Oct. 2012 HRCA News

|News

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

October 2012

2 0 1 3 B U D G E T PLANN I N G The HRCA Finance Committee and staff are working on the 2013 Budget and will have a draft posted on our web site in mid-October for homeowners to review before it is presented at the Delegate Meeting on October 16. A final budget will be adopted at the November Board of Directors meeting.

Spooky Halloween Fun Halloween is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, and the HRCA has activities for everyone!

We kick off the season with the Paranormal Party at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on Wednesday, October 17 and Thursday, October 18. Is the Mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself. See page five for details.

The second annual Haunted Forest is Friday and Saturday, October 26-27, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Backcountry, A dry creek bed turns into a walk of terror and the darkness of the forest hides who or what is lurking in the shadows. There are no walls to protect you from the horrors that lurk, and no roof to keep out the howling winds. Recommend for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised.

For more information or volunteer opportunities contact 303-471-7078.

A sweet family holiday activity is Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Children under 12 are invited to come in costume with trick-or-treat bag in hand. Local businesses provide treats for all the “little ghosts and goblins!� Each family may pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.

Come dressed as your favorite Halloween character and play in the Halloween Adult Volleyball Tournament. This co-ed, 6v6 double elimination tournament is Friday and Saturday, October 26-27.

Register by October 22.

Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for ages 16 and older with special needs is Friday, October 26, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! Register by October 19.

Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, October 26 or 27, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. where spooky tales and winding trails sum up this fun family adventure! Plum Creek Stockton Stables hosts this spinetingling Halloween tour! Concessions will be available.

Express your creative side with a variety of festive Halloween-themed art, crafts, cooking, and dance classes for all ages. Little ones can learn to make scary spider crafts, spooky snacks, and more. Grownups are invited to learn Michael Jackson's Thriller Dance just in time for Halloween.

For details on all the fun ways to make the most of your family's Halloween season, visit www.HRCAonline.org/boo or call 303-791-2500.

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

1

Jerry flannery

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

HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christina Caputo 303-471-0867 Scott Lemmon 303-346-1412 Brock Norris 720-344-7107 Jeff Suntken 303-346-0664 Craig Ziesman 303-791-6557 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 9568 University Blvd.

303-791-8958 RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway

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

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

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 ©2012 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.

2

CEO and general manager

It is October and time for little ghosts and goblins to be soon knocking at your doors! With the fall season, the Highlands Ranch Farmers Market is coming to an end. If you haven’t gone out to see all of the great produce and other goods, this month is your last chance! The Market is open Sundays through October 28, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Town Center South.

This month starts off with the Fall Craft Show on October 6 and 7, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Two other festive events coming up are the Paranormal Party on October 17-18 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, and the Haunted Hayrides on October 26-27. The Paranormal Party is sure to sell out again this year so get your tickets as soon as possible! Both events celebrate the spirit of the season and are sure to thrill everyone who participates!

The HRCA Draft 2013 Budget – The HRCA staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors have been working on the budget for 2013. The Finance Committee members are volunteers with financial background from various disciplines. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the HRCA’s finances and annual budget. October is the month that the budget will be presented to the Delegates. The meeting is October 16, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The final budget adoption will take place at the November Board meeting.

Reminders – Colder temperatures translate to frozen plants and some homeowners may need to “winterize” waterlines and other items that may be susceptible to freezing. Consequently, it would be a good idea to avoid costly maintenance to by storing hoses in the garage for the winter months. Dead materials should be disposed of in a timely manner to avoid providing insect or rodent habitat.

As with most communities of our size, there are many issues that involve pets. Please be sure to clean up waste that may exist in a timely manner and also be cognizant of barking dogs and how they impact the neighborhood. Everyone benefits from this type of courtesy and the time that we spend outside is much more enjoyable.

Finally, I field many questions about what has come from the retreats that are mentioned from time to time. These retreats are held in our facilities at no cost to the organization and our residents. They are great planning opportunities for the staff and Board of Directors to guide the direction that we want to take the organization for the betterment of services and assets for Highlands Ranch. One item that has come from these retreats is a desire to look at our relationship with the Centennial Water District and how we can coordinate measures to reduce water consumption in times of drought. Specifically, our Board of Directors has indicated a desire to look at how we promote xeriscaping for yards, so please stay tuned for future developments on this front.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

Fourth Quarter Assessments are due October 1, 2012. Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-791-8958. HRCA encourages the use of the direct debit program to pay your quarterly dues. Save time, postage, and assure that your payment is never late. Visit our web site at www.hrcaonline.org for more information.

