NEWS
November 2020
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN THE RANCH This year we are switching gears to celebrate the holidays in a socially distant way, but keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. Is your home the envy in your neighborhood? Do you give Clark Griswold a run for his money? Showcase your Christmas decorations by entering your house to the HRCA’s Holiday House Decorating Map! Take a photo of your Highlands Ranch home at night while lit and decorated and submit the online form (where you will upload the photo) by 5:00 p.m. on December 10. Your home address and photos will be posted online at www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHouse with a map showing the location of each entry. To enter, visit www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHouse. Start a new family tradition this year by loading up the car and taking a drive around Highlands Ranch to look at all of the lights! This is one way to experience the magic of the holiday season while staying socially distant from others. As we adapt to the challenges of presenting events to our community, the HRCA is creating fun activities for the family that can be enjoyed while adhering to the social distancing guidelines. Our Hometown Holiday Drive Thru, on December 4, will allow attendees to remain in the car as Santa takes a photo from outside the car, leaving safe distance between everyone. Unfortunately this event sold out quickly, but we are working to try to create additional programs to keep our community educated, active, and entertained. The Nutcracker Highlights Ballet is another event we will be streaming online so you can enjoy it anytime it fits your schedule. See page 4 for more details on how to see the performance. Find all of the HRCA events, classes, and programs for the holidays at www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHappenings. Check back often as things change frequently. This year, more than ever, while you are doing your Christmas shopping, be sure to support our local businesses!
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS AVAILABLE Small businesses with physical locations in Douglas County and 100 or fewer employees may be eligible for COVID-19 impacts reimbursement grants of up to $10,000, funded through the County’s share of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Reimbursement grants for a portion of the expenses incurred as businesses adjusted and adapted to COVID-19 public health restrictions, and continued to serve our community will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying businesses. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 30 or until funds are depleted. Examples of qualifying expenses, incurred from March 1 – Dec. 30, 2020, include supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), touchless payment systems, or structural, physical improvements required to remain open during under COVID-19 public health orders. For more details, visit douglas.co.us and search small business grant program.
SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 IN OUR COMMUNITY Taking measures to prevent COVID-19 is especially crucial now that the weather is cooling and more gatherings and restaurant seating will be indoors where transmission can occur more readily than outdoors. In addition to the use of masks, social distancing, and handwashing, public health officials have found that it is important to take precautions in both public and private social gatherings. Find information on how to gather safely and minimize your risk here https://www.tchd.org/CivicAlerts. aspx?AID=411
MENTAL HEALTH -LET'S TALK Our mental and emotional health is just as important as our physical health and now, more than ever, it’s important for us to connect with others. Simply talking with someone can make you, and them, feel better. Calling, texting, video chatting, and social media are all great ways to reach out to your family, friends and community. Take a moment to check in — ask how they are feeling and share what you are feeling. It’s an easy step we can all do to feel better and help others. It may even save a life. Learn more about the Douglas County Let's Talk Campaign at https:// www.douglas.co.us/lets-talk-aboutour-mental-and-emotional-health/.
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 Jim Allen Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Krystal Woodbury
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500
Due to COVID-19, facility hours have modified: Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. See: HRCA Reopening Guidelines
Recreation Center at Northridge 8800 Broadway Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. Copyright Š2020 Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is required to redistribute, reproduce, modify or republish information from
JERRY FLANNERY CEO and General Manager Turkey Time is right around the corner. With such a difficult year 2020 has been, I hope everyone takes time this month to reflect on things in which they are thankful. One of my thanks this year will certainly be for the beautiful community of Highlands Ranch and all the hard-working members in the community that have contributed their time to the HRCA. There are plenty of activities this month that will kick off the holiday festivities. First is the Backcountry Half Marathon on November 7 and some special editions of the popular virtual Highlands Ranch Happy Hours that will get you in the mood for the holiday season. Please check our calendar for more details on these events at www.HRCAonline.org.
