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CASTLE ROCK’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2004
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JANUARY 2017
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S E A R C H
CASTLEROCK JANUARY 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THISMONTH’SFEATURES
JANUARY 2017
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January Calendar of Events
Experience Castle Rock Local - To-Do - Where in Town? Fitness Facilities Great local places to get fit Nutrition Tips Healthy Habits in 10 Minutes or Less Downtown Castle Rock Castle Rock Parks & Recreation The Bookends The Ballroom: A Novel Local Author Spotlight 6th Annual Daniel Valesquez Stuffed Animal Collection
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CASTLEROCKEVENTS
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anuary 2017
JANUARY 2017 VOLUME 13 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 JAMESON HAMSMITH
JANUARY 1 New Years Day Closure Recreation Center and Miller Activity Complex Closed JANUARY 1-31 Pint for Pint Giveaway Bonfils Blood Center Make a blood donation and receive a voucher for a complimentary Draft House pint of beer or soda at Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery or Gordon Biersch Brewery bonfils.org JANUARY 3 Town Council Meeting Town Council Chambers 6:00pm-9:00pm crgov.com JANUARY 10 Coffee with a Cop B&B Cafe All Day crgov.com
JANUARY 12 Castle Rock Historical Society Free Monthly Presentation Ed Weising speaks to the humorous hoaxes and scams in Colorado’s history Philip S Miller Library 6:45pm-8:00pm www.castlerockmuseum.org JANUARY 21 Castle Rock Preschool Fair Ridgeline Community Church 10:00am-12:00pm ridgelinecc.org JANUARY 29 Sunday Brunch Cherokee Ranch and Castle 10:00am cherokeeranch.org Do you have a community event you would like listed here? If so, email the details to tiffany@waidpublishing.com for consideration.
jameson@waidpublishing.com
JANUARY 2017
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), 12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202, Parker, CO 80134, 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.
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EXPERIENCECASTLEROCK
to-do
MOPS PRESCHOOL FAIR Making that transition from Toddler to “Big Kid” is a quite the big deal. Little ones start really letting their personalities shine and soak up everything like little sponges. It’s about this time that preschool discussions begin. Deciding where your child is going to start their school experience is such an important decision. There’s no size fits all option for every child but there is always the best option for each child, which is why having lots of choices for preschool is such a wonderful thing.
Preschool Fair at Ridgeline Community Church. You’ll have the opportunity to talk to representatives from local preschools and get a feel for what is available so you can make an informed decision for your little one. Once preschool starts, the only question you’ll have to answer is, what in the world are you going to do with those couple hours of “free time?”
On Saturday, January 21st, from 10:00am12:00pm, parents of soon-to-be preschoolers can discover all there is to know about all the schools in this area at the MOPS
For more information about the Preschool Fair, contact Katie Carrico at 720.941.6458 or email mops@ridgelinecc.org
Ridgeline Community Church is located at 555 Heritage Ave. in Castle Rock
local As you walk along the streets of historic, downtown Castle Rock, it’s impossible to not to be a bit amazed at the selection of unique restaurants, shops and businesses that call Castle Rock home. However, one shop really stands out from the crowd; maybe you’ve noticed their cute kangaroo mascot as you’ve passed by? If you haven’t yet visited Heygidday, you have no idea what you are missing. They are located right near the Donut House, at the base of the Rock! Heygidday began retail services in 2004 in Australia. Luckily for Castle Rock residents, they moved their business stateside, and set up shop downtown. It would be easier to explain what they DON’T have inside Heygidday. You will discover an extensive range of motorcycle apparel, bandanas and leather. They actually boast the largest embroidered patch selection in any retail
HEYGIDDAY! store, anywhere! Heygidday custom makes patches for business, clubs and organizations, or even orders for just one - and they can sew them on for you! Engraving is also provided for hip flasks, lighters, dog tags, business cards holders and more. Heygidday stocks and prints T-shirts, hoodies and caps - perfect for gifts or fundraising! Their goal is for customers to enjoy an exceptional shopping experience by offering the largest, diverse selection at low prices. Heygidday values that relationship with their customers, both before and after the sale is complete. Once you’re a customer of Heygidday, they will do whatever they can to always make you happy. Come see for yourself – stop in and say G’day! Heygidday is located at 703 Wilcox Street in Downtown Castle Rock www.heygidday.biz 303.660.2323 or Find them on Facebook
where in town?