October 2012

I

cOMMUNITY news c o n s i d e r X e r i s ca p i n g

fence & tree maintenance

The HRCA and residents of Highlands Ranch take great pride in the appearance of our community. In an effort to maintain our property values, our staff routinely survey neighborhoods to assess the condition of properties. As a Highlands Ranch homeowner, we know you also take pride in the condition of your property. It is our desire to work with each homeowner to keep the community well-maintained while being sensitive to the current drought situation.

Fence Maintenance As regular lawn maintenance starts to decline through the fall and winter months, many residents take the opportunity to

The HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines encourage homeowners to

address their fences. Regular maintenance

xeriscape their properties using drought-tolerant plantings and other water

of fencing is required. Broken pickets, top

conservation methods in landscaping. For xeriscaping ideas, visit www.hrcaonline.

caps and trim boards may need repair

org/xeriscape to review our suggestions and obtain links to our partners at

and/or replacing.

Centennial Water and the CSU Extension Bureau for further consultation.

As the fall season is now upon us, it is great time to plan and implement a xeriscape plan. This is the guideline the HRCA has for Xeriscape: Committee Approval is required. Using drought tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods of landscaping is encouraged; however, the design must be approved. A landscape that contains less than 50% sod in the “front” and/or “rear” yards, or “side” yards wider than 15 feet, shall be considered xeriscape.

Our office has received numerous phone calls from homeowners confused about the 50% rule stated in this guideline. Homeowners here in Highlands Ranch may xeriscape up to 100% of their yard. The only stipulation being that they must submit their plan to the Architectural Committee for approval. The Committee will review the plan to determine that the design includes an adequate number of plantings for the lot size. Remember that “xeriscape” does not mean “zero maintenance”, the goal is to reduce water consumption by using drought tolerant plants, trees, and grasses along with mulch, rock and other ground cover in the design. So for those of you putting in landscape or wanting to change your landscape, the HRCA would

T r e e T r i mm i ng The fall season is the appropriate time to trim dead branches and remove dead trees. By addressing now, you can avoid additional damage to your property that may arise when the snow accumulation breaks the limbs in question.

For more information, visit www.

HRCAonline.org/homeowners.

encourage the use of xeriscape for your plans.

Remember to schedule you irrigation shut-off and sprinkler blow outs before the October freeze commences and get your fall fertilizer application down to ensure a beautiful spring lawn free of weeds.

B o a r d U p d at e s The September Board Meeting Motions are available at www.HRCAonline.org.

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

3

I

ranch updates a delicious

Get your flu sho t Flu season is here! OnPoint Urgent Care

way to benefit

Centers and the HRCA have partnered to

h i gh l a nd s r a n c h

protect you this flu season. Everyone should be vaccinated

students

annually. It is especially important that high-risk individuals, such as those with asthma, lung disease, diabetes, pregnant women, or anyone 65 years or older be vaccinated early in the season.

Don't wait to protect yourself and your family. No appointment is necessary, just drop in to Eastridge on Tuesday, October 2, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Cost for the flu shot is just $20. For ages three and up. Parental consent required for children under 18.

ZUM BATHON On Monday, October 15, stop

P ARTY I N P I N K F OR B REAST CA N CER A W ARE N ESS Join the Party in Pink movement and come groove

by the Highlands Ranch Corner

for a cure! October is Breast Cancer Awareness

Bakery Cafe for a free cup of coffee!

month. On Saturday, October 6, 10:00 a.m. - noon

While you are there, help support

at Northridge the HRCA Fitness Department is

the Highlands Ranch Community

hosting a Zumbathon charity event in honor of

Scholarship Fund by ordering a meal. Corner Bakery is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship by donating a

those affected by breast cancer. Tickets may be purchased at any recreation center for $15 and proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Also available the day of the event will be Zumbawear Party in Pink clothing and other local vendors. Call 303-471-7048 for more information.

portion of the day's sales.

Enjoy the food and support a

THERAPEUTIC RE c fun d ra is e r Donate your gently used items to our upcoming HRCA Indoor Garage Sale to

Highlands Ranch high school senior

benefit the HRCA Therapeutic Recreation program for kids with special needs.

for the 2013 scholarship program.

Drop off items at Southridge on September 14, 24, October 3, 9, & 11. Then, come shop the garage sale on Saturday, October 13, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Eastridge. For more information, contact 303-471-7043 or summer.aden@ hrcaonline.org.

