NEWS July 2022
4 TH OF JULY FESTIVITIES Independence Day 5K What better way to kick-off your Independence Day celebration than running or walking a fun and fast 5K? Join the fun on July 4th with this annual Highlands Ranch tradition. For more information or to register for the race visit www.HRraceseries.org. After the race festivities are over, head over to watch the annual HRCA 4th of July Parade!
July 4th Parade The annual HRCA July 4th Parade will bring the community together in celebration of our nation’s birth. At 8:45 a.m. the Family Bike and Pet Parade will take place, and we encourage families to dress up (including their pets and bikes) and show their U.S.A. pride! This short, patriotic parade is intended for children ages 2–12 years. The line-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Cpl. Max Donahue Lane. No pre-registration is required for the Family Pet & Bike Parade. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., people will line the streets to enjoy the Community Parade. Some goodies will be distributed along the street during the parade, but for the safety of your children, please encourage them to stay along the curb and out of the street. To participate in the parade, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/July4.
July 4th Fireworks The July 4th celebration returns to Highland Heritage Park for another fun-filled evening of fireworks! The fireworks display begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. (weather and fire ban permitting). Bring your blanket, beverage, and hang out to enjoy the fireworks. Food trucks to be announced. Please bike, walk, and rideshare whenever possible, as no shuttles will be provided to the park. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office will be managing traffic throughout the area. The firework fallout zone will be marked and fenced. It is very important to stay out of the firework fallout area. There will be no guests allowed at the park the day before the fireworks event beginning July 3 at 9:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. the morning of the fireworks event on July 4. After the July 4 fireworks event, guests will not be permitted in the park through July 5 at 8:00 a.m., as the park will be a fallout zone. Please do not go beyond any fencing or signage as it is extremely dangerous. Thank you to UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital for sponsoring the fireworks show! For more information visit: www.HRCAonline.org/July4.
WATER CONSERVATION The HRCA is partnering with Centennial Water & Sanitation District, the water provider in Highlands Ranch, to encourage water conservation. The truth is, for everyone in Colorado, drought is always a concern. Centennial Water monitors drought conditions on a daily basis and may take actions according to its Drought Response Plan. If drought conditions worsen, if temperatures remain warm, if water supply levels drop, additional actions may be needed to protect our water supply. As a result, Centennial Water is asking customers to use only what they need. Reduce sprinkler run times Running sprinklers in multiple, shorter cycles allows water to soak into the soil and establishes a healthier root system for your landscape. This is called the cycle and soak method. Highlands Ranch has a high clay soil content. Clay soil absorbs water slowly and retains moisture more easily. Shorter watering cycles are more efficient and prevent water runoff onto sidewalks that can occur if you run your system longer than 10 minutes. If you have questions about water conservation, contact Centennial Water at info@centennialwater.org.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
303-471-8958 Jim Allen, Brock Norris, Melissa Park Dan DeBacco. 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
4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. 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.
HRCA NEWS is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc. Copyright ©2022 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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MIKE BAILEY General Manager I want to echo Centennial Water’s message on page 1. Water conservation is important as we get to the hottest months of the year. Use only what you need - both inside and outside your home. What can you do to cut back your water use by 10%? At HRCA, we are installing Xeriscape landscaping at the Recreation Center at Eastridge as part of the facility’s renovation. I encourage everyone to take a look at their individual water use just as we are doing at HRCA. The HRCA Board of Directors and Delegation have collectively shared their concerns for water conservation and fire mitigation recently. Our community partner, Centennial Water and Sanitation District have voiced the same concerns and both entities are working collaboratively on a public awareness campaign promoting water conservation. HRCA is a proponent of xeriscaping and is now waiving the architectural review of for approved xeriscape plans. Xeriscaping is a term coined in the early 1980’s by combining the words “xeros”, Greek for “dry”, and landscape. Although the word literally means “dry landscape,” the term Xeriscaping has come a long way in the last forty years. Xeriscaping is no longer exclusively choosing designs for reduced water use, landscape designers are now looking at several facets that make up xeriscapes such as soil improvements, efficient irrigation techniques, choosing plants that thrive in our tough climates in Colorado, using mulch and alternatives to turf grass and reducing maintenance. Residents and businesses can benefit greatly from Xeriscaping. Many of our residents are finding that their traditional turf lawns require increasing amounts
