Parker October 2015

Parker

OCTOBER 2015

ParkerLifestyle.com

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Editor’s Letter

Good Insight

OCTOBER 2015

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n my many years working in the media, I’ve received a lot of comments–both good and bad–from readers of various publications. I love to get these comments because it helps me know how the publication is being perceived and if there are areas where we can improve.

publisher Kelly Veltrie | KVeltrie@LifestylePubs.com

editor Susan Cormier | SCormier@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Rebecca Berra, Diane Kulback, Mary Lemma, Amy Smith

In the past few weeks, I’ve received some incredibly nice notes from folks that make me extra proud of this publication, which is “inspired by community.”

Among those notes was an email from Barry and Pat, which said: “Enjoyed reading the Sept 2015 Parker Lifestyle magazine. It's nice to see all the positive things people have done/are doing in our community. Also enjoyed the calendar of events and info on Parker Oktoberfest.”

contributing photographers Affinity Photography, Rebecca Berra Photography, Steve Peterson Photography, Amy Smith, Tina Stroman, Ellie Wellensiek, Kira Zimmerman

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

Along those same lines was a Facebook post from Karen, who wrote: “You may not be the ‘first,’ but you most certainly are the premier Parker magazine. Congrats on bringing Parker some interesting local highlights along with keeping us abreast on what is around the corner. Nice to see something other than just advertisements.”

It’s nice to know that our efforts to bring you community news are appreciated.

We will continue to do that. In return, we’d love it if you would visit or call some of our advertisers and let them know you learned about them through the magazine. It’s their ad dollars that enable us to mail you this publication free each month. Without them, Parker Lifestyle would not exist.

director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker, Lea Whitson lead layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park it director | Randy Aufderheide

So, while you are shopping around Parker, please think of our advertisers. And we’ll continue to send you a quality publication that is 50 percent ads and 50 percent local news and highlights.

We hope you enjoy our feature story in this month’s Hops & Vine issue, which is about a new winery called Purgatory Cellars. They’ve got a fascinating story to tell.

We also give you the lowdown on Parker’s three breweries, some cool real estate information, a fantastic Vietnamese/Thai restaurant and lots of other wonderful activities.

Keep those comments coming.

Susan Cormier , Editor SCormier@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ParkerLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Purgatory Cellars’ award-winning

Zinfandel is just the start for owner Marko Ćopić, who expects to shake up Colorado’s wine industry with his Old World winemaking techniques.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA BERRA 4

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Parker Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Parker’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Parker Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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October 2015

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Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Home Matters

19

Sold Properties

24

Hot Spot

26

Parent’s Corner

28

Driver’s Notebook

30 Lifestyle Calendar

14 Realtor Chad Hines Brings Unique Tool to

the Market

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Parting Thoughts

Exclusive map shows specific activity of individual neighborhoods.

16 Brewers Share Their Passion Local breweries bring craft beer to town.

20 Raising the Bar for the Colorado Wine Industry

Colorado grapes mix with ancient techniques to produce rare wine.

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Good Times

Fashion Show Raises $200,000 for Homeless Youth

The Joseph Family Foundation and Infiniti of Denver presented the third annual Urban Nights fashion show and fundraiser to benefit Urban Peak on Aug. 22. The event showcased Colorado's hottest designers and retailers, a live and silent auction, and parties at Mile High Station. PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE PETERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

James "Jacob" Adams, one of the youth served

by Urban Peak, gives a testimonial.

Urban Legend Award winner, Carrie Morgridge, and her husband, John.

Amy Meyer Smith, Urban Nights committee chair, with Chris Smith of Infiniti of Denver, a presenting sponsor.

Outfit from A. Tsagas Fur & Leather.

The live auction at Urban Nights.

Outfit by Parasite Eve Designs and jewelry by Andrea Li.

Outfit from SuitSupply.

Underwear by YOCISCO.

Outfit by Infernal Contraptions Apparel.

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Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

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Good Times

The Parker Rec Center's Re-Opening

The Parker Recreation Center's Grand Re-Opening on Aug. 22 featured new and renovated spaces, including the eagerly-awaited new leisure and therapy pools. PHOTOGRAPHY PARKER PARKS AND RECREATION

Overview of the new Parker Recreation Center leisure pool.

The mayor, members of the Town Council and Parks and Recreation staff cut the ribbon at the new and Trevor and Braylea Holland enjoy the Recreation Center’s new leisure pool. improved Parker Recreation Center.

Ian Warner scales the new Aquatic Climbing Wall at the Recreation Center.

Madison Fisher, Kaitlyn Fisher and Lucy Wyman check out the new Lazy River at the Parker Recreation Center.

Town’s History Residents celebrated Parkers’s history with Parker Quest, a Douglas County Libraries-hosted, scavenger-hunt-style event, followed by an open house at the new Parker Heritage Center and renaming of the Mainstreet Center to “The Schoolhouse” in honor of the building’s original purpose.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AFFINITY PHOTOGRAPHY

Parker's mayor with former students of Parker Consolidated School.

Mayor Mike Waid, joined by members of the Town Council, presides over the official re-naming of the Mainstreet Center to Russell Smith, who graduated from the Parker Consolidated School with a “The Schoolhouse.”

Youngsters learn about history class of 11 in 1947, speaks to the crowd. as they participate in the scavenger-hunt-style Parker Quest .

The local history exhibits help this youngster complete the Quest.

The festivities wouldn't have been complete without a cake.

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Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

The Parker Area Historical Society's Ann Atkinson in appropriate dress for the day of history.

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Around Town

POSTER WINNERS FOR CITIES & TOWNS WEEK Four Pine Grove Elementary third-graders were the winners in a poster contest held by the Town of Parker to celebrate Colorado Cities & Towns Week.

The students were asked to create a poster showing a program or service provided by the Town and write a short description about how it makes Parker great.