2013 Com mun it y Cal en dar The 2013 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photographs taken right here in the Ranch and keeps you up-to-date each month on fun community events and programs, scheduled facility closures, and more! Watch for the new calendar to be available for purchase at any recreation center soon!

4

October 2012

I

upcoming events

paranormal party

fall craft show This two-day show features items that have been handcrafted by the artists. The majority of the crafters are from the Highlands Ranch area and have gone through a rigorous jury to ensure uniqueness of product and quality of craftsmanship. You will be delighted at the creativity shown in their work. Items include jewelry, bath products, pottery, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, wreaths, baby and children’s articles, fused glass, and hand-knit items. The Fall Craft Show is the perfect

Spirit PI has conducted paranormal

place to find that unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift. Best of all, admission is free!

investigating at the Highlands Ranch Mansion and uncovered spooky

Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge • FREE

findings! Come to the Paranormal Party at the Mansion to discover for yourself whether or not ghosts inhabit the mansion.

i nd o o r g a r a g e s a l e “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure!” The HRCA hosts its Annual Indoor Garage Sale on Saturday, October 13, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Admission is free to this one-stop shopping extravaganza. Search for one-of-a-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/events.

Come early to find the best deals, and don’t forget your wallet!

Saturday, October 13 • 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • Eastridge • Booth prices $10 Member, $15 Guest in advance, $20 at the door (if not sold out) • Admission is Free

Spirit PI will be on hand to lead the hunt. Explore the mansion during cocktail time then attend a presentation of “Things That Go Bump in the Night” by Spirit PI. Then it's on to ghost hunting with the professionals! Wine and beer will be available for purchase. Light snacks and soda are complimentary.

Visit www.spiritpi.com to get a peek at what Spirit PI does. This will be a unique evening for those 21+ years of age.

• HRCA Farmers’ & Street Market – Every Sunday through October 28, 10:00 am. - 2:00 p.m., Town Center South. This open air market features breads, fruits, vegetables from the Farmers’ Market and handbags, accessories, cooking utensils, and more from the Street Market all season long!

• Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair – Whether you're shopping for yourself or looking for that special holiday gift, this is the perfect opportunity to find beautiful jewelry, scarves, purses, and much more. Saturday, November 3, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Eastridge.

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

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

Saturday, October 17 or 18 • 6:30 8:45 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • $25 Member, $30 Guests • Tickets are available by calling 303-471-8859 or at any recreation center. All tickets are $30 the day of the event if not sold out.

5

I

recreation aquatics/sports/fitness NEW TWO-WEEK SWIM LESSONS Take advantage of Monday-Thursday lessons for two weeks to experience a concentrated swim lesson opportunity at Westridge.

This is a great opportunity to get a daily reinforcement of skills. These new classes are expected to fill quickly so don’t wait to sign-up. For more information or to register visit www.

HRCAonline.org or contact 303-471-8867 or losborne@ hrcaonline.org. new drop-in fitness procedures

CONGRATULATIONS SEAHAWKS SWIM TEAM! The Highlands Ranch Seahawks have a new title this season: Mountain Hi Swim League

The HRCA has implemented several

Division A Champions! With a team of 246 swimmers, they won four out of five dual

new changes to our drop-In fitness

meets and placed 8th overall at the Summer Club State meet. If you want to get involved

class passes and check-in procedures.

with 2012 Seahawks Winter Programs or the 2013 Seahawks Summer Swim Teams, contact kcornelison@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8942.

All punch cards and unlimited passes can now be loaded onto your

KINDER FOOTBALL starting soon

Membership Card. In the effort to

Who's ready for some football? This program introduces the game

transition everyone over to the new

of Football to ages 3-5 on Friday evenings at Westridge. Within

system, we are offering a redemption

this organized setting, participants learn basic skill development

incentive. If you turn in your old paper

and will even scrimmage against each other. Parent participation is

punch card to any recreation center,

highly encouraged. For more information, contact 303-471-8849 or

we will load your remaining punches

dmain@hrcaonline.org.

onto your Membership Card and give you an additional FREE class.

All Punch Cards now expire six months from date of purchase. We also offer a 30-day Unlimited Drop-In Class pass so you can now purchase the Annual Unlimited Drop-In Class Pass at any time during the year.

Remember you now need to check in for your drop-in fitness class at the front desk. Thank you for your patience during this time of change.

6

YOUTH RACQUETBALL & TENNIS CAMPS Leaves are starting to turn and that means fall break for the kiddos is right around the corner! Why not introduce them to a new sport or sharpen up their skill set in a fun racquet sport?

