January 2016 Search Castle Rock Magazine

S E A R C H

CASTLEROCK

CASTLE ROCK’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2004

Happy New Year 2016

POSTAL PATRON ECRWSS

Permit 5377 Denver, CO

PAID

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

l Experience Castle Rock l Castle Rock Events Calendar l Downtown Castle Rock l The Healthy Living Expo l Plus Much More!

19751 E. Mainstreet Suite R-18 Parker, CO 80138 303-805-9455

IN THIS ISSUE

CastleRockMagazine.com

JANUARY 2016

JANUARY 2016 1 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2016 WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 2

S E A R C H

CASTLEROCK JANUARY 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

JANUARY 2016

OURFEATURES

4 5 7-8 9 11-12 15-16 17-18 19 20

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From The Publisher

ONTHECOVER

Our Obligation

Experience Castle Rock History| Local| To-do

Castle Rock Events Calendar

Find out what’s going on around Town

Dr. Dan for Today

Being Defined by your Habits

Downtown Castle Rock

Local Spirit in the Heart of Castle Rock

Recreation in Castle Rock

World Class Recreation in our Back Yard

The Healthy Living Expo

Don’t Miss This FREE Community Event

The Bookends

The Girls of Atomic City By Denise Kiernan

Local Author Spotlight

- Vampire Vic By Harris Gray - Java Man By Harris Gray

Snowy Day In Castle Rock A blanket of snow covers our beloved Castle Rock in this picturesque image provided by Versatility Creative Group. versatilitycreativegroup.com

FROMTHEpublisher Our Obligation

VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

PUBLISHER MIKE WAID

mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 700

SALES DIRECTOR JAMY BEATON

jamy@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 705

EDITORIAL TIFFANY GRIZZLE

tiffany@waidpublishing.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN CHRIS WAID

chris@waidpublishing.com Search Castle Rock Magazine is published 12 times per year by Waid Publishing (www.

WaidPublishing.com), a division of Mike Waid & Associates, Inc. (www.MikeWaid. com), 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite R-18, Parker, CO 80138, 303-805-9455. Search Castle Rock Magazine is available online at www. castlerockmagazine.com. Search Castle Rock Magazine & Castle Rock Magazine are trademarks of Waid Publishing. All rights reserved. The views, opinions and/ or statements made or expressed by individuals and/or entities, are not necessarily reflective of the views and opinions of Waid Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced without explicit permission from Waid Publishing. Copyright 2016 Search Castle Rock Magazine - All rights Reserved.

I’ve often pondered why this annual ritual has become so ingrained in our lives. Think about it... how many times have you said “OK, I will start my new diet on January 1 or I’ll start working out on Monday, etc.” As humans, it seems we crave organization...a starting point...a benchmark to focus on.

However, implementing this can sometimes be more of a challenge.

I have to admit that even though I routinely speak of “doing one thing every day to leave our community a better place” many days life seems to overwhelm me and I don’t have a chance to do this.

I’ve had the honor and privilege of talking to many groups about inspiration, dedication and our obligation to leave our community better than we found it. I truly believe this is something all of us are obligated to do. Put simply, each of us should do one thing every day to make our community a better place.

Often we lose sight of the little things we can do because the big things seem so overwhelming. We hear about all that is wrong in our society and can feel paralyzed or helpless in making a change. Don’t forget the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant...one bite at a time.” If you focus on the entire elephant you will never start and will starve...but if you just focus on the single bite, you will accomplish the larger task while focusing on the small ones. You also never know what that small gesture can have a big impact on someone’s life.

I can vividly remember when I was first exposed to our citizen obligation.

I was a young cub scout going on my first organized camp out. It was a very large scout camp in New Mexico and had, what seemed like, millions and millions of scouts enjoying the great outdoors. With that many scouts and scout leaders it became obvious very quickly what kind of impact we were all having on the campgrounds. It was at the end of our trip that my den leader said something that has stuck with me my entire life. “Boys, make sure you leave our campground in better shape than we found it...so the next boys who camp here will have an even better time than you did” is what he said to us. Powerful words and sage advice.

Stop by our Facebook page and post what you do weekly and share the experience with our readers.