A MONTHLY SCAVENGER HUNT
Often times we are so busy going, going, going that we’re on “auto pilot” throughout our daily commutes or errands and we miss unique details around us in places we visit or pass in our own neighborhood. This year, take the time to see the beauty and uniqueness in every day experiences.
JANUARY 2017
Take a look through the magnifying glass! Do you know Where in Castle Rock you can find this? Any guesses on what this even is? Go to Search Castle Rock’s website (www. CastleRockMagazine.com) if you have a guess on what this is and where you can find it in town. If you need extra help, check out our facebook page for clues!
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FIND & WIN!!!
Would you like a $50 cash? To win simply guess correctly where in Castle Rock this is. We will randomly draw a winner from all correct entries! Enter online at CastleRockMagazine.com GOOD LUCK!
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FA C I L I T I E S It’s the new year and time to get in shape, get healthy or just get fit. We’ve looked all over Castle Rock and have found some great facilities offering a variety of ways for you to melt that fat, build that muscle and just get healthier. Check them out here and visit castlerockmagazine.com for an expanded list of facilities in, and around, Castle Rock! up to $25/mo $25 to $50/mo JANUARY 2017
$50 to $75/mo $75 to $100/mo Over $100/mo
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Provides FREE childcare Childcare for a fee Does not offer childcare
Fit4Mom Castle Rock 1733 S. Perry Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 (970) 948-1480 www.castlerock.fit4mom.com
We are located inside Planet Cheer for this Winter! There’s mats and an area for the kids to jump and tumble after the mamas get their workout in of course!!! Fit4Mom(Stroller Strides) is a full body workout while the kids are in their strollers! We focus on strength for motherhood all while entertaining the kiddos!!! Fitness for Mom, Fun for Baby!
We’ve designed an elite, private personal training studio where training is available by appointment only. Every client works out in our comfortable, nonintimidating environment while receiving individualized and personalized workouts by an educated, certified personal trainer; focusing solely on them. One-on-one personal training is our specialty. Our certified personal trainers listen to your goals and will design a well-rounded, functional workout to help you meet those fitness goals. We don’t have cookie cutter workouts — each workout will be a total body workout created just for you. Our one-on-one personal training sessions include strength training, cardiovascular interval training, balance and flexibility training.
Anytime Fitness Castle Rock 794 S. Perry Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 (303) 872-8038 www.anytimefitness.com
We are open 24/7. Our friendly staff is trained to help members of all fitness levels along the fitness journey. Precor state-of-the-art cardio, strength equipment and free weights are available for your workout, as well as Zumba classes and professional personal trainers to keep you on track when you’re not. We are a family owned business who truly cares about our members and their needs. We provide the best service to help our members get to a healthier place. Anytime Fitness is a supportive community of likeminded people who will give you the encouragement you need.
Crossfit Beaver Menace 158 Caprice Ct Castle Rock, CO 80104 (720) 580-2328 Xfbeavermenace@gmail.com
Joining a gym can be intimidating, but at CrossFit Beaver Menace it’s a fun and friendly environment dedicated to you. Each workout is explained by certified coaches and scaled ensuring proper form and safety for your fitness level. Crossfit is for all fitness levels and ages. Our gym is located right along the Plum Creek Trail and across the highway from “”The Rock””. We are unlike any other Crossfit in town because we are also in the same building as an American Ninja Warrior gym as well. Fun, encouraging, challenging, addicting...Crossfit!!
CrossFit Loop 136 South Wilcox St Castle Rock, CO 80104 (720) 518-6629 www.crossfitloop.com
Our Mission is to make CrossFit Loop, located in Castle Rock Colorado, the preferred fitness facility south of Denver. To provide a challenging and encouraging environment promoting a strong family community of health and fitness. We guarantee the CrossFit standards for elite fitness are endorsed through precision of coaching. CrossFit Loop supports all our athletes so they can reach and exceed their goals – no matter what level of athlete.
