Colorado Gambler 5-16-17

Gambler Celebrating 25 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

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Commemorative Edition 2 of 2

May 16 - 29, 2017

Check out valuable coupons on page 13

HOT PROMOS/NUGGETS Black Hawk, Central City promos, specials and giveaways Pages 3-5

SENIOR CHOICES Savvy Senior, Spellbinders, Striving for success Pages 7-9

HUMOR

Personal assistant or peeping Tom I’ve stopped smiling and talking Page 11

TRAILS END

Celebrating Centennial Mini-series from Michener novel Page 14

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT

8

The Last Hand

Tips about winning at slot machines

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to me that was visiting with many of you a couple slot playfrom Kaners already sas City in Black know—but Hawk at a local maybe novcasino. We were ices might both just walking want to learn into a venue and a little more I was intent on about how to getting a fresh BY BOB SWEENEY make their cup of coffee. gaming dolThe couple were each lars go further. going separate ways, he First, she stated that to play blackjack and she was a “stalker,” that she was going to play the she watched other playslots. ers at machines and how They looked prosper- much money they were ous and like serious gam- inserting into the devices, blers, and hearing her many giving up after lostell her husband that she ing their limit or growing was heading to the slot weary of not winning any machines I was curious major jackpots. She was about where and what she observant and it makes would play, and how to common sense that it is win. better to play a machine She was a very experi- that had considerable enced player, and here is play and has not paid off. briefly what she explained In fact, in my opinion that

is the very best way to make money playing slot machines.

Secondly, she said she finds machines close to restrooms. People tend to play machines on the way to bathroom breaks.

Thirdly she related, “I always play the end machine—the end machines get more play than those in the center.”

Lastly, and very interesting to us here at the Colorado Gambler she said, “… there is a newspaper in Kansas City that prints which casino slots pay out the most percentages each month.”

She continued, “They sell this information in their publication and you have to pay for the paper.

We buy it each month and go play where there is the largest payout.”

Driving into Central

Gambler

City on their own road Publisher many of the billboards Robert Sweeney once stated, “Highest perbsween1@aol.com centage of slot winnings,” so apparently the inforV.P. Marketing mation is available from Sharon Sweeney cogambler@mac.com the State Gaming ComTo advertise, call Sharon mission or Colorado De303-503-1388 partment of Revenue as public information.

Managing Editor “We buy that paper Becky Osterwald every month before we gambler@villagerpublishing. com go out to play and we go where the highest payout Design/Production Manager is.” The woman concludTom McTighe ed. production@villagerpublishing.

Watch for this new com exciting feature to be Design/Production printed in the Colorado Renee Novitsky Gambler just as soon as renee@villagerpublishing.com we track down the information.

We will present it to our thousands of weekly www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler readers free each month.

Casinos that pay the most should advertise this fact.

Subscriptions B.T. Galloway

303-773-8313 x301 subscribe@villager publishing.com

Contributing Writers

cogambler

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Just steps away from dining, bowling, theater, shopping and Gondola One. (Private Parking Space/All new stainless steel appliances)

303-503-1388

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

Central City Nuggets 10X Points

johnnyzscasino.com Free Pearl Necklace

Stop by Johnny Z’s May16 to pick up your free pearl necklace! All you need is 50 same day base points, the giveaway will start at 11 a.m. Quantities are limited see Club Z for details.

Who’s ready to BBQ?

Spend Memorial Day May 29 with us.

Just earn 25 base points on Memorial Day to get your free BBQ plate, BBQ will be from Noon-4 p.m.

Get in the Zone!

Featured exclusively at Johnny Z’s in Central City, the Multiplier Zone. Play slots in the Zone and get 10X points all day and night. That’s right, a full 10X points on all of your slot play in the Multiplier Zone! Why settle for less when you can play in the Zone?

Are you 60 years of age or

Johnny Z’s Casino is the place for the older? most points. Every day this month win up Join us every Monday and Tuesday to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game! this month for our Silver Tsunami Club 60+ days. Just earn 60 base points that day and receive one free special Bahama Mama Tropical of the day and a free nonalcoholic soft Getaway Drawings Every Wednesday through Sunday drink, coffee or tea. Just one more way from April 2 through June 17 join us to win at the Z! for our $77,000 Bahama Mama Tropical Getaway Drawings from noon- 10 Club Z Sign up for a new Club Z card at Johnp.m. every other hour with an additional drawing at 11 p.m., win up ny Z’s and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the to $500 in Z-Play at each drawing. same day! See Club Z for complete details.

We will have two winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 Don’t want to pay for points for that day of play. On June 17 Breakfast? from 1 p.m. to Midnight every hour On Mondays and Tuesdays just earn we will have one drawing winner for 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. $150 in Z-Play. Earn entries from April and receive a voucher for a free Double 2-June 17 with every 250 points at Down Breakfast and Wednesday through 9:30 p.m. we will have one Bahamas Sunday just earn 20 same day base points Trip for two winners and four $500 in before 11 a.m.! Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Z-Play winners.

Prime Rib dinner

Z Cafe

Want to convert your comps to free gas?

Come celebrate your birthday with us

Join us every day this month for our Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor $7.77 Prime Rib dinner special after you of Johnny Z’s to get your favorite cappucearn 50 same day base points. Receive cino, latte, mocha and much more. your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and New and existing members play our redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas kiosk game to win free Z-Play. each day!

Play and Ride!

Hottest table games

Play the Hottest Table Games in CenEarn 75 same day base points, re- tral City at Johnny Z’s Casino every day deem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive from 10 a.m. to close! We have all your $25 in Z-Play. Earn 500 same day base favorites from Craps, Three Card poker, points and get an additional $5 in Z-Play.

Double Deck Blackjack, and Buffalo Blackjack! Whether you’re in Central City Get reimbursed for your or Black Hawk win at the Z! ATM fees Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM and bring your receipt to Johnny Catch the free shuttle!

The shuttle stops right in front of Z’s within two hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play Johnny Z’s in Central City. With quick, or $3 Cash back! easy access to Z Casino in Black Hawk.

