HRCA October 2023 Newsletter

HRCA NEWS

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN FUN!

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

Does your house stand out as the spookiest one in the neighborhood? Decorate your house spooktacularly? and let everyone see it by adding it to our Halloween House Decorating Map. Share your address, and submit your photos and information by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12. Maps will be available online on Friday, October 13. For forms and location map visit HRCAonline.org/HalloweenHouse.

October 2023

The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest in the Backcountry Wilderness Area runs Friday, October 20, through Saturday, October 21. Discover what’s lurking behind every tree and bush in this three-quartermile creep through the woods. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised.

Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for young adults (ages 16 and older) with special needs is Friday, October 27, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress-up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! For more information or to volunteer, call 303-471-7043.

Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, Friday, October 27 through Saturday, October 28, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., where spooky tales and winding trails sum up this fun family adventure! Stockton's Plum Creek Stables hosts this spine-tingling Halloween tour! Concessions will be available for purchase. Buy tickets at HRCAonline.org/Boo.

Express your creative side all month long 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.

For details on all the fun ways to make the most of your family's Halloween season, visit HRCAonline.org/Boo.

HAUNTED FOREST FUNDRAISER

What’s hiding in the woods? Support the Backcountry Wilderness Area and find out. All funds generated through Haunted Forest tickets benefit the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund. The mission of this 501(c3) nonprofit is to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. It’s certainly a cause worth getting spooked for! For more information, visit HRCAonline.org/backcountryfriends.

• Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21

• 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

• Rocky Heights Middle School (Trail-head) - 11033 Monarch Blvd.

• General Admission: $13, Fast Pass Ticket: $23

2024 BUDGET PLANNING

HRCA staff is in the midst of the 2024 budget process. CEO reviews took place in early September. The Board of Directors and the Finance Committee reviewed the draft budgets with staff on Monday, September 11. The draft budget was presented to the Delegates on Tuesday, September 19, and posted to the HRCA website under the Financial Information page. Minor revisions, if any, to the budget will be posted on the website through Friday, October 13. The Delegates will be asked to approve the 2023 budget on Tuesday, October 17.

LOOKING AHEAD…

November 4:

Older Adult Health and Resource Fair

Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon

November 7:

Classical Music Series: Transfigured Night

November 9:

Veterans' Concert

November 11:

Holiday Gift Fair

November 13:

Pottery Sale

November 18:

The Nutcracker Highlights

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

GENERAL MANAGER MIKE BAILEY

Dear Highlands Ranch Residents,

The month of October reminds us that the fall season is here; our landscape has become mystical with leaves changing color, families have settled into back-to-school routines, light jackets are donned and water cooler talks frequently include fall sport topics. Whatever you plan on doing to celebrate the season, make it safe, and remember to keep an eye out for some of our fall programs and events. Here are a few things I would like to share and celebrate this month:

HRCA Draft 2024 Budget: The HRCA Staff, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors have been reviewing budget proposals for 2024. This extensive process commenced in August and adoption/approval is slated for Tuesday, October 17, at 6:00 p.m., at the monthly Board of Director/Delegate meeting.

Delegates: All of the HRCA Delegates are required to be property owners and they are elected by members of a neighborhood district or appointed by a sub-association Board. As representatives of their respective districts, Delegates cast votes on lot-based allocations as enumerated in the Community Declaration in approving the annual budget. Delegates meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics about HRCA. Additionally, the Delegate body votes on amending the association’s bylaws, approves the usage of the recreation centers and Backcountry Wilderness Area and elects the association’s five-member Board of Directors. Check out our website, HRCAonline.org for additional information about becoming a delegate.

Community Partners: The HRCA’s Community Partners (sponsors) help to bring our community approximately 90 events annually that vary in nature from children to adult programs. This sponsorship program provides exclusive marketing opportunities to our partners, with visibility in our facilities and at our community events. Thank you to all of our current Community Partner. If anyone has an interest in becoming a Community Partner, please visit our website at HRCAonline.org for additional information.

Community Events: October officially kicks off the holiday season here in Highlands Ranch, and you are cordially invited to experience the seasonal magic by attending some of our festive events! Take advantage of the spooky season by attending one of our newest events, Colorado’s Most Haunted, where you can ask real ghost hunters all your questions. As the season progresses, we will host our annual Classical Music Series, Nutcracker performance, and ever popular holiday event Christmas in the Ranch in Town Center.

I look forward to spending this fall season with you. I hope you all get a chance to take advantage of our volunteer opportunities, which are a great way to meet other neighbors and get involved at HRCA.

I am thankful and proud to be in this HRCA community.

My best, Mike

Bailey

2 | October 2023

M-F: 5:00 a.m.

9:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m.

8:00 p.m.

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 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. HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.

4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

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SATURDAY:

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SUNDAY:

HAPPY OCTOBER AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Leaves will be turning, lawns will need to be fertilized and Halloween decorations will be out in full force! Residents are still in recovery from the tornado in July. Be courteous of your neighbors and any construction that may be occurring. The CIS department is still consistently receiving submittals for home improvement regarding tornado damage. In August, we received 924 submittals for improvements.

