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strengthen couples before and Healthy Marriage: A Pathway can throughout marriage. By investing in prevention and education, to Human Flourishing communities can help individuals The National Alliance for Relationship and Marriage Education (NARME) Summit convened July 8–11, 2026, at the Inverness Hotel, bringing together researchers, educators, practitioners, government officials, policymakers, and community leaders from across the country under the inspiring theme, “Hope in Action: Transforming Marriage and Families.”

The annual, sold-out gathering emphasized that strengthening marriages and families is not merely a personal aspiration but a public good with far-reaching benefits for children, adults, and communities.

Throughout the summit, speakers explored the science of hope as a powerful driver of resilience and human flourishing. Hope is more than optimism; research defines it as the belief that meaningful goals are attainable, paired with the motivation and practical pathways to achieve them. By cultivating hope among individuals, couples, and families, relationship education equips people with communication skills, conflict management strategies, and a shared purpose that foster stronger, healthier relationships.

The Summit also addressed the growing crisis of loneliness, anxiety, and depression among Americans of all ages. Social isolation has emerged as a defining public health challenge of our time, contributing to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. Presenters emphasized the importance of close, committed relationships as a source of belonging, emotional support, and resilience. Healthy marriages and strong family bonds can help buffer stress, reduce isolation, and promote overall well-being throughout the lifespan.

Researchers presented empirical data showing that healthy marriage is a prosocial protective factor that reduces poverty, crime, homelessness, violence, academic failure, obesity, economic inequality, and many other entrenched societal issues.

Participants examined longterm demographic trends, including a substantial decline in marriage rates over the past several decades, along with delayed family formation and rising family instability.

While recognizing the diverse circumstances individuals face, Summit presenters emphasized that these trends have significant social consequences. Declining marriage has coincided with rising economic inequality, greater social fragmentation, and fewer stable support systems for many adults and children.

While escorting the presenter, Dr. Gary Chapman, the author of the global best-selling book The Five Love Languages, from the airport, I was struck by how young and vibrant he is at 88. When I asked him how he maintains the stamina and energy to speak (on average) 80 times a year at various national venues, he said that imparting the skills to children and adults to love well gives him purpose and meaning, a key domain of human flourishing and resilience.

A central message of the conference was the enduring value and legacy of marriage and family formation. Decades of research show that healthy, stable marriages

increase important protective benefits for both spouses and their children. Children raised in stable, nurturing two-parent families, on average, achieve better educational outcomes, enjoy improved physical and emotional health, and are less likely to experience poverty or involvement in the justice system. Adults in healthy marriages likewise tend to report greater life satisfaction, better health, greater financial stability, and stronger social connections. Communities also benefit from higher levels of civic engagement, stronger neighborhoods, and lower social costs associated with family instability.

Rather than focusing solely on challenges, the NARME Summit emphasized practical solutions.

Relationship education, mentoring, faith and community partnerships, and evidence-informed programs

WEEK OF JULY 13

develop the skills needed to build lasting, healthy relationships. Many speakers discussed using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the welfare block grant to each state, to support job preparation, marriage education, and efforts to reduce non-marital pregnancies and increase the number of two-parent families, which is the original legislative intent of TANF. As attendees departed the Inverness Hotel, the conference theme, “Hope in Action: Transforming Marriage and Families,” served as both an invitation and a challenge.

Hope becomes transformative when put into action through education, service, and supportive relationships. By strengthening marriages, empowering families, and fostering healthy communities, NARME continues to advance a vision in which hope is not merely an ideal but a catalyst for human flourishing across generations. Let’s work together to make marriage and family formation cool. joneen@narme.org

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PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

Opinion

The Villager Office: 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 • (303) 773-8313 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by The Villager Publishing Co., Inc. 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016. Available for home or office delivery by U.S. Mail for $78 per year. Single copies available for $2 per issue.

our nation the most I was reminded of Don’t Underestimate the prosperous and sucthat last Friday while Value of a Hometown Bank cessful economy in attending the 31st Across America, homehistory. Immigrants anniversary celebratown community banks tion of First Amerwho come here lehave long been among the ican State Bank in strongest pillars supporting gally seeking opporBY BOB SWEENEY Greenwood Village. tunity have started our free enterprise system.

PUBLISHER businesses, built President and CEO While they may not have companies and achieved Jay Davidson welcomed the size or national recogremarkable success becustomers personally, just nition of giant financial institutions, they have some- cause our economic system as he has done for more than three decades. Alongthing many larger organiza- encourages initiative and side him were his wife, rewards tions cannot those will- Kristina and their daughter duplicate: ing to work Michelle, greeting custompersonal reers as they arrived and makhard. lationships Commu- ing everyone feel welcome. with the nity banks It wasn’t just an anniversary people and have quicelebration. It was a gatherbusinesses etly www.grubercommercial.com been ing of neighbors. they serve. www.fasbank.com partners in That is something speFor gen303-694-6464 720-490-1442 those suc- cial. erations, cess stories.Russell Gruber of community When I walk into the Congratulations Gruber banks have provided the Unfortunately, the bank- bank, the tellers know my Commercial Estate on being named Denver capital that allows entreingReal industry is changing name. I know theirs. There preneurs to openMetro new busirapidly. is comfort in doing Commercial Association of Realtors Heavy business nesses, expand operations, Across the country, inde- with people who understand Hitters 2023pendently Top Small Shop Broker!the First American purchase equipment, buy owned commucommunity, know their inventory andState create Bank jobs. is nity banks are disappearing customers and genuinely proud to be your banking partner. Just They have helped countless as they are purchased by care about their success. likehomes, First American Stateand Bank, GruberJay Commercial families purchase larger regional national Davidson has built finance farmsReal and ranches, financial institutions.

