July 2017 Search Castle Rock Magazine

S E A R C H

CASTLEROCK

CASTLE ROCK’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2004

CELEBRATE AMERICA Our July Features

12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202 Parker, CO 80134 303-805-9455

POSTAL PATRON ECRWSS Denver, CO

PAID Permit 5377 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

Castle Rock Events Calendar l Experience Castle Rock Our Readers’ Favorite Apple Pie Recipes Welcome to the Colorado Horse Park Tips to Become a Grill Master Get Dirty at the MS Muckfest Battle Cross Monument PLUS much more

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S E A R C H

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Castle Rock Events Calendar See what’s happening around town!

Experience Castle Rock To-do, local, where in town?

6 Tips to Become a Grill Master Make your grilling rock Battlefield Cross Memorial Eagle Scout making a difference 14th Annual Castle Rock Wine Fest Plan to attent this great local event Our Readers’ Best Apple Pie Recipes Get your taste buds ready Welcome to the Colorado Horse Park Family fun at the Horse Park MS Muckfest Get dirty and make a difference The Bookends The Vanishing Year Local Author Spotlight Two great books from local authors

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WIN A NEW CHARCOAL GRILL

It’s summer, which means time to grill some awesome food. If you don’t own your own grill, then here is your chance to win one.

If you do, well then who doesn’t need another one...just in case.

To enter all you have to do is enter our monthly scavenger hunt contest. Visit castlerockmagazine. com for details!

JULY 2017 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 7 PUBLISHER MIKE WAID

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

SALES DIRECTOR KAYCE ARTHUR

kayce@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 706

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), 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 Magazines is a trademark 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 Search Castle Rock Magazine. Copyright 2017 Search Castle Rock Magazine - All rights Reserved.

CASTLEROCKEVENTS

July 2017 WEDNESDAYS IN JULY Fun in the Sun - Formerly known as “Splash in the Park” Downtown Castle Rock (event moved due to construction at Festival Park) 11:00am-2:00pm www.crgov.org FRIDAYS IN JULY Fitness Fridays Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park 8:00am-9:00am crgov.com/2798/Summer-FitnessEvent

JULY 15 Reece’s Roundup Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park 6:00am-12:00pm www.reecesroundup.com JULY 15 14th Annual Castle Rock WineFest Butterfield Crossing Park 2:00pm-8:00pm castlerock.org/castle-rockwinefest

JULY 2 Summer Symphony - Colorado Springs Philharmonic Philip S. Miller Park 6:00pm www.crgov.com/2618/SummerConcert-Series

JULY 15 Bombers for Bones A Benefit to find a cure for FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva) Douglas County Fairgrounds Baseball Fields 12:00pm-3:00pm http://ifopa.salsalabs.org/ bombersforbones2017

JULY 4 Fireworks Show Santa Fe Quarry 9:30pm-10:00pm www.crgov.com/2658/Fireworksin-Castle-Rock

JULY 19 Raptors Over the Rock Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park 5:00pm-7:30pm crgov.com/2722/Raptors-over-theRock

JULY 8 Movies in the Park - Trolls Festival Park 6:00pm-10:00pm www.downtowncastlerock.com

JULY 20 Tunes for Trails Perks for Parks Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park 6:00pm-9:00pm www.crgov.com

JULY 9, 16, 23 & 30 Yoga in the Park Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park 9:00am-10:00am crgov.com/2798/Summer-FitnessEvents

JULY 20 Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Open House & Cookout Station 155 - 3833 Crowfoot Valley Road 4:30pm-7:00pm www.crgov.com

JULY 11 Coffee with a Cop Lost Coffee 10:00am-11:00am crgov.com

JULY 22 Castle Rock Historical Society Walking Tour The Courtyard on Perry Street between Third and Fourth 10:30am-11:30am www.castlerockmuseum.org JULY 26 Plum Creek Water Purification Facility Tour Plum Creek Water Purification Facility - 1929 Liggett Rd. 10:00am-11:00am www.crgov.com JULY 28 Western Heritage Welcome Steer Drive along Perry Street Downtown Castle Rock 6:00pm-9:00pm www.crgov.com JULY 29 Douglas County Fair Parade Downtown Castle Rock 9:00am-11:00am www.douglascountyfairandrodeo. com JULY 29-AUGUST 6 Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Douglas County Fairgrounds www.douglascountyfairandrodeo. com

Do you have a community event you would like listed here? If so, email the details to tiffany@waidpublishing.com for consideration.

