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A R I G H T J O L LY O L D E L F Parker resident Rich Foerster was voted this year’s ‘real” santa. BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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W H AT T O M Y WONDERING EYES Alexa Nugent from Design For The Holidays gives us a tour of her holiday home BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
13 THE GUIDE
The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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THE BELL STILL RINGS SEARCH SOUTH
AURORA Search South Aurora is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC
We asked some of our younger readers what they love about the holidays. BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF
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A RIGHT JOLLY OLD ELF BY KAREN MONTGOMERY
Rich Foerster was voted the "Real" Santa at this year's annual Mountain Pine Woman's Club Yuletide Bazaar.
HO HO HO! Santa Claus has come to town, right here in Parker, Colorado. Santa Rich, AKA Rich Foerster, was voted the "Real" Santa at this year's annual Mountain Pine Woman's Club Yuletide Bazaar, held November 11, at the Parker Fieldhouse. Many Parker residents will recognize Santa Rich, as he has been filling in for Santa here in Parker for the past fifteen years. We had a chance to visit with Santa Rich after the event and he shared some details about his fascinating journey to Real Santa status. A semi-retired realtor, Santa Rich is originally from Corpus Christi, TX, moving to Littleton in 1991, and then to Parker in 1997. In 2008, Santa Rich and Keller Williams were the first tenants in the Victoria Peaks office building in downtown Parker and the owner asked for ideas to bring people to that part of town. The Town of Parker had horse drawn carriage rides back then, and the owner was able to arrange to have Victorian Peaks as one of the carriage stops. But how would he get them inside? "Someone suggested having Santa inside the building so that kids and the parents could visit with Santa before or after their carriage ride. There were four Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas and each Saturday we had a different Santa. When I was asked, I was a little reluctant, but I eventually said OK. The following year no one wanted to be Santa. My wife said, why don’t you do it? I agreed and I have been Santa Rich ever since!" "In my third year as Santa, I filled in for the gentleman who was Santa for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting at O’Brien Park. Someone at the Town of Parker called me and I have been honored to be Santa for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting since 2010." Santa Rich appears at numerous events throughout the area, such as the Mayor's tree lighting, Parker's Hometown and Parker Days Parades, Coffee with a Cop, Breakfast with Santa at the West Main Taproom and many private and public functions as well.
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Santa Rich loves to see the child's face light up when they see him and he loves listening to their Christmas wishes. However, "the absolute best is when a child is a little bit afraid to meet Santa but by the time they leave, they believe Santa is their best friend."
y a d i l o HTrivia
"One year I visited the home of a five-year-old boy who was born deaf. That year he got Cochlear implants. It was the first time he could hear Santa’s voice." Santa Rich has also enjoyed visiting the Christmas party for a group of Special Olympic athletes.
Regarding this year's bazaar, Santa Rich said, "the Yuletide Bazaar is a wonderful community event. People from Parker and the surrounding communities can come shop and enjoy some holiday cheer. Shoppers are sure to find that one-of-a-kind, unique Christmas gift to complete their shopping. I am glad that I was able to participate in this year’s event. I enjoyed visiting with the vendors, shoppers, and of course, the kids! It was a special honor to be voted the REAL Santa." For additional information regarding Santa Rich please email: coloradosantarich@gmail.com. For additional information about the Mountain Pine Woman's Club please visit mpwcparker.org.
Do you love this time of year? Is your Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving? Do you not think your Christmas sweater is "ugly"? Test your knowledge of Christmas movies, music, and everything Holiday. 1
How old was Papa Elf when he became Master Tinkerer?
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Who originally sang "Santa Baby"?
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After leaving Bethlehem, to which country did Joseph, Mary and Jesus travel?
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About how many Christmas cards are sent in the U.S. every year?
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In "Miracle on 34th Street," what was Susie excited to see in her new back yard?
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Which of the 3 spirits doesn't actually speak to Scrooge?
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How long does it take to grow a Christmas tree?
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Where did the Grinch live?
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What is the name of Scrooge's dead business partner?
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How many points does a snowflake typically have?
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What does Bing Crosby do to get a business partner?
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Who are the 8 original reindeer?
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How many sizes too small was the Grinch's heart?
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Who always bounces when they fall?
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What are the 3 gifts the Wise Men gave to baby Jesus?
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Who kept time with the Little Drummer Boy?
1. 490 Years old ("Elf," 2003) 2. Eartha Kitt (1953) 3. Egypt 4. More than 3 billion 5. A swingset 6. The ghost of Christmas yet to come ("A Christmas Carol," 1843) 7. About 7-10 years 8. Just north of Whoville ("How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 1957) 9. Jacob Marley ("A Chrsitmas Carol," 1843) 10. Six (6) 11. He is saved from a falling building wall ("White Christmas," 1954) 12. Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Dancer, Donner 13. Two sizes ("How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 1957) 14. Bumbles ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,, 1964) 15. Gold, Myrrh, Frankincense 16. The ox and lamb
Serving as the Real Santa is not all candy canes and chocolates. The requests for Santa visits start as early as November of the previous year. "My wife and I try our best to accommodate as many requests as we can, however, sometimes we have to say no and that’s very difficult for us. We don’t want to disappoint the children." Santa Rich usually makes between 2530 Santa visits each season. "This year I am up to 32."
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The Bell Still Rings For All Who Truly Believe We asked some of our younger readers what they love about the holidays.
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Vienna, age 6 I love the presents and Elf on the shelf. I like new pajamas because they are merry. Christmas lights on the house is also my favorite. I think it looks beautiful and it makes me feel great!