WELCOME TO THE Z CASINOS FAMILY OF PROPERTIES

JOHNNY Z’s • Z CASINO • RESERVE CASINO HOTEL May 16 - 29, 2017

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 3

Black Hawk Nuggets Just earn 25 base points on Memorial Day to get your free BBQ plate, BBQ will be from Noon-4 p.m.

$20,000 Anniversary Drawings

www.zcasinobh.com Free Pearl Necklace

Stop by Z Casino May17 to pick up your free pearl necklace! All you need is 50 same day base points, the giveaway will start at 11 a.m. Quantities are limited see Club Z for details.

Anniversary Pint Glass

Stop by Z Casino May24 to pick up your free anniversary pint glass! All you need is 25 same day base points, the giveaway will start at 11 a.m. Quantities are limited see Club Z for details.

Who’s ready to BBQ?

Spend Memorial Day, May 29 with us.

Every Wednesday through Sunday from May 21 through May 31 join us for our $20,000 Anniversary Drawings from 1-11 p.m. every hour, win $100 in Z-Play at each drawing. We will have one winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 same day points.

10X Points

Z Casino is the place for the most points. Every day this month win up to 10X Points, just play our kiosk game!

Get in the Zone!

Featured exclusively at Z Casino in Black Hawk, the Multiplier Zone. Play slots in the Zone and get 10X points all day and night. That’s right, a full 10X points on all of your slot play in the Multiplier Zone! Why settle for less when you can play in the Zone?

Jeep Renegade Getaway Drawings

Every Wednesday through Sunday from March 5 - May 20, join us for out $150,000 Jeep Renegade Getaway Drawings from 1 – 11 p.m., win up to $250 in Z-Play at each drawing. We will have two winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 same day points. On May 20 from 1 p.m. - Midnight every hour we will have one drawing winner for $150 in Z-Play. Earn entries from March 5 through May 20 with every 250 points at 9:30 p.m. we will have one Jeep Renegade winner and four $500 in Z-Play winners.

Anniversary Drawings

Every Wednesday through Sunday from May 21 through May 31 join us for our $20,000 Anniversary Drawings from 1 -11 p.m. every hour, win $100 in Z-Play at each drawing. We will have one winners per drawing hour. Earn entries with every 100 same day points.

Silver Tsunami Club

Are you 60 years of age or older? Join

Susan from Littleton won $1,464 playing the Good Fortune slot at Century Casino.

PAGE 4

us every Monday and Tuesday this month for our Silver Tsunami Club 60+ days. Just earn 60 base points that day and receive one free special of the day and a free nonalcoholic soft drink, coffee or tea. Just one more way to win at the Z!

Club Z

Sign up for a new Club Z card at Z Casino and receive up to $100 in Z-Play the same day! See Club Z for complete details.

Don’t want to pay for Breakfast?

On Mondays and Tuesdays just earn 10 same day base points before 11 a.m. and receive a voucher for a free Double Down Breakfast and Wednesday through Sunday just earn 20 same day base points before 11 a.m.! Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Prime Rib dinner

Join us every day this month for our $7.77 Prime Rib dinner special after you earn 50 same day base points. Receive your voucher from the promotional kiosk.

Free gas

Want to convert your comps to free gas? Earn Turbo, Nitro or Flame status and redeem your comps for up to $20 in gas each day!

Play and Ride!

Earn 75 same day base points, redeem your bus ticket at Club Z and receive $25 in Z-Play. Earn 500 same day base points and get an additional $5 in Z-Play.

Get reimbursed for your ATM fees

Stop by the Z Stop Gas Station to use our ATM, bring your receipt to Z Casino within two hours from the time on your receipt. You will receive $5 in Z-Play or $3 Cash back!

Catch the free shuttle!

The shuttle stops at Z Casino (on Selak Street adjacent to our free parking lot).

Z Cafe Stop by Z Cafe located on the 2nd floor of Z Casino to get your favorite cappuccino, latte, mocha and much more.

Diana won $25,000 on March 30 from the Reserve Casino.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

Central-city.cnty.com Altima Cool Car Frenzy!

Win a 2017 Nissan Altima SR!

Fridays 5-11 p.m, Saturdays 3-11 p.m. and Sundays 12-6 p.m.!

Winner drawn every half hour!

Win $100-$250, plus Car Finalist entries! $500 winner at 11 p.m. Fri./Sat. and 6 p.m.

Sun.!

Win drawings every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Memorial Day for Cash and Insta-Play prizes, plus finalist entries to win a 2017 Nissan Altima SR on Memorial Day! Every drawing day, each half hour we draw a guaranteed winner. The winner picks a prize from our Cool Car Frenzy Board, scoring from $100 to $250 with bonus car entries! Stay for a guaranteed $500 cash prize at the final daily drawing! Entries earned from April 3 on are valid through Memorial Day.

Holiday Blowout

- Sunday, May 28 our drawings will proceed from 3-11 p.m. On Memorial Day, Monday May

29, starting at 3 p.m. we draw for winners of $1,000 cash prizes and 50 finalist entries onthe-hour, and we draw for contestants for our Cool Car Frenzy board to win up to $250 on-thehalf-hour! At 10 p.m. we draw seven finalists from our finalist barrel. Six of them will open their envelope to reveal $500 cash, and the seventh is the lucky winner of a 2017 Nissan Altima SR!

Feature food Tuesday

Play & Eat Free every Tuesday when you earn just 100 base points on your Players’ Club card that day. Our May Feature Free Food is lobster lasagna rolls served with garlic bread (or you can choose our Prime Rib or Salad Bar Buffet) available from 11 a.m. every Tuesday!

Tuesday bonus entries!

Earn 5X Entries on Penny Slots and 2X entries with all other machine play on May Tuesdays to win our Friday through Sunday Altima Cool Car Frenzy Drawings to win up to $500 plus finalist entries to win a 2017 Nissan Altima SR on Memorial Day at 10 p.m.!

Central City Nuggets no card. Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon.

#Winnerszone Party at Century

Hit a handpaid jackpot at Century and you’ll get an entry for our new monthly Jackpot Party! Let us take and share your picture of your ($1,200 or greater) Jackpot for a bonus entry!

