April 2018 South Aurora Magazine

S E A R C H

SOUTHAURORA SOUTH AURORA’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2009

In This Month’s Issue

Magazine

South Aurora

Denver, CO

PAID Permit 5377 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

Plus much more!

ECRWSS

The Aurora Fox Gala

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

Local Business Spotlight l The Bookends

POSTAL PATRON

Bald is Beautiful l Wings Over the Rockies

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We Need Your Head Bald is beautiful

South Aurora

Wings Over the Rockies Be the astronaut

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The Aurora Fox Gala Saturday April 21

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Local Business Spotlight Parkway Bar and Grill

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Local Business Spotlight Beyond the Blackboard

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The Bookends & Local Author Spotlight

Magazine APRIL 2018

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4

This month’s Cover Photo is a brave participant in last year’s Shave the Mayor fundraiser to fight pediatric cancer for St. Baldrick’s

If you’ve got a perfect photo for the cover of Search South Aurora Magazine then submit it for our cover contest!

Visit SouthAuroraMagazine.com for details and to enter.

Check out our online Events Calendar at SouthAuroraMagazine.com. You can even post your community events there for FREE! 3

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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 DESIGNER BRANDON CAHILL

brandon@waidpublishing.com

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 2018 Search South Aurora Magazine - All rights Reserved.

WE NEED YOUR HEAD Bald is Beautiful

Cancer sucks. Sorry for such strong language, but I don’t know any other way to put it. Cancer just plain and simply sucks.

Especially if the person battling this awful disease is a child. Not only is it scary to fight this battle, but kids also have to undergo the negative effects of treatment including losing their hair during chemo.

This is where you come in. You can become a warrior against cancer, help raise money to find a cure and stand in solidarity with a proud bald head! That’s right, you going under the clippers can make the difference in this fight against pediatric cancer.

Here is all you have to do. Head over to shavethemayor.com and click the GET SHAVED button at the top of the page to sign up as a “shavee” at the 6th annual Shave the Mayor fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s foundation. Once you sign up, you will set a goal to raise and start asking your friends and family to support you.

Let them know that if you reach your goal, you will go bald for them...and for all the kids who don’t have the choice to go bald, but do so while fighting cancer and undergoing treatment.

Young or old, boy or girl, no matter who you are or what you do, we can all pull together to show these kids that they are not alone when they lose their hair and the we are battling along side them to find a cure.

This is our 6th year of shaving our heads (and our faces) while we raise money and awareness of pediatric cancer. Last year we raised over $80,000 and had over 110 people shave. This year, we can do better but we need your help. Our theme for 2017 is “Six Figures in Six Years.” That’s right, we are trying to raise over $100,000 for pediatric cancer and the way we do it is by having 200 or more people shaving.

So please join us in becoming a cancer warrior. Head over to ShaveTheMayor.com and join me, my son Matthew and many others as we go bald on April 28th and become warriors against pediatric cancer!

Sign up today at ShaveTheMayor.com

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BE ASTRONAUT MOON | MARS | ASTEROIDS & JUPITER

ne of the most famous astronauts of all time, Neil Armstrong, famously said, “Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.” If you or your the little star gazers in your house have ever dreamed of rocketing towards the stars and stepping foot on the surface of the moon, or maybe beyond, then make sure you get to Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum to check out the Be The Astronaut exhibit before it closes on April 15th.

This completely interactive, pod-based exhibit teaches STEMbased content through a mesmerizing fusion of traditional exhibitry and technology. With the focus on concepts common to all space flight, Be The Astronaut uses a narrative of possible future space missions. The exhibit is full of interactive games and simulations that will speak to adults and children alike. The exhibition itself is like a mission, and in order to advance and succeed further in each phase of the mission (exhibit), visitors learn about the extreme challenges and the unmatched thrill of space flight. Using what they learn at each step, they “fly” spaceships, “pilot” landers, and “drive” rovers across the surfaces of the Moon, Mars, Ceres and Jupiter.

All the crafts used in the Be The Astronaut exhibit were thoughtfully designed with the assistance of and oversight from NASA’s Langley Research Facility.

