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Have a Happy Thanksgiving
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NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2015
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CONTENTS SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
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This Issue
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Starting Some New Family Traditions
NOVEMBER 2015 Volume 13 Issue11
PARKER EVENTS CALENDAR
LEND ME A TENOR
PUBLISHER MIKE WAID
mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 700
SALES DIRECTOR JAMY BEATON
jamy@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 705
ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TIFFANY GRIZZLE
tiffany@waidpublishing.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN CHRIS WAID
chris@waidpublishing.com
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Don’t miss this great performance from Insipire Creative
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ALLIANCE SECTION
LOCAL BUSINESS GRANT Help us choose the winner of a $2,000 advertising grant
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HELP THE DOUGLAS COUNTRY LIBRARY
Colorado Gives Day is coming up
IT’S TIME FOR A FAMILY VACATION
Search Parker Magazine is published 12 times per year by Waid Publishing (www. WaidPublishing.com), a division of Mike Waid & Associates, Inc. (www.MikeWaid.com), 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite R-18, Parker, CO 80138, 303-805-9455. Search Parker Magazine is available online at www.SearchParker. com. Search Parker Magazines is a trademark of Waid Publishing. All rights reserved. The views, opinions and/or statements made or expressed by individuals and/or entities, are not necessarily reflective of the views and opinions of Waid Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced without explicit permission from Search Parker Magazine. Copyright 2015 Search Parker Magazine - All rights Reserved.
Bookends - Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade.........................................................31 Local Author Spotlight - See our two featured local authors..................................32 Parker Restaurants: Deals from local restaurants...................................34-37
Win a $100 Gift Certificate to Trapper’s Chop House!
NOVEMBER 2015
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Head over to searchparker.com/contest or scan this QR code to enter this month’s contest. Three winners will be drawn randomly and each will get a $100 gift certificate to Trapper’s! WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 4
From the Publisher NOVEMBER 2015
STARTING SOME NEW FAMILY TRADITIONS 5 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
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ovember is a time of the year that usually has one central focus… Thanksgiving. Yes, usually the Christmas decorations start coming out in the stores at the beginning of November, but for most people the most memorable part of the month is preparing for and enjoying Thanksgiving dinner. Every family has traditions that they celebrate throughout the year. Growing up I remember my mom was always starting new traditions every year. She loved having family together and loved doing new things together. One of my favorites is when she would go around the Thanksgiving table asking each of us what we were thankful for from the previous year and what we hope to be thankful for in the New Year. It was always a great time slow down and reflect on our lives together. Another tradition my mom had started was taking old Christmas cards from the year before, cutting the front of the cards off, and writing down something you are looking forward to for the next year. She would then collect them all and put them away with the Christmas decorations when the holiday was over. They would stay packed up until the next year when we would decorate for Christmas on Thanksgiving Day. We would unpack the cards and read each other’s “wishes” for this year.
Traditions are the glue that holds a family’s love together. This year, start a new tradition with your family. It may feel strange or awkward at first but stick to it. You will never know when one of these traditions will stick in your children’s minds and give them a warm, happy memory when they have grown up and have families of their own. Most of all, these traditions will help strengthen the love your family has for each other. This year, I am going to start a tradition where each of us will write four letters. One note will be written to each of the three other family members and one to ourselves…to be read the next year. Anything can be on these notes. They can have a memory from the past year, a wish for the future, anything. We will seal them up and put them away to be opened next year. What better memories to keep than letters from times past? What tradition will you start this year? How will you engage your family to strengthen your love for each other? Come up with something fun…easy or extravagant…and let me know about it. Email me at mike.waid@waidpublishing. com and share what great new family tradition you are starting. Enjoy your November and have fun starting a new family tradition.
