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Local Hero – 11 year old boy saves another from drowning in Parker CO

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William Westfall a Parker Boy Scout from Troop 88 was honored this week for his quick thinking when he saved another boy from drowning.

william westfall parker hero boy scout troop 88I tapped him on the shoulder to see if he was just holding his breath or something, like 2 seconds, and then I pulled him out of the water,” William said in the TV interview shown below.

The South Metro Fire District held a ceremony for young William and gave him a lifesaver award.

Nice to see kids in our community willing to take action when they see a need. Congratulations to William, his family, and his boy scout troop.

Thank you to Joe Skalisky a Parker realtor and the scoutmaster for Troop 88 here in Parker for posting the video on Facebook and bringing attention to this brave member of our community.

Restaurant Reviews for Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch 2011

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Douglas County Colorado Restaurant Reviews

 Have you discovered a restaurant that deserves a visit?

Where's this cozy fireplace?

Have you had a horrible experience with a local restaurant?

Feel free to share your discoveries good and bad with your Douglas County neighbors.

Please remember to be civil and use PG-rated language in your review.

Let’s hear it, neighbors?

  • What’s your favorite coffee shop?
  • Mexican restaurant?
  • Italian restaurant?
  • Best Happy Hour?
  • Favorite Cupcakes?

Share your thoughts and discoveries.

If it’s too inflammatory in nature I reserve the right to not publish your review.

Where is this cozy fireplace located? If you don’t know you need to find out as it’s my favorite spot to spend  a few hours with friends.

Franktown fire today threatens homes and livestock 2011

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south-metro-fire-fireworks-ban

Burning Tree Fire in Franktown brings a community together

Douglas County firefighters and emergency crews from all over the metro area battled a blaze that started in the Burning Tree subdivision just south of Bayou Gulch, The Colorado Horsepark, Ponderosa High School and the heavily populated Pinery and Timbers area just south of Parker Colorado.

helicopter-hero today at the Franktown Fire near Parker Colorado March 24, 2011
The Helicopter hero of the hour today at the Franktown Fire Photo Credit: Chrissy Morin

The emergency crews are to be applauded for seemingly escaping and containing this fire with no loss of property, lives or livestock.

Franktown Fire Parker Colorado March 24, 2011

We have pictures from all sides of the fire and all of the elements were quite strange. From high winds on Flintwood to snow and sleet on Hilltop and light rain on Parker Road, it seemed like God was trying to help the fire crews squelch the fire and push it away from the populated Parker area.

Franktown Fire Parker Colorado March 24, 2011

Ponderosa musical theater grad finalist in a national singing competition

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Please help these talented young adults represent Colorado in NYC.

Emily, Nathan, Cody, Alena, and Holly from Mesa State College
Emily, Nathan, Cody, Alena, and Holly from Mesa State College

A local Parker native and a graduate of Ponderosa High School is part of a newly formed acapella group that entered a contest at the last minute to try to win a chance to perform as the opening act at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on December 28, 2010, in New York City.

This is a group of five musical theater college kids who attend Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO.

They won the first round of the competition and are one of the top four finalists in the competition. They are currently in second place and could really use your help. This would give Colorado some national exposure along with Parker.  If you are on Facebook you can join the Dove Hair and Skin Care page and vote for them in the competition.

They are the second group, the five kids in blue and they are singing an acapella version of “My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music. Their five-part harmony arrangement is original and was written by one of the members of the group.

The Mesa State Newspaper the Criterion wrote an article about them here.

A Brush with Broadway

idina menzel brush with greatness dove competition

As one of the four finalists, they got to SKYPE with Idina Menzel yesterday, the screenshot is below.

 

You can see the five kids in the picture in the bottom corner. Ms. Menzel was very supportive and uplifting and getting to talk to her meant the world to them. She’s a class act.

 

The Music Man a community theater production in Parker Colorado

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nate smith harold hill music man
Nathan Smith – Harold Hill

Parker United Methodist Church presents Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man”

The citizens of Parker, Colorado are in for a treat as they meet the citizens of River City, Iowa. The team of Kim Moore, director, and Kurt Stroman, music director are combining their time and considerable talent to produce this community production as a fundraiser for the Parker Task Force.

All tickets are $10 each. (also available at the door). All proceeds from the show will benefit the Parker Task Force.

Please bring a can of food for the Parker food bank and receive a free concession item during intermission.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased and picked up at the church office.

