Spooky halloween fun! - Highlands Ranch Community Association

News
October 2015
Spooky halloween fun!
Halloween is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, and the HRCA has activities for
everyone!
We kick off the season with the Paranormal Party at the Highlands Ranch Mansion
on Thursday, October 22. Is the mansion really haunted? Find out for yourself. See
page 5 for details.
The very popular, extremely scary Haunted Forest is Friday and Saturday, October
23 and 24, 7:30 - 11:00 p.m. in the Backcountry Wilderness Area. A dry creek bed
turns into a walk of terror and the darkness of the forest hides who or what is in the
shadows. Recommended for ages 10 and older, parental discretion is advised. Buy
your tickets in advance, this popular event has sold out the last two years! For more
information or volunteer opportunities, call 303-471-7078.
Families are invited to enjoy a Haunted Hayride, October 23-24, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
where spooky tales and winding trails sum up this fun family adventure! Stockton's
Plum Creek Stables hosts this spine-tingling Halloween tour! Concessions available
for purchase.
Therapeutic Recreation's Spooktacular Halloween Dance for ages 16 and older
with special needs is Friday, October 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Southridge. Dress
up in your favorite costume and dance the night away! Register by October 23.
Volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call 303-471-7043.
A sweet family Halloween activity is Trick-or-Treat Street on Saturday, October
31, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Eastridge. Children under 12 are invited to come in
costume with trick-or-treat bag in hand. Local businesses provide treats for all the
“little ghosts and goblins”! $2.00 per person (adults and children). Each family may
pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch while supplies last.
2016 Budget Planning
The HRCA Finance Committee and
staff are preparing the 2016 Budget
and a draft will be available on our
web site for homeowners to review in
mid-October. The Draft 2016 Budget
will be presented at the Delegate
Meeting on October 20. The Final
2016 Budget will be adopted at
the November Board of Directors
meeting.
Do you know the
quickest way to register for
HRCA classes or
buy tickets?
Use the new web site at
www.HRCAonline.org and click
on the big red Registration and
Tickets button on the home page.
This will take you to
Express your creative side with a variety of festive Halloween-themed art, crafts,
cooking, and dance classes for all ages. Little ones can learn to make scary spider
crafts, spooky snacks, and more.
online registration where you
For details on all the fun ways to make the most of your family's Halloween season,
visit www.HRCAonline.org/Boo or call 303-791-2500.
activities and event.
can shop and register for
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
It will soon be time for little ghosts and goblins to be trick-or-treating at your
door! Please remember to keep an eye out for them! With the fall season, the harvests are
almost done and the Farmers' and Street Markets in the Town Center are coming to an end.
If you haven’t gone out to see all of the great produce and other goods, now's the time! The
markets run from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
This month also features the ever-popular Fall Craft Show on October 10 and 11 at the
Eastridge Recreation Center. Other spooky events that you will surely want to attend this month
are the Paranormal Party on October 22 at the Highlands Ranch Mansion, the Haunted Forest
on October 23 - 24 in the Backcountry Wilderness Area, and the Haunted Hayride on October
23-24. These events celebrate the spirit of the season and are sure to thrill everyone! Please
consult the web site at www.HRCAonline.org for a full list of activities and recommendations!
Jeff Suntken
The HRCA Draft 2016 Budget: The HRCA staff, Finance Committee, and Board of
Dennis Seymour
Directors have been reviewing the budget proposals for 2016. The Finance Committee is
comprised of seven volunteers with financial backgrounds from various disciplines. They
make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding HRCA’s monthly finances and the
annual budget. This month the budget will be presented to the District Delegates, and the final
budget will be adopted by the Board in November.
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
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.
2 | October 2015
Don't get caught in a Scam: Unfortunately there are people in our world that thrive on
taking advantage of others. Don't get caught by these impostors posing as law enforcement
officers, agents from the IRS, debt collectors, utility workers, etc. Be leery of them if they ask
you to give them personal information (Social Security number) or a credit card. The Douglas
County Sheriff's Office recommends you pay attention to your instincts and get another opinion
before doing anything. Visit the Douglas County Sheriff's Office web site for more information
on Frauds and Scams at www.dcsheriff.net and search for Scams.
