March 2016 Search Castle Rock Magazine

S E A R C H

CASTLEROCK

CASTLE ROCK’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2004

Living in

Castle Rock CA

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l The Power of Bald l Experience Castle Rock l Castle Rock Events Calendar l Downtown Castle Rock l Parker Dining l and much more

CastleRockMagazine.com

MARCH 2016

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S E A R C H

CASTLEROCK MARCH 2016

OURFEATURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 5 7 9-10 11-12 13 17 19 21-22 WIN $100 CASH From The Publisher

ONTHECOVER

The Power of Bald

Experience Castle Rock History| Local| To-do

A Real Life Reiki Story

A Powerful Perspective on Health

Castle Rock Events Calendar

Find out what’s going on around Town

Downtown Castle Rock

Park...Explore...Shop in Downtown

Dr. Dan for Today

We Reap What We Sow in Marriage

Douglas County Libraries Kids Spring Into Literacy

Gardening

It’s Cheaper Than Therapy

MARCH 2016

The Bookends and Local Author Spotlight

Beauty of Castle Rock Our community glows with history and beauty. This incredible image was provided by Versatility Creative Group. versatilitycreativegroup.com

Could you use a cool $100 cash? If so, head over to CastleRockMagazine.com with this copy of our magazine and enter our scavenger hunt contest!

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FROMTHEpublisher

The Power of Bald VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3

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 JAMESON HAMSMITH

jameson@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.

They are an amazing non-profit organization who raises money to help find a cure for pediatric cancer.

Typically their “shave” events happen around St. Patrick’s day in the very early Spring. Participants set a fundraising goal and get to work raising money. The payoff is if they reach their goal, they will shave their heads at a St. Baldrick’s event.

I started participating in these events three years ago and now have a great time growing out my hair (and my beard) and seeing how much money I can raise to get shaved down...clean as a whistle.

The funds raised are used for research grants throughout the country and even right here in the Denver Metro area. In fact, I’ve met several children whose treatments are available because of grants received from St. Baldrick’s. It’s pretty cool to look into the eyes of a young child and know that you helped bring them one step closer to

being rid of this terible disease.

Right now my event is looking for “shavees” to participate. It is a fantastic experience and we have an incredible time. So take a quick look in the mirror at your hair then mark your calendar for April 23rd. That is the day where dozens and dozens of us will gather at the Vehicle Vault in Parker for the 4th annual SHAVE THE MAYOR St. Baldrick’s fundraising event.

It’s easy to sign up and to participate. Simply go online to shavethemayor.com and click the blue “GET SHAVED” button to sign up. After you set a goal, reach out to all your friends and family and ask for their financial help.

If you are not up to going bald for this great cause, then consider heading over to the same website and making a donation of any size. If you are not sure which of our participants to donate to, then look up my profile. I actually have two of them there...one if you want me to shave my head but KEEP my beard and one to shave my head AND my beard. Since my beard is about 5 inches long, there is a lot on the line.

Seriously though, this is an incredible way for you to help our community and the world around us. These kids going through treatment have no choice in losing their hair...but we do...and we have the choice to help them find a cure.

Have a great March everyone and let’s get bald togather!

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About this time of the year we start to see lots of men and women all of the sudden appear with freshly shorn heads...and you might ask why? I know I did several years ago when I was first exposed to the St. Baldrick’s foundation.

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EXPERIENCECASTLEROCK CASTLEROCKhistory

CASTLE CAFÉ – THE HISTORIC KEYSTONE HOTEL

The well known Castle Café, located at 403 Wilcox Street, was originally built in 1901 and known (at that time) as the Keystone Hotel. The Castle Rock ryholite built structure had thirteen rooms on the second floor with the Tivoli Saloon on the ground floor. Ranchers, quarry workers and travelers would gather here and, in those days, the bar was known as one of the wildest in the area. No reports of any “wild west” shootouts were confirmed, but the occasional bar brawl did break out, forcing Douglas County to hire an extra deputy to patrol on paydays. He also was responsible for making sure inebriated cowboys didn’t ride their horses through the bar. After the turn of the century, the Hotel and Café became stopover for those traveling between Denver and Colorado Springs. A dance hall was then built over the bar and throughout the next several decades, residents from

