News September 2015
Culture in the Ranch “Culture in the Ranch” might not be something you notice on a daily basis, but cultural experiences are all around you. Two organizations work hand-in-hand to bring culture to Highlands Ranch residents. The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) was formed in 2001 to provide educational, artistic, musical, theatrical, and dance opportunities to our residents and surrounding communities. The CAA receives grant funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) to support a portion of its programming. The SCFD collects a penny sales tax on every $10 purchase within a seven-county region which supports the CAA and other organizations that provide unique cultural experiences for millions of people each year. CAA has seven sculptures in the Ranch at Southridge, Eastridge, the Town Centers, the library, and Civic Green Park. These annually rotating sculptures are part of the Douglas County Art Encounters outdoor sculpture exhibition in Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Parker, Lone Tree, and Roxborough. We encourage residents to visit each jurisdiction’s art display and vote for their favorite. The Highlands Ranch locations and an opportunity to vote are on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/CAA. So, next time you are out and about, take time to appreciate the sculptures displayed in Highlands Ranch. Culture is not only about sculptures, it is about all disciplines of art. The CAA brings educational, dance, theatrical, and musical events all year long to residents. With over 40 cultural events such as the Winter Cultural Series, Chinese New Year, Comedy Night, Classic Car Show, Classical Music Series, Summer Concert Series, Highlands Ranch Days, and Oktoberfest the CAA offers all high-quality, culturallyrich, low-cost, and diverse programs. Our next featured event is Highlands Ranch Days. See information on page 4. Culture in Highlands Ranch ignites conversation, sparks new ideas, enhances our public places, enriches our quality of life, and shapes our community into a great place in which to live, work, and play.
HRCA Endorses New Solar Provider "Champion environmental stewardship and sustainability" is one of the HRCA Directors' Visionary Statement and Objectives and the HRCA strives daily to achieve this objective and become more energy efficient and green. HRCA is pleased to announce that SunPower by Photon Brothers has been selected as the preferred solar provider for the Highlands Ranch Community Association. SunPower has 30 years as a manufacturer of the most efficient solar panels in the world. Photon Brothers was the Dealer of the Year for the Mountain Division of SunPower in 2014. It is with great confidence that HRCA recommends Photon Brothers as installers of SunPower panels to the residents of Highlands Ranch who are considering installing solar panels as a means to reduce electricity costs in an environmentally sustainable way.
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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
Summer has come and gone and school is in full swing. One thing is for certain, your Highlands Ranch Community Association hasn’t skipped a beat and activities continue at a feverish pace! The HRCA fall Activity Guide has been delivered to your homes and is filled with all kinds of information and things to do from programs and classes, to September events! Remember, the Farmers' Market continues to be very successful and will run through October on Sundays.
303-471-8958
Dennis Seymour
What to do in September: The month of September has plenty of fun activities scheduled. One that I am sure that will catch your eye is Highlands Ranch Days! HRCA is proud to bring this event to you at the Highlands Ranch Metro District's beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion! The event itself brings exhibits, reenactments and history back to life!
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge
Prost! What would September be without our annual tribute to German culture with
Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken
303-791-2500
Oktoberfest? This event is scheduled for September 19 so make your plans now to be there! The event is free and will be held at Town Center South from 12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Look forward to other events like a Big Band Dance Night at the Mansion, the end-of-season Doggie Splash, one of our biggest events in the form of Computer/Electronics Recycling and Paper Shredding, and Ladies' Fishing on the Fly. For all of these events and more, please check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events or your Activity Guide!
Recreation Center at Northridge
Reminders: The seasons change and daylight gets shorter in duration and plants
303-791-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS
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 Š2015 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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begin to prepare for the winter season. As homeowners, you should also take time to prepare for colder months by removing dying plants or winterizing gardening equipment and storing it properly. Your lawns may also need less water but still need to be irrigated to a certain degree.
