HRCA News Sept. 2008

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

september 2009

h i g h l a n d s r a n c h d ay s The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion will once again come alive September 10-12 with Native Americans, a fur trapper, gold panning, wool spinning, mansion tours, horse drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, and much more. New this year, the art and heritage of blacksmithing will be displayed by local blacksmiths. Area families will delight in a day of activity planned to bring old west Highlands Ranch to life! The Highlands Ranch Days Art Show by local elementary school age children returns for the second year to be displayed in the mansion!

indoor turf

A full slate of entertainment featuring song and dance performances by Mile Hi Pow Wow Association, banjo music from Frank Okoren, a raptor program by Hawk Quest, and more.

CJ’s Frozen Custard will once again bring their popular Nathan’s hot dogs and BBQ beef sandwiches in addition to their delicious frozen custard and shaved ice for purchase.

• Thursday and Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Tickets: $4 for adults (ages 13 and up), $2 for children (ages 2 and under are free) Tickets are available only at the gate.

Pancake Breakfast Brings “Hometown Atmosphere” to the Ranch The Highlands Ranch Lions Club annual pancake breakfast is Saturday, September 12, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Feast on pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee while enjoying the beautiful and peaceful grounds of the mansion. The breakfast is separate from the Highlands Ranch Days admission. Adults are $6, children under 12 are $4.

This fundraiser provides necessary funding for the varied programs supported by the Lions Club including Leader Dogs, M.A.T.T. Stickers, Eye Glasses & Eye Exams, International Hearing Dogs, Kids Sight, and the Colorado Lions Camp.

The Recreation Center at Westridge is rolling out the turf this fall! That’s right! New synthetic state-of-the-art artificial turf field is being installed in September! We are creating soccer, lacrosse, and flag football leagues and programs for youth and adults. Team Speed Colorado will be hosting sports conditioning camps throughout the fall for youth and adults. Programs and leagues range from beginner to advanced levels. No need to drive across town anymore, the HRCA turf season is here! For more information contact the Sports Desk at 303-471-8875 or visit hrcaonline.org.

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

1

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. 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.

2

It’s All Right Here ! – In August the HRCA opened up the new Highlands Point Trails in the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Afterwards we had several of our members talking to us about why they live in Highlands Ranch. The HRCA isn’t simply about covenants and recreation centers.

Almost all of the community events sponsored in Highlands Ranch are produced by the HRCA or our sister organization, the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association. From the Summer Concerts, Highlands Ranch Rodeo, Highlands Ranch Days, Arts Festivals, Run Series, Oktoberfest, Taste of Highlands Ranch, the Farmers Market, and many others, it is what we do. It’s all right here and we encourage you to take advantage of it as the HRCA is “Building a lifestyle that you want to live.”

The Value of the HRCA – Long-time resident of the Ranch, Rudy Lukez recently sent me a note about his feelings on the value of the HRCA. Over the past couple of years we have looked at the amount a member of the HRCA pays in comparison to many other communities. For the opportunity to access several hundred thousand square feet of indoor facilities, the Backcountry trails and the events the HRCA and Cultural Affairs Association provide in Highlands Ranch, we are arguably the best deal around. That is compared to a variety of park and recreation districts, municipalities, and other community associations, many of which charge about double what the HRCA assessment is per home and they provide far less per capita. The HRCA is the largest community association in the country and we are often used as a model of how a community should be set up and operated.

HRCA’s New Backcountry Wilderness Area Trails – When you visit the new trails, be sure to take the weather into account. There are more hills and differing terrain that can leave you out in the weather if you aren’t prepared for the changes that happen in Colorado. The Backcountry is over the ridge to the south and the storm patterns can leave you wondering what happened so quickly if you haven’t prepared adequately. If you enjoy the trails or the outdoors, you may want to consider taking one of the HRCA’s guided elk bugling tours this fall. You will be surprised at what we have to offer right in your backyard. Call Eric at 303-471-7078 for more information on Backcountry programs.

Douglas County East-West Trail – In addition to the trails the HRCA has opened, Douglas County will be completing trail sections that will allow a person to travel through the Backcountry Wilderness Area from the Highline Canal on the northwest side of the Ranch to The Bluffs Regional Park south of Lone Tree. These new trails pass through the Backcountry Wilderness Area and you will find some beautiful land not often understood to be part of the Highlands Ranch Community Association. Visiting the Backcountry will show you a real jewel in Highlands Ranch and prove that the HRCA is “Building the Backcountry to be the heart of Highlands Ranch.”