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EXPERIENCECASTLEROCK WESTERN HERITAGE WELCOME Castle Rock will tip its hat to its rich, western history with the Western Heritage Welcome weekend, coming right out of the gate with a Longhorn Steer drive beginning at Castle Rock Park and heading south through historic Downtown Castle Rock. This event not only honors Castle Rock’s history but also serves as a kick off to the 99th Annual Douglas County Fair and Rodeo.

Cowboy cocktails and country music that will put a giddy up in your step complete the evening!

Mark your calendar and head Downtown Friday, July 28th from 6-9pm for a great time straight of out the Wild West!

Join your friends and neighbors on Perry Street to see all the cowboys, longhorns and their calves and then be sure to make your way over to the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off for a taste of the old west.

THE POO CREW Yep, you read that right. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it – and it doesn’t have to be you. You can call the Poo Crew to help you with clean up at your home or commercial site. Over 10 years ago, the owners decided to step away from corporate America and start something all their own. What they’ve achieved is running a successful, environmentally conscious company that treats its employees well and provides outstanding service to their loyal customers. In addition to serving all areas within the E470/C470 circle, Parker and Castle Rock, the Poo Crew also volunteers their services at the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies. There are no contracts, just flat rate, monthly pricing for services from

fully insured, uniformed, animal loving staff.

You can even conveniently pay for your services online! Tools are sanitized after each house, and a door hanger will be left after each visit. The Poo Crew even makes and use their own line of high quality bags that are OXO-Biodegradable, unscented, and non-toxic. Their mission now is to continue to provide outstanding service to their residential and commercial clients while becoming the largest eco-friendly pet service in the Denver area.

For more information, go to poocrew.com, call 303.653.5355 Open Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm, Friday 8am-2pm

A MONTHLY SCAVENGER HUNT FIND & WIN!!!

with push button lights, picnic pavilions, trails for walking or biking (leashed dogs are allowed), a playground and swings. There is something for all ages to enjoy; as well as a fantastic view! Picnic pavilions can be reserved for a summer LAST MONTH’S HUNT ANSWER birthday or family get Just off Trail Boss Road, June’s clue is together and gas grills a great place to get away for a bit are permitted at the of the day this summer. Metzler park. Get out and Ranch Park offers baseball explore the fun to be and softball fields, In-Line Rinks and a Skate Park had right in your own backyard!

Would you like to win a new grill? Look through the magnifying glass and 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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LAST MONTH’S HUNT ANSWER

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6thatTIPS will help you become a

GRILL

MASTER

Chimney Starter

Skip the toxic charcoal lighter fluid and go with a chimney starter. They are super easy to use and won’t have any of that offensive odor. Simply crumple up some old paper, stuff it in the bottom of the chimney, fill it with charcoal and light the paper. That’s it.

After about 15 minutes or so the coals will be ready to rock. Spread them in an even layer in the bottom of your grill.

Get Handsy

Not sure if your grill is hot enough? No worries, that’s why you have a hand.

Carefully hold your open palm about 5-6 inches above the grill rack. If you can’t stand the heat for more than 2 seconds then your temp is considered high. 5 seconds of heat and you are in the medium range. If you can keep your hand over for 10 seconds then you are experiencing low heat. Most of all be smart, don’t burn yourself because you can’t cook if you can’t use your hand.

It’s time to kick up your grill game and our six easy tips can help you do just that. So what are you waiting for, Let’s Keep It Clean Once your grill is nice and hot, clean it. get the grill fired up, invite over some Use a long handled wired brush made for grills to clean off gunk and debris friends and cook up some grub!

from your previous meal. When the grill is hot it is easier to clean, so get to it.