Solar Energy Preferred Provider: September marks another milestone for HRCA in our efforts to save our members money as well as look at promoting renewable energy! Over the summer, we went through an intensive review process to identify a solar company that we could partner with in achieving our renewable energy goals. We are happy to announce that SunPower by Photon Brothers was selected to lead this charge. Look forward to much more on this exciting opportunity whereby you can save money on your monthly bill while also reducing your carbon footprint! HRCA will also benefit by bringing incentives back to the community where we can reinvest them locally. We will also benefit by receiving a significant discount on any solar we wish to install as an organization as well as the potential to create a solar garden for the benefit of our residents!
quarterly assessments GO PAPERLESS by visiting: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail. com/signup. Please call 303-471-8958 if you have any questions about your account or to update your billing address. To pay your assessment online with PayLease please visit the link: https://hrcaonline.org/ Property-Owners/Assessments/Pay-Online.
Community News New Solar Preferred Provider (continued from page 1) As a give-back to the community, Photon Brothers will donate funds to the association’s non-profits and to support HRCA’s green initiatives for every unit installed. In addition, homeowners will not only receive a discount on their installation, but will also receive a referral bonus for each referral they make to other homeowners. It’s a win-win partnership for the entire community. Visit HRCAonline.org/Solar for more information on our new partners.
HRCA's Preferred Provider Trash Service Still Going Strong HRCA has been partnering with Pro Disposal for trash and recycling services for the Highlands Ranch Community for over five years. The preferred-provider program with Pro Disposal includes: - Voluntary opt-in for Highlands Ranch homeowners - Free every other week single-stream recycling - Low monthly fees – just $13.65 per month (includes bi-weekly recycling) - One day per week trash is picked up in each of five service zones in Highlands Ranch - Optional 96 gallon trash cart or recycle cart are available for a refundable $75.00 deposit per container - Call 303-791-3827 or sign up online at www.ProDisposal.net.
Local Biz Directory You already know and trust the HRCA web site for up-to-date community information, ticketing to events, registration for activities, and participation in sports leagues and fitness classes. Now our web site is the “go-to” site for businesses and services that know and understand Highlands Ranch. Local Biz Directory is an online directory where you can easily search for businesses or services, find contact information, maps, descriptions, special offers, and reviews for those businesses. Supporting local businesses improves our economy and strengthens our community. Check it out the next time you need a contractor, restaurant, dentist, church, painter, or bank!
Fall Landscaping Ideas When designing your landscape, you will want to incorporate trees that grow to an appropriate height for your lawn. Trees do best when planted in their dormant stage, which is in the autumn season. The trees you plant in the fall will reward you with lush green foliage in the spring and summer and may add color to your outdoor space next fall. Autumn is also a good time to plant shrubs. Shrubs are a manageable way to keep color in your yard after summer flowers have vanished. When contemplating landscaping ideas, you will want to consider how your choices affect your year-round curb appeal. Fall is the ideal time to plant perennials. It is also an excellent time to find a selection of perennials at reduced prices. The flowers will have reached the end of their peak cycle of beauty and garden centers often sell them at a reduced rate. Peonies, lilies, and iris are just a few perennials that will beautify your lawn in the spring if planted in the fall. Just as you like to vary the décor in your home, you may want to periodically redesign your landscape. Change is good and fall is an ideal time to restructure your landscape.
Online Guide and Newsletters Help the environment and reduce printing and postage costs – signup to receive your printed HRCA newsletters and activity guides electronically. It’s easy to do; go to ‘Join Our E-News’ on the bottom of HRCAonline.org homepage and type in your email address, hit the red arrow. It’s that easy. This is also a great option for friends or family who rent a home or apartment in Highlands Ranch, and don’t receive hard copies. Let them know they can sign-up to receive the newsletter and activity guide via email. Go to HRCAonline.org/Paperless. HRCAonline.org | 3
Oktoberfest Oktoberfest in September? Yes, the first Oktoberfest in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage was celebrated in October. The years following, the festival was moved to September to take advantage of the warmer nights. Now Oktoberfest in Munich is a sixteen-day celebration. Save the airfare and come to the Highlands Ranch Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19. Start the day with the Oktoberfest 5K at 9:00 a.m. then stick around for the German festival starting at noon 9:00 p.m. Register for the 5K at www.HRraceseries.com. Enjoy German food, music, dancing, entertainment, and, of course, great bier. Oktoberfest has become a great cultural experience that is sure to delight. At 3:00 p.m. bring your Dachshund for the annual Dachshund Races. Registration is 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place racers and best dressed! The little ones will enjoy magic, inflatables, and balloons to their heart’s content while you and your friends imbibe in authentic German entertainment, cuisine and bier, all while enjoying a beautiful Colorado evening.