The winners were Ian in Keary Zaeske’s class, Cate in Erin WasAudrey's poster features season sennar’s class, Audrey in Linda events held in Parker.

Christensen’s class and Christian in Shaundra Mueller’s class.

Ian promoted Parker’s great schools, great parks and happy kids. Cate wrote that Parker is great because it brings people together through Parker Days and the PACE Center. Audrey Christian's poster depicts activities at highlighted Parker’s seasons O'Brien Park and the H2OBrien Pool. and kids’ activities, such as Movies in the Parker and Trick or Treat on Mainstreet. Christian wrote about O’Brien Park and its huge outdoor swimming pool.

THOUSANDS ATTEND THE SMOKIN’ BREW BBQ More than 22,000 people were estimated to attend this year’s Smokin’ Brew BBQ at the PACE Center over the Labor Day weekend.

The CCV Rotary Club of Members of the Golden Toad BBQ Parker’s annual fundraiser team entertain and barbecue at the benefits a variety of causes, inseventh annual Smokin' Brew BBQ. cluding the Parker Task Force, Project Sanctuary and other projects around the world.

Oklahoma’s Clark Crew BBQ was named the 2015 Smokin' Brew BBQ Grand Champion.

9-1-1 FOR KIDS CLASSES SET FOR OCT. 24 A free program designed to teach young children about the importance of 9-1-1 and how to use it in an emergency will be held Oct. 24 at the Parker Police Department.

Designed for pre-kindergarten to second-grade kids, the twohour presentation will include a group discussion titled “Is This an Emergency?” and a 12-minute video titled "9-1-1: Getting Help is Easy," during which Cell Phone Sally and her friends show children how to use different phone technologies to call 9-1-1.

Each child will be given the opportunity to practice calling 9-1-1, answer questions that would be asked and remain on the line until told to hang up.

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Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

There are openings for the noon and 3 p.m. classes on Oct. 24.

To register, go to ParkerPolice.org/911ForKids. If you have questions, contact 9-1-1 Public Education Liaison Danielle Huskey at 303.805.6611 or dhuskey@parkeronline.org.

WORLD COMPASS ACADEMY OPENS WITH 525 STUDENTS World Compass Academy (WCA) opened its doors to 525 students on Aug 24, becoming the first school in Douglas County to offer daily immersion-style foreign language instruction in Mandarin, French and Spanish.

Located in Castle Rock, WCA is a public charter school that brings an international education option to Douglas County and is targeted to families interested in world language and culture, coupled with high academic standards.

WCA will initially serve pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

The school will then add one grade per year through eighth grade.

TOWN HIRES NEW ASSISTANT TOWN ADMINISTRATOR The Town of Parker has hired John Batey as assistant town administrator/development services.

In his new job, which he began Sept. 8, Batey will oversee the Community Development; Economic Development; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; and Public Works departments. He also will provide strategic leadership, vision and coordination of operations within those departments and with the development community.

Batey came to Parker from Pueblo, where he served as the executive director of the Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority since 2010.

“We are pleased to welcome John to our team,” says Town Administrator Randy Young. “John’s wide range of development experience will allow the Town to provide an even higher level of service in this area.”

Batey is a certified planner and seasoned redevelopment agency director, and has extensive experience in community and economic development, real estate finance, state and local government administration, high-level policy analysis, and organizational development. Batey also has broad exposure to urban planning, business development, public finance, affordable housing and neighborhood improvement principles and practices.

GANDER MOUNTAIN IS COMING TO E470 AND PARKER ROAD IN 2016 Gander Mountain, the nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of outdoor specialty stores, recently announced it will open its newest Colorado location in Parker in the spring of 2016.

“Colorado is an outdoors paradise and Gander Mountain is the place to go for outdoors enthusiasts,” says Gander Mountain’s Chief Executive Officer David Pratt. “We are happy to bring a new Gander Mountain store to the people of the Front Range, where outdoors traditions run deep and are passed down from generation to generation.”

Parker’s 57,600-square-foot store will be built in the Crown Point development at the northeast corner of E470 and South Parker Road. It will be the third Gander Mountain location in Colorado, joining existing stores in Aurora and Thornton.

O’BRIEN AWARD WINNER SURPRISED BY HER DANCERS Mary Jo, the owner of Parker’s Fred Astaire Dance Studio, was honored as the 2015 O’Brien Award winner at the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce Business Impact Meeting in August.

While receiving the award was Mary Joe (front center) with dancers an honor in itself, Mary Jo got (front row L to R) Heather Kowalski, the additional thrill of being surZach Robinson, Courtney Duran, prised when a number of her staff Kayce Arthur; and (back row L to R) Amanda Overmyer, Lyndsy Perkins, showed up at the luncheon and Ashton Sainz, Colten Skiera, Kristina put on a dance demonstration.

Lambrecht, Kaila DeJane.

The O’Brien Award is given annually to an outstanding volunteer who has consistently contributed and recruited new members and other volunteers for Chamber projects; and who has donated substantial time to Chamber activities, events, projects, committees, the Ambassador Program and/or the Board of Directors.

FLOORING CONTRACTOR’S UNUSUAL ARTWORK GETS THE ATTENTION OF OTHERS Parker’s Joe Rocco of Artistic Floors by Design has designed a custom project that includes wood flooring planks that bend upward out of the floor to support a bar top.

The wood floor has a unique utilitarian function. Its 5-inch wide wood floor planks were constructed to curve up from the actual floor to support the surface of the live-edge handscraped walnut slab bar top.

After calculating the radius of the curve, soaking the pieces in Windex and setting them into a jig, Joe glued, hardened and wirebrushed the legs to match the floor and re-grooved them to lock into the floor. Where the existing floor met the curve of the legs, he cut the flooring at an angle for a seamless appearance.

The amazing project was featured in Hardwood Floors Magazine, the magazine of the National Wood Flooring Association, and its image has been seen by more than 2 million people on various social media sites since it was posted on the company’s Facebook page.

