Local Dance Fundraiser for Women of Darfur

Show your solidarity and give support through a dance celebration and learning event called the "Sensual Heart Event," hosted by Castle Rock Nia Fitness Studio.

Please join us for an informative gathering and community dance experience in aid of our sisters who are victims of the violence in Darfur.

Saturday, October 17th, 2009 7 pm - 9 pm Fund and awareness raising $22*
Sunday, October 18th 11 am - 2 pm VividExistence 5 Stages DanceShop $65*,
or $80* for both days

*Donation: Ticket profits from this event will be donated to the Women’s Peace Center in Darfur to support women survivors of genocide to receive care and be given the start up costs to weave baskets for a self-sustaining income. We are also proud to be partnering with the Women's Peace Collection, the fair trade organization that is organizing this basket weaving cooperative venture.

For more information, please visit: http://www.niafitnessclasses.com/fundraiser_Women_in_Darfur.html

New Kid’s Karate Classes: Month to Month Tuition

This NEW Karate program specifically designed and intended for children and teens grades 4 and up teaches a traditional form of Okinawan Karate called Shuri-Ryu, which emphasizes personal development over competitiveness.

Classes are currently held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5pm and are taught by third degree black belt, " Sensei" Terry Martin of Castle Rock KARATE. Mrs. Martin has been practicing martial arts for more than 16 years and has been teaching Okinawan Karate to children and teens in Castle Rock since 1999.

She is also a professional educator holding a Master's Degree in Education, which makes her uniquely qualified to incorporate her professional teaching experience into her karate curriculum. Furthermore, she has significant experience and success teaching martial arts to children and teens with learning differences and difficulties.

Parents will be thrilled to hear that there is finally a martial arts program for children in Castle Rock that has family-friendly pricing and doesn't force parents to sign those unfair, coercive contracts committing their children to one, two, or, in some cases, three years of training.
Call today if you think your child(ren) might be interested in training with Sensei Martin. Call 720-270-7823 or email us at CRaikido@comcast.net

Castle Rock Karate is sharing space with Castle Rock AIKIDO. Of course, the AIKIDO and IAIDO programs remain strictly adult-only. The children and teens karate program will be training on opposite evenings at our Castle Rock facility and will not in any way detract from our adult-exclusive, mature dojo atmosphere.

Nia Fitness: Too Fun to Call Fitness

I just discovered Nia. It is a fitness class combining yoga, jazz dance, and martial arts. It was the most fun I've ever had in a class. It wasn't too aerobic and I moved my body in such a way to thoroughly stretch my joints in my shoulders and hips which is where I am usually stiff.

This was the first time I finished an aerobics class and said "That was so much fun!" I usually say, "Well, that was good for me." But with Nia, it really was a blast. I was very intimidated to go to a "dance" fitness class because I am not coordinated, but I did OK and the instructor stressed that it is important to follow your own body, not try to conform with what others are doing. Nia might be a way for you to lose that last bit of weight. You can watch a video about Nia at NiaNow.

I am going to put together a Nia workshop in Castle Rock so that Castle Rock residents can try the class and we'll see if that is the kind of fitness program that will do well in Castle Rock.

Email me at famisswomen@gmail.com to let me know you are interested and I will send you an email when the Nia workshop is set up. I hope the workshop will be in February.

A Nia class lasts an hour and there are plenty of breaks to have a drink of water in between. My cardio fitness is low so I was nervous about trying an "aerobic class," but the instructor assured me that the class is appropriate for beginners and advanced Nia students because you work out at your own pace. She was right. The classes I've attended had some women in their 30s, many in their 40s and 50s, and a couple in their 60s.

Click here to watch the Nia video to see if it is something you might like and I'll do my best to offer Nia classes in Castle Rock. Email me at famisswomen@gmail.com and I'll put you on the email notification list when the Nia workshop or class is available.

The workshop will be held at Castle Rock AIKIDO which is located a few minutes west of I-25 off the Wolfensberger exit.

Hope to share Nia with you,
Allison Frederick

Classic Car Rental for Special Occassions

Review: A

What do you buy for someone who has everything? How can you make an occasion like a 60th birthday, an anniversary, or the wedding day unique?

One way to stand out and have a good time is to rent an antique car. You don't have to go to Denver to find such a service, Rich's Auto Body in Castle Rock offers several classic cars for special occasions.

We used Rich's service a few years ago when we wanted to offer a unique drive and experience for a birthday dinner at Gabriel's in Sedalia. Talk about arriving in style. We rented the 1930 Model A Town Sedan (featured above). It was a lot of fun and made traveling down rural Highway 67 a memorable experience.

