News December 2016
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Holiday Happenings “There’s no place like home for the holidays!” This is especially true of your hometown. HRCA has events, classes, and activities to keep your family and guests entertained throughout the season. Celebrate - Kick off the season with Hometown Holiday on December 2 at Town Center South. This free, fun-filled evening includes lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, food, crafts, pictures, and a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, all free of charge! Everyone can enjoy a Holiday Choral Concert performed by the Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale on December 4 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Love the music of the season? Don’t miss the Holiday Classical Music Concert at the Mansion on December 15. Then, on December 17 create another magical memory meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and eating pancakes at Breakfast with Santa. For many, a favorite holiday tradition is viewing homes decorated in festive lights. To find all of the best spots, go to www.HRCAonline.org/Contest for a map of all the Holiday House Decorating Contest entries and then December 14 - 18 return to the web site to vote for your favorite house.
Activities and Classes - How about a private Sleigh Ride in the Backcountry Wilderness Area? Dash through the snow in a horse-drawn open sleigh with family and friends, then stop at a campfire to roast marshmallows and warm up with hot chocolate. Create memories by making holiday-themed art, crafts, and treats. Adults will enjoy cooking classes taught by a professional chef or an artist who will guide you through 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 - Give your kids a break from the TV and video games! Help them stay active at Holiday Break Basketball Camps and Holiday Break Tennis Camps. Stop by any of the four recreation centers for free Holiday Games for kids over the break. HRCA is in the spirit of the season, so visit www.HRCAonline.org/Happenings for details on these activities and more!
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Come Get Your New Membership Cards Now! The new recreation software has been implemented and your old recreation card will no longer be valid, so come in to any recreation center and pick up your new card. This will give you full access to your member account to register for programs, services, and classes. Save yourself time and go online to HRCAonline.org/Upgrade to get started.
HRCA Giving and Non Profits Looking to make an end-of-the-year charitable contribution? HRCA has several non profit organizations that can use your help. In partnership with the Cars for Charity program, donate your used vehicle and get a year-end tax deduction! Vehicles in any condition are accepted, free towing and title services are available, and 100% of the net proceeds benefit one of the HRCA non profits. The Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund (HRCSF) provides scholarships to high school students that live or go to school in Highlands Ranch. To date, the program has given continued on page 3
Jerry Flannery CEO and General Manager HRCA|news is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community Association, Inc.
HRCA|Event/Weather Line 303-471-8888
Yes, it really is December! The turkey is all gone, the lights are on the house and Santa is preparing his sled to deliver gifts to all of the good little girls and boys. Hanukkah also begins on December 24 and we look forward to seeing the Menorah and the kindling of lights for eight days. Excitement and joy abound at this time of year, and I hope that you and yours be blessed with each other’s company and love. In Highlands Ranch, there is always plenty to do and December is absolutely no exception to that rule!
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-791-8958
Events and More Events: This month’s activities start off in grand style with a visit from Santa at the Hometown Holiday celebration in our Town Center South on Friday, December 2. Other not-to-miss celebrations include the Holiday Princess Tea Party on the 10th; Classical Music Series at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on the 15th, and of course, Breakfast with Santa is a must for you and your children on the 17th. Many of our events are free, but some have charges so please refer to other sections of this newsletter for complete details of the events. Also feel free to go online to www.HRCAonline.org/Events.
9568 University Blvd. M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
RECREATION CENTERS 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge 8801 Broadway M-Th: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. F: 5:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Technology Upgrade: Beginning on December 1, HRCA is implementing a new technology upgrade. It will have state-of-the-art recreation and finance software that will give HRCA the ability to streamline processes, payments, and give our members a better overall user experience. As part of the upgrade, all homeowners will need to obtain new membership cards by going to any of the four recreation centers and presenting identification and proof of residency. Homeowner’s will have 60 days to obtain new cards at no charge.
Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Westridge 9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Budget: While budgeting is never an exciting topic, it is important for everyone to know and understand what is happening during the upcoming year in our community. Soon homeowners can expect to see construction beginning at Northridge Recreation Center. This project has been part of the budget planning process for many years and we are excited to see our oldest recreation center be updated with a new design and improved recreational amenities. 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 capital improvements beyond just maintenance.
Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd. M-F: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Copyright ©2016 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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Accordingly, the Board is instituting an assessment increase for 2017. This increase will allow HRCA to maintain our outstanding level of service and current operating structure while also funding the Capital Replacement Fund (Reserve Fund). It will also enable us to continue setting aside funds for improvements to our aging recreation facilities. For more detailed information on our budget, please visit www.HRCAonline.org/Budget.
