NEWS
October 2020
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN! Halloween is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, and the HRCA has activities for everyone! Trick or treating may or may not be part of your Halloween plans due to COVID this year, but HRCA still has activities planned to make your holiday spooktacular! Does your house stand out as the spookiest one in the neighborhood? Start October off right by decorating your house for everyone to see and adding it to our Halloween House Decorating Map. Just share your address with us and we will add it to the map! The map will be available on October 16. Submit your photo and information by 5:00 p.m. on October 14. For forms and location map visit www.HRCAonline.org/HalloweenHouse. Kick off the season with a showing of the movie Hocus Pocus in the Backcountry Wilderness Area on October 2. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m and the show will start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at www.HRCAonline.org/ BackcountryMovies. The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest in the Backcountry Wilderness Area will be on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised. Learn more at www.HRCAonline.org/HauntedForest or see page 7 for more details.
On Wednesday, October 28, spend an evening with Detective Shannon Jensen from the Douglas County Sheriff Office at virtual Cold Cases and Cocktails. Hear the chilling details of real-life local crimes and murders. For another fun event, check out the Happy Hour Tasting Series featuring Halloween Cocktails on October 29. Learn more about both of these events inside on page 5. On Saturday, October 31, kick off your Halloween evening with Spooky Stories in our Backcountry from 11:00 a.m. - Noon. Kids (ages 3-6) will enjoy a kid-friendly spooky story, a Halloween craft, and will have a blast trying to get through the giant spider's web in the forest! Costumes encouraged. Register by visiting www.HRCAonline.org/SpookyStories. .
FACILITY CLOSURES October 31 All recreation centers close at 5:00 p.m. for Halloween. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
CELEBRATE ARTS AND HUMANITIES MONTH The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association joins thousands of arts organizations and communities across the nation to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month throughout October. Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate in what has become the country’s largest annual collective celebration of the arts and humanities. One easy way for you to get involved is to check out the nine sculptures placed around Highlands Ranch as part of the Douglas County Art Encounters program. Art Encounters is a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibit that showcases sculptures in various media and styles displayed in highly visible areas in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Roxborough, and Castle Rock. After you have seen the sculptures, go online and vote for your favorite! Download the free Otocast app on your phone to hear from the artists and learn about each of the sculptures while you are viewing the art. For more information and to vote go to www.HRCAonline.org/ArtEncounters.
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 ©2020 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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JERRY FLANNERY CEO and General Manager Halloween and other fall celebrations are happening this month. Whatever you are doing to celebrate the season, make it a safe and happy holiday for you and the kiddos and remember to keep an eye out for the little ghosts and goblins! The HRCA has some spooky events this month. Our featured events this month include the Haunted Forest on October 23 and 24 located behind Rocky Heights Middle School just off Monarch Blvd, the Halloween House Decorating, Happy Hour Tasting featuring Halloween Cocktails, and a virtual Cold Cases and Cocktails . Be sure to check the web site where all events are listed for your review at HRCAonline.org/Events!
The HRCA Draft 2021 Budget: The HRCA Staff, Finance Committee and Board of Directors have been reviewing the budget proposals for 2021. The Finance Committee Members are volunteers with financial backgrounds from various disciplines. They make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding HRCA’s finances and annual budget. October is the month that the budget will be presented and voted on by the Delegates. This year the meeting will be held on October 20 at 5:30 p.m.
COVID-19 Update: The recreation centers are continuing to operate with safety protocols in place. Masks and temperatures checks continue to be in effect. While the outdoor pools have closed for the season, the indoor pools are open. Due to capacity limitations, reservations are required for the Eastridge Leisure Pool and Southridge Indoor Pools (Activity and Kiddie). Northridge and Westridge Indoor Pools will not require reservations at this time. Please continue to check our web site for the most up to date information.
HOA Compliance: Covenant enforcement is not a favorite topic, but HRCA is here to ensure that property values remain high in the community and that Highlands Ranch remains a great place to live, work, and play. As a covenant controlled community, HRCA is bound by the Community Declaration and other governing documents to enforce the covenants of the community. HRCA is tasked with regular residential and commercial property inspections to ensure compliance and respond to complaints. Residents may encounter HRCA technicians walking on or around properties in the community. Compliance technicians drive HRCA-marked vehicles, or may be on foot, but will always have an HRCA-issued employee badge. Technicians are happy to verify that they are on a property in connection with HRCA business and will also be able to provide a business card with HRCA administrative phone numbers. Many times, to verify a complaint, technicians will take photographs, and may inspect properties by looking over backyard fences. However, a technician will not enter a backyard without prior permission from the property owners.
