Lindsay Barlow
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet is a holiday must for many people around the world. And for one local dance studio, Colorado School of Dance in Parker, this time-honored tradition is especially meaningful for their dancers, families, and their community.
Executive Producer and Studio Owner, Lisa Tuska, beams with pride every time you mention “The Nutcracker of Parker," especially this year with the show celebrating its 20th Anniversary! "Families are always looking for both quality and value when it comes to going out for the holidays together. Being able to attend a Nutcracker Ballet in your own neighborhood with a ticket price that will allow the entire family to attend, is what we love about our show," Tuska says. And with regard to the time and energy that goes into this show every year, Tuska says it’s totally worth it. "Watching my students have an unforgettable performance opportunity as well as my teachers being able to choreograph and produce this magic, is what makes everything come full circle for me. I am also so thankful for our audiences. We love them and appreciate their support each year!"
And Lisa is not the only one beaming about this upcoming production. "It is an honor for me to bring this classic holiday ballet tradition to the people of the town of Parker. We present the most fun and entertaining Nutcracker in town, with the liveliest choreography performed by highly skilled and well-rounded dancers. It's a true joy for dancers and audiences alike," says Elizabeth Moore (Ballet Director, Choreographer & Mrs. Staulbaum in the show).
Buzz around the Nutcracker of Parker starts in August when auditions open, not only for the students of CSD but the community members as well. “Seeing the transformation from auditions to the performance story that unfolds on stage is truly magical,” says 12-year veteran Amanda Williams (Youth Ballet Company Director & Choreographer for the show). In fact, CSD has multiple families who perform together (kids and parents) in a show one night and then sit in the audience the next. For Colorado School of Dance, this literally is a family affair both on stage and off.
And when it comes to production value, this is not just your average performance. From the costumes, to the lighting, to the Christmas tree that grows on the stage...even the programs are glossy and professional. This local production delivers the quality of a big city show to your very own neighborhood. But the most special parts of this whole show are the kids and what they accomplish. “I’ve seen the show 15 years in a row and I still get excited to watch it every year,” says Jen (Mom of 3 CSD dancers). “No matter how many times I have seen this ballet, I am always amazed at the talent and stage presence of each individual dancer, no matter their age. CSD has really gotten it right when it comes to giving these kids the tools to perform in a confident and beautiful way.”
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.
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.
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(noun) \ hyü- ma-nǝ- ter-ē-ǝn \
A person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms; one who has concern for helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
This is a special time of year to kick off the holiday season when so many turn their thoughts to remember what is most important. It is an honored tradition for us to take a look at our lives and give thanks for what we have. We count our blessings of family, friendship, faith, home, work, food, community and so much more. I love how this act of giving thanks often leads us to also want to give and share with those around us. This season is filled with opportunities to look outside of ourselves and our circumstances to help others. Service opportunities are abundant and our hearts seem more open to this focus. What a blessing this is for both those that give and those that receive help.
Our school district is an example of this phenomenon. Each graduate of the Douglas County School district is asked to fulfill 20 hours of community service in order to graduate. I love how this teaches our young people from early on how meaningful and important it is to look outside of themselves and spend time in service. On the DCSD website it talks about how this helps students to learn selflessness and fosters personal growth. As students help others, they gain character and experience for themselves as well.
In this issue we want to take a look at some of the other humanitarian efforts in our area that reach both near and far. As we live in a community of large abundance, it is refreshing to see individuals and groups who want to and work toward helping those who are in need. Thanks for giving!
As the #1 rated school district in the Denver Metro area, we’re not just educating students — we’re shaping futures.
• Unparalleled Opportunities: As Colorado’s thirdlargest district, we offer a vast array of programs to ignite every passion and nurture every talent.
• Personalized Learning: Even in our largest schools, your child will thrive in tight-knit communities where they’re truly known.
• Character Building: Our 20-hour community service requirement ensures graduates are not just academically prepared, but socially responsible.
• Proven Success: We consistently send wellequipped, well-rounded students to top colleges, rewarding careers, and honorable military service.
Join a community dedicated to helping your child discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.
Douglas County School District: Where Every Student Matters, Every Dream is Possible
Learn more at www.dcsdk12.org/castlerock www.dcsdk12.org/parker
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.
Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.
$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25 $$$ ......................... Over $25 (EC) Editors Choice (N) New
Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere. 17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$
A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.
10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$
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 local favorite for breakfast and lunch, Pegasus has something for everyone. They have served an ecletic menu in a comfortable setting for the past 31 years. While you're there, go see the giant riverboat roulette wheel behind the bar!
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 $$
The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.
19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)
Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone. 18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)
New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day! 19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)
Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$
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 $
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 $$
THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN
Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options. 3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$
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 $$
ADRIANNA’S
Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$
Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.