Budget: The Delegates and Board of Directors approved the 2021 HRCA budget at the October 20, 2020 meetings and it includes a total 2.179% decrease in the annual Recreation Function Common Assessment and a 20% increase in the Administrative Function Common Assessment. The total assessment will remain the same at $622.88 for the calendar year 2021. More information about the budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Budget. The HRCA budget development process is approximately four months long. The process includes internal staff preparation, direction from the CEO and Board of Directors, two half day meetings with the Finance Committee and input from the Delegates at (3) budget presentations throughout the preparation process. All meetings are open to the public and members of the community are always encouraged to attend.
Fencing: HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines (RIGs) require that all fencing be regularly maintained. The RIGs specify one permitted stain color, Highlands Ranch Fence Brown, as adopted by the HRCA Board of Directors in June 2018. Some sub-associations (i.e., Firelight, The Hearth, Falcon Hills, Timberline, and Falcon Hills South) require a different fence stain color, so please be sure to check with your sub-association if you have one to ensure your fence color is compliant. All fences must comply with this guideline and homeowners are required to apply for approval to the CIS Department before staining fences. For questions, go to www.HRCAonline.org/Fence. For all Residential Improvement Guidelines visit www.HRCAonline.org/Covenants.
Home Sales: The Association has seen a steady rise in home-sales this past year. Property values continue to rise, and many people have bought and sold homes in the community to adjust their lifestyles with the changing times. If you are planning to move or are a new resident, please be sure to visit our web site where you can find copies of the Community Documents at www.HRCAonline.org/GovDocs and information for new residents at www.HRCAonline.org/NewResident. COVID-19 Update: The recreation centers continue to operate at reduced capacity and with slight program modifications. Upon entering the facilities, you will be required to wear a mask and have your temperature taken. Class sizes have been reduced, equipment has been spaced apart and indoor activity pools require reservations. Lap swimming is open on a first come first serve basis. We appreciate everyone’s support and understanding as we continue to navigate the health and safety requirements associated with COVID-19. Remember to continue to be safe and wear your mask to help stop the spread.
Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc, in print or electronically.
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Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
COMMUNITY NEWS
SCHEDULE YOUR COLORADO GIVES DAY DONATION
Signs, Home Improvements, and More! Election season is just about over- that means it is time to remove the yard signs, flags, and/ or banners that have been on display. The Residential Improvement Guidelines require that all political signage be removed within seven (7) days following the election. Our office has handled hundreds of calls about signage this political season, so your help is greatly appreciated in removing the signs by November 10. Trash cans are another hot topic. Be sure to place them in the street (along the gutter) so that they do not block or impede use of the sidewalk. Trash may be put out the evening before your designated pick update. Make sure the lid is closed tightly to prevent items from blowing or animals from getting in. The trash and recycle bins need to be stored in the garage, behind the fence or within an approved enclosure after they have been picked up. There are several trash providers that service Highlands Ranch and your individual provider may have additional requirements. Please contact them directly with any questions. As the day light hours are getting shorter and the year is coming to an end, now is the time to look around your property and put together that list of spring projects. Does your home need to be painted? Is your fence in good condition and stained the appropriate color? Are improvements to the landscaping needed? Submit your projects for Architectural Committee during the winter months and you will be ready to hit the ground running when the weather permits in the spring! Not sure if your project requires approval- view the home improvement
The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) is a nonprofit created to produce cultural, historic, and educational programs and events annually, including Highlands Ranch Days, Oktoberfest, the Summer Concert Series, and many programs. The CAA also funds the annual Art Encounters outdoor sculpture program in Highlands Ranch. In 2020 Colorado Gives Day, is on Tuesday, December 8, but you don’t need to wait until then to schedule your donation to the Cultural Affairs Assoc! Support the CAA by going to www.ColoradoGives.org/CAA.
request process page at www.HRCAonline.org/ImprovementsProcess to find out .
