HRCA News Nov. 2009

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

november 2009

S O L A R PA N E L S b ring ne w light to hrca The installation of the solar panels at the Recreation Centers at Eastridge and Westridge are now complete and up and running. In the next few weeks you will see a monitor in these facilities that will show the direct results of the solar energy generated. The panels will generate approximately 25 kilowatts of energy and save the Association around $5,779.00 a year.

ice arena

grand opening

“We are fulfilling one of the Board of Directors Strategic Objectives - Championing

n e w o u td o o r

environmental stewardship & sustainability,” says Board Member Paul Meyers. “The HRCA

s y n thet i c i ce are n a

has become a great example of what our community members can do with solar and is a leading example of sustainability in the community.”

The HRCA’s Green Team is excited to support this project to promote energy efficiency, reduce pollution, save valuable resources, and improve overall conservation. For more detailed information, visit the web site.

NU T C R A C K E R H I G HLIGHTS Join us for our traditional kickoff to the holiday season with the Showtime at Southridge “Nutcracker Highlights“. This is a fantastic family-friendly event where folks don’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to enjoy this holiday favorite. Prices are kept low by the support of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District grants generated by our tax revenue.

The ballet will be performed by the International Youth Ballet. The performance highlights the

Join us on November 7, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. for the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony of HRCA’s new Ice Arena at Town Center North.

Attendees are eligible for prizes and

discount

coupons,

see

figure skating and ice hockey demonstrations, and learn more about the new ice programs the HRCA has created just for this synthetic outdoor rink.

Nutcracker Ballet and is graced by guest appearances of professional dancers.

There will be three performances given: Friday evening, November 27 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m, and

Todd Landgrave, Board President

Saturday, November 28 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 Members, $7

says, “We are very pleased that

Guests in advance and $8 and $10 the day of the event, if not sold out, and are available by

the HRCA has brought this exciting

calling 303-791-2500 or visiting any HRCA Recreation Center.

new amenity to Highlands Ranch for our community to enjoy.”

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

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GARY D EB U S

HRCA|news

community manager

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

HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Rick Dinsmore 303-791-2411 Laura Hopkins 303-346-0603 Todd Landgrave 303-470-8765 David J. Martz 303-683-9524 Paul Meyers 303-791-7868 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.

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

The Draft HRCA 2010 Budget – The DRAFT HRCA 2010 Budget can be viewed at our web site, HRCAonline.org, and looking for the 2010 Draft Budget link under Community News.

There is no proposed increase in assessments in the DRAFT Budget.

New Backcountry Wilderness Area Trails – With the opening of additional trails in the Backcountry (both the HRCA’s trails and the East-West Regional Douglas County trail), please be aware that these trails are more remote, more difficult, and farther from your neighborhood or car. As you plan to go out on the trails, make sure to go prepared for quick changing Colorado weather and other factors that can make your experience less enjoyable and even dangerous if you aren’t properly prepared for the elements.

Fall is a Great Time to Plan for Next Year – Now is a great time to plan for those home maintenance expenditures that go along with home ownership. Roofing and exterior painting are good examples of items that usually require some advance planning.

Feel free to contact our Covenant Compliance and Assistance Department if you need suggestions or helpful hints. Thanks to all of you that make Highlands Ranch, The Pride of Colorado.

Snow Season – As we enter the late fall and winter seasons, please make sure to follow the Douglas County guidelines for snow removal from sidewalks at your home. It’s not just a requirement of the ordinance; it’s a good thing to do for your neighbors. If you have a neighbor that needs some help, lend them a hand. You never know when it might be your turn to need some assistance and being able to count on your neighbors helps keep our community a great place to live.

Indoor Pools at Southridge – Remediation work is scheduled for some of the pools at the Recreation Center at Southridge, beginning in November. While we don’t have the exact dates confirmed as of this printing, please watch the web site under Community News or signage at Southridge for more details. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Cars for Charity – If you have a car, motorcycle, boat, or recreational vehicle you would like to donate to charity, consider donating it to the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association or the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. It is a great year-end tax deduction and 100% of the proceeds benefit our non-profit organizations. For more information on this program, visit HRCAonline.org/cars.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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 © 2009 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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Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

Thank you to all homeowners who have paid the HRCA 4th quarter assessment payments of $125.00 which were due October 1, 2009.

