HRCA May 2011 Newsletter

HRCA|news

May

2011 ANNIVERSARY

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

B a c k c o u n t r y H a pp e n i n g s The eagle has landed! For the first time in many years, there is a confirmed active Golden Eagle nest on Wildcat Mountain! Following recommendations from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the HRCA is taking steps to ensure the eagle nest is not disturbed by closing part of the trail system. If the nest is successful, the trail will remain closed until mid July or August.

Eagles and eagle nests are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, a federal act that prohibits any “take” of eagles. “Take” includes to “disturb” and to “molest” eagles or eagle nest sites. Fines are severe, up to $100,000 and one year in jail.

The HRCA will keep the public up to date on the nest status through the Backcountry facebook page and other channels. Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ HRCABackcountry. For more information about the trail closure, visit www.hrcaonline.org/ Backcountry and click on Trail Information.

C o n c u s s i o n awa r e n e s s It is conservatively estimated that 1,500 to 2,500 youth athletes visit emergency rooms for sports-related concussions each year. Concussions pose particular risks to children and young adults whose brains are still developing and may take longer to recover after an injury. A young athlete needs plenty of time and proper medical supervision to give the brain an opportunity to mend.

The Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act was signed into law on March 29, 2011 and requires that coaches of all youth organized sports for kids ages 11-18 complete annual concussion recognition education. The legislation covers middle school-aged athletes and high school kids because this age range is most at risk for sports-related concussions.

Join us for a free seminar, What Every Parent and Coach Needs to Know About Concussions, Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Southridge.

P o l i c y c o n s i d e r at i o n s The Board of Directors will be considering amendments to the Residential Improvement Guidelines and Site Restrictions, a Covenant Enforcement and Fine Policy, and a Consent Agenda Policy, at their May 17 meeting. For more information, visit the web site.

M a y 2 0 11

taste

of Highlands Ranch

The Taste of Highlands Ranch celebrates 16 years of wine, food, and fun. The 2011 Taste, benefitting The Children’s Hospital, features wine, beer, and spirits from Highlands WineSeller and sumptuous cuisine from over 30 area restaurants including: Boston’s Gourmet Pizza & Sports Bar, Sweet Tomatoes, Sushi Nori, Fox and Hound Restaurant, Anthony’s Pizza & Pasta, Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, Nicolo’s, Salsa Brava Fresh Mexican Grill, Maggiano’s Denver South, Sonoma’s Wine Bar & Grill, The Makery Cake Co., Nicolo’s, Farro Italian Restaurant, Lodo’s Bar & Grill. A silent auction rounds out the evening.

Friday, May 6, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Eastridge.

Tickets are $25 for Members and $30 for Guests and are available by calling 303-471-8859 or by visiting any HRCA recreation center. Tickets will be $30 the day of the event, if not sold out. You must be 21+ to attend, ID’s will be checked.

30th Anniversary

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

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

HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Hopkins 303-478-9103 Scott Lemmon 303-346-1412 Brock Norris 720-344-7107 Jeff Suntken 303-346-0664 Gregory Terry 303-329-6199 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 9568 University Blvd.

303-791-8958 RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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

Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd.

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

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

GARY D EB U S Community manager

Urban Sprawl and a Sea of Roof Tops? I think not.

In the mid-1990’s, a great scientific magazine wrote an article about urban sprawl and used our wonderful community as a bad example. They truly missed the mark. Most people don’t realize it, but Highlands Ranch is over 34 square miles. The HRCA’s Backcountry Wilderness Area makes up 12 square miles of that total. There are very few communities in this country that can boast of an asset like we have here. Overall, including the open spaces, parks, etc. within our boundaries, 61% of the 34 square miles is zoned as non-urban land.. As you can tell, the Ranch isn’t just a sea of rooftops. It is a great place to live.

The Birds and the Bees Okay, it’s time to have that talk. A homeowner in Highlands Ranch may have up to four Chickens (hens only. no roosters are allowed) in Highlands Ranch. Approval for your accessory building (hen house) is required by the Architectural Committee. For more information, you can visit our web page or call the Covenant Compliance and Assistance Department at 303-471-8821. Next month we will have an exciting story about the bees; and continue that Birds and the Bees discussion.

