Search South Aurora Magazine January 2024

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AURORA NO. 192 | JANUARY 2024

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We are proud partners of Homes for Heroes, rewarding our local first responders, teachers, active or retired military, doctors and nurses over $48,000 year to date.

When we say thank you for your service, we don’t just mean it, we act on it.

With over 17 years of experience, Spohn Squared Group is a group of dedicated Real Estate agents with a deeprooted passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Call us today to find out how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.

720-723-0581 • www.spohnsquared.com JANUARY 2024 3

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T R I U M P H O V E R T R A G E DY Angie Rodriguez shares her amazing lifealtering accident and recovery.

BY AMBER TUELLER

10

HIT THE SLOPE S Avoid missing out on the ski season with some simple steps to keep you safe.

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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AURORA Search South Aurora is published

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D E S T I N AT I O N : T R A N S F O R M AT I O N If the mega gym scene isn’t your style, join the trend moving to small boutique gyms.

BY PATRICK NOLAN

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Search South Aurora ©2024 is published by Tueller Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Search South Aurora is mailed monthly to households and businesses in the greater South Aurora area free of charge.

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ANGIE RODRIGUEZ

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TRIUMPHOVERTRAGEDY If you have the opportunity to sit down with Angie Rodriguez and hear her amazing story, do it. Angie, who grew up in Castle Rock and now lives in Parker and co-owns Twenty Mile CrossFit. She has two girls. Angie had been involved in CrossFit for nearly a decade and was in great shape when a tragedy occurred in her life. She described the horrible events, as well as so many people who made such a difference to her along the way.

Angie was with some friends in Colorado Springs in March of 2016 and was walking in a cross walk when a drunk driver hit and ran her over. The driver then backed over her to see what had happened and ran over her a third time as she sped off. An off-duty EMT stopped to help Angie as she went into shock. Angie heard the ambulance and remembers being freezing. She woke up in the hospital with a tube in her throat and a splintered memory of the event. She had suffered many injuries: deflated lungs, seven broken ribs, a torn shoulder, a dislocated hip, injured knees, no use of her left hand, and almost lost her foot.

Doctors told Angie that being in great shape helped her to survive and eventually get back to health. She had a very long road ahead of her, but she felt so much support from her church, from the community, and from the gym. She had dinners brought to her family for months. Friends and family took care of her girls, people brought Easter baskets to her girls, and so many other countless acts of outpouring love from the community.

Angie says she knows that God was watching out for her and her girls.

Due to her many injuries, she had to live at a rehab center for months. The Center at Northridge in Westminster was just opening and Angie was their first and only patient at the time. Because of this, she was able to spend extra time with trainers and nurses. She was well taken care of and felt so loved. She became close to the nurses and staff.

She attributes the mindset needed for recovery to her fitness experience. She knew how to set goals and see progress little by little. She remembers how it took her ten minutes when the nurses asked her to scoot to the end of the bed, but she knew she could do it. Eventually she was able to go home, first in a wheelchair, then using a cane.

She would go to visit the gym to see people and slowly began to try small exercises, like lifting with one arm or deadlifting 6” off the floor. Then she began doing modified moves and slowly increasing levels. After multiple surgeries, physical therapy for nearly two yeras, and continued slow progress at the gym, she reached even better health than before the accident. Angie attended her first powerlifting competition and holds the state record for her age and weight!

Looking back now, Angie says she wouldn't change it. She talks about how so much good has come from her experience and sharing her story. She has learned about faith, family, forgiveness, prayer, friends, and strength. She showed her girls how to work through something as they walked through it with her. She was incredibly grateful to see how much people loved her and her family. To experience that kind of love was such a blessing. She reflects on her mindset and perspective of gratitude. She decided not to let this define her and not to focus on the negative.