Volunteers of the month:
Sports Volunteer of the Month, Kellie Slothouber: Kellie has volunteered to coach
both girls’ basketball and CARA volleyball for HRCA this past year. She has been very helpful
with providing feedback from a coach’s perspective during the season. Her teams focus on
fun while developing all-around players. Her contribution to teaching these sports at the HRCA
has been vital and much appreciated.
TR Volunteer of the Month, Anna Eccles: Anna has been volunteering with Therapeutic
Recreation for seven years. She has helped with most TR activities and finds volunteering
incredibly rewarding. She says it is important for her kids to see how much fun it can be.
Anna's most rewarding experience with TR has been helping with iCan Bike. "Watching kids
go from being afraid of getting on a bike to riding in one week is amazing!" We thank Anna for
finding time for TR with all that she has on her plate!
quarterly assessments
The Fourth Quarter Assessment is due October 1, 2015. Thank
you for your payments! Pay assessments online using PayLease;
pay by Credit/Debit card or e-check (PayLease charges a nominal
fee for this service). Visit www.HRCAonline.org, click on “Pay
Assessments Online” then follow the setup up instructions.
To receive your assessment statement via email, please visit
https://highlandsranch.opt-e-mail.com/signup. Questions
regarding your account or need to make an address change?
Call 303-471-8958.
Community News
Consider Xeriscaping
The HRCA and residents of Highlands Ranch take great pride in the appearance of
our community. In an effort to maintain our home values, our staff routinely surveys
neighborhoods to assess the condition of properties. It is our desire to work with each
homeowner to help keep the community well-maintained.
The HRCA Residential Improvement Guidelines encourage homeowners to xeriscape
their properties using drought-tolerant plantings and other water conservation methods in
landscaping. As the fall season is now upon us, it is a great time to plan and implement a
xeriscape yard.
HRCA defines xeriscape as a landscape which contains less than 50% sod in the front,
rear, or a side yard which is wider than 15 feet. Highlands Ranch homeowners may
xeriscape up to 100% of their yard. The only stipulation is that they must submit their
plan to the Architectural Committee for approval. Remember that “xeriscape” does not
mean “zero maintenance,” the goal of xeriscape is to reduce water consumption by using
drought tolerant plants, trees, and grasses along with mulch, rock and other ground cover
in the design. For xeriscaping ideas, visit www.HRCAonline.org/Xeriscape to review our
suggestions and access links to our partners at Centennial Water and the CSU Extension
Bureau.
Fall Reminders:
Colder temperatures translate to frozen plants and some homeowners may need to
“winterize” waterlines and other items that may be susceptible to freezing. Remember
to schedule your irrigation shut-off and sprinkler blow outs before the October freeze
commences and get your fall fertilizer application down to ensure a beautiful spring lawn
free of weeds. Consequently, it would be a good idea to avoid costly maintenance caused
from water damage by storing hoses in the garage for the winter months. Dead plant
materials should also be disposed of in a timely manner to avoid providing insect or rodent
habitat.
Fence Maintenance:
As regular lawn maintenance starts to decline through the colder months, many residents
take the opportunity to repair their fences. Regular fence maintenance is required to keep
your fence in good shape and safe. Please fix or replace broken pickets, trim boards, and
missing top caps.
See the proposed RIG (Resident Improvement Guidelines)
on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/HRCA-News.
From Sunshine to Electricity
Man has long recognized the sun as
a source of power. The Greeks and
Romans captured the sun’s energy,
and in 1767 the world’s first solar
collector was built. Strides in solar
technology have been advancing
ever since. The use of solar panels
to produce energy is on the increase
as home owners seek renewable and
sustainable power sources.
Solar energy can heat water or a
swimming pool, cook food, provide
indoor or outdoor lighting, or power
an entire home. A simple system
consists of photovoltaic panels
(solar panels) to collect sunlight
and convert it into electricity. Direct
current (DC power) is then sent
to an inverter that converts it into
alternating current (AC power) which
is used to run devices in your home.
If you want to make a difference on
your utility bill, increase the value
and appeal of your home, or want to
change your carbon footprint, solar
may be the answer.
The HRCA has chosen Sunpower
by Photon Brothers as its preferred
provider to bring solar to Highlands
Ranch. They use the best solar
panels and offer the best warranty
in the business at a discounted
rate. See if solar is for you. Visit
www.HRCAonline.org/Solar for
more info.
