HRCA November 2023 Newsletter

HRCA NEWS

November 2023

START YOUR HOLIDAY PLANNING NOW! HRCA has many fun events, classes, and activities to get you ready and in the mood for the upcoming holiday season.

Register for holiday classes and camps. HRCA offers a wide variety of camps to keep your kids active and entertained over the Thanksgiving and winter breaks, from full-day at Camp Backcountry to half-day art, cooking, LEGO, sports, Therapeutic Recreation camps and more! Camps will fill fast, go to HRCAonline.org/holidayhappenings.

Start your holiday shopping. Take an art class to make unique holiday gifts, attend the Holiday Gift Fair on Saturday, November 11, purchase Highlands Ranch swag at one of the recreation centers, or pick-up something at the Pottery Sale, or make a baby or toddler hand/foot print keepsake ornament in the pottery studio at Southridge on Monday, November 13. Not sure what to buy that special someone? Pick-up an HRCA gift card, good for the purchase of any class, league, or swag! (See page 3.)

Classical Music Series | Tuesday, November 7 & Tuesday, December 5: The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is proud to present a three-part series of classical music featuring members from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, at The Historic Highlands Ranch Mansion. Each evening will include an hour long open house for self-guided Mansion tours.

Veterans' Concert | Thursday, November 9: The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association presents an evening unlike any other. Join us for a night of patriotic music from the Denver Pops Orchestra inside the beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion.

Holiday Gift Fair | Saturday, November 11: This one-day show is the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for yourself or someone special in your life. The Eastridge Recreation Center gym and track are filled with a variety of vendors ready to sell their unique work.

The Nutcracker Highlights | Saturday, November 18: A beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, invites audiences inside the imaginative dreams of young Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker prince to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Holiday in the Ranch | Saturday, December 2: Searching for a hometown-feeling holiday celebration, where friends and neighbors share the spirit of the season? The Winter Market provides you with a chance to shop for unique food or gift items while enjoying the holiday festivities. Santa departs at 6:00 p.m., so don't be late!

Princess Tea Party | Saturday, December 9: Your little prince or princess will enjoy a morning of food, and dress-up with a princess! Join us for an enchanted morning as the princess shares her favorite songs, story time, and photo opportunities with your little royalty. Guests enjoy snacks, beverages, and a small gift. Dressing-up in your favorite princess gown or prince suit is encouraged!

Put your house on the Holiday House Decorating Map. Show your holiday spirit and let everyone see your amazing holiday decorations. Submit your address and a photo by Thursday, December 7, to have it added to the Holiday House Decorating Map.

COLORADO GIVES DAY Celebrate Colorado Gives Day with us by donating to the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) on Tuesday, December 5, 2023! CAA is our Highlands Ranch nonprofit organization specifically created to bring cultural, historic, and educational programs and events to our community.

Colorado Gives Day makes it easy to help support the CAA and the outstanding free and low cost cultural programming produced right here in our backyard. Early giving begins on November 1, and continues through December 5. The CAA depends on the generosity of our community members and sponsors to ensure our over 40 quality cultural programs and events will continue right here in the Ranch.

We are asking our community to come together this year and support the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association on Colorado Gives Day. All donations are welcome and appreciated, and no donation is too small! Those interested in supporting Culture in the Ranch can visit coloradogives.org/organization/ Highlands-Ranch-Cultural-AffairsAssociation beginning November 1.

We greatly appreciate your support!

HRCA|EVENT/WEATHER LINE 303-471-8888

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Dan DeBacco Kurt Huffman, Melissa Park, Monica Wasden

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

RECREATION CENTER AT NORTHRIDGE 8800 Broadway M-F: 5:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTER AT EASTRIDGE 9568 University Blvd.

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTER AT WESTRIDGE 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

RECREATION CENTER AT SOUTHRIDGE 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SUNDAY: 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2023 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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GENERAL MANAGER MIKE BAILEY Dear Highlands Ranch Residents, The Highlands Ranch Community Association is a national, award-winning nonprofit organization with over 30,000 homeowners. Being a part of our Community Association is about more than just owning a house; it is about our members building the life they want to live. To fully understand all HRCA has to offer, a few highlights are listed below.

Did you know…

• One of the most critical processes we go through as an organization is our annual facility closures. These closures are essential to cleaning, refreshing, and completing projects that keep our facilities in top shape.

• Assessment fees do not pay for community events. Instead, HRCA depends on support from our proud Community Partners, grants, and our 501c3s to host over 90 events annually.

