HRCA News September 2010

HRCA|news Enhancing property values and creating quality of life through recreation, community events and leadership

September 2010

H ig h l an ds R anch Days ce l ebrates 10 years!

The historic Highlands Ranch Mansion will once again come alive September 9-11 with livestock displays, Native American dancers, Hawk Quest, blacksmithing demonstrations, a fur trapper, gold panning, wool spinning, mansion tours, horse drawn hay rides, a petting zoo and much more. The Highlands Ranch Days Art Show by local elementary school age children returns to be displayed in the mansion.

The Highlands Ranch Lions Club kicks off Saturday’s schedule with an old fashioned pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Feast on pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee while enjoying the beautiful and peaceful grounds of the mansion. (Separate admission from Highlands Ranch Days, $7 adults, $4 children under 12).

landfill opposition

The HRCA Board of Directors is opposing a proposed landfill on the

Thursday and Friday the event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults (ages 13 and up), $2 for children (under 2 are free). Tickets are available only at the gate.

southern border of the Backcountry

CA RSO N & B AR N ES CIRCUS

currently have an active application

Wilderness Area. The company proposing the landfill does not

The Carson & Barnes Circus is coming to Highlands Ranch on September 17, 18, and 19.

Look for the big top at the intersection of Lucent Blvd. and Plaza Dr. Show times are Friday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The general public is invited to see Carson & Barnes set up the circus September 17 at Lucent Blvd. and Plaza Dr. Early birds can watch as the first units of the caravan begin arriving around 8:00 a.m.

with Douglas County government,

Advance general admission discount tickets may be purchased for $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 2-11 (under 2 are free) at any HRCA recreation center and must be purchased

by September 17 at noon. Tickets the day of the show may be purchased at the Circus Box Office for $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 2-11.You may also choose to go online and get tickets at full price at www.carsonbarnescircus.com. On Circus Day advance general admission tickets can be upgraded to preferred seating for an additional charge.

opposition letter regarding the

but it appears it is on the threshold of making an application for review and approval of a landfill. You can find the Board of Directors

landfill at www.HRCAonline.org under Community News. Watch the HRCA web site for more information as it becomes available.

This event will greatly benefit the HRCA’s fundraising goals for the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. For more information visit www.HRCAonline.org/events or call 303-791-2500.

Building a lifestyle that you want to live

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GARY D EB U S

HRCA|news

community manager

is published monthly by the Highlands Ranch Community

Let’s Compare Value – We recently completed an annual

Association, Inc.

HRCA|event weather line 303-471-8888

comparison of what homeowners in Highlands Ranch pay for the best recreation centers and programs in the Denver Metro Area versus nearby recreation districts. The study shows that HRCA members pay substantially less for much more, and higher quality. HRCA members pay $300 to $400 less per

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Hopkins 303-478-9103 Todd Landgrave 303-470-8765 Scott Lemmon 303-346-1412 Nick Robinson 303-791-0840 Gregory Terry 303-329-6199 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

property tax subsidy that others charge.) The value shows in how our property values remain higher even in a tough real estate market like we see today. To see the results and how the HRCA compares, visit our web page at www.hrcaonline.org and look for the Value PowerPoint.

September Events and the HRCA – I have talked to a lot of people at the various

9568 University Blvd.

events that the HRCA and our Cultural Affairs Association put on this summer, such as

303-791-8958

the FREE Summer Concert Series. Do you know these events are free as a result of our

RECREATION FACILITIES 303-791-2500 Recreation Center at Northridge

community Partners (our event sponsors)? The month of September has some of my favorite events and I hope to see you out there. Considering the value of our recreation centers, programs, and great events, is it any wonder that Highlands Ranch was named

8801 Broadway

12th best place in the country to live by CNN Money Magazine? And, I didn’t even mention

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

the Backcountry Wilderness Area.

Sa. & Su: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

A Landfill in Our Backyard? – The HRCA Board of Directors is opposing a

Recreation Center at Eastridge 9568 University Blvd.

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

proposed landfill on the southern border of the Backcountry Wilderness Area. Highlands Ranch has a strong voice through the HRCA, but our numbers in terms of citizens is our real strength. How can you get involved? Sign up for Meanwhile Back @ the Ranch E-blasts

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

(e-ME) at www.hrcaonline.org. If an application is filed for this proposed landfill, the

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

HRCA will help get you the proper contact information, meeting dates, addresses, etc. in

Recreation Center at Westridge

order to effectively be heard on this important issue.

9650 Foothills Canyon Blvd.

A Healthy Landscape – Fall is the best time of year to take care of your landscape

Facility Hours: M-F 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

so that next spring your lawn, shrubs, and trees are healthy. In the long run you will save

Sa: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

money and feel more gratification. Plus, your neighbors will appreciate it.