Clotheslines About once a month, I receive an anonymous letter letting me know the HRCA should allow clotheslines in Highlands Ranch. Since it is kind of hard to reply to an anonymous letter, I will give it a try here and hope the author(s) read the HRCA Newsletter for information. The HRCA has allowed clotheslines (with certain restrictions) since we were formed in 1981. Architectural Committee approval is not required for temporary or retractable clotheslines or clothes drying structures located in the backyard that have adequate visual screening, and that are taken down or retracted after each use. Please see our web site for more information. I wonder if I’ll get another letter this month?

My Favorite Events Some of my favorite HRCA events happen this time of year, beginning with The Taste of Highlands Ranch on Friday, May 6th. The ever popular Summer Concert Series kicks off on June 2nd with one of our favorites; Opie Gone Bad (the Summer Concert refrigerator magnet will be in your HRCA invoice in late May). Don’t forget to try one of the Highlands Ranch Race Series events (from running a triathlon, to mountain biking). The 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks promises to be bigger and better than ever, and the Highlands Ranch Rodeo will happen in mid-July. There is plenty to do this summer, you just need to get out there and enjoy Highlands Ranch.

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

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Copyright © 2011 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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Celebrate our Western Heritage Yes, Highlands Ranch is still a working cattle ranch. In cooperation with Clough Cattle Company, the HRCA will be hosting the Old West Cattle Branding and Barbeque event on May 14th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. More information can be found on the HRCA web site. Come and see how branding is done and why it is still important for the cattle ranching industry.

Golden Eagles Nesting in Beautiful Highlands Ranch We are excited that the a pair of majestic golden eagles nesting have made it back to the Ranch. Extra precautions are being made to keep them here in a safe environment. Follow our progress on our Facebook page.

Celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Highlands Ranch! The Pride of Colorado!

May

2011

communi t y service day neighbors helping neighbors The Highlands Ranch Community Association is partnering with Cherry Hills Community Church on a large scale Highlands Ranch community clean up day, Love In Action, on Sunday, May 15. The day will consist of well over 2,500 volunteers going into the Highlands Ranch community to help with spring clean up projects such as picking up litter along major arterial streets, sprucing up homes, recycling electronics at Town Center North, beautifying the recreation centers and schools, and feeding our Douglas

board motions At the April 19, 2011 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Approved the Minutes of Action from the March 15, 2011 Annual Meeting of Directors.

County police. For more information, visit www.CHCC.org.

Approved the Minutes of Action from the March 15, 2011 Board of Directors meeting.

H OA N e ws

Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee:

How to Save Winter Kill Grass A beautiful green lawn is the desire of every homeowner.

Unfortunately, the winter can be very unforgiving to lawns.

When harsh winter winds, ice, and snow attack, it can do significant damage to our grass. As a result, grass can be damaged almost beyond repair. However, you can revive grass which died in the winter and bring life back to your lawn.

1. De-thatch your lawn after the first thaw in early spring. To have a chance to save grass that died during the winter, you need to be able get to the soil and roots. If the thatch is less than an inch you can use a simple rake. But if the thatch is more than an inch, use a power de-thatcher. You can rent one at a local lawn care store.

2. Aerate your lawn in order to break up the soil and allow oxygen to reach the roots.

This activity gives your grass a fighting chance for recuperation.

3. Sprinkle the lawn lightly with grass seeds. Try using grass seeds that are adaptable to all

3 properties for failure to remove unsightly material 4 properties for failure to comply with trash pickup guidelines 2 properties for failure to remove a commercial vehicle/trailer 3 properties for failure to maintain property 1 property for parking a vehicle on a landscape area 1 property for failure to remove a noncompliant accessory building

kinds of weather. You may want to consider cool climate turf grass. Consult your local

1 property for failure to maintain fencing

lawn grass dealer for more information.

2 properties for failure to remove trash and debris stored on property

4. Fertilize the lawn in order to give nitrogen the chance to promote a healthy green color in the grass. Fertilization supplies the needed nutrients to keep your grass healthy. It is a key practice in good lawn maintenance and should always be done in the early fall and early spring.

5. Give your lawn a good watering. Water needs to soak into the soil all the way down to the grass roots. This technique offers the best chance for reviving your grass. You should be able to see a gradual improvement in about two weeks.

Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

First Quarter Assessments of $127 were due April 2011. The HRCA encourages the use of the direct debit program to pay your quarterly assessments, please visit www. hrcaonline.org for more information. Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-791-8958. Thank you!