To make sure the riders have the best experience, Rich will ask questions about the event such as "Will there be any highway driving?" (if so, they recommend certain cars) or "Will it matter if your hair blows in the wind?" (if so, they recommend a sedan). Whether you want to look classic or racy, they have a car that can meet your fun needs.

Some of the cars they had available according to their website include: a 1914 Model T, a 1953 Chevy, or a racy 1964 Valiant.

Visit their classic antique car rental website for more information. RichsBody.com

Life in South West Douglas County, Colorado offers news, things to do, restaurant reviews, business directories, gossip, hiking information, and real estate information. If you are looking for something to do or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to move to, I hope you will love this FREE resource guide.

Concerts in a Colorado Castle

(View from Cherokee Castle in Colorado. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the castle itself. I'll have to take one later. This view; however is still quite grand.)

In the 1950's a woman of refined European taste fell in love with the vistas and dusty buttes of south west Douglas County.

The open space and rugged individualism of Colorado ranchers must have nipped at her because Tweet Kimball soon called the Cherokee Ranch and Castle her home. While not every rancher can boast a full armoured knight, a Titian painting, or royal guests, this distinguished art collector became an award winning cattle rancher respected by many.

If a stoic ranch hand revealed his emotions, he'd probably smile at the woman donning a full length fur coat, giving the day's instructions on how to look after her Santa Gertrudis cattle.

Today Tweet is gone but her art, castle, cattle, and legacy survive.

This holiday season the Castle is hosting several classical concerts. The performance also includes wine tasting, a castle tour, and a dinner buffet. The Cherokee Castle, providing a magical "other world," complements an evening of fine music. While the tickets aren't inexpensive, they are fairly priced based on what is offered along with an experience unlike any to be had elsewhere in Colorado.

The Castle sits on a 3,100 acre wildlife preserve that Tweet entrusted when she passed away. It is located off an easy to miss road between Castle Pines and Sedalia. Be sure to get instructions from someone at the Castle.

By the way, if you are curious where the name "Tweet" came from then you will have to take a castle tour or rent the video about Tweet Kimball's life from a Douglas County Library.

Looking for more?

Tours of Cherokee Castle

Tickets for Concerts at Cherokee Castle

Documentary about Tweet Kimball's life, complete with an interview with the famous Douglas County resident herself. Called "A Jewel in the Rockies: The Story of Cherokee Ranch." Available at the Douglas County Libraries.

article: Englewood Author's Novel Inspired by Colorado Castle Owner

Life in South West Douglas County, Colorado offers news, things to do, restaurant reviews, business directories, gossip, hiking information, and real estate information.

If you are looking for something to do or trying to find the perfect neighborhood to move to, I hope you will love this FREE resource guide.

Annual Warren Miller Film at Douglas County High School

Each year Warren Miller Films energizes us all to look forward to playing in the snow. Their films feature the crazy antics of expert skiers and snowboarders who take leaps that most of us find insane but still fun to watch.

The stunts are set to modern rock music and funny commentary. Famous Olymian skiers and snowboards are often featured in these films. Johnny Mosely is one of the featured skiers and the narrator of this year's film "Children of Winter."

Because Colorado had such epic levels of snow in the mountains last year, several of it's ski resorts are featured in this year's film, including Steamboat Springs (where this photo was taken), Crested Butte, Silverton, and Leadville.

Warren Miller Films is giving away FREE lift ticket vouchers for Copper, Steamboat Springs, or Winter Park. Limit one voucher per ticket.

Show Dates:

November 14th, 15th, 2008

Showtimes at 6 and 9 PM

Douglas County High School, Castle Rock
(directions to Douglas County High School)

Buy tickets at: at the door or at: Christy's Sports, Sports Clips in Castle Rock, or Castle Cafe

Link to watch "Children of Winter" Warren Miller film clip on youtube.

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

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National Ballet Performance in Castle Rock

(Picture of The Grange in The Meadows in Castle Rock)

Kicking off (pun much intended) the holiday season with excerpts from the Nutcracker, is the National Ballet of Denver.

The Grange, a cultural arts and activities center located in the housing community, The Meadows, is an architectural award winning building. It's modern mission-style vaulted ceilings and painted concrete floors create a warm, yet modern feel.

Each year The Grange brings a variety of activities, everything from star gazing classes, kids storytime readings, dance classes, wine festivals, and art shows.

On November 23, 2008, The Grange will host the National Ballet of Denver. The ballet company will perform scenes from a holiday favorite, The Nutcracker.

Show Details

This is a FREE event but seating is limited.

The show is a short one so you can bring the kids and not worry about them getting too antsy.

It is only one hour, from 2 PM - 3 PM. Sunday, November 23rd, 2008.