• HRCA is on social media! You can follow us on Instagram @intheranch and Facebook @HighlandsRanchCommunityAssociation, to get the latest news about happenings, events, programming, closures, and more.

• HRCA offers scholarships for high school seniors. Over the last 20 years, the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund has given over $600,000 in scholarships. Applications open every January for Highlands Ranch residents.

• HRCA offers programs and events for people with special needs through our Therapeutic Recreation Program. Our programs serve all ages and abilities, from sports and swimming to the Special Olympics.

• The Backcountry Wilderness Area operates a 501c3 that aims to improve wildlife habitats, inspire the next generation of stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for our members.

• Member involvement at HRCA is paramount to our success. The HRCA is governed by a five-member Board of Directors who set policies and develop strategic objectives to ensure we achieve our mission. Each of our 94 districts is represented by a Delegate who is elected by property owners to represent them in association matters. Our committees also play an important role in administering the Board policies and providing reports to the Delegates and Board members.

Over the years, the Highlands Ranch Community Association has enhanced property values and created an amazing quality of life within Highlands Ranch. In the past year, the staff and volunteers have focused on improving the HRCA’s budget and increasing communication.

As General Manager, one of my top priorities is to keep you informed and educated about HRCA news, events, our budgeting process, and highlights from the Delegate and Board of Directors meetings that may affect you. If there are any specific topics you'd like to discuss, I invite you to join one of our monthly Delegate and Board meetings. You can find more information about these meetings on our website. Thank you for helping us to be a community that stands invested in our mission.

I am thankful and proud to be in this HRCA community with each one of you.

My best, Mike Bailey

COMMUNITY NEWS SNOW REMOVAL 101 After a rainy start to the summer and hot temperatures through September, it will not be long before the shovels are being dusted off for use. The CIS Department receives numerous inquiries every season regarding snow removal. Who is responsible for various locations?

Streets: Douglas County - Major arterial roads, collectors roads, residential streets and cul-desacs. Plows are out at the beginning of snowfall. Remember not to try and pass snow plows out on the roads. Keep a careful distance and drive with caution.

Trails and Parkway Sidewalks: Highlands Ranch Metro District - Hard surface trails, sidewalks along arterial roads, and Metro District buildings. There are over 150 miles of trails and sidewalks.

Removal starts after three inches of snow has accumulated and/or it is likely to remain on the ground for more than 24 hours.

Residential Sidewalks: Residents - Sidewalks in front of and along the sides of a home, adjacent mailboxes where present, adjacent fire hydrants where present.

Removal is required within 24-hours after snow stops. This is important for those residents that live in the school areas.

If you have a concern or need to report an issue, you can call the Douglas County Public Works at 303-660-7480 or douglas.co.us/road-work/snow-and-ice-removal/ or reach out to the Highlands Ranch Metro District at 303-791-2710 or highlandsranch.org.

The CIS Department is always available to handle inquiries as well. We are open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. You can call 303-471-8821 or email us at covenant@hrcaonline.org.

DO YOU HAVE AN UNHEALTHY OR DYING TREE? Trees get stressed out, diseases and die, just like every other living thing.

How do you know if you have a tree that needs assistance or to be removed altogether?

• The tree is shedding sticks.

• The bark is falling off.

• You can see rot or fungus.

• The tree is leaning.

• The tree has signs of open wounds.

• There is no sign of new leaf growth.

• You see signs of termites or other pests such as wood peckers.

• The tree has damage to its root system.

Can half a tree be saved? While only a small part of your tree may die, experts suggest pruning 30% of the entire tree.

This allows the tree to send nutrients and water to much less of itself and heal. Working with a certified arborist may assist in the decision whether the tree can be saved.

If a tree is noticeably dead, it should be removed immediately to prevent it from falling down on its own and causing damage to properties or residents.

Please call the CIS Department at 303-471-8821, or email covenant@ hrcaonline.org, Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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UPCOMING EVENTS VETERANS' CONCERT OLDER ADULT HEALTH AND RESOURCE FAIR The Highlands Ranch Community Association, and the Highlands Ranch Metro District have joined forces to bring you valuable resources under one roof. Learn about active adult programming, nutrition and fitness planning, legal and financial information, medication review, handyman services, wellness screenings, real estate specialists, and more!

• Saturday, November 4 • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Free to attend • Eastridge Recreation Center 9568 University Blvd.

Join us in a special commemoration as we honor and celebrate our veterans. Don't miss the chance to be part of an extraordinary evening brimming with patriotic melodies at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, presented by the esteemed Denver Pops Orchestra.