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

2 properties for failure to store away play equipment when not in use 1 property for failure to submit a plan for play equipment 1 property for failure to remove inoperable vehicle Accepted the February 28, 2011 Financial Statements as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Amended the date for the Second Annual Meeting of Members to May 16.

Approved a Request for Proposal for an employee benefit and compensation study.

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volunteer showcase delegate of the month

H RCA V OLU N TEER OF T H E M O N T H

Monica Wasden– Monica has

Dave Hiltman – Dave has been

been a District Delegate for seven

a volunteer for the HRCA for

years, and chair of the Delegates

five years as a coach for youth

for six years. She served on the

sports. Dave volunteers because

25th Anniversary Parade

he believes it is important for

committee and helped make the

everyone to contribute in their

parade an annual tradition.

community. He says, “We all

Monica believes you get out of life

have a responsibility to make

what you put in. She is dedicated to, and loves this community

our community a better place. I want the kids I am coaching to

and wants to help make it the best place to live for generations

have an opportunity to play and develop a passion for sports.”

to come. Having lived in Highlands Ranch for over 17 years she

Dave’s favorite HRCA program is Youth Football and he

has had the opportunity to visit all areas of Highlands Ranch, but

enjoys the recreation centers. Thank you, Dave, for your

loves the views from Wildcat Mountain the most.

commitment to the community!

H RCA RECEIVES SILVER INTERNATIO NAL A Q UATIC SAFETY AW ARD

B a ck co un t r y T r a i l R i d e s Summer is here, and with it, many new

The HRCA is proud to announce it

educational programs and activities in

has been awarded the prestigious

the Backcountry. Horseback Trail Rides

“Silver International Aquatic

begin Memorial Day with an exciting

Safety Award.” Earning this award

new riding area. Check the web site

demonstrates that the aquatic

or Activity Guide for all the great new

facilities consistently exceed industry

Backcountry programs.

standards in risk management and epitomize aquatic safety excellence. International Aquatic Safety Awards are conferred

e - m e : Me a nwh i l e b a ck @ th e r a n c h

to deserving aquatic facilities by Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. -

Subscribe to this informative monthly email

International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants.

update to receive the latest HRCA happenings and exclusive coupons! Visit www.HRCAonline.

These awards are based on the results of random audits

org and click on the e-Me icon.

throughout the year. All Ellis & Associates client facilities are top performers and represent the finest and safest aquatic facilities in the world. As such, it is of particular note when Ellis & Associates facilities perform so well that they are granted an International Aquatic Safety Award.

J ul y 4 t h Pa ra d e . . . W e W a n t y o u !

Show your community pride and showcase

HIGHLANDS RANCH

uly 4th ofraJde a 30 P est. 1981

TH

Y

ANNIVERSAR

your business or organization by entering the 30th Anniversary July 4th Parade! For more information, visit www.HRCAonline.org/ events.

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May

2011

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upcoming events

C O M P U T E R / E L E C T RO N I C S RECYCLING

H OO K E D O N FIS H I N G Experts from the Colorado Division of Wildlife will lead this fun and educational class for ages 6 to 11. They will instruct on the art of angling and ecology, then it is on to the pond to fish! Everything is provided and each child gets to keep their own rod and reel! This class always sells out fast, so don’t hesitate. Call today for tickets. Class will run rain, snow, or shine!

Saturday, May 14 • 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. • Redstone Park Pond • $9 Member, $11 Guest, $15 everyone day of event, if not sold out.

H RCA FAR M ERS ’ & STREET M AR K ET The HRCA is partnering with Denver Farmers’ Market to bring our annual Farmers’ Market and the HRCA Street Market to Highlands Ranch. The Farmers’ Market season starts with a plethora of sauces, pastas, flowers, breads, and more. As produce comes in-season, the market explodes with all the colors, smells, and varieties of Colorado’s bounty.

Select the freshest in breads, fruits, and vegetables for your family to enjoy all season long. You may pick up a Colorado Farm Fresh Directory at any recreational facility. Come treasure hunting at the HRCA Street Market. If the HRCA Farmers’ Market doesn’t have it, the HRCA Street Market will! There’s something for everyone.

Sundays, May 1 – October 30 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South • Home Improvement Expo – Saturday April 30 & Sunday May 1, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastridge, Free and Open to the Public. Looking for home improvement ideas?