NEW CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH CLASSES Adults who want to increase their Spanish fluency may attend a new conversational Spanish class at the Parker branch of Douglas County Libraries every Thursday from Oct. 1 through Nov. 5.

The two-hour classes begin at 6:30 p.m. at the library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive, and are taught by Marta Pardo, who will encourage students to improve their fluency through everyday conversation.

Register by phone at 303-791-7323, online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org or with your local librarian the next time you visit the library.

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Home Matters

Detailed Real Estate Information helps buyers and sellers make decisions MAP SHOWS SPECIFIC ACTIVITY OF INDIVIDUAL NEIGHBORHOODS ARTICLE SUSAN CORMIER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

C

had Hines is armed with a unique tool when he meets with home buyers and sellers.

One of the first pieces of information he shows potential real estate clients is a map provided exclusively by Your Castle Real Estate that compares the previous year of activity to current market activi-

Not all properties were listed and/or sold by Company. This representation is based in whole or in part on content supplied by REcolorado®, Inc. REcolorado®, Inc. does not guarantee nor is it in any way responsible for its accuracy.

ty in specific neighborhoods, such as Stonegate North, the Villages of Parker, the Pinery and Stroh Ranch.

“The map shows you what you can expect if you are buying or selling,” says Hines, a Parker-based Your Castle Realtor® who specializes in Douglas and Arapahoe counties.

PxChg=Price Change; DOM= Average Days on Market; UC= Homes Under Contract;

SLD=# Homes Sold Past 12 months; ACTV= # Active Listings; MOI=Months of Inventory

Content maintained by REcolorado®, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Call 303.619.0633 to order. All forms of copying are prohibited.

14

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

Chad Hines and his wife, Brittany, love living in Parker with their two young children.

For example, buyers who absolutely want to live in Stroh Ranch may have to adjust their schedules to view listings and make quick decisions because the average number of days a home is on the market in that neighborhood is 16, he says.

Buyers also can look at the map and adjust the area where they want to live to save maybe $10,000 or $15,000 on the price of a home.

“The part that’s really unique is being able to say, ‘hey look, if I look in this area, I can still be where I want to be, be in the school district or be in the neighborhood, but spend a lot less and be in my price range and be more comfortable'."

The map, which is produced quarterly by Your Castle Real Estate for neighborhoods throughout the Denver area, also can assist sellers. It gives them a good idea about what has been going on in their specific neighborhood and whether there are any upward or downward trends, Hines says.

“You hear a lot about price changes within the Denver metro area.

You hear we’re up 5 percent, we’re up 10 percent, we’re up 15 percent. That doesn’t mean anything if your area is nowhere near that.

And it’s going to vary from area to area.”

In addition to the support and knowledge provided by Your Castle Real Estate, Hines brings personal experiences to his real estate business.

He bought his first home when he was 20, has lived in the south metro area since he was 7 years old and moved to Parker four years ago because he and his high school sweetheart and wife, Brittany, wanted to raise their children here.

“We love Parker and feel lucky to raise our kids here,” he says.

He also brings with him an experienced lender, Cynthia Laudick of The Mortgage Company, who has been in the mortgage industry for many years and is a great communicator with clients.

“Her attention to detail” to get buyers pre-approved for home loans “makes everything go so smooth,” he says. “When I bought my first home at 20, I didn’t understand the loan process. Having someone like her would have been very beneficial.”

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If you'd like more information or a map detailing a specific area in the Denver metro area, call Hines at 720.891.2197.

October 2015 | Parker Lifestyle

15

Local Breweries

BRING CRAFT BEER to Town ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN CORMIER

P

arker is home to three craft breweries, started by local home-brewers who wanted to bring their love and passion for brewing craft beers to a whole new level.

And while brewing craft beer seems to be an up-and-coming industry that is generating a lot of interest and competition, that doesn’t seem to bother the owners of Barnett & Son Brewing Co., Elk Mountain Brewing Co. or Hall Brewing Co. They consider each other “friendly” competitors and would go out of their way to help one another, whether they need ingredients or a part for their equipment.

Some of their locally-produced beer is available in area liquor stores and restaurants, so make sure you look for them. You also can enjoy a nice selection at each brewery’s tap house in Parker.

Here’s a quick look at each of them:

Barnett & Son Brewing Co. 18425 Pony Express Drive #125 Parker, CO 80134 720.420.0462 Facebook.com/BarnettBrewing

Andrew Barnett (left) and Alex Stansbury brew beer at Barnett & Son.

16

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

OPENING DATE: June 2, 2015 BREWERS AND THEIR BACKGROUNDS: Alex Stansbury is the head brewer. He came to Parker after working as a brewer at Tommyknocker Brewery and Pub in Idaho Springs for 13 years, including the last four as head brewer.

Owner Andrew Barnett also helps with brewing. He says he has been a home-brewer for 15 years, giving Barnett & Son Brewing Co. “a good blend of experience.”

STYLE OF BEER: Barnett & Son makes true-to-style session beers, which Barnett says “are more modest in their alcohol content so that you can enjoy more than one without over indulging.”

Barnett says his beers run the full spectrum in terms of bitterness and color, so some beers will be more malty and some will be more hoppy. They also are available in light, amber and dark colors.

WHERE IS YOUR BEER BREWED AND DO YOU OFFER TOURS? Beer is brewed at Barnett’s facility on Pony Express Drive. Instead of “3-minute” tours, customers can see the brewing area from the tap room.

WHY PARKER? It’s home and where his family and community are. Barnett has lived in Parker since 1995.

AN ADDED WORD ABOUT “& SON”: Barnett’s son, Robert, is a sophomore at Chaparral High School who has been involved with his dad’s home-brewing and busses tables on weekends.