HRCA encourages homeowners to use the direct debit payment program which is a convenient way to save time, postage costs and the assurance that your payment is never late. Please visit our website at HRCAonline.org for more information. For any questions regarding your account, please call 303-791-8958.

november 2009

BOA RD corner

By Dave Martz, Treasurer, Board of Directors Board Corner, by Dave Martz, Treasurer, Board of Directors The HRCA Staff, Finance Committee and Board of Directors take their responsibility for drafting the annual budget very seriously. The budget process starts in mid-June with the HRCA staff drafting the proposed budget to ensure that the Administrative and Recreation operations are kept to the performance levels that members expect. Throughout September and October, the Finance Committee meets to review all aspects of the proposed 2010 budget. This review ensures that amenities are provided at an affordable rate and includes an analysis of the proposed Assessments, revenues sources, programs, facility operating expenses, capital / reserve requirements and bond obligations.

On October 13, at the Board Working Session, the Staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors reviewed the draft of the 2010 budget. They reviewed a summary of the impacts and risks, as well as the programs that HRCA will be providing in 2010. At that time, the Finance Committee made a recommendation to the Board to endorse the draft Budget. During the October RAC (Recreation Advisory Committee) meeting, a formal budget presentation was made to the District Delegates. This was an opportunity for them to understand how this budget may impact the homeowners for the coming year. The delegates then have a month to review the draft budget with the homeowners they represent and provide feedback, raise issues and make recommendations for the budget to the Directors.

At the November RAC meeting, Delegates will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors on a budget. Only then will the Board approve a budget.

This year, HRCA is very aware of the current economic environment the country and Highlands Ranch residents are experiencing. Every effort has been taken to consider the homeowners ability to pay assessments and the requirement to maintain four Recreation Centers and 8,200 acres of the Backcountry. Like so many of the amenities that are available to HRCA members, the funds to make these amenities available and affordable, also falls within the Board vision, “Building a lifestyle that you want to live.”

board motions At the October 20, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Accepted the comments from the October 7 Development Review Committee meeting Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee 2 properties for failure to comply with 72 hour recreational vehicle guideline 18 properties for failure to paint the exterior of the home 11 properties for failure to maintain landscaping 1 property for failure to remove an inoperable vehicle 1 property for failure to remove unsightly materials 1 property for failure to comply with fencing guidelines

The 2010 draft budget is available on the web site at HRCAonline.org.

4 properties for failure to comply with trash pickup guidelines

HOA NEWS |

3 properties for failure to maintain their properties

winterizing

Winter is here! To minimize the risk of freeze damage to your irrigation system, you’ll need to “winterize” it to prevent water from freezing and rupturing the pipe walls.

1. Shut off the water and all automatic systems.

2. Analyze the system to find all possible locations for entrapped water and drain them. Also drain irrigation components that hold water and open any component that allows water flow to make sure that no water is stored above the shutoff.

3. Drain the water from the pipes either by using gravity or by blowing out the pipes – best left to the professionals.

4. Insulate the components and valves above ground.

5. Finally, turn off the automatic controller or put it in “rain mode, install threaded caps over the open ends of the backflow risers, anti-siphon risers, and any blowout fittings. Store the backflow preventer inside for the winter.

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

Accepted the July and August 2009 Financial Statements as recommended by the Finance Committee Approved the 2010 HRCA Election Calendar Approved the 2010 Board Working Session/Recreation Advisory Committee/Board of Directors Meeting Calendar Approved the 2010 Employee Holiday Schedule

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volunteer showcase d e l e g at e o f t h e m o n t h

h r c a vo l u n t e e r o f t h e m o n t h

Jerry Winkelman – Jerry

Mike Woodland

– Mike

has been a Delegate

has been a volunteer for

for District #11 for 20

the HRCA for 13 years.

years and a Highlands

He has served on the

Ranch resident for 23

Backcountry

years. Jerry volunteers

Trail Patrol and as a RAC

as a Delegate because

District Delegate. Mike says

he feels it is important

volunteering helps him stay

to give back to the community that has been so

on the leading edge of what is happening in Highlands

valuable to his family. Jerry says a favorite place

Ranch. Mike enjoys working out at Southridge in the

in Highlands Ranch for him and his family is the

mornings and mountain biking on The Highlands Point

“Overlook” because it is uplifting no matter the

Trail System. Mike grew up in Littleton and has lived in

time or mood. Congratulations, Jerry, and thank you

Highlands Ranch for over 20 years. Thank you, Mike! We

for your many years of service to the community.

truly appreciate all that you do for our community.

