News August 2015
Learning in Highlands Ranch As Ben Franklin once said, “Tell me and I may forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” Whatever your age, it is important to get involved and keep learning. The Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) offers a number of educational programs for you and your family. Whether you’re trying something new, or fine-tuning an old skill, our class offerings can provide a learning experience you won’t soon forget. The HRCA offers everything from educational camps for children to adult financial planning seminars. Our STEM educational camps take place during school breaks and holidays and offer children a wonderful opportunity to see how learning can be fun! We offer engineering classes that focus on exciting subjects such as Superhero’s and Mine Craft, as well as science programs where children explore space, texture and colors. Important educational classes for children focus on safety as well as school readiness. Our popular APE program (Avoiding Predators Everyday) has been a wonderful addition to our class offerings and teaches children how to get out of danger and make good choices that protect them. Our ACT test prep class is part of our school readiness series that focuses on preparing students for the upcoming National ACT test from a Board Certified Teacher. For adults, our popular Will Seminar, taught by an experienced estate planning attorney, runs one night, monthly, and participants walk away with a notarized will, general power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and living will. Other seminars include: Estate Planning Seminar, Social Security: Your Questions Answered, The Morning After Closing, and Do You Hear Water? Plumbing 101. Making time to attend a class to learn something new isn’t always an option, so HRCA has partnered with Cengage Learning to offer Ed2Go, an online educational experience. Classes like technology, accounting and finance, and business are online learning opportunities that meet your family’s busy schedule. These classes can be found on our web site at www.HRCAonline.org or by calling 303-471-8818. Make this your most rewarding year yet, and learn something new!
Farm-to-Table DInner Enjoy the tastings that Colorado has to offer for a very unique evening that has NEVER been experienced in Highlands Ranch. The evening will start with a welcome cocktail, live music hayride with HRCA’s draft horses, Bella and Buster, through the Backcountry Wilderness area to a remote site to enjoy fresh, organic local food reflecting the end of summer crops prepared by a Whole Foods Market Highlands Ranch chef. Passed appetizers and various Colorado spirits will be on hand for cocktail hour while we wait for all guests to arrive by hayride. This four-course meal will include select Colorado wine pairings with each course, along with live music. The evening will end with s’mores over an open fire and cocktails. Bella and Buster will then take you back to your car to end this spectacular end of summer dinner. Limited tickets will be available. Saturday, August 29 • 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. • $100 in advance, $125 day of event, if not sold out • Backcountry Wilderness Area • 21+ or older, IDs will be checked.
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
Board of Directors 303-471-8958 Scott Lemmon Brock Norris Melissa Park Jeff Suntken Dennis Seymour
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES at Eastridge 303-791-8958 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. 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. Recreation Center at Southridge
I am always amazed at how quickly the summer goes, aren’t you? This summer is no different. It feels like we just celebrated our nation’s birthday yesterday! Speaking of the 4th of July, what a great day in the Ranch! We kicked of the day with a 5K run where the runners ended the race in a giant slip ‘n’ slide, we watched the annual parade march down Highlands Ranch Parkway, we had the festival throughout the day and ended the day with a terrific fireworks show. I want to say a big thank you to all of our Community Relations staff for planning such a wonderful celebration for our community, and all the HRCA staff that worked throughout the day. And, of course, we couldn’t do these events without the help of dozens of Ranch Hand volunteers who always help make our events so successful. Thank you also to the parents who were watchful of their children when the candy in the parade started coming their way. I have never seen such polite and well behaved spectators! Now... let’s talk about August.
Events: The Farmers’ Market continues every Sunday in Town Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. As always, the market has a great selection of produce and other crafts for your interests. Our Summer Concert Series has been hit hard this year with all the rain. Mother Nature has impacted three of the concerts in our Summer Concert Series, and they had to be rescheduled. (See page 5 for the rescheduled locations and dates.) Consequently, this presents additional opportunities for you and your family to attend an upcoming concert, so come check them out. Then grab a blanket, and the kids, and join us for Film in the Park. On August 7, 14 and 21, the HRCA will show a movie in Civic Green Park. Show time is around dusk and admission is free! For more information on all of our community events, check out our web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Events.