Su: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Thank you National Night Out Sponsors! – Thanks to all of the block party

Recreation Center at Southridge

captains for making Highlands Ranch a safer place. Also, thank you to Douglas County

4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.

Sheriff Dave Weaver, the Littleton Fire Department and the Metro District for visiting

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 © 2010 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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household than homeowners in nearby recreation districts, (and that doesn’t include the

so many neighborhoods on August 3rd. If you need more information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood, call 303-660-7544 or visit www.dcsheriff.net.

Have a great fall in beautiful Highlands Ranch.

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HOA news covenant tips Parking on the street The Covenant Office has been receiving a high volume of phone calls in regard to parking on the street and parking restrictions here in Highlands Ranch. Parking vehicles on the streets is acceptable. Although our guidelines do not restrict the number of vehicles at a residence or vehicles being parked on the streets, we can address the following: commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles/campers, trailers, boats, or inoperable vehicles. The HRCA asks that homeowners utilize their garages and driveways whenever possible or park in front of their own residence as a courtesy to their neighbors. For more information, call 303-471-8821. trash pick up Remember to store trash cans, landscaping and building materials, etc. out of sight or in an enclosed structure. Trash may be set out for the evening before pick-up and containers must then be stored out of sight the evening of pick-up. Highlands Ranch is divided into five different trash pick up zones. All trash companies are required to pick up trash on each zone’s assigned day. The preferred provider program with Pro Disposal offers discounted service. More information on this program is on our web site.

Curb Appeal helps property values Keep you property values and those of your neighbors high by looking at your property as though you are shopping for a home. Make sure the landscape is well maintained and free of weeds; trees and bushes are trimmed; driveway is free of oil stains; and the paint job looks fresh. Also pay attention to the side and back yard to be sure that equipment is stored out of sight and all areas are weed free. Your neighbors will

board motions At the August 17, 2010 Board of Directors meeting, the Board took the following actions: Approved the Minutes from the July 20, 2010 Board Meeting Approved the Minutes from the August 9, 2010 Special Meeting of Directors Adopted the following motions as recommended by the Architectural Committee 7 properties for failure to remove a commercial vehicle/trailer 14 properties for failure to paint the exterior of the home 39 properties for failure to maintain Landscaping 3 properties for failure to remove unsightly materials 1 property for failure to bring basketball goal into compliance 1 property for failure to maintain property

appreciate having you next door.

3 properties for failure to comply with trash can storage

volunteer openings

1 property for failure to submit for approval or remove drainage pipe to sidewalk

The HRCA is looking for all interested volunteers to apply for appointments to the Tribunal Committee and The Cultural Affairs Association (CAA) Advisory Committee.

For more information and to download the appropriate forms and applications go to HRCAonline.org > General Information > HRCA Leadership > Committees.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

Adopted Commercial Signage and Temporary Signage Guidelines Accepted the June 2010 Financial Statements and Minutes as recommended by the Finance Committee

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volunteer showcase d e l e g at e o f t h e m o n t h

Pat Kaptain – Pat has been a Delegate for 11 years.

Pat says, “A lot of terrific, caring, smart people have made The Ranch into the vibrant, unique, wellmanaged community it is today.” She volunteers because she wants to help keep it that way. Pat’s favorite events in Highlands Ranch are the summer concerts and the annual Fourth of July Celebration. Our appreciation goes to Pat for her willingness to give back to the community to make Highlands Ranch a great place to live, work, and play!

H RCA VOLU N TEER OF T H E M O N T H Michaela Bailey – Michaela, a six-grader at Foxcreek Elementary School, began volunteering for the HRCA this summer in the Child Care program. Michaela plans to become an educator and loves the experience her volunteer time gave her working with younger children. Michaela says, “I got to work with a lot of wonderful kids! It was awesome!

I also am very interested in community service; trying to help wherever I can. This summer was the best of both worlds!” Michaela’s favorite places in Highlands Ranch are the recreation centers, the library, and her school. Thank you, Michaela, for your enthusiastic service to our community!

scho l arshi p f un d raiser a t f ish ci t y g ri l l Here’s a chance to enjoy a great meal and benefit the

provides post-secondary education scholarships for students

community! On Tuesday, September 7, Fish City Grill,

residing in Highlands Ranch or attending Highlands Ranch

located at 8433 Park Meadows Center Drive, will donate

schools who have demonstrated well-rounded participation in

15% of the daily proceeds to the Highlands Ranch

their community or school through volunteerism. Mark your

Community Scholarship Fund (HRCSF). The HRCSF

calendars now and join us!

hi g h l an d s ranch on l ine y e l l o w p a g es Find your “one-stop” resource for area retail shops, restaurants,

patronize our local businesses, we stimulate the economy right

contractors, services, and more at www.HRCAonline.org/

where we live, work, and play. Check out our new and growing

yellowpages. Why drive long distances when what you are

Yellow Pages today. And, remember to support our local

looking for is right in your own neighborhood? When we

businesses and “Keep it in the Ranch!”