While more than a successEstate is known for the high level, personalized and weather difficult ecomergers may make business ful bank. He has built a service it brings everyboardcustomer interaction. nomic times. community institution. sense into corporate America’s free enterrooms, communities often Throughout the years, First prise system has rewarded lose something valuable American State Bank has hard work, innovation and when local ownership dissupported local nonprofits, ber Commercial Real Estate determination. It has made appears. including Volunteers of

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP

America and the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation.

The bank has invested not only in businesses but also in the quality of life throughout our community.

As I looked around the room Friday, I couldn’t help but think that community banks like this are becoming increasingly rare. My hope is that independently owned banks will continue to prosper and remain locally controlled. Once local ownership is lost, it is seldom regained.

America’s hometown banks deserve our appreciation. They continue to believe that banking is about more than transactions. It is about trust, relationships and helping neighbors succeed.

Congratulations to Jay Davidson, Kristina, Michelle and the outstanding employees of First American State Bank on celebrating 31 years of service.

May there be many more anniversaries to come, and may hometown banks across America continue to serve as the financial backbone of the communities they proudly call home.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO. 80112 AND ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. A Colorado Statutory Publication CRS (197324-70 et al).

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR Gerri Sweeney gerri@villagerpublishing.com PUBLISHER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR/ CO-PUBLISHER Susan Sweeney Lanam 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com LEGALS Becky Osterwald legal@villagerpublishing.com NEWS EDITOR Gerri Sweeney 303-773-8313 gerri@villagerpublishing.com SENIOR REPORTER Freda Miklin fmiklin.villager@gmail.com 303-489-4900 REPORTER Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com FASHION & LIFESTYLE Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com DESIGN/PRODUCTION MANAGER Thomas McTighe production@villagerpublishing.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Susan Lanam — 720-270-2018 susan@villagerpublishing.com Sharon Sweeney — 303-503-1388

t Crescent Parkway, Suite 100 • Greenwood Village, CO 80111

cogambler@mac.com Gerri Sweeney — 720-313-9751 gerri@villagerpublishing.com Scottie Iverson swan@denverswan.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Gerri 303-773-8313 EDITORIAL COLUMNIST Robert Sweeney bsween1@aol.com The Villager is an award-winning, locally owned, independent newspaper. All letters to the editor must be signed. The contributor’s name, hometown and phone number must also accompany all letters to the editor for verification and we reserve the right to edit contributions for space. We attempt to verify all matters of fact but hold contributors liable for the content, accuracy and fairness of their contributions. All submissions become the property of The Villager and may be reused in any medium.

Reverend Martin Niemoller

“In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!”

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July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

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PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER July 16, 2026

fo l l ow F R E DA

BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER

9-time Colorado Press Association award winner Former Greenwood Village City Council Member GV resident since 1992 Mother of five graduates of Cherry Creek High School and college FMiklin.Villager@gmail.com

Aspen Academy sold to for-profit London firm Aspen Academy, located at Orchard Road and University Blvd in Greenwood Village, has been sold to International Schools Partnership (ISP), a for-profit firm backed by private equity, based in London, England. The price was $39 million, a portion of which depends on performance, though reports were not clear in what sense.

The school, which serves grades K-8, along with a new preschool in a separate building just west of the main campus, was founded in 2005 by Kristina Scala, Lynda Sailor, and another person whose name doesn’t appear on the school’s website.

Scala has been President and Head of School since Aspen’s doors opened.

Sailor has held the title of Business & Operations Director.

Aspen describes itself as “offering the nation’s first fully integrated Leadership, Finance, and Entrepreneurship (LiFE)

curriculum.” It includes student-run businesses, where middle schoolers “learn accounting, marketing, customer service, and failure—all before high school.” Students complete more than 200 hours of personal financial education by the time they graduate and work with real business mentors when they are in 8th grade.

This photo is from Aspen Academy’s website.

The entrepreneurial aspect of the school’s curriculum exists at all levnization. Since ISP is for Vietnam, Thailand, and els. On the academic side, profit, Scala has said that Malaysia, as well as the “students perform 2-3X most of the $39 million United States. Aspen will above state and national will be given to The Asbe its first school in Colobenchmarks in reading pen Endowment, a newly rado. ISP currently operand math; 99% are on ates in California, Florida, formed nonprofit that track for grade-level read- will provide scholarships Washington, Louisiana ing.” and Arizona. The compaand education innovation The school also progrants at multiple schools, ny is led by CEO Steve motes humanistic values: Brown. including Aspen.