These small things will have a major impact in our world and will make our community a better place!

Happy New Year!

So this is my challenge for each of you. Start with one thing you can do EACH WEEK to make our community a better place. Instead of fighting with 365 tasks, knock that down by 1/7th and do one thing weekly.

Shovel your neighbor’s driveway when it snows, carry out someone’s groceries from the grocery store, invite a new friend out for coffee (at a locally owned shop of course), stop by the hospital and read a book to a sick child, anything to make our world a little bit better.

This concept isn’t new, in fact when I speak to groups most everyone agrees with the concept.

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JANUARY 2016

The new year is upon us. For most people, “New Years” is a time of reflection and planning. This is when we all choose what we are going to do (or not do) in the upcoming months to make us better people.

EXPERIENCECASTLEROCK CASTLEROCKhistory WHAT’S IN A NAME

Residents of Castle Rock are lucky to marvel at the beautiful, unique topography that makes this town stand on its own. Visitors and those just passing by who travel up and down the interstate can’t help but take a second glance at the stone fortress that sets Castle Rock apart from the surrounding areas. It’s easy to see how this town got its name, with the castle shaped butte that towers over the town center. What visitors and residents alike may not be aware of is Castle Rock could have had a much different name.

In the 1840’s, John C. Fremont, an American military officer, explorer and politician, embarked on four expeditions into the American West.

During one of these expeditions, his group came upon this great stone stronghold. Whether they were looking at it from a certain angle or they were just tired and hungry, no one knows for sure, but members of this expedition dubbed this masterpiece by Mother

seems much more appropriately regal than Pound Cake Rock. I am sure families who have chosen to live and work here over the last 100+ years appreciate the efforts of the early explorers, but commend those in Kellogg’s group who ultimately gave this great city its name.

For more information about Castle Rock History, visit castlerockhistoricalsociety.org

CASTLEROCKlocal

CASTLEROCKto-do

Device Dr. was founded with one goal in mind: To provide affordable repairs on any and all smartphones and devices. They noticed that people tended to replace their damaged devices with newer, costlier versions and were then unable to find a use for their old and damaged devices. At Device Dr., they would like to breathe new life into those old, damaged devices and save people money at the same time.

Because Device Dr. is family-owned, they strive to make their customers’ experience a comfortable and enjoyable one. They understand that breaking a phone or tablet can be incredibly stressful, and they serve all of their customers with this understanding and provide fast and efficient service that ensures no customer is left without their device. This is why they strive to offer a quick and professional repair service.

Hit them up online at DeviceDr.com or stop by their location at 734 S. Perry St. Unit D, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

Thursday, January 14th 6:45pm Castle Rock Museum

DEVICE DR.

JANUARY 2016

Nature, “Pound Cake Rock.” It’s possible, if you forget the popular moniker and gaze at the rock while squinting a bit that one can see how maybe it could resemble a pound cake… sort of.

Most have heard the story of how, years later in 1858, prospector David Kellogg climbed to the top of the rock and christened it by the name we know it by today, Castle Rock. As useful as it would be for a conversation starter, living in or near “Pound Cake Rock” doesn’t hold the same mystique and majesty as Castle Rock.

While Kellogg and his group certainly weren’t the first to name the Rock, it’s probably a good thing that name they chose was the one that stuck. Castle Rock, founded in 1874 and chosen as the county seat of Douglas County for its central location,

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TRACING YOUR ANCESTRY

For genealogy and history buffs alike, this month’s presentation by the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum is definitely one to keep in mind. Join Paula Lasky from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) as she helps teach you how to trace your ancestors back to see if you could possibly be part of the newly formed chapter of the DAR right here in Castle Rock If digging a little deeper in your family tree branches intrigues you and you’d like to find out a little more about the plans for Castle Rock’s newly formed chapter of the DAR, please join Ms. Lasky on Thursday, January 14th. Refreshments will be served at 6:45, prior to the presentation beginning at 7:00pm. This is a free event for the public.

For more information, contact the Castle Rock Museum at 303.814.3164 or email museum@ castlerockhistoricalsociety.org or visit www. castlerockhistoricalsociety.org

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CASTLEROCKevents JANUARY 2016

January 1-31 Christmas Tree Recycling All Day Metzler Ranch, Paintbrush, Centennial and Founders Parks Once your ready to take down the tree, be kind to the environment and take it to be mulched.