Thank you and Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
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continued from page 1 - Non Profits
over $200,000 in scholarships to
HRCA 2017 Adopted Budget The HRCA 2017 Budget was approved at the November 15 Board of Directors Meeting. The adopted budget for 2017 includes a 1.4% assessment increase, which is equivalent to $8 annually, for the Recreation Function Common Assessment. The new total assessment for the Administrative and Recreation Function Common Assessment will be $576 annually, or $144 per quarter. Assessments for the HRCA are due on the first day of every quarter starting January 1. The budget is available online at www.HRCAonline.org/Budgets.
students. Applications are available now for the 2017 program. The Cultural Affairs Association (CAA), in partnership with SCFD, produces and presents over 40 cultural, historic and educational programs and events annually, along with the annual Art Encounters outdoor sculpture
Holiday Lights & Decorations The HRCA has covenants regarding holiday decorations. Our Residential Improvement Guidelines state that all lighting and decorations may be put up 30 days prior to and then must be removed within 30 days following a holiday. Remember, when climbing on the roof on a sunny day in early December, you will have to be up on that same roof in January to take them down, and it may be cold and snowy. Please be careful.
program. New to HRCA this year, the Backcountry Conservation and Education Fund (BCEF) helps preserve and maintain the 8,200 acre Backcountry Wilderness Area just south of the residential
Snow Removal Guideline
developments of Highlands Ranch.
HRCA removes snow from its own property and Douglas County is responsible for snow removal on most public or private streets in Highlands Ranch. Trails and sidewalks along major arterials or streets are the responsibility of the Highlands Ranch Metro District. As homeowners, we are responsible for snow removal on our sidewalks and driveways. Douglas County has an ordinance that requires homeowners to remove snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the snow storm. If you have any questions, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Snowguide to learn what organization is responsible for snow removal in your neighborhood.
The HRCA Race Series is another program that serves our community through donations to charitable organizations. The Series presents 10 races every year that donate proceeds to a different charity for each race. In the last three years, the Series has donated over $30,000 to local non
quarterly assessments IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2017 HRCA will no longer accept cash payments for assessments or Community Improvement Services. HRCA is also finalizing the necessary steps to accept credit card payments at the assessment office as well as over the phone. More information will be provided soon.
profits. Runners help support our community by participating in the Series. Generosity from Highlands Ranch residents, either through participation in programs or direct donations, enables these non profits the ability to present exciting educational, recreational and cultural opportunities to our community. Visit HRCAonline.org/NonProfits to find more information on HRCA 501(c)3 organizations.
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New Activity Guide Watch your mailbox this month for the new January - April 2017 Activity Guide. The Guide has a new look and format. It is an abridged version of the previous guide. For classes and registration, go to www.HRCAonline.org/Register.
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Ranch updates & events
Holiday House Decorating Contest Wintry weather, twinkling lights, and seasonal greenery remind us that a special season is upon us, so take your holiday décor to the next level! Show off your community pride and light up the season by entering the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Holiday House Decorating Contest and celebrate the 2016 Holiday Season in style! It’s the perfect family project for the entire family to participate in and enjoy. Highlands Ranch homeowners should take a photo of their brightly lit homes and submit it with an online form by 5:00 p.m. on December 12. Addresses and photos of all of the contest entries will be posted with a map showing the location of each. Highlands Ranch residents may plan a visit to view the festive sights and lights and vote for their favorite home from December 14 - 18. The winners will be announced on December 21. First, second, and third place winners will receive a cash award, have a sign placed in their front yard, be recognized in the HRCA News, and have their home’s photo placed on the HRCA web site. To enter the contest or to vote, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Contest.
Hometown Holiday 2017 HRCA Community Calendars are here! This holiday give all your Highlands Ranch friends a present that gives all year long! The 2017 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photos taken right here in the Ranch, as well as information on community and cultural events, races, recreation center closures, holidays, and more! Calendars are $5.00 each and come in two sizes. They may be purchased online at www.HRCAonline.org/Pride or at any recreation center. Proceeds benefit the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.
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Join your family and neighbors in celebrating the spirit of the season this Christmas at the Hometown Holiday on Friday, December 2, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Town Center South. Enjoy the sound of the holidays as carolers and a children's choir sing holiday classics. Have your photo taken with Santa, make a holiday craft, and enjoy a hayrack ride – all for free! Local businesses will hand out free goodies, such as cookies, hot chocolate, soup, and apple cider! Be early, Santa kicks off the celebration by lighting the Christmas tree at 5:00 p.m.
Last Minute Gift Ideas From HRCA Gift Cards, which can be redeemed for any class, activity, or event, to Highlands Ranch Pro Shop items or notecards, we have a variety of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Don't forget to get a 2017 HRCA Community Calendar for yourself! For more gift ideas, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Pride.
