September 2017 Search South Aurora Magazine

S E A R C H

SOUTHAURORA SOUTH AURORA’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2009

In This Month’s Issue

12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202 Parker, CO 80134 303-805-9455

Magazine

South Aurora

ECRWSS Denver, CO

PAID Permit 5377 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

Plus much more!

POSTAL PATRON

l Aurora Fox Season l Relay for Life l VIP Fashion Show l Barker Days l The Bookends l Local Author Spotlight

SouthAuroraMagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

1

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

2

S E A R C H

SOUTHAURORA SEPTEMBER 2017

4 5 7 9 11 12

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Aurora Fox Arts Center 2017-2018 Season Relay For Life Walk...raise money...fight cancer VIP Fashion Show Great fashion and tons of fun Barker Days Bring your pooch and have fun The Bookends The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

By Lisa See Local Author Spotlight Two great books from local authors

South Aurora

Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 9 PUBLISHER MIKE WAID

mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 700

SALES DIRECTOR KAYCE ARTHUR

kayce@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 706

EDITORIAL TIFFANY GRIZZLE

tiffany@waidpublishing.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN JAMESON HAMSMITH

jameson@waidpublishing.com

Barker Days 2017...Page 19 3

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

Search South Aurora Magazine is published 12 times per year by Waid Publishing (www.

WaidPublishing.com), a division of Mike Waid & Associates, Inc. (www.MikeWaid. com), 12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202, Parker, CO 80134, 303-805-9455. Search South Aurora Magazine is available online at www.SouthAuroraMagazine.com. Search South Aurora 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 South Aurora Magazine. Copyright 2017 Search South Aurora Magazine - All rights Reserved.

Aurora Fox Arts Center Announces

2017-2018 Season

New this season, a Cabaret Series and shows on Thursdays

The Aurora Fox Arts Center is proud to announce the 2017-2018 season featuring five outstanding productions, “Company,” “Hi-Hat Hattie,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Real Women Have Curves” and “Passing Strange,” as well the introduction of a Cabaret Series and the addition of Thursdays performances.

Kicking off Season 33 is Stephen Sondheim’s contemporary musical classic, “Company,” running Sept. 22 - Oct. 22. Winner of seven Tony Awards, “Company” has been lauded as the show that redefined modern musical theatre and promises to be a laugh-out-loud season opener featuring some of Sondheim’s best known songs.

Then comes “Hi-Hat Hattie,” playing Nov. 24 - Dec. 23. This musical tour-de-force soulfully examines the life of Denver legend Hattie McDaniel and will feature local favorite, Anna High (“The Color Purple” and Porgy & Bess”).

Rounding out the latter portion of the season will be the cult favorite musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” ( Jan. 19 - Feb. 10), the lauded Latina immigrant comedy-drama “Real

Women Have Curves” (Feb. 23 – Mar. 18) and the high-energy Tony Award-winning musical “Passing Strange” (Apr. 13 – May 13).

A new exciting addition to The Fox programming is the Cabaret Series, which will feature a dynamic program in the intimate setting of the Fox’s Studio Theatre. Also new for Season 33 is the addition of Thursday night performances to the entire season, allowing more options to enjoy the first-class entertainment at The Aurora Fox. The Annual Fox Fundraising Gala will be held in April this season, once again featuring pre-show dinner, select wines, a silent auction and a full performance of the Season 33 closing musical, “Passing Strange.”

The entire Season 33 can be found online at AuroraFox.org or by calling the box office at 303.739.1970 to request a brochure.

The Aurora Fox Arts Center is a program of the city of Aurora’s Library and Cultural Services. Additional support provided by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

4

SEPT 30 10AM-10PM O’BRIEN PARK

5

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

In May of 1985, Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours round and round a track at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, to help raise awareness and much needed funds in order to help save lives from cancer. Over thirty years later, Relay for Life events have become the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, with more than 5,200 volunteers coordinating events in 27 countries around the world. On Saturday, September 30th, from 10am10pm at O’Brien Park, you can be a part of Parker’s Relay for Life, and a part of something so much bigger than yourself.

The Relay for Life is a team-fundraising event in which participants take turns walking a track or designated path, with a teammates collectively walking throughout the duration of the 6-24 hour event. The design of this event is significant, with one teammate constantly on the course, members of Relay for Life teams are a reminder that “cancer never sleeps” and those fighting this disease don’t stop because they are tired – and for one day &/or night, neither do those raising funds for a cure with Relay for Life. Teams will often pick a theme and set up themed sites at the event to continue their fundraising efforts by collecting donations for food, goods, games and activities. All money raised goes towards their overall team fundraising goal.