The Music Man is an American musical classic, following fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill and his visit to River City, Iowa where he meets and falls in love with the willful, spinster librarian, Marian Paroo. With his word-a-second style, “Professor” Harold Hill convinces the town to adopt his revolutionary music program, “The Think System”, or face the moral decline of the youngsters of River City. Chaos ensues as Hill’s credentials are questioned and he is forced to prove himself to the citizens of River City.

Many members of this cast have been working together for years so if you’ve attended community theater in Parker in the past you’ll see quite a few familiar faces among the people of River City and lots of new faces among their children.

Director Kim Moore is really excited by being able to have entire families enjoy this theater experience together.  Ms. Moore is known for her many years as the theater teacher at Ponderosa High School for the past 20 + years.  She retired from teaching recently but after a short time she realized her love of theater and children was calling her back and PUMC is happy to see her return to the longtime tradition of summer community theater.

Kurt Stroman is most likely the most popular high school teacher in town with his Legend High School Choir hitting 300 members for the 2010-2011 school year. He always brings his own style of music direction and fun to any production. He is also known for starting the Douglas County Children’s Chorale and is the Music Director at Parker United Methodist Church.

Steve Coleman is extremely happy to be taking the stage back in PUMC. He is currently a student at St. Olaf College and is studying to become a Technical Theatre educator, hopefully for his own alma mater, Ponderosa High School. Steve has played a variety of roles (Gaston, Mr. Wickham, & Aslan to name a few) but is glad to take on the challenge of learning what this show has to offer. He would like to thank God for all the people that make this town worth returning to, many of whom are in this cast. “A special thanks to ‘The Moore’ for dragging me down with her, and the Stanley’s for keeping me afloat. I love you guys!”

Nathan A. Smith is playing the role of Harold Hill. He is immensely grateful for the opportunity to again work with the incredibly dedicated and talented people involved with Parker UMC Musical Summer Theater. The Music Man is Nate’s third production here at Parker UMC and he’s looking forward to many more. This production will be especially memorable for Nathan because, for the first time, he and his son James will be performing together. “Working with your own kids, your friends and their children is exceptionally rewarding. What a great experience this is to share with friends and families.

Ryan Templeman is 7 years old and has had several roles in past PUMC productions this being his first lead.
He is adorable as Winthrop.

clay russell mayor shinn music man

Clay Russell is no stranger to the stage and you’ll remember him as Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof,  Max from the Sound of Music, Godspell, and Oliver. In this production, he plays Mayor Shinn.

Sonja Parson has been a player with the PUMC community theater in several productions and is back again as Mrs. Eulalie Shinn. Sonja enjoys dabbling in acting now and then. This has been a fun role for her. She currently teaches middle school theater arts and has been acting and directing for over thirty years now. She would like to thank her family for their continued support.

Holly Longmore pick a little lady music man parker coloradoHolly Longmore has been doing productions with Ms. Moore for 16 years, the first being as an orphan in Oliver at age 4 and the last being her portrayal of Madame’ Thenardier in Les Miserables at Ponderosa High School. She’s gone on to major in musical theater at Mesa State College with Main State leading roles such as Ulla in The Producers and Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show.

She is currently a singer/songwriter in NYC and is about to launch her first LP. You can follow the adventures of Hurricane Holly here.

Elizabeth StanleyElizabeth Stanley is excited to be back in her 5th Parker UMC Musical Theatre production, working alongside her husband, Teig Stanley and her son Casimir. She holds a B.A. in Music Performance from the College of Music at CU-Boulder. After college, she won the role of Susannah with the Denver Opera Company’s production of Susannah. She then took time off to marry and have children. This fall begins a new adventure of teaching Spanish and French through music, at Little Blessings Preschool at Parker UMC. She gives thanks to God, her awesome husband, her beautiful children and her parents for all their love and support.

Bob Kresl, the tall bass in the barbershop octet and Mr. Grogan (Amaryllis’ dad), is a semi-retired engineer. He sings in the PUMC choir and the XY Zingers to praise the Lord and for fun and fellowship. He loves the music and dialogue of The Music Man and signed up to be in the barbershop octet. He says, “It’s really exciting to work with these talented people. Now, they’re having me do some choreography stuff – I hope I don’t fall down!”