N e w ! N urser y / Fi t ness un l i m i t e d m on t h ly p ass There are several new options for HRCA nursery users:

$45 additional child, and includes unlimited fitness, mind/

a monthly unlimited nursery pass for $50/child and $45/

body classes and Nursery. More information is available at

additional child; an unlimited fitness/nursery pass for $80,

www.hrcaonline.org > Program & Events > Youth Adult

covering the care of one child, $45 additional child/month;

Programming > Nursery, on page 27 of the Fall Activity Guide,

a Super Fitness Pass for $90 covers the care of one child,

or please call 303-471-8818.

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september 2010

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upcoming events D O G G IE S P LAS H

Calling all nice doggies! Come and have a ball with us as we open the Westridge Outdoor Pool to the canine companions. There’s limited space, so register now! Each dog needs current vaccination tags or a copy of the vet’s records for admittance. Visit the web site for details.

Sunday, September 12 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Westridge Outdoor Pool • $5 Member, $10 Guest • All dogs $10 day of event

M OT H ER & SO N M AS Q UERA D E B ALL Here’s something unique for mothers and sons to do together! The evening includes a complimentary mask, a fun craft, dancing to music by a DJ, a commemorative photo by Barry Staver Photography, food, and beverages.

Call 303-471-8859 to purchase tickets.

Friday, September 24 • 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. • Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9900 Ranch Rd. • $25 Member/$33 Guest, $33 day of event, if not sold out.

OKTO B ERFEST & RU N

HRC A Oktoberfest 5K Run/ Walk and 100 Yard Dash The Oktoberfest course is wellsuited for all ability levels. Start and finish is in the Town Center. At the end of the 5K will be a 100 yard sprint. Stick around post-race for Oktoberfest festivities. Check out www.highlandsranchrunseries.com for more details.

CO M P UTER RECYCLI N G Properly and safely dispose of old electronic components that contain materials that are very harmful to our environment. Safely and responsibly recycle electronic equipment.

Saturday, September 25 • 8:00 a.m. – Noon • Highlands Ranch Parkway and Lucent • Small TVs cost $20, Large TVs cost $40, Monitors cost $5 • Suggested donation of $20 to benefit the Cultural Affairs Association and Community Scholarship Fund.

Saturday, September 18 • 12:30 p.m.

• $25 Pre-race early bird registration Oktoberfest Gather your family and friends together for great food, music, and, of course, great beer. Imbibe German beers from Paulaner, and enjoy German entertainment. Bring your Dachshund for the annual Dachshund races at

• Farmers’ Market – Every Sunday, through October 31, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Town Center South.

3:00 p.m. (Registration 2:30-3:00 p.m.)

• Street Market – First Sunday of the month through October 3, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Town Center North.

games until their hearts are content.

• Spotlight on the Plaza – Wednesday, September 1, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Town Center North, 1100 Sgt. Stiles Drive, FREE. Christopher Childs performs the last concert of the season with his versatile voice backed by energetic acoustic guitar.

that is sure to delight the little ones

• Showtime at Southridge Magic Show - Saturday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Southridge, $10 Adults, $7 Child, $10 at the door, if not sold out. Be prepared to be dazzled!

Colorado evening outdoors.

Please check the web site for the most current event information and prices.

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

Children will enjoy magic, balloons, and Oktoberfest is a cultural experience while you and your friends sample a variety of beer or just enjoy a beautiful Saturday, September 18 • 2:00 – 10:00 p.m. • Town Center South • FREE

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recreation sports & fitness N E W T H R E E PAC K S AV I N G S – P R I VAT E S W I M L E S S O N HRCA has introduced a new three-lesson bundle at a discount.

• One-to-one instruction to work on specific skills • Flexibility to fit anyone’s schedule • Skills developed in one private lesson can be the equivalent of three group lessons • Competitive swimmers get an edge • For scheduling and further information call 303-471-8867 for swim lesson and 303-471-8942 for coached privates.

Int roductio n to W e i gh ts

S kate and H ockey classes coupon

This great small group personal

through December 31. Print your coupon from our web site. Visit www.HRCAonline.org

training class is perfect for the

and click on the Sports tab then choose Ice Skating.