Our May handpaids are invited to the #Winnerszone Party on June 13 from 6-7 p.m. for appetizers and cake, plus your chance to win $500 Cash each hour from 6-8 p.m.! Winners after that night can look forward to the next party on June 13!

$7.99 prime rib every day!

Enjoy our 8 oz. slow-roasted Prime Rib Special, accompanied by choice of potato with seasonal vegetables, for just $7.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card! Prime Rib special is also available for $14.99 with no card. Not to be combined with any other discount or coupon.

New members get up to $20 in day $7.99 Soup N Salad buffet every day! one Insta-Play!

Fill up on healthy choices at our new expanded 35-item Soup N Salad Buffet, just $7.99 from 11 a.m., just by having a player’s card!

Soup N Salad buffet also available for $11 with

Sign up for free at our Player‘s Club for a card and earn 10 base points on your day of signup and return to the Player’s Club for $5 in Insta-Play added right to your account! Earn

100 base points total on your signup day and redeem at the Club for $5 in Insta-Play added to your account! Earn 200 base points that same day for another $5 Insta-Play bonus! Finally, earn 300 base points that same day for another amazing $5 in Insta-Play bonus available at the Club! That’s up to $20 in Day One Insta-Play for New Members! Give us your email address and/ or phone number for an even more of an extra bonus!

Bigger Bingo –Thursday Bingo

Enjoy free Bingo every from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with $100 Insta-Play Play or Table Games Play Chips prizes, with $250 cash prizes for our Bigger Bingo Games for three random hourly games each Thursday! Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Miltary appreciation Monday

Guests with military ID will receive a free ice cream, plus 50% off meals (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill.

Fantasy Golf Wednesday!

Earn up to seven Fantasy Golf Card Scratch Tickets Each Wednesday (at 250 base points,

Fridays 5-11pm, Saturdays 3-11pm, Sundays 12-6pm, Sunday, May 28th 3-11pm!

400 base points, and 1,000 base points, and every thousand base points thereafter up to 5,000) and Win your share of $1,000 in Cash and Insta-Play prizes if you have one of the lowest five scores recorded that day! Win double prizes if your score is under par for the card! Scores are tallied and winners posted the next day and prizes must be claimed within one week.

Senior celebration – Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on play all day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., plus 50% off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50% food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including daily food specials.

Birthdays at Century

All guests can come in on the day of their birthday and get 2X points plus a free gift!

Guests who come in on the day of their 21st birthday receive the 2X points and the gift, plus $10 in comp added to their account, plus a $5 Promo Chip to use at the tables! Guests with a birthday coupon from our mailer redeem it at the Player’s Club for a gift of 10X their age in points!

Memorial Day, May 29th 3-10pm! $1,000 prizes on-the-hour!

Prizes up to $250 on-the-half-hour!

All prizes award CAR ENTRIES!

Winners every half hour!

Win up to $250 plus car entries!

Guaranteed $500 final daily prize!

2012-2017

May 16 - 29, 2017

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 5

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

Senior Choices Charles Weise hunting for business and pleasure

BY BOB SWEENEY PUBLISHER t was a rare privilege to sit with Charles “Chuck” Weise in his animal-trophy home basement at Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club as his wife Esther served us some Saturday morning coffee. I was in the basement of a friend and neighbor, who after decades of business success retired and has spent the last 22 years of his life hunting and fishing.

He said, “I was the best fisherman, and my best friend Ken Mauer was the best hunter.”

It was his Mauer, his business partner, who started Weise on a 22-year hunting and fishing expedition that took him to Cuba hunting birds and fishing in the 1980’s, big-game hunting in Johannesburg, South Africa, shooting bears in Alaska, and to the White Mountain Apache reservation in Arizona for trophy elk.

Chuck says he probably spent at least $250,000 on these hunting trips, which were worth every penny and resulted in meat and fish for his children and friends.

“The white tail deer tenderloin was the best meal,” he said.

The head of this white tail overlooks Chuck’s desk at his home, looking out at the golf course.

While Chuck was hunting and collecting wild-animal trophies, Esther was collecting Llardo sculptures, amassing more than 300 of these Spanish-artist figurines, displayed throughout the living room.

Adorning the living room is a painting of Pope John Paul, and underneath are family photos of the couple’s children and multiple grandchildren.

The Weises moved to Arapahoe County in 2013 from Houston, leaving behind “the best house that I ever built and loved,” to live closer to daughter Mary Beth and husband Kevin, a few blocks away.

I

May 16 - 29, 2017

Chuck Weise stands by one of his favorite animal trophies, a large Alaskan wolf and his prize eland mounting behind him. It was one of his most strenuous hunts, taking more than seven hours to stalk the massive animal in Africa.

Photo by Bob Sweeney

Mary Beth Martin is the executive director of Internal Fetal Medicine at Children’s Hospital at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. Along with having an M.B.A. in business, she is a registered nurse and can check in on her parents in the HEB restricted-age community, rated No. 1 among Colorado senior communities.

The Weises have other adult children scattered across the United States and a raft of grandchildren.

A long road to Colorado

The couple will be celebrating 60 years of marriage on Sept. 7.

According to Chuck, “She was the soda jerk down the street from where I lived.”

They married early in life, and as Chuck moved upwards in the oil equipment business, Esther became a leader in community volunteerism and public speaking while raising a family.

Chuck was born in Chicago, 83 years ago. His father was a police detective during Mayor

Richard Daley’s career. While his father pounded the streets, his mother worked in a department store.

The family’s ancestry stretches back to immigrants who arrived from Essen, Germany in 1897.

A relative of his mother got Chuck a part-time job at the local steel mill, where he spent his high school and college years cooling hot sheets of steel with water.

“I always had a job,” he said.

Chuck enrolled in Northwestern University, majoring in business while working parttime. He received both an B.S./ B.A. and M.B.A. He graduated in 1959 from one of the most prestigious business schools in America.

“I was a B+ student,” he remembered.

He took two years of ROTC training and tested out of the draft with high academic marks.