Water Budgets Reduced for Fall and Winter Months Centennial Water & Sanitation District, the water and wastewater provider in Highlands Ranch, reminds customers that despite the warm fall temperatures, outdoor water budgets have ended. You should be dialing back your outdoor irrigation. When you use more water than allocated in your water budget, you will pay higher water rates. Proper landscape maintenance throughout the year promotes healthy landscapes that remain beautiful, even with less water. This includes scaling back on the amount of outdoor irrigation use during fall and winter months. Landscapes in Colorado should go into dormancy during the winter months and it will aid in their recovery the next year. Individual water budgets can be found on your water bill. If you have questions or for more information, contact Centennial Water’s Water Conservation and Efficiency Coordinator, Thomas Riggle, at triggle@highlandsranch.org or 720-240-4918. Learn more about Centennial Water at centennialwater.org and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CentennialWaterandSanitationDistrict/.
ASSESSMENTS Get your 4th quarter payment in by October 31, late fees will be charged on November 1.
Don’t Be Late!
- Take the hassle out of mail getting lost or making that trip to the mailbox and sign up for eStatements here: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/signup. - 38.5% of our homeowners pay by automatic payments. It is fast, convenient, and removes an item from your quarterly to do list. You can sign up for autopay through your bank or Zego (formerly PayLease) here: www.gozego.com.
DOG POOP CLEAN UP We want to remind everyone to be courteous of your neighbors when taking your dog on a walk. Please clean up after your dog and do not leave dog waste in someone's yard or on the sidewalk. And please dispose of waste bags at your own house or a community trash can. As precious as your dog is, no one wants to clean up after it!
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UPCOMING EVENTS VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR BEVERAGE TASTINGS
Did you miss the Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days Virtual Field Trip? You can catch up on all you missed online! Dance with Native American Dancers, take a tour of the Highlands Ranch Mansion, and learn from Trapper Johnny how early settlers lived! This program is available free of charge and is a great resource for teachers and home school learners. Additional presentations include Nature’s Educators, Abraham Lincoln, Annie Oakley, our own Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area, and more! Thank you to Children's Hospital Colorado, our event sponsor, and all of the presenters for helping to bring this event to the community. Find the event videos at www.HRCAonline.org/ VirtualEvents.
DATES: November 5 - Fall Favorite Cocktails with Chris Motley JOIN US FOR UPCOMING HAPPY HOURS: November 19: Wines for Thanksgiving December 3: Breckenridge Brewery Winter Beer Tasting December 17: Cocktails for the Holiday season!
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VIRTUAL HIGHLANDS RANCH PIONEER DAYS AVAILABLE TO VIEW
Tired of the same old drink? Join the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits virtually on Zoom for our Highlands Ranch Happy Hour Series! This series has something for everyone's taste buds - beer, wine, and spirits! While our in-person tastings are canceled for now, we hope to bring some of your favorites to you at home! Only one ticket needed per household. This online event is free, but make sure to come prepared with all the ingredients needed to follow along! Shopping lists can be found on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/HappyHour. All tastings begin at 6:00 p.m. MST.
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HIGHLANDS RANCH
tasting series
VIRTUAL NUTCRACKER HIGHLIGHTS
Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is partnering with the International Youth Ballet to bring visions of sugarplums into your home this holiday season! This wonderful one-hour family-friendly performance of the Nutcracker Highlights will be presented for free virtually this year. The stream will be available throughout the holiday season to put on an enjoy as you decorate cookies and wrap your presents. Grab the family, pour some hot cocoa and cast the performance right to your TV! Available starting Friday, November 27. Link will be available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Nutcracker.
UCHEALTH VIRTUAL HEALTH SERIES WOMEN’S HEALTH AND BREAST CANCER Presented by: Radhika Acharya, DO, Jane Jachowicz, BSN, RN, CBCN, CN-BN, OCN, and Dr. Lisa Wynn, MD
FIND ALL OF OUR VIRTUAL EVENTS ON OUR WEB SITE HRCA now has a place on its web site where you can find the video recordings from many of our virtual events. Did you want to attend that one virtual happy hour, but just forgot? Planned to watch the International Youth Ballet performance, but ran out of time? Find the videos from these events and more at www.HRCAonline.org/VirtualEvents!
