HRCA October Newsletter 2015

News October 2015

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 22. Is the mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself. See page 5 for details.

The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest is Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, 7:30 - 11:00 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. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised. Buy your tickets in advance, this popular event has sold out the last two years! For more information or volunteer opportunities, call 303-471-7078.

Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, October 23-24, 6:00 - 8:30 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.

Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for ages 16 and older with special needs is Friday, October 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! Register by October 23.

Volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 303-471-7043.

A sweet family Halloween activity is Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 31, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 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�! $2.00 per person (adults and children). Each family may pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.

2016 Budget Planning The HRCA Finance Committee and staff are preparing the 2016 Budget and a draft will be available on our web site for homeowners to review in mid-October. The Draft 2016 Budget will be presented at the Delegate Meeting on October 20. The Final 2016 Budget will be adopted at the November Board of Directors meeting.

Do you know the quickest way to register for HRCA classes or buy tickets?

Use the new web site at www.HRCAonline.org and click on the big red Registration and Tickets button on the home page.

This will take you to

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.

online registration where you

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.

activities and event.

can shop and register for

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

It will soon be time for little ghosts and goblins to be trick-or-treating at your door! Please remember to keep an eye out for them! With the fall season, the harvests are almost done and the Farmers' and Street Markets in the Town Center are coming to an end.

If you haven’t gone out to see all of the great produce and other goods, now's the time! The markets run from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.

This month also features the ever-popular Fall Craft Show on October 10 and 11 at the Eastridge Recreation Center. Other spooky events that you will surely want to attend this month are the Paranormal Party on October 22 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, the Haunted Forest on October 23 - 24 in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, and the Haunted Hayride on October 23-24. These events celebrate the spirit of the season and are sure to thrill everyone! Please consult the web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a full list of activities and recommendations!

Jeff Suntken

The HRCA Draft 2016 Budget: The HRCA staff, Finance Committee, and Board of

Dennis Seymour

Directors have been reviewing the budget proposals for 2016. The Finance Committee is comprised of seven volunteers with financial backgrounds from various disciplines. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding HRCA’s monthly finances and the annual budget. This month the budget will be presented to the District Delegates, and the final budget will be adopted by the Board in November.

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.

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 | October 2015

Don't get caught in a Scam: Unfortunately there are people in our world that thrive on taking advantage of others. Don't get caught by these impostors posing as law enforcement officers, agents from the IRS, debt collectors, utility workers, etc. Be leery of them if they ask you to give them personal information (Social Security number) or a credit card. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office recommends you pay attention to your instincts and get another opinion before doing anything. Visit the Douglas County Sheriff's Office web site for more information on Frauds and Scams at www.dcsheriff.net and search for Scams.

Volunteers of the month: Sports Volunteer of the Month, Kellie Slothouber: Kellie has volunteered to coach both girls’ basketball and CARA volleyball for HRCA this past year. She has been very helpful with providing feedback from a coach’s perspective during the season. Her teams focus on fun while developing all-around players. Her contribution to teaching these sports at the HRCA has been vital and much appreciated.

TR Volunteer of the Month, Anna Eccles: Anna has been volunteering with Therapeutic Recreation for seven years. She has helped with most TR activities and finds volunteering incredibly rewarding. She says it is important for her kids to see how much fun it can be.

Anna's most rewarding experience with TR has been helping with iCan Bike. "Watching kids go from being afraid of getting on a bike to riding in one week is amazing!" We thank Anna for finding time for TR with all that she has on her plate!

quarterly assessments The Fourth Quarter Assessment is due October 1, 2015. Thank you for your payments! Pay assessments online using PayLease; pay by Credit/Debit card or e-check (PayLease charges a nominal fee for this service). Visit www.HRCAonline.org, 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. Questions regarding your account or need to make an address change?

Call 303-471-8958.

Community News Consider Xeriscaping 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. It is our desire to work with each homeowner to help keep the community well-maintained.

The HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines encourage homeowners to xeriscape their properties using drought-tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods in landscaping. As the fall season is now upon us, it is a great time to plan and implement a xeriscape yard.