Volunteer of the Month: I really love this section of the newsletter because I get to highlight an outstanding individual for their service to the community. This month, I am honored to call out a group of over 70 individuals who helped make the “iCan Bike” camp an incredible success! Imagine not being able to ride a bike when you see all of your friends riding them. This program takes a group of campers with disabilities and works with them over a week long time frame and teaches them to independently ride on two wheels! The group of volunteer spotters helped these children to gain more and more confidence until they flew on their own wings. Thank you to the amazing volunteers who ran alongside the bikes to allow this to happen!
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 ©2015 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 GO PAPERLESS! Visit: https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/ signup. The last assessment was due July 1, 2015. Please call 303-471-8958 if you have any questions about your account or would like to update your billing address.
Community News Neighborhood Impressions First impressions and the general appearance of neighborhoods are greatly influenced by the paint on your home, along with the general maintenance of landscaping. The Community Improvement Department is busy surveying and conducting follow ups on both paint and landscape issues.
Paint Regular, timely painting of your home is good practice for more reasons than just to avoid receiving a paint notice from HRCA. Nothing perks up a home like a fresh coat of paint. Just be sure to get the color approved before buying the paint.
Trees As neighborhoods mature, diseased and dead tree issues become more prevalent. Regular pruning and removal of dying trees and shrubs is recommended.
Water Dry conditions are prevalent throughout Colorado and it is important for all home owners to use water efficiently. Follow these tips to help you reduce the amount of water needed in your landscape: • Water in the late evening to early morning hours. Evaporation loss occurs at a higher rate during the daytime hours. Only water when your yard needs it. • Water the lawn no more than two to three times per week. Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep roots and drought-tolerant grass. • Utilize horticultural best management practices. Aerate in the spring and fall. Fertilize three times during the season: spring, summer, and more importantly, fall. • Perform periodic checks of your irrigation system. Check for leaks and broken sprinkler heads and efficient coverage. Adjust your irrigation run times as the weather changes. • Use the cycle and soak method to reduce wasteful runoff. Break your watering times into five-minute cycles and wait an hour between each cycle to allow the water to soak in. • Install a rain sensor. Rain sensors can be added to your irrigation controller and will automatically shut off your sprinkler system when it rains.
HIGHLANDS RANCH CONE ZONE In various locations throughout Highlands Ranch, roadways are under reconstruction to repair or replace aging surfaces, improve ride quality, and address congestion and capacity issues. Douglas County is investing in road improvements to add value to our community, but they recognize the short term negative impact construction has on residents and businesses. To stay informed, the Douglas County web site has updates about construction projects located throughout Highlands Ranch to help you plan accordingly. Citizens may also report pothole problems to this site by submitting a report online. Please visit http://www.douglas. co.us/road-work/maintenanceprojects/highlands-ranch-roadimprovements/ to find out what is being done around town.
Employment opportunities at HRCA HRCA is always looking for great, positive employees to work for us. To see what employment opportunities are currently available at the web site, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Jobs. HRCAonline.org | 3
hIGHLANDS rANCH dAYS Join us at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion September 10-12, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. where the old west comes to life with a fur trapper, gold panning, life-sized tipi, horse drawn hay rides, a petting zoo, and much more! Entertainment features songs and dance performances by Native Americans, banjo music, and a raptor program. Hands-on exhibits and mansion tours will also be available. Tickets (available only at the gate) are $5 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $3 for children (ages 2 and under are free). The mansion parking lot will be closed all day on Saturday September 12, so plan to park at Mountain Vista High School parking lot and take the free shuttle to the Mansion. Free shuttle rides to the Highlands Ranch Days will be available on Saturday from Mountain Vista High School to the Mansion starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, • September 10-12 • 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. • $5 per adult (ages 13 and up), $3 per child (ages 2 and under are free) at the gate • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Drive
ranch updates Want to Hear from your District Delegate? Opt-in to have communication with your district delegate. It’s easy! On the HRCA web site, go to “About-Us/Guides-Communication/Keeping-in-Touch.” You will need your account number and password to register. This information is on your annual or quarterly HRCA assessment invoice. Once logged in, enter your email address and then go to the “Communication Options” heading and select “I want to receive communications from my District Delegate.” Hit “Save account options.” Your information will then get routed to your District Delegate. Visit the HRCA web site and sign up today!
