|News
February 2012
Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership
February 2012
G o green w ith the hrca The HRCA continues to strive daily in setting the standards for a “greener” community by continually researching opportunities that will make the HRCA more energy efficient, not just shortterm, but long-term as well. By using less energy to operate the facilities, we lower utility costs and do our part to protect the environment. The HRCA began with the easy-to-implement sustainable changes such as changing to CFL and LED lighting throughout the facilities; using recycled paper products, including the HRCA letterhead which is printed on 100% recycled paper that has been manufactured at a wind-powered factory; recycling electronics, paper, plastics, old CFL and florescent light bulbs, dry cell batteries, and aluminum; opting out of facility phone books and junk mail; xeriscaping portions of the HRCA landscapes; using organic ice melt on the walkways; and implementing programmable heating, cooling, and outdoor lighting. In looking for more ways to save energy, the HRCA leases hybrid vehicles which are used by the Covenant Compliance Department, hosts community computer/electronic recycling and paper shredding events, and uses mulching mowers and rain sensors for landscape. The HRCA didn’t stop there. Solar panels are installed at Eastridge and Westridge recreation centers and the heating and cooling systems at all facilities were retrofitted. We started an opt-in preferred-provider trash & recycling program for the community. This program includes free singlestream recycling, which decreases the truck traffic and, as a bonus, lowers the monthly rate for each household. We continue to look for additional means of saving energy in our facilities. Are you looking for ways you can participate in making the HRCA a ‘green’ community? For many ideas and resources for energy conservation, visit www.hrcaonline.org/green.
2012 HRCA ELECTIONS BEGIN Your voice can be heard and you can make a difference by getting involved in our community. The HRCA has elections each year for Directors and District Delegates. Directors are elected by District Delegates in March at the Annual Meeting of Delegates, and serve staggered two-year terms. This year there are three board positions up for election. Deadline for candidate applications is January 31. Delegates are elected by their district constituents in April to serve individual neighborhoods in the Ranch. This year we will hold elections in even-numbered and vacant districts. Find out more by going to the web site at www.hrcaonline.org/leadership.
Building a lifestyle that you want to live
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Jerry flannery
HRCA|news
CEO and general manager
is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community
Happy 2012 to everyone in Highlands Ranch! I hope that all of
Association, Inc.
you had a peaceful holiday season with loved ones! At HRCA we continue to work hard and keep things as seamless as possible
HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Hopkins 303-478-9103 Scott Lemmon 303-346-1412 Brock Norris 720-344-7107 Jeff Suntken 303-346-0664 Gregory Terry 303-329-6199
so you and your family can enjoy all that we have to offer. As for me, I am settling in and learning more and more everyday about this wonderful Colorado community. I have reached out to many of you and heard numerous comments about how we continue to excel as an association. Many of you have also made suggestions on how we can better serve you and I greatly appreciate receiving your letters and emails. We take your input seriously, and will continue to make improvements. As I mentioned last month, I held over 20 internal meetings in my first two weeks with individuals who work at the HRCA. As members of this community, you should know that
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
their commitment to excellence is such a great asset for Highlands Ranch. The month of
9568 University Blvd.
January was mostly occupied with meetings with external agencies and individuals. Many of
303-791-8958
these external partners play a critical role when we work together on regional challenges.
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.
Some of them have not participated with the HRCA before and are enthusiastic about the potential our organizations have to work together. I am happy to say that I have found all of our regional relationships solid and they genuinely desire to make them even stronger! Last month I mentioned that the Board of Directors and I were going to hold a retreat in early January. I believe that we had a successful retreat and I enjoyed having some quality
Recreation Center at Eastridge
time to spend with the board. Much of our discussion centered on where we want to go
9568 University Blvd.
this year and the priorities we should focus on moving forward. It is my belief that their
principals of setting a vision for the community are very sophisticated in approach and will
Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
ensure a successful future. The board initiatives are available at www.HRCAonline.org/
Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
leadership.
Recreation Center at Westridge
This year will be a great year for all us here in Highlands Ranch! The staff and the board
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.
are working together to improve our programs and setting the vision for many years to come. I sincerely appreciate being part of this community and all that it has to offer. Stay tuned for future reports and the many things we are doing here at HRCA to serve you to the best of our abilities!
Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fyi |
Su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
First Quarter Assessments of $127 were due January 2012. Homeowners, thank
Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Copyright Š2012 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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Quarterly Assessments
you for your payments! Please visit our web site at www.hrcaonline.org for direct debit information. Should you have any questions regarding your account or need to make an address change, please call 303-791-8958. Thank you!