This is the town’s 14th year for tree recycling and part of the Project Green environmental initiative.

Mulch from Christmas trees will be available at the parks listed above until March 31.

January 2 WINTERFEST 4-7pm Festival Park Come ring in 2016 with a variety of outdoor activities including ice carving, a Resolution Run and the Cold War Classic Cyclocross Race. In addition, there will be live entertainment, food, vendors a petting zoo and adult beverages will be available.

JANUARY 2016

January 2 Cold War Classic Cyclocross Race 3-8pm Festival Park RaceCO.org is partnering with the town of Castle Rock to host this newly created event, the “Cold War Classic” race to compliment downtown’s Winterfest celebration. The race will begin at Castle View High School and participants will face a myriad of obstacles as they weave their way down to Festival Park to the finish.

To register, visit register.chronotrack.com/r/17508

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January 2 Resolution Run 4pm Festival Park Kick off the new year with a 5K that starts and finishes in Festival Park. This is a closed course race that will be professional timed, but you don’t have to be a professional runner to enjoy it.

Come sprint, run or walk towards Winterfest to enjoy all the festivities that await you at the finish line. All participants will receive great race swag and those 21+ will earn a free pint for finishing.

To register, visit raceroster.com/ events/2016/7257/resolution-run-5k

January 7 Genealogy Course 6:30-8:30pm Have you ever wanted to learn more about your family tree but didn’t know where to begin? This course will point you in the right direction to get your family tree branches in order.

Registration is required at www.crcgs.org on the Events Registration page. See the Castle Rock Genealogy Society website for a full program description and topics. For more information, call Jane Smith at 303.791.7323 January 9 Downton Abbey Tea Party 1:00pm (doors open at 12:45) Cherokee Ranch Castle Afternoon tea takes an elegant turn at this Downton Abbey themed event. Come dressed in your early 1900s best and enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches exquisite pastries and sweet and, of course, a vast assortment of delicious teas. The event includes Downton Abbey trivia and prizes are there for the taking! Your favorite Downton characters will be on hand for the event as well.

No tours will be available during this event.

General Admission is $50 and tickets are available at www.tunestub.com/events/225743

January 12 Night Readers 6-8pm Philip S. Miller Library The second Tuesday of each month the library hosts this discussion group for adult book lovers.

This month, join the discussion about “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Come for a screening of the film and discussion of the book. No registration is required for this event which is located in the CR Bank Room East.

For more information contact Susan LaRue at slarue@dclibraries.org

are searching for the perfect fit for your soon to be Preschooler. This FREE event, hosted by Ridgeline Community Church MOPS, is a great way to get a lot of information about all the choices for Preschool in the Castle Rock area.

Representatives from local schools will be on hand with information and to answer questions about their schools. A great event for parents of little ones getting ready to head to school for the first time!

For more information please visit www.facebook.com/events/1009767532422051

January 12 Coffee with a Cop 10-11am Lost Coffee - 390 Perry Street Get to know your local police offers in this relaxed, informal setting. Monthly schedules for this event is available at crgov.com/1714/Coffee-with-a-Cop

January 17 Sunday Brunch at the Castle 10:00am Cherokee Ranch Castle Elevate your idea of Sunday Brunch with one of the most unique dining experiences at this breathtaking location. Come with friends and family to enjoy a menu filled with a mix of sweet and savory seasonal items against the backdrop of the extraordinary views of Cherokee Castle.

After your meal, take a guided tour of the castle a take a look at the art, antiques and book collections at the castle. Brunches tend to sell out quickly, so make your reservations in advance.

Go to www.tunestub.com/events/226508?&&cart

January 16 Castle Rock Preschool Fair 10am-12pm Ridgeline Community Church - 555 Heritage Avenue The options can be overwhelming when you

January 28 Geeks Who Read - Teen Trivia Night 7-8:30pm Philip S. Miller Library What could be better than pizza, root beer and trivia? Teams of teens will answer questions about movies, music, pop culture and books for the chance to win some cool prizes - and bragging rights.