Come together for a sincere tribute to our veterans!

• Thursday, November 9 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25 • Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 E Gateway Dr.

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR This one-day show is the perfect opportunity to purchase gifts for yourself or someone special in your life. The Eastridge Recreation Center gym and track are filled with a variety of vendors ready to sell their unique work including jewelry, pottery, wooden crafts, holiday gifts, and more! You will be delighted with the quality and selection.

• Saturday, November 11 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Free to attend • Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 University Blvd.

POTTERY SALE - HOLIDAY SHOW Shop for a handmade gift for the holidays at HRCA's Holiday Pottery show. Come see all the unique creations available for purchase. Credit cards are welcome.

CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES TRANSFIGURED NIGHT Come enjoy the influence of Arnold Schoenberg’s ultra-romantic depiction of Richard Dehmels poem “Verklärte Nacht”, which is the centerpiece of this chamber music concert. Immerce yourself in the charming work of popular composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

• Tuesday, November 7 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Doors at 5:30 p.m.)

• $25 • Highlands Ranch Mansion 9950 Gateway Dr.

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• Monday, November 13 • 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

• Free to attend • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

SPARKLING WINE TASTING Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting your sparkling wine journey, this event promises a sparkling experience you won't want to miss. Cheers to a night of sophistication and celebration! Join in on this enchanted evening sipping on the finest sparkling wines from around the world.

• Friday, November 17 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $40 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

UPCOMING EVENTS THE NUTCRACKER HIGHLIGHTS A beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, invites audiences inside the imaginative dreams of young Clara as she journeys with her Nutcracker Prince to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. Enchanting audiences for more than a century, The Nutcracker is a holiday treat for the entire family. The International Youth Ballet returns to perform this one hour, family-friendly performance. Little ones will receive a small Nutcracker gift to take home.

• Saturday, November 18 • 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• $10 • Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

HOLIDAY IN THE RANCH Join us for the inaugural "Holiday in the Ranch" event, presented in collaboration with the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Experience the charm of a hometown holiday celebration, where friends and neighbors come together to embrace the joy of the season.

Immerse yourself in the heartwarming spirit of our community during this festive gathering. Explore the Winter Market, where you can discover one-of-a-kind culinary delights and unique gift items while partaking in the holiday merriment.

• Saturday, December 2 • 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

• Free to attend • Town Center South - 9288 Dorchester St.

HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING WITH A COP Come meet your local Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to bring great events to the Highlands Ranch Recreation Centers. We invite you to get into the holiday spirit by decorating cookies with the deputies.

These informal gatherings give residents and business owners a chance to connect with the police in a relaxed atmosphere. Each of these events are free and great for all ages!

• Wednesday, December 13 • 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• Free to attend • Eastridge Recreation Center 9568 University Blvd.

LOOKING AHEAD… December 16: Fireworks in December January 3: Your Health with UCHealth Mastering Stress

CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES

January 24: Winter Cultural Series

Join the Ivy Street Ensemble (flute, violin, viola) and harpist Rachel Ellins-Iozzia, for a new spin on holiday favorites. You cannot help but to get in the spirit of the season with the ambiance of the Mansion this time of year. Our classic holiday tunes and new works should inspire and carry you through the new year! Cash bar will be available.

January 26: Family Magic Show

• Thursday, December 5 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Doors at 5:30 p.m.)

• $25 • Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

Purchase tickets online at HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.

February 2 - 3: Father and Daughter Sweetheart Ball February 7: Your Health with UCHealth Empowering Cardiovascular Health February 10: Chinese New Year Celebration February 16: Comedy Show

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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES ADULT SEMINARS THE POWER OF ART As Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity Takes Courage.” As the cool temperatures settle in, it is time to give your children and yourselves, an opportunity to nurture the imagination.

Be courageous and try one of the art classes HRCA offers to suit all ages and family schedules. This chilly fall month, try enrolling in Drawing and Painting for ages 6-11 or Kids-nClay in our Pottery Studio for ages 5-9. We also have a variety of hand building and wheel classes for teens to adults. Our November session of knitting, drawing, painting, Modern Calligraphy, and Zen Doodle for adults will be sure to inspire some seasonal creativity! Try our Holiday Cards class on Saturday, November 4. There are also a variety of cooking, dance and music classes for all ages and stages too. Join us this month! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION THRILLING THURSDAYS Fun with friends, age 16 and up.

Activities include swimming, soccer, art, basketball, cooking, fitness, and more!

• Thursdays • 12:15 - 3:15 p.m.