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. 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. 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. For xeriscaping ideas, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Xeriscape to review our suggestions and access links to our partners at Centennial Water and the CSU Extension Bureau.

Fall Reminders: Colder temperatures translate to frozen plants and some homeowners may need to “winterize” waterlines and other items that may be susceptible to freezing. Remember to schedule your 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. Consequently, it would be a good idea to avoid costly maintenance caused from water damage by storing hoses in the garage for the winter months. Dead plant materials should also be disposed of in a timely manner to avoid providing insect or rodent habitat.

Fence Maintenance: 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 to keep your fence in good shape and safe. Please fix or replace broken pickets, trim boards, and missing top caps.

See the proposed RIG (Resident Improvement Guidelines) on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/HRCA-News.

From Sunshine to Electricity Man has long recognized the sun as a source of power. The Greeks and Romans captured the sun’s energy, and in 1767 the world’s first solar collector was built. Strides in solar technology have been advancing ever since. The use of solar panels to produce energy is on the increase as home owners seek renewable and sustainable power sources.

Solar energy can heat water or a swimming pool, cook food, provide indoor or outdoor lighting, or power an entire home. A simple system consists of photovoltaic panels (solar panels) to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity. Direct current (DC power) is then sent to an inverter that converts it into alternating current (AC power) which is used to run devices in your home.

If you want to make a difference on your utility bill, increase the value and appeal of your home, or want to change your carbon footprint, solar may be the answer.

The HRCA has chosen Sunpower

by Photon Brothers as its preferred provider to bring solar to Highlands Ranch. They use the best solar panels and offer the best warranty in the business at a discounted rate. See if solar is for you. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Solar for more info.

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Highlands Ranch, Colorado 2016

facility Update One week each year, at various times, the recreation centers close for maintenance and repairs. During this time, staff performs maintenance functions that cannot typically be done with members in the facility.

Tasks include: • Fire, security, and sprinkler system inspections • Painting • High dusting • Pool cleaning • Hardwood floors refinishing • Facility and equipment cleaning • Floor sealing and waxing • Parking lot crack filling and sealing • Annual fire drill scenarios Thank you for your patience during our closures. We aim to keep the facilities first class!

Facility Special Projects Special projects completed in 2015: Westridge • New tile installed in the showers

HIGHLANDS RANCH 2016

ranch updates Get Your Flu Shots Flu season is here! Don't wait to protect yourself and your family. No appointment is necessary, just drop by Eastridge on Wednesday, October 14, between 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or between 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Kmart Pharmacy will be administering the flu shot for $15, available for anyone age three and up. Cash or check only - no credit cards. Parental consent is required for children under 18.

2016 Community Calendars Coming Soon The 2016 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photographs taken right here in the Ranch and keeps you up-to-date each month on fun community events and programs, scheduled facility closures, and more! They will keep you on top of activities and events in the Ranch, and for just $5.00 each, make great gifts too. The calendar will be available for purchase at any recreation center late October!

• Outdoor pool plastered • New domestic boiler installed and copper piping replaced • Indoor pool painted Southridge • Weight room expanded • Drainage in the tennis courts repaired Northridge • New hardwood floor in the gym and racquetball courts installed Eastridge • New carpet installed • Outdoor pool locker room remodeled • New lights in cardio and weight room installed

4 | October 2015

Come Party with Us !

We will create the event you envision. Turf parties, batting cage parties, and decorated “themed” celebration rooms! Fall time slots filling fast, so book now. Call 720-348-8267 for more information or to book your party today.

Classical Music Series Enjoy an evening of classical chamber music in the beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion. This three-concert series features music from around the time that the mansion was built paired with beautiful art from local artists.

The solarium provides the perfect setting for this acoustic performance. $20 in advance, $25 day of event, if not sold out. A cash bar is available.

The series performances include: October 15: International Flavors of the String Quartet November 19: Beauty of the Clarinet And new this year, just for the Holidays - Join us in the Grand Ballroom 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. for a fun evening highlighted with chamber music for the season! Revel in the beauty of the mansion at this time of year, and hear a delightful program of holiday favorites.