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Three different modules will guide your journey through the exhibit. In the Nav (short for Celestial Navigation) Modules, 2D visuals are used to teach basic principles and physics concepts about the workings of the universe on a macro scale. The Science and Technology Modules (or SCI for short) utilize drag and drop interface to help exhibit explorers gain a greater depth of knowledge about the science and technology necessary to both explore and thrive in outer space. Lastly, the Fly Modules are exactly what they sound like. Using the knowledge you’ve gained through Nav and Sci training, hop into the driver’s seats in various spacecraft. Pilot an interplanetary spaceship while maneuvering through an asteroid belt or drive a rover across celestial surfaces on other planets. This module puts you in control of some of the most advanced technology ever created.

Admission to the Be The Astronaut Exhibit is included in the price of admission to Wings Over the Rockies. The Museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm. For more information on all exhibits, additional simulators, special events and pricing, go to wingsmuseum.org.

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The Aurora Fox Gala The Aurora Fox Arts Center, originally built over 70 years ago, served as Aurora’s only “Movie Palace” when it first opened its doors, serving much of the quickly growing population and military personnel stationed at Fitzsimons Army Hospital and Lowry Air Force Base. In the decades that followed, the 61-foot neon sign of the Fox beckoned both children and adults looking for a night of great entertainment. With new commercial areas opening during the 70’s, the Fox survived through a period of decline and sadly a disastrous fire in 1981 caused major fire and water damage to the building. Over the next few years, the city of Aurora, private groups and civic groups worked to fund the restoration of the Aurora Fox and the building was able to reopen on March 8, 1985 as the Aurora Fox Arts Center, a permanent home for the Aurora Fox Theater Company as well as a performance venue for local performing arts organizations.

Today, the Fox is home to the award winning professional theatre company operated by the city of Aurora’s Cultural Services Division.

The Fox’s current season has already featured mega hits such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Real Women Have Curves and the Tony Award winning “Passing Strange” (which open April 13th and plays through May 13th) “Passing Strange” is a fast-paced but moving rock musical about a young African American boy’s journey of self-discovery through Europe.

In addition to the award winning stage productions at the Fox, the City of Aurora Cultural Services Division offers a variety of educational and performance experiences to students ages 4-18 as well as adults. Students learn the principles and techniques of drama and theatre arts and how to apply those principles and techniques to enrich their understanding of a wide variety of disciplines and experiences. A complete list of theater education opportunities can be found online at aurorafoxartscenter.org.

This month, theater lovers can get tickets to an unforgettable night at Aurora Fox when the run of “Passing Strange” halts for one night only in order to present the Season 33 Gala. This pinnacle event of the season is a major fundraiser to support the Aurora Fox. Tickets for this one night only event are on sale for $75 and include a pre-show dinner, wine selection and silent auction. The Aurora Fox Gala’s featured entertainment will be special guest, Tony nominated stage actor Alex Brightman.

Brightman debuted on Broadway ten years ago in “Glory Days and went on to play ‘Boq’ in “Wicked” and ‘Michael Wormword’ in “Matilda.” He is probably best known for originating the role of ‘Dewey Finn’ in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “School of Rock.”

Most recently, Alex has been collaborating with famed, Tonynominated director Alex Timbers on a musical adaptation of the blockbuster film, “Beetlejuice.” If you haven’t caught much on Broadway lately, you may recognize him from his work on the small screen in Showtime’s acclaimed series SMILF, or on USA’s Royal Pains.

The evening will commence with a scrumptious Italian dinner with wine selections from Carrabba’s and a silent auction brimming with local treats and luxury items before the showstopping performance by Alex Brightman. As a added bonus to the evening, Gala attendees will be the first to hear to announcement of the 2018/2019 season!

Don’t miss the curtain on this event! Get your tickets today at aurorafoxartscenter.org

Season 33 Gala Benefiting the Historic Aurora Fox Dinner and Silent Auction will be held at the newlyopened “People’s Building,” 9995 E. Colfax Ave on the Northwest Corner of Colfax and Florence, across the street from The Aurora Fox. The entertainment portion of the evening will be held on the Aurora Fox mainstage 5:30-6:00 p.m.: Arrival/Photos at People’s Building (9995 E. Colfax Ave.) 6:00-7:45 p.m.: Dinner and Silent Auction 7:45-8:00 p.m.: To Aurora Fox (9900 E. Colfax Ave.) 8:00-10:00 p.m.: Performance by Alex Brightman, final Silent Auction bids, paddle-raising auction and Season 34 announcement FOR TICKETS GO TO aurorafoxartscenter.org

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South Aurora Colorado

Local Business Spotlight

Discovering local businesses that make our community great!