Hall Brewing Co. 10970 S. Parker Road Parker, CO 80134 720.638.3034 HallBrewingCo.com

Hall Brewing Co.'s Aubrey Hall (left) and Fred Anaya brew beer at a hand-built production facility in Douglas County.

OPENING DATE: July 1, 2010 BREWERS AND THEIR BACKGROUNDS: Owner Tom Bell was the head brewer when Elk Mountain first opened. He now oversees the operation with help from his wife, Marcia.

The head brewer is now Zac Rissmiller, who worked previously as an audio engineer in Nashville but has home-brewed since he was 21 years old. He started as an intern and has worked his way up to the head brewership.

He is assisted by Shannon Madruga, who fell in love with the brewing process while working at a restaurant that also brewed beer on site. She then committed herself to learning all she could about beer, including learning to home-brew.

STYLE OF BEER: American, English and German style craft beers.

WHERE IS YOUR BEER BREWED AND DO YOU OFFER TOURS? Beers are brewed in-house at Elk Mountain on Plaza Drive. Tours are offered, but a time needs to be set up with one of the brewers.

WHY PARKER? Tom and Marcia Bell have lived in Parker for 20 years and "wanted to give Parker it’s very own hometown microbrewery, where friends and family could come and enjoy a craft beer or homemade sodas.”

AN ADDED WORD: Rissmiller’s favorite beer that he has brewed so far at Elk Mountain Brewing is his Red IPA. Madruga’s favorite styles to drink and brew are mainly Belgian.

OPENING DATE: The production facility opened in 2012 on Au-

brey Hall’s 7-acre homestead in Douglas County. The tap house on South Parker Road opened on Dec. 15, 2013.

BREWERS AND THEIR BACKGROUNDS: Aubrey Hall is the head brewer. He graduated from the University of California-Davis’ brewing sciences program before working as a firefighter for 16 years. He kept up his “schooling” and decided to pursue it as a career after injuries forced him to retire from firefighting.

He is assisted by Fred Anaya, who was a home-brewer for many years and learned the ropes at Dry Dock Brewing Co. in Aurora.

STYLE OF BEER: "We brew what we like to drink. That's our motto.” Hall says. “We just have a clean, easy drinking product."

WHERE IS YOUR BEER BREWED AND DO YOU OFFER TOURS? Beer is brewed in a ranch-house-style brewery building hand-built with beetle kill by Hall and his family and friends. Tours are offered on a very limited basis.

WHY PARKER? Hall was born and raised in the area. He has owned the property, where the production facility stands, since November 1999. “I wanted to stay true to my roots. I love Parker.”

AN ADDED WORD: "My grandfather, Pete, was the inspiration for all of this. He got me into home-brewing before I was even the legal age to drink."

Elk Mountain Brewing 18921 Plaza Drive Unit 104 Parker, CO 80134 303.805.2739 ElkMountainBrewing.com

Zac Rissmiller and Shannon Madruga brew the beer for Elk Mountain.

CASTLE PINES NORTH Private lot at end of cul-de-sac with outstanding mountain views.

Peaceful and serene setting from 2 covered decks plus sun deck.

Two story entry and great room filled with natural light. Open dine-in kitchen with large center island, slab granite, Thermador gas stove, double ovens and 2 sinks. Master suite features sitting room, private deck and spa quality 5-piece master bath. Outdoor fireplace, fire pit and hot tub.

1253 Havenwood Way $1,490,000 Wanda Ford 720.320.8901

CASTLE PINES VILLAGE Mountain contemporary custom built home in the heart of CPV. Gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, granite countertops and island with seating. Spacious great room with vaulted ceiling and windows and grand natural stone fireplace. Large master suite with fireplace and private balcony. Master bath features double vanity sinks and granite countertops. Enjoy the outdoors with a wrap around front porch, natural stone patio, outdoor kitchen and fire pit.

722 Evening Star Drive $1,195,000 Laurie Brennan 303.995.1710 Doreen Sanford 720.201.5419

CASTLE PINES VILLAGE You will be impressed by the quality finishes and lush landscaping of this beautiful patio home. This charming home offers slate floors, plantation shutters, granite countertops, and stone accent walls. The great room with lofted ceilings and fireplace is adjacent to the gourmet kitchen. The main floor master boasts a lavish bath featuring dual showers, jetted tub and his/her walk-in closets. A charming courtyard provides private entertaining and mountain views.

5021 Ballarat Lane $749,000 Rosemary Nigh 303.229.9340 Whitney Cain 720.934.8185

BELL MOUNTAIN RANCH This beautiful two-story with acreage is a must see! The kitchen features a slab granite island, custom cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The main level boasts scraped wide plank wood floors and custom tile accents. The brand new 680 square foot composite deck commands relaxation while appreciating the incredible views.

Enjoy 27 miles of private horse and walking trails. This is the least expensive home currently available in Bell Mountain Ranch.

3232 Autumn Sun Circle $639,900 Cindy Sheldon 720.933.7332 Kyle Sheldon 720.244.6819

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5689 Majestic Oak Way .................$1,475,000 ............... $1,475,000 ............. 100% ..................... 4 ............... 6 545 Highway 83 ............................$1,295,000 .............. $1,200,000 ............. 93% ...................... 5 ............... 4 5541 Snowflake Way ......................$1,185,000 ............... $1,100,000 ............. 93% ...................... 4 ............... 5 4996 Raintree Circle .....................$1,090,000 .............. $1,080,000 ............. 99% ...................... 5 ............... 6 9012 Rambling Oak Place ..............$998,500 ................. $985,000 ................ 99% ...................... 5 ............... 6 5835 Angie Court ..........................$985,000 ................. $975,000 ................ 99% ...................... 4 ............... 6 4586 Carefree Trail ........................$900,000 ................ $922,650 ............... 103% ..................... 5 ............... 5 19833 Majestic Pine Place .............$900,000 ................ $914,000 ............... 102% ..................... 5 ............... 5 9430 Sara Gulch Circle .................$925,000 ................. $910,000 ................ 98% ...................... 5 ............... 5 9658 Summit Ridge Court .............$850,000 ................. $860,000 ............... 101% ..................... 6 ............... 5 4454 Palmer Ridge Drive ...............$859,218 .................. $855,000 ............... 100% ..................... 6 ............... 5 46729 Silver Fir Street ..................$800,000 ................ $800,000 .............. 100% ..................... 4 ............... 4 6753 Sage Lane .............................$825,000 ................. $799,000 ................ 97% ...................... 4 ............... 4 5760 Vistancia Drive .....................$795,000 ................. $795,000 ............... 100% ..................... 4 ............... 5 8407 Porcupine Point ....................$850,000 ................. $795,000 ................ 94% ...................... 4 ............... 5 5031 Fox Sparrow Road .................$779,900 ................. $750,000 ................ 96% ...................... 4 ............... 5 This data is a sampling of sold properties from the past 90 days. Source: MLS system.