His first full-time job after graduation was starting in the corrugated-box industry with accounting and administrative duties. He was given the oppor-

He called old business friends in Milan, Italy for financial assistance in the new company.

“They told me to get on a plane and we’ll see you in Milan tomorrow,” Chuck said.

With Italian financing, the new business venture rolled out in oil-rich Houston, setting up new manufacturing, designing new equipment, literature, and staffing for the U.S. and Canadian markets.

“One of the greatest challenges,” Chuck said, “was dealing with the 18 percent federal interest rates prevalent in the 1975 era.”

The company proved to be very successful, and 10 years later a Kansas City firm came to Houston.

“The price was right, and we sold out,” Chuck said.

Asked about his success in business, Weise has this advice: “When business is good, be conservative with your money.”

He attributes his success to

tunity to move to Dallas in 1960 to assist in starting a new plant, and then on to Houston in 1964, still working for Owens-Illinois and rising in the company.

Chuck was transferred to Houston in 1964, and fouryears later to Keokuk, Iowa.

“We moved a lot,” he said.

In 1969, opportunity knocked again and he and Esther moved to Downers Grove, Ill. to accept the position of vice president and treasurer for International Industrial Instrument Co., specializing in oil, gas and power industries.

Chuck says the oil business was booming in the 1970s.

It was off to Europe for the new company.

“I built a plant in Zele, Belgium with another major supplier of the oil and gas industry,” he said.

In 1975, Chuck resigned as president of the European company, and along with Mauer, his vice president of sales and engineering, started a new company in direct competition to his old firm.

Continued on page 9

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

303.321.3277 PAGE 7

Senior Choices

Not the same old story ‘Spellbinding’ seniors bring new life to ancient art

BY PETER JONES NEWS EDITOR

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PAGE 8

Spellbinders has revived a near-lost oral art for the iPhone generation by sending older storytellers into the classroom. A local chapter is dedicated to Cherry Creek Schools.

Photo courtesy of Spellbinders

In an age where it is difficult to sever kids from electronic devices, a group of retirees has somehow revived the near-lost art of oral storytelling.

The iPhone is usually a tough act to follow for a generation that has never known life without the Internet, but these seniors are not just storytellers—they are spellbinders.

“What has surprised me is how rapt the students get from kindergarten all the way up to eighth-graders. We have their attention,” said 64-year-old Cathy Lichty, who pulls up a chair and spins yarns in Cherry Creek classrooms several times a month.

Whether the story is a fictionalized historical account or an ageless tall tale from Asia, Lichty will spice the foundational narrative with spontaneous flair, character and audience interaction.

“Because we are telling—not reading—a story, we are always recreating it from memory and imagination as we tell it each time,” Lichty said.

The retired business trainer, who spent a career telling stories of another kind, is one of many mostlyolder volunteers who have found their latest act in the classroom.

Spellbinders is a growing association of trained storytellers who have recharged the ancient tradition while fostering intergenerational bonds with 21st century children.

“That brings tremendous benefits to both the children and the storytellers,” Lichty said. “So many of the children have very little interaction with people in a senior generation. You walk into a class and you have all these faces just light up. For the seniors, it keeps you active and alert, keeps you learning new things and interacting with young people.”

Spellbinders was founded in association with Denver Public Schools in the late 1980s and has since birthed chapters in school districts

ranging from south metro’s Cherry Creek Schools to across the United States and Canada.

Volunteers commit to about 12 hours of training, then enter a mentoring period before soloing in the classroom without benefit of a book or notes, much less a PowerPoint demonstration.

Lichty, who also serves as a Spellbinding trainer, stresses that the stories, which range from the common folk tale to the contemporary slice of life, are not memorized per se, but

with the kids.

Middle-schoolers are not as tough a crowd for storytelling as one might expect, Lichty said, once they realize that stories are not just for the little kids anymore.

“Maybe the first session they have to figure out who you are and what you’re doing, but after that it’s great,” the five-year veteran said.

Spellbinders is always looking for new volunteers. Although the program is more popular among seniors, there are no age restrictions.

The youngest storyteller is in his early 30s.

A background check is required.

“It’s usually people who are somewhat outgoing and feel a little creative,” Lichty said. “So you get these people together and start encouraging them and fostering them to use their creativity, and it’s a great deal of fun.”

The whole experience has also been useful training for Lichty, a new grandmother who will soon be at the ready with a wide range of bedtime stories.

“My oldest granddaughter is not quite 2 yet, so they’re not the best audience for my stories yet, but I still tell them,” she said with a laugh.

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit spellbinders. org.

What has surprised me is how rapt the students get from kindergarten all the way up to eighth-graders.

- Cathy Lichty, storyteller learned—and often embellished—in the classic oral tradition.

“Once a storyteller knows the basics of the story, then it’s a matter of seeing the characters and the setting in their mind and describing what they’re seeing. That way, it’s creative each time they tell it,” Lichty said.

More experienced Spellbinders are given leeway to relate stories of their own histories or even spin new fiction right on the spot, oftentimes in collaboration with students, who range from kindergarten to middle school. The same storyteller goes back to the same class each month, developing an ongoing relationship

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

Senior Choices

Continued from Page 7

his sales ability, saying “sales is everything, along with quality control.”

With money in the bank and his family raised, it was time for Chuck to enjoy life. That began his quest for hunting and fishing full- time for almost three years.

In 1989, a close friend from the box business days came calling. The friend owned his own box business in Houston and asked Chuck for help. Chuck, having that lifetime work ethic, went back to work for his friend and ended up running the company.

Using his lifetime business acumen, he arranged to sell the company in 1994 so both friends could enjoy their success and retirement.

Chuck explains how business has changed over his lifetime career: “When I traveled around the world, gone almost 50 percent of the time, I had no cellphone or credit cards. I had to carry cash. I would call Esther from the office and ask her to pack my bag and I was gone for weeks. …

We moved to Colorado in 2013 to be near our oldest daughter and the move has turned out to be great!”

How to find affordable high-speed home internet services equipment fee of $62. Data plans will vary too.