Seeking decorating ideas? Head over to the Home Improvement Expo to explore the options available to you right here in Highlands Ranch as various suppliers showcase their services and products.

• Cinco de Mayo 5K and Duathlon – Saturday, May 7, Duathlon start time: 6:00 a.m., 5K start time: 8:30 a.m., Southridge. Come on out for our 5th annual Cinco de Mayo 5K and our 2nd annual Cinco du Mayo Duathlon. Stick around for a great post race party, raffle prizes, and awards. Visit highlandsranchraceseries.com for pricing.

• Old West Cattle Branding – Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1;00 p.m., Backcountry Wilderness Area, $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under. Experience the RANCH in Highlands Ranch with roping activities, chicken scramble, marshmallow roasting, cow pie toss and more! Includes BBQ lunch and beverages.

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

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

You can properly and safely dispose of old electronic components. Get rid of all that old computer clutter and do your part for a clean, safe environment!

Visit the web site for details on what is recyclable. Donations are accepted.

Sunday, May 15 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Kaiser Permanente Building Lot, Lucent & Highlands Ranch Parkway

C U LT U R E O N T H E G R E E N

The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association and Highlands Ranch Metro District proudly present Culture on the Green 2011. Set outdoors at Civic Green Park, this series will pair a beautiful outdoor setting for an experience that is sure to delight all ages. The series kicks off with the International Youth Ballet performing Cinderella. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner for a great evening under the stars.

Fridays, May 20, June 10, July 15, Aug 26 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green Park • Free • Sorry, no dogs allowed.

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recreation sports & fitness S P R I N G B OA R D D I V I N G P RO G R A M The Mile High Dive Club, Colorado’s top ranked Olympic style diving club, and the HRCA have teamed up to offer training for ages six and up, from the beginner to the elite level diver. Divers learn how to do tuck dives and somersaults in the four diving directions as well as the correct technique to enter the air and the water to maximize scores and avoid injury. Classes are offered Monday and Wednesday evenings at Northridge. For more information or to register, visit the web site or contact 303-471-8935 or dball@ hrcaonline.org.

2 0 1 1 f i t ness c h a l l enge re c ep t ion On Tuesday, March 29, Fitness/Personal Training held a reception to announce the winners of the 5th

Sp e c i a l f o r c e s b o o t

Annual Fitness Challenge. This year’s couples winner

c a mp E a r l y A . M . S u mm e r

was John and Shirley Kane, trained by Justin William.

Ch a l l e ng e B e g i n s M a y 9

They lost a combined weight of 73.6 pounds. The

This popular annual challenge is new

overall male winner was Ken Rouleau, trained by Justin

and improved! Work out six days a week for six weeks to achieve your personal fitness goals. Monday-Friday classes are at Eastridge from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. The new Saturday class is at Northridge from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Williams. Ken lost 9.6 pounds. The overall top female winner was Shawna Geiger, trained by Tzvia Amon.

Shawna lost 17.2 pounds. This year’s challenge had 66

participants. Max Muscle Sports Nutrition sponsored the event and food was provided by local restaurants. For more information, visit www.HRCAonline.org/fitness and click on

For details, visit www.hrcaonline.

Personal Training.

org/fitness and click on Specialty

T h erapeu t i c R e c rea t ion

Classes or call 303-471-7048. get motivated to work with a Personal T r a i n e r a t t h e H RCA Two new Summer Personal Training programs allow you to work economically with an HRCA Personal Trainer. These programs are great for ages eight and up and are for new or existing personal training clients.

Check out the details at www. hrcaonline.org/personaltraining or call 303-471-7044.

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Ken Rouleau, John & Shirley Kane, Shawna Geiger

F a m i l y F u n N i gh t The Therapeutic Recreation Program is inviting the families we serve, our valued volunteers, and community supporters to our Family Fun Night for all ages at Southridge, Friday, May 13, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The free event includes cooking, hip hop, and Tae Kwon Do demos; fun and games; a resource fair; and the TR Village Market.

S ummer S por t s Leagues Kinder Basketball Future basketball players ages 3-5 will learn basic skills in a fun atmosphere. Fridays or Saturdays in May at Eastridge.

Men’s Indoor Soccer League Summer leagues are taking team registrations for the May/ June league. Games are played on Wednesday nights starting May 11.