Reserve your spot by calling 303-814-2358 or there may be a registration spot on the website but I couldn't find it. Their website is: http://meadowscastlerock.com/contactus.htm

The National Ballet Company has been operating in Denver since 2005 (previously under the name National Ballet Academy of Denver).

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado
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Best Deli in Douglas County: The Red Umbrella

The Red Umbrella Deli and Catering company is one of Douglas County's best kept secrets. It is hands down the best lunch spot in the county. It is located in Castle Pines North, just off Castle Pines Parkway, in the Safeway shopping center.

Even during a time when high food costs are leading most restaurants to increase their prices and buy lower quality ingredients, The Red Umbrella is committed to using high quality, healthy ingredients in all their food. Their all-natural meats are provided by Thurman's Meats.

For lunch you can chose from a Reuben sandwich, a mushroom burger, along with many other sandwiches, casseroles, and delicious soups. The sandwiches all have interesting breads - far beyond the usual kaiser roll. Some of these breads are provided by Denver's famous bakery, Bluepoint Bakery.

The dining atmosphere is definitely a deli atmosphere with patio type chairs. The walls remind me of a Van Gogh sunflower yellow in an Arles, French cafe. The bright red table clothes add to the cheery feel. Independently owned restuarants and shops often have surprising merchandise and The Red Umbrella is no different. They sell a nice assortment of Polish pottery. If you know a collector of this pottery, then this is the only location I've seen Polish pottery in Douglas County.

The Red Umbrella may best be known for their catering fare. Kalmata Broccoli Salad with Feta Cheese, Roasted Asparagus Lasagna, Sweet Corn Risotto, Creamy Polenta with Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Herb Crusted Loin of Pork, and Beef Tenderloin with Fresh Leeks are sure to please your guests. Again, their ingredients and the recipes give off a delicious home-made taste void of artificial flavors that usually scream "take out."

Unfortunately, The Red Umbrella does not have a website right now so it is hard to see for yourself ahead of time, but it is absolutely worth the drive. The Red Umbrella is at the end of the strip mall, just three doors down from Subway.

Eat a Homemade Thanksgiving Dinner without Having to Cook

Ask them to make your Thanksgiving Dinner. They have a turkey menu complete from soup through desert. The cost is $25 per adult and $12 per child. This is an excellent way to enjoy Thanksgiving without dirtying your own kitchen with numerous pots and pans.

The menu includes but is not limited to:

curried pumpkin soup or butternut squash soup;

cranberry pineapple gelatin;

roast turkey;

mash potatoes;

sweet potatoes;

white wine spinach;

pecan pie with Kahlua chocolate chips;

pumpkin pie;

and pumpkin pecan pie.

Call 303-663-5696 for more details.

They may be able to fax a menu to you. Their fax is: 303-663-5461.

Their hours are: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 7 pm
Saturday 8 am - 4 pm, closed on Sundays

Coupon Offer for The Red Umbrella Deli & Catering: 2 for 1, up to $7.00 value.

Directions to The Red Umbrella using Google Maps.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

http://lifeindouglascounty.blogspot.com/

Free, Easy Way to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft: One Day Event

Do you have a lot of documents to shred? Are you dreading this shredding?

Shred-A-Thon event in Douglas County
Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Warning: Don't sleep in on Saturday, this event closes at Noon.

They are open from 7 AM to 12 PM

Do you have a large box of personal documents that need to be shred? Are you putting off hours in front of your shredder, afraid of jamming it up over and over?

Bring up to 3 boxes of private papers to the Shred-a-Thon at the Douglas County Justice Center parking lot of November 15th and they will take care of that dreaded job for you.

This event benefits the local Crime Stoppers program and is the county government's attempt to help Douglas County citizens protect themselves from identity theft. Donations are accepted for this service.

Many of you may have heard that Colorado is a leading state in identity theft crimes. In addition to keeping your car registration and proof of insurance with you in your wallet instead of in your car where thieves can easily break in an steal it; another way to help protect yourself against identity theft is to shred your personal documents. Check stubs, prescription labels, credit card offers, and old bills are loaded with personal information that thieves use to create a new identity for themselves - based on your identity.

It is easy to take advantage of this shred-a-thon. For more information, please visit: http://www.douglas.co.us/Shred-a-thon/

To get directions to the Douglas County Justice Center, click here.

SPECIAL REPORT: Douglas County Sheriff's Department put together a FREE 52 page online book about identity theft. This book covers how to protect yourself and what steps you should take if you think you are a victim of identity theft. Click here to access your free identity theft book. This booklet, entitled "Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft" is a great resource.

The Shred-a-Thon is your chance to not only clean out your garage, basement, or study, but to also "Green" up your life by recycling these documents in a safe way.