CASTLEROCKlocal

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Ever fantasize about the perfect job? Maybe even owning your own business and being able to take a passion and turn that passion into the job you GET to do instead of the job you feel like you have to do? The owner of Briccy’s Coffee did just that. After 20 years of jotting down notes (on a notepad suctioned to his windshield) as to what would make up the perfect coffee shop and cafe, Raymond Guth opened the doors to Briccy’s. The name was inspired by the menu options; Briccy’s stands for Beverages, Bagels, Refreshments, Rolls, Ice Cream, Iced Drinks, Coffee, Cake, Candy, Cookies, Yogurt, Sandwiches and Smoothies. After Ray’s career in the IT world came to a close, he was able to take his ideas and create a cafe with the customer in mind. All the sights, smells, tastes and special touches at Briccy’s were carefully thought out and planned for years in order to give you a neighborhood haven that you can sit back, relax and enjoy yourself in, and often. This month, Briccy’s is also proud to host March’s Coffee with a Cop event on March 15th. Briccy’s is located in the Capstone building in historic, downtown Castle Rock, just 175 yards south of the library and 20 yards east of the UPS Store.

Briccy’s Coffee – 140 South Wilcox Street, Suite C. – 720.583.6708 – www.briccys.coffee

Who is Hannibal? Chris Hannibal has been involved in theater since he appeared in ‘The Music Man’ at the age of six. Throughout high school and college he worked onstage while pursuing a more ‘stable’ career involving accounting, sales and marketing. In 1992, he worked with the Children’s Video Network, writing scripts, music and motivational programs for youth groups. In working with CVM, Hannibal created a street magician character dubbed, “The Magic Man.” He took this character to the streets of Charlotte, NC and performed for tips in order to make ends meet. The ‘Magic Man’ became a popular fixture in the area, and Hannibal evolved the character into a genuine source of income, working nightclubs and comedy clubs throughout the Southeast, but being on the road took a toll on his family life. In 2001 Hannibal walked away from the club circuit and never looked back. Taking aim at the business world, he created original, customized programs that would entertain and educate at the same time. Carving new paths in the world of corporate entertainment, Hannibal has traveled the world with his Unique Inspirational Theatre.

Ever since his last visit to Theatre of Dreams two years ago, audiences have been asking when he would return. Now is the chance to catch this one of a kind show! To reserve your tickets for the March 11th show, go to tickets.amazingshows.com or call 303.660.6799.

BRICCY’S COFFEE

MARCH 2016

around Douglas County would attend dances at the hotel and it became very much a community center.

Over the years, the clientele (and their mode of transportation) may have changed, but much remains the same. The Castle Café has remained a part of the geographical and social heart of Castle Rock. They are open for business daily, with their World Famous Pan Fried Chicken available during dinner hours, while it lasts!

Castle Café – 403 Wilcox Street – 303.814.2233 – www.castlecafe.com

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HANNIBAL AT THEATRE OF DREAMS ARTS AND EVENT CENTER

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Nicole had been holding on to a lot of old negative energy and didn’t fully realize how it had been affecting her life. She had lost two loved ones and was not working through the emotions of those losses. She started having nightmares that were so bad that she was afraid to go to sleep. Nicole was hiding from her family and unable to control her sadness; she would cry for no reason outside of her home.

She would lose patience quickly with her son and she felt like she just could not handle it anymore.

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Nicole called her doctor who gave her a referral for therapy and a prescription for medication. After a while the medication and therapy were not helping. She began to have trouble functioning during the day because of the side effects of the medication. Nicole says, “I was tired of failing my son and myself.”

Nicole’s mother introduced her to an integrative healing modality called Reiki and she decided to search out a practitioner in her area. After searching online, she found a business close to her home that offered Reiki. The Reiki professionals were so helpful; she felt that they knew exactly what she was in need of in order to feel better.

With Reiki treatments, Nicole could feel a change coming over her, which felt like years of heaviness, sadness, stress and guilt being lifted.