Wilderness

A rt E ncounters P e o p l e ’ s C h o i c e Awa r d W i n n e r A n n o u n c e d Congratulations go to Anthony

in various media and styles, displayed in highly visible areas in Castle

Guntren, winner of the 2009 Art

Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Parker. Anthony’s work

Encounters People’s Choice Award!

titled Impulse has been on display in front of the Recreation Center

Prompted by the Douglas County

at Southridge since June. On September 18, Anthony was awarded

Cultural Council, Art Encounters

a blue ribbon and certificate of recognition. For more information

was formed as an annual, year-

on the Art Encounters program and a biography of Anthony, visit

long outdoor sculpture exhibit that

the Art Encounters web site at www.douglas.co.us/artencounters.

showcases a number of sculptures,

2 0 1 0 H ighlan d s R anch C alen d ar The 2010 Highlands Ranch Calendar is on sale now! Photographs

Show pride in your community, buy

in the calendar are all taken in the Ranch, and several of this year’s

your calendars today for $5 at any

photographs were taken by Highlands Ranch residents who were

recreational facility. Proceeds benefit

winners of the photo contest. The calendar is a “must have” for

the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs

Ranch residents who want to know what is happening in their

Association.

neighborhood, and they are great stocking stuffers or holiday gifts.

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november 2009

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upcoming events I N D OOR G ARA G E SALE

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” HRCA hosts its Indoor Garage Sale. Admission is free to this one-stop shopping extravaganza. Search for one-ofa-kind finds, or consider purchasing a booth space to sell treasures of your own.

Pre-registration of booths is recommended, and applications can be found at HRCAonline.org. Come early to find the best deals, and don’t forget your wallet!

Saturday, November 14 • 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Booth prices $10/$15 in advance, $20 at the door (if not sold out) • Free

J E W ELRY A N D H OLI D AY G IFT FAIR Just in time for the holidays! This fair features jewelry and gifts from handcrafters and commercial retailers.

It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase unique gifts for the holidays. You will be delighted with the quality and selection. For exhibitor information, visit HRCAonline.org.

H OUSE D ECORATI N G CO N TEST Show your holiday spirit! Does your house shine with holiday cheer? If you enjoy decorating your home’s exterior and want to be recognized for your efforts, enter your house today! Sponsored by Wells Fargo, you can win up to $200 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place! Turn in your entry form

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

by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December

• Eastridge • Free

7, 2009. Homes will be photographed the week of December 7 – December 11. Please have all lights on 5:30 –

• Farmers’ Market – Last Day! Sunday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Town Center

8:00 p.m. each evening. The judging

• HRCA Wildcat Mountain ½ Marathon – Saturday, November 14, 8:30 a.m., $55 pre-

is December 14 and winners will be

race registration. Start and finish is at the Paintbrush Park next to the Recreation Center

notified by December 15. For details,

at Southridge. Check out www.highlandsranchrunseries.com for more details.

please call 303-471-8821 or visit

• Hometown Holiday – Friday, December 4, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Town Center, FREE

HRCAonline.org.

Searching for a hometown-feeling holiday celebration, where friends and neighbors share the spirit of the season? Join Santa and his reindeer and feel the welcoming warmth of

Remember: Decorations may be placed

our community at this celebration that has become a holiday tradition.

30 days prior to the holiday and must

• Sparkling Wine Tasting – Friday, December 4, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

be removed 30 days after.

at the Tattered Cover Bookstore, $17 Members, $20 Guests, $20 day of event, if not sold out. Sample a variety of sparkling wines and enjoy tasty appetizers. Sponsored by

Monday, December 7 • 5:00 p.m.

Highlands WineSeller and Whole Foods Market. Must be 21+ to attend.

application deadline • Recreation Center at Eastridge, Architectural

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

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

Office

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recreation sports & fitness H O L I DA Y S T O C K I N G S T U F F E R !

A Q UA T I C s P R I VA T E L E S S O N D I S C O U N T Enjoy a holiday discount of $5.00 off any coached or private swim lesson through December 31, 2009. What a great idea for being active during the holiday school break! Competitive swimmers can get an edge before state meets. For scheduling and more information, call 303-471-8867 for group swim lessons or 303-471-8942 for coached privates. Limit of one coupon per participant. Coupons are available on the aquatics section of the web site, and must accompany the payment.

Sports Co nditioning R otatio ns These three-week speed and agility classes are great for your off-track athlete! Classes run M/W/F from 9:00–10:00 a.m. and M/W/F from 4:00–5:30 p.m. on the Turf at Westridge. Gain speed, endurance, footwork skills, core stability, and much more. This class is taught

by Personal Trainer/Strength and Conditioning Coach, Sterling Joseph, who has worked with many area youth in all sports such as soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby, and baseball to give athletes an edge. Call 303471-7048 for all questions and schedules.

Sm all Grou p P e rs o nal Tra ining Small Group Personal Training classes are offered for all ages and ability levels, at all times of the day!

These class are a fun and economical way to work with a personal trainer to reach goals, gain weight training knowledge, or add variety to your current routine.

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W I N T E R YO U T H B A S K E T B A L L L E A G U E Winter Youth Basketball season is just around the corner.