of water, labor, fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides and maintenance, all while these things become more scarce, expensive and time consuming. Research is showing reduced cost of turf grass maintenance can be between 30%-80% with a “Return on Investment” in as little as 5 years after converting turf to Xeriscape. The Centennial Water and Sanitation District is also offering incentives to homeowners for these conversions. HRCA is taking a lead role in conservation efforts and has contracted with our community partner LawnCARE Solutions in converting the Eastridge median islands into more low water an sustainable Xeriscape project. After establishment, the native plantings will utilize approximately forty percent less water with limited waste. We will continue to explore additional conservation alternatives as we understand it is not a matter of if, but when, we will need to live with less water and choose turf grass alternatives. As such we are dedicated to the responsible use of turf while also offering sustainable solutions by way of Xeric Conversions that provide yearround beauty for years to come. This project compliments the Eastridge renovation project that is underway and we can hardly wait to open our doors to all. My best, Mike
COMMUNITY NEWS XERISCAPE FOR DROUGHT-TOLERANT LANDSCAPING Happy Summer, BBQ’s and baseball games! Pool time, flip flops and playing in the sun! The Community Improvement Services Department has been working very closely with the Highlands Ranch Metro District/Centennial Water to create a drought tolerant plan to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community. The Centennial Water service is currently in a drought watch and are encouraging customers to reduce water usage by 5-10%. The Highlands Ranch Community Improvement Services support these efforts and therefore are promoting the addition of xeriscaping by removing the fees associated with the submission of a xeriscaping landscape plan. We highly recommend viewing our Residential Improvement Guidelines HRCAonline.org/property-owners/covenants-improvements/residential-improvementguidelines before submitting for your landscaping project. The link below will direct you to our Home Improvement Forms when you are ready to submit. HRCAonline.org/ property-owners/covenants-improvements/home-improvement-forms1. We are available to assist you with any questions, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or by contacting 303.471.8821 or improvements@hrcaonline.org We look forward to assisting you!
HRCA Outdoor Pools Are Open!
Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Pools for the most updated schedules and closures.
SUMMER POOL HOURS Northridge
Monday - Friday Saturday & Sunday
9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Southridge
Monday - Saturday Sunday
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Eastridge
Monday - Thursday Friday & Saturday Sunday
11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Westridge
Monday - Thursday Friday & Saturday Sunday
10:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT SERVICES (CIS) DEPARTMENT TEMPORARY RELOCATION The CIS Department has temporarily moved to the Southridge Recreation Center due to extensive remodeling of the Eastridge Recreation Center. We are still open to the public MondayFriday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for assistance. We are also available by calling 303-471-8821 or by email at covenant@hrcaonline.org or improvements@hrcaonline.org. This is the busiest time of year for our department! We appreciate your patience as we work hard to process all the home improvement submittals in a timely manner. It helps speed the process along when all the correct information for review is attached to the submittal so please review your information carefully before you submit! Please visit www.HRCAonline.org for additional information regarding all home improvements.
DROUGHT RESOURCE CENTER Up to date information about current drought conditions is available at Centennial Water & Sanitation Districts resource Center. www.centennialwater.org/drought.
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BATTING CAGES AT WESTRIDGE The Batting Cages at Westridge offer five baseball and four softball stalls ranging in speed from 30-80 mph. Home-run target banners provide realistic results in a user-friendly pitching complex. Batting Cage Passes Grand Slam Season Pass*: $125 individual, $200 Family *Season Pass prices as of July 3 Summer hours:
M-F: 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sa/Su: 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. See www.HRCAonline.org/battingcages for more information.