Keeping Your Pets In Line Occasionally, we need to remind canine owners that as great as your dog is, please be mindful of others. Be aware of your dog’s excessive barking, and when taking your dog for a walk, be courteous and take a bag to clean up after your dog. Also, keep your pet on a leash at all times when walking in neighborhoods and parks.
HRCA’s Farmers’ & Street Markets The Farmers’ Market offers the freshest, locally grown and produced foods. As summer progresses, the market explodes with all the colors, smells, and varieties of Colorado’s bounty. Visit www.HRCAonline.org/Events for a list of farmers and vendors. • Sundays, through October 25 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Town Center South
Cigar and Spirit Pairing Back by popular demand! Are you a cigar aficionado? Would you like to learn more about cigars, the history, and how to make your own? How about what beverages go with different varieties of cigars? Davidsons Liquors, Whole Foods Market Highlands Ranch, and HRCA are excited to bring you a special evening to the Ranch! The staff at Davidsons Liquors will be bringing three different cigars to enjoy on the patio at the Recreation Center at Southridge while being paired with a spirit that best compliments each hand-rolled cigar. Appetizers will be on hand to be enjoyed during the evening. This program benefits the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. Saturday, August 15 • 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. • $30 in advance, $35 day of event, if not sold out • Recreation Center at Southridge • 21+ or older, IDs will be checked
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Upcoming events Summer Sunset Concert Come celebrate the end to another wonderful Highlands Ranch summer with the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s and Highlands Ranch Metro District’s Summer’s Sunset Concert featuring Under A Blood Red Sky – The U2 Tribute! You’ll experience the “theater” of a U2 concert in the park! Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the final nights of summer here in the Ranch! Sorry no dogs allowed in the park. Thursday, August 27 • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green Park • Free
Jazz at the Mansion - featuring Lannie Garrett The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association once again brings singer/entertainer Lannie Garrett for an unforgettable performance at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Lannie presents: Swing Sets: Benny, Basie and Beyond! Lannie Sings -The Band Swings! Lannie sets the stage and fronts the band in glamorous, 1940’s style. Join us for this indoor concert in the great hall. Thursday, August 13 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 E. Gateway Drive • Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for self-guided tours • Indoor concert at 6:30 p.m. • Cash bar available. • Tickets are $37 in advance, $40 day of the event, if not sold out.
Culture on the green The Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (in partnership with the Highlands Ranch Community Association) and the Highlands Ranch Metro District brings culture to Highlands Ranch with the “Culture on the Green” Series. The Colorado Wind Ensemble, the metro Denver’s urban wind symphony featuring the versatile and sumptuous sounds of 45 woodwinds, brass, and percussion, will perform this August 28. Free and open to the public. Please, no dogs. Then mark your calendars for September 25 with Ballet Ariel. Friday, August 28 • 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. • Civic Green Park • Free
Film-in-the-park Come set up your chairs and blankets at 7:45 p.m. for an 8:30 p.m. or dusk start time of all movies. On August 21, Rapunzel and her prince will be joining us for a special evening of songs and photo opportunities! Dress up and enjoy this special time with them! Feel free to bring your favorite picnic dinner or enjoy Cornzapoppin Popcorn and Kona Shaved Iced each week for purchase. Sorry, no dogs allowed in the park. Fridays, August 7: Finding Nemo, August 14: Big Hero 6, August 21: Tangled • 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. • Free
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
Rescheduled Summer Concerts Due to the stormy summer weather this year, some of the Summer Concert Series bands have been rescheduled. Don’t miss these great bands on their new dates and locations!
