November Program: Tunes and Tales from Colorado Trails
2025-11-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, November 17, 2025

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table- Razz Ma Tazz Hair Salon, before the program.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

The program follows a pioneer family from Kentucky who joined the wagon train from Pike County Missouri to travel 900 plus miles during the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush. Props, songs and stories impart insight into the Civil War, Mining, Railroads, Native American lore, the Settlers, and three famous Colorado women!

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER AND MUSICIAN–CALVIN WEATHERALL

Calvin Weatherall (The Hat Man) is a Canadian currently living near Olde Town Arvada. He brings a high-energy, good-time variety show with a great array of instruments, props, humor, accents, heart-felt singing, stories, and…..hats!
Elements in each show are built around a theme and audience participation is encouraged. In fact we will be singing along to some songs such as 16 Tons and I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.
PROGRAM SPONSOR: RAZZ MA TAZZ HAIR SALON
Razz Ma Tazz Hair Salon has been in Highlands Ranch since 1984! Located in the original “Convenience Center” at 46 W. Springer Dr. and Broadway, Linda Milberger, Judi Desnoyers and Betsy O’Brien have been serving Highlands Ranch residents these 40+ years! Stop by and chat with Linda and see how your hair might benefit from this community business staple!

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ANNUAL MEETING & MEMBER APPRECIATION: Monday, December 8
2025-12-08 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
All current members are invited to join the Board of Directors for the
2025 Annual Meeting of the Board & Member Appreciation
Monday, December 8, 2025 start 7 pm

Location: HR Southridge Auditorium–Butte Room

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January Program: Mission Viejo Shared History--MV California, MV Aurora, MV Highlands Ranch
2026-01-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, January 19, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

The fascinating history and development of Mission Viejo, California, and its expansion to Aurora and then Highlands Ranch, Colorado, will be presented by Todd McMahon, former president of the Aurora Mission Viejo HOA community. The original Mission Viejo land grant in California dates to the Spanish colonial era, and the nearby mission at San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776. Modern Mission Viejo, California, was developed in the 1960s and was considered ahead of its time. The Aurora project, initiated in 1972, replicated many of the California features, including Spanish-style architecture and the mission bell. The community emphasized community building, with initiatives like the Nadadores swim team and the Heritage House. The Aurora project also included extensive green spaces and integrated commercial and residential areas. Highlands Ranch residents will find many striking similarities in the Highlands Ranch community. Todd will highlight the company’s and communities’ unique characteristics. Todd will also share some of his work for Douglas County and will bring artifacts from the Highlands Ranch area for attendees to view before and after the presentation.

About our Presenter: Todd McMahon

Todd McMahon is a seasoned archaeologist and museum professional based in Aurora, Colorado, with over 30 years of experience in cultural resource management and public history. Certified Interpretive Planner: Recognized by the National Association for Interpretation.
• Chair of the Aurora Historic Preservation Commission

Former President of the Aurora Mission Viejo HOA

Committee Member:
Society for American Archaeology’s Excellence in Public Education Awards Committee
Colorado Council of Professional Archaeologists
National Association for Interpretation
Founder & CEO of Interpret Site L.L.C.: A consulting firm specializing in collections care, public exhibitions, interpretive planning, and museum service

BUSINESS SPONSOR: RICK MARTIN, CPA, CHARTER FINANCIAL
New Year, New Financial Rules and Tips on Taxes, Investments, and More. Bring your questions for Rick.

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February Program: James Madison, 4th US President and Dolley Madison
2026-02-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, February 16, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

Perhaps James Madison was one of this country’s most unappreciated presidents. Small of stature and quiet in manner, he often went unnoticed among the more celebrated founding fathers in our nation’s history.
And yet, when we examine carefully the accounts of the first generation, we find that Madison was almost always there when the most crucial decisions were made. We discover his quiet presence calling for specific actions that would protect our tenuous liberty and safeguard the newly created institutions designed to enhance that liberty.
We also admire his perceptive choice of the extraordinary Dolley Madison to be his wife—a fitting companion for this public servant!! As the First Lady, Dolley brought glamour to The White House.
This PowerPoint presentation will examine Madison’s role in the creation of the United States of America and his eventual service as the president who guided the country through the tumultuous years of the War of 1812, a conflict that proved this new country was strong enough to take its place amongst the nations of the world.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: MARY SUDMAN DONOVAN

Mary Sudman Donovan is a local historian and author. Having taught History for many years at Hunter College of the City University of New York, she now teaches Learners’ Courses at Wind Crest. She is the author of several books including The Thirteen Colonies Cookbook and George Washington at “Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry”.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY JUDGE
2026-03-07 08:00 - 15:00 | Bear Creek High School, 9800 W. Dartmouth Pl, Lakewood, CO, 80227
Be a judge for the regional contest for National History Day.
Judges come from all backgrounds—
educators, historians, and community members.
They interview middle and high school students about their projects and provide constructive feedback.
It’s easy, it’s fun, it’s educational, it’s rewarding! You choose one-half day or all day.
Local competition in our area will be held on
Friday, March 7, 2026 at Bear Creek High School in Lakewood.