Paula Sayler music man parker colorado
Paula Sayler – Marian the Librarian

Paula Sayler started performing in high school with the Show Choir and continued with her studies at the University at Buffalo. There she was involved in several productions; The Magic Flute, Albert Herring and Dido and Aeneas, among others. Paula enjoys singing with the PUMC choir and is excited to be working with the talented cast and crew of The Music Man

Kristi Hoopes joins the cast as Gracie Shinn. Kristi has played the lead role, principal role and supporting role in several community theater productions. A few you might recognize her from are: A Midsummer Nights Dream, Pronto and the Lone Stranger, Spirit of a Christmas Carol, “Annie” the Broadway musical, The Wizard of Oz, The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Darcy Dahley is a technical writer by trade and is making his stage debut playing the part of Jaycee Squires, a member of the River City School Board. Having grown up on a farm outside of Mason City, Iowa, the location that Meredith Wilson chose for the setting of The Music Man, this musical is a personal favorite of his. Darcy is excited to be performing with his son, Kolbin, who plays Jaycee Squire’s son, an enthusiastic member of the River City Boy’s Band.

THE FOLKS OF RIVER CITY

Mr. Simon Noodles Jamie Tischart

Mrs. Noodles Karen Suppes

Melody Noodles Kenzie Firkus

Anna Hadley Schmidt

Samantha Emma Tischart

Arabella Kaylah Tischart

Tommy Colter Schmidt

Mr. Oliver Hix, Owner of River City 1st National Bank Harry Smith

Maddie Madeline Schroeder

Hannah Hannah Smith

Karlee Karlee Bumgarner

Foster Foster Garrett

Matt Mathew Goodrich

Mr. Douglas Nelson Doug Tollin

Mrs. Ruth Nelson Ruth Tollin

Luci Luci Tollin

Samantha Sammy Alcock

Sophie Peyton Fleming

Elisabeth Becky Holcomb

Rebecca Rebecca Schulte

Constable Parker Locke Todd Bakken

Mrs. Locke Susan Allen

Rusty Taylor Bakken

George Caleb Bakken

Parker Todd Bakken

Lissy Kathleen Gibbens

  • Sally Raechel Karas
  • Mr. Ewart Dunlop Michael Pinkerton
  • Mrs Maud Dunlop Jan Clinger
  • Zachary Jacob Pinkerton
  • John David Pinkerton
  • Avary Avary Brown
  • Missy Andi Kni
  • Sydney Sydney McQuarrie
  • Suzy Chelsea Clinger
  • Mr. Djilas Bob Parker
  • Chloe Djilas Melanie Cannioto
  • Tommy Djilas Charles Allen
  • Mr. Milo Toffelmier Milo Eckles
  • Mrs. Millie Toffelmier Gelene Springston
  • Margaret Emily Ferguson
  • Emily Maggie Koons
  • Mrs. Paroo Susan Pearson
  • Marian Paula Sayler
  • Mr. Jacey Squires, Owner of River City Livery Stables Darcy Dahley
  • Mrs. Squires Julia Jacober
  • Jacey Jr. Kolbin Dahley
  • Abigail Addie Vaughan
  • Annabelle Elisabeth Banisch
  • Jane Cassie Bennett
  • Lydia Heather Templeman
  • Ben James Smith
  • Gracie Kristi Hooopes
  • Zaneeta Gabrielle Mann
  • Mr. Adams Robert Pieron
  • Mrs. Adams Kelsey Hill
  • Jayne Kiri Jacobsen
  • Grace Britt Jacobsen
  • Emma Sasha Barnett
  • Ellie Crystal Clinger
  • Will Kendall Clinger
  • Mr. Olin Britt, Owner of the River City Gazette Ron Wyckoff
  • Mrs. Mollie Britt Leah Wyckoff
  • Band Leader Britt Casimir Stanley
  • Lulu Rachel Bell
  • Bobbie Sue Danielle Kudelka
  • Mr. Grogan Bob Kresl
  • Mrs. Britt Barbara Fedak
  • Amaryllis Katie Clinger
  • Charlie Steve Coleman
  • Marcellus Washburn Teig Stanley

Parker Town Council votes no to medical marijuana

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Medical marijuana neon sign at a dispensary on...Image via Wikipedia

The Town of Parker Colorado joins the growing list of towns in Douglas County to discourage the medical marijuana business for their area.

The ordinance prohibits all of the aspects of medical marijuana below within the Town limits.

  • Retail sales of medical marijuana
  • distribution of marijuana
  • cultivation of marijuana
  • dispensing of medical marijuana

This ordinance is consistent with the Colorado Medical Marijuana Code, which gives the Town Council this authority.

We strongly believe that allowing the retail sale of medical marijuana would not be in the best interest of Parker residents,” said the mayor “However, we are not denying anyone necessary medical care.

Penalties for violating this ordinance could result in fines and/or imprisonment. For more information please see Parker Municipal Code Ordinance No. 3.01.94.