Upcoming events
No Visible Flaws • Thursday, July 30 • 6:30 p.m. • Highland Heritage Regional Park The Country Music Project • Wednesday, August 12 • 6:30 p.m. • Civic Green Park
September 10-12 Highlands Ranch Days 13 Doggie Splash & Pet Expo 18 Big Band Dance Night 19 Oktoberfest Celebration 24-26 Ladies Fishing on the Fly 25 Culture on the Green 26 Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding Please check the web site for the most current event information.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets.
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Classes, camps & activities In-House Doubles League Registration Begins in August!
HRCA Mountain Bike Race Series The HRCA Mountain Bike Race Series will consist of four Wednesday evening races for 2015, all starting and finishing at Red Tail Park. The four courses will take you through the beautiful HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area including new sections of trail that were opened last fall. Participants will race to collect points to earn the title of overall HRCA MTB Race Series Male or Female Champion. Open to 14+ years old and any ability. First race begins August 5. For more information or to register visit: www.HRraceseries.com.
POOL PARTIES ARE A SPLASH AT HRCA • Enjoy the special day stress-free • Two hours of fun (ages 4 & older) • Smaller parties $125 for up to 9 participants at Eastridge • Parties for up to 15 participants $195 at Eastridge & Southridge • Includes drinks, paper products, party hosts, and cake • Parties offered Friday, Saturday & Sunday Visit www.HRCAonline.org for more information.
Get in on the fun that doubles competition serves up in tennis! HRCA is pleased to present another session of In-House Doubles leagues beginning in September for competition at the 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 levels. League registration for members begins on August 11 and program guest registration begins on August 25. A registration form indicating your level and doubles partner must be completed, so stop by the Tennis Pavilion at Northridge and be ready when sign-ups begin. Call 303-471-8940 for more information on one of our most popular tennis programs!
Youth Girls Basketball League Is your daughter interested in playing basketball? Sign up for the 2015 HRCA Youth Girls Basketball League! This league is offered for first through eighth grade and designed for beginner to intermediate players. Featuring a seven-game season with weekly one-hour team practices and season ending jamboree or tournament, players are welcome to sign up individually or as a team. Deadline to register is Friday, September 11 or when full. For more information please email cmaes@hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8869.
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) - Programs for Special Needs Join us in August for Wednesday Night Sports Fun at Southridge Recreation Center. Indoor Soccer for athletes with special needs will be held August 5-26. This program encourages team work and sportsmanship while focusing on the skills needed for each sport. Come out and join the fun! Visit www.HRCAonline.org/TR for more information. For information about the TR program offerings, class pricing and availability, call 303-471-7043 or email 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.
Aquatic Open House - Saturday, August 22 - 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Ride the wave of aquatic fun at HRCA. All aquatic programs will be discounted 20% for attendees who attend the Open House. Need a swim test for your child? Want to try snorkeling or scuba? Want to learn to lap swim for exercise? There will be raffles for prizes like FREE Private Lessons ($40 value), Learn to Swim Sessions ($59 value) and Adult Aquatic Passes ($63 value). Admission is free for the entire family. Learn more at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim or call 303-471-8935 or email diane.ball@hrcaonline.org.
Swim Programs
OPEN HOUSE Saturday, August 22 • 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Northridge Recreation Center
ONE-DAY PROGRAM DISCOUNTS RAFFLE PRIZES • Free Adult Swim Passes • Free Private Swim Lessons • Free Learn to Swim sessions
SWIM TEST • TRY PROGRAMS
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• Clinics • Learn to Swim • Underwater Camera Demos • Coached & Competitive Swim
Be sure to wear or bring your swim suit for in-water activities!
