NEWS
December 2021
HRCA HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS “There’s no place like home for the holidays!” This is especially true in Highlands Ranch. HRCA has events, classes, and activities to keep your family entertained throughout the season. Santa is busy making his list of good girls and boys! If your child can't meet with the Jolly Old Elf in person this year, be sure to drop off his or her Christmas wish list from now until December 17 at Eastridge Recreation Center. Include your address, and all letters received by that date will get a response from the North Pole!
HR HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS: HIGHLANDS RANCH- “HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS”
Kick off the season with the annual Hometown Holiday on December 3 at Town Center South. This fun-filled evening includes caroling, crafts, a Winter Market, a visit with Santa's reindeer, and even pictures with Santa–all free of charge! Experience Chamber Music for the Holidays on December 11 and 12 with the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver at the Wildcat Auditorium at Southridge Recreation Center. Tickets are on sale now at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
Highlands Ranch has bragging rights for numerous awards. Long-time residents Debbie and Ken Rudolph and Diane and Dennis Pahler attest to its quality of life.
For many, a favorite holiday tradition is viewing homes decorated in festive lights. Submit your house to our Holiday House Decorating map. Entries should include a photo and can be submitted online at www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHouse. The addresses and photos will be posted at www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings with a map showing the locations on December 10, then you can take a drive and look at the lights.
Activities and Classes - Stay inside and create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy art and pottery projects. Little ones will learn to make Christmas and winter crafts, snacks, and more with Holiday Art, Crafts, and Cooking Classes.
Holiday Break Camps - Help your kids stay active over the Winter Break at our Backcountry, Art, STEM, Sports, and even a Special Needs Winter Break Sports Camp. Find a complete list of camps at www.HRCAonline.org/Camps. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings for details on these activities and more!
SUPPORT THE ARTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY Colorado's largest day of giving, Colorado Gives Day, is on Tuesday, December 7. When you make your donations this year, please support the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA). The CAA produces and presents nearly 40 cultural, historic, and educational programs and events annually, including Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days, Oktoberfest, the Summer Concert Series, Culture on the Green, and many others. The CAA also funds the annual Art Encounters outdoor sculpture program in Highlands Ranch. To donate to the CAA, go to www.ColoradoGives.org/CAA. You can also go online to schedule your donation in advance.
In January 1980, Ken started his job as director of engineering for Mission Viejo, developers of the New Town of Highlands Ranch, 20 months before the company sold its first house in September 1981. At the time, the Rudolphs were in a new house in Morrison. “However, we decided to move to Highlands Ranch because I was working on the project all the time,” Ken said. They moved to Northridge in April 1983 when son Andrew was 3. Besides the shorter commute, Ken liked that “Mission Viejo wanted development done right.” The company’s dedication to doing “everything right” began with special treatment of its fledgling community. “We received turkeys for Thanksgiving and tree ornaments at Christmas,” recalled Debbie Rudolph. That personal touch enhanced the feeling of “home.” Highlands Ranch has garnered one award after another, such as Money Magazine and Travel & Leisure’s recognition as the “Top 10 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. In 2020, U.S. News (story continued on page 3)
JERRY FLANNERY CEO and General Manager The end of the year is finally here, and Christmas and Hanukkah will be quick to appear. Yes, it really is December. We are all set to celebrate the holidays and bring the holiday cheer here at HRCA.
Events and more events: This month’s activities start off in grand style with the Hometown Holiday and Winter Market in our Town Center South on Friday, December 3. Other not to miss celebrations are the Holiday Princess Tea Party on December 11; the Chamber Music for the Holidays on December 11 and 12, and of course, the holiday house decorating map! Tickets for many of these events sell out quickly, so buy yours today. Please visit our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events.
Fencing: HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines (RIGs) require that all fencing be regularly maintained. The RIGs specify one permitted stain color, Highlands Ranch Fence Brown, as adopted by the HRCA Board of Directors in June 2018. Some sub-associations (i.e., Firelight, The Hearth, Falcon Hills, Timberline, and Falcon Hills South) require a different fence stain color, so please be sure to check with your subassociation if you have one to ensure your fence color is compliant. All fences must comply with this guideline and homeowners are required to submit an application for approval to the Community Improvement Services (CIS) Department before staining
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Scott Lemmon, Brock Norris, Melissa Park Dan DeBacco
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-471-8958 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
fences. For questions, go to www.HRCAonline.org/Fence. For all Residential Improvement Guidelines, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Covenants.