Please see the flyer/links below for more information
To register to become a judge, click the REGISTER HERE button below.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY —INFORMATION
Judging | National History Day in Colorado | CU Denver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The National History Day (NHD) theme for 2026 is *“Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
*** This theme invites students to explore transformative moments and their ripple effects across time.
**Revolution**: A dramatic change—political, social, technological, or cultural. Examples include the American Revolution, Industrial Revolution, or Civil Rights Movement.
**Reaction**: How individuals, groups, or governments respond to change. This could be resistance, adaptation, or backlash.
**Reform**: Efforts to improve or correct systems, often sparked by revolutions or reactions. Think of the Progressive Era, labor reforms, or education reform.

March Program: The Colorful History of the Fly'n B
2026-03-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, March 16, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

The Fly’ n B house and Park has a long and colorful history, including greenhouses, gangsters and planes! On the surface it is a plain Jane, but so much more lies beneath it’s quiet facade.
Hear the fascinating history of this original Landscaping Business owners and builder-Matthew Plews and Family. Over the years the property was sold to local gangster family Smiling Charlie, and then to the manufacturing family of the Eberhardts. Johnny Bowen and family obtained the land, and promptly named it The Fly’n B, as the Bowens had airplanes and runways on the property. Wind Crest purchased the land and deeded the Park and Plews house to HR Metro District. What is in store for this former active and important property?
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: FORREST DYKSTRA

Forrest is recently retired as the Manager of Engineering for the Highlands Ranch Metro District in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. He had been with the Metro District in the Engineering Department
for over 35 years. He has been the project manager for many major capital civil projects, including roadway, traffic signal, major storm drainage and channel stabilization projects and
building and renovation projects. He has been responsible for compliance with the stormwater permit since 2004. And most importantly for this talk, Forrest knew and interacted many times over the years with the Bowen family, the last family to own the Fly’n B property. Forrest has lived in Highlands Ranch since 1982 when he married his wife Diane and has seen the community grow from a few thousand people to where it is today. He received a BA degree from Central College, Iowa with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He also received a MS degree from Stanford University in Petroleum Engineering. He began working for the Highlands Ranch Metro District in 1986. Today he is enjoying retirement with his family in beautiful Highlands Ranch

Special Program Sponsor and Fly’n B Family Member
Jan Kief of Cruise Planners.
Jan is our Program Sponsor for this presentation.
Jan is also a member of the Fred Eberhardt family, the last family to own the Fly’n B Park before the Bowens. Jan will speak a bit on what it was like as a child, living and playing and thoroughly enjoying this special property.
Visit with Jan before and after the program to learn more about Cruise Planners, your full service certified land and sea travel advisors!

April: Celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, April 20, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner tables.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Be prepared to celebrate this special month in the Denver area by understanding the culture and significance of various events and activities.
Tonight’s program will be primarily focusing on Japanese culture and the Denver experience. Although Japanese food and pop culture have gone “mainstream,” the history of Japanese Americans in Colorado is often overlooked. Gil Asakawa will present a talk that gives that history, including the incarceration of almost 10,000 people of Japanese heritage at Amache, one of ten incarceration sites established during WWII. The camp in southeastern Colorado near Granada is now designated as a National Historic Site. Gil will also talk about the Japantown area along Larimer Street that is now concentrated at Sakura Square, the hub of the local Japanese community.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER: GIL ASAKAWA
Gil Asakawa is a cultural consultant, journalist, author and blogger whose topics include Japan, Japanese Americans and Asian Americans. He is a nationally-known speaker, panelist and expert on Japanese American and Asian American history and identity. He has authored several books of which the latest is “Tabemasho! Let’s Eat!”, a history of Japanese food in America. He will have this book available for purchase.
ABOUT OUR PERFORMER: TONI YAGAMI
Enjoy the special presentation of Taiko drumming with a short performance courtesy of Taiko With Toni–“Thrill to the Thunderous Sounds of the Taiko”. Toni Yagami is performing, in traditional costume, using taiko drums, and throughout the group’s musical presentations, the audience will be delighted. Before taiko, Toni Yagami received a BA in music education and taught instrumental music in the public school system, played oboe in a community orchestra, and assisted with the Denver Jr. Police Band. In 1979, she joined Denver Taiko and never looked back. She became a member of the professional taiko company, San Jose Taiko, in 1988, then returned to Denver in 1995 (married Lance Acker) and started her own taiko group. Currently, Toni, Lance and members from their current rehearsal group and classes, combine the joyous sounds of Japanese taiko, hand percussion, bamboo flutes, and a “swinging” jazz clarinet, as they play traditional folk and contemporary tunes.
Japanese culture and history are intermingled with various other cultures throughout our musical presentation. We hope you will find something that you can relate to, and that it brings a smile to your face, your heart, and your soul!
Taiko with Toni – Thrill to the Thunderous Sounds of the Taiko