It says “Be kind, do good, According to ISP, ISP owns 120 schools work hard, and make the Aspen Academy will in 26 markets, serving world better,” in large let- nearly 120,000 students be an international ISP ters in the main hallway. in Canada, Mexico, Costa LabSchool, where it will Aspen has close to 500 Rica, Panama, Dominican “have access to opportustudents, each of whom Republic, Chile, Ecuador, nities across ISP’s global pay $26,000 annually network and benefit from Peru, Uruguay, Greece, in tuition, unless they Italy, Poland, Switzerland, our proprietary Learning. receive financial aid. It England, Portugal, Spain, First approach.” is a not-for-profit orgaJeremy Cooper, ISP Brazil, Qatar, UAE,

Divisional CEO-North America and Europe, said, on the company’s website, “At ISP, we empower students to achieve beyond expectations…From academic success to multilingual mastery, ISP prepares students to thrive in a globalised (sic) world.”

The Villager reached out to Christine Scala to get more information on the transition to ISP, including whether she will continue as Head of School, but we did not receive a response.

After ten years, there is activity at The Crossings at High Line Canal The Crossings at High Line Canal (HLC) is a residential development south of Belleview Avenue just west of Colorado Boulevard in Greenwood Village. The property had always been zoned residential, though many people thought of it as open space because it sat untouched, until 2015, when the owner decided to begin the process of developing it. After about a year of debate and discussion, Greenwood Village, with agreement from most of the neighbors, approved a plan to build a car and pedestrian bridge across the HLC, where it

bifurcated the property, to provide legal access to the southern half of the property.

Over the next few years, utilities were installed and attractive landscaping to shield the property from traffic on Belleview was planted.

During that time, the property was platted as 11 2.5acre residential lots—five north of the HLC and six south of it--with addresses ranging from 5120 S. Jackson Place to 5270 S. Jackson Place, along with one at 4000 E. Belleview Avenue.

Although Koelbel & Company was engaged

Construction site at 5210 S. Jackson Place

to market and sell the individual lots in 2017, that did not happen. After none had been sold to individual owners, on January 21, 2020, a company called HOA LLC purchased all six lots south

of the HLC in one $8.125 million transaction. Ten months later, HOA LLC bought the remaining five lots north of the HLC trail for $5 million. Since then, there has been no sign of development, until now.

Photo by Freda Miklin

On April 8, 2026, Greenwood Village issued a building permit to Haley Custom Homes for the 2.52-acre lot at 5210 S. Jackson Place, owned by HOA LLC, where construction is now underway.

July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

fo l l ow F R E DA N E WS B R I E F S

T

he votes have all been counted. Republican Victor Marx will face Democrat Phil Weiser in the contest for Colorado governor on November 3. Now the debates between the two very different candidates can begin.

Denver physician Dr. Shimon Blau is trying to mount an independent candidacy to challenge Democrat Melat Kiros and Republican Christy Peterson in the race for Colorado Congressional District One in November. ________________________

W

aymo autonomous vehicles are officially riding around in Denver. If you see a white sedan with a spinning dome called a lidar—light detection and ranging sensor-on top of its hood, and no one in the driver’s seat, you’re looking at a Waymo.

But they are not taking pas-

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sengers yet. If there happens to be someone inside the car, it’s a Waymo employee overseeing the company’s trial run of its driverless fleet before they are released to operate as ride-share vehicles. Waymo is owned by Alphabet, parent company of Google. It currently operates autonomous vehicles in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix and San Francisco. ________________________

A

urora Public Schools (APS) has been watering its grass “in defiance of” watering restrictions, and the city’s mayor, Mike Coffman, noticed, after driving past multiple district schools and seeing lawns that looked too green, given the current conditions. After some back-and-forth with Aurora Water, it turned out that the school district was

paying the water company a premium for the extra water it was using, despite the fact that the city council had unanimously passed a water shortage declaration in early April, imposing watering restriction on outdoor watering for residents and businesses.

Coffman was unhappy with the activity, as well as the use of taxpayers’ money to fund it, and let it be known. He went so far as to threaten to cut off water to APS for outdoor use. ________________________

C

ongressman Jason Crow is hosting a Job Fair on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Stampede at 2430 S. Havana Street in Aurora.

RSVPs are requested to crow. house.gov/events. ________________________

S

peaking of fairs, don’t miss the Arapahoe County Fair July

23-26 at the Fairgrounds at 25690 E. Quincy Avenue in Aurora. The price of $30 will get you live music and other entertainment, a drone show, classic rodeo, unlimited rides, and free parking.