RANCH UPDATES & EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS July 4 July 4 July 7 July 9 July 11 July 14 July 20 July 21 July 22 July 28 Aug. 13 Aug. 26
5K & Parade; Town Center Fireworks; Highland Heritage Summer Concert Series – Narrow Gauge; Highland Heritage Oaked and Smoked; Eastridge Recreation Center (North Patio) Summer Concert Series – The Long Run; Highland Heritage Pottery Sale at Southridge Coffee with a Cop; Westridge Recreation Center Summer Concert Series – Chris Daniels & The Kings; Highland Heritage Culture on the Green – Soul Rhythm African Drumming and Dance; Civic Green Summer Concert Series – The Radio Band; Highland Heritage Tequila and Tacos; Eastridge Recreation Center Summer Concert Series – 6 Million Dollar Band; Civic Green
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES This free, festive family concert series features the best of local bands all July long. You definitely will not want to miss these highly anticipated concerts! Bring a picnic dinner or enjoy something from our food trucks (check the website each week for the trucks attending) and enjoy the music. Concerts are Thursday evenings at Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 Quebec Street, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Please, leave your dogs at home. Thank you to our Summer Concert Series sponsor and longtime community partner Littleton Adventist Hospital for your continued support!
GOLF SIMULATOR AT NORTHRIDGE Drive over to the Golf Simulator at Northridge to get your swing ready for summer golf! Experience 87 PGA caliber courses including Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Bethpage Black, and Castle Pines. 2022 Summer Rates: Member: $5 per 30 minutes Non Member: $7.50 per 30 minutes Bring your own clubs or rent. Monthly Passes* Member: Monthly for $25 Non Member: Monthly for $35 *Summer prices good May 15-September 15. For reservations, hours, safety restrictions, and more visit www.HRCAonline.org/Golf or call 303-471-8950.
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JULY CONCERTS: July 7 Narrow Gauge (Country) July 14 The Long Run (Eagles Tribute) July 21 Chris Daniels & The Kings (Soul/Funk/Rock) July 28 The Radio Band (Dance Mash-Up)
POTTERY SALE Come find a unique gift, or a special piece for yourself at this tri-annual pottery sale. These pieces are created by our HRCA pottery students. Items on display in the lobby at the Southridge Rec Center. Credit cards accepted. Monday, July 11 • 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. • Southridge, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road • Free Interested in taking a pottery class? Go to the website at www. HRCAonline.org/Pottery or contract Alecia at alecia.hindman@ hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8853.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT’S HAPPENING!
COFFEE WITH A COP Drop by and get to know your local Douglas County Sheriffs Deputies! The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with the Highlands Ranch Community Association to bring their Coffee with a Cop series to the Highlands Ranch Recreation Centers. These informal conversations give residents and business owners a chance to connect with police in a relaxed atmosphere. Wednesday, July 20 • 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. • Westridge Recreation Center • 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. • Free
CULTURE ON THE GREEN This free series combines cultural performances with a beautiful outdoor setting for an experience that is sure to delight all ages. Bring a blanket and a beverage for a great summer evening. Food trucks to be announced. Please note dogs and glass are NOT allowed in Civic Green Park. Next month’s event features Soul Rhythm African Drumming and Dance: Soul Rhythm African Drumming is a Colorado-based company specializing in traditional West African drumming and dance, a trusted name in cultural West African music. Bring your family and friends and enjoy live entertainment in the heart of Highlands Ranch! July 22 • Soul Rhythm African Drumming and Dance 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. • Free
FARMERS' MARKET IS IN FULL SWING!
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Eastridge Renovation We are 4 weeks into the Eastridge renovation and are making great progress. The renovation includes new lobby, access desk upgrade, security upgrades, new flooring and upgraded restrooms. The project is on schedule and we anticipate reopening early September. We appreciate all members patience during this period of time.
Each summer HRCA partners with the Metro Denver Farmers' Market to bring one of Denver's finest farmers’ markets into Highlands Ranch at Town Center South.
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Outdoor Pickleball Courts Coming to the Recreation Center at Westridge! HRCA will be converting the three (3) outdoor tennis courts into six (6) pickleball courts in August. Reservations will be available for drop-in play and programs will be offered. Stay tuned for more information.
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As summer progresses, the market explodes with Colorado’s bounty. You will be sure to find treasures, so stop by each: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Free
TEQUILA AND TACOS Enjoy an afternoon in the sun sampling tequila, margaritas, and other cocktails at the HRCA and Davidsons Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tequila and Tacos on August 13 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.! Tickets go on sale for this event on Monday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets cost $45 and include unlimited half ounce samples of tequila and one plate of food from one of our amazing food trucks. A limited number of designated driver tickets will be available for $15. You do not want to miss out on this end of summer event at Eastridge!