• $155/$178 • Southridge Recreation Center 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

6 | November 2023

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, Living Trust, and Women’s Retirement Outlook. 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.

GIVE THANKS! 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: Gobble Gobble, Horn of Plenty, Leaves, and Traditions. It is a wonderful time to get involved and your teachers are excited to have you join them! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.

SOCCER SHOTS Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. Our caring team positively impacts children’s lives on and off the field through best-in-class coaching, curriculum, and communication. Our coaches are the best-trained in the business. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with childhood education standards.

In addition, we provide an exceptional customer experience and ongoing communication with parents. For more information, please contact Patrick Gojan at patrick.gojan@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8869.

MIND THE MUD The Backcountry Wilderness Area offers year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, but weather is unpredictable. Within a matter of hours, the weather can transition from sunny and 70 degrees to wet, sloppy snow. When selecting your outdoor activities like hiking, running, biking, or riding during these weather fluctuations, it's crucial to prioritize safety for all trail users. Be mindful that using trails in muddy conditions can lead to damage that extends the period of poor trail conditions, requiring substantial effort to repair. To learn more about choosing the right time for winter trail usage, visit any of our trail signboards this month.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES SAVE THE DATE: BACK THE BACKCOUNTRY We’re celebrating our local wild place with a fundraiser and a big party with even bigger door prizes! Throughout the month, become a Friend of the Backcountry with a monthly or one-time donation to unlock door prizes—including a campervan vacation from Kuku Campers and a mountain bike from Mike’s Bikes—along with matching dollars for the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

• Thursday, November 9 • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• Free (Donations encouraged) • Living the Dream Brewing Co. - 12305 N. Dumont Way.

BOOK YOUR PICKLEBALL LESSON NOW! Please call the Tennis/Pickleball Monitor Desk at 303-471-8996 and get your name on our lesson call back list and begin having the time of your life!

TURKEY THROWDOWN COED DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT Get your team together and gobble up the dodgeball fun this Thanksgiving! Join us for a fantastic tournament on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Make a team of six players, with a minimum of two female teammates, and prepare to "feast" on dodgeball action. Teams will play five matches, including four pool play games, and a single elimination tournament. Don't miss out on the chance to "carve" your way to victory!

• Friday, November 17 • 6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

• $150 per team • Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 University Blvd.

TENNIS SESSION 8 REGISTRATION BEGINS SOON! Tennis Session 8 program enrollment is still open. Classes/drills begin November 13, and go through December 23.

FILL SCHOOL BREAKS WITH OUTDOOR ADVENTURES The average child spends as little as 5-7 minutes in unstructured outdoor play each day during the week. Camp Backcountry is out to change that! Crisp weather beckons kids (ages 7-13) into the Backcountry Wilderness Area for Camp Backcountry during Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and in-service days for Nature and Horse camps. Visit www.campbackcountry.org for information and registration!

GET BACK ON TRACK WITH PERSONAL TRAINING! Whether you are looking to build muscle, increase your flexibility, or improve your endurance, HRCA’s nationally certified personal trainers can help you reach your goals. By demonstrating unique and effective exercises, our trainers will help you to feel stronger and healthier than ever before! Start your fitness journey today with Personal Training at the Highlands Ranch Community Association.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION YOGA Improve balance, focus, coordination, and strength. Reduce fatigue, stiffness, and stress, and stimulate the motor and sensory areas of the brain.

• Mondays • 5:15 - 5:45 p.m.

• Call 303-471-7043 for pricing and to register • Westridge Recreation Center (Fitness studio) 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

FACILITY CLOSURES November 3 - 4

The Eastridge basketball courts and track will be closed for the Adult Health & Information Fair.

November 10 - 11

The Eastridge basketball courts and track will be closed for the Holiday Gift Fair.

November 10

The HRCA Administration Offices at Eastridge are closed in observance of Veteran’s Day.

November 23 - 24

The HRCA Administration Offices at Eastridge and all Recreation Centers are closed for The Thanksgiving Holiday.

Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information.

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 10/30/23

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).

NOVEMBER EVENTS For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org/Events.

November 1

Your Health with UCHealth The Role of Nutrition in Preventing Diabetes

November 4

Older Adult Health and Resource Fair Backcounty Wilderness Half Marathon

November 6

Board Working Session*

November 7

Classic Music Series: Transfigured Night

November 9

Veterans' Concert

November 11

Holiday Gift Fair

November 13

Pottery Sale

November 14

Delegate & Board Meeting*

November 17

Sparkling Wine Tasting

November 18

The Nutcracker Highlights