Register via DouglasCountyLibraries.org or by phone 303.791.7323 If you have a community event you would like considered for our Castle Rock Event Calender, simply email the details to tiffany@ waidpublishing.com

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JANUARY 2016

January 12 Train Horn Quiet Zone Open House 6-8pm Town Hall Council Chambers Trains are a historic part of the Town of Castle Rock and as the nation’s grown, so has the need for trains to carry goods cross country. With this growing need comes more trains sounding their horns through Castle Rock and the Town Council has been hearing resident’s feedback and evaluating ways to quiet the horns, as outlined by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration. Come learn more about the current proposals being evaluated and give your feedback on the ideas. There is no formal presentation, so feel free to come by anytime between 6-8pm.

To sign up for updates on the topic, go to crgov.com/list.aspx

DR.DANFORtoday Being Defined by Your Habits

JANUARY 2016

Habits are interesting patterns aren’t they? They can be good for us or cause us problems. One of the most interesting aspects of habits is that they become automatic. We just don’t think about them anymore. In fact if it weren’t for other people reminding us we probably would just keep doing them. As Mark Twain said, “Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits.”

Habit is an excellent example of the learning process. What is a habit? It is a sequence of actions converted into an automatic routine. We do them all the time.

In fact some would say up to 40% of our behavior results from habits.

These are learned and become automatic reactions.

All of us come to school, a relationship or a job with an array of good and bad habits.

These are non-conscious and automatic. Hopefully we pay attention and learn new habits; however, the old ones are still present even after new ones are formed. Unfortunately, we can revert back to old patterns unless we stay intentional, conscious, and thoughtful in forcing new habits to rule.

Another result of habit is that it frees up the conscious parts of your brain to think about other things, even while you are performing a habit such as getting up on time, driving to school or work or working out. Habits are powerful because they become engrained in our neural circuitry. Neuro Scientists tell us that “the brain

is what the body does.” This is to a desirable reward. If your goal why habits are so hard to stop or is to get into better shape, take a change. Old behaviors or habits picture of yourself and post it on arise when newer ones are simply the bathroom mirror. Then break not engaged. down the larger By doing new goal into smaller habits over new habits like and over, we waking up early, become wired eating right and to do them. walking 10,000 Experts say it steps a day takes 90 days of The same daily practice process is true for to sustain any any better habit. new habit. It Attention and then becomes practice make automatic and us into better takes less effort. people who are For example, intentional in our let’s say you lives. Learning were a smoker new positive Lucas Remmerswaal but were able habits have to give it up. great pay offs You may notice that you still get in all aspects of life as we define that urge whenever you see or go ourselves by our new and better to a place that was associated habits. with you smoking. Your old habit Dr. Dan Trathen has over 40 is still deeply engrained in you and years of counseling/coaching it takes energy, like will power, experience in individual, distraction, or other rewards, to adolescent, premarital, marriage, disregard these urges. This same and family counseling. In addition process can be used with any to his clinical background, he habit. served in the U.S. Navy during While reading this article you Vietnam and is also a Retired Army may have recognized some Officer. He is a Clinical Member habits in your life you would like to of the American Association for change. Fortunately, habits can Marriage and Family Therapy. be changed but it takes effort.

Dr. Trathen maintains a full time The trick is forming new, more practice as well as an active desirable habits. Let’s take working national training, consulting/ out for instance. The old habit coaching, and teaching practice. triggers us to stay in bed and hit He can be reached online at www. the snooze button. New habits are drtrathen.com. conscious and need to connect

ASK DR. DAN 9 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

“Just do it!

First you make your habits, then your habits make you!”

Do you have a question you would like Dr. Dan to address in a future issue? If so, send him an email at DrDan@waidpublishing.com for consideration.

Celebrate with us.

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DOWN TOWN

CASTLE

ROCK JANUARY 2016

Local Spirit In The Heart of Castle Rock Photo courtesy of Versatility Creative Group - versatilitycreativegroup.com

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The Downtown Merchants Association (DMA) is a non-profit organization originally comprised of seven members. In the last 13 years, it has grown to an organization of a 7 member board made up of Downtown business owners and property owners and has a current membership of about 120 businesses.