Nicole had been in therapy off and on since she was a young child but she claims that no one and nothing has helped her like receiving Reiki sessions. Nicole says that she started feeling better and having more courage after just one session. She offers the following advice for those who might be struggling with life’s emotional battles: “Don’t wait to try a different approach like Reiki because the only thing I would have done differently is to call and schedule a Reiki treatment sooner! I would recommend the Reiki Practitioners at Shen Healing Center to anyone going through anything from sadness, pain and/or diseases.”

Shen Healing Center is located at 522 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock. For more information visit their website at www.

ShenHealingCenter.com or call 720-733-2034

A Real Life Reiki Story

F

irst of all, what in the world is Reiki? Reiki is a simple, yet powerful healing technique originating in Japan about a century ago. Soft light, calming aromas and soothing music will be the start of your energy healing session. As you drift into a relaxed state by the practitioner’s laying of hands (on and off your body), you start to feel your body becoming lighter and lighter. You might see colors, feel warmth or an overwhelming sense of well-being.

As you leave your session, you feel peaceful, clear and balanced.

Reiki is now being performed in homes, hospitals, and hospices all over the world as well as professional office spaces around the Denver Metro Area including Castle Rock.

The benefits of Reiki are many. This integrative healing technique can reduce stress, relieve pain, promote the body’s innate ability to heal and also help people overcome emotional blocks that greatly reduce the quality of their lives. In a nutshell, Reiki can benefit people on all levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. The following is a powerful story of success from a woman who was not sure what could help her overcome her life’s struggles.

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CASTLEROCKevents MARCH 2016

March 5 & 6 Transitioning into Earth’s New Energies 9:30am-5:00pm SHEN Healing Center This class, designed for Energy Healing Practitioners, is a two day workshop taking an indepth dive into how Earth’s energy frequencies are changing and what you need to know to provide your clients with the best healing session.

The cost includes all notes, illustrations and light refreshments.

Space is limited, call to RSVP - 720.733.2034 or go to www. shenhealingcenter.com

MARCH 2016

March 6, 16 & 22 Bark for Books 4pm on March 2nd and 22nd, 5pm on March 16th Philip S. Miller Library A “pawsitive” opportunity to boost your 6-12 year old’s literacy skills with a dog as his or her audience.

To register, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-7323 March 9 Colorado Bluebird Project NestBox Monitoring Training 7pm-8:30pm Public Safety Training Facility The Colorado Bluebird Project needs volunteers to monitor nest boxes beginning April 1, continuing through mid9 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

August. Come learn about how you can help birds in your own backyard! This program is looking for volunteers of all ages. For more information, go to http://www.crgov.com/2028/ Colorado-Bluebird-Project March 9, 19 & 26 Afternoon Tea 1pm Cherokee Ranch Castle Great for a lovely afternoon outing or perfect for special events, bridal showers and celebrations!

The Tea includes a light meal with a seasonal menu, complete with the traditional scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, pastries, sweets and more. The day is complete with a tour of the Castle.

To reserve tickets, go to http://www.tunestub.com/ events/229707?&&cart March 10 Meditation for Children 6:30pm-7:30pm SHEN Healing Center Enjoy special meditation time with your child or children, bring peace and harmony into your family home life and give your children the tools to learn positive affirmations, increased self esteem and how to positively express their emotions.

This class, for children 6-9 years old, is lead by Lindsey Gallegos, CMI, CCRT and Reiki Master.

For cost and info, go to www. shenhealingcenter.com

March 12 SAT Practice Test 9:30am Philip S. Miller Library Students take a full length SAT practice test and receive a detailed analysis of their performance, and tips for how to improve when it’s time for the real deal. Presented by Kaplan.

To register, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-7323 March 12-April 16 Intuitive Awakening & Meditation - Series 1 9:30am-11:00am SHEN Healing Center Lead by Michelle Moceri, Spiritual Counselor/Meditation Teacher and Reiki Master, this six week series will teach basic mediation skills with breathing and releasing technique.

Weekly discussions will touch on potential spiritual block(s) and then proceed into guided meditation to release the layers of density associated with that block(s). The cost is $20 per class.

To RSVP call 720.733.2034 or go to www.shenhealingcenter. com for more information.

