|News March 2012
Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership
March 2012
election of directors & delegates ANNUAL MEETING OF DELEGATES (Election of Directors) - The Annual Meeting of Delegates will be held March 20 to elect three candidates to the HRCA Board of Directors. There are four candidates running for the three Director positions. The candidates are: Christina Caputo, Scott Lemmon, Heidi Town, and Craig Ziesman. For more information about the Director election process or to review the Candidates’ bios please visit the web site. ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS - In even-numbered years, members (property owners) within even-numbered districts and districts currently not represented by a delegate, elect their District Delegate. The 2012 elections will take place at the Annual Meeting of Members on April 24, 5:30 p.m. at Eastridge, Community Room. For more information about Delegate elections or to locate your delegate district, please visit www.hrcaonline.org/Leadership. If you are interested in running for a Delegate position, call the HRCA Administrative Office at 303-471-8958. The last date for known Delegate Candidates to be printed on the Notice mailed to members is March 12. Write-in Candidates will still be accepted and valid.
culture in the ranch & the SCFD So, you’ve seen the polar bear logo in publications, on the web site, and in the newsletter promoting a cultural event, but what is it, really? The polar bear icon represents the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District’s (SCFD) who’s primary purpose is to “provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history” through funding to cultural organizations. But how does the SCFD work in the real world? Since 1989, the SCFD has distributed funds from a 1/10 of 1% sales and use tax to cultural facilities throughout the seven-county Denver metropolitan area. The funds support cultural facilities and organizations that fulfill the mission of the SCFD. Douglas County Cultural Council receives a portion of the SCFD funds which they distribute to various county cultural organizations such as the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association (CAA). In 2011, the Douglas County Cultural Council awarded $400,900.00 toward cultural activities in Douglas County. In summary, the SCFD sales and use tax of 1¢ for every $10 purchase is then used for financial support to metro Denver cultural organizations. Our CAA is one of these organizations. This is a relatively small price to pay for the enormous return on the taxpayers’ investment! Next time you attend a cultural event in Highlands Ranch and see the SCFD Polar Bear logo, remember that the CAA’s ability to bring those cultural events to you is made possible in part by the SCFD.
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 Association, Inc.
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 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 9568 University Blvd. 303-791-8958 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. Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd.
Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Top O’ The Morning To Ya! It is hard to believe but spring is around the corner and that means more and more activities are happening in Highlands Ranch! Please checkout our web site at www.hrcaonline.org for detailed information on all the activities on the calendar. If you are like my family, many times we are looking for things to do during the week and on the weekends. In Highlands Ranch, there is so much going on that no one should be bored for lack of activities. IT’s Election Season for the HRCA. Board Members will be elected at the annual meeting on March 20th. Also scheduled for the annual meeting this year is a proposal to amend the Bylaws of HRCA. Please look under Board Motions/Meeting on the front page of our web site to see the submitted proposal. a friendly reminder March is known as one of the snowiest months of the year. Consequently, let’s all please remember to shovel our driveways and sidewalks, especially around mailboxes. Also, as we begin to thaw from winter, so does our landscaping and home. Please look for signs of winter’s weathering on your home and in your yards to avoid costly repairs later. For more information regarding snow removal, visit www. HRCAonline.org/snowremoval. PLANNING SESSION In January, the Board of Directors and I met to discuss the strategic plan for this year. This plan will include strategies moving forward for the next five years and will be modified each year. The goal is to tie the plan to the budget so we have a clear picture of our needs and the resources available to pay for them. Senior staff and I will begin the process of planning in accordance with the Board’s direction. Look for additional updates.
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Recreation Center at Westridge 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.
Burglaries in our neighborhoods Unfortunately there have been an increasing number of home break-ins in our community. Recent burglaries have used the ruse of being a solicitor, utility personnel, and even someone asking for directions to see if someone is home. Be diligent and practice good home safety. Lock all your doors and windows, keep your garage door closed, landscape trimmed, and install good lighting around your home. Don’t hesitate to call 911 to report any suspicious activities or incidents and keep an eye out for your neighbors.
Recreation Center at Southridge 4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Su: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Copyright ©2012 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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Fyi |
Quarterly Assessments
IMPORTANT CHANGE NOTIFIC ATiON The HRCA’s mailing address for payments has changed. Effective immediately, please send your quarterly assessment payments to the new address as shown on your invoice. If you make your payments by electronic bill pay through your bank make sure you update the address to the following: HRCA, PO Box 910843, Denver, CO 80291-0843
March 2012
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HOA news C o v e n a n t E n f o r c e m e n t P r o c e ss The reason we have covenants in Highlands Ranch is to protect the value of our
DELEGATE of the month
properties and the community. The HRCA staff is often asked what happens when homeowners violate the covenants. Here is a brief overview of our enforcement process, as outlined in the Bylaws and the Community Declaration. When the Covenant Compliance Department is made aware of a non-compliance issue, either by surveying a neighborhood or by complaint, a First Notice of Non-Compliance is sent. The notice references the covenant violation and gives a date when the property must be brought into compliance. A follow-up inspection is done, and if the noncompliance still exists, a second notice is sent that states that if the property is not brought
Tom Witowski
into compliance within a certain time frame, a Notice of Complaint will be filed with the
Tom has volunteered for the HRCA
Board of Directors.
for a year as a delegate.