Landscape Maintenance – Remember to maintain your landscaping through the late summer and fall as the time and effort you spend now will pay off in how your property looks to you and your neighbors.

Fyi |

Quarterly Assessments

Look for your 4th quarter assessment invoices which are due October 1st. Visit our web site for direct debit information. For questions regarding your account, please call 303-791-8958.

september 2009

BOA RD corner

By Todd Landgrave, Board President Welcome to a new feature of the HRCA monthly newsletter— the Board Corner. In this regular column, the different members of the HRCA Board of Directors will discuss major initiatives, new projects, challenges, and the overall direction of our community association.

Earlier this year, Board members met and developed a new HRCA vision statement along with six strategic objectives. The vision statement of “Building a lifestyle that you want to live” has begun to appear on the HRCA web site along with other communications. You will undoubtedly see more of it in the future.

So what exactly do we hope to accomplish with this new vision? In short, we want Highlands Ranch to be recognized as the preeminent community in the Denver metro area in which people can live, work, and play. A place where people desire to be residents in order to enjoy first-class recreation amenities (recreation centers, wilderness trails, parks, and open space), social activities (concerts, parades, and cultural activities), strong educational institutions, and a vibrant business community. We believe Highlands Ranch is well on the way to achieving this status and recognition. We also see areas where we can improve.

The Board has adopted the following strategic objectives to assist in achieving this vision: • Building the Backcountry Wilderness Area to be the heart of Highlands Ranch • Championing environmental stewardship & sustainability • Recognizing community contributions and promoting opportunities for involvement • Community leaders representing the best interests of the residents in Highlands Ranch • Creating the foundation for collaborative governance • Providing first class recreational amenities and programming Each of these items will be discussed in a future Board Corner. In addition, you should be able to tie all of HRCA’s activities to at least one of these objectives.

As we achieve this vision, everyone will benefit and Highlands Ranch will continue to be a great place to live, work, and play. We hope you will join us in “Catching the Vision.”

HOA NEWS |

At the August 18, 2009 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Accepted the comments from the August 5 Development Review Committee meeting Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee 1 property for failure to remove a commercial vehicle 3 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 3 properties for failure to remove unsightly materials Accepted the June 30, 2009 Financial Statements as recommended by the Finance Committee

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Your yard knows that August is the warmest month of the year.

Our blue grass lawns look stressed due to the rising temperatures and begin to turn brown. Here are some suggestions to help you keep your lawn green during the late summer heat. Lawns require one to two inches of water per week. If some areas of your lawn are looking drier than other areas, check your sprinkler system to ensure that water is reaching the entire lawn. Make sure that during the watering cycle your lawn is getting at least an inch of water a week. Readjusting the sprinkler heads for better coverage, adding additional sprinkler heads, and increasing watering time will turn your brown lawn green.

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

board motions

Approved a Management Agreement between the HRCA and Coventry Ridge Patio Home Association, Inc.

3

I

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 Frances Frances

Reichardt has

been

–

Larry Perkins – Larry has

a

been

a

Delegate

from

volunteer for hrca for

District 9, Officer of the

nine years, currently serving

Public Issues Committee,

as a delegate. Frances also

and

has been a part of the

Highlands Ranch Cultural

Golden Highlanders, the

Affairs

original senior group and

Currently, Larry is an HRCA

has participated in numerous community events. Being

representative to the Douglas County Art Encounters

retired has given Frances the opportunity to give back.

program. Larry feels that serving the community is time

Frances highly recommends volunteering for HRCA saying,

and energy well spent and it brings a sense of belonging

“All the staff at hrca have always made it a rewarding

and contribution. Larry’s favorite events in Highlands

and fun experience.” Frances’s favorite place in Highlands

Ranch are those involving the arts. Thank you for your

Ranch is the Mansion. We appreciate Frances and her

dedicated service, Larry!

Member Advisory

of

the

Group.

dedication!

A r t E n c o u n t e r s 2 0 0 9 P e o p l e ’ s C h o i c e Awa r d Art Encounters is a year-long outdoor sculpture exhibit that is

Then join us on September 18 at the Recreation Center at

showcasing 12 sculptures in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker,

Southridge from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and

and Castle Rock. The sculptures are currently on display. Visit

find out which artist will receive the 2009 People’s Choice Award.

the sculptures then vote for your favorite at www.douglas.co.us/

Cash bar will be available.

artencounters/vote4art.php.

c a r e e r fa i r Yes,

there

are

jobs

available

This free event takes place Wednesday, September 16, 11:00

out there! Join us for the Career

a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southridge. Vendor

Fair as the HRCA partners with

booths are available, but limited. For more information, visit

the Chamber of Commerce of

highlandsranchchamber.org or call 303-791-3500.