February 2012
I
HOA news S no w R e m oval One of the best kept secrets in the county is the positive
DELEGATE of the month
outcome of citizen involvement in keeping roads and sidewalks safe during winter weather months. This partnership of shared responsibility between Douglas County and its citizens is very important for road and sidewalk safety. Citizen Responsibility - Sidewalk Shoveling: Snow and ice can be dangerous for all ages, but especially for children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who are more susceptible to injury. When sidewalks are not cleared of snow and ice, children will often leave the sidewalks and move in and out of streets on their way to or from school or the bus, which is a safety concern. For these reasons Douglas County snow
S u e lei d oph
removal ordinance requires that all sidewalks be cleared of snow within 24 hours after the cessation of snowfall. If this policy is not being followed by residents, you may contact Douglas County Public Works at 303-660-7476.
Sue volunteers for the HRCA as a Delegate from District 9. Sue is also
Vehicle Removal from Streets: Automobiles and other vehicles left parked on county
a past board member and President
roads during a winter storm make it difficult for plows to remove snow and ice and
of Remington Bluffs Townhome
may cause vehicles to be surrounded by or even damaged by snow when the plow
Association.
passes. Subdivision streets may not be plowed if parked vehicles or other obstructions interfere with the safe and continuous operation of snow removal equipment. County Responsibility - Snow Removal from County Roads: Snow removal is prioritized in the following order: 1) arterial roads, the major roadways with high traffic volumes; 2) collector roads that distribute traffic between arterial and local roads and school routes; 3) local roadways; and 4) cul-de-sacs. These roads equate to a total of approximately 2,400 lane miles that Douglas County maintains. Snow can melt and re-freeze overnight, creating ice buildup on the street. To report
Sue says, “I started volunteering as a delegate years ago at the request of my neighborhood subassociation. It has been a great opportunity to learn how Highlands Ranch operates as one of the most successful and unique communities in the US.�
street ice buildup, call 303-660-7480 or fill out an online form. Snow removal for the open space, parks and trails is provided by Highlands Ranch Metro District. If you have questions, please call 303-791-2710.
Sue has found Highlands Ranch to be the friendliest community she has ever lived in. She loves
For more information regarding snow removal, visit the Douglas County web site at
the sense of belonging to such a
www.douglas.co.us/publicworks/Snow_and_Ice_Removal.
wonderful place she calls home. We thank Sue for her service
B oar d u p d ates The January Board Meeting Motions are available at www.HRCAonline.org.
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
and dedication to the HRCA and Highlands Ranch community!
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ranch updates hrca preschool
R ac q u et for the C u re The 13th Annual Racquet for the Cure Racquetball Benefit Tournament is February 3 and 4 at Northridge. The tournament is a one-day, women’s only competition preceded by a Mixed Doubles kick-off fundraiser on Friday evening. Men also compete in an off site tournament on Saturday, plus may attend scheduled exhibitions, clinics, and challenge fundraisers with invited guests, pros, and celebrities. For more information, visit www.RacquetForTheCure.com.
Learning through play With the 2012-2013 Preschool registration on February 4, now is the time to begin thinking about preparing your child for the important step of school. This presents an opportunity for us to share with you the HRCA Preschool’s philosophy behind our classroom and curriculum approach. If you choose to enroll your child in our Preschool program, when you pick up your child and ask, “What did you do today?” you are likely to hear, “I built a house with blocks!” or possibly, “We painted with shaving cream!” These answers are important reflections of learning through play. In our classrooms, play is the process of meaningful learning. Teachers will focus on a particular theme such as transportation, and use this theme to exercise your child’s cognitive and language skills by building bridges with blocks, finger-painting their own plane, or engaging in a game of sight word Bingo. These integrated experiences will foster important skills that drive curiosity and a love for learning. We will guide your children in a learning environment that surfaces out of your child’s interests and ideas.
scholarships available The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund provides $1000 scholarships for graduating seniors residing in Highlands Ranch or attending a Highlands Ranch high school. Now is the time to apply—the deadline for submittal is March 1st. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/hrcsf for more information and to download an application.
B atting cages opening d ay Westridge’s Batting Cages open Wednesday, February 15. The batting cages offer five baseball and four softball stalls ranging in speeds from 30-80 mph. Homerun target banners provide the hitter a realistic result of each ball being hit. Batting cage hours for February 15 - March 10 are: Monday - Friday, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, Noon - 6:00 p.m. Take advantage of our new 2012 Batting Cage promotional options: “Power Hour” Extended Batting Cage Rentals - Schedule extended cage hours by booking a cage reservation in advance. Extended rentals for the 2012 season are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. A seven-day advance reservation ensures an extended hour rental. Call 303-347-8267. “Early Bird” Special Pre-Open Saturday Morning Summer Hours - Due to our loyal customer requests, beginning May 26 we will open the cages during summer hours at 8:00 a.m. A $10 “Early Bird Stamp” allows unlimited batting for two hours. “Triple Play” Spring Training Package - Customize your team’s spring training practice plan by utilizing our indoor turf for fielding and throwing, individual cage stall reservations, room arrangements for team meetings and celebrations. Time slots are filling fast! Call 303-347-8267 for your booking.
