Castle Rock Magazine - May 2013

castle rock ca s t le r o ck ’ s P R E M I E R m o n t h ly c o mm u ni t y ma g a z ine

e n i z a Mag

En

E E SUNDL IS KI S NEW A IDIN K W r te

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

Permit 5377 Denver, CO

PAID

Prsrt Std U.S. Postage

nd

a st te on le. tc d un Kin ls! r h w tai ge ne de en a or av in 4 f sc ld w e g ay ou pa rM uc e ou yo Se

CastleRockMagazine.com

MAY 2013

MAY 2013 1 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Celebrating our 26th Anniversary, 1986 – 2012

Your Local Parker Shower Experts Showers

Replacement Windows

Mirrors

Window & Door Hardware

Table Tops & Shelves

Windshields: New & Repair

Residential Glass

Screens: New & Rescreens

Quality Products & Workmanship•Complete Customer Satisfaction Outstanding Service•Excellent Value•Locally Owned

MATERIALS excluding labor

Satisfaction Guaranteed 303.699.9292 Discount can not be applied to prior orders or previously paid invoices.

Coupon must be presented at time of order.

Not to be combined with any other offers.

Must present coupon.

Expires 5-31-13

OUR PRICE GUARANTEE We will beat any apples-to-apples price quote 17858 Cottonwood Drive Parker, CO 80134

303.699.9292

www.HansenGlassInc.com

MAY 2013

10% OFF

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 2

MAY 2013 3 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

CONTENTS CASTLE ROCK SOUTH AURORA MAGAZINE

castlerockmagazine.com

In This Issue

Volume 9 Issue 5

Publisher Mike Waid mike.waid@waidpublishing.com

Editor Pamela Waid pam.waid@waidpublishing.com

Ad Sales Mike Waid mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 10 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.

Castle ROck Magazine is available online at www.castlerockmagazine.com. Castle Rock Magazine 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 Castle Rock Magazine. Copyright 2013 Castle Rock Magazine - All rights Reserved.

- Coming Up The Rough Side

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 18 Castle Rock Historic Trolley Tour 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Castle Rock Museum castlerockmuseum.org or 303-8143164 May 18 Douglas/Elbert Task Force Recycling Event 10:00 am Douglas County High School 720-648-5558 or detaskforce.org May 19 Tri the Rock 6:30 am to 12:00 pm Butterfield Park 720-733-2284 or crgov.com june 1 Starlight Summer Movie – Mary Poppins 6:30 pm – street fair opens 8:30 pm – movie Festival Park downtowncastlerock.com

june 2 26th Annual Elephant Rock Ride Douglas County Events Center elephantrockride.com or 303-2829020 june 8 Ducky Derby 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Festival Park rotaryclubofcastlerock.org/ AboutTheDuckyDerby.cfm june 15 Classic Rock Cruise in Car Show 10:00 am to 3:00 pm 4th and Wilcox Streets downtowncastlerock.com or 303688-7488

june 19 Music in the Meadows 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Butterfield Park meadowslink.com or 303-814-3953 june 29 Castle Rock Half Marathon 7:00 am East Plum Creek Trail Crgov.com or 720-733-2284

WIN A NEW KINDLE! Here’s your chance to win a new Kingle.

Simply go online to castlerockmagazine.com and enter our “scavenger hunt” contest. You will need this copy of Castle Rock Magazine with you when you do. All the details are online. Have fun and Good Luck!

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 4

MAY 2013

MAY 2013

5 Summer’s Almost Here...Now What?

7 Grief and Trauma in Children 8 What is a Doula?

9 The Rock Christian Academy Welcomes Duck Dynasty to Castle Rock 10 Organizing Your Family Chore Chart 11 Q&A with Mike Selvage 13 The Bookends - The Light Between Oceans 14 Local Author Spotlight

By David Kanze, DO

? t a h W w

Summer’s Almost

Here! No

D

uring those warm, wonderful days of summer, moms have to have a stockpile of the basics.

Popsicles, Band Aids, sunscreen and most importantly, ideas.

Nothing kills the summer buzz faster that the high pitched whine of, “We’re borrrreeeed.”