December 17: Chamber Music for the Holidays

Upcoming events indoor garage sale Cluttered closets? Garage overflowing? Come sell your unwanted items at the Indoor Garage Sale! No worries about weather in our cozy gym at the Eastridge Recreation Center. Or, if you just like great deals, come early and shop this great event full of treasures and bargains! Over 50 families come together to make this community garage sale one of the largest in the area!

Admission is free! Booth spaces sell out quickly so reserve yours today at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.

Saturday, October 3 • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge

fall craft show In its 18th year, the ever-popular Fall Craft Show returns October 10 & 11 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Eastridge 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 10 & 11 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge

paranormal party Is the Highlands Ranch Mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself on this haunting adventure!

You’ll start the evening with a light snack and a cash bar while you watch a presentation from Spirit PI on “Things that go Bump in the Night.” After this short presentation of haunted findings from the Highlands Ranch Mansion and other spooky Colorado locations, you’ll get to investigate the mansion! This is a real ghost hunt and we will try to communicate with the spirits that walk the halls at the mansion.

• Thursday, October 22 • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair - Calling all exhibitors Just in time for the holidays! This show features jewelry, accessories, and holiday gifts from hand crafters and commercial retailers. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, November 7 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge

For all Halloween programs and special events, visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Boo.

Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets

• Highlands Ranch Mansion •Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of event, if not sold out.

Tickets are available online, by calling 303-791-2500, or at any recreation center.

Upcoming events November 7

Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair

13

Shelvis & The Roustabouts

14

Sip & Savor with the Experts

19

Classical Music Series

20-21 Nutcracker Highlights Please check the web site for the most current event information.

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Classes, camps & activities Therapeutic Recreation - Fall Break Sports Camp!

HRCA BOYS BASKETBALL LEAGUE It’s that time of year again…youth boys basketball season is just around the corner! The HRCA Youth Boys Basketball League is offered for first through eighth grades and features a weekly one hour practice, eight-game season followed by a season ending jamboree or tournament. Leagues are offered for the beginner player just starting out to the intermediate player looking for more competition. Deadline to register is Friday, November 27 or when full – sign up early to guarantee your spot! For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or contact 303-471-8869.

Please join us at Southridge Recreation Center on October 12 & 14 for TR Fall Break Sports Camp! Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun and recreation based environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 and older. For more information please visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR or contact 303-471-7043 or saden@hrcaonline.org.

Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon 2015 marks the 7th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon in Highlands Ranch!

This scenic 13.1 mile trail run will take place on Saturday, November 7 and will utilize both the Douglas County East/West trail and the pristine Backcountry Wilderness Area trails. The race course is a single loop on 95% dirt trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you soak up the mountain views right here in your own backyard. The race sold out early last year and will be capped at 1,000 runners this year. For more information including an aerial tour of last year’s event or to register, visit www.HRraceseries.com.

HRCA Seahawks Summer Success Story The Highlands Ranch Seahawks Summer Swim Team had another great season with over 350 swimmers. The Mountain High Swim League team finished 3rd at the A League Championships with the 11-12 Boys and Girls winning their age groups. The team also finished 5th at the Colorado State meet out of 52 teams. Caroline Mather broke two state records in the 50 Meter Freestyle and the 100 Meter Freestyle. Thanks to all of the great parent volunteers who took time out of their busy summer to help make this a wonderful experience for all the participants. For information about year round Coached & Competitive Swim programs, email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org or contact 303-471-8942.

What's SUP? Tri H2O - the Winning Edge Are you 18 and older and looking to do your first triathlon and need help with your swimming? Have you done a few triathlons but still feel uncomfortable in the water? Then this program is for you! Join Tri H2O and improve your stroke technique, build your endurance, and gain confidence for the swimming leg of your next triathlon. Learn about all of the adult coached and competitive swim programs and register online at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim. You may also call 303-471-8942 or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org.

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Stand-up Paddleboard or SUP, is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is available through HRCA! Partnering with Colorado SUP Sports, HRCA is Colorado’s exclusive source for indoor SUP training. HRCA offers Stand-Up Paddleboard 101 for ages seven and older to learn basic paddle technique and SUP skills. SUP Fitness Classes offer a workout focusing on the core and stabilizer muscles. Athletes of many sports use SUP to cross train, develop their balance and just have fun! Join the SUP Paddleboard Fitness Class and experience an hour of training on the moving surface of water. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, contact 303-471-8942 or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org.