We Are Hiring: We are always looking for great employees to join our team! If you or someone you know is looking for a new career path, think HRCA. HRCA offers competitive wages and benefits, along with a variety of employment opportunities for many different skills and abilities. We have lowered the age requirement for some of our lifeguard and swim instructor positions to 15 years and many positions have increased starting wages. Check them out and more by visiting www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs. Mobile App Check In: Have you installed the HRCA App onto your mobile device yet? If not, scan the QR code listed here and follow the prompts for an easy installation. This will allow you and your family members the ability to check in using a mobile device instead of having to bring and keep track of membership cards.
Budget: It isn’t always the most glamorous topic to talk about at this time of year, but budgeting is important for all of us to understand what is happening for the next year(s) in our community. This year the
RECREATION CENTERS
Board voted to keep the total recreation and administrative assessment of $155.72 per quarter the same for 2022. Cost savings was again one of the main priorities for 2021. Due to the uncertainties created from COVID-19, leadership took on a conservative approach to expenditure and operational decisions. Staff and the Board have worked hard this year to deliver programming options without increasing costs to our members. Some of the highlighted capital projects completed in 2021 have included the refurbishing of the Eastridge leisure pool slide, the installation of touchless water fixtures, the Westridge whale slide replacement, and the Northridge roof replacement project. The HRCA Board of Directors believes that keeping our facilities first class and up to date will continue to enhance our property values to their highest levels, which is our main responsibility. This initiative will be very important in the coming years and will require an emphasis on service to the community and larger capital improvement projects beyond just maintenance. First quarter assessment statements will be mailed or emailed to homeowners in December and payments will be due by January 1. For more detailed information on our budget, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Budget.
FACILITY HOURS:
303-791-2500
MONDAY - FRIDAY: 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Recreation Center at Northridge 8800 Broadway
SATURDAY - SUNDAY: 7:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2021 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.
COMMUNITY NEWS Snow Removal in Highlands Ranch As homeowners, we are responsible for snow removal from our residential sidewalks. Snow is to be removed from residential sidewalks within 24 hours after the snowfall stops. The scope of responsibility is as follows: Sidewalks in front of and along the sides of a home; adjacent mailboxes, where present; adjacent fire hydrants, where present. This ordinance is enforced by Douglas County. For more information, go to HRCAonline.org/SnowRemoval. If you need to report a problem, please call Douglas County Public Works at 303-660-7480.
Holiday Decorating The holidays are approaching and many of us are excited about getting our home decorated and looking festive for the season. Just a reminder that holiday lighting and decorations should not be installed more than 30 days prior to the holiday and must be removed within 30 days following the holiday. We appreciate your compliance.
Home Improvements Reminder, all exterior improvements to your property must be approved by the Architectural Committee. This review process ensures that your neighborhood’s property values remain at a high level. For your convenience, applications can be submitted online to improvements@hrcaonline.org.
SUPPORT On Colorado Gives Day, December 7!
CULTURE in the Ranch
Schedule your donation at ColoradoGives.org/ CAA
COLORADO
HIGHLANDS RANCH CULTURAL AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION
GIVES
provides educational and entertainment opportunities to Highlands Ranch residents through art, music, theater,and dance with events like Culture on the Green, Oktoberfest, Highlands Ranch Pioneer Days, Summer Concert Series, Art Encounters, Chinese New Year, and much more! Your giving goes further when you schedule a donation for Colorado
(story continued from page 1) and World Report ranked Douglas County as the second healthiest community in America. Highlands Ranch’s walking trails and four recreation centers offer opportunities to develop healthy lifestyles. “I don’t know if I’d be healthier living somewhere else,” said Debbie. The “country” atmosphere of Highlands Ranch appealed to the Pahlers who moved into their Northridge home on December 31, 1986, with their children, Luke and Stefanie, then 5 and 2, respectively. “Since it was New Year’s Eve, our friends rushed out after helping us because they had plans,” said Diane with a laugh. “We had sheets for window coverings and had dinner at Village Inn.” At the time, the road ended at Broadway and HR Parkway. Dennis Pahler recalled walking there with Luke and Stefanie to watch cowboys brand horses on a cattle ranch. Today, Safeway is on that site. Luke, a computer engineer, is now a Highlands Ranch homeowner. The Rudolphs are in their second Highlands Ranch home, a ranch style in Westridge. “We feel we’re married to the community,” said Ken. “All our friends of 35 years have stayed here,” Debbie added. Elvis Presley’s song “Home is where the heart is” rings true for the Rudolphs and Pahlers. Their homes and hearts remain in Highlands Ranch. This year, the Highlands Ranch Historical Society shared tidbits of Highlands Ranch 40-year history. Simultaneously, HRHS is celebrating its 30th anniversary, as the Historical Society was established in 1991, and has been an invaluable resource of archival information about Highlands Ranch’s history. For more information, visit https://theHRHS.org.