HRCAonline.org | 3
Highlands Ranch, Colorado 2016
facility Update
One week each year, at various
times, the recreation centers close
for maintenance and repairs. During
this time, staff performs maintenance
functions that cannot typically be
done with members in the facility.
Tasks include:
• Fire, security, and sprinkler system
inspections
• Painting
• High dusting
• Pool cleaning
• Hardwood floors refinishing
• Facility and equipment cleaning
• Floor sealing and waxing
• Parking lot crack filling and sealing
• Annual fire drill scenarios
Thank you for your patience during
our closures. We aim to keep the
facilities first class!
Facility Special Projects
Special projects completed in 2015:
Westridge
• New tile installed in the showers
HIGHLANDS RANCH 2016
ranch updates
Get Your Flu Shots
Flu season is here! Don't wait to protect yourself and your family. No appointment is
necessary, just drop by Eastridge on Wednesday, October 14, between
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. or between 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Kmart Pharmacy will be
administering the flu shot for $15, available for anyone age three and up. Cash or
check only - no credit cards. Parental consent is required for children under 18.
2016 Community Calendars Coming Soon
The 2016 Highlands Ranch Community Calendar features beautiful photographs taken
right here in the Ranch and keeps you up-to-date each month on fun community events
and programs, scheduled facility closures, and more! They will keep you on top of
activities and events in the Ranch, and for just $5.00 each, make great gifts too. The
calendar will be available for purchase at any recreation center late October!
• Outdoor pool plastered
• New domestic boiler installed and
copper piping replaced
• Indoor pool painted
Southridge
• Weight room expanded
• Drainage in the tennis courts
repaired
Northridge
• New hardwood floor in the gym
and racquetball courts installed
Eastridge
• New carpet installed
• Outdoor pool locker room
remodeled
• New lights in cardio and weight
room installed
4 | October 2015
Come Party with Us !
We will create the event you envision. Turf parties, batting cage parties, and decorated
“themed” celebration rooms! Fall time slots filling fast, so book now. Call 720-348-8267
for more information or to book your party today.
Classical Music Series
Enjoy an evening of classical chamber music in the beautiful Highlands Ranch
Mansion. This three-concert series features music from around the time that the
mansion was built paired with beautiful art from local artists.
The solarium provides the perfect setting for this acoustic performance. $20 in
advance, $25 day of event, if not sold out. A cash bar is available.
The series performances include:
October 15: International Flavors of the String Quartet
November 19: Beauty of the Clarinet
And new this year, just for the Holidays - Join us in the Grand Ballroom 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
for a fun evening highlighted with chamber music for the season! Revel in the beauty of
the mansion at this time of year, and hear a delightful program of holiday favorites.
December 17: Chamber Music for the Holidays
Upcoming events
indoor garage sale
Cluttered closets? Garage overflowing? Come sell your unwanted items at the Indoor
Garage Sale! No worries about weather in our cozy gym at the Eastridge Recreation
Center. Or, if you just like great deals, come early and shop this great event full of
treasures and bargains! Over 50 families come together to make this community
garage sale one of the largest in the area!
Admission is free! Booth spaces sell out quickly so reserve yours today at
www.HRCAonline.org/Vendors.
Saturday, October 3 • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Eastridge fall craft show
In its 18th year, the ever-popular Fall Craft Show returns October 10 & 11 from 9:00
a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Eastridge This two-day show features items that have been
handcrafted. The majority of the crafters are from the Highlands Ranch area and
have gone through a rigorous jury to ensure uniqueness of product and quality
of craftsmanship. You will be delighted at the creativity shown in their work. Items
include jewelry, bath products, pottery, wooden crafts, floral arrangements, wreaths,
baby and children’s articles, fused glass, and hand-knit items. The Fall Craft Show is
the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind handcrafted gift. Best of all, admission is
free!
Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge
paranormal party
Is the Highlands Ranch Mansion
really haunted? Find out for yourself
on this haunting adventure!
You’ll start the evening with a light
snack and a cash bar while you
watch a presentation from Spirit
PI on “Things that go Bump in the
Night.” After this short presentation
of haunted findings from the
Highlands Ranch Mansion and other
spooky Colorado locations, you’ll
get to investigate the mansion! This
is a real ghost hunt and we will try
to communicate with the spirits that
walk the halls at the mansion.
