the Farmers' Market at Town Center is coming to an end. If you haven’t gone out to shop for all the great produce and other goods, this month is your last chance! The market runs from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.

This month also starts off with the Fall Craft Show on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Eastridge. Two other key events that you will surely want to attend this month are the Paranormal Party on October 16 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion and the Haunted Forest, October 24 and 25 in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. The Paranormal Party will be sure to sell out again this year, so get your

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

tickets as soon as possible! Although the Paranormal Party is limited to ages 21 and older, the Haunted Forest is recommended for ages 10 and above, (parental discretion advised). Both celebrate the spirit of the season and are sure to thrill everyone who participates!

Please consult the HRCA web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a full list of fall activities!

The HRCA Draft 2015 Budget - The HRCA staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors have been reviewing the budget proposals for 2015. The Finance Committee members are

Recreation Center at Northridge

volunteers with financial backgrounds from various disciplines. They make recommendations to

8801 Broadway

the Board of Directors regarding HRCA’s finances and annual budget. October is the month

M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

that the budget is presented to the Delegates. This year the meeting is on October 21 from

F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The final budget adoption will take place at the November board meeting.

Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Eastridge

Reminders - Colder temperatures translate to frozen plants and some homeowners may need

9568 University Blvd.

to “winterize” waterlines and other items that may be susceptible to freezing. It is also a good

idea to avoid costly maintenance by storing hoses in the garage for the winter months. Dead

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

material should be disposed of to avoid providing insect or rodent habitat.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Westridge

As with most communities of our size, there are many issues that involve pets. Please be sure

9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

to clean up your pet's waste in a timely manner and also be cognizant of barking dogs and how

they impact the neighborhood. Everyone benefits from this type of courtesy and the time that

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

we spend outside is much more enjoyable.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Southridge

Happy Halloween everyone!

4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Fyi |

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

To pay your assessments online via PayLease, please visit our web site at

Copyright ©2014 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.

www.HRCAonline.org and click on “Pay Assessments Online” then follow the setup

2

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Quarterly Assessments

instructions. (PayLease charges a nominal fee for their online processing service.)

Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-471-8958.

October 2014

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cOMMUNITY news c o n s i d e r X e r i s ca p i n g

Cu r r e n t Opening on t h e B oa r d o f Directors

The HRCA and residents of Highlands Ranch take great pride in the appearance of our community. In an effort to maintain our home values, our staff routinely surveys neighborhoods to assess the condition of properties. As a Highlands Ranch homeowner, we know you also take pride in the condition of your property. It is our desire to work with each homeowner to keep the community well-maintained.

The HRCA currently has an open Board of Director seat. The new

The HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines encourage homeowners

director will be elected at the October

to xeriscape their properties using drought-tolerant plantings and other

21 Delegate Meeting which begins at

water conservation methods in landscaping. For xeriscaping ideas, visit

6:30 p.m. at the Recreation Center at

www.hrcaonline.org/Xeriscape to review our suggestions and access links to

Eastridge. Information about the

our partners at Centennial Water and the CSU Extension Bureau.

candidates is posted online at:

As the fall season is now upon us, it is great time to plan and implement a xeriscape

www.HRCAonline.org/Elections.

yard. The following is the guideline the HRCA has for Xeriscape: Use drought tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods for landscaping; however, the design must be approved by the Architectural Committee.

Fence Ma i n t e n a n c e

HRCA defines xeriscape as a landscape which contains less than 50% sod in the front, rear, or a side yard which is wider than 15 feet.

Our office has received numerous phone calls from homeowners confused about the 50% rule stated in this guideline. Highlands Ranch homeowners may xeriscape up to 100% of their yard. The only stipulation is that they must submit their plan to the Architectural Committee for approval. The Committee will review the plan to determine that the design includes an adequate number of plantings for the lot size.

Remember that “xeriscape” does not mean “zero maintenance,” the goal of xeriscape is to reduce water consumption by using drought tolerant plants, trees, and grasses along with mulch, rock and other ground cover in the design. So for those of you putting in new or changing your landscape, the HRCA encourages the use of xeriscape.

As regular lawn maintenance starts to decline through the colder months, many residents take the opportunity to repair their fences. Regular fence maintenance is required. Please fix or replace broken pickets, trim boards, and missing top caps.

Fall Reminder: Remember to schedule you irrigation shut-off and sprinkler blow outs before the October freeze commences and get your fall fertilizer application down to ensure a beautiful spring lawn free of weeds.