Angie says to start each day with purpose, fall in love with the journey and, "Just don’t stop. If you are told that you won’t be the same, that you can’t..., if you fail a million times, just don’t stop. Keep going. You don’t know what is on the other side of not stopping, and once you get there and see it, it’s probably better than what you thought it would be. Inspiration is the best mark you can leave on another human. You don’t know who is watching you, so don’t stop. Someone may be depending on you to keep them going!”

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Dr. Steve Morrison

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JANUARY 2024 7

Destination: Transformation How private gyms can help you achieve your New Year’s Resolutions

BY PATRICK NOLAN, Owner of Pivotal Sports Performance

It’s January. That means a lot of people are making their New Year’s resolutions, which frequently revolve around health, fitness goals, and behavioral changes.

According to new research conducted by OnePoll, it takes just 32 days for the average American to break their resolution, and 68% report giving up before that.

The biggest reason for breaking resolutions is lack of self-discipline.

Inclusive, niche gyms have been on the rise since the pandemic. Big gyms have had trouble regaining customers, while smaller gyms have seen a huge uptick in new clients. This has led to a lot of people making the switch to smaller gyms.

Private facilities offer a sense of community over big gyms. As members at a private facility slowly get to know one another, they start to form a new family, sharing a bond in those training sessions around similar goals. These goals can be to lose weight, get faster, or prepare for an upcoming season/event. The power of community has a huge influence at our facility, Pivotal Sports Performance. We see timid middleschool athletes to busy adults signed up for one time a week, switch to two or three times a week because they want to get more involved in the “community.”

With private facilities forming these communities, the result is accountability! When you start training with the same group of people on a weekly basis, a natural sense of accountability starts to form as they become part of your team. You do not want to let them down.

Even when you are tired, busy etc., you end up finding a way to make sure you do not miss your workout because you do not want to let down your “workout family.”

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When you are being held accountable, it can force you to stay on track longer and stay consistent. When you reach consistency, you form behavioral changes that lead to healthier habits throughout your life–not just in the gym. Therefore, the consistency makes it easier to last longer than 32 days and keep those New Year’s resolutions going for the long haul! So not only does showing up to workouts help you get closer to your fitness goals, but your actions outside the gym start to change. The way you shop at the grocery store, the restaurants you go to, the choices you make when you are out, are among a long list of other behavior changes that form into new habits when you stay consistent and diligent.

We love to see behavioral changes when our clients at Pivotal send us pictures of their breakfast or them doing extra work outside of the gym walls.

And when you form these new habits and stay consistent with your workouts, the ultimate prize occurs: RESULTS! Social media and false advertisements will talk about all types of results that can happen in two weeks with supplements or fad diets. It is not true, nor is it going to help long term health goals. So, if you truly want to stick to your New Year’s resolution, finding a small gym and becoming part of their community is going to hold you accountable and create consistency leading into long term RESULTS!

JANUARY 2024 9

It is that time of year!! Are you daydreaming of a long vertical descent at your favorite ski resort? Well, you are not alone.

Skis and snowboards are prepared for a season of groomed trails, dense powder, boundless terrain, and steep acres of pure blizzard. During this winter season, be knowledgeable and informed about injuries and illnesses related to snow sports that may hinder your opportunity to traverse the slopes.

Skiing and snowboarding are physically demanding sports that apply tremendous tension and pressure on muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons throughout the body. It is critical to know the health essentials for snow sports. Vigorous activities, such as snowboarding and skiing, require a well-conditioned body. This entails aerobic exercising, strength training, and improving flexibility. A great season without injury can be accomplished by incorporating 30-60 minute workouts three to six times a week that involve a form of aerobic exercise (e.g. running, walking, swimming, cycling, and stair-climbing), strength/anaerobic training (e.g. weight lifting and sprints), and activities for flexibility (stretching, yoga, and pilates). Prevention is mastered during the off season.