For more information, contact the preschool office at 303-471-8881.
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February 2012
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upcoming events F AT H ER / D AU G H t ER s w e e t h e a r t B ALL
Winter Cultural Series The Winter Cultural Series continues
Little ladies and their dads are invited to dance the
with Jon Schmidt and the Denver &
night away at this special Valentine’s Day Ball. Create
District Pipe Band!
special memories with your daughter while enjoying refreshments and dancing to a DJ! Each girl will receive a corsage, a commemorative photo, a special gift, and have the opportunity to make a special Valentine. Carriage rides will be available for an additional $3 per person, weather permitting. Friday, February 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Saturday, February 4, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. & 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Southridge, Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • $25 each members, $33 guests, $33 everyone day of event; if not sold out
Jon Schmidt is returning to Highlands Ranch from Utah on February 9. Jon is a renowned pianist, his music
S W EET H EART TE D D Y B EAR TEA
touches people of all ages and cultures. Often labeled as “new age,”
This special Valentine tea party is sure to delight
Jon has created a hybrid of music that
your little one! Relax as you are served yummy food
is equal parts classical, contemporary,
and drinks. After the tea, enjoy an exciting kid’s
and rock n’ roll!
show. Each child even receives a small stuffed bear! Bring your camera! Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. No children under 2 please. Saturday, February 11 • 10:30 a.m. - Noon • Southridge, Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium • $11 member, $15 guest, $15 everyone day of event; if not sold out
• Sunday Bloody Sunday 5K Challenge – Sunday, February 5, 8:30 a.m. at Westridge. Run the regular 5K course or register for the challenge course. For more information, visit www.highlandsranchraceseries.com
We conclude the series with the Denver & District Pipe Band featuring
• Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Dance – Friday, February 10, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Irish and Scottish dancers on February
at Southridge. An evening of fun, food, dancing, and prizes for ages 16 and up.
23. Join us and watch the dancers as
For more information, contact 303-471-7043 or summer.aden@hrcaonline.org.
the beautiful sound of bagpipes fills
• Whiskey Tasting – Saturday, February 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at
the room.
Eastridge. The HRCA and Highlands WineSeller partner to bring back this
Thursday, February 9 & 23 • 7:00 -
popular event. Taste different spirits and learn how they are made. Appetizers
8:30 p.m. • Cherry Hills Community
will accompany the tasting.
Church • $7 member, $10 guests,
Please check the web site for the most current event information and prices.
$10 day of event, $5 children 2-12, Children under 2 are free
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
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recreation aquatics/sports/fitness SPRINGBOARD DIVING PROGRAM The Mile High Dive Club (MHDC) is Colorado’s top-ranked Olympic-style diving club. The HRCA and MHDC have teamed up to offer all levels of training for (ages six and up.) Divers learn the correct technique for tuck dives and somersaults in the four diving directions and how to maximize scores and avoid injury. Classes are offered Monday and Wednesday evenings at Northridge. Registration and more information is at www. HRCAonline.org or contact 303-471-8935 or dball@hrcaonline.org. 6 t h Ann u a l H RCA
N E W U N D E RWAT E R S W I M C A M E R A
F i t n e s s Ch a l l e ng e
Review your underwater technique with a qualified coach and have a copy of the footage
begins February 6!
emailed to you. Gain a competitive advantage before the busy summer season arrives. Call
Individuals and couples (ages 8 and
303-471-8942 or kcornelison@hrcaonline.org to discuss a private coached swim lesson.
up) are welcome to compete in this year’s annual personal training weight
Wiffleball & Do d geball L eag u es
loss challenge! Participants will work
High schoolers (ages 14-18) put together your dodgeball or wiffleball roster today! Teams
out with a personal trainer twice a
must have three female players on the field at all times with a maximum of 10 players per
week for six weeks and compete for
roster. For more information call 303-471-8849.
prizes to be awarded at a Winner’s Reception on Thursday, March 22. This challenge is a great way to achieve personal fitness goals! View details online at www.hrcaonline. org/personaltraining. Z u mb a t h o n f o r Women’s Heart Health! Plan to Zumba for a great cause as February is Heart Health Month. Our Zumbathon charity event is February 25, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Northridge. All proceeds from
H ighlan d s ranch r u n series Sunday Bloody Sunday 5K Challenge - Run the regular 5K course, or add a few challenges along the way to test your total body strength, agility, and mental toughness. How tough are you? Find out on February 5, 8:30 a.m. at Westridge. For more information, visit www.highlandsranchraceseries.com HRCA Running Club - If you are a new runner or want to become a better runner, this club is for you. The supportive environment helps make better runners out of all its members. Highlands Ranch Race Series events are discounted to Run Club members. For more Running Club information visit www. highlandsranchrunningclub.com.
our event go to the American Heart
TENNIS LEAGUE LOTTERIES
Association. Register online at www.