Highlands Ranch to bring employers and potential employees together.

4

september

2009

I

upcoming events oktoberfest celebration & 5K Run/walk Gather your family and friends together for great food, music, and of course, great authentic German bier. Children will enjoy magic, balloons, inflatables, and games.

Start your day off with the Oktoberfest 5K ($30 Prerace registration) at 12:30 p.m. More information on the run can be found at highlandsranchrunseries.com.

Join us for the annual Dachshund races at 3:00 p.m.

Race registration is 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Test your strength in the new Strongest Man/Woman Challenge from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Sign up in advance, Activity # 523776, $5 per entry.

Saturday, September 19 • 2:00 – 10:00 p.m. • Town Center • Admission is free!

(Cash or credit card will be accepted for bier and food purchases.)

M OT H ER & SO N M AS Q UERA D E B ALL

d o gg i e splash & dash Doggie Dash – Take Rover for a 1.6-mile stroll along the Marcy Gulch trail. Every dog that participates gets a prize. (Doggie Splash fee is separate.)

Sunday, September 13 • 9:30 a.m. • Westridge • Tickets: $5 per dog Doggie Splash – Calling all nice doggies!

Come for a cool swim. Dogs must be at least six months old and current on all vaccinations. You must stay at the event with your dog. Breed restrictions may apply. Visit HRCAonline.org for details.

Limit two dogs per adult.

Here’s something unique for mothers and sons to do together! Creating special memories, the evening includes a complimentary mask, dancing, a commemorative photo by Barry Staver Photography, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and a fun craft. Call 303471-8859 to purchase tickets.

Sunday, September 13 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. • Westridge Outdoor Pool • Tickets: $5 per dog members, $10 per dog program guests

Friday, September 25 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • Tickets: $25 each person for Members and $33 each person for Program Guests. • Tickets sold at the door (if not sold out). Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

CO M P UTER RECYCLI N G

• Farmers’ Market – Every Sunday through October 25, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Town Center • Beer Tasting – Saturday, October 3, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., $15 Members, $17 Program Guests the day of the event (if not sold out). Rocky Bottom Brewery hosts this evening mixing learning with pleasure! Rick Abitbol, head brew master leads the class bringing many, many different types of beer he has been brewing. No one under 21.

• Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair – Calling all exhibitors! Saturday, November 7, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Eastridge. Go to HRCAonline.org for an application. For more information call 303-471-8854.

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

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

Properly and safely dispose of old electronic components.

For general event information call 303-791-2500 or visit HRCAonline.org.

Saturday, September 26 • 8:00 a.m.

– 1:00 p.m. • Town Center • Free* (a suggested donation of $20 to benefit Highlands Ranch Scholarship Fund and the Cultural Affairs Association) *Additional charge for T.V.’s - $20 small, $40 large

5

I

recreation sports & fitness RED CROSS CPR & FIRS T AI D Learn Adult CPR and first aid skills to last a lifetime and possibly help save a life. Visit HRCAonline.org or contact losborne@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8942 for more information.

YOUTH & ADULT BASKETBALL & volleyball The 2009 HRCA Youth 5v5 Pre-Winter Basketball League is a six-game regular season for ages 9-12. Teams will receive two preseason practices. Games begin Friday, September 11.

Participants are required to purchase an HRCA jersey (available at the Recreation Center at Eastridge) prior to the season. Cost for the jersey is not included in the registration.

Activity Guide Correction!

The new Activity Guide experienced a printing error. The Friday fitness

The 2009 HRCA Adult Fall Basketball and Volleyball seasons are just around the corner.

Leagues include eight regular season games plus playoffs. Leagues for both Basketball and Volleyball begin the week of September 28. Basketball leagues are played on Sunday (35+), Monday (C & C+), Tuesday (B), and Wednesday (D & D+) nights. Volleyball leagues are played on Monday (Women’s 4v4) and Thursday (BB, B, & C) nights.

classes were not included in the final fitness schedule spreadsheet. All

ADULT INDOOR TURF FLAG FOO TBALL

Friday classes are still up and running.

Come out and participate in the NEW turf sports at the Recreation Center at Westridge. In early September, we start Coed and Men’s Indoor Flag Football Leagues, which include eight regular season games and a double elimination tournament. Coed teams play Thursdays and Men’s teams on Sundays. Youth leagues are also available. For more information visit the current Activity Guide or contact kgarbarino@hrcaonline.org.