Fear not, fellow moms, because I have consulted a team of experts to load our idea arsenal and leave us wanting for nothing in our battle of boredom this summer. My experts are not poll takers who crunch numbers all day. I have real experts; real moms with really great ideas.

MAY 2013

One tip repeated by several moms was the importance of planning ahead. One sits down once a week on Sunday and plans the week’s activities. Another suggested planning a standing, weekly play-date with friends at the pool or the park. In an effort to keep the kids active and keep moms sane, another mom offered up the idea of a kid exchange each week. For instance, one would take her kids and her friend’s kids to the library every Monday then her friend would take all the kids to the park or the pool another day during the week.

The kids get two outings a week and the moms each get a little time to themselves to get a pedicure or take a walk (okay, we know we’ll probably be doing laundry, but we can do it all by ourselves!).

There’s always the camp route, but a week or two of camp does not a summer fill.

Alas, there is only so much time before the kids are all sidewalk chalked out and the bubble machine runs out of sticky, soapy fuel. The pool’s a given, but from time to time you may need to take a break from chlorine scented kids with raisins for fingers. The local library offers summer reading programs and has scheduled story times for littler ones in your brood. One 5 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

of my expert contributors offered up the idea of hosting a book club for her daughter and a few friends throughout the summer.

A friend of mine shared her tradition with her son of collecting pamphlets from local visitor centers and planning daytrips to different points of interest every couple of weeks. Using pictures of their trip, they create a scrapbook that tells the story of their summer adventures.

Most of the locations are free, so the cost is minimal. Another mom pointed out that her girls have become big fans of “Geocaching.” For those of us not up on the lingo, Geocaching is a real world, outdoor treasure hunt you can go on using your smartphone or GPS. You can find adventures locally at www.geocaching.com.

If we can count on anything in Colorado, it’s that we can’t count on the weather cooperating with our plans. Should cabin fever strike, there are lots of places to get out for a quick trip during the day. The State Capital and the US Mint offer tours as well as numerous free days at various museums throughout the summer. (Be sure to book US Mint tours online at usmint.gov/mint_tours) For day trips during milder weather, Wash Park, City Park, Red Rocks and state parks are a great option. Annual state park passes are good

By Tiffany Grizzle

for a year from the date of purchase and good at all state parks.

The irony of writing this article about summer fun while snow falls steadily outside is not lost on me. As much as I dread the inevitable pout that will no doubt appear sometime this summer (most likely right after the lifeguard whistles to clear the pool due to lightning less than 10 minutes after we finally make it over there one day) I can’t help but to get a little excited about having a few new tricks up my sleeve come warmer weather. Maybe by being a tad more organized, having the kids home all day every day will be more fun and less chaotic.

Farmers Markets, camping out in the backyard, the Chalk Art Festival, Outdoor Movies in the Park, free concerts, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Dinosaur Ridge, a good, old fashioned picnic; there are limitless options for every interest and age group out there, so take some time, make a few plans and enjoy summer while it lasts. www.crgov.com www.geocaching.com www.denver.org www.playdatewithdenver.com www.usmint.gov www.scfd.org

MAY 2013 WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 6

Grief and Trauma in Children

By Kelli Korn

A

s parents, we all want to protect our children from grief and trauma. There are times when we are not able to protect our children from the struggles in life and may need some guidance on how to help our child cope with a tragic or sad event. Below are suggestions to help guide yourself and your child during a tough time.

u Encourage expressive activities including drawing, writing a poem or story, writing a song, dancing, painting, acting, etc.

u Develop a list of emergency contact numbers or determine ways to increase communication when you have to be away from your kids.

u Be aware of your own reactions to the event. Attempt to model calm behavior. u

Be understanding of changes in behavior- (e.g., nightmares, bed-wetting, stomach aches, headaches.)

u

Keep yourself available for providing extra attention to your child, including extra hugs as needed.

u

Don’t avoid discussion about this incident if your child expresses a desire to talk.

u Give factual information without unnecessary details. u

When appropriate, express your own feelings (e.g., “I am sad about what happened as well ... Let’s talk about what you have been feeling . . . “).

u Reassure them that feelings of fear, sadness, anger, and guilt are “normal” reactions to an “abnormal” experience.

u Don’t hesitate to admit that you do not have the answers for all that is asked. u *Extremely Important* Monitor exposure to media. Do not overexpose children to television and radio, especially preschool and elementary-aged children.

u Encourage your child’s feelings and curiosity into some form of helping

MAY 2013

behavior. For example, write a letter or draw pictures, donate clothes, or help raise money for those affected by the event.