Oil It Up

Keeping your grill clean and “seasoned” is imperative. Once it is clean and hot make sure you oil it up before placing your food. Simply take a folded up paper towel and soak it in vegetable oil. Grab it with tongs and rub it back and forth over your grill rack. This will help keep your food from sticking to the rack.

Embrace the Basket

Vegetables and small food can be a real bummer. Don’t get frustrated with them… instead use a grill basket. These miracle workers will save you lots of time and frustration. Just give them a once over with vegetable oil or non-stick spray before each use to keep the sticking to a minimum.

Take It Easy and Give It a Rest Once your meat is done, give it some time to rest. Place your culinary creation on a platter and tent it with foil for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the meat time to distribute all those yummy juices evenly.

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Battlefield Cross Memorial Imagine an inspired person decides to give back to the community in a way that leaves a lasting impact for decades to come. Imagine this person decides they want to do something to pay tribute to our nation’s military so this person puts everything they have into finding the necessary resources to erect a memorial that speaks to the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of our nation’s military.

This most determined person stated, “My hope for this project is that this memorial will promote awareness for all our veterans have given to ensure our freedom and remind the residents of Parker on a daily basis how much we owe them.”

Sounds pretty remarkable, doesn’t it? This person is actually an incredible young man named Ewan Gregory. Ewan, who will be an 8th grader at Cimarron Middle School this fall, developed this memorial project as his Eagle Scout Project. A scout since he joined Cub Scouts in the first grade, Ewan has always had a deep respect and appreciation for the military. Much of his immediate family serves, as did his Great Uncle, who lost his life during the Vietnam War and his Great Grandfather, who bravely served in WWII. Ewan himself has plans to join the Army.

To honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, Ewan is having a sculpture of the Battlefield Cross erected in Living Wheel Park in Downtown Parker. The battlefield cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross or marker at the base camp of a soldier who has been killed. Ac9

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cording to the Smithsonian, the first appearance of the Battlefield Cross may have been during the Civil War. Soldiers were buried in temporary cemeteries near battlefields, identified by simple, wooden plaques.

The configuration of a “cross”; a rifle pointed downward with a helmet perched on the stock, was a more common sight during WWI and WWII. Beginning with the Gulf War in 1991 and during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, the latest version of the Battlefield Cross was created using the rifle, helmet, boots and dog tags. Sculptor Richard Young and his partner Lena Toritch have produced dozens of bronze statues honoring our military. Most recently, he was commissioned to sculpt a life-size eagle which serves as the centerpiece of a Veterans Memorial park in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

To bring this project to fruition, Ewan is working to raise $7,000 and could use everyone’s help. You can donate directly to Parker Troop 280 at Champion Bank (located at 16790 Centre Court in Parker) or through the project’s GoFundMe site (www.gofundme.com/battlefieldcross.) Any excess funds raised will be donated to a local veteran’s organization.

The Battlefield Cross Memorial, the first of its kind in Colorado, will be unveiled on July 29th at 2:00pm.

With remarkable young men like Ewan setting the example for our community, it is safe to say we are a community to be proud of.

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Castle Rock WineFest Wine lovers of the world, rejoice! The 14th Annual Castle Rock WineFest, presented by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, is back and better than ever! One of the Chamber’s Signature Events, the WineFest will transform Butterfield Crossing Park into a wine lover’s playground. The event will host over two dozen wineries offering over 180 varieties of Colorado wine for the tasting.

In one, beautiful location you can take the opportunity to channel your inner Sommelier and delight in the nose of each sample (the smell of the wine in the glass), or check out each wine’s legs. When a wine is swirled, it leaves drops that slide down the glass. These droplets, referred to as the “legs,” “tears,” or curtains of the wine appear. The thicker the droplets, the higher the alcohol content in the wine.

Who knew?

In addition to the wine offerings, an incredible selection of food trucks and cooking demonstrations will be there to delight your taste buds and live music will be on hand to round out the entertainment.

Additionally, the first 2,000 WineFest attendees will receive a free wine tote and wine glass to commemorate the event.

Grab a few friends and make a day of it!

