HRCA|news Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership
october 2009
Wildlife Wonders Week in the Backcountry Fall is a wonderful time to go outside to explore and experience ecology. During this exciting week, kids ages 9 – 15 are led into a different part of the 13-square mile Backcountry Wilderness Area each day including areas that have restricted access. Kids will learn about wildlife, plants, habitats, conservation, predator-prey relationships,
southridge activity pools closure
and animal tracking. A snack and drink are provided. Bring a backpack, water, good walking shoes or boots, sun-block, a jacket, and wear proper clothing including long pants, preferably jeans. Monday – Friday, October 19 – October 23 • 9:00 a.m. – noon • Backcountry, Meeting place to be announced • $70 member, $90 Program Guest • Call to register
FALL CRAFT SHOW What says “fall is here” more than the HRCA’s annual Fall Craft Show? This show has become the premier craft event in Highlands Ranch. Every item has passed through a committee to ensure that it is an original handcrafted piece. You are sure to find jewelry, children’s items, glass and pottery, hand-knit wear, holiday decorations, and much more. This two-day show is the perfect place to find that unique, one-of-a-kind gift. Best of all, there is no admission!
HRCA
will
be
working
on
remediation of the children’s pool and lazy river area decks and gutter movement at the Recreation Center at Southridge over an approximate period of
Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11 • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Free
12 weeks this fall and winter.
and open to the public.
This will necessitate closing the
flu shots Flu Shots will be provided by MedExpress on Tuesday, October 6. No appointment is necessary. Shots will be available at the Recreation Center at Eastridge in the Community Room from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Cost for the flu shot is $20.
entire Children’s Activity Pool area. The fitness pool will remain open during this time. Once the schedule is established, signage will be posted at the facility to announce closure dates. Final dates to be determined.
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. 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.
THE DRAFT HRCA 2010 BUDGET – The HRCA staff and Finance Committee are currently reviewing draft budget proposals for 2010. The Finance Committee, made up of homeowner volunteers with financial backgrounds, then makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the HRCA’s financial statements and budgets. In October, the Draft 2010 HRCA Budget will be presented to the Recreation Advisory Committee, which is comprised of our District Delegates, then adopted by the Board of Directors at the November Board meeting. The draft HRCA 2010 Budget will be available on the HRCA’s web site about mid-October for review by all Members of the HRCA. HRCA MEETINGS AND MEETING SCHEDULES – All meetings of the HRCA are open to our Members. That includes meetings of the Board of Directors, all committees and meetings of the District Delegates at the monthly Recreation Advisory Committee. A meeting schedule is posted at HRCAonline.org under the About Us/Leadership/Meeting Calendar tab. The Board of Directors has regularly scheduled Board meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. The Board has monthly Committee Chair Workshop meetings where they discusses matters with committee chairs and staff in a study session/ workshop setting. Decisions are not made at the Committee Chair Workshop. Decisions are made at Board meetings. FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR – We know how hard it can be to paint your home or maintain property pursuant to the covenants we all agree to when we buy a home in Highlands Ranch. It is a good time of year to step back away from your home and evaluate if your property may need some maintenance yet this year or next year. House painting is a good example. The HRCA gives homeowners advance notice of when paint is beginning to chalk and fade, peel, or even worse, so that a homeowner can plan for the expense. If your home looks like it will need some painting in the next year, there isn’t a better time to begin planning for the expense and begin talking with painting companies to get the best deal as well as a reputable contactor. BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA – As we go into fall, make sure to visit the trail systems that are open in the Backcountry. This land is an amazing asset to Highlands Ranch. Visit the HRCA’s web page for more information about programs and activities. Please observe all signage for your safety and protection of wildlife and the important preservation of their habitat. INDOOR POOLS AT SOUTHRIDGE – The HRCA will have some remediation work done to some of the pools at the Recreation Center at Southridge this fall and early winter. Unfortunately this work will cause portions of the pools to be closed. Please check the signage at the center for updates and schedules for closures. This work is being completed to remedy a problem that includes settlement of the earth beneath the pool. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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
Thanks to all the homeowners who have paid the HRCA 4th quarter assessments which were due October 1, 2009. Visit our web site for direct debit information. For questions regarding your account, please call 303-791-8958.