Outside of the historical tornado, this is the time of year that is ideal to prepare your lawns for the up-and-coming winter months. It's the perfect time to ensure your lawn is fertilized, all dead ornamental grass is trimmed down, and any dead branches or plants are removed. Weeds that may have been sprayed and died, need to be removed from the roots to ensure they do not return in the spring.

Though it seems way off, this is the best time to plan for the season ahead and plan out your spring projects. There was a significant amount of damage from the tornado over multiple areas within Highlands Ranch and we are still recovering. If you are thinking about what to do with that now ‘open hole’ or have an area that never quite grew correctly, this is the time to think about xeriscaping. The HRCA recently held a live webinar devoted to xeriscaping 101. Not interested in xeriscaping? No problem! The HRCA welcomes all types of new landscaping from artificial turf to hardscaping. Our Residential Improvement Guidelines are the perfect place to start. You can find these guidelines by going to our website HRCAonline.org/property-owners and click on Residential Improvement Guidelines.

We are continuing to work hard and appreciate our residents having patience while we continue to deal with the aftermaths from the tornado with those residents who were not affected. Do not hesitate to reach out to us Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., either in-person or by phone at 303-471-8821. We have a wealth of valuable information for you on the website as well at HRCAonline.org. You can also reach us by email at covenant@hrcaonline.org.

FLU SHOT CLINIC

Flu shots (free with most insurances) will be administered by Safeway Pharmacists.

• Thursday, October 12

• 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Flu shot price with no insurance - $42

• Southridge Recreation Center, Wildcat Auditorium4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Highlands Ranch holds its own photo worthy sunsets. Beautiful colors of orange, pinks, russets in combination with the fading blues and darkening clouds is unbeatable.

During the middle of the night though, it is important to remember the rules of exterior lighting in Highlands Ranch. Café lighting, vine lighting, motion detectors and track lighting are all located under section 2.44, Lights and Lighting. Above all, HRCA supports Douglas County's efforts towards "Dark Skies" (www.douglas.co.us/planning/ development-review-regulations/ development-info-assistance/ development-outdoor-lighting)

Approval is required for new/ replacement exterior lights and lighting. Exterior lighting for security and/or other uses must be directed at the ground/house, whereby the light cone stays within the property boundaries and the light source does not cause glare to other properties. Any form of track lighting in Highlands Ranch will not be approved. Café/string lights are not permitted in the front of the home.

For any questions regarding your exterior lighting, contact our office:

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

303-471-8821

covenant@hrcaonline.org.

COMMUNITY NEWS HRCAonline.org | 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

VETERANS' FUNDRAISER: COMEDY NIGHT

YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH - MYTHS OF MENOPAUSE AND WOMEN'S HEALTH

Join us for an informative virtual event as we delve into the world of menopause and debunk myths surrounding women's health. Gain accurate information, practical insights, and expert advice. Don't miss this empowering experience!

• Wednesday, October 4

• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

(Registration required)

• Zoom

CLASSICAL MUSIC SERIES

We are proud to present this exciting three-part Classical Music Series at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Each unique performance will feature a selection of members from the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy self-guided tours of the Mansion before each concert. Prepare to be captivated!

• Tuesday, October 10 -

Unsung Voices

• Tuesday, November 7 -

Transfigured Night

• Tuesday, December 5Holidays with Harp and Flute

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25

• Highlands Ranch Mansion9950 Gateway Dr.

Come enjoy an evening of comedy at the Southridge Auditorium to honor your Highlands Ranch Veterans! Tickets will raise funds for USO, Fischer House Foundation, Project Sanctuary and HUDVASH. Must be 21+ to attend. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Must have ID to purchase and consume alcohol.

• Wednesday, October 13

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25 (All proceeds will be donated to Veteran's organizations)

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

COOKIES WITH A COP

Come meet your local Douglas County Sheriff's Deputies. These informal conversations give residents and business owners a chance to connect with the police in a relaxed atmosphere. Stop by and have a cookie and get to know your local law enforcement. Each of these events are free and great for all ages!

• Wednesday, October 18

• 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

• Free to attend

• Northridge Recreation Center - 8800 Broadway.

DUELING PIANOS

Get ready to do more than just listen – you'll interact with singing, dancing, and song requests! Our talented pianists from HowlAtTheMoon will bring your favorite tunes to life. Ages 16+ recommended (contains some adult humor), 21+ for alcohol purchase and consumption. IDs will be checked.

• Friday, October 20

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

• $25

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

COLD CASES AND COCKTAILS

Experience the next level of true crime investigtion! Join us for an unique event where we unravel the motivations of a criminal mind and the techniques behind solving the crime. Grab a cocktail, sit back, and get ready to explore a pending case. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening!