BREAK-IN THOSE BOOTS, NOT THOSE BONES. Tips from our friends at 20 Mile Urgent Care and Family Medicine

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Risk is associated with all physical sports. It is important to understand that injury/illness can strike the most athletic competitor. For skiers and snowboarders, the most common injuries/illnesses are related to the intensity of the sport, environment, mechanics of the activity, athletic conditioning, and a participant’s response to a problem. A majority of snowboarding injuries tend to involve the upper extremities. The biomechanics of snowboarding involve a balance between stability and gravity. An imbalance can lead to a fractured wrist, rotator cuff tear, and/or shoulder dislocation. As for skiers, the agility and motion required of the sport renders the lower extremities more susceptible to injury. In fact, many injuries involve the knee, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscus damage.

Some common injuries/illnesses observed in both activities include: concussion, neck strain, shoulder separation, fractured clavicle, muscular strains, ligamentous sprains, lower back pain due to herniated disc, frost bite and hypothermia. To protect your body from injury, use the following guidelines: 1. Dress appropriately for winter sports 2. Wear wrist guards, a helmet, knee brace/compression and other protective gear 3. Hydrate frequently; do not skip meals 4. Always be aware of yourself and your surroundings 5. Always know and abide by resort rules and regulations 6. In the instance of a problem or injury, do not hesitate to seek help; treatment begins with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) A wonderful season is approaching. In the unfortunate chance of injury or illness, please do not hesitate to visit 20 Mile Urgent Care & Family Medicine. The office accepts walk-ins and appointments for all your health needs. Contact them at 720-974-7210 or www.20mileurgentcare.com. Located on the corner of 20 Mile Road and Parker Road.

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Speeding Up Wound Healing Hyperbaric Medicine is like a breath of (Highly Oxygenated) fresh air

Hyperbaric medicine has been most commonly used to help scuba divers recover from the decompression sickness (the bends). It has also been found to help wound healing, carbon monoxide poisoning, skin grafts, and thermal burns. Michael Bertocchi, MD, general surgeon and medical director of the Wound Care Center at Parker Adventist Hospital, is excited about the opportunity to use this technology to provide comprehensive care to patients suffering from chronic wounds.

The Wound Care Center at Parker Adventist Hospital is a joint effort between Parker Hospital and Healogics, a national corporation that runs over 500 wound centers nationwide. One of the big attractions of the Center is the addition of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Through hyperbaric oxygen therapy, “a patient is pressurized in an atmosphere of 100% oxygen,” says Bertocchi. “And what that does is allow oxygen to diffuse directly into the injured tissue and increase the oxygen tension at that level. This markedly improves the ability of compromised tissue (the wound) to heal -- and that’s pretty impressive.”

The treatment takes place in a cylindrical chamber that is constructed of steel and clear acrylic so that the patient can see his or her surroundings during the entire 12 SEARCHSOUTHAURORA

treatment. Making them much more at ease.

"It’s similar to the effect of diving in the ocean anywhere from 30 to 60 feet in depth,” says Bertocchi. The sensation might take a little getting used to, especially the pressure changes in the ears. But, prior to treatment, patients are taught how to relieve any discomfort. To ensure safety, all Wound Care Center personnel undergo an intensive hyperbaric education and credentialing process.

Typically, hyperbaric medicine patients will receive 20 to 30 treatments, sometimes more. Conditions typically treated by this therapy include osteomyelitis (bone infection), diabetic foot ulcer, complications of radiation therapy, compromised surgical grafting, and severe skin and muscle infections.

The most common side effects include earaches, claustrophobia and, in diabetics, hypoglycemia. But the vast majority of patients, Bertocchi says, are able to tolerate the treatment very well.

“Treating a chronic wound can be a prolonged and frustrating endeavor for many practicing physicians,” Bertocchi explains. “Having a comprehensive center where we can dedicate specialized treatments within evidence based algorithms will ensure superior healing and limb salvage rates.”

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 $$

JANUARY 2024 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 $$

Meet me at

RORY’S Fresh, homemade food in a family friendly environment.

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