The tickets and deals website is https://www.arapahoe countyeventcenter.com/p/ tickets--deals. ________________________

A

new study by the U.S. Census Bureau that linked socioeconomic data and electronic health records of more than 2.8 million primary care patients found that where people live is a more powerful predictor of serious health conditions than income or education level. According to the study, “People living in deprived areas were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease and were at higher risk of dying. This held true even after

accounting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, and whether someone lived in an urban or rural area.” ________________________

A

s of July 9, Colorado had recorded 90 cases of the parasite intestinal bug cyclospora, but Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is saying it sees no signs of an outbreak. The highest number of cases are showing up in Michigan and Illinois. ________________________

T

he Western Conservative Summit is being held at Colorado Christian University this year from July 30-August 1. Some of the named speakers are former Vice-President Mike Pence and Fox News personality Kaleigh McEnany.

The website is western conservativesummit.com.

Join us Friday, July 24 for Congressman Crow’s Job Fair in Aurora!

Meet with top local employers from across the metro area, who are hiring at all skill levels

Congressman Crow’s Job Fair Stampede 2430 S Havana St Aurora, CO 80014 Friday, July 24 10 AM - 2 PM MT Doors open early at 9:30 AM MT for veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and their spouses.

Don’t miss this opportunity to further your career! Register to attend today.

Please contact my office at 720-748-7514 with any questions.

Some of the employers who will be joining us: • Arapahoe County Human Services • Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office • Aurora Public Schools • Blue Earth Talent • Canvas Credit Union • CEDUR • Continuum of Colorado, Inc. • CU Anschutz Police Department • Denver Home Healthcare Inc. • Denver Public Schools • Drug Enforcement Administration • ESS

• Gaylord Rockies • Global Talk LLC • Interfaith Alliance of Colorado • Littleton Public Schools • Pipefitters Local 208 • Primerica • Robotic Construction Technologies • Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute • U.S. Army • U.S. Navy • Wells

The

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

he 94th Annual Yellow Rose Ball took place on June 13th, 2026 on a beautiful day in Central City Colorado. The Flower Girl Presentation is a cherished annual tradition that brings together the community in celebration of culture, history, and the performing arts.

This year 30 Flower Girls were presented representing nine different Colorado high schools. This time-honored event celebrated the remarkable achievements of the young women who were distinguished by their outstanding accomplishments, ranging from academic excellence and leadership roles to meaningful contributions in community service. The Flower Girls wore blush pink dresses, which coordinated with the beautiful flowers that were planted throughout the gardens on Planting Day. This Flower Girl class also included several Yellow Rose Ball legacies, including the great, great, great niece of Anne Evans, one of the founders of the Flower Girl concept.

The guests were treated to delightful Central City Opera Performances including excerpts from this season’s productions of The Ballad of Baby Doe and The Marriage of Figaro. The Yellow Rose Ball welcomed 438 guests this year who all enjoyed a lovely dinner in the Teller House after the Presentation, Waltz and Opera Performances.

Shannon Mackenzie was the chair of the 2026 Yellow Rose Ball and is the mother of 2024 Flower Girl May Mackenzie. “It was a great honor to chair the Yellow Rose Ball this year and get to know this remarkable group of 30 young ladies. We were lucky to have several legacies in this class with Flower Girls whose mothers were also Central City Opera Flower Girls. It is a true testament to the strong ties that bind Flower Girls and their families to Central City Opera for years to come.”

While the Yellow Rose Ball is an evening of elegance and celebration, it also plays a vital role in supporting Central City Opera’s mission.

Proceeds from the event help fund a range of programs, including the acclaimed Summer Festival, educational and outreach initiatives, and the preservation of Central City Opera’s historic properties. By attending the Ball, guests invest in the future of the performing arts while helping preserve an enduring cultural treasure for generations to come.

Central City Opera’s 2026 festival runs June 27 through August 2 and features three diverse mainstage productions: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Douglas Moore and John Latouche’s The Ballad of Baby Doe, and Terrence McNally’s Tony Award-winning play Master Class.

Visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700 to learn more.

94th Annual

Yellow Rose Ball

July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

Flower Girl Hazel McDonnell and her father David dancing the Waltz Photo credit: Doug Wells, Wells Photography

Sophie Freyer, the great great great grand niece of Anne Evans, one of the founders of the Flower Girl Concept.

Photo credit: Doug Wells, Wells Photography

Chloe and Caroline McKinster twins, along with their escorts. The McKinster twins’ great grandmother, grandmother, aunt and mother were all Central City Opera Flower girls.

Photo credit: Doug Wells, Wells Photography

Flower Girls 2026

Bea Earley with her cousin Heather Knight in her Flower Girl Dress circa 1983.

Former Yellow Rose Ball Chairs Maureen Wulf and Heidi Hoyt along with 2026 Chair Shannon Mackenzie

The Presentation in the Opera Gardens

Yellow Rose Ball Chair Shannon Mackenzie with her husband Rob and daughter May.

Flower Girl Ainsley Rippey escorted by her brother Charlie (left) and escort Nolan Dean.