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Essence Health & Fitness 1057 Park St Castle Rock, CO 80109 (303) 350-8389 www.CastleRockFitness.com
HEALTHY HABITS IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS
JANUARY 2017
By: Brooke Ebel - Master Nutrition Therapist Have you made a health goal that you would really like to achieve as part of your New Year’s resolutions? One of the biggest barriers for people trying to live healthier lives is the notion that being healthy is incredibly time-consuming. Not everyone has the extra time in their day to go to work, cook, clean, go to the gym, take care of the family, and still get 8 hours of sleep. However, there are simple tips and tricks that can help anyone live a happier, healthier life and require only 10 minutes out of your day at the most.
Adding one of these suggestions to your daily routine can make a big difference!
1 Believe You are a Healthy Eater
Being healthy is important and you can do it. Simply by believing or identifying yourself as a “healthy eater” means that you are more likely to participate in healthy eating behaviors. This is called the “health belief model” and it is a strong predictor of future behaviors, such as healthy eating.
2 Opt for Eggs for Breakfast
Yes, it takes a few minutes more out of your morning, but scrambling a few eggs for breakfast is so much better for you than that bowl of cold cereal and skim milk. Eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with protein, healthy fats, antioxidants and vitamins. For the most nutritious egg, choose eggs from hens living on pasture.
3 Laugh a Little (or a lot) Every Day
Laughter makes us feel good and supports a positive mood. Not only does laughter have psychological effects, but it also affects our physiology. Laughter has been shown to support cardiovascular health, metabolic health, respiratory health, and immune function. Don’t be afraid to laugh out loud at a joke, a funny movie or a comic strip, even when you’re alone.
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Let Your Crushed, Minced, or Chopped Garlic Sit for 5-10 Minutes Before Cooking With It Garlic derives its health supportive properties from an organosulfur compound known as allicin. However, allicin is made from a compound in garlic that, when the garlic is crushed or chopped, is converted into allicin by an enzyme. Studies show that cooking, microwaving, or applying acid to freshly chopped garlic will destroy the enzymes that make allicin. Simply letting your garlic rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking will ensure that allicin has formed. Garlic supplements also contain allicin, so if you don’t have time to cook with garlic, pick up a supplement and take it at your convenience.
5 Eat Lots of Bacteria
More and more research is highlighting the importance of our gut microbiota – the bacteria that live in our digestive tract. There are so many of these little microbes living in our gut that, based on total cell numbers, we are only 10% human and 90% bacteria! The human microbiota has been shown to influence not only digestion, but also appetite, mental health, cardiovascular health, immune function metabolism, and even weight-loss. By eating probiotics, defined by the World Health Organization as “live micro-organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host,” we are essentially sending in healthy reinforcements to our gut microbes. To consume lots of bacteria, take a probiotic supplement and eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, and miso soup. Always look for the term “contains live active cultures” to ensure that probiotic bacteria were added back to your fermented food after pasteurization.
6 Reduce Stress – Play With a Pet
Numerous studies have shown that taking time to play with an animal supports mental health. Whether it is a bird, cat, or a dog, people who engage with their pets report lower levels of anxiety and improved problem-solving abilities. Not only that, but engaging with a pet for as little as ten minutes has been shown to support a healthy stress response and healthy blood pressure levels. Maintaining good health is not always easy, but hopefully these tips help! Don’t feel obligated to take on all of them at once. Simply engaging in one of these 10-minute (or less!) activities could be your first step in 2017 to achieving a happier, healthier you. Reprinted with permission from naturalgrocers.com – references available online at www.naturalgrocers.com/blog/nutrition-news/healthy-habits-in-10-minutes-or-less/ NOTHING IN THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED AS, OR SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS, MEDICAL ADVICE. ANY HEALTHCARE AND/OR NUTRITIONAL MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IS FOR CONSUMER INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. SUCH MATERIAL IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE FOR CONDITIONS OR TREATMENT, NOR IS IT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A MEDICAL EXAMINATION BY A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. CONSUMERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FOR INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
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734 Wilcox St. 330 3rd St. 611 Wilcox St. 600 Jerry St. 313 Jerry St.
(303) 814-0999 (303) 663-5073 (303) 660-2005 (720) 519-0509 (303) 688-6746
crowfootvalleycoffee.com maddiesbg.com vistavinomoderngrill.com www.hideawaybarandgrill.com pegasusrestaurantcastlerock.com
1 Stop Tire & Auto 414 Wilcox St. Chicago Title 212 Wilcox St. Valentine Properties 210 Wilcox St. Folkestad, Fazekas, Barrick & Patale 18 S Wilcox St.