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PARKER EVENTS CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 2 Parker Town Council Meeting 7:00pm Parker Town Hall
NOVEMBER 1 Holiday Fairy Gardening for Kids 12:00pm – 1:00pm Tagawa Gardens
Regular Town Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month unless announced otherwise. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers on the first floor of Parker Town Hall. www.parkeronline.org
NOVEMBER 2015
Create a special winter home for your tiniest woodland friends! The class fee includes three plants, basin, saucer, soil, magic stones, gifts from nature, fairy, and a fairy pet. Children will also enjoy wonderful planting guidance, a charming poem, and a wander through the fairy haunts at Tagawa Gardens! Limit: 15 children Materials Fee: $25 Please register for this class by clicking on the link below or by calling (303)-690-4722 (x101)
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NOVEMBER 5 Homeowner’s Building Class 6:00pm Parker Town Hall The Town of Parker’s Homeowner Building Classes give people a chance to ask all kinds of buildingrelated questions. All types of projects can be discussed. Typically, interior projects are popular for the fall and winter classes and outdoor projects for the spring and summer classes. Building Division staff
will take you through the permit process, explain fees and discuss required inspections. This is a good opportunity to meet the people who will help you with the application and plan review process and also to meet with the field inspectors. www.parkeronline.org/464/ Homeowner-Building-Classes NOVEMBER 7 Legend High School Craft Fair 9am-4pm Legend High School Come shop more than 90 local artists, vendors, artisians and local businesses who will display their wares at this free event. The Craft Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and benefits the Legend High School Band. For more information, visit Facebook.com/LegendArtCraftFair
Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s House Boutique! Tagawa Gardens is honored to again host this special artisans’ boutique event, featuring juried artisans and crafters selling oneof-a-kind jewelry, home décor, gourmet food gifts, wood and metal craft, pet accessories, unique apparel, and much more. Peruse over 100 booths for all the people on your holiday list! Catered breakfast and lunch available – even fresh cinnamon rolls! Admission: $5 (Children 12 & under enter free) valid all five days.
NOVEMBER 11 Warren Miller: Chasing Shadows 7:30pm & 9:30pm PACE Center Chasing Shadows, Warren Miller’s 66th snow sports film, follows JT Holmes, Seth Wescott, Caroline Gleich, Steven Nyman and others as they navigate Chamonix, Alaska’s Chugach, Utah’s Wasatch and the mighty Himalaya. Whether you are a recreational skier or a true thrill seeker, you’ll be awed by every drop, turn and perfect spray of snow off the skies of these daredevils. Take a peek into the world of the US freestyle team and lesser known snow sports such as monoskiing, powsurfing and speed riding. parkerarts.org
NOVEMBER 14 A Sweet Charity Dinner & Auction 6pm-10pm Colorado Golf Club 8000 Preservation Trail The first annual “A Sweet Charity” dinner and auction fundraising event will be Saturday.Come enjoy a great meal, a few drinks, live entertainment, and countless opportunities to win incredible items, all while supporting the PHS Performing Arts Department. Our auditorium is in dire need of several improvements, from safety equipment to performance improvements, and we need our community’s help! If you can’t attend the event but would like to support the department, please see our donation link located on the Home page. ponderosatheatre.com
NOVEMBER 2015
NOVEMBER 10-14 Grandmother’s House Boutique 9:30am-5pm Tuesday-Friday, 9:30am-4pm on Saturday Tagawa Gardens
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PARKER EVENTS CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 14 Teen Art Studio 1-3 pm Hobby Lobby – 10901 S Parker Rd
Parker Artist’s Guild presents Teen Art Studio, free teen art lessons for students in grades 7-9. This session will focus on Aboriginal Dream Painting, taught by Judy Pendleton. parkerartistsguild.com/classes NOVEMEBER 14 Cabela’s Explorers Understanding Big-Game Animals 11am-12pm Cabela’s
NOVEMBER 2015
This interactive workshop features great activities allowing kids to learn about ungulates – deer, elk, moose, pronghorn and other animals with hooves. Kids will leave knowing all about the whitetail deer’s white tail, the pronghorn’s speed and why some of these amazing animals have