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Evelyn, age 6 I love eating cookies, opening presents, and decorating the house for Christmas. It’s fun, and helps the house look pretty, and it makes me feel like Christmas inside.
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To me, Christmas is about celebrating Jesus. It's about giving, not receiving, and spending time with family.
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Carter, age 12 I love the holidays because of the feelings of kindness that are spread throughout the world. I love that through all our struggles, the holidays are a time when we can all gather together with our loved ones.
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Sloan, age 8 I love the holidays because they are so fun. They last a long time and you get to celebrate. And I get to play with my cousins and spend time with my family.
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Annie, age 14
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Kyle, age 12 The greatest gift of all this holiday season for me is a loving family, Christmas music, and close friends.
Jamie, age 3 My favorite thing about Christmas is the presents and our elf, Snuggles, who brings us books..
Brielle, age 5 Because we get to eat candy canes.
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Ruby, age 10 I love when we all get together and bake. My aunts come over and we make the best treats for the holidays. We also open a present on Christmas Eve and it's always pajamas.
My favorite part of the holidays is the warmth and love it brings me. During this time of year, all of my older siblings come home, and we can be together as a family.
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Shelly, age 11 I love decorating with my family and drinking hot cocoas with the fire on! Oh, and stringing popcorn.
Henleigh, age 10 I love Christmas because I get to spend time with my family and my friends. I like watching movies with my siblings. I love decorating the Christmas tree.
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I love when the community is happier and nicer for a whole month.
Owen, age 9 I l-ove the holidays because I get to spend time with my whole extended family and I love the traditions.
Kiera, age 18
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Henry, age 10 My favorite things about the holidays are Christmas carols and Christmas cookies. And presents, of course!
DECEMBER 2023 9
What to my Wondering Eyes Alexa Nugent brings the Christmas spirit through her decorating business.
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tepping into Alexa Nugent’s front door, I was greeted with a big hug and a beautiful glimmering pink Christmas tree. Alexa’s family with four daughters started the pink tree years ago when they had just moved from Colorado to Texas. They were feeling homesick for Colorado and decided to decorate a tree with some of their special memories. This cherished tradition continues to return each year with additions from their life. It holds precious memories and ornaments representing Alexa’s husband, daughters, their family, friends, and even a special dog. This local business owner of Design for the Holidays shows off her passion for Christmas. We had the chance to witness Christmas in her own home during an exclusive tour. How did she get her start? While in college, Alexa first helped her professor's wife decorate multiple trees and has continued bringing Christmas cheer to homes ever since. A wreath class at the Texas home superstore, Garden Ridge, also helped push her into the decorating business. While visiting, we asked Alexa about her inspiration, choices, and tricks. She loves moving lights and how they make the tree feel like it is breathing and moving with you. Clear string micro buds are her go to for lights, adding a twinkling strand to every tree to help it glisten. As for clever tricks, strapping a tree to a false shelf inside a pedestal box increases the tree’s height and gets ornaments up off the floor. Alexa is a forever do-ityourselfer, including flocking her own tree or cutting out prelit wires! She takes found items and repurposes them with paint and adornment. She combines partial trees or garlands into something beautiful and custom made. 10 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
Helping clients has helped her love Christmas even more. She starts out detached enough from each client tree that she can put it together quickly, but by the end becomes emotionally invested. Trees represent memories to her, and each family’s special story is told through their Christmas tree and treasured ornaments. Alexa said she decorates her own home each year before starting on clients’ homes to savor the joy of pulling out the first Christmas touches. The Christmas spirit is evident in her beautiful home.
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THE GUIDE
THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.
KEY
Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25 $$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New
JUNZ
Asian fusion
More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.
CHERRY VILLAGE ASIAN GRILL
JUNZ
Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere. 17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$
DANCING NOODLE
A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food. 10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$
INDOCHINE
A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu. 19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$
JOHN HOLLY’S
Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure. 9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$
A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best. 11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$
BAKERY/DESSERTs LA PETITE CREPERIE
The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh. 19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)
PARIS BAGUETTE
Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone. 18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)
POULETTE BAKESHOP
New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day! 19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)
BARBEQUE BIG JIMS
Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$
GQUE BBQ
Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$
HICKORY HOUSE
The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken. 10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$
OLD WEST BBQ
A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $
BREW PUB 20 MILE TAP HOUSE
Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$
GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)
ROCKYARD BREWING CO. Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup! 880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$
DECEMBER 2023 13
TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL
Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends. 19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$
THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options. 3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$
ITalian CRANELLI’S
Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format. 10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$
DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN
Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service. 872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$
PORTOFINO
Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian. 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$
SCILEPPI’S
A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$
VIA BACI
Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$
MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$ 14 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA
CASA MARIACHI
Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates. 9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$
LA CASITA
Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere. 18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$
LAS DELICIAS
MANNA
WEST MAIN TAPROOM
PARKER GARAGE
PIZZA
A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season. 2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $
The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions. 19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$
PEGASUS
LOS DOS POTRILLOS
RORY’S
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone. 19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$
LOS VOLCANES
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions. 10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes. 313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$ Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it! Downtown gem. 11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$
SIERRA
new american
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
CASTLE CAFE
TRIBE AT RIVERWALK
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers. 403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs. 971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $
CRAVE
A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes. 3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch. 115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
ANTONIO’S
A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair. 12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $
ARTISAN
Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert. 12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $
COLORADOUGH
A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$
LIL’ RICCI’S
New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$
PARRY’S
NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters. 5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$
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RORY’S Fresh, homemade food in a family friendly environment.
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