For the most current schedule, please visit our web site or call the Fitness Desk at 303-471-7042.

New Martial Arts Op t i o n f o r F a l l !

People’s Kenpo Karate is introducing beginning Kenpo Karate for ages sixadult and the Safe Side Kids Karate Program,

a

stranger

awareness

program for ages 3½ - 12! Also taught by People’s Kenpo Karate will be Beginning Kickboxing and Introduction to Mixed Martial Arts.

Details are in the fall Activity Guide or please call the Fitness Desk at 303-471-7042.

YOUTH INDOOR TURF BOX LACROSSE Join us for boys and girls Indoor Youth Box Lacrosse at Westridge. This is a great way to keep your lacrosse skills fresh year round. The fall season is September 12 – October 24. Games are played on Saturdays. There are six regular season games and a single elimination playoff.

Sign up now while there are still spots available!

INDOOR TURF SOCCER LEAGUES HRCA has new indoor turf. Get your Co-ed and Men’s Open or Youth team together and participate in these fast-paced, exciting soccer leagues. Why go anywhere else to play? We have the lowest team fees around and an eight game guarantee! Price is for team registration.

Hurry, leagues will fill fast! Register now for100% HRCA member teams.

6

september 2009

I

education youth & adult ACT ® / SAT ® Test Prep Classes Do you want your child to be

and expectations for the test? Throughout the upcoming academic

academically

for

year, HRCA will offer test preparation classes for the ACT® and

college entrance exams? Would you

SAT®/PSAT®. Taught by a National Board Certified Teacher

like your child to have an “edge”

with fifteen years of experience in standardized test preparation,

over the competition? Do you think

the classes offer test-taking strategies, practice tests, personalized

it would help if they were familiar

feedback, and study materials that students can keep for ongoing

and comfortable with the format

practice. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.

well-prepared

Tutoring Program HRCA is proud to offer a variety of classes that will help your child

does your child like to be in the pool? Our tutors will use the pool

succeed in school. If a child is struggling in a particular subject or is

as a way to work out math word problems in a tangible way. Using

unable to meet certain bench marks, addressing those issues can be

these non-traditional methods, one-on-one with a child allows

challenging in an academic setting. We want to provide your child

different environments to challenge the student academically while

an opportunity to get some extra attention in a non-threatening

developing an interest in the subject as well. For more information,

and fun atmosphere. Our instructors and facilities can offer a new

please call 303-471-8818.

environment to help your student learn the basics. For instance,

Ready, Set, Count!

Has your child missed the cut-off date of October 1 for

listening

skills,

and

following

kindergarten? Has your child started kindergarten and just isn’t

directions. These are the building

ready yet? HRCA offers a Jr. Kindergarten class that will assist

blocks for future academic pursuits

your child in preparing socially and academically for kindergarten.

that include phonics, writing, math,

Setting your child up for success in their early years is pivotal for

and reading. For more information

long term academic success. Giving your child an opportunity to

please call, 303-471-8881.

exercise their cognitive skills at an early age, allows them to develop a comfort with memorization, letter and concept recognition,

Incredible Edible Science It’s no secret that kids often like to play with their food. For many

11-13 year old, can join our kitchen lab and create fun experiments

kids, being creative, trying, and tasting new things is part of their

that will not only be enjoyable to eat, but will also introduce your

basic development, plus its fun! Have your 3-5 year old join us for

kids to ingredients they may not have been willing to try before! For

our edible art class. You and your child will get to experiment in the

more information, please call 303-471-8853.

kitchen together making fun edible creations based on themes. Your

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

7

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO

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

PERMIT#170

facility closures Outdoor pools to close for the season: Northridge – Tuesday, Sept. 8 Eastridge – Tuesday, Sept. 8 Westridge – Sunday, Sept. 13 Southridge – Monday, Sept. 14 All outdoor pools end-of-season hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Southridge outdoor pool: Open weekends only, beginning Tuesday, September 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

September|events

For event details, see pages 4 & 5 or visit HRCAonline.org.

September 8 Committee Chair Workshop (CCW), 6:00 p.m.

September 16 Career Fair

September 10-12

Highlands Ranch Days

September 13

Doggie Splash & Dash

September 18 Art Encounters – 2009 People’s Choice Award Reception

September 15

RAC* & Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. *Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates, open to the public

September 19 Oktoberfest Celebration, 5K Run/

Walk & 100 yard dash September 25

Mother & Son Masquerade Ball

September 26 Computer/Electronics Recycling

community partners Preferred provider

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).