• Thursday, October 22
• 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair - Calling all exhibitors
Just in time for the holidays! This show features jewelry, accessories, and holiday gifts
from hand crafters and commercial retailers. Free and open to the public.
Saturday, November 7 • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • Eastridge
For all Halloween programs and special events, visit the web site at www.HRCAonline.org/Boo.
Purchase tickets online at www.HRCAonline.org/Tickets
• Highlands Ranch Mansion
•Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day
of event, if not sold out.
Tickets are available online, by
calling 303-791-2500, or at any
recreation center.
Upcoming events
November
7
Jewelry & Holiday Gift Fair
13
Shelvis & The Roustabouts
14
Sip & Savor with the Experts
19
Classical Music Series
20-21 Nutcracker Highlights
Please check the web site for the
most current event information.
HRCAonline.org | 5
Classes, camps & activities
Therapeutic Recreation - Fall Break Sports Camp!
HRCA BOYS BASKETBALL
LEAGUE
It’s that time of year again…youth
boys basketball season is just
around the corner! The HRCA Youth
Boys Basketball League is offered
for first through eighth grades and
features a weekly one hour practice,
eight-game season followed by
a season ending jamboree or
tournament. Leagues are offered for
the beginner player just starting out
to the intermediate player looking
for more competition. Deadline
to register is Friday, November
27 or when full – sign up early to
guarantee your spot! For more
information please email
[email protected] or contact
303-471-8869.
Please join us at Southridge Recreation Center on October 12 & 14 for TR Fall Break
Sports Camp! 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 and older. For more information please visit
www.HRCAonline.org/TR or contact 303-471-7043 or [email protected].
Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon
2015 marks the 7th Annual Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon in Highlands Ranch!
This scenic 13.1 mile trail run will take place on Saturday, November 7 and will utilize both
the Douglas County East/West trail and the pristine Backcountry Wilderness Area trails. The
race course is a single loop on 95% dirt trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you soak up
the mountain views right here in your own backyard. The race sold out early last year and
will be capped at 1,000 runners this year. For more information including an aerial tour of last
year’s event or to register, visit www.HRraceseries.com.
HRCA Seahawks Summer Success Story
The Highlands Ranch Seahawks Summer Swim Team had another great season with
over 350 swimmers. The Mountain High Swim League team finished 3rd at the A League
Championships with the 11-12 Boys and Girls winning their age groups. The team also
finished 5th at the Colorado State meet out of 52 teams. Caroline Mather broke two state
records in the 50 Meter Freestyle and the 100 Meter Freestyle. Thanks to all of the great
parent volunteers who took time out of their busy summer to help make this a wonderful
experience for all the participants. For information about year round Coached & Competitive
Swim programs, email [email protected] or contact 303-471-8942.
What's SUP?
Tri H2O - the Winning Edge
Are you 18 and older and looking
to do your first triathlon and need
help with your swimming? Have you
done a few triathlons but still feel
uncomfortable in the water? Then
this program is for you! Join Tri H2O
and improve your stroke technique,
build your endurance, and gain
confidence for the swimming leg of
your next triathlon. Learn about all of
the adult coached and competitive
swim programs and register online
at www.HRCAonline.org/Swim. You
may also call 303-471-8942 or email
[email protected].
6 | October 2015
Stand-up Paddleboard or SUP, is the fastest growing water sport on the planet and is
available through HRCA! Partnering with Colorado SUP Sports, HRCA is Colorado’s
exclusive source for indoor SUP training. HRCA offers Stand-Up Paddleboard 101 for ages
seven and older to learn basic paddle technique and SUP skills. SUP Fitness Classes
offer a workout focusing on the core and stabilizer muscles. Athletes of many sports use
SUP to cross train, develop their balance and just have fun! Join the SUP Paddleboard
Fitness Class and experience an hour of training on the moving surface of water. For more
information visit www.HRCAonline.org/Swim, contact 303-471-8942 or email
[email protected].
Spooktacular!
Confidence Matters
The HRCA Cotillion program is celebrating its 8th Anniversary! Our Introduction to Cotillion
for 3rd graders begins November 1 and classes for 4th - 5th, and 6th - 8th grade students,
begin October 25. All classes use dance as an instrument to teach social messages.