State of Colorado official medical marijuana information

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Parker Public Art by Don Budy and Christopher Romero

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Statue of stagecoach at the Wheel park, parker colorado south of the parker library.

The Town of Parker Colorado is home to many pieces of interesting and thought-provoking public art.

The first piece to be added to the community in May will be a new public art piece called “Patient Warrior” by sculptor Christopher Romero, and the second a bronze statue of Dr. Walter Heath, Parker’s first physician by local Parker artist Don Budy.

Public art plays an important role in the Town of Parker. It is used to develop community pride, promote public interest in art and draw visitors to the retail or civic areas where the pieces are displayed.

Christopher Romero a resident of Thornton Colorado has several public pieces of art throughout Metro Denver but this is his first piece in Parker which was a 2008 entry in the Douglas County Art Encounters Program.

Christopher Romer’s works in Douglas County include:
“The Patient Warrior” Location: Town Center, 9325 Dorchester St. Highlands Ranch, Colorado
“The Messenger” Location: The Vistas at Park Meadows Mall, 8401 Park Meadows Center Drive, Lone Tree Colorado.
“Breath” Festival Park 2nd & Perry Streets, Castle Rock Colorado.

Mr Romero also has two donated pieces on display.
” The First Peace Officer” Arhchangel Michael at the Red Rocks Community College February 2005
“The Patient Warrior” (Eagle bust only) at the Good Samaritan Foundation August 2007

A bronze statue of Dr. Walter Heath, Parker’s first physician, will be revealed at the second public art unveiling on May 25 at 2 p.m. on the northeast corner of Mainstreet and Pikes Peak Place.

This piece was created by local artist, Don Budy, a local Parker resident and artist. Mr. Budy  is also known for the beautiful stained glass and wood cross that he donated to the Parker United Methodist Church when it moved from it’s original building next to Ruth Memorial Chapel to it’s current location on South Parker Road.

Ruth Memorial CHapel Parker COlorado Mainstreet

Dr. Walter Heath was instrumental in the building and placement of one of the town’s favorite landmarks “Ruth Memorial Chapel”. In 1912 Dr. Heath was one of the trustee’s for the “church” in Parker and along with George Parker, Heath donated land for the building site that became the home of Parker’s first church.  The church was named for Dr. Walter Heath’s daughter Ruth who died at an early age. Work began on the church in February 1912 and Dr. Heath passed away suddenly the next month and sadly never got to see this landmark stand. Ruth Chapel is on the national register of historic places. This memorial statue wil be a wonderful tribute to his life and contributions to the community and was made possible by Parker Adventist Hospital, Dr. Heath’s grandchildren, Edward V. Heath and Clair Heath Fink, and Parker business owners David A. Van Landschoot and Stevan Strain.

Don Budy is a local Parker resident and artist and also is known for the beautiful stained glass and wood cross that he donated to the Parker United Methodist Church was moved from it’s original home at the Mainstreet Center to the new structure on South Parker Road.

This project was made possible by Parker Adventist Hospital, Dr. Heath’s grandchildren, Edward V. Heath and Clair Heath Fink, and Parker business owners David A. Van Landschoot and Stevan Strain.

dr heath statue don buddy artist parker station parker colorado

For additional information about Public Art in Parker, please visit www.ParkerRec.com or contact Kelly Kuper at 303.434.1560.

Douglas County Art Encounters made possible by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.

More public art can be found in the photo tour of Parker here.

Photo Credit Copyright Christine Morin 2007

Takoda Tavern – A Sports Bar in Parker CO

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I have been waiting for this sports bar to open for about 18 months and in fact, signed the petition that went around so that they could get their liquor license and I wasn’t disappointed.

It is located on the Corner of Hess and Parker Road up on the hill with a KILLER view of our gorgeous Rocky Mountains and   I bet the night lights are just as fabulous as sunset was. 12311 Pine Bluffs Way. It has your typical sports bar menu with a few surprises like Sweet potato fries as an option for only $1.00 more with any sandwich.  Happy hour runs to 6:30 p.m. and is changing on a daily basis right now, so stay tuned!  That night it was $1 off well drinks and tap beer for $2.50.  Tap choices include Coors, Shock Top, Guiness and Stella.

We sampled the chicken burrito which was HUGE, came smothered with yummy green chili.. not too spicy, but very flavorful and sides of salsa, chips and sour cream for $7.95, and the Hot Shot Burger (it was HOT… ) Jalapenos on top, Pepper Jack cheese and that same good green chili that the burrito was smothered in with onion rings for $1 buck more.