Free Holiday Games are Coming to Your Favorite Facility! Mark your calendars for the following dates at each facility, check the web site, and keep a look out for more information as the dates approach: Eastridge – December 21 • Southridge – December 21 Westridge – December 23 • Northridge – December 22
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Upcoming events
Holiday Encore Chorale Concert Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association is bringing a unique chorale concert to kick off the holiday season. The Highlands Ranch Encore Chorale is comprised of persons 55+ who enjoy singing. They have been rehearsing at Southridge for 13 weeks and will perform a free concert of holiday favorites, audience sing-a-longs, and other seasonal surprises! Sunday, December 4 • 3:00 p.m. • St. Andrew Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd. • Free with a donation to the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association.
Holiday Classical Music concert Join us in the Grand Ballroom at the Highlands Ranch Mansion for a fun evening highlighted by chamber music for the holidays! Revel in the beauty of the mansion at this time of year, and hear stories of the mansion throughout its history. For this special occasion, a cash bar will be available as well as light appetizers. Don't miss celebrating the holidays with us! $20 in advance, $25 day of event if not sold out! • Thursday, December 15 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion • cash bar
Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is comin’ to town! Whether you are two or 72, there is nothing more memorable than the time you sat on Santa’s lap! Bring your appetite for the best pancakes and sausage this side of the North Pole. Come enjoy sleigh loads of fun at the December 17 event. The ‘Jolly Ole Elf’ himself will arrive for a 9:00 a.m. start and will be perched in his Royal Chair accompanied by his merry elves until 10:30 a.m., listening to every good child’s special wish for Christmas. Remember to bring your camera! Children will also enjoy creating crafts and listening to festive holiday music and stories from Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Workshop! $11 in advance, $15 day of event if not sold out (all ages)! • Saturday, December 17 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. • Eastridge • Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Sorry no refunds!
2017 Winter Cultural series HRCA is proud to announce the 2017 Winter Cultural Series! Join us as we kick off the series on Thursday, January 12, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church with a beautiful ballet performance by Littleton Youth Ballet. Tickets are $10 early bird pricing, $15 week of event, if not sold out. Military, senior (65+), or child discount (12 and Under) are $7 early bird pricing, $10 week of event, if not sold out. Don't miss the rest of the series: Thursday, January 26: DU Lamont School of Jazz Thursday, February 9: Broadway Sings! Broadway’s Top Hits Thursday, February 23: Denver Pops Rhapsody and Romance Get your tickets early, these will sell out quickly!
Upcoming events January 2017 2, 26 Winter Cultural Series 1 14 Super Heroes Unite! 20 Family Magic Show 21 Hot Cocktails & Cordials 28 Chinese New Year Celebration Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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Body Transformation Challenge The 2017 60-Day Body Transformation Challenge is just around the corner. Are you ready to melt the pounds away and start your New Year off right? Challenge yourself (or with a friend) to compete against other individuals or teams of two to see who can achieve the highest percentage of weight loss in a 60-day period. Registration includes 16 one-hour sessions with a personal trainer over a 60-day period; and new this year, classes facilitated exclusively for the fitness challenge participants throughout the 60 days. The 2017 challenge will run Tuesday, January 10 - Friday, March 10. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in both the individual and team categories. This year’s challenge will again include a free entry into the HRCA St. Patrick’s Day 5K on Saturday, March 11. Celebrate your fitness accomplishments at this action-packed community event and 5K. For more information, please visit: www.HRCAonline.org/Fitness.
THERAPEUTIC RECREATION PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS Winter Break Sports Camp! Join us at Southridge for TR Winter Break Sports Camp on December 19 and 21 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon. Learn the skills necessary for a variety of sports in a fun and recreation based environment. Learn the rules of the games focusing on teamwork and good sportsmanship. This program is for ages 8 & older. For information please visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR.
6 | December 2016
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Classes, camps & activities
HRCA Division A CARA State Volleyball Champions! At the CARA Division A State Volleyball Tournament on November 5, HRCA Team Layton took 1st place! This is the first time in recent history that an HRCA team has won the State Tournament. Way to go Team Layton!
Tennis Camps Keep the kiddos busy while having fun during the holidays by signing up for one or both of HRCA’s awesome FUNdamental tennis camps! Each camp is three days of tennis FUNdamentals taught by one of our expert tennis professionals. Two camps, held from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. each day, are offered December 20 - 22 and December 27 - 29. Both include a swim and snack break. So, whether they’ve been naughty or nice, register the kiddos now and give them a surprise treat over the holidays! Call 303-471-8940 with any questions or to register today!
Soccer Shots at HRCA Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. Our expert-approved curriculum is age-appropriate and aligns with childhood educational standards. We offer a variety of class times for ages 2-7 and classes run once per week for eight weeks. For more information please email lsheley@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8838.