March 12 Water Wiser Workshop 9am-12pm Town Hall This free workshop will show you how to detect water waste in your yard and home and improve the efficiency of your irrigation system through hands

March 15 Coffee with a Cop 10am-11am Briccy’s Coffee This month’s opportunity to get to know the wonderful officers with the Castle Rock PD is hosted by Briccy’s Coffee.

For a complete list of Coffee with a Cop events, go to crgov. com March 15 Pajama Storytime with Mr. Cliff 7pm Philip S. Miller Library Enjoy the magic of stories and songs in this fun-filled family Storytime.

To register, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-7323 March 15 Town Council Meeting 6pm-9pm Town Hall Council meetings are a great way to keep informed about what’s happening in Castle Rock. You can find meeting agendas, minutes and even watch meetings in real time or at your convenience at castlerock-co.legistar.com

March 19 Low Cost Shot Clinic for Dogs & Cats 11am-2pm A Well Fed Pet This event is a great way to get your furry, four legged family members all taken care of in one stop.

Inexpensive shots, heart worm testing and medication, micro chipping and nail clipping will be available.

For more information, email lisaschuneman@gmail.com March 27 12pm Easter Brunch at the Castle Celebrate the holiday with an amazing brunch in a beautiful setting.

Brunch begins with cocktails and mini-tours of the Castle at noon, followed by the brunch buffet beginning at 12:30 pm, serving guests until 2:30pm.

Be sure to make your reservations early! Go to http://www.tunestub.com/ events/226729?&&cart March 29 Water Wiser Workshop Utilities Operations Building 6pm-pm A second workshop to help you reduce water waste in your home will be offered at the Utilities Operations Building.

Reservations are required.

Please call 720.733.6017 or go to crgov.com

March 29 Ridgeline Wranglers Season Kick-Off 7pm-8pm The Grange The Ridgeline Wranglers meet one Saturday a month at the Ridgeline Open Space off Coachline Road.

Join them for this informational meeting to discuss this year’s projects.

For more information, email lsorbo@crgov.com March 31 Book Lovers 6:30pm Philip S. Miller Library If you love books and want a new reading list for spring, join us to hear about what’s the next best read. Door prizes and refreshments will be provided.

Book clubs are welcome!

To register, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org or call 303-791-7323

Do you have a community event for consideration in our Search Castle Rock calendar? If so, email event details to tiffany@ waidpublishing.com

MARCH 2016

on demonstrations and displays.

Reservations are required. Call 720.733.6017 To register online, go to www. crgov.com

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EXPLORE

MARCH 2016

The next time you are ready to do some shopping, meet some friends for a meal or just hangout in our great Town simply head to Downtown Castle Rock. Not only does our Downtown have a variety of easy access free parking, but many great locally owned businesses call Downtown home. Showing our locally owned shops

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DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK PARK YOUR CAR AND EXPLORE YOUR DOWNTOWN!

MARCH 2016

and businesses some love is important...after all, about two thirds of each dollar you spend with a locally owned business stays in Castle Rock! So as the weather warms, be sure and park the car Downtown and walk, explore and enjoy your Downtown.

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DR.DANFORtoday We Reap What We Sow in Marriage The warm weather reminds me of spring. It is a time to plan and prepare for vegetable and flower gardens and planting for a good harvest takes time. There are many things to consider; placement of the plant, the makeup, temperature and moisture of the soil, the length of daily sunlight and the type of plants. Most gardeners have a plan for all these before they beginning planting. Gardeners are well aware they will “reap what they sow.”

Marriages are like gardens in that similar principles apply. Everyone wants a happy, satisfying marriage; however, it takes work and the planting of “good seed.”

There is a law of physics that is applicable to relationships and speaks directly to this dilemma in marriage. It is the Second Law of Thermodynamics called “Entropy.” This principle maintains that it takes energy (or heat) to grow a system like a marriage and if left to itself without the regular infusion of energy, it tends toward greater randomness and can break down and collapse. It takes an ordered input of energy to keep anything together. We must exercise, eat well and drink liquids to keep

Good marriages take time and the understanding of the different seasons where love, purpose, commitment, patience and perseverance are all needed. A growing marital love also must follow a basic rule that affects all of our lives -”We reap what we sow.”