Fireworks at Oktoberfest Back by popular demand, we will have a short seven-minute fireworks finale at approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. The fireworks launch at Town Center Drive and Sgt. Chris Falkel Drive. Saturday, September 19 • 12:00 9:00 p.m. • Town Center South
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Upcoming events Highlands Ranch Days The old west comes to life at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion with a tipi, gold panning, pottery, horse-drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, llamas, Indian fry bread, fur trapping, and more! Entertainment features Native American singers and dancers, banjo music, and Hawk Quest. Take part in hands-on exhibits and a mansion tour. The mansion parking lot is closed on Saturday, September 12. Parking for the free shuttle to the mansion will be available at Mountain Vista High School’s east lot. Saturday’s shuttle starts at 8:30 a.m. and runs continuously until the last shuttle at 1:30 p.m. Visit the web site for more information, photos and the schedule of events. September 10 - 12, • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Tickets (available only at the gate) are $5 for ages 13 and up and $3 for children ages 3 - 12. (Ages 2 and under are free.)
Big Band Dance Night The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association brings you a night of big band music and dancing! The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra (MJO), featuring many of Denver's finest jazz musicians, performs toe-tapping, finger-snapping big band hits of the 40's & 50's. The Highlands Ranch Mansion is a beautiful setting and a fabulous venue for dancing. Light appetizers are included in the ticket price and a cash bar is available. 21+ only. Friday, September 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 day of event, if not sold out.
Ladies Fishing on the Fly (Ages 16 and older) The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association teams up with the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited to lead this workshop that covers all of the basics of fly fishing. Classroom: September 24 & 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Outdoor Classroom & Fieldtrip: September 26, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Eastridge, $30 in advance, $35 day of event if not sold out.
Classical Music Series Coming Next Month! The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the Highlands Ranch Mansion partner to bring you the Classical Music Series starting October 15. The Mansion’s historic solarium is the perfect setting for live music written at the turn of the century. Each evening will begin with a cocktail hour featuring local artists' works and guided tours of the historic home. The series will run three Thursday nights from October December with a special classical holiday performance in the Great Hall. See the web site for more information, dates, and the classical lineup.
Upcoming events Culture on the green The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association proudly presents Culture on the Green. This series pairs cultural performances with a beautiful outdoor setting for an experience that is sure to delight. The featured performance is Ballet Ariel. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for a great evening. Admission is FREE. Sorry, dogs are not allowed at Civic Green Park. Friday, September 25 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green Park
Computer/Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding Properly and safely dispose of old computer and electronic components with Techno Rescue. A suggested $20 donation will benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. TVs, $10 each, up to 42” accepted on site (over42” accepted at Techno Rescue.) Shred sensitive papers with XpresShred. Limit of three small bags or small boxes of confidential paper (additional bags/boxes accepted for $5 each.) No trash, magazines, phone books, or newspapers, please. Saturday, September 26 • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Kaiser Permanente Parking Lot (Lucent & Highlands Ranch Parkway) Trash is not accepted.