Member Education: This quarter I would like to provide information about our Delegates. A Delegate is a homeowner either elected by members within a Delegate District or appointed by their sub-association Board to represent such Delegate District and to cast votes on behalf of members within the Delegate District as provided in the Community Declaration. Delegates meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics about the Community Association. Some duties and powers of the Delegate body include amending and approving the community Bylaws, creating rules and regulations for the use and operation of the recreational facilities, proposing increases and/or reductions for the Recreation Function Common Assessments (RFCA’s) necessary for the operation of the Recreation Center and proposing and reviewing improvements to the recreational facilities. Delegates are elected in April of every year to serve the community.
COMMUNITY NEWS Rules for Signs on Your Property As you drive through your neighborhood you might be seeing a variety of signs. We are well in to the political season and here is a reminder as to the rules for political signs: •
Signs may be displayed on a homeowner’s property or in a window no earlier than 45 days before and no later than seven days after the election.
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The maximum size for a political sign is 36 inches by 48 inches.
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Signs may be displayed in the front or side yard or in a window which is visible to the street.
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The number of signs is limited to one sign per political office or ballot issue.
Other Types of Signs: There are a number of other sign types that can be seen throughout Highlands Ranch. On September 15, 2020, the HRCA Board of Directors passed a resolution permitting one social sign per property. •
Signs must not exceed the maximum size of 36 inches by 48 inches.
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Signs cannot contain profanity or vulgar messages.
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Signs must be professional in nature and not handwritten.
ASSESSMENTS • The 4th quarter assessment payment is due on October 1. All four recreation centers now have both an indoor AND outdoor drop box for your convenience. • If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact tina.harris@ hrcaonline.org to set up a payment plan. Please allow 48 hours for a response. • 38.4% of our homeowners pay by automatic payments, it is fast and convenient. You can sign up for autopay through your bank or Zego (formerly PayLease) here: www.gozego.com.
There are 1148 homeowners with balances under $78.00, please check your 4th quarter invoice and adjust your payment to settle your account to zero.
Garage Sale signs are exempt from the above rules as they are only to be displayed the day of the sale. For questions regarding any other type of signage, please check out the Residential Improvement Guidelines at www.HRCAonline.org/Rigs.
Rules for Parking Recreational Vehicles on Streets
STATEMENTS - HELP US GO GREEN!
Summer is officially over, although with Colorado’s weather, it is certainly possible to play outdoors all year long! Please keep in mind the rules regarding recreational vehicles, as our office hear complaints daily about RV’s, mobile homes, boats, campers, etc. These vehicles can be very large- at times impeding traffic, blocking sidewalks, and more. Please be mindful of your neighbors should you have a recreational vehicle at your home for any amount of time.
Twenty percent of our homeowners are sent their quarterly invoices via email. eStatements are convenient and better for the environment.
The Supplemental Declaration and Section 2.46 of the Residential Improvement Guidelines provides that no “recreational vehicles”, “campers”, camper on/off a vehicle, “boats”, “mobile homes”, “horse trailers”, “tractors”, “motor homes”, or “trucks” (other than a pick up truck, may be stored in such a manner as to be visible from any other property for longer than 72 hours in a seven (7) day period…….The purpose of the 72 hours is to load and unload the Recreational Vehicle (RVs), not to provide storage/parking for the unit. RV’s must be stored/parked in a garage, off-site, or as otherwise approved in writing by the Architectural Committee.
Take the worry about mail getting lost and forgetting to go to the mailbox, sign up today. You can sign up for eStatements here: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/ signup. Thanks for helping HRCA go GREEN.