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

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 3

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ranch updates construction

G e t yo u r flu s h o t Flu season is here! Don't wait to protect yourself and

u pd a t e s

your family. No appointment is necessary, just drop

One week each year, each recreation

by Eastridge on Thursday, October 2, between

center closes for maintenance and

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Cost for the

repairs. During this time, staff is able

flu shot is just $15 available for anyone age three and up.

to perform maintenance functions

Cash or check only - no credit cards. Parental consent

that can not ordinarily be done with

required for children under 18.

members in the facility. Some of these tasks include: • inspection on fire, security, and sprinkler system • painting

2 015 C o m m u n i t y Cal e n da r The 2015 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar will feature

• high dusting • cleaning pools

beautiful photographs taken right here in the Ranch and

• refinish hardwood floors

keeps you up-to-date each month on fun community events

• detail cleaning of facility and

and programs, scheduled facility closures, and more! Watch

equipment • seal and wax floors

for the new calendar to be available for purchase at any

• parking lot crack fill and seal

recreation center soon!

• special projects at each location Thank you for your patience during closure. We aim to keep your facilities first class!

Fall C o ff e e ta s t i n g Cooler weather calls for hot, seasonal coffee! Join the Coffee Masters from Starbucks Highlands Ranch to sample some of fall’s favorite blends. Each featured beverage will be paired with

Tennis Court Improvements

a treat hand-selected by the Starbucks staff. Those attending

Over the last several months, we

will receive a special gift from the Starbucks team. This second

have made improvements to our

coffee tasting was added to our event line up by popular

tennis courts including:

demand. Tickets will go fast, so buy yours today!

• New lighting at Westridge

Saturday, October 18, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

• Resurfacing the courts at Westridge

Recreation Center at Eastridge, Community Room

• New benches with canopies at

$10 in advance, $13 day of event, if not sold out. Ages 16+ please.

Westridge and Southridge • New shade structure at Southridge • New access gates at Southridge

Mag i c Sh ow Everyone loves a good laugh! So, join us Friday, October 17 at the Recreation Center at Southridge, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for Mysto the Magi. Mysto the Magi's family-friendly magic show is first and foremost FUN - with lots of group participation and hilarious antics that will have you belly laughing. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 the day of event, if not sold out.

Children under two years who sit on a parent's lap are free.

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October 2014

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upcoming events fall craft show

paranormal party

In its 17th year, the popular Fall Craft Show returns October 11 & 12. This two-day show features items that have been handcrafted. The majority of the crafters are from the Highlands Ranch area and have gone through a rigorous jury to ensure uniqueness of product and quality of craftsmanship. You will be delighted at the creativity shown in their work. Items include jewelry, bath products, pottery, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, wreaths, baby and children’s articles, fused glass, and hand-knit items.

The Fall Craft Show is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift. Best of all, admission is free!

Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge • FREE

Spirit PI has conducted paranormal investigating at the Highlands Ranch Mansion and uncovered spooky findings! Come to the Paranormal Party to discover for yourself whether or not ghosts inhabit the mansion.

Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair

Spirit PI will be on hand to lead

Just in time for the holidays! This show features jewelry,

the hunt. Explore the mansion

accessories, and holiday gifts from handcrafters and

during cocktail time then attend a

commercial retailers. It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase

presentation of “Things That Go

unique necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, purses, and

Bump in the Night” by Spirit PI.

much more. You will be delighted with the quality and

Then it's on to ghost hunting with

selection. Pick out something to treat yourself or purchase

the professionals! Wine and beer

that unique gift for someone special. Don’t miss the Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair.

are available for purchase. Light

Saturday, November 1 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge • FREE

snacks and soda are complimentary.

• HRCA Farmers’ & Street Market – Every Sunday through October 26, 10:00 am. - 2:00 p.m., Town Center South. It's the end of the season for this open air market. Come enjoy the fall harvest, handbags, accessories, cooking utensils, and more from the Farmers' Street Market.

This will be a unique evening for those 21+ years of age.

• Thursday, October 16

• Indoor Garage Sale – Come find some great treasures at this free event on Saturday, October 4, at 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Recreation Center at Eastridge. Interested in selling your items? Booths applications are available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.

• 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• Classical Music Series – The series continues on Thursday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Mansion where the Ivy Street Ensemble performs Serenade, music for flute, violin, and viola composed by Reger, Bunch, and Beethoven. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 day of event, if not sold out. A cash bar is available.

$35 day of event, if not sold out.

• Murder Mystery Theater's Zombie Murder! – The Highlands Ranch Mansion provides the perfect backdrop for the Murder Mystery. Friday, November 7, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of event, if not sold out.

recreation center.

• Highlands Ranch Mansion •Tickets are $30 each in advance and

Tickets are available online, by calling 303-471-8859, or at any

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

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 5

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Featured classes, camps, activities FA L L b r e a k t e n n i s ca m p When kids have fun while they improve their tennis skills, they are more motivated to stay in the game! This threeday camp focuses on both having fun and working on the “FUN”damentals of tennis. Camp is October 14 - 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Northridge.

Sign up your 7-13 year old now! For more information or to hrca cancer fitness

register, call 303-471-8940.

We are proud to announce a new HRCA Cancer Fitness specialty class under the instruction of our certified Cancer Exercise Trainer.

The next session starts October 1 at Southridge, with limited spots available! This class is suitable for cancer patients, both actively and recently released from treatment.

For more information, please call

FA L L b r e a k B A SKETB A L L ca m p s Are you looking to keep your child active over the fall break?