TEEN Glow-in-the-dark yoga Going off the popularity of our adult Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga event in January, we are offering a special night of "Glowga" for our teens. We will provide the black lights, glow necklaces, and body paint to enhance the evening. Ages 13-20 recommended. Sunday, September 27 • 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. • Southridge • $15 in advance, $20 day of event, if not sold out
indoor garage sale Looking for an indoor alternative to sell your unwanted items? Or are you in the market to find a treasure? Join us Saturday, October 3, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for a chance to not only sell your gently used goods but also come and shop. An application for booth space is available at www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors. Show is not open to commercial or professional businesses. Saturday, October 3 • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Free
DOGGIE SPLASH & PET EXPO Doesn’t Man’s Best Friend deserve a day of leisure too? Join us as we open the outdoor pool at Westridge to our four-legged friends! Your social dog (no humans in the pool) can enjoy a fun day of swimming. Dog owners may enjoy exhibitors, concessions, and even pay the professional at Doggy Dip to quickly rinse their dog. Dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations with current rabies tags or a copy of the vet’s records for admittance. Limit two dogs per adult. Dog owners must stay at the event with their pet.
• Sunday, September 13 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Westridge Outdoor Pool • $5/dog, in advance (nonrefundable) • $10/dog, day of event The HRCA reserves the right to refuse admission to any dog at any time for any reason. Pet Expo Want a four-legged friend? There will be adoption shelters on site for you to adopt a dog. Come explore pet adoptions, supplies, services and more at the Pet Expo adjacent to the Doggie Splash. Free and open to the public.
Upcoming events October 3 Indoor Garage Sale 4-25 Farmers' & Street Market (Sundays only) 10-11 Fall Craft Show 15 Classical Music Series 22 Paranormal Party 31 Trick-or-Treat Street Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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Classes, camps & activities Fall Break Youth Tennis Camp
Oktoberfest 5K Dust off those lederhosens and start training for this fun and festive 5K on Saturday, September 19. The Oktoberfest 5K, combines your love for running with Oktoberfest festivities for the whole family. The race starts at 9:30 a.m. and will kick start the HRCA Oktoberfest event which follows in Town Center. Entry fee includes t-shirt, post-race party, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, entry into the 100 yard – Chug & Dash (for all over 21 participants) and more! For more information or to register visit: www.HRraceseries.com
It’s still pretty warm out, but it’s not too soon to start thinking about Fall Break activities for your 7-13 year old! HRCA’s Fall Break Tennis Camp might just be what you’re looking for! Focusing on tennis fundamentals for the beginner junior player, the Fall Break Camp will take place at Northridge from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. October 13 - October 15. Camp includes a swim and snack break and are a great introduction to tennis! Please call 303-471-8940 with any questions or to register!
Therapeutic Recreation - Indoor Garage Sale Fundraiser Location: Eastridge Recreation Center • Saturday, October 3rd • 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
We Want Your Stuff! We are looking for donations for our upcoming garage sale. If you are fall cleaning your house, we can help you get rid of the treasures you no longer want. From September 3 - October 1 we are collecting items for our fundraiser. We request that the items are gently used and in excellent working condition. Simply drop off the items at Southridge Recreation Center on September 3, 15, 23, & October 1 at Southridge Member Services. Mark your calendars for an event you won’t want to miss. This sale will benefit the Therapeutic Recreation Program. These programs give people with Special Needs the opportunity to engage in programs while enhancing their quality of life. If you have any questions please call 303-471-7043 or email summer.aden@hrcaonline.org. If you’d like to join our volunteer team, we’re currently looking for those interested in helping with our current program offering and the Indoor Garage Sale Fundraiser.
Learn to Swim
Sign up for Fall Classes and Programs Now! RANCH H2O Are you looking for a fun program to help you stay in shape? Meet new friends? Learn how swimming can help you live longer and have fun at the same time! Ranch H2O is the adult introduction to swimming for fitness and fun. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim for schedules and easy on-line registration and to learn about all of the Adult Coached & Competitive Swim programs available at HRCA for all skill levels. Have more questions contact 303-471-8942, kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org
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Swim lessons are offered at HRCA all year at times which fit anyone’s busy schedule. Take advantage of the smaller classes during the fall months to start your children on a lifetime of safe water fun. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim for schedules and easy on-line registration.