7 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

u Consider the reactions of children with histories of past traumatic experiences, losses, or emotional disturbance (e.g., depression, anxiety).

u Be observant for signs of suicide, substance abuse, severe sleeping and eating disturbance, and externalizing of angry or aggressive feelings.

u Make an effort to maintain a “normal” routine. Keeping some consistency

in household chores, dinner time, homework, bedtime can foster the healing and recovery process.

u If in doubt, seek professional help for concerns regarding yourself or your child.

Grief is a natural response and sometimes requires professional help. Trauma is often confused with grief, but trauma should be treated by a professional as soon as possible. Look for a therapist who is trained in EMDR if you are concerned about trauma in your family.

Kelli Korn is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of Colorado serving children, teens, and families in the South Denver Metro area. For more information she can be reached at 720-258-6518 or online at http://kellikorn.webs.com 1) “A Practical Guide for Crisis Response in Our Schools” © 2003 by The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress— 368 Veterans Memorial Highway, Commack New York 11725. www.aaets.org • www. schoolcrisisresponse.com.

2) NASP, © 2002,National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, www.nasponline.org.

3) Colorado School Safety Resource Center- Supporting Safe and Positive Colorado Schools, 700 Kipling Street #1000, Denver, CO 80215, www.safeschools.state.co.us

What is a Doula?By Nancy Hampton

T

he word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A doula is usually a woman experienced or educated in childbirth and understands the needs of a laboring mother.

Doulas provide physical (non-medical) and continuous emotional support. Doulas also provide informational support to couples throughout pregnancy, labor and birth. With the caring help of a doula, couples feel much more confident through birth and into parenthood.

There are 2 different types of doulas, birth and postpartum. Birth doulas offer support through pregnancy and birth. Postpartum doulas offer care after birth. This care often varies from day to day for whatever the mother’s needs are. Postpartum doulas help with breastfeeding and make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.

Most birth doulas provide at least 2 comprehensive prenatal

visits, assistance with preparing a birth plan, 24/7 contact availability for questions or concerns, continuous labor support up to 2 hours after birth, and a postpartum visit to assure all is going well.

When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care.

She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions. Doulas do not perform any medical procedures. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.

Some dads worry that a doula will take over their role. Doulas do not make a woman’s birth partner feel unnecessary but rather is supportive to both the mother and her partner. A doula plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Dads actually feel like they can be more supportive to the mother since the pressures of other needs are cared for by the doula. Doula support in the postpartum period can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than 3 months. Postpartum doula support depends on the needs of each individual family. Some work 9 to 5 shifts and others work 3 to 5 hour shifts.

The goal of the postpartum doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles.

Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

Pregnancy Wellness Center of Parker has a referral list of local doulas on their website: www.pregnancyparker.com. All doulas listed on the website are interviewed, hired, and paid by the families they work with.

OPENING SOON! Parker Learning Center 19751 East Main Street – Suite R9 – Parker, CO Building Stronger Families® from Cradle to College + Full-Service Childcare Solutions + Customized Tutoring for College Bound Students

303.317.3171 collegenanniesandtutors.com/parkerco

Summer Fun for Everyone!

Simple for Parents. Fun for Kids.

MAY 2013

Use us for a week or the entire summer…it’s up to you!

Our nanny services are flexible and will cater to YOUR summer plans!

Call today to book your nanny!

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 8

The Rock Christian Academy Welcomes

By Tiffany Grizzle

DucktoDynasty Castle Rock

T

he Rock Christian Academy will soon be hosting a couple of the most intriguing guests the Castle Rock community has ever welcomed, and they’re sure to make a lot of people, “Happy, happy, happy.” On May 19th, Phil and Willie Robertson, the patriarch and CEO of the Duck Dynasty empire will be speaking at the Douglas County Events Center as a fundraiser benefiting The Rock Christian Academy.