If this is your first Relay, expect to see all participants and teams welcomed, followed by the event’s kick off with the Survivor’s Lap. Cancer survivors and those currently affected by cancer will walk the track to the sounds of cheers and exuberant support from everyone in attendance. Next, the Caregiver lap recognizes those providing support for their loved one(s) during treatment. After the Survivors and Caregivers have completed their symbolic laps, the teams take the track to begin the celebration. Throughout the day and night, members of each team will take their turn on the walk, while teammates not walking participate in games, activities and entertainment. As evening falls, the decent into darkness is symbolic of the fear patients face upon receiving their diagnosis. After sunset, Luminarias will be lit to celebrate survivors, to remember those who are no longer with us, and remind those still courageously fighting that they are not alone. Closing ceremonies conclude each event, but Relay for Life will remain a constant year after year, until cancer is no more.

JOIN A TEAM CREATE A TEAM VOLUNTEER DONATE

Cancer never sleeps, go to RELAY.ACSEVENTS.ORG and join the fight!

Thirty years ago, the $27,000 Gordy Klatt raised and the more than 83 miles he covered paved the way for what has grown into the Relay for Life, which has continued, year after year, raising funds for cancer research. Sadly, Dr. Klatt passed away three years ago from heart failure after battling stomach cancer but his idea helped shaped a movement that has since become a global event, raising over $5 billion dollars and bringing survivors and supporters together to form a support network like no other.

Cancer has tragically managed to get its grips on us all. Whether you’ve had a loved one battle this tenacious disease or you’ve faced it yourself, being a part of Relay for Life helps brings everyone together to fight the same fight. Join a team, create a team, volunteer or donate online - go to relay.acsevents.org southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

6

Be a VIP at Parker Panache’s

FASHION SHOW For one night only this month, the PACE Center in Downtown Parker doubles as the runways of New York and Paris for an event worth getting a little dolled up for (well, at least the models will be!) Parker Panache is proudly hosting this rather posh night out on Friday, September 15th. Come and enjoy the fun, complete with hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and an open bar! Best part (on top of some gorgeous fashions and the open bar) is that all proceeds from this event go to the Downtown Creative District. It’s a date night for a great cause! Tickets for the VIP Fashion Show are limited, so if you haven’t yet purchased yours, go to ParkerPanache.com and grab them before they’re out like last year’s color palettes.

After picking your favorite fashions Friday night, head over to Parker Panache on Mainstreet Saturday, September 16th, for a Trunk Show at the store from 10:00am5:00pm.

Plan your night on the town now, and join some potentially very familiar looking models, at the Parker Panache VIP Fashion Show later this month at the PACE Center.

Enjoy all the event has to offer, including that open bar, and help support the Downtown Creative District.

Parker Panache is located at 19561 E. Mainstreet in Downtown Parker Find them on Facebook and online at www.ParkerPanache.com or call 720.851.5121 7

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

8

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer with

BARKER DAYS

Are you ready for a dog-gone good time? Parker Parks and

Recreation presents Barker Days 2017 with Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, Saturday, September 9th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at O’Brien Park, 10795 Victorian Drive. This tail-wagging event will feature a temporary dog park in the O’Brien Park ball field and H2O’Brien Pool, canine activities and dog-related vendors.

One of Parker’s most loved annual events welcomes dogs to take a dip in the pool (closed to humans for the season and neutralized to be dog-friendly), chase balls and Frisbees on the baseball field, check out the agility course, hang out with fellow furry friends and rub noses with dog-related service and product providers. A separate play area will be provided for small dogs that prefer to play with pooches their own size.

In order to ensure a fun and safe event for all our four-legged friends, owners are asked to follow certain guidelines. All dogs must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Dogs must wear current rabies and ID tags at all times, which will be checked at the event entrance. View a complete list of guidelines at www.ParkerRec.com\BarkerDays.

Registration for Barker Days is $6 per Parker-resident dog and $8 for non-residents; their humans are free. Due to the popularity of this event, it is highly recommended that you pre-register at www.ParkerRec.com\BarkerDays.

Registration the day of the event will be on a space-available basis. Dogs who pre-register will have expedited check in and receive a “doggie bag” of treats. For additional event information, call the Parker Recreation Center at 303.841.4500 or email mnakashima@parkeronline.org.

Barker Days 2017 SEPT. 9 | 9 am - 3 pm | O’Brien Park Learn more and register online at www.ParkerRec.com\BarkerDays

9

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

10

THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

By Lisa See

Li-yan is one of few educated women on her mountain in China.

Her family is Akha, a Chinese ethnic minority. They are few in number and in such a remote area that most people do not even know they exist. Tradition is essential to the Akha people, but circumstances make it impossible for everything to stay the same. Li-yan will face important decisions and challenges when she finds that she is pregnant out of wedlock. She goes against tradition and gives her baby up in the nearest city. The only clue to her daughter’s origin is the tea cake that was in her swaddling when found by the city’s orphanage. Mother and daughter will spend many hours wondering and searching for each other as they lead very different lives.