New for the 2012 Tennis League Season is the introduction of the lottery system to
hrcaonline.org or in person at
determine what teams have been selected to play their season at Northridge, Southridge,
any HRCA recreation center. Bring
or Lebsack Tennis Center. League entry forms are available at Northridge Tennis Pavilion.
your receipt the day of the event for
Entries must be submitted prior to the lottery drawings. Lottery drawings for Lebsack
entrance.
Tennis Center are Tuesday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Northridge. Lottery drawings for Northridge or Southridge are February 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Northridge. For additional lottery
Call 303-471-8851 for more Fitness/
rules or if you have questions, call 303-471-8940.
Martial Arts information.
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February 2012
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education youth & adult G et the F a m ily T ogether ! This month, consider taking advantage of the fun family programs the HRCA has to offer! If your family is creative, enroll in the Paint, Pizza and Pop class! You’ll spend an evening with your children creating your own acrylic painting on stretched canvas while enjoying pizza and pop together! Or, try the Party Time classes that celebrate different spring holidays and give you and your children a chance to create a fun clay art project. If you have a teenager at home and are looking for something the two of you can do together, consider the spring parent/teen wheel classes.
February also brings family cooking classes to Southridge. Celebrate Valentine’s Day or Mardi Gras in the kitchen with your children. If you and your teenager are looking for a way to get moving, try enrolling in our Glee classes! Proud Mary and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat are the featured February Glee classes. To round out our family classes for the month consider enrolling you and your daughter in the Realistic Safety Strategies for Girls and Women. Get involved as a family and have fun together! For more information please call 303-471-8928.
classes for A d u lts O nly This month try some new and exciting adult classes. M. Jane Designs is offering a variety of jewelry and metal stamping classes that can give you the opportunity to create unique and contemporary designs out of metals and semi-precious stones. We are also offering a beginner’s knitting class. In February, the class is making hats to help keep you and your loved ones warm in these waning months of winter and spring. Or, consider our Kitchen Creations or beginning wheel classes
in the clay arts studio at Southridge. Get a group of friends together and try a cooking class! These are fun and relaxing experiences that give you family-friendly recipes to take home. Or, get moving in our Belly Dancing, Tap Dancing, Broadway style dance classes for adults. If you’re looking for ways to save your family money, consider the Coupons, Coupons, Coupons class on February 12 at Eastridge. It’s important to stay active and involved in activities that give you a space to be creative and stress free, so give these classes a try! For more information, call 303-471-8928.
P reschool R egistration 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 On February 4, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. at Eastridge, the HRCA hosts the annual preschool registration for families with children (ages 2 ½ - 5.) Stop by and get your questions answered, meet with the preschool staff, and discuss the full-day Enrichment program
with the directors. Now is the time to begin planning for your young child’s future learning experiences! For more information, call 303-471-8881.
A C T test preparation The ACT test preparation class for teens (ages 14-18) is February 26 March 18, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Get prepared for the National ACT
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
test on April 14, 2012. Enroll now to get the best chance of understanding test taking strategies with practice tests and helpful hints to make the most of this essential college application must. For more information, call 303-471-8818.
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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID
9568 University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-791-2500
HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT#170
Need a repairman? Find it on Click It!
www.HRCAonline.org/clickit
Scan with your smartphone to visit Click It! now
Facility closures February 5 - All facilities close at 8:00 p.m. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information. Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 1/31/12.
February|events
community partners
For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org
February 3-4
Father/Daughter Sweetheart Ball
February 3-4 Racquet for the Cure Tournament February 4
Preschool Registration
February 5 Sunday Bloody Sunday 5K Challenge February 9
Winter Cultural Series - Jon Schmidt
February 10 Therapeutic Recreation Sweetheart Ball February 11 Sweetheart Teddy Bear Tea February 13
Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.
February 18
Whiskey Tasting
February 21
RAC & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. (Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates)
February 23
Winter Cultural Series - Denver District Pipe Band featuring Irish & Scottish dancers
* These meetings are at Eastridge and open to our members.
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).