Search South Aurora November 2023

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AURORA NO. 190 | NOVEMBER 2023

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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.

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HOT OFF THE P RE S S Local Girl Scout Troop 60547 goes after their publishing merit badge.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

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LO C A L M O T I V E The return of the beloved Christmas Parade is thanks to local efforts.

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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LOCAL HERO SEARCH SOUTH

AURORA Search South Aurora is published

by Tueller Publishing, LLC

Parker resident Colonel Curtis Dale received long overdue awards for service.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

IDEAS & SUBMISSIONS contribute@tuellers.com

T parker

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lorad o

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Search South Aurora ©2023 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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Hot Off The Press Girl Scout Troop 60547 put out a great magazine and shared it with us!

We had the opportunity to visit Girl Scout Troop 60547 in Aurora, which is made up of seventh grade girls, ages 12-14. We met with them at one of their regular meetings earlier this year. They were in the middle of creating a magazine and asked that we talk with them about writing articles and all the steps that go into creating our monthly issues. The girls asked some great questions about layout, photos, interviews, and the publishing process. We enjoyed getting to know them and found their inspirations to be inspiring. As we shared our experiences, we encouraged them on their journey to create their very own magazine!

The Troop succeeded in creating their magazine using a software called Canva. Their goal was to produce an issue geared toward girls around their age. We wanted to highlight some of their articles. The girls wrote about things in which each were interested.

They created their own advice column, wrote about fashion, and shared what it is like to be a middle school girl. They also interviewed and wrote about a local high school athlete. They finished the issue by introducing each girl scout and leader, a very fun part of the magazine. The troop is sharing their magazine with the Girl Scout Association to possibly spread to others. We applaud them for all their hard work on a great project and wish them luck!

Actual cover and page excerpts from troop 60547's magazine.

NOVEMBER 2023 7

LOCAL HERO Half a Century Late, Colonel Dale is Twice Decorated for Vietnam Warzone Service

Colonel Curtis D. Dale

We congratulate Colonel Curist Dale on his sevice and receiving these longawaited awards. On this Veteran's Day, we thank and celebrate him, and so many others, who have selflessly served our country.

Eighty-five year old, Col Curtis D. Dale, PhD, USAF (Ret) of Parker was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal and Legion of Merit, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, from 50 and 36 years ago, respectively. In Oct '72 at DaNang AB, Vietnam, his commander said, “Curt, I’m recommending you for the Bronze Star Medal for ground work you did here.” He’d already received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 9 Air Medals for combat and aerial actions, but the BSM was rare for fliers. The war soon ended in Feb, 1973. Dale left on the next to last Freedom Bird from DaNang. The US pullout was predictably chaotic, administratively, with vast loss of decoration recommendations, awards, and performance reports. Also, disgruntled, envious personnel sometimes downgraded/falsified and “lost” such documents. The BSM was never awarded; Dale never forgot that it’d been written. Proving it seemed impossible for half a century.

Now, half a century later, that wrong was righted. The ceremony was at the French Creek Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Parker. President Ronald Jason Standifird, South Parker Stake, presided; Bishop Kelly Keicher, Ponderosa Ward, conducted. Major General Steve Best, US Army (Retired), presided in the presentation and pinned on Curt's decorations. Leiutenant Colonel Pete Darnall, USAF (Ret), Dale's son-in-law, was Adjutant and MC. District Deputy Director, Mr. D. J. Beckwith spoke and extended congratulations. Dale noted that Beckwith was key to keeping the process on track throughout. In his remarks, Col. Dale declared, “Without the Congressman’s perseverance, I would never have received these.”

The BSM means more to Dale than a mere medal; it recalls people he was chief of. He instructed Capt. Art Bollinger in his combat aircrew duties, flying the EC47 “Marauder” in Electronic Warfare. Bollinger also worked for Dale in these ground duties. As the Paris Accord Ceasefire came, only EC-47s continued flying. Bollinger and his crew, callsign Baron 52, were killed by a SAM. There were no longer B-52s, F-4 Phantoms or Navy carrier fighters to attack the North Vietnamese Army which kept shooting. Dale’s research finds it was the last US aircraft shot down in the war.

As Dale successfully prepared his VA Disability Compensation Claims, his records unexpectedly revealed full evidence and fate of that long-ago nomination.

Maj. Gen. Bill Hoover, Wing Commander and endorser, now a keen age 90, strongly supported Dale’s appeal in a powerful letter to the US Aiir Force.

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Rep. Ken Buck, CO 4th Congressional District, placed a Letter of Congressional Interest in the appeal to the Air Force Personnel Center and Secretary of the Air Force Decoration Review Board. That appeal got lost. Rep. Buck included a second such letter in a resubmission.

Finally, reaching the Pentagon, the Congressman was told it'd take another year. Rep. Buck sent a third Letter of Congressional Interest: Dale jokingly surmises it read, “Hey, he’s 84 years old. I don’t want to pin it on his tombstone.” Whatever it said, it was quickly and unanimously approved in April 22.