The DMA is the collective voice of Downtown businesses and serves to organize events with the goal of bringing visitors to Downtown Castle Rock to experience the amazing dining and shopping themselves.

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was established in 2008 and is comprised of a volunteer board of directors with daily operations managed by a director. The DDA is charged with encouraging redevelopment by utilizing tax increment financing. Projects include beautification to community amenities, adaptive reuse of space to façade renovations and larger development projects. Developers that are interested in Downtown Castle Rock are encouraged to contact Kevin@castlerockedc. com to discuss how the DDA can help them with any challenges with development and redevelopment in Downtown.

You may not have been aware of the existence of the Merchants Association or the Development Authority, but you are most likely familiar with the wonderful fruits of their labor such as First Saturdays Movie Events through the summer, Classic Car Shows, Concert under the Lights, Slide the City Castle Rock, Oktoberfest, most recently the Season of the Star Series of Events and the Rink at the Rock. Events for the 2016 calendar are already up and there are more great things to come.

For more information on the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance, the DMA or DDA, go to downtowncastlerock. com The Castle Rock Downtown Alliance is located at 18 South Wilcox Street, Suite 202, Castle Rock, CO 80102 – 303.668.7488 WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 12

JANUARY 2016

Downtown Castle Rock is a fantastic place to shop, dine and conduct business and the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance is largely responsible for making it so. The Alliance is a partnership between the Downtown Merchants Association and the Downtown Development Authority. This partnership allows an expansion of the audience and involvement of these two organizations and unifies the Downtown organizations under one roof. Both organizations share one office and one director, Mr. Kevin Tilson, which furthers the collective vision of maintaining and invigorating a prosperous Downtown. The goal of the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance is to increase both commerce and activity in Downtown Castle Rock with the DMA focused on visitor traffic for the fantastic community events and the DDA working on development in partnership with the Town.

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Recreation in Castle Rock One of the best things about living in Castle Rock is being able to enjoy all this beautiful city has to offer, not only the wonderful community events but also the wondrous parks, trails and open space that add such beauty and character to Castle Rock’s small-town charm. Castle Rock is home to about 5,800 acres of open space (about half of which is owned by the Town) and almost 75 miles of trails. Many trails, like the East Plum Creek Trail, offer paved bike paths and allow dogs as long as they are leashed. The Town also offers 20 developed parks such as Baldwin Park, which offers playgrounds for little ones (ages 2-5) and bigger kids (ages 5-12) as well as a paved bike path. Many other parks boast amenities such as basketball courts, fields for baseball or softball, Disc Golf Courses, and much more. Many parks are ADA accessible as well.

A complete listing of all the trails, parks and open space with a listing of their amenities can be found on crgov.com.

JANUARY 2016

If you haven’t visited a local park, you’re one of the few that haven’t. In a survey this past year, over 80% of Castle Rock residents responded that they had indeed visited a town park and respondents rated our parks, trails and open spaces “exceptionally high” with an average of 4.5 on a scale of 1-5. To keep these amazing parks and recreation amenities running, a staff of 40 full-time employees and 250-375 part-time and seasonal employees work hard year round in conjunction with volunteers who spent more than 44,000 hours last year alone helping the department operate the programs offered and mainlining the properties. Our parks and recreation doesn’t end with the gorgeous trails and parks, it also includes some amazing facilities.

Within Philip S. Miller Park is the MAC, a 64,443 square foot, two story building that has fun written all over it.

The Miller Activity Complex houses indoor full and half size synthetic fields, a leisure pool with a zero entry, water table and vortex whirlpool as well as four 25 yard lap lanes. You can also take a swing in the bat15 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

ting cages, watch the kids enjoy the play structure complete with a 23 foot slide or make use of one of the two party rooms adjacent to the pool. The MAC also houses a play area with a variety of 16 trampolines and a very unique eye play interactive game area. If you are longing to get out on the greens during these cold months, you can also hit the 18-hole golf simulator.

Once the weather cooperates a bit more, you can enjoy Red Hawk Ridge, a topawarded, Jim Engh 18-hole course.