To start your search, go to EveryoneOn.org and type in your ZIP code and click on the “Find Offers” button, or you can call 877-947-4321.

You’ll then need to answer a few questions regarding you household financial situation so the internet services you’re eligible for can be located.

BY JIM MILLER Dear Searching, Some providers offer There are two great retheir services only to peosources you can turn to, to help you ple with limited financial resources, locate low-cost or discounted internet however there are others that offer services, but what’s available to you low-cost deals to everyone regardless will depend on where you live and/ of income. What’s available to you or your income level. Here’s where to will depend on where you live. begin.

Also note that in addition to the Low-cost internet low-cost internet services, EveryoneYour first step to locate cheaper On also provides referrals to affordhigh-speed internet is EveryoneOn, a able computers and free computer national nonprofit organization dedi- classes. Most of the companies they cated to making affordable internet work with offer refurbished tablets usually for under $100, and computservices available to all Americans.

Through partnerships with in- ers for under $160 that are available ternet providers like Comcast, Cox, to everyone. And, they provide referAT&T, T-Mobile, Mediacom and oth- rals to free computer classes, which ers, EveryoneOn can help you search are typically offered in public libraries for services in your area that provide across the U.S. high-speed (4G LTE) Internet at a very low cost. Most participating companies charge around $10 per month, Discounted internet If you don’t have any luck finding with no contract and no equipment fee. However, for non-income quali- a low-cost service through Everyonefiers, there may be a one-time setup/ On, and your income is low enough, Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know of any resources that can help me find affordable high-speed home internet services? I’m retired and live primarily on my Social Security and would like to find something cheaper than the $40 per month that I currently pay.

Searching Senior

SAVVYSENIOR

Chuck Weise

another option is the Lifeline Assistance Program. This is a federal program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy to help pay for broadband internet service, or for a home or wireless phone. Only one benefit is available per household; either phone service (home or wireless) or internet (home or mobile), but not both.

To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines – which is $16,281 for one person, or $21,924 for two.

Or, that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits, such as Medicaid, food stamps, SSI, public housing assistance, veterans pension or survivors pension benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands.

To apply, you’ll need to contact an internet provider in your area that participates in the Lifeline program and ask for an application form. To locate providers in your area, visit LifelineSupport.org or call 888-6418722. Once the provider verifies your eligibility, they will begin service.

(Note: The internet companies that partner with EveryoneOn do not currently accept the lifeline subsidy.)

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, Okla. 73070, or visit Savvy Senior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Your Neighborhood

Assisted Living in An Alaskan brown bear.

Photos by Bob Sweeney

■ Personal

Residential homes in Centennial, Greenwood Village, Littleton and Longmont Chuck Weise with a wart hog hunted in Africa.

May 16 - 29, 2017

Care From bathing, hair/nail care to medication and food preparation.

■ Safe Environment Secured Entrances, fenced yard ■ Activities From music and art, and gardening to exercise, outdoor and local Denver excursions ■ Home Environment Residents Home is a single family home with 5 - 7 residents per home ■ Caregivers Well trained supportive and compassionate staff providing quality care

303.220-7989 • www.millbrookcare.com THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 9

Rollin’ Dough Send us your recipes!

To be featured in Rollin’ in the Dough: Send us a recipe, your name, a little about yourself, why you chose that recipe, a little about your cooking style, and of course your phone number in case we have questions. Email gambler@villagerpublishing. com or mail to 8933 E Union Ave., Suite 230, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Questions?

Call Sharon at 303-5031388.

Enjoy these perfect recipes from McCormick for Memorial Day weekend. For more, visit www. mccormick.com

Supreme paSta Salad 1 pkg (16 oz.) penne, rotini or fusilli pasta ¼ cup McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme Seasoning

Cook pasta as directed on package. Rinse under cold water; drain well. Place pasta and vegetables in large bowl. Add dressing and Seasoning; toss gently to coat. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until ready to serve. Toss before serving.

ChoColate hazelnut CraCkled CookieS

ultimate montreal Steak with Grilled potato wedGeS 2 medium red potatoes, pierce with fork 1 tbsp. plus tsp. McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, divided

12 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup firmly pakced brown sugar ¾ cup flour 2 eggs 1/3 tsp. baking powder 1 ½ tsp. McCormick Imitation ¼ tsp. salt Hazelnut Extract ¼ cup butter, softened Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt 8 ounces of the chocolate as directed on package. Set aside.

Coarsely chop remaining 4 ounces chocolate. Mix flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl.

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and hazelnut flavor; mix well. Add melted chocolate; beat until well blended.

Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Stir in chopped chocolate.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls or medium cookie scoop 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with no stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.

Bake about 10 minutes or just until cookies are set and slightly cracked on top. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

4 tsp. oil, divided 1 ½ pounds T-bone steak ¼ cup McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Sauce

Microwave potatoes on high 7 minutes or until almost tender, turning potatoes over halfway through cooking. Let stand 2 minutes. Cut potatoes into wedges. Toss with 1 tablespoon of the Steak Seasoning and 2 teaspoons of the oil.

Brush steak lightly with remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons Steak Seasoning.

Grill steak over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes per side or until desired doneness. Brush with steak sauce during last 1 minute of grilling. Grill potato wedges 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned and grill marks appear. Serve steak with potatoes and additional steak sauce for dipping; if desired.

Crossword Puzzle

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) You are about to begin an important new cycle. You’re ready to cultivate or demonstrate your creative gifts and abilities. You have the potential to develop a gift or talent that you weren’t even aware of. This is a time of action. Don’t let a friendship distract you from your goals. Lucky Numbers: 22, 24, 31, 37, 38, 43

ACROSS: 21. Horton homebuilders (2) 34. NY butter stadium (4) 1. Day to celebrate Motherhood (7,3) CANCER - (June 2222.

Something’ s wrong with 36. Cassius Clay (3) - July 22) This is(5) a time when a well bonding 8. Steers off suddenly it (4)deserved celebration may increase 38. Seattle is in the Pacific (9) at both home and work. Refresh yourself by letting go of stress and take 10. Slot machinesome jackpot (5,6) 24.