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are celebrated in Japan and worldwide as a symbol of spring, beauty, and the fleeting nature of life. They are the white and pink blossoms of the Cherry Tree.

PROGRAM SPONSORS Providing gifts for guests’ door prizes. –Thank you!
Stacey Shigaya, Executive Director of the Sakura Foundation. The mission of Sakura Foundation is to celebrate and share Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage in order to promote a more compassionate, resilient and equitable society. Home – Sakura Foundation
Janice Ogawa, Secretary, Board of Officers, Japanese American Resource Center of Colorado (JARCC). The Japanese American Resource Center of Colorado’s mission is to be a vibrant resource, preserving, educating, and communicating the evolving Japanese-American experience in Colorado. Formed in 2008, JARCC fulfills a decades-long dream of creating a place to celebrate and share this experience with the community-at-large. HOME – JARCC

Jolie Noguchi, General Manager, Pacific Mercantile Company, Family-owned grocery, providing thousands of Japanese food and Asian products. Located in Sakura Square at 1925 Lawrence St, Denver http://www.pacificeastwest.com

Shirley Cavanaugh, HRHS Member, Program Coordinator for Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Program, Third Generation Japanese American.

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May Program: Travel Through Time in Highlands Ranch, the South Metro Area and Douglas County Through Then and Now Photos
2026-05-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Photo above is of Wilcox and Third in Castle Rock
Monday, May 18

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.

Mark Afman’s program will provide insights into the history of the South Metro area including Highlands Ranch, Daniels Park, Douglas County, Castle Rock, Louviers, the Chatfield Area and the South Platte Hotel.
You will see historic photographs fade into the modern era. You will be able to see what it was like 80, 90, or even 100+ years ago and what that same spot looks like today.
Mark will be giving a lively historical narrative to match the presentation. Bring your questions and have some fun.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: MARK AFMAN
Mark Afman is a third generation Colorado native. He loves Colorado history, and loves sharing his knowledge through photographs. Mark was inspired by the work of John Fielder. He has been producing these types of images for 15 years and has a Facebook page called Colorado Then and Now Photographs. It has close to 15,0000 followers. Mark has given presentations in Grand County several times, in Georgetown and for the Conifer Historical Society.

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June Program: History of Free Speech Act and Famous Speeches
2026-06-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, June 15, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.
Registration Coming Soon

Stay Tuned for More Info

History of Free Speech Act and Famous Speeches
Presenter–Stephen Collins

July Program: Discover Colorado's Hidden Mysteries
2026-07-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
The 1967 Snippy Story, UFOs, Paranormal & Cryptids
Tony Angiola and Katie Paige of Rocky Mountain Ranch Research
Monday, July 20, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.
Registration Coming Soon

This presentation serves as a preview for the Snippy 2026 event that will be taking place in the beautiful San Luis Valley (August 14-16, 2026). It reintroduces the well-known 1967 mystery of Snippy, which made front-page news worldwide, about an Appaloosa horse from the San Luis Valley, whose strange death sparked one of Colorado’s most enduring enigmas, alongside the state’s rich history of UFOs, paranormal activity, and cryptid encounters. NEW evidence and never-before-seen documents, photos, and recordings have been discovered.