october 2009
BOA RD corner By Paul Meyers, Vice President, Board of Directors This month, I’m pleased to write about one of the board’s six strategic objectives. “Championing environmental stewardship and sustainability” has been established by the board as an integral component to achieving the vision for the HRCA which is “Building a lifestyle that you want to live”. We have been blessed with an awesome array of natural resources and an amazing environment in which to live. We have been entrusted to manage these resources and this environment in a responsible way. By protecting and conserving our natural resources and preserving our environment, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them as well. Within this context, it is the goal of the HRCA to make the highest and best use of natural resources while minimizing our impact on the environment. In addition to closely monitoring our usage of natural resources and making fiscally responsible changes, the HRCA is “championing environmental stewardship and sustainability” through the implementation of a facility-wide green initiative that includes the installation of florescent lighting, motion detectors, and rain sensors, recycling paper and plastic, utilizing mulching mowers, reducing paper usage, and using recycled paper. As an example, HRCA’s stationary is printed on 100% recycled paper that has been manufactured at a wind-powered factory. Beyond this, the HRCA hosts community-wide recycling events throughout the year, has leased hybrid vehicles for the Covenant Compliance and Assistance Department, maintains a Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at Eastridge, has planted native grasses at Southridge, is installing “temporary” synthetic turf at Westridge, a “seasonal” synthetic ice rink in the Town Center North, and solar panels at Eastridge and Westridge. Last, but not least, the HRCA is currently considering the implementation of an opt-in trash collection and recycling program. If pursued, the HRCA hopes that the program will gain wide acceptance throughout the community.
board motions At the September 15, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Accepted the comments from the September 2 Development Review Committee meeting Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee 3 properties for failure to remove a commercial vehicle 6 properties for failure to paint the exterior of the home 36 properties for failure to maintain landscaping 1 property for failure to remove an inoperable vehicle 9 properties for failure to remove unsightly materials 1 property for failure to properly store portable basketball goal
The HRCA strives to find the balance between meeting needs of current and future generations and protecting the environment. We invite you to join us in this endeavor. We have identified a number of excellent resources for your consideration on our web site.
1 property for failure to remove non-complying dog run
HOA NEWS |
2 properties for failure to comply with fencing guidelines
architectural committee
Nothing is more frustrating than being all set to start a home improvement project and then having to wait for the Architectural Committee to approve your project. Advance planning can help you avoid this situation. The committee meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month. To be placed on the agenda, you must turn in your submittal by noon on the Friday before the meeting. This month, the first Architectural Committee meeting is October 6. Submittal forms are available at the architectural window at Eastridge and online at HRCAonline.org. Forms and plans may be submitted at the architectural window at Eastridge, online at covenant@hrcaonline.org, or faxed to the Architectural Department at 303-791-6705.
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
2 properties for failure to comply with 72 hour rule for recreational vehicles 1 property for failure to comply with trash pickup guidelines 2 properties for failure to comply with maintenance of property 2 properties for failure to remove non-compliant window airconditioning unit
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volunteer showcase h r c a vo l u n t e e r o f t h e m o n t h
d e l e g at e o f t h e m o n t h Todd Lawson – Todd
Meaghan Burke – Meaghan
has
for
volunteers for the HRCA
the HRCA for over six
as a girls’ volleyball coach.
years. He has served as
Meaghan
a Delegate for District
back to the community in
73 and is on the By-laws
as many ways as she can.
Committee. Todd feels
In addition to volunteering
it’s
be
for the HRCA, Meaghan
active in the community because it’s not only a great
volunteers for the Denver Dumb Friends League and
way to meet staff members and other volunteers, but
enjoys working with kids and animals. Meaghan is a
also helps reduce costs that would otherwise have
Colorado native, graduated from Douglas County High
to come from dues, fees, or taxes. Todd’s favorite
School, and is a Spanish teacher for grades 4-8 at Platte
activity in Highlands Ranch is enjoying the trails
River Academy in Highlands Ranch. Our appreciation
throughout the community and in the Backcountry.
goes to Meaghan for her willingness to serve the
Thank you, Todd, for your commitment!
community!
volunteered
important
to
enjoys
giving
p u bl i c i ss u e s co m m i tt e e op e n i n g s Public Issues Committee is a group of volunteers that study
assignment, they divide into work groups to better understand
issues assigned by the Board of Directors that do not fall
the issue in depth, and they report to the Board of Directors
into any of our regular standing committee categories. Some
with a recommendation as to whether HRCA should become
examples of issues that have been reviewed in the past are
involved. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the
traffic signal synchronization, ballot initiatives, and animal
volunteer application form at HRCAonline.org/committees and
control. The committee comes together when they receive an
send it to rcampbell@hrcaonline.org.
cars for char i t y Donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat, or RV to one of
towing and free title services. Your donation is tax deductible
HRCA’s 501(c) 3 organizations and earn a tax deduction this
and 100% of the net proceeds goes to the selected nonprofit.
year! Any condition is accepted. Donating is hassle-free with free
For more information visit HRCAonline.org/cars.