If a homeowner doesn’t agree with the non-compliance, the homeowner may request
Tom volunteers because it gives
a hearing within 15 days of Notice of Complaint. If a hearing is requested, the Board of
him a chance to give back to the
Directors will appoint a tribunal of members to research the issue. After the hearing, the
community for what it has provided
tribunal will then make a recommendation to the board based on the evidence brought
to his family and the residents of
forth in the hearing. If a hearing is not requested, the board will make their ruling based
Highlands Ranch.
upon the facts presented by the Architectural Committee. The board will notify the homeowner of their ruling. If the property is not in compliance or brought into compliance within the allotted time, a $25 per day fine will be imposed. The board may also take legal action, impose reimbursement assessments, as well as prohibit members’ rights to use of the recreation facilities, pursuant to the Bylaws.
What Tom likes best about the Ranch is the total community experience. He enjoys biking, hiking, and walking the many Backcountry trails. He also enjoys the use of
In most cases, non compliant issues are “cured” after the first notice. Most homeowners
the recreation centers, Town
bought their home because they liked their first impression of Highlands Ranch, and they
Center, and the cleanliness of the
recognize that property values will be protected only if our neighborhoods continue to
neighborhoods and common areas.
be kept at a high standard. The HRCA appreciates the high level of cooperation and support that we receive from our residents and applauds the effort put forth in maintaining
Our appreciation goes to Tom for
our properties. If there are covenant issues in your neighborhood or if you have
helping to make Highlands Ranch a
questions regarding covenant issues, please contact the Covenant Control and Assistance
great place to live!
Department at 303-471-8821, or visit the web site at www.hrcaonline.org.
new communication & billing options HRCA has new options for managing your communications and assessment billing.
B o a r d u p d at e s
You may pay your assessments by direct debit and receive your invoice via email.
The February Board Meeting Motions
Now you may also choose to receive the HRCA News and Activity Guide via email
are available at www.HRCAonline.org.
and how the HRCA communicates with you. Check out your 2nd quarter invoice for your account login information.
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
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ranch updates LEBSACK TENNIS CENTER season OPENING
S tay C o n n e c t e d . . . We post information regularly using our social network tools so you can keep informed about everything happening in “The Ranch.”
J o i n t h e h r c a f a c e b o o k f a m i l y ‘Like’ us on our Facebook pages to get updates, special offers, and coupons. Choose the specific program pages you’d like to receive information from: Backcountry, Fitness, Sports, Arts & Education, Race Series, Tennis, and/or Therapeutic Recreation. F o l l o w u s o n t w i t t e r @HRCAnews for updates on community events, programs, and important news.
S i gn u p f o r “ e - M E ” The HRCA’s e-newsletter and receive Lebsack Tennis Center 2012 season
valuable program information and coupons which are only available to “e-me” newsletter subscribers.
opening is Saturday, March 24, 9:30 a.m. - noon at Redstone Park. This fun-packed free annual event is always a highlight of the Lebsack tennis season with adult drills, oncourt children’s entertainment, the latest tennis rackets available to demo, and live musical entertainment. Beginning Monday, March 5 the Lebsack Pro Shop is open: Monday - Friday, 9:00 - noon and 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - noon. Beginning April 15, Sunday hours are: noon - 3:30 p.m. Tennis classes begin on March 12. Call 303-471-8940 for additional information on opening day, or with any registration questions.
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To sign up for any of these communication tools, go to www.HRCAonline.org home page and click on the specific ‘Stay in Touch’ icon in the left column.
backcountry trails Open March 31 The trails have been closed for the winter to allow the elk, deer, and other wildlife to get through the winter with minimal human disturbance. With over five miles of natural surface trails for residents the trails are perfect for wildlife watching, mountain biking, and trail running. A portion of the Wildcat Mountain Trail may remain closed if the Golden Eagle nest is active again this year. For trail maps and more information visit www. HRCAonline.org/Backcountry.
B at t i n g c a g e s - s p r i n g h o u r s Beginning March 11 through April 30, regular batting cages hours are: Monday - Friday, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon - 7:00 p.m. Special Spring Break hours for March 26-30 are 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Batting Cages at Westridge offer several new promotional options for 2012. With “Power Hour” you may schedule extended cage hours by booking a reservation in advance. The “Triple Play” package includes cage reservations, indoor turf for fielding, and rooms for team meetings and celebrations. Watch for “Early Bird” summer hours coming in May. A $10 Early Bird Stamp allows unlimited batting for two hours. For more information call 720-348-8210.