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets. All tickets are subject to service fees.
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CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES 2022 RACE SERIES THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SUMMER SOCCER Join us in July and August at Southridge for Wednesday afternoon soccer fun! Soccer time for athletes with special needs will be held 5:15 p.m., July 6 August 31. This program encourages teamwork and sportsmanship while focusing on the skills needed for soccer. Learn passing, dribbling and goal shots. Sign up and join us for some fun and enjoyable soccer time! Please 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.
Up next on the Race Series schedule is the HRCA Mountain Bike Series which consists of 4 races that take place in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness area on Wednesday evenings in July & August. We have races and divisions for all abilities and ages. Also coming up is our annual Splash. Mash. Dash. Kids Triathlon. This is the perfect way for kids ages 4-12 to try their hand at a non-competitive triathlon! Head over to HRRaceSeries.org for more information and we will see you at the races!
WHAT’S NEXT AFTER SWIM LESSONS? Get the competitive edge now and try one of the year-round coached aquatic youth programs for coached & pre-competitive swimming. Our programs are also a great offseason program for high school swim team participants. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/swim or call 303-471-8942 or kerri.mcgrath@hrcaonline.org for more information.
TRY SNORKEL & SCUBA AT HRCA Begin your underwater adventure at HRCA for snorkel or scuba diving. Learn the proper techniques involved for both on the surface and underwater with your certified PADI instructor. It’s fun, easy and will offer you a two hour introduction to begin discovering how much fun is possible for your next open water family vacation. More information can be found at www.HRCAonline.org/swim or call 303-471-8935 or diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
HAPKIDO BRING YOUR FRIEND TO CLASS! What’s better than a fun workout? A fun workout with your friend! This summer, on the first of each month, HRCA fitness pass holders are encouraged to bring a friend with them to their favorite class for FREE! Have your friend join in on the fun while getting in shape this summer. Friends get to come try out the class riskfree. All participants (including the friend) must register for class in advance online at HRCAonline.org/classes-campsactivities/sports-fitness/fitness. Bring the team and accountability of your friend with you to fitness classes this summer. Email Hannah.yeager@hrcaonline.org with any questions.
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HRCA works exclusively with Highlands Ranch Hapkido, led by Shelly Gruber. Shelly has been practicing American Hapkido karate for over 25 years with Master Sayed Qubadi who is an 8th degree black belt in Mixed Martial Arts and combat Hapkido. Hapkido is a Korean Martial Art that consists of throws, take downs, standing techniques and a few weapons while building confidence, strength, and power. Hapkido teaches you how to use your attacker’s energy or power against themselves. Shelly strives to teach, share, and empower our community by building friendships with one another, knowledge in the mind, and strength in the body with honesty in the heart. Join us for June, July, and August sessions. For more information, please contact Lisa Sheley at lsheley@hrcaonline.org or 303-471-8838.
HEALTH, FITNESS, STRENGTH, AND AGILITY ON THE TENNIS COURT Tennis is a great sport for maintaining health, fitness, strength, and agility! It also has social and psychological benefits. Tennis requires concentration and endurance, but it’s also a lot of fun! Are you looking for a great way to get better on the court this summer? Well, HRCA has just the answer! From Adult Beginner classes to Adult Drills at the 4.0 Plus Level, you can’t help but find what you’re looking for with HRCAs great tennis programming and tennis professionals. Let us take your level of fitness and quality of life up a notch! For more information, please contact Marianne McCauley at mmccauley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8940.
CLASSES, CAMPS & ACTIVITIES GET CRACKIN! This month we are offering a number of fun and engaging camps and classes for kids that suit any interest or age. If you’re looking for something fun for your child to get involved in, consider some of these fantastic offerings:
For the Budding Artist: (ages 6-11) Drawing and Painting, (ages 11-15) Teen Drawing and Painting, (ages 5-9) Kids-N-Clay and (ages 8-12) Hand Building for Kids.