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horns. To register, call 800.223.9155 between 8am-11pm CDT. Workshops last about an hour and each child must be accompanied by an adult. NOVEMBER 15 Vienna Boys Choir 2pm PACE Center This is a rare opportunity to experience the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir. For more than 500 years, the Vienna Boys Choir has enchanted listeners of all ages with music from medieval to contemporary in their catalog. Thier program includes favorite Strauss waltzes, classical Mozart and Haydn and folk songs from around the world. parkerarts.org
NOVEMBER 26TH Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk Parker Recreation Center You won’t feel like you’re going to Gobble till you Wobble if you head out to the Turkey Day Fun Run/Walk on Thanksgiving morning! This is a scaled down version of the 5K race series. Pre-registration is $15 and closes at midnight on Tuesday, November, 24th. If you register a family of 4 or more by November 24th, you’ll receive 10% off the registration fee! Raceday registration is available for an additional $5. Strollers are welcome, but please leave your four legged friends at home on race day. You can pick up your souvenir bib the day before (11/25) at Parker Sports Authority from 12:30pm-5:30pm or the morning of the event beginning at 7:00am www.parkerrec.com
It’s one wild ride of a Christmas celebration with Ray Benson and nine-time Grammy Award winners Asleep at the Wheel! This is one celebration you won’t want to miss. Enjoy their popular songs along with holiday favorites adn originals like “Christmas in Jail” and “Santa Loves to Boogie.” For ticket inquiries, call the box office directly at 303-805-6800 or go to parkerarts.org NOVEMBER 27 Mayor’s Holiday Lighting 5:00pm O’Brien Park 10795 Victorian Drive Bundle up and bring your family and friends to kick-off the holiday season at the Mayor’s Holiday
Lighting, held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving November 28 Holiday Carriage Rides 4:30-8:30PM O’Brien Park Parking Lot and the PACE Center Holiday Carriage Rides Beginning Saturday, November 28th, the Town is proud to host free holiday carriage and wagon rides! Experience the magic of downtown Parker! Rides will be provided every Saturday between Thanksgiving and Christmas from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Carriages will pick up and drop off at PACE and at the O’Brien Park parking lot. No tickets are necessary (first-come, first-served). For more information, contact bspain@parkeronline.org
NOVEMBER 2829 Holiday Extravaganza – Celebrate the season at Tagawa’s Celebrate the wonder of the season at Tagawa Garden! Search for the perfect family Christmas tree in the indoor living forest, spend time with Santa, enjoy a children’s Christmas story, sip warm wassail as you stroll through all there is to see and do! Be sure to check out Living Holiday Décor with 9NEWS Rob Proctor from 11:00am-1:00pm on Saturday the 28th. Up the ante on your home centerpieces and holiday décor with inspired ideas from the one and only Rob Proctor! Santa Claus will be visiting from 12pm-3pm as well!
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NOVEMBER 27 Asleep at the Wheel: Merry Texas Christmas Y’All 2pm & 7:30pm PACE Center
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Elder Law Specialists In Parker! Estate Planning, Elder Law Probate & Estate Administration Probate, Wills & Trust Litigation Conservatorships & Guardianships
303.329.4670 www.OlsenTraeger.com
Your Local Legal Experts Serving Your Community
650 South Cherry Street Suite 850 Denver, CO 80246
6355 Ward Road, Suite 400 Arvada, CO 80004
NOVEMBER 2015
Olsen Traeger & Ursery, LLP
11479 South Pine Dr. Parker, Colorado
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Lend Me a Tenor opens Nov. 13th at The Schoolhouse Theater at Mainstreet in Parker
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ake one womanizing opera singer, knock him out in a hotel room, add a jealous wife, a scheming impersonator, a hilariously ambitious bellhop, and toss in some people running around in their underwear, getting drunk, screaming and slamming doors, and you have the recipe for a rollicking good evening of theater.
NOVEMBER 2015
“Lend Me a Tenor,” a comedy written by Ken Ludwig, opens at the newly named, The Schoolhouse Theater at Mainstreet in Parker, CO (formally the Mainstreet Center) Friday, Nov. 13th, and runs through Nov. 22nd. Produced by Inspire Creative, it tells the story of a renowned tenor, Tito Merelli, who is scheduled to star in “Otello,” but things unravel – and fast – before he even has the chance to leave his hotel room. Director Kelly McAllister said “Lend Me a Tenor is just one of those shows. I really love it,” he said, during a recent break from rehearsals. “The more I work on it, the more I love it. I think it’s one of the great farces ever written. Part of what makes it fun is the fact that it’s about just normal people, he said – the kind of people everyone can identify with. I was