Spooktacular!

Confidence Matters The HRCA Cotillion program is celebrating its 8th Anniversary! Our Introduction to Cotillion for 3rd graders begins November 1 and classes for 4th - 5th, and 6th - 8th grade students, begin October 25. All classes use dance as an instrument to teach social messages.

The 4th - 8th grade classes focus on how to make a great first impression, character development, making good choices, table manners, and respect. This popular program had almost 300 children in it last year and is expected to fill, so be sure to register quickly!

For more information please call 303-471-8928.

Fall Break Already?

Believe it or not, fall break is quickly approaching! From October 12 - 16 there are a variety of camps and classes you can get your child involved in at HRCA. If you’re needing a fulltime option for the week, our Day Camp program will be at Southridge Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for ages 5-12. We also have art, cooking, engineering, science, and tumbling camps to suit all ages and family schedules.

For more information, please call 303-471-8928.

A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol You’ll never know who will show up next when the Big Bad Wolf as Ebenezer Scrooge meets the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Midas (Marley), who could turn anything to gold.

Midas warns Big Bad that he’ll be visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future (played by a Fairy Godmother, Old King Cole and the Queen of Hearts respectively.)

This fun and playful production is one you don’t want your drama star to miss.

For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

October Happenings: Fall is a beautiful time to be outdoors and exploring the Backcountry. We have something for everyone!

October ushers in a number of fun Halloween themed classes, camps and activities! Join us on October 9 for a KidzArt Halloween Masquerade face painting workshop for teens 1016 years old. Your Little Artists ages 3-11 can try one of our Halloween art classes; Costume Parade, Corn Fields, or Trick or Treat all held at Southridge. For the smallest members of your family, try Jack-o-Lantern Fun on Friday’s, Is That a Scarecrow?, A Haunting We will Go or Going Batty on Tuesday’s, or Trick or Treat Pillowcase on October 8. These are great ways to celebrate the season. Call 303-4718928 for more information.

Haunted Forest Think you’re not afraid of things that go bump in the night? Then you need to join us for a stroll through the Backcountry’s own Haunted Forest.

The woods will come alive at night – full of creepy crawlies, werewolves, witches, and psychos. It’s ¾ of a mile of things that will make your skin crawl and children scream. Taking place the night of October 23 & 24, 7:30 - 11:00 p.m. Recommended ages 10+.

Volunteers are also needed for set up, to scare/act, and to help take down.

If interested in volunteering, contact carla.baca@hrcaonline.org.

Sign up for an elk viewing horse-drawn hayride on October 1 for your chance to hear nature’s all male choir at its finest. Get creative and choose from three Art, S’mores and the Outdoors classes this month. Bring the family to our first ever Supper with Snakes on October 2 at Southridge. We’ll have a catered dinner and the Zoological Discovery Center will teach us all about snakes and the many myths that surround them. Opportunities to see, touch, and even hold live snakes for pictures will be available. Parents, take a much needed night off on October 21 and join us for Date Night where we’ll take a horse-drawn hayride through the Backcountry and have a catered BBQ dinner Find out more information on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org.

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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Facility Closures October 2-3 Eastridge Basketball Courts: Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday all day October 9-11 Eastridge Basketball & Track: Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday all day October 30-31 Eastridge Basketball Court: Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday all day Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 09/30/15

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).

October Events

For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org.

October 4-25 . . . . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only) October 2 . . . .. . . .. . Supper with Snakes October 3 . . . . . . . . Indoor Garage Sale October 10-11 . . . . . Fall Craft Show October 12 . . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

October 15 . . . . . . . . Classical Music Series International Flavors of the String Quartet October 20 . . . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.

October 22 . . . . . . . . Paranormal Party October 23-24. . . . . . Haunted Hayrides October 23-24. . . . . . Haunted Forest October 30 . . . . . . . . Therapeutic Recreation Spooktacular Dance October 31 . . . . . . . . Trick-or-Treat Street * These meetings are open to our members.