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Join us for the Fall/Winter season, September 16, 2020 - May 14, 2021. HRCA will be bringing back the winter pricing to the golf simulator. The simulator includes 42 PGA caliber courses including Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black, and Castle Pines. WINTER DROP-IN RATES: Member: $10 per 30 minutes Non Member: $15 per 30 minutes WINTER UNLIMITED PASS RATES: Member: $70 monthly, $450 yearly Non-Member: $85 monthly, $530 yearly HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday - Friday: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat/Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Food and Beverages are welcome, but please No alcoholic beverages. You can reserve the golf simulator at any four of our locations in person or call 303-791-2500. You may also reserve the golf simulator online at www.HRCAonline.org/Golf.
UPCOMING EVENTS VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR BEVERAGE TASTINGS 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. DATES: October 1 - Cooking class with Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson and Scarpetta wine pairing Join us for a cooking class taught by award winning Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson as he teaches you how to create one of his delicious pasta dishes, Tagliolini al Portonat, straight out of his new cook book! Throughout the night enjoy wine perfectly paired for this meal from Scarpetta.
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SWING ON DOWN TO THE GOLF SIMULATOR AT NORTHRIDGE!
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HIGHLANDS RANCH
tasting series
UPCOMING HAPPY HOURS: October 15 - Mile High Spirits October 29 - Halloween Cocktails with Chris Motley November 5 - Fall Favorite Cocktails with Chris Motley
SHOW OFF YOUR HALLOWEEN HOUSE DECORATING SKILLS! Love Halloween? Love to go all out and decorate your house? Now you can do both! Decorate your house spooktacularly for Halloween and let everyone see it by adding your house to our Halloween house map. Just share your address with us and we will add it to the map! Submit your photos and information by 5:00 p.m. on October 14. Maps will be available October 16. For forms and location map visit HRCAonline.org/HalloweenHouse.
We are working diligently to provide a clean, safe environment for you, but with all things related to -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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RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS FARMERS' MARKET ENDING SOON! Join us for the last month of the Farmers' Market running Sundays through November 1. Purchase fall crops and gifts from over 25 vendors offering treasures galore. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/FarmersMarket for more information. Sundays, through November 1 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St.
VIRTUAL COLD CASES AND COCKTAILS: GENETICS & GENEOLOGY
Pour your favorite cocktail and learn how Genetics and Genealogy are solving crimes! This popular event returns with a Virtual Presentation on two local cases. Detective Shannon Jensen from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office will present on two Douglas County homicides, Helene Pruszynski and the recently identified Jane Doe, Rebecca Redeker. Detective Jensen will discuss how Investigative Genetec Genealogy works and how they use this technology to solve crimes. You have seen this technology to solve serial murders like that of the Golden State Killer, see how our local Sheriff’s Office is using the same technique to solve these decade old cold cases. Caution: presentation may contain graphic images and discussion. Purchase tickets at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
Get Your Flu Shots Flu season is here! Don't wait to protect yourself and your family. Drop by Eastridge Recreation Center, 9568 University Blvd. on Tuesday, October 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. for your flu shot. No appointment is necessary. Walgreens Pharmacists will be administering the flu shot for $33 (with no insurance), available for anyone age seven and up. Flu Shot is covered by most insurance plans for no out-of-pocket expense, so please remember to bring your insurance cards. Cash or check only - no credit cards. Parental consent is required for children under 18.
• Wednesday, October 28 • 6:30 p.m. • This event will be held virtually over zoom • $10 per household
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
TENNIS SOCIALS SERVE UP FUN! No other sport delivers the wide variety of benefits that tennis does! HRCA offers twice monthly socials at Northridge Tennis Pavilion that serve up fun, fitness, and friendship. What’s more, tennis lets you keep your social distance, without being socially distant! These two-hour socials are geared for all levels, conducted by one of HRCA’s own top professionals, and take place from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday. Registration is required for each social, and may be made through the Tennis Monitor desk at 303-4718996. For more information please contact Marianne McCauley at mmccauley@hrcaonline.org.
Fall Break Sports Camps
Are you searching for a way to keep your child active and engaged over fall break? HRCA Sports offers a variety of camps to keep your child active and moving. From basketball to volleyball, fencing to martial arts–we have it! Basketball camps run in the morning for basic fundamentals and afternoon for basketball shooting. Volleyball camps are Monday and Wednesday afternoons for youth (ages 7-12) and juniors (ages 13-17). Team sports not for your child? We have you covered! Fencing camps are taught by former Olympic gold medalist Maciej Czyzowicz and all equipment is provided! Martial Arts camps are also offered for the week to focus on disciple, self-defense, and fun! For more information please contact Lisa Sheley at lisa.sheley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8838.