Kacy Vahey and her daughter, Flower Girl Lily Vahey

Photo credit: Doug Wells, Wells Photography

Miss Vivian Claire Blessing Miss Elisabeth Grace Burkholder Miss Kaitlin Shea Derwin Miss Flora Louise Dollarhide Miss Ariana Kristine Dvorak Miss Elizabeth Kennedy Earley Miss Anna Faye Engles Miss Sophia Louise Freyer Miss Brooke Elizabeth Griggy Miss Abigail Martine Hollis Miss Nora Abigail Lively Miss Katherine Keehner Lynch Miss Hazel Rush McDonnell Miss Caroline Elizabeth McKinster Miss Chloe Marie McKinster Miss Keaton Dale Miller Miss Morgan Ritchie Miller Miss Dylan Marsico Milo Miss Sloane Ella Moritz Miss Margot Marie Oravez Miss Leighton Helene O’Shaughnessy Miss Ainsley Elizabeth Rippey Miss Alexa Karina Schulte Miss Heidi Grace Sohn Miss Elizabeth LeJune Sulser Miss Sydney Sinclair Thompson Miss Elizabeth Christine Vahey Miss Julia Llewellyn VanSickle Miss Eden Alina Weisberg Miss Beatrix Victoria Wiedenmayer

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

Senate Majority Fund Summer Soiree in Cherry Hills Village The purpose of Senate Majority Fund (SMF) is dedicated to regaining a Republican majority in the Colorado Senate. SMF is committed to electing Colorado legislators who will work toward restoring Colorado’s economic viability and fiscal order. The annual summer fundraiser, sharing insight into the November election, was held at the spectacular new home of Judy and Charlie McNeil with record-setting attendance.

ABOVE: Hosts Charlie and Judy McNeil with Monica Owens Beauprez and former Colorado Governor Bill Owens LEFT: Cherry Hills Village Mayor Katy Brown, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, Susan Photos by Scottie Iverson and Steve Struna

ABOVE, FAR LEFT: Deborah Flora with Boo and Reed Dixon ABOVE, CENTER: Dana Charles – candidate for Senate District 3, Senator Scott Bright, Danielle Lammon – candidate for Senate District 27 ABOVE: Claudia and former U.S. Congressman Bob Beauprez with Sherri Koelbel FAR LEFT: Honorable Bill Owens, former Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen with Ryan Zorn LEFT: Candidate for Senate District 11 Levon Stilson, Edie Marks, Jay and Kristina Davidson RIGHT: Diane Carlson and husband Cherry Hills Village Councilman Doug Robinson with Chris Payne FAR RIGHT: Senator Marc Catlin, his wife Kerri and son Marcus BELOW, RIGHT: Former State Rep. Lang Sias, Assistant Senate Minority Leader Lisa Frizell, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson and Senator Rob Woodward BELOW: Mark and Cynthia Johnson with Neal Groff

July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

Starting June 1, kids 0–18 can visit Arapahoe Libraries to choose a free book to keep. Find summer events at arapahoelibraries.org/ summer-reading

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

At 2026 trade deadline, do Rockies sell and buy?

Can the Rockies be both a seller and a buyer in the leadup to the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline on August 3?

Why not?

The Tampa Bay Rays have almost perfected that split personality over the last few years, buying aggressively and selling shrewdly, all with the good of the organization in mind. And they’re headed for the postseason.

They might even hold off the New York Yankees and win the American League East.

The difference is obvious: Outright buyers are playoff contenders. They inquire about the availability of specific “name” players and their asking prices, believing those players in question can make the difference down the stretch. These buyers initiate trades by offering prospects to sellers willing to move those “name” players.

Other buyers are not contenders, but they’re seeking building blocks for the future by selling “surplus” prospects to other teams also looking to build. They initiate deals by proposing swaps, not always only with teams still in the postseason hunt. These deals often come together in the offseason ahead, though labor negotiations this November and beyond may delay such deals this time around.

The Rockies have a couple of assets that contenders might want to “buy,” and some that Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes might be willing to “sell”for the right prospects in return.

Thanks to the expanded Wild Card, the “buy” market alone could involve between 20 and 25 teams.

Until back pain sidelined him a few weeks before the All-Star Break, Tomoyuki Sugano was Colorado’s most reliable starter in his first half-season with the Rockies. He will be a free agent when his one-year contract is up. Rental starters are attractive to buyers.

Antonio Senzatela has reinvented himself as a relief pitcher, and relievers are always in demand among contenders at the trade deadline. He, too, will be a free agent at season’s end, when his long-term contract ends. That makes him an attractive short-term prospect, as well.

Meanwhile, the nine-man logjam in the outfield must be reduced by three or four.

Most likely “sale” prospects are Gold Glove center fielder Brenton Doyle, who has missed much of this season with an injury but will soon complete his rehab assignment, and former starting left fielder Jordan Beck, a disappointment this season before injury sidelined him until recently.

Former first draft choice

Mickey Moniak; who has flashed his top-choice potential in Denver, could be attractive to a contender looking to add punch to its offense.

