STAFFING

FROM PAGE 8 the district has had to rely more on substitute teachers, contracting with third-parties for transportation for special education students and instituting rolling cancellations of bus routes. for nonresidents is available until the door to the center o cially opens.

“It means an increased work load for our employees because when you’re down a teacher, all the other teachers are trying to pick up the slack left behind,” she said.

In an e ort to address hiring and sta retention, the school board approved ballot language for a $66 million mill levy override at the Aug. 8 meeting. e money would go to increasing pay and bene ts, as well as adding security sta .

“ ose inaugural members will get that $10 discount on a 2024 annual membership once the senior center opens,” said Eppers.

Inaugural membership bene ts include:

• A $10 discount on the 2024 annual membership

• An inaugural membership pin

• A key fob with an inaugural membership design

The RidgeGate calendar of fun starts here.

• Reduced fees for senior center programs

• Free access to virtual program

• First access to volunteer opportunities e details for the pre-opening event are still being nalized. ridgegate.com

Inaugural members will also have the opportunity to attend a pre-opening event. e date of the event has yet to be determined, but it will be based on the construction and grand opening schedule, said Eppers.

“People will be able to be among the rst people to see and tour the new senior center,” said Eppers.

Memberships can be purchased at the Metro District Service Center, 3290 Redstone Park Circle, by cash, check or credit card. Proof of age will be required at registration.

More information regarding the membership and fall programs can be found at highlandsranch.org/recreation/senior-center-programs-services or by calling 303-785-0320.

A more natural approach to urbanism.

Yoga in the Park

Join RidgeGate and South Suburban Parks and Recreation for free community yoga classes on the grass at the south end of Belvedere Park, at the corner of RidgeGate Circle and Belvedere Lane. Please bring your own mat, water bottle and towel to all classes. In case of heavy rain or lightning, class will be cancelled.

Tuesday, August 29th, 6:30-7:30pm

Guided Nature Hikes

Each year, RidgeGate teams up with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District to provide free, guided nature hikes. These hikes are led by professional naturalists from the district, and offer insight and education into the natural ecosystems within the open space at RidgeGate. Registration is required and available at RidgeGate.com

Thursday, August 24th, 6-7:30pm – Leave No Trace

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Blue Moon

Saturday, September 2nd, 7:30-9pm – Snacks Under the Stars

Friday, September 8th, 5:30-7pm – Reptiles in the Region

Friday, September 29th, 6:30-8pm – Harvest Moon

Sunday, October 8th, 4-5:30pm – Amazing Corvids

Friday, October 20th - 5-6:30pm – Stories from the Heart

Saturday, October 28th, 5:30-7pm – Hunter’s Moon

Experience Historic Schweiger Ranch

The restoration of the 38-acre historic Schweiger Ranch, led by the Schweiger Ranch Foundation, gives us a glimpse into settlers’ lives. Today, the ranch is open to the public for self-guided visits and a variety of events throughout the year. Register for or learn more about these events online at SchweigerRanch.org

Saturday, August 19th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour

Saturday, August 19th, 6-7:30pm – Campfire Storytelling Series (Ranger Trey)

Wednesday, August 30th, 7-8:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Blue Moon & Bats)

Saturday, September 9th, 10-11am – Guided Public Tour)

Saturday, September 23rd, 6-7:30pm – Natural Heritage Walking Tours with SSPRD (Urban Coyotes)

All events are held within the RidgeGate community, just south of Lincoln Avenue, on both sides of I-25.