Gives Day, helping us earn part of a $1 million incentive fund.
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RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS HOLIDAY HOUSE DECORATING
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY & WINTER MARKET HRCA invites you to celebrate Hometown Holiday, a tradition filled with fun and treats! Enjoy our winter wonderland of merry festivities including local choirs, strolling carolers, food, reindeer, hayrides, and Santa and Mrs. Claus! Make sure you get your free photo with Santa! He and Mrs. Claus will light Town Center at 5:00 p.m., and they must leave at 7:30 p.m. SHARP to catch their sleigh back to the North Pole! Thank you to our sponsor, UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital. The Hometown Holiday festival will include a Winter Market. Market vendors will provide unusual gift ideas, handcrafted items, and fresh foods for holiday meals or gifts. Be sure to visit the market stalls of Colorado farmers and craftspeople. Join in on this holiday tradition that has become a celebration extravaganza in our community. • Friday, December 3 • 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. • Free • Town Center South, 9288 Dorchester St.
Do your Christmas decorations put Clark Griswold to shame? Well, show everyone in Highlands Ranch by adding your home to HRCA’s Holiday House Decorating Map! Take a photo of your Highlands Ranch home at night while lit and decorated, and submit it with the online form by 5:00 p.m. on December 9 at www.HRCAonline.org/HolidayHouse to be included in the online map. Beginning December 10, the map will be posted at the same web address and everyone is invited to use it to view the festive sights and lights! Bring the whole family on this festive adventure to kick off the Holiday season!
YOUR HEALTH WITH UCHEALTH – TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH The holidays can be a stressful time for people. To get through this busy time, it's important to take care of your mental health. Join Kristin Orlowski, Ph.D from UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital on December 8 for our Virtual Health Series for a discussion about mental health. Discussion will include positive health behaviors, medical treatments, and more. During this online session, you will have the chance to ask your questions and get answers. This online session is free, but you must register in advance. Sign up at www.HRCAonline.org/YourHealth. FREE • Wednesday, December 8 • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Zoom
CHAMBER MUSIC: HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE AGES This December, experience "Holidays through the Ages" performed by the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver. Led by artistic director Laura Schulkind, the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver spotlights the late Classical and early Romantic eras, featuring some of the most beautiful music composed for woodwinds, piano, and guitar. Now based in Highlands Ranch, the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2021 with its first ever residency in partnership with the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association. Visit www. HRCAonline.org/chambermusic. • $20 per person • Southridge, Wildcat Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road • Saturday, December 11 - 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 12 - 2:30 p.m.
4 | December 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Activity Guide 1 pint of blood saves 3 lives!
Watch your mailbox this month for the new January - April 2022 Activity Guide. For classes and registration, go to the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Register.
HRCA is partnering with Vitalant to bring the Gift of Life to our community in a time of need.
BLOOD DRIVE: DRIVE FOR LIFE HRCA, Vitalant, and the Denver Broncos are coming together in a time of need! Drive for Life is transforming into a cause that helps to ensure patient blood needs can be met in the immediate future and all year long. To donate, contact Vitalant at 303-363-2300, or sign up online at www.donors.vitalant.org by using code 10002 or searching 80126. Appointments are requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space is limited. Donors who donate at a Broncos-themed blood drive before January 9 will get exclusive football swag and be automatically entered to win one of five Denver Broncos autographed prizes.
BLOOD
DRIVE
Each donation will include the COVID-19 antibody testing to encourage potential convalescent plasma donors.
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 4
Northridge Recreation Center
BACKCOUN WILDERNE TRY SS AREA
SENIORS ARTS
8800 Broadway • Highlands Ranch
SPORTS
Contact Vitalant at 303-363-2300, or sign up online at www.vitalant.org. Use event code: 10002. You can also search by 80126. Appointments are requested, but walk-ins are also welcome. Space is limited.