Parkway Bar and Grill 22775 E Aurora Pkwy Aurora, CO 80016 303-693-6200 parkwaybarandgrill.com Hours of Operation: Sunday 10:00am11:00pm, Monday-Thursday 11:00am11:00pm, Friday 11:00am-Midnight & Saturday 10:00am-Midnight Parkway Bar and Grill has been open in Aurora since 2007

Why did you choose to open your business in our community?

Over ten years ago when we opened our doors, we knew this was (and is) a great area with huge potential.

What makes your business "unique" or different from your competitors?

We work hard every day on making sure every customer has a great experience, whether they eat, drink or both. We take pride on every dish that comes out of our kitchen and make sure your service is as fast as humanly possible. We strive to learn from our mistakes and in order to get better and constantly improve on what we do. Nobody is perfect, but we relentlessly work hard to achieve perfection, that process never ends, but we sure try.

Why did you get into this type of business?

I’ve been in this business since I was 16, I’ve owned restaurants since I was 27, and I’m 63 now, so it’s all I’ve ever known and all I’ve ever wanted to do.

What do you like most about owning your business?

I always look forward to going to work because each and every day is different. My customer base is

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a group of incredible people, all different ages and backgrounds.

My employees are great, what’s not to like about my business?

For someone who will be coming into your business for the first time, what is the single most important thing they should try/purchase and why?

It’s hard to pick a favorite when our menu is filled with so many delicious options, but there are dishes to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Perhaps try the Guiness Fish and Chips or Blackened Scallops or maybe some Mexican fare such as the Smothered Burrito or Pork Carnitas Platter. There’s also a great variety of sandwiches, pizzas, salads and fantastic appetizers like our Parkway Onion Rings with Creole remoulade, Blue Crab Cakes and Green Chili and Cheese Tator Tots. So much to choose from, you could try something different every time you visit!

What advice would you give someone wanting to open a business in our community?

It’s a great place for a business, but the customer base is very smart and they know what’s good and what’s not, so be prepared to do your best - the customers demand it and they deserve it.

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South Aurora Colorado

Local Business Spotlight

Discovering local businesses that make our community great!

Beyond the Blackboard at Southlands Shopping Center 6155 S Main St. Aurora, CO 80016 (303) 627-5791 www.beyondtheblackboard.com Sun: 11pm - 6pm Mon - Thurs: 10am - 9pm Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm

Getting kids (of all ages) excited about learning is the best way to keep them motivated to learn. Sisters Jean Boylan and Jacqueline Kilian were well aware of that and put their passion for education beyond the walls of a classroom when they opened Beyond the Blackboard over a decade ago.

Beyond the Blackboard isn’t just a “teacher’s store,” it’s a wonderland of resources and gifts, filled with unique products that are designed to engage children and their parents alike.

Jean and Jacqueline’s goal from the beginning was to nurture children’s confidence, both in and out of the classroom, in order to create lifelong learners who continue to have fun and be creative in their learning and their discoveries throughout their school years and beyond.

The merchandise you’ll find in Beyond the Blackboard ranges from baby toys and arts and crafts to live frogs, with gifts and products for the littlest learners to “big kids” from popular brands including Learning Academy, Think Fun, Squishable, Scholastic and Melissa and Doug, just to name a few. All the merchandise thoughtfully placed on Beyond the Blackboard’s shelves enables parents and teacher to explore the world, one subject at a time with the eager little learners in their lives.

Today, Jean, Jacqueline and their amazing staff have two retail stores filled ready and eager to serves their loyal customers. Come with ideas about what you’re looking for or questions on where to start; Beyond the Blackboard staff members are well versed on their products and happy to help ignite the fire of creativity in the curious minds of children.

With summer coming, it’s the perfect time to plan some great adventures to keep kids engaged and excited about learning. Maybe some gardening, insect observations or star gazing will be in your future! No matter the subject, Beyond the Blackboard can help you explore it!

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THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

The Last Ballad By: Wiley Cash

Set in the foothills of North Carolina in 1929 Ella May Wiggins walks two miles to her job at American Mill No. 2. She takes home $9.00 after laboring away six days a week in hazardous conditions. Her husband has run off and she is trying desperately to take care for her four children. She is curious and tempted when a union leaflet is passed around the mill. After much consideration, Ella decides to go to the rally and she unexpectedly becomes deeply involved with the union. Her fight for fair wages has made her an enemy of those that oppose her position and she will now have to fight for her life.