Although the first rule of trading is, “You have to give up something to get something,” those who would drive this belief off the proverbial cliff have suggested that could mean the Rockies move Hunter Goodman and/or Jake McCarthy. (I’ll be surprised if they’re not building blocks in the eyes of DePodesta and Byrnes.)

Other possible trade chips are either of two prospects—Sterlin Thompson or Zac Veen—and possibly the .300-plus sub, Troy Johnston.

That would leave the exciting McCarthy (unless I’m wrong), recent call-up Cole Carrigg, whose dynamism exceeds (or complements) McCarthy’s, versatile Tyler Freeman and whoever survives from the group of expendables—while making room for top prospect Charlie Condon.

What do the Rockies need in return?

Pitching, of course.

Specifically, a reliable closer (unless Jordan Romano regains his Toronto form of a few years ago) and a couple dependable late-inning relievers. Beyond that, competent starters.

Sellers don’t land proven arms in any deadline trades.

But maybe DePodesta and Byrnes can land some prospects who they think might prove to be as successful as both McCarthy and standout rookie first baseman TJ Rumfield. They were acquired in below-the-radar trades last January—for pitchers who so far haven’t helped their new teams.

As far as Sugano and Senza are concerned, pitchers still in the low-level minors are better than nothing.

Yet, “selling” the two most effective pitchers on the team (who also are among the most experienced) and the likes of Silver Slugger and two-time All-Star Goodman could slow the rebuilding ball club’s climb for at least the rest of this season. (At the All-Star Break, the Rockies are just four victories short last year’s total of 43.)

Is it worth another 100-ormore losses, if that were to be the short-term price?

That’s the kind of risk-reward proposition DePodesta and Byrnes are paid to make— with two-cents’ worth from manager Warren Schaefer.

Their moves so far have made the Rockies more competitive and fun to watch.

Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydressman@comcast. net.

July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

The Villager Newspaper has been awarded the

BE ST Public Notice Section 5 years running by the Colorado Press Association

1st place - 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024 2nd place - 2022 and the

2018 BE ST Public Notice Section by the As one of our most anticipated fundraising events of the year, Easterseals Colorado’s Classic Clay Shoot brings together supporters, outdoor enthusiasts, and community leaders for a day of friendly competition and meaningful impact.

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GLENDALE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, will hold a Public Hearing at Glendale City Hall, 950 South Birch Street, Glendale, Colorado, in the Courtroom/Council Chambers on the first floor, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 concerning the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. 2 SERIES OF 2026 CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO GRANTING, SUBJECT TO VOTER APPROVAL, A PUBLIC UTILITY FRANCHISE TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF COLORADO, AND SUBMITTING THE QUESTION TO THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE AT AN ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 3, 2026 A copy of the ordinance is on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Dated the 8th day of July, 2026 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk

Tell ‘em you saw it in

The Villager!!

Villager

Published in The Villager Published: July 16, 2026 Legal # 31414 ________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Glendale, Colorado, will hold a Public Hearing at Glendale City Hall, 950 South Birch Street, Glendale, Colorado, in the Courtroom/Council Chambers on the first floor, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 concerning the following ordinances: CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO ORDINANCE NO. 3 SERIES OF 2026 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, COLORADO, SUBMITTING TO A VOTE OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CHARTER SHIFTING THE CITY’S REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION FROM THE FIRST TUESDAY IN APRIL IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS TO THE TUESDAY SUCCEEDING THE FIRST MONDAY OF NOVEMBER IN EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS A copy of the ordinance is on file at the office of the City Clerk and may be inspected during regular business hours.

Dated the 8th day of July, 2026 City of Glendale, Colorado Veronica Marvin, City Clerk Published in The Villager Published: July 16, 2026 Legal # 31415 ________________________

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE Public Notice of Contractor’s Final Settlement Pursuant to C.R.S. 38-26-107, notice is hereby given that on/ or after the 11th day of June 2026 final settlement with Western States Reclamation LLC will be made by the City of Cherry Hills Village, for the 2025 Quincy Farm Pond Restoration Project, and that any person, co-partnership, association, company, or corporation who has an unpaid claim against any of the contractors for or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractors, or any of their subcontractors, in or about the performance of said work may file at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement on/or after, July 11th, 2026, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim with the City Council of the City of Cherry Hills Village, at the office of: City Manager City of Cherry Hills Village 2450 E. Quincy Avenue Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Failure on the part of a claimant to file such statements prior to such final settlement will relieve said City from all and any liability for such claimant’s claims.

CITY OF CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE STATE OF COLORADO Published in The Villager First Publication: July 9, 2026 Last Publication: July 16, 2026 Legal # 31411

Proudly serves our nonprofit communities To subscribe: 303-773-8313

4th Generation Barbers Semion is the modern, affordable barbershop for men, women and children who want a great look – and a great experience in the chair. From the moment you walk through the door, our goal is to make you feel welcome and appreciated. Let the upbeat music and laid-back atmosphere wash away your cares and restore your energy. Our talented and friendly barbers and stylists are ready to deliver the personal style you crave at an exceptional value. www.semionbarbershop.com • Greenwood Village Location: 5910 S. University Blvd • (720) 531-3998

July 16, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

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CITY OF CENTENNIAL OFFICE MOVIE NIGHTS Applications open for the Neighborhood Engagement Grant, and residents can rescue movie night kits. Apply at Centennialco.gov/ movies for use between May 22 and Sept. 4. A $250 refundable deposit is required.