Together, Tony and Katie will unveil new findings, including rare A.P.R.O. and N.I.C.A.P. documents, archival recordings, and never-before-seen color photographs of Snippy, shedding light on events at the King family ranch. Supported by David Marler’s National UFO Historical Records Center, the presentation includes:

Newly digitized photographs
Original source documents
Archival recordings, including Nellie King’s own voice

These discoveries preserve Nellie King’s legacy and the tale of her horse that intrigued the nation, delving into Colorado’s broader unexplained phenomena, from UFO sightings to paranormal events and cryptid legends. The state, then and now, holds a treasure trove of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS –TONY ANGIOLA AND KATIE PAIGE
Tony Angiola is an experienced UFO investigator and a former Assistant State Director for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) in Virginia. He has also served on the Special Assignment Team (SAT) and the Case Assistant Group (CAG). Angiola is particularly known for his in-depth research and investigative work on the 1964 Socorro, New Mexico UFO case. He began his journey in UFO research in the early 1990s.
Tony is a distinguished author known for his works “Snippy: A King Family Legacy” and “Socorro: Not of This Earth,” co-authored by Ben Moss. As a leading expert in UFO research, he has appeared on notable television programs such as the History Channel’s “Hangar 1” and “The UFO Files,” along with Syfy’s “NASA’s Unexplained Files.” His engaging speaking style has captivated audiences at various conferences and podcasts, where he shares insightful analyses, particularly focusing on the San Luis Valley and the Rocky Mountain region’s unique phenomena. His commitment to uncovering the truth solidifies his reputation as a prominent figure in the field.
Katie Paige, Colorado’s former MUFON State Director and STAR/SAT Investigator, now serves as the CEO of the Rocky Mountain Ranch Research and hosts “The Trifecta” podcast (the official podcast of Rocky Mountain Ranch Research), where UFOs, paranormal, and cryptids collide. She is a co-host on the UAP Studies Podcast, alongside host Jason Guillemette.
Katie has made appearances on several television shows, including History Channel’s “Beyond Skinwalker”, “The UnXplained” with William Shatner, Travel Channel’s “UFO Witness”, Gaia’s “Beyond Belief” with George Noory, Small Town Monsters: “On the Trail of UFOs – Night Visitors”, and “UFOs Revisited”, as well as in Ron James’s films “Accidental Truth” and “Accidental Truth Next”.
Katie conducts independent investigations and research through her Rocky Mountain Ranch Research Foundation and has presented at numerous conferences. Additionally, she has been featured on many radio shows and podcasts, including “Coast to Coast” with George Knapp and “Chinwag” with Paul Giamatti. Katie is the author of “Letters of Love & Light: Four Decades of UFO Encounters, Experiences & Sightings Shared with Ufologist R. Leo Sprinkle, Ph.D.” She is currently writing her second book, titled “The Rocky Mountain Ranch: Crafts, Cattle, Cryptids, and Cover-Ups”.

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Test Event 1
2026-08-14 08:00 - 17:00 | CO
Test event 1 description.

Test Event 2
2026-08-15 08:00 - 17:00 | CO
Test event 2 description goes here.

August program: Dinosaurs
2026-08-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Monday, August 17, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.
Registration Coming Soon

Presenter: John Anderson, who will discuss his new book on dinosaurs
and his recent experiences with dinosaurs across the regions.

More info coming soon

Test Event 4
2026-09-06 08:00 - 17:00 | CO
Event description goes here.

Test Event 5
2026-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | CO

October Program: A Virtual Tour of Roxborough State Park
2026-10-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Southridge Recreation Center, Upstairs Auditorium, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO, 80130, United States
Photo above courtesy of Mike Thomas, Spotlight on the Lyons
Monday, October 19, 2026

Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse our partner table.
Program 7:00-8:30 pm
Southridge Recreation Center
4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch
$5 Donation Suggested at Door for non-HRHS members
Consider applying the Donation to Membership! Click HERE for more info.
Registration Coming Soon

One of the most beautiful places along the Front Range–Roxborough State Park
Photo of lupine Courtesy of Tiffany
Within this geologic beauty, is an abundance of plants, wildlife, dramatic red rock formations, and history. This PowerPoint program will cover the diversity and beauty of Roxborough State Park, the Persse Place that is on the National List of Historic Places, and both Sundance Ranch and the Silica Brick lime kiln that are on the Douglas County Historical Landmark list.

Photo above courtesy of Roxborough Historical Society, view of Persse Ranch
Also included will be the activities that are permitted, how to access the park, the visitor amenities to help in the enjoyment of your visit, and how to make the most of your visit.
ABOUT OUR PRESENTER: MIKE THOMAS
Mike Thomas retired in 2016 after 33 years in the field of Environmental, Health and Safety Consulting where he worked for clients, and internally, all over the world. In his spare time, he is an avid hiker and backpacker. He enjoys biking, fishing, gardening, and golfing. He has been in Colorado since 1984 and a volunteer at Roxborough State Park since 2015.
Mike is involved in raptor monitoring, Leave No Trace, History, and the Colorado Natural Areas Program. He is the president of the Board for both the Friends of Roxborough State Park and the Roxborough Area Historical Society.