Not to be missed is the winemaker dinner prior to the Grand Tasting event. Enjoy a fabulous meal while getting a chance to get up close and personal with vintners,

find out answers to all your wine questions and mingle with other aficionados during the evening. Tickets for the Winemaker Dinner will be available online. WineFest tickets are on sale now; Regular Price Tickets are $29, Designated Driver Tickets are $17. Tickets will increase in price the day of the event, so purchase online ahead of time!

There is no self parking at the event but limited valet parking will be available on the west side of the park near the basketball courts for $10. Free shuttle service will be available from the Outlets at Castle Rock. The shuttle will travel from the northwest section (near the Nike Outlets) and make one stop at Butterfield Park; continuously running from the park to the outlets and back. Shuttle service will also be provided from the Castle View High School parking lot to Butterfield Park. In order to ensure that everyone safely enjoys the WineFest, Castle Rock Firefighters of Local 4116 will again be providing Castle Rock residents with a safe ride home if needed, free of charge.

As this is an adult only event, PHOTO IDs are required and children are not permitted. No pets, strollers, outside coolers, food or beverages are permitted.

This is a Rain or Shine Outdoor event, no refunds or rain checks will be issued.

Dress for the unpredictable Colorado weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Castle Rock WineFest Saturday, July 15th 2pm-8pm Butterfield Crossing Park 3952 Butterfield Crossing Drive, Castle Rock Tickets: castlerock.org/castle-rock-winefest 11

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OUR READERS’

BEST APPLE

PIE RECIPES

Few things are as “American” as home baked apple pie. The smell of a pie baking, with a hint of cinnamon in the air, brings so many memories flashing through our minds. We reached out to our readers to find their favorite recipes for apple pie goodness. Here are our four choices for best apple pie.

Enjoy!

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MINI DULCE DE LECHE APPLE PIE EMPANADAS Yields 1 Dozen Empanadas 4 Peeled, Cored, Diced Apples (I used Granny Smith & Fuji) 2 Tablespoon Lemon Juice 1/4 Cup Water 2-3 Tablespoons of Cornstarch 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon A Dash of Nutmeg 1 Package Refrigerated Pie Crusts 11 ouces Dulce De Leche (store bought or homemade) 1 Egg Lightly Beaten Granulated Sugar 4 Inch Circle Shaped Cutter 1. Dice apples and toss with lemon juice in large bowl.

2. Combine cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg, whisk and set aside.

3. Put diced apples in a 2 quart size saucepan with water. Heat stove to medium high, cover and cook for 8 minutes. Apple pieces will be tender.

4. Add Dulce de Leche reserving just a little to use as drizzle topping and add cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir till well incorporated and heat for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat set aside.

5. Preheat oven to 425° Use Non-stick pan, lining the pan with parchment paper is optional.

6. Lightly flour a counter and unroll pie crust and slightly roll out.

7. Cut out 6 rounds with circle shaped cutter and repeat previous step 6 and 7 for second pie crust.

8. Place pie crust rounds on pan and fill each round on one side by the tablespoon of apple pie filling leaving room to be able to seal the empanada.

9. Brush lightly beaten egg wash around inner edges of each empanada. Fold over and seal each empanada crimping the round sided edge with a fork. Brush each empanada with the remaining egg wash and generously sprinkle them with granulated sugar.

10. Place the pan with the empanadas in the over and heat for 12-14 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes.

11. Drizzle Dulce De Leche over top of empanadas. Enjoy!

SO SIMPLE APPLE PIE 7 C Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1 C sugar, 1 t cinnamon Mix all together Place filling in premade or homemade pie crust. Add about 5-6 pats of butter to top.

Cover with another crust, tuck in edges.

Decorate top if you want, but vent at least 3 places.

Bake 425 for 15 minutes, 350 for 30 more.

Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or cold!

CARAMEL APPLE PIE Pie: 1/2 cup sugar 3 tablespoons flour 2 teaspoons cinnamon 5 large apples, thinly sliced and peeled Topping: 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup quick oats 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping Line 9” pie pan with basic single crust. In large mixing bowl, stir together the pie mixture, making sure to coat all apples.