MUSEUM OF OUTDOOR ARTS MADDEN GALLERY “BEYOND THE WESTERN HORIZON” MARCH 19-JULY 31. Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sat. to be announced.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA AMERICA 2026 The Festival runs JUNE 27-AUG. 2 in the 550-seat opera house in Central City. This is the 70th Anniversary of the Ballad of Baby Doe World Premiere. The season features three MainStage productions - Mozart’s the Marriage of Figaro, the Ballad of Baby Doe and Master Class - alongside the return of CCO in concert and the debut of the St. James Chamber series. Tickets: Call 303-2926700.

SECOND ANNUAL AMERICA’S MILITARY HEROES GOLF EVENT MON., JULY 27, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course benefiting Semper Fl and America’s Fund. Be a golfer, non-golfer, sponsor a hole or District Challenge. Call 301-404-2706 or militaryheroesgolf@gmail.com WESTERN CONSERVATIVE SUMMIT Join the Centennial Institute for the 2026 Western Conservative Summit, JULY 30-AUGUST 1, 2026, at Colorado Christian University, as we reflect, recommit, and rearticulate the intellectual foundations of conservatism for the next 250 years of American exceptionalism.

The weekend kicks off Thursday evening with the William L. Armstrong Award Dinner, followed by two full days of incredible speakers and workshop sessions. Register now at WesternConservativeSummit.com.

QUEEN’S TEA 2026 BENEFITING THE MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 2 –5 p.m. Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Course – Antero Ballroom. 23155 E. Heritage Parkway, Aurora 80016. Enjoy an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, sweet treats, live entertainment, and silent & live auctions. Wear your favorite tea party attire and fabulous hat while supporting the nonprofit Ms. Colorado Senior America organization.

Tickets: $40 General Admission | $50 VIP. Tickets: https://mcsap2026queenstea.eventbrite.com.

Info: Terri Mongait (720) 467-4143 terri@ beginagainranch.com CLUB NEWS OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303-759-9232 for a free breakfast.

Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-313-9741.

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood. Info: Gail 720-3777682.

WHAT’S NEW? ARAPAHOE COUNTY HIRING BIPARTISAN ELECTION JUDGES For the June & Nov. elections. Flexible schedules, variety of positions open, open to citizens from any county. Go to jobs.

ArapahoeCo.gov or call 303-795-4511

SIGN UP FOR JOB ALERTS Arapahoe County is hiring. Visit jobs. arapahoeco.gov. This is a new site.

“BLACK BASEBALL’S HEYDAY” Capturing an Era in Art and Words, Written

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NEED AN ATTORNEY? Call Donald Peterson for a free telephone or video consultation. 303-758-0999.

Email: Donald@PetersonLaw.Co. Located at 5675 DTC Boulevard, Suite 250, Greenwood Village.

days behind the wheel, I expected the window sticker to be considerably higher. Even equipped with nearly every available option, including a special wheel package and premium paint, the test vehicle carried a bottom-line price of $54,710. For a luxury all-wheeldrive electric sedan with this level of refinement, I found that to be a reasonable value.

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numerous connectivLexus ES500e Premium Delivers ity features make the well suited Electric Luxury at a Pleasant Surprise ES500e for today’s families

Luxury, performance and electric power come together in the all-new 2026 Lexus ES500e Premium, a sedan that impressed me from the moment it arrived.

Finished in attractive Iridium paint with a black NuLuxe interior, the ES500e has the elegant styling expected from Lexus while introducing the latest generation of electric technology.

What surprised me most was the price. After spending several

ENTERPRISE CENTER In Greenwood Village. Events @ JARockyMountain.org

tery pack producing a combined 338 horsepower. Performance is impressive, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. The power delivery is smooth, quiet and immediate, making passing and merging effortless.

The estimated driving range is 272 miles on a full charge. Using a standard home charging system, a full recharge takes about seven hours. The vehicle is also compatible with Tesla Superchargers and other high-speed charging stations, allowing charging times of approximately 28 minutes when connected to the proper fast-charging equipment.

Inside, Lexus continues its reputation for craftsmanship. Heated and ventilated NuLuxe front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support, a heated steering wheel and an innovative radiant knee heater make the cabin exceptionally comfortable in every season.

Technology is equally impressive. A 12.3-inch multimedia display is easy to read and operate, while the 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system delivers excellent sound quality. A wireless phone charger, four USB ports and

and professionals.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the acoustic front and side window glass, which significantly reduces outside road noise. The result is one of the quietest passenger compartments I have experienced.