Studies of relationship development indicate that factors such as poor communication, problem-solving skills and dissatisfaction with other interactions, when present pre-martially or early in marriage, can predict the development of relationship distress later in marriage.

Couples can allow an insidious passivity to lull them into complacency regarding their marriages. This leads to dissatisfaction.

MARCH 2016

Everyone wants a satisfying marriage, but few are willing to learn and commit to what it takes to bring about a happy relationship.

Marital satisfaction necessitates intentional involvement. One does not get good at anything without practicing. In other words, a happy, growing, intimate marriage is not a “state of being” but rather a “process of doing.”

in good physical condition. We must also put energy into our marriages for them to be intimate and growing. If no energy is expended on the relationship, it eventually atrophies either to the point of needing an overhaul or it dies of neglect. It is a wise couple who continually invests in their marriage, rather than waiting for it to fall apart and then have to seek a complete overhaul.

Individuals don’t just “fall out of love,” they starve themselves out of love. A quote in the Readers Digest summarizes my point, “Even if marriages are made in heaven, men and women have to be responsible

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for the maintenance.” This includes maintaining our marriages through the processes of loving, respecting, nourishing and cherishing each other.

As the season of spring approaches, I am reminded of an experience I had several years ago when I discovered that approximately one-third of my lawn was inhabited by “bind weed.” One sunny Saturday morning, armed with hand tools and garbage bags, I went to work. By Sunday afternoon I had not only taken care of the dreaded “bind weed,” but also half of my front lawn as every tiny weed was picked out. Proud of my efforts, I called a landscaper friend who, upon hearing of my weekend project, instructed me that “bind weed” couldn’t be eliminated unless all the roots were either dug up or the lawn resodded. He told me that if I spend more time fertilizing and watering my lawn and less time on the weeds, then just maybe I could build up the root system of the lawn and choke out the weeds.

The analogy is a great one for marriage. The more time spent nurturing the relationship, the more the roots of the relationship become strong, mature and intimate. Sowing good seed in marriage begins by knowing our partner’s love languages and daily spending time loving them as they want to receive love rather than the way we want to love them.

This principle of “Sowing and Reaping” is a basic truth for a good harvest and the building of a strong and blessed marriage.

Dr Dan Trathen is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in Marriage, Family and Sports psychology. His office is located at 19284 Cottonwood, Dr. Suite 202, Parker, CO 80138 www.drtrathen.com

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.

Spring is right around the corner!

SCHEDULE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER TUNE UP TODAY!

MARCH 2016

$35 OFF

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Douglas County Libraries

Into Literacy Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is bringing books and reading to kids in two exciting ways this spring.

Battle of the Books competition has begun, and will ultimately involve 600 students from 40 local elementary schools in quiz-style trivia contests that test students’ knowledge of books and authors. Teams from all regions of the Douglas County School District will face off at battles at Douglas County Libraries in Castle Rock, (Philip S. Miller branch), Highlands Ranch (James H. LaRue branch), and Parker, leading up to a March 16 Battle of the Books finale at Parker Arts Culture and Events Center (PACE).

Students in grades three through six began reading and preparing for battles last fall. This year’s book list includes classics such as “Dear Mr. Henshaw” (Beverly Cleary), “How to Eat Fried Worms” (Thomas Rockwell), and “Hoot” (Carl Hiaasen), and requires students to dig beneath the stories’ surfaces for details that might otherwise be overlooked.

MARCH 2016

Continuing a 15-year tradition, DCL will also present Page

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to Stage, children’s theater based on literature, in schools across the county. This year’s traveling production of “Red Riding Hood” will reach Kindergarten through fifth graders in more than 40 elementary schools. “Red Riding Hood” is the hilariously entertaining result of a library partnership with the Front Range Theatre Company, located in Castle Rock. Free public performances will also be held at Douglas County Libraries locations beginning in April.

Page to Stage and Battle of the Books help the library district kick off and promote its annual summer reading program, which furthers the goals of both libraries and schools by making kids excited to read.