Transfer to pie plate. For topping, stir together sugar, flour and oats. Cut in butter until it has coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples and bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. As soon as you take it out of the oven, drizzle caramel sauce - it may be easier to drizzle if warmed up in microwave. Then sprinkle nuts on top.

KYLE’S WHITE GLOVE SPECIAL GRANNY SMITH BACON APPLE PIE 1 9” pie shell, unbaked 3/4 C light brown sugar, packed 2 T cornstarch 1 t ground Cinnamon 1/2 t ground Nutmeg 1/2 t ground Allspice 1/4 t ground Clove 6 C peeled, sliced Granny Smith apples 6-8 slices smoked bacon Preheat oven to 350 In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and toss/mix thoroughly. Add sliced apples and toss to evenly coat/distribute. Use bacon to form a “lattice” top; over/under weaving the strips to cover pie.

Trim edges of bacon to fit, leaving enough extra to “crimp” the ends into the pie shell.

Cover loosely with foil and bake one hour.

Remove foil, continue baking for 15-20 minutes or until bacon is browned and begins to crisp. (Not too crispy – need to be able to cut to serve) Allow pie to rest roughly one hour before serving.

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Welcome to the

Colorado Horse Park Nestled in the southeast side of Parker is a destination that may have evaded your attention; until now. The Colorado Horse Park is a one-of-a-kind destination for equestrian enthusiasts, amateur riders and horse lovers alike. Over the last year, the Colorado Horse Park has undergone numerous renovations and restorations, making it one of the leading equestrian centers in the west; committed to safe, quality competitions. Home to numerous equestrian events including top hunter/ jumper, dressage and eventing competitions throughout the spring, summer and fall, CHP also serves as a boarding facility for over 100 horses.

The summer season started off with the Dressage in the Rockies in May, followed by the Eventing in the Rockies Series in early June and continues with the Summer in the Rockies Series. Every Saturday through July 23rd, Colorado Horse Park will host the phenomenal Grand Prix competition, which is open to the public, with the gates opening at 4:00pm. Incredible competition is accompanied by vendor fairs, charity showcases, food truck villages and more!

In addition to the main events, CHP’s Ride & Learn Series gives riders a chance to learn the sport from the very best. World class trainers constructively critique and educate participants as they assist them in fine tuning their technique. Space in the Ride & Learn series is limited, more information and registration for this instruction can be found on the website under the Ride & Learn tab.

The horses aren’t the only ones with fantastic accommodations at Colorado Horse Park. You can book your own, private event at CHP. The Banquet Hall and Grand Prix Ballroom boast amazing floor to ceiling windows providing spectacular views to the west, north and south. The staircase positioned in the center of the room, makes for a perfect divider separating spaces for tables and chairs and space for dancing. The Coors Family Arena Patio Area includes a large span of grassy berm and pavement with intermittent covered pavilions making it an ideal location for BBQs, outdoor movies, picnics or other gatherings. The Central Park Pavilion is a covered, open-air pavilion located in the southwest section of the property, overlooking the show grounds. Centrally located and equipped with a stage, a bar and plenty of room for family and friends, it’s the perfect place for a gathering. Go to the website to contact the Events team for more information on the options for your event.

Don’t balk at the opportunity to mix the thrill of competition with the majesty of these amazing animals and their talented riders this summer. Make plans for a family night out unlike any other at the Colorado Horse Park!

Colorado Horse Park is located at 7522 South Pinery Drive. For more information go to www.coloradohorsepark.com.

Looking for a fun, family outing to cap off your weekends? Check out The Colorado Horse Park and experience top equestrian competition throughout the summer! The 2017 Summer In The Rockies Series features seven weeks of family-friendly activities and events! Entertainment begins at 4:00 p.m. before the Saturday evening grand prix competition, with the first horse and rider combination beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday Night Grand Prix Schedule: • July 1 - $60,000 Horseware® Ireland Grand Prix • July 8 - $70,000 Ariat® Grand Prix & Mayor’s Cup • July 15 - $80,000 Front Range Kubota Grand Prix • July 22 - $100,000 Adequan® Grand Prix 15

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DIA

ME FACE

: GAME CREDIT PHOTO

& K C U M , D MU FOR THE FUN AMILY F E L O WH

GET MUDDY, GET MUCKY BE AWESOME! Nows the time! Call up some friends and family and ask them to get “muddy” with you. Not only will you have the time of your life getting dirty and playing on some of the coolest obstacles around, you will also be helping finding a cure for MS...which is a totally awesome thing to do. Don’t wait, it’s time to get dirty!