Youth Swimmers Gain a Competitive Edge at HRCA Is someone in your family currently on a local high school swim team? Do you have a child age 6 or older swimming a 50-yard freestyle and backstroke looking for a new challenge in the water? HRCA offers three programs designed to allow swimmers to build solid skills technique as well as maintain fitness during the off-season. • Seahawks Drill Academy (ages 6-14) is a program that is broken into three groups (bronze, silver, and gold) which focuses on techniques for all four competitive strokes and building endurance. • Seahawks Conditioning Camp (ages 8-18) is a competitive program designed to develop stronger techniques and maintain endurance during the off-season. • Seahawks Elite (ages 10-18) is a 1½ hour program running three times a week designed to maintain competition readiness during the off-season. Endurance is a critical portion of this program. For over 30 years, HRCA has offered coaching for swimming programs in a positive and fun environment for thousands of families. Want to learn more? Call 303-471-8942 or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org.
Holiday Time in our Youth Programs Now that it’s time to Deck the Halls, we want to be sure you consider all of the fun things to do at HRCA this month! Enroll your child in one of our Creative Kids classes at Westridge that are sure to have your kids ready for the holidays! Enroll them in Snow Much Fun, a mommy and me class for ages 18 months-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 there is sure to be a class that meets your family’s schedule. We’ll be doing fun crafts, projects and activities related to our themes: Just Chillin', Hot Chocolate, Merry Memories, Dashing Through the Snow, Candy Cane Lane and I’m Melting are just a few! For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! December is a wonderful month to get your kids involved in something new and festive! Our art classes for ages 5-12 include Tis the Season to be Freezin', Dashing Through the Snow and Frozen Wonderful World. For those that love the kitchen, try our Holiday Edition Chef’s Camp! We will also be offering Pre-Engineering with LEGO camp and Sumo Robot Battles with LEGO camp during break as well. Challenge Island’s Wizardry Camp and Little Coders Winter camp is a great option for the adventurous kids! Get your kids involved in fun holiday projects and activities that inspire and engage them!
Find a Reason to Dance For December, HRCA is featuring the adult dance program. Consider trying one of these classes this month or as a New Year’s resolution! We offer Belly Dancing on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. for intermediate students, Adult Tap Dance on Mondays from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m., Swedish Folk Dance on Wednesdays from 8:15 - 9:15 p.m., and Couples Dance classes on Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Get your toe tapping shoes on, give it a whirl and join us! For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
Put a Bow on Outdoor Discovery Camp What if the gift you buy for your kid or grandchild this holiday season would last them a lifetime in education, memories, and a growing love for the outdoors? You’re in luck! This year, registration for our Outdoor Discovery Camps kick off with early bird pricing (up to $20 off) on December 5. You can’t box up five days of nature exploration, horses, art, leadership, and even an overnight campout, but you can pick out the prettiest paper for the FREE Backcountry Nalgene water bottle that comes with each December camp registration (to be picked up at Southridge Recreation Center). And just about the time when they’d be ready to toss a trendy holiday toy aside, your kids will be headed off to the best week of their summer! For more information, please email OutdoorDiscoveryCamp@HRCAonline.org or visit www.HRCAonline.org/outdoordiscoverycamp.
Adult H2O at HRCA Are you looking for programs to help you stay in shape? December is free Drop-In month for all new adult swim programs participants. Find out how swimming can help you live longer without working up a sweat! Discover how adding swimming to an overall fitness routine will make a surprising difference. • Ranch H2O is an introduction to swimming for fitness and fun. • Tri H2O is the answer to improve your stroke technique, build your endurance, and gain confidence for the swimming leg of your next triathlon. • Mid-Day & Power Masters are the programs to test your limits in one hour workouts to improve stroke technique for all four competitive strokes and build endurance. Take advantage of the free drop-in opportunity in December. To learn more call 303-471-8942 or email rachel.lyon@hrcaonline.org.
Stay Informed! Follow HRCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org.
Connect with Backcountry We want to see how you are enjoying the Backcountry Wilderness Area!
Step 1: Take awesome photographs and video of you and your family enjoying the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Step 2: Find and “like” the Backcountry Wilderness Area on Facebook (facebook.com/ hrcabackcountry) and Instagram (@hrca_backcountry).
Step 3: Tag us when you post your photos on social media and we’ll share them with the world. Plus, you’ll be directly connected to the most up-to-date information on events and outings. HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures December 16-17 Eastridge Basketball Courts: Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Saturday all day December 23
Administrative Offices
December 24-25 Recreation Centers December 26
Administrative Offices
December 31
Recreation Centers early closure 5:00 p.m.
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 11/30/16
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).
December Events
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. December 2. . . . . . . Hometown Holiday December 4. . . . . . . Holiday Choir Concert Encore Chorale December 5. . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. December 12. . . . . . House Decorating Contest Deadline December 14-18. . . . House Decorating Contest Public Voting December 13. . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. December 15. . . . . . Holiday Classical Music Concert December 17. . . . . . Breakfast with Santa December 26. . . . . . Community Menorah Lighting * These meetings are open to our members.