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Join us on Zoom for an informative session on the myths and truths of breast health and how to manage breast health proactively. We will also be discussing the importance of screenings, even during a pandemic, and what is being done at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital to protect patients. Hear about some of the unintentional lifestyle changes from COVID-19 that people should be on the look out for that may increase a person’s chances of a cancer diagnosis. There will be an opportunity to ask the doctors your questions. Register at www.HRCAonline.org/YourHealth. November 4 • 6:00 p.m. on Zoom • Free CLASSES AND PROGRAMS ARE ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON COVID RESTRICTIONS. SEE WEB SITE FOR MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS FARMERS' MARKET EXTENDED! With the unseasonably warm weather we've been having, we have extended the Highlands Ranch Farmers Market for another month! Join us on Sundays through November 22 at Town Center. Purchase fall crops and gifts from over 25 vendors offering treasures galore. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/ FarmersMarket for more information. Sundays, through November 22 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St.
UPCOMING EVENTS-DECEMBER 3
Happy Hour Tasting Series
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Hometown Holiday Drive-Thru
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Holiday House Decorating Deadline
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
FACILITY CLOSURES November 26 All recreation centers are closed for Thanksgiving. We wish you a happy and safe holiday.
WHISKEY MASTERCLASS On Thursday, December 10, via ZOOM, Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits and the HRCA bring you a virtual event featuring three special release, limited editions courtesy of Westland Whiskey, Bruichladdich, and Mount Gay Rum! Taste all of the 2020 releases together while learning about what makes each fall into the "special release" category and a brief history of each brand! Also, as a bonus, get a sample of Bruichladdich Classic Laddie and all the ingredients needed to learn how to create a Holiday Old Fashioned! After you taste, head over to Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits to grab your favorite(s) to gift them for the holidays or keep them as a gift to yourself! Tickets are $40 and the class is limited to 50 participants. Must be 21+. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/ LimitedEdition for more information.
Check the web site for up-to-date information.
We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities.
THANK YOU TO OUR 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).
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES HRCA Boys Basketball League BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HALF MARATHON The HR Race Series wraps up 2020 in style with our marquee event, The 12th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon on November 7. The course for 2020 will feature a route with 100% trail and 100% chance of amazing views and memories. This year a virtual option will also be available. Participants will receive a shirt, a custom pint glass, and a gorgeous custom finisher medal. Head over to www.HRraceseries.org for more information and to get registered!
The HRCA Boys Basketball League features an eight-game regular season plus season ending jamboree or playoffs. All teams practice for one hour, once per week with games held on Saturdays. All practices and games are held at HRCA Recreation Centers. Practices are based upon coach availability and could occur Monday - Friday from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. Volunteer coaches are needed! Get your friends together and come out and play! Season runs January 4 - March 13 with a registration deadline of November 27 or when full. For more information please contact Rachel Lane at rachel.lane@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.
Personal Training Our nationally certified Personal Trainers are excited to get you started with a custom personal training program. By creating a unique and effective exercise program, our trainers will help you look and feel better. Whether you are looking to shed pounds, tone muscle or increase strength and flexibility, our highly qualified trainers are motivated to help you achieve your fitness goals. For more information, including pricing, please visit the Personal Training page at www.HRCAonline.org/PT or contact the Fitness Specialist at katie.ireland@hrcaonline.org.
HRCA Hosts High School Swim Teams GET A COMPETITIVE EDGE– TRY COACHED SWIM CLINICS Stroke and Starts and Turns Clinics offer the chance to hone your skills in small sessions designed for individual attention and technique improvement. Don’t wait to sign up for these very popular programs with our most experienced coaches. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim for more info and to sign up online today. You may also call 303-471-8942 or rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org.