WHEN: Saturday, July 15, 2017 WHERE: Salisbury North 9200 Motsenbocker Road Parker, CO 80134 REGISTER ONLINE: Muckfestms.com 17

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About MuckFest® MS MuckFest MS is the FUN mud run with the best obstacles. No special training or equipment required: just bring a pair of sneakers and your sense of humor.

Participants run on a well-designed 5K course, featuring super-sized obstacles and mud from start to finish. The MuckFest MS series supports people living with multiple sclerosis, and brings us closer to a world free of MS. 100% of fundraising dollars support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s mission to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

After getting dirty on the course, runners (called “muckers”) go to the Scrub Your Muck clean-up station and then head over to the MuckFestival area, refreshed by the Traveler Beer Company, to down a Traveler beer (or soda) or two, grab some grub, and decide, once and for all, who had the most epic spill of the day. Children get to join in the fun with a mucky, pint-sized play lot just for kids called the Lil’ Muckers.

• The “MS” part of MuckFest MS stands for multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

• Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects over 2.3 million people worldwide.

• Last year, the Society invested $54 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing research projects around the world.

• Thanks to the determined commitment of researchers around the world and dedicated public support, there are now FDA-approved disease-modifying treatment options for relapsing MS, the most common form of the disease, as well as an International Progressive MS Alliance established to speed therapies for this still untreatable form of the disease.

MuckFest MS Tidbits & Fast Facts • Since its inception, MuckFest MS participants have raised more than $22 million.

• No special training is required. Whether you’ve just run a marathon or just rolled off the couch, MuckFest MS is for you. All you need is a sense of humor and a pair of sneakers.

• There’s no fee for admission, so spectators are welcome.

• Learn more and register at www.MuckFestMS.com.

CONTACT: Calvin Fleming 323.484.6707 calvin@goodpr.com PHOTO CREDIT: GAMEFACE MEDIA

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PHOTO CREDIT: GAMEFACE MEDIA

Top 4 Facts About MS

THEBOOKENDS

with Pam & Becky

The Vanishing Year

By Kate Moretti

Zoe Whittaker appears to be the star in her own Cinderella story. She went from sharing a small apartment and shopping at thrift stores to a sleek Tribeca penthouse and designer clothes. Henry Whittaker, a Wall Street tycoon swept her off her feet and brought her into his world. Now, Zoe is separated from her previous life (and friends) by miles, as well as circumstances. But, Zoe’s secrets are coming back to haunt her. Five years ago, Zoe ran from her previous life and created a new life in a new place. Now, the danger that caused her to flee is close and she must decide who she can trust as secrets are revealed.

PAM I found this story as I browsed the new fiction section of our library. It sounded like an interesting and suspenseful tale! We meet Zoe as she is heading an elite event for a philanthropic organization in the city. Right away, we find that she does not feel a part of this life and is nervous about her past. Becky, what were your first impressions about Zoe? BECKY I quickly liked this character. She was easy to connect to

and I enjoyed how her story is revealed. She is currently living what appears to be a perfect life. We quickly see that maybe everything isn’t as beautiful as it first appears. Do you like the pace of this story and the style of writing?

PAM The story gets moving quickly and we begin to see troubles in Zoe’s life. I did like the writing style and the way the author reveals pieces of the mystery, but keeps the reader guessing how pieces fit together until the end. Zoe feels grateful for her new lifestyle, but we begin to see that she has very little freedom. Did you feel she was more accepting of this because she had gone through such hard times growing up and was comforted by the offered security?

BECKY I suppose that her past could have played a part in the

seduction of this wealthy lifestyle. However, I think it’s more likely that she was slowly seduced, and controlled by Henry. I think that it was easy to put her guard down and enjoy all the pleasures that her new lifestyle provided without realizing the isolation that came with his love. She didn’t see that her cash allowance or the watchful eye of Henry was a prison. What did you think of Henry when we are first introduced to him? Did you think he was her knight in shining armor?