www.HRCAonline.org/Swim l 303-471-8935
ACT Test-Prep
The Importance of the Preschool Experience Whether you’re a full-time working parent or a stay-at-home parent of a 3-5 year old, consider the importance of the Preschool experience for your child. Research proves that children develop their most fundamental skills between birth and 5 years. These skills are critical in your child’s overall success as they move into adolescence and adulthood. A diverse learning environment is part of the overall experience. By providing your child an opportunity to develop the essential fine and gross motor, cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional skills with children their age, they are better able to cope, self-regulate and be independent. HRCA offers a Preschool program for children ages 2 ½-5 at both Eastridge and Westridge. Our teachers are certified, caring and gentle professionals who will help your child through that experience. Eastridge and Westridge Preschool and Pre-K registration has begun. Please call the Eastridge office at 303-471-8814 or the Westridge office at 720-348-8214 for more information or visit the web site. The 2015 - 2016 school year runs September 8, 2015 - May 19, 2016.
7th Annual Jon D Williams Cotillion Registration for this event opens on July 29 at 10:00 a.m. Students are taken on a first-come, first-served basis for this popular program for children grades 3-8. Classes run October 25 - December 6. Our Introduction to Cotillion is for 3rd graders only and a great way to begin developing these skills at an early age. For more information, please visit our web site at HRCAonline.org, call 303-471-8928 or to register please visit www.cotillion.com.
It’s August and Still Green In the Backcountry, we have a simple way of judging the moisture in a given spring/ summer. If the grasses stay green through the 4th of July, it is a good year. Well this year is a great year! All of the plants and grasses in the Backcountry are thriving; the flowers are amazing, the grasses are tall, the shrubs and trees are healthy, the ponds are full, and, as a result, the wildlife is living easy. Years like this one are not common and the beauty that the moisture brings is wonderful to observe.
August 3-6, 9:00 a.m. - noon, we will be hosting our ever popular ACT test-prep class. Students will learn strategies that will help them raise their overall composite score with a National Board Certified Teacher. This class has been recommended by a number of high school teachers from all four of the Highlands Ranch High Schools, so be sure to register now. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.
Check out our new nursery hours on the web site effective September 1.
After School Programs Just because the kids are going back-to-school does not mean they have to spend their afternoons inside. We have many after school programs coming up including after school adventure camps, archery lessons, hikes, Art, S’mores & the Outdoors art classes, and much more. Late summer and fall are a great time to be outdoors; do not miss out! Private Hay rides and Birthday parties can be booked as well, and horseback trail rides continue through August. Check out our web site for details and all things Backcountry, and get outdoors with us!
But, with the good comes the bad, in the form of invasive, non-native weeds. We treat invasive weeds in a variety of ways; herbicides, shovels and elbow grease, mowing, grazing, and even bugs. We have made great progress in the battle over the last few years and continue to improve the habitat year by year.
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PRESORTED Standard US postage paid Highlands Ranch Co Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures August 8
Northridge outdoor pool: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Splash Mash Dash Kids’ Mini Triathlon
Northridge indoor pool: 6:00 - 9:00 a.m. Splash Mash Dash Kids’ Mini Triathlon
Westridge outdoor pool: 6:30 - 11:59 p.m. - Dive-in movie setup
August 10-15 Northridge - annual maintenance August 24-29 Eastridge - annual maintenance Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 07/31/15
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).
August Events For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org. August 2-30 . . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only) August 7 . . . . . . Film in the Park - Finding Nemo August 8 . . . . . . Dive-in Movie - Finding Nemo August 5 . . . . . . Mountain Bike Race Series begins August 8 . . . . . . Splash Mash Dash Kids’ Mini Triathlon August 10 . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m. August 13 . . . . . Jazz at the Mansion - Lannie Garrett August 14 . . . . . Film in the Park - Big Hero 6 August 15 . . . . . Cigar and Spirit Pairing August 17 . . . . . Pottery Sale at Southridge August 18 . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. August 21 . . . . . Film in the Park - Tangled - Sing-A-Long August 22 . . . . . Aquatic Programs Open House - Northridge August 27 . . . . . Summer’s Sunset Concert - Under a Blood Red Sky August 28 . . . . . Culture on the Green - Colorado Wind Ensemble * These meetings are open to our members.