PAM This book drew me, as I am always a fan of Lisa See. This story felt different to me than her others and took me a while to become immersed in the characters and the plot. Have you read other Lisa See books? Did you find this to be the case for you, as well?

BECKY I have read a few of her previous books and am a fan

of her writing. This story did have a different feel but I enjoyed the unique culture of this village and the education on the tea industry.

I didn’t have a problem connecting with the story at the beginning of the book. Actually, I did some light research regarding some of the topics in this story because I found it so interesting. Did you enjoy the picture she painted about a remote mountain village and all of their superstitions and traditions?

PAM I found the culture of this area very intriguing. I was drawn to look a little deeper into the tea that Li-yan and her village makes in this story. Being a tea drinker myself, I found it fascinating to explore the history and images of tea cakes. Li-yan’s mother is the healer and midwife for the village and Li-yan is expected to follow in the footsteps. As she is just beginning her training, she witnesses the tragic results of one of the superstitions of their culture. She cannot reconcile this is her mind. Do you feel that this was the turning point that would eventually lead her to a very different path?

BECKY Li-yan was not naturally attracted to the idea of becoming a healer for the village and the events of that day confirmed her desires to become something more than what the village expected of her. The opportunity for her to continue her formal education would open doors for her but the pull of love ultimately won. Going against tradition and superstition of the village, her mother helped Li-yan hide her pregnancy and ultimately the delivery of a baby girl.

The story up to this point is easy to read and interesting. However, the next part of the story takes a turn to a darker time during her life.

Did you like the writing up to this point?

PAM The writing style allowed me to picture Li-yan’s village and feel strong emotions around the events in her life. While reading about this culture, sometimes it was frustrating that the traditions did not allow for the villagers to have choices during life events. We saw this many times during Li-yan’s life. Did you find this frustrating? Or were you better able to separate our culture from that of the Akha?

11

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

BECKY I thought the author did a great job of transporting us to

another culture. Although my American mind did not agree with the lack of value a female had in this time, I was easily transported into her life and culture. This story covers a great deal of time as we journey through her life from a young girl to an adult. The most interesting part of this book for me is the adopted daughter’s storyline. Li-yan’s baby is adopted by an American couple and named Haley. Her story is not the focus of the book but I found the struggles and displacement issues of adoption to be fascinating. I wanted to know more about her story and challenges. Do you feel like there was enough told or where you also hoping for more?

PAM I felt that Haley’s story had a great start and we began to understand some of her challenges and feelings. This was an interesting (and different) side to the main portion of the story of Liyan’s life. However, Haley’s feelings and challenges as an adopted child from another culture would have been a very interesting area to expand upon. We also caught a glimpse into the feelings of Haley’s adoptive parents and their challenges. Do you think the author explored this complicated side of adoption deeply enough?

Or would you have liked to see this as a larger aspect of the story?

BECKY I definitely wanted to know more about Haley and the

complicated desire to know and understand her natural mother’s situation. Lisa See gave us a peek into the various emotions of adoption from the natural mother’s point of view, the adopting parents and Haley’s. Even though I wanted to explore this more, it would have been overwhelming to add such a complex topic to this story that is already covering a large block of time. Was the ending what you expected and are you satisfied with the way we said goodbye to this story?

PAM The ending to this story was what I had hoped, however, I always love an epilogue and would have enjoyed a little peek with this story. I did feel the author brought together and wrapped up the many different storylines. After having the opportunity to explore this culture, what will we be discussing next month?

BECKY For October we will read, In a dark, dark wood by Ruth

Ware. A small group will get together for a bachelorette party at a house in the woods. Forty-eight hours later, one person is shot and another is in the hospital with amnesia. What happened in those two short days?

southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

12

LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT IN THE HEART OF A MUSTANG

By M.J. Evans

“In the Heart of a Mustang is one of the finest books ever written for teens and pre-teens.

This book is strongly recommended for young readers.” Literary Classics Seal of Approval A boy is told that his father was a brave and virtuous man, a soldier who traded his life to save the lives of countless others. He was the man that Hunter needed to emulate. The only problem is the story is a lie, all of it. The truth, which Hunter discovers as he begins his sophomore year of high school, is that his father has actually spent the boy’s entire life in jail, paying his debt to society, but not mending his ways.

A wild mustang mare is rounded up by the BLM, the spring rains had been sparse, the forage on the plains even more so. The mare and her herd are rescued from certain starvation and placed for adoption. In a sandy corral at Promise Ranch (named for the local therapeutic riding center in Franktown,) a home for troubled teenage boys, the boy and the mare meet. A weathered, old cowboy brings them together – a mentor for one, a trainer for the other.