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20

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

W

alking into Parker’s new winery is like stepping into the Old World. Throughout the room, beautiful hand-finished furniture gives the impression of another place or time.

Decorative brickwork around the tasting room is reminiscent of a centuries-old mansion on a European wine estate. Dark bottles are stored in diversely shaped spaces around the room, reinforcing the name of Purgatory Cellars.

Marko Ćopić and Gary Tassler are the owners of this fascinating business. They are eager to share their wines with the increasing number of area residents who are visiting the local venue. Ćopić, who grew up in Croatia, is the winemaker. His family have known winemakers for generations, and his father used to make his own wine.

After years of studying enology and experimenting with different techniques, Ćopić was ready to bring his Croatian background, and the Old World methods that most interested him, to the United States.

On arrival in Colorado two years ago, the Ćopić family—Marko, Ivanka and their two young children—visited vineyards and wineries throughout the state, hoping to buy an existing business.

Purgatory, an old abandoned mining town turned ski resort near Durango, was one of the places they visited. They could not find anything suitable for what they planned, so they decided to build their own winery.

The Ćopić family found a space in Parker, but they kept the name of Purgatory. They teamed up with Tassler, an American friend of the family, who had visited Croatia and enjoyed the region’s wines.

Purgatory Cellars opened its doors in April this year, but the preparation started many months earlier.

Stephen Menke, a Colorado State University associate professor of enology who also works with the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, was instrumental in getting them off the ground.

Menke runs Ram’s Point winery in Grand Junction, which is used by the university for training students, research and outreach. It was here that Purgatory Cellars made its first wines.

“We made about 8,000 or 9,000 bottles total in 2014,” Tassler says. “We’re planning on about 35,000 bottles by the end of 2015.”

“Colorado has very nice grapes,” Ćopić notes. “We already got 35 tons from two local suppliers: Talbott Farms and Desert Moon Vineyards. I would prefer to get all our grapes from Colorado.”

All of Purgatory Cellars’ white wines are produced with Colorado grapes, but so far the red grapes have come from New Mexico, including eight tons that Ćopić picked up at the end of August.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

“We are completely different from other local wineries,” Tassler says.

“Other wineries offer a taste of the end product, when it is already bottled,” Ćopić explains. “But we want people to be involved in the wine-making process while it’s happening. Every day there will be something at some stage of production that you can try. You can taste how the wine is changing.” Ćopić uses his knowledge of modern fermentation techniques, combined with time-tested processes, to create wines that are somewhat unique in this part of the world.

CONTINUED >

October 2015 | Parker Lifestyle

21

RAISING THE BAR (CONTINUED)

He gestures behind the bar, where steel tanks, a huge wooden barrel and a box with a clay pot in it are visible from the tasting area. The oval pot, half-buried inside the large box, is called an amphora. This is what Ćopić and Tassler are most excited about.

“Marko uses ancient methods that nobody else in Colorado is using,” Tassler says. “Maybe two or three wineries in America are using amphorae. It is very rare.”

An amphora is a clay vessel, as used thousands of years ago by the Greeks and Romans, but originally from the wine lands in the country of Georgia. The time-consuming and labor-intensive method of making and aging wine in amphorae allows for a natural wine with a distinctive flavor.

“The wine stays in the amphora for up to six months; the time depends on the flavor you’re aiming for. I taste it and then I know when it’s ready,” Ćopić says. Ćopić learned about this method from established winemaking friends in Croatia—the Tomac family and Antonio Ivanči ć , who brought Georgian amphorae to Croatia. Ćopić shipped his amphora from the same supplier.

“You cannot simply go and buy amphorae,” Ćopić says, explaining how hard it is to get hold of such a specialty item. “There is more equipment on the way.

Three more amphorae from Georgia and fifteen barrels, 500 liters each.”

“Those fermenters are handmade by our cooper,” Ivanka says. “A cooper—that’s a barrel-maker.”

“Almost everything in here is handmade,” Tassler adds.

“Marko spent four months just sanding the furniture. To say ‘Marko is dedicated’ would be such an understatement.” Ćopić’s long-term vision for Purgatory Cellars is one of excellence, with creative ways to involve patrons and support the Colorado wine and grape industry, as well as offer a unique tasting experience that will bring visitors from all over the country.

The tasting room, where visitors can sample the wines at various stages of production.

Marko Ćopić and Gary Tassler raise a glass to celebrate the end of another busy day at Purgatory Cellars.

THE WINE LIST

The Georgian amphora

Purgatory Cellars 18921 Plaza Drive, #100 Parker, CO 80134 303.600.8209 PurgatoryCellarsColorado.com

“Our 2015 wines will include 30 varieties. There will be four different Chardonnays: stainless steel, on oak, amphora and aged on lees,” Tassler says.

Purgatory Cellars currently offers an award-winning Zinfandel, Malbec, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah and Syrah on its list of reds.