Summer Pee Wee Soccer League This four-week league is perfect for the beginner player ages 5-7. Practices are once a week; games are on Saturday mornings at Cresthill Middle School. First week of practices begin the week of May 30.

May

2011

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education youth & adult N e w f o r S u m m e r : A r t, p o t t e r y , c o o k i n g , d a n c e Despite the cold mornings, summer will be here before we know it!

If getting in the kitchen sounds fun,

We have added some wonderful programs in which you may enroll

enroll in a themed cooking class like

yourself or your child to celebrate the season.

Taco Night or Cooking for Parents. If

If you or your child has an interest in art, get those paintbrushes moving! With art classes for ages 2½ to adult, we offer something for everyone like Wild Kingdom or Heroes and Villains for older kids. Or try a Card Making or Beading class yourself.

it’s your child who enjoys cooking up something exciting, then enroll them in our new Kitchen Chemistry Workshop.

We have also added some fun toe tapping classes! Irish Step

Consider getting a little messy in a pottery class and introducing your child to fun themes like Baby Animals or Circus Adventures through

Dancing begins this month for children ages 6-12 years.

Kick off the summer right! For more information, call 303-471-8853.

the art of clay. Or take a Beginning Wheel class with a friend.

Lights, Camera . . .

Ac t i o n !

If your child enjoys being the center of conversation at the dinner

Charlotte’s Web for ages 5-8 and Peter Pan for ages 9-12 begin

table or leading a group of friends in an activity, consider enrolling

in May.

in our summer theatre program. These classes explore the fun of acting while teaching children important life lessons on speaking in front of groups of people, being a team player, communicating confidently, and learning adapting and coping skills.

The Summer Break Theatre Camps are wonderful week-long options. The Knights of the RAD Table for ages 5-12 runs July 11–16. Toys! runs July 25–30. Space is filling up, so act quickly! For more information call 303-471-8853.

Summer Camps Now is the time to start thinking about

We have added some new Tumbling Camps this year. Sign your

what camps are available for your child

3-7 year old up for Rock and Roll Camp or Flip and Dip Camp for

this summer. The HRCA offers a wide

tumbling, crafts, and swimming.

variety of opportunities to suit every age and interest!

To inspire the artistic side, enroll your child in our KampKadoodle Art Programs, Summer Art Camps by KidzArt or our New Crafty Camp for children ages 5-7.

This summer brings the return of our Splash Into Summer series.

With Monday Madness, Terrific Tuesday, Wet and Wonderful and Friday Fun, these programs for your 3-6 year old are bound to have them splashing, singing, and having a great summer.

For your school-age child, consider the Eastridge Discovery Camp

Don’t miss out on the popular Summer Break Chef’s Camp, or the

for ages 5-8 or our Southridge Adventure Camp for ages 9-12.

Summer Dance Camp for children ages 5-8.

Westridge Day Camp offers a drop-in camp for ages 5-12. These

We are offering the Engineering Classes with LEGO® again this summer with an advanced session called Engineering Challenge with LEGO®.

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

camps run Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and are wonderful alternatives to staying home this summer! For more information call 303-471-8928.

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID

9568 University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-791-2500

HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT#170

facility closures May 2-7 Westridge closed for Annual Maintenance May 6 Eastridge Basketball Courts close0 at 7:00 a.m. Entire facility closed at 4:30 p.m. for the Taste of Highlands Ranch.

May 30 All facilities close at 9:00 p.m. for Memorial Day holiday.

HRCA outdoor pools openi ng All HRCA outdoor pools will be open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., May 27-May 30. The regular summer hours begin Tuesday, May 31. Visit the web site for complete outdoor pools schedules.

May |events

community partners

For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org May 1

Home Improvement Expo

May 1 Farmer’s Market & Street Market begin May 6 The Taste of Highlands Ranch May 7 Cinco de Mayo 5K and Duathlon May 9

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

May 14

Hooked on Fishing

May 14 Old West Cattle Branding May 15 Computer/Electronics Recycling May 17

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

(Recreation Advisory Committee monthly Meeting of Delegates)

May 20 Culture on the Green – International Youth Ballet performs Cinderella May 24 What Every Parent and Coach Needs to Know About Concussions - Free Seminar * These meetings are at Eastridge and open to our members.

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).