If you head to the west side of town and meander through a quiet neighborhood, you’ll soon drive up the path to The Rock Christian Academy. This is not a huge multicampus school; The Rock Christian Academy is home to just 86 students, PreK through 4th grade. Walking through the doors, it’s easy to see that this school is so much more than a place of learning, it is truly a community of teachers, students and parents who all love being there.

At The Rock Christian Academy, hands on learning is emphasized and implemented effectively in small class sizes, using the Principle Approach to learning. This approach is also referred to as “reflective teaching and learning.” In the case of The Rock Christian Academy, this educational approach is implemented in a way that fits with their church, their community and their school. The individual success of students is paramount and The Rock Christian Academy strives to incorporate a variety of learning activities to best serve the different learning styles of each student. Currently, they are enrolling new students and look forward to expanding to include 5th grade for the 20132014 school year.

MAY 2013

So how did a school with just 86 students manage to wrangle the Duck Commander for their fundraiser? A little luck and incredible persistence. After successfully establishing a scholarship fund last year, the school faced the challenge of raising funds to not only continue the scholarship program but also for plans to revitalize the playground and building an expansion.

Michael Bumbaugh, assistant director of the PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship), was watching Duck Dynasty and thought, “why not?” Michael learned the Robertson family does numerous speaking engagements across the country talking about their family, their faith and the work ethic that took their 9 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

small family business to a multi-million dollar empire. When he initially contacted their agent, he was not surprised he was one of hundreds of requests for a speaking engagement. Over the next two months, Michael tenaciously continued contacting them, relaying the story of their school and the plans they have for the school’s future. Two months later, Duck Dynasty was officially on their way to Colorado.

“When your heart is invested this much in something - as much as I believe in this school, the mission statement of the school, the staff and our community - it’s something I’m passionate about and I wasn’t going to give up.”

As eccentric and sometimes outlandish as the Robertsons’ adventures can be, anyone who’s seen the show (myself included) can attest that at the center of everything is their family. It’s a family business, but the main order of business is family. After spending time with students, parents and faculty of The Rock Christian Academy, it’s obvious that they share the same ideology of family first and their school is a direct extension of their family. At the heart of this family are the kids, who were more than willing to speak with me about their excitement over their bearded guests.

“The Duck Dynasty is coming to support our school so we can be bigger and better. Our school is a small school but we want to raise money so we can grow it.”

Many know the Robertsons as funny guys on TV, but one little super fan has a plan, should he get the chance to speak to Willie. He told me he would say, “I’m glad that you’re going to help us raise money - and did you bring some duck calls?”

Before I left I asked one little girl if she thought other kids would want to come to her school who maybe don’t know about it yet, to which she confidently replied, “Why yes, I think they’d love to!”

Whether you’re interested in learning more about the school, supporting The Rock Christian Academy or just simply a fan of Duck Dynasty on A&E, you can purchase tickets to what promises to be an unforgettable night and by doing so, you’ll be giving this little school a lot to quack about.

May 19th - 7:00 pm (VIP Meet & Greet at 5:30, doors open at 6:30) at The Douglas County Events Center. For tickets, visit therock.org. For more information about the school, visit rockacademyco. com.

Organizing Your Family Chore Chart

There are three main components of a family chore chart.

1: The actual chart Chore charts come in many shapes and sizes. You need to find one that works best for you. This can be done with such items as a whiteboard, magnetic board or a chalkboard. Once you decide what platform to use you can decorate it any way you like. Make putting the chart together a fun family night activity!

Be sure to set up a grid listing each family member and each chore. Chores may be color coordinated for each family member or they may be set up by the day of the week they need to be done. There are many options, but these are the two easiest.

2: The chores You will be surprised at what your children like to do when it comes to chores.

Having a family meeting to discuss what needs to be done, who likes to do what, and when things need to be completed, is vital to making your family chore chart work.

3: The rewards and/or consequences This also should be discussed at your family meeting. Ask your children what they find rewarding. Both rewards and consequences need to be in line with the age of each family member.

Rewards may be monetary or even things such as game time on their favorite

device. A two year old may not grasp the concept of money, so make it fun. You can reward with marbles that are colorful and teach counting skills at the same time.

Another helpful idea for young children is to purchase their first reward and display it. This will teach them goal setting and will be very motivating.