For the Foodie: Chef-in-Training (ages 2-5), Kids Rule the Kitchen (ages 5-7), Young Chefs (ages 7-9) and Creative Cooks (ages 9-12)
For the Actor: Moana For the Genius: (ages 5-12) Chess Workshop, By Snapology: KinderBots and RoboPets, By Science Matters: Fizz, Bang, Boom and Drone Academy, By Bricks for Kids: Brick City Engineers
For the Gymnast: (ages 3-7) Flip and Dip Camp, Pop Into Summer Be sure to join a waitlist if there is one. Additional classes will be formed from a sufficient waitlist. For more information visit our website at www.HRCAonline.org/Camps or call 303-471-8853.
SAT/ACT TEST PREP CLASS Your high schooler will learn test preparation strategies in this course taught by a National Board-Certified Teacher. Students receive an official preparation guide and an additional strategies manual. The class runs Monday-Thursday, August 1 – 4 from 9:00 a.m.-noon at Northridge. Be sure to set your child up for test taking success this year! For more information, please email Hgoetz@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8818.
THREE BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA PROGRAMS IN JULY Gardening & Cooking, July 30: Learn about gardening and composting while spending quality time in the outdoors. At the end of the morning, you will get to do some camp cooking and enjoy some delicious food. (All ages) Adult Group Riding Lessons, July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31: Reach your equestrian goals—from learning to saddle up your steed to maneuvering with ease—in our small group lessons. Our instructors will teach to the level of each rider and riders will benefit from learning from one another. (Ages 18+)
Nature Play Day, July 7, 14, 16, 21, 28, & 30: Plan your park playdate at our Backcountry Base Camp! Come and go as you please during this two-hour window of nature play in our Backyard along the forest's edge. Activities may include pots and pans for the mud kitchen play, sand box toys for digging and building, and bug boxes and nets for insect exploration! (Ages 0-6)
THIS MONTH FOR ADULTS Just because its summer, doesn’t mean this isn’t the perfect time to find something that suits your interests too! Find something that sparks a curiosity or nurtures a long-time passion. This month we’re offering Beginning Drawing, Beginning Painting, Water Color, Drawing From Life, Beginning Knitting, Zen Doodling, Beginning Wheel Pottery, Hand Building and Continuing and Advanced Wheel Pottery for those that enjoy getting their hands a little dirty. If trying a new toe tapping routine is of interest, consider joining our Adult Tap class. For more information, please visit our website: www.HRCAonline.org or call 303-471-8853.
JULY'S BACKCOUNTRY OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES LINEUP Take in a fall evening under the stars in front of the Backcountry big screen. Enjoy these fall films as the air becomes crisp and we head into the Halloween season. Backcountry Wilderness Area; Base Camp; Price $25 per car. Movies start at 8:30 p.m. July 1: Up July 8: How to Train Your Dragon July 15: Spider-Man: No Way Home July 16: Jurassic Park July 22: Shrek July 29: School of Rock For details, visit www.HRCAonline.org/bwamovieseries. For more information, contact Lindsey McKissick at lindsey.mckissick@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 July 4
Eastridge closed all day, outdoor pool still open. Westridge, Northridge, and Southridge close at 5:00 p.m.
July 9
Eastridge Basketball Courts close at 10:00 a.m. for event set-up. Eastridge Rec Center closes at 3:00 p.m.
Check the website for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 6/30/22
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).
JULY EVENTS For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. July 1
Backcountry Outdoor Movie
July 3-25
Farmers' Market (Sundays only)
July 4
Independence Day 5K Race, July 4th Parade, and Fireworks
July 7
Narrow Gauge (Country)
July 8
Backcountry Outdoor Movie
July 9
Oaked & Smoked American Whiskey and BBQ
July 11
Pottery Sale at Southridge
July 11
Board Working Session* 5:30 p.m.
July 14
The Long Run (Eagles Tribute)
July 16, 17
Backcountry Outdoor Movies
July 19
Delegate & Board Meeting* 5:30 p.m.
July 21
Chris Daniels & The Kings (Soul/Funk/Rock)
July 22
Backcountry Outdoor Movie
July 22
Culture on the Green - Soul Rhythm African Drumming and Dance
July 28
The Radio Band (Dance Mash-Up)
July 29
Backcountry Outdoor Movie
* These meetings are open to our members.