The whites, while supplies last, include unoaked Chardonnay, Roussanne, Riesling and the rare Amphora Riesling. Ćopić plans on entering the latter into competition in California, but there is currently no category for amphora wine.

“The wine industry is going to get a little bit shaken up here,” Ćopić laughs. “People will come from all over to taste this wine. I really like the amphora style. We are hoping to make that one of our signatures.”

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Hot Spot

Local Business, Global Fare

RESTAURATEURS SERVE UP CONTEMPORARY AND HEALTHY THAI AND VIETNAMESE CUISINE ARTICLE MARY LEMMA | PHOTOGRAPHY SUSAN CORMIER

O

n a recent morning, hours before Parker’s Indochine restaurant opened, its owner, Yume Tran, was online with a budding restaurateur in Zimbabwe.

Aside from running this busy, contemporary Thai and Vietnamese restaurant with her husband, Jeff Nghiem, Tran makes time to help other entrepreneurs live their food-related business dreams. In Florida, a young baker is learning the business of making organic, gluten-free cookies and trail mix, with Tran as her online coach.

“I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I have a passion about mentoring,” says Tran, who has been honored for her mentoring efforts by local business groups.

Coaching would-be restaurateurs or other culinary professionals is only a small portion of what Tran and Nghiem have accomplished in the 13 years they’ve been serving Thai and Vietnamese food in Parker. Tran and Nghiem, both from Vietnam, left their corporate IT jobs to pursue the restaurant business.

“I never thought I’d stay this long,” Trans says with a smile, reflecting what has become a passion for serving customized dishes to a growing and increasingly sophisticated demographic.

Diners who frequent Indochine “want to make healthy choices and eat good food,” Tran says, acknowledging that the dishes, which are cooked one at a time and often customized, may take a little longer to prepare.

Gluten-free menu options abound. And “customized” is literal.

When a diner requested cashew chicken without the cashews and presented a list of special ingredients, Tran recalls, she didn’t blink an eye, returning to the kitchen to direct the cooks. Another diner wanted to know how many grams of sugar were in the dish; Tran studied the recipe and reported back.

She also has developed gluten-free sauces, branded Meals in a Minute, which she sells to customers and ships out of state. Tran will soon resume conducting cooking classes at the restaurant.

24

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

“I love to eat. I do this for the love of it,” she says. “I research everything to death.”

FOR SUSHI FANS, SUCHINE OFFERS GLUTEN-FREE CHOICES

Still, Tran and Nghiem wanted to serve another demographic - diners who favor gluten-free sushi choices but may not have time to linger. So two years ago they opened Suchine, just across from Indochine in Parker Station, and began serving gluten-free sushi.

At Suchine, diners can choose their ingredients and have the chef personally prepare the rolls for them or they can buy fresh packaged sushi. Tran refers to their sushi restaurant as a “no-fuss dining experience.” Vegan options also are available, and customers can order online.

“Parker is very supportive of local business,” Tran observes. “I keep the pulse of the town. People here like to try new things.”

Parker isn't the only source of diners. About 15 percent of Indochine’s customers come from Elizabeth and Franktown.

Tran says she likes to support Parker by hiring local residents and encouraging her younger staff members to continue their educations, noting that one former employee will graduate from medical school next spring.

“They’re worth their weight in gold,” she says.

At the end of the day, Tran knows that the 6½ days a week she and her husband work is all about “doing what we do best in a creative, healthy way…like a kitchen away from home.”

Indochine / Suchine 19751 Mainstreet Parker, CO 80138 Indochine: 720.851.8559 Suchine: 303.805.0874 Indochine-Cuisine.com Suchine.com Yume Tran and Jeff Nghiem left their IT jobs to pursue the restaurant business.

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25

Parent’s Corner

How to Get the Most Out of Your ParentTeacher Conference

A

ARTICLE DIANE KULBACK

re you dreading or looking forward to your upcoming parent-teacher conference? This is about your child's educational career so the more prepared you are, the more you will get out of this process.

Here are some dos and don'ts to make your conference more enjoyable and meaningful.

DOS:

1. Walk in your teacher's shoes. You may think that teachers find this an easy experience because, after all, they are teachers and this is part of their job. Not so. Most teachers find this one of the hardest things they're required to do. Meeting new parents and having such a short time to cover so much can be very stressful for them.

2. Know what to expect from a parent-teacher conference.

• Meetings are typically only five to 10 minutes long.

• You will receive an overall picture of academic and behavior progress. This is not the time to discuss any huge issues.

Those will require a separate appointment at a later date.

• You will have goal setting and predictions.

• There will be an overview of upcoming events, such as science fairs or big projects, to plan.

• You will see some of the work your child has done so far.

• There will be handouts so bring a file with you.

3. Prepare in advance any concerns or issues. Send an email to your teacher, so she/he may be able to squeeze in any additional issue.

4. Before the conference, pull your district's academic expectations by grade level from its website. This is very handy to have so that you know what your child should be learning.

5. Ask for a scope and sequence of the school year. This will give you an overview of what will be taught and when. Many teachers have this planned out before school starts and are happy to share it with parents.

6. Ask your teacher how you can help them. Some teachers love classroom help and others prefer help with field trips and organization. Most love whatever assistance you can provide.

7. If you don't understand some of the terminology your teacher is using, say so. In your line of work, there are terms you use that someone out of the field wouldn't know. Teachers have the same situation. Once I had a teacher tell me that my son was a pre-emergent reader. I asked her, "What did fertilizer have to do with reading?" We both got a kick out of that, and then she helped me with the academic meaning.

8. Be on time.

26

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

DON'TS:

1. Don't go in with a big issue that you are angry about even though there will be those times when you may be angry. Set up a separate appointment for something that is really concerning you.

2. Don't expect a teacher to diagnose a learning disability. They are not doctors. Visit your doctor for any concerns you may have regarding your child's ability to learn.