HRCA is offering both youth tennis and racquetball camps designed to fit the bill! The racquetball youth fall break camp is October 15-19. This five-day fundamental camp for ages 7-11 is offered at 9:00 - 9:55 a.m. and 3:00 - 3:55 p.m. Camps for ages 12-16 is 10:00 - 10:55 a.m. and 4:00 4:55 p.m. The youth tennis camp is designed as a three-day intro level camp for ages 7-13.

Campers meet from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. on October 16-18. Both the racquetball and tennis camps are at Northridge on their awesome indoor courts! For more information or to register call 303-471-8940.

October 2012

I

education youth & adult S e tti n g th e m u p f o r S u cc e ss Now that school is underway, you may find your child is looking for something to assist them in their transition to the classroom. Our Social Friendship Skills classes are designed to help your child adjust to social situations he or she may be struggling with. Children are led through a journey of social self-discovery and are taught skills to

help them overcome social challenges.

Designed for ages 3-4, 5-8 or 9-11, these classes are popular and can make a difference in your child’s adjustment back to school. For more information, call 303-471-8818.

Fa l l B r e a k F u n - s p e n d y o u r b r e a k w ith u s We have a number of programs for your child during Fall Break, October 15-19. If you are looking for a full-day program, consider Day Camp at Southridge. Children will go on a field trip, have special visits, and participate in art, cooking, and swimming. Day Camp is open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

If your child is artistic, try the Fall Fiesta Camp at Southridge for ages 5-11. Or, try Fall Eats and Spooky Treats, a great cooking camp for kids ages 5-8 and 9-12 who love to be in the kitchen. These popular programs will fill quickly so be sure to get your spot.

If your child likes to get technical with their hands, try the Jedi Engineering classes at Eastridge. These popular classes are for ages 5-7 or 7-11.

For your 3-6 year old who loves to be active, get enrolled in our fall break Tumbling Camp. This camp includes crafts, games, and tumbling. For more information on these Fall Break Camps, call 303-471-8928.

5 th A n n u a l J o n D . Wi l l i a m s C o ti l l i o n Be sure to have your child join us for this very popular etiquette program at Southridge, facilitated by the world-renowned Jon D. Williams Cotillions. The third grade class is November 4. Club Cotillion for grades 4-5 and Survival Etiquette Skills for grades 6-8 begin on October 28. These fun classes are not just about dancing

but incorporate important modern day etiquette with regards to cell phone use and social networking. Participants have a great time while learning essential skills. For more information, call 303-471-8928 or to register visit www.cotillion.com.

N e w D r a m a S e r i e s f o r y o u n g a ct o r s Two new drama productions begin this month. Oz, an adapted version of the Baum Classic, The Wizard of Oz, begins October 3 and 4. Bah Humbug, our holiday classic, begins October 7. These productions are a wonderful way to get your child

engaged in performance and learn important skills like public speaking, self-confidence, and memorization. Be sure to enroll them in these popular productions before they fill up. For more information, call 303-471-8928.

D r e ss f o r a M e ss - P o tt e ry f o r a l l a g e s This month, get your family enrolled in one of our pottery classes. Creepy Critters, Ghosts and Goblins, and Magic Kingdom are all wonderful clay arts programs for children ages 2½-6.

These morning classes at the Southridge pottery studio are a great way to let

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

your child get messy while creating a masterpiece. For your older children, Beginning Hand Building and Intro to Wheel are a great opportunity for ares 8-16. Or, try a parent/teen wheel class for something you can do with your teenager! If you’re looking for an artistic outlet for just you, we offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced wheel classes to meet the needs of any skill level. Join us! For more information, call 303-471-8853.

7

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID

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

HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT#170

Find what you need on Click It! www.HRCAonline.org/clickit

Scan with your smartphone to visit Click It! now ď‚š Facility closures October 5-7 - Eastridge basketball courts & track closed for Fall Craft Show.

October 12-13 - Eastridge basketball courts closed for Indoor Garage Sale.

October 26-27 - Eastridge basketball courts closed for Trick or Treat Street.

October 31 - All recreation centers close at 8:00 p.m. for Halloween.

Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.

October|events

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 9/30/12.

community partners

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

October 6

Wildcat Mountain 5/10/20 Mile Run

October 6-7

Fall Craft Show

October 6

Zumbathon Party in Pink

October 9

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

October 13 Indoor Garage Sale October 16

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

October 17-18

Paranormal Party

October 26-27

Haunted Hayrides

October 26-27

Haunted Forest

October 27 Trick or Treat Street * These meetings are at Eastridge and open to our members.

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