Communicate how many marbles or dollars it will take for them to purchase any reward you buy in advance.

Consequences are just as important as the rewards. They may lose money, marbles or devices. Decide in advance what works best in your home.

The most important tip we can give you is to be consistent.

“Our children are counting on us to provide two things: consistency and structure. Children need parents who say what they mean, mean what they say, and do what they say they are going to do.” Barbara Coloroso Best of luck in your home endeavors this spring!

Christa Johanson, President of Peace Together Spaces, has been Restoring O.R.D.E.R. to homes for 8 1/2 years. Christa may be reached at 303.563.9377 or online at www.peacetogetherspaces.com.

MAY 2013

C

reating your family chore chart can be a huge chore in and of itself. A chore is defined as, “the regular or daily light work of a household; a routine task or job.” If we keep this basic definition we get from Merriam-Webster in mind, creating our chart will go much more smoothly. An overcomplicated chart will cause confusion & frustration and will ultimately lead to nothing getting done. Remember the words daily and light!

By Christa Johanson

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 10

Q&A

With Mike Selvage

H

Chief Nursing Officer at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital

iring clinical staff, focusing on quality and developing service lines which address the needs of our community are just a few priorities for Castle Rock Adventist Hospital’s Chief Nursing Officer, Mike Selvage. Mike has been working on these patient care initiatives since he was hired last fall to help open the hospital. On August 1, 2013 the hospital will open their doors and begin providing patient care to the community. Mike shares his views on nursing care and how Castle Rock Adventist will achieve excellence in patient care.

1. Relationship based nursing to be hallmark of care at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.

Relationship-Based Nursing Practice is a philosophy designed to focus on the patient relationship. This is a vision for Castle Rock Adventist Hospital that will be implemented, which focuses on the nurse as a professional member of the healthcare team and working in a safe and family-centered care environment.

There are three components of this philosophy -- the nurse with the patient, the nurse with colleagues, and the nurse providing the foundation for the creation of hospital nursing principals. Some proven outcomes of relationship based care include improvements in patient safety, increased patient satisfaction, and improved teamwork among nurses.

2.What will set our hospital clinical practice apart?

•Evidence – Evidence in nursing is continually emerging. We have the opportunity to set up systems that allow us to embed this evidence into our practice from the beginning of the hospital as a part of our culture •LEAN -- We are committed to having a standardized performance improvement methodology so that all departments are continually working to improve – and so that departments may work together for issues that span across disciplines.

•Phenomenal team – we have the opportunity to hire a team of great people who share our patient-centered philosophy, team-based approach, and commitment to excellence.

3.We are focused on hiring the best of the best.

We will be focused on hiring nurses who have their bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Research has shown better patient outcomes when care is delivered by people with a higher level of education.

MAY 2013

All nurses are required to have specialty certification in their specialty within 2 years of hire; this shows a commitment both to having nurses who have demonstrated their expertise in caring for their specific patient population – and to continuing education, as nurses must complete additional education requirements to maintain certification.

Castle Rock Adventist wants to hire the best of the best in nursing care. Nurses who have demonstrated clinical excellence as well as patient centered care will be nurses who will ultimately be hired by Castle Rock Adventist.

11 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

4.Developing hospital services to meet the needs of our community.

We are developing a robust Women’s Services department which will include labor and delivery as well as gynecological surgery options, mammography and DEXA (bone density) scans. The service our staff provides will be unparalleled in satisfaction, quality and convenience.

Additionally the hospital will provide: Cardiac Services – Featuring a state-of –the art Cath Lab that is able to do complex cardiac interventions – and an on-call team that is available 24/7 to intervene in cardiac emergencies.

Ortho – Full non-surgical and surgical capability to address a wide range of orthopedic options.

5. How do I apply for a nursing job?

Jobs will be listed at careers.centura.org – this website provides a comprehensive list of the more than 200 jobs available at the hospital. We are currently looking for experienced ICU and Pediatric nurses. For more information you can also go to our website at www.castlerockhospital.org

6.Your sign says Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus, but you’re building a hospital – what’s the difference?