Becky: Last month I joined

PageHabit*. Depending on the membership you purchase, each month or quarter, you receive a package with at least one new release and some other goodies. The Last Ballad was in my first box so I didn’t choose this book in a traditional manner. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is based on a true event in the author’s hometown.

There are several points of view as this story develops and the first several chapters introduce different characters in this story. Pam, did you find this confusing?

Pam: The different points of view

come together to form a complete account of the event. However, I did find that they were a lot to keep track of initially. This method of telling the story offered many different perspectives and allowed the reader to see a more thorough account of the event. Ella is the center of the story and all of the accounts are tied back to her and the part she plays.

Ella has had a hard life and struggles to take care of her growing family.

What were your thoughts about this character?

Becky: Some of her choices were hard for me to understand and frustrated me. However, for the most part I loved this character. She was a strong woman that fought for a worthy cause but put herself and her children in a dangerous situation.

This book was a reminder to me that some of our privileges as Americans came at a high cost for previous generations. She was very poor and for me it was difficult to read about the lack of food and challenge to care for her children. She was a tough woman and the author did a great job giving her depth. The story was confusing for awhile with all of the different time frames and characters but it was worth the frustration as 13

the story comes full circle. The book includes the story told from Lilly, Ella May’s daughter whom is now seventy-five years old. Did you like this flashback or did you feel like it was too much for one story?

Pam: I really enjoyed the flashback

aspect of the story. I felt that it gave perspective to the events and characters in the story. There were such turbulent aspects to the story, that I found this comforting and grounding. It was also interesting to hear Lilly’s thoughts about her mother and the events of the time.

I agree that it was very hard to read about the hunger and conditions where the children lived. Lilly’s letters to her nephew helped see the whole picture and beyond these challenges.

How did you feel about Lilly’s letters to her nephew? Were you surprised by her feelings about the events?

Becky: It was a very interesting perspective to hear the story from the mother’s point of view and then chapters later to see the story from the daughter’s (as a mature woman looking back on her childhood). Her memories were not what I would have envisioned but it successfully filled in the story from another angle. Her ‘voice’ was not what I would have expected from an elderly woman but it was refreshing and fun. The story is also told from the perspective of a black train porter, a mill owner and a mill owner’s wife. They each brought a different light to the story but although a small role, the mill owner’s wife was my favorite of the three. I enjoyed how her perspective changed as she grew to know Ella May. Did any of these characters impact the story for you?

Pam: I agree with you, Becky. I felt that the mill owner’s wife had a large impact on this story. She was from a very different station than Ella May

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LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT The 7 Rings

by Brian Watson

and expected to just go along with what was happening around their town. However, not only did she allow her perspective to change based on events and overheard information, she also decided to take action. This was dangerous for her and she could have easily hidden in her comfortable home and not ventured out of her safe life. Not only did she reach out to Ella May, she took a stand with her husband and demanded help when it was needed. This character was an intriguing surprise in the story. Were you surprised that Ella May trusted this virtual stranger?

Becky: I did not expect these two ladies to connect due to the extreme differences in social status. I loved that it spoke to the connection that women can make when opportunity allows us to see the struggle someone else is enduring. I am in awe of this strong woman in history and it amazing me that she had such an impact in such a short amount of time. I have read one of his other books, This Dark Road to Mercy, and I did not care for it as much as I did this one. Were you previously familiar with Wiley Cash?

Pam: I have never read anything

else by this author, so was new to his writing. I would be interested in looking into his other books, especially if they are historical in nature. It was very interesting to learn about this historical event, of which I had not been previously aware. Next month, we will continue with another historical event. Although this event is very different, we will continue to be immersed in trials and danger as we read Leopard at the Door by Jennifer McVeigh.

The 7 RINGS: A Journey to a Balanced Life of Peace, Passion, and Purpose combines the business and leadership acumen of a successful, global CEO with the inspiration and passionate motivation of a friend. Simply put, it’s an inspiring field guide for making life balance a reality, from someone who has had their share of struggles and disappointments. Bridging both the corporate and non-profit worlds, this book challenges readers to discover their life s purpose and encourages them to live wholeheartedly in all that they do. Within each of the 7 Rings, Brian Watson offers fresh insight into the art of servant leadership and prioritizing one’s life with numerous examples of people, both historical and contemporary, that have inspired him. In addition, each chapter includes thought-provoking quotations and action-igniting questions for practical application.

The 7 Rings is available online at www.the7rings.com

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L O V E

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