For information or schedules for either event, call 303791-7323 or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org. Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning.

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Gardening is cheaper than therapy,

and you get tomatoes.

W

MARCH 2016

ith the advance of springtime, the thought of getting outside and seeing what’s lurking beneath often snow covered ground can get the gardening wheels turning. In the last several years, home and community gardens have become increasingly popular but growing in Colorado comes with its own set of challenges. The ever changing weather, shade, often times awful soil, pests and just having enough know-how to get things growing are all common problems plaguing aspiring green thumbs.

The experts at Tagawa Gardens believe that the best gardening tool is information, and they are all set and ready to get you gardening this year. March 5th from 2pm—3pm Bryant Mason, founder of the Urban Farm Company, will be presenting “Veggie Gardening for Dummies” at Tagawa Gardens. Serving the entire Front Range, Urban Farm Company’s motto is “helping you feed your inner farmer.” Learn how to combat less than perfect soil, grow in small spaces and create your perfect garden no matter your experience level. If you can’t make it to this class, you can go to www.urbanfarmcolorado.com for great tips, to ask a question or even get a quote for help getting your garden started. March 19th, Tagawa offers “Colorado Gardening 101” from 10am-11am and “Building Healthy Soils” from 12pm1pm. Colorado Gardening 101 will teach you how to turn some of Colorado’s gardening challenges into opportunities and offer advice for those new to gardening or new to Colorado. Building Healthy Soils, presented by Carole Kastler, landscape designer and owner of Camelot Design, will cover the structure, organisms and benefits of good soil. If you can’t make it to any of March’s gardening classes, just stop in anytime you’re ready to start exploring the gardening possibilities. Tagawa’s experts can guide you through the process, no matter if you are a seasonal expert or a true beginner. They stock premium soil mixes, amendments, fertilizers, planters, seeds, seedling plants and even décor for your garden. This spring, tackle an herb garden box for your deck, plant and harvest tomatoes and leafy greens for a home grown salad or enjoy beautiful plants that will attract butterflies all summer long.

For more information about Tagawa’s monthly classes and events, go to www.tagawagardens.com

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The Gallery at Vehicle Vault

MARCH 2016

features multiple distinctive venues covering over 35,000 square feet of this fabulous automotive museum. Featuring dozens of rare and exotic cars from past and present and designed to hold gatherings from the 20 person board meeting to the 700+ guest wedding, fundraiser or black-tie reception, the Gallery at Vehicle Vault is designed to move your events into the fast lane...car pun intended.

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THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

The Perfume Collector By Kathleen Tessaro Grace Monroe unexpectedly learns of an inheritance, left to her by a woman she has never heard of. Although she has numerous questions, she is eager to fly to Paris and take a break from London and her unfulfilling marriage. As she investigates this mystery, we are drawn into her life, as well as her French benefactor and the world of famous perfumers of the time.

PAM I was drawn into this story from the beginning. You know

how much I love a story that takes us between different times and characters! Grace Munroe and Eva d’Orsey were very different women with different struggles. But, the author wove the different plots together in a way that kept me entranced the entire book. Did you enjoy this pick, Becky?

BECKY It was hard for me to put this book down and it has a spot on my favorite book list. This tale starts in Paris, 1954 and we are given a small glimpse of Eva d’Orsey. The next chapter moves a year forward and introduces us to Grace. The author did a great job at giving the different characters a specific voice and planting a seed of mystery. As the book progresses with the story of Eva, we meet some quirky characters. Did you enjoy this cast?

PAM I did! I agree with you, Becky. This is a favorite and one of the reasons is the quirky and eccentric characters we meet throughout this story. Between the different storylines, the characters, the mysteries and secrets, I was entranced the entire time. When we first meet Grace, she is struggling to find her place in the social group she is expected to join. Her interests and goals do not match most of the other women she encounters in this group. How did you feel about this first glimpse of Grace?

PAM I did enjoy the way the author brought the two stories

together. At first, Grace’s desire to solve the mystery of the inheritance was a bother to Edouard. But, he was a gentleman and took his job to assist Grace seriously. He also became intrigued with the secrets of the case and began to enjoy working with Grace.

