For many of us, Rowlett's Municipal Court Building carries images of fighting traffic tickets, serving jury duty and other not-so-fun matters of business. But behind those glass doors, many incredible people are striving to make a difference in the lives of Rowlett's juveniles.

One of those people is juvenile judge and lawyer Belinda Loveland, who in 2004 created the Reaching Our Community's Kids program, or ROCK.

"I chose to step outside the traditional dictates of a judge and an attorney in order to become more involved with the social issues facing our community," Judge Loveland said. "I want to be there to be the one to inspire kids, to help them succeed in school, choose a career or interest in their life and watch them pursue it. In order to do that, they must have self-esteem and confidence, identify their personal goals and determine ways to reach them."

ROCK's goals include providing the resources for every Rowlett student to complete secondary education, matching local mentors with "at-risk" youths and advocating life without substance abuse.

Some of the mentors are Rowlett High School students. They don't always know whether their young charges were ordered into the program by Judge Loveland or signed up voluntarily. Mentors simply give their time to help kids who could be at risk of losing themselves and never finishing their education, never finding their dreams.

Loren Beatty, a 2006 Rowlett High graduate, received a scholarship from ROCK for her many years as a mentor.

"Being a high school mentor meant that I had the chance to make an impact on these young minds," wrote Loren, a freshman at Texas Tech. "It also meant that I had to do my best to be a positive role model and set a good example for these kids. It was a very fun experience as well."

Judge Loveland has been able to keep ROCK going strong with the assistance of juvenile caseworker Marisa McFadin.

"I have had many parents tell me that they have seen such a difference in their kids since they've been involved in ROCK," Ms. McFadin said.

Judge Loveland is full of praise for Ms. McFadin.

"Marisa is such a blessing to me and the city of Rowlett," the judge said. "She is charismatic, creative and innovative, and she shares my passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children.

Judge Loveland acknowledged a few others as well.

"I also could not do any of this without the unwavering support of Tiffany Karns, Tammy Todd, Melissa Benge and Steve and Melissa Noble.

"The Nobles understand all too well how important it is for teens to be educated on living substance-free. Their son, Josh, died of a heroin overdose, and they buy the ROCK shirts in memory of Josh."

Judge Loveland said ROCK attempts to boost kids' confidence and let them know they can be leaders rather than followers.

"Our goal each week is to provide students the tools to make healthy choices in their everyday life," she said. "We are here to support them and counsel them with any problems they encounter along their journey to success."

Judge Loveland said she gets more than she receives from the program.

"It makes me feel that somehow, in my own small way, I change the world – one hug, one smile, one child who knows somebody cares at a time," she said. "We must be doing something right, because the kids keep coming back week after week."

Judge Loveland would like to bolster the ranks of the program's volunteers.

"I would ask everyone to remember a positive role model in your life or special person that made an impact on you when you were growing up," she said. "Call us if you have a desire to give back and provide a child with that same memory and positive influence. We need your assistance to make ROCK available every day after school and allow every middle school student to have the opportunity to have a high school mentor."

Judge Loveland also has a bigger dream: "I would like to see a Teen Center in Rowlett, a place where the youth of our community can retreat to their own safe place and practice healthy behaviors."

With school in full swing, ROCK is in the midst of its latest four-month program, which meets after school every Wednesday at Coyle Middle School. Another session will take place next semester, to be followed by the annual ROCK summer camp, which relies on local donations.

Local sponsorships are a great way for the community to get involved with the program. To learn more about ROCK and how you can help, visit www.roc-kids.com or call Ms. McFadin at 972-463-3937.

Local resident Danny Denman is looking for a few country gospel and bluegrass players to do some pickin' and grinnin' – for the sheer joy of it – in downtown Rowlett.

"We are certainly not professionals; we just love to sing and have fun," said Mr. Denman, who with his brother and sister-in-law sing at nursing homes and assisted-living centers.

In neighboring Garland, a group already gathers Friday nights on the square to play banjos, guitars, fiddles and other instruments – or just to listen – and Mr. Denman envisions the same for the newly renovated downtown Rowlett.

Downtown businesses would no doubt enjoy the exposure, and it would be great for residents, too. A fun family event like this is what every growing city needs, an event where old meets new and fellowships are established, where families can relive memories and create new ones.

Mr. Denman and his friends have already gathered a couple of times to enjoy their music downtown. If you're interested in joining in, give him a call at 972-741-0202.

The holiday season is a fun and festive time of year to gather with friends and family. It's a time when many of us enjoy fellowship and reflect on how thankful we are. Rowlett will jump-start the season Saturday with its Main Street Holiday Festival and Parade. Come downtown at 8 a.m. for the Turkey Jerky 5K Fun Run/Walk. Then, at 10:30 a.m., enjoy the Noon Exchange Club's annual Holiday Parade, where Santa will put in an appearance. And stick around as late as 5 p.m. for food, crafts, cooking contests and more.

And have a wonderful holiday season!

Shannon Bennett is a freelance writer in Rowlett.

E-mail shannon.v.bennett@verizon.net