telling the cast that with all the bad news that happens in the world, just bad after bad, I think a show like this is great,” McAllister said. “People will come and see the show and laugh their heads off.” And there is no shortage of laughs in this show, which was produced in London and New York in the 80s, was nominated for nine Tony Awards, won three Drama Desk Awards, nabbed the Olivier Award for Best Comedy of the Year, and enjoyed a Broadway revival in 2010. The plot revolves around the renowned tenor, better known as “Il Stupendo,” who is scheduled to sing the lead in the opera “Otello.” Chaos ensues when his wife mistakenly leaves him a “Dear John” letter and the distraught singer is accidentally given a double dose of tranquilizers. What follows is a laugh-out-loud chain reaction of mistaken identity, farcical plot twists, double entendres, and musical mayhem. This production includes Colorado favorites including Vanessa De Larosa (Maria), 17 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
Cooper Kaminsky (Tito), Michell Pantley (Diana), Jean Shumana (Julia), Kevin Goff (Max), Todd Simmonds (Saunders), Sarah Woodyard (Maggie) and Christian Gibbs (Bellhop). The show’s magic, McAllister explains, is in its timing. Like any farce, it’s about the rhythm, the lines, the pauses. “It’s my job as the director to sort of shape that rhythm and make sure that everyone is working together,” he said. “Fortunately, we have a wonderful cast who are all really close and funny in the right way. We have a collective sense of humor, and it comes through. Every one of these actors can come up and swing the bat and hit it out of the park every time.” Ralph Neumann, President of Inspire Creative adds, “We are excited to present Lend Me A Tenor at The Schoolhouse Theater at Mainstreet. It is such a great space and the new improvements provide a classic feel you only get from a small theater. For couples looking for a great night out, with lots of laughs then this show is for you.” Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online at www.inspirecreative.org, or by calling the ParkerArts Box Office at 303-805-6800. Show times are: November 13th at 7:30pm, November 14th 2:00 & 7:30pm, November 15th at 2:00pm. The show continues the following weekend November 20th at 7:30pm, November 21st at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, November 22nd at 2:00pm.
About Inspire Creative
Inspire Creative is an artist directed non-profit arts organization with a heart to encourage individuals to discover their artistic talents, develop them in a safe atmosphere that encourages growth rather than ego and provides them with opportunities to use those talents through exceptional performances, service, training and community. Learn more about Inspire Creative at www. inspirecreative.org CAST PHOTO L TO R Jean Shumana (Julia), Michell Pantley (Diana), Sarah Woodyard (Maggie), Cooper Kaminsky (Tito), Kevin Goff (Max), Todd Simmonds (Saunders), Vanessa De Larosa (Maria),and Christian Gibbs (Bellhop) Photo Provided by Pam Spika
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THIS SECTION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ALLIANCE AND ITS DOWNTOWN PARKER MEMBER BUSINESSES
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ovember is an exciting month businesses recognizing our Veterans! for Downtown Parker businesses and everyone is gearing up for the November 13th, 14th & 15th marks the holidays! first Parker Downtown Business Alliance Holiday Open House. The businesses Veterans Day is November 11th and listed with and ornament to the right many of our businesses want to recognize of their name will be hosting a Holiday and support our Veterans and Wounded Open House with special discounts, Warriors. The businesses listed to the promotions and giveaways. Start your right with the American Flag next to their holiday shopping and support your local name will either be donating a portion small business owners by visiting one, of their sales that day or collecting and several or all of the participating businesses matching donations for our Veterans. over those three days! Please show your patriotism and visit the
November’s Featured Downtown Businesses Mainstreet General Store 19565 East Mainstreet, Unit B (303) 351-GIFT
If you remember old fashioned candy, handcrafted soaps, local honey, homemade frozen pies, locally made jams and jelly’s...this is your store.. But that’s not all...we are also a “Gift Store” where you will find that unique and special gift while savoring the sights and smells of an old time General Store.
Debbie Lewis Properties 19402 East Mainstreet (303) 840-7355 debbielewisproperties.com
NOVEMBER 2015
Debbie Lewis Properties provides full service Real Estate services for buyers and sellers. Property management services are also available.