Thursday, January 6 • 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. • Northridge Recreation Center, 8800 Broadway
FITNESS &
Activit y Guide
January WELLNES
S
EDUCATIO
N
April 2022
AQUATICS
· www.HR CAonline.o rg
EVENTS
CHILD CARE
THERAPEU TIC RECREATI ON
SUPERHEROES UNITE! On January 15, your little superhero can enjoy a morning of food, fun, and SUPERHEROES! Join us for an awesome morning with Captain Marvel and Captain America as they put your little superhero through superhero training. Guests will enjoy snacks, beverages, and a small token to take home. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and each participant must purchase a ticket (children and adults). Dressing up in your favorite superhero costume is encouraged! No children under 2 please. Get tickets at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. Saturday, January 15 • $15 per person • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. • No refunds.
COMING SOON! - 2022 WINTER CULTURAL SERIES The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is excited to announce the 2022 Winter Cultural Series! Treat yourself to an evening of culture close to home as we kick off the series on Thursday, February 3 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Cherry Hills Community Church Chapel, 3900 Grace Blvd., with a performance by Michael Friedman Jazz. Tickets are $9 per person. Don't miss the entire series: Thursday, February 3
Michael Friedman Jazz
Thursday, February 17
Denver and District Pipe Band
Thursday, March 3
Colorado Chord Company Barbershop Chorus
Thursday, March 17
TBD (Check the web site for more information)
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
Don't forget to check the web site at www.HRCAonline/ Happenings for fun things to do this Holiday Season! UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY 5
UCHealth: Heart Health
6
Blood Drive
15
Superheroes Unite
21
Family Magic Show
21
Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga
Please check the web site for the most current event information.
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES Thursday Afternoon Tennis Drill Hits the “Sweet Spot” on Court!
HRCA Therapeutic Recreation Programs for Special Needs Winter Break Sports Camp! Join us for TR Winter 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. Each day includes three unique sports. This program is for ages 8 & older. Registration includes both days. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR for the most current information. For information about the Therapeutic Recreation Program offerings, class pricing and availability please contact 303-471-7043 or saden@hrcaonline.org. If you’d like to join our volunteer team, we’re currently looking for those interested in helping with our current program offerings. • Southridge Recreation Center • Mon / Wed December 28 & 30 • 9:00 a.m. - Noon • Price: $60 / $69.
HR Race Series The 2021 HR Race Series wrapped up in style with our marquee event; The 13th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon. This year’s race featured over 700 racers. Thank you to all participants who raced with us this year! Keep your eye out for the release of our 2022 race schedule and make sure to add the dates to your calendar! We will see you at the St. Patrick’s Day 5K in March!
6 | December 2021
Every Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., whatever the weather outside, players 55 and over meet inside at the Northridge Tennis Pavilion for this enjoyable drill geared for fun! This co-ed drill caters to HRCA’s active 55 and over player and welcomes all levels. Value priced at under $10 and led by a top HRCA tennis pro, this drill fills the bill for players who enjoy playing tennis and meeting new friends! For more information on this drill or any tennis programming, please contact Marianne McCauley at 303-471-8940 or email mmccauley@hrcaonline.org.
New You, Year 2022 Challenge! Looking for some motivation and accountability to help you get back on track for 2022? The HRCA Fitness Department has the perfect challenge for you. Enjoy eight weeks of unlimited group fitness classes, ZONE classes, two In-Body scans along with accountability check in’s. This eight-week challenge will run from January 3 - March 7. Prizes will be awarded to those who attend the most classes and the highest body fat lost. Register at www.HRCAonline.org/specialityfit and email katie.ireland@hrcaonline.org with any questions.
Highlands Ranch Tae Kwon Do If you haven’t checked out the taekwondo studio at Northridge – now is the time! From beginners to advanced, ages 4 to 99+, we have a Taekwondo class for you! Taekwondo teaches discipline, self-defense, responsibility, respect and so much more. These classes will help your child (or you!) achieve things you never thought possible. A great cardio fitness alternative, taekwondo increases muscle tone, flexibility, and coordination. This is your last chance to save on auto-renew prices. Monthly registration fees will increase January 1. For more information, please contact Lisa Sheley at lisa.sheley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8838.