Lineman (2) 40.

Hockey position (6) time to relax. Look forward to doing things you enjoy. Reaffirm 12. High limit player 25. Longest rivernow. in Scotland 42.13, Raises up (6) your(3) incentive to continue your quest Lucky Numbers: 22, 35, 13. Tit for this (3)39, 40, 49 (3) 43. To a nightingale (3) 15. French student (5) 27.

Multimedia corporation 44. Epidermolysis Bullosa (2) LEO - (July 23 – Aug 22) Find aSkies way (7) to surmount likeLight it’s going 16. Wild John Denver (3)your challenges. Nothing seems45. switch position (2) to plan and everything may feeldynasty like it’s(3) an upward struggle.

Whencondition (8) 19. Danny from Caddyshack 29. Chinese 46. Prostate you overcome obstacles you’ll then see a goal within sight. You’ll find (6) 32. Seinfeld character (6) you can’t see it. Lucky you’re making progress but are just so involved Numbers: 2, 18, 24, 33, 42, 47

5 cups veggies (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red unions, etc.)

Horoscope LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) This should be a time to celebrate! A new foundation has been laid and a sense of achieving 2 a milestone or finding3 something

you may1have of great emotional value. Recovery from an unhappy situation or an improvement in your health or attitude should show it’s self. Lucky

54

Numbers: 9, 11, 18, 27, 45,

4

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22)

ideas are here for you. If your 11 Dreams,10fantasies and imaginative aspirations are being challenged, you may need to get grounded and be more realistic. A deeper connection with your unconscious will give the information

to acquire an artistic goal. Monetary 12 issues you needed need decisiveness. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 29, 30, 44, 51 SAGITTARIUS 15 - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21)

A difficult situation may have reached a climax. A sense of relief is here and it may enable you to feel inspired or reach a clearer perspective.

Being honest about what you really want

will help you come 19 to terms.

20 An auspicious outcome is ahead as long as effort is made. Lucky Numbers: 5, 14, 20, 23, 32, 50

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Your free spirited or “maverick” side is shown to the world, and you 6 the line or conform

7 might be 5refusing to toe to people’s expectations.

Consider whether you’re being self-willed or obstinate. Unexpected opportunities and a new way of life are around the corner. Lucky 19, 28, 36, 46 9

Numbers:81, 12, PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) may get entangled in a situation and lose sight of your goal or You delay progress towards resolving a matter. You have a decision to make between two unappealing choices. Be open and receptive and ask correct. Lucky for help when you need it. Your 13 first choice14is usually

Numbers: 3, 12, 14, 21, 32, 46 - (March 21 -18April 20) 17 ARIES

16

Be careful about your choices because they’re likely to be put to a test.

You may have May a decision to make concerning a relationship. You may what be torn between

you feel in your heart 21 and what you know to be true. Integrity and truth matter. Whatever you’re willing to accept is what you’ll get. Lucky Numbers: 4, 13, 21, 27, 35, 41

DOWN: 22

23 24

25 26

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) 1. Spouse’s Mother Apartment 11.

Yes Simon (2) 30.

Legendary English king (6) You can expect an increase in salary or an opportunity to gain prestige, You may feel blocked, stymied and challenged by some immediate If you draw on your resourcefulness, a power from within will help recognition or responsibility at work. You have what it takes to complete (6,2,3) 14. Taxi’orsdelays Kaufman a goodsurface31.soGreat Robert Redford circumstance. Restrictions maydid suddenly be ready you more powerful person. 28 You’ll radiate to emerge as a new and 27 29 30 any task along with the drive and ambition to reach31fulfillment. for schedule adjustments.

Guided by inner change confidence and will renew your sense of being capable, secure or 2. Flop a set (5,2,1,4) Elvis impersonation (4)truth, you’ll role (6) a Compliments will get you most of what you want, sincerity the rest. situation and find a new kind of freedom. The changes will come from steadfast. Your mind may fill with new and exciting ideas. You’re ready 3. Double on thiswithin. unlessLucky the Numbers: 17. White craps (2) 33. Standard code of behavior Lucky Numbers: 10, 17, 25, 36, 47, 53 8, 16, 26, 32,puck 45, 48 to go where grace leads you. Lucky Numbers: 7, 13, 25, 34, 44, 52

32

33

34 35 dealer has an ace (6) 18. Explosive TV network (3) (5) 4. Not your birth Mum (10) 20.

7 Bond (2) Mary Nightstar 34. Throw a punch (5) Contact at marynightstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

36 37

38

39

5. Handmade jeweler (6) 23. Hunter from the future (3) 35. East in Spanish (4) PAGE 14 currency (3) May 21 - June 3, 2013 COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 21 Years 6. Japanese 26. Cricket match between 37.THE Mountain predator (4) 7. Mesopotamian goddess of England and Australia (5) 39. Santa said it (2) 40

41

42

fertility (6) 28. Passing one is on the 41. Before whizz (3) 9. Visa waiver program (4) left (4)

43

45

46

44

Crossword puzzle by Tony Thorpe. See answers on page 11 PAGE 10

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

Humor

Personal assistant or peeping Tom

I knew it. I’m being book, and they’re right. watched. I’ve thought I probably would. I see so for a long time and a day coming when they now I know it for sure. deliver products we My husband and I have haven’t even ordered been traveling. We’re yet because they’re so just preparing to leave sure we will. our hotel when I notice My Fitbit is like Santa Clause without the a message on my cell gifts. It knows when I phone saying that local am sleeping. It knows transit system inforBy Dorothy Rosby mation has been addwhen I’m awake. It drosby@rushmore.com ed to the maps on my knows how many steps phone. We have a car; we won’t I take, so I better walk more, for be needing the transit system, but goodness sake. still, how thoughtful. And how And then there’s the allweird. knowing, all-seeing Facebook. It Who added the information to regularly names people it thinks my phone maps and how did they I might know. And I do know know I was here? Half the time, many of them. It suggests people I I don’t know where I am. I can’t should send birthday greetings to, decide if it’s reassuring or creepy and it’s right; I probably should. that someone else does.