PACE Center 20000 Pikes Peak Ave (303) 805-6800 parkerarts.org
Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center – A state-of-the-art facility located on Parker’s historic Mainstreet, offering the best of touring acts as well as local performances, exhibits and educational programs. 19 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
Downtown Business Alliance Directory ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT 1 Deep Space Workplace & Event Center 2 PACE Center and Mainstreet Center
deepspace.me parkerarts.org
FOOD & BEVERAGE 3 elev. 5900 4 Fika Coffee House 5 Indochine Cuisine 6 Las Delicias 7 Nomelie Cupcakes 8 Parker Garage 9 Swirls Frozen yogurt 10 The Tailgate Tavern & Grill 11 The Texas Diner & Pie Company 12 Vines Wine Bar
elev5900.com fikacoffeehouse.com indochine-cuisine.com lasdelicias.us facebook.com/nomeliecupcakes parkergarage.com facebook.com/SwirlsParker tailgatetavern.com texasdinerandpiecompany.com vineswinebar.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY 13 All EyesOn U, LLC 14 Seven Seas HAIR Salon 28 Me Me Me Salon
alleyesonu.skincaretherapy.net sevenseasHAIRsalon.com mememeonmain.com
SERVICES 15 Debbie Lewis Properties 16 Farmers Insurance 17 Mango Mortgage 18 Osgood Team Real Estate 19 Travel Leaders 29 Parker Area Chamber/Visitors Center 30 Staffing with Bliss
DebbieLewisProperties.com farmersagent.com/pcarter3 mangomtg.com osgoodteam.com/ travelleaders.com/parker parkerchamber.com staffingwithbliss.com
SHOPPING 20 Beautiful Art Picture Framing, Inc. 21 Bonne’ Bella Boutique and Consignment 22 Fruits of our Spirit 23 Mainstreet Flower Market 24 Mainstreet General Store 25 Parker Panache 26 Pinetree Jewelers 27 Victoria Marie Jewelers
BeautifulArtPictureFraming.com www.BonneBella.net fruitsofourspirit.com mainstreetflower.com mainstreetgeneralstore.com parkerpanache.com pinetreejewlers.com Vmjewelers. Com
For more info on the Downtown Business Alliance, call 303-378-6864 WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 20
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Art by Aneeda (sold at Beautiful Art & Victoria Marie) Beautiful Art & Framing Bonne Bella Boutique Debbie Lewis Properties FIKA Coffeehouse Fruits of Our Spirit Indochine Restaurant Mainstreet Flower Market Mainstreet General Store Me Me Me Salon Nomelie Cupcakes Parker Day Spa Parker Garage Parker Panache Pinetree Jewelers Search Parker Swirls Seven Seas Salon Victoria Marie Jewelers Vines Wine Bar & Bistro
NOVEMBER 2015
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WAID PUBLISHING
USINESS B L L A M S
GRANT AWARD 2015
All the nominations have been received and we need YOUR HELP in choosing the winner of our $2,000 Small Business Advertising Grant in Search Parker Magazine. Head over to searchparker.com/grant or scan the QR code to the right with your phone to see how you can help us choose which local business will win!
NOVEMBER 2015
The winning business will be decided by the nomination they received as well as the number of votes they receive from readers like you. The winning business will receive $2,000 in advertising in Search Parker Magazine to help them reach more customers! 23 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
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Support the Douglas County Libraries Foundation on Colorado Gives Day
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NOVEMBER 2015
olorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. While the big day itself is December 8, 2015, it’s convenient to schedule an early donation now at www. ColoradoGives.org.
Douglas County Libraries is just one worthwhile Douglas County organization participating in Colorado Gives Day. At www. DouglasCountyGives. com, visitors can explore two dozen close-to-home causes that benefit from the generosity of people in our community. The site, sponsored by the For the second year, Douglas County NonDouglas County Libraries Profit Coalition, illustrates invites Coloradans to a broad spectrum of support literacy and lifelong charitable work occurring learning by donating to the right here in our back Douglas County Libraries yard, including everything Foundation through Colorado Gives. As a participating from animal welfare and wildlife conservation, to the nonprofit on ColoradoGives.org, the library will benefit arts, education, nutrition and human welfare. Each from the initiative in many ways. organization participates in Colorado Gives Day, and encourages county residents to “Give Where You Live.” “The donations we receive on Colorado Gives Day help us do more to support the community and ensure the Colorado Gives Day has grown dramatically in every way long-term viability of our public libraries,” said Elaine over the last four years. “Not only the dollars raised, but McCain, donor relations specialist for Douglas County the number of nonprofits and donors contributing to Libraries. “Our participation will help us add amenities the success of the day has also grown tremendously,” said and enhancements to the three new libraries we will open Marla J. Williams, president and CEO of Community in 2016.” First Foundation, which has sponsored Colorado Gives Day with corporate partner FirstBank since 2007. “We New libraries are under construction in Castle Pines, Lone look forward to continuing the momentum this year,” she Tree and Parker, bringing bigger, more modern library added. spaces, more plentiful materials and more library parking to their communities. The Douglas County Libraries To easily make a donation, go online and visit Foundation supports not only capital improvements ColoradoGives.org/DouglasCountyLibrariesFoundation. like new libraries, but literacy and children’s programing that is central to the mission of all the county’s library locations.