PAM I had a bad feeling about him from the beginning. There was always an edge to him or a condescending comment aimed at Zoe. When we come into the story, we are already seeing some issues in the relationship. When do you think she began to realize that it wasn’t all perfect?

BECKY I like how this character was developed but there was

a bit of a disconnect for me regarding how trusting she was in this relationship. Zoe had a challenging childhood so I found her immediate dependence on Henry to be unlikely. I would have expected her to be more scrappy and guarded instead of blindly

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being lead by this man. However, she began to question her marriage when she accidentally sees Henry while he is working out with a beautiful woman. He is an expert at manipulating the situation but she began to start putting the puzzle together after that. Along with the marriage came a seriously devoted housekeeper, Penny. She is in charge of everything in the home from decorating to selecting dinner. Did you like the development of this character that was cold with Zoe but intensely involved in all aspects of this home?

PAM The development of this character certainly added to the unease and feeling that something was not right in Zoe’s home.

The coldness that Zoe received from Penny and the brush off from Henry when she tried to discuss the situation helped to make Zoe feel isolated. Adding to her isolation is the distance that has been created between her and her friends. Zoe was working at a flower shop when she met Henry and was very close friends with one of her coworkers. She hasn’t seen any of her friends in quite some time and begins to try and connect with the friends that she left behind when she married Henry. They are reluctant to accept her after her abandonment of them. How did you feel about these three characters?

BECKY Those relationships were realistically portrayed as she

delt with friends that felt abandoned. Zoe had to deal with hurt and betrayal as she mended those relationships. It also gave us a glimpse into Zoe’s past as she reconnects to her old lifestyle. There is more to this story but we are avoiding a few topics so we don’t give too much away. Do you think that a book club would have interesting discussion or is this more of a book to read on a beach vacation?

PAM I think there are some deeper topics that would drive a book club discussion around this story. I know I had some questions that would be fun to discuss in greater detail! We will go in a completely different direction with our next book: The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood. Join us as we discuss a 104 year old woman, Ona, and the boy that reignited her interest in life.

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LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT A PERFECT AMERICA

By Peter Meredith

Phil Tarsus is a dreadful instrument of State Justice. He is an Inquisitor, a man who makes his living rooting out and executing those people who have been charged with treason. Guilt or innocence mean little to him – he has his quotas to fill after all. Yet when he unwittingly stumbles upon a secret involving someone high up in the new American government, he becomes a target himself. Unfortunately for Phil there’s nowhere to run that the government can’t find him. In the year 2122, in the perfect state of America, the government owns everything: from the shoes you wear, to the apple you eat, to your next door neighbor. Under these conditions Phil can trust no one, but the man he is next slated to murder.

This book is available for purchase on Amazon.com

PILGRIM WHEELS

REFLECTIONS OF A CYCLIST CROSSING AMERICA

By Neil Hanson

A splendid story of journey, discovery, and place. In 2011, at 57 years old, Neil Hanson began a 3400-mile cross-country bicycle journey, exploring an America that can only be discovered on winding backroads from the saddle of a bicycle.

More than just a travelogue of a bike ride across the country, Hanson’s delightful and beautifully written story takes the reader on a journey that is engaging and insightful, often hilarious, sometimes poignant, and always inspiring. It’s a must-read adventure that will stir your soul.

If you enjoy this book be sure to check out Pilgrim Spokes (Book Two) - The Journey Continues… Cycling East Across America as well!

A captivating adventure reflected in beautiful prose. Pilgrim Spokes weaves a story around the eastern half of Hanson’s cross country bicycle journey, continuing the saga begun in his award-winning previous book, Pilgrim Wheels.

About the Author Neil Hanson is a lifelong cyclist. Originally from Kansas, he currently lives in Colorado. His eclectic career path has included jobs ranging from carpenter to high-level executive. His first book, Peace at the Edge of Uncertainty, was published in 2010.

This book is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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