The bond that forms between the boy and the horse becomes one that saves the lives of both.

All of M.J. Evans’ books are available in print or ebook format. Autographed copies may be obtained at www.dancinghorsepress.com. These books are also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores. Popular local children’s bookstore: The Bookies, has them currently on their shelves.

AMONG THE LESSER GODS: A NOVEL

By Margo Catts

For fans of authors like Barbara Kingsolver and Leif Enger, a stunning new voice in contemporary literary fiction.

“Tragedy and blessing. Leave them alone long enough, and it gets real hard to tell them apart.”

Elena Alvarez is living a cursed life. From the deadly fire she accidentally set as a child, to her mother’s abandonment, and now to an unwanted pregnancy, she knows better than most that small actions can have terrible consequences. Driven to the high mountains surrounding Leadville, Colorado by her latest bad decision, she’s intent on putting off the future. Perhaps there she can just hide in her grandmother’s isolated cabin and wait for something–anything–to make her next choice for her.

Instead, she is confronted by reflections of her own troubles wherever she turns–the recent widower and his two children adrift in a changed world, Elena’s own mysterious family history, and the interwoven lives within the town itself. Bit by bit, Elena begins to question her understanding of cause and effect, reexamining the tragedies she’s held on to and the wounds she’s refused to let heal.

But when the children go missing, Elena’s fragile new peace is shattered. It’s only at the prospect of fresh loss and blame that she will discover the truth of the terrible burdens we take upon ourselves, the way tragedy and redemption are inevitably intertwined–and how curses can sometimes lead to blessings, however disguised.

This book is available in hardcover and ebook formats and can be found at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

13

SEPTEMBER 2017 search south aurora magazine

Underground Sprinkler Corps

Looking for Great Food & a Fun Place to Go?

Serving Parker & Southeast Aurora since 1998

CALL TODAY!

303-699-6154

undergroundsprinklercorps.com

Sprinkler System Blowout

$65

Includes up to 8 zones ($5 per additional zones) With coupon only. Expires 10.31.17

Double Pass Aeration UP TO 4,000 Sq.Ft.

$55

With coupon only. Expires 10.31.17

Granular Fertilization UP TO 4,000 Sq.Ft.

$50

Does not contain weed control.

With coupon only. Expires 10.31.17

FALL SPECIAL ALL 3 SERVICES

$145 Up to 8 zones. Up to 4,000 sq. ft.

With coupon only. Expires 10.31.17

Charming Patio Area • Saturday Night Karaoke • Monday Night Texas Hold em’ • Host Your Private Party Here • $8.95 Lunch Menu Mon-Fri until 2:00 pm • Full Breakfast Menu Sat-Sun until 2:00 pm •Full Menu Also Available

“BEST HAPPY HOUR IN COLORADO”

$10 OFF

Purchase of $50 or More

*before sales tax One Coupon Per Table/Group. Not valid with the $8.95 lunch menu, on holidays, or with happy hour drink specials. Expires 9-30-17

50% OFF

22775 E. Aurora Parkway E470 & Gartrell

303-693-6200

Buy 1 Entree & 2 Drinks Receive 1 entree of equal or lesser value 50% off

One Coupon Per Table/Group. Not valid with the $8.95 lunch menu, on holidays, or with happy hour drink specials. Expires 9-30-17

www.parkwaybarandgrill.com

southauroramagazine.com SEPTEMBER 2017

14

L O V E

|

P E A C E

|

H A P P I N E S S Wella and Aquage Professional Hair Care Products Image Skin Care Products Mirabella Makeup

September2017

Color Specialists Hair Cuts Style & Design Waxing Wedding Packages Facials Microdermabrasion Chemical Peels Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting Makeup Eyelash Extensions Hair Extensions

“WHAT MATTERS MOST IS HOW WELL YOU WALK THROUGH THE FIRE.” CHARLES BUKOWSKI

FREE

Dry Shampoo or Silkening Oil Foam

travel size

with any full size product purchase (expires 10/15/17)

$71 OFF

EYELASH EXTENSIONS

$200.00 value (First-time customers only; expires 10/15/17)

FREE

Haircut and Style with any color service

up to a $55 value (First-time customers only; expires 10/15/17)

$498 MICROBLADING includes initial visit and follow up appointment (First-time customers only; expires 10/15/17)

open seven days a week!

We are a sustainable salon and partner with Green Circle Salons to help recycle and/or reuse 85-95% of our waste.

6750 Cornerstar Way, Suite C, | Aurora, CO 80016 303.690.4247 | lovehaircoloranddesign.com (Southwest Corner of Arapahoe Rd. & Parker Rd. in the Cornerstar Shopping Center)