We see our role in the community as not just providing quality medical services but also promoting health and wellness in the community. We named our 50 acre campus The Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus to reflect our vision that in addition to hospital based services, we will also provide numerous programs and services to promote health and whole person living. This is just the start and we’re excited to partner with the community on other programs and services.

RIDGELINE

FAMILY MEDICINE

Ridgeline Family Medicine provides

comprehensive health care for adults and children in the heart of Castle Rock.

Dr. Perez received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his medical degree from the University of Colorado Medical School. Dr. Perez and his wife have 5 children and enjoy outdoor activities and landscaping.

Marlow Perez, MD – Family Medicine

Both Dr. Perez and Dr. Ruger are accepting new patients.

Call 303-649-3120 to schedule an appointment.

Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm

Jane Ruger, MD – Family Medicine

831 S. Perry Street , Ste 200, Castle Rock, CO 80104 Centura Health complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any care or service on the grounds of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual preference, ancestry, age, familial status, disability or handicap. Copyright © Centura Health, 2013

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 12

MAY 2013

RidgelineFamilyMedicine.org

BOOKENDS

The Light Between Oceans by

Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia after fighting in the war for four long years. As a lighthouse keeper, he is assigned the light on Janus Rock. Janus is known as a very isolated island, where he will only see a supply boat once in a while and get shore leave very infrequently. However, that is exactly what he wants as he is trying to forget many horrible things from battle. Unexpectedly, that changes when he meets Isabel and they fall in love. Tom and his bride make a home together on Janus. One day years later, a boat washes up on shore with the body of a man and a crying baby. Isabel feels this is a gift from God and is determined to keep the baby. Their choices will change many lives...

PAM: Becky, I was very intrigued when I read the summary for this book and just had to read the story. I wasn’t disappointed as the story whisked me to another time and another place. Were you pulled into this story as well?

MAY 2013

BECKY: The beginning of the story grabbed my attention right away but as it progressed I found it to drag a little bit. Tom was a likable character but was very black and white so that may have been part of my problem. I wasn’t able to make much of a connection with him during the onset of the story. Did you find yourself drawn to him?

M.L. Stedman

decision to keep the baby?

PAM: After her tragic losses of her pregnancies she became very depressed and withdrawn. Tom wanted so much to be able to help her, but was shut out and unsure of how to make a difference. Then the baby washed up on shore and seemed like such a miracle to Isabel.

Tom knew it was wrong to keep the baby, but also felt a responsibility to his wife and her happiness. Isabel took the power in the decision because Tom wanted to do what was best for her, his wife. This would be such a great book for a book club to discuss! There are so many parts of the story that people would see differently and would facilitate a lively discussion. For example, Tom never abandoned Isabel and protected her throughout. Did you find this admirable of Tom?

PAM: He definitely wasn’t a spicy character, but I did enjoy his straightforward personality. After his experiences with his family and the war, it seemed that he needed the monotony and lack of excitement that the lighthouse provided. I imagine that would provide some peace for his mind. Did you feel that he needed the lighthouse?

BECKY: At the beginning I found it admirable but as we progressed through the story I just wanted to scream at him. If he were a friend of mine I would encourage him to have some level of self preservation. It was so frustrating to see him all alone in his fight against the authorities. It is interesting that his isolation on Janus Rock was originally a salvation but the events there lead him to another level of despair while trying to sort out the legal aspect of his actions. Do you think that Isabel had much remorse for her actions?

BECKY: Although they didn’t delve into the horrors that he experienced during his time in the military he definitely needed some solitude to bring some peace to his life. The lighthouse was a perfect solution and location for him to settle his past. It would take a unique person to live such a reclusive life so it was not only needed but necessary. What did you think about his young bride?

PAM: Honestly, I felt that she never really had remorse for her actions (or lack thereof ). I think she doubted some of her choices in handling the legal aspects, but I think her anger with Tom overshadowed the doubt.

Later, I think they somewhat came to terms with the events and each other. However, I never felt that Isabel truly regretted her handling of the problems and Tom. Would you recommend this book to others?

PAM: I must say that I didn’t love her character. In the beginning she was ok, but later in the book I thoroughly disliked her. However, Tom always stayed true to his commitment and I found that touching. What were your feelings for her, Becky?