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NOVEMBER 2015 WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 26
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NOVEMBER 2015 WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 28
Family Vacation It’s Time For A
By Mike Waid
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ur busy lives have a way of sometimes taking over. We all find it hard to slow down and simply enjoy life. This year, my family and I decided to throw the stop sign up and embrace the timed honored tradition of a family vacation. Ten years ago was the first time we took a real family vacation with our two boys. Back then they were 6 and 4 and we visited Disneyland in California. This year we decided to take them back to California as teenagers and spend some time enjoying each other and the very sunny and warm environment of the west coast.
DAY ONE
NOVEMBER 2015
We arrived at LAX around lunch time. I very much recommend flying into Orange County Airport (SNA) but since this was a last minute vacation LAX would have to do. We picked up our rental car and headed out to enjoy the beach before checking into our hotel. On a recommendation from the waitress at lunch, we turned our car towards Seal Beach, just outside of Long Beach. It was a very hot day with temps touching 101 but the beach was not crowded at all and the cool ocean was a welcome sight. Seal Beach is not overly commercial like some of the other stops in California and the pier didn’t even have a single vendor… which was very nice. We kicked off our shoes, found a nice stretch of beach and enjoyed listening to the waves roll in. Of course we spent some time wading out into the surf and marveled at the majesty and power of the ocean. After a couple of hours we cleaned up 29 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
and strolled along Seal Beach’s quaint downtown mainstreet. With a very nice variety of small, locally owned shops we found solace in many air conditioned stores offering every type of touristy keepsake you can imagine. We even enjoyed some homemade ice cream from one of the shops while taking in our first day. From there, we headed to our hotel. We chose where to stay based on proximity to the various places we wanted to visit. We have done the theme park hotels in the past, and while they are great if you have young ones, the cost can be quite staggering. We chose the Hyatt House (cypressanaheim.house. hyatt.com) in Cypress. This was one of the best decisions we made on this trip. The hotel had recently been renovated and was very clean and nice. Also, the 2 queen bed suite was very large and had a full kitchen. Add to that a most welcome, delicious complimentary breakfast buffet and all for under $180 per night. The location was also ideal because Cypress is a very nice safe community and only about a 20 minute nonhighway drive to Disneyland!
DAY TWO
We headed out early for our first day of “theme-parking” at Universal Studios Hollywood (universalstudioshollywood. com.) With two teenagers, our day at Universal was hands down one of our favorites. The biggest recommendation I can give is to purchase the “Front of the Line” ticket which allows you to skip
After our full day of enjoying this terrific theme park we really had fun going through the City Walk, which is full of great restaurants and lots of shopping. When all was said and done, we realized that we will most certainly be back in the spring when the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open. We could see the construction taking place and it looks to be incredible!
DAYS THREE AND FOUR
We spent these days at both Disneyland (www.disneyland.com) and Disney’s California Adventure. You can’t visit California without a trip to Disney. Since I proposed to my wife at Disneyland and we went there on our honeymoon, it holds a special meaning to us. With the Park Hopper pass you can go between the two parks all you want. Be aware of the crowds though. Although Disney is a master at moving lines along, at certain times the parks can be very crowded. Definitely take advantage of the “fast pass” program. Once an hour you are allowed to get a pass that will allow you to use a shorter line for specific rides at specific times. Disney is king when it comes to live action rides. If you are not a fan of the 3D or 4D styles of rides then Disneyland and California Adventure are the places for you. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to know and accept that lines will be long. So, use this as a time to enjoy your family. We played games, talked about our trip and enjoyed our time together. Being in line is a blessing as it forces you to slow down
and enjoy your family in the “happiest place on Earth.” The Downtown Disney district is also a fun place to go through. Lots of restaurants and shops live there and it is FREE. At night many musicians and performers setup in the district playing live music. It is a great way to take a break and let your feet rest from walking through the parks.