(303) 688-0366 (303) 291-9999 (303) 903-9256 (303) 688-3045
www.1stoptireandauto.com www.chicagotitlecolorado.com www.reneevalentine.com ffcolorado.com
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SHOPPING Castle Rock Bike and Ski Enchanted Gifts Everything Alpaca Back in Love Consignments Heygidday Gifts
(303) 688-1722 (303) 688-9395 (303) 660-6684 (303) 900-3667 (303) 660-2323
castlerockbikeandski.com www.yourenchantedgifts.com www.everythingalpaca.biz www.backinloveconsignments.com www.heygidday.biz
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Miss M’s Tea Parlour
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HEALTH & BEAUTY Copperfalls Spa and Salon 340 Perry St.
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FOOD
Crowfoot Valley Coffee Maddie’s Biergarten VistaVino Modern Grill Hideaway Bar & Grill Pegasus Restaurant
SERVICES
411 4th St. 376 3rd St. 350 3rd St. 611 Wilcox St. 703 Wilcox St.
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT 308 4th St.
Are you a Downtown merchant? Would you like your own dot? Email jamy@waidpublishing.com for info. 11 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE
(303) 814-2276 missmsteaparlour.com (303) 814-2035 www.copperfalls.com
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK PARK YOUR CAR AND EXPLORE YOUR DOWNTOWN!
JANUARY 2017
Downtown Castle Rock is full of amazing locally owned businesses. Here is a sampling of some of the incredible businesses who call Downtown home. Take a moment and check them out. Supporting locally owned in Castle Rock is a great way to support Castle Rock. So grab some friends and head Downtown. Park in one of the many free parking spots and explore! Be sure and bring this map along with you and stop by the businesses listed here.
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Town of Castle Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department, which has earned the distinguished CAPRA Accreditation and is a national gold medal winning agency, maintains 20 developed parks, nearly 6,000 acres of open space and nearly 75 miles of trails as well as an 18-hole golf course, an 84,000 square foot recreation center and a 60,000 square foot Miller Activity Complex located within Phillip S. Miller Park.! The Recreation Center amenities include a 25-yard swimming pool and separate leisure pool with two water slides and a lazy river, state-of-the-art cardiovascular, strength, and function training fitness equipment and two racquetball courts. Additionally, Castle Rock Recreation Center also offers a mind/ body studio equipped with three Pilates Reformers, four fitness studios for group fitness classes, a gymnasium and an indoor track. The Miller Activity Complex amenities include four 25-yard lap lanes, leisure pool with water slide and zero-entry area. The kids can also get their exercise while enjoying the children’s indoor play structure with a 23-foot tall slide and the beam interactive floor games, as well as the play area with 16 trampolines! Winter weather isn’t a problem for golf enthusiasts with the 18-hole golf simulator and sports fans can take advantage of the full-sized and half-sized, indoor synthetic turf field. The Parks and Recreation Department understands that health isn’t just a passing trend, it is a lifestyle. That is one of the reasons we strive to provide high quality and affordable opportunities for the entire family. With over 100 group fitness classes offered at the Recreation Center, you are sure to find a class for you. These classes are completely free with your pass or daily admission to the facility and range from yoga to senior classes to high intensity interval training. Needing a bit more? The Department offers individualized personal training, specialty fitness classes like TRX, Boot Camp, FIT Moms and Yoga at both the Recreation Center and Miller Activity Complex, all offered for a small fee. Playing sports is a great way to stay healthy and active. The Department offers a variety of athletics for both adults and youth including indoor soccer, flag football, tennis, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. Programs are offered from beginner to advanced and everything in between so whether you are looking to help your child stay active and learn some new skills, or aiming to win a championship, there is an athletics program for you! No matter the season or the reason; whether you’re looking for a fun family afternoon, a new fitness program or want to introduce your kids to a new sport or activity, Castle Rock Recreation is unmatched in their facilities and offerings for every interest, age and fitness level. Whether you are just getting started, just getting back at it or just want to try something new, your next adventure awaits!