Get an Edge at HRCA Are you currently on your local high school swim team? Are you interested in learning more about competitive swimming? HRCA offers programs for all skill levels for youth and teens. Off-season programs for team swimmers as well as those learning the basics of competitive swimming are in your backyard. Learn more by visiting www.HRCAonline.org/Swim and register on-line. Have more questions? Contact 303-471-8942 or email kimsey.cornelison@hrcaonline.org.
All The World’s A Stage
School of Art! As children go back to school, we encourage you and your family to get involved in ART! Art has the power to exercises BOTH sides of the brain and support creative and focused outcomes! This month get your little one enrolled in our Leaves are Falling, Apple of my Eye, Star Wars Art or Minecraft Art classes. September 12 will kick off our new Kids Crocheting class! If you’re looking for something for yourself, try our Watercolor classes or Adult Beginning Drawing and Painting classes. Crocheting 101 and 201 are also being offered this fall. We are offering pottery classes for all ages, too! Play with Clay, Muddy Buddies and Mud Pies as well as adult offerings will get you and your family back into the art of things this fall! For more information please call 303-471-8853.
Pint Size Programs As your older children head back to school, be sure to get your toddler involved in some fun classes too! This month we are offering Falling for You, Leaves are Falling, School is in Session, and Who’s Your Superhero? Our Stepping Stones class for children ages 2 ½ - 3½ will be focused on “All About Me.” These great programs give you a bit of a break and give your child a chance to practice important social skills! Classes run throughout the week between 9:00 a.m. and noon. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Don't Feed the Wildlife Feeding wildlife, be it a squirrel, deer, fox, or raccoon is bad for wildlife. It can be dangerous to people and property, and is illegal. Artificial feeding causes animals to gather in unnaturally close proximity – even gregarious animals normally spread out to eat. This closeness can quickly lead to disease spread (Rabbit Fever, Rabies, Lyme disease, mange, etc.- all of which are transmittable to humans). Feeding causes wildlife to lose their fear of humans which increases the chance of you or your child being bit. And it doesn’t take long before predators find where their prey is going for a morning meal creating a risk to the household pet. What’s more is people often unknowingly feed inappropriate food that leads to malnourishment.
This fall we’re kicking off two exciting performances with KidStage. The Heroic Robin Hood begins September 9 and 10 and A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol kicks off October 4. Both of these performances are for school age children and give them an opportunity to develop important skills such as public speaking, empathy, self-confidence, imagination, cooperation, communication, problem solving and social awareness. Be sure to get your child signed up for these very popular classes. For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Fall Programs in the Backcountry September is one of our favorite months in the Backcountry. The temperatures cool down a bit and one of the coolest sounds of nature can be heard echoing through the Backcountry, the elk bugle. We have all kinds of ways to get out in the Backcountry this fall. Hayrides, Birthday Parties, Art S’mores and the Outdoors, Campfire Hikes, Elk Vehicle Tours and Photo Hunts and so much more. View our offerings online at www.HRCAonline.org/Register or give us a call 303-471-7054.
There are lots of other ways you can help wildlife: volunteer with habitat restoration/ improvement projects, plant a native garden, pick up litter, and recycle; all of which we do in the Backcountry!
Check out HRCA new nursery hours on the web site effective September 1. HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures September 7 All facilities - 6:00 p.m. for Labor Day. Administration offices - all day. September 8 All outdoor pools for the season. September 19 Northridge - noon for Oktoberfest staffing. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 08/31/15
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).
September Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. September 6-27. . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only) September 10-12. . . Highlands Ranch Days September 13 . . . . . . Doggie Splash and Pet Expo September 14 . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. September 15 . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. September 18 . . . . . . Big Band Dance Night September 19 . . . . . . Oktoberfest Celebration and 5K September 24-26. . . Ladies' Fishing on the Fly September 26 . . . . . . Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding September 27 . . . . . . Teen Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga * These meetings are open to our members.