• Thursday, October 26

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

• $25

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

4 | October 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

COLORADO'S MOST HAUNTED

Don't miss this brand-new, chilling encounter as SpiritPI returns, unveiling further mysteries of the Highlands Ranch Mansion and other infamous haunted Colorado locations. Prepare for a night of unparalleled intrigue and supernatural exploration! Suggested 18+ for this event.

• Saturday, October 28

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $27

• Southridge Recreation Center (Auditorium) - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR

This one-day show is the perfect opportunity to find those special gifts for yourself or someone 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, bath products, holiday gifts, and more! You will be delighted with the quality and selection.

• Saturday, November 11

• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

OLDER ADULT HEALTH AND RESOURCE FAIR

Come learn about health and resources from local service providers. The Highlands Ranch Community Association, Highlands Ranch Metro District, and Senior Outreach of Highlands Ranch have joined forces to bring you these 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 - Noon

• Free to attend

• Eastridge Recreation Center (Gym) - 9568 University Blvd.

VETERANS' CONCERT

Celebrate and pay tribute to our veterans with a special event by The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association. Don't miss out on a remarkable evening filled with patriotic music at the beautiful Highlands Ranch Mansion, brought to you by the acclaimed Denver Pops Orchestra. Join us for a heartfelt salute to our veterans in a setting like no other.

• Thursday, November 9

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $25

• Highlands Ranch Mansion - 9950 Gateway Dr.

• Free to attend

•Eastridge Recreation Center (Gym)9568 University Blvd.

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 familyfriendly performance.

• Saturday, November 19

• 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

• $10

• Southridge Recreation Center4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

HRCAonline.org | 5 Purchase tickets online at HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.

FALL KIDS PROGRAMS

HRCA’s Creative Kid’s programs are a wonderful way for your tot to spend the morning! 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 self-regulation skills. Toddler & Me, Princess Dress Up, 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.

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

16TH ANNUAL WINTER COTILLION

The HRCA Cotillion program is celebrating its 16th Anniversary! Classes for 4th-8th grade students begin Sunday, October 29. Cotillion is a social education program designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience over a 5-year period. Educators, psychologists, and doctors agree that social skills and emotional health are incredibly important in a well-adjusted child’s development. Cotillion provides a forum for students to develop these skills through interactive activities, games, and social dance. The curriculum changes annually and classes are progressive from year to year, but new students are welcome at any grade. The 6-8th grade class will have their final dinner party, again this year, at the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a wonderful holiday experience! For more information: Angela Munger at 303-471-8928.

ADULT FALL CLASSES

Now that fall has really settled in, why not try something new and creative! Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Drawing from Life, Watercolor, Art Journaling, Zen Doodle, Modern Calligraphy, Knitting and a variety of pottery classes are all great options for taping your artistic side. We also are offering a variety of educational seminars, such as Will Seminar, Living Trust and Medicare Made Clear, Foundations of Investing and more! For more information: Alecia Hindman at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

FALL BREAK ALREADY?

Believe it or not, fall break is quickly approaching! From Monday, October 16 through Friday, Octover 20, there are a variety of camps and classes you can get your child involved in at HRCA. Art, Cooking, Movie Making, Snapology and more! For more infomation, Alecia Hindman at alecia.hindman@hrcaonline.org.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR DANCE

Dress up and join us for an evening of fun! Enjoy music, dancing, refreshments and entertainment.

• Friday, October 27

• 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

• $14/$16

• Southridge Recreation Center4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION FALL BREAK SPORTS CAMP

Learn the skills necessary to play a variety of sports. Learn the rules of the games, focusing on good sportmanship, friendship, and teamwork.

• Tuesday, October 17Thursday, October 19

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• $65/$75

• Southridge Recreation Center - 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

6 | October 2023

CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HALF MARATHON

2023 marks the 15th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon in Highlands Ranch! This 13.1-mile scenic trail run utilizes the Douglas County East/West trail and the beautiful HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area trails.

Athletes will receive a long-sleeve technical race shirt, custom finisher medal, all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, and more!

• Saturday, November 4

• 9:00 a.m.

• $75+

• Rocky Heights Middle School - 11033 Monarch Blvd.

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.

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 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

• $150 per team

• Eastridge Recreation Center - 9568 University Blvd.

THE ULTIMATE WORKOUT-DANCE PARTY STYLE!

Zumba takes the "work" out of a workout, by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an intervalstyle, calorie-burning dance fitness party.

CAMP BACKCOUNTRY BREAK CAMPS

When school is out, Camp Backcountry is in! Kids ages 7-13 will enjoy days filled with seasonal activities and exploring in nature. Register for single days or full weeks! For more information, contact Becca Venable at becca.venable@ hrcaonline.org.

FALL AND PICKLEBALL

Head over to the awesome pickleball courts at Westridge! Meet and make new friends who will share your love of the game! HRCA has hired a pickleball pro to take your current game up a notch! Call 303-471-8996 for more information.

HRCAonline.org | 7

9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

FACILITY CLOSURES

October 31 All Recreation Centers close at 5:00 p.m. for Halloween.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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).

Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 9/30/23