The 4th - 8th grade classes focus on how to make a great first impression, character
development, making good choices, table manners, and respect. This popular program had
almost 300 children in it last year and is expected to fill, so be sure to register quickly!
For more information please call 303-471-8928.
Fall Break Already?
Believe it or not, fall break is quickly approaching! From October 12 - 16 there are a variety
of camps and classes you can get your child involved in at HRCA. If you’re needing a fulltime option for the week, our Day Camp program will be at Southridge Monday - Friday from
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for ages 5-12. We also have art, cooking, engineering, science, and
tumbling camps to suit all ages and family schedules.
For more information, please call 303-471-8928.
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol
You’ll never know who will show up next when the Big Bad Wolf as Ebenezer Scrooge meets
the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Midas (Marley), who could turn anything to gold.
Midas warns Big Bad that he’ll be visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and
Future (played by a Fairy Godmother, Old King Cole and the Queen of Hearts respectively.)
This fun and playful production is one you don’t want your drama star to miss.
For more information, please call 303-471-8853.
October Happenings:
Fall is a beautiful time to be outdoors and exploring the Backcountry. We have something for
everyone!
October ushers in a number of fun
Halloween themed classes, camps
and activities! Join us on October 9
for a KidzArt Halloween Masquerade
face painting workshop for teens 1016 years old. Your Little Artists ages
3-11 can try one of our Halloween
art classes; Costume Parade, Corn
Fields, or Trick or Treat all held at
Southridge. For the smallest members
of your family, try Jack-o-Lantern Fun
on Friday’s, Is That a Scarecrow?, A
Haunting We will Go or Going Batty on
Tuesday’s, or Trick or Treat Pillowcase
on October 8. These are great ways
to celebrate the season. Call 303-4718928 for more information.
Haunted Forest
Think you’re not afraid of things that
go bump in the night? Then you
need to join us for a stroll through the
Backcountry’s own Haunted Forest.
The woods will come alive at night –
full of creepy crawlies, werewolves,
witches, and psychos. It’s ¾ of a mile
of things that will make your skin
crawl and children scream. Taking
place the night of October 23 & 24,
7:30 - 11:00 p.m. Recommended
ages 10+.
Volunteers are also needed for set up,
to scare/act, and to help take down.
If interested in volunteering, contact
[email protected].
Sign up for an elk viewing horse-drawn hayride on October 1 for your chance to hear
nature’s all male choir at its finest. Get creative and choose from three Art, S’mores and
the Outdoors classes this month. Bring the family to our first ever Supper with Snakes on
October 2 at Southridge. We’ll have a catered dinner and the Zoological Discovery Center
will teach us all about snakes and the many myths that surround them. Opportunities to see,
touch, and even hold live snakes for pictures will be available. Parents, take a much needed
night off on October 21 and join us for Date Night where we’ll take a horse-drawn hayride
through the Backcountry and have a catered BBQ dinner
Find out more information on the web site at www.HRCAonline.org.
HRCAonline.org | 7
PRESORTED Standard
US postage paid
Highlands Ranch Co
Permit #170
9568 University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Facility Closures
October 2-3 Eastridge Basketball Courts:
Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday all day
October 9-11 Eastridge Basketball & Track:
Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
all day
October 30-31 Eastridge Basketball Court:
Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Saturday all day
Check the web site for the most up-to-date closure information.
Postmaster: Time Sensitive Material. Please deliver by 09/30/15
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).
October Events
For event details, see page 5 or visit www.HRCAonline.org.
October 4-25 . . . . . . Farmers’ & Street Market - (Sundays only)
October 2 . . . .. . . .. . Supper with Snakes
October 3 . . . . . . . . Indoor Garage Sale
October 10-11 . . . . . Fall Craft Show
October 12 . . . . . . . . Board Working Session* 6:00 p.m.
October 15 . . . . . . . . Classical Music Series International Flavors of the String Quartet
October 20 . . . . . . . . Delegate & Board Meeting* 6:30 p.m.
October 22 . . . . . . . . Paranormal Party
October 23-24. . . . . . Haunted Hayrides
October 23-24. . . . . . Haunted Forest
October 30 . . . . . . . . Therapeutic Recreation Spooktacular Dance
October 31 . . . . . . . . Trick-or-Treat Street
* These meetings are open to our members.