They are also accepting small electronics such as computers, fax machines, and cell phones. Click here for a complete list of acceptable electronics.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest:
Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

Is South West Douglas County, Colorado Right for You? Take this 10 Question Quiz.

Picking the right place to live is a great challenge. How will the move impact your commute to work? Your children's education? Your access to fun activities? The conveniences of shopping?

Question 1:
Are you looking for quick access to the foothills?

Question 2:
Do you work in the southern Denver Tech Center area or Northern Colorado Springs or telecommute?

Question 3:
Do you want your kids to have easy access to sports activities?

Question 4:
Do you wish your kids could play safely in the neighborhood like you did when you were a kid?

Question 5:
Do you want quick, easy access to major shopping chains for your weekend shopping needs?

Question 6:
Are you looking for an area with a lot of affordable restaurants?

Question 7:
Do you dislike traffic jams?

Question 8:
Do you feel better when you can see the mountains and have quick access to numerous hikes and parks?

Question 9:
Do you enjoy having conversations with cashiers, waitresses, and other service people who are helping you?

Question 10:
Do you want to open a business in a community that is growing but is still small enough to become established?

If you answered "yes" to 6 or more of these questions then I think you will find South West Douglas County an excellent place to live.

Denver Metro Living at its Finest:
Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

Vote, Vote, Vote in Douglas County

Tuesday is the big day. The final release from negative ad campaigning and the chance to participate in the historic election.

Are you looking for voting locations in South West Douglas County, Colorado? If so, click here.

Did you lose your 2008 State Ballot handbook?

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest:
Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado

2nd Annual Castle Rock Writer's Conference: A Smashing Success

Dozens of volunteers with a mission of increasing learning opportunities and exposure to book agents for Douglas County, Denver metro, and Colorado Springs writers, have once again created a memorable event.

The Castle Rock Writer's Conference is held all day on a Saturday. This time it was on September 20, 2008.

The conference was open to all writers or wanna-be writers. They offered a wide variety of seminars, including: Fiction Techniques in Creative Nonfiction, Writing the West, Cracking the Hollywood System, Getting Syndicated, and Mining Your Memories for Children's Picture Books.

The lunch break offered a chance for participants to network with writers in similar genres and they also hosted two keynote speakers.

Margaret Coel, a successful mystery writer shared entertaining stories about the development of her popular "Father John and Vick Holden (Wind River Series)" mystery series.

Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, Jim Sheeler, shared his heart-wrenching stories of the families left behind by soldiers killed in the Iraqi war. He captured their experiences in a powerfully moving way in his book entitled "The Final Salute."

Lastly, writers with a finished manuscript could pitch their books to two book agents. Several of these writers were encouraged to send more information to the agents, perhaps furthering their career.

Because of the success, I expect that there will be a third Castle Rock Writer's Conference. I will be sure to give readers plenty of notice so they can register for this fun event.

The Summer Concert Series: Music in the Meadows

Silhouettes in Summer

Every dogs' tail wagged to the groovy, summery beat of Dotsero, a contemporary jazz band, as they played their annual concert at Butterfield Park in The Meadows of Castle Rock. The sun hovered over the layers of the expansive Rocky Mountain Range silhouettes while the cool yet still enjoyable wind toyed with each toddlers' thin hair. A more idyllic scene couldn't credibly appear in a Hollywood movie and yet it was the reality for the Castle Rock residents who took advantage of Wednesday's wonderful free concert in the park.

It seems that in Castle Rock there is still a rhythm where four year olds barrel towards soccer balls only to stop suddenly, barely nudging the ball. A place where gangly nine year old girls travel in threes, conspiring in the secretive way that only nine year old girls do. A place where parents enjoy a bit of rest and conversation on the soft, emerald grass as their kids dance, run, skate, bike, and skip with complete abandonment to a modern jazz beat. The Summer Concert series in the Meadows is certainly a lovely place to be. Thanks to the sponsors who made it possible.

Resources:
The Meadows is a great community located on the West side of 1-25, just west of the Outlet Mall. The Meadows is comprised of newer and brand new home subdivisions with bike paths and open space separating the houses. Oakland Homes and Lennar Homes in Red Hawk are still active in new construction. The Meadows creates a community feel with a modern version of the old fashion granges that used to populate rural communities. The Grange offers fun classes for kids and adults, music performances and art shows, craft fairs, and in the summer, 2 great swimming pools. Many young families chose The Meadows as the place to call home.

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Denver Metro Living at its Finest: Life in South West Douglas County
Lifestyle, Events, News and Gossip, and Real Estate for Castle Rock, Sedalia, Louviers, Larkspur, and Castle Pines and Castle Pines North in Colorado