The HRCA Sports Department has you covered! We will be offering FUNdamentals Basketball Camp and Basketball Shooting Camp. Each camp offers something different, from basketball skills improvement to learning the proper shooting technique.

Register today! For more information email lsheley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8838.

303-471-7044.

W H AT IS S U P ?

Stand-Up Paddling or SUP is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is now available at 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

r A NC H h 2 o

muscles. Athletes of many sports use SUP to cross train,

Want to learn how swimming can be

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. Participants wanting an introduction to paddle boarding can join the 90-minute SUP Paddle Clinic to learn basic techniques. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Aquatics, call 303-471-8942, or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org.

your best fitness option year-round?

Sign-up for Ranch H2O and learn to safely share lap lanes while improving stroke technique and meet new friends.

For more info visit www.HRCAonline.org/Aquatics, call 303-471-8942, or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org

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October 2014

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Featured classes, camps, activities C o n fid e n c e is . . . p o w e r The HRCA Cotillion program is celebrating its seventh anniversary offering classes for 3rd - 8th grade students. These classes focus on how to make a great first impression, character development, making good choices, table manners, and respect. Classes begin October 26. This year, Jon D. Williams is also offering its popular high school class, Advanced College Prep (ACP), for 10th and 11th grade students. The ACP class uses dynamic discussions and engaging activities to prepare students to dress for success, ace upcoming college and job interviews, use high tech communication appropriately, and feel empowered through advanced dining etiquette. To accommodate busy high school students, the Inaugural ACP course is three hours, one night only, November 8. All the classes use dance as an instrument to teach social messages. Sign up before spaces fill for these very popular programs! For more information, please call 303-471-8928.

fa l l b r e a k a l r e a d y ?

A Ch r ist m a s Wi z a r d o f o z

Fall break, October 13 - 17, is quickly

A blizzard carries Dorothy and Toto to the

approaching and we have a variety of

magical elfish land where Garlinda is the

camps and classes for your child. If you

good witch of the North Pole. Dorothy

need a full-time option, our Day Camp

must get home to open her Christmas

program for ages 5 - 12 at Southridge is

presents, so she sets off to meet the wizard

available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 6:00

to help her. Have your 5 - 12 year old actor

p.m. for ages 5 - 12. We also have art, cooking, engineering, science,

participate in this delightful holiday production. Rehearsals

and tumbling camps to suit all ages and family schedules. For more

are Sundays, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., beginning October 19. Invite

information, please call 303-471-8928.

family friends and neighbors to join us for the performance on December 14! For more information, call 303-471-8853.

Fa l l i n th e b a c k c o u n t ry It’s a beautiful time of year to be outdoors and we have plenty of options to help

B a c k c o u n t ry C o n S ERVati o n C o r n e r

you enjoy the great outdoors right here in

It has been a while since we have

Highlands Ranch. Fall Break youth camps

experienced a summer with so

and classes, pumpkin carving around a

much rain; and in the Backcountry

campfire, campfire and nature hikes, deer

Wilderness Area, we love it! Elk and

rut hikes, and of course horse drawn hayrides. Browse all of our

deer are thriving on the green grass,

offerings online: www.HRCAonline.org/Register.

and the acorn crops are providing

Of course, our favorite and most frightening event is the annual

plenty of food for the bears and turkeys. The wildlife and

Haunted Forest. A dry creek bed is transformed into a hike of

birds are feasting on the plentiful fruits, such as wild plum and

horrors filled with monsters, ghouls, and goblins. This event has

choke cherry. Most noticeable this year is the number of

become very popular and will sell out, so buy your tickets now!

baby turkeys that survived the summer. We expect the

Tickets are available online. If you are interested in volunteering

turkey population to grow by 20% to 30% this year. All of this

to build the Haunted Forest or be one of our actors, please email

rain may be a slight inconvenience to our summer activities,

carla.baca@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-7078.

but it sure does wonders for the wildlife and habitat in the Backcountry.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g 7

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

PERMIT#170

Facility closures October 3-4 - Eastridge basketball courts & track closed for Indoor Garage Sale.

October 10-12 - Eastridge basketball courts and track closed for Fall Craft Show.

October 24-25 - Eastridge basketball courts and track closed for Trick or Treat Street.

October 31 - Eastridge basketball courts and track closed all day for Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair. All recreation centers close at 6:00 p.m. for Halloween.

Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 9/30/14

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

October 5-26

Farmers’ & Street Markets (Sundays only)

October 4 Indoor Garage Sale October 11-12

Fall Craft Show

October 14

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

October 16

Paranormal Party

October 17

Magic Show

October 18

Fall Coffee Tasting

October 21

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

October 23 Classic Music Series - Serenade October 24 Haunted Hayrides, Haunted Forest, Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance October 25 Trick-or-Treat Street, Haunted Hayrides,

Haunted Forest * These meetings are at Eastridge and open to our members.

community partners The HRCA’s ability to bring events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).