Search South Aurora October 2023

Date: Date: June 19th-23rd June 19th-23rd

Theme: Theme: Disco Disco Date: Date: July 24th-28th July 24th-28th

Theme: Theme:

Who We Are

Planet Cheer aims to develop children and young adults through competitive coaching in a family-like atmosphere. All of our coaches are USASF certified and credentialed in both stunting and tumbling. We train both competitive cheer athletes as well as athletes who participate in recreational classes and individual lessons. Come to our world and experience the Alien Invasion.

20th 20th

Theme: Theme: Nightmare Before Nightmare Before Christmas Christmas

Ralph

7 Questions

WITH ERIN KANE

How did you meet your husband?

When I graduated from college in applied mathematics and computer science I was in a great position with many companies recruiting me because there were more jobs than there were engineers. I ended up taking a job with IBM in Colorado Springs. My first day they assigned me an office and the guy next door looked really familiar; he was the guy from the job fair I had submitted my resume to. He remembered me right away, but I had this rule I didn't date people I worked with. John will tell you he asked me out a couple of times and I said no because of my rule. I finally agreed to go out with him on Valentine's Day and he did the whole thing: a dozen roses and cooked me dinner, and it was very, very sweet. We dated for a year and then got engaged.

What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving probably. I mean, Christmas, of course, but just in terms of our family traditions, Thanksgiving is one of our favorites. Something about making that dinner with my mom and with my girls now. It's just fun, a time when you're not stressed out about presents; you're just making and enjoying a meal together as a family. Family is really special.

Kane

Erin Kane is the superintendent of Colorado’s third largest school district, overseeing nearly 90 schools, 64,000 students and 8,600 employees

I understand you went out and canvassed for 5A and 5B. How did that go? I am so awkward. I have never canvassed in my life. You could not have asked me to do anything more terrifying. I am very awkward in a mingling type situation. I can talk to thousands of people, no problem, but mingling is not something I am great at. But of course, I'm the superintendent, so I have to go out and canvas. I have to canvas more than anyone else.

So John and I went to a 55 and over community. We went around a block and started the next block but it is a confusing neighborhood. As I walked up to the house and rang the doorbell I knew I had been to that house before - we had started the same block over! This gentleman comes to the door and still has the palm card in his hand that I had given him minutes before. I was so embarrassed but he was so nice and said he was glad I came back because he had another question. I promised him that I am a better superintendent that I am as a canvasser.

You went to CU. What is your best college story?

I was so boring. I wanted to get my degree and go. I do have one funny story. I was in engineering so I loved math and hated writing. I needed a writing course so I looked for the easiest course I could find. I signed up for creative writing. I showed up to class and there were about 15 of us sitting around a conference table. The professor said this is how the class works, "When the mood hits you, write something." I asked when the first one was due, "No, no. Its just when you feel like it." So I wrote some stupid poem and we talked about it in class, and nothing. It wasn't graded or collected or anything. So I wondered why the mood would ever hit me! I just went to class the rest of the semester and didn't write another thing. At the end of the semester the professor said for our final we had to compile 40 pages of our best work as the final. I had the one page poem I wrote. So the night before it was due, I remember sitting in a computer lab and all night I just made things up. I even wrote a poem on Nintendo. I turned it in and watched the hard working kid next to me get his back. He got a B+ or something, and I got mine back with an A+. I felt so bad.

Erin

What was your least favorite chore growing up? My mother was obsessive about how clean our house was. She vacuumed every single day. When we would get home from school we couldn't go upstairs and change (I wore a school uniform) because you would get footprints on the newly vacuumed stairs. So I just had to wear my uniform to do my chores after school. Likewise, she wanted the floors washed every day. The foyer floor and out to the laundry room to the garage – that floor was my job. My mom did not allow mops; it was all on your hands and knees with a bucket. It was everyday. So everyday that I got home from school I had to wash the floor on my hands and knees in my uniform without missing a single spot. I used to joke that I was Cinderella. She was obsessed.

You have three kids. Do you have any funny stories as a new mom?

When we moved in to Castle Pines North there was nothing, just a gas station. We had to go to the grocery store in Castle Rock. Safeway soon opened near us and I was so excited that I went to the grand opening. There was no one there except these really helpful Safeway employees lined up at all the counters, and then there was me with a newborn and two year old. Immediately the baby started screaming, losing his mind. So helpful employee #1 came up to me and told me my baby was hungry. (New mothers love when men tell them that) I said he's fine and snuck down a hallway, but of course he was hungry. So I went to the pharmacy where they have seats so I could nurse. I was hiding there nursing. I had no idea where the two year old was. Suddenly this tour of employees came to the pharmacy, and I was sitting there nursing in front of them, dying. So I gathered everything up and headed down the next aisle when I saw I had leaked everywhere. So I held my purse to cover myself, trying to push the cart when the same helpful employee #1 came up with my daughter. He said she needed to use the rest room and I thought, "Go away, she's fine." He left and I saw she had stuck her hand in her diaper ... I abandoned the whole thing and just left. I didn't go back for the next eight months!

Who is the most influential person in your life?

My mother. She has always inspired me. She's brilliant and did education her whole life. She used to tell me, "Whatever you do, don't go into education because it's too political." I guess I didn't listen. She is really smart, she perseveres and has an incredible sense of humor. She has always been my rock. She taught me so much. She persuaded me that the shiniest thing wasn't necessarily the way to go. My mom and dad have always had an exceptionally happy marriage. They have been married for 53 years.

If You Are Prepared, You Shall Not Fear

No one ever thinks it’s going to happen to them until it does.