Castle Rock Recreation Center 2301 Woodlands Blvd. – 303-660-1036
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Miller Activity Complex (MAC) 1375 W. Plum Creek Pkwy – 720-733-2222 Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Drive – 720-733-3500 For a complete listing of all amenities, services and programs, go to www.crgov.com 13 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE
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THEBOOKENDS
with Pam & Becky
The Ballroom: A Novel By Anna Hope
Sharston Asylum, located in England, was the unlikely location of a love story set in 1911. Although men and women are kept far apart in the asylum, they come together on Friday nights to dance in the stately ballroom. The men and women look forward to this time and hope they were well behaved enough during the week to earn their admittance. Ella Fay and John Mulligan, two of the patients at Sharston Asylum, encounter each other as Ella is attempting to run away. They meet again in the ballroom and a courtship begins in this unlikely place. PAM This unique story intrigued me and I was drawn to read more. The author introduces us to the characters and their stories, as well as the asylum itself. I found the stories, as well as their daily lives to be very bleak. What emotions surfaced as you read about the nurses, doctors, and patients? BECKY My grandfather spent most of his childhood in an
orphanage so this story stirred a number of negative emotions. It is hard to believe that not that long ago we would place people in institutions like this. The idea that, as a society, we felt that they were to be locked away and forgotten is hard to comprehend. In this story we meet Ella and John who are not mentally challenged but have been sent to Sharston for minor issues. Ella for breaking a window at her job in a factory and John for melancholia which resulted after losing his wife and child. The days are uneventful and the nurses are uncaring. The most interesting character to me is Dr. Charles Fuller. His first love is not medicine but music and he starts a program to see if exposure to music has a beneficial effect on patients. What were your first impressions of this character?
PAM Initially, I felt that Dr. Fuller cared for the patients and their quality of life. In an environment where men and women were admitted against their will and had no say about their rights or treatment, I thought he would be an advocate for them. However, his character did not continue along the path I thought he was traveling. He had escaped his parents and their oppressive expectations when he secured this job. Dr. Fuller went through significant changes in his beliefs (and his character) during this story, with many underlying themes woven throughout. He is initially drawn to John’s story and decides to focus on this patient. How did you feel about Dr. Fuller’s attention being directed to John?
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BECKY First, I think that we have to paint a picture of John. He
is a tough and stoic Irishman that is in a trusted position to work digging graves at the asylum. In my mind he was similar to Hugh Jackman in personality and physique. We don’t know much about him initially, but I quickly liked him and wanted the best for his character. At the beginning of the book I thought that the doctor would be a champion for John as he encouraged him to attend the dances and was interested in his opinions. However, as the story progresses the doctor wrestles with his own demons and he begins to obsessively focus on John. Were you as quickly drawn to John as I was, or did another character grab your attention?
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PAM I pictured him the same way you did! I was also drawn to his character from the very beginning. He was very stable and appeared content in his work. He struggled with a painful past and preferred to hang back and go through the paces of the day. Therefore, he initially resisted the doctor’s request to attend the dances. Once there, he met Ella and his quiet and solitary world began to change. Ella was not content in the asylum and was constantly looking for opportunities to escape. Were you surprised that these two were drawn to each other? BECKY They were different personalities and there wasn’t much
opportunity for the men and women to mingle until the Friday night dance so this was not a typical romance. I wouldn’t say that their connection surprised me but I did enjoy this unlikely relationship. What I found disturbing is that neither one where mentally ill yet they were unable to leave the asylum. They were held, and treated, as if they were prisoners. The staff was unkind and they were subjected to psychological abuse. The most disgusting was when Dr. Fuller became interested in the eugenics movement. It was a belief that those with less desired traits should be sterilized. Unfortunately, patients in the asylum fall into this category. What do you think of the author’s ability to develop this dark character?
PAM I found this very upsetting, as well. The patients had no control of their lives and were treated so poorly. This environment of complete power over other people was even more disturbing as we saw the slide of Dr. Fuller. He lost the ability to see the patients as people and became a firm believer in the eugenics movement. This belief that he could (and should) sterilize as many patients as possible without their (or their families’ permission) illustrated just how broken the system had become. The author painted an interesting picture that led me to believe, at first, the doctor cared for his patients and wanted to enrich their lives. However, as we follow him through this story, we see a dark change. I felt that she was inferring he was suffering from a struggle with mental health. Did you feel this, as well? BECKY Absolutely! How ironic that a doctor with mental illness
is working at an asylum. This is a talented author that created a dynamic plot. I think that a book club would have many topics to discuss. It’s time to leave this dance and meet Joe next month in, The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens. Happy New Year!
LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT A COLORADO DAY:
NATURE’S INSPIRATIONS FROM THE CENTENNIAL STATE By Kristin Acker Miller Illustrated by Tracy Herrmann
Trail alongside animals as they go about their day in this lovely children’s picture book about life in the natural world from dawn until dusk. Featuring vibrant colors, beautifully expressive illustrations and a melodic, rhyming story including the names of Colorado wildlife and vegetation. Plus a bonus “Facts About Colorado” page offers interesting facts about the state of Colorado. Ideal for children ages 2-7. About the Author With a lifelong love of writing, Colorado resident, Kristin Acker Miller has written countless articles spanning 20 years as a magazine editor and writer. Following a long-held dream to publish a children’s book and possessing a profound sense of appreciation for nature, Ms. Miller created Dreaming Tree Books with the intent to publish children’s picture books that highlight the fascinating wildlife and landscapes of the natural world. Her hope is to encourage reading and an enthusiasm for nature among young children. A Colorado Day is available at www.dreamingtreebooks.com
A POCKETFUL OF SEEDS By Debbie Johnson
Each person has a “Pocket of Seeds” to plant for positive change. Inspired by the teachings of Christ, this book is for anyone wishing to make a difference in the world around them. In A Pocketful of Seeds, author and social-change agent Debbie Johnson issues a challenge to herself and her readers: let’s sow “seeds” into the world every day for a year and see how we – and the world – are changed. A Pocketful of Seeds isn’t just a devotional; it’s a collection of inspirations and ideas for world changers. And it’s not just for established Mother Teresas or Nelson Mandelas, but for everyday people who itch to break free and make an impact – a real impact. If that is the cry of your heart, then you are the perfect person to take on the 365-day challenge of A Pocketful of Seeds. Each entry combines a compelling story with an action – a seed to be sown that day, like hanging out with someone of a different socioeconomic group or calling an elderly friend or making a microloan. Some daily seeds will fill you with delight, and some will call for sacrifice. All will make the world a better place, because one thing is definitely true: when seeds are sown, life happens.
JANUARY 2017
A Pocketful of Seeds is available at www.debbieljohnson.com and Amazon
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z e u q s 7 1 a l 0 e on 2 V l ie llecti n a D o l C a u imal n n A n h A t 6 ffed Stu
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You’re driving down the road with your kids in the car. Suddenly, in an instant, you are experiencing your worst nightmare; screeching tires, a flurry of motion and sound and then the moment of impact. Seven years ago, Daniel Velasquez and his mother experienced just such a nightmare. Thankfully, they were both able to walk away from their accident, albeit they were understandably shaken up. At the scene of Daniel and his mother’s accident, the responding Parker Police Officer gave Daniel a stuffed Teddy Bear to help calm him down and ease his nerves a bit. Not only did that Teddy Bear help Daniel the day of his accident, it inspired Daniel to pay it forward and help other kids going through traumatic experiences. Every year since that accident, Daniel has had a very special and specific birthday wish. Instead of gifts for himself, he has asked his friends to bring new stuffed animals that can be donated to the Parker Police Department. This year, Daniel has paired up with Mayor Mike Waid, and together they are trying to hit a goal of 335 new (stuffed animals must be new and unused due to allergies) stuffed animals for Daniel’s donation. He is expanding the donations to include the
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Douglas County Sherriff’s Office as well as Parker Adventist Hospital. To those children who are victims of crime, abuse or accidents, these stuffed animal friends offer a safe companion and foster a positive relationship with the police officers that provide them. If you would like to help Daniel meet his goal of 335 stuffed animals, you can drop your donation at Fika Coffee House as well as the Parker Schoolhouse on Mainstreet. You can also contact Ray Velasquez directly at 303-304-8851. Your generous donation doesn’t just mean a lot to Daniel, it means the world to those little ones who find
themselves in an unexpected and often scary situation. Your donation will warm hearts for a long time to come.
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