Save $10 on Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey classes at The Ice Ranch now

beginner or for those who are just returning to fitness! Active older

Fall Youth B asketball

adults are welcome! Class will meet

This league for ages 9-12 features a six-game regular

at the equipment desk at Eastridge

season plus a post-season tournament. Teams have a one-

on Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30

hour practice prior to the season and a weekly one-hour

a.m. Advanced registration and pre-

practice during the season. Practices begin the weekend

payment is required.

of September 18 and games are played on Friday nights beginning September 24.

S e p tember Nutritio nal S e m inar

K inder F ootball

Join Gary Connell, Certified Sports

basic skill development for 3-5 year olds. Classes are on

Nutrition Coach, in the Hawk

Friday evenings starting Friday, October 1 at Westridge.

Introduces the game of football in an organized setting with

Room at Westridge on Thursday, September 23, from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m., for nutrition information to improve

P ee W ee F lag F ootball Sessions include a 35-minute practice and a 25-minute

sports performance. This seminar

scrimmage. Classes are Saturday mornings at Westridge beginning October 2 for ages 8-10

is great for all ages and ability levels

and October 30 for ages 10-12.

and focuses on group interaction, not lecture. Advanced registration and a small fee is required. For more information, call 303-471-7048.

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Fall A dult B asketball Men’s and women’s leagues are offered by levels of play. Teams have eight regular season games followed by a post-season tournament. Fall season begins the week of September 27.

september 2010

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education youth & adult A C T p re parat ion c l ass

Back to school can be a busy time

having an opportunity to attend a school of their choice. Preparing

for your high school senior, as

your student for these tests can be challenging but with caring,

preparations are made for college

and patient professional guidance, your student can be prepared

applications. Not only do schools

and lose the fear. HRCA is offering an ACT Preparation Class,

evaluate an applicant by the rigor

facilitated by a National Board Certified Teacher with 15 years of

of your student’s coursework

experience in test preparation. This popular class provides all the

in high school, their grades, the

right tools so your student is prepared, confident, and able to do

sports and activities, jobs, or their

their very best. This class begins September 12 – October 3 in

volunteer work, but colleges and universities put an emphasis

preparation for the Saturday October 23 National ACT exam. For

on ACT test scores as well. Doing well on a standardized test

more information, please call 303-471-8818.

can increase your students’ chances for earning scholarships and

N e w f or Fa l l As the cool air returns and children settle into their school

our 2-6 year olds. Children will do

routines, now is the time to consider some of the new programs

crafts and participate in games and

HRCA is offering this fall. Fairy Princess Workshops is a MUST

art projects. Child’s Play Workshops

for any aspiring princess. The Tickled Tutu facilitates these

on Saturdays is now longer and

wonderful mom-and-me workshops where girls get to make

includes swimming. Preschool

their very own tutus, fairy wings, headpieces, and wands. Wee

Enrichment provides our preschool

Little Tumblers is a new class for moms and babies to socialize

and pre-k students with full day

while working on fine motor skills for wee little ones. Active

Enrichment day care options

Alphabet will give your child a chance to learn while moving and

Monday-Friday. For more information on these wonderful new

shaking. Creating letters with movement is a wonderful way to

programs, please call 303-471-8928.

challenge a child’s mind and body. Southridge Lunch Bunch is for

H i g h S choo l Dro p ou t s f ro m O u t er S pace The HRCA, in partnership with KidStage, launches their fall theatre

Kids have a blast exploring performance art and showcase

series including Alice In Wonderland and High School Dropouts

their talent at the end of the class with a production. For more

from Outer Space. These wonderful theatre programs help build

information on these classes starting in September, please call

confidence, concentration, teamwork, and public speaking skills.

303-471-8853.

Ta m in g t he Terrib l e T w os It can be frustrating to find your child in the midst of a temper

and how to give meaningful choices, to bring the fun back to the

tantrum and not know what to do. Our new parenting series will

family. For more information, please call 303-471-8818.

help you learn proper age appropriate discipline, patient parenting,

H RCA o n l i n e . o r g

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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID

9568 University Boulevard Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 303-791-2500

HIGHLANDS RANCH CO PERMIT#170

facility closures September 6 – All Recreation Centers will close at 9:00 p.m. for Labor Day Holiday Outdoor Pools to close for the season: Northridge - Tuesday, September 7 Southridge - Monday, September 13 Eastridge - Tuesday, September 7 Westridge - Sunday, September 12

Sept|events

community partners

For event details, see page 5 or visit HRCAonline.org September 1 Spotlight on the Plaza – Christopher Childs September 7

Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fundraiser at Fish City Grill

September 9-11 Highlands Ranch Days September 12

Doggie Splash

September 13

Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.

September 17-19 Circus September 18

HRCA Oktoberfest & Run

September 21 RAC & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.

(Recreation Advisory Committee monthly Meeting of Delegates) September 24

Mother & Son Masquerade Ball

September 25 Computer/Electronics Recycling * 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).