Additional conveniences include a power trunk with a kick sensor, a power moonroof and a smart entry system that recognizes the driver and unlocks the vehicle automatically upon approach.

Safety is enhanced with Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and an array of advanced driver-assistance technologies designed to make everyday driving safer and less stressful.

Driving an electric vehicle through Colorado also provided a reminder of both its strengths and limitations. Around town, where traffic frequently stops and starts, regenerative braking continually recharges the battery, helping extend driving range. I also noticed the battery regained charge while descending mountain grades.

The opposite is true when climbing steep mountain highways. Driving up Floyd Hill and

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other Front Range grades while running the air conditioning and entertainment system caused the available range to decrease much more rapidly. That’s simply the reality of today’s electric vehicles.

Fortunately, Colorado continues adding fast-charging stations, making longer trips more practical than they were only a few years ago.

With gasoline prices remaining elevated, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly attractive for many drivers. For commuters traveling 50 miles or less each day, charging overnight at home can virtually eliminate visits to the gas station while providing all the comfort and luxury expected in a premium sedan.

The 2026 Lexus ES500e Premium is my favorite electric vehicle I have tested to date. It combines handsome styling, outstanding comfort, impressive performance and excellent technology in a package that drew compliments wherever I drove it. For buyers seeking a refined luxury electric sedan for everyday driving, Lexus has produced a winner.

PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2026

money sense

The not-so-empty nest: How to help adult kids achieve financial liftoff When your children turn to you for financial support — and a roof over their heads — these tips from Merrill can help you give them the tools they need to move forward on their own.

Most parents have mixed feelings about achieving empty-nest status.

They miss their kids but take great pride in knowing they have set them on the path to financial independence. So when a report comes out documenting an increase in “boomerang kids” — young adults coming home to live with their parents — there is cause for concern.

According to a 2024 Pew Research report, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” 57% of young adults aged 18–24 live with their parents — up from 53% 30 years ago. Among 25- to 29-year-olds, 21% live with a parent, up from 16%. If they are not living with their parents, many get help with rent or mortgage payments: According to a Better Money Habits Bank of America survey, “2024: The State of Gen Z’s Financial Health,” 54% of adult members of Generation Z (18–27 at the time) do not pay for their own housing.

Clearly, for many parents, the empty nest is not so empty. Plus, according to the Pew report, 44% of young adults say they received some sort of financial assistance from their parents during the past year.1 Young adults face many financial pressures: inflation, student debt and high mortgage rates, among them. Fortunately, for many parents, helping the kids is not a burden. In the Pew study, only 36% of parents said doing so had adversely impacted their financial situation somewhat in the last year.1 These not-so-emptynesters are more likely to be focused on finding ways to help their kids stand on their own financially.

“Of course, you want to be there for your children when they need financial help,” says Bank of America’s financial gerontologist, Cynthia Hutchins. “But the most important thing you may be able to give them

is a refresher course in the financial basics.” Consider these ways to help your adult children establish better money habits.

Lend an ear — and some budgeting advice If your adult children are asking for help paying their bills, first ask them what financial pressures they are facing. “It can help to share the financial missteps you may have made when you were younger, as well as the financial lessons you wish you had known,” says Hutchins.

Let your kids see that mistakes can be overcome if they stick to a wellthought-out plan.

Encourage them to create a budget that prioritizes expenses, designating some things as “needs” and others as “wants.” Are your kids overspending?

Suggest that before making any major purchases they ask themselves whether they have met their savings target for the month — say, 20% of their paycheck.

Tell them about the trade-offs you made when you were starting out.

Next, schedule time for them to talk with your financial advisor, who can offer perspective on the value of having a financial plan and ideas on how to pursue their financial goals, like saving for a down payment or going back to school.

Help out — but attach strings To encourage accountability, think about structuring your financial assistance in the form of a loan, Hutchins suggests. Put it in writing and agree on a repayment schedule. While the IRS requires you to charge interest on loans to family members, the minimum required rate is usually well below what traditional lenders charge.2 If your financial support comes in the form of a large gift (a down payment, for instance, or help paying off a student loan), consider positioning

the gift as an early inheritance and adjusting your estate plan to avoid any potential sibling resentment.

Set limits — on yourself and your kids Before you commit to providing financial support, sit down with your advisor to assess your current income and expenses and discuss how you might lend a hand without losing momentum on progress toward your own goals.

When talking with your children, be candid about how much support you can offer and how long it can last. Consider limiting your financial contributions to help with essential expenses (car loan, yes; streaming services, maybe not so much) and only after they have personally covered as much as they can. You may want to give your adult child a deadline for moving out and explain that your life plans (retiring, relocating, etc.) cannot be put on hold indefinitely.

Above all, emphasizes Hutchins, “Never dip into money earmarked for your retirement, or you may end up being the one needing financial support.” Remind the kids they have 40 to 50 years of earning power ahead of them — you do not. They will understand.

For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.

1

Pew Research, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” January 2024.

2

IRS.gov, May 2024.

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