IND O O R T U R F L E A GUE S b e g i n Why go anywhere else to play? Get your team together and
Youth Leagues. Register now and check out our other new turf
participate in our fast paced and exciting soccer leagues. We
programs at HRCAonline.org!
have the lowest team fees around with Co-ed, Men’s Open, and
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october 2009
I
upcoming events SCARE ON T H E S Q UARE A ghostly night of fun is in store for the adults as the HRCA presents Scare on the Square. Come join the HRCA as we celebrate Halloween with a DJ, classic horror films, zombie march, and games for adults. Dress up in your scariest costume and enjoy an evening out. Admission is free and soda, snacks, and beer will be available for purchase. Any Halloween celebration is not complete without Michael Jackson’s Thriller! Show off your dance moves as we invite everyone to gather and learn the Thriller dance. We’ll run through the basics of the dance and perform right on the plaza.
B EER TASTING Join the Highlands Ranch Community Association
(HRCA)
and
Rock
Bottom Brewery at the Recreation
Friday, October 30 • 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. • Town Center North • This event may not
Center at Eastridge as we celebrate
be suitable for children • FREE!
beer! Brew Master, Rick Abitbol, from Rock Bottom Brewery will lead this classroom setting to discuss how beer
TRIC K OR TREAT STREET
is made, ingredients used, and the brewing process. Most importantly he
Kids, put on your costume, grab your trick-or-
will bring many different styles of beer
treat bag, and come to Trick-or-Treat Street. Local
to taste! Rock Bottom Restaurant will
businesses provide treats for all the “little goblins!”
supply us with wonderful appetizers
Each family can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin
to pair with their beer! Register early
patch while supplies last!
so you won’t miss out on all the fun!
Saturday, October 31 • 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. •
To purchase tickets for this event,
Eastridge • Tickets: $1 at the door, up to age 12 (cash or check only at the door)
simply call 303-471-8859 or drop by any of the Highlands Ranch Community Association Recreation
• Farmers’ Market – Every Sunday through November 1, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Town Center
Centers.
• Haunted Hayrack Ride – Friday and Saturday, October 23 – 24, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Stockton Plum Creek Stables, 7479 W. Titan Rd. A
Saturday, October 3 • 6:00 – 7:00
portion of the proceeds benefit Douglas County 4-H. $11 adult, $8 child, Call 303-791-2500
p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.• Recreation
to register.
Center at Eastridge • Tickets: $15/$17
• HRCA Backcountry Wilderness 5/10 Mile Run/Walk – Saturday, October 10, 8:30 a.m. $35/5 mile & $45/10 mile pre race registration. Start and finish is at the Douglas County Trail Head next to Rocky Heights Middle School. Visit highlandsranchrunseries.com for details.
Members/Guests • $17 day of the event, if not sold out • You must be 21+ years of age to attend.
Please check the web site for the most current event information and prices.
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recreation sports & fitness FREE VISIT! SWIMMING FITNESS & FUN! HRCA offers quality coached adult programs for all skill levels year round. Enjoying fun and fitness while making new friends, is a combination that cannot be beat. Tri-Masters Swimming is for adults to build endurance and stroke technique. Masters Swimming provides a welldisciplined and enjoyable USA Master’s Swim program with a balanced training approach to competitive swimming. Try the program at no charge in October; just mention this article for one drop-in visit at no charge, a $6.00 value! For more information, see the HRCA September– December Activity Guide, visit HRCAonline.org, or call 303-471-8942.
N e w Fitnes s Options f or All! “Low Impact Plus” is a new, mid-day fitness option available at both the Northridge and Southridge facilities! “Zumba” is all the rage! We offer it
SEAHAWKS SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SEASON! Seahawk team practices began in May with over 300 swimmers, the largest enrollment in HRCA history! The team won the 2009 MHSL league championship and took third overall at the Summer Club State meet attended by over 2,000 swimmers. Congratulations to all the summer swimmers on both the MHSL and CARA teams and a big thank you to all the parent
mornings, evenings, and weekends
volunteers. To learn more about the HRCA Summer Swim
for your convenience. “Iron Grip
Team for 2010 call 303-471-8942 or visit HRCAonline.org.
Training” is an introduction to small group personal training available on Sundays at Northridge, and Special Forces Boot Camp instructor Simon Sasia offers a Friday evening stretch class. Commit to Get Fit!