IN D OOR T u r f O p e n i n g Join us at Westridge on March 18 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. as we kick off our upcoming sports programs, camps, and leagues on the brand new turf field! This is a free event that will be fun for the whole family.
March 2012
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upcoming events
f i s h i ng o n t h e f l y
Sp r i ng B a z a a r Mark your calendars and get ready to shop at the 2012 Spring Bazaar! This atmosphere attracts a multitude of vendors who sell a wide variety of handcrafted as well as commercial items. Look for treasures such as candles, scrap booking materials, soaps, dolls, jewelry, and much more. Saturday, March 24 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge • FREE • CALLING ALL EXHIBITORS! Application available at www.hrcaonline.org or call 303-471-8898.
An introduction to Fly Fishing! The Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited is once again teaming with the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association to bring fly-
Sh o w t i m e a t S o u t h r i dg e - C o m e d y N i gh t Join the Highlands Ranch Cultural Affair’s Association in welcoming the very funny, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald for a night of laughs. Dr. Fitzgerald is known for his 20 years of comedy performances and his many appearances on television including Animal Planet and as host of CW2’s morning news show called Animal House, in which he keeps the public informed about pet and animal-related issues. Dr. Fitzgerald has a 25-year career in veterinary medicine and was named “Specialist of the Year in Private Practice” in 2006. Dr. Fitzgerald is a true Renaissance man with a passion for making people laugh. Saturday, March 10, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Debus Wildcat Mountain Auditorium $10 member, $15 program guest, $15 everyone day of event if not sold out. Recommended 18+
C a l l i n g L o c a l B a n ds & M u s i c i a n s
fishing instruction to the youth (and parents) of Highlands Ranch, ages 1114! Students will get an introduction to the sport of fly-fishing with a series of four classroom sessions and a halfday of actual fishing at a local lake. An understanding of coldwater fisheries and associated environmental stewardship will be gained while learning the basic skills of fly-fishing, angling ethics and sustainable fishing, and the trout’s life-cycle and the insects that fish eat. Fly-fishing tackle, rigging, and knots will be described; kids will tie their own flies and practice casting. All handouts and class materials are provided. Fishing
On the first Wednesday of June, July, and August, Spotlight on the Plaza showcases a
equipment will be available for use
different musician to perform a free concert at the Town Center North Plaza. Musicians
during the class.
are invited to apply by downloading an application at www.HRCAonline.org and submitting a demo of music that would be appropriate for a general audience. Each performer is required to have their own sound system. While there is no compensation for this opportunity, it provides a venue for local bands to perform live in our community. For more information visit the web site or call 303-471-8898. Please check the web site for the most current event information.
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
Saturday, March 31 - April 21 • 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. (1:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21) • Eastridge, Community Room • $20 Member, $25 Guest • Field Trip on April 28th 8:00 a.m. – noon at Lake Lehow
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recreation aquatics/sports/fitness S U M M ER S WI M TEA M REGI S TRATION The HRCA is proud to offer two quality summer swim programs: the competitive MHSL (Mountain High Swim League) and the recreational CARA swim team. Mark these upcoming dates on your calendar: Parent Information Meeting: Thursday, March 22, 6:00 p.m. at Eastridge Returning Swimmer Registration: Saturday, April 21, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Northridge New Swimmer Tryouts & Registration: Saturday, April 28, 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Northridge Also this summer, is a Seahawks Drill Academy program for both daytime and evening participants. For more information on any of these programs, contact 303-471-8942, True Metabolism
kcornelison@hrcaonline.org, or visit the web site.
T e s t i ng c o m e s t o S o u t h r i dg e ! Metabolic testing is an assessment
Couple’s Indoor Soccer Social
that maps out ideal calorie intake and
Get the entire family involved for the Couple’s Soccer Social. Children (ages 3 and up) will
optimal exercise intensity needed
enjoy a special Youth Zone while parents take part in 3v3 soccer. Get involved in this fun
to achieve goals: weight loss, fitness,
event on March 16, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Westridge. Price is just $20 for member, $26 for
or athletic performance. Two 10-15
guests. For more information, contact 303-471-8869.
minute assessments can determine your personal metabolic profile. Visit www.hrcaonline.org/personaltraining
NEW W o m e n ’ s S o c c e r L e a g u e
for pricing options and additional
This eight-week season will include a single-elimination tournament. This league plays on
information. Dates for upcoming
Thursday nights on the indoor turf at Westridge. The first season runs May 31 – July 26.
testing are March 9, 23, and April 13
Team fees are $210 for members, $240 for guests. For more information, contact
from 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Testing runs
303-471-8869.
hourly. To schedule your appointment, call 303-471-8851.