WE’RE ! G N I R I H
We’re always looking for great employees to join our team!
www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES Holiday Time! Now that it is time to Deck the Halls, we want to be sure you consider all of the fun things to do at HRCA tin December! Enroll your child in one of our Creative Kids classes at Westridge that are sure to have your kids ready for the holidays! Try enrolling them in Joyful, a Kreative Kids class for ages 3-5 years, Snow, Snow Everywhere, A Stepping Stones class for ages 2½-3½ years, Gingerbread Men, a Toddler and Me class for ages 18 mos-4 years or try a one-day class so you can finish up some shopping! Classes are on different days of the week and at different times, so you can find a class that meets your family’s schedule. We will be doing fun crafts, projects, and activities related to our themes: Snowflakes, Sugar Cookies, Festive, Chilly, Winter Wonders, and more! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
CREATIVE CHEER FOR ADULTS! This month we are featuring our adult art program. HRCA is currently offering Zen Doodle, Watercolor, Creating Collages, Knitting, Beginning Painting, and Beginning Drawing. We are also featuring Hand Building and Wheel Pottery classes. These are wonderful opportunities to spark a creative and cheerful side to your holiday activities or create a unique gift for that special someone! Join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! December is a wonderful month to get your kids involved in something new and festive! Try our Drawing and Painting class for children ages 6-11 years old or our Teen Drawing class, both on Monday evenings in December. Our Cooking class, Young ChefsDelectable Desserts for ages 7-9 years old, and Creative Cooks for ages 9-12 years old, are on Wednesday evenings in December. We will also be offering our popular STEM camps including: Snapology – Mega Machine Robotics and Holiday Camp (Make and Take Ornament) as well as Science Matters – Fizz, Bang, Boom and Superheroes, among others. Get your kids involved in fun holiday projects and activities that inspire and engage them! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Three Backcountry Programs to Try This December Campfire Hike, December 18: Avoid cabin fever with a family hike at the Backcountry Base Camp. Depending on the weather and conditions, we'll do a short nature hike, build snowmen, play with the chickens, meet our goats, and relax in the fresh air. After the hike, post up next to the fire to roast marshmallows and make s'mores (the possibility of a campfire is pending conditions).
Camp Backcountry Winter Break Camps, December 17, 20-22, 27-30 & January 3: Experience the magic of Camp Backcountry in the winter! We’ll explore the many ways our natural world has changed since summer, discover all the festive winter season has to offer, and post up next to the campfire with hot chocolate or s’mores.
Pony Rides, Every Saturday: Hand-led pony rides are available for the young horse enthusiast with our pony Ziggi! Walk along with your child as they enjoy the ride. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/backcountry to register.
CAMP BACKCOUNTRY SUMMER '22 REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 1 Just as the leaves fall and we move into winter, it's time to start planning a summer of adventure at Camp Backcountry! Sessions including nature, art, and horse camps kick off with early bird registration on December 1. Use the code EARLYBIRD2022 at checkout for the discount. Early bird registration allows for access to the most popular weeks of camp before they fill up! If you want an additional 10 percent off all Camp Backcountry sessions—and ALL other Backcountry Wilderness Area programs—become a Friend of the Backcountry member at the Fox member (or above) to support our wildlife habitat conservation and environmental education mission. Join at www.HRCAonline.org/ backcountrydonate. (Make sure to start your annual membership BEFORE you start registering for Camp Backcountry to access the discounted prices). For more information, visit www.campbackcountry.org or email annakatehein@hrcaonline.org.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
FACILITY CLOSURES December 23-24: Administrative Offices are closed. December 24:
All Recreation Centers close early at 5:00 p.m.
December 25:
All Recreation Centers are closed
December 31:
All Recreation Centers close early at 5:00 p.m.
January 1:
All Recreation Centers are closed.
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
HRCA wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season!
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 11/30/21
DECEMBER EVENTS
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. December 3
Hometown Holiday & Winter Market
December 7
Colorado Gives Day Support the Cultural Affairs Association
December 7
Holiday Classical Music Series - Holidays with Harp and Flute
December 8
UCHealth Series - Tackling Mental Health
December 9: Holiday House Decorating Deadline December 11 Chamber Music Series - Holidays through the Ages December 12 Chamber Music Series - Holidays through the Ages * These meetings are open to our members.