It puts ads on my page promotAnd it’s not just my smart- ing products and events it thinks phone watching my every move. I’ll be interested in, and I am ofAmazon knows what I want be- ten interested in them. Facebook fore I want it. They send me half knows everything because we tell a dozen emails every day telling Facebook everything. And then it me I’d probably like this or that tells everybody else.

Pandora knows my taste in music. Twitter knows my taste in timewasting drivel. And LinkedIn knows what jobs I should apply for if the one I have falls through because I can’t deal with technology anymore.

I can’t decide if I’m being followed by a team of very efficient personal assistants or a gang of peeping toms. Sometimes I’m annoyed that they watch my every move. Other times, I think they’re taking over my life and doing a better job with it. Sometimes I think they interfere; other times I wish they’d do more. Why can’t they message me that we’re out of milk before I get all the way home and have to go back to the store?

Why can’t they tell me whether the dishes in the dishwasher are dirty or clean? Why can’t they load and unload the dishwasher?

Mostly, my stalkers help me navigate through my life metaphorically and geographically. I hate to admit it, but I’m starting to wonder how I would get along without them. They must wonder too. Every weekday morning, there’s a message on my cell phone telling me what route I should take to work. How does it know? I didn’t add my location to my phone and probably couldn’t if I tried.

But why would I? I already know how to get there.

Once I’m at work, my phone tells me the best route back home. I don’t know what’s more disturbing: That it knows where I live, or that it doesn’t think I do.

(Dorothy Rosby is the author of several humor books, including I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better. Contact drosby@rushmore.com.)

Horoscopes

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, you can find a solution to a problem even if the answer eludes you for the time being. Don’t overthink what has to be done. This is a time to act.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, trips may seem like they have to be large undertakings, but that’s not always the case. Try for a short jaunt somewhere and enjoy the scenery.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you always have time to do something for yourself, but you might need to put that on hold right now and focus on others. Forge ahead even if you are met with resistance.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 The time has come to spend less time thinking and more time doing, Scorpio. Turn a page in your life and you’ll likely be satisfied with the results.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, do not think about anything but having fun for the next few days. Others will begin to live vicariously through you.

32. Kramer 34. Shea 36. Ali 38. Northwest 40. Winger

42. Hoists 43. Ode 44. EB 45. On 46. Enlarged

DOWN 1. Mother In Law 2. Three of a kind 3. Eleven 4. Stepmother

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Take the emotional plunge, Cancer. Someone special needs to hear about it pronto. This is not a week to clam up, but rather one to share your feelings and let others in.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Volunteering can bring more meaning to your life, Virgo, especially if you feel yourself struggling right now. Giving back can sometimes make your problems seem small.

22. Iffy 24. OT 25. Tay 27. AOL 29. Han

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, if you have already committed to something, see it through. The end result may be something unexpected. Others are anxious to see what you can accomplish.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 There are a few friends who have stuck by your side through thick and thin, Sagittarius. When one comes knocking at your door for help, give this person the support he or she needs.

13. Tat 15. Eleve 16. Montana 19. Noonan 21. DR

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Nagging doubts about an investment may be trying to tell you something, Taurus. Hold off on any bold moves until you feel more confident with parting ways with cash.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Going back to school might be the best path for you at this time, Leo. Although this might stretch your schedule to its limits, you’ll find the time if it’s important to you.

ACROSS 1. Mother’s Day 8. Veers 10. Three sevens 12. VIP

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, finding what you desire when you haven’t made your own mind up aboutwhat you want can be challenging. Some soul-searching can probably come up with something promising.

5. Avenna 6. Yen 7. Ishtar 9. ESTA 11.Simon

14. Andy 17. On 18. TNT 20. OO 23. Yor

26. Ashes 28. Lane 30. Arthur 31. Gatsby 33. Moral

34. Swipe 35. Este 37. Lion 39. Ho 41. Gee

Crossword puzzle answers from page 10 May 16 - 29, 2017

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 11

Casino•Guide Casino

Games

Slots

Ameristar - 24/7 Bull Durham

BJ, P, C, R, VP VP

Lodging

Food

Parking

Contact

over 1400 536 rooms 188 No

B, D, SD, Starbucks SB

free valet and self parking city lot

720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx 303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com

Z Casino Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, R, VP

400

No

SD, D

free valet and self parking

303-271-2500/zcasinobh.com

Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

415

No

SD, SB

free valet and self parking

303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com

Saratoga - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

453

No

SD

free covered valet

303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/saratogacasinobh.com

Gilpin - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

460

No

SD

free valet across the street

303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7

BJ, P, C, VP

280

No

D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Gulch

VP

140

No

V

free self/free valet

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

680

No

SD,SB,D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP

1308

238

B,D,SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com

Lady Luck - 24/7

BJ, P,C, R, VP

500

164

SD,SB

free covered valet and self parking

1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com

Lodge - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

975

50

B, D, SD, SB

free valet parking

303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly

VP

149

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Monarch - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

766

No

B

free valet and self parking

303-582-1000/monarchblackhawk.com

Sasquatch

No

70

No

D

No

720-880-1616

Wildcard

VP

220

No

D

city lot

303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

500

26

SD,D

free covered self parking

303-582-5050/central-city.cnty.com

Dostal Alley - 24/7

VP

64

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street

VP

205

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza

BJ, P, R, VP

244

No

SD , D

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s - 24/7 Mon-Thurs 8am-3am/Fri-Sun 24/7 BJ, C, VP

367

No

SD, D

free covered parking

303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

700

119

SD, D, B, SB, V

free valet and self parking

1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

The Brass Ass - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

250

No

SD

free covered self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com

Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

750

23

SD

free self parking

877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, R,

448

21

SD

free self parking

719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7

BJ, R, VP

211

5

SD, SB

free self parking

877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7

BJ, P ,C, R, VP

700+

158

SD, SB

free valet and covered self parking

800-711-7234/decasino.com

Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7

VP

255

No

SD

free self parking w/validation

719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com

J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

300

40

SD

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Midnight Rose - 24/7

P, VP

400

19

SD, B

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Wildwood Casino- 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530

68

SD, D, B

Climate controlled self parking

877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Games Key

Food Key

BJ - Blackjack,P - Poker, C - Craps, R - Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine

This information is subject to change without notice.