9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$
LA CASITA
Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.
18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$
Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner. 19553 E Mainstreet, Parker
303-840-0325 $$
Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.
19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker
303-840-6574 $$
Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.
10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$
Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.
403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$
VALERIE'S
Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.
971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $
A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.
3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$
DOUG'S DAY DINER
American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.
18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$
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 $$ (EC)
PEGASUS
A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.
313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$
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 $$
High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes. 10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$
Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.
115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)
A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd. 18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$
A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair. 12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $
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 $
A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$
LIL’ RICCI’S
New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$
NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters. 5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$
Katie Pearce Founder
The pungent smell in this place was different than anything I’d ever experienced and, although I was starting to get used to it, I still had to resist the urge to cover my nose. I watched the group of young boys in the muddy, unpaved street use a Coke can as a soccer ball, as I slipped into the back seat of the RAV4 SUV we had spent so much time in this past week. I was ready to go home, but I knew that I would be changed forever by the things I’d experienced in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. The orphans I had met would always have a place in my heart. The men and women who had dedicated their lives to helping these children would forever have a place of honor in my mind. The sights and smells and sounds of poverty would urge me forward in my efforts.
This was where our foster daughter had spent a large portion of her time after fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo. Before she boarded the plane on Christmas Eve several years ago, very sick and pregnant, she lived in a dilapidated, corrugated tin house, just like the ones that passed through my view as we drove away from the slums. I felt relief that she and her sweet little baby were now safe in the United States going to school, learning, and working, never to smell this scent again.
We stopped at an intersection and a big bus rolled up beside us. I looked up from my backseat window and saw a little face in one of its windows. I could only see her big, dark-brown eyes peering through the glass, but they looked sad and empty. I gave her the biggest smile I could muster and tried to say in my smile that she was beautiful and that even in this hard place, there was hope and somehow, everything
would be alright. I wished I could feel confident that it was true. My smile caught her eye and, as the bus rolled away, I saw her eyes turn up, and I hoped that she was smiling back.
My smile didn’t change anything for that little girl’s future, but a chance for education can. Every child we met in Nairobi had a dream. A dream to become a teacher, a pilot, a nurse. They all knew that education was the key to realizing these aspirations, but many were too keenly aware that this kind of education was out of their grasp and would never be a part of their life journey. There are millions of children around the world that share their despair. I desperately wanted to find a way to give them a chance to achieve their aspirations. How could I help young people find a path to succeed? How could I turn the resources and abilities I’ve been given into hope for others? After reflecting on these questions, the idea of The Giving Cookie was born.
The Giving Cookie is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings hope to children by funding schools in impoverished areas. But don’t be fooled by our nonprofit status or our humble beginnings. We have some seriously delicious cookies!
Mother Teresa once said, "We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop." At The Giving Cookie we understand that what we do is just a drop, but by joining together as a community, our individual drops can combine to make a difference. We are all volunteers—no one is being paid. Every cent that isn’t spent for the ingredients in the cookies that we deliver goes directly into our school fund. We are so eager to bring hope through education to these children that need it so desperately.
We “cookie” to bring hope and to shape a brighter future. We'd love to have you combine your drop with ours and help us make a difference.
Go to www.thegivingcookie.com. Check out our amazing cookie boxes and find out when we’ll be delivering to your area.
Place an order that corresponds with the delivery date in your city.
On cookie day, the cookies are made fresh and delivered right to your front porch!
Each season offers a new variety box with mouthwatering gourmet cookies. Or keep it simple with Kate’s Chocolate Chipper box! Our cookies are shareable-sized, so the whole family can enjoy. They make beautiful gifts for friends and family in your area!
If you don’t like cookies (heaven help you) or would just like to donate to help us reach our goal to build a school in Mali, it is easy to donate on our website: www.thegivingcookie.com/ donate
Let’s combine our “drops”! Making a difference never tasted so good. www.thegivingcookie.com
I am super happy with the way my color turned out! Leah is a genius! I had decided to “go grey” about a year ago and I was not loving it. But I didn’t want to entirely cover it up either. Leah put in ash blonde highlights and it’s gorgeous! It looks very natural and I feel like me again. Even my ex-husband noticed, and he’s usually pretty oblivious! Thank you Leah! ~ Dede
I finally found my salon! The warmth, kindness, and special treatment and the incredible job of highlighting was really a lift to my spirit! I have had two different stylist here and I’m so grateful to have Leah now and her extraordinary eye and talent with coloring and highlighting! She spent time wanting to know my preferences, took into account who I was, and my personal style. I feel very grateful and I love the way my hair looks! ~ Kirsten
Leah is amazing!!! She has been my colorist and stylist for 3 years. She’s kind, patient and listens to what I want and how to achieve it. ~ Eileen