Five sets of tees accommodate golfers of all experience and skill levels, allowing every member of your family to play this 6,942 yard course with meticulously manicured greens, bluegrass fairways and, often, the abundant wildlife looking in on your game. Along with a beautiful course, Red Hawk Ridge offers custom club fitting, online tee time bookings, a full service Pro Shop, driving range, putting green and the Clubhouse Grill to enjoy a casual meal after your round or to host a private function. League play for men, women, seniors and juniors is offered as well as a coed league and competitive men’s league. Instruction is also available for those new to the game or those looking to improve elements of their

game. To book a tee time, plan an event or find out more about the programs at Red Hawk Ridge, visit www.redhawkridge.com A conversation about the parks and recreation offerings in Castle Rock would be incomplete without highlighting the 84,000 square foot Recreation Center that offers a multitude of amenities and programs.

You most likely have received your recreation guide in the mail before, but have you ever noticed the diversity of the offerings? From water slides to racquetball, boot camps to pottery classes – almost anything you could want to learn or participate in is offered at the Rec Center. Fitness programs, educational classes and training, sports programs, water safety and swimming instruction, dance classes, youth nights, and youth programs are all offered through the Castle Rock Recreation Center. Within the Rec Center, you will find a 25 yard pool and leisure pool, free and circuit weight equipment, cardiovascular equipment, a gymnasium and indoor track, fitness studio and garage, racquetball and wallyball courts, a steam room, whirlpool, mind/body studio, and a family locker room. All of this is available with an automated, self check-in system.

Admission to the Rec Center can be purchased daily, with a 20 punch pass or three and six month passes or an annual pass.

Childcare is also available.

To view the complete guide for

the hundreds of classes and activities offered this season, go to crgov.com.

No matter the time of year, it’s impossible not to find something you’ll enjoy doing.

Take a hike along a gorgeous trail, enjoy a day at the park with your family or find the perfect activity or class for everyone’s interests at the Rec Center and make a point to take time for you and your health this year!

The Miller Activity Center (MAC) is located at 1375 Plum Creek Parkway and is open Monday-Saturday from 8am9pm, Sundays from 8am8pm. Leisure and Lap pool hours vary slightly.

Photo Credits: crgov.com

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course is located at 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Drive.

The course is open, weather permitting daily from 6am to dark.

The Castle Rock Recreation Center is located at 2301 Woodland Blvd. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday 5am-9pm, Saturday 7am-8pm and Sunday 7am-6pm. Hours differ for pool, whirlpool and sauna use.

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JANUARY 2016

Castle Rock Recreation Facilities

It’s Tim

The He

e

JANUARY 2016

althy

Don’t let a resolution become a broken promise to yourself. Keep your momentum into the New Year with the largest FREE Expo focused on living, working and playing right here in Colorado. The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Healthy Living Expo at the Douglas County Events Center in just a few weeks time on February 6th from 8:00am3:00pm. This free event is open to the public and will give you an opportunity to take part in interactive educational exhibits, vendor booths, demonstrations and presentations by companies, health organizations and 17 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

nonprofits that specialize in healthy lifestyles. Children’s health and fitness, vision care, dental and orthodontic care, the benefits of chiropractic treatment and massage are just a few of the types of vendors and information you can expect to see at the Healthy Living Expo next month.

Come out and see why Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation and take part in this one of a kind event.

To Get Ready Fo L

iving E x

r

po

If you’d like to join the over 100 exhibitors at the Expo, registration is now open, go to coloradohealthylivingexpo. com/participate/ or email John@castlerock.org or call 303.688.4597

Photo C

redit: co lorad

ohealth ylivinge xpo.com

JANUARY 2016

For more information on the Expo event, vendors, screenings and other offerings, go to coloradohealthylivingexpo.com WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 18

THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

The Girls of Atomic City By Denise Kiernan Thousands of civilians (many of these were young women) were recruited to join the secret city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II. Most of the country was not even aware that this place existed. Most of the men and women that called Oak Ridge home did not know what the true nature of their work entailed. The stories of this secret project are recounted by women that were the backbone of this city.

PAM Having grown up in New Mexico, I was

immediately drawn to the topic of this book. I remember visiting a museum of atomic science in Los Alamos when I was young. I was not even aware that Oak Ridge existed until I saw this book. Becky, were you aware of this secret city?

