Page 23 - AreaNewsletters "Nov2022" issue

Answer to Trivia question: (from the rst page of this article)
Kevin Bracken represents Castle Rock Town Council District 3. Councilman Bracken says, “I am proud to represent the town of Castle Rock as a Councilmember. District 3 includes the Meadows, Red Hawk, Park Preserve, and Castle Highlands. If you have questions or need help with something, feel free to contact me at kbracken@crgov.com 720-467-2688. Thank you.”
(Here is the link to the district map to better understand district boundaries.)
volunteer re ghter in October of 1986, the ‘rule’ was that the new re ghters were responsible for maintaining the Star. One month later, I found myself climbing up the side of the Rock with several other new volunteers and a couple of senior re ghters who served as our ‘instructors.’ In those days, we did not use any safety harnesses or climbing equipment as we just free climbed the Star to change all of the light bulbs.
I soon found out the newest member (me) was responsible for the western tip of the Star. This tip actually projects over the edge of the Rock, so a fall would take you all the way to the base of the Rock onto the road. Not having an option, I followed direction, shimmied out on the metal pole, changed each bulb, and successfully navigated my way back towards the center where I at least had some footing.
Nervous? Scared? Not real smart? Absolutely! But I also knew this was a rite of passage that had been done many times before me, and I was not going to be the rst to refuse to do it. Needless to say, I was extremely happy not to be the ‘new guy’ the following year.” •
Once again Joan Gandy who worked in the Douglas County Library Archives and Local History Department was very helpful in my research of this topic; Joan has now moved on to a di erent position at the Library. While there are lots of research materials available to the public in the library’s general areas, there are also many other resources
in the restricted area requiring special permission to access. The library sta are always happy and willing to help me nd additional information in the restricted area. I actually think they enjoy “reliving” the history that they know so much about as they go back into what they call “that back room” and come out with more rare research gems! If you are in need of historical information, never hesitate to visit with Julia or
her coworkers!
23
Castle Rock “AreaNewsletters” • November 2022