DAY FIVE
For our final day on vacation we scheduled our flight at night so we could enjoy the day somewhere. We chose to spend it at Knott’s Berry Farm (www.knotts.com.) One thing is for sure, if you are a roller coaster lover then this is the place for you. Knott’s Berry Farm has an amazing array of roller coasters for all ages and thrill levels. It is a massive park and has lots to see and do. The best part was that there were no lines anywhere. It was very easy to get onto any ride without long waits. They also have several actual stand-alone restaurants in the park, which is a nice change from quick serve food. I am not a big roller coaster fan but my family is. There were plenty of other nonroller coaster rides and attractions and we had an amazing last day on vacation for sure. The best part of a California family vacation is that you can have a very memorable vacation at various budget levels. You don’t have to mortgage the house to unplug for a little bit. Find a good beach and enjoy time with the family. Or choose a theme park and make some incredible memories. In any case remember that a family vacation is about the memory of being together… not what you do but who you do it with. Weather sitting on the beach or riding a world class ride, spending time with your loved ones is priceless…do it often! WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 30
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the line one time for many of the rides. Fortunate for us we never had lines that were super long. However, this pass was great to hit a ride two times in a row when you wanted to. With many 4D rides ranging from Transformers to the Simpsons, your senses will be invigorated and amazed. We enjoyed shows like Universal’s Animal Actors and Waterworld and really had a great time on the Universal Studio Tour which also takes you through the new Fast and Furious attraction.
BOOKENDS Orphan #8 by Kim van Alkemade
Rachel Rabinowitz lost her parents and her home, in the tenements of New York City, at the tender age of four. After this tragedy changes life for Rachel and her brother, they are taken to Jewish orphanages in the city. They are taken to different places due to their age difference and must wait before being reunited. During this time apart, Rachel is subjected to medical experiments by a young doctor trying to make her mark on a male dominated field. Dr. Mildred Solomon and her experiments change the course of Rachel’s life. Years later, Rachel finds herself caring for an ill patient, Dr. Solomon, in Manhattan’s Old Hebrews’ Home. Rachel must choose revenge or compassion as she faces her past. PAM: This book caught my interest from the first pages. The author takes us from the past to present and back again as we learn of Rachel’s story. There were many struggles Rachel faced during her life. She didn’t remember the details of her past until she was faced with an aging and ailing Dr. Solomon. She initially had warm feelings for this woman, until the facts began to unravel. Why do you think Rachel felt fondness for the doctor?
NOVEMBER 2015
BECKY: I love the situation that this book puts the characters in. Can you imagine caring for an elderly person that harmed you during your childhood? There is a moral tug-of-war that would create great conversation for a book club. Rachel desperately wants answers, and an apology, for how she was treated by Dr. Solomon. Unfortunately, this doctor is still tough as nails and may not give Rachel what she needs to calm her nightmares. Is it hard to believe that although this story is a piece of fiction, it is based on actual events from the early 1900’s? PAM: It is definitely difficult to believe (or at least accept) that it is based on actual events. The doctors in the Jewish orphans’ home were compiling research during studies that used some of the children as subjects. As Rachel discovered later, the doctors had a different view of the situation, and the ethics involved, than we would. Dr. Solomon was eager to make a mark in the field of radiology and used the children in a study she would later publish. I realize the risks of radiology were not understood at the time, but do you think she could have anticipated some hazards that faced the children? BECKY: You would think that a doctor should realize that this research could have serious complications on the subject used. They continued to test even after some issues became obvious, like alopecia (hair loss.) However, one could argue that how medicine/procedures should be tested if not by human or animal 31 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
test subjects. This could be another interesting topic to discuss for a book club. This part of the book touched me deeply as I knew a young girl that suffered from alopecia. To some degree, Rachel seemed to accept her baldness and embraced her nickname “Egg”. As a child she was given a wig but she found it uncomfortable and preferred to hide her difference with a hat instead. The radiation caused a number of problems for Rachel. What caused her more emotional pain, the visible scars and hair loss, or the internal complications that were less obvious to the world? PAM: Rachel had such deep internal scars from the tests and time in the system, but also from earlier in her life. After being reunited with her brother, she realized he was ashamed of her differences. In this way, her visible scars exacerbated her internal pain. Although her brother struggled with feelings about their relationship, he still worked to ensure that Rachel was safe and taken care of. He initially does this by arranging for an older student to keep an eye on Rachel in the girls’ side of the school. What do you think caused his complicated feelings about Rachel? BECKY: As the “man” of the family he felt the need to protect her but he was not in a situation to do much of anything. I thought that finding an older girl, in a more powerful position to watch out for Rachel was brilliant. I would imagine that he also had some guilt that his situation was better than hers. This was an interesting story that provoked a number of good topics to discuss. The characters were well developed and as much as I hate to say goodbye to Rachel, it’s time to move on and get ready for the holidays. Join us next month as we discuss A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. Yes, the same author that wrote In Cold Blood. Trust me on this pick.