BECKY It doesn’t surprise me that the government

would create something like this but I had never heard of it before. In 1942 the government went into Oak Ridge and realized that the area would be perfect for a production site to process uranium. The land was inexpensive, secluded but close to New York and Washington, and the Norris Dam would provide the electric supply needed. Unfortunately, the local landowners were bullied off their property. I suppose that some would argue that it was necessary for the war effort. What do you think?

PAM I’m sure it was seen as necessary, but I’m equally sure that the families did not feel the same way. This was a very different time and I was completely shocked that so many young women were willing to change the course of their lives and move to a secret location. Most of these adventurous women knew very little about what they would be doing, where they would be living, or what was being produced in Oak Ridge. Yet, they still accepted the job, packed up and left! Did you find this as interesting and shocking as I did?

JANUARY 2016

BECKY Absolutely, and it was the best part of the

book for me. Many of the ladies were in small towns with little opportunity for a job. The government gave them a good income, comfort that they were helping the war effort, and adventure. However, when they arrived the living conditions were less than ideal.

There were guards, barbed-wire, mud everywhere

19 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

and the constant threat to not speak about what they were doing there. They didn’t know what was being produced until after the US bombed Hiroshima and Nagasake, killing tens of thousands of Japanese. Did you like the pace of this book and the scientific detail?

PAM I loved the scientific detail throughout the story.

I struggled with the pace during parts of the story and felt that it was a bit slow. I was glad the author had a “cast of characters” list at the front of the book.

There were many women the author followed and I would have become lost without the list. I’m glad you included the website with the pictures, as that was one of my favorite parts of the book! I loved the pictures that the author included; especially the then and now shots of some of the women. Did you find that the writing style made it challenging to stay connected to the story?

BECKY The topic was very interesting but I did find

it hard to stay attached to the story, especially during the scientific descriptions. The writing itself was enjoyable and the author did paint a good picture of the time period and people involved. I think that a history buff would enjoy this book. Now come with me to New York in the 1800’s. Meet Anna and Sophie Savard who are both doctors that specialize in women’s health. Next month we will discuss The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati.

LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT Vampire Vic By Harris Gray Fat, balding accountant Victor Thetherson hoped becoming a vampire would turn his life around. But Victor can’t stomach confrontation and gets queasy at the sight of blood. Instead he gets it from the blood bank, diluted in bloody Bloody Marys. The result: a vampire who doesn’t bite, and a man who gets no respect.

Victor’s slacking staff mockingly calls him Vampire Vic. Victor’s boss amuses his wife by intimidating Victor on video. His ex makes him stay out late while she entertains boyfriends in the house she insists they continue to share. One night it finally boils over, and Victor bites someone. And then another…and very soon, he’s no longer visiting the blood bank.

Muscle replaces fat, and his comb-forward widow’s peak takes root.

Victor basks in newfound attention and respect, at the office and at home. But real vampires get hunted, and as the transformation reaches the tipping point, Victor must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice for the power of the vampire.

Vampire Vic is available online at www.HarrisGray.com

Java Man By Harris Gray In the disturbingly funny new novel from the authors of Vampire Vic, Brian Lawson receives a dread diagnosis: cancer. But he won’t spare a moment from saving his struggling coffee shop, even if success comes with his dying breath.

Divorced and ostracized in the rural community, Andrea Goldine sets her sights on the charismatic java man. Brian’s doctors ravage him with chemo and radiation, yet the tumor on his shin grows. Brian drafts Andrea into his battle with a competing coffee shop, desperate to tap the college campus’s retail gold mine. But Andrea yearns for a different partnership…

Passions simmer below the surface of the tight-lipped community. Fresh from prison, North Dakota’s legendary basketball goddess dangles a ticket to Brian’s campus coffee dreams, and a disgraced scientist’s toxin treatment tantalizes. Two miracles for two maladies—with one cure more deadly than the next.

Are you a local author? Would you like your printed works featured here? If so, send us a signed copy of your book along with a summary for consideration. Send to: Waid Publishing, Attn: Local Author Spotlight, 19751 E Mainstreet, Suite R-18, Parker, CO 80138.

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Java Man is available online at www.HarrisGray.com

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