PAGE 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

May 16 - 29, 2017

October 18- 31, 2016

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 25 Years

PAGE 27

Trail’s End

Celebrating Centennial “The Platte River,” said the editor.

“That’s the sorriest river in America. You’ve heard all the jokes about the Platte. ‘Too thick to drink, too thin to plow.’ That’s a nothing river.” I replied.

“That’s why we chose it.” replied the editor.

These words were penned by the great James A. Michener in the opening of his blockbuster book Centennial. It was commissioned by his publisher for the celebration of Colorado’s centennial celebration of 1976. The sweeping epic saga of Colorado history swept the country and became an awardwinning television mini-series.

Michener’s Centennial centered around the South Platte River.

From the beginning of time, the Platte has wandered slowly through the plains of Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The Indians knew it as a landmark of their hunting grounds, and when the trappers came West it became a highway through the plains. Throughout this Colorado saga, the Platte remains vital to each and every character Michener creates.

The superb storylines captured the reader’s interest and made history again as the most watched television documentary in the age of Roots. The mini-series aired every Sunday night for four glorious months. It was television at its best and was not surpassed until 1993’s Lonesome Dove.

Characterization is another gift Michener possessed which makes the historical epic true to human nature and therefore so compelling.

Many of the char-

acters in Centennial were based on real people or composites of actual historic figures.

Take the opening segment of The River. A French trapper sings merrily as he paddles his canoe up the shallow Platte River. At this particular time of the year, the river is low, dramatized as the trapper pulls his canoe to shore and continues his journey on foot. The trapper is based on Ceran St. Vrain, one of the first French trappers of the Colorado plains. The character is called Pasquinel, played by Robert Conrad on television.

Yellow Apron is the chapter that depicts the annual Mountain Man Rendezvous. It was a celebration of the great trappers such as James Beckwourth and Jim Bridger, and brings the Colorado history forward into the next era. Then Pasquinel’s former partner, McKeag, moves on to a new beginning as he realizes the beaver trade is dying out. He takes on a new partner, Levi Zendt.

These two characters are loosely based on William and Charles Bent of Bent’s Fort historic fame. The two build a new fort together on the plains of Colorado, where soldiers, trappers, and Indians all come together to trade.

It is in the chapter entitled The Massacre that Michener’s historic characterization is at its finest. Through the story thus far, Westward Migration has gripped the country and cramped the Indian way of life. Major Maxwell Mercy, based on the Colorado Indian agent, Edward Wynkoop,

tries desperately to keep the peace.

He has many talks with Lost Eagle, a peaceful Indian, whose character resembles that of Black Kettle, chief of the Cheyenne. Mercy looses his command with the arrival of Colonel Frank Skimmerhorn, who in history, we know as Colonel John M. Chivington. His mission is to wipe out all the Indians, in particular, the Pasquinel brothers, loosely based on the half-breed

the true southeastern Colorado location. There are other reasons Michener chose northeastern Colorado as the setting for his epic. One is the Oregon Trail which Levi Zendt travels along from St. Louis, and meets McKeag. This is also where R. J. Poteet brings a herd of Texas longhorn cattle north, following the true Goodnight-Loving Trail. Northeastern Colorado is also where he places Jim Lloyd, an ad-

dirt off the food, then turns to the crying baby covered with dust. Alice grabs the kitchen knife and ends the hopeless situation for the entire family. Desperation, loneliness, and human emotion are portrayed with heart-wrenching realism.

The narrative continues as the town of Centennial grows through the ups and downs most small towns go through on the Colorado

The Veneford Ranch scenes were filmed at the Castle Isabel in Highlands Ranch. Photo by Linda Wommack

Bent brothers, George and Charlie, again of Bent’s Fort. The question of Indian placement and reservation displacement comes to a head.

Skimmerhorn rides into Colorado to take the Indian matter in hand.

He unleashes hell and thunder when he strikes a peaceful Indian village near Rattle Snake Buttes.

The culmination is the massacre, where hundreds of innocent Indians, primarily women and children, are slaughtered at will. Major McIntosh, (in history, Silas Soule,) refuses to join the slaughter, and facing court marshal, tells the truth of the slaughter. Superb historical reenacting, as we know this to be the Sand Creek Massacre.

Michener’s Centennial, historical fiction, is based on true historic events, with fictitious names and places. Centennial takes place in northeastern Colorado, therefore the massacre is placed at Pawnee Buttes, northwest of Sterling, rather than

venturous young cowboy who helps build the largest cattle ranch in all of Colorado. The Lloyd character is based on John Iliff, who did actually own over five million acres of land in Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.

As the Colorado story continues, Michener expands his command of description in the chapter called The Dry Years. In vivid detail that only Michener can render, one can almost feel the dirt and grit, hear the constant wind, and see the whirling dust bowls as he describes a young homesteader couple with three young children. Alice, the wife, faces a constant battle with dirt in the food, the baby’s crib, even the ice box. The wind is loud and constant, it works against her nerves.

Her husband fights desperately against the bugs and grasshoppers, as his crops wither and die before his dust-filled eyes. In the television movie, we watch in horror as Alice desperately cleans

plains. The family generations continue to play a part in the storyline, as the tale weaves through history and into the 20th Century, including sugar beet farming, immigrant workers, water shortages and politics.

In the end, Jim Lloyd’s grandson, running for political office against a tyrannical industrialist, recalls the words his grandparents told him: “The best will survive, as will the land. But to do so, you must respect the land.”

Curiously, James A. Michener originally set out to write a novel surrounding the Bicentennial of America. In a sense he did that, through the epic struggle of survival and progress - centered in a place that would become Colorado.

Written 40 years ago, Michener’s Centennial remains the finest novel depicting Colorado’s rich history.

The Pawnee Buttes were the setting for Centennial.

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9551 S UNIVERSITY BLVD, HIGHLANDS RANCH

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