HRCA is excited to once again welcome the Rock Canyon, Thunder Ridge, Mountain Vista and Highlands Ranch High School Girls Swim Teams. The Westridge, Eastridge, and Northridge Recreation Centers are the hosts for the schools for training from November through March. All home meets (pending safety guidelines) are hosted on Tuesday and Thursday or Saturdays at the Recreation Center at Northridge. Beginning in April through June, HRCA hosts the local High School Boys Swim Team. Please check with the pool schedules available at each Recreation Center, as well as on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a detailed schedule of when the swim teams will be at each facility.
Why Private Swim Lessons? • You are a homeschool family or have preschoolers with daytime availability • You are looking for activities for school-age swimmers during Thanksgiving or winter school breaks • You are looking for a competitive edge for swim team • You are an adult looking to add swimming to your fitness routine Private swim lessons are available year round for ages 5 to adult for both learn to swim and coached and competitive swimmers. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/SwimPrivates TODAY to request your private lessons. Need more info? Call 720-348-8220. We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to COVID-19 there is inherent risk. It is up to you to choose to use the HRCA amenities, knowing that you assume risk when gathering with other people and visiting other facilities.
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES The Power of ART As Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more powerful than knowledge”. As the cool temperatures settle in, it is time to give your children and yourself an opportunity to nurture the imagination. HRCA offers a variety of art and pottery programs to suit all ages and family schedules. This chilly, fall month try enrolling in Sew It All’s Holiday Pajama Jam for ages 9-18 or Acrylic Painting with KidzArt. We also have a variety of hand building and wheel classes for teens to adults. Our November sessions of knitting, drawing, painting, and Zen Doodle for adults will be sure to inspire some seasonal creativity! There are also a variety of cooking, dance, and music classes for all ages and stages too, so join us this month! For more information, please call 303-4718853 or go to the web at www.HRCAonline.org/Art.
CREATIVE KIDS FALL PROJECTS! Leaves are on the ground, snow is beginning to fall, and you want to find a fun, engaging activity for your little one! Consider our Creative Kids classes held over at Westridge! In November we will be offering classes every day of the week focused on the following themes: Colorful, Grandparents, Harvest, Get Cozy, and Fall Centerpiece! It is a great time to get involved and your teachers are excited to have you join them! For more information, call 303-471-8818 or go to the web site www.HRCAonline.org/CreativeKids.
Adult Educational Seminars HRCA offers a variety of adult seminars in an effort to inform you on important topics for you and your family. This month, we are offering Will Seminar, Modern Retirement, and Living Trust seminars. These interactive workshops help you make sense of the choices you face in building your future and planning for retirement. For more information on these seminars, please call 303-471-8818 or visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/AdultEd.
CLASSES AND PROGRAMS ARE ALL SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON COVID RESTRICTIONS. SEE WEB SITE FOR MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.
Back the Backcountry Back our effort to fund the conservation and environmental education efforts of the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund! We're on a quest to have 100 individual donations. Whether it's a $1 donation, $1,000 donation, or somewhere between, Back the Backcountry Day will bring awareness to the exciting projects coming out of the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund including increased habitat improvements, environmental education opportunities, and more. Help us meet our matching donation from Dan and Katrina DeBacco of BTD Properties. Head to Living the Dream Brewing Co. between 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. on November 12 to snag a door prize ticket for goods including a bike from Elevation Cycles! Living The Dream Brewing Co. will be donating $1 per beer to the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund! For more information, email lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org and visit www.HRCAonline.org/BackcountryDonate.
THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP CHECK OUT THE BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA CAMP INSERT FOR 2021. TO VIEW CLICK HERE.
HRCA THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAM FOR SPECIAL NEEDS Soccer program Join us in November and December for Wednesday night sports fun at Southridge Recreation Center. Indoor Soccer time for athletes with special needs will be held 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. This program encourages teamwork and sportsmanship while focusing on the skills needed for soccer. Come out and join the fun! For information please visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR.
Experience the magic of summer camp in the winter! We’ll explore the ways our natural world has changed since summer, practice our turkey calls, and cook s’mores or other treats over the campfire. As always, Camp Backcountry focuses on building confidence and skills in the outdoors. For more information, visit www.campbackcountry.org.
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