Saturday
November 14, 2015 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Parker Fieldhouse & Event Center Dransfeldt & Plaza Drive•Parker, Colorado
Home Baked Items • Home Crafted items • Holiday Gifts Sponsored by
Mountain Pine Woman’s Club Parker, Colorado
www.mpwcparker.org
•Free Admission•
NOVEMBER 2015
FREE GIFT FOR FIRST 100 SHOPPERS
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LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Hegira by Jim Cronin
His home world is dead; the victim of a supernova, but this does not stop Karm from attempting to save the Brin, his extinct species. Rescued by an alien race from a derelict spacecraft as a vial of DNA, then cloned, Karm must travel back in time, convince a small team of co-conspirators to join him in his quest, and outmaneuver a power hungry monarch and his fanatic brother, leader of The Faith, both absolutely committed to opposing him. All of Karm’s plans rest on the untested and controversial cloning theories of the young geneticist Dr. Jontar Rocker, and the abilities of his bodyguard, personal assistant, and surrogate niece, Maripa. Will their combined efforts be enough to overcome the power of the monarchy and the planet’s most influential religion? Will Karm’s secrets destroy the trust of his companions and ruin his campaign to save the Brin? Jim Cronin worked for thirty five years as a middle school science teacher, but is now semi-retired, working part-time as an educator/performer at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He has been married for thirty seven years to the love of his life, Diane. Together, they raised two incredible sons, and now have a beautiful granddaughter to spoil rotten. For more information on Hegira or to purchase it, visit www.authorjimcroninhegira.com.
Escaping Yesterday by Pamela Nowak
NOVEMBER 2015
Lottie Chase is willing to take any risk to save her daughter from their abusive uncle. Stranded in Denver during the summer of 1905, Lottie meets Caleb Hudson, manager at Elitch Gardens amusement park, who sees her as a manipulative huckster. Caleb, a veteran suffering from PTSD, craves the tranquility of the park’s gardens. Lottie brings anything but peace as she seeks to convince the owners to add thrill rides so she can collect the sales commission and support her daughter. Neither anticipates their growing passion, common demons, or the dangers they will face as they confront their pasts and free their love. Ms. Nowak is a local author whose previous release, Changes, was honored with the 2014 Colorado Book Award for genre fiction. Her previous three books earned high marks from Publishers’ Weekly, Booklist, Library Journal, and Historical Novels Review, among others. She has been lauded for her research, deep characterization, and substance. A 2013 national magazine article included Nowak as an emerging author skilled in weaving contemporary issues into historical fiction. For more information, visit pamelanowak.com or visit amazon.com to purchase Escaping Yesterday. Are you a local author? If so, we would love to showcase your book (at no cost to you) in our local author spotlight. To be considered, email mike.waid@waidpublishing.com. 33 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
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NOVEMBER 2015
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PARK E R RESTAU R ANTS
ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL: Merry Texas Christmas YʼAll!
November 27 2:00 p.m. Ray Benson and nine-time Grammy© winners Asleep at the Wheel invite you to a honky-tonk holiday concert y’all don’t want to miss.
COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA:
NOVEMBER 2015
Big Band Christmas with the CJRO
November 28 7:30 p.m. The sixteen piece big band will perform holiday tunes such as Duke Ellington’s “Nutcracker Suite” and Maynard Ferguson’s “Music for Moderns.” Featuring the lovely vocals of Heidi Schmidt.
A CLASSIC PARKER HOLIDAY
December 4 - 6 Celebrate the holidays with the Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra.
MANHATTAN TRANSFER
December 12 7:30 p.m. Seasonal songs from this ten-time Grammy© winning vocal quartet that has enchanted audiences for years.
THE NUTCRACKER OF PARKER December 17 - 20
The Colorado School of Dance wraps up the holiday season with Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic.
BUY TICKETS AT www.ParkerArts.org OR CALL 303.805.6800 37 SEARCH PARKER MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2015 WWW.SEARCHPARKER.COM 38