H i t the Slo pes! Family Ski Conditioning Class starts October 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Northridge. This class is for ages 8 and up so families can work out and get in shape together. Sign up today! For more information, please call 303471-7048.
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BOYS HIGH SCHOOL INDOOR LACROSSE Calling all Boys High School Lacrosse Teams! Keep in shape and have some fun this winter! Play other high school teams from around the area in this six-game, single elimination tournament, winter indoor lacrosse league. Great preparation for the outdoor season. League is limited to six teams and will fill up fast. Games are Tuesday evenings, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. For more information contact kgarbarino@hrcaonline.org.
TR Halloween Spooktacular Dance Our annual Therapeutic Recreation Halloween Spooktacular Dance Party is Friday, October 30, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. Please visit HRCAonline. org/tr for the most current information. For information about the Therapeutic Recreation Program offerings, class pricing, and availability, please contact 303-471-7043 or saden@ hrcaonline.org.
october 2009
I
education youth & adult W h i ch F or k d o i u s e ? f i n d o u t at th e fall C ot i ll i o n The Highlands Ranch Community Association is joining Jon D. Williams
year, this is a wonderful opportunity
Cotillions this November for the 2nd Annual Fall Cotillion. This is a
to revisit those skills and dust off their
wonderful opportunity for your child to begin making associations
dancing shoes. The Survival Etiquette
between etiquette and success. Participants learn the proper greeting,
Essentials program for older kids is a
which fork to use for the salad, and how to toe tap to the tune
fun way to enhance the proficiency
playing at the holiday function. Kids might walk in rolling their eyes but
they developed last year. For new
they’ll walk out rolling up their cuffs, ready to confidently greet and
students it is a great introduction to
engage with the next person they meet. Join us Sundays, November
important first impression skills. To
1 – December 6 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. for 3rd – 5th graders and
register, visit www.cotillion.com or for more information please call
6:45 – 8:15 p.m. for 6th – 8th graders. For students who attended last
303-471-8880.
O p e n ho u s e T u m bl i n g Whether your child has participated in
children through some fun activities on the tumbling equipment
the tumbling programs through HRCA
and do a variety of games. This is a great opportunity to introduce
or not, we invite you to join us Thursday,
your child to creative movement and play and meet each of our
October 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
teachers. Snacks will be provided. For more information, please
Our teachers will be there to lead your
contact 303-471-8818. Free! Join us!
P ro g r e ss R e port T i m e School progress reports have come out, Is there a subject area with
to be in the pool? Our tutors will
which your child is struggling? Are you looking for a reasonable and
use the pool as a way to work out
flexible alternative to give them a leg up in that algebra class? If a
math word problems in a tangible
child is struggling in a particular subject or is unable to meet certain
way. Using these non-traditional
bench marks, addressing those issues can be challenging in an
methods one-on-one with a child
academic setting. We want to provide your child an opportunity to
allows different environments to
get some extra attention in a non-threatening and fun atmosphere.
challenge the student academically
Our instructors and facilities offer a new environment to help
while developing an interest in the
your student learn the basics. For instance, does your child like
subject. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
A Christmas Carol Does your child like to be dramatic? Do they like to do all the
this holiday classic will be sure to give your child an opportunity
talking at the dinner table? Harness that creative energy and enroll
to step onto a stage and learn important public-speaking, listening,
them in the holiday theatre performance, A Christmas Carol.
memorization and teamwork skills. For more information please
Facilitated by KidStage, a national after-school theatre program,
call 303-471-8853.
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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 October 9-11 – Eastridge Gym and Track Closed for the Fall Craft Show October 31 – Eastridge Gym and Track Closed for the Trick or Treat Street
green tip of the month Most items in our homes can be recycled to a new family. Do you have a used item to give away or sell? Post it on an HRCA “Free Ad” bulletin board at the HRCA Recreation Centers, donate items to charity, or post them online at ecocycleexchange.org, or freecycle.org.
October|events October 3
For event details, see pages 4 & 5 or visit HRCAonline.org.
October 20
Beer Tasting
October 6 Flu Shots October 13 Committee Chair Workshop (CCW), 6:00 p.m. open to our members October 10 HRCA Backcountry Wilderness 5/10 Mile Run/Walk October 10-11 Fall Craft Show
RAC* & Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. *Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates, open to our members
October 23-25 Haunted Hayrack Ride October 30 Scare on the Square October 30 Therapeutic Recreation Halloween Spooktacular Dance Party October 31 Trick or Treat Street
community partners Preferred provider
Durkin Orthodontics DurkinOrthodontics.com
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).