Office of Emergency Management

The Office of Emergency Management, a division of the Parker Police Department, is tasked with preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from large-scale emergencies and disasters, both natural and man-made, within the Town of Parker. They accomplish this through the development of programs that lessen the effects of emergencies or disasters while maintaining an all-hazard approach to planning, educating the community on emergency preparedness, and the coordination of emergency response within the Town.

The primary purpose is to educate residents on the importance of being able to take care of themselves until emergency personnel arrive as well as being prepared and trained to help in assisting in saving lives, reducing injuries and protecting property. You will have a better chance of surviving and recovering from major disasters if you understand the dangers that are facing you, make your own preparations, and learn what actions you should take at the time of an emergency. We can show you how to mitigate danger, but ultimately, your safety and the safety of your family is up to you.

The Office of Emergency Management, OEM, has many tools to help families prepare for the most common emergencies in our area. Go to their website at parkerpd.org/1813/EmergencyManagement for links to more in-depth ideas in these areas:

Emergency Preparedness Tips

• 72-Hour Kits

• Make a Plan

• Plan for Pets

• Plan for Livestock

• Be Prepared: Flooding

• Be Prepared: Tornado

• Be Prepared: Wildfire

• Be Prepared: Snow Storm / Blizzard

Preparedness Classes

Be READY

Become a Weather Spotter

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Emergency Operations Plan

Additional Resources

Douglas County Office of Emergency Services

Colorado Office of Emergency Management

American Red Cross

FEMA

FEMA for Kids

READYColorado

Devin lives with his wife and four kids in Parker. He has been fighting fires for twenty-two years. He started in southern California and has been a career fire fighter in the Franktown Fire Protection District for almost eleven years. He was recently promoted to Captain, overseeing the EMS system. He has training and experience in wildfire mitigation and urban interface wildfires. He has also worked as an EMT and paramedic.

LOCAL VOICE

Living in a beautiful place with acres of green space is a blessing but can also be a concern when wildfires occur. We asked Devin Bertram, a local firefighter, to help us be ready for possible wildfires. He shared the following steps to get our homes and properties prepared.

1- Code Red System:

Sign up for the code red emergency notification system. This is a reverse 911 system that will text out notifications in case of an emergency or evacuation. Notifications can be sent geographically with this system to aid preventative measures. Sign up at: public.coderedweb.com/CNE

2- 72-Hour Bag:

Pack a 72-hour bag with the basic supplies you would need if you were required to leave your home at a moment’s notice. Having supplies for at least three days can aid survival mode until long term circumstances can be arranged. Be sure to include your information framework in the bag, like policy numbers, bank account info, insurance info, etc.

3- Yard Mitigation:

It is very important, especially in forested areas, to maintain your property with fire safety in mind. Start with your house and work outward. Anything leaning, stacked or piled against your house needs to be removed. Clean up ground debris, prune trees, clear out downed limbs and trees. See www.douglas.co.us/ building-division/wildfire-mitigation/ for more detailed instructions.

4- Alternate Routes:

Be familiar with and plan for multiple escape plan options from your home. Leaving the area can become challenging in the case of road and trail closures.

5- Open Burning:

Educate yourself on the local restrictions that are in place for open burning in your area. The restrictions will list permissions for fireworks, shows, firepits, propane grills, open burning, etc. There are multiple stages of restrictions depending on the current conditions. No one wants to be the cause of a fire, so be sure to follow the guidelines.

Preparing ahead of time for these scenarios and working to limit fuel near our homes and be knowledgeable on precautions can make a big difference in a real fire emergency.

Devin Bertram

Shelf Life

If COVID taught us anything, it’s that emergencies happen quickly and being prepared makes a big difference. When we were having trouble buying milk, eggs, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, or plastic gloves, having some storage of nonperishable items in our home gave us great peace of mind. Storing food and supplies for emergencies can help us to be prepared and know we can make it through a variety of trying times. Strikes in the trucking industry, a flood or break that affects our water quality, loss of a job, personal tragedy, or, of course, a pandemic are all events that can affect our food and water sources. These or other scenarios can leave our family without our usual supplies. We can prepare for these possibilities by using a small part of our income on a regular basis to store up for such events.

There are many sources to find information and advice regarding storing the necessities your family will need in such a case. There are also many companies that provide large cans, freeze dried meals, storage shelves, and other supplies that make stocking food more convenient. I have been interested to see that homesteading, canning, owning chickens, farming... many of these lost arts have been on the rise and, due to the internet, have been shared through blogs and websites more easily. These are also great resources for home food storage information. Here are a few of my favorite sources:

Colorado State University extension has an indepth page about food and water storage, including suggested amounts and tips for storing. See extension.colostate.edu/disaster-websites/food-safety-and-storage-for-emergencypreparedness/.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches a lot about self-reliance and preparation. Their website offers information about food storage and financial preparedness, and you can even search for calculators to aid in these endeavors. Visit providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Jill Winger and her husband decided to live a different life than many and moved out to a farmstead far from civilization. They have been documenting their journey of learning to live off their land. In her blog, Jill shares many helpful tips about gardening, canning, and food storage. Find out more at www.theprairiehomestead.com/ blog.

Alexander Graham Bell said, “If anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

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

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

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 $$

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

JUNZ

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.

JUNZ

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 $$

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 $$

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

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

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 $$

new american

CASTLE CAFE

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 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$

RORY’S

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

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

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)

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

PIZZA

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 $$

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 $$$

Even the biggest goals start with simple steps

COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps today with personalized insurance and financial services that can have a big impact on your family’s future. When you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help.

Marshall Ekhoff

Financial Representative Parker, CO 80134-8201 (303)841-3018

#TakeSimpleSteps

0817-501HC-07460-1/13/2021

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 $$