There are about 6 nice big screen TVs and lots of Bronco Fan paraphernalia.  The owner BOB.. (he wanted to make sure I spelled his name right) is a Parker local for about 20 years and came to introduce himself right after we sat down and got our drinks.

There is also a stage where he is having live music this Friday and Saturday night.

Takoda is an Indian word which means “A Friend to All” And you will feel that atmosphere the minute you walk in the door.

BEST of the BEST Restaurants in Parker Rewind

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Which restaurants are your favorites in Parker Colorado?

OK.. so lots of the readers of this site totally disagreed with the best of the best from the Parker Chronicle that I posted a few weeks ago.. so lets see what you all have to say.. Copy and paste the list of categories into your comment and we’ll tally and see what we get! If you want to say WHY and WHAT you love about your favorite.. feel free!

  • Best Bakery in Parker: (they said Panera) I say:
  • Best Barbecue Restaurant in Parker: (Hickory House Ribs) I say
  • Best Breakfast Spot in Parker: The Egg and I. I  say
  • Best Café/Coffee House in Parker: Starbucks. I say
  • Best Chinese Restaurant in Parker: Mark Pi’s Wok and Grill. I say
  • Best Ice Cream Parlor in Parker: Coldstone Creamery. I say
  • Best Italian Restaurant in Parker: Johnny Carino’s. I say
  • Best Lunch Spot in Parker: Otto’s American Grill.  I say
  • Best Margarita in Parker: Salt Grass Steak House. I say
  • Best Mexican Restaurant in Parker: Las Delicias. I say
  • Best Pizzeria in Parker: Pudge Bros. I say
  • Best Sandwich Shop in Parker: Subway. I say
  • Best Seafood Restaurant in Parker: Joe’s Crab Shack. I say
  • Best Steak House in Parker: Texas Roadhouse.I say
  • Best Asian Food: Indochine
  • Best Delivery Restaurant:

Best of the Best Restaurants of Parker 2009

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best of the best of Parker Colorado Restaurants

Once again our favorite local newspaper The Parker Chronicle has awarded local businesses with the coveted
“BEST of the BEST” in Parker

  • Best Bakery in Parker: Panera Bread. This is one of my very favorites spots to work with their free wifi and this summer I’ve been addicted to the strawberry Salad.. YUM.
  • Best Barbecue Restaurant in Parker: Hickory House Ribs. Hickory House is located in the Old Parker Steak  House location but with a BUNCh of improvements.  They have great specials and coupons too.
  • Best Breakfast Spot in Parker: The Egg and I. Another Parker favorite, I especially enjoy their sunny patio on Mainstreet just west of the Library. The Egg and I.
  • Best Café/Coffee House in Parker: Starbucks. Not surprising, although I’d have to put a plugin for the non-chains as well, the Starbucks stores in Parker are outstanding. There are now 3 free-standing locations Parker & Lincoln, 20 Mile Shopping Center & Lincoln & Jordan along with the Safeway and Target locations. You can get free wifi for 2 hours a day with a registered card. Follow them @starbucks on twitter 2 ask questions and enter their contests.
  • Best Chinese Restaurant in Parker:  Mark Pi’s Wok and Grill. My daughters really enjoy their sushi Mark Pi’s
  • Best Ice Cream Parlor in Parker: Coldstone Creamery. Always fun to create your own custom flavors.
  • Best Italian Restaurant in Parker: Johnny Carino’s. They have a great lunch and dinner specials and a super waitstaff Johnny Carino’s.
  • Best Lunch Spot in Parker: Otto’s American Grill.  Otto’s has enjoyed great success with its fast service and low prices Otto’s American Grill Menu info
  • Best Margarita in Parker:  Salt Grass Steak House. Sadly I’ve not tried a margarita at Salt Grass, I guess I will put that on my list of  To Do’s in Parker!
  • Best Mexican Restaurant in Parker:  Las Delicias. Las Delicias has been a two staple for over 20 years and continues to be a favorite.
  • Best Pizzeria in Parker:  Pudge Bros. I have never been to Pudge Bros for a pizza either, another one for the list
  • Best Sandwich Shop in Parker: Subway. 
  • Best Seafood Restaurant in Parker: Joe’s Crab Shack. Joe’s Crab Shack is just a lot of fun and did you know they also have Karaoke there? Check it out  Joe’s Crab Shack
  • Best Steak House in Parker: Texas Roadhouse. Texas Roadhouse is located in the Walmart parking lot and has great specials for families.

What are some of your favorites that aren’t listed here? Agree or Disagree?