BECKY: I would definitely recommend it for a book club. As we mentioned there are a number of situations in this book that would generate some great discussions. It is not a fast paced thriller but it will sneak up on you and you will find it to be an enjoyable read. Let’s move on to a murder mystery with The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson.

Teenagers Poppy Carlisle and Serena Gorringe are intimately involved with an older, abusive man. He is conniving and controlling, yet they both love and fear him equally. He is found in his apartment stabbed to death. Poppy is convicted of the murder and serves a 20 year sentence. She is now released and wants to clear her name but it might not as easy as she thinks it will be.

BECKY: When we are first introduced to Isabel we meet a spunky character that will bring joy to the much deserving character of Tom. However, it is not long into the story that I am no longer a fan and as the tale progresses I too came to completely dislike her. This book is full of situations for a book club to discuss; the first of course is her desire to keep the baby as her own. Why do you think she had so much power over the 13 CASTLE ROCK MAGAZINE

LOCAL AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Coming up the Rough Side

By Eugene L. Rodgers

Coming up the Rough Side is about the journey and struggles of an AfricanAmerican soul, Eugene, from the 50s through the 80s. The book begins with a poor black youth being shaped and molded into a God fearing, productive American with boundaries in a clouded world. Eugene faces many challenges of life and the struggles within will make him or break him. The outside influences in his life through athletics and church trained him in the way to go as an adult.

The great struggle was to be healed and restored in his right mind. The real challenge for Eugene was not to hate other people, but stop hating himself. He finds it easier said than done because of the process he went through.

He tried for years to overcome his insanity but this journey

The turning point in Eugene’s life was when the Lord stopped debating Satan over Eugene’s life and the game of self destruction ended. Eugene fell down on his knees, reached out to the Lord Jesus Christ, and his soul was lifted up. He was asking God to save him. He heard his cry and reached down and pulled him out of the cesspool of life and hate. God gave Eugene a new start and blessed his wife and children with a new man. The struggle was long and hard, but the Lord restored his mind. If Eugene had to do it over again, he wouldn’t dare go through that abomination. He despised that journey but let the redeemed say so because the lord Jesus Christ saved his soul. Concerning Satan, he overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of his testimony; and they loved not their life unto the death.

Schedule Breast Augmentation AND Liposuction Receive $1,000 off!!* *Discount applies to Surgeons Fees for Liposuction. Cannot be combined with any other promotion. Offer expires May 31, 2013.

TUMMY TUCK LIPOSUCTION BODY LIFT ARM LIFT THIGH LIFT BREAST LIFT BROW LIFT BOTOX BREAST AUGMENTATION BREAST RECONSTRUCTION GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY COSMETIC FILLERS SCAR REVISION EYELID SURGERY LATISSE EYELASH ENHANCER

Jeremy Z. Williams, MD, Christopher G. Williams, MD

7 4 3 0 E a s t Pa r k M e a d o w s D r i v e , S u i t e 3 0 0 L o n e Tr e e , C o l o r a d o 8 0 1 2 4 • 3 0 3 . 7 0 6 . 1 1 0 0

www.ParkMeadowsCosmeticSurgery.com www.BreastReconstructionDenver.com

WWW.CASTLEROCKMAGAZINE.COM 14

MAY 2013

Eugene’s teen years consisted of a beautiful, yet, tough little city that presented no hope or advancement, so he thought. This place was a learning ground to identify enemies while being consumed in a world of decadence.

The streets represented evil but were fun. The awareness and treatment he received from others was never expected. He formed his own rebellious thoughts and ideas and lived them out through the military during the era of Dr. Martin L. King’s assassination. The tour in Vietnam compounded a heart full of hatred towards white people for his failures. The drug use gave a false sense of peace and finally a mental breakdown.

was filled with troubles and setbacks. He was a lost tormented soul looking for a way out other than suicide. He discovered his real enemy was not flesh and blood but Satan, the Devil, and found out that the Devil was trying to take him to underworlds. The Devil sent Eugene through hell on earth, as documented in many of his torments. Eugene was born with a spirit to fight and yes, he did. He searched for the devil and found him. Satan was his jailor in this world and he continued to hold him as a prisoner after their encounter. Eugene had no power, but the Lord, God, was watching over him all the time.