Colonel Dale flew for 13 years including 3 1/2 years on the edge of space (70,000 feet) flying the WB57F "Longwings" in spacesuits. He flew WC-135B, WB47E, and WB-57C “Shortwings,” doing atmospheric sampling for nuclear debris in all four. In the year at DaNang, he flew 124 EC-47 Electronic Warfare Missions. In two earlier combat tours, he flew 29 WB-47 combat reconnaissance missions supporting the B-52s "Arclight" bombing missions. Finished his flying in the EC135 CINCPAC Airborne Command Post for three and ½ years out of Hawaii. Dale was a Crew Commander in both the Atlas D & E ICBMs (three and ½ years) and Minuteman III ICBM (three and ½ years) at FE Warren AFB, WY. He commanded both Clear AFS, AK, and PAVE PAWS, Beale AFB, CA, both ICBM Early Warning and Space Track bases. Then he was Area Com. of AAFES Philippines and Thailand, Clark AB, PI. Working with Rep. Buck and his dedicated staff, Dale's second Legion of Merit came to light, an even higher decoration written two months after Dale retired, was mailed, but never recorded or presented. It recognized both his 27 year AF career and final assignment to Vandenberg AFB, CA, as Special Assistant for Space Shuttle Operations, Western Test Range.

After medals presentations, members of the Dale family shared fond memories of their Dad/PaPa Curt and Mom/Nana Pat who have seven children, 12 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

Thanksgiving Day brings visions of turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and stuffing. We work in the kitchen for hours and enlist help with all the traditional dishes. The beautiful table, spilling over with a delicious spread, is definitely the main attraction. Let us also think about what else the day includes. Spending time with loved ones and showing gratitude are special parts of the holiday.

Families and friends take the opportunity to count their blessings and spread the love on this warm and cozy day.

To occupy the slower evening hours, or over the holiday weekend, try adding some fun and purposeful activities to your get-togethers. These could become new traditions that will build meaningful memories with each gathering. Here are some ideas: Crafts & Games - Keep kids busy while waiting for the turkey by providing some turkey crafts or a “What I’m Thankful For” coloring page to inspire their creativity and gratitude. Also, pull together a Thanksgiving bingo or corn hole game to involve the whole group.

Keep a Record - Use the chance when you have a captive audience to fill in the family tree facts, collect family memories, or collect a written or video update on each person. Afterward, take the opportunity while your crew is gathered to get some photos taken.

Gratitude Projects - Create a Gratitude Tree on a poster and have each individual decorate a leaf to add to the tree. Write down cherished blessings on the leaves. This tree is a visual reminder of togetherness and gratitude. Then, enlist the many hands to tie a quilt to give away or sign up for a service project to give back to someone else in the community.

We have so much for which to be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving 2023!

NOVEMBER 2023 9

Local Motive With the prospect of losing the beloved parade, our Downtown Business Alliance stepped in to save the annual tradition.

BY SHELLI MANGO & OMAR CASTILLO

The downtown Christmas Parade is a long tradition of Parker. Our residents love gathering in Downtown and enjoying a kickoff to Christmas with this parade.

Last year, we, the Downtown Business Alliance of Parker, made the decision to bring this tradition back after not having it for a few years prior. The huge success and overwhelming support we received after the Parade last year was amazing & we appreciate all of you! So, we have brought the Parade back again this year!

We hope you will join us in celebrating this longstanding fun Christmas Parade! We will have horses, carriages, floats, fire trucks, vehicles, marching bands, and walkers. It will be a magical event & we are excited to share it with you all! The Parade is sponsored by generous local businesses who wanted to see this tradition come back. The Parade is also run and put on by 100% volunteers. In 2022, we had 65 floats/participants and100+ volunteers.

If you would like to learn more about sponsoring, volunteering, or participating in our Parker Hometown Christmas Parade, go to our website at www.parkerchristmasparade.com.

The parade starts at 10:30am on December 9, but you may want to show up earlier to find your viewing spot on Victorian Drive or Mainstreet.

We are adding a new aspect to our event this year!

Set right in beautiful O’Brien Park in downtown Parker, held in conjunction with the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade, the Parker Hometown Christmas Market is a festive, kid-friendly, outdoor craft show that’s free to the public. You’ll find a variety of Colorado makers selling all sorts of goodies, including handmade art, crafts, jams, soaps, jewelry, woodworking, ceramics, baked goods, holiday crafts, and Christmas ornaments.

It’s a perfect place to purchase that perfect holiday gift for family, friends, or co-workers! Visit the Christmas Market before the parade and continuing until 3:00pm. Grab a bite to eat at the featured food trucks and be sure to visit Santa’s reindeer, located in O’Brien Park, adjacent to the Christmas Market!

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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 $$

NOVEMBER 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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STEAKHOUSE DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.

363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines 303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$ NOVEMBER 2023 15

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