H i g h l a n ds R a n c h R a c e S e r i e s
T r y H RCA E a s t o n
St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
This is a festive family friendly race you do not want to miss.
The HRCA Easton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The run starts and finishes at the Highlands Ranch Town Center
program is specially priced for HRCA
with a fantastic post-race celebration. We continue our tradition
members only! Take advantage of
with a kids’ Fun Run after the 5K. For more details visit www.
training and learning from these
highlandsranchraceseries.com.
experts at their facility, located off of
6
County Line Road in Littleton. Simply
H RCA G i r l s On Th e R u n
purchase your reduced rate monthly
This running program accommodates all fitness levels and is designed to help girls make
pass at any recreation center to be
healthy choices. A community service project and the running event are the focus. For
used at Easton’s Littleton location!
more information visit www.highlandsranchraceseries.com. All participants receive a
For further details. Call 303-471-8851.
discount into the St. Patrick’s Day 5K.
March 2012
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education youth & adult Spring Break Happenings! Spring break is around the corner and this means it’s time to plan your child’s busy schedule while they are out of school. With a variety of programs to suit any child’s interest, you’re sure to find something to keep your child active, engaged, and having fun! Check out these popular options for the week of March 26-30. For the artist in your family, try the Doodler Spring Break Camp (ages 4-6 and 7-13) at Southridge. Try the Young Rembrandts Princess workshop for girls (ages 7-11) or Australian Adventures (ages 6-12) at Eastridge. For the chef in your family consider enrolling in the Spring Break Cooking Camps: Wizards and Whisking Camp (ages 4-7) and Stir Crazy Kids (ages 8-13.) Both camps will get your child excited to be in the kitchen while learning some fun new recipes that are healthy and tasty! For the dancer in your family, enroll them in our Spring Break Dance Camp (ages 3-5.) Children will dance, play, and sing their way through the week. For the dramatic one in your family, try the Spring Break theatre camp, OZ! This will be a fun week of
meeting new friends while taking on the roles in this famous rendition of a classic. For the scientist, consider Spring Break Science Matters Camp “Gear It Up” where your child will learn all about motion. Or try the LEGO ® classes: Pre-Engineering or Sportsbots, at Eastridge the week of Spring Break. Kids will build cool motorized cars and sportsbots. For the active little one, enroll in our Tumbling Camp (ages 3-7.) This fun camp includes crafts and games too! If you need full time care, don’t forget about our day camp at Southridge which is open the weeks of March 26-30 and April 2-6, 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Children will swim, do art and cooking projects, and have special visitors. For more information on any of these programs, call 303-471-8928.
N e w S e ss i o n o f C h e e r a n d P o m This month we begin a new session of our popular cheer and pom program (ages 6-14.) If your child enjoys dance, performance, or cheer this is a class you don’t want them to
miss. Classes begin the week of March 6 and can be found on page 27 of the current Activity Guide. For more information, call 303-471-8818.
it is Music to my ears The HRCA is offering a new variety of music programs to suit any child’s interest. If you’re interested in introducing your child to keyboarding, enroll them in our Music for Little Mozarts or Keyboard Encounter programs. These wonderful classes teach young children the basics and make learning music fun! Crocodile Rock and Musikgarten are wonderful programs for children (ages 1½- 5) that shouldn’t be missed. These wonderful parent-tot classes feature singing, dancing, and playing music
with a variety of instruments. These important classes help your child develop cognitive skills that are essential for future learning as well. For the more seasoned and serious musician, we offer private guitar, drum, piano, violin, and voice lessons through the Sera School and the Colorado Music Institute. These wonderful, professional music institutes provide individualized and challenging lessons that will take your child’s music skills to the next level. For more information, call 303-471-8853.
G i dd y U p – i t ’ s t i m e t o r i d e ! March starts our spring season of horseback riding lessons with Stockton Stables. These wonderful programs introduce children
H RCA o n l i n e . o r g
(ages 5-14) to horse behavior, grooming, feeding and riding. Don’t miss out! For more information, call 303-471-8818.
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9568 University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-791-2500
HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT#170
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Scan with your smartphone to visit Click It! now
Facility closures March 5-11 - Westridge turf closed for installation of new turf. March 23 - Eastridge Basketball Court & Track closed at 7:00 a.m. for Spring Bazaar setup. March 24 - Eastridge Basketball Court & Track closed all day for Spring Bazaar. Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
March|events
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 2/29/12.
community partners
For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org
March 10 Showtime at Southridge - Comedy Night March 12
Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day 5K March 20
RAC & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m. (Recreation Advisory Committee monthly meeting of Delegates)
March 24 Spring Bazaar March 31
Fishing on the Fly
* 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).