Registration is now open for boys and girls in grades 1–8. We offer three separate leagues: Futures League (grades 1–3), Recreational League (grades 4–8), and Competitive League (grades 5–8). All teams have two preseason practices, a one-hour practice per week, and an eight-game regular season. A singleelimination playoff tournament will follow the Recreational and Competitive League regular seasons. A one-game “Jamboree” will follow the Futures League regular season for each team. Practices begin the week of January 4 and games begin the weekend of January 16.

T urkey D odgeball T ourna m ent Please join us November 18 for our longest-running dodgeball tournament just in time for the holidays. Come burn some calories so you can indulge in that extra piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving! Every player on the winning team will take home a frozen turkey. Drawings will be held for door prizes. For more information, see the current Activity Guide or email kgarbarino@hrcaonline.org.

H R C A / A Y L P ee W ee F lag F ootball Come develop basic football skills on our new turf with our last session of Pee Wee Flag Football in an organized, non-contact setting. Sessions include a 35-mintue practice and a 25-minute scrimmage. The next session starts November 15 and continues through December 6. For more information see the current Activity Guide or email kgarbarino@hrcaonline.org.

november 2009

I

education youth & adult S ugar P lu m Parties

Get your kids into a festive holiday spirit with a Sugar Plum Party!

Fairy! We will also take a special photo of your child with the Sugar

These one-hour events for children ages 3-6 will take place on

Plum Fairy for you to take home. Your little ones won’t want to

December 4, 11, and 18. Parties include music, dancing, holiday

miss this event! For registration details or more information, please

crafts, yummy treats, and a very special visit from the Sugar Plum

call 303-471-8853.

Drop to S hop As the holidays approach and you

Kreative Kids will do fun crafts for Happy Fall Y’all and on November

begin your shopping expeditions,

19 Tom the Turkey Centerpieces will be constructed to adorn

consider dropping your little ones

your table for the holidays. If Fridays and Saturdays fit your schedule

off for some festive holiday fun. On

better, try enrolling your child in Pilgrim Party or Give Thanks, both

Mondays you can put your child in

of which are two-hour programs during which your children will

2 Times the Fun where they will learn

learn the importance of Thanksgiving and bring home a fun craft

how to share and develop some

for you to display during the holiday season. For more information,

independence while they explore

please call 303-471-8818.

music, story time, and Thanksgiving themes. On November 17

Burr , it ’ s C ol d O ut T here !

Now that the leaves have made their last dance to the ground

on Fridays. These classes make

and the flakes have begun to fall, set aside some special time for

wonderful opportunities for you

just you and your child. HRCA offers a variety of classes that

to engage with your child in

give you and your little one, age five and under, time together

meaningful and constructive ways,

to create a project, share in a funny moment, or just watch them

giving you a chance to watch them

learn something new. Try My First Art Class with Abrakadoodle®

grow and learn and you give them

or a Mom and Me Pottery class. Or, get your kids into the kitchen

a chance to build memories with

with Edible Art – A Mom and Me Class, for Fall Fancy or Winter

you too! For more information,

Wonderland themes. A new session of Parent-Child Ballet starts

please call 303-471-8818.

November 11 or join the ever popular Totally Toddlers class

H oli d ay P ottery S ale Stop by the Southridge Recreation

Pottery Studio. Bring your kids, too, because they’ll have fun with

Center on Saturday, November

“paint your own pottery” available for the holiday season as well.

14 to browse the beautiful works

This is a great time to have your kids make something special for

created by our very own students

the holidays! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

and teachers in the Cheyenne

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

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO

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

PERMIT#170

facility closures November 6 – Eastridge Gym and Track Closed at 9:00 a.m. for the Jewelry and Holiday Gift Fair set up November 7 – Eastridge Gym and Track Closed all day for the Jewelry and Holiday Gift Fair November 26 – All Recreation Centers Closed for Thanksgiving November 27 – Administrative Office Closed

green tip of the month Solar-Powered Outdoor Lighting – Installing solar lighting around your home and garden is quick and easy with an added bonus—no wires or electricity costs!

november|events

For event details, see pages 4 & 5 or visit HRCAonline.org

November 7

Jewelry and Holiday Gift Fair

November 14

HRCA Wildcat Mountain ½ Marathon

November 7

HRCA Outdoor Synthetic Ice Arena Grand Opening

November 17

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

(Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates)

November 9 Board Working Session*, 6:00 p.m.

open to our members November 14 Indoor Garage Sale

November 27-28 Showtime at Southridge – Nutcracker Highlights * These meetings are open to our members.

community partners Preferred provider

Highlands Ranch Community Association’s ability to bring cultural events to Highlands Ranch is made possible in part by our Community Partners and the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (HRCAA) and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).