2020 HR Race Series The HR Race Series wraps up 2020 in style with our marquee event: the 12th annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon on November 7. Participants will receive a custom event shirt, a gorgeous custom finisher medal, and giveaways. Because of the great course and all the swag this event sells out each year! This year’s race will be socially distance friendly. Head over to HRRaceSeries.org for more information and to get registered before it sells out!
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION FALL BREAK SPORTS CAMP! Join us for TR Fall Break Sports Camp! Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun and recreationbased environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 & older. Registration includes both days. Visit HRCAonline. org/TR for the most current information about the Therapeutic Recreation program offerings, class pricing, and availability. We are currently looking for volunteers interested in helping with our current program offerings; if interested, contact Summer at 303-471-7043 or saden@hrcaonline.org. • Member $60; Program Guest $69 • Southridge Recreation Center • Tues/ Thurs, October 13/15, • 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.
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Learn to Swim This Fall Drowning is the #1 preventable reason for deaths for children under the age of five. HRCA offers small class sizes of two or less swimmers with certified instructors eager to help your children learn skills they will be able to use for a lifetime. Instructors wear face coverings at all times. Classes fill quickly for this very popular program. Enrollment is now available through December. Sign up 24/7 and learn more at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or contact Mindy Polete at 303-471-8867 or email mindy.polete@hrcaonline.org.
Are Swim Privates for You? •
Are you a homeschool family or have daytime availability with hybrid school schedule?
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Are you a high school swimmer looking to keep a competitive edge?
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Are you 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. Be sure to ask about saving money with the bundle discount packs. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/SwimPrivates TODAY to request your private lessons online or call 720-348-8220.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES Adult Fall Classes Now that fall has really settled in, why not try something new and creative! Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Watercolor, Zen Doodle, and a variety of pottery classes are all great options for tapping into your artistic side. We also are offering a variety of educational seminars such as Will Seminar, Living Trust, and Medicare Made Clear. For more information on these classes email alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org or visit HRCAonline.org.
FALL BREAK ALREADY? Believe it or not, fall break is quickly approaching! From October 14-18 there are a variety of camps and classes you can get your child involved in at HRCA. Art, Cooking, Movie Making, and more! For more information, please call 303-471-8928 or visit www.HRCAonline.org/Camps.
Fall Kid’s Programs HRCA’s Creative Kid’s programs are a wonderful way for you to spend a morning with your tot! Have your 3-6 year old join us for these fun Preschool prep classes that help your child learn important social/emotional skills, fine/gross motor skills and healthy coping and selfregulation skills. Toddler & Me, Sibling Rivalry, Kreative Kids, 2 Times the Fun, and Stepping Stones are some of the popular and familiar classes that we look forward to seeing you in this fall! Join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Haunted Forest The gates of the Backcountry Wilderness Area Haunted Forest crack open and reveal sinister scenes for two nights this month on October 23 and 24. Discover what’s lurking behind every tree and bush in this three-quarter-mile creep through the woods. COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Tickets are sold in 30-minute increments to avoid a long wait. For details and tickets, visit HRCAonline.org/HauntedForest. For more information, email lindsey.mckissick@hrcaonline.org.
After School Fitness Fun for Kids! Do your kids want to shake it up after school? We are pleased to announce a Zumba® Kids class starting in October! Classes are for ages 7-12 years old; and the sessions will run for one month, with one class each week. Zumba® Kids classes feature kid-friendly routines based on original Zumba® choreography. Zumba® Kids helps develop a healthy lifestyle and incorporate fitness as a natural part of children's lives by making fitness fun. Classes incorporate key childhood development elements including confidence, self-esteem, memory, creativity, coordination, and cultural awareness. Register now – space is limited! For more information about our Zumba® Kids classes, please visit the Specialty Fitness page at HRCAonline.org/Fitness.
FALL PROGRAMS IN THE BACKCOUNTRY The days are shorter, but there's plenty of time to enjoy the scenes of fall in the Backcountry Wilderness Area! Programs for explorers of all ages include Wellness Walks, Full Moon Hikes, Spooky Storytime, and a Halloween Night program at Base Camp for the kids! For more information, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Backcountry.
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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