3. Don't take phone calls during your conference. As a matter of fact, don't even take your phone with you. It interrupts everyone else's conference too.

4. Don't bombard your teacher with too many issues or questions. Stick to one or two of the most important issues that you want to cover.

When the conference is over, take some time to discuss your conference with your child. Stress the positives and discuss ways that you, the teacher and your child can improve on the weaknesses. The academic success of your child depends on the partnership of the three parties. Together, success is possible.

Diane Kulback is an educational specialist, the founder of two Parker charter schools and the CEO of the Parker Step to Success Community Learning Center. She may be reached at diane@steptosuccesstutoring.com.

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Driver’s Notebook

AUTOMOTIVE AMY:

Lady in the Fast Lane THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP EXPERIENCE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY AMY SMITH

A

nyone who has taken a road trip, whether long-planned or spur-of the-moment, knows that the right vehicle makes all the difference. If you take off in a sports coupe, comfort may be compromised but performance and handling enhanced; a well-appointed sedan or minivan may limit usable passenger or cargo space, while an SUV can throw off your budget in fuel consumption.

So, what is the optimal road trip machine? What combines exceptional fuel economy, performance, handling, climate control, driver’s features, comfort, navigation and entertainment versatility, and sleek and streamlined styling?

The 2015 Volkswagen Touareg TDI Sport meets all of these criteria with a mastery that both impresses and rewards.

On an unplanned road trip to Beloit, Kansas, in the heat of Midwestern July, the Touareg was hands-down an ideal choice.

Averaging 75 MPH for the 436 miles to our destination, the Touareg’s 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel engine logged an impressive 30.2 MPG, well above the estimated 29 highway MPG on the sticker.

The return trip, primarily driven on country roads, saw an average fuel consumption of 28.7 MPG, still substantially above estimated non-highway fuel economy. Highlights of the return trip included a detour to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, KS (yes, it really does exist and is all it is rumored to be), as well as stopping at five roadside historical markers along the way to appreciate our country’s rich history.

Dual visors on driver and passenger headliners were a great added benefit and used frequently. Heated and cooled seats that fully recline allowed for incredibly comfortable cross-country shuteye for the lucky front passenger.

The cruise control was extremely user-friendly, adjusted with a simple flick of the control stalk on the steering column–no 28

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

uncomfortable leg cramping or tired ankle to maintain a steady speed for those long, straight stretches of road.

GPS displays the miles to destination, progressive miles traveled, miles to next turn with the name of the new road, often available amenities ahead and the estimated time of arrival at destination point–all very clear, very informative and very accurate. Another display showed total miles traveled for the trip or any individual section of the total trip, driving time elapsed, average MPG and average speed.

With CD-quality satellite radio available, you never lose stations or hit “dead zones” for music. Volume and station selection were easily controlled from the steering column without having to take your eyes off the road, providing both safety and variety for a long trip, particularly through the Midwest where radio towers can be sparse.

With an MSRP of $53,155, the Volkswagen Touareg TDI Sport Diesel made an unexpected road trip a comfortable and surprisingly fuel-efficient pleasure cruise. No question that we collected our share of Kansas bugs on the road, but the driver was able to relax, had great visibility, entertainment and helpful information, while the passenger was able to comfortably snooze for a solid four hours through the night, an almost unprecedented feat in road trip history.

Amy Smith is a long-time auto enthusiast with a 20-year professional history in the automotive industry. She can be reached at amy@carconnections.us with any questions, comments or review requests.

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Lifestyle Calendar

October OCTOBER 7 CASH FLOW FUNDAMENTALS DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES-PARKER

Presented by the Small Business Development Center of South Metro Denver., this class begins at 6:30 p.m. and will increase your understanding of small business cash flow and gross profit. Register by phone at 303.791.7323, online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org or with your local librarian the next time you visit the library.

OCTOBER 9 ART & WINE CU DENVER SOUTH (FORMERLY THE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE)

Guests will have a chance to try more than 200 bottles of wine, enjoy delicacies from local restaurants, view the art in The Wildlife Experience Art Gallery and create their own piece of art to take with them. For more information, visit SouthDenver.CU.edu/events.

OCTOBER 12

OCTOBER 23 THE GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS PACE CENTER

The internationally-acclaimed Golden Dragon Acrobats present award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques in this 7:30 p.m. show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. For more information, visit ParkerArts.org.

OCTOBER 24 TREK OR TREAT OFF THE STREET CU DENVER SOUTH (FORMERLY THE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE)

A day-long Halloween tradition with plenty of spooky surprises for children of all ages.

Candy booths will line the museum’s hallways, allowing guests to fill up their bags with candy and spooky toys in a safe, fun environment regardless of weather conditions.

For information, visit SouthDenver.CU.edu.

OCTOBER 24 PARKER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA-HONOR AND STRENGTH PACE CENTER

Based on the book by Dr. Seuss and adapted

by Katie Mitchell, Childsplay Theatre’s performance of The Cat in the Hat is a high-energy and hilarious play that’s fun for the whole family. For information, visit ParkerArts.org. .

With Veteran’s Day on its way, join the Parker Symphony Orchestra (PSO) and special guests, the Legend High School Choir, in commemorating the brave men and women who have served our country. The orchestral program begins at 7:30 p.m. and features patriotic themes to honor our American heroes. For more information, visit ParkerArts.org.

KIDS’ FALL BREAK BOOK EXCHANGE

OCTOBER 26

PHILLIP S. MILLER LIBRARY

BEYOND THE MORTARBOARD

Kids! Trade your gently used books for brand new or new-to-you books. Hosted by the Douglas County Parenting Coalition, this exchange will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Phillip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock.

DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES-PARKER

THE CAT IN THE HAT PACE CENTER

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 19 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SPEAKER SERIES CU DENVER SOUTH (FORMERLY THE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE)

Join us at 5:30 p.m. for an evening with Teri Bump and learn what an effective executive presence is and how to create and enhance yours. For more information, visit, SouthDenver.CU.edu.