How did you feel about Edouard’s character?

BECKY She wasn’t overly concerned with the latest fashion, didn’t enjoy climbing the social ladder and wanted to find a job. That made her an anomaly in that group but so much more relatable and endearing to me. Her husband, however, wanted her to shine in this area. What did you think of this guy?

BECKY He doesn’t have a large roll but I liked this character. He is a serious man but we soon see a softer side to him. If there was a sequel I would like to see him in a larger role. The most fascinating part of this book is the art of perfuming. The author did an amazing job painting the scene for this process. I could almost smell the materials that she described. Would you ever consider going to a perfumer to create your own scent? Wouldn’t that be a fun book club event?

PAM I truly disliked his character from the start. He was trying

PAM What a fun idea. We could make our signature bookends

to make Grace into what he wanted and didn’t even know her, let alone respect her. I agree with you, Becky; she was much more relatable. She wanted to be loved and respected and her husband was very selfish and self centered. Grace receives a letter about a mysterious inheritance. She has never heard of Eva d’Orsey, but is being asked to travel to Paris to meet with her attorneys. Grace decides to take this leap and her adventure begins. Did you think she would accept this meeting in a different country?

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Upon her arrival in Paris she meets Edouard Tissot who will help her with the terms of her inheritance.

He is eager to complete this transaction but Grace wants to do more than just collect the money from this mysterious woman. Did you like the way the author wove the two stories together? Some reviews find this story to be a bit predictable.

BECKY She leaves for Paris within the first 40 pages of the book so we don’t know her well at this point but I found it unusual to do something so extravagant. Airplane travel in the 1950’s is not how we view it in our lives. It was exclusive and expensive but she received the ticket right after she has an unpleasant discovery involving her husband. The thought of running from what was happening in her life helped this unique opportunity make sense.

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scent! It would be interesting to see if I am able to pick out the different layers of scent in a sample. The author’s descriptions really made the perfumes come alive and I could almost smell them. I had never considered the artistry (and natural gift) necessary to create original scents. It would be fascinating to see this in process and connect the specific smells with the descriptions. Would you read another book by this author, Becky?

BECKY I would definitely be interested in another story, or two,

by Kathleen. It’s time to say goodbye to this story and move on to My Enemy’s Cradle by Sara Young. We will meet cousins Cyrla and Anneke during Hitler’s regime. Cyrla is hiding her Jewish heritage and Anneke an unexpected pregnancy.

LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT The Clouds Aren’t White By Rachael Wright “Its all over in a moment...”

At the start of a hot September day, Emmeline MacArthur has it all, a devoted husband, a spunky daughter, and a comfortable life, but as the day draws to a close and three shots ring out from an old handgun, Emmeline is left with nothing but heartbreak.

A widow with a fatherless child. Overwhelmed by grief, Emmeline uproots her daughter and takes a job in Scotland, on the Isle of Skye. An idyllic life is not what awaits Emmeline as she confronts her daughter’s pain, a new romance, and another tragedy which lies just around the corner.

The Clouds Aren’t White probes the essence of sacrifice, motherhood, and grief.

For more information or to purchase “The Clouds Aren’t White” visit www.AuthorRachaelWright.com

Can’t Ruffle This Feather By Angela Feather-Bushi Sometimes God has to ruffle your feathers so you can spread your wings and fly. In 1994, fresh out of college, Angie Feather embarked on a journey around the world as a teacher and missionary in order to discover herself as God created her to be.

Many people struggle with loneliness. They want to serve God and desire to be married. As a result, they often settle for less than God’s will in the choice between ministry or marriage. The purpose of this book is to share one woman’s struggle to hear God’s call. It tracks her from country to country through a kidnapping, two arrests, interrogation, food poisonings, being stalked, and having a foster daughter, until she eventually marries at thirty-seven years old.

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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In Can’t Ruffle this Feather, author Angie Feather-Bushi invites you to join her in a journey of self-discovery. Follow her as she encounters every unexpected detour that life throws at her and learns to trust that God has a plan for her: a life that is exceedingly and abundantly beyond what she could ever imagine. To purchase, visit bookstore.westbowpress.com