30

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

College may not be for every high school grad. Or it may not be for every teen right now. Parents and high school seniors are invited to a free special evening to explore some alternative learning experiences. Hosted by the Douglas County Parenting Coalition, this Box Supper and Program begins at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to dcparenting@usa.com.

OCTOBER 27 FAMILY FALL FEST DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES-PARKER

Families are invited to come in costume for stories, treats, crafts and more. Fam-

ily Fall Fest begins at 6 p.m. and is presented by Parker Teen Library Council for families.

OCTOBER 28 WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP LOCATION TBD

Kimberly Alexander, a transformational speaker and mentor for women entrepreneurs, will speak at this Chamber of Commerce luncheon for women.

Her talk, “From the Ground Up,” will include strategic steps women can take to get laser focused in their business. Lunch is from 11:30 to 1 p.m. Cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. For information or to RSVP, visit ParkerChamber.com.

OCTOBER 28 TEENS IN MEDICINE FREE LECTURE SERIES PARKER ADVENTIST HOSPITAL

This free lecture series geared toward teens interested in medical careers will feature talks by Dr. Scott Stanley, spine surgery, at 5:30 p.m., and Dr. Sean Markey, neurosurgery, at 6:15 p.m. To register, visit ParkerHospital.org/Volunteer and click on “teens in medicine” on the left sidebar.

OCTOBER 30 WINE WALK DOWNTOWN PARKER

The final walk of the season begins at 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Parker Area Chamber of Commerce, the cost is $15 for a commemorative wine glass and 10 tastings. For information, visit ParkerChamber.com.

OCTOBER 31 TRICK OR TREAT ON MAINSTREET MAINSTREET IN DOWNTOWN PARKER

Bring all your little gouls, ghosts, goblins, princesses, super heroes and anyone else celebrating Halloween to downtown Parker. Many local businesses will line the street, providing a fun and safe place for kids of all ages to trick-or-treat from 3 to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker and open to everyone.

business directory AD AGENCY Do BizLo (303) 805-3104 dobizlo.com

ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

Camp Bow Wow-Parker (303) 805-9739 campbowwow.com/us/co/parker/about-us

AUTOMOTIVE

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING

Transamerica Financial Advisors- Parker (303) 589-6883 tfaconnect.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS All Sports Physical Therapy (303) 840-1323 allsportspt.net

Parker Chamber (303) 841-4268 parkerchamber.com Rebecca Berra Photography (303) 526-6490 rebeccaberraphotography.com Spas of Parker (303) 841-7646

Pride Auto Care (303) 840-6400 prideautocare.com

Colorado Athletic Club Inverness (303) 790-7777 wellbridge.com

Tagawa Gardens (303) 690-4722 tagawagardens.com

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Fred Astaire Dance Studio Parker (303) 237-3733 fredastaire.com

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32

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

McCracken Facial And Eye (720) 851-6600 mccarckenmd.com Parker Animal Hosiptal (303) 841-2120 parkeranimalhospital.com

Chad Hines Your Castle Real Estate/ The Mortgage Company (720) 891-2197 LIV Sotheby’s Castle Pines (303) 660-8800 livsothebysrealty.com

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Parting Thoughts

Legend High School’s Jason Ritter GONE BUT NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN

L Isaac Stroman takes a shot for his team. Photo by Ellie Wellensiek

WORDS SUSAN CORMIER

egend High School’s Jason Ritter and his students may have been gone for several years, but the social studies teacher and basketball coach will never be forgotten.

That’s a tribute to Ritter himself and some fellow teachers and friends at Legend High School who were part of the core team involved in opening the new school in 2008.

be,” she adds. “Those personal qualities of perseverance and kindness and just making the day better for everybody else.”

There’s no doubt that fond memories and tears were shared during the Ritter Roundball 3v3 Basketball Tournament on Aug. 17 as participants raised about $1,500 for the Jason Ritter Scholarship Fund.

The scholarships are awarded each spring to two to four graduating seniors who, like Ritter, are all about Leg-

Audra and Jason Ritter with their son, Lincoln. Photo by Kira Zimmerman

Friends of Jason Ritter honored their friend's memory by playing in the tournament. Photo by Tina Stroman

Ashley Butler's parents enjoy the event. Photo

by Tina Stroman

Although Ritter passed away from a rare form of cancer in March 2011, it’s not likely he Teams wait their turn to play during the Aug. 17 event. Photo by Ellie Wellensiek will be forgotten by the Legend community, some of whom gathered together shortly after the school year began to play basketball and raise funds for a scholarship in his name.

"He was the model person to everybody," says Tina Stroman, a language teacher who helped organize the 2015 event with Jay Zimmerman, a chemistry teacher, and Ashton Butler, a 2012 graduate who started the basketball tournament last year in Ritter’s memory.

"His name comes up often around here, especially through the sports teams,” Stroman says. “A lot of the sports teams have kept his initials JR and talk about that with their teams.”

Legend High School alumni particHis name also “comes up when you're ipated in the fundraiser. Photo by talking about the kind of person that you try to Tina Stroman 34

Parker Lifestyle | October 2015

end - full of school spirit, actively involved, continually connecting with others, challenging their peers, helping others, living life with a positive attitude and embodying the Legend core values.

A total of 22 teams participated in the tournament, everyone from Legend teachers, students and alumni, to students from Cimarron Middle School and even some parents. Also in attendance were Ritter’s widow, Audra, who still lives in Parker, and their son, Lincoln.

"It was a true community event. It was awesome," Stroman says. “This community has rallied around what Jason stands for.

"They really come together and know what it's about and are excited to support our school and our staff and our community in this way."

It’s an incredible way to start of the new school year – full of school spirit and community involvement!

For more information or to